The Time Has Come... Part 1

I've written many post about the perfection that is Paris... but in reality, Paris is not perfect.  It has it's flaws and it's share of strange characters just like any other diverse city.  I've decided that today, we will depart from the Perfect Paris, and I will describe for you the first of two events Scott and I experienced... it might disturb you, it might will gross you out... but I feel I must tell it.  The truth is always more interesting than perfection, don't you think? If you are easily offended, move on to another blog... now... 

you have been warned...

Perhaps some of you remember this video (click here).   It was exactly as you see it... a PERFECT day, in a PERFECT square, with PERFECT weather.  This square is located right near here...

After filming that short video, we sat leisurely for over an hour people watching.  About 20 yards from us in the middle of the sun dappled square, I noticed a rather drunk, very dirty man sitting on a bench.  He was talking to no one in particular, and had an extra large beer in his hand that he waved around as he talked and weaved back and forth rather precariously.  Most everyone that walked past him, ignored him.  One man sat at the other end of the bench, never making eye contact. The drunk man tried over and over to engage him in conversation, but the man stared straight ahead, never flinched, and left after a few minutes. 

Soon the drunk man dropped his can of beer and it rolled over the cobblestones, and stopped maybe 5 feet away... I saw 'dilemma' written all over his face.  He absolutely would not stand up, so as people passed, he begged them to pick up his beer... finally someone did, and he continued  drinking.  Now mind you, this guy is all smiles and having a grand time.  He wasn't loud, and without keen observation, you might miss him altogether.  Scott had his back to the man, so periodically, I would fill him in on the happenings, or he would turn and take a quick peek.

Next, the man decided he needed a cigarette.  He watched carefully as people passed.  Finally, one very chic couple walked by, he got their attention, and the very well dressed man handed him a cigarette, and even lit it for him!  He was one happy camper.

Now.. the main event... drunk man leaned back a little on the bench.  I thought he was fiddling with his beer can.  All of the sudden he began spewing beer all over the place.  It went maybe 5 ft straight up in the air, arced over, splashing down on the ground around him.  I started laughing and Scott turned to look.  He turned back to me, and said, 

"Teri, that is not beer... he's taking a LEAK."  

I sat there, stunned, in absolute horror.  I am not exaggerating when I tell you this lasted over a minute straight!  How could we be sure it wasn't beer??? Because we could CLEARLY see the instrument from which the spray was coming!!!!  I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry!!!  I was in shock.  Scott's comment?

"Wow, I wish I still had that kind of back-pressure!"

 Life went on around him... talk about a country where everyone minds their own business!  When he finished, he put his instrument away. There was a HUGE wet spot about 5 feet around him.  It sunk between the cobblestones quickly, but as moms and dads and children with their rolling backpacks walked through it, well... it was more than I could take.  We had to leave.  It was so unsettling.

  Scott turned to me as we walked off and said, 

"Teri, you aren't in Kansas anymore!"

My Artistic Side is Showing

Next week is my mom's birthday, and we celebrated a little early last night getting in touch with our creative side.  

Here are a few pics of mom, my daughters Lexi and Meagan, and me.

It was really fun.  If you have a Painting With a Twist in your area, you must go!

The entire class paints the same picture, but as you can see, we all had our own style!

Happy Wednesday!

~Teri

P.S. Thank you all again for such beautiful comments on Scott last week.  It meant a lot to me, and to him as well.

Paris... NINE days and counting...

Good News!

Just a quick post to say that the tests results are in on Scott and they were GOOD.

Praise the Lord... I give Him all the glory!

 Some more tests to do in Oct. AFTER we get back from Paris.

We can go to Paris in two weeks, worry free... and that's a GOOD thing!

Thanks for the prayers and well wishes.  Still keeping some of you in my prayers... 

you know who you are :)

I did not borrow trouble during this time of waiting.  I think the trouble was just too big to borrow.  I hope I've learned something I will remember and take with me into the future.

Have a wonderful weekend... I know we will!!!!

~Teri

Waiting...

I don't know why I'm blogging again.  I often rethink things I write.  So here's another post I will rethink tonight.  The reason is because I so want to be an encouragement to others... mainly through inspiration (Paris) or laughter.

I just have to say... I know there are people going through  horrible things all over the world.  I in NO way want to imply that I think my plight is any worse than any other.  It's just... my plight...  a wife going through uncertainly about her husband.

Yesterday was a day of tests... today is a day of waiting, and tomorrow may be the same thing.  What have I chosen to do on a day like this?  

