June 2013 Life's Lessons for Women: Audrey Hepburn

There are very few women in the entertainment industry (relatively speaking) who garner the respect and admiration of everyone the world over.  One such woman, however, was Audrey Hepburn.

Audrey was an amazing woman in more ways than one.  We'll be exploring her life and learning from her this month.  To give you a "taste" of her elegance, beauty, and wit, I've created the following Printable just for you:

 

This is my gift to you so you can start thinking about this extraordinary woman, and seeing what attributes you share with her, because mes amies, I know that you probably share many.  Please respect that this is for personal use only ... however please feel free to share this link with others so that they can participate with us as we learn from women, past and present, throughout the year who created lives of beauty.  Who were able to see what true beauty was and who exemplified it in their deeds and actions.

I have to thank Karen at www.thegraphicsfairy.com for sharing the lovely pink background that I used for this graphic.  However, the quote is pure Audrey.  I adore this picture, which was taken at the time that Sabrina (the original movie) was being promoted

So ... look forward to a month of goodies, wisdom, paper craft tutorials, laughter, maybe a few introspections as well ... while we learn from one of the most gracious women who was a style icon as well as an advocate for the beauty and strength of women!

Have a wonderful week mes amies!!

Singing Our Own Song

I absolutely adore birds. Not necessarily in my house, but I love watching them outside and appreciating all of the beautiful colors, plumage, and songs that they sing. I grew up in Oklahoma in a large city, and really didn't realize there were so many birds (other than sparrows, cardinals, bluejays, and scissortail flycatchers) until my husband and I moved out into the country. I was immediately amazed at the amazing array of birds. Suddenly I was exposed to nuthatches (they walk upside down a tree!), chickadees, meadowlarks, hummingbirds, whipporwills (louder than all get out!!), and a myriad of other wonderful and beautiful birds.

As I thought of our journey to find beauty, I was reminded of birds. Each has it's own beauty, whether it is their song, their grace, their antics, their actual plumage, etc. So, when I did my new weekly challenge over at The Graphics Fairy (which you should definitely check out if you like free vintage prints and printables - the picture above is from her website), I decided to make a bird bracelet and earrings. Did I mention before that I LOVE to make jewelry?

Anyway, you can check out my entry at: http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/, my entry is number 50. (and if you like, please press the like button, *wink*wink*).

Here's a larger picture for you to see:




When I wear this bracelet and earrings, I'm going to remind myself of my own personal song, my beautiful plumage, my antics or things about me that might be funny or charming to someone else, and the joy that I can bring to others.

What makes you sing? What special antics do you have or do? What beautiful, or subtle plumage do you wear? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Bonsoir Mes amies. Until Next time ... a bien tot.

Freebie Friday

As an aid to assist us in our search for beauty, I've decided to offer a free printable every Friday a la "Freebie Friday." Just click on the pic above and then you can right click to save to your computer in its original size.

You are welcome to print it out to inspire you, use as a desktop wallpaper, or even in a craft project. I only ask that you do not mass produce or use for profit in any manner. You are, of course, welcome to direct anyone to my website to download their own copy. I have a plethora of inspirational quotes on beauty, fashion, etc. that I can't wait to share with you.

How has your journey been going? I have had a wonderful time really paying attention to how others feel and react when I compliment them as well as how I feel when doing so. It is amazing how many women cannot own their own personal beauty. I noticed many who thanked me when I complimented them, but I could tell that they didn't internalize that I truly found beauty in them. They thought I was being "nice," or conversationally positive. It made me realize how often I feel uncomfortable when others compliment me. I probably show the same signs that I saw in the women that reacted in that way.

On the other hand, it was a joy to see some of my friends, acquaintances, and strangers who lit up even more. Their eyes sparkled, and seeing their joy, made me feel even like their sparkle was rubbing off on me.

How was your experience with complimenting others? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In the meantime ... I have an exciting surprise for you in the next couple of days. So, keep posted and be sure to follow me so that you can be the first to hear about it!!

Bon Jour Mes Amies ... have a beautiful weekend and check back in for my big reveal!!