MUSIC MONDAY!! (I think I'm moving to Brazil!)

(VIDEO-PLAYING NOTE: YOU'LL WANT TO GO OVER TO THE LEFT-HAND SIDEBAR AND PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE GREEN MUSIC PLAYER WIDGET BEFORE PLAYING THIS VIDEO)

As the web's foremost coffee drinker (wink-wink), I figured this song was a PERFECT start to the week.

There's lots to do on my to-do list (how about you?) and a coffee song is just the jolt I need.

Prepare the coffee maker, press "start" and let's all get our week off to a java-fueled start.

By the way -- just kidding about moving to Brazil. (But the way they talk about all that coffee there, its tempting!!)

Here's to a fabulous week!

~RUTH~

LOOK WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL!!

I have, bar none, the BEST customers on the planet.

Last week I spoke to a customer on the phone about an item in her order and we chatted for a bit, somehow I mentioned I was in Florida, and she then decided she wanted to send me some products from the company she is with -- Palmer Cocoa Butter products!! She figured that with me here in the Florida sun & heat, my skin could use some pampering. How sweet!!

Within a couple of days I get this box from her company and inside is no less than a dozen FULL SIZED items for moi!

I am SOLD on these products! The beauty of this brand is that you can find it pretty much anywhere -- even the grocery. But THE SECRET? These products REALLY WORK! I am just loving them! Thank you, Germaine!!

I got hand soap (which is now at my kitchen sink and its WAY BETTER than any other kitchen hand soap I've ever used), body wash (which is in my shower and I just LOVE it - really softens the skin even after you're out of the shower), three kinds of pump body lotions, three tubes of hand lotions (thicker than the all-over body lotions), two swivle-up cocoa butter sticks (perfect to keep in your purse for quick on-the-go hand therapy), and my new fave: believe it or not, the bottle of "Scar Treatment Oil". This stuff is the THICKEST oil I've ever seen. And you know what its GREAT for? I love putting it in the eye area at night or even dabbing a TEENY, TINY amount around the eyes in the daytime. Who knew??

So, ladies -- head out to your grocery store or discount drug store and check out a new old favorite -- Palmer's Cocoa Butter products! They are so affordable (I mean, like you wouldn't believe kind of affordable) and the products are wonderful! The packaging and branding may not be pretentious and glamourous, but when you get it home and simply have to use it, who cares if it works. And it does! :)

So, now after years of being somewhat envious when my hubby would come home from work with little freebies and giveaways and perks from other companies who'd send them things, now I have something, too!

I love my job...

~Ruth~

FAIT ACCOMPLI - The Big Pillow Order Is Done!

'TIS DONE!

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to get an order from a fabulous Manhattan designer team in need of some unique pillows for a hotel project, and today I was able to ship the order off. They turned out so wonderful and I just wanted to share the photos with you!

They apparently saw my Mathematicus pillows on our website and called to order for the hotel.

I also want to thank my friend, Karen Carothers, who labored tirelessly these last couple of weeks to get this order done in addition to all the other work she does -- and done in the expert, beautiful manor she does all her work. Thank you, friend. You deserve a very big vacation!

The cool thing is how each pillow was done specifically for each of the guest rooms, with the number specific to each room.

If you have a moment this weekend, check out the site belonging to the company I did this job for called Sixx Design -- they have quite a story and they also have a book coming out in a week or so (which I've already pre-ordered on Amazon.com) called Urban Chic - From Wreck To Ravishing.

Sure sounds like something I could use! Hey! Sounds like something my house or my bod could use! HA HA! :)

BLOG AWARD? MOI? SO, 7 RANDOM THINGS...HERE GOES:

See the fabulously cute banner above?? It belongs to my new-found web friend, Deb Kennedy and oh are you ever in for a HUGE treat getting to know her.

There isn't enough time to enumerate her many talents and the many avenues of creative business she is involved in -- you will simply have to hit ALL her websites for that. But suffice to say that she is a one-woman design/creative/idea fountain of genius and if you ever need display or design inspiration, she's your go-to gal.

So a couple of days ago, I find that Deb has awarded me this!

Thank you, friend!
:)

By receiving this award, I am to do the following, and so are the other blogs that I will be passing the award on to:

1.) Name several random things that you love, or things about you.

2.) Pass this along to several other blogs that you love/inspire you and be sure to leave them a comment on their blog so they'll know they got an award!

