many fond memories

It's Been Eons And I Wanted To Share Something

2011-05-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hello strangers. Yes, it is me. I've been away for so long and felt it time to come back for a brief moment and say hello to everyone in Blog Land.

I thought I'd share something with all of you. There are times in our lives when we believe and it is mostly a cynical point of few that there are not many kind people left in the world that truly appreciate you.

I've been for the last 7 months in a caregiver position for a friends father that suffered a stroke back in August 2010. It's not been an easy position to be in, since he does not appreciate me being here etc.... But his family does and that's where the kindness comes into play with my story.

I've know my friend for 22 years now and met nearly everyone in her family with the exception of her youngest brother. When I came back to Tennessee to start the caregiver position for them I met him. It was a brief encounter and he was leaving to go back home in a few days so I never got to know him well, until January, when he came back for 7 weeks to do some work. After leaving we have spoken almost daily to share what his dad is doing and how well. While he was here he noticed I was having trouble with my laptop and he offered to have it fixed if I decided I wanted to. I told him no, I was willing to put up with it and we left it at that.

Well to my surprise, he decided to do one better for me and purchase a new laptop for me. I was taken back by this kindness, I am not use to having someone wanting to do this for me and I told him it was not necessary, but he insisted that I have a new one, it was his way of saying thank you for putting up with their father, because his father is not a very easy man to put up with.

He truly is a very nice guy, now I know why I never met her brother before. She was saving the best for last.

7 Years To This Day

2011-03-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

Maxine

My mother died this day 7 years ago. Sometimes you get caught up in everyday life and you forget about the ones you love. You go on, but you can't forget. This morning is different for me because of where my life is today. Some, say you are were you are in life because it's meant to be. I don't always buy that reasoning.

For what it's worth today, I wish I were back in California to be around the people I love and have been around when times were tough.

My mother always smiled when you walked in the door, and always greeted you with a good morning, or good afternoon, and good evening when she answered the phone. I miss our talks when I needed to tell someone, how I was feeling. That is one thing that you miss, is calling her and telling her your day or just to say hello and see how she's doing.

It's a day of remembrance for me and if the weather holds and doesn't rain anymore today, I'll be out walking for you today mom.

I love you momma.

Announcing !!!!

2010-10-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

http://selldirecttoyou.blogspot.com/

This is an experiment of selling some of my things, that are in storage.

My first item is a Silverplated Salad Serving Set. WM.A Rogers AA, that comes with Tarnish Sleeve, that has additional slots for other pieces.

Tell me what you think.

I did this before I knew I could be going out of state. I am now in Tennessee for 2 months taking care of a friends father that had a stroke in August. So, I am sorry if your interested in this and will not be able to do any transactions etc...... I still have the pieces but their in storage and it's in Calif. and I am here. But thanks to those that were interested and inquired about them.

Son Off To College

2010-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you have seen his picture on my righthand sidebar. My son Ricky, is now attending Southern Oregon University. It will be the first time he's living away from home.

What's great is I can still see and talk to him with the use of "Skype. And what a great tool and invention that has become.

He's endured the turmol from the loss of our home and everything else we've been through together.

I have been a single mom most of his life and he's turned out to be a great son.

I wish him luck and success in his studies and in life.

Love you,

MOM

I Could Use Some Prayers

2010-09-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have a second Interview with a Doctor that I have done a Preliminary interview with a few weeks back.

My request is for prayer. I need this job so badly and it's for only a few days a week, but it's a start.

I know the blogger community is strong with those that believe in the power of prayer. Please join me in praying for this opportunity to open up for me to get back into the work force.

Thank you all.

Where Did Everyone Go ?

2010-07-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

I remember when I first started blogging. It was by accident really. I was looking at a blog after looking up Romantic Homes. Looking for decorating ideas. I found My Romantic Home, you know it as Cindy's.

Now that I've been away for awhile, and curious about what I've been missing, I see a lot of my favorite blogs have not been blogging all that much, some not for months and some even a year. It's a sad thing. But there are many that still remain and I am happy about that.

Blogging can be a joy and a curse at the same time.

Some day I return full force and continue to check in as well.

Why Do We Celebrate The 4th Of July

2010-07-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Most people in the United States celebrate the 4th of July, but do you know exactly why the holiday is so important to our country? Imagine how you would feel if someone older than you (maybe an older sister or brother) kept telling you what to do all of the time and kept taking more and more of your allowance. That is how the colonists felt in the years leading up to 1776. Great Britain kept trying to make the colonists follow more rules and pay higher taxes. People started getting mad and began making plans to be able to make their own rules. They no longer wanted Great Britain to be able to tell them what to do, so they decided to tell Great Britain that they were becoming an independent country. (To be independent means to take care of yourself, making your own rules and providing for your own needs.)

The Congress met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and they appointed a committee (a group of people working together to do a specific job) to write a formal document that would tell Great Britain that the Americans had decided to govern themselves. The committee asked Thomas Jefferson to write a draft (first try) of the document, so he worked for days, in absolute secret, until he had written a document that he thought said everything important that the committee had discussed. On June 28, 1776, the committee met to read Jefferson's "fair" copy (he put his best ideas together and wrote them neatly.) They revised (made some changes) the document and declared their independence on July 2, 1776. They officially adopted it (made it theirs) on July 4, 1776. That is why we call it "Independence Day." Congress ordered that all members must sign the Declaration of Independence and they all began signing the "official" copy on August 2, 1776. In January of the next year, Congress sent signed copies to all of the states.

The Declaration of Independence is more than just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of our country's independence and commitment to certain ideas. A symbol is something that stands for something else. Most people can look at a certain little "swoosh" and know that it stands for "Nike." Well, the signers of the Declaration of Independence wanted the citizens of the United States to have a document that spelled out what was important to our leaders and citizens. They wanted us to be able to look at the Declaration of Independence and immediately think of the goals we should always be working for, and about the people who have fought so hard to make these ideas possible. The people who signed the Declaration risked being hanged for treason by the leaders in Great Britain. They had to be very brave to sign something that would be considered a crime! So every time we look at the Declaration of Independence, we should think about all of the effort and ideas that went into the document, and about the courage it took for these people to stand up for what they knew was right -- independence!

Read the Declaration of Independence

The Move Is Over

2010-06-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

I sold the house and have moved out. A short sale avoided a foreclosure. It was hell moving out. You never know all you have till you move. And collecting over the years hadn't helped either. One thing I did learn was that I need to go to the storage and get rid of more things. But instead of just donating I need to sell some things. I have things I know I can sell.

It was exhausting work. I had friends helping but it took it's toll on all of us. I had so many bruises in places I didn't think it could happen and wondered just how I got some of them.

Now the downside to this all. I am still looking for work, and have no permanent home. I am in fact living in a Residence Inn. It's too expensive to stay here for much longer.

The three things I need and pray for are, a car, job and a home to live in. I am even considering re-locating out of state for a cheaper place to live other than living in high priced California. My son leaves for College in September for Oregon, so why should I not take that opportunity to do something as well ?

Thank you to those that still come by once in awhile to check in. I do hope that someday I will be back to blogging or at least using the blog to sell things.

God's Cake

2010-04-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

God's Cake

This is about the best thing I've ever read as an explanation. We all wonder many many many times over WHY?

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.
"Yuck" says her daughter.
"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! "

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

If you like this, send this on to the people you really care about.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

Final Post

2010-01-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

So I am making this my final post. It's been harder and harder to do any posting on either of my blogs, and it has become painful to do a post. It's not fun anymore and I have nothing to post about any longer. The memories are here of when times were better and it just makes it harder and harder as time goes on.

