..bananas...

...a client's grandson Trick or Treating in Ohio. Isn't the costume 'a-peeling'?

...trick or treat...

Boo! It is Halloween everyone. Well, almost everyone. Halloween (or Hallowe’en) is an international holiday celebrated on the evening of October 31st; today it is often celebrated in the morning and afternoon as well. Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, ghost tours, bonfires, costume parties, visiting haunted attractions, hanging out in cemetaries, watching Joan Rivers before she puts on her makeup, carving jack o' lanterns, reading scary stories, and watching horror movies. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century. Halloween is celebrated in several countries of theWestern world, most commonly in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, and at times in parts of New Zealand. In Sweden the All Saint's official holiday takes place on the first Saturday of November. I am going to a dinner this evening but will aid in the candy handing out and this person's neighbor is quite a (B)witch so it can't get any scarier than that! I chose a new carpet line yesterday and the sample books are out of this world. Webster Carpet has been around for decades and has a product line that is exciting and classic at the same time. Zebra carpeting, sisal's, Wilton's and broadloom's yes, and nothing typical. That's what I like. Last evening was smashing and it was great to see M, J and their daughter who I had never met as she comes from California. We chose a deep teal and chocolate chenille for a sofa and love seat that will coordinate with her existing Wing Chair and rattan chaise lounge. Of course the carpeting and paint will remain as the new pieces match beautifully. Savvy is good, wasteful is plain silly. Besides, we had done that part only two years ago. Early this morning as we returned from the chilly park I ran into a neighbor leaving for work. I complimented him on his hideously ugly mask and then realized that he wasn't wearing one. Yikes. My bad....kidding. Have fun today but be cautious and stay alert. If you have time, read this article about a few items to stay away from rather than digging into that candy bag randomly. On more 'trick or treat' and this is a nasty one. On this day in 2002 a federal grand jury in Texas formally indicted former Enron Corp. chief financial officer Andrew Fastow on 78 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the collapse of his ex-employer. What a bad trick to play on trusting investors who lost lots but what a treat to indict. Have a great day and wear reflective tape on that black miniskirt and sequined halter top. Click here to watch the now classic video 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson. That should get you in the mood. (Cue in Vincent Price and his horrific laugh)... Ahahahahah! Hahahaha!

...that was some party!...

Good day from sunny, cool, clear Chester County, PA. Perhaps you have already heard this but our baseball team has won the World Series. Many parties were had and many more to come over the next several days. This 'win' could not have come at a better time, when people are stressing about jobs, the economy, what to wear for their Halloween Party, etc. It is so mentally healthy to allow breaks in our all consuming schedules. Oh, and speaking of parties, on this day in 1501 the Ballet Of Chestnuts was a banquet held by Cesare Borgia in the Papal Palace where fifty prostitutes or courtesans were in attendance for the entertainment. I wasn't there so I have to trust that someone did a 'head' count. Anyway, Cesare was a Lord and son of Pope Alexander VI. And to answer what you are thinking, yes. The Papal Palace is the one in Vatican City where the Pope lives. Boy do those men know how to partteeee! Maybe not to the extent of Phillies fans, but we have to consider the time difference. Today they would probably have 107 prostitutes, but then again I am simply estimating. I have an appointment late this afternoon with a GREAT lady that I did work for a couple of years ago. I also did work for her sister and then her Mom and Dad which makes me feel awesome. I also sent off another Dodge City Clock to a man in MI via my website. Guess I had better place another accessory order. I just did which included decorative plates, canisters and adorable bottle stoppers but I need to improve my telepathy skills to know exactly what the future holds home fashion wise. Tomorrow is Halloween and I have a dinner to go to. I will place 'Crime Scene' tape across my front entrance and leave a large plastic pumpkin filled with treats for the little darlings. Just take one please! One piece of candy that is, not one full pumpkin...Congratulations to the Phillies and to Cesare Borgia. Have a great day everyone, and uhm, party on...

...voting is a right and a priviledge...