*Took my daughter to school.

*Took a long walk.  There is a small lake in my neighborhood, and I went over there and walked around it.  It was so peaceful.

*Answered a million emails and made some calls.

All the while, listening to... drum-roll... CHRISTMAS music.  Don't ask why... I have no explanation, other than Christmas music is so promising.  It just oozes happiness and joy.  I'm listening to artists from the 60's.  

The Rat Pack to be exact.  So fun.

One thing that keeps going through my mind, is a statement I heard echoing through my grandmother's house many, many times... "Like sands through an hourglass... so are the Days of Our Lives."  

It had me thinking... many days are overloaded with fun, many with sadness, and many with uncertainty...

I'm really getting serious here... so let's move on...

***************************

Just found out, I'm going to miss a MAJOR exhibit in Paris by only 11 days.  I am sick about it... can barely think of missing it by so little, but still... I will miss it.

Le Musée Carnavalet brings to life the story of Louis Vuitton—oui, Louis!—from October 13, through February. (So you don’t have to hightail it up to the private museum in Asnières to learn about the brand).

Upon reading this, I researched Asnieres.  From what I've gathered, it's a town 25 min. from Paris, and it is the birthplace of Louis Vuitton handbags.  There's a house and everything!!!! 

The family home...

The Travel Museum...

 Wonder how Scott might feel about that outing????? 

Photos taken from here. 

Remember, authentic Louis Vuitton handbags are sold exclusively at retail stores or their official website.  The French hate a knock-off!

The Middle

Sitting here at the cancer center. I just asked Scott a question... "Do you think everyone in this room has cancer?". He looks at me, in that way he has that leads me to believe he thinks I am missing some brain cells, and he says, "Yes." I hate those one word answers... and he is famous for them. He sits next to me, reading his Kindle. I'm embarrassed to say that I have bogarted the iPad since we got here.

The TV is blaring. It's on CNN and they are broadcasting a court appearance for someone named Snooki. Evidently, she is on a reality show called Jersey Shores, got drunk on a beach, and created all sorts of mayhem. Listen... I was able to let go of my reality watching TV days the day The Hills ended... about a month ago...

wait... does The Rachel Zoe Project count?

I'm joking around with you because I'm here, in this Middle Place. The place between everything is fine and everything is horrible. It's a weird place, sorta like Wonderland... "I wonder if the cancer has spread? I wonder if this nightmare will be over soon? I wonder if Scott will get really sick like some of the people in this room?"

We are so lucky. So many people have called, emailed, and texted to check on us. We have the Lord, we have each other, we have it all...

If you haven't read the book The Middle Place, I highly recommend it. It's a fabulous book written by a woman (Kelly Corrigan) who gets breast cancer at a young age. The book is soooooo good. If I ever write a book, this is the flavor I want mine to have... the feel... she captures just the right blend of seriousness, and hilarity. She is able to get down on paper what everyone is thinking, but are afraid to say.

I started rereading it last night for the fourth time in 2 yrs. I remembered her Dad got cancer as well, but not the details. Imagine my shock, when I read at about 1am, that he had prostate cancer (what my husband has) and that in the book, it SPREADS!

I was not even believing it... seemed a little too close for comfort.

I was forced to put it down, and mercifully fell right to sleep.

Scott's name was just called. He turned and said to me, "Off to the gallows."

More later...

Very Interesting...

Funny how God orchestrates life sometimes... 

don'tcha think?

Last week I wrote a post all about knowing what is small stuff and what is not, and trying to understand the difference.  Two days after I wrote that post, Scott had another recheck on his cancer situation.  Suffice it to say, we did not get the news we hoped for.  Further tests on Wed.  It may be NOTHING, but then again... 

will let you know...

So NOW, the small stuff in my life has really shrunk into the background.  Funny how that happens.  The first day of the news was horrible and scary, the next day was better, and by the third day I was feeling a peace that surpasses all understanding.  I know my peace comes from prayers of friends and family.  I also think a large chunk of it comes from my Pollyanna attitude... rose colored glasses and all that.  My absolute favorite line from Gone With the Wind has always been, 

"I'll think about that tomorrow."

 I googled all the possible scenarios... I know you aren't supposed to do that... but I did (Scott has put me in charge of research).  I find it very helpful to have a background working knowledge of all the terms, so when the doctor speaks, I am not totally in the dark.  I have found during these visits, the room tends to resemble a black hole.  It kinda shrinks, and all I see is the Dr. and her lips moving.  If her words are somewhat familiar, 

it helps me concentrate.