I enjoyed the time I did it. Sometimes it was frustrating, mostly in the beginning, but now more than ever. I've enjoyed even meeting some bloggers in person, again in better times.

Things in my life have changed, and not for the better, so, I just feel it's time to say goodbye.

I won't close the blog completely, I'll keep it up, I just won't post anything to it from this day forward.

I appreciate all your comments over the last few years. And may check in from time to time. Over the next few months. My home is now in foreclosure so, I will probably after a few months no longer be able to do that. My car was repossessed, so I won't be living in that, who knows where I'll be in a few months.

So, farewell dear bloggers.

Agencies For Haiti's Relief

2010-01-13T15:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.womensconference.org/haiti-earthquake-relief-how-you-can-help/

Here you'll find a list of Agencies that are helping in the relief effort for Haiti. Such devastation, it's hard to realize. As you Californian's know all to well, Earthquakes can change your life in only a few seconds.

And for anyone else's that's ever been through a natural disaster it's hard to come back from it without some type of trauma. Can you imagine in a Third World extremely poor country just how much harder it well be ? We are still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina, it will be even harder for them.

If you can help, go to the list on this link.

Ancestry

2010-01-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

I've been keeping myself busy. I started doing my Family Tree in 2003, the year my mother died. I was always asking her questions and she was always telling me information about our family, I'm sure in hopes that I would retain this information for future use. Stored somewhere in the Ancestry file in my brain. Well for the most part I do remember a lot of what she told me. I use, Ancestry.com for my information. I just can't believe what a genuine amount of information I get from it.

What I was not prepared for, was the amount of marriages, and re-marriages, and even more re-marriages. I got to thinking why so many ?. Then it dawned on me. Those were tough times, and people did not live as long as today. Women died in childbirth, men died of heart attacks, etc....

The majority of my family were farmers. And as with many, had a LOT of children to help with the farming. My mother was born to a farmer and I remember her saying she was worked like a boy. She and her twin sister were the first born of her family, so not only was she worked in the fields, she was also expected to take care of the younger children when they came along. To help raise them as well, because mothers in those day's worked long hours as well in the fields and barns.

My father was born to a Well Driller. Now I understood how he knew to drill the well we had. He drilled it around the late 70's and it amazed me just how long it took and that he knew what he was doing.

The other information I get from looking into my Genealogy is, I have cousins and distant cousins I never knew about, and were there all along.

I've even discovered, I have some pretty famous relatives as well, although they are mostly distant cousins, 4th, 5th, and even 8th cousins.

My heritage goes, back to as early as the 1600's. Coming from France, England, Ireland, Scotland, and possibly Germany. We also, have Indian thrown there from somewhere. But can't remember if it's Cherokee or Apache , or ???.

But it can keep me busy, in between emailing I don't know how many Resume's by now, so to not get to crazy. Looking through family picture's discovering the Uncle you never knew you had, but was grateful for the person who wrote on the back of it, just who he was, and not a former boyfriend of your mothers.

So, that's what I've been up to.

Still need your thoughts and prayers.

A Shiny New Year

2009-12-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

New Year Countdown

Christmas Hope

2009-12-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all those that have stopped by and left comments and those who just love to stop by.

This year started out well for me. Things were good and troubles were few. But as the year progressed things changed. As with some of you, I know you can relate. We have some troubled times.

But in the troubled times, there are ray's of hope. Some of you have sent me emails asking if you can help. It was not my intention to post about my troubles to solicit help, but none the less, some of you felt compelled to do so, and for that I am grateful. Sending a little of something was welcomed.

I will not mention those that did help, as requested, but you know who you are. My hope for you is that you get what you gave, back ten fold.

We all need HOPE in the remainder of the year and for the future, it's what we live on most of the time, hoping that something will change, I am one.

I appreciate all your prayers and emails of encouragement, it means a lot.

So, in closing Happy Holidays, and Peace be with you all.

There's Always Another One

2009-12-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

Well I didn't get the job I interviewed for. I even went back for a working interview. But was told via email, that the Dr. had alread filled the position.

I know there's another one out there, I just wish it would come sooner than later.

Thanks again for all the kinds emails, and the prayers. Please continue.

I Am Still With The Living

2009-12-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

I miss being on the internet, so much that I get all kinds of thoughts going through my head when I can't get on. Like where can I go, and who's computer or internet can I borrow.

And I mean legally. I have a friend that lets me use hers and I go to the library and can use theirs as well for free, gotta Love the Library.

So, I have been on a few interviews lately and had one working interview. So, it's always a waiting game. When you haven't worked for some time you get rusty.

I've worked in the Dental Field in the Front office position for over 25+ years and although things haven't changed a great deal, there are some things that have.

I am not one to give up, but sometimes you just get worn out thinking about everything and what to do to get yourself out of hot water.

I have given up a lot. Mainly because I can't afford to pay the bill, so things get turned off. No, TV, or internet. Phone service disconnected, and cell phones being turned off. I have changed my phone number on my resume so many times, I don't remember who I gave the correct number to.

I have good days and bad days, I like the good days better.

I don't know how much longer I'll be in my home, It's the hardest part of it all. I've lived here with my son for over 10 years, and it was the home we have been in the longest. I will try to do what I can, but without a job, it's pretty much out of my hands. The only thing to do is a short sale.

So, there you are not much change, but trying to make change it is not easy.

I still need all your prayers.

And thank you all for your kind words and your offers of prayer.

Till next time.

Update On My Situation

2009-12-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

Well I thought I'd update those that are interested of my situation.

When last I left you things were not looking to good. That hasn't changed much. I am still looking for employment when I am able to get online, via the library or at a friends home with her laptop.

If I am not able to find work soon, the following will happen. I will lose my home, car, not to mention my sanity.

It's even harder when you have to go through this alone. I am trying to go through programs to help out with the utility bills etc. Not an easy task. It takes money to do this, meaning the car takes money to get these things done. I don't have cash laying around. I go to the food banks, but they only allow you a weeks worth of food every 3 months, tell me how that makes since to anyone. And you have to show ID's of those living in your home, and my sons at school all day everyday, so I can't show his ID, so the give it for only one individual. Sad state isn't it.

Christmas will not be at my house this season. Nor New Years.

The process of losing ones home of over 10 years isn't a happy one. I wake up each morning thinking it's all a bad dream and I am going on with my day, but then reality sets in and puff it's all gone.

What makes it harder in trying to get a job, is that eventually you can't even pay for your phone. Without that, you have no way getting contacted for an interview. That sucks !

So, I am asking those out their in blog-land to keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

12/7/09
Just want thank those that emailed me or left a comment. My access to a computer is extremely limited. A good friend of 30+ years lets me use hers so, I can check in from time to time...

The employer looking is not getting easier it's getting harder. I've lost my phone service, so anyone I have sent my resume to, has outdated phone numbers, and it's hard to call them from anywhere because I don't have their numbers. Most employers want you to send a resume and not post a phone number on their ads. I am finding it harder and harder to keep my chin up and push on, but I am doing my best.

My home is now in Foreclosure so, I am having a bit of a nervous breakdown.

Thank you for all your prayers, I need as much help as possible. I am going through this by myself, so it''s harder.

It's A Long Story

2009-11-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

I have been missing for awhile in an out. Now less. I am having to use a friends house to use her Internet. Mine was disconnected, hard times. Yes, the economy has reared it ugly head at me. Money tide up, and not available and other things have left me high and dry.

I don't know what's going to happen and when, but I am asking for your prayers in my situation.

I know, I know, I should have done things differently and started looking for a job sooner. I am human.

Be kind in your judgement and pray I get my act together and things will turn around.

