The City of Lights

I've been thinking of Paris all day today.  No city has ever captured my heart like Paris.  Every time I go back, I see it through new eyes, and it never fails to disappoint me.  I don't speak French...I understand a little, but that doesn't even matter.  What I see with my camera spells it all out.  The City of Lights is indeed magic.  If I ever win the lottery, my suitcases will be a blur, and I'll be hopping on Flight 48 quicker than you can say bonjour!  Here are a few of my favorite Paris photographs.  I have thousands, yet I can't bear to delete any of them.  My next trip to France isn't until October, and I'm already counting the days.  I think I've got Paris fever; luckily, there's no cure but to go back again.

The Mayor of Murphy

Murphy, Texas is a little town located north of Dallas, and not too far down the road from Southfork, home of the "Dallas" television series.  The community's first settlers arrived in 1846, and throughout the years, it's maintained a beautiful country-style environment.

My good friend, Bill, has an interesting link to Murphy.  His father, Jules Kappes, was the mayor from 1980 until 1983.  Yesterday marked the grand opening of the Murphy Community Center, previously the old school building.  Mr. Kappes is now in an assisted care home, but he was happy to attend the dedication ceremony, where he was welcomed by many friends.  It was fun to capture the day with photographs.

When I arrived, Grace Atherton, ninety-nine years young, was addressing the crowd with more energy than you typically see in someone half her age.  Ms. Atherton was a teacher at Murphy School, and during World War II, also became the principal, coach and janitor!  At the ceremony, she assisted Mayor Bret Baldwin with cutting the ribbon.

Bill and his father enjoyed the festivities.

The crowd went wild when Mayor Baldwin took the first shot at the brand new basketball hoop...and he made it!

Afterwards, Mr. Kappes caught up with many of his old friends.

What a surprise to find photographs of all the mayors of Murphy in the "Hall of Mayors!"

We even got father and son to pose in front of Mr. Kappes' photograph.

Mr. Kappes was proud to find that he, his late wife, Del, and their cat, Mitzi, were featured in a recently published book on the history of Murphy.

 After looking inside all of the community center's rooms, we headed outside to enjoy some beautiful springtime weather.

It was a heartwarming morning, and one that Mr. Kappes will treasure for a long time.





Favorite Things

It's been quiet around here lately.  My next trip isn't until March 29, when I'm taking off to Abu Dhabi.  But, until then, it's just Rose and me, hanging out.  Today, I started taking photographs of some of my favorite things in my house.  Walking from room to room, it didn't take long for me to remind myself how lucky I am.

My family is amazing, and these photographs are some of my favorites.

Of course Rose is included!

My daughter gave me this little crown and card for Christmas several years ago.

This twirling ballerina belonged to my great-aunt.  It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen, and when she gave it to me, I was over the moon.  Even after an accidental hand amputation, it was still a thing of wonder, and something I'd never part with.

My daughter's rocking horse was a Christmas gift from Santa in 1981.  It kept her occupied for hours, and I can't help but hope that one day, maybe another little girl will hop on and be as fascinated.

I have a favorite room, the Paris Room, where guests can pretend they're visiting the City of Lights.  Everything about it makes me happy.

How can anyone not like Carnival glass?  It's so festive!  I pick up a piece every now and then, even though I don't need any more.

I've always had a thing for dishes, and can feed the entire neighborhood off the various sets of Franciscanware and Fiestaware that I own.  Here's a bit of Ivy.  My great-grandmother and great-aunt lived together in a sweet little country house in Alabama.  They had this particular Franciscan pattern, and I remember many summer meals served on it.

My grandmother had Franciscan Apple.  It was actually the first pattern I started collecting.

Somewhere along the way, I started picking up pieces of vintage silver, particularly iced teas in different patterns.

I have a globe that lights up, and shows me all the new places I need to visit!

I bought this pencil holder in Paris. I love all the different types of wood. It's a little work of art, in my mind.  I use it to hold words that were given to me by Krista, when she graduated from college years ago.  As you can see, today's word is "communicate."

What do you think about this tiny porcelain figurine?  I found it in Chatou, France, at the ham and antiques market last year.  I know it must have a fascinating history, but now it's retired and holds earrings for me.

The purse was my great-grandmother's, the Christmas card was my first press-printed card.  I took the photograph in Santa Fe at twilight...one of my favorite cities.

What are your favorite things?