GOING AWAY AND A FEW THOUGHTS

As I am getting ready to take off tomorrow for photo shoots (NY, RI, MA, VA, MD) I was thinking about sounds that always trigger feelings in me. Yes, just like fragrances and colors wake up memories, sounds to the same for me. I wonder if it's the same with everyone?

The plaintive distant whistle of a train in the dead of night makes feel lonely and little. It reminds me of time racing by in a flash and the loss of loved ones. There is no train right around my home in Florida but when I go on shoots there is always one near by. Probably because we are in small towns rather than big cities.

On the other hand, when I hear birds starting to chirp at dawn I get filled with hope and joy because a new day is beginning and, with it, endless possibilities and the promise of beauty and creativity.

Maybe I am having these thoughts because tomorrow is my birthday and I can't believe one more year is gone. I know it's best to look ahead than backward and I am looking forward to meeting new people, making new friends, and shooting their lovely homes. 

I am going to listen to the birds singing their little hearts out and not to the foreboding train.

I won't be back until the 28th and will catch up with you then. Meanwhile let's all enjoy the songbird and nature's bounty.........together with love, friends, and health they are the best birthday gifts...............

Be happy, be well, and stay safe.....See you soon........

  

Comments

[Karen @ BraytonHomestead Interiors]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! always a special day.
Are you coming anywhere near Somerset, MA? are you going to book signing in MA or RI. I would love to go! have a wonderful time..

thanks,

Karen

[Cheryl~Zanymayd]

Wishing You Success on your travels & The Merriest Birthday.....

[MARI]

HELLO FIFI,
I SO KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ABOUT ANOTHER YEAR AND ANOTHER BIRTHDAY, MINE IS AROUND THE CORNER AND ITS CALLING.....LOL
DONT WORRY SWEET ONE, WE WOMEN ARE LIKE SWEET WINE WE ONLY GET BETTER WITH TIME :)

[Brenda]

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday tomorrow Fifi! And have a wonderful time on your photo shoots. How exciting to travel to all these beautiful homes you feature in the magazine :) I look forward to seeing some of them in future issues.

Warmest, Brenda

[Debbie Bell]

Happy Birthday sweets! Your doing what you love & your so talented at it:) Have a great trip..make a lot of good memories...and have FUN! I know you do...your so blessed Ms. FiFi!
And....we do get much better with age:)
Hugs..
Deb:)

[Rosemary]

Hi FiFi,
Have a great trip, and a very Happy Birthday!
xo,
Rosemary

[PAULETTE KINNEY]

Oh my....my mother used to say the same thing about the sound of a train whistle...I've never heard anyone else say that..so it made me feel very nostalgic.
Happy Birthday Fifi...I do know what you mean with the years going by so fast...I have a big ugly number of a birthday coming this year and its not so nice as 40 sounds...he he You are so lovely and I wish you all the love and kindness that I know the coming years will bring. loves & kisses, paulette

[Pennyblossoms]

Happy Birthday hun!
Love, Zoe xx

[Angela]

Fifi! Hope your birthday is a happy one filled with the lilting melodies of songbirds! ~ Angela

[Peggy]

The Happiest of Birthday wishes to you and may birdsong fill your day!!! Can't wait to see the lovely photos of the wondrous places you will be shooting!!
Regards,
Peggy

[marian]

Happy birthday tomorrow! Mine will be on June 13th so also around the corner :)

[Gayla]

I so wish you a happy birthday... May you connect in real time and in that beautiful space called memory with the best birthdays you ever felt...

[Sandy]

Happy Birthday, Fifi!
You and I both have May birthdays! I think May is a wonderful month to have a birthday. Such a lovely time of year with lots of flowers and nice weather. No cold weather or stiffling heat! Enjoy!
There are a lot of Mockingbirds here where I live and I, too, love to hear their sweet songs. I don't see the train whistle as sad but more a chance for adventure and new places. We have some tracks a short distance
from here and if the wind is right you can hear it's call.
Enjoy your voyage and come home safely, on my birthday!

