Eau la la

I envy my Mimi... She came back from her father's with a collage a few weeks ago and it's wonderful. I'm well too organized when I do collages while my little one (well, not so little, she's growing up and growing up!) can easily let go and creates spontaneous groupings that are fresher, more complex also. I absolutely need to work on that.

So I woke up this morning with a desire to cover our other TV blanket, but instead of the traditional quilt so calculated, with the colors so organized, I've decided to go bananas... A little... Hmm, we'll see about that. I should consult my daughters to know their trick :-)

13 Things To Eat This Summer

1. strawberries
2. raspberries
3. sandwiches made with Claude's garden tomatoes
4. corn on the cob (2 colors)
5. Dairy Queen's ice cream
6. birthday cake (Roxane, Alizée)
7. peaches
8. shrimp dip (with chili, sour cream, cream cheese, peppers, orange)
9. spicy steaks (or marinated pork fillets) cooked on the BBQ
10. whipped cream
11. bruschettas
12. vegetables cooked on the BBQ
13. radishes

Fabrics

Last week-end, I finally made the quilt I had planned on doing for a few years (years? really? my, my...). I had bought lots of fabrics of different shades of blue and the result is quite nice. I'll take pictures and put them on my flickr soon. As soon as I'm done with a sewing project, I have to start thinking about the next one. And I've got beautiful ideas. In order to make them come true, though, I had to go shopping for new fabrics. Oh no, not fabric shopping... :-) Yesssssss Mamma!

I love walking the aisles and discover different textures, varied colors, adorable patterns. I'm always looking for a treasure: forgotten fabrics, cheap ones, or those that are at the wrong place. You can see my latest acquisitions on the first picture, too cool, hey?

13 Reasons to Enjoy Summer

1. Going to bed really late (and wake up really late too!)
2. More time to sew, do arts and crafts, etc.
3. It's warm outside, no coats needed
4. Sleep with the windows open
5. Flowers everywhere
6. Vegetables and fruits taste better
7. Read for hours, outside
8. When it's too hot, we can get into the pool
9. Vacations
10. Going out solo, duo, trio or the whole family
11. My complexion has a healthier look, no need for make up
12. Cocktails
13. My skin is soft, no more dry skin...

Colors

I'm a color addict. I adore playing with them, organizing them, make packages or decors according to specific colors. Last Christmas I prepared those gifts for my daughters, the selected color: silver!

When I did the postcard swap organized by Andrea, I've played with my magazine multicolor scraps of paper (when I buy magazines, I tear them apart and recycle most of the parts for future arts & crafts). I made a few piles organizing them by colors: yellow, orange, red, green, blue, pink... One of those life little pleasures.

On Wikipedia, I discovered pages where they mention the different shades of colors (see at the bottom of the page). I know much more about colors now!

Mister Penguin

Alizée has had a little something for penguins for a couple of years now. Here's a handmade one, done with papier mâché. She also has stuffed penguins, stickers, pictures, books, figurines and all and all... He is quite chic with his bow tie and seems to be on the verge of saying something, with his open beak. His left foot is almost moving, probably because he wants to go dancing or something. Cute, isn't he?

13 Silly But Fun Things To Do

1. Hold a glass around my mouth by suction
2. Make noise with a straw when there's nothing left in my glass
3. Send "air" kisses
4. Make a wine glass sing
5. Make music with a glass bottle
6. Eat a long spaghetti without cutting it
7. Play with a cake and eat it weirdly (icing at the end, of course)
8. Make noise on babies bellies
9. Write with my fingers on a frosted window or a steamed mirror
10. Check if there has been any activity on my blog or flickr 25 times a day
11. Spend an incredible number of hours doings arts and crafts, just for the fun of it
12. Try shoes I would never buy, walk awkwardly with them and laugh
13. Point towards the sky for nothing and see people look up

Look at this...

We must know that everything we do in the presence of children has an impact: click on the video on the right (the biggest one)...

A Surprise!

Yesterday, while reading a postcard swap "friend" blog, I had an idea! I've decided to surprise her.

