Saturday, October 24, 2009

My Fair Ladies





We've seen them all. The exquisite photos of a young, dark haired gamine who made us believe that fairy tales can come true, never cease to draw a sigh of admiration for her poise, humility and unpretentious elegance from all of her admirers.



My favorite photo of Audrey Hepburn however, is not of a young princess whose physical beauty was like a fairytale,



but rather of a mature Audrey, whose radiance cannot be extinguished by time. Her beauty is even more illuminating in the following photo, in which her heart for the defenseless and poor outshines even her own iconic image as her eyes cry out, "Why?"



There is a French proverb of which the author is unknown that says, "La figure fait la beauté d'une statue, l'action fait celle de l'homme." In other words, "The face is what makes a statue beautiful, but it is the actions of men that reveal their true beauty."



I would like to dedicate this post to My Fair Ladies, a group of women whose talents, personalities and actions reveal an eternal beauty that will never fade:

Susan L., a long-time friend in California whose humor, faith and dedication to the love of God radiates no matter what the circumstance-

Patricia from Woolytale Miniatures, whose friendship is precious beyond words-



Nancy from Fête et Fleur, who has never uttered an unkind word to me-

Sherry from Edie Marie's Attic who never turns down an opportunity to lend a helping hand or offer encouragement and sound wisdom -



The Dutchess and her beloved Miss Moussie who have remained faithful companions on an unforgettable journey into my imagination-



Spencer from Bellamere Cottage for always having a positive and humorous attitude-



Bonnie from Diamonds and Daisies for her willingness to take risks and never quitting-



Karen Harvey Cox from Scrapbook of Inspiration for her generosity with her beautiful art-

Jacqueline from Once Upon a Fairyland for always being herself and relishing the memories of her childhood



And my mother, who humbly showed me how to live and then courageously showed me how to die-



The list goes on and on of a host of My Fair Ladies who have made me believe that fairy tales can come true by the eternal beauty of their actions. And I would like to thank the witty Bunny from I'm just say'n for this thoughtful award:



Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog
3. Link back to the person who nominated you
4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know
5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'
6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate
7. Leave a comment on each blog letting them know you nominated them

Here are seven things that I think you may not know about me:

1. I was an extra in two movies: Steven Spielberg's 1941 and Rocky II.
2. My father attended my maternal grandparents' wedding at the age of 18 two years before my mother was even born.
3. Everything that I have become successful at I started to learn "late" in life.
4. I want to be a professional writer for childrens' literature.
5. I prefer vanilla to chocolate any day!
6. I haven't eaten a candy bar in 29 years.
7. I want a white horse, you know, the kind with blue eyes, pink noses and lips? They are so.....



Oh....AND NOW THE DRUMROLL PLEASE...I pass on this very special award to the following "Kreativ Bloggers" who never cease to amaze me:

1. My gorgeous cousin Marie at Dancing in Tattered Shoes (your sense of humor is priceless)
2. My brilliant husband at Rattus Scribus (if laughter promotes longevity, I'll live to be a 1000!)
3. Rosemary at Rose's Petite Maison (Woman, you are THE queen's crown maker!)
4. Tristan at Enchanted Revelry (Your posh style and wit are on another level to which I aspire)
5. Lili at Lili M. (Your vintage wares are always so beautifully arranged!)
6. Carol at Charli and Me (You have animated Charli in the most heartfelt way)
7.Keke at In My Sepia Studio (You really know how to combine those colors to get the right mood for your posts!)

Now as Tristan would say, "Now go and make something beautiful", I say, Go out and make someone's day...you certainly make mine!

Bisous à vous tous!

49 comments:

The Dutchess said...

My Dearest friend..you never stop to amaze me with you sweet and loving heart...you will be in mine for ever and ever...

Rattus Scribus said...

My dearest bug (yes, to ya'll out there, we have cutesy names), you would never think of putting yourself on a list of amazing, giving, caring, selfless, creative "Fair Ladies," because, well, it's part of what makes you one. But let me just tell the whole bloomin' world that she is. Great post, articulately written, fabulous pics.

I always wish I could have been friends with Audrey Hepburn. She seemed the genuine article. But I'm grateful to know most of the great women you honored here.

Three cheers, a hoot, and a rrrrr.