Bon Voyage and Bonne Fete!
Sandy

[Penny @ The Comforts of Home and Lavender Hill Studio]

Have a wonderful Birthday Fifi!
xoxo
Penny

[Victoria/MacGregors]

Hi again dear Fifi,

I keep a journal it is like a very dear friend who I can tell my innermost thoughts to. A place to ponder and chew on something if you know what I mean. I tend to include things I appreciate about life there. Just yesterday morning my notes included the joy that fills my heart each morning when I throw open the windows to be serenaded by that morning choir of birds. I even realized last week that they even sing in the rain. Seems like a small thing but it can illicit so much joy. Do have the happiest of birthdays they come wrapped up in wisdom.

Victoria

[Liz@VioletPosy]

Happy Birthday Fifi, have a wonderful trip xx

[Pam]

Birthday Blessings Fifi! Have a happy and safe trip, and happily anticipate the joy of being homeward bound!

[Marilyn]

Happy Birthday, Dear Fifi! I hope you are able to find time to celebrate your special day.

May it be filled with love, laughter, good food and beautiful flowers. Listen to those birds chirping as you awaken.

Have a wonderful trip!

Marilyn (in Dallas)

[ginger]

Hope your birthday is full of fun and songbirds cheering you up! I know what you mean about trains, I live in a small town and we hear the trains twice a day and they are kind of sad sounding. But there will only be beautiful sounds to fill you birth day!! Have a wonderful time, can't wait to see your pictures you take.

Ginger
glitter and roses

[Bonjour Romance]

Bonjour Fifi,
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!
Bon Voyage!
Mimi

[Jackie]

Wishing you a safe journey! I know your photoshoot will be beautiful as always.
I hope you have a blessed & wonderful birthday Sweet Fifi!
God Bless,
Jackie

[elyse]

hi fifi,

what a beautiful post. i so understand those exact feelings. the senses are all big triggers, aren't they.

happiest birthday eve to you!!!

ooh la la - cupcake time!

xo
elyse

[The Polka Dot Closet]

Happy Birthday, I am kind of not liking them either. They force me to work harder and faster and have more fun.....Wishing you tons of fun!

Carol

[Olivia Parazine]

Oh my sweetness. I always notice smells... Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful time! Safe and soothing sound travels,
hugs,
Olivia

[Brenda Kula]

Happy, happy birthday! Treat yourself well and celebrate the rest of the month.
Brenda

[Susan]

How wonderful to wish you a Happy Birthday! Mine is today.....I have always loved having my birthday in May! So from one May Baby to another May Baby....I wish you happiness, health and peace in your little corner of the world!

Hugs,
Susan

[Elizabeth]

Happy Trails to you! Happy Birthday xx LizlovesVintage

[Susan Freeman]

Happy Birthday Fifi!! By the way, the sound of a train in the middle of the night is always very comforting to me. I don't hear it often enough!!

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

[Catherine Laufray]

Joyeux Anniversaire de France !
Bon voyage et de jolies photos...

[Minie]

Bonjour Fifi, Very happy and sweet birthday. Bisous français.

[Karen Nardella]

Happy Birthday Fifi.

[terri]

Fifi, I completely agree with you. There can be a time that a breeze will blow and I will smell gardenias...which remind me of my mother. Also the crisp cool smell of the air in october brings back wonderful memories of my childhood and dressing up for Halloween! Take care and have a wonderful trip. Terri

[Peggy]

Happy Birthday, Fifi! Have a productive, safe and fun trip. Many blessings to you!

Peggy

[Fabulous Finds Studio]

I hope you have a fabulous Birthday!

[Claudia]

Happy Birthday, Fifi! One of my favorite sounds is the sound of a train whistle. It is indeed a bit melancholy. But it also conjures up images of travel; where is that train going?

I hope you have a wonderful birthday - safe travels.

xo
Claudia

[Jen]

May your Birthday be filled with happiness. Have a safe trip and enjoy!