Till the next time I can get around to my friends house. I'll see Y'all later.

Can You View My Site ?

2009-11-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

My sister emailed me to let me know she has been having trouble accessing my Blog.
I was wondering if anyone else has run into this as well. Let me know. I only added one thing to my blog lately and have since removed it. So, please let me know.

Polyvore Fun !

2009-11-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

Blog Title by Glenonica featuring Dior jewelry

Just having some fun with Polyvore.

To All Bloggers, Interesting Case

2009-10-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of LegalZoom.com

I know there are Bloggers out there that have been hit by "Anonymous" with rude and defacing remarks. I've been a victim as well. I ran across this article courtesy of LegalZoom.com . It gives you something to think about when you leave a comment or receive one that could land you a chair in front of a Judge explaining what you said and why you said it.

I just wanted to share this with you all.

Have a glorious weekend. I am doing another transport on Sunday. Till next time.

What I've Been Up To

2009-10-18T15:25:00.001-07:00

Mocha

I know I haven't done to much lately with my blog. Just don't have the love affair I had in the beginning.

But I have been busy.

Yesterday, I did a rescue of dogs from a Shelter that is closing due to budget cuts. Thanks to our distinguished Gov. Schwarzenegger.

We were able to get 12 dogs out. They came in all sizes. The dog above is one of them. I borrowed a Van from a friend and Crates from Berkeley Humane Society and drove down to Ripon to meet up with another transporter to load them up. I took 9 and another took 3. We drove up to Corte Madera to meet two Rescue organizations to take them and work with them to make them adoptable.

It is a really sad time for family pets. Mostly due to the housing situation. The animals are being turned in or let go to roam, because families can't afford to feed them.

The shelters are overcrowded and are only able to keep them for so long before the ultimate decision is made, which is euthanasia.

The sadist thing is, they had to leave 5 dogs behind. Sat, 10/17th was the last day for the Shelter. I don't know what happened to the dogs left behind. I can only imagine.

Where The Heck Is Fall ?

2009-09-26T12:45:00.001-07:00

Fall officially came a few days ago, but you couldn't prove it to me. We are still having hot weather in the 80's and 90's. I love fall weather and can hardly wait for the cooler weather to start.

Oh, don't get me wrong I don't want to freeze. I still enjoy sitting outside at restaurants and enjoying the milder nights while eating, but I want fall.

Another Year

2009-09-16T18:38:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow I celebrate another year on this earth. It seems we all reflect on the years before. I know I do.

But I know too that you have to look forward, even though you don't know what tomorrow will bring.

I will be going out to dinner with my friend Nancy, to a restaurant The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant. It will be our first time there, hope its good.

Till next time.

Update : Daisy is doing much better now. The spot on her back is starting to heal. She is still sensitive in that area, but no pain that I can tell. She's active and that tell me she doing better.

Sick Puppy

2009-09-13T23:32:00.001-07:00

After a day filled with Lunch then a unscheduled trip to the Napa Wine country, my day was not over.

My youngest dog a toy poodle Daisy was not happy. I noticed she kept scratching and I thought it was odd, because the day before, I had applied Advantex to both of them because I had noticed flees. After looking at the area, I was shocked to see the area was really inflamed. So off to the ER Vet late at night. She was starting to whine and lux at the mere touch. They shaved the area and washed it off, and sent her home. No meds. Well that's not the end. After getting home she was still not happy. She was not settling down and was jumping and whining all over the place. So another call and out the door we went again. This time it was pain medication injected and a prescription for the road. So around 3 AM Saturday Morning I was finally home.

She's still having discomfort and jumps around like a crazy dog, but she's at least more comfortable than the beginning.

Lesson is, not to give her ANY Advantrex at all. Brandi did fine with hers, but Daisy is far more sensitive.

P.S. It's been raining YAY !!!!!

A Sad Day To Remember

2009-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Need I say more ??

Why We Celebrate Labor Day

2009-09-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Labor Day is what we all consider the end of summer and the beginning of Fall. But it means more than that. It is a celebration of Labor, the contribution that we have all made in the work force. The continuation of productivity.

The holiday originated in Canada out of labor disputes ("Nine-Hour Movement") first in Hamilton, then in Toronto, Canada in the 1870s, which resulted in a Trade Union Act which legalized and protected union activity in 1872 in Canada. The parades held in support of the Nine-Hour Movement and the printers' strike led to an annual celebration in Canada. In 1882, American labor leader Peter J. McGuire witnessed one of these labor festivals in Toronto. Inspired from Canadian events in Toronto, he returned the USA, to New York and organized the first American "labor day" on September 5 of the same year.

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City. In the aftermath of the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the US military and US Marshals during the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. Cleveland was also concerned that aligning a US labor holiday with existing international May Day celebrations would stir up negative emotions linked to the Hay market Affair. All 50 U.S. states have made Labor Day a state holiday.

The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parades. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labour Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school. However, start dates for schools vary widely, beginning as early as July 24 in urban districts such as Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles. In addition, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. The NCAA usually plays their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day.

Have a restful and safe Holiday.

California The Land of Fires

2009-08-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times

Here we go again, with the fires in So, California.

105,000 acres have burned so far. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

They have mandatory evacuations of 6,ooo homes in the areas affected.

I know they are not the only part of the country that are hit by disasters.

Rose Eating Dogs !!!

2009-08-25T15:44:00.001-07:00

This is one of the new roses I have that is blooming still. One problem, they don't stay around long. My dogs love to eat them off the bush.... They smell wonderful, but if I don't get to them fast enough, they'll eat them.

My dog I had before them did them same thing. I don't get it. What is it about my dogs and roses that make them so attractive they have to eat them before I can enjoy them. Now I have to find an attractive way to keep them from getting to them.

Brandi my oldest, jumped up on the planter one day to eat them, and got the hair on her ear tangled up, all I could hear was her wining and I had to go out and untangle her. They are just like little children..

Still A Girly Girl

2009-08-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Fall is just around the corner, and I am getting that feeling of going to the darker colors of polish. I use to get my nails done for years, and mostly did the French Nail. But as of late, I am drawn to the darker colors.

Can you believe the Black Satin of Chanel is still as popular as it was when it came out ? it is. Pictured is the Blue Satin.

I like a pretty red or deeper colors more that the bright, although I've been know to wear a bright pink on my toes. I am still a girly, girl and love to play with make-up and polish.

The weather is cooler today, and it makes me want to start a fire and watch movies all day.....

Ain't This A Pisser

2009-08-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

I am not a happy girl..... This is my T.V. I have only had it a short time and this is what I have to deal with every time I turn it on. For the first 20 minutes this is it.

Now I am asking for Sony to replace it with a new set. I don't think I should pay for repairs etc... So, I have written a letter demanding a brand new one. So wish me luck........

I Love Silver Trays

2009-08-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have so many silver trays, just another weakness for me. I love this one. It's heavy and long. I am thinking it will fit on the back of my toilet. After I polish it up, I am sure it will look so, pretty, with towels and soaps. It's going to take a lot of elbow action.

I have been MIA on my blog a lot lately. I honestly do not have much to offer these days. And I have found myself loosing interest. So I am not going away, but just slowing down.

I have had some things in my life change and I am trying to adjust.

So, hang in there with me if you will.

Gordon Ramsey

2009-08-04T13:01:00.001-07:00

I love watching Gordon Ramsey. He's straight to the point. Which is somewhat my style. One thing I have never done is eaten at one of his US restaurants. You can catch some of his shows, on BBC America.

He can't be all that scary, he's married with 4 children, and does show a soft side.

Who's your favorite Chef to watch ???

