Strolling in Montpellier

Montpellier

Montpellier is perhaps better known to American school children as the capital of the state of Vermont. French children would beg to differ, and I would say, "Vive la différence!"

Montpellier is capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, located along the southern coast of France and facing the Mediterranean with its blue waters. Montpellier has a long tradition as a university city a distant relative to two medieval universities. Montpellier University. More than a quarter of Montpellier's 260.000 inhabitants are students.

We say, "Summer in France" - the French, "été en France". Either way, it is a time for vacation for students and others. Strolling in Montpellier by Hovely, evokes the sultry air of southern France and the quaint streets of Montpellior, even if it sizzles. 

And, if you can't get there for now, you can imagine the charm of the city and its cafes by purchasing this beautiful print at Traditions Furniture. C'est tres jolie.

Traditions

Life is a balancing act between work and family, between family and friends, between self and others. If we lean one way too far then we loose our balance, our way in the world.

The only way to keep from falling is to focus, to put one step in front of the other, eyes straight ahead. No worrying about kids when you are working, no worrying about work when you are with your kids. Spend time with the kids doing what they like to do, but relax with friends making adult conversation and sharing thoughts that matter. And sometimes, it is necessary to get away from it all and work on self improvement. Read a book, exercise, take a trip, whatever recharges the mental batteries and keeps the motor running.

When we choose the name Traditions for the store, we had in mind the musical Fiddler on the Roof. At the heart of Fiddler on the Roof is the theme that life is a balancing act like that of a fiddler on the roof. The opening song Tradition itself refers to the precariousness of life against which tradition is our guide. But the story is also about new traditions, new ways of doing things, and our attitude toward this process can be deceptively tricky to pin down. So, take a deep breath and place the next foot in front of the other.

And how do we keep our balance? Traditions.

It takes Someone Special to be a Dad

Older now, I reflect back on my time with Dad.

From birth to the age of ten, I really needed him. Whether it was baseball and biking or books and homework, Dad was there to teach and show me the way. From 10 to 20 years, I would occasionally check in with him. My friends suddenly became a bigger part of my life and time spent with Dad was a second here and there.  From 20 to 30 years, I thought I knew everything and Dad was a phone call on weekends or a card on birthdays and holidays. From 30 to 40 years, I too became a Father. Then again, I saw my Father as a friend whose advice and wisdom I needed again. Maybe, I have finally grown up!

There are many quotes about fatherhood, but the one I like best is by Australian born photographer, Anne Geddes.

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a Dad."

 Although my Dad is no longer with me, I can still see him sitting in his chair at the end of a long day at work. I hear his voice when I speak to my own son and try to be the father my father was to me. I feel his spirit when from the closet I take out the hat he used to wear and put it on my own head. I know that he is not far away.

Father's Day celebrates all that Dad has done. So, for all those caring Dads out there who dedicate their time, give love beyond measure, and sacrifice endlessly in the hope of creating happiness for someone else – Relax and Happy Father's Day.

Tent Sale Through This Saturday, June 10th

Seeming far far far away, all the noise in my ear gets louder as if quite near; now sitting, thinking thoughts that mingle with dreams, of hills far away and their cool, cool, cool streams.

Sometimes, one needs to clear out the cob webs. And by cob webs, I mean the clutter that crowds in and confuses the mind with thoughts that really don't matter. So, it is nice to get a fresh start and wake up to something new and exciting.

Traditions Home is finishing its Tent Sale this week. We are clearing out the cob webs. No not old and dusty, but items that are slightly damaged, or items that have been around a little too long. And our wish to bring in the new is your advantage as we are selling all Yellow Tag items at great discounts.

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