Your bug, Rattus

Presépio no Canal said...

Dear Anita,
to wish you a relaxing and wonderful weekend :)
So beautiful post :) You are precious :)
Bisous :)

Unknown said...

Darling Anita! What a gorgeous post. Beautfully said and stunning. I love it!
xoxo
Judith~

Fete et Fleur said...

Anita,

Words fail me . . . I am overhwhelmed by the beauty of your heart and spirit. You're a blessed angel, my dear.

Hugs!
Nancy

LiLi M. said...

I will be away for the weekend, just packed my suitcase, now I was going to send you a message that I hope you have a great weekend, but that I was going to be a little late visiting you. Now what a surprise over here! What beautiful post! I love your fair ladies and what you have to say about true beauty. And of course I am honored to receive your reward! Thank you so much, you made my day.

The other day you asked me whether I have been to Sarlat too. Of course Anita, one hasn't truly visited the Dordogne without visiting Sarlat, I think. Such a beautiful and picturesque town! I still have to try your recipe.
Chère Anita, merci beaucoup! Bisous LiLi

Woolytales Miniatures said...

Dearest (((Anita))) , you are such a precious person. Your love for the Lord is so well reflected in your way that you express to others... so unselfish ..so giving... I think about these children of *yours* and how blessed they are to have you everyday , patiently and lovingly teaching them. You are a *true* theacher Anita, I see how much you care about them and how you care about others... so rare these days. I am so thankful for you and your friendship and I am writing these words here to be register , but I do hope you know in your heart by now. *grin*
(((Thank you)) dear friend to think of me in such special way!*smiles*
Now for *that* horse! What a handsome fellow! no wonder you are dreaming of him!*grin*
lovingly~

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Anita.....that was a beautiful tribute to those that inspire you. YOU are a major inspiration to all of us! Well done!~Hugs, Patti P.S. Not one candy bar??

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Coming out of the daze to tell you that you are a true inspiration. Beauty is appreciating all we can do and seeing what can be done and she is. This was a delight and I thank-you for the wishes and I have missed you also with my being down. (Still mending a bit, but light is always at the end of the tunnel.) Blessings friend.

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bonjour ma chere,

Merci mille fois!! I am so honored to be named a Fair Lady by you. I've never thought of myself like that and you have lifted my spirits by volumns.

But it is YOU ma belle that is the Fairest Lady of all! I have been so blessed to know and love the person you are. So my vote is for YOU my fair lady... you remind me so much of Audrey, outside & in.

Merci beau coup (said very humbly)
Sherry

PS So glad you could join us Rattus!

BonjourRomance said...

What a wonderful post! From the beauty of Audrey to your lovely tributes to all you friends. Also the painting of the lady in blue is gorgeous!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Congratulations dear Anita on your Award...This post is so beautifully written...you are one Fair Lady too!!! I'm sure you will do some writing of childrens' literature...you just have to!!! Dzintra♥x

Anne Marie said...

man! are you so sweet!! if only we all had your precious attitude......

lovely post! and awesome picts. you chose!!

KeKe said...

Anita, I am truly honored!! I will be back tomorrow to pick up the award and pass it along to more beautiful ladies~

Thank you for thinking of me!!!!

Bunnym said...

I too admired Audrey's cause for UNICEF which was in my opinion over shadow by her short but brilliant acting. I elect to put you on your list....check!

tootles,
bunny

ps. thanks for making me cry about your mom...aunt Gracie.

RobinfromCA said...

What a lovely post. I've been a sporadic blogger the past couple of weeks and this was a wonderful way to start reading again. I adore Audrey too. Have you read her son's book "An Elegant Spirit" yet? I highly recommend it.

Robin

Barb said...

Hi dear Anita,

Lovely post. I agree with Robin. If you have not read "An Elegant Spirit", you must. So many private, unpublished photo's. Her son is just as gracious and lovely as she was.

You have not had a candy bar in 29 years? Truly amazing.

hugs,
Barb

Jorgelina said...

Anita.
What a gorgeous post.
The beauty of Audrey to your lovely tributes.
Blessings friend.

Anonymous said...

