Thursday, January 27, 2011

Everything Sounds Better in French


Once upon a time, a long time ago, I used to be an English teacher.  Mostly high school.

Notice the sentence fragment?  I left the profession before texting.  Email was still a novel way to communicate.  I'd hate to teach grammar now.

My students always loved etymology, probably because it hadn't been beat to death, like proper comma usage, symbolism, and six-trait writing.

Do they still teach six-trait writing?  I digress...

Anyway, I'd point out that English is a Germanic language.  But thanks to the Norman conquest in (anyone? anyone?) 1066, French had a huge influence on our language.  And when faced with trying to use the best word, usually the words with French or Latin etymologies sound more sophisticated than those with Germanic roots.  "He received a present" sounds more refined than "He got a present."  The verb "receive" arrived into the English language from French.  The word's earliest origins are found in Latin.

OK, now I'm really off topic!

As I originally said, everything sounds better in French.  Like Bienvenue.  (By the way, "welcome" originated from Old Norse).


I painted this welcome sign this weekend.  It's origins was in cabinetry.  It's a salvaged cabinet door.  You know how much I love to repurpose!

My original plan was to turn it into another message board.  In the end, I decided it was a little too small for a chalkboard.  So I broke out the little paintbrushes.  Yes, in the days of the Cricut, I handpainted the lettering.



I love the warmth glazing gives!  Since it's French, I added a touch of fuss.



Je t'adore!



If you haven't read about it yet, be sure to check out my Spare a Square project for a great cause!  Thanks!

I'm linkin' up...

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating calm+breeze+banner+friday.jpg Designer Garden Funky Junk's Saturday Nite Special The DIY Show Off Its So Very Cheri  http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/ Copy Me Challenge

19 comments:

  1. This is soooo pretty ! WOW
    I would love if you link this to the French Obsession on Feb 1st ! People would love it !
    XO
    Frenchy

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  2. http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com/

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  3. How pretty...love this look!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  4. I love stuff like this too!! You did a beautiful job. Found you through Frugal Fridays!

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  5. popped over from shabby nest. your sign looks great. love the colors you chose.

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  6. OMG this is absolutely FABULOUS! GORGEOUS! I would be so delighted if you would link this up to my VIP party today =)

    http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/01/vip-party-2.html

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  7. i agree, french is the way to say it.
    i would love for you to join my weekly wednesday party next week.

    http://typeadecorating.blogspot.com/

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  8. Thank you for the lesson! You're absolutely correct (about the French, in particular). :)

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  9. So pretty and so well done by hand! Wow! You have far more patience than I. And I hear ya (oops!! YOU LOL) on the language thing. So many shortcuts today in computer writing have me actually cringing! I can only imagine how an english teacher would feel. :)

    Donna
    http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

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  10. Hi, I'm Susan.
    I found your blog on Funky Junk Interiors. I love your welcome sign and your message boards. You have a great site!
    Come visit me, I'm following you.
    Have a great weekend!

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  11. Oooh, I love your color and am impressed with your steady hand! I have to hand-paint, too, I don't own a Cricut! It's nice, though, I take a lot of satisfaction in a design when it's finished. Great job!
    I would love for you to link up to my link part going on right now...each entry leaves you eligible to win $130 at CSN Stores.com. alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

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  12. Hi I am a new follower ~ I found you on It's so very Cheri. The sign is beautiful you did an amazing job!

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  13. Nice job! What a clever idea for a cabinet door. I think I need to learn more about Cricut. My girlfriend has one and it seems to be a very useful tool. I'm your linky neighbor at Nifty Thrifty Tuesday. Nice to "meet" you! Great post.
    ~ Lynn

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  14. Well you skeeeerd me with the English Teacher confession but I'm over it now. Your cabinet door turned welcome sign is a perfect example of looking at something and seeing something other than the obvious. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  15. I wanted to let you know this sign is being highlighted at my VIP party tomorrow. www.designergarden.blogspot.com

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  16. I love your sign! I actually got here from my own blog (thanks for commenting!), but I remembered your sign immediately from some link parties I was looking at in the last week or so. I thought it looked great--even in the small icon for the party. Great job!

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  17. love this sign...thanks for sharing!

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