1. It is windy day here in Austin and that means maybe some of the heat will blow away. Okay, maybe it won't. But at least the wind, clouds and overcastness( is that even a word?) of the day create the illusion of the a 6o-something degree day. In actuality it it going to be 95 degrees. Buggary-bug-bug-bugger, is what I have to say to that.
2. He-weasel made me coffee before he left the house this morning. With no hyperbole let me tell you he makes the best coffee in the world--better than Pete's, Starbucks or Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Really and this is not just because I love him. I am picky about coffee and love or money would not stop me from calling a bad cup of coffee like I see it.
3. David Sedaris new book, "When You Are Engulfed By Flames" has come out and I am going to buy it today. I am prepared to laugh so hard I will throw the book across the room. The bad news is that it is hardback and I could end up hurting someone with my laugh attacks. Also, reading David makes me sure that I am a talentless hack. But, the joy of the experience of reading David outweighs the crushing blow to my self-concept and confidence.
4. I have a lot of books that I am reading at once and they are all great. I feel spoiled by choice.
Thanks to B and La Framéricaine I am reading "Travels With Charlie." I am also reading Philip Cousineau's great book, "The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred ", The Traveler's Tales Guides: "The Road Within: True Stories of Transformation and the Soul."
5. I ordered the much discussed gold jacket. Thank you all for weighing in on the jacket. At the end of the day the I's had it. The jacket is on its way to me. Oh, and you decenters will be happy to know that He-weasel agreed with you. He thinks it looks like a medical coat from the year 3000. He is not a fan of my fabulous gold jacket. I feel sure that when he sees it in person he will change his mind.
6. I also ordered these. Thank you Psyche at the Economy of Style. I had long coveted these Michael Kors shoes after she bought them. Yesterday, Psyche told me I could find these beauties at QVC. I got them in Bronze. I know-I know, I am becoming my mother. But really, these are gorgeous. Love-love-love them!! Photo of the fabulous shoes also courtesy of the lovely and fashionable Psyche.
7. I had my hair done yesterday. Sadly, I went to a new place and as lovely as the lady was she made my roots a sort of blondy brown and the rest of my hair is reddish brown. But, it was good enough to get my photos taken for the visa and the pictures didn't turn out totally hideous. I just look really boring. It is hard to look glamorous in 100 degree weather---well, it is for me.
8. The ROC Retin-OX Anti-Age Hand Cream, that my extremely generous expat friend, Chicamericaine, sent me, is actually making the brown spots on my hands diminish. This is the first product that has ever really made a difference, and I had used prescription anti-brown spot cream that I got from my dermatologist and all I had were stinky hands with brown spots. This stuff really works!!
9. I am going to Portland next week. And, I will be staying with B. I will also get to meet F.O.T. and Je ne regrettes pas. And, if I am lucky, I will get to meet more lovely bloggy friends in Oregon. I am ridiculously excited!
10. I received all my paperwork for my long stay French visa. Hooray!!!Oh, and did I mention I am going to the French consulate tomorrow. Yes, I am so very excited. Please send good thoughts, good mojo and prayers that all goes well tomorrow. I will write about my adventure at the consulate as soon as I get home, hopefully with visa in hand.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Why today is a great day
Posts
62 comments:
Ok I place one hand onto my elbow in front and do the same with the other (think genie!!!) and then I quikcly tilt my head forward in a gesture saying: boom baby, your wish is my command! It will all be fabulous, I promise...
how's that? :)
nancy
Nancy: Ooh, that is good.Thank you!! Nancy, do you live in a lushly decorated bottle? I always wanted to live in Genie's bottle---but I had no interest in Major's Healey or Nelson. Are you too young for this reference?;-)
Ok I am crossing my fingers and saying: Oh Sorry I am too young for the refernce in question. :)
Nancy: Do not ever apologize for your age, beauty or intelligence.;-) Here you go. This is the Genie of which I speak.
p.s. I was a toddler when I watched this show. Oh, and there were reruns on Nick at Night.;-)
You have so much to look forward to, both in the immediate and the long term. Tu as de la chance, Belette!
Red hair is terrifically difficult to work with, color-wise. I hope you find someone with mad skillz in Paris -- and I hope "red" doesn't get so lost in translation that you emerge from the salon with either that aubergine-red or that screamingly fake red peculiar to French women of a certain age. (You know the one.)
I'm anxious to hear how you like your jacket and shoes once they arrive.
