...odd...

Greetings. It is cold and clear this fine morning in Chester County, PA. The same associate called me three times already this morning within a 5 minute time span to leave the same message about a very unimportant item, and it isn't even 8 o'clock! It is quite strange to be around someone like that and very unnerving to be around a mental disorder so please say a prayer for me. But that isn't the oddest thing that has ever happened! On this day in 1939 the erroneous word "Dord" was discovered in the Webster's New International Dictionary, Second Edition, prompting an investigation. It turns out that a handwritten submission 'D or d' made it's way into the text. Odd. When it was finally discovered, the printing plate had to be re-done and the definition for 'Dore Furnace' had to be lengthened to fill space. I placed a linen order yesterday only to find that many items had to be placed on back order. Hmmm. Maybe it is a bit soon to be ordering Beach House items but I did it anyway. The many Silhouette Shades arrived late yesterday and I found it odd that so many custom window treatments could be made and delivered in such quick succession. For that I am happy. Sometimes odd is good! I have shop hours and a repeat customer after I close the store today and she is a delight. Her favorite color combination is blue and yellow so I will come prepared. Her daughter is a gem and a very smart young gal so maybe the oddness that was early this morning will be replaced with kindness and normalcy. I will do my best to balance the scales. Have a great day. Today's photo is of a 'Large White Leaves on Black' hook rug.

'I'm insanely optimistic. For odd, weird reasons, things always work out.' Richard Jefferson

...lean but not fall..

Greetings! It is relatively warm and sunny today in Chester County, PA So nice outside in fact that the cat decided to walk with us. It has been awhile since he joined us and it is quite a sight to behold. I guess growing up with dogs he takes on their behavioral practices. Except for the dish of cream and the 'mewoing' that is. Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts. They found a large hole in Percy's insides and he is in critical condition and they say little hope but we don't believe that. Any day now he will be home and hiding from me and most others except for the math tutor. Yesterday I spent updating Scalamandre fabric books and I have to say...good design is timeless. So are most of their patterns as they rarely become discontinued. I received the replacement cord with lip and brush fringe yesterday along with a slew of curtain rods thanks to Andy from Graber/Springs Window Fashions. I swear that I was on the phone to him and in less than 24 hours the drapery hardware was in my possession. I also painted another coat of primer onto Chippendale legged footstools that I am turning from staid mahogany traditional to Beach House fashion. I will take photos of those if I remember. The other day a line of different vets missed a diagnosis on dear Percy and it seems that human doctors missed calls on PF. I have put her story in italics in the hopes that if any of you have a free moment, please offer a prayer or thought of positive energy for her.



My friend PF had a breast lump that did not show anything on Mamo and ultrasound we tried to get her and MRI and it took 8 months as the lump got bigger and bigger when she finally got the MRI... it show cancer. She had a lumpectomy and it is one of the most aggressive cancers you can have. She had a full double mastectomy done 5 days ago and in the time she had the lumpectomy where they removed everything...to the mastectomy the cancer was already back in that breast. Her prognosis is 3 years if they had caught the cancer early... they caught it late... so they don't know...she is a single hard working mom. She is in great spirits I'm the one who is freaking out because I care so much.



I hope to spend less time in the shop today since it is so beautiful outside, and we shall see. I think that I may order those bird chairs and table for the shop and put them outside. They are so clever and unique and it would be fun to sit there and have a martini cup of coffee mid-day. My cat is helping me to type and I hope that soon Percy helps R,H and P to type.



These days it is so important to be able to lean and not fall with challenges hitting us from every direction. That's why it is good to surround ourselves with a strong inner circle to help in the holding up pattern when we cannot do it all by ourselves. And please never be hesitant to ask for help. Most people do want to no matter how the picture is painted of a 'me generation'. Just ask. On this day in 1964 the Italian Government asked for help to keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa from toppling over. If they can ask, we certainly can. Have a great day. Stand tall. If your legs feel weak either take a moment to sit down, ask for help or both. Today's photo is of a fabric entitled 'Mardi Gras' that is fast becoming unavailable. If it fits your fancy, please call or email me. It is 40 bucks per yard.
"Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye." Helen Keller

...how ironic...
UPDATE:Percy has drastically improved! We knew that it would happen, right!!!Yahoo!

...a walk in the park...

Good day. We took our as per usual walk in the park this morning and can feel the new energy that only a pre-Spring walk can do. The dogs are almost coat less and the few others at the park had a lilt to their step that wasn't apparent even a few weeks ago. I am lucky to have such a beautiful park near to me and it isn't the only one. I have mentioned in past blogs that Valley Forge National Park is a few miles away so I guess that makes me twice lucky. A very nice man called my shop yesterday to inquire about the 'Cottage Console Table' and yes, it is all hard woods and no, it needs no assembly. The freight charges are a bit higher than say, IKEA but you get a finished table of excellent quality. He ordered it at some point last night. He and his wife had a great idea of having me hand paint it in a color, but later decided that white was fine. The Carole Beach House fabrics arrived late yesterday and I will take photos of the finished products when I install them. They are all fabrics of flowers, branches and nature and very 'park like'. On this day in 1919 an act of congress established most of the Grand Canyon as a United States National Park. Ten years later, on this very day the Grand Teton National Park was created. Maybe this day in every year signifies that Spring is a-comin'. A perfect fabric in my humble opinion has been available for decades. It is a Spring-like chintz made of small blossoms and insects that form a harlequin pattern. Suitable for upholstery and drapery as well as bedding (as long as you keep the bug spray handy) I have both shown it in my blog and provided the link for it's purchase...right...here! Please keep your positive thoughts directed at Percy. He is still fighting. Have a great day. I hope it is a walk in the park for everyone.

'The more you know the less you need to say.' Jim Rohn

...aw, shoot...

Hello. It is again sunny and cold in Chester County, PA. I should probably skip the weather descriptions until they change so as not to bore the reader. Yesterday was a good day although difficult for a couple of hours as I had to explain and do some hand holding to a person who has trouble staying on track and focusing on the task at hand but I persevered. I would like a medal but wouldn't we all! Maybe a six gun salute. Something. I sent out a Happy Birthday email to KD and wish her a great day. Little Percy is hanging tough and not eating much but I keep positive thoughts going in his direction and know that he will be fine and hiding from everyone in the very near future. On this day in 1836 Samuel Colt received an American patent for beer. Wait. No. For the Colt Revolver. I know that this topic can be very volatile so I will steer clear from my opinion on here. I will say that I was shot at once in NYC but it hit the car door and I was held up at gunpoint while working at a WAWA when I was very young. I wasn't hurt in either case but would have loved to have shot back both times in their sneaky, thief-like gun-toting legs. I know that when one pulls a firearm they are supposed to shoot to kill. I would prefer to take out a kneecap but let's get off of this topic now. The vendor who is making my horizontal sheer shades called yesterday asking for some cash. Luckily I have it and wonder if many other companies are having cash flow troubles. This was a first for me in having to give them cash in advance and I hope they make it. I am thankful every day that I write business and never take it for granted. I wish that for everyone but we know that it isn't how it always goes. A special lady had to cancel her birthday celebration due to an illness in my family and she did it without hesitation or whining. And, she hasn't mentioned it since. That is a class act. It will come around. That I know. I told you about the drapery weight fabrics that I ordered last week and how smoothly it went. As it turns out, a couple of brush fringe trims and a cord with lip are back ordered until, well, my next birthday so today I will reselect to keep the job moving. I do have to say that, aside from the attitude from the blind vendor, both Kravet and Robert Allen were absolutely terrific and offered to do my legwork for me. More class acts. I have been thinking about NO a lot lately which means that she will be calling me soon. Isn't that how it works for you? Aw, shoot. I love positive thinking. Have a great day and stick to your guns if you know you are right. If you aren't, please be the first to admit it and move on. Nobody is perfect. Today's photo is of a custom headboard. I can make them in many shapes, all sizes and a whole lot of fabrics.