What'cha Gonna Do When They Come For You.....

2009-08-01T13:32:00.001-07:00

I just wonder how long his time out was after this.

He ran just like they all do after a car chase. Take your keys with ya folks.....

As Seen Through My Sons Eye's

2009-07-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

All these are taken in my backyard. My son is the photographer, using my camera. I think he did an awesome job. He was playing around with the light and shutter speeds and seeing which turned out the best shots.

We have critters that visit at night, and with the lighting on the fence, he got an interesting shot of the possum that visits.

My flowers are blooming and the weather has been really nice, so we are enjoying the backyard.

So Sad

2009-07-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31595158/ns/local_news-washington_dc/

A story that Cindy, from "My Romantic Home" brought to our attention.

The Photographers Blog Here. I know we all could relate to the loss of a loved one.

Bring Back The Good Ole Days

2009-07-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Here's to US!!!!

No matter what our kids and the new generation think about us,

WE ARE AWESOME !!!!

OUR LIFE IS LIVING PROOF !!!!

To Those of Us Born

1930 - 1979

At the end of this email is a quote of the month by Jay Leno.. If you don't read anything else, please

read what he said.

Very well stated, Mr. Leno.

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE

1930's, 40's, 50's,

60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered

with bright colored lead-base paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes,

we had baseball caps

not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes.

Riding in the back of a pick- up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren't overweight.. WHY?

Because we were always outside playing...that's why!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on..

No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were OKAY.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps

and then ride them down the hill,

only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem

We did not have Play stations, Nintendo's and X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's,

no surround-sound or CD's,

no cell phones,

no personal computers,

no Internet and no chat rooms.

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We would get spankings with wooden spoons, switches, ping pong paddles, or just a bare hand and no one would call child services to report abuse.

We ate worms and mud pies

made from dirt, and

the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.

Those who didn't had to learn

to deal with disappointment.

Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best

risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of them, CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good.

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave and lucky their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it ?

The quote of the month is by

Jay Leno:

'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

Audrey Hepburn Day At The Movies

2009-07-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

It's Audrey Hepburn Day here. I'll be watching her movies today.

The line up is Breakfast At Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, and Sabrina.

What's your favorite Audrey Hepburn film ?

What's Up ??

2009-07-15T12:09:00.001-07:00

Yes, I have been missing in action. Nothing much going on here. Haven't been on any great adventures lately, mostly laying low. The weather has been beautiful, but I haven't been in the mood to get out. I guess I am in a funk...

These pictures were taken by my son, he likes my new camera and likes taking pictures in the abstract.

I hope to be back in action soon.....

Skating Babies - Evian

2009-07-09T22:09:00.001-07:00

How cute is this........

You'll have to turn down my music at the bottom of the blog to hear this.

Old Farmhouses

2009-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Old farmhouses bring back fond memories. My Grand parents had a farm in Missouri, that we would trek back to almost every year of our childhood. They had a house without running water, and an outhouse for you know what. It was primitive but it was a lot of fun. Along with the house were a lot of animals, from horses, to cows, chickens, pigs, rabbits etc. We got to see nature and how nature was killed to be eaten. It was an education at it's best. Most children these days have no idea what a farm looks like or how to live on one.

I love driving through country roads, to look at the old house either occupied or abandoned.

Hope you all had a safe but fun 4th....

Happy Independence Day To All !

2009-07-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here is to our ongoing independence. I hope all of you have a Happy 4th, and be careful with the Firecrackers.

Mother Of Pearl Passion

2009-07-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Mother of pearl is so beautiful, and this is another passion for me, religious things. I have them all over the house. Some might think I am over religious, but not so, I just love the uniqueness of it. From crosses to cherubs, to holy water fountains you can find these here in my home. So, I am always on the look out for it. I paid $4.99 for this at my favorite thrift shop, and I just love how pretty it is. It's small but powerful.

Cut Out The Sugar !

2009-06-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

I have to cut out the sugar as much as possible. I am getting fat in places that is depressing. So, I've decided to use this product instead. I have used Sugar in the Raw for years now and much prefer it over white sugar, but I've noticed some changes that I am appalled at in my legs etc....

I have got to motivate myself to get out and walk daily. Below, you'll find info from the site about Stevia :

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is an herb in the compositae family that grows as a small shrub in parts of Paraguay and Brazil. The glycosides in its leaves make it incredibly sweet, a property that is unique among the nearly 300 species of stevia plants. Stevia has been used to sweeten beverages and medicines for over 400 years. A scientist named Antonio Bertoni first recorded its use by native tribes in 1887.

Stevia is now grown and harvested in many countries around the world, predominantly China and Brazil. It has also been vastly popular in Japan for more than three decades, now representing 41% of that country's sugar substitute market. Stevia is also found as an ingredient in many products, such as ice cream, bread and soft drinks, throughout Asia and South America.

Stevia Extract In The Raw gets its delicious, natural sweetness from Rebiana (aka Reb-A) — an extract from the Stevia plant. This extract is the sweetest part of the plant and has recently been isolated to provide pure sweetening power without the licorice-like aftertaste that many of our predecessors exhibited. All you get is the sweet flavor without any calories.

Unlike some of our competitors, Stevia Extract In The Raw does not use additional sweeteners such as erythritol (Truvia™) and isomaltulose and erythritol (PureVia™) to mask the natural sweetness of Reb-A Stevia Extract. The high purity level of our product eliminates any of the licorice-like aftertaste associated with less pure Stevia products currently in the market.

Stevia Extract in The Raw is a perfect natural zero calorie sweetener for your coffee, tea, cereal, yogurt, and much more!

A Warm Glow

2009-06-28T10:46:00.001-07:00

I finally found the lights for my backyard. I purchased them over a year ago, and lost them in my messy garage. So, I found them an put them on the fence last night. I gives such a warm glow to the yard.

It's been hot here and it's nice to be able to sit outside and enjoy the cool nights.

Pretty Up An Ugly Eraser

2009-06-24T14:32:00.001-07:00

So, sorry these turned out burry.

So I put the chalkboard up on the wall, and moved a few things around. Then I got to looking at the eraser and though it didn't fit in with the frame. So, I painted the frame of the eraser with gold and brown acrylic paint mixed and painted the framework. The insert needed to be covered so I took some of the craft paper I had and cut out a piece of paper to fit and glued it in. I think it looks better this way.

See my angels ? it one of those holy water fountains. I found it at a Goodwill. I know just were I put it too.

Per Your Request

2009-06-22T14:25:00.001-07:00

So, here it is the chalkboard. I purchased this frame at the Alameda, Antiques by the Bay a few months back. It was hard finding a board that I could use for the chalkboard, but found one at Michael's, it came in a poster frame. Sprayed it with the chalkboard paint and there you have it.

So here it is, finished. I have been so busy lately I haven't had time to put it on the wall. Next project.

There is always something to do, I like being busy, but need a break somedays.

Summer is here, and it's getting warmer.

Fathers Day

2009-06-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

It's another Fathers Day. I lost my father in 2006. So, it's a little bittersweet.

I remember the things he did. Like making us stilts to walk around the neighborhood on. Fixing our bikes, making go carts and skateboards from old roller skates we no longer used. Always inventing things from something no one would ever think of. Taking us fishing on camping trips in the motorboat. Getting a large tire inner tube from the trucks at work blowing it up and letting us use it for playing on the lawn with, jumping on it. Making a tether ball pole out of a, pole and old tire and cement. We played with it for hours, I use to climb it all the time.

Thank you and mom for all the wonderful memories we have.

Love you both, and miss you daily.

Sporadic Posts

2009-06-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, it don't like to post everyday. It's just to time consuming. So, those of you that visit my blog daily, I so appreciate your visits.

