Round and round we go!

When do we think about carousels? I don't very often, though I know a local church actually decided to put one in their facility... Just different!! There's a movie about carousels, and then, there's always the carousels that just happen to pop up in different places... When is the last time you saw one? Or rode one? (I bet you can guess what my goal is already!!)

Personal Background...

None! Other than riding a few, but probably last time was when I was 10ish?!?

So, a little history...

Top Ten Facts from the history of the carousel:
1. Carosella was the first term used by Italian and Spanish onlookers as Turkish and Arabian folks played games on their horses in the 1100s.
2. French changed these "horse games" to the name "carrousel".
3. Object of the original game was the spear a ring hung in a tree.
4. A Frenchman decided to build a device on a center pole to train young men for this type of game. (You know where this is going!)
5. 1700s were when the first known carousels built for fun arrived on scene.
6. First powered carousels were done so by steam.
7. Gustav Dentzel was the U.S. inventor that introduced the modern carousel to the world in 1860s.
8. This was when other animals were included along with carved horses.
9. Interest in the carousel declined in the Great Depression and peaked again in the 1970s
10. 150 of predicted 4000 original from the American Golden Age still exist.

All information pulled from here!

Fox News also happened to do a story here on top carousels to visit in the U.S.! Thought that was fun!

What's up with the random animals??

A goal... (or two)

RIDE one of these guys!!! 

Maybe a zebra one!

Carousel-inspired fashion...

I don't know about you guys, but I like it! Weird shape of skirt, but I do like it! At least on her!

And, at your local Macy's...

For the normal folks like me, what carousel-inspired items can you find and buy? 
How cute is this cupcake stand?! And under 50 dollars!! Click here for more! 

Looking up...

Since carousels tend to go in circles, I focused on a passage about that. God told Joshua to circle a city seven times and they would overcome it. It's amazing, because we know it wasn't the actual act, but the action of obedience and God's power that took the city down. Here's a verse from this passage, and you can read the whole chapter here!

Joshua 6:15

On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times.

What do you want? You want the moon?

Classic Jimmy Stewart!! 

Who doesn't enjoy It's a Wonderful Life around the December time frame? 

Personal Background...

I am old school... Not old school 70s or 80s, but more like the days of black and white TV - in so many ways! I like classic cars, classic TV (for the most part), and so forth... Jimmy Stewart has acted in a lot of old movies that are true classics, but his (arguably) most notable is my second favorite movie of all time. Who doesn't like watching a story of hitting bottom yet realizing there's mercy, grace, love still available to you? There's purpose beyond what you can see! I love the message. 

And I love the story of love with the husband and wife too... A cute tale of how they came together - and persevered together!

So, a little history...

Jimmy Stewart profile includes:

• First-born
• Born in Pennsylvania
• Faith was a priority
• Middle name: Maitland
• Slid down banisters
• Described as "had a reserved, dignified manner, as well as the distinctive, deliberate way of thinking and speaking"
• Played accordion and piano
• Only son, but had sisters
• Squashed two pennies on the train track by the train that led President Harding's funeral procession; kept in his desk for years
• Boy Scout
• Football player 
• Brick layer and painter of highway lines; musician; cheerleader (on squad); magician's assistant; stagehand
• Princeton grad
• Loved studying architecture
• Art Trouble (1934) (first picture)
• Described as playing "tough but vulnerable" roles as a trademark
• Named producer, Capra (It's a Wonderful Life), as his biggest professional influence
• When drafted, he was 5 lbs under; he went home, ate a ton, and went back and made it in
• Pilot (even before military service); always fascinated with aviation
• After war, became radio personality before going back to acting
• Married Gloria, who had two boys from previous marriage, then they had twin girls
• Passion for wildlife conservation
• Helped Ronald Reagan campaign for presidency
• Experienced loss of parents, stepson, and eventually wife after 45 years of marriage upon her death
• Passed away at 89 in 1997

Quotes from family, fans, and organizations...

"Yet their son Michael says they “were raised with that small-town Christian Presbyterian ethic that nobody owes you a living.  If you have bad breaks, get up and move on.  That was the attitude of both my parents, and it never changed.”"

