Homage to my Mother, Berthe Leonie Lannoy Gerard

On January 18th 2016, my dear Mother passed away.  I am still dealing with this incredible loss, but decided to post her Eulogy that I wrote and presented at her Memorial Service.  I had not read it since that day, but having just done so, I somehow feel a bit better.  Perhaps by me sharing her amazing story, it may help others to love, laugh, live life to its fullest, and appreciate each other more.  God Bless You, Maman.

Berthe Leonie Lannoy Gerard

Wife to Armand Gerard for 39 years, Mother to Patrick, Veronique and Armand, Grandmother to Anne, Justin, Luc, Mary, Marc, Matt, Adam, Kallie, Kaitlyn and Cameron.  Great Grandmother to Simon, Charlotte, Leopold, Frederick, and due in a few short weeks, her fifth great grandchild.  Cherished by our spouses Rick, Karin, Tricia, Kevin and Beau.  

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank my sister-in-law, Karin, for all the care and love she gave her these past few years.  I will be forever grateful.

She was born in the picturesque village of Han-sur-Lesse in the southern region of Belgium on February 15th, 1930.  One of six children who grew up in a tourist village known for some of the most magnificent caves in Europe.  Her childhood was filled with the joys of being part of a beautiful large family filled with love, God, and hard work.  She, along with her siblings, worked in the caves along side their Father, as it truly was the "family business."  She was such a sweet little girl who was definitely a "home body."  She never even wanted to stay the night at a friends’ home or family member, as she preferred to always remain at home.  How ironic that she would be the only child to move from Belgium, 6,000 miles away...

It is this village that brought my parents together.  Papa was doing an internship at one of its' largest Hotel/Restaurants.  Also working in the kitchen was one of my Uncles.  One day, Papa asked him if he knew of anyone who would be able to clean and sharply press his white chef coats, and my Uncle Maurice quickly responded, "My sister will do it!"  She always did have the best laundry skills......;-)  Not surprising, she fell in love with the handsome, charming, young blond Chef.  The feeling was definitely mutual.  My Dad used to say that there still remains marks in front of the hotel in the form of a figure 8, from my Mom riding her bicycle in hopes of catching a glimpse of him.  She was 18 years old. 

Very early in their relationship, on a romantic walk, my Dad proposed to her on “the little wall” which always remained a special visit on our trips back to Han. So much so that this past December, my brother Armand asked his now wife Tricia to marry him at the exact same spot. 

 

There would be many adventures in their future.  So much so, that we all thought she should have written a book.  Dad still had to do his two year Military Service, and upon completion, they married.  She was 21.  Dad had purchased the little General Store L’Abeille, where they worked and lived in the upstairs apartment.  Patrick was born nine months later.  That was just a stepping stone to the first real adventure.  They accepted a position in the Belgian Congo, and the little village girl was on her way with the love of her life, and little Patrick.  They both worked so incredibly hard running two different resort hotels.  What an undertaking, and so impressive for such young people.  He had a plan, of course.  Work hard, make good money, save it for the ultimate goal and dream he had of immigrating to America.  They stayed in the Congo for 4 years, leaving earlier than they had expected due to the uprising that was brewing, just prior to the revolution.  They returned to Belgium in early 1958, safe and sound.  What amazing memories and stories came from those years.

Now was the time to make the next big step that my Dad had dreamed of since he was a young boy.  America!  Paperwork finally complete, Mom pregnant with me, Patrick now five years old, new Peugeot car in tow on the ship, they were on their way to New York!  Apparently in those days, one was not allowed to immigrate if the woman was more than 5 months pregnant.  Adamant that this child was going to be born in America, he fibbed, made my Mother attempt to look less pregnant, and off they went.  I was born in New York two months later.  I have always been so proud of his tenacity and to be the first born American in our family.     

Five wonderful years in New York living the American dream on Long Island, ultimately owning a small restaurant called, "Au Petit Restaurant."  It was a good life, but California was rambling in his head.  She never questioned his decisions and once again, they were off!  She loved him unconditionally.