I have been busy though, doing projects around the house. I put a new floor and baseboards in the downstairs bathroom, which turned out nice. It had been needing a big change.

Also, decided to get going on a new chalkboard with one of the gold frames I had. It came together well. Just need to hang it now, (Sorry forgot to take a final result picture).

I have been looking high and low for a water feature for my backyard, found one at Jo~Ann fabrics. They were having a huge sale and this was the one I decided on. I enjoy the sound of water and this fit the bill. It is so easy, did not have to hook up water to it, just poured it in, and plugged it in, voila !

And since I am a bird lover, I wanted to share with you a picture of one of the Doves that visits daily for food and water, love the sounds they make.

Day In Santa Cruz

2009-06-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is a long picture post.

Santa Cruz, what a place of memories. I went there as a child, and again as a young adult with a boyfriend. So, I wanted to go again when I could appreciate the beauty of it. I much prefer the ocean than the Boardwalk, so the majority of the pictures are of that. I drove along the coast Hwy 1, were picture ops are abundant. Stopping of at several turnouts and getting the pictures I did. Can't believe I didn't take my regular camera. I took these with my phone camera. I think they turned out great.

I love the Ocean side areas. The scariest part of the drive was going through Devils Slide, an area that falls off the side of the hill during heavy rainstorms. The highway literally falls off. Their repairing it constantly.

I loved the day, it was nice weather.

Ladies Orange Benevolent Association

2009-06-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

These badges are from an organization of Ladies in Canada. They were in my favorite Thrift Store. And if you know my blog, I love things different. I thought these were beautiful in color and the enameling in the pins and the badge. They have details that mean something but not quite sure what. Perhaps someone from Canada knows. If so, let me know.

I also found a Singer Featherweight there as well, in working order, only this time it's a light green in color. You just never know when you walk in what you'll find. But I told myself before going, your going to find something great today, and I think I did.

Someone's Old Is My New

2009-06-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

After going through the Winchester Home. I start to notice more Architectural things around me. This little yellow shelf is something that looks like it was on a wall. I knew that it must be old. So, I took it home. Now I'll have to put those two peas in my head together and figure out just what to do with it. I think it would look great back up on a wall with either a statue, or flowers or something else. Now I have to think what to do paint wise.

And I love old frames too. Anything that doesn't appear perfect is perfect to me. I'll replace the picture with one of my own.

Winchester Mystery House Part 2

2009-06-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sarah Lockwood Winchester

If you look beyond the stories of Sarah L Winchester, you'll see that she loved beauty and architecture. There is such attention to details it's unbelievable. I took over 400 pictures of this home. There are so many things that were left behind after her death. Things that were going to be used in future projects, but never were. Construction on the mansion stopped the day of her death. She paid each employee daily so when she wanted to fire someone she could, so when she died, there was no more income.

She also, had orchards and produced dried fruits and sold plums to grocers. She used electricity as soon as it became possible. Her home was the first to have an indoor sprinkler systems throughout the home, that still works. And she thought of ways to recycle things, so that they would not be foolishly thrown away.

She may have consulted with mediums and spirits but I think there was more to her than that.

The number 13 was used a lot in her home. And she loved daisy's.

My son and his girlfriend went along with me, and enjoyed themselves. I do recommend you see this home if you can.

Winchester Mystery House Part 1

2009-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tiffany glass windows and doors.

These are all in a room they call the $25,000.00 storage room.

They are all so beautiful.

These are all wall treatments that were imported from Europe.

Beautiful walkways.

This is the outside of Sarah Winchesters bedroom.

And were Sarah would wait for her Coach to take her

around town or to see her grounds.

Sarah Lockwood Winchester, was in my mind a genius. She constructed a home that helped her with her Arthritis. There are rooms that were so warm, you didn't need additional heat, but within those rooms, were additional fireplaces. She designed rooms that could be opened up for the flow, so when the windows were open they let out the hot air and and kept the home cooled down.

The house was confusing, yet made some since. You just have to think outside the box to understand.

She loved the finest of things. From her Tiffany glass windows and doors, to her ornate decor, she was a woman on a mission.

I'll share more in Part 2 of the Winchester Mystery House.

What Took Me So Long ?

2009-05-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

Sarah Winchester, had money to burn and a mind to do it. Over 5.5 million dollars were spent before she died in this dream home. A little nuts, but this woman knew what she wanted and didn't let others stand in her way.

With 160 rooms I am sure it was a bit confusing to get around. But I think she had the spirits on her side to help her.

So, why a native Californian has not visited this place is beyond me. So, I think I'll have to make a trip down there to see what I've been missing all these years. They have several tours including Flashlight tours and Friday the 13th ones as well. The tour I am taking cost only $28.00 and it takes you through the house and the grounds. I'll be going tomorrow.

I'll let you know if any spirits tapped me on the shoulder......

Fake It and A New Acquisition

2009-05-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Who say's fake flowers aren't pretty ?

My newest angel, she is guarding the kitchen sink. Actually she or he is in the Kitchen, I don't have much wall space these days to hang a lot of additional things. So it is protecting me while I do the dishes or cooking, so I guess it's a Kitchen Angel.

Hope you all had a great long weekend.

Happy Memorial Day

2009-05-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

We will probably stay home for the weekend. Pulling out the BBQ, marinating the meat, and fixing potato salad. It's hopefully going to be nice, and I'll be able to spend time outside.

Hope everyone that stops by my blog has a wonderful weekend and a safe one as well.

Let's stop and remember those who are in uniform, past and present. They are the ones that need celebrating and remembrance.

Till next time.

What To Do ?

2009-05-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well I only went out to get dog food today, and came back with more than that.

These were at my Thrift Shop I frequent. I don't know what exactly I'll use them for. I think they are so pretty. Any suggestions ladies, you are all so talented, I am sure there is something in you minds that I have not thought of.

To Beautiful For Words

2009-05-18T10:56:00.001-07:00

Is this not beautiful !. I found this on Google images. It's from Ontario Beach, in Toronto. I was struck by the beauty in the colors and the reflection.

Off to another dog run today down south.

The weather had cooled some, so makes it more comfortable to do things.

Whew It's Hot !

2009-05-17T01:03:00.001-07:00

It will last for 3 more days. Makes it hard to want to do anything.

I had to clip one of my girls, Brandi because her hair was just to long, for the heat. After I clipped her she decided it was time for her to get wet. So when I went out to water the thirsty plants she had to chase the water. She was having a blast getting wet.

For those of you in the same circumstance, stay cool and drink lots of water.

Home For Roses

2009-05-15T12:27:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it, finding a home for my roses, in these 14 inch terra cotta pots. What's even more unbelievable is I found them at Ikea for $5.99 ea. an unheard of price elsewhere.

Now all I need is the soil and I'll have them in their happy home.

Another backyard project. We are suppose to get some hot weather for a few days 80-85º , so I might need to wait to plant them. I don't want to kill them.

A Broach Is A Broach

2009-05-13T11:39:00.001-07:00

Can't walk by and not be attracted to this broach, with all it's sparkle it just grabs you.

The cute little coat of arms and what looks like a medal with out it's ribbon made this an easy choice.

Both these broaches where a surprise find at my Thrift shop I love to frequent.

National BBQ Month

2009-05-10T22:53:00.001-07:00

Go down to the bottom of my blog to turn off the regular music.

Did you know May, is National BBQ month, me neither. But it is and it's time to get those BBQ cookers out of the shed and start stocking up on things to burn.......

