Fleur-de-lis Frenzy

Maybe it’s just me, but have you noticed that the fleur-de-lis is making a thundering comeback? It seems to be everywhere. I first observed it last month in New Orleans, which is natural because of the city’s connection to French royalty.  Now, I can’t seem to avoid seeing this stylized lily (or lotus) everywhere I go.

I started thinking about the ancient artesian who developed this iconic image and how he (or she) will never know that this symbol has stood the test of time.  According to one legend, Clovis, the King of the Franks, succeeded in battle after water lilies showed him how to safely cross a river and thus succeed in battle.  Another story has an angel presenting Clovis with a golden lily as a symbol of purification upon his conversion to Christianity.  In the 12^th century, King Louis VI or King Louis VII became the first monarch to use the fleur-de-lis on his shield.

Whatever the origin, the fleur-de-lis has been associated with everything from Joan of Arc to the holy trinity to the Da Vinci Code to the New Orleans saints.

Kudos to that unknown genius who, for centuries, has left his mark on the world.

 

Wait, what? (part 2)

We’ve all experienced them. Those moments where you look at something, take it in, and then back up and say, “wait, what?”

It’s a delayed reaction. Your mind catches up to your instinct that tells you something isn’t quite right.

This sign in China was a head scratcher.

Did they want me to have fun or to stay away? Was this sign put there by a commitment phobe?

Walking by a new jewelry store in town, I was surprised to see Mona Lisa.  Ah, she looks really good with a pierced nose and a necklace. Brilliant marketing to bejewel a famous woman and give patrons a chuckle at the same time.

I know it was early in the morning, but Action News, you made me do a double take with this one. The investigation wasn’t the only thing botched…

I love those surprising little moments in life that make you say, “wait, what?”