Good afternoon Anita, What a beautiful and inspiring post. I too love Audrey Hepurn, a lovely lady inside and out. Your are so sweet to mention the creativity "Fair Ladies." I would add you to that list. I think you are very special indeed. You have not eaten a candy bar in 18 years? What disapline you have. I think you would make a wonderful writer of children's stories.You are very creative. An extra in two movies? How exciting to be able to say that. It must have been so much fun! Lastely, thank you so much for this beautiful award. I will treasure it always and do the meme in the next coming weeks. Thank you so much for thinking of me and for the lovely comments you leave on my post. I hope you have a spooktacular All Hallow's Eve ♥

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Sweet and dear Anita....

Isn't Audrey just the most beautiful person INSIDE and out? She really did become more lovely with time.

I loved reading about you......NO CANDY for 29 years? YIKES! I guess that says a lot about me....I WOULD fixate on that for sure! :-)

You're so sweet to mention me....Thank you. And, I'm sending all of your sweet words back to you! YOU'RE the FAIR LADY!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Do you have something special planned?

Big hugs sweetie!
Spencer

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh, I forgot to tell you.....I learned this in Blogville... :-) If you click on the picute hit CTRL and roll your mouse away from you at the same time the pictures will enlarge. It's a great tip for blogs that don't have the enlarge feature....I do, but it must not be up to snuff today! :-)

Hugs,
Spence

My Casa Bella said...

I love Audrey Hepburn, great post! I also love the art you posted especially the first one with the two ladies picking flowers, do you know the name of it? I'd love to look into that print and possibly purchasing it.
Great blog!!
My Casa Bella

The Victorian Parlor said...

What a beautiful post!!!

Blessings,

Kim

My Casa Bella said...

Anita, thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. Thanks for the info I will look into it. As for PR food, well I'm from Brooklyn and Puerto Rican among many other things, and LOVE PR food. In fact I'm having a lucheon on Thursday and PR food is highly requested so that's what I'm making.
MMMM!!!
My Casa Bella

Marie said...

Anita, Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. As always, and as you do with others, you touched a little something in me. Audrey remains to be one of my favorites. Her whole being exuded grace, elegance and love. One person I wish I had had the opportunity to meet. Hats off to my Auntie who was one of the kindest souls I have ever met. Couldn't help but love her.
Elizabeth

Teacup Mosaics said...

Such a lovely post. The images of all the ladies are just beautiful. A fine tribute to a fine group of ladies and friends.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita...the only holiday we celebrate here in Australia is the Melbourne Cup which is a horse race!!! Chicken & champagne is usually the go...the whole nation stops for this race...most people have bets running on it!!! As far as concocting something I will be doing a cook up with Vicki in NOvember...if it all comes together it will be a Wedding Anniversary meal for us!!! Have a lovely week...Dzintra♥x

Unknown said...

Today I posted on the power of WORDS...you have a way with WORDS Anita that penetrates right into the heart. You are so full of cupid moments where you honor the whole darn universe. Perhaps it is your mission, to spread the love far and wide. For that I'm so thankful. To know you, is to love you. I do believe long long ago...Gods perfect plan was that we would meet, at this time, in this space and in this place. Thank you for honoring me. My love is with you, always...

Bonnie said...

Darling Anita, I am honored to be among the group of women you consider Fair Ladies! But you my dear are the fairest of all!

Bonnie

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. The women you mention are such inspirations to us all. Have a beautiful day! Twyla

Kirsten Steen said...

What a beautiful post! Love those women photos and all your tributes. Congrats to all on your list and to those you share your love and life with! What a lovely heart you have.
Happy Toussaint!
Kirsten

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Thank you for visiting me today and for leaving such kind words. I found you through comments you've left on some blogs that we both read. Buttercup Bungalow and Once Upon a Fairytale to name a few. Your blog is very beautiful and a pleasure to read. Twyla

Unknown said...

Anita,
Thank you for mentioning my artwork in your beautiful post. I didn't visit anyone this weekend. My lovely cat Mittens passed away. We had her for twenty years, and we are very sad. But the good part is that she was a terrific cat and she gave us twenty years of joy.

Have a lovely Monday.
Karen

deb famularo said...

