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?”

New Orleans - A City of Contrasts

I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrasts of New Orleans. There’s the obvious difference between the grand mansions of the Garden District and the devastating poverty of the 9^th ward.  Beyond that, here’s what I observed.

You can wait for a trolley with the devil…

and just a block away, see the breathtaking shadow of Christ…

All the debauchery on Bourbon Street…

is undercut by the innocence of dreamers…

The crowds go wild over having beads thrown to them….

And they’re quickly forgotten about the next day.

Gravesites that are crumbling and seemingly neglected ...

are lovingly graced with flowers, beads, and sweet sentiments.

Senior citizens and toddlers walk side by side with scantily clad women and punk rockers. The crowd is a flavorful Gumbo of college spring-breakers, Mid-western tourists, old jazz musicians, yuppies, and church ladies. It’s a city that defiantly refuses to define itself as one thing. Maybe that’s why I love it.

You Put the "play" in Display

I love it when I see a display that is all about the play. If you’re going to be attention –seeking, you might as well make people smile. 

I was driving the back ways to the shore, when I came across this amazing cement mixer that was spilling out a stream of flowers (in February, no less). I made my husband do a u-turn just to capture this show-off.  It was like it was sharing a private joke, whose punch line was pansies instead of pavement.

If one single piece of straw can break a camel’s back, then I guess thousands of plastic straws can garner looks of awe.  This store in Philly exhibited them in such a way that the light came through and made an astonishing display. Who thought of this!?

 Most people aren’t crazy about public displays of affection, but I wish I could have been there when Jennifer saw this brick for the first time. I hope she said yes.

It's Gonna Be a Good Day

I don’t know about you, but I believe in signs. There’s nothing better than getting a signal – no matter how small - that the day is off to a good start.

My mom-in-law always gets these eggs on our weekends in the Poconos. All the little kids gather around when she opens the carton and say together “good morning, beautiful.” We all giggle and, yes, feel boosted and somehow believe the message is for us.  Brilliant marketing.  

The eggs got nothing on the english muffins. They, too, have figured out that their customers like to start the day out with a nice message. Come on, you know you want to smile.

I always feel happy when I see a cardinal.  They are a reminder of vibrancy, hope, and energy in a colorless winter.  This guy was singing a loud and cheerful tune and was patient enough for me to intrude on his song.

Ok, maybe it was May in Amalfi, but my husband and I went back for these cappuccinos over and over again. Yes, it was that heart shaped touch of cinnamon that made all the difference.

It’s the small things in life…

Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt

 Shadows stretch the truth. They distort. They misrepresent. They mock. They play with reality. It’s almost as if shadows have a secret knowledge.

I’m forever fascinated by the way shadows can terrify, amuse, and fool us.  They alter our perception.  They show us a dark side and a beautiful side.  They silhouette us as they see fit.

My son took this photo of a random woman in Punta Cana. Her profile is perfectly poised with drink in hand. I’m envious.

Here’s how I find my cat, Bella, most mornings - positioned behind the blinds just watching the world go by.

Here’s more of Bella’s window on a bright morning.

Thanks, shadow, for making me tall and skinny!

I know I’ve posted this before, but it bears repeating. Does this motorcycle really think it’s a giraffe?

Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Powerful Women in my Bathroom

As I was cleaning the bathroom yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice that I have a collection of strong women scattered around the room.  I think I must have subconsciously been drawn to these ladies for their soulful self-assurance.

We couldn’t resist this very pregnant beauty from Punta Cana.  We fell in love with her faceless strength and determination.  Many of the Dominican dolls don’t have faces to represent ‘one people’ – a fusion of cultures, races, and religions.  There’s no model of what a woman should look like; they celebrate diversity by not complying to a standard of beauty. Now that’s power!

This goddess of summer has the ultimate freedom to traipse around the garden half naked.  Who doesn’t respect that? Just wish I could find winter, spring, and autumn to keep her company.

I don’t even know what to say about this lady. The title of the picture is “Contentment.” Read into that what you may.

Her eyes mesmerized me.  I don’t know who she is or where she’s from, but I love her message – Belong to Yourself. Plus, she matches my towels so nicely!

And finally, here’s little Amy, aged 2, kissing Joey, aged 1 ½.  This was 20 years ago. She was ahead of her time.

Stay strong, ladies!