Greetings again. It is now sunny and very pleasant here in Chester County, PA. I wanted to post this information which has nothing to do with sofas, wallcoverings or lighting fixtures. Please read.
Americans can’t take anything for granted on Tuesday, November 4th. In the 2000 and 2004 elections, voter fraud, voter suppression and voter intimidation were rampant, especially in the critical swing states Florida and Ohio. This year, we are likely to break voter turnout records. Hundreds of thousands of voters have lined up to vote early around the country, and we have already heard numerous accounts of electronic voting machine glitches, registration and ballot issues and long lines. The information posted below is "7 things that can go wrong on Election Day” explaining what voters can do to insure that their voices are heard and their votes are counted.
On Nov. 4, the overwhelming majority of Americans will cast ballots without a hitch. But for some, troubles will occur. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your vote counts:
Before going to the polls, check to make sure your registration is in proper order by contacting your local registrar or going to canivote.org. (There is still time to fix problems.)
Polling places can change. Make certain you know your proper polling location and the ID requirements for your state, especially if you are a first-time voter.
Once at the polls, don’t take no for an answer. You should not leave a polling place without casting some sort of ballot.
If you encounter problems, request an emergency paper ballot or, as a last resort, a provisional ballot. (Provisional ballots should be avoided whenever possible because they are less likely to be counted. If you must cast a provisional ballot, ask polling officials what steps you can take to ensure your vote is counted.)
If you still have questions about polling-place locations or ID requirements, or if you encounter any problems at the polls, call Election Protection (866-OUR-VOTE), the nation’s largest coalition of poll watchers and lawyers. The nonpartisan call center will be staffed through Election Day, so bring your cell phone just in case...

...did you hear something...

Greetings from windy Chester County, PA. Last evening we had strong rains and howling winds. My neighbor's heater and hot water went off late in the day so I went over to find that the fuse switch had been turned off. Creepy. It was dark, raining and the winds were fierce. Not Heidi Klum fashion fierce, the scary kind. I got back home in time to see 'It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on TV. This show was first seen on October 27th 1966. It has stood the test of time, having been shown every year since it's debut. MAD TV parodied the special as "It's the Bigass Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", which shows the Peanuts characters as African Americans in an inner city neighborhood. Not quite as sensitive and meaningful as the original, but...A lady phoned me at work yesterday to inquire about the metal witch's hat from my website but alas, there was no way to get it to her by Halloween which is only two days away. Speaking of which, on this day in 1390 they held the first trial for witchcraft in Paris. Poor Donatella Versace may or may not have been one of the first targets of this silly hunt. Snow fell in parts of PA late yesterday and that made many happy, especially skiers. Fabricut's silk and trimmings arrived late yesterday in celery and pomegranate. What a fresh, inviting combination! Someones Living Room is going to look spectacular this Holiday season. I also chose lighting fixtures for a bathroom renovation and two out of the three are still available. Yippee. Today's photo is of a large Pumpkin in a natural finish. {Please be careful if carving...} Have a great day.

...see the light...

It is raining and chilly here in Chester County, PA. We skipped the drive to the park and kept it local. After towel drying the boys, they still require a little more TLC so one is on my lap, one is under the covers of a bed, one is sitting under a lamp and one is...well, off by himself in his usual aloof stance. Speaking of TLC, if anyone has a relative or knows of someone who...well, we all need to show a little extra TLC today because on this day in 1942 2,000 Jewish children and 6,000 Jewish adults from Krakow were deported by Germans to Belzec death camp. It is still so hard for me to comprehend that an evil of this magnitude could happen. But then I look to current day activities and can see that people get away with horrible s*it all of the time; maybe not to this horrid extent, but ugly things occur. So do beautiful things, please keep that in mind. Saturday night's Halloween Party, for example. I 'met' everyone from Michael Douglass and Catherine Zeta Jones from their 'Wall Street Days' to Wonder(bread)Woman to a man with a huge magnet around his neck with little yellow stuffed chicks attached, (I'll give y'all a second to figure that one out), to a Pit Crew...Great people, great food, great Mineral Water. ( I was designated driver). Sunday was spent working from home, making much progress on tomatoes and diamonds. Monday I varnished an old trunk for a client, repaired some unsightly wallpaper seams from ceiling paper, repaired the hose that comes from the back of my dryer and then met a friend and went in search of the new G2 phone. I had every intention of bringing my outdoor bistro sets in last night but ran out of time. I have to today or next Spring they may be a rusty mess. Have a great day everyone. Be fair, be kind but if you sense mistreatment follow your instincts and don't take any s*it. It is dark here in Chester County, but still try to see the light.

...soothe the savage beast...

Good rainy day here in Chester County, PA. It is warm but wet out for a change. That didn't keep us from going to the park and they were setting up for soccer. The children get to have fun and the adults get some time away from their daily stresses which is so important these days. Whether it be sports, crafts, meditation or music, it can't be stressed enough the importance of de-stressing. Find a healthy escape and stick with it. It could end up standing the test of your time. On those lines, on this day in 1875 the first performance of the Piano Concerto #1 by Tchaikovsky was given in Boston with Hans Von Bulow as soloist. I'm sure you know it, maybe not by title but by hearing the first few strains. What a way to soothe the savage beast, unless you are watching the pianists fingers...so don't. I mailed out the Internet orders late yesterday and did some work late into the night when I returned home. There were stupendous fireworks last night, coming from I don't know where, but I'll find out today. This evening is the costume Halloween Party in West Chester, and so far 60+ people have RSVP'd. The food will be catered, a face painter will be there and who knows what other surprises will show. Another interesting item happened on this day in 1962. The Cuban Missile crisis. Adlai Stevenson showed photos at the United Nations proving that Soviet Missiles were installed in Cuba. Now that's what I like to see. If there are weapons of mass destruction, it is nice to have the photos to back up that kind of claim. 'Cause without proof, one doesn't know what kind of fireworks can occur! Bam. Crash. Boom. Yikes! Have a great day all. And a great night. If you are going to a Halloween party, don't drink and ride your broom. Call a magic carpet. Today's photo is of a mirror that looks like a window. How clever. That is kind of the magic of Halloween...looking like something that it isn't. Hmmmm....