Naturally, I can't tell you what it consists of, it has to stay a secret. Well, Tanja knows (we were doing arts 'n crafts together when I had the idea), but I have to keep it quiet until the right moment... Otherwise, the effect won't be as interesting if I write too much about it.

Because since I'm part of Hula's group, people read me more, my flickr photos are viewed more, so goodbye anonymity! It's kind of weird in a way, knowing that there might be more than 3 people reading these words. It has never been my intention, I'm getting used to it!

Got to go back to my surprise...

13 Things To Do This Summer

1. Change color or add wallpaper
2. Cutting to do...
3. Paint touch-ups
4. Scrape the old green and paint in white
5. Add new flowers
6. Weed
7. Clean
8. Sort out
9. Find a system to organize my jewels
10. Add protective dye
11. Help Claude get rid of the balcony
12. Big garage clean up
13. Get these feet to move...

Postcards

That's it! My postcards are gone... The majority are going to the United States, one goes to the Netherlands and another in the UK. Oh, and a last one is on its way to Tanja's :-) When I put them in the mailbox, I felt a little something. My babies left home to explore another house where someone is waiting for them. I'm so excited, can't wait to receive mine!

I've spent long hours imagining them, finding solutions to my tiny problems, playing with the colors (I adored this part), making touch-ups, writing a personalized note to perfect strangers who, I hope, will be happy to receive a little piece of me. I'm still afraid that they won't survive the long road. Those babies are quite fragile!

Think about it, it's unbelievable: a girl from Portland, Oregon invites people she doesn't know to take part in a postcard swap (home made) and almost 80 people respond. Thanks Andrea (also known as Hula) for this great initiative...

Miranda, Author

Miranda has been fascinated by books since she was really young. So much that, without warning, she learned to read on her own, at the age of 4. It was not enough. She rapidly started writing books. At first, illustrated books, like this story about an elf who didn't want to work, as a Christmas gift. Then, she wrote short stories.

Now she writes poetry. She looks for the right word, plays with rimes, uses a rich vocabulary. I am a lucky mother; I receive poetic love letters from my little teen. I love her so much!

Who knows what she'll write at 16, 20, 30 years old?

13 Books to Read

1. The Culture Code, Clotaire Rapaille
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
3. Wreck this Journal, Keri Smith
4. Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos & Altered Books, Linda Woods and Karen Dinino
5. 401 Design Meditations: Wisdom, Insights, and Intriguing Thoughts from 244 Leading Designers, Catherine Fishel
6. Living Out Loud: Activities to Fuel a Creative Life, Keri Smith7. Zing! : Five Steps and 101 Tips for Creativity On Command, Sam Harrison
8. Nunuche magazine, Elise Gravel
9. The Secret Record of Me, Roland Harvey
10. Refuse To Choose! : How to Use All of Your Interests, Passions, and Hobbies, Barbara Sher
11. Ideaspotting: How to Find Your Next Great Idea, Sam Harrison
12. Creating a Life Worth Living, Carol Lloyd
13. Night, Elie Wiesel

Musée D'Orsay

I'm back from a wonderful trip. Nothing is better than that to make that age transition. 40? Piece of cake...

Paris... So many great things, it's difficult to choose so here's one of my good souvenirs. I'm talking about the Musée D'Orsay. Previously a train station from the early 1900's, it finally found a best vocation: an art museum showing paintings, drawings, sculptures from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The ceiling itself is a piece of art. So are the clock, the 2nd floor restaurant, the ballroom. So beautiful!

The place had a real effect on me, I felt dizzy from my arrival until I left the museum. And I'd rather think it was due to its beauty, its magic than thinking about bad air conditioning, lack of sleep or the impressive number of people present. No, no, no, I instantly thought of the Stendhal Syndrome, nothing less :-) Well, I was impressed (and not only by the impressionists), captivated. You don't see Van Gogh's, Monet's, Rodin's, Claudel's, Renoir's, Degas' and Manet's art work everyday...

Too Proud!

