Tangled branches, storms, and resilience.

You know how it is when you see a flower growing out of a crack of asphalt? Growing in a godforsaken improbability?

 I find myself thinking if I had to make something grow here, I couldn’t,

and it makes me wonder, with that kind of smirk look, because isn’t it true, when we try so hard to make something happen-

And yet sometimes, without any effort or reason, things just pop up, bloom, and show us a way out.

That is the best of nature. It strives to continue. It lends us a hand to find our way.

…tangled branches, storms, and resilience.

The sun comes up.

Memories flood,

time ticks on, maybe we heal,

Life continues, and we hold on, and hopefully see life growing through the cracks.

The ever-changing seasons showing us change is enviable. So I dare say: Love, Forgive, Love again.

               

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Hatred, greed, and dominance

are never on the right side of history, or humanity.

Three years of unimaginable grief. Three years of children, (families- people ) growing up beneath bombs instead of stars, of families searching for loved ones, of homes becoming memories, of names becoming numbers.

I have refused to look away.

Bearing witness may feel small, but history has shown us that silence is what allows cruelty to grow. To witness is to say: I see you. Your life matters. Your suffering matters. You will not disappear without being remembered.

The easiest response to violence is indifference. The harder, more human response is to keep our hearts open when the world tells us to close them.

No nation, no government, no ideology, no religion, and no cause can justify the destruction of innocent lives. Dominance, greed, hatred, and violence have never written history’s noblest chapters. Compassion has. Courage has. The people who chose humanity over fear have.

What is happening in Gaza, in Palestine is a genocide.

                

Comments

• Well said, Corey. We will remember. by Kathy
• Prayers always. Thank you for keeping this in the forefront of ... by Cynthia Thompson
• We will remember. Thanks for helping us hold them in our ... by Marilyn Miller
• Amen! by Bev S.

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They are here – a group of good friends. Two of them have been with us before. Isn’t that the best compliment?

They definitely hit the ground running- purchases were made and the trunk in the van showed it.

They are peas in a pod that have brocante in their blood! We are going to have fun.
I think I have the best job ever! To be with kindred spirits, who love life, friendship, good food, and yes, the Brocante.

Thank you, each of who have come and joined me, and have come again and again. I love sharing what I know about antiquing in France- I feel like it is a dream.

                

Comments

• Have a fun week. It looks like it is off to a good start. by Marilyn Miller

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The perfectly put muted home soothing and soft like butter. I understand it. Truly, I get it. In a world is moving entirely too fast, walking into a room wrapped in moon light, linen, and a color define on the paint sample as: whisper of peace it can feel like a long exhale after a glass of Sauvignon.

It is like a perfect Sunday morning where nothing is expected of you, as you open the shutters hearing the distance church bells, and the Gregorian choir echoing in the distance. It is soothing, and it has its place.

But sometimes, pop goes the weasel!

You look around the room and realize that while peace is lovely, a little bit of daring mischief is divine.

Is your sanctuaries weasel popping, or the zen meditation in the living room, or is it somewhere between a blank canvas and roasted red chili peppers on the grill.

The magic happens when you let a little bit of the unexpected dance across the floorboards.

Imagine hunting through boxes of a weekend brocante.

Your eyes pass over the usual suspects,

and then—bam!—

there it is-

 A cupboard, but instead of being sanded down to a smooth patine, it wears a coat of unforgettable burnt orange that has survived since it begin. 

Or perhaps it is a collection of mismatched, century-old bottles in an array of jewel tones, sitting inside a rusty black iron urn, balancing barely on an orange velvet stool, and it makes you grin every single time you walk by.

Bringing color into a room does not necessarily create chaos; creates a spark. It is the chunky, colorful necklace paired with a simple linen dress—a bit of contrast such as a daring wink when everyone expects a nod.

Oh. It’s okay to let the world have its soothing beige moments. But don’t be afraid to throw open the windows, invite the pigment in, making a splash.

Maybe it is also true about ourselves too.

                

Comments

• Many years ago I had a friend who was an artist and great with ... by Ann of Avondale
• Great post! Every room needs something vintage/antique to step ... by Ali
• A little color never hurt anyone, in fact, it rather spices up ... by Marilyn Miller

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The first thing I did today was ignore what I was to do, and went to a brocante.

There were two dealers there who told me they come once a year just to clear out their extra stock. I just happened to be the lucky person who was there at the right time.

They were selling things for under five euros. I couldn’t believe it! I asked why everything was so inexpensive, and they said, “We just want to get rid of it.” I thought, “Oh, happy day for me!”

Then I came home and had to focus on putting everything in order for my group. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone to the antique market this morning, but that thought came several hours too late. Now I have a few things to do, I like working under pressure, and you?

                

Comments

• Oh, yes, you certainly made the right choice. Going to the ... by Jeanette
• So glad you went. I know you can get it done, as it is all in ... by Marilyn Miller
• I I've never worked any other way. Working under pressure is ... by Judy Wilcox
• This post had me laughing. And this “The first thing I did ... by Diogenes
• Love the Zut! by Sue J.
• I know someone else like that😬. Love your finds🫶 by Stephanie M

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Talkin’ about riding bikes on the pump track.

                

Comments

• Sweet! by Marilyn Miller
• What's a ” pump track”? by Kathie B.
• Such a sweet moment in time. 💗💗 by Kathy
• Such Gorgeous photos. by Sue
• A photo to cherish Corey. 😘😘 by Leonie

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