Monday, May 31, 2010

...cross your T's


Today is Memorial Day. Lionel Richie may sing Americana, folks will most probably be near a beach and/or grilling with friends and family, but this day is a day to remember soldiers who have died while in military service. On this day in 1927 the last Ford Model T rolled off of the assembly line after a production run of 15,007,003 vehicles. That one idea gave many jobs to many factory workers in one of the first assembly line production-styled businesses. Every factory worker showed respect to his/her fellow employee and all ran great. They dotted each 'i' and crossed every 'T' until the final car was completed. Then there were no more "T's" to cross. Pray for the soldiers.

Eulogy for a Veteran
By Unknown Author


Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

"The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble." Blaise Pascal

Saturday, May 29, 2010

...memorialize this


Oh, say can you see? This weekend is the official start to summer for some, for others they can begin to wear white but in truth, Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May, which commemorates men and women who died while in the military service. It is those soldiers who keep the US the land of the free and the home of the brave. Christmas was memorialized forever on this day in 1942 when Bing Crosby, the Ken Darby Singers and the John Scott Trotter Orchestra recorded Irving Berlin's "White Christmas", the best-selling Christmas single in history, for Decca Records in Los Angeles. Now you have two melodies to hum all weekend long. I will be painting, upholstering and thanking God that I can see, that I have freedoms, and that, even though white isn't one of my fashion staples, I can wear it comfortably without causing an uproar at a handful of parties that I need to attend. The 'Writing Desk' pictured is on sale, simply because a little scratch is on it. Make me a decent offer, pick the thing up and then sit down to write a song that will stand the test of time.
"Since it is not granted to us to live long, let us transmit to posterity some memorial that we have at least lived." E. Joseph Cossman

Friday, May 28, 2010

...work of art


Do your best. Whether your career involves studying cells, painting walls, teaching or many other vocations, it is always best to do your best. A macaroni casserole can be a work of art if you put your all into creating it. On this day in 1999, in Milan, Italy, after 22 years of restoration work, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece The Last Supper was put back on display. If you look closely at Jesus, right facing, you can see a macaroni casserole and the hint of an 'Almond Joy' candy wrapper. What a surprise! Speaking of surprises, here is a Nolah update for those of you following her daily routine. She awoke from a nap and Mommy went to get her out of her crib. The little darling pointed across the room and said, "Momma, fuck!" Needless to say the blood drained from Mommy's face. Nolah repeated, "What, No No?" "Fuck!!!! Peeeeeeeese?" Finally, Mommy just put her on the floor and the little doll ran to her dresser and picked up her fuck - it is green and goes "ribbit!"
In addition to practicing her counting, they are now working on the diphthong "fr" Today I will begin painting, reupholstering and creating polka dotted swags and chair covers for a soon-to-be bedroom work of art. Take that da Vinci!
Update: "Whatchu talking 'bout?" I am talking about Gary Coleman, the child star of the TV sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, who died today after suffering an inter cranial hemorrhage. He was 42. Utah Valley Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Janet Frank said that life support was terminated and Coleman died at 12:05 p.m.
Coleman was hospitalized Wednesday after falling and suffering a head injury at his home south of Salt Lake City, according to family members. Rest in peace, Mr. Coleman. You brought laughter and entertainment from inside and outside the television set and left a lasting impression on popular culture. Not many can make that claim.

"Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute." Josh Billings

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

...bumps


My Grand niece has discovered boobies. The little doll walked up to a lady on the beach and mentioned it to her. She likes to raise her shirt for people, sort of like some of the gals that I hung around with when 'party time' came back in my College days. Bumps along the road, or in sweaters, are all a part of life. On this day in 1896, Charles Dow published the first edition of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Talk about bumps! Ironically, I will be painting red, white and blue this weekend along with some yellow to transform old furniture into Chika style, visiting AA and UD, bringing the boys along, reupholstering a headboard and other fun, creative things. I may even take my shirt off if it's sunny enough. Have a great day and try not to act like a boob.
"I am booful - I feel booful cause I love everybody and they love me. Nolah D.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

...indecent proposal


Talk about indecent! The convenience of paying bills online may seem to be a dream come true. Recently, checks have been debited from my account but don't seem to be reaching their destination. Late fees, stop payments and challenging discussions with vendors takes more and more time. Maybe I will institute a first of the month party. Every vendor can stop by for their payment, have a few martinis and everything will be fine. On this day in 1895, playwright, poet, and novelist Oscar Wilde was convicted of "committing acts of gross indecency with other male persons" and sentenced to serve two years in prison. Bet he had even more fun in the slammer. The headboard and swag fabrics are ordered and on their way. I also need to get some custom paints mixed to turn period furniture pieces into 'Chika' styled bedroom furniture. This will be fun. Maybe not as much fun as Oscar Wilde had in prison...but to each his own.
"The breaking of a wave cannot explain the whole sea." Vladimir Nabokov

Saturday, May 22, 2010

...fair is fair


(this didn't really happen)


This morning I went to sign my Dogs up for welfare.

At first the lady at the counter said, "Your Dogs are not eligible to draw welfare."