'Fate loves the fearless.' James Russell Lowell

...floating...

Greetings. It is cold here in Chester County, PA but the sun is shining and birds are marching on the deck railing, probably to their own beat. They are slowly welcoming in the new feeder and that makes me happy. I was afraid that they thought I dissed them after all these years of providing food for them. Maybe they are marching in celebration of their new discovery. Or maybe they also celebrate Mardi Gras and are having their diminutive parade. Go for it birdies! On this day in 1868 the first parade to have floats was held at Mardi Gras in New Orleans. A parade (also called march or march past) is a procession of people, usually organized along a street, often in costume and often accompanied by bands, usually held in celebration of something. Mardi Gras celebrations vary in time periods from city to city, as some traditions consider Mardi Gras as the Carnival period between the Epiphany and Ash Wednesday.Others treat the final three-day period as being Mardi Gras. Folks in Mobile, Alabama have it right tho'. For them, Mardi Gras events begin in November, followed by society balls on Thanksgiving. then New Year's Eve celebrations , then parades on New Year's Day, followed by parades and balls in January & February, celebrating up to midnight before Ash Wednesday. Do these people ever work??? Yikes. They sure know how to have fun tho'. JJC is feeling better and now we need to look over Percy. God, please help this little guy. A few vets made misdiagnoses and everyone makes mistakes. But please don't allow mistakes to take his life. It is 19 degrees here and I am tempted to forgo work and catch a flight to Naples, maybe have a parade and float on a raft in a pool. Sounds nice, eh? I am dreaming but it sure is nice. I am not sure what the day has in store for me but we never really do. Let's make it a great one and if you see a parade, jump in and join it. Don't let it pass you by. Today's photo is of a golf themed border. I just found it. "Fore!"

'If you wait for inspiration you'll be standing on the corner after the parade is a mile down the street.' Ben Nicholas

...healthy, wealthy and wise...

Greetings. It is sunny and again cold here in Chester County, PA. Flu viruses have been running rampant and I am grateful that nothing has taken me down. I am the type who never tends to take things for granted. I even give thanks every morning when the water runs hot. Anyway, free of germs today I feel the need to comment on a huge medical discovery that virtually eradicated Polio. On this day in 1954 the first mass inoculation of children against polio with the Salk vaccine began in Pittsburgh. Jonas Salk developed the injectable dead virus and it was followed by an oral drug and Polio, except for a few cases is all but gone. Maybe one day all disease will have a cure and people will thrive and live, uhm..forever. Yikes. Maybe not forever... I have a few errands to run and then back to my house to continue on a project that I would like to finish by day's end. Please say a prayer for JJC as he is a bit under the weather today. I am probably one of none who did not watch the Academy Awards last night. I had every intention of doing so but then the evening got away from me. The commute to work this morning was virtually vehicle free...hmmmm. Is today a Holiday and I don't know it? I have to hit the gym now and try my best to remain healthy. I hope the same for you. I should stay and wait for those drapery fabrics to arrive but am feeling a little ansey and not in the mood to wait around. Do you ever get that way? Luckily Salk didn't remain idle either. He also worked on an AIDS vaccine in his later career. Some people are simply born to achieve. Thank God for them. Today's photo is of a 'Gilded Blue Songbird Pillow' and it makes me want Spring to hurry up. Have a great day and stay healthy.

'It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.' Mohandas Gandhi

...among the thorns...

Greetings from an overcast Chester County Sunday! I hung out with my friend CLS last evening and caught up. We have both been on the run for weeks and I wanted to hear about her job, life, etc. All is well with her I am happy to report. Sometimes the weather makes sense and on this grey, misty morning we could all take a quick moment to think about the brave students who were killed on this day in 1943. They were members of White Rose, a non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. Students from the University of Munich, they teamed up with their philosophy professor and became known for an anonymous leaflet campaign, lasting from June 1942 until February 1943. These leaflets called for active opposition to German dictator Adolf Hitler's regime.
The six core members of the group were arrested by the Gestapo and executed by beheading today in 1943. The text of their sixth leaflet was smuggled out of Germany through Scandinavia to the UK, and in July 1943 copies of it were dropped over Germany by Allied airplanes, and renamed "The Manifesto of the Students of Munich."

Today, the members of the White Rose are honoured in Germany as among its greatest heroes, since they opposed the Third Reich in the face of almost certain death. Talk about taking a stand for something one believes in. They knew what was going on was wrong and had the courage to do something about it.

I am hoping for nicer weather today as I have planned to spend the afternoon with my nephew. If it does continue to rain that will be ok too. He likes to do indoor things such as painting, playing on the piano and running around with the various animals who also live here. I ordered some more drapery weight fabrics yesterday at the shop and am glad for the Internet. I can check stock and place orders even when there are no humans at those fabric houses. Life can be very good. Less than 70 years ago atrocities were being committed and today we can order fabrics with the punch of buttons. It would have been nice to punch some faces back in Germany. Have a great day. Make it as good a day as possible and maybe even do something for someone that turns out to be white rose worthy.

'Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.' Voltaire

...sew what...

Just about anything! Greetings from a sunny and 24 degreed Chester County morning. Yesterday was a great day as so many things fell into place. I received a letter from Penn Dot and now have a particular person to assist me in my registration and title woes. I also won (at least for now) another round regarding a person who purchased something from my website and then continually lied about it. It was a first for me and so totally bizarre and wrong. She called to say that she had received the incorrect item. I, of course told her that I would make good on it immediately. All I needed was verification as everything goes through my hands before shipping to a client. When she learned that I needed verification, her storey changed. The item then became 'broken in two' and then 'missing inches and inches of paint' and then 'much larger than what the website stated', and so on. Very odd. Then she filed with the Better Business Bureau which took me many, many hours to communicate my case back and forth which I finally won. Then she called her credit card company and they gave her back her money and took it from my account. This while she is still enjoying the item at her home. I won again with all of my documentation even tho', as we all know, just because one is right does not mean that they will win. Life can be crazy and time consuming but I say 'persevere' and never quit. I realize that in this day and age we have to 'choose our battles' but sometimes lies are lies and have to be countered. And you say sew what? I'll tell you what. On this day in 1842 John Greenough was granted the first U.S. patent for the sewing machine. That makes for many a livelihood! I cannot imagine not having a sewing machine close by. One day I will tell you about the crazy dame who lost it in a grocery store, told lies and then didn't have the integrity to say that she lied. Oddly, sometimes what goes around, comes around...right HG? Talk about a gassbag. I guess I will mention a couple of people affected by liars this morning as it seems to be coming from my fingertips. On this day in 1975 regarding the Watergate Scandal: Former United States Attorney General John Mitchell and former White House aides Haldeman and Erlichman were sentenced to prison. Sometimes innocent people suffer because of the creeps. Life can be so scary can't it, when people go around being dishonest. Everyone is affected by this type of person. I just don't know why. I do know that people are tending toward spring and summer on my website and in my shop as 'Tropical Fish Hand Towels' , 'Blue Angelfish Hook Pillow', and very Beach House fabrics like 'Alisha' in color Rouge and 'Porterdale' in the Watermelon colorway by the terrific Carole Fabrics are being viewed and purchased. Even at 24 degrees, I seem to hear the birds singing more happily. Sew what??? I love Spring. I love every season but I am ready for the warmth and regeneration that Spring brings. Have a great day. Today's photo is my 'Bird Table' that also has matching chairs, (sold separately)...and that's the truth. ***now for a laugh...I told you that friends called from Naples to wish me a Happy Birthday and sang in unison, right. Well, turns out they were at an Italian restaurant and the server brought over Birthday Cake for them. LOLOLOL! They certainly enjoyed my Birthday. Yippeee!***