...word travels fast...

Greetings! It was pretty chilly this morning here in Chester County, PA. Our walk was nice and isolated. We had the park to ourselves and we loved it. The trees are still creating beauty and my cell phone didn't ring at all at that hour. Honestly, I bring it in case of emergency but do not turn it on until we are finished our morning ritual. We like the peace and quiet. I got back home, fired up my laptop and read emails from my various addresses. I then read my postal mail, answered the land line and got ready for work. Upon entering the store, line #2 was ringing and it was a fax, alerting me that my Graber Crystal Pleated Shade order shipped on the 23rd of this month. (yesterday). And we wonder why our hearts race at times. There is a lot of communication going on, and it seems to be getting faster and faster. The first time in history that this happened was the Pony Express which kept communications open between the East and West coasts. They went bust, ending up in the red because on this day in 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph system was completed, making it possible to transmit messages rapidly (by mid-19th-century standards) from coast to coast. This technological advance, pioneered by inventor Samuel F.B. Morse, brought an end to the Pony Express, the horseback mail service which had previously provided the fastest communication between the East and the West. I wonder if he had any idea that the Internet would ever be possible. I was wide awake last night but it wasn't a tormented awake and I am not sure why. Late yesterday I attached these arm cover buttons to a sofa which made the client happy. Otherwise, the piece would have to have been reupholstered. This way it buys them time and looks natty too. I am enjoying my new sound system in my Yukon XL and hope that the vehicles around me are enjoying it also. I plan on presenting the carpet suggestions either this evening after the gym or tomorrow after work and before the Halloween Party. Have a great day. Keep the lines of communication open when it comes to friends and loved ones. And try not to talk too fast. Sometimes it is good to take it slow.

...everything changes?...

Good day from a clear, cool Chester County! I shipped a couple packages out from my website and am a bit envious of the Florida address right now, even though I loved our long walk this morning which required knit hat and gloves. The changing leaves are really something to behold and I must remember to bring along a camera for those of you who cannot experience a Chester County autumn. K seems excited about the carpeting and runners that I proposed yesterday and will bring the samples to her home one of these evenings for the final decision. I stopped by the Goodwill yesterday to drop off some sweaters and while I was there glanced around for a cowboy hat but found none. What I did find were long lines and that happened this time last year right before Halloween. Some things never change. On this day in 1915 in New York City,

25 to 33 thousand women marched on Fifth Avenue to advocate their right to vote. On November 4th, we have the right to vote for a woman! You betcha! Also on this day in 1929, after a steady decline in stock market prices since a peak in September, the New York Stock Exchange begins to show signs of panic. Today's photo is of a Wall Urn and you can fill it with different flowers, both dried and fresh. Keep changing it! I am set for Saturday. Friends in West Chester are having a Costume Party and it will be a blast. About 50 people are coming so it is somewhat of a large party and nice people will be there. Some things never change! Have a great day everyone.

...have a heart...

Greetings all. It is a very cool and clear day here in Chester County, PA. We brought in more outdoor furniture last evening and tonight I will clear the deck of bistro tables and chairs begrudgingly. I did hear that we have a chance of light snow on Friday so I am now prepped to put my Yukon XL in 4wd for the first time! I received an email yesterday from a friend who was going in for some heart tests and it pretty much stopped mine. A call later in the evening assured me that all is fine. Yay and yikes. There have been many visits to the cardiologist stemming from the erratic ups and downs of the stock market and the economy in it's current state of (flux). I don't remember the exact statistics, but they are alarmingly high. Regarding the heart in a more figurative sense, on this day tonight socialite-songwriter Denise Rich and her two living daughters are hosting a gala to raise money for cancer research in honor of a daughter that died, Gabrielle. Soul sensations Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle will perform to a crowd that includes duchess and Weight Watchers shill Sarah Ferguson, actor Alan Cumming and still-shrinking “personality” Star Jones—who, "like many whining New Yorkers in their 40s, became less annoying by half when she finally got a divorce."
[Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research Gala, Cipriani Wall Street, 6:30 p.m., 212-254-6677] Also on this day, but in 1957 the first United States casualties in the Vietnam War were reported. And on this day in 1972, Henry Kissinger and South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu met to discuss a proposed cease-fire that had been worked out between Americans and North Vietnamese in Paris. Thieu rejected the proposal and accused the United States of conspiring to undermine his regime. I ordered some Graber Roman Shades (pictured) late yesterday as well as some Norwall floral wallpaper, deleted some no longer available items from my website and carefully confirmed a furniture acknowledgement. One false move and I could end up with a pink polka dotted chaise with black lacquered framework. Hmmmm. Maybe that isn't a bad thing! Have a great day everyone, and, um...have a heart.