There are moments when a mother is too proud, really. Moments when you tell yourself that you did a good job as a Mom, that your children are wonderful and all and all. Well, tonight I had a moment like that (it's not the first and it won't be the last, I'm too proud of my daughters...).

Alizée won important prizes at the Honor Awards of her school. Important prizes to me: a nomination for her spiritual involvement and community service, an award for her constant academic effort and finally an award for her extraordinary participation in extra curricular activities (knowing that those activities create the spirit of the school, form the soul of a school...). I'm too proud, really!

Rufus...

Don't get me wrong, but I love Rufus. Not love "love", you know... I like his personal style, his Calimero (cartoon character who always said that life was so unfair) side, his songs. My husband, who's not jealous at all (yes, yes, we know that Rufus is gay), offered me his last album which is really great. My favorite song, Going to a Town, was introduced to me by my good friend Tanja, two weeks ago, as a "sneak preview".

It's too bad that the tickets are sold out for his June show. We regularly check for the other show in August, in Montreal. If we can't have tickets, we might even go to the USA... We did it for Jonny, we could do it again for Rufus! Until then, I listen to his old and latest ones, appreciating a unique talent, a kind of singer I really like (musically, right, because I don't know if you know, but I'm definitely not his type...).

As teenagers-groupies out of their mind would say during a concert, holding a huge flashcard: "We love you Rufus" :-)

Overwhelmed!

Yesterday was quite relax, didn't do anything "concrete" but today, I have a lot of things to do. Things for my trip -leaving on Friday-, things for my home, things for work and things for myself (because even when I'm overwhelmed, I take some time for myself, it's important!). Let's go!

Armor for Her

My daughter Alizée has always been an artist. She was born with a gift, a talent and I envy her, sometimes. It's so easy for her to use her hands to create. They do exactly what she wants them to do. Mine are awkward and lack poise.

At her high school, arts are very important. Her teachers have inspired her, helped her progress. She worked on her gift, her talent.

A few years ago, Alizée and other students from her school had to create an armor for a woman. They also had to create it with the personality of a specific woman in mind. The photo doesn't show as clearly the details, but if you click on it, you could see it better. It's definitely art. Congratulation and and thank you to the Collège St-Maurice art teachers, they contribute to the artistic development of fantastic girls.

And art is paramount.

I Love this Clip!

Flagpole Sitta / Harvey Danger

13 Things to Bring to Paris, Next Friday!

1. My new traveling mini scrapbook
2. Sticky labels to send postcards
3. My precious Paris books
4. My creative writing journal and the other one to complete
5. Something to read (don't know what yet)
6. My passport (vot' passeport ma p'tite dame?)
7. My digital camera and everything that comes with it
8. Pens, markers, glue stick, tape
9. My "Gratitude Journal"
10. A small pillow to sleep in the plane
11. Pills for my poor muscles
12. Comfortable clothes and my running shoes, lots of walking expected...
13. Euros and my credit card!

Bouquets

I'm a girly-girl, a real one. And being who I am, I love flowers. To compensate the lack of sunshine, I'm making myself bouquets that I put on the corner of my work table. And since the weather is awful, it's quite flowery around here!

During summer time, it's to celebrate the beauty of flowers that I make bouquets, but for the outside this time. I used to have a large garden where flowers grew here and there. I had to shrink its size, since my back can't stand the mandatory contortions to get rid of dandelions and friends. No problem! I still have roses and perennials to create those great summer bouquets.

Saying Thank You...

It happened last year. May 13th, 2006. After reading, or should I say skimming Sarah Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance, I did it. I started writing a journal. Oh, nothing complicated, nor too elaborated. It's a "Gratitude Journal". Everyday I write down 5 of my best moments of my day and I'm thankful, grateful for them.

You're thinking, thanks to who? Well, I don't have any idea. I'm not a believer, in the religious aspect of it. I believe in Good. I believe in a great big life calculator that gives us bonus points when we do good things and takes away other points when we don't or when we act like idiots (so beware of loosing all your points or, well, I suppose that when you reach that point, well, it sort of doesn't look good for you, I guess...). I believe in justice.

