Sparkle! Shimmer! Glimmer! Gleam!

SPARKLE! SHIMMER! GLIMMER! GLEAM!

Now, go make something beautiful - even if it's putting a smile on a loved one or stranger's face!

With Brightest Blessings for a Merry Christmas,

´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´? Tristan  

 

1,000 Days, 1,000 Cranes ...

The simple elegance of the Japanese folded paper origami crane. The Japanese word 'origami' is a combination of two words in Japanese: 'ori' which means "to fold" and 'kami' which means "paper." It is believed that Japanese origami began in the 6th century and because of the high costs of paper, origami was only used for religious ceremonial purposes.

In Japan, the crane is a mystical creature and is believed to live for a thousand years. As a result, in the Japanese, Chinese and Korean cultures, the crane represents good fortune and longevity. The Japanese refer to the crane as the 'bird of happiness.' The wings of the crane were believed to carry souls up to paradise. Mothers who pray for the protection of the crane's wings for their children will recite the prayer: "O flock of heavenly cranes, cover my child with your wings."

 

Traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one's wish would come true. It has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. As a result, it has become popular to fold 1000 cranes (in Japanese, called 'senbazuru'). The cranes are strung together on strings, usually 25 strings of 40 cranes each, and given as gifts.

The origami crane has been taken up and used in myriad ways to wish luck or ask luck or send good wishes. They have been used as 

Mobiles

Ornaments

 Jewelry

 Wreaths

 Centerpieces

 Cake Decorations

even Tattoos

 Sometimes an origami artist will add extra bits to the crane for variety and interest.

 

Cristian Marianciuc is a paper artist who started a project 2015. His goal was to make 1000 origami cranes - one per day for 1000 days. He successfully reached his goal on September 27th, 2017. During his project he created some exquisite works and expanded the vision of the traditional origami crane to include paper cutting as well as folding.

These are just a few of his creations. When you realize how small they are in comparison to the hand that is holding them, they become not only beautiful but remarkable for their miniature size and speak to the skill he acquired working on 1000 cranes!

To see more from his mini series "My Cranes Take an Imaginary Trip Around the World" click image below

This next photo is just for Beverly at Beverly's Pink Saturday because she's such a deer  dear to host the blog hop every Saturday!

After visiting the other participants at Beverly's Pink Saturday blog hop (click here), it will be time for you to...
go make something beautiful!

´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´? Tristan  

Try an origami crane yourself!

              

Your Christmas Angel Name Is ...

 (Too small for you to read easily, click to make it grow!

Yes, it's a Christmas miracle!)

Now go make something beautiful!

¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)(¸.•´
(¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

...if I were to live in Paris

So, it's Christmas time - the time for wishes ... so I've been doing my share of daydreaming and wishing. I mean, if a boy can't wish for his heart's desire at Christmas, when can he?

Before I begin this week's blog post, remember that to see all the other participants in Beverly's Pink Saturday blog hop, just click here - and view the myriad of people and ideas that are covered - and many with that oh-so-special ingredient - pink!

Over the past few months, with our nation in such incredible discord and the future - both socially and economically - so questionable, the spouse has been making disgruntled noises about leaving the country and living someplace else in our waning years. It's not really something I want to do - but I do see the comfort in living out our final years without the stress of racism and class warfare, and homophobia, and political partisanship, and religious hypocrisy invading every area of our lives.

Then, of course, there's the possibility of living in my city of dreams - Paris. No matter how many times I visit, it's not often enough, and living there would be living in a dream. Of course, in order to live the way I would want to live in Paris, the only way it could happen is if we win the lottery. Even though I don't for a second believe that will happen, it hasn't stopped me from stalking the Instagram account of Menager Hug, realtor and purveyor of stunning Parisienne abodes.

Now, I know you think I would have found myself a fabulous rococo palace to spend my lottery winnings on. But, no! I have discovered something far more down-to-earth that will do quite nicely, thank you very much.

Wood-paneling and parquet floors abound, and though not covered in plaster and paint rococo embellishments, it's certainly not without decorative arts charm!.The eclectic duplex apartment sits on the top floors of a grand freestone building in the 16th arrondissement.

Could I be civilized enough to break up a dinner party among more than one table? No, I think a little redecoration would be required here - thought the paneling and chandelier are stunning!

Of course, I would have to insist that these Victorian tête-à-tête chairs come with the apartment…

We used to own one of these delightful and unusual chairs and I loved it. I can immediately think of three plays I directed in which I used it as a set piece - maybe it was more than that. It was recovered more often than Maria von Trapp's window drapes!

The guest room is so rich and warm - rather strange missing a headboard as it is - but that's easily remedied!

I am so thankful that the architect that did this apartment didn't realize that Paris bathrooms are always ridiculously small and inconvenient. This is a beauty!

And, yes, I think I could stand to wake up in this room every morning, opening the drapes, and seeing

this spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower. At 400 square meters with 3 bedrooms, the asking price is for a Hollywood budget: €5,775,000...or $6,735,960.00. You can bet that view of the Eiffel Tower had something to do with a hike in price…

And that concludes my morning of stalking Parisian real estate I can only afford in my dreams.
The home is listed with Menager Hug. (Following their Instagram can be a little problematic for Paris dreamers).

Now, go make something beautiful!

¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)(¸.•´
(¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥

 Wouldn't it be wonderful if this Paris bar was right down the street 

from my dream apartment?!