...here's to your health...

We got to the park before sunrise today and let me tell you. It is no mean feat to attach three leashes in the dark. However, we did it. Yesterday I installed new speakers and the truck sounds amazing. On Sunday I helped my friend B move, who has progressive MS. As it turns out, one of the many boxes that I moved contained...you got it...the exact speakers and tweeters(?) that my truck took. Coincidence? I modified them a little, put the door panels back on and am very satisfied with the new sound. I moved some of the boxes to P's home who has both MS and cancer. There is a rather new procedure where they use a laser knife instead of a cold knife. Her incision, if you will is measured now in a few small inches rather than a huge vertical and horizontal cut. Modern medicine. I sure hope they get it all. I sure hope she quits smoking on 11/7 as she has promised, but I am not judging. I don't want to consider the stress that she is under, or how I would deal with it. Last evening C and C came for dinner ( plates shown today)and caught up, finalizing our Halloween costumes for Saturday's party. Back to health. On this day in 1854 Florence Nightingale, ( not the Mom from the Brady Bunch) and a staff of 38 nurses were sent to the Crimean War. I have shop hours today and hope that my internet orders arrive so that I can ship them right out. I also hope that everyone has a great day, eats healthy and drinks Emergenc-E in those Pink Lemonade packets if one feels a cold coming on.

...globes...

Good Sunday all! Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. Isn't that funny how things can happen? Before work was great as we had the beautiful walk in the park. During work I had pleasant phone calls and a client came in to reselect after the earlier-in-the-week discontinued notice arrived. We had a blast, Marilyn Monroe and Paul Newman were represented in food form and all went swimmingly. Then I flew over to my sister's house to collect my nephew for the hayride at Yeager's Farm Market. There we met M and her three nephews, S and her two daughters and hopped aboard for the ride. My nephew saw a totally white pumpkin and had to have it. We then went to dinner , our waitperson was a delight, and we had a great day all in all. I'm not sure what the two light globes are in the photo. Anyway, we all collected our own globes of different hues...isn't that the way it should be? Orange, green, white, and mixtures in between. After dropping my nephew back at home, I picked up a Cockerpoo and he had a sleepover with my guys. Regarding a huge globe, on this day in 1874 Mary Walsh and Charles Colson are 1st couple to be married in a balloon. Can you take me high enough? I have to run. My friend B with terrible MS needs help moving his refrigerator and other large items. I am thankful for my health and for my Yukon XL. It may not be environmentally the best vehicle, but when I think about how handy and helpful it is to both myself and those around me, I think that the universe may forgive me. Have a great day. Maybe today will be one of your best days ever.

...with gloves on...

Greetings! And Brrrrrrr! This morning is a beautiful, crisp Autumn day here in Chester County, PA. The dogs already come with gloves but I had to don mine as it was pretty chilly outside early this morning. Not Alaska chilly, but cool/cold nevertheless. I prepped for the Internet sales shipments which requires downloading UPS tags, calculating sizes and weights, packaging properly and filling out email alerts. I have it down pat now, thankfully. I hung out with my neighbor LS (cha) last night and we laughed a lot which is always a good thing. Today after shop hours I am going on a hayride with ML, her nephews and mine to choose a pumpkin and get into the Halloween/Holiday spirit. I have my lights up and orange things hither and yon...that tends to get the rest of the neighborhood going. Tomorrow I help my MS friend move some more. Two dear friends, one with MS the other with MS and fighting cancer! Yikes. When I whine on here about a discontinued fabric, please come over and hit me upside my head. I received new carpet samples from Masland, a handful of fabrics from Fabricut and wallpaper from Norwall yesterday, these three companies tend to be on the ball always with excellent customer service. So does Kravet for that matter. A lady from some faroff state called yesterday regarding my website to tell me that one of my fabrics has been discontinued! Who needs sales reps when potential customers and blog fans continue to help me out! I am kidding, sales reps. Well, most of you... I cleaned and changed my front window yesterday. It really needed a more Autumnal appearance. I also pushed a vacuum that my AA and UD gave me. The sound was a bit of a shock as I rarely use that device but I survived. My neighbor's wine tasting room is coming along swimmingly. Just in time for the Holidays too I might add. Speaking of cooler weather, on this day in 1867 the U.S. took formal possession of Alaska from Russia. I can almost see it from my deck. I am sitting here wondering if that was such a good idea. Anyway, have a great day everyone...and a great weekend. (wink.)