I believe that within ourselves is good and bad and that to avoid falling into the latter we must stay awake, conscious of things surrounding us, people we meet, events that happen. I believe in the power of optimism. I think we must learn to deal with our little problems without panicking and celebrate our moments of happiness. I believe there's too much whining, people moan too much and forget to appreciate, smile, love, live.

It's with that in mind that I started this blog: appreciate, enjoy, celebrate good things. Thursday Love was my starting point for this blog. My Friday Thirteen force me to research (it's not that easy making lists of 13, try it for fun!), even do introspection and my Saturday Something are tributes to creativity at home (I mean my home!).

Go for it if you feel blue: choose a notebook you like ('cause it will be around a lot, for you not to forget it) and a pen or pencil, take 2-3 minutes everyday to write down simple or extraordinary moments from your day. Having a bad day? Just write about the "so obvious" such as, I had enough food, I'm healthy, I have a place to live, etc. So, enjoy!

Handbag

Last Saturday, without any warning, Miranda has decided to sew. No pattern, of course, pure creativity, right? I'm still astonished to see my daughters sewing. We must admit it's not the most "popular" teen activity. But come on, sewing is really extraordinary. You start with pieces of fabric that seem inert and then you create that useful or decorative object. It's a little like starting with pieces of wood to build a piece of furniture.

I enjoy working with my sewing machine and there again I'm surprised by the easiness my daughter has taming the beast. Not that it is tough to work with it, but when it goes beep-beep, it's not the best moment and it could be discouraging. Well, at home we have the privilege to have a sewing machines specialist: Claude! One day I'll list all the jobs he had done in his life, you won't believe it. Sewing machines have no secrets to him. He was born amongst them.

Sewing has always been a fun thing to do and I can see that my girls have sensed that and know how great sewing is. It's useful of course, but when we enjoy what we do, we don't really care about the fact that it's handy, it's just fun...!

13 Crazy Dreams (Really?)

1. Learn a third language
2. Draw the plans for a house I'd like to live in
3. Travel for a whole year
4. Take part in a workshop with Sabrina, Guylaine or Keri
5. Find a more "artistic" career
6. Have the determination (the motivation) to do yoga regularly
7. Consume less and better
8. Produce a short film
9. Publish something, for "real" (not on the web)
10. Never have the feeling that I'm losing my time
11. Loose weight, without efforts (sighs...)
12. Retire at the same time my husband does so I can take advantage of it (and him!)
13. Go to Denmark, Sweden or Norway

Gaspésie

I had the chance to go to Gaspésie last week, for my work. It was my third time there and I'm looking forward to going back. There's something special about that region. The landscape is breathtaking, people are nice without being invading and there are lots of discoveries to make all over the place. On top of everything, it's close to the ocean and I love the feeling, the smell, the sound, and the unbeatable view.

One day, I'll go back and I'll take all the time I need to savor this part of my country that attracts me like a magnet... I would walk on the shore, looking for heart-shaped pebbles and polished glass. I would eat fresh shrimps everyday, hummm! I'd take pictures all the time, I'd take the time to draw, paint, do arts and crafts according to my moods, to the inspiration of the place... To be continued!

13 Movie Soundtracks That I Like

1. Amelie From Montmartre
2. Shine
3. Schindler's List
4. Brokeback Mountian
5. The Piano
6. Munich
7. Memoirs of a Geisha
8. Lord of the Rings
9. The English Patient
10. City of Angels
11. Harry Potter
12. Step Up
13. Shall We Dance

Planes

Wow, flying in a plane, that's really something. Seeing a metal monster (small or big, it's still some kind of mosquito!) leaving the ground with such easiness, it's incredible. What I like the most are taking offs and landings. In between those two, finally, it's like being in a bus, with a waitress, a snack and beverage as a bonus.

When we take off, there's the solemn aspect that's impressive; we must be sitting, all our knick knacks have to be stowed away and we feel that certain people stop breathing for a little while. My little pleasure, it's when the plane starts speeding, it feels so good...