Bonjour Mon Amie!
It's been too long, and I apologize for being a super bad blogger- I had to come by and say hello to you. Your blog looks FAB. Very pretty, I love it!! And what a beautiful post- you are indeed one special lady!I'm so honored to know you my dear. And I sincerely mean that.
So up in Minnesota, you must have some excited football fans around you! Sorry about your colleague- I love The Pack, but I was happy for the "old guy" Favre this weekend! Things are the same here- just coping with the situation and praying we get out soon! Thank you for your kind thoughts and for not forgetting about me!! It means a lot! lots of love, deb

Tristan Robin said...

I can't believe I didn't leave a comment when I was here on Saturday! I guess I got so enthralled with this delightful post - full of everybody's darling, Audrey! - and the kind and generous gift of the award - I just forgot!

This was a marvelous post ... and we have "extra" work in common! I've only done two films ("Next Stop: Greenwich Village" and "Puddle Cruising"), but quite a bit of tv (and even got to speak on "Law and Order!"

Bonsoir!

Rosemary said...

Wow Anita,
What a great post!!
I am honored to be among such wonderful people.
Thank you so much!
I'm still here trying to play catch up after my very wonderful vacation.
Too much time away though. I have piles of work. Have not been able to chat with you lately.
So sorry!!
There are many crowns in the kingdom to be made.
Hope you are having a great night!
Talk to you soon,
Rosemary

icandy... said...

Anita, this is so sweet!
Happy day!
Christina

Unknown said...

Oh, those are lovely ladies! I love Nancy, Sherry, and Karen Harvey Cox! They are such creative souls and very deserving of your award! The other gals I'll have to go and visit sometime!

Audrey Hepburn was lovely inside and out.

What a beautiful post!

LuLu Kellogg said...

Wasn't Audrey wonderful? I loved her and also Grace Kelly (Grace is my middle name).

I hope you will have a wonderful week my dear.

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

koralee said...

Your blog is amazingly lovely...so happy to have found you. Audrey Hepburn is one of my all time favourites so thank you so much for this lovely post. I will be back to visit you again!

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Anita...you are a Darling!!! Thank you so much...Have fun with those Blood Sucking Brownies, I'm sure you will love them...Dzintra♥x

savvycityfarmer said...

what a beautiful tribute to such amazing women ... you just have a way with words, my friend. I can "feel" your feelings

and speaking of friend , I'm proud to call YOU my friend.

there is just something about audrey's face isn't there?

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Anita,
This is a beautiful post and so full of your full heart. Nancy holds a special place in my heart and has been a true friend and is a person of grace.

You do such amazing things here that lift the spirit ~ thank you. That blue eyed horse will be yours one day, what a nice photo, I hope you are able to visit him often and give him words of love.
xo~Tracie

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dear Anita...that sounds sooo cool...Have fun with the students...Happy Baking to you all...Dzintra♥x

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

What a beautiful Post Anita,
Congrats on the award and congrats to the ones you sent an award to.
The prints are gorgeous of course.
I loove Audrey Hepburn, always have.I think she is a true beauty inside and out.
XXOO Marie Antionette

Rita said...

Dear Anita,
didn't have much time to dedict to blogging, but I had an urge to come visit your blog at this time of night - it's nearly 2 o'clock in Italy.
I must thank you so much for the wonderful thoughts you have shared. I have learnt great lessons by reading your post dear blog friend.
BTW, right now Breakfast at Tiffany's on TV, isn't that a again quite a coincidence?
In a previous comment you left on one of my posts you asked me whether I am Italian. Yes, ma'am, I am. I used to be an English teacher in my younger years, but for the past 17 years I've been working as a PA to a CEO in a German Corporation.
I'd better go to bed now. My alarm clock will implacably wake me up in 4 hours to remind me that there's still another awuful day at the office before my week-end can start. It's our monthly local flea market weekend... can't wait! Love going junking
Good nite
rita

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Anita!
Here's the info on the crown on my blog. Tell Janet I sent you... you probably know her already but I have to say she's as good as it gets! http://shabbyfufu.com/French-market.htm

xo~Tracie

Nishant said...

. Great post, articulately written, fabulous pics.


Work from home India

Fifi Flowers said...

LOVE Audrey!
Email moi privately... would love to do a post with YOU!!!
Of course it will involve INSPIRATION!!!
ENJOY your day!
Fifi