'The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.' Zig Ziglar

...please mr. postman...

Greetings! It is downright cold here in Chester County, PA today and the winds are blowing again. I had to finally get rid of the oldest bird feeder and the new one doesn't seem to be attracting the way that the old one did. How do I know? Because it's still full. And on a cold morning like this it makes me sad that the usual visitors are not eating here. I hope they soon realize that the large red feeder isn't a monster... We just finished with Valentine's Day and then my birthday, two of the largest worldwide holidays that make use of greeting cards and postal stamps. Christmas may be ahead of my birthday but I haven't yet checked the statistics. Interestingly, on this day in 1792 the Postal Service Act, establishing the U.S. Post Office was signed by then President George Washington. Is it a coincidence that only one day after my birthday this was enacted? I still use the postal service, but definitely not as often as I did even a year ago and wonder how they stay afloat. I guess at 42 cents per single letter they must be doing alright. I ordered those Prestige Window Fashions blinds yesterday, checking over the order not less than four times and know that I did everything perfectly. Let's hope now that everything arrives perfectly. It will. I sent out more wall paper samples to Texas yesterday also. I stumbled upon a wall paper book while doing something else and found another Chinois series and also several more damask patterns. The more the merrier, they say. Who 'they' is I have not yet figured out. Friends called me from Naples last evening where it was in the mid seventies to toast my birthday. How nice. A group of people began to sing into the phone and for a moment I thought that it was the University Of Florida School Of Music. Then I heard PC's voice and knew that it was not. I also received a blast from the past as an old school chum emailed me a photo of me in the 5th grade. I am thankful that I finally grew into my ears. Today will be a good day and I am sure that no one will go postal. Have a great day. In today's photo I am second row, second from the left. Tomorrow's blog will be less about me and more about something else.

...whatever it takes...

Hello. It is sunny and warmer than it has been here in Chester County, PA this morning. Yesterday went swell and this morning i have to carefully order 25 Silhouette Shades that are all slightly different in size and inside mounts...which means that there is no room for error on my part. Don't fret tho'. I am meticulous when it comes to this type of window treatment. I also chose and the client accepted several fabrics for valances to go over the shades. They need them in three weeks so if my blogs turn into one word greetings and nothing more, please understand. I am kidding. There are 24 hours on each day and I rarely use too much time for sleeping. I opened my new IPOD base last night and played tunes while getting my jammies on. It is amazing the sound quaslity that comes out of that thing. Once a fan of the phonograph, and then cassettes and then CD's, now it seems that I am constantly using chips. Please don't roll over in your grave, Mr. Edison. He patented his invention on this day in 1878 and some DJ's still use phonographs. Interestingly on this day in 1847 the Donner Party was rescued near Sierra Nevada on their way to California. They became snow bound and had to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. On a happier note, today in 1913 the 1st prize was inserted into a Cracker Jack box. It was a tattoo of the latest American Idol! (this may or may not be fact). I loved Cracker Jacks as a child and now when I cat sit for my neighbors every summer, they bring me home the adult version from Ocean City, MD and I can usually chow down on a bucket in less than three days. I am not proud of this fact, I am simply stating it. Also on this day my Mom gave birth to me, but not in 1878. She is in Heaven now but pays me visits quite often. Today should be no different and I will report back to you on how she contacted me. It can be rather clever. It is often her perfume even when I am in the locker room at the gym, or repeat plays of 'Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel', that mid-seventies song that was playing on the radio when she kidnapped me and we played hookey from school or odd things like when my younger sister and I were playing Yahtzee on her deck and she said that she never gets visit's from Mom. I told her to ask Mom to visit. On her next dice roll she rolled all 6's. Hmmmm. Coincidence. Probably. Perfume in the men's locker room? Uhm, could be. Repeat plays of 70's dance music. Maybe after 2 at a gay bar... Please don't now cue the 'he's out of his gourd' music. I also believe in the Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow. That is why I work hard. Have a great day. Do whatever it takes to make your life great, without being dishonest or crappy to others. Oh, I got an email from Penn Dot that they would be calling me by 4:30 yesterday afternoon. Tick, tock...I forgot to ask which time zone. MyBad. Today's photo is of the cryptkeeper. Me.

'Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.' Mark Twain

...when cows fly...

Greetings and, uhm...Moo! It is grey here in Chester County, PA this morning and the temperature is hovering around the freezing mark. A friend stopped over last evening and we had a great, impromptu dinner. That was after an arduous day of measuring. The clients were great, the contractors were great and all went well. It was a business associate that seemed baffled and confused that made the afternoon somewhat of a drain. Not a problem tho' as I ignored the source and steamrolled along to the end result. As I have said before, some people leave you feeling exhilarated, others leave you feeling drained so please choose carefully with whom you 'hang'. I'm not saying to fly out of there but keep those situations brief and stick to your guns. Speaking of 'fly', on this day in 1930 Elm Farm Ollie became the first cow to fly in a fixed wing aircraft and also the first cow to be milked in an aircraft. How about that! This flying cow exhibition was part of the International Air Exposition in St. Louis, Missouri, This trip, covered 72 miles from Bismark to St. Louis. This was done to allow scientists to observe midair effects on animals, as well as for publicity purposes. A St. Louis newspaper trumpeted her mission as being "to blaze a trail for the transportation of livestock by air." The cow was known after this voyage as 'Sky Queen'. Soon after, many more cows became members of the Mile High Club. (this may or may not be true). Today I will calculate 24 window treatments and probably order them by Friday of this week. Every window is able to handle an inside mount installation, which I prefer. They look even more custom when all is said and hung. I will take photos when the job nears completion. Looking out of the client's sun room windows, I mentioned that there seemed to be an energy in nature at this time of year that seems to me to be missing in December through January. He explained to me that sap begins to move in February and I swear that we can feel it. Get away from me with that straight jacket! I am sleep deprived today so I wish myself and everyone a nice, positive day. And forget about 'When Pigs Fly'. It's all about cows. Fireplace Screens are decorative as well as practical.

