Be nice

"You get what you give."

"What goes around comes around."

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

We've all heard those words, but basically, be generous. It will bless someone's day.

And it will make you feel so good about it!

Junk or treasure?

It's true what they say, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." 

Except I don't always find treasures when digging through junk. I do; however, always have a good time.

{I did not purchase these 80s earrings.}

These are some pics from my time in the mountains with Dorothy. She wrote the cutest post describing our time in the mountains. Check it out here. 

Backwards

I have been so excited to feature this next piece on the blog. It's quite an old one, c.1900/1910s. I love the chain in particular aside from the mother of pearl.

When Andrew sent me the pictures in a file, along with a very sweet message I might add, I opened them and saw the beautiful photography. However, the first picture was off. The necklace was backwards! It still looks beautiful and I thought I would be "real" and share our mistake. It's our life.

I was disappointed, but it quickly turned to laughter.

So here you go.

I think I'll call it, "the backward necklace."

Just wait till you see the front!



Packing up

We apologize for any delay with posts. Please note there is always new jewelry joining the Cherche' collection.

Cherche' Vintage and Antique Jewelry is moving!

This train is moving with The Lee's to Baton Rouge, La. See y'all there!

Happy anniversary, Cherche'

It's been 1 year! Already!

And I don't think I've ever shared the entire story about my journey of Cherche' from the very start. So here goes.

It was May 2009; mere days before my wedding. I was at the bead shop in Baton Rouge getting some things made for the French girls who were coming to my wedding. I wanted to get them something similar to the bridesmaids gifts, but more-age appropriate. After that was decided upon, I saw a sign up sheet for a jewelry making class, inquired about it, then had the audacity to sign my little self up for that class....mere days before my wedding! It was a pretty bold move thinking that I had the time or money to do so, but I did it.

So mere days before that May 23 wedding, I went back to the bead shop for the class. I realized that the nice lady who had talked me into signing up wasn't there, but another lady was there to teach. She proceeded to tell me all the things I needed to purchase: the tray, "findings", more wires, clamps for the wires, more this and more that. Granted, I had already bought the jewelry tools, the beads for which I was to make into some fabulous piece of jewelry, and the cost of the class itself. I wasn't looking to spending any more money. I just wanted to make a little something for my beach honeymoon, and of course chunky turquoise beads aren't on the low end of the spectrum. Great.

So I said, "Listen, lady. Knowing me, I'll never pick this up again, so I really don't want to go spending any more money than I already have. I'm getting married in about a week and a half, and I really don't know why I'm here. I shouldn't have come."

Well anyway, I stayed and made my fabulous turquoise set, and I did a pretty good job. Since I chose such big stones to work with, I was finished in record time. All the others had small beads to string on to their wires. So the lady mentions that maybe I should make more pieces since I paid for an hour and a half's worth of teaching. I thought that sounded like a good idea, so I found some small coral beads to go with the turquoise set. She said those weren't too expensive, so I went to the register and she rang me up. The price ends up being astronomical. I told her that I might need to go look for something else then. But whoops, she had already run it through the computer, and she couldn't return. Oh I was not happy. I was so upset; not angry like I was before; upset.

So with my new jewelry tools and beads, turquoise and coral, I just left. I thought that I would figure this jewelry making thing on my own, if I could only remember what they taught me in those 5 minutes I was there. So I cried all the way to the Mexican restaurant where my family was eating. (I know this seems a bit dramatic, but I was probably under lots of stress because of the upcoming wedding...mere days away).

My mom probably laughed and said I was being ridiculous, which I was. And my dad probably said, "You need some money? Don't worry. How much do you need. Here-here's a $100." That's Dad's solution to everything. He's very generous; I'm not complaining. But I said, "No. I'm just upset because I was trying so hard to manage my money, and I blew it on jewelry tools, jewelry beads, and a jewelry class, and knowing me, I will never use any of this again." I tend to take up projects and put them away and never pick them back up (ie. the bag of yarn sitting in the corner from when I took up knitting).

