UN CHAPEAU

I have a ton of hats. I'm talking literally, not figuratively, because as a woman we all "wear a lot of hats", but in this instance I'm talking about all the hats that fill up my closet - ball caps, winter hats, fun hats, cowboy hats, summer hats ... ok, I think I've read one to many Dr. Seuss books lately. The Desi in the Hat.

It's funny though, I don't wear hats all that often but boy do I have a bunch to choose from when I happen to get a wild hair, pun intended, because that's typically when I want to wear a hat. Wild hair that's greasy, been in a bun one day too long, desperately needs a dye job, or it's decided on its own that "frizzy" is the new beachwave. 

Un chapeau = a hat

HOME IS WHERE THE GRAFFITI IS

So we went shopping this weekend for a travel trailer. Something comfy, unique, a real eye sparkle. And we found it.

  

Ok, you got me, not really. We're totally not in the market for a travel trailer. But check out this thing. It's like my husband and his sharpies had their way with it. And he would totally roll in this, too. So who knows, he might be getting some ideas in that crazy head of his and we could own our very own graffiti home on wheels. You just never know.

FRENCH MAN

Bonjour, it's Pardon-My-French Friday. Today's word is "un homme" which means "a man" in French.

When I was in France I loved seeing the "quintessential" French things you hear about and see portrayed in movies - a bunch of older French men playing bocce ball, a French baguette sticking out of a bicycle basket, pituresque lavender fields. And don't forget about the French men. I remember walking down the street and having a random guy pass me and tell me that I have beautiful blue eyes. Not in a creepy way, just in a passing-flirty-I'm-French-so-it-sounds-romantic-doesn't-it kind of way. 

I found this cute little sticker while cleaning out the catch-all room in my house. I think he looks French. That stereotypical French guy. I guess he's just missing his striped shirt, scarf, and baguette. Which when you throw in some Nutella, he sounds like my kind of guy.

WHITE OLEANDER AND PICASSO

"A magician came to entertain us, and I was mesmerized by his beautiful hands, his fluid, round gestures. I couldn't stop watching his hands. They were better than any of his tricks. He pulled a bouquet of paper flowers out of the air and gave them to me with a courtly bow, and I thought love was like that, pulled out of the air, something bright and unlikely."   - Astrid, White Oleander

 

I've always loved this Picasso painting. I've had it hanging on my walls for 10 years and I used to have a little worn yellow post it note stuck in the corner of the frame with the above quote from the book White Oleander. It's such a beautiful string of words, paints a perfect picture. And White Oleander is that kind of book you just have to read again every so often. I just picked it back off my shelf and wanted to share it with you. Such beautiful writing must be shared!

PARDON-MY-FRENCH FRIDAY

No, no ... I will not be cussing today. Well, not on the blog. I can't guarantee what happens when I'm alone in my car and Slightly Road Ragey me comes out. But I'm working on it. Another story, another day.

Moving on.

This is the first installment of a weekly series. I'm a bit of a Francophile. I studied French in college, studied abroad in France, I watch French movies, read French blogs, eat French fries. That last one doesn't count, but you get the gist. So, I've decided to feature a photo with a French word. A little practice, a little picture, a little post, if you will. (Disclaimer down below).

Today's French word is l'aventure. The adventure. Because that's what life is everyday with this little guy. It's good stuff, keeps my blood pumping. It's not a climbing-Mount-Everest kind of adventure,  because then I might actually have a bonafide pack mule to carry the baby bag, my purse, the baby seat, a blanket, the actual baby, etc etc.

Vive l'aventure!

*Disclaimer - by no means do I think I won't mess up some French in the course of this series, it's bound to happen, because shoot happens, or as I think the French might say, c'est la vie! 

BOOKS HELP ME FIGURE THINGS OUT

Listen to the Mustn’ts

 

Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,

Listen to the DON’TS

Listen to the SHOULDN’TS

The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS

Listen to the NEVER HAVES

Then listen close to me—

Anything can happen, child,

ANYTHING can be.

~Shel Silverstein

I've always been a reader. When I was little I would sit for hours and read aloud to my mom while she sculpted. As I look back, I'm not sure she was actually listening, but as an adult I am grateful for her willingness to let me read to her. It made me into a reader, and a life long fan of Shel Silverstein.

Lately I've been reading a lot of different books. Parenting, self-help, humor, and fiction - just a few of the categories I'm bouncing around in. I feel like I'm searching for something, the key to making everything click all at once. I have so many ideas, things I want to do and make and see, I often don't even know where to start. Or I find myself afraid. Dang you, fear.

But when I'm reading, it's like things start to all make sense. I find little nuggets that make my brain go into four wheel drive. I discover new ways of thinking and doing. I love books that challenge you to be better, and see life through different glasses. Sometimes it's just the pictures. A beautiful dancer, awesome artwork, all things that make me see the world, my world, a little different. And nudge me just a little bit more towards being more me, creating what I want to put into the world. They help me realize that these people started, that they followed their passions and dreams and worked hard for their lives, and that "Anything can be".

Here is a list of some of the books I've been reading lately. I highly recommend them.

Daring Greatly Brené Brown

I mentioned this book in my first blog post. It remains a book I pick up often. Just to re-read parts. It's so good. You'll realize that being vulnerable is the key to being your true and best self. I love Brené Brown and her honesty. See her TED talk here.



Simplicity Parenting Kim Payne

As a new mom, I've had so many moments of "I don't want to raise a brat" or "how do I keep my kid from being addicted to media?". This book has great parenting tips. Things you can start doing right now with a baby, and things that will certainly come in handy as the little guy gets older. 



The Creative Habit Twyla Tharp

I love dance, especially modern dance. Twyla Tharp is a famous modern dancer and choreographer. This book is all about things you can do to lead a more creative life - how she's done it, and how you can, too.



Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? Mindy Kaling

This book is laugh-out-loud funny. I've read parts to my husband because I had to share the funny with someone immediately. Mindy Kaling's insight is hilarious and real. I feel like I'm hanging out with a really funny friend. I secretly (not now I guess) hope someday that Mindy Kaling and I will become friends. Oh, and if you haven't seen her show "The Mindy Project" you are missing out on some serious belly laughs. 



Dancers Among Us Jordan Matter

This book makes me happy, end of story. I love dance. The amount of time, energy, hard work, dedication, and athleticism that dancers possess is amazing to me. To make something look so beautiful and effortless, sigh. It's swoon worthy.