Take care......

[elizabeth kirkpatrick]

BEAUTIFUL BIRTHDAY WISHES TO YOU..............May it be a GRAND DAY!
SAFE TRAvELS..............xoxoE

[Mary (a Dallas fan)]

Many happy birthday wishes to you. Be safe and don't work too hard. I can hardly wait for the next issue of RC.....xo

[Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse]

Happy Birthday Fifi! Enjoy every minute of your day and safe travels. I have to tell you that having you visit me in MA someday for your beautiful magazine is on my pixie dust list!

[Mary Priddy]

Happy Birthday! My birthday is May 16th, so we May babies must love to create and decorate! I grew up in a house near a train track, so I always associate the sound of a train whistle with being tucked safely in my bed with my Mom and Dad just across the hall, kitty at my feet, very cozy! It's interesting what connections our brain can make! Have a safe and happy trip, can't wait to see your work in future magazine issues! Hugs, Mary P

[Emilie]

Happy Birthday FiFi ;) Hope you have a wonderful shoot and we'll miss you!

[Lisa]

Fifi, Happy Birthday! Here's wishing you a blessed day! Lisa

[Becca]

Happy Birthday, Fifi! :)
~Becca~

[evelyn]

Happy Birtday!FiFi may you have the most glorious day ever!!
Thank you for 'my' flowers! :)

[Tere]

Dear Fifi: Happy happy happy birthday!! you are such a lovely person that you deserve!

[Elaine L.]

Happy Birthday, Dear Fifi.

You described the lonely train whistle and the singing of the birds so perfectly. I felt those emotions reading what you wrote.

I get the same feeling of optimism when I hear children playing. The day after my father died, at home, I called my nephew and asked him to bring his two small boys to the house. We needed to hear the sounds of life that those little voices bring. I, also, know my dad would have wanted them there with my mom.

~elaine~

[Stacy Stewart]

Dear Fifi ~ wishing you a very Happy Birthday filled with wonderful memories and great friends! (*_*)

The train whistle is nostalgic for me too. It reminds me of being back in my childhood home in Canada and being in bed at night and hearing the train whistle down in the valley below. Isn't it funny how sounds do that!

I know it's hard not to be sad sometimes about birthdays and aging, but I have lost many loved ones over the past few years and it has given me a new outlook on things. I am actually very grateful to be aging because a lot of my friends and family never had that chance...they were gone before their time. So the next time you feel sad, try to think of it in a positive way and one thing I know is that you sure have a lot of people who care about you because look at all of these lovely comments from your friends! (*_*)

Take care Fifi and have a great photo shoot! I hope you hear some birds along the way...

~Stacy~ xo

[Valarie@wwwglimpseofmyworld.blogspot.com]

Happy Birthday Fifi!! Please come to North Texas and see me!!

[Daisy Veles]

Happy Birthday Fifi and many more.. have a great time
God Bless You!!

Daisy

[Missy M Watson Duffy]

Birthday blessings to you Fifi! I hope you enjoy your trip. Love your post!

My memories are often triggered by smells, music and other sounds as well. I actually love the sound of the train late at night. I don't live in a small town but for some reason every home I've lived in here in Riverside has been close enough to hear the trains at night. It's just peaceful and comforting to me. It kind of reminds me of ships passing at night. So funny, I can actually hear them right now.

Praying for a safe and adventerous trip for you. And again, Happy Birthday!

Blessings,
Missy
One Blessed Mommie
Chateau Chic Boutique

[Jean]

Happy Birthday Fifi-You just must remember all that you have contributed to us ,through your magazine and blog and realize there is so much apppreciation for what you do!!!Life is beautiful and so are you!!Enjoy your travels and soak up all the goodness. XO Jean

[Ulrike]

I hope the birds sing you a song of happiness for your birthday! Safe travels!