3.) Somehow link back to the person who prensents you the award (in this case, that would be me).

So here we go, seven quickies for you. They are what popped into my mind right now and so here they are:

1.) I love things that show their age (notice I said THINGS, not ME; I'd prefer not showing my age quite so much).

I really treasure the things I've collected over the years that give me pleasure each time I see them scattered through the house in various vignettes:

2.) So in light of what I just said, explain how I also love a room like this, below? This is part of my office area in our "barn" or "carriage house" and it is anything but "old" or "worn-looking" (like our house!). Yet, I love it, too. Design split-personality? Nah. Just a more playful, casual side that fits the office area perfectly.

3.) I love the picture below -- it is from Olivia's 8th grade dance (5 years ago, I think) and I love how her daddy is next to her along with our sweet, huge Doberman, "Jam". He has since gone on to run in the meadows in heaven, but its such a treasure having all of them captured here. Doesn't she look lovely? Her brilliant blue (lovely with her eyes) dress trimmed in chocolate brown (lovely with her hair) was made just for her for that dance. I suspose I'll keep it forever. Along with the memory of that day. :)

4.) The pictures below are from my hubby's 40th birthday (almost 8 years ago!) and I suppose since his b-day is coming up again next week, I thought I'd include this. The red Dodge Viper and the Hum Vee were my "gifts" to him. Now before you get the wrong idea, let me explain. I came up with the idea to surprise him with these cars, RENTED for him, each for one day (though we ended up getting keep the Hum Vee for TWO days!). On his birthday, the Viper arrived, the rental guy walks into the house and presents Doug with the keys and says "It's yours 'til tomorrow! Happy Birthday!" So he proceeds to drive that thing all day, takes me to dinner in it, etc., and drive it some more that night and the next day. Let's just say, the neighbors come crawling out of the woodwork when you're zooming around in one of those things. AND! You could hear it coming for at least a 1/4 mile! Loud!

So, the next day, it's about time for the rental guy to come back and retrieve the Viper. Poor Doug. What he DOESN'T KNOW is that when they come to take the Viper, they will arrive in a GIANT bright yellow Hum Vee and THAT will be his car for the next day!

We had the best time. I even had a little neighbor boy ask me to take him to school in it (along with about 3 of his friends) just so they could arrive at school in it. He made me drive r-e-a-l-l-y slowly up to the front of school and they deliberately took FOREVER getting out. Too funny!

So, this is my story on how, for Doug's 40th birthday, I decided to forego the usual black balloons and streamers, gravestone party favors, etc. and do something different.

Cost of a Viper and a Hum Vee for a few days: $600.00 (I think)

Dinner out in the really fast, really RED car: $75.00

Gas for the HumVee: $50.00

MAKING YOUR HUSBAND FEEL ALIVE RATHER THAN OVER-THE-HILL FOR HIS 40TH: PRICELESS.

5.) I love my daughter's artwork. The picture below is of one of two hand sketches she did and I love them so much, I had them made into 11" x 14" poster-sized signs for my shop and for a show I did. They look so cool and have a look that seems at once "old" and very new, very hip.

I've told her I'd love it if she incorporated some kind of text/saying/verse written in some funky way on the picture. I can see something like that blown up REALLY BIG and hung over a couch on an old brick wall. Wouldn't that be cool?? Her art rocks, and I can't wait to see all that she creates in the future.

6.) Okay, below - why a picture of my hubby standing on a ladder in his work clothes? Well, a few reasons: I love to see him in his "doo-rag" tied up on his head. I just think it looks cool. (Doug, if you ever do get to work with me in the store, this will be a required "uniform" for you!). ;)

I also just like seeing my guy at work around the yard/house. Now, I know for a fact, he'd rather be on the couch or at the computer playing video games, but it does my heart good whenever I see him tending to our home/property. Just kinda neat. I think in this photo he was preparing for a coming hurricane - can't remember which year, which "named" hurricane it was. But typically, if he's got a ladder out, and is headed for the roof, it must somehow have something to do with a hurricane headed our way...Yet another reason to LEAVE FLORIDA! ;)

Or this could have been him working on our house when we first bought it. I know this is an OLD photo because our house is definitely NOT this color any longer and is in quite a bit better shape now. :)

But I do love the doo-rag, Doug. Love it.

