...lapiz

Hi. My meeting late yesterday went well, but everything had to be written in pen. No room for error! It is pretty grey and rainy in Chester County, PA...grey like the graphite in a pencil. Speaking of which, on this day in 1858, Hymen Lipman patented a pencil with an attached eraser. This was just prior to his taking the LSAT's. The 'Roman Shade' project is finished and everything looks great. The "Seaside Pillow" order should arrive today and that "Carved Settee" is on it's way to CT which will make GZ and PC happy. Keep your pencils sharp and have a great day. Pictured today, Niles and Frazer "Wood Cranes."
"It is not how old you are, but how you are old." Jules Renard

...in your own back yard

Hi. I spent yesterday looking out on the Atlantic ocean which is MY's own back yard. It was sunny and beautiful and a few brave souls were swimming in it. My back yard here is beginning to blossom and the bird feeders are emptied almost daily. I guess they're back! ELM begins her new career today, overseeing landscaping on residential back yards. She will excel as this is her love anyway. Getting paid for it is a plus. On this day in 1886, Dr. John Pemberton brewed the first batch of Coca-Cola in a backyard in Atlanta, Georgia. That turned out to be a great idea. Enjoy the day, keep nurturing whatever is in back of, and in front of you. Shown today, "Americana Sailing Fleet" in miniature.

"Change your thoughts and you change your world." Norman Vincent Peale

...get along now

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth.
The mother tiger after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother's cub's, perhaps she would improve.
After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment.. Sometimes a mother of one species, will take on the care of a different species. The only 'orphans' that could be found quickly, were a litter of weanling pigs The zoo keepers and vets wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger. Would they become cubs or pork chops??
Check out the photo above and have a great day. Oh, on this day in 1998, Oued Bouaicha massacre in Algeria occurred. 52 people were killed with axes and knives, 32 of them babies under the age of 2.

"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." Robert Browning

...Joe Biden curses?

Hi. It's sunny and temperate in Chester County, PA today. My Spring accessory order arrived yesterday and the birdbaths are beautiful. I also received Fishermen Bookends, Pebble Beachhouse Coasters and other novelty items that are seasonal and still stylish. On this day in 1199, Richard I was wounded by a crossbow bolt while fighting France, leading to his death on April 6. Someone heard him mutter, "Ouch, this might be a f-ing big deal!" And it was. I am playing the discontinued fabric game again today. Now that is a big deal! Take care of your health and remember your audience. Some situations allow salty language, but many do not.
"I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either." Jack Benny

...who wants to be ordinary?

Hi. We live in a society where many like to keep things in boxes, categorizing to make life simple. In polite society rules are made to govern those who need a barometer for behavior. But why be ordinary? I find that life is more interesting the more interesting and out of the ordinary people and places are. On this day in 1958, entertainer Elvis Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army.
I am not saying for a moment that soldiers are ordinary. What I am saying is that when a superstar takes on a position, or joins a group much larger than 'superstars' it makes that person even less ordinary. We all have a place in this Universe and we need to keep remembering that we are unique and special, no matter how we spend our days. If you like stripes, work with stripes. If you prefer solids, go with that. But sometimes it makes things less ordinary when we mix it up a bit.

"Nothing will work unless you do." Maya Angelou

...going up?

Hello. We crossed the Commodore Barry Bridge yesterday and I love to be that high. For me, there is nothing better than viewing a large body of water, knowing that a beach is probably nearby. On this day in 1857 Elisha Otis's first elevator was installed at 488 Broadway New York City. On the same day a few years later, 1903 to be exact,the Wright Brothers applied for a patent on their invention of one of the first successful airplanes. Going up anyone? DL chose an Upholstered Chair and Ottoman in a Sable Black and Taupe heavily woven fabric and an area rug in Tropical Green. How beachy! Have a good day, aim high and don't worry about the fork in the road. It could have been a spoon and besides, who's to say that both choices aren't going to be golden? "Catalina Mirror" shown.

"The leader must aim high, see big, judge widely, thus setting himself apart form the ordinary people who debate in narrow confines."
Charles de Gaulle

...earth to everyone!

