More pictures, less prattle

Yes friends, it's me again...back with more pictures from my browsing this past weekend. I don't usually post so many non art shots, but this was such an interesting shop that I just must share them with you. I'll try not to gab so much in between shots, so here goes.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I just have to post these cute displays...

I just love the painted mantle in the room where this wonderland is displayed...

Look at the floor in this next shot. I love old houses and although this is probably a faux finished floor, it looks so worn and homey...

How many of you have hubbies or loved ones that would think this is a room full of junk and put it in the dumpster. Imagine if we had saved everything that we love, where would we live?

Another cute idea for a tree...


Check out the ornaments, they are hand painted with the names of our local schools and colleges. If you are a decorative painter, this might be a project for you. Here is a closer version...

Back when I was working, I had a special friend that I went all out for each year, usually making her an ornament. One year I beaded one, and one year I used these same type of blank ornaments and made some pretty spectacular ones, another year I passed on some vintage glass ornaments from the family of a Belgium friend. We no longer put up a tree, so I'm not as into ornies as before, but I still use them in decorating our mantle, (which is above our television) combining them with white twinkle lights for a festive way to watch all our favorite holiday shows.

Oh yay! we've wound our way around to another shabby chic booth and look at this kerosene heater. Is that not the cutest thing? I love it...

Here you can see that it really is me taking these pictures. Perhaps this serious look on my face is concern for my hand that seems to be dangling lifelessly from my wrist. Isn't that funny? I guess I was concentrating on taking the picture and not on being my usual cute self. Anyway check out this dresser...

I love the look of this. Don't tell me the value of a piece has been compromised by painting it. I don't want to hear that. I love this. (click on the picture and look at the sign placed above the top of the mirror).

And last, but certainly not least, check out this desk...

You see that one armed monstrosity tucked back in this display? Did you ever sit in one of these in school? I went to school in a small town and I sat in these in grade school and high school. I think they are so cool. There were even left handed ones. I think that they still use modern versions of these bad boys, but look at the construction of this vintage desk. There is no wonder we love furniture and toys from our past. They pass the test of time.

Well, that's all of my mercantile photos. Hope you liked the last leg of the tour. On the art front, I have been doing some pen and ink portraits (believe me, I use that word loosely) while I watch the tv at night. So I will soon be posting them.

In the meantime, my DH is preparing for a big dental appointment Friday. He will be having three dental implants done. This usually requires a pill the night before the appointment and a pill one hour before his appointment, so he is going to be a bit loopy when we get there. He has a great dentist and will do just fine, I'm sure. Still, think about us Friday morning.

Have a great week and stay safe and happy.

A trip to the mercantile...

Today there was a comic book convention being held at the neighboring civic center. Since the hubs is into comics and has a nice little collection, that was definitely an event that he wanted to attend. Since I'm more into shabby chic, prim decor and hand made items, I had him drop me off at the Olde Salem Mercantile. It's a nice sized shop and I can easily spend an hour or so browsing. I took lots of pictures while I was there and thought I would share them with you.

Who doesn't like white painted, shabby chic furniture? I loved the way this display was arranged...

Not into that? How about a cabinet full of punched tin plates...

I love the look of worn wood. Even when it's faux finished, it still has such warm and appeal.

Since I love all things heart shaped (remember the heart giveaways?) I was immediately attracted to this display...

Hmmm, this certainly looks like a project that could be done at home. Most of us have extra fabrics, and cutting, sewing and stuffing three little hearts would be easy.

About five years ago, when I first started going to this shop, everything was either handmade prim or actual vintage finds. I haven't been for several years and was surprised to find lots of commercially made items for sale. The store is laid out like an antique mall, with individual vendors. There are some children's items, and a few pet items, but mostly it is still furniture that has been refurbished and lots of knick knacks to place throughout the home.

I'm much more partial to the handmade things. Like this framed item. I'm not sure what this type of art is called, but I really like the look of it. It seems to be comprised of some homespun fabric shapes, the pocket from a favorite pair of jeans and some dried flowers.

The background is a repurposed chenille bedspread and it has a coffee stained tag with a sweet sentiment lettered on. This picture really doesn't do it justice.

There were some primitive style dolls

and several types of Santas

and while these are fun to look at in person, the quality and originality doesn't compare to the art that my friend Peanut creates.

There were houses...

and bird houses and bird's nests,


so many bird related things that I kept thinking that I actually heard birds chirping.

Silly me, I did...
As you can see, tucked behind a book on songbirds, there was a little cd player, with the sweetest chirping bird songs playing. Quite a nice touch.

I still have several more photos to size before I can post them, but I just wanted you to have a sneak peak at what I did today.

In the meantime, if you are looking for a sweet way to display a baby shoe, I'll leave you with this...



Hope you liked my little stroll through the mercantile, I'll have several more shots to post next week, but until then have a great weekend.

