Friday, July 3, 2009

French Gifts of Friendship

Tomorrow is an important day and not just for fireworks and eating hot dogs. The crown on the Statue Of Liberty will be reopened for visitors after being closed following 911. The importance of this (and please keep in mind, this is just my point of view) is in showing the world that we are not afraid as a country. We were designed to endure just as she was. To sway during trouble winds, but always to remain standing upright and proud.

Lady Liberty is the ultimate symbol to the world that democracy can and does work. While we may not see eye to eye on how things should be done within our government, she is the testament that we can agree to disagree and not be afraid of consequences.

She was given to us by the people of France, who incidentally raised the money to design, build and ship her for our centennial celebration. Bartholdi, her designer, named her "Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World". How fitting because I truly believe that is what America stands for. I strongly urge everyone to go to www.nps.gov to read the history of her. I was just amazed at how little I knew. I guess it's just one of those things we just assume we learned in school all there was to know, but believe me, there is so much more to this Lady than a torch.

That leads me to more gifts from France. (Don't you just love the way I just segued right into that?) Shelley at Sweet Pea is hosting a "I'd Rather Be In Paris Swap" and asked if I would like to participate. (Would I? Big ears, big ears, big ears!) I've never done a swap, but I'm always up to something new and it really sounded like a fun thing (PLUS, I was just so flattered she asked!). Imagine my delight when Shelley said that my partner was going to be the one and only Sue of Bella Shabby. I was just over the moon, but the pressure was on! Sue is so talented and I.... well let's just say I am creatively challenged and leave it at that, whaddaya say?
Kiddies, I may not be the sharpest pencil in the box, but I have quickly learned presentation is everything! She even went so far as to stamp the tissue paper and the outside of the box with little French nothings! The above photo is of a gorgeous tablecloth she sent. You can almost smell the roses...or at least I thought I was until I realized she had included the most divine smelling French soap as well. Let me tell y'all, as hot as it is here in Texas, sweet smelling soap is a must! Sue, Cat Daddy says thank you!!!
I am crazy nuts over these French flash cards. I have no idea what they mean, but who cares....even ordures sounds better when said with a French accent!

Oh and my favorite thing? A wonderful 1927 book titled "Intermediate French"! Can you say mais oui? Now practice saying it with a Texas accent!!!
The most charming clip art...now if only I could do art! People, I can't even color within the lines.

Sue was one of the first persons that I "met" when I started blogging and I don't think I would have continued without hers (and a few others...you know who you are!) continual support. We've never met, but I consider her one of my dearest friends and a blessing straight from God.
You can see that I made out like a bandit and I didn't even have to wear a mask! Sue, you are just too generous, clever and kind. I loved everything mainly because I know you selected it all with me in mind. That makes it precious! You may not know it, but you had already given me the greatest gift ever...that of your friendship. Merci!!!

So I'll close now before I get all sentimental on y'all. I would like to say adieu and everyone.....Have a wonderful 4th and take a minute to remember the cost! God Bless America!!!

20 comments:

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Happy 4th My Friend!!!

So what's the deal...are you dissing your Cajun French friend down here for those France French gals??? They wine and dine ya...send you all kinds of stuff. I saw how you sent FiFi to Sue...you never sent me a FiFi.
Instead somehow I ended up with a postcard with one of your children on it...how the heck did that happen????

Seriously, the swap stuff is c'est jolie!!! You could have fooled me, I'd have never guessed this was your first swap! ;)
And you had a wonderful partner!!!!!
everything vintage

Amelia said...

You are seriously lucky to have received such wonderful stuff!!! :0) I've never really been in a swap...except for a cookie swap, but I think I may have bought mine and then disguised them in a hand painted tin! :0) Okay...yes I did buy them...what can I say, I don't bake very well. Anyhoo...hope you have a happy 4th

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Enjoyed reading your blog tonight...had some time to do some blog hopping...Have a Happy 4th!

WhisperWood Cottage said...

Here's to celebrating independence and freedom! Happy 4th, Deb!

Amy

Margo said...