It's really great when we don't fly too high. We can see everything even if it's tiny and I love trying to figure out what is underneath. When it's cloudy, it's less interesting, I have the impression I'm in a mad scientist beaker. But when we go over the clouds, well it's lovely. We can see the clouds from above, that's magnificient!

During landings security measures are also increased and then almost everyone holds his/her breath. When we touch the ground, some get their colors back. For many reasons I really like landings. First, I'l be able to stretch a little, my hearing is back and finally, well, I'm where I wanted to be, destination!

From Ink on My Fingers...

Are your parents married or divorced?
Divorced.

Do you believe in heaven?
Of course! I'm living in it.

Have you ever come close to dying?
Probably. But luckily I'm still around!

What jewellery do you wear 24/7?
My wedding band and engagement ring.

Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
It depends. If they're cooked, yes. Raw, humm, not really.

Do you wear makeup?
Yes, especially when I work. But lately I've re-discovered the pleasure of mascara and lipstick.

Would you ever have plastic surgery?
I don't think so. I'm too scared, bad things can happen...

What do you wear to bed?
Pajamas in the winter, light nightgown in the summer. I'm not really the naked type...

Have you ever done anything illegal?
Yes. Driving too fast being the most shameful one.

Can you roll your tongue?
No, I can't...

Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?
YES! And I LOVE him...

Do you believe in abortions?
I believe in making a personal choice, but it would have been a very very difficult choice for me.

What is your hair colour?
That's the most difficult question! My natural hair's brown, but I have lots of blond and chestnut highlights (mostly to cover the gray hair!).

Future child’s name, boy and girl?
No future child, please! 2 daughters is enough: Alizée and Miranda.

Do you smoke?
No! Can't stand smoke...

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
I'd go back to California anytime. But I want to go to Great Britain, Italy, Belgium. Sweden, Denmark and Norway are destinations I'm dreaming of nowadays...

Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Nope, not even as a kid.

If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Finish paying the house!

Gold or Silver?
Gold.

Hamburger or hot dog?
Burgers, definitely.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Shame on me... Fries...

City, beach or country?
Can't choose! Love 'em all...

What was the last thing you touched?
The remote control. I'm in a B&B in Gaspésie, relaxing from giving a workshop that went really well!

When’s the last time you cried?
Can't remember... Probably while watching a movie, I get emotional easily.

What colour are your pants?
Black, most of the time...

Ever been involved with the police?
Nope.

What’s your favourite shampoo/conditioner and soap?
I love cucumber and green tea soaps because of the good smell.

Do you talk in your sleep?
No.

Ocean or pool?
By the ocean for relaxing, in the pool for refreshment.

What’s your favourite song at the moment?
La Revencha del Tango by Gotan Project. It's not new but I'm hooked.

Have you ever had a cavity?
Yes, too many...

Window seat or aisle seats?
Window!

Ever met anyone famous?
Yes, but I really don't care about fame...

Do you feel that you’ve had a truly successful life?
Yes on most of the aspects.

Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Twirl.

Are you self-conscious?
???

Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Yes, once. A terrible moment, but it turned out okay.

Last gift you received?
A notebook from my dear friend Tanja.

What occasion did you receive your gift?
No specific occasion, friendship I guess!

Last thing you spent lots of money on?
Trip to Paris in a month!

Where do you live?
45 minutes south est of Montreal

Last wedding attended?
My sister Valerie's, 4 years ago.

Favourite restaurant?
???

What is your favourite kind of car?
I'd love a nice Volvo, but I' thinking of buying a "green" car next year...

What’s your least favourite chore(s)?
Cleaning windows.

Favourite drink?
Water, water, water...

Zooooooom...

Last year, Alizée took part in an incredible activity; paint a real car. A volunteer agreed to let students paint her car. Previously, the girls worked on a small-scale car made of clay. The dynamism on the art level at her school is unbelievable. It had been an uncommon experience which she will remember for a long time, especially since the clay car is lying on a dresser with other art, in the basement, or, if you prefer, in Alizée's domain!