Hi. I was on my deck appreciating the 'coming alive' of the grass and buds and just realized that, on this day in 1970 the first Earth Day proclamation was issued by San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto. Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It is on 22 April. It was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is celebrated in many countries every year. As I walked the 'boys' I noticed wayward worms on the sidewalk and always pick them up and toss them back on the earth. Let's all be aware of the planet we share. 'Delia' is of the butterfly genus. One fluttered into my shop yesterday in human form, beautiful and serene. Please send positive, healing thoughts in her direction as she makes her way back to Atlanta.
"The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it." Woodrow Wilson

...he who lives in glass houses

Hi. Ready for some Spring cleaning? Saturday begins a new season and many are ready to say goodbye to Winter. Some may even clean their windows to let in the sun and let out the light from within. Share it everyone! I only have 16 windows so if and when I decide to clean the glass in my house, it won't be an arduous task. Cleanliness is next to Godliness y'all! On this day in 1987, televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as head of the PTL Club due to a brewing sex scandal; he handed over control to Jerry Falwell. Tammy Faye, on her way back from Costco, seen carrying a large, industrial sized box of Maybelline Waterproof Mascara, wept silently. Most of us have a mind of our own. Let's use our minds to the best advantage, walk a mile in others shoes before passing judgement and be fair and compassionate. If you walk by my house and see streaks on the glass, either come in for something to drink or keep on trucking by. The glass is always half clean. "Basketweave Mirror" shown today. The frame is clever. Kudos to the designer. It was a 'streak' of genius.
"Colors are the smiles of nature." Leigh Hunt

...do you recall?

Hi. The sun is shining and people are sneezing. Once the snow disappears around here, allergies seem to kick in. I personally don't take anything for them in the hopes that my body will adjust and build up tolerances for the various pollens, etc. Many tho' rely on medications to alleviate annoying symptoms. I received an email from MB who has informed me of the Snopes verified following:

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine
STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain).
among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. The FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extendtabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Relief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children.

Orange3D Cold &Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold &Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children,
PLEASE PASS THIS ON.. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!
On this day in 2005 Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed at the request of her husband. Terri Schiavo collapsed in her home and experienced respiratory and cardiac arrest on February 25, 1990, resulting in extensive brain damage, a diagnosis of persistent vegetative state (PVS) and 15 years of institutionalization. She had formerly been healthy and employed.
Stay smart, enjoy your day and stop to smell the roses...even if they make you sneeze.
"If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes." Charles Lindbergh

...Saint Patrick

Hi. Did you dye your hair green for today's celebrations? On this day in 1756, Saint Patrick's Day was celebrated in New York City for the first time,at the Crown and Thistle Tavern. Having just turned 21 the previous February, I had a green beer. The Holiday is named after Saint Patrick (circa AD 387–461), the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland. One of my middle names is Patrick, taken from this Saint, so I hate the idea of him being 'common,' but I digress. Saint Patrick's Day began as a purely Christian holiday and became an official feast day in the early 1600s. Now it is more of a secular celebration of Ireland's culture.
Shamrocks and Clover are popular representations of this day. Heck, even a cereal has borrowed it's theme! According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people; The Father, Son and Holy 'Spirit,', thus the beer I believe. Have fun today, never be green with envy and be thankful for all that you have while doing your best to reach for more. Like the proverbial pot of gold.

"I am Patrick, a sinner, most uncultivated and least of all the faithful and despised in the eyes of many." Saint Patrick hmmmm.
Saint Patrick

...erosion

Hi. Our jaunt to the shore yesterday went swimmingly. It rained all day but we still had fun and got a lot done. The beaches in Ocean and Sea Isle City both were worn from the vast precipitation they have been weathering this past Winter. I am sure that they will be rebuilt and come back stronger than ever. Flat Fold Roman Shades and Privacy Solitude Graber Shades were in order. Hang tough everyone! Just like Ford Motor Company. On this day in 1958, they produced their 50 millionth automobile, the Thunderbird, averaging almost a million cars a year since the company's founding. Their ad campaign as of late is all over the airwaves. A little erosion and then come back full force. Most of us know that feeling. Life's a beach everyone, so get your feet in the sand come rain or shine.