[Vivienne]

A huge, hearty Happy Birthday Fabulous Fifi !
God's richest blessings !
Viv

[JO]

I know I dont always comment on all your posts but I love coming here to read and see what is new and going on in your world .... it is fascinating the travels ... though it is wonderful when one gets to drop into our own bed ...

I am one like you whose memories come about by hearing certain sounds .... just as heavenly smells from a kitchen churn up days gone by....

Though you will be traveling ... I do hope you have the happiest of birthdays whever you might be...

JO

[Maryjane]

Remember it's your Birthday all week!
Happy Birthday Fifi! Sweet post!

Hugs,
Maryjane

[chatelaine]

Wishing you a wonderful birthday. Sounds do bring back memories to me especially music. I remember exactly the first time I heard a song, who I was with or what I was doing.

Have a fabulous trip to Cape Cod, etc. I live in Massachusetts and love the Cape. Enjoy!

[le petit cabinet de curiosites]

a little bit late, but Happy birthday , all my best wishes . I'm born on may 18th.

Hope you will have a fantastic trip full of treasures, you are going to share when you are back

[Le Jardin des Simples]

Appy birthday fifi to France :

Bonne anniversaire de France FIFI

Le Jardin des Simples

[Alison Gibbs]

Fifi hope you birthday was a day filled with love and joy.
Have a fun trip
Alison

[abuse du présent]

ton blog est une merveille
isa

[Jasika]

Yayy long time lover of you and your work!! You're going to be in MD!!! WELCOME!!

Hope you've had a wonderful birthday!!

X
Jasika

[La Donna]

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!

[janet]

Happy Birthday Fifi, remember age is just a number ;). Have fun on the shoots and I will look for you as you go from Massachusetts to Rhode Island. I live near Chris Glynn ( N. Attleboro MA) where you did her photo shoot last year.

[cielo]

Happy birthday to you dear Fifi, and may our Heavenly Father continue to bless you... much happiness!

Cielo

[Marcia Chunn]

Happy Happy Birthday Fifi! After losing my sister unexpectedly at the very young age of 41, I celebrate each and every year my birthday comes along. Here's to many years of celebrating! Marcia in California

[Sara De Costa Graffam]

What a beautiful time of year to travel in the New England area, and for a birthday trip!! Lots of happy birds now that the cold winter is over. They have much to sing about. Happy Birthday and safe return to Florida!

[SANDRA DIAS]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU DEAR FIFI CELEBRATE YOUR DAY HAVE A PINK CAKE WITH ROSES ON TOP.I CAN HEAR THE BIRDS CHIRP OUT SIDE AT THE VERANDA AND I AM THINKING OF YOU.I LIVE OUT SIDE TOWN AND NEAR THE INDUSTRIAL WAY,A TRAIN GOES BY EVERY NIGTH IT BRINGS MY MEMORIES OF WHEN MY MOTHER PUT ME IN THE TRAIN ALONE I WAS 14 YEARS OLD SO I CAN VISIT MY FATHER HE LIVE SO FAR AWAY BY THE GOF OF MEXICO,WHEN I HEAR THE TRAIN I REMEMBER TIMES GOING BY.BLESINGS AND HUGS TO YO....SANDRA

[Donna]

Hope you're having a great trip and had a wonderful birthday!

Donna

[coleen]

Happy Birthady........I know it was grand!
The sound of birdies chirping always make my heart smile!!!

Heart Hugs,
Coleen

[Denice]

H*A*P*P*Y B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y!

And thanks for bringing so much sunshine into my life!

[Jennifer]

Happy Birthday Fifi! I happen to love the haunting sounds of the train in the night. We have one close by and every time I hear it, a nostalgic feeling comes over me. Wishing you a very happy birthday and an incredible magical year!!! XOXO,Jenn

[Lila Ferraro]

Happy Birthday! I always feel a little melancholy over my birthdays. I don't think I've ever had a poetic thought over the loss of another year gone by. But, every morning, I do feel like it's a new day and I'm ready to get at it!
Lila Ferraro
Queen Bedroom Sets

[Carmelina Lounsbury]

have a nice time....

and i just had to mention my delight at seeing your last photo..those roses....in that green vase...!

wow....so incredibly beautiful!

ciao bella! it's nice to meet you!

creative carmelina

[Eugenia]

Birthdays are wonderful. I read some where that it gets better all the time. Something about worrying less or realizing that what we worry about doesn't necessary ever happen.