7.) The pics below are of another love-of-my-life, Nick (Nicodemus).

I adore this guy. He "found" us, not the other way around. He belonged to someone on adjoining property but seemed to prefer hanging around our place, and slept on our porch, played with our dog (Jam, in the photo above) and just basically, little-by-little, inched his way into our lives, til one day his owner came over and simply said "Its no secret he loves you and loves being here, so you may have him." Say what? Who does this? But I said "OKAY!" And its been precious having him ever since. Labs are the sweetest dogs! He literally seems to live for his owners. Never seen anything like it. So different from our Doberman (who I simply adored), who did have a fierce loyalty to us, but also had that rugged individualism seen in "guard dogs". Anyway, Nicky is our sweetie and I am priviledged to have had him find us. ;)

Nicky, you've come along way from your days roaming the neighborhood, and sleeping outside in the heat, buddy.

So, now to name a few blogs that I'd love for you to get to know:

1.) Alisa Burke's art blog -- oh my. Olivia, you will love this one!

2.) Just Something I Made blog -- I can't even describe this one. Creativity, projects, freebies...amazing.

3.) Wren's Nest - Jackie has become another wonderful "blog friend" and now has opened her own online shop in additon to her blog!

4.) Paris Market blog - by Molly who also has a fabulous line of decorative marble tiles all with a French/Tuscany feel created with her incredible photography taken in Europe. GO SEE!! :)

5.) Simply Stated Aesthetics - Rebecca's blog and online store are wonderful! Vintage things galore!

6.) Bon Jour Madame - a very French-inspired blog that is full of beauty, information and fun! SO glad I found this one!!

7.) Faded Plains - Andrea has a beautiful blog and an equally beautiful webstore which you MUST visit! (HINT: She sells old burlap sacks!!)

So, thank you again, Deb -- and here's to all the bloggers I now pass this award on to! PLEASE take a moment to visit each of them!!

Happy Friday!!

~Ruth~

BE STILL MY HEART...

Photo courtesy of Paris Hotel Boutique

AND THE FEED-SACK STYLE JUST KEEPS ON COMING....

This chair can be found at the uber-fab "Paris Hotel Boutique" and if you have an extra $825.00 and about $300 for shipping, well...go for it!

Wonder what the hubs would think? Okay, no I don't. I already know... :)

Funny thing is, we have a chair that looks almost just like that (its been recovered twice by us since we got it from hubby's grandparents) and our media room adjacent to my office looks a lot like the room in the picture -- right down to the white leather couch and the cowhide rug -- so I'm thinking we just "NEED" that chair, don't we??

Not thinkin' this "logic" is going to work. And besides, I guess we do need many other things around the house than yet another chair. Another fabulous, awesome, drop-dead-gorgeous, so-chic-I-can't-even-tell-you chair...

Well, perhaps one of you out there will score this beauty in all its French beauty....

Have a great day!

~RUTH~

FOR THE LOVE OF BURLAP - GRAIN SACK CHIC!

Gorgeous assortment of FREE burlap coffeebean sacks from an antiques dealer in Savannah...

I just couldn't wait to share my excitement about some "coming attractions" to the store.

If you've seen the latest issue of Country Living magazine, no doubt you saw their feature on the continued popularity of all things burlap -- mainly the vintage feedsack look.

Photo credit: Country Living magazine

Well... did you see the FABULOUS rug?? Huh? Did you? Did you?

Want one???

I know where you can get them!!

Yep! Moi!

You may recall my affinity for burlap sacks from my post about our trip to Savannah, when an antiques dealer GAVE US a bunch burlap coffeebean sacks (in the top photo above) FREE!!

They're used as PACKING MATERIAL in all his shipping crates that come back from his travels abroad.

He throws them out, otherwise... unbelievable.

Who else would be right there ready to offer you MORE burlap? MOI! MOI! :)

They're not in yet -- but, like any other fantabulous thing, they'll be worth the wait!

They're expected to be in sometime in May -- maybe later in May. Trust me, you'll be the FIRST TO KNOW when they arrive!!

So, can you tell I'm excited? Can you? Can you?

Okay -- back to work for me... and I promise to stay 10 full paces away from the coffee maker the rest of the day.