Good luck with your consulate adventures. Things are happening!
xoxo --
Marsi
Marsi: I remember reading somewhere that happiness is having something to look forward to. I think that is an inadequate definition, but by that measure I have so many reasons to be happy!
Red hair is so hard. Sometimes I feel like just giving up on it for a colour that is easier to achieve. But, I have a referral to an amazing colourist in France. I cannot wait until she gets her magic hands into my hair. This colourist is from Australia so I feel sure I will be able to adequately explain the colour red I am going for---which is not Sonia Rykiel red!;-)
As soon as my jacket and shoes arrive I will post about them both. I can't wait!!
Thanks for your well wishes. I feel sure with all my over-preparing and the magic of all the well wishes I will do just fine. ;-)
No matter how many meteorological effects are contributing to the illusion, 95 will always feel like 95. Might I suggest opening the freezer door and sticking your head in there for a moment? I've found that helps a little. ;-)
When You Are Engulfed In Flames? Did Mr. Sedaris stay in Austin recently? We're getting your weather tomorrow. Thanks a lot!
Good luck with the Frenchie bureaucrats. I will sacrifice an entire cult of neocons to Zeus for some good vibes to be sent your way!
Randal: At this point any sign that the weather is or could change is hope that I cling to like a dehydrated weasel clings to an empty bottle of Jack. Hmm, that simile is a little bit frightening.
Actually, I think Sedaris is in town this week. I am not one to go stand in line for him to sign a book for me. Events like that only exacerbate my awareness that even though I like to write yuck-yuck essays and I have a Greek last name I am not even close to his skill set. And, I figure I have enough suffering without having to go and stand in line to suffer.
I am sorry that you will be feeling the pain of the heat. My advice to you is to stay in doors and don't move,that is how I cope.
Oh, and thanks for the sacrifice. That should do it. Actually, that kind of ritual might garner me French citizenship.;-)
Love that gold jacket!
And my copy of "When you are Engulfed in Flames" arrived by mail today. I can't wait to dig in and start howling. LOVE David Sedaris.
And of course: good luck with the consulate!
David S. makes me laugh till I cry. I've ordered his tome. I subscribe to This American Life's podcast and occasionally he appears ... OMG those are good days!!
I'm going to investigate this handcreme. Another thing, (sure you're on top of it), I keep sunscreen in the car and put it on top of my hands on each entrance. Driving = age spots! sunny day or not. I'm convinced.
he-weasel sounds lovely. I'd actually consider putting up with a man if he made me coffee. for a half hour every morning I'd put up with him (or as long as coffee making takes)... heh.
I heart fashion: I thought, after reading about your silver jacket that you might like my gold one!;-)
Enjoy Sedaris, just don't hurt your self or others when reading him. Truly, I feel like his books ought to come with a warning label:"DO not read or listen to when operating heavy machinery as you may lose control."
Thanks for your kind well wishes!!:-)
OK, here we go:
1. However hard the wind blows, 95 is just freakin' hot. Damn.
2. One of the first things I am going to purchase for my house (besides electricity and hot water) is a coffee bean grinder and espresso maker. I can't find whole coffee beans in the stores, so I will have to either ship them to France or buy them from a wonderful woman in Pezanas. win-win for me.
3. I have a crush on Sedaris. Yeah, yeah, I know... but he is so funny and writes so well. I can't help it. Remind me never to read a funny book around you, we might hurt each other with the laughing and throwing.
4. I am in the middle of lots of books too, but I'm hooked watching QI on YouTube before bed.
5. Boys are silly.
6. Those look like tango dancing shoes. Sexy.
7. Just think, the next time you have to have a colour it will be in Paris and you'll have to learn a new set of words.
8. Yeah!
9. Hercules! Hercules! Hercules! *claps and jumps up and down*
10. Repeat #9
JNRR:I am also a big fan of this American Life. I love that show. I too subscribe to the podcast.
Yes, sunscreen is key.And, ROC also makes a handcreme with anti-aging properties and SPF that I use in the day time. So, I use a day handcreme and a night handcreme from ROC and the difference is obvious.
You are right, He-weasel is lovely! And, his coffee making skills are just the tip of his iceberg of loveliness.;-)
Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! You're coming next week! Like all my future traveling, it just seems surreal right now. But it is next week!!
I love the Michael Kors shoes in bronze... very nice! And I really love this reading list. Aren't books/literature amazing?