 

We ended up in Anaheim, and Armand was born in 1967.  They owned several restaurants, most notably, "The Continental," "The Old Belgium," and ultimately "The Packing House." I believe most marriages would never survive their rigorous lifestyle and being together literally 24 hours a day.  You know what they say, behind every great man is a great woman.  No truer words could be spoken to describe their relationship.  It was full of intense love, respect, singing, joie de vivre, and most importantly, humor.  At the Old Belgium they had various large chalkboards that my Dad would write clever notes on.  I remember one that was changed one day in the front entrance.  It read, "My wife requests some affection, so we will now be closed on Mondays!"  I can still hear her saying...."Oh, Armand!" :-)

When they left Anaheim for Menifee in 1976, it was with the hope to live a much calmer, less stressful life.  Life on the little ranch...  Still a lot of work tending to the goats, pigs, horses, chickens, geese, and various other fowl, but they simply loved every aspect of their life there.  They had a magnificent garden, she made bread bi-weekly, made cheese, and they even slaughtered goats and the occasional pig.  She was ALWAYS by his side.  Life was so good.

Mom became very involved with her local Woman's Club, and I believe she held every board position multiple times.  She made some amazing friendships with those ladies that she cherished deeply.  She also was a volunteer at the voting booths for every single election that ever took place during her years in Menifee.  She truly enjoyed her volunteer work, and I am certain that her incredible sense of American pride, along with my Dad of course, molded my passion for politics.

   

There were some very good years there, but sadly, Papa was taken from her by cancer at the very young age of 60.  Devastating.  We were all extremely concerned about her well being after his passing.  They were inseperable.  She went through some incredibly difficult and life altering times, but I firmly believe that is was those 5 grandchildren that kept her going.

 

I am fully aware that all Grandmothers are wonderful, but please forgive me as I am a bit biased.  She was known as "Memere."  I remember when I learned that I was going to be a Grandmother, I mentioned to my kids that I would love to be called "Memere."  I was quickly corrected, in a kind way, that there was only ONE "Memere."  Obviously, they were correct.

She was part of their lives in every possible capacity.  She attended every band tournament and concert, baseball, soccer and softball games, ice skating competition, boy scout event, piano recital, Halloweens, special school events and ceremonies, volunteered for their various schools, and filled in whenever we were unable to attend.  Everyone knew her and called her, Memere.  She simply was part of every facet of their lives.  I know I speak for each and every one of her grandchildren, that she was and will always remain one of the most influential people in their lives.  

One thing I must address is how funny she was.  I believe we all can attest to the fact that she truly was hilarious, but didn't know it!  Her "Memerisms" have become famous in our family.  We will forever keep her spirit alive with her amazing joy for life, and innocent and loving manner.  I used to love to kid her about her beautiful accent.  She would always have the same comeback line...(Insert me doing a French accent) "Veronique, I don't know what you are talking about!  I don't have an accent!  You are crazy!" ;-)

  

I last saw my Mother this past November.  Thankfully, she still had moments of being coherent.  I shall forever cherish those last days I shared with her.  One in particular will remain in my heart forever.  She was at the rehabilitation center.  It was a glorious day.  We got her in the wheelchair and I brought her outside as she so enjoyed the sunshine.  After a few moments, she looked at me and said, "I want to sing a song."  I knew exactly what song she was thinking of as it was her favorite, and I heard her sing it with my Dad so many, many times.  She quickly began...

 

“Quand il me prend dans ses bras

Il me parle tout bas,

Je vois la vie en rose.”

I joined her, and we sang the entire song together.  No tears were shed.  She did not miss a beat or lyric.  It was just beautiful.  When we finished, she looked at me with a very puzzled expression and said, "Veronique, how do you know that song?"  I don't know, Maman, I don't know.  :-)

We all know that she was an angel among us.  We must cherish her memory and know that she is now the most beautiful angel watching over us.  I know I will.  Rest in Peace, Maman.  I will forever strive to be more like you, and carry your spirit within me.  I love you.

Some people eat to live...I live to EAT!!!