After all that drama, I went home my empty apartment, as I was fixing to move to South Carolina, and I laid out those coral beads on the hard wood floor, and attempted to make a bracelet by examining how I had made the turquoise one. And I did it! I couldn't believe it! I'm not a quick learner when it comes to stuff like this, and I fully expected the project to be an utter failure, but I did it! A small, very small victory! I must add that I still wear those pieces today; they did not break; I must have done a pretty decent job.

Why do I tell you this?

Because the story really does come full circle.

After moving to South Carolina the day after I got married (that's right, the very next day), I looked for a job. For months, I looked and looked on the internet, which has and always will be a huge waste of time. It's all about  connections. Since I had no connections here, I was so very close to going to Cracker Barrel and apply for the hosting job that I found on the {unhelpful}internet. I'm not kidding.

Few times in life, or few times in my life, do things just "click." But maybe desperate times call for desperate measures, and my prayers were finally answered in August of last year. After countless nights talking it out with my husband, he enlightened me on what I am capable of doing and doing well. And after spending some more time "searching" for specifics in the mountains of North Carolina, I came home and I knew what I needed to do: search for jewelry. Antique jewelry. I had an interest, some prior knowledge, and most importantly, the desire to learn.

As things were rolling along, I started to find some jewelry that was broken and tried fix it. I had surprising success. Then it occurred to me: I didn't waste my time or money buying those jewelry tools. I actually use them everyday! I got so, so upset about the jewelry class, the jewelry tools, the "findings", the books etc. that I felt like I was forced to buy, but God was leading me the whole time! Even if I was pushed, God used it for good.

Then this occurred to me:

"TRUST THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATH STRAIGHT." JEREMIAH 29:11


This:

Turned into this:

And I don't think it's any coincidence that I work at a jewelry store either. I was just minding my business when I needed a "real" repair done, and I brought my ring to a local jeweler here in SC. The jeweler called to let me know that my ring was ready, and also said that he noticed a real interest I had in jewelry. He said that they had been casually looking for someone to help with repairs and with the in's and out's of the store. He asked if I would be their new apprentice. Maybe I was at the right place at the right time, or maybe I'm being lead by the Spirit. The second is what I prayed for. I think the second is what I got. 

Passion, Vision, and Diligence

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18

That seems a bit dramatic, but I didn't make it up. God did via King Solomon. I've been reading the book I mentioned a few posts back, the book that breaks down Proverbs. I brought it on my trip home to Louisiana, and it's concepts are starting to sink in; mainly, the points on diligence and developing a clear vision.

"Diligence is a learnable skill that combines: creative persistence, a smart-working effort rightly planned and rightly performed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner to attain a result that is pure and of the highest quality of excellence."

"Vision is a precise, clearly defined goal within a detailed plan and timetable for achieving that goal."

I'd be lying if I told you that these points were at the forefront of every moment of my time at home, or my time in general. But I am open to being led by the Lord in any scenario.

Scenario: shopping in La:

I was shopping around town at my local favorites, and I didn't feel like going shop for antiques, but I just felt like I should. Like I needed to.

So I fought the traffic and went. I had a raging headache, it was hot as Hades, and I didn't feel like digging through garbage antiques. I gave myself a time out, went to Walgreen's, took some Tylenol, and asked myself why in the world was I doing this on my vacation home.

I pressed on, trying to make the best of it. There's nothing like good-natured cajuns to make your day a little brighter, either. I came across the owner of an antique store, and I started asking questions. In his cajun way, he was so helpful. And then I guess I asked a question that was overstepping his turf a bit. (There's some confidence involved in this business. There is for me, too. That's why I haven't disclosed the point of my location...)

Back to my helpful cajun friend...

He didn't get mad when I asked him a little too much. All he said was, "I can't tell ya all 'a dat." I laughed and said that I understand. I told him that I'm just trying to learn more about these sort of things. Then he said, "Ya know? Down da way, there's 'a lady that can prolly help ya."

He gave me her information, and I went to see her. I walked in, and I had no questions. I didn't know what to ask or say, but all I could think of was that she knew stuff, and I wanted to know more about the stuff she knew. Eloquent, right?