Your list is inspiring. There are always things to be grateful for and they are often simple things/gestures/experiences.
F.O.T.:
1. True enough!
2. Whole beans, grinding them for the perfect amount of time, filtered water and love are the secret ingredients to He-weasel's amazing coffee.
3. David has a boyfriend. But, don't let that stop you from loving him. I love Bill Clinton and he has a Hillary and I still love him.;-)
4. Ooh, what is Qi?
5. Boys who see fit to wear Madras shorts shall not ever be allowed to decide what I buy and what I don't.
6. These shoes are not made for walking the cobblestoned streets of France. But, I couldn't stop myself.
7. Oh, I wish that were true. I go in for colour every 3 weeks!
8. While your hands are young and beautiful please apply sunscreen on your hands several times a day. You will one day thank me for my wise council.
9. Whoo-hoo!!
10. Whoo-hoo!!
Qi(Quite Interesting) is a British quiz (comedy really) show with host Stephen Fry.
If you search for it on youtube, you'll see... funny and informative.
You know the Graham Norton show? Fabulous!
Yeah, I know Sedaris has a boyfriend. Still, I have a literary crush.
B: Bonjour my lovely hostess!! Cannot wait to see you! Hooray!
Shoes are super sexy, no? I am loving the Steinbeck. Thanks for the recommendation.
Gratitude is a way I calm, soothe and assure myself that all is well. It is my most consistent spiritual practice. Actually I think happiness and gratitude are inextricably linked.
F.O.T.: Oh yes, I forgot the name of the show. I watched it and enjoyed it on your recommendation. I am so glad you love Graham as much as I do. Is he on Youtube? I must go look!!
#4 i love those wanderlust stories by a fella Piscean- read back when... a sort of a native de Tocqueville seeing america. i love steinbeck's pitch on this book.
#6 to complicate your consuming life: http://urlthat.com/89ab823 more gold shoes from barney's. i get Barney's e-mails [for sale notifications] and, inevitably, the well made [ie, mucho expensive] women's shoes always headline them. as objects, they are well designed and beautiful but i pity the poor woman that has to walk with them, just so that...
#10 the last i checked, all the necessary panets and moons are aligned just so-- you're poised to get what you wish.
there is a givenchy on p.2 [fierce!], a prada on p. 4, a coupla laboutin's on p. 5 that are just très très bon.
but i would not even know how to start coordinating...
the country bumpkin SUR ;-)
SUR: #4 Wish I could approach my French observations with just a 1/4 of Steinbeck's amazing mix of subjectivity and objectivity. I didn't know he was a fellow Pisces. It makes sense though. A lot of water in his writing, and I mean that in a elemental sense not in a literal one.
#6: Rats, that link took me nowhere. I would love to lust over more gold shoes.
#10: Ooh, the astrological aspects are all aligned. Thanks for arranging that SUR!!;-)
SUR: No, dear SUR, country bumpkins do not describe Givenchy shoes as fierce. You may live in the country, but bumpkin you are not.;-)
p.s. I must get me paws on that catalog. Would you mind emailing it to me---if it is not too much trouble?
uno mas:
http://tinyurl.com/5hk9c5
or the longer version:
http://www.barneys.com/Shoes/SHOES05,default,sc.html?prefn1=colorCode&prefv1=Gold&start=0&sz=10tmwcmnp
Well I am ridiculously excited for you!
So much on your plate?
Don't forget to take some home made chocolate chip cookies to the Fr. consulate tomorrow..that is if you can't bring some chocolate macarons..
Kill em with kindness
SUR: Thank you!! I am there now and I am drooling over this page of gold shoes. I agree, the Givenchy are fierce---to fierce for me. Wow!! I wish I was that girl.
But, I am/could and would be the Prada wavy t-strap girl. And, the Christian Loubitain Prive Gold Pumps are a nice basic and classic way to start a gold standard shoe collection. Waah, I want those shoes! No, I need those shoes!! ;-)
see what i started... lordy.
CarolG: Merci!!!There is a lot of delicious goodness on my plate these days. I am so appreciative for each and every morsel of goodness.
And, I have heard that too much kindness and politeness at the French consulate can work against you. I fear that they might not warm to my delicious toll house cookies. But, if I had some Laduree macarons the world, or in this case a visa, might be mine for the asking.
SUR: Don't worry, I won't tell He-weasel where I learned about these shoes. Now, where is my Barney's card?;-)
LOVE THOSE SHOES.