"In presenting the award, the American Film Institute summed up many aspects of his enduring presence: “In a career of extraordinary range and depth, Jimmy Stewart has come to embody on the screen the very image of the typical American. Whether flying the ocean as Charles Lindbergh, going to Washington as Senator Jefferson Smith, or playing an ordinary man who somehow never got around to leaving his home town, Stewart has captured the essence of American hopes, doubts, and aspirations. His idealism, his determination, his vulnerability, and above all, his basic decency shine through every role he plays…..”"

"His values: hard work, love of country, love of family, love of community and most of all love of God."

All information taken from here.

A goal... (or two)

Be as real as possible... Keep my priorities in place. Have people say my values reflect ones that match Jimmy's, because those are my priorities! 
Let's just stay big picture!

Since Jimmy had a thing for aviation...

Aviation-inspired fashion...

Take a look! 

And, at your local Macy's...

Ray-Ban Aviators for just over $100... You decide if it's worth it! Click here! 

Looking up...

Proverbs 23:5

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. 

Love this! Not worth worrying over the material... This verse was lived out a lot in Jimmy Stewart's life as well. Seemed appropriate! Click here for more from the Proverbs. 

Out of the BLUE...

Sapphires continue to be one of my very favorite gemstones, mostly because of their beautiful color. Blue is the theme for today, yet, I'll focus it on sapphires. Even the name of the gem has some pizzazz to it!

Personal Background...

I love blue. I love, love, love BLUE. There's nothing better than a beautiful, clear blue sky - or a blue ocean!! When in Miami on an early morning jog, I took this picture (pre-smart phone, mind you... Go Samsung!), and I have this photo blown up and on my office wall! Why I love it?! So much BLUE!

So, a little history...

People (way, way back 'in the day') thought that the space that the planet sat in was in fact sapphire of sorts! I can see why when we look at how beautiful the colors of the sky can be and their match to this gemstone. In many sapphires, you can see flecks of yellow, red, pink - as we do in sunsets. It is also mentioned that blue is preferred over other colors in 50% of the world's population... I'm not alone in loving the blues! And as far as sapphires, you can find them in various places in the world, including: India, Burma, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa. Yet, the Kashmir sapphires are touted as the most beautiful color. Those who do mine for sapphires are careful to find the gem and try to cut for best color, apparently. Since the hardness factor is just shy of a diamond (super hard), the professional must use special tools and make the ccut just right. For more, click here.

Pics from a real sapphire...

A sapphire in the rough (from Madagascar):

And the highly loved Kashmir sapphire:

The real deal...

So, one famous sapphire engagement ring that we probably all know is that of Kate Middleton. When Prince William proposed to her in Kenya, he used his mother's ring - this 18 karat (worth half a million) sapphire. Gorgeous! This all from a story broken by CBS news here.

Now, I'm not sure how Wikipedia is, but I thought these facts were interesting as well.. Read and click link here, and let me know if you think this is true!
"Some commentators say Diana selected it because it reminds her of her mother's engagement ring. Leslie Field stated: "She (Diana) had obviously already said she would like a sapphire; she had half a dozen rings and she chose this one purely because she liked it." and "Somebody came up with the story that she immediately went for the biggest, but I asked her and she told me it definitely wasn't the biggest, she simply thought it was very beautiful."
After the divorce of Charles and Diana, the possession of the engagement ring came back to the Prince of Wales. It remained at Kensington Palace. After Diana's death occurred, Charles took the mourning Princes William and Harry to the palace to select mementos from their mother's possessions. Prince Harry selected the engagement ring, whereas Prince William selected Diana's £18,000 yellow gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch. They eventually exchanged mementos. Prince William decided to give Middleton the engagement ring in October 2010. After the announcement of the engagement of the couple, the engagement ring has become popular selling copies of it."

A goal... (or two)

Hmm... buy a ring?? Or how about cleaning up my bedroom (which is blue), so my things strewed about will not detract from the beautiful blue walls!! Yes, that's the right goal...