'I don't believe that you have to be a cow to know what milk is.' Ann Landers

...baby you can drive my car...

Good day. Even though we awoke to a temperature reading of 24 degrees, once outside and walking a fast pace it seemed much warmer with the sun. The scents in the air are hinting at Spring but none of the dogs are convinced. Ironically we drive to the park so that we can walk. Some may find that ecologically irresponsible but my quaint little neighborhood and the peaceful park are bisected by a well travelled highway. Even at the crack of dawn, vehicles on a mission have begun their commutes so better we hop in a huge, black SUV and batten down the hatches. Not so big in size, but huge in sales was the WV Beetle that officially became the most popular selling vehicle on this day in 1972. Sales of the Volkswagen Beetle exceeded those of the Ford Model T and boy was Henry pissed off! (from what I hear) The economy car was produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen (thus the VW) from 1938 until 2003. The nickname 'Beetle' began in August of 1967 in the U.S. only. The rock group Beatles were already around for about 5 years at this point, so those of you thinking that VW was savvy in riding their car on those coat tails are...hmmmm. My Dad had a Beetle and I still remember the scent of it. It was a good memory and a distinct smell. Did you know that on the song 'Baby You Can Drive My Car' the five chords played after that line are meant to symbolize the 5-speed gearshift as someone puts the thing in 5th gear? I linked the song for you where you see Beetle highlighted. I have an afternoon appointment today to measure about 22 or 25 windows for both hard window treatments and then either valances or drapery of some sort so it should be an interesting day. Along the lines of Henry Ford and VW there are many classic design elements that have stood the test of time. I like to remain unique, but when a client requests 22-25 of the same type blind I cannot argue. I like it best when, standing on the outside of someones home or office, there is a commonality from window to window. Once inside, the treatments are surely allowed to take on different looks as long as they flow from space to space. Uniformity in the theory of Henry and VW and unique, timeless design by...me. The assembly-line way of creating items and Van Gogh's timeless quote will allow me a seamless (get it) exit. Have a great day!

Today's photo is of a headboard that I made from an old Mantle. Nothing assembly-line about it tho'.

'Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.' Vincent Van Gogh

...toddler's truce...

Greetings. It is a beautiful February day here in Chester County, PA. The sun is awake and ready to go. So are we but wanted to write a bit before we went outside. Yesterday was full of weekly chores and I am happy to report that mostly everything was completed. I hope you can report same. I had a little time later in the evening to channel surf and bot can that be an eye opening experience. Between the body parts of adult themed shows and the body parts of those health and plastic surgery shows one tales both his life and the remote in hand. I am not squeamish but geez...Luckily I didn't have a small child around, but I guess there are settings that one can put in place just for that reason. In fact, there used to be controversial television close down in the United Kingdom called the 'Toddler's Truce' that ended on this day in 1957. The Toddlers' Truce was a piece of early British TV scheduling policy which required transmission halt for an hour each weekday from 6-7 pm. This was from the end of children's TV and the beginning of the evening schedule so that young children could be put to bed. It makes good sense to me except...who puts their children to bed at that hour anymore? You do? Good for you. I finished the cream side panels yesterday and added the black tassel trim to the inside side hems and they look great if I do say so myself. I also shipped out a Birthday Box of goodies and K may be happy when she receives it. Someone gave me a large bottle of cheer and I was tempted to open it yesterday, but then decided to wait. Maybe tonight. Interestingly, and also in Britain, they abolished the death penalty on this day in 1956. Perhaps that is why programmers felt at ease and got rid of the Toddler's Truce so unabashedly. Have a great day, show caution when choosing a television show and get those children to bed at a reasonable Children's Hour. (one of my favorite films of all time). Today's photo is entitled Pole dance. It is nothing risque at all. The client is one of the nicest people that I have ever met. This is her kitchen.
'Tell me who admires and loves you, and I will tell you who you are.' Antoine de Saint-

Exuprey

P.S. It is also President's Day. All across America, President's Day is used as an excuse to sell mattresses and beds. Many stores advertise special Presidents Day Mattress Sales and Presidents Day Mattress Events. I don't know why. I don't make this stuff up. I am simply a blogger.

...sound investments...

Good day! We just returned from our walk in the slight snow that fell last night. I walked home from dinner as it was so close to home last evening and was lucky enough to be surrounded by flakes. I don't mean at dinner...I mean snowflakes that fell as I walked home. It is important to be a clear communicator! As I write this blog, there is a television program recalling 'Meat Loaf''s career ups and downs, including his album 'Bat Out Of Hell', a rock opera that remains one of the best selling albums of all time. Released in 1977, it was well into the safety zone of copyright protections that were granted to sound recordings on this day in 1972. Somewhat ironically this same music can be viewed for free on YouTube which was launched on this day in 2005. According to Meat Loaf's autobiography, the band spent most of 1975, and two and a half years, auditioning the record and being rejected. Ouch. That's a long time to hang in there while being artistically rejected. They performed the album live, with writing partner Jim Steinman on piano, Meat Loaf singing, and sometimes Ellen Foley joining them for "Paradise By The Dashboard Lights". Steinman says that it was a "medley of the most brutal rejections you could imagine." Meat Loaf "almost cracked" when CBS executive Clive Davis (Dionne Warwick's comeback, Whitney Houston, etc...) rejected the project. The singer recounts the incident in his autobiography. Not only did Davis, according to Meat Loaf, say that "actors don't make records", the executive challenged Steinman's writing abilities and knowledge of rock music:
Do you know how to write a song? Do you know anything about writing? If you're going to write for records, it goes like this: A, B, C, B, C, C. I don't know what you're doing. You're doing A, D, F, G, B, D, C. You don't know how to write a song... Have you ever listened to pop music? Have you ever heard any rock-and-roll music... You should go downstairs when you leave here... and buy some rock-and-roll records. Yikes. Meat Loaf asserts "Jim, at the time, knew every record ever made. [He] is a walking rock encyclopedia." Although Steinman laughed off the insults, the singer screamed "F*ck you, Clive!" from the street up to his building.
Philadelphia born Todd Rungren, however, found the album hilarious. The singer quotes him as saying: "I've got to do this album. It's just so out there." They told the producer that they had been signed to RCA. In an 1989 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Steinman labeled the musician "the only genuine genius I've ever worked with."

For those who bought the Cd, as I did, upon it's release it has become a rock classic and a sound investment. For those who simply click onto YouTube or do free downloads, well, all I can say is that I'm glad Meat Loaf and the clan got their just dues back when they were truly able. I have wandered so far away from my field of expertise that I will now fill in with some appropriate design terms. Drapery, sofas, accessories and home fashions. If there is anything that this blog may have taught, aside from protecting your stuff, it is to keep on believing in yourself no matter what the odds. Perhaps refrain from saying 'F*ck you ____" but always have an open mind while sticking to your guns. Today's photo shows a classic Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper, Stroheim and Romann sofa fabric and, if you look very closely, a Robert Allen brush fringe on the toss pillow. Hey, 'You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth'! I was just going to tell you to have a great day.