We got to talking. She looked worn out, maybe it was the heat, but I after hearing her speak, she definitely knew what she was talking about. She was an RN, had an interest in antique jewelry, then read about it, became diligent in her reading, and she's acquired quite a collection.

Her kindness was unbelievable. I asked her questions about black jets, opals, alexandrite, paste, and more. She went to her drawer, and said, "Here, you can have them."

She gave me these: Black jets from Czechoslovakia.

I was blown away. She told me that people like me re-energize her and remind her why she's doing what she's doing. That was a compliment to me. Maybe I'm overeager; maybe I'm passionate. Is there a difference?

I thanked her again, and asked if I could keep in touch. She said, "Of course." 

After that, I was re-energized. I was so glad that I pushed through the aggravation, heat, and head ache, and allowed myself to be lead by what was clearly the Lord's Hand.

By then, it was starting to get to be suppertime, and during this entire trip home, I mainly ate by myself or got takeout. It was sort of nice. I decided on overpriced Chinese, so to P.F.Chang's I went. I ate my lettuce wraps and lo mein in front of the TV, almost forgetting about my fortune cookie at the end of my TV dinner meal.  But when I opened my fortune, this is what it read:

You can't make this stuff up. I guess the Lord is showing me the vision I am to have all while being diligent. This day, unbelievably enough, had both of those things that I'm working towards. 

Old School: The Evidence

Digging through some old pics, I found the evidence. Here's the proof that I am meant to be a lady of leisure.

Please notice this jewelry girl definitely had her necklace on when she went to "The City" with the ladies. Here I'm with my great, great aunt, Nan-Tee. Her husband was my Uncle Whitney.

Sassy!

And just for fun,  I thought I'd add the handsome Southern boy that I married. 

I have this picture at my desk. It makes me smile every time I see it. 

When I come across more, I'll share. They're just too good not to. 

My momma's in town!!!! We're going to the mountains today, and it'll be my 10th weekend out of town in a row! It'd be nice to stay home, but why stop now? 

Old School

Look what I found yesterday! I thought it was a pretty cool lookin' necklace, and then I saw the tag still attached as if it were never worn...

Look closely, and you can still see the "Bon Marche" tag! (Bon Marche was a department store meaning "a good deal." And you'd think if the whole country can learn how to say "bon marche" folks can learn to say "cherche," right?

Anyway, I thought that was pretty old school.

Speaking of old school, I can remember the ladies always talking about this "Bon Marche" growing up, and I knew I'd like to go too. When the ladies went to "the city" (New Orleans), momma would just tote me along with her. And going to "the city" was just fine with me. I was also "just fine" my high chair at Galatoire's. I am a true "lady of leisure" at heart. Lunch at Galatiore's, a play at the Saenger, and a little shopping. Again, just fine with me. And even better...going home to the country singin Raffi all the way home with my momma. Okay, I've gotten carried away. 

Bon Marche was the mall in Baton Rouge, but you may know about Maison Blanche, Godchaux's, and D.H. Holmes in "the city". While reading "The Help" I had a little chuckle when they referenced Maison Blanche. 

Check these out:

Not sure if any of my fellow 'poleon people read my blog (that's Napoleonville for others who don't know), but I could very well add "The Leader Store" in this old school category, don't you think?

"The Leader store leads 'em all!" 

Man, if I could just add a video to this blog...

Growing up, my sisters and I would be "Vanna White" and showcase all our new birthday or Christmas items on video and announce where it came from. Most of the time, we advertised The Leader Store. 

My sisters wouldn't let me do or say anything on the videos except I would chime in with a thick cajun accent saying, "and it's bran' new." 

One time I interrupted to show off my new Lee press-on nails. I would forget I had them on, scratch my head, and all of the nails would be hanging from strands of hair. 

Wow, I had no intention of going this far with my story. Sometimes things can trigger a trip down memory lane.

And that's what I love about jewelry. 

{SOLD}

Things of late

Things have still been busy, but busy in a good way.


The Thibodaux show was a huge success, and I'm grateful to everyone who came by in support of me. 


Andrew and I are off to a wedding tonight in Atlanta. This will mark the 4th weekend in a row that I have been out of town. Next week will be the 5th. I can't say this makes me sad; just tired. 