Seriously, I think BBQ makes everything taste better. I've been using mine for the last few days, and you can't beat the taste. Put some wood chips in there and you get a better taste. You can't duplicate the taste in the oven or on top of the stove.

I love the sides with BBQ, like potato salad, pastas, grilled vege's etc.......

So, get those babies out of the cobwebs and heat up those grills, it's BBQ time !!!!!!

Happy Mothers Day To All

2009-05-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Have a wonderful Mothers Day.

See Ya, later.....................

Mother's Day's Past

2009-05-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

I was thinking it would wonderful, for all of us Mothers to Share our memories of Mothers Days Past.

Things that you've never forgotten that your children or child did or said to you, that stuck in you memory. I am going to include Mister Linky, so that you can do a post of it, and link it up so everyone can see or read, what has been a memorable time for you.

My son gave me a card some years back, that meant so much to me. We had been having a rough patch in getting along, and I thought for sure I'd get nothing for mothers day that year. But to my surprise, he gave me a card. He had written inside something that goes like this.

"Although we sometimes don't get along, I value you as my mother. You have always listened and sometimes did not always like or agreed with what I do, but I still love you no matter what happens between us. Besides your the only mother I have." he's 23 now and still is a sweet guy.

So, I'd like to hear whatever you'd like to share. I will run this for a few days so everyone that wants to, will have a chance...

Change Of Taste And Style

2009-05-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

I am finding over time that my taste changes. And this is one example. I love these ! I had been looking for new plates to replace some that I have had for awhile. I would find plates at thrift shops, of mostly the style of shabby chic. Although I still have some, I am slowly changing out those from my cabinet.

I am so eclectic in my style anyway, I can't define it, except to say, it's what suites me at this time. I think, I might need to go back and see what else suites me. These I found at Home Goods.

I Love A Good Find

2009-05-04T22:34:00.001-07:00

You never know what you'll stumble upon in a Thrift shop.

My finds were this pretty Lead Crystal Vase and a pretty framed mirror. So I walked out a happy girl.

Why We Love Blogging

2009-05-01T10:52:00.001-07:00

Joy, at Cupids Charm is having a Blog Party about Blogging. Sharing why we love it. She has been featured in Artful Blogging, and is very excited to hear from everyone why they love it.

So stop over and leave a comment.

I have over 300 post now and never thought I'd even do that. I have met some wonderful women that have similar likes. And have met some of you in person, which was really great.

I have had my day's were I didn't like it, because I see you stop by, but don't leave a comment, and I am working on that, so it doesn't bother me so much.

But in the end I don't think a day goes by that I don't spend time looking at the blogs I love.

Art Nouveau Caskets

2009-04-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Jewelry boxes have long been treasured, for they have held precious items—sometimes valuable in themselves, sometimes valuable for their memories. Throughout history, jewelry boxes were constructed and designed by craftsmen, one box at a time, each a unique piece reflecting the style of the time and locale. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, all this changed. As we know, the concept of mass production was avidly adopted in the United States during the late 19Th early 20Th centuries. And for the first time, metal objects like jewelry boxes, for example, could be cast in quantity and, therefore, were less costly to produce.

The Industrial Revolution also encouraged the development of the middle class in America which was now also able to purchase decorative items, not just the essentials. And international travel and trade brought their attention to new decorative styles all over the world. The Victorian Period, immensely popular in the United States about 1880-1900, had a great effect, and soon after, the Art Nouveau style emerged from France.

American ladies of the early 1900’s aspired to the “high style” of the world’s great cities like London and Paris. Mail order catalogs--Sears and Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, and Marshall Field--enabled the American family to peruse the products, jewelry boxes among them, and make purchases from their own homes. Of course, jewelry stores also carried a selection of jewelry boxes, “the latest” designs purchased from wholesalers and displayed in their windows. The sale of jewel boxes as souvenirs was another phenomenon. Increased travel to points of interest around the country, combined with a Victorian carry-over desire for trinkets, encouraged travelers to purchase mementos of their journey. Jewel boxes were always a popular selection.

Also called “jewel case,” casket and occasionally trinket box, they were classified as Art Metal Wares and usually made of cast metal, finished—or plated--in gold, silver, copper or ivory. A popular misconception today is that there may have been some iron in the metal. According to an October 1908 article in Jewelers’ Circular—Weekly, the most common base metals for jewel boxes were actually spelter or antimonial lead. Almost all of the alloys used for jewel boxes were of metals with low melting points (or “soft” metal), thus explaining the weak or broken hinges often seen on jewel boxes today.

Art Metal manufacturers, during the early 1900’s, experimented with many finishes. Jewel boxes were electroplated with gold (sometimes called “Ormolu”), silver, and a variety of other finishes such as “French Bronze,” “Roman Gold,” “Pompeian Gold,” “French Gray,” “Parisian Silver,” and others, among them copper. The copper finish was popular for souvenirs—particularly for copper mines—and easy to accomplish, since most jewel boxes were first plated with copper as a base for the gold and silver finishes. Around 1911, white or ivory finishes were introduced. Rather than the plating method, these finishes were achieved by painting with white enamel, then applying various oxides, resulting in “Old Ivory,” “Oriental Ivory,” “Old Antique Ivory,” and “Tinted Ivory.” Ivory enamel finished boxes were advertised as “more lasting than gold or silver plated boxes” and, in fact, they were.

Jewel boxes were lined with fine pale-colored silks from Japan (sometimes referred to as “Jap silk”) and China, and also with faille (a ribbed silk), satin or sateen, and were often trimmed with a fine twisted satin cord. Some jewel boxes were lined with velvet which tended to be in brighter colors. Jewel boxes were available in all sizes—from the smallest ring box to handkerchief- and even glove-size boxes! Often they were decorated as beautifully on the bottoms, as they were on the tops.

The most prominent decorative style of jewel box during the early 1900’s, was Art Nouveau--a romantic style noted for its flowing, asymmetrical lines, with motifs relating to nature—flowers and vines, birds, women with flowing hair. While most people today associate Art Nouveau with the graceful “nymph-like” young women, it is important to mention that floral motifs held a major place in the American Nouveau jewelry box world. The “language of flowers” had become a particularly popular concept during the Victorian Period. At the turn of the century, these “sentiments” were also reflected in the Art Nouveau style on jewelry boxes: the four-leaf clover for good luck, daisies for innocence, roses for love and beauty, and so on.

Other motifs gained favor also. It was a time of great archaeological discoveries. Ancient temples in Egypt and Pompeii were being explored, and those styles were copied. A resurgence of interest in Greek and Roman styles was another source for decorative motifs. And Americans began to reflect on their own history, with a renewed interest in its Colonial days. Many jewel boxes were depictions of pre-Civil War plantation life.

There were several American art metal manufacturers that designed and produced jewel boxes. Names that might be familiar are Jennings Brothers (JB), Kronheimer and Oldenbusch (K&O), Benedict Manufacturing Co., and N.B.Rogers. But there were others: The Art Metal Works, whose founder (Louis V. Aronson) invented a method for electroplating (ormolu) gold onto the base metal; the Brainard & Wilson Corporation (B&W) which patented one of the first Art Nouveau jewel box designs; and Weidlich Brothers (WB Mfg Co), which took several patents on their Colonial designs

Many manufacturers trademarked their pieces, others did not. Sometimes those that normally did sign their wares were asked not too. For example, Sears and Roebuck and Montgomery Ward implied in their catalogs that they were the manufacturer supplying the merchandise, so they would not want a manufacturer’s trademark on the items they sold. For this reason, one may find two identical jewel boxes—one with a trademark, another without.