'Be not afraid of life. Believe that life IS worth living and your belief will help create the fact.' James Truslow Adams

...hearts on fire...

Greetings. It is sort of sunny and cold in Chester County, PA today. Many are relaxing this morning, while others awoke to realize that it is, in fact, Saint Valentine's Day and are madly calculating excuses for why they have to disappear to the mall for an hour or two. (Saint) Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14th by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which people express their love for each other by sending cards, flowers, or candy. The day was originally a pagan festival that was renamed after two Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with love in the time of Chaucer in the Middle Ages. The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines".

Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards and now e cards via the Internet. Nothing says 'I Love You' like 'you've got mail'...The sending of Valentines was a fashion in nineteenth-century Great Britain, and, in 1847, Esther Howland developed a successful business in her Worcester, Massachusetts home with hand-made Valentine cards based on British models. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. The association estimates that, in the US, men spend in average twice as much money as women. Hmmm...

I received the most wonderful email this morning from that great gal in Texas. Her 'Abstract Art' arrived in excellent condition and I am sure that everyone who reads this is heaving a sigh of relief. Happy Abstract Art Day KM. I also received the many, many carpet samples for PC a little under 24 hours after I placed her order. Maybe that means my registration and vehicle title will arrive before I purchase my next vehicle. DC phoned yesterday and is ready for lots of Silhouette Shades for her new place and that is great news because they are the best looking hard window treatments out there. Just ask HB. I am off to the park now. Have a great day and if you have a loved one, cherish him or her today. And every day.

'If you find someone you love in your life, then hang on to that love.' Princess Diana

...Friday the 13th...

Greetings! It is a grey and somewhat cold morning here in Chester County, PA. If anyone out there is suffering from paraskevidekatriaphobia, take two aspirins and call me in the morning. Kidding. 'Paraskevidekatriaphobia' is the word that defines the fear of Friday the 13th. For real. But why do some people regard Friday the 13th as a bad luck day? The earliest known reference to the term is from the biography of Italian composer Gioachino Rossini: Rossini was surrounded to the end by admiring friends. Like so many other Italians, he regarded Friday as an unlucky day, and thirteen as an unlucky number. Well, he died on Friday the 13th in the month of November.

Some theories believe it to be connected to certain superstitions that sitting 13 people at a table will result in the death of one member, or that it is in fact a combination of superstitions about the number 13 and Friday. According to another interpretation, the number 13 is unlucky because it is the number of full moons in a contemporary year, but two full moons in a single calendar month only happens about every 5 years.
Early nursery rhymes stated there were thirteen months in a year because of the natural moon cycle that was used to count the lunar year. In England, a calendar of thirteen months of 28 days each, plus one extra day, known as "a year and a day" was still in use up to Tudor times.
In 1925, Charles A. Platt wrote that the reason 13 is considered unlucky is that a person can count from 1-12 with their 8 fingers, two thumbs and 2 feet, but not beyond that, so the number 13 is unknown, hence frightening, hence unlucky. This idea discounts the use of toes or other body parts in counting. I know, you are saying huh also???
In Scotland, there is no gate 13 in any airport, instead there is a gate 12B. Inside of a Lufthansa plane row numbers go straight from 12 to 14. Other airplanes skip row 13, going straight from 12 to 14.

I skipped age 13 because I found it boring. Kidding.
Some tall buildings have resorted to skipping the "thirteenth floor", either by numbering it "14" or as "12a".
Some streets do not contain a house number 13.

The Munsters resided at 1313 Mockingbird Lane.
In some forms of motor sport, for example Formula One, there is no number 13 car.
In many cultures, getting married on any day of the week that falls under number 13 is highly discouraged.
The legion with which Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon was the 13th legion.
The Code of Hammerabi, a collection of laws created ca. 1760 BC, does not contain a thirteenth law.
The College of William and Mary claims 13 priorities, or achievements of the academic world, which they accomplished before any other university or college in the United States. For example, William and Mary was the first college in the US to establish an honor code. A marble plaque commemorating these 13 priorities hangs on the exterior wall of the Wren Building, the nation's oldest academic building still in continuous use. Today, the Wren Building houses the college's Religious Studies department.
The Apollo spacecraft malfunctioned after being launched on April 11th at 13:13 CST, forcing it to return to Earth without a landing on the moon and imperiling its crew.
After 13 years of being the richest man in the world, Microsoft Corporation chairman Bill Gates lost this title, according to Forbes magazine's 2008 list of the world's billionaires.
Microsoft plans to skip Office 13 for being "an unlucky number," going directly from Office 12 to Office 14.
The creators of the online game Kingdom of Loathing avoid the number 13 in all of their programming.

But, the Carpenters 13th single release was 'Top Of The World', one of their biggest hits and one of the few of theirs to reach #1 worldwide. As Carpenters can tend to be a barometer of most things for me, I can now officially debunk this day as being bad luck.

Oh, how cute! My black cat just crossed my path. Here kitty kitty! I'll be right back. That darned cat. Come here right now you bad black kitty cat! Now I will have to walk under a few construction ladders to retrieve him. Oh, today's photo is of an antique dressing table available on my website.

Have a great day. And remember, this is only a movie. This is only a movie.

'Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.' Oprah Winfrey

...winds of change...

Greetings! The wind is blowing today and last night we could hear it through the windows and on the siding, through the tree branches and everywhere. Did anyone else in Chester County, PA get any sleep? I think it sounds great and Halloween-like but at some points it sounded downright dangerous. All of that howling and blowing certainly could lead to trouble! Interestingly, on this day in 1999 the U.S. Senate acquitted President Clinton of lying under oath and obstruction of justice in the Monica Lewinski case. The carpeting for PC was supposedly shipped yesterday but I will call again as that is how life is. I have not yet heard from Penn Dot regarding my title and registration. They must be busy with many others who have fallen into the trappings of a dishonest notary! What a hassle for so many people. The beautiful fabric for MW arrived late yesterday and will help to make her bathroom redesign even more effective. This Saturday is St. Valentine's Day and I hope that everyone is happy with whatever they are given. Please keep in mind Oasis Cafe and Living Cuisine if you want some delicious raw chocolates shipped to your front door. I wonder if BC got ML any chocolates? Water under the bridge I say...I heard from M via email this morning and the drywall behind her sink is water damaged and needs to be replaced, but once this is done...on with the kitchen. And when all is said and done, it will look excellent. Here are ten of the most romantic love ballads to help you with that mix tape you are feverishly compiling for Saturday. Have a great day everyone.
1. Atlantic Starr - Always (1987)
Atlantic Starr's "Always" has been a wedding favorite from the time of its release. It is a gentle duet centered on pledging eternal love "for always."

2. Beatles - In My Life (1965)
Some claim this to be one of the greatest songs ever written and performed by the Beatles. It couples a wistful, almost nostalgic, remembrance of the past with the reassurance "In my life I love you more."

3. Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun (1970)
"We've Only Just Begun" was written by songwriter Paul Williams and first used for a bank commercial behind footage of a young couple making their first financial plans. It was then recorded by relative unknowns the Carpenters and helped make them stars and Paul Williams one of the most successful pop songwriters in the business. It's upbeat message about setting out on life's path together has made it a favorite love song for over 3 decades.

4. Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong (1982)
The unlikely duo of gruff rock vocalist Joe Cocker and pop singer Jennifer Warnes scored a major hit with this ode to the awesome power of love. It was included as a theme for the movie An Officer and a Gentleman and ended up a #1 pop hit and took home a Grammy Award.

5. Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (1963)
This Crystals girl group classic follows a relationship from the first kiss. The song's production by Phil Spector uses his classic 'wall of sound' technique, used somewhat by Richard Carpenter along with his famous use of castanets.

6. Dixie Cups - Chapel Of Love (1964)
"Goin' to the chapel and we're gonna get married" is one of the most memorable lines of all girl group lyrics. The Dixie Cups were a trio from New Orleans that recorded with Phil Spector producing. "Chapel Of Love" was a massive hit single and a perfect Valentine's Day song, albeit a pressure filled one.

7. 98 Degrees - I Do (Cherish You) (1999)
This gently swinging pop confection by Nick Lachey and company has quickly become a favorite. The song details a lost individual finding their way in all-encompassing love.

8. *NSYNC - This I Promise You (2000)
The members of *NSYNC pledge undying love in this warm ballad. Undying love is put forth as the balm to end all pain and longing.

9. Sting - Fields Of Gold (1993)
Sting's poetic ballad of lovers walking together in "fields of gold" echoes poetry from centuries past. As such, it remains a strongly romantic choice.

10. Ann Wilson and Mike Reno - Almost Paradise (1984)
The lead singers of Heart and Loverboy combined for this ballad from the soundtrack to the hit film Footloose. Written by pop singer/songwriter Eric Carmen, the memorable line is "I swear that I can see forever in your eyes."

P.S. I am not selling these CD's, I am just making it easier for those who need last minute help in creating a soundtrack for their special day/evening/night...whatever it turns out to be.

'Love makes the time pass. Time makes love pass.' Euripedes

...gold...

Greetings! There is a terribly misbehaved Schipperke in Chester County, PA and he resides in my house. I worked until very late and when I finally returned home I found that he had chewed my Mud Mocks, LL Bean hiking boots and one sneaker. Talk about the cat that chewed your new shoes...this one is a dog! Speaking of which, on this day in 1941 the first gold record was presented to Glenn Miller for "Cat That Chewed Your New Shoes" better known as "Chattanooga Choo Choo". This was the #1 song across the United States on December 7th, 1941. The Glenn Miller recording, RCA Bluebird B-11230-B, was no.1 for nine weeks on the Billboard Best Sellers chart. I vaguely remember dancing to this while downloading it onto my IPOD. (this may or may not be true). I received a large box filled with brand new upholstery weight fabrics from Carole and am still familiarizing myself with them. I have been looking more and more at Sanderson and hope that it becomes a large part of my future. Since we are on the subject of gold, on this day in 1808 Anthracite coal was first burned as fuel, experimentally. From what I remember, it quickly made the room much warmer but gave off an odd smell. Don't hold me to that tho' as it was many years ago. It is already 50 degrees here in Chester County, PA this morning and I love it. Right around Christmas it makes sense to be cold and snowy but now that those Holidays are over, Mother Nature is welcome to bring Spring along...no matter what that rascal saw when he peeked out of his groundhog hole. The Beach House section of my website is growing in hits so I am guessing that more than just me are beginning to think about warmer weather and lighter design ideas. Today's photo is of Charlie and Jimmy and if that isn't worth it's weight in gold, what is? Have a great day.

'If it were possible to cure evils by lamentation and to raise the dead with tears, then gold would be a less valuable thing than weeping.' Sophocles

...mighty big of you...

Greetings. Today is a sunny, crisp day in Chester County, PA. I rhymed. Yesterday continued the bizarre happenings that I have been experiencing these past several days. I guess the universe is trying to tell me something and I sure wish that it would be a bit more clear for me. I had a nice lunch with my great friend yesterday but lines got crossed later in the day through no fault of mine...regarding a work schedule, Penn Dot, another large company and find it so odd that this type of thing can happen so often. Maybe people are simply overworked and stressed beyond comprehension. I don't know. I am sure that things will get back to normal very soon as they always do. Speaking of normal, on this day in 1863 world-famous dwarfs, (now called little people) General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren got married in New York City. General Tom Thumb was the stage name of Charles Sherwood Stratton (January 4, 1838 – July 15, 1883), a little person who achieved great fame under circus pioneer P.T. Barnum. Now days people who are not exactly like most everyone else are not paraded in circuses. Born in Bridgeport to parents who were of medium height, Charles was a relatively large baby, weighing 9 pounds 2 ounces (4.14 kg) at birth. The parents were without any concerns as he developed and grew normally for the first six months of his life, at which point he was 25 inches (64 cm) tall and weighed 15 pounds (6.8 kg). Then he stopped growing. His parents became concerned when, after his first birthday, they noticed he had not grown at all in the previous six months. They showed him to a relative who served as their family doctor, who offered little hope that the child would ever reach normal height. By late 1842, Stratton had not grown an inch in height or put on a pound in weight from when he was six months old. Apart from this, he was a totally normal, healthy child. His parents were reportedly embarrassed by the fact of his diminutive stature. Stratton, however, had several siblings who were of average size. Also on this day but in 1998 voters in Maine repealed a gay rights law that passed in 1997 becoming the first state to abandon that law. How mighty big of them. As the years pass and people learn, differences become less of an obstacle and more of a blessing. How boring it would be if we were all exactly the same. Have a great day and if given the chance, do something nice. It doesn't matter if it is big or small. Todays photo is of Beach House Sea Shell Fabric.

'There are no big problems, there are just a lot of little problems.' Henry Ford

...stars...

Greetings! It is 28 degrees and sunny here in Chester County, PA. Interestingly, on this day in 1870 the U.S. Weather Bureau was established. If the skies are as clear tonight as they are this morning we will certainly be able to see stars later on. Another interesting note: on this day in 1960 Joanne Woodward received the first star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. 'Tread lightly!' I did not watch the Grammy Awards last evening but I did read this morning that Coldplay won for 'Viva La Vida'. Infectious and somewhat parallel to the state of affairs these days, if you haven't heard it (and I'm quite sure that you have) give it a listen. The premise is...a man who used to be King of the world now sweeps floors. Done with a great melody and kicking beat it is a keeper. I delivered two Omega lamps on Saturday and they were a huge hit. Saturday at the shop had an air of desperation for two people and I felt sorry for them. One man returned some stock wallpaper and must have thought that I was going to give him a hard time about the return. I didn't and he was a bit more relaxed and left happy. For some things are tight and I understand that. Just be honest and real and don't try to play games and everything will be fine from my end. Choose to be a dishonest playa and that changes the rules drastically. We all go through rough times and we all have moments when we feel like stars. That's because we all are stars. Everyone is special. It does seem tho' that some require more attention than others. So be it. Let's do the best we can to enjoy life even with it's ups and downs. Okay? Think of it this way...Joanne Woodward's star must have gotten stepped on many, many times since this day in 1960. That doesn't make her any less of a star, now does it! Yesterday was spent with family and that always does my soul good. The toile wallpaper people were away on Saturday but I will keep you informed. Have a great day, stars!