This week I've been catching up on sleep. (I'm an early bird, but 4:45 AM to drive to LA and back to SC is a little too early birdy for me.) I've also been catching up on work with the newspaper and the jewelry store. 


I'm still dreaming of boiled crawfish, Abita beer, and sunshine, and those Louisiana days are quickly approaching as we are going HOME for Easter!  


Hope you have a fabulous weekend. I plan on wearing some old jewelry and being fabulous myself. 

Busy Girl

I just wanted you all to know that I am, in fact, alive and well and doing more than just eating Girl Scout cookies and obsessing over Drew Brees and my husband. And I am still crazy excited about my jewelry business despite being spread quite thin at the moment. (I immediately thought of Thin Mints when I wrote the word 'thin.')


I have been very busy writing for the paper here; my article comes out Thursday, and the word on the street is that it's on the front page! I only hope that "Confessions of a Mardi Gras Queen" is eye catching enough for the publication to fly off the shelves. I'll pray.


Speaking of praying, I've been spending much of my mornings lately with The King. What a joy He is. I think this is the first year I've ever liked Lent. Maybe I've finally realized what it's all about. Ah ha revelation!


And since I decided to surrender all, I got a call about an apprenticeship with a local jeweler in Anderson. What a perfect opportunity for me to learn about the industry! I think it will also help to get my creative juices flowing.


And speaking of creative juices, Andrew is teaching me to paint. I couldn't ask for a better teacher and friend. We had the best Sunday: went to church, then put on some tunes, had some wine, and painted. So much better than watching TV. I long for quality time, and I soak up every opportunity to get it.

(But speaking of TV, Tenley: awesome, gracious, classy, wonderful. Vienna: gross, Jake.)


So all in all, the last few weeks have been wonderful. I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead and SPRING time! But it's snowing outside of my window right now. I'll forgo the dream of boiled crawfish, sunshine, Abita Strawberry Ale, boats, and wide brim hats. They will come soon enough.

Dat faith 'n' love

V. Day and The Saints Super Bowl victory came and went before I had the chance to share my thoughts!

Well don't you worry because I'm here to write about them both today; all in one youtube link.

I found this video of the Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, before he led his team to their first Super Bowl win! His authentic character is revealed; he truly is a man of God. He speaks of where he puts his faith, but it is also evident that he has a ministry more through actions than in words. It's easy to speak the words; it's much harder to "walk the walk." I know that full well.

{Insert Valentine thought}

I am so lucky to have a Valentine (in the form of my husband) who is also a real man of God. He may not be the Saints quarterback, but Andrew's got the character of a "Drew Brees." God also has something big in store for Andrew (and me) if we continue to put our hope and trust in Him. 

Drew Brees has such a wonderful testimony of faith. Enjoy. Who Dat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0buCfbFuHw

No, I'm not going to prom this year

Apparently the people with whom I encounter on a daily basis do not read my blog.


Earlier this morning, I posted that I "still wear my love knots even though I am not sixteen."


At a store this afternoon, I was asked if I had 'gotten my prom dress yet?!?!?!?!?' This made me chuckle especially since I wrote about not being 16 anymore just this morning.


I gotta tell ya that a small part of me was tempted to kick off my boots, toss my sunglasses and purse on the hot pink leopard print chair and start trying these jazzy dresses on!


If I were sixteen, I would have loved this place. My style, though, has evolved since then into what I thought embodied what twenty-six year olds wear.


You can be honest; do I need a make-over? Maybe I should cut my hair? My mom always said I looked older with a short, fixed, cute bob...

Sixteen Candles

I can learn song lyrics in an absurdly short amount of time. I really need to put this on my short "things I'm good at" list. 


Now I know you might be jealous, so I'll confess to you that I often don't quite get all of the words right. 


For example, the first song that I botched was the 1958 classic, "Sixteen Candles." I was three years old, and I belted out, "SIXTEEN CAMELS makes a lovely night." This is seriously one of my first memories, and to this day it is a source of utter laughter at my stupidity. (This is not to be confused with the time I called my sister a "dim-beth" after she called me a "dim-wit", but that's for another time...and that's not a song.)