Yeah... sure. ;)

~Ruth~

P.S. There are too many other new things coming to the store to mention, but photography awaits...I'm dying to share it all with you! I'm so excited to be bringing you a fresh new look that compliments my first love - French/Vintage Funk, but appeals to those of a more "purist" palette with an appreciation for cooler tones and an "airy" Swedish vibe.

STAY TUNED!

IF YOU LOVED "BUTTERFLY KISSES", YOU'RE IN FOR A TREAT...

It occurs to me that this is the time of year when typically a lot of "milestones" in life take place like high school prom, graduation, and the beginning of "wedding season".
That got me thinking of this sweet, thought-provoking song by Steven Curtis Chapman called Cinderella.

Like the incredibly popular song Butterfly Kisses (by Bob Carlisle) it chronicles the stages of a little girl's life and how quickly they can slip by when we're not paying attention.

So, whether your little one is still in the princess dresses-and-tea parties stage, or just "discovering" boys and prom, or...planning a wedding, there is a message for all of us: soon the clock will strike midnight and all of this will be done and just a memory.

Enjoy each and every aspect of the minutia of the days -- keeping in mind that really, THESE are the "good old days" -- right now...

HELPFUL HINT: YOU'LL WANT TO PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE MUSIC PLAYER WIDGET ON THE LEFT SIDEBAR OF THIS PAGE FIRST, BEFORE PLAYING THE VIDEOS BELOW.

FRIDAY FUNNIES: OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES (BY WAY OF AN ADVERTISING GENIUS!)

First, I want to thank all of you who gave me such encouragement yesterday through your comments about my dream to expand into "Phase Two" of The Beautiful Life. See, this is what I love about blogging - friendships forged with other women all over the world who are "there for you" as much so as the friends we have who live nearby.

What a world -- what a wonderful world. :)

NOW...ON TO A QUICK BIT OF FUN FOR YOUR FRIDAY...

I'm not promoting E-Trade, but I definitely LOVE their ad people!

The brainchild behind these ads has got to be making a fortune -- I hope he/she is, anyway. Brilliant! {I wish I could hire them!}

Its Friday, been a long week, lots to do over the weekend, and I thought "Hey, time for a quick laugh."

Enjoy!

P.S. YOU'LL WANT TO CLICK THE STOP/PAUSE BUTTON ON THE GREEN MUSIC PLAYER WIDGET ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE PAGE BEFORE YOU PLAY THESE VIDEOS.

WELL, THAT WAS KIND OF NOT WHAT WE WANTED TO SEE, BUT...

So what would YOU do if you were me? (Needing a little "Mr. Magorium" advice today)

{Shameless plug: Compass necklaces can be found here
EVER NEED A LITTLE DIRECTION? JUST A LITTLE GUIDANCE TO SEE WHICH WAY TO TURN?

"Don't part with your illusions.

When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live."

~ Mark Twain

A little over a year ago I wrote a blog post called
Lessons From Mr. Magorium (and my own "Wonder Emporium") in which I shared my dream to expand to a large storefront -- an as yet unrealized dream.

In the last year I have not lost that dream and in fact I would have to say that it has grown even clearer for me and in many ways I stand amazed that I even still consider such a move.

I mean, to listen to the talking heads on television, it would seem that no one in their right mind (key word "right mind") would even consider expanding a business such as mine.

I sell absolutely nothing that anyone NEEDS. Think about it. Candles? Fabulous French purses? A French bottle rack to hang glasses or mugs on? Stickers/labels, rubber stamps?

Extra touches for your kitchen/table?

Oh, I don't need to list my entire store here -- but you get the picture. Its all wonderful stuff, but in times that we're being told are "legendary" and the "worst in decades", why would I even entertain the idea of expanding a business based on "elegant essentials & sensible luxuries"?

Why?


Because regardless of whatever may be happening "out there", women still seem to want/need that little extra something that makes their home a bit more cozy, a bit more "homey" and beautiful.

I've recently heard of something called the "Lipstick Factor" (or something like that). Basically, it means that no matter how "bad" things get, women will always find a way to give themselves a little pick-me-up -- even if it's just a new lipstick.

I'm seeing the "Lipstick Factor" in spades in my shop.

Perhaps it is the fact that we are staying in more. We're choosing relaxing evenings at home with the family instead of big nights out on the town. Spending the vacation at home in our own towns instead of a big family trip across the country.

As such, we're focusing more on our homes and truly making them our havens. So, that means a beautifully scented luxurious candle you just received in the mail is lit at night after dinner while you watch your fave show.