Even though these jewel boxes were “mass-produced,” peak production lasted fewer than 15 years (1904-1918). And remember, the term “mass production” during 1900-1910 held a completely different meaning then than that it does today. Fortunately, we can still discover examples of these (almost) 100-year-old decorative treasures. Gold and silver finished boxes are the most common. Regretfully, the silver-finished boxes have not fared well, unless actually silver plate—a rare find. Next most rare are souvenir jewel boxes with commemorative ceramic or photo discs. And the ivory finished boxes, although somewhat later in development, remain elusive. Their enamel finishes were more durable, so they may still be handed down within families.

These wonderful antique art metal jewel boxes were much treasured, and they held their popularity well until World War I, when the continuity of fashion was broken, re-directing interest from the decorative to the function and power of the machine.

Girl Friends For Life

2009-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to today. I am meeting up with some friends from High School. It's a blast when we get together. We meet up for lunch and talk for hours about our family and the good ole times.

We are going to try and get together at least once a month if possible. Looking forward to it.

Have a great day......

A Beautiful Day

2009-04-27T11:14:00.001-07:00

You could not have asked for better weather. It was in the 70's and everyone was out. It was crowded.

I took my girls with me, and their stroller, they got so much attention. People were stopping me so much I could hardly look at things. I could hear them saying from afar, look at those cute puppies in the stroller........men, women, and children.

But I did manage to find somethings. A book of poems from Germany, hand written by different people from 1901-1905, what beautiful handwriting they had.

A horse ribbon of someone that won third place, a rosary, fabric flowers, and a art nouveau jewelry casket.

Petaluma Antiques Faire

2009-04-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

It's that time again for the Petaluma Antique Faire. I am taking my girls and their stroller to see what I can find. It's was suppose to Rain, but the forecast has changed and now it's going to be at least in the mid to high 70's.

Petaluma has at lot to offer other than the Faire, so I am going to see what else is around there.

Have a wonderful weekend......

New Roses

2009-04-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

A Shropshire Lad

Aimee Vibert

Tamora

Heirloom Roses, is a great place to order your roses from. I purchased these and they arrived yesterday. I can hardly wait to put them in the ground. I know it will be awhile before I see these beauties produce, but when they do, I know I'll love them.

I have purchased from them before and those are doing great.

You can find them here on my blog, on a link on the left sidebar, or click on the name and it will get you there too.

Vintage & Vogue

2009-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Of course being down in San Jose, I had to go to Vintage & Vogue. You've seen this featured on Cindy's Blog several months ago.

It's a Beautiful Shop with both new and vintage. These pictures do not do it justice.

I had to get only just a few things there, otherwise.....I would have been poor leaving.

Treasure Hunt A Success

2009-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have seen this door stopper many times on Ebay and just could

not afford it. So when I saw this and the price it was, I said self you

need to get this. It was 50% off the entire store, so these came home

with me. And I could not pass up these candle sticks. The Patina

on them can not be faked. So they too came with me.

The pillow was a find at another store we stopped in and we also stopped

at Vintage & Vogue and could not leave without a few things as well.

That little crystal Fleur de les, is a purse hanger. you place it on a table

and then hang your purse on it, rather than on the floor.

The tray was something, I have been looking for, for awhile now.

The plate is actually a little cake stand.

Silver is another weakness so, I could not leave that behind. A cute little plaque and a little glass cloche made their way into my hands as well.

I recommend you go if you can, To Move It Elsewhere, in San Jose, CA. You'll find quite a lot of things to choose from.

Day Trippin

2009-04-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

What can I say....Move It Elsewhere in San Jose, is a treasure trove of beautiful things. I did find some wonderful treasures and could not believe my luck on a few things. The great thing was that everything in the store was 50% off, and if it was brown it was 65% off.

I went there to meet up with Cindy, from My Romantic Home It's getting to be a habit meeting up with her. She's a lot of fun.

My next stop is Petaluma, CA for the Antique Faire.

I'll post my finds tomorrow.

New Decorating Bibles

2009-04-16T23:48:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about both of these finds. This is truly more my style than any other out there. I truly love these. When I go into a shop or flea market I look for this style more that any other. I go for the not so pretty or kinda quirky things. French inspired or English Country.

I guess I am true to my Heritage.

I am looking forward to this weekend. I'll be meeting up with Cindy, from My Romantic Home to go to Move It Elsewhere, in San Jose for some shopping and a bite to eat. You know what I'll be looking out for, things similar to what are in these books.

Have a wonderful weekend......

Please welcome Susan, from Simply Susan. She's new to blogging and we all know how hard it is in the beginning. Stop by and say, Hi !!

What A Long Day

2009-04-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

NELL

It was another dog transport day. We had to pick up this little girl at the Marin County Shelter before they put her down. It was an adoption that didn't turn out so well. After picking her up we made the long trip down to her place of origin, in Delano, CA. This little girl has been in a Shelter for nearly a year without adoption, so when this one fell through it was a race of time. Delano is 5 hours away so it was a long day.........

On the way back we stopped to eat dinner at Harris Ranch in Coalinga, CA. It's an awesome place to stop and eat a nice dinner. They serve more than Beef, so you have choices. They also have a beautiful spa, and hotel to stay.

Parents Home Revisited

2009-04-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

After

Before

Our parents home was remodeled and recently re-listed.

I contacted our listing agent that sold it, and asked if she could take me inside to see what they did. I was impressed with what was done. They persevered the charm that the house always had. He did do some things different, like turning the bathroom around and reconfiguring the kitchen a bit. Overall, I was very happy that he was keeping with houses original moldings and wood flooring. Repaint and re-texturing of the walls was done as well.

It's on the market for $359.000.00, he purchased for far below that. I don't think he'll get it, but it's a nice try......

Happy Easter To All

2009-04-11T22:48:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful and fun Easter.

Singer Featherweight

2009-04-10T10:28:00.001-07:00

My little Singer Featherweight is sick and in the Sewing Machine hospital. I am sad. Their great little machines. Hard working and very popular. Quilters love these little babies. They are handy to take anywhere. Ladies simply packed them up in their carrying case and took them with them to other ladies homes for quilting. They don't do the fancy stitches, just straight and that's fine for me. I am not a big sewer and it suites my needs.

I thought I'd give you a little history on this fabulous machine.

Production of the 221 started in the UK at what was then Singer's largest factory in 1949. Six years later production started on the ultimate Featherweight, the 222 Freearm, and then the white/green model which was made in very limited numbers until 1964. Tan/beige machines were also produced in Scotland and at the Canadian plant.

The new design was introduced to the public in 1933 at the Chicago World's Fair. The improved model, which followed three years later, had a re-worked bobbin case and a numbered dial which took the guesswork out of tension setting.

Roses

2009-04-09T09:26:00.003-07:00

Guilty as charged. I couldn't think of a thing to blog about today. So I borrowed some photo's from Flickr.

These cupcakes look so yummy and pretty.

What Is It ?

2009-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was first drawn to the flowers on it. But after picking it up and looking at it, I figured it out. I have never seen one of these, nor knew they made them. I think it's from the 50's or 60's. It was .99¢.

It's for a Fly Swatter. You hang it on the wall and slip the swatter in and "Voila" you have a place to put your fly killer.

Antiques By The Ton

2009-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is Tracie from Notes From A Cottage Industry

She and the other Tracie were so busy when we got

there. She has so many wonderful things.

I'll have to go again next month. Antiques By The Bay is held the first Sunday of each month, so that makes it easy to remember.

Next time I'll know better. If it's sunny, carry an umbrella or wear a big brimmed hat. Sunburns are not fun, Ouch !!

There Are No Flea's At The Flea Market ??

2009-04-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day and what a crowd. Your mind wanders in several different directions.