...ahhh, chocolate...

Hello. It is again slightly overcast in Chester County, PA today. Work yesterday went very well and my head was happy to finally hit the pillow. Visions of sugarplums did not dance in my head, but chocolate may have. I stopped into my favorite spot to grab a large cappuccino late yesterday afternoon and the proprietor was hand making Valentine's Day confections made of chocolate. The sight was something to behold and I had to have a photo of it. They don't let just anyone into their private kitchen so I felt privileged. Hair nets and rubber gloves are worn and the place is immaculate. But anyway, let's get to the point. Oasis Living Cuisine makes organic, raw foods which also include their chocolate treats. We all know that Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I thought that you may want to buy some unique chocolates and send them to your sweetie OR keep them for yourself, depending on your relationship status. They do ship and if you mistakenly put my address in, that's ok. I keep it healthy as you probably know and I wanted to give a little lesson today on the health benefits of chocolate. I know. Neither did I. But now we all will. I also want you to know that on this day in 1962 the United States banned all Cuban imports and exports. Yikes. I can do without the potables, but please keep shipping rice and chocolate! Anyway, please read on and then get some chocolate. It does a body good!

Cacao, the source of chocolate, contains antibacterial agents that fight tooth decay.

The smell of chocolate may increase the brain waves, resulting in relaxation.

Chocolate contains phenyl ethyl amine, a mild mood elevator.

The cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat which may raise good cholesterol.

Drinking a cup of hot chocolate or eating a small amount of chocolate before meals may actually diminish your appetite.

Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than those who don't.

The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.

Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.

Mexican healers use chocolate to treat bronchitis and insect bites.

The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.

Oasis Living Cuisine has a website so that you may shop online. If you would rather phone call their number is toll free 877-913-9797.

Today I have shop hours so I had better get rolling. Clients are coming in to pick up their chocolate brown Omega Lamps and then I have to finalize a black and linen toile and check kitchen design. Have a great day, look at the sun and do something good for yourself and your sweetie. Eat some chocolate!

'All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.' Charles M. Schultz

Hit this link to hear one of my favorite songs entitled 'Oasis' by the inimitable Roberta Flack. Not the best sound quality but you get the idea...

...how high the Queen...

Greetings! It is overcast and Friday here in Chester County, PA today and my thermometer claims 19 degrees but it seems a whole lot warmer than that to me. How high it will get is a secret at this moment because my weather access states NA. No matter how high it does end up getting today it will probably pale in comparison to the heights reached by Elizabeth II both literally and figuratively on this day in 1952. She became Queen upon the death of her father George VI. At the exact moment of succession, she was in a tree house at the Treetops Hotel in Kenya. And where else would the future Queen be hanging out? The Treetops Hotel was literally built into the tops of the trees of the Aberdares National Park as a tree house, offering the guests a close view of the local wildlife in complete safety. The idea was to provide a hunting platform on a tree during shikar (hunting season) in India so that people could experience it in relative safety and comfort. Several people that I know were laid off from work temporarily last night and I feel and pray for them. I also count my lucky stars daily that I am still cranking along. I sit here writing about hunting as I look outside to the birds eating breakfast from the houses that I fill daily. Snow covered and cold, I sometimes wonder who designed this complex machine. Well, I know who but I would like to know more. Maybe not real soon, but at some point. There are those who go out hunting and those who feed the wild and we all share the same space. Or try to. I will ship the abstract art again to that great gal in Texas as she is on vacation until next week. I meet with two clients tomorrow and cannot wait. Drapery, wall coverings , lamps and maybe a bedside table or two. I have been given a good instinct for this livelihood. It isn't like I sit high up in trees and watch people to learn what they do and do not like...*cue in rustling of leaves and branches from high above* but I usually can figure out what they need. Today's photo is the album cover of Carly Simon's 'Boys In The Trees'. Well done, isn't it? Have a great day and, uhm, happy hunting!

'I distrust camels, and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.' Joe E. Lewis

...tomorrow...your connection for raw Valentine's Day chocolate and this is from the horse's (mine) mouth..

...action...

Greetings and...action! Chester County is still winterized with snow on all of the appropriate areas but with clear roads. Someone should be filming a movie for this coming Holiday Season. Do you hear that United Artists? This company was incorporated as a joint venture on this day in 1919 by four of the leading figures in early Hollywood: Mary Pickford, Charles Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D,W. Griffith. Each held a 20% stake, with the remaining 20% held by lawyer William McAdoo. No, not the thick spectacled cartoon character! That was Mr. McGoo. The idea for the venture originated with Fairbanks, Chaplin, Pickford, and cowboy star William Hart a year earlier as they were traveling around the U.S. selling bonds to help the War effort. Already veterans of Hollywood, the four film stars began to talk of forming their own company to better control their own work as well as their futures. They were spurred on by established Hollywood producers and distributors making moves to tighten their control on star salaries and creative control, a process which would evolve into the rigid studio system. With the addition of Griffith, planning began, but Hart bowed out even before things had formalized. When he heard about their scheme, the head of Metro Pictures was said to have observed, "The inmates are taking over the asylum." The four partners, with advice from McAdoo (son-in-law and former Treasury Secretary of then-President Woodrow Wilson), then formed their distribution company. If you ever get a chance, Mary Pickford has a very interesting biography. As well as being a talented actor, she was savvy, smart and determined. My friends called me yesterday from beautiful and warm Naples, Florida and again I was thrilled to hear the weather report from down there. Work went extremely well yesterday with only one snafu that was fixed in a jiffy. Anyway, I wonder how hard it would be to run a movie company? Costs are huge and if a movie is a bomb it can really hurt the investors. Theatre of the absurd is included in this theory as on this day in 1958 a hydrogen bomb was lost by the U.S. Air Force off the coast of Georgia, never to be recovered. Other lost bombs include 'Charlie Bartlett' and 'Deception' made in 2008. I just heard from a long term client while I was writing this entry and they will be coming to visit me soon. I hope they bring those three little angels to the shop with them. I enjoy that about as much as hearing how warm it is on the beach in Florida! (this may or may not be true..actually it is.) Have a great day. Showcase your talents whenever possible and 'Don't Drop Bombs'!

...unanimous...

Greetings! We got quite a snowfall last night and it is beautiful outside right now. Chester County is snow covered and it's a Winter Wonderland. I was out late enough that I was driving around before the plows really did any damage to the roads but they are more than passable now. I am thinking about how many school children awoke hoping that there was no school. That thought was probably unanimous. Not so much for some of the parents, but definitely for many children. On this day in 1789 George Washington was unanimously elected to be the first President of the United States by the Electoral College. That must have felt great. I faxed my novel off to Penn Dot yesterday, dropped boxes at the UPS store for accessory delivery and did some rather mundane work related tasks but it was a great day all in all. I am ready for my Saturday clients and hope that they are ready for me. I chose a Robert Allen silk check fabric, a taupe and black toile wallpaper and some varied home accessories. I mentioned yesterday that today marks the death of Karen Carpenter. I remember all the way back to 1975 when she was playing at the Valley Forge Music Fair. She also had a softball team and they played for charity in support of the American Cancer Society. Ironic how health conscious she was. Anyway, always the quiet teen I decided to hang out in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel in Valley Forge as I deemed that the nicest hotel in the area at that time. I prepared myself with a piece of typing paper and a Bic Banana pen in the hopes that Karen and Richard would magically appear in that particular hotel and then I would get her autograph. Well, she did magically appear a short time later, and as I stuttered 'are you Karen Carpenter?' she came over to me. She replied in the affirmative and took the typing paper, tore it in half and signed her autograph. She was wearing denim shorts and a T-shirt and was the nicest, most down to earth person and I will never forget my meeting her. To me she looked absolutely beautiful and I had no idea what the future held for this shining woman. She is missed, to say the least. Even those who teased her unmercifully when she was alive have now come to see her as one of the greatest voices in contemporary music. If only she had seen that when she was alive. Have a great day, think highly of yourselves and treat others with care. If someone calls you 'fat' or suggests that you ought to 'lose a few pounds', teases you about your speech or any other personal quality please don't take it to heart. Or soul. There is so much more to a person than their exterior. I trust that's unanimous.