Maybe as you walk through the house doing your homekeeping (because maybe the maid service was one of the first expenses to be cut back on), your eye catches the impeccably made linen pillow on a chair.

Your hand reaches inside the pocket on your cute apron to retrieve the tin of lavender-scent furniture cream and you're off to lovingly dust off the hall table - leaving the fragrant memory of lavender behind when you're done.

And when you return from grocery shopping, that will be the scent that greets you as you open the front door -- and you'll smile that you "splurged" on that furniture cream.

See what I mean? Even in hard times, a woman will typically still find some way to fill her daily life with beauty for herself and her family.

So back to The Beautiful Life and why I'm still more intent than ever on expanding to a large, fabulous storefront....

In the last year I've connect more with "locals" from my own town as well as surrounding towns and the common remark/theme is "Oh I wish we had something like your store HERE! We don't have anything like it!"

Now I'll be first the admit, flattery will get you EVERYWHERE with me! :) But somehow the words of these many women rings true, as more than just empty flattery.

They genuinely seem to long for somewhere to go to pick up a thing or two to "tide them over" in the area of beauty for their personal spaces. A fancy feather pen to write the grocery list with. It may be the only "spree" they allow themselves for the month, but everytime they jot out a list or a note, their spirit will be filled with the sense of beauty in that simple task -- much more so than if they'd reached for a simple pencil.

{Shameless plug, deux: French burlap bag is here}

There is power in beauty. I truly believe that.

A sort of restorative power.

So, what would you do? I've had some say "Stay put! Why would you go out on a limb at this time? Rather than spend more money expanding, sock that money (or even less) into more national advertising, more inventory, employees to help lighten your load.

Well, this does make sense. But tell that to the dream inside.

(I even "get the message" when I'm nibbling on candy!")

The dream that WILL NOT BE QUIET. The dream that says "See, I told you so" everytime yet another woman pleads with me to open near them.

A sweet friend of mine (hi, Teri!) loaned me THE BEST BOOK a week or so ago called "Dreamgiver" by Bruce Wilkerson and it was INCREDIBLE! If you have an unrealized dream germinating in your heart, I cannot recommend that book to you enough! Its a very quick and easy read (remember, I am the one who DOES NOT LIKE TO READ) and yet it packs to much inspriation and wisdom into a very readable book.

I told someone last week, when mentioning my recent stick in my hand with a sharp ink nib (and she was mentioning a recent wound she got cleaning a beautiful glass chandelier) something like "Hey, the way I look at is this: if you're not gettin' hurt, you ain't livin', baby."

That keeps coming to mind with regard to my "dream", the idea of expansion. Some would say that you won't fail if you don't try. I say the greatest failure would be to never try. I'd rather try and fail (of course I'd much rather NOT FAIL) than to have always wondered....

I was once asked "What makes you cry?" Without hesitation the answer came - unrealized dreams.

I even have what looks like a "perfect" storefront in mind. It's in the old, historic section of town; a fabulous old brick wall runs the front-to-back of the store; there are tin ceilings, a large area (almost like a porch) outside in front of the store with a black wrought iron short fence between the side walk and the store. I can just picture how I'd have that porch area decorated throughout the year already!

Counting the first & second floor areas, it totals almost 10,000 sq. ft. (yeah, it's fairly HUGE). I'd LOVE to live above and have the shop below. I've always dreamed of doing that. I could invite a favorite customer (you!) up for an impromptu cup of tea. Walk my dog off and on throughout the day (in the FABULOUS town-square park across the street!). Doesn't it sound dreamy?

I can practically "see" it in my mind -- I can hear the music that I'd be playing, the scents that would be in the air, the vibe that would be present, making everyone at ease and relaxed. Its so "real" I can almost touch it. Almost.

So again I ask...what do YOU think? What would you do if you were me? Play it safe for now? Bide my time and continue to dream but move a bit more cautiously, for now? Plunge right in? Sign the papers tomorrow? :)

Its just nice to have you guys to "talk to" -- this has all been spinning about in my pretty little head for so long now and I just wanted to put it all out there and see what the girlfriends think.

So am I nuts, or what? :)

Love you guys -- one sistah to another,

Ruth

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear."

