Good Reads for a Song

When I was quite young, my parents bought first my brother then me a subscription to World magazine, which was the children's version of National Geographic.  I really enjoyed it.  One issue I remember distinctly--it was an article (with lots of pictures, of course) of the crown jewels of England and a few other countries.  I loved that issue!  I thought those sparkles were just gorgeous and wore that issue out. Right then and there my interest began in sparkles of every kind truly began.  It's not that I want them all, but it is just pleasant to look at them and enjoy their beauty and design.  The Crown Jewels book my Mom and I both went for at the same time at a yard sale--it was 50 cents.  I let her have it knowing I could read it whenever I wished (thanks, Mom).  The other book I bought at an antique mall intending it for a gift for someone but just couldn't give it up.  They are full of information and gorgeous, inspiring pictures.

Nothing like a Wedding...

...and a royal one too! While I got up too late to see the actual ceremony (got up at 5:20 a.m.), I was able to look back at what had already happened and then saw William and Kate leave the church...the carriage procession (gorgeous carriage and Kate looked absolutely radiant)...the dress (love all the lace, but I thought it was a little distasteful in that it was too low--not to mention Pippa's!!)...the jewels (that sparkling crown!)...that wonderful balcony kiss (TWO of them--how wonderful!). The kiss could have been a bit *longer*...but that's just me! I thought the queen looked absolutely fabulous. She is just all class, and the "True Lover's Knot" brooch was a nice touch. I'm truly happy for the couple, and they look like they are beaming and soooo happy. It's great that this has been a wonderful day for them.

A Royal Treasury

Inspired by Heidi's swap, I put together and Etsy treasury entitled "A Royal Wedding for William and Kate". I thought it would be fun. Here is a picture of it, but to see all the details you may click HERE to go to the actual treasury. P.S. I just LOVE the little gold and jewel embellished carriage!

Royal Wedding Swap

After saying to myself that I wouldn't again...I am! Can't believe I am, but Heidi is a fabulous swap hostess (i.e. very strict on "flakers", as she calls them), and I had such a great time in her Very Vintage Valentine swap a few years back. She has wonderful ideas, and her idea this time is a swap to honor the wedding of William and Kate at the end of April. This is a British and/or wedding themed swap. I already have some goodies that I have tucked away and am having a ball thinking up ideas. Head on over to Heidi's blog for all the details--HERE.

The Pink Diamond Tiara

Have you seen it in the news? Guess I'm stuck on royalty this week...but how can this beauty go unmentioned? This pink and white diamond tiara (picture complements of jewelry.com) is on display at London's 2010 Masterpiece Fair. The rare natural pink diamonds in it are from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Western Australia. It's gorgeous! I love the filigree work in it. Actually...I get great inspiration and ideas for future projects from looking at items from royalty--I just use rhinestones!

Royalty

I was once told by a New Zealander that as an American I could never really understand royalty and a subject's relationship to a king/queen. At the time he was talking about the Christian's relationship with the King of kings. His statement is true since royalty is not a part of American culture. Perhaps that is why some of us (me included!) are in such awe of the actions of royalty across the world. Understanding it all can be difficult.
I so enjoyed looking at all the pictures (the ones above are complements of www.jewelry.com--a favorite website of mine--you can see more pictures of other royals at the wedding HERE) of the wedding this past weekend of Swedish Crown Princess Victoria...all of the pomp...all of the formality...all of the beauty...all of those gorgeous gems! Her sister and mother looked stunning as well. It amazes me that people have opportunity to look like this and wear such beautiful, historical things. I guess I cannot truly understand royalty. It all IS fun to observe, however, and, though Jesus is my Lord and Saviour, someday I will truly understand my position as a subject under His kingly reign.