...the day the music died...

Greetings. Yesterday was groundhog day and he did see his shadow which traditionally means 6 more weeks of winter. This morning in Chester County, PA it is snowing and many bird prints are about. If I drove my Chevy to the levee it would most probably be snow covered. Many consider today to be the day the music died because on this day in 1959, near Clear Lake, Iowa a plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper crashed, killing these rock stars. I personally consider tomorrow, February 4th the day the music died because on this day in 1983 Karen Carpenter died of heart failure at age 32. She was supposed to sign her final divorce papers on this day but died before she was able to. I still hope to this day that she didn't die of a broken heart. Yesterday at work seemed to be the Annual Bronchial Awards as everyone except for me was hacking and coughing. I hope I am not next. If I was handed the award, I will not be a happy winner. My travails with my registration and title continue as now I have to construct a cover letter and fax every piece of documentation from 3/28/2008 until now to Penn Dot so that I may receive my stuff. Isn't it crazy? They did it once and should have the records right there, but...anyway...also on this day but in 1998 stamps commemorating Princess Diana went on sale across Britain. I guess I am somewhat morose today, but I am only reporting on what happened in history. I'm sure that there were also a lot of births and new beginnings but that wouldn't make for much a 'music died' theme. Elton John re-worked his 'Candle In The Wind' song when Diana died and had one of his biggest hits ever with it. I think that it is common knowledge that people connect music with things that happen in their lives and have that barometer then locked away for all time. I remember being fairly young, on a road trip with my Mom and seeing a horrible car accident as 'Honey' by Bobby Goldsboro was playing on the radio. The song is about a loved one who dies and he plants a tree and it grows or something of that subject matter. Well, just the thought of the song gives me that queasy feeling to this day, thinking back to the car accident. On a cheerier note and if you believe in this sort of thing, maybe Richie, Diana, Buddy, The Big Bopper and Karen are back on earth, growing up and ready to again grace the world with a special talent. One can only hope. Have a great day. Don't stop the music.

“I remember thinking back then, 'Oh God, if we don't get a hit by the time I'm 20 I have to kill myself!' Well, we JUST made it, because it came out in late May, right after I turned 20, and within 6 weeks it was number one.” Karen Carpenter

...liar, liar...

Greetings! We skipped the park as the pathways are still ice covered and made our way through the neighborhood on this morning's walk. (true) I am telling you the truth. We forged our way yesterday but stuck to the hills and fields rather than slip and slide over the rolling pathways. A few years ago a dishonest (to say the least) woman told a lie about me and I was wondering, after I proved her a liar just how many times this sort of thing happens. My neighbor is a policeman and, although he didn't give me any statistics, replied that this sort of thing happens 'all of the time'. There must be some very unhappy people out there! Real statistics show that human beings lie 80000 times a YEAR!! Geez. I guess that I am guilty at some point because when someone asks me how they look, I remain positive. When someone asks if I think that they look 'fat', I would never say yes even if they looked that way to me. But I don't go out of my way to denigrate and tell falsehoods about people to make myself feel better and that I think may be a large part of lying. Perhaps everyone should be forced to take self esteem courses to alleviate some of the lies that are being told. I worked for an underground club in the 80's (true) and part of the employment code was taking lie detector tests on a regular basis. I am proud to report that I remained in that company for many years, having taken lie detector tests over and over, obviously passing each one. Leonarde Keeler should be somewhat happy as, on this day in 1935 he tested the first polygraph machine. The gal that told a lie about me should be hooked up to one, but I think that the machine would probably blow up. And that would be a bad thing. (lie) Oddly tho', I pray for her. (truth) I have had excellent responses to the Omega Lamp, Tote Bags and Mademoiselle Mirror from my website and really cannot tell you why. (true) I have yet to hear if the groundhog has seen his shadow but when I do I will report, unless someone out there can report on here first. Have a great day. Remain honest even in the face of adversity and if someone comes up to you and asks...'do I look fat'...do the admirable thing and , uhm, lie.

'All men profess honesty as long as they can. To believe all men honest would be folly. To believe none so is something worse. ' John Quincy Adams

...home of the brave...

Hello! It is warmer and sunny here in Chester County, PA today. We had the park to ourselves again as, I guess, people are either at church or sleeping in. Hey, it's a free country! Yesterday at the shop was somewhat interesting as I solved a handful of challenges and left feeling good. It took bravery on my part and I think being brave tends to grow with age. My after the shop client was wonderful and we have two wallpapers and two fabric possibilities in the running for the kitchen redecoration. One is a Schumacher and the other a Norwall. They are totally different from one another and I always like to open a client's eyes to something that they would never have thought of.* Talk about brave. One selection is a bottle green and poppy paisley and it's WOW. *Please forgive my ending a sentence with a preposition. I will go back next Saturday after they have had a week's time to absorb the choices in daylight, evening light and nighttime shadow casting. Hmmm. Sounds like the title of an Andy Gibb song. But I digress. I also think that it was time for me to fly (Journey) as one of the clients announced 'I need a drink'! (Courtney Love) and I can certainly take a hint...and if I had a dollar for every time I heard that statement after someone has spent time with me, well, anyway...Congratulations are in order for P,H R, S and PB. I thought it took a long time to get a vehicle registration and title but geez. Friday, the last day of January 2009 P became an official US citizen. They exhibited bravery, perseverance in the face of adversity and kept chugging along. That is why I am having a Bentley customized in Red, White and Blue and delivered to their home. (this may or may not be true) with all radio stations constantly playing 'The National Anthem'. Interestingly, as P is from Australia, on this day in 1989 the Australian towns of Kalgoorlie and Boulder amalgamated to form the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Tomorrow is Groundhog Day so we will scientifically know how much longer winter will last. Today is Super Bowl Sunday so I hope that everyone who is into it has a great time and enjoys the game no matter who wins. I have to hit the gym and grocery shop and have a strong feeling that both venues will be void of humans. Have a great day. Be strong and brave. Maybe not as brave as the four young men who staged the first of the Greensboro sit-ins at a lunch counter in North Carolina on this day in 1960, but be brave neverthe less. Thankfully some trails have already been blazed.

'The opposite of bravery is not cowardice but conformity.' Robert Anthony