Sapphire-inspired fashion...

Beautiful hues below! Apparently, Valentino was inspired to do this sapphire blue collection through ceramics... I can see the influence here.

And, at your local Macy's...

For us commoners, some sapphire inspired (priced to own) styles, here! I could have found something cheaper, but look at these (fake, but gorgeous) drop earrings for just 100 bucks... Sorry, but that blue and gold combo caught my eye immediately.

Looking up...

I'm doing BSF, which stands for Bible Study Fellowship (click here for more info), and we are studying the life of Moses right now... Of course, we are talking about the way people (pre-Jesus' act on the cross) worshiped God and made themselves clean before Him. (He always finds a way for us to be near Him, though He is so holy and perfect, our sin creates an issue...) A part of this place of worship that God gave instructions for involved blue materials... I thought "Wow, you love blue too, God!" ha ha... I had other deeper realizations through the passage, but I admit I did think that! Here it is is here in the text!

Exodus 26:1

[ The Tabernacle ] “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker.

Coffeehouse Craziness

Who doesn't love a good   Starbucks   coffee or tea? Or take your local brand and fill it in the blank.... MMMMMM.. Especially for a month like January. I can almost smell that distinct coffeehouse smell that I love so much!

Personal Background...
I hate coffee (too bitter), but I love the smell. Buy me a coffee-scented candle any day of the week, and I'm happy!!
Despite turning down coffee after coffee from well-meaning friends, I DO LOVE me some tea.. hot tea! YUM...
Bag tea = good. Chai from Starbucks with all the calories = deliciousness (and trying to buy only Monday mornings).

So, a little history...
Where did the coffeehouse begin?
I found this book that peaked my curiosity: The Coffee House: A Cultural History. Click on title to connect to Amazon where you can purchase. So, below, I am copying the synopsis, which I found fascinating... The reviews have made me even more curious to learn more...
"When the first coffeehouse opened in London in 1652, customers were bewildered by this strange new drink from Turkey—hot, bitter, and black as soot. But those who tried coffee were soon won over, and more coffee-houses were opened across London, America, and Europe. For a hundred years the coffeehouse occupied the center of urban life, creating a distinctive social culture. They played a key role in the explosion of political, financial, scientific, and literary change in the 18th century, as people gathered, discussed, and debated issues within their walls."
It was mentioned that the coffeehouse started in homes in England in actual parlours. Men often used the spot for discussing politics, their work, or common topics of the day. There's also mention of it even as a setting to meet future women for courting purposes... Doesn't sound a whole lot different than coffeehouses of today! It just slowly transitioned out of people's homes into their own establishments, and wah-la! We are junkies for a good coffeehouse vibe...

From a real Starbucks barista...
Just for the fun of it, check out this interview and laugh your head off! You might have already seen this, but even if you have, see again here.
Take a look at why they misspell your name and its effectiveness! Please excuse the language... Cover your kiddos', pets', and any other innocent creatures' ears first!! Yikes! Sorry!

Coffee - Popping out all over! Or POOPing(?) out all over!!?!? 
Check these facts out from NPR here, friends... Again, another reason to convert to tea - immediately!
The article is short, but in even shorter form: Elephants eat coffee beans, poop them out, and workers collect them, then selling them to you as Black Ivory Coffee! Yes, indeed. In the link above, you can even see pictures! They say "The aroma is floral"! Oh really? For some reason, I'm just not buying that - figuratively or literally!
Here's the big guy helping this process along:

A goal... (or two)
I mentioned that it's only Monday mornings that I indulge in my favorite non-fat, no water, no foam Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks...ONLY Mondays is the goal... I am cutting back to that NOW. What I've been doing is starting the work day about 2-3x/week with one of those aforementioned Chai Latte - non-fat, but not non-calorie! Gotta cut back... Who is with me?! Is there a Caffeine Anonymous created out there somewhere? I'm sure I'll have withdrawals!

Coffeehouse-inspired fashion...
Take a look at this, ladies... She is on the runway with a coffee cup!! No joking!! Thinking I need to walk in my local Starbucks in this outfit on Monday (and only Monday!) and strut my stuff all the way to the counter!! You in?!?