"Freedom lies in being bold." Robert Frost

...ideas of March

Hi. It is gloomy and rainy in Chester County, PA this morning. Adjusting to the time change and a morning walk in the dark all blend to create a creepy feeling. On this day in 709 Julius Caesar was killed. According to Plutarch, Caesar was warned by a seer to be on his guard against a great peril on the Ides of March. On his way to the Theatre of Pompey (where he would be assassinated) Caesar saw the seer and joked "Well, the Ides of March have come," to which the seer replied "Ay, they have come, but they are not gone." Well, "Beach House Interiors" have come and are still thankfully here and I am heading to the shore this morning to do some decorating. Maybe the sun will make an appearance along with me.
"As a rule, men worry more about what they can't see than about what they can." Julius Caesar

...what a difference a day makes

Every Spring we move our clocks one hour ahead and "lose" an hour during the night. Each Fall we move our clocks back one hour and "gain" an extra hour. But Daylight Saving Time wasn't only created to confuse our schedules and make some of us more grumpy for a few days, until our bodies adjust.
The phrase "Spring forward, Fall back" helps some people to remember how Daylight Saving Time affects their clocks. At 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, we set our clocks forward one hour ahead of Standard Time ("Spring forward"). We "Fall back" at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November by setting our clock back one hour and thus returning to Standard Time. I don't necessarily set the alarm for 2 to wake up and do this clock ritual. You can wait until you awaken on Sunday, or do it before you fall asleep the night before.
The change to Daylight Saving Time allows us to use less energy in lighting our homes by taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours. During the eight-month period of Daylight Saving Time, the names of time in each of the time zones in the U.S. (map) change as well. Eastern Standard Time (EST) becomes Eastern Daylight Time, Central Standard Time (CST) becomes Central Daylight Time (CDT), Mountain Standard Time (MST) becomes Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), Pacific Standard Time becomes Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), and so forth. Please write and remember all of this. There will be a test. Enjoy your day, get ready for Spring and, except for the clock change, forget the rest of this blog...until this time next year, God willing. "What A Difference A Day Makes."

"Let him who would enjoy a good future waste none of his present." Roger Babson

...Phoenix lights

Hi.Grey skies and much rain pretty much sums up Chester County, PA this morning. Not a light in the sky to be seen. Things were very different on this day in 1997, as the Phoenix lights were seen over Phoenix, Arizona by hundreds of people, and by millions on television. Reports state that the majority of these people were on their third Martini. The Phoenix Lights were a series of widely sighted optical phenomena (generally unidentified flying objects) that occurred in the skies over the U.S. states of Arizona and Nevada, and the Mexican state of Sonora on March 13, 1997. A repeat of the lights occurred February 6, 2007, and was filmed by the local Fox News TV station.
There were two distinct events involved in the incident: a triangular formation of lights seemed to pass over the state, and a series of stationary lights were seen in the Phoenix area. The United States Air Force (USAF) identified the second group of lights as flares dropped by A-10 Warthog aircraft which were on training exercises at the Barry Goldwater Range in southwest Arizona. Witnesses claim to have observed a huge carpenter's square-shaped UFO, containing lights or possibly light-emitting engines. Fife Symington, the governor at the time, was one witness to this incident.
Due to this historical event, I have put my "Georgetown Table Lamps" on sale. My "Phoenix Lights Table Lamps" mysteriously disappeared.

"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things." Henry Ward Beecher

...I Can Walk Under Ladders

Feeling lucky? I hope so. There is nothing wrong with a positive attitude as long as you also keep your eye on the ball. It is raining right now and the rains will continue for a few days. Luckily, it isn't snow. On this day in 1993 snows began and continued for 30 hours. I will take the rain. Also on this day, in 1964, the New Hampshire Lottery became the first state lottery in the modern era. An extra 24 million would be wonderful, don't you think? The volumes of white voile are in process and should make DJ quite happy in a few weeks. More 'Seaside Pillows' have been ordered via my website and my feeling is that people are ready for both Spring and Summer. I sure am. Here's hoping that luck is on your side today and put your worries on a shelf. Preferably my 'Red Wall Shelf' shown today.

"To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." Bertrand Russell

Update: Scammers are posing as Military employees on the Internet. Most of us are savvy, but the less informed should hit this link. If you think you can get a late model Range Rover for under 5 grand, please don't purchase any bridges.

Update: Spring forward Sunday morning everyone!