When I think of all things that pertain to home and family, one of the first things that enters my mind is food.  It is the fabric of our being, and through it, we all connect.  I honestly believe that food is on my mind pretty much all of my waking hours.  I know that food is a constant theme of many of my dreams as well!  I suppose it's not too unusual since I am the daughter of a French Chef, but honestly, I am always thinking of what to make for dinner, and thinking of new options and creations.

I pride myself in instilling in all of our children the importance of celebrating family and sharing the love of sitting down at the table for dinner.  When we were raising our brood, we always sat down at the dinner table as a family, no matter how late that baseball/football/golf game ended, ice skating practice took, or that band practice lasted.  We shared stories of the day, prospects of the days ahead, and the joys and conflicts of simply being a family.  Although we are now "empty nesters" we still sit together every evening to enjoy our meal in the dining room and reflect on the day.  Our greatest joy is celebrating "family dinners" on Sundays with our children and grandchildren who currently live close enough to share.

Throughout my career I have always been asked how on earth I can make a home made dinner every night?!?!?  Well, that's easy...First of all, it takes planning, the desire to actual do it, and a husband who may be able to assist. ;-)  For me personally, I actually find a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from making dinner, and after a long and sometimes trying day, it seems to always be the best medicine to relieve any and all stress. And of course, you must be flexible that dinner may not always be at the exact or preferred time every night.

In my business, I am often asked to design/update current dining rooms.  My question to each of my clients is always this..."How often do you eat in your dining room?"  The overwhelming response is often the same..."Oh, maybe two or three times a year!"  What?  The reason is that the dreaded room is usually referred to as "the formal dining room!"  That's exactly the image I have been trying to eliminate for years!  Why can't we simply call it "the room we sit down as a family to eat and make memories in."  Okay, I guess I'm going to have to work on a better name for that space.  It is always my goal to create a more relaxed and comfortable area where all feel engaged and want to eat in that room.  Regardless of its' name, I wish to share the importance of creating an atmosphere where we can enjoy a meal, with the hope that conversation and relaxation ensues.

If anything comes from this post, I sincerely wish to share that dinner does not have to be fancy or complicated.  Whether it be the tried and true family classic recipes my father instilled in me, or the traditions of your own family, it really doesn't matter.  I love to try new recipes, or even creating my own twists.  Sometimes I fail, but it always makes for a good story!  A good burger or spaghetti is always a hit around here, but make it from fresh ingredients, and try to add your own special touch.

It's never too late to start this, my friends.  Food is love.  It unites us all. 

Bon Appetit!

Thanks for visiting!

 Our all time family favorite.  Roast chicken. So simple.

 Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce.

Another favorite.  Split pea soup.

Nothing better than homemade french fries.  Aka...frites!  Oh, and homemade mayonnaise too!

 Fish tacos!

 Quiche.  And yes, real men do love it.

 Nothing better than a good steak dinner.

 Baked, not fried, zucchini strips.

 Asian chicken legs.

 

Sliders.

Made In America!

In my 30 plus years of being an Interior Designer, there have been many changes in the manufacturing end of my industry.  As we all know, too many companies have been forced to move their plants outside of the United States.  What a sad state of affairs.  One particular upholstery/furniture company has been able to withstand the trying times and has sustained their long standing reputation, quality, fine craftsmanship, and kept jobs here in the great US of A.  One of my all time favorites, Century Furniture.

Harley Ferguson Shuford Sr. established Century Furniture Company in 1947, and the family has continued his vision all the while keeping up with the ever changing aspects of the industry.  At this time Alex Shuford III is President of Century Furniture, marking the succession the third generation of the Shuford family to lead Century. 

Call me a nerd, but I have always enjoyed visiting manufacturing plants.  Whether it be fabric or carpet mills, furniture plants, etc... I absolutely love them!  I can actually recall as a child being fascinated with TV shows about how things were made.  Growing up in Anaheim, CA, we were fortunate enough to have several plants in our general vicinity.  I remember going on field trips to local companies such as Lays Potato Chips, Vans Shoes, and of course Carl Karcher Industries. (Known as Hardees on the East Coast.)  We always enjoyed going to the facilities that gave us free samples!