...what a way to go...

Greetings from Chester County, PA on this crisp, bordering on 'nippy' fall morning. I brought the plants in from the deck just in case of frost last night, but it never got that cold. I would hate for them to freeze, as that would be a terrible way to go especially after providing me and my friends with such beauty all Spring and Summer. Another way to go, but possibly not so terrible happened on this day in 1814. The London Beer Flood occurred on this day in the London parish (snickers)of St. Giles in the UK. At theMeux and Company Brewery, a huge vat containing over 135,000 gallons of beer ruptured, causing other vats in the same building to succumb in a domino effect. As a result, more than 323,000 gallons of beer burst out and gushed into the streets. The wave of beer destroyed two homes and crumbled the wall of the Tavistock Arms pub, trapping the barmaid under the rubble. The wave left 9 people dead: 8 due to drowning, one from alcohol poisoning. ( Hi Buffy!) I got an order for Ceramic Tassels in the wee hours of the night in the Rugby colorway. She will be delighted when they arrive as they are well constructed and hand painted. I fixed my speaker dilemma yesterday after searching hi and lo on the Internet and then by vehicle to find the exact speaker. I also received word that the beautiful Graber Sheer Delight Shades that I sold this past weekend had been discontinued. Seems a competitor did not like the idea of this innovative and cost efficient way of producing such a unique and lovely shade that they...bought up all of the fabric in an FU sort of way. I am sure that this will make many designers and clients alike happy to do future business with (not) said company. For more information on the vendor who played such sneaky tactics, please email me at Jim@allthroughthehouseinc.com. Today's photo is of my Autumn Roses Needlepoint Rug. I cannot believe that it's Friday already. Time flies when your having flood. Have a great day.

...first!...

Oh, what a beautiful morning...here in Chester County, PA. It is sunny, warm and the autumn colors are a sight to behold. "Leaves are falling baby, so are we.' We actually ate outside last evening, combining that with bringing more outdoor furniture down to the basement. If this weather keeps up, maybe the pool can remain open year 'round! That would be a first, and a welcome one for me. I love a few snow showers around the holidays but once they are over, bring on the warm weather. I didn't watch the debate last evening, I played Ping Pong instead and then did some painting. That isn't me in the video, by the way but I may or may not have provided the voice over. Speaking of debates, I hate lies, or when people divert from answering a question. (slamming segue) I have been driving for many years and do love my music. Another first occured yesterday as I was cranking the drum line from 'Only Yesterday' , my favorite song of all time from my truck's sound system and blew out one of my speakers. I will replace it today if time allows. Here is an interesting story regarding that song. The man who played that amazing drum part is pure genius, beauty, talent and rhythm combined. He really knew how to pound those drums. He also knew how to pound a hammer,as this is the method that he used to murder his Mom in cold blood and is still, I think, in the slammer. Another case of beauty and horror wrapped up in the same entity. He was the drummer also on 'Layla' and countless other hits. Just say NO to drugs people. They can really f*ck with your mind and ruin your life as well as the lives of those around you. I think that is a first also. *sighs* I found a wallpaper yesterday for a client and it was easier to find that needle in the haystack. Imagine trying to coordinate teal, salmon, late 70's blue, cream and white in a medium scale floral? Thanks to Norwall I did it. I would rather go to the beach today rather than the shop as it is so nice out but playing hookie on a Thursday would be a first for me, unless one wants to count High School. A few more interesting firsts occured on this day: in 1869 England's first residential college for women, Girton College, Cambridge, is founded. In 1875 Brigham Young University is founded in Provo, Utah. In 1916 Margaret Sanger founded Planned Parenthood by opening the first U.S. birth control clinic. In 1923 The Walt Disney Company is founded by Walt and his brother, Roy. Who? I know. That's probably how Richard feels. Anyway, on this day in 1995 the Million Man March occured inWashington, DC. What are we going to do today that will be a first? One never knows... as always, have a great day, keep the hammers to a minimum, unless you are a Carpenter,...yikes, nevermind... and be the first to do something wonderful.

...the hunter...