13 Reasons for Watching Too Much TV

1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Brothers and Sisters
3. Amy
4. October Road
5. House
6. Medium
7. CSI Miami
8. CSI
9. Law and Order SVU
10. Crossing Jordan
11. Will and Grace
12. Numbers
13. Tout le monde en parle

Teenagers Home

2 weeks ago I had a discussion with the owner of a videoclub. He told me how difficult teaching must be (true) especially when it's with teenagers (FALSE!).
Adolescence is such a great period, at home anyway. Not always easy I admit but those who suffer the most are the teenagers themselves, not the others. This life period is a key moment, a time for analysis, feedback, questioning, projection in the future, acquisition of autonomy. My, my...!

It's the moment where you want to be hugged by Mom, but not in front of your friends (come on!). A moment where you want your mother to take an appointment to the hair dresser but want to be accompanied (and not only to pay for the hair dresser). That's when you want to do it all, and nothing at all, where you dream of freedom but still hope for someone to be there, just in case. Being an adolescent is laugh a lot and cry a little (when it's the opposite, start worrying). This "awful" time is there to discover ourself a little more; talents, personal qualities, strengths, weaknesses too, interests, future projects.

I've enjoyed every moment with my daughters from their birth and I must admit I was afraid of this moment. Knowing what I know now, I'd laugh at myself! I still have a few years before my 2 daughters' teenage years are over and I can tell you that I cherish every second. Because, after that, you know, it will be ... take-off! I'm not nostalgic, nor worried but every present moment is tasting so good. Hurray for my teens!

Spring, Spring, Are You There?

Yeah, spring, are you there for good? Yes? Sure about that? You won't change your mind in a couple of days, right? Great.

Miranda did this "wallpaper" last year and it reminds me the pleasure I get when I do gardening. Especially since I learned to take it easy, otherwise, my back hurts too much... I've reduced my "play" area, it helps.

Gardening drawings. Notice the ladybug on the yellow flower, pretty (click on the picture to enlarge). Miranda has this funny details meticulousness. Other particularity, the colors of my gardening tools are exactly the same. These fresh drawings, spring-ish are on her art wall in her bedroom (next to Mighty Cat). Wait 'til I show you her Toutânkhamon, a piece of art!

13 Boys' Names I Like

1. Noah
2. Quentin
3. Maxence
4. Mathis
5. Collin
6. Graham
7. Theo
8. Sydney
9. Ian
10. Connor
11. Youri
12. Jeff
13. Ludovic

Mini Braids

My daughters have had long hair for a long time. I remember the time when I had to supervise the washing of those hair. What could I do when they left for summer camps? A bad experience with lice (during one of those camps) and the mini braids became a summer tradition. Of course the girls have grown up and braids are less frequent. But I remember the evenings spent in front of the TV (had to keep them sitting still for a couple of hours), the colored rubber bands (they could choose if they wanted only one color or a variety), the comb and the glass of water to wet the drying hair. Hours of pure joy, really. And a little guessing game as a bonus: How many braids on Alizée's head? Miranda's? Funny moment; when it was time to undo the braids; the result could be a nice curly head or some kind of hair mound. It was hilarious. Come on girls, mini braids again this summer?

Children at the Restaurant

Going out to the restaurant with the llittle family (meaning with children that are still quite young) could be a rock 'n roll event. Even more if parents didn't plan it at all. Because kids in a restaurant with unprepared parents = lots of noise, angry customers around you and a waitress dreaming of Valium! When I'm sitting next to kids in a restaurant (mine are too old now, so I spy), I can't help myself but noticing... A-Ha, nothing to keep them busy. A-Ha, parents talking while children are doing whatever they want. A-Ha bad habits and behaviours. Besides new born (then, nothing can be planned, really...), here are a few ideas to make the moment spent at the restaurant a great success and to go back home happy-happy-joy-joy!

1. Bring them stuff to keep them busy: crayons, paper, mini photo album, little cars (you can draw a road on the paper placemat, it's great!), finger puppets, small building blocks, figurines, card game, small book, etc.