"MUSIC MONDAY" - A LITTLE SHOE SHOPPING FUN

{VIDEO NOTE: IF THE BLOG MUSIC IS ON AUTO-START, SIMPLY PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE BLOG MUSIC PLAYER ON THE LEFTHAND TOOL BAR, THEN CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE TO WATCH.}

I heard this song on the radio a while back while on a long drive and I couldn't wait to get back home to download it. Thought I'd share it with you on this Monday morning as we all try to gear back up for the work week - some of us needing maybe a bit of a "push" to get going today. (Moi?)

It's one of those fun, upbeat songs that has you tapping your toe before you know it, and then has you humming it around the house all day after ward.

Hope you like it, and for those who read my recent post about Twitter and how it seemed like the Emperor's invisible "new clothes" to me, this video almost kind of touches on that concept, too! The shoe salesman kid manages to sell a bunch of people invisible shoes! Brilliant!

Oh, I'm guilty -- how many mascaras have been tossed in the garbage, one after the other, because for some strange reason when I use the mascara, my lashes don't end up looking like the impossibly-long, crazy-lush & full lashes on the models in the commercials.

Oh yeah...I think they left one little "detail" out in their ads --- the model is getting a little "help" from the false eyelashes she's ALSO wearing with all that mascara! :)

Ditto for tons of foundations I've tried and creams and "potions" -- I fall for those blasted ads ALL THE TIME! And then usually end up being just as happy with whatever I can pick up at the drugstore. Silly girl... :)

Happy MONDAY!

GOOD FRIDAY, EASTER SUNDAY. TOUT VA BIEN...ALL IS WELL.

I love this photo. It's one that I've taken in the past that I actually really like.

I chose it today because of something you'll see at the very end of one of the songs I chose -- CeCe Winan's Alabaster Box.

The first song, though (also by CeCe Winans) is entitled Mercy Said No, and it paints not only a beautiful picture of Easter but also of my life. I so wanted to share it with you.

The same can be said of the second song, Alabaster Box, but on a much more personal level.

We women put on a good face, we apply the makeup, the smile, the great shoes and we forge our way out in the world on a daily basis.

But often, there is the other "us".

The woman who maybe falls asleep with tears in her eyes that no one ever knows of.

The woman who wishes the past would quit haunting her so she could enjoy today -- and the future.

The woman who has never felt so alone -- yet lives every day amid masses of people, chaos, and noise.

Oh, we women know how to stay busy alright. But there are those moments.

Those quite moments when all is not well. And we wish we knew how to quiet the loud, constant nagging sound that keeps steadily tapping inside our heart.

I had one such nagging tap, tap, tap. Like the tortuous sound of a leaky faucet.

I had it all, but had emptiness inside. Do you know that feeling?

Circumstances beyond my control and what I now know as miracles led me to a complete turnaround, though. I've never been the same and the tap, tap, tapping has been replaced with an inner calm and peace (regardless of outward circumstances) that

nothing

else

in

this

world

ever gave.

So, it is on this Good Friday and in view of Easter that I dare to share with you my story -- the reason I can truly, truly say "tout va bien", or "all is well".

{I know it's from Christmas, but its the only photo I could find of my front door for some reason. The enamel plaque on the door is there all year 'round, and it says simply "Tout Va Bien" meaning "all is well". And it is...}

{VIDEO NOTE: IF THE BLOG MUSIC IS ON AUTO-START, SIMPLY PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE BLOG MUSIC PLAYER ON THE LEFTHAND TOOL BAR, THEN CLICK ON THE VIDEO TO WATCH.}

TO TWITTER OR NOT TO TWITTER? ME THINKS THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES ON.

Remember the children's story by Hans Christian Andersen, The Emperor's New Clothes?

In the story, the emperor, being quite the clothes horse, hears of a couple of tailors (really swindlers) who claim to have powers to weave special fabric that could only be seen by those of utmost intelligence and high position. To all others, the fabric would appear invisible.

The emperor thinks having clothing made from such fabric will allow him to tell those who are smart from those who are, well... not so smart. To those in the latter category, the emperor will appear naked and make their lowly state in life apparent when they comment on his "lack of clothing".

Word gets out about these fine garment being made from this magical material. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to everyone (except the swindlers posing as tailors) there really is no fabric, no magic. The "tailors" are taking the emperor's gold in payment and just pretending to weave magical fabric.