Come on over my sporting friend! Bring your favorite weapon. Greetings from another beautiful day here in Chester County, PA. We awoke way-y-y before sunrise and got a glimpse of the Full Hunter's Moon again and then sat at a perfect angle to watch the sunrise. It was absolutely magnificent. Yesterday the area rug and pad for KL arrived so I made a surprise drop-off (I have entry into their home when they are not around) so hopefully they were happily surprised to arrive home and see it laid under the faux finished table that I did a couple of weeks ago. I also painted the fronts of drawers in a china cabinet that were 80's hunter green. They are now a deep avocado and much more complimentary to the space. Beware of designers who travel with paint brushes, myriad paint colors and varnish...I am sitting on my deck writing this blog and I have the most awesome scene. I planted pine trees when I first moved here to block the attractive car dealer parking lot behind me. They seemed large at the time 'cause I loaded them into a Jeep soft top and it felt like the darn thing was going to tip over, but it didn't. Now they are huge and gorgeous. I should have planted more...Someone who hunted down and killed sent the infamous "From Hell" letter on this day in 1888. We all know him as Jack The Ripper. His victims were, well, um...LINK! Let's keep this blog PG please. Saturday's plan is to hunt down pumpkins in the late afternoon. I plan on flying home from work in the hopes of borrowing my nephew to do the hayride at Yeager's Farm Market. My friend ML will borrow her nephews and we will all meet there. This is a tentative plan, but the only way to get a pumpkin if you are in the area...This evening we are planning on eating outside to really milk the mid-October weather. Thankfully we didn't put all of the outdoor furniture away. Global warming? Nonsense. I did that floor plan for runners and carpeting in an Owner's Suite yesterday and am glad for SmartDraw. Did you notice how I said 'Owner's Suite' instead of Master Bedroom Suite? Yup. I always thought it sexist but the times they are a changing. Slowly but surely. Today's photo is of sporty hunting dinnerware. But please don't shoot. Unless you have to. Then afterwards simply go to home fashions on my site and order more plates, cups and saucers. cha- ching... "Bless The Beasts And Children" y'all. Have a great day everyone. I need to go hunt down a sales rep now. I have an order for her for more Graber Shades and I am afraid that her email and telephone voice mail are not working. (smirk)

...prosperity...

Greetings from a beautiful, crisp Chester County morning. The stock market soared and will probably go up and down for some time now until things begin to adjust. Saturday I went to a long term client's home and it felt like family. They remember the smallest of detail and it is both flattering and caring. The wife is funny as hell also. I brought out the things that I stated on an earlier blog and they liked all but one piece. I had their tray ceiling wallpapered many a year ago and some of the seams are separating. I will remedy that one day because it still looks great. Please keep in mind that the ceiling is considered to be the fifth wall in a room and should be treated with the same care as the walls standing vertically. Sunday I went to another friend/client and we had a great time also. I brought the animals who spent the afternoon out back. They slept on the ride home which was a miracle of sorts, thoroughly satisfied with the day. That is surely a wonderful form of prosperity. Tonight is the Full Hunter's Moon which symbolizes a bountiful harvest as the leaves are falling and 'gathering' is made easier for humans and animals alike. We can all put this theory to good use with our positive energy, asking the universe to provide for us all. Along the lines of prosperity and bounty, on this day in 1789 George Washington proclaimed the first Thanksgiving Day. The holiday's origins trace to harvest festivals that have been celebrated in many cultures since ancient times, and most people celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a holiday feast. A tradition also exists to share the fruits of the harvest with those who are less fortunate. This occurs on the fourth Thursday in November, which....and don't panic, is just around the corner. Thankfully no one has to prepare for a wedding along with all of the holiday responsibilities! Whew. That would simply be too much. I ordered a new style of area rug for a client and am probably more excited than she regarding the outcome. I will take a photo and post on here in a few weeks when it arrives. I need to do a floor plan today and I think I may suggest the beautiful runner that I did in black a while ago in a different colorway. This time the landing is enclosed, so no diagonal seaming will be needed.

...progress...

Greetings all! It is again clear and sunny in Chester County, PA today. I found casters last evening to replace for a wonderful client but am not sure that they will work. Sometimes this job takes a lot of running around! With the internet, Blackberry's and other technological advances tho', usually I can save time by calling or web investigating first. I have noticed too, that even in this questionable economy, little ol' me keeps selling either through my shop or via my website so thanks to progress! One small downside of this current financial situation though, is that long term vendors are suddenly upping their minimums. Unfair. I call a foul! I will slowly be removing these vendors from my website, (talk about time), but it is important to not change the rules mid-season. That goes for other things too...*clears throat* The park this morning was beautiful with the changing leaves that Chester County provides. M was at the park who informed me that the fog raising from the dewy grass were actually Gnomes making Split Pea Soup. My mind begins to race just as I awake and it's nice to hear sweet things like that to get back to reality. I found a table, lamp and chair for tomorrow's client and think that they will be more than happy. One furniture vendor in specific has found a way to make reproduction pieces in a less expensive fashion than having to hand carve. That's what I call progress. On this day in 1969 King Crimson released their debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, considered by many to be the first progressive rock album. One more comment regarding progress. My laptop was stolen a while back and I couldn't find the flash drives that I had used to back up my corporate forms like brochures, business cards, invoices as well as a library of design photos from work that I had completed. Let's hear it for technology and for a random plastic bag that I found in the back of the shop with (light bulbs???) (thanks, dear) so I will be uploading many more photos. Yippee!