In all this... I am saying I... because this is from my perspective. I cannot speak for Scott and wouldn't even try.  

I also mentioned a few posts ago, that we had decided to not pressure ourselves on getting the "perfect" gift for birthdays and Christmas... if we see something really cool, we can just get it for one another (within reason...lol).  

Scott took a vacation day on Friday, and we drove across town to the local, rather "fancy" mall.  We had a nice lunch, and I told Scott there was something I wanted to buy him, just for fun.  I felt he needed a distraction.  So off to the Apple store we went, and voila... I got him an iPad!  

The kids and I are Mac users.  Scott uses a PC because that's what his company uses.  He's always been a bit suspicious of us Mac users, but once he got the iPad home, he's all in.  He LOVES it.  He has not put it down in 3 days.  Yesterday, we downloaded some Preschool Apps for our granddaughter, and she LOVES it.  Our 15 yr. old LOVES it, I LOVE it... are you getting the picture?

Last night we had a family get together, and my mom asked if I had seen the Tale of Two Cities most recent post.  It mentions the iPad too.  Really cute post... see here.

There's only one thing...  I bought the iPad for Scott to distract his mind a bit from thinking about his upcoming tests and all that.  However, I didn't realize it would distract him from ME.  I need to make a "Teri App" so he can download me and talk to me on the screen.  

But as always around here... it's all good!

~Teri

Don't Sweat It!

Has anyone but me noticed the unbelievable amount of conflicting advice that's out there these days?  Seriously... if you don't like the report 

(coffee is bad for you)

wait five minutes, and another report will come out

 (coffee is good for you).  

It's quite maddening if you ask me, but the other day I HAD TO LAUGH out loud when it was once again brought before my eyes...

I was at the spa (for medicinal purposes... not kidding), and I was relaxing for a moment before being called back, when I picked up a tiny little book on the table next to me.  It was this book... read the title carefully...

Title... "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... 

and it's all small stuff"

As I read, I was absolutely fascinated with the good advice in the book.  It was like it was heaven sent to me at that moment.  I didn't want to put it down, and as they called my name, I was tempted to slide it in my purse...

 (no... I didn't) 

but as I put it down I remembered thinking, "You have this book at home somewhere on the shelf!"  

I got so excited!

That evening... as I was getting in bed, I remembered to search for the book.  Within 2 seconds I had it in my hand.  As I glanced down, I noticed something peculiar... it wasn't the same book!  Here's the book that has been sitting on my shelf for years... again, read the title carefully.

Title... "God Is In the Small Stuff... and it all matters"

Can you even believe that?  Both books gave good advice.  I'm a Christian, so I assumed the second book would be better for me... but no... the first book spoke to me where I'm at right now.  I need to LET GO of all that small, insignificant stuff that is clogging my creativity, and robbing me of joy.

Anyway, don't ask why, I thought the whole thing was funny, and sad, at the same time. It did remind me though, that there is only one place for the real answers...

seek Him first, and He'll show you what is the small stuff, and what isn't!

Love ya~

Teri

A Look Ahead

One evening, Scott and I were roaming around our neighborhood...

Paris is most beautiful at sunset.  The lighting is just so unreal.  Everyone looks good this time of day... Paris changes completely... it's magical.

We were walking aimlessly up and down the hills of Montmartre, and came across this little gem, a restaurant hidden in the trees.

We were there way too early for dinner, but we vowed to one day return to this spot, and eat.  We were talking about it the other night, and today, I decided to google it from the sign at the entrance (thank goodness I took a picture... I had no idea the name of the place or the street we were on).  

I found their website... and oh, I'm all in (just emailed Scott the link at work... my phone should ring any minute).  I don't know if we'll do lunch or dinner, inside or out.  I love to eat outside, but the inside is so French modern, and crowded. I feel like we must experience it...we must rub elbows with the "cool, international" people. 


 Oh my goodness, what to wear????  


How about ordering the Degustation {tasting menu}: two starters, one fish, one meat, one dessert... that would be a "splurge moment" don't you think?  Can you imagine eating dinner and not hearing English for the entire meal... 
be still my heart!  
I think I'll order Opera cake w/ ice cream... just sounds heavenly.

Here is the website... if you have a moment, click through the Image Gallery (bottom...photo 12 especially).  

Le Moulin de la Galette

Be sure and take the one minute Video Tour. 

  Don't you just LOVE the French language???