...seeing double

It is overcast in Chester County, PA and rain should begin to fall shortly. Now for sports. Kidding. Have you ever wished that there were two of you? One that could take up the slack and help you in exactly the way that you wanted things done? Even more fun would be an exact clone but, well, evil. He or she could say and do things that we want to do but don't due to polite society's constraints. KKK came into the shop yesterday and ordered a beautiful Cantaloupe on cream toile from Duralee Fabrics and was a class act. She is giving cream drapery to her daughter in Ottawa so the drapery will get double the use after some clever redesigning. Pour me a double please! Back to seeing double. On this day in 1997, U.S. President Bill Clinton banned federally funded human cloning research. This was after making an exact copy of Monica Lewinski's mouth. The 'Needlepoint Pillows" and "Aprons" arrived yesterday and are off to all parts of the Continental U.S. Have good times today, see beyond what appears to be the truth and be thankful for the day. Peace to BW's Mom who is now comfortably residing in Heaven. Shown today, "Dotty Storage Ottomans." No, you aren't seeing double. They are of two different sized. But you are a little dotty, thank God.
"Burt Reynolds once asked me out. I was in his room." Phyllis Diller

...rewrite in black and white

Hello. I was preparing 1120S Corporate Tax Forms yesterday while solicitors continually phoned. I finally had the brains to let them go to voicemail. It isn't fair to real customers but something had to be done. Who invented the phone anyway? Geez. Oh yeah. On this day in 1876 Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call by saying "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you." They then shared a bottle of Moet and snuggled quietly by the fire. I could not survive without the telephone and now my Blue tooth Device which is permanently attached to my ear. Some say that they cause brain cancer, but one needs a brain on order for that risk to become an issue. I think that I am safe. Speaking of which, "If I Only Had A Brain" was originally written by Arlen and Harburg as "I'm Hanging On to You" for the 1937 Broadway musical "Hooray for What!". The song was ultimately dropped from that show, and when the pair was later hired to do the songs for The Wizard Of Oz, Harburg simply wrote new lyrics to the tune. The same thing happened with "Maniac" from "Flashdance". It was originally submitted for the "Halloween" horror classic and with a little rewriting, became what it is.
Have fun today, and if you don't like the current script that is your life, start rewriting it. It's your life. Shown today "Black and Damask White" wallpaper.

"You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old." George Burns

...can't we all just...

Hi. We trekked to Northeast Philadelphia yesterday and it was an adventure. There was much police activity, but luckily it was sunny and warm out. Later in the day I met with two past clients who need to do work in their Beach Houses. That will be fun. It's my favorite 'style' and I hope one day to live near water, being an Aquarian cusp. When I say 'water' I mean an ocean or a substantial body, not a bath tub. I will take the tub for now tho'. I am not judging. On this day in 1765, after a campaign by the writer Voltaire, judges in Paris posthumously exonerated Jean Calas of murdering his son. Calas had been tortured and executed in 1762 on the charge, though his son may have actually committed suicide. Oops. And then on this day in 1993, Rodney King testified against the four LAPD officers accused of violating his civil rights when they beat him during his 1991 arrest. Can't we all just get along? Apparently not always. Have a great day, defend your Civil Rights and if you choose to kill someone, make it look like a suicide! Shown today is the 'Basketweave Mirror.'
"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." Winston Churchill

...bring me some water

Hi. Was Adam one rib short in reality, after his 'donation'? With all of the advanced medical procedures available in 2010, it is hard for me to believe that Eve was made from a rib. I do, though, believe in miracles. I also don't think that women are in any way subservient to men, so this Adam and Eve explanation does little for me. On this day in 1960, the Aquatic Ape Hypothesis originated when Alister Hardy publicly announced his idea that ape-human divergence may have been due to a coastal phase. ( cue 'Kokomo' by the Beach Boys.)
The aquatic ape hypothesis (AAH) is an alternative explanation of human evolution which theorizes that the common ancestors of modern humans spent a period of time adapting to life in a partially-aquatic environment. Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps ancestors probably lived very close to water. This theory is based on differences between humans and great apes, and apparent similarities between humans and some aquatic mammals. First proposed in 1942 and expanded in 1960, its greatest proponent has been the writer Elaine Morgan, who has spent more than forty years discussing the AAH, and does a killer breast stroke. Shown today. 'Gator Needlepoint Pillow.'
Have a great day and continue to evolve. We all have room for growth.
"Animals, whom we have made our slaves, we do not like to consider our equal."
Charles Darwin