Congrats on getting the paperwaork. Travel safely.
Miss Janey: Thank you!!
ME TOO!!! Really, these are the kind of shoes that I will put on my feet just to sit at home and lift my feet up in the air just to admire with wonder how cute my feet look in them. It has been a long time since I have loved a pair of shoes like I love these.
Thanks for the advice on the Talbot tee..I plan to order a few at the sale price!
I am so excited to hear how it goes at the consulate...you know I will be praying all goes well!
Kelly
PS that is cool you will be in Oregon next week, you'll be just one state away from me!
Kelly: I think you will love the Talbot's tee. I now have about 10 of them. The quality and cut are fantastic.
Thank you so much for your prayers!!!
Wish I could see you while I was there. Any chance you could come down to Portland?
I looooooove the shoes!!!
El: Me too!!! They are so lovely. I almost want to pet that fringe. Yikes, is it wrong to love a shoe that much?;-)
i hope your brown-spotless hand gets that visa! we'll celebrate.
it is disconcerting that in sedaris's writing i find a nice reprieve from my real-life wackadoodle relations. his books are peopled with (relatively) sane and staid family members.
oh, and ps, those clouds, useless though they may be in bringing down the inhuman temperatures you are forced to endure in that crazy state, are courtesy of my birthday. that's right. clouds on my birthday is the one happy way the universe tries to balance out all the other muck for me, one day of the year. glad you could benefit from this little treat too.
What happened to the amazing Dahn?
I must find hand cream that works. My hands have been spotty since around age 30.
I agree that the weather in Austin today is slightly better. According to the radio it was only 87 at 1:00 today. 87 and breezy is a big improvement over 100 and deathly still.
Enjoy your Sedaris. I think he's just brilliant.
Tara
Number 2 is a VERY good thing in a husband.
And, don't I owe you some homeroasted coffee???
I wish I could come to Portland! But Anna our lab is being spayed next week so with that happening along with Tank the puppy I am pretty much tied to the homestead! Otherwise, I'd hop a train and ride down to Portland and meet up with you guys for lunch!
Editor: I hate to edit your comment, but sadly my hands are not spotless. They are less spotted. I wouldn't want to mislead you about the power of the Roc.
But, yes, I look forward to sipping some champagne with you all in celebration of my visa!!!
And, in my reading of Sedaris I remember a mother who was emotionally abusive, a father obsessed with the weight of his daughters, and a sister who wears fat pants with a prosthetic ass to freak out her father. Really, Editor, where is the normal?;-)
I find that his wacakdoo family normalizes my experience, i.e. we all have wackadoo families! There is some comfort in not being the only one with the crazy. :-)
Dear Editor: Happy Birthday!!!!!!I am so grateful for the clouds and the wind. The benevolent creator is celebrating your birth by giving me the illusion of a cool outside. Nice!
I hope you are aptly feted today. Champagne, beautiful clothes and everyone making it clear how happy they are you were born.
Well, let me be one who makes it clear that I am happy you were born. :-)Your beautiful blogs and your gift for writing and illustration has enriched my life.
Happy Birthday, Editor!!
Tara: We had phone tag difficulties. I think one of my calls went into the abyss. So, I was desperate for root coverage and I made the mistake of impatience.
Yes, the ROC cream is fantastic. I don't know if the night cream is available in the states. But if it isn't I recommend ordering it from Europe if you can. It is that good!!
Thanks, a new Sedaris book is always a big event for me. Kind of like Christmas!
And, enjoy the relative cool. There is still a little wind. I love it!
Corfu Cousin: Yeah, when I rave too much about how great his coffee is he then brings up how he should have a restaurant because of coffee skills. I remind him that you need to be able to make more than coffee if you want to open a restaurant!
Coffee, yes please!!! And, I hope to see you soon! :-D
Kelly: I wish you could come to Portland too! Well, there will be other North West visits.
Good luck to Anna!
wow, what great shoes, you need to take a picture with them.
fingers crossed, thoughts and prayers are all with you.
Good luck for tomorrow at the French consulate, you're going to beat them, ma belle ;)
Remember le sigh!!!
God bless you and may the light be with you.