Not a good idea: anything that makes too much noise, anything that can break (you want to avoid drama, right?), small parts that can get lost (more drama) and the usual daily toys (you need a little novelty here if you want to keep their attention).

2. Keep them busy while waiting: learning to put butter on bread is a great challenge, draw with them, have them participate if there's a salad or bread bar, tell fun stories, make them laugh (your neighbours will find it so cute and who knows, you might help them be happy for a while!), talk about how much you're proud of them (forget about blaming them, it's not the right time).

3. Avoid going to the restaurant when children (or parents) are too exhausted. You'd better keep this activity for a better moment.

4. Plan a survival kit, just in case (pacifier, bottle, blankie, extra diapers...).

5. Enjoy small pleasures: now that everyone is sitting at the table at the same time, that the meal will be prepared by someone else and that there won't be any fight to know who's turn it is to clear up the table and do the dishes, that's something!

Magical thinking? Come on...
Don't think that it's at the restaurant that you'll be able to teach your children good table manners. Everyone can tell if your children never sit still during meal time, that you let them play with their glass of water and other behaviours that might not be ideal.
In fact, it's at home that you must work the hardest to teach them good manners. The reward is when at the restaurant, they do well on their own. And then, aren't we proud of our progenitor? Mostly if next to us is a mommy running after the younger one who just decided to train for cross-country crawling between waitresses while the oldest is making a huge fuss because there are mushrooms in her plate that touch the potatoes and that daddy-dearest is watching sports news on the gigantic flat screen TV. You harvest what you sowed, unfortunately. So let's start right now: what a Monday! But the rest of the week will get better...

Recycling Superman

Since she was 4, Alizée has had a little crush on Superman. What am I saying? She's hooked on the super hero! At 5, for Halloween, I found her a Superman costume. Saying that it was worn would be minimizing the thing. Time flew but her passion is still there. It took different shapes but the interest is definitely present. So much that instead of saying goodbye to the old costume, it ends its days recycled into a cushion, an idea and creation by Alizée. Isn't it ingenious the way she included the cape to the cushion ? Unconventional sewing is a family thing...

13 Girls' Names I Like

1. Delphine
2. Hannah
3. Margaux
4. Gentiane
5. Cassiopea
6. Louliko
7. Danaé
8. Madison
9. Romy
10. Leah
11. Dorothée
12. Mati
13. Salomée

New Haircut

Not a very good day: my neck hurts and my head feels like it wants to fall into pieces. What do you do then? Make yourself pretty. And, if needed, ask for help. Thanks Jo-Anne for the great haircut. I was clearly ashamed of my cranial hair: tough to tame, sad, faded, so or-di-nary. A little spontaneity was essential for my emotional survival tremendously affected by the awful spring (it's snowing now, darn...). In 2 weeks it will be Sophie's turn to refresh my hair color (icicles revealing my age are all over th e place). And then, then, then... Then my head will officially be spring-ish! I almost feel like my headache is fading away since my hairdresser started cutting my hair. Spring cleaning is on and it's worth it, it feels so great!

13 cars I Like

1. Volvo S40
2. BMW 3 Series Cabriolet
3. Honda C-RV
4. VW EOS
5. Subaru Legacy
6. Accord Hybrid
7. Alfa Romeo
8. Audi A3
9. Volvo XC90
10. Saab 9-3 Convertible
11. VW Touareg
12. Prius Touring
13. Volvo C30

Elliot and Anaïs

I just got back from visiting my godchildren: Elliot and Anaïs, lively as can be. Spending time with them means dealing with difference. Because being twins also means being different. Of course, the fact that they are a boy and a girl is a major difference. Well, as I think about it, there are lots of things they have in common: do arts and crafts, laugh, receive surprises from their godmother. And I'm paying myself a treat! Today, was Easter chocolate special. I love preparing little gifts and they love receiving them: two (or three?) peas in a pot!
The picture was taken after our "we-are-six-years-old" shopping spree. Then I realized how much they are different... and similar! Thanks E & A for the laughs, the funny faces and your spontaneous comments. Love yah!