A while back, I was given the privilege along with a small group of select Designers to spend 3 days visiting the Century Furniture plant in North Carolina. The goal was to learn more of the "ins and outs" of this amazing American company.  We met Alex Shuford and many others who have dedicated their lives to Century.  What struck me the most was how they possess such strong core values and how they really are "family."  It was not surprising to hear of the countless employees that have worked there for decades.  I saw furniture being constructed, upholstery being applied, patterns galore, fabric, leather, enormous spools of thread, furniture arms, legs and feet, the finishing process, sewing, OH MY!!!  I was in HEAVEN!  Simply amazing.
                                                                                                             

Notice the American flag?

Oh how I wish I could have had a few moments to try out this machine.

 











One thing that was a constant throughout the tour was the pride and joy each employee shared about their craft.  I could not help but notice a pure sense of happiness in the air.
 

                                                                              



This sweet lady has worked at Century for nearly 40 years.  Her specialty... Hand distressing.  She is currently using her favorite rock.

Eight way hand-tied.  A dying art, but still my go to choice of construction.

This really is how it begins.

 WOW!!!

Perfection.

                                          A bit of an obsession... Oh, how I love these carts.

                                                                       Beautiful.

I may look like I'm smiling in this picture, but I was actually trying to figure out if there was any way I could fit one of these old furniture carts into my trunk!  I still dream of having one of them in my own home. :-)

At the end of my visit I was truly rejuvenated.  Not only was my love of Century enhanced, I felt a sense of intense pride.  I am so incredibly happy to be associated with a company that has continued to keep the American spirit and dream alive. 

Thanks for visiting!

Veronique

Saving my 1980's Powder Room!

Through this blog I will be sharing my own personal home renovations.  I have assisted clients for years with the same type of projects, but when it comes to doing it for myself it's a whole different story.  Should be easy, right?  People often ask me what my personal design style is and the assumption is always that my home is formal and completely done.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Upon moving to the burbs of Atlanta 5 years ago I certainly never imagined we would purchase a 30 year old traditional brick home.  We had lived in San Diego so long and always owned stucco homes with Spanish tile roofs.  Open concept rooms with cathedral ceilings were the norm.  We rented for a year to truly get a feel of the area and although buying a complete fixer upper was not my original intent, the saga began.  Beware of the term, "It has good bones."  Translation, "Major work!"

Being an Interior Designer, one would think that I just snap my fingers and everything in my own home gets done.  You know that old saying, "The Cobbler's children have no shoes?"  I believe it is a pretty common saying regardless of what field you're in.  If it doesn't sound familiar it's the idea that someone with a specific skill is often too busy assisting others that their own affairs go unattended.

Maybe it's a designer’s attention to detail/quest for perfection or the ever changing nature of options, styles, colors and trends, but it’s always seemed particularly apt for Interior Designers.  We regularly complete (hopefully) amazing client work while our own homes become outdated and neglected.  In my own case, my home already was outdated in every aspect of the word.  We purchased it from the original owners who were perfectly content living in the 1980 world of polished brass, vinyl wallpaper, and all the glory that era produced.  I know I’ve spent weeks redesigning specific spaces, only to get bored or tired of what I’ve done before I even get around to implementing it. 

Project Number One: Powder Room

I am certain that upon first view of the before photos, your question will be, "What were they thinking?"  Gold fixtures, gold mirror, molded faux marble counter with inset scalloped sink, oak and more oak, shell motif wallpaper border, and the pièce de résistance, cultured marble toilet surround.

Since we do most of the renovations ourselves, you will see that my husband got the worst part of this deal.  He ends up doing most of the demo, construction and installation, where I handle the painting, finishing touches, and of course the most important job, Project Manager. :-)

Classic black and white tile floors, bead board, and an old dresser painted and transformed into a vanity were the most time consuming parts of the renovation.  My husband made the custom mirror, installed new vessel sink and fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint finished the look I was after.  I had black and white note cards of famous Atlanta Landmarks that I framed to add a little local flare.

Stayed tuned!  This house is becoming a home one room at a time!

Thanks for visiting!