As good as I am at learning new songs (and occasionally ripping them to shreds), I also love giving gifts. I am always on the look-out for good gifts at a great price. So what if it's May and I find a great Christmas gift. Less trouble for me in December! When I see some of my jewelry collection, I think about who may love receiving it. That's what brought me to my thought of the sixteen camels. (I bet you didn't think I could ever connect my two thoughts, did you? Sixteen Camels >>> Cherche' Jewelry)


I have some sweet, dainty pieces for a special sweet 16. I remember what I got: a sterling charm bracelet. Yep, I still wear it and add on to it. I thought I wanted the leather jacket or the boots that everyone had, but I'm so glad I got a keepsake. If you have a sister or daughter about to turn 16, consider this: 

Love Knots.

Love knots are so sweet. I still wear my mom's that she got in high school. I wear these often and I'm not 16 anymore. The silver love knots are for a more mature lady, however. Too big for a 16 year old.  

But I encourage you to think about events, birthdays, and celebrations coming up. Sweet 16's or not. Your life will be made easier if you add to your gift closet ahead of time, I promise you that. 

Last note: My mind thinks very much ahead of time; just getting things done before so I don't have to worry about something later. Confession: when I'm out shopping, I will see outfits and think "This will be great if Andrew charters a boat, and we go sailing." Or "This will be perfect if I only were invited to a fall festival." I'm really kidding with my examples, but I do think about these most bizarre events, if I were only invited to such a thing. I bet some of you do the same.

Maybe I am the only crazy girl who buys Christmas gifts in May and can recite lyrics at the drop of a hat. How can I get paid for my talents?

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?

I've been missing home lately.

I cry sometimes because this place that I live is so different. I cook creole food sometimes, and it's either a raging success or an utter failure. And sometimes I get caught talking a little flat, like when I say 'coupon' or 'regular' or 'Andrew.' But I always listen to my New Orleans music. Ask Andrew. Every morning for the past few weeks it's either been Louis Armstrong or Dr. John.

(I think it's especially telling because Andrew is in the other room painting Louisiana iris' and whistling  to "Do What You Wanna" by Rebirth Brass Band. I'm rubbing off on him.)

It's normal to always miss this time of year because of Mardi Gras, but this is the first year that I miss it for a different reason: The Super Bowl! Wow. I don't even believe it still. I remember aggravating my sister with my black and gold shaker in her face saying, "who dat, who dat, who dat say dey gon beat dem Saints?" Well they were the 'Aint's' then, but it's The Saints now, baby!

And I'll take my family's word for it that "...everything is so crazy down here..." and "...the local news consists of virtually only Saints coverage..."

One of these days we'll get closer to home. But in the meantime, my heart is still there.

Yes, Louis (and Harry) I do 'know what it means to miss New Orleans.'

Intelligence for Your Life

I just emailed John Tesh. I'm serious and entirely too excited about it.

Wondering why I might do such a thing? Well Andrew and I love when we happen upon the John Tesh radio program, so for his birthday, I got him the book "Intelligence for Your Life" by John Tesh. Last Sunday, we were driving home from church, and I couldn't stand it. I had to give him his two birthday presents even though his birthday isn't until the 27th. (We're obviously on a budget this year with a whopping two gifts I could buy for him.) So we got home, I made hot chocolate, put on Christmas music, lit my Thymes Frasier fir candle, made Andrew sit in front of our 5 foot tree, and he opened his gifts. I gave Andrew a "Scranton : Dunder-Mifflin" t-shirt, and the book.

He loved it! I wish I had pictures of him opening it. Oh well. But what's sweeter than that is we laid on the sofa and read a few chapters of the book together! What a nice thing to do on a Sunday afternoon. (Now Andrew's embarrassed that I told people that we read "Intelligence for Your Life" together. It's not Elizabeth Barrett Browning poetry, guys.) Well it didn't last long, but I enjoyed it.