Great post debbie, and I love those french flash cards. We are truly blessed to live in this special country. Thanks for the reminder.
See ya soon,
Margo

Malisa said...

Whew! When you started talking about a swap, I was thinking you were starring in Wife Swap! Glad you aren't trusting Cat Daddy with another woman! I have never participated in a swap...well, this kind! Looks like fun! You got good loot!

It was good to see you have a post today. Hope you are relaxing and getting ready for that little firecracker to make her big debut in your home soon! Hope you and your family have a great 4th of July celebration!

Malisa

Malisa said...

Whew! At first, I thought you were gonna be the star of Wife Swap! Nice to know that you are not gonna trust Cat Daddy with another woman! I have never participated in a swap...well, not that kind! :) Looks like you got some wonderful loot!

It was really good to see a post from you today. Hope you are getting some rest and relaxation and getting ready for that little firecracker to make her debut in your home soon! You and your family have a great 4th of July celebration!

Malisa

Glimpse of My World said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog!! I believe we have alot of friends in common and I am richer to know each of you. Happy July 4th! SmiLeS!

sweetpea said...

Hey Deb! So glad you had fun and looks like you made out pretty good too! Thanks for being a part of my swap!

Hugs,
Shelley

Shannon @ Silver Trappings said...

Amen! I completely agree with you - America is the best country on the planet!

Love all your goodies!

Have a wonderful 4th!

Maison Douce said...

Thanks for the link to learn more about miss Liberty, I have always wanted to know more... Having a swap with Sue is a sure thing, she picks the most amazing things!!! You lucky girl!!
Isabel

Debra@CommonGround said...

LOVE the graphic of the statue. I went to the NPS site, really amazing, but then realized I was totally disqualified for the climb.ha ha.
AND the Paris swap stuff is incredible!
On the slipcovers, a gal named Carol at the store is somewhat of a "legend in these here parts". She does fabulous work and is very affordable.
Have a great weekend! Debra

Cottage Way of Life said...

What a cool swap and boy did you ever make out! Those French flash cards, I love them! ... C'est chouette! (That's great). Envers is a preposition and it means towards or to ... just so you know what you are flashing. :-)

I think the Statue of Liberty is pretty amazing, the first time I flew into NY and saw it from the airplane, well ... it was a real warm, fuzzy, very American moment, really wonderful. And I love that my favorite country (after America of course), gifted it to the American people. Did you know there is a smaller version of the Statue of Liberty in Paris. It sits on the Seine near the Eiffel Tower.

A very happy 4th of July to you and your family!!!

-Sue
PS Thanks ever so much for the very sweet compliment you left on my blog regarding my artistic abilities! You were much too kind!

Laura said...

Just wanted to stop by and say Happy July 4th- I bet you know how to say that in French!

Have a great weekend,
Laura

Hayley Fraser said...

I like the way you put all that...and I love all your little French goodies. I have a few of those flashcards myself, I think, if they're the same small size as mine. Enjoy your holiday!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Great post and hope you are having a great 4th!

A Wild Thing said...

What fun toys you get to play with and French flash cards...how cool is that...green with envy in Ioway...and not from the corn.

Hate to say it but the weather has been perfect up here...60's at night, 70-80's daytime...and the rain, well, we needed it.

Hope y'all had a wonderful 4th!!!

Ms. Nut

Anonymous said...

HI Debbie , We went to the beach for the 4th and there was no internet service at the house where we stayed. Ugh! Thank you for the beautiful thank you post. I'm so glad you liked your gifts , if the heat hangs on and Cat Daddy wants me to send more soap just let me know. It was only 58 degrees at the beautiful Oregon coast. Brrr! Thanks for the link - I'm going to check it out tomorrow. G'night! Sue

The Green Pea said...

Debbie, what a wonderful post about Lady Liberty. You did really well on the swap too. I love the French Flash Cards!! Sandi

Anonymous said...

I love that tablecloth! I've been to the crown of the Statue of Liberty...lots and lots of stairs, but an amazing view.

Hope you enjoyed your long weekend.
-FringeGirl