So I explained to her that my Dogs are all of mixed parentage, unemployed, lazy, can't speak English and have no clue about who their Daddies are.

They expect me to feed them, provide them with housing, education and medical care, and often feel guilty just because they are dogs.

So she looked in her policy book to see what it takes to qualify.

...My Dogs will be getting their first checks on Friday.
On this day in 1990, North and South Yemen are unified to create the Republic of Yemen. Chandler Bing was there to celebrate.

"Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher." William Wordsworth

Friday, May 21, 2010

...run too fast, fly too high


Run, Joey, run! That goes for the rest of us too. Life is fast but make time to slow it down. Janis Ian said it best, so please click here. On this day in 1927 Charles Lindbergh touched down at Le Bourget Field in Paris, completing the world's first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. On the same day, a few years later, (1932) bad weather forced Amelia Earhart to land in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland. It doesn't change the fact that she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. I finally got the 'Hyde Park Hardware' installed and everything is correct. The order is in for the upholstered pieces and the Lear Jet is waiting to whisk me off to a far away land. Or not. "Family Pillow" shown today. Buy one for a beloved member or buy a few for a pillow fight, depending on your family.
"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you." Aldous Huxley

Thursday, May 20, 2010

...use your head


I bumped my head last night cleaning out a piece of heavy metal equipment. It's ok. My hard head did not damage the metal. On this day in 1896 the six ton chandelier of the Palais Garnier fell on the crowd resulting in the death of one, and the injury of many others. Ouch. Now, let's talk about Sheriff Joe. You may remember Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona. He had painted the jail cells pink and made the inmates wear pink prison garb. I don't find wearing pink offensive or a punishment, but some do. Anyway, Maricopa County was spending approximately $18 million dollars a year on stray animals. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay.
The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows. The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals. I have long wondered when the rest of the country would take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work, and they grow most of their own fresh vegetables and food, doing all the work and harvesting by hand. He has a pretty good sized hog
farm, which provides meat, and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery, where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 - $8 for the Holidays, and plant it later. We have six trees in our yard from the Prison. He was reelected last year with 83% of the vote. Now he's in trouble with the ACLU again. He painted all his buses and vehicles with a mural, that has a special hotline phone number painted on it, where you can call and report suspected illegal aliens. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wasn't doing enough in his eyes, so he had 40
deputies trained specifically for enforcing immigration laws, started up his hotline, and bought 4 new buses just for hauling folks back to the border. He's kind of a 'Git-R Dun' kind of Sheriff.
Have a good day!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

...don't lose your head


Hi. Are you busy enough? I thought so. Do your best to keep it together, and don't lose your heads. They are setting up a fair across from my shop and talk about effort! It's like building a small town in no time for entertainment and profit. I hope they have good weather and the entire week is a resounding success. I may rent a stand and serve vodka flavored cotton candy. On this day in 1536 Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII of England, was beheaded for adultery, treason, and incest. Personally, I think the reason for her demise was wearing white after Labor Day. I was a mere tot in 1536, but still had fashion sense. The carpenters, no, not Richard and Karen, were working on the front of my house again. The dogs kept them entertained no doubt. The chaise, chair and ottoman and box pleated valance fabric are ordered as are the comforter, shams, dust ruffle and more. Have fun, work hard and keep a level head. Don't have your head levelled. Right Anne?
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." David Brinkley

Monday, May 17, 2010

...bored of education?


Hi. As recently as 1954, people still had the color of a person's skin on their mind. Get an education! Or take this silliness to the Supreme Court! What, huh? They did? Good. On this day in 1954 the United States Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Now get studying and embrace color. Speaking of which, I finished the canopy for the prom yesterday and that room will be Jamaican slammin'. Huge palm trees, grass skirted bistro tables and a huge mural that should take the prom goers out of the cafeteria and into another world. Bright colors abound and the students mix of skin tones show us how it really is...and should be. These students study and work so hard while keeping up their grades, add extra curricular activities to their schedules, and some even work part time. Have a great prom everyone, and try not to piss off Carrie.
"Books are not men and yet they stay alive." Henry Ward Beecher

Saturday, May 15, 2010

...how was your day?


I worked until Midnight last night and it was fine. This morning I was up and at 'em, on a two and a half story ladder installing 9 cellular shades. The height doesn't bother me as many ask, and the shades fit perfectly. N and TO were full of kind words as usual. Their home has a resounding feel of positive energy and always has. They were the imperfect arch windows that I templated over and over again until they were as close to perfect as one can get. I then went to EW's and it was great to catch up again. Just walking to her front door one feels a sense of serenity. I'd give you the address so that you could feel this on your own, but EW is very busy. She and her hubby chose an upholstered chair and ottoman and box pleated valances for their bedroom. The color scheme is sky blue, burgundy and bronze. Restful and tasteful. All in all, a great day. CN is on her way over to grill and hang with me. She is awesome. Contessa celebrates her birthday today and a card is in her door. I rang once, but not being a postman, I didn't ring twice. Speaking of good days, on this day in 1800, George III survived two assassination attempts in one day. We have all survived being stabbed in the back, but geez. Leave the poor man alone.
"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace." Buddha