And, at your local Macy's...
I'm not sure why this is "coffeehouse", but it's right there in the name of this sweet little jacket, and it's only $49!! Yep, and it's cute! I like that color! It's in my cart... click here to grab it too!

Looking up...
So, I know that the Lord is my strength (and shield)!! The Bible tells me so, and I have countless of personal experiences to back that up... So, if He is really my strength, I am interested in tapping into that -- every day! Sunday through Saturday, and particularly, all days not Monday when NO caffeine will be involved for a strength boost! Thank you, Lord, for powering me up and getting me through!! Click here to read more about that verse!

Lang May Yer Lum Reek!!

That title sounds really negative, right? Well, I found out that lum = chimney and reek = smoke, and that this is a Scottish greeting meaning "May you have a prosperous future!" or "Long may you have smoke in your chimney"!!  I like that!!!

So, Scottish, Irish, English, Roman??? Who do you think of when you hear the word "bagpipes"?? Or maybe, like me, you just think of one of our Friends, Ross (click here for reference - ha)!

Personal Background...
Not really any... Though it's rumored I have Irish, English, and Scottish ancestors, and I'm sure at least one of them could play a tune on one of these babies!! I did dress up as a Scottish bagpiper two Halloweens ago! So fun!!

So, a little history... 
I certainly don't think of Romans, but with a little checking, it appears the Romans introduced the instrument to this part of the world. Not a real shock... The shock for me was that it didn't catch on right away. And that the Irish took hold of it and then let it go once they were more an indoor society (since it was loud and I guess, better set for the outdoors?). Anyway, the Irish felt the Scottish had taken it and run with it (not literally), as well as other parts of the Irish traditional culture, and so when they took it back on, they wanted to do it differently than those Scots... So, the Scottish played with the middle of their fingers (sounds so hard), therefore the Irish adopted the tips of their fingers (as had been done by their flute players - easier adjustment).

It was also mentioned that the outfit must be different than the Scots while playing this majestic instrument... Irish apparently needed to draw on their uniqueness here... Tartan was connected with the Scots, and so saffron was introduced to the pattern to make it uniquely Irish. (Their armies were the ones who were playing these instruments by the way, so rather than outfit, I suppose I should say "uniform")...

Tartan and Saffron, not your "every day" words...
What is tartan? Click here to see the many styles of pattern. *all colors
What is saffron? Click here. Apparently, the distinction is the color.
Don't worry. I had to research too!

For even more about the history from the Irish perspective of the bagpipe, click here.

From some real bagpipers... 
Here's a quick clip you might like from France at the International Bagpipe Festival of '57. How are they playing that base while walking with two people?!. Click here.
And if you are one of those who doesn't like this instrument at all (and I know you exist!), try this version of Thunderstruck, and see if you change your mind... Complete with flames and "dancing" here. Is he really playing???

A goal...(or two)
You might've thought I would say "play a bagpipe"... I've tried on a kid's one, and you have to have lungs of steel!! I think that counts enough... I will just make my goal to watch the movie Made of Honor again in the next few weeks!! You remember, right? Who can forget McDreamy in a kilt??? If you did, see below... And yes, good sirs, I clap along with you!!

Bagpipe-inspired fashion...
And let's translate our bagpipe lore into fashion of today...
What do you think?!

My boss would definitely send me home if I wore this to work, but it's kind of impressive in its own way!! Enjoy!!

And, at your local Macy's...
Bringing it to the commoners' level with my friend, Macy's... Check out this rich color with great reviews and to buy right here. "Dressed to Kilt" is a perfect compliment to any outfit...

And now, while speaking of instruments and making music!!

Looking up...
A Bible reference to start your day with joy:
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord..." PLEASE read all of Psalm 100 right here. 
It's a delight!! And I've noticed, even when I don't feel like being thankful, when I stop and give thanks, my soul starts feel light again... Try it out!!

Why not start with ballet??