Dreaming...

~Teri

Rolling Cart... Voila!

Ask and you shall receive...

Jenny

The Paris Apartment

Have a lovely day!

                    ~Teri                                   

Dinner in Five/Dessert in Five

From me... a servantless American Cook...

Two more super easy recipes...

We are from Texas, so we LOVE our Chicken Tortilla Soup.  Here's a super fast and easy recipe.  It's not the real thing, but in a pinch, it's really good.  It's also something you can always have in the pantry for emergencies.  This one serves 3, but we were eating light that day, so you might want to double it.

2 cans really good Chicken Noodle Soup... I used this one:

add 1 can Rotel (use mild if you are skittish)

Heat up on the stove... pour into individual bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and if you have it, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. 

 Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread.

My husband, daughter, and I rarely agree on the fantasticness of a recipe, but on this one...3 thumbs up.

Now, for the big failure in my life.  I mentioned that last year we went to the Shakespeare and Company bookstore and bought the original Julia Child cookbook.  I also went to E. Dehillerin to buy mini tart pans.  Both these purchases were in order for me to learn to make the Strawberry Tarts that we eat almost daily in Paris.  So on our anniversary, I got out the cookbook with all intentions of making hubby these tarts.

NOT!

Can you say 27 steps????  I'm a low maintenance girl, and I just couldn't see it happening... so, here's what I did, and they actually turned out quite well.

One pkg. mini Kebbler's pie crusts

One box instant vanilla pudding 

Apricot preserves

fresh strawberries and blueberries

Make the pudding... it will be ready in 5 min. Smear a thin layer of apricot preserves around the inside of the crust.  Spoon in vanilla pudding. Top with fruit.

Voila!

You can add liquor or vanilla to give the pudding a more homemade taste.  Of course you can make all this homemade and organic if you so desire.  Obviously, the variations are endless.

Hey... it isn't Julia, but it will do in a pinch. They really did turn out well... Scott said! ;) Hey... I think I'll serve one to my granddaughter today!

~teri

Happy Anniversary to Us

Feeling a little frustrated right now.  I actually went to the trouble to take pics of my anniversary dinner... downloaded them off the camera... deleted originals from camera card... and lost ALL BUT ONE.  I have no idea how this happened... and I won't discuss it any further.  I love/hate technology... anyway... had to use some stock photography on this post.


Here we are 29 years ago.  I posted this pic in about my third blogpost, but it bears repeating. I look so young... and naive... and clueless.  But I think if you entered marriage with both eyes open, you would run every time! 

We celebrated Saturday night.  We did not get to go to the Coco movie.  It only showed on Wednesday, and Scott really did have to work late.  By late, I mean 4am!  I guess I'll give him a by, and we'll rent it when it comes out.


My daughter thinks we are so lame and boring, but we would much rather eat in, than out.  About 5pm Saturday she told me she was super bored, and could she go spend the night with her grandparents?  I said YES.  After we dropped her off, we took a detour for...


Takeout...

We already had Champagne chilled and waiting...

We watched one of our all time favorite movies...

Scott got me flowers...

And a card...  He really outdid himself this year.  He's been dieting lately, so he locks himself in his office at lunch, and drinks a Slimfast.  That takes him about 8 seconds, so then he has the rest of the time to just sit and surf the net or read.  Last Friday... here's what he did...

He printed these pics and taped them inside of my card (yes, that's my head on someone else's body at the top).  He is telling me he ordered me a Kindle, and the red cover (including built in light)... and that I will have it by the time we leave for Paris so I can read in the parks.  I got him a Kindle 2 years ago for Christmas, and he LOVES it.  I usually read books with pictures... no, not Dr. Suess... but books on decorating, travel, or how-to.  He's convinced this Kindle will change my life, at least when I'm reading a novel.  I also think he's tired of lugging around my carry-on with at least 5 books in it, because I'm never sure what I'll be in the mood to read.  Now, we will carry only 2 sleek reading devices... oh... technology again!  


Anyway... too sweet... don'tcha think?  The reason I'm not bragging on what I got him, is because I was all out of ideas this year.  We decided to not try and compete anymore, or worry about what the other person is getting.  If you see something fabulous, or have a great idea, wonderful... otherwise, just relax! 


 Oh... and we did have a discussion about how Paris IS our gift this year... he's always breaking the rules :)

44 Days...

Just checked my calendar...  only 44 days until I get back to where I belong...