Oh the woes of Wally World

Every time I leave Walmart, I swear I'll never go back. But I always do. Back when I was still working and the hubs was working from home, he would go to Walmart very early and had little difficulty. Now that I'm home, we go places together.

We are quickly getting our items from the list as we scoot through the aisles. This is the way we always shop at Walmart, as our plan is to get in and out as quickly as possible and avoid as many hassles as we can. We must look like a couple from the Amazing Race, or Shop till You Drop. Well, maybe we aren't quite that bad, but you get the picture. We get all 12 of our items and head for the 15 items or less checkout. In front of us, in said 15 items or less checkout, is a lady struggling with several huge items, and about 75 regular sized items (the cart was full). After several minutes of watching her try to unwedge her purchase from the bottom of the cart to place on the counter, I asked the checkout gal if there is another 15 and under area open. She just raises her shoulders and some wispy words of some sort float from her mouth. The hubby then, asks the full cart lady, quite nicely I must add, why she is in the 15 or less check out with a full cart. She replies, I'm getting tobacco and I always have to get it here. DH says, well why don't you get check out in the right area and then get your tobacco? Instead of apologizing and saying, "you know I never thought of that", she said "that would be a lot of trouble". After checking out in another area, we found a manager and talked to him. We can all still see the women with her gazillion items going through the quick checkout, which isn't even big enough to hold her groceries, and he told us that they are not allowed to ask someone with too many items to go to another checkout.

Grrrr, what is wrong with people? What is wrong with Walmart? What is wrong with this world? In a country where we have more freedoms and options available to us then anywhere else in the world, a store like this should be considered a fairly nice place to shop. But people shuffle about in slippers and stop in front of you and lolly gag and scratch and talk on those dang cellular phones. Who are they calling, anyway? Hang up and get on with your shopping!

As we were leaving, the lady, who is still checking out, sheepishly mouths "sorry" to us. Do I feel bad for saying something? No, actually, I do not. Maybe she learned something today. Like, she isn't the only person in the store, and to use some common sense next time. Geesh, some things drive me crazy.

That's my rant for today. What about you? Any stories regarding WalMart? What are your pet peeves?

Whew, I'm tired from all that fussin', better go get a nice warm beverage and settle down. Talk to you later.

Typing in the kitchen

Thank you my Darling Hubby. Being a computer guy has paid off once more. I am typing from my kitchen table. I'm using the laptop, and while I love the mobility of it, I'm not used to this keyboard. Anyway, this is so cool. He is such a good guy. He indulges me in so many ways.

I grew up in a small town, single parent family and we had to watch our money closely. I suppose this is the reason that I had certain things that I wanted when I grew up. Let's see how I did.

I wanted a husband that loved me and would take care of me...check

After fifteen years in a small apartment.. we figured out how to get a house. I always wanted a house with a deck, and when I was a kid, I thought the height of luxury was to have a television in my kitchen...check on both

In this house, I wanted High Speed Internet that you didn't have to use your phone line to connect. Then I decided I would love to have digital cable...check and check again

Then I wanted high definition television...we went hi-def

My most recent desire is to go wireless.

Well, guess what? We're wireless. Yep, that sweet hubby of mine has come through again. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that he is a guy that likes all this same stuff.

Anyway, I just wanted to make a post, here from the kitchen, and let everyone know (again) what a great guy my hubby is.

I'll be back soon with something artsy, I hope. In the meantime, I hope everyone had a great weekend and if you get the chance to go wireless...go for it!

Blue Friday

Just a quick post to check in with everyone. I haven't had time to do any art this week, what with unpacking from vacation and then helping DH repack for a quick trip to Washington, DC. I did go to the library and found the best book.

It is called Artful Paper Dolls by Terry Taylor and the images within this book are so yummy that I want to go get out my papers and glues and make some paper dollies.

In addition to playing with dolls this weekend, I am hoping that my resident computer guru finds time to install our wireless router. Yes, after all this time, we are going wireless. I get all misty, dreaming of having my laptop next to me in the studio, right there, waiting for me to search the world wide web. As it is now, I have to get up (which can be difficult at my table when I've hemmed myself in with projects) go back upstairs to my computer, look up my problem and sometimes draw out the solution on paper to take back downstairs. Now I will have the solution right there with me. Ahhh, it will be so lovely.

So in the meantime, I'll get dressed in my usual uniform of jeans and tee-shirt and go have fun in the studio. Today I'm wearing a blue shirt. This is why.

Blue Fridays

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is .'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

I hope you will join me in supporting our troops in this way. Especially now, with the horrendous massacre that has occurred at Fort Hood. They need our support more than ever.

Well, that's it for today. Have a wonderful weekend. Do something fun. Say something nice. Give someone a hug.

Hope to come back soon with some marvelous creations. Until then, ta.