...and how was your day?...

Good day! It is overcast and warm in Chester County, PA. Yesterday was spent trying to concentrate on work while outside forces required unending attention. It is a real mental (exhaustion) challenge but who doesn't experience that sort of thing on a daily basis? Not you? Lucky one! I awoke to a computer snafu yesterday which is a real bad thing for me and I was like uh0oh...not again...but I think everything is A OK thanks to my brother-in-law who also has a fairly new laptop doing the same odd thing. Wish me luck 'cause I cannot seem to live without it anymore! On the way home from the client (who loved her swag) a large tree branch fell almost right in front of me and I enjoyed the adrenaline rush. Last evening I was glad to be home. Thanks to caller ID I ignored the phone all except for nice people and tried my best to relax. I turned my neighbor onto the Vancome Lady and she called me laughing. Mission accomplished. Hopefully she had a good night. On this day in 2007 the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at an all-time high. On this day in 1992 a 13 kilogram fragment of the Peekskill meteorite landed in the driveway of the Knapp residence in Peekskill, New York destroying the family's 1980 Chevy Malibu and on this day in 1911 an accidental bomb explosion in China lead to the ultimate fall of the Quig Empire. I don't make this stuff up. And, um, how was your day? Speaking of the Dow Jones and the upcoming Holidays, I have added a handful of new Dining Chairs at very good prices. Have a great day.

...where there's smoke...

Greetings. Yesterday seemed endless even tho' clients and people at the gym were great. I went directly home and spent the evening with my housemates. It's odd how anniversaries of a sad variety can play with the mind. It wasn't real cold outside around 9 pm, but I chose to make a fire which was the second of the season thus far. Items that were neither discontinued nor back-ordered arrived so fast that it surprised me. Those clients came in yesterday and are a delight. They are moving from a home that I decorated over ten years ago to a senior type of facility that would require less work for them and more time to enjoy their golden years. My Mom wasn't so lucky and God forgive me, but I sat there feeling a bit resentful yesterday which is unfair but I am just stating how I feel. I dropped off the Dodge Station Clock this morning to the UPS Store on it's way to Texas. I won't provide another link to it...we all get the idea that it is available on my website. I have to get my act together for a Halloween Party on the 25th of this month and hope to put together a great costume. It is sort of a challenge as everyone going to that party will be well dressed. I added a few new furniture items to my site yesterday and they are pretty unique. I try to save the cardboard boxes from these orders so that I can re-ship them when an Internet order comes in...but sometimes they sell off of the showroom floor and I am left with a lot of cardboard. I brought some home and used it as starter wood last evening which reminds me...on this day in 1871 four major fires broke out on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and Holland and Manistee, both in Michigan. The Great Chicago Fire is the most famous of these, leaving nearly 100,000 people homeless, although the Peshtigo Fire killed as many as 2,500 people making it the deadliest fire in US history. Get those flues cleaned everyone!

...transactions...

Greetings on this cool, clear Autumn day...at least it is cool and clear here in Chester County. The show on Sunday was very nice and cerebral to say the least. It was more about politics and communism than it was about 'Rock And Roll' but I thoroughly enjoyed it. "It's Only Rock And Roll" by the Rolling Stones is still playing in my head. We had a student discount card which seemed to prolong the simple transaction, but all ended well. During the weekend my website sold this Dodge City Station Clock to a gentleman in Texas. I also sold some hook pillows again so some people out there must be having a hard time letting go of the warm weather. Unless it is warm where they are... I delivered the faux finished table on Saturday and they ordered an area rug to go underneath it. And a chair for the family room to coordinate. It looks terrific and was well worth my time. On this day in 1912 The Helsinki Stock Exchange sees its first transaction. I will say no more regarding this subject. Have a great day!

...what goes up...

Good day! This is Saturday and it is clear and sunny in Chester County, PA. I spent a little while on a ladder today repairing the Prestige Faux Wood Blind to great success. It was a bit high, but I got up and down just fine. Speaking of high, last evening I applied the first coat of an oil-based varnish to a table. Yikes. I had all windows open but still there was residual highness. This morning when I went down to view the table I considered it beautiful. Late last evening I went to a friend's deck and hung out for a while to get some fresh air and eat. Her son was having a sleep-over and her BF had just that evening lost his beloved cat so it was pretty heady. Then this morning as I left the blind client's home, (not seeing impaired, the repaired blind) I learned that a friend of theirs who was a client of mine this time last year had died this week at the age of 42 from cancer. Aside from shades and window treatments, they had bought a console from me for TV and other electronics in the family room. Little did I know that the young man would spend practically that entire year in the family room until his early death. A woman from FLA found my website and ordered seaside themed pillows! Seems appropriate to me. I visited clients/friends yesterday also who are moving and walked their gorgeous property that they will miss dearly. I also took down kitchen valances to be re-worked in their new kitchen. If anyone watches reruns of 'Reba', it is the Robert Allen Teacup fabric in the kitchen of the silly blond haired woman and Reba's ex. What goes up, can come down...and up again! On this day in 1911, the first public elevator ran in London's Earl's Court Metro Station. Wheee! Have a great day everyone. I will report on Tuesday how we liked the show we will be attending tomorrow.