For the past few years, we've gone to Paris every fall.  We are hopelessly, endlessly, hooked on it.  Each time we go, we treat it as if it's our last time, because truly, who knows what tomorrow brings. Each trip has had a "feel" to it, a theme, if you will.  We don't plan the theme before we go, the trip just takes shape somehow.

Here are the themes we've experienced so far...

Trip One... The total and complete nonstop scurrying from one place to another year!

Trip Two... The cold year... the Louis Vuitton year... 

Le Grand Colbert year.
Trip Three... The Marseilles year... the Sacre Coeur year... the harp year.
Trip Four... The London year...The settling in year... 

the Luxembourg Garden year... 
the year we realized once for all... 
we belong!

It's funny... when we are speaking of something, we'll say, "You know, we went to that restaurant during the "cold" year."  We both instantly know that was 2007.

 I haven't a clue what Trip Five will bring... that's the fun of Paris.  No matter how much we plan and plot, it all falls apart when we get there.  I keep thinking... get out the guide book, make a plan to see absolutely anything you haven't seen yet.

Then I pause... no need.  The experience is what counts, the living, the melding.

***********************************

I guess we all know I'm hooked on purses.  This year, I only have one souvenir I really want, and it's certainly purse related.

I saw this shop one day right off St. Germain.  I think I can find it again... maybe.

I desire a simple French Market Bag...

See them? Stacked in the middle, as if they are nothing special?

As Rachel Zoe says... "I die."

And if I ever have the opportunity to live in Paris, I am SO getting one of those old lady rolling bags... see the lime green and the blue one?  They are the most practical thing I see on the streets.  I keep trying to think of a use for one in my life here, and I just can't think of one.  I certainly don't haul my groceries home on foot. 

Anyone have any ideas??? I would love an excuse to get one.  Scott will looooooove hauling it home on the plane :)
          Totally forgot to mention where I got the fabulous French market basket idea...
one of my most favorite blogs...
      MaiTai
       Check out the inspirational post here, and all her other posts as well. You will be inspired!

Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky

Guess what movie I'm hoping to see this week?

Doesn't it look fascinating?

I love stylized French movies.. they are the best.

There are only 2 obstacles in my way...

1.  Scott hates subtitles.

2. The movie is waaaaay across town... Scott hates distance and 5 o'clock traffic.

...but it IS my anniversary afterall...

Will I prevail?  I'll let you know.

Here's hoping...

Teri

P.S. Just watched a crazy French movie on Netflix instant view...
 if you don't know about instant view... find out about it... it's fabulous.
The movie was called "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not"
Starring Audrey Tautou (of Amelie)
We are still trying to figure it out. Many twists and turns and really different!
Here's a sneak peek...
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi279380249/

Back from the Beach

Ok girls... back from the beach.  I have to admit it was RELAXING and fabulous.  Great weather, great friends, porpoises jumping completely out of the water, lots of sun, and as always on this island... a cool (sorta) breeze.  I will admit, I got way too much sun, and ya know what?  A tan 50 yr old is not nearly as attractive as a tan 30 yr. old.  

I over did it, but at least I didn't burn... 

Still catching up on bills and emails, so let me leave you with this.  I never really blog about recipes or food... I'm not much on either.  It has to be fast and simple and basic, or I'm just not into it (my Julia Child cookbook I bought in Paris sits on the shelf... mocking me).  I wanted to share this fabulous recipe, and show you the French flair I added to it...

 just for fun!

Easiest Chicken Pot Pie... Ever

One roasted chicken, (Costco) de-boned and

cut up by hubby ;)

One can Cream of Mushroom soup

One can Cream of Celery soup

One large bag frozen mixed veggies

 Salt to taste, and lots of fresh ground pepper 

Mix all this together... pour into a 9X13 glass baking dish, top with Pillsbury Already Pie Crust, and bake at 400ish until hot and brown... maybe 30 minutes or so. Keep an eye that edges of crust don't burn.

 Okay... my kids are moving out left and right, so we are down to 3 of us, so sometimes I half this recipe and bake it in a 9 in. pie plate... and sometimes I get creative with leftover dough.  Here is the finished product.  I had Scott hold it to take these photos, and it almost slid right out of the pan!  Sorry I am too lazy to actually get out the camera... but you know.. all those wires and downloading... it bores me! I use the camera built right into my computer if at all possible.

Hope you can see my Eiffel Tower!  I freehanded it with a butter knife, as you can tell!

  Dinner in 2010 America...

SWEET!

Happy cooking!

Teri