So here we go! My goals are to learn more about things I normally wouldn't take time to learn and then get creative with it - maybe even set some goals! Maybe this came to me first after seeing the Nutcracker performed by the Russian Ballet Company over the break.

Personal Background...
Ballet was introduced to me at the age of 4, and I didn't stop until about 12! It was a love/hate relationship with the art... Yet, I kept coming back to it every year, and now, I miss it. It took so much thought to do it correctly. Constant feedback to all of us young ballerinas was - "shoulders back, stomach in, and hips under"... Hips under?? I still don't understand that one!! Ha!!
Please someone explain!

Anyone remember this, by the way?!! Hilarious, hilarious, hilarious!!

So, a little history...

1400s – Northern Italy and then in France – Ballet immerges at equestrian or other sporting events by members of the court. There were teachers on hand to give instruction about how to properly dance: including positions and particular bows.

1500s – Ballet was performed as a series of dances for the first time, though these were not yet woven together to create one story per performance.

Ballet-mascarade was created by Louis the XIII and introduced more dramatics and costume – even acrobatics to the scene.

 

Ballet à entrée  was first to introduce a storyline to the series of dances. And by the late 1500s, ballet had caught on for more individuals past the noble court members (if they had proper training) and they were hired on. At the end of this style of dance, the audience members would dance along with the performers (except for the commoners)… Side note: I wish we did that now – even us commoners!! That’s all I wanted to do after seeing The Nutcracker was find some proper shoes and DANCE!!

1600s – Ballet-melodramatique – Introduce song to the whole production which further led to opera! Who knew?!? (Not me!)

And by 1630, the ballet dancers were drawing paying customers!! Not just royals either!

There you have it... A synopsis with the help of this site.

From a real ballerina...
Veronica Part of the American Ballet Theater (from Russia and then moved to the US) on David Letterman (2009) here. Found this fascinating!


Construction of those shoes...
Always fascinated with those remarkable pointe shoes. Here's how they come to be... Heard there's even burlap in there... Burlap? Just doesn't go, does it?
Look here for a view from the Freed Pointe Shoe Factory in London

A goal... (or two)
Barre (how do you say it? Like ballet sounds like "bough-lay" in TX speak, is Barre like "bear-ray" or is it just "bar"? Somebody help me!) Anyway, would love to take a class... Know those are really popular now! First, find out how to pronounce it!!

Ballet inspired fashion...
Isn't this lovely?! But where do you wear this? ha! And not thinking it would look the same on me!

And, at your local Macy's...
(Note: I do not work for Macy's or have any affiliation. I just thought it would be fun to "bring it home" to us that don't have the means to go high fashion. And I read one person's blog faithfully who is actually paid by Nordstrom, though her blog is about much more... Nordstrom is not my normal stop, but me - a plain jane gal from TX - I can do Macy's! And I love Macy's... I mean, Miracle on 34th Street?!? Who doesn't love Macy's after that?! Including their "throw back" commercial a few years back: Remember this?) I'm an old school girl, anyway... Lucille Ball featured - can't miss that!)

Some cute (yes?) ballet-inspired flats... A little pricier than I would tpyically go for, but look how dainty those are... Want to go to the ballet again and wear these!! Maybe with the outfit above??? Nope, would likely get a few too many stares!
Well, website says 10% off of these today as well... Thinking about hitting "Add to Cart"... How about you? See them here.


Looking up...
And since, another goal of mine is to honor the Lord in all I do... Here's a little section of scripture on dancing... But not us... Thank you, Lord for dancing over us because you love us, though we don't deserve it!

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT): For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Zeph. 3:17 – “rejoice over you” – literally means “dance, skip, leap, and spin around in joy” 

Read more of Zephaniah here, and don't just take my word for it. 

Intention of this Blog

I have a passion to write... Even if I am the only reader! Expression through words is therapy. I love learning, and so using the two together creativity, I would like to delve into topics that span as far away from each other as architecture and mud pies or fashion and the life of a police officer. I believe some posts may be personal, while others more removed. This may not make sense, but the outlet toward the creative will be fun for me... and hopefully for you!

I will delete negative blog comments. I welcome any constructive and/or creative commentary.