Happy Halloween

Greetings, all. We got back home Thursday night and I have been spending my time, recovering from it all. DH picked up a bit of a bug on the way home and has been winding down with chicken noodle soup and Nyquil capsules. We hadn't planned on giving out candy this year, so it will be a quiet night here on the hill.

We had a nice time, doing some things that we hadn't done before and revisiting some of our favorite sites.

We started off at Tuna Harbor, taking part in the kickoff of the Tea Party Express.

Check out the giant sculpture in this shot, it is so cool.

Got settled in and had an early dinner with my sister. After winding down and getting used to being on the eleventh floor of the hotel, DH and I walked to the Ralph's supermarket about three blocks from the resort and carried tons of stuff back, using our wheeled suitcase as a shopping cart, while carrying the rest. We were staying in a room with a kitchen and had to have water, milk, coffee, fruit, peanuts, snacks...you get the picture. After we got everything put away, we sat back and enjoyed the view.



Monday morning after sending me on my way for retail therapy, DH went to take the tour on the USS Midway. I declined that little bit of sight seeing (it's a lot of climbing ladders and that's just not my thing), but he had a great time. He took a ton of pictures, but I love this one.



Tuesday we did the Historic Trolley Tour of San Diego and then went to the zoo. While the weather had been quite clear and very warm so far, we were really surprised to find the sky overcast, the temperature dropped and the wind gusting like crazy. Fortunately, we both brought hoodies and put them to good use. I usually don't ride anything that isn't on the ground, but for some reason I let DH talk me into riding the Skyfari aerial tram at the zoo. I did not like it much, but once you are in the thing, it's pretty much a done deal.



We finished up our trip by watching the sunset over the ocean, in once again, hurricane force winds.

Here I am...

..and here we are. I love the reflection of the sunset in my glasses.
The tower behind us in this shot, is where we stayed.

I took hundreds of pictures that I will be posting on my Flicker account as the days progress, so I won't torment you with those here. I did want to say that I'm so glad to be back. I always appreciate home so much when I return. I love my sister and only get to see her once a year, so this visit is often bitter sweet.

Well, that's it for now. Hope everyone had a great week and I also hope you are planning a safe and Happy Halloween. Be careful and don't get your windows soaped or your trees TP'd.

We'll talk soon.

Getting ready for next week

Yes, Miss Kristen, you are right. It is time for me to make a new post. The hubby and I are getting ready for our yearly visit to the Left Coast. My sister always gives us a trip out to see her as our Christmas gift. This year we are going to be staying in a different area, and we are looking forward to that.

One of the things we needed to do to prepare for the trip, is to make sure our outside light was working properly. It has been flickering lately and we don't want to have to ask the neighbor to come over in the yard and whack the lamp post to make it work. Of course I waited until it was already dark to ask DH to go out and work on it. He is quite capable and certainly not scared of the dark, but I still went with him to hold a flash light while he stood on the ladder and changed the bulbs. He put the first one in and since he had enough light from the bulb that was burning, I moved the flashlight. While I was watching him, I decided that maybe he did still need the flash light, so without saying anything, I swung the light back up to where DH was fiddling with the light and he thought a BAT had swooped by and started to jump and swat on the ladder. I, being the immature juvenile that I am, thought this was extremely funny. I was able to get back in the house before having a complete giggling fit. He is such a good sport. He has to be, because I'm so silly and goofy, that I have these fits quite often. Sometimes he laughs with me, sometimes he just shakes his head.

(if you know who this is, you are as nutty as I am)

So we're off to the p.o. to have our mail delivery delayed until we return and to pick up any incidentals that we may have forgotten. We are only going to be gone for 4 days, but for me it might as well be a month. I'm a home body, and not the best traveler and I can't seem to find my motion sickness bracelets. I have to wait until almost the last minute to get everything ready, because I make myself a bit too nervous otherwise. We're not leaving until Sunday morning, and I still have laundry to do and my nails to do and such. I always like to make sure the house is clean before we leave, because a clean house is so nice to come back to.

Well, I suppose that's it for today. I don't know if I will make a post while I'm gone. We are taking the laptop, but I'm not sure I know how to load pictures on it. Oh, wait...I don't really have any pictures today, either. Maybe I'll wait until we return and post all kinds of cool vacation photos, I'm sure everyone will love that. Now, I'm making just myself nervous about that. I need to regroup and calm down. It's only a five hour flight...I can do this. There will not be an earthquake, followed by a tsunami...I can do this. I'll have my DH there with me...I know I can do this.

Nervous? Who me? Just a bit. I'm usually all right once I get on the plane. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers and I'll be back soon, rested and raring to go. Have a great rest of the week. Look to the sky Sunday and give us a wave. Stay healthy and happy, warm and toasty, creative and artful and all will be just fine.

Talk to you soon.