If you know me, you know that I have all of my Christmas shopping done. I've had it done since September. But my dad's birthday is January 5, and that always creeps up on me. I thought getting "Intelligence for Your Life" on audio CD would be the perfect gift for him. Only thing is, I can't find it. Therefore, I emailed John Tesh. I asked him about the audio tape, and of course I gave him my warm regards for such a wonderful book and inspiring message. I got a lovely reply:

"Dear Whitney,

Thanks for writing to us here at The John Tesh Radio Show. Please accept our apologies for this auto response. We greatly appreciate you contacting us with your questions and suggestions and will respond just as soon as we can.

If you have written to John to say thank you, or to let him know how the show has impacted your life, rest assured that we forward each of these letters to him directly. Although he can't read every letter on the air, he does in fact read each and every one.

A Frequently Asked Questions Page has been added to the website at http://tesh.com/home/subjectcategories/radioshow/frequentlyaskedquestionsto answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

We'd also like to invite you to subscribe to the Tesh.comwebsite. The Website provides extensive information about all the subjects you hear on the show. Go to http://tesh.com/ittrium/home/subscribeand sign up now.

Once again, we truly appreciate you tuning-in.

Best Regards,

THE TESH.COM WEBTEAM

So if you're driving around listening to the John Tesh radio program, let me know if he gives me a shout-out. It would make my year.

Thankful {My cup runneth over}

Photographed by Andrew Lee

During this Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for God's promises and His beautiful blessings! What a great God that I serve. He has poured out His blessings so much that my cup can not contain it! Just like His Word says! When God makes a promise, you can be sure that He keeps it.

My business is going so well, and I have even given the most amazing opportunity to join as a sales rep and a writer in the Anderson newspaper! This is a dream for me. God has allowed this new job to be conducive with my business that I'm working so hard to see flourish.

All my life, I've been average, status quo, and I've gotten by. So many times, I've tried with all my might to accomplish things that I just couldn't achieve. Over the years, little by little, I gave it to God. I said, "Lord, do something great in me that everyone would know it's You working in me. Make You big and make me small." So simple. So child-like. But that was my prayer.

I just love how the Lord uses the weak to lead the strong. I love our God of irony! He has used the most unlikely vessel {me} to make His name big.

As always, to GOD be the glory.

"My cup runneth over, surely goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23:6

Thankful {Sassy and Southern}

Day 2 of "What I'm Thankful For" will take quite a different turn. I'm thankful to be sassy and southern. My sassy trait did not come from my Doll, rather I believe it came from someone that irritated my Doll quite often. For those of you in my family, you know who I'm referring to: Ol' Viv, Nan Tee. I loved her just as much though. Her name was Vivien, and trust me, I've thought about if I have a girl and name her Vivien, she will be Vivien Lee. There will be no doubt she would have the sass of the great Vivien Leigh of Gone With the Wind. That would be scary.

A few days ago, I drove up to the mountains to be with my mom and her cousin, Peggy. When I was little, Peggy came for a visit once. Everyone was so excited and saying, "Peggy's coming. Ms.Peggy's coming for a visit!" When she arrived, I started crying because I thought Miss Piggy was going to show up! I loved Miss Piggy! She was so sassy and glamorous.

"When you love someone you want to be near him all the time, except when you are out buying things and charging them to him."

Miss Piggy

So far, my influences have been Doll-good, Nan-Tee-not so good, and Miss Piggy-not good.

But I am who I am, and if you don't like it, 'frankly I don't give a damn.'

Happy Monday. Be thankful for who you are, even if you're a sass pot like me.

Thankful {Doll Edition}

Since it's Thanksgiving week, I thought I would take this time to write about the things for which I am thankful. For day 1, I would like to honor my grandmother that I called, "Doll." Her birthday would have been November 11. I couldn't let November go by without honoring her. I can't wait to see her classy self when we meet again one of these days.

I wrote her eulogy when she passed away in May.

I'm glad I came across it again because it of course reminds me of her, and it causes me to be thankful for the years we had her. Here is just a glimpse of who she was:

"We gather together to honor a woman who touched us deeply in so many different but wonderful ways. All of them consistent: all of the good. You may know her as Joan, Momma, or as I call her, Doll. Many of you have more memories of her or clearer memories than I do, but we all knew who she was as a person.

