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).