Bonjour, mes amis! French was my minor in college; and after I gradutated, I stayed far away from it. The truth is, learning French hurt my head. It's a difficult language to speak, let alone read and comprehend the grammar. Not to mention trying to keep up with all of l'argot francais—slang—which changes just about every week. But, honestly, I can't stay away from the traditional language of love, the legal system and old kings' courst—I am a Francophile.

In my half-hearted attempt to keep in touch with a lovely language and culture, I picked up a book recently at the library about Marie Antoinette. Much maligned and vilified before and after the French Revolution, the former Queen of France and Navarre has been a hot topic in recent years. New books, movies and various newspaper articles try to set the record straigh: She wasn't the calous monarch said to have uttered "let them eat cake;" she was attacked by jealous court members and, perhaps, thought too much of the people's affections for her.

True, she lived a life of decedance: she was the Paris Hilton of her time. Her's was the stuff of dreams that percieved-unlimited wealth could buy; and she was said to be as beautiful and charming as any God-chosen monarch could be. And as such, she's been an inspiration to artist's though the ages; they dreamed of the wealth while trying to capture her beauty. And she still inspires today, which is why the Etsy Finds Thursday is dedicated to: Marie Antoinette.

"Shabby Chic French Versailles Bookmarks or Gift Tags (set of 4)" by Parlene ($3.75); "Marie Antoinette Dances at Versailles" by Eclettica ($181); "Dutchess de Polignac Superwash Merino Sock Yarn" by ValuTree ($20); "Decapitated Dollies-Marie Antoinette-Crocheted Plush Head" by ScaryWhiteGirl ($15); "Let Them Eat Tuna - Print" by AmberAlexander ($18); "Marie Antointte Pillow (in blue-grey)" By PacoAndLupe ($35); "Striped Marie Antoinette Tricorn Hat-18th Century-Pirate" by TopsyTurvyDesign ($159); "Marie Antoinette Bonjour Note Cards" by MulberryMuse ($14); "The Lady hanging embroidery" by SisterDee ($62).

This Thursday is all about the money—giving it away, that is. It's true, the economy right now is kind of scary, and I'm thinking of ways to save on gas, and food bills, and wondering if their are any good sales on fabric to feed my growing stash addiction. That fact that I have money to spend on fabric says to me that I have enough to donate to a good cause.

Two things happened this week to bring me to this charitable reverence. The first, Paul Newman passed away earlier this week. The media flood that followed talked about his endless giving and humility. He even started a food brand, Newman's Own, in which donated all of its profits to charities around the world. The second, I went to a local coffee shop to get a morning cup of joe today (see, more money to spend) and there was a jwelry maker selling her stuff. I went over to have a look and the artist, Leah, told me that some portion of the jewelry sale was going to the Freestore Foodbank (I can't remeber the exact amount, but it was pretty generous). I didn't have the money on me at the moment, but I took one of her business cards, and she has an Etsy Shop: TheLetterG. She doesn't have this deal going on at the site, but I thought I'd send some people her way—good deeds shouldn't go unnoticed (Plus, she has some unreal gorgeous stuff.)

So, this week's Etsy Finds Thursday is dedicated to: The Charitable Side of Creativity.

"Lovely Lamb" pendant necklace, by JaneDiamond, benefitting Farm Sanctuary and Etsy For Animals ($15); "Gigi Felt Flower Pin" by PrincessLazertron, for Susan G. Komen for the Cure ($20); "Luck Fiona Charity Dog Collar" by LuckyFiona, proceeds benefit Sarah, a Setter in need of surgery ($14.99); "Eric Ortega No. 4" by ChrisCarterArt, benefitting the Butterfly Project ($60); "Black Cat's eye Cancer Awareness HOPE Bracelet" by AuntMarysLegacy, all proceeds donated to The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life ($10.50); "Ovals - Autism Awareness Note Card" by Brefour, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Autism initiatives ($3); "Pin Up Emo Rockabilly Punk Nautical Star Necklace" by RockLove, proceeds donated to making care packages for our troops ($40); "SQUEAKER Large Fleece Dog Tug Toy" by RescueMeTugz, for Great Dane Rescues ($6.50 for 1); "PIay It Foward - 1 Sample" by MixologyMakeup, $1 per item sold goes to the 1000 Wells Project for clean water in Africa ($1.65).