Love xxxxxxxx
(The shoes are more black than blue)
i am sorry to say that sedaris is talented, in my opinion, for making his pretty normal family seem so funny/amusing/wacky. ;)
if anyone wrote about my family, they wouldn't need talent.
i was too ambitious - well i hope your cream works extra hard and you are even more pleased with the results tomorrow. i think, spots or not, your hands will feel mighty happy if the day goes as planned.
thank you for the nicest birthday wish i've received all day. it's been a good day. i technically get the whole month. yes, i claim "birthday month" and for some reason, the people who matter tend to go along with it.
Seeker: One I get the new shoes and a new pedicure there will be a shoe photo shoot. I promise.
Thanks for all the good thoughts, prayers, and good thoughts. I am sure all will be well.
Embrasos y besos!!:-)
Editor: Whether Sedaris' family is dead normal or totally nutters---he is a genius and brilliantly funny. I love him.
Even since your last email I feel as if my spots have gotten even smaller. I think your optimism is well placed.
Hope you have a lovely birthday month and that the celebrations are worthy of the occasion.
I have got to read some Dave Sedaris.I know my daughter has some of his book, I will steal them like she steals mine. Did you know that both he and Charlie Rose grew up in North Carolina? It is a pretty nice place! What is the name of the roc night hand cream. I am not opposed to ordering it from Europe. I have the daytime one, eh, it's ok. I love L'occitane the best. I have used up my retin-a samples on my hands, my face was terribly allergic to it, so I need something new. Have fun in Portland, I have never been there either, but read about it and see pictures. I hear there is awesome food there. At least that's what Giada and Rachel Ray say :-). I hope you like your jacket when it arrives.
Those shoes are hot! And not in the bad Austin way.
Leigh: Yes, you must read Sedaris!! I would suggest starting with "Me Talk Pretty One Day."
And, strangely,I did know that Charlie and David were both from North Carolina---two of my favorite people. Charlie's father was a tobacco grower and David's father worked for IBM. Why do I know that?
I used to use Renova on my hands and I never got that kind of results. The ROC hand creme has anti aging properties that L'Occitane only dreams of. It is called ROC Retin-Ox Multi Correction Hand Cream.
I have been to Portland many times and it is a really beautiful city. I love the weather, the roses and all of the pine trees.
Thanks for the well wishes in regards to the jacket. I do to! I will let you know as soon as it arrives! :-)
WendyB: I am so glad you like them!! I feel sure that the sidewalk will sizzle when these shoes take to the streets!.
I'm very sad I missed out on the jacket weigh-in. I do love it, though, and I think it will be great.
Love the shoes, too!
David Sedaris is coming to a town near me, and my friend and I are probably going to go see him. I can't wait!
Tis the winds of change a'blowin. Good coffee, good books, good shopping = good times! Will it be cooler in Portland, I think you need a break from all that heat?
David Sedaris is way up there on my list of the best things in the world ever too. Yet another reason why I love you Belette.
The shoes rock. I have a pair of bronze Chloe sandals that, whilst ridiculous and impractical and revealing way too much of my ungroomed hooves, make me happy every time i look at them. Prozac for feet!
You are definitely beating the black at the moment aren't you, one purchase at a time. The consular assistants will be sous le charme without a doubt. Et merde for today. As they say in l'hexagone.
Yes, yes, what a great day!
I am sending some positive vibes for your consulate trip today. Al the best!
J'ai appris par Pamela le projet français. Je suis sûre que tout se passera bien et j'espère avoir le plaisir de te rencontrer en vrai.
ENC: Thank you for weighing in on the shoes and jacket. I am so excited for the UPS mail to come with my package.
We saw David Sedaris perform in Chicago. He was hilarious. I even snorted in laughter. I know it isn't chic. But, it was fun!
Cybill: Ooh, good name. That is what I should have called this post. "The Winds of Change." Hmm, is it wrong to rename a post? Especially when it wasn't even my idea?
Yes, Portland should be much cooler. There could even be rain. I hope there will be.
Jaywalker: You have great taste!! It is rather self serving to tell somebody else they have great taste when they like what you like. So be it.
Prozac for feet. Golly, that is good!! Your Chloes sound positively transformative. Any chance of posting a picture?
And, even throw I seem to be on a bit of a gold strike---please know black will remain my primary colour.
Psyche: Thank you for being a big part of making my day. I am so excited that I will soon be sporting the shoes I have long envied. So sweet of you to share them!
Briconcella: Merci! Bon pour avoir de vos nouvelles. J'attends avec intérêt de vous rencontrer.
Yikes, does that make any sense? I hope so! :-)
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