I can remember going to her furniture store. I just loved going there. The things I remember the most about that store is the old cash register, the old fashioned tub, the smell, and sweet,put-together Doll. Nothing would bother her about all the kids running around, as I'm sure we were a handful. She was so graceful about everything: from frying bread dough to making pralines to keeping her skin looking younger than young.

It's a very rare thing when people have consistent things to say to describe a person, and even more rare when it's all good things! Galatians 6:22 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Doll had all of those; all of the time. I have days when I haven't possessed a single one.

I now challenge myself and I now challenge you to be classy like she was. To be kind like she was. To be patient like she was. To be loving like she was. And ultimately, like in 1981, accept Christ as she did was unyielding faith.(Ephesians 2:8-9). It's hard for me, as I'm sure it is for you to make sense of this last decade in Doll's life. We must know that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8). Be comforted to know that our Doll is dancing in Heaven with our Maker not because of her wonderful nature, but because of her decision to walk by faith and to walk with Christ."

Doll suffered with Alzheimer's for about 15 or so years. The only thing I would have added to what I wrote back in May would have been lyrics to a particular song written by Ginny Owens. Doll never heard this song or these words, but I know that her heart sang these words in her own, sweet way.

"If You Want Me To"

The pathway is broken

And The signs are unclear

And I don't know the reason why You brought me here

But just because You love me the way that You do

I'm gonna walk through the valley

If You want me to

Chorus:

Cause I'm not who I was

When I took my first step

And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet

so if all of these trials bring me closer to you

Then I will walk through the fire

If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen

When you lead me through a world that's not my home

But You never said it would be easy

You only said I'd never go alone

So When the whole world turns against me

And I'm all by myself

And I can't hear You answer my cries for help

I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through

And I will go through the valley If You want me to

Contradicting Christmas Stance

I wanted to take a minute and finish telling you about my birthday...

JUST KIDDING! I'm officially over my birthday and ready for the holidays ahead- Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm not one of those strange people that starts listening to Christmas music in August. I think we all need to take everything in stride and celebrate the holidays as they come. I will start celebrating Christmas at the appropriate time: the day after Thanksgiving.

This weekend, though, I am preparing for my {pre-mature} Christmas event. Next Tuesday is the Anderson Holiday show, and I am participating as a vendor! The best part is that my mom is coming up to help (and bringing frozen Cajun food for Andrew and me. Dat's nice.)

So if you see something on my website that you had your eye on, please let me know before Tuesday so I can set it aside for you. (No obligation to buy.) Because when something is gone, it's G.O.N.E. That's the great thing about antiques: ONE OF A KIND!

Okay since I had a qualified reason to talk about Christmas, I'll leave you with my {hasty} holiday spirit. Here are some photos that are sure to inspire my 2009 holiday theme: Country Christmas!

http://blissfullydomestic.com/

http://www.potterybarn.com/

And Christmas wouldn't be complete without my Cajun crooner, Aaron Neville...

You must hear Andrew's impression of Aaron Neville. That is sure to get you in the spirit!

Sugar and Spice

"Little girls are precious gifts like birds and brooks and streams...Their hair is tied up with ribbons and bows....Their hearts are tied up with dreams..." Pasty Gaut

Gorgeous baby girl's room.

I must preface this post with a definitive "No. I am not expecting a baby."

Having said that, I have a lot of friends who are expecting! I can imagine what an exciting time that must be. In my family, we are bombarded with little boys lately! I'm not sure what's in the water, but we love having them and their dirty-selves around.

If you have a baby boy or not, you may need a little girl gift sooner or later. Baby jewelry would be the perfect keepsake. Can you believe I still have mine and actually still wear it?!

1. My gold baby bangle no longer fits, but I'll hopefully give it to my little girl one day.

2. The back of the charm on this necklace has a "W" with teeth marks from when I was teething. So sweet.

3. My baby ring- I still wear it on a necklace!

I also still have my sterling baby cup and rattle! Why do I tell you about this? Because they meant so much to me, and I still have them! I kept the things that meant something; these meant something.

I am currently searching for baby jewelry for people, so if you'd like for me to pick something out for your baby girl, I'd be delighted.