I totally understand the melancholy. Maybe that is the reason for birthdays..a time to allow us to reflect and prepare for the future. Enjoy.

[Anne]

Hi Fifi!

I am so delighted to have discovered your gorgeous blog this evening, my goodness, there is SO much inspiration to be found here!

Your photos are absolutely dreamy, I look forward to exploring more of your amazing blog. :-)

All the best,
Anne

[leslie janson]

Dear Fifi, Happy Birthday to You! I hope that you rest when you get home, and "land" after so many trips....from your fan in NY. Leslie xoxo

[chris]

Chère Fifi,

Je suis revenue chez moi, ENFIN !! et je viens voir ton blog avec ravissement.
Tout est toujours aussi joli !!
Je te souhaite un happy birthday en retard, mais une belle année remplie de bonheur jusqu'à l'an prochain où tu reprendras un an de plus !!

Mais on s'en fiche !!
Car tu es belle, talentueuse, et ton grand coeur et ta bonté transparaissent dans tes posts, tes photos et tes chats !!!
aujourd'hui, commence le premier jour du reste de ta vie !!
Tu vois, c'est joyeux ça !!
et moi aussi, quand les oiseaux chantent le matin, je me dis que cela annonce une belle journée pour moi !!!
Grosses bises
Chris

[Alicia]

Hope you had a lovely birthday! Do pop over to my blog, I'm having a giveaway
alicia

[Dreams and Decor]

Hope you had an awesome birthday! Don't let those train whistles get you down; insead, like you said, listen to the hopeful sounds like the birds singing! Can't wait to see photos from your travels and photo shoots! Patti

[Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY]

Lovely roses! Safe travels.

[vintagesue]

happy birthday...hope you had a chance to HEAR someone special sing that to you...lol. i too have feelings from sounds. i live in maryland and when i hear trains, i am reminded of childhood and being afraid of the dark. go figure.
good luck on your travel....fondly....
sue

[sweet cottage dreams]

Fifi, I love the way you look at life and the beauty of the earth. I am sure that your birthday was sweet and I hope that you enjoyed your day. We have to take our days as gifts and do all we can do to make the most of that day. Doesn't time seem to fly faster as we get older?

Where I live, there is the faint sound of the train - always at 4:15 AM. If awake, I know what time it is. (I don't have a clock in my room). The crows are my alarm clock. They start yapping and making their caw-caw sounds
at 5:30 AM. Gotta love them! They chase the pigeons away.

Enjoy your time away,
Becky

PS: I see that you got to visit sweet Elyse's home. Looks like a FUN filled day! Isn't she just a cutie?

[Rebecca]

Oh my gosh...you had me in tears about the train. I grew up in Southern Cali and a train always nearby and I heard it's whistle every night around the same time. For whatever the reason it scared me. It was sooo big and I was sooo little. I thought surely it would crash into my little home... Thankfully it never did.

Always a JOY to visit you Miss Fifi! Yes. A real joy!

xoRebecca
A Gathering Place

[Rose Capucine]

Quel joli blog, je suis devenue fan tout de suite. Je reviendrais m'y promener !!
Sabine (France)

[Carol Adams]

You and Daisy Cottage, Kim are born a day apart... not surprising as you both have such lovely spirits!
I love taking a trip into your blog...so refreshing and relaxing. Thank you for that.
Congrats on the book..you so so deserve that!!
Hugs from Indy

[Carol Adams]

OOps.. I feel dumb... somehow I got the impression that your birthday was current and not in May... don't know what happened. Congrats on the book tho

[Heidi Woodruff]

Happy Birthday!