So of course, everyone, including the emperor himself, is playing along because they do not wish to be seen as not so smart. They ohh & ahh over its beauty -- they dare not admit that they in fact do not see a thing.

Okay, for those of you who've either never heard of Twitter, or know of it and maybe even tried it out for a spell but don't get it, Twitter is being touted by some as 'the next big thing' in cyberspace social circles. I'm wondering, though, if it isn't another case of "new clothes" that just ain't there.

Essentially, Twitter is a social site where you log into your account and basically tell all the good folks in cyberspace what you're doing at any given moment of the day or night -- and all in 140 characters or less.

So, you log in, and type what? "Cooking chili for dinner tonight & doing laundry." Sweet. How about "At the grocery store and just bought peas." Great! We'll alert the media!

See?

And the thing is, if you're already maintaining a blog, AND you're on Facebook AND maybe some other social networking site, AND you add Twitter to boot, my goodness, how do you even have TIME TO GO BUY THOSE PEAS AT THE STORE?

I love you guys, but really, do you care if I'm "mopping up some diet coke I just spilled..."? Really? C'mon. NOBODY truly needs to or wants to know this. How much information is simply too much information?

Blogging rocks. Facebook, I'm just getting into and does serve a purpose if you like to keep in touch with friends/relatives around the world and share pics, etc. Its even an okay biz networking site.

But after trying Twitter and getting my fill of mindless one-liners from people I don't even know, I quit. Yes, I was a Twitter-Quitter.

Twitter takes blogging to a whole new micro-level. A nano level. Which brings me to this funny YouTube video I stumbled across which you'll find at the end of this post...

And for those who really do get some benefit and use out of Twitter -- fabulous. I really did try and within the space of 1 day after registering, I had like 30 people following me -- all complete strangers who were only following me (and hundreds of others) in some round-about way to boost their own numbers.

(Yes, there is some weird thing on Twitter where you "follow" all the new registrants (moi) and like some kind of pyramid scheme, you should have gazillions of followers yourself in no time! Odd.)

Oh, and I made the BIG mistake of signing on to have everyone's one-liner updates forwarded to my Blackberry.

BIG MISTAKE!

I was at dinner one evening and I promise you, my phone did not stop alerting me ALL EVENING with "tweets" about nothing.

*No, whilst at dinner I did not post anything like "Waiting to be seated at Carrabba's; person next to me has on green Crocs." But trust me, that bears a strong similarity to Twitter posts I DID get all night long.

My poor husband finally said something like "Does your phone EVER stop vibrating????" That was when I decided to log into Twitter that night when we got home and proceed to reverse all the "Alert me via mobile" options I'd signed on for.

A couple of days later, I deleted my account entirely. But that's just me. :)

So....what thinkest thou? Am I missing the boat? Did I fall out of the Twitter nest too soon?

Honestly, I would truly love to know. Maybe I am missing something and if so, I'll give it another try. I just don't know of anything can say in 140 characters of less that will be life-changing or remotely stimulating.

What I want to say, I say here, so adding yet another site to keep up with is just not in my schedule right now.

Let me know your thoughts on this burgeoning cult-status phenomena. In the meantime, enjoy this cute spoof on Twitter. And no, there is no such thing as Flutter (as mentioned in the video). Yet. :)

{VIDEO NOTE: IF THE BLOG MUSIC IS ON AUTO-START, SIMPLY PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE BLOG MUSIC PLAYER ON THE LEFTHAND TOOL BAR, THEN CLICK ON THE VIDEO BELOW TO WATCH.}

C'EST VENDREDI & "FRENCH LESSON FRIDAY" = C'EST FANTASTIQUE!

Bonjour, mes amis - c'est moi, La Belle Vie....

Since I know that many of you share my addiction (oops! that word again!), I meant my LOVE OF all things French, I want to let you know of a magnifique blog called A la parisienne Une ville romantique... Un style romantique and what she is doing every Friday, starting today!

She has decided to give a French lesson every Friday (thus, "French Lesson Friday's") and her first installment is TODAY!

These lessons are going to be a great help to me and since she is a former high school French teacher and even lived in France for a while, I'm guessing we're going to get some excellent information! :)

I was just over at her blog trying to absorbe today's lesson, which is how I managed to cram in even this much French into this blog post. :)

Even aside from "French Lesson Friday", this blog is wonderful!

Enjoy your first French lesson!

And I hope your weekend is c'est merveilleux!