There are so many wonderful things that you find yourself wanting it all. But then smack you come back to reality.

My finds are the 2-4 in pictures. I could have gotten more, but I was being more selective. A beautiful frame, and filigree cross, and a grain canister for my bird seed.

Met up with Cindy from My Romantic Home and her friend Nelson.

I took these pictures with my new camera, that Cindy and I found out that we had the same exact one. It takes wonderful pictures, I think it's a keeper

I'll share more pictures tomorrow.

Say Hello To My Little Friend

2009-04-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

It arrived this morning. I am excited in getting to know it. It has 12.2 pixels so I know the pictures will be much clearer or crisper in image.

I am going to use it this weekend.

Have a great weekend. I'll be hitting the Flea Market on Sunday.......

Beautiful Inspiration

2009-04-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this from French Garden House for inspiration. I love these flowers. And now I just need to go Michael's and get the same flowers.

I am excited ! I am getting a new Camera. It comes tomorrow. I can hardly wait. Hope my pictures will look better.....

Michael's Rocks !!

2009-03-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

Michael's is a favorite place to shop for inspirations. So when you find things that don't make sense right away, but their on sale, you know you'll figure it out. The beaded garland will be used although I am not sure how. But the "Jardin" planter will be used.

A cute little colorful bird, will probably go on a nest.

I found the white lace what look like a place mat at a new Thrift Shop I found that contributes to the welfare of cats. They'll look great on a shelf.

What Did You Find ?

2009-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

I will never have a 50Th Wedding Anniversary but that didn't stop me. I think the soft pink flowers on this are pretty.

I can never pass by a cherub without stopping to ask myself do I need it. I usually don't but what can I do, I have an addiction. Another thing found was this lead crystal vase, I'll end up putting a candle in because I love the glow and the twinkling of the crystal.

The doggies transport went fine, only a few hitches, and that was traffic. They were so sweet.

Bird Lover and Fence Art

2009-03-28T10:35:00.001-07:00

I have an affinity to birds. I love watching them come to feed and gather things for their nest building. They come alone or in groups to feed and gather in the trees behind my yard. The sweet sounds they make are welcoming. They get into arguments and you can tell one of them is head honcho of the bunch. There are all types I don't know the name of many but I love watching them.

Do you use your fence to display things ? well I do. I find those metal signs in thrift shops and love to put them on the fence like art.

See my nice thing for planting on the fence that white thing ? I going to try and plant those flowers and ivy in it. I found it at Marshall's and thought it would be ideal.

I am off to transport some doggies today for an organization that takes them out of shelters and matches them up with loving families. I have two today so my friend Nancy will join me for the journey.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend !

Just Something Else To Collect

2009-03-27T00:43:00.000-07:00

This is something new for me. Loving cups otherwise known as a trophy. It's my new obsession.

Don't know why except that I love the look of shinny silver and it was cute.

I won it on Ebay. You would not believe just how much people actually bid on these. I have seen them go for as much as $300.00. I however did not pay that much I got lucky.

So, I'll be looking for these out and about in hope of getting a deal.

What's your new obsession ?

We Have A Winner !

2009-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have a winner of my Giveaway. It's Cindy !, from My Romantic Home. I used my random generator to get the number so it was not a pull out the the hat.

I swear this woman is blessed in some way.

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!

It's The Pits

2009-03-24T01:50:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting a fire pit, but could never find one I liked, or they were priced to high.

Well I found one that was reasonable in price and size and nice to look at. Big Lots of all places.

With the cleaning of the yard and the planting, I feel like it would be wonderful to sit outside and enjoy a fire on a cool night and be relaxed and invite a friend over for a nice fire and maybe a drink or two.

Come by and sit by the fire with me............

Last chance to enter drawing for giveaway. The winner will be picked tonight at 12 AM PST, by random.

I See PInk Bunnies

2009-03-23T11:08:00.001-07:00

No I am not drunk. But this cute plater has pink bunnies. I found it at a Thrift Store and it looked as if someone didn't use it. It sill has the manufactures tag on it. I don't have many Easter things, so this is prefect.

There is still time to enter my giveaway down below is the post, to enter to win that beautiful mirror, and some wonderful Lavender Linen Spray.

FIRST DAY OF SPRING YIPEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!

2009-03-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

It's officially here !!!!!!

Spring has sprung and the flowers are being planted. Sorry, ladies still with the snow, but I am so excited I can't contain myself.

I WAS SO EXCITED I FORGOT TO WISH EVERYONE A GREAT WEEK-END !

There is still time to enter my Giveaway. Look below for the entry post. Good Luck !

I Am In A Planting State Of Mind

2009-03-19T11:08:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am touched by spring fever. I feel the need to plant things and get my hands dirty. So what better way to do this is to find things that give you an excuse for it. Like these gray boxes, you can use them for a number of things, but I'll use them for planting flowers. I found a beverage container with a spout and thought I'll use this for a terrarium it's perfect for it. You wouldn't believe the number of people that looked at this thing before I snagged it.

And this is were the Cherub ended up at on the fence with a little planter.

Found this cute little wooden birdcage, with a bonus if a little birds nest with eggs, and a rock.

Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY below this post.

Giveaway !!!!!

2009-03-17T14:13:00.001-07:00

I am having a giveaway, so spread it around. This Pretty Mirror and Lavender Water spray.

Giveaway will end on Wednesday, March 25th at midnight and will be chosen with a random counter.

Anonymous entries must have their email address on their comment to enter.

This is for no reason except it's been awhile since my last one, and it's getting close to my 300th post.

Second best news is that the case was dismissed, and we all got to go home. NO JURY DUTY !!

Sweet Cherub etc.......

2009-03-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

Cherubs are a weakness for me and this one was no exception. I had to put my touch on it and the second picture is the result. I found this little gem at the thrift shop along with the metal sign which I thought was cute and nostalgic it found a place on the backyard fence.

These linens were a special bonus.

I have jury duty tomorrow of all days, St. Patrick's Day. Not looking forward on getting up early. I have to be there at 8 AM. And it's Superior Court. I don't like being picked, so I will keep my fingers crossed.

Sprucing Up The Backyard

2009-03-14T15:39:00.001-07:00

It's still a little chilly outside, but the sun's been out and it inspired me to get to work on the yard.

One project was to repaint the wicker chairs I purchased last year. They were worn out white and they needed a change. I first thought of red then thought it would fade to pink, so I saw the Apple Green and decided on that. Then I found the cushions at Marshalls and there you go. The table was black and I first thought of painting it white and did, but then I had this light blue paint and decided to do that instead, I am glad I did, it looks nicer.

I finally hung my bird house, I have had it for a year.

And the lounge chair is one of two that my parents had. Their off an old cruise ship. I need to find cushions for them and I'll be set.

The backyard is a work in progress and it needs more cleaning up before I feel happy about it. The girls have to always put their stamp of approval so they have already stood on the table like their Queens.

Dining Set Update : Well I could not justify the need for another table and chairs. So, I did not get it. It is a wonderful set, but I just could not justify it no matter how hard I tried. I weighed the pros and cons and the cons won. Some day maybe, but not today.

Dinning Table Look See

2009-03-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am going to check out this table and chairs. The owner needs to get rid of the entire diningroon set but I don't need it all, so I asked if they were willing to sell the table and chairs and they agreed. It has a leaf for it, but I don't know if i'll ever use it.

So, if I do get it, I will be painting it white and recovering the seats. And getting rid of the table I had painted previously. The one I have is just to big for the space I have.

Wish me luck and if I do purchase it..... I hope it will all fit in my SUV, if not i'll be bummed.

Have a happy weekend !!