...what hungers you?...

Greetings! No sooner did I get into the shop than a nice lady bought Rooster Plates. I made sure to warn her that the plates were for decoration only and not made to hold food. She said that she already knew that and that she collected roosters of many shapes, sizes and forms as her hobby. That was her hunger. When she left I hurriedly went to look up what a rooster symbolizes and here is what I found: Pride, Honesty, Courage ,Vigilance, Arrogance, Strength,Watchfulness and Flamboyance. hmmm. Not a word about 'cocky' but I guess it is implied. That is a lot of symbolism. I stayed up until about 1:30 adding layers of color to that Round Table and it is looking good. This evening I will sand away some of the color to reveal wood and then varnish it. Exciting, eh? I went to B's last evening and, regarding hunger, had London Broil and salad and it was yummy. Then lala attempted to beat the pants off of me at Ping Pong. Brazen devil. Luckily I had boxers on underneath. I helped a lady yesterday with wallpaper and hope she feels better. She was weak with a cold and I felt for her. I said felt FOR her. geez... I told her to eat soup and go to bed. Food again. On this day in 1964 the first Buffalo Wings are made at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Also on this day, but in 1981 the hunger strike by The Irish Republican Army the Irish National Liberation Army prisoners at the Maze Prison in Northern Ireland ended after seven months and ten deaths. I am seeing round tables in my periphery. Please make it go away! I don't know what today has in store or outside the store for me but hope it is good. I wish the same for you. Whatever you hunger for, do your best to achieve it.

...bless the beasts and children...

Sunny day all! I drove Lower Pike Creek road to work today because I get to pass by a large property with many horses, cows, Canadian Geese, that dastardly old snapping turtle and many more species. I love it. I don't know what I would do if I had to live somewhere that didn't allow animals so I count myself lucky. "Bless The Beasts And Children". I spend the day yesterday on lists of things to order and am glad that I have finished that part. I painted again on that table this morning and the animals joined in. It was cute and the all black one has a spot of taupe on him now. Luckily it is latex so washed off with ease. Anyway, on this day in 1916 the San Diego Zoo was founded and on this day in 1988 police breakup a domestic disturbance between Mike Tyson and Robin Givens, thus the blog title. Today's appropriate photo is of a needlepoint area rug entitled "Wish Upon A Star Animals". A lady called earlier this morning thinking that the only wallpaper that I had was on my website. She will be in later and I hope she enjoys perusing over 150 books. Have a great day everyone!

...lights on, no one home...

Greetings. It is sunny, warm and another beautiful day here in Chester County, PA. I had a late afternoon meeting and rushed out of the store and must have hit the wrong switches as the front window was dark as a tomb this morning when I arrived. That is a first for me. Sitting here with this big window on Rt. 30 all illuminated is a great form of advertising. Not last night, but usually...I put a few coats of buttermilk paint on that pedestal table and it is looking fine. Several more layers of many colors, sanding away and a faux touch and it will be finished. More orders today resulting from late yesterday's appointment is good news so the greater part of today will be numbers and calculations. *yawn* Tonight I pick up a friend from the train station as she is visiting from FLA and I look forward to spending some time with her. Hopefully she is in the mood to paint a table. I am kidding. Sort of. It is the first day of October and my mums are looking great. They light up the front yard. On this day in 1880 the first electric lamp factory was opened by Thomas Edison. What didn't that man accomplish? I got a healthy three hours of sleep last night so am feeling chipper. Just keep me away from one. Yikes. My friend AL starts her new job today right down the road from me. I know a few people who either work there or have 'visited' to get healthy. Good luck! Keep coming back. She works! Oh, I sent BT home with several replacement papers from Schumacher and they average about 200 bucks per single roll. Never call me cheap! She only needs 8 rolls for her powder room so it should go splendidly. My gym friend K is going through a real hard time right now. She is blond, bubbly and always wears a smile even through this hard time so if you get a chance and want to say a quick one for a total stranger, please do. One more thing and this has nothing to do with lights being on but Sony launched the first consumer CD player on this day in 1982. Do people still use those things?? More so, did Thomas Edison have a hand in this invention also. Have a great day everyone.