...regency

Hello. I met with DJ late yesterday and it was a true joy to hang out with her again. I will make her classic white voile sheers for many windows and today will find a vapor blue/celery carpet for her bedroom. The entire family is above and beyond and I am a lucky guy. Her sister is just as classic in taste and down to earth as was their Mom and still, their Dad. Nothing garish or gaudy about their taste. It tends toward classic and tailored, not like the Regency Era. It is that narrow period after the Georgian time of powdered wigs and gaudy satins, but before the Victorian time of dull, straitlaced staidness. Some say that when Victoria took the throne, she was fed up with the loose morals and hedonistic behavior which had characterized the Regency. I found it a lot of fun personally, but I was in my 20's and living it up as many young folks do. The Regency Era, generally circa 1790-1820, was a time of undiluted pleasure-seeking and over-indulgence. Undiluted means no mixer with the Vodka. The 'Regency Sofa' listed in my "Hidden Treasures" section has sold and is now deleted. On this day in 1814, Americans defeated the British at the Battle of Longwoods between London, Ontario and Thamesville, near present-day Wardsville, Ontario. That pretty much killed us getting any great design ideas from the British. This may or may not be true. Have fun today as well as working hard and if you tend toward the garish and hedonistic, please give me a call. I have no firm plans this evening. "Checkerboard Bunny" is going, going, almost gone.
"Character develops itself in the stream of life." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

(I know a few characters and am thankful for that.)

...obscene

Hello. I received an email late yesterday for a natural breast enlarger and also for a pill that would make me 'last' for almost four hours. Thanks to whomever sent these. It is grey again in Chester County, PA and a little bit precipitous. I keep filling the bird feeders and hope that they last more than four hours until I can refill them. On this day in 1873,The U.S. Congress enacted the Comstock Law, making it illegal to send any "obscene, lewd, or lascivious" books through the mail. Thankfully Penthouse and Playboy were magazines, not books and it kept everyone's 'circulation' up. I am off to measure for white sheer panels for the second story of a great client's home. They are somewhat transparent, so be careful! Walls have eyes, windows even moreso. Have fun today, keep the lewd to a minimum if at all possible and think sun. Shown today is the 'Bouquet Hook Rug' for those who can't find flowers in nature...just yet.
"The major civilizing force in the world is not religion, it is sex." Hugh Hefner

...light up the night

Hello. The sun is out today, replacing all the grey. It's nice to see the light, both spiritually and literally. I ascended a two story ladder late yesterday and cut a paper template for operable arch cellular shades. It was fun. I can see why many people like to get high. I also installed the box pleated valance and had lunch with a great friend. Then I had dinner with another great friend. Then when I returned home another great friend stopped over. I am a lucky guy. Each of those friends always see the light, whether it is immediate or at the end of a tunnel.On this day in 1949 the first automatic street light was installed in New Milford, Conn. "Bad Girls" by Donna Summer was wafting out of a second story window and an attractive gal in her late 40's, (Joan Rivers perhaps) was leaning against the lamp post. Happy Birthday Karen Carpenter! Have a great day no matter your livelihood and continue to seek the light. Street corner or not. "Huntsville Lamp" show today.

"Better a witty fool than a foolish wit." William Shakespeare

...a walk in the park

Hi. Patches of grass are now visible in Chester County, PA this morning. The park is still pretty heavily snow covered so our walks may have to wait a while longer. We ended up moving furniture yesterday and I finished a large box pleated valance and small valance with buttons. What an exciting day! On this day in 1872 Yellowstone National Park was established as the world's first national park. Yogi Bear still calls it home but resides in the Senior Care Facility across from the large grouping of Pine Trees. I think that I solved the movable arch window treatment puzzle and should have it definitely solved by week's end. I scolded the boys for attempting to run down a boxer this morning and am now receiving the cold shoulder. Come on park, get ready. Life isn't always a walk in one, but we sure need it now. Today's photo is my 'Candlelight Writing Desk.' Park it right there.

"A great part of courage is the courage of having done the thing before." Ralph Waldo Emerson