Friday, May 14, 2010

...team


A team is defined as a "group of people with a full set of complementary skills required to complete a task, job, or project". Team members operate with a high degree of interdependence, share authority and responsibility for self-management, are accountable for the collective performance, and work toward a common goal and shared rewards. Sometimes, members of a team let their own agendas disrupt the success of that team. That would make that team member more of an opponent. An opponent is defined as "one who opposes another or others in a battle, contest, controversy, or debate. How one deals with an opponent who is a member of a team is a puzzle that has yet to be solved. Does one kick ass or kiss it? Probably neither and that battle will wage on, maybe forever. On this day in 1870 the first game of rugby in New Zealand was played between Nelson College and the Nelson Rugby Football Club. Unless it is 'touch rugby', people kick balls somewhat like football, and not each other's asses. That, my friends, is a team. "Horse Right Needlepoint Pillow" shown today.
"There is no "i" in team but there is in win." Michael Jordan

Thursday, May 13, 2010

...power of the Universe


Here's how it usually works for me. When my Mom died I was sort of messed up in the head. Days after her funeral a new client phoned for a consultation. Turns out she is a therapist. As we chose carpeting, drapery, wallcoverings and chair seat fabrics we had therapy sessions. What are the odds that, just after my Mom died the Universe, God, however you want to think about it, sent me a therapist to help me while I worked...business as usual. This client emailed me this morning after stumbling on my website and actually asked if I remembered her. Yes EW, I remember you well. On this day in 1917, three children reported the first apparition of the Virgin Mary in Fátima, Portugal. Dressed in jeans and a simple T-shirt, Mary was planting seeds, nourishing the earth and spreading love. Let's all do more of that. Shown today, "Cabriole Chaise Lounge. "
"God cannot alter the past, though historians can." Samuel Butler

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

...gotta love this attorney!

Part of rebuilding New Orleans caused residents often to be
challenged with the task of tracing home titles back
potentially hundreds of years.
With a community rich with history stretching back over two
centuries, houses have been passed along through
generations of family, sometimes making it quite difficult
to establish ownership. Here's a great letter an attorney
wrote to the FHA on behalf of a client:

A New Orleans lawyer sought an FHA loan for a client.
He was told the loan would be granted if he could prove
satisfactory title to a parcel of property being offered as
collateral. The title to the property dated back to 1803,
which took the lawyer three months to track down. After
sending the information to the FHA, he received the
following reply.



(Actual reply from FHA):
"Upon review of your letter adjoining your client's loan
application, we note that the request is supported by an
Abstract of Title. While we compliment the able manner in
which you have prepared and presented the application, we
must point out that you have only cleared title to the
proposed collateral property back to 1803. Before final
approval can be accorded, it will be necessary to clear the
title back to its origin."





Annoyed, the lawyer responded as follows:
(Actual response):

"Your letter regarding title in Case No.189156 has been received.
I note that you wish to have title extended further than the
206 years covered by the present application. I was unaware
that any educated person in this country, particularly those
working in the property area, would not know that Louisiana
was purchased by the United States from France in 1803, the
year of origin identified in our application. For the
edification of uninformed FHA bureaucrats, the title to the
land prior to U.S. ownership was obtained from France, which
had acquired it by Right of Conquest from Spain. The land
came into the possession of Spain by Right of Discovery made
in the year 1492 by a sea captain named Christopher
Columbus, who had been granted the privilege of seeking a
new route to India by the Spanish monarch, Queen Isabella. The good Queen Isabella, being a pious woman and almost as careful about
titles as the FHA, took the precaution of securing the
blessing of the Pope before she sold her jewels to finance
Columbus's expedition.
Now the Pope, as I'm sure you may know, is the emissary of Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, and God, it is commonly accepted,
created this world. Therefore, I believe it is safe to
presume that God also made that part of the world called
Louisiana . God, therefore, would be the owner of origin and
His origins date back to before the beginning of time, the
world as we know it, and the FHA. I hope you find God's
original claim to be satisfactory.
Now, may we have our damn loan?"


The loan was immediately approved

...bless the beasts and children


It is raining lightly over Chester County, PA. I made sure to fill the bird feeders as they rely on the food source. My housemates rely also on my feeding them but are a little more finicky. My design mentor was telling me a story of how she attempted to consult with a new client while their young daughter did everything in her arsenal to prevent communication. Frustrating, yes. Get a babysitter madam! But make sure the sitter is reliable. We need to protect those who cannot do it for themselves. On this day in 1932 ten weeks after his abduction, Charles Jr., the infant son of Charles Lindbergh was found dead in Hopewell, New Jersey. His body was found just a few miles from the Lindberghs' home. I can't imagine this loss. M and SP need design help in their Owner's Suite and Living Room. They have three children and a 4 legged son. Be open to new ideas, keep your eyes open also and protect the beasts and children...even if your child is a beast. "Bichon Needlepoint Pillow" shown today. Hi Prince, Charlie, Beau, Baby Boy1 and 2, Max and Camille! The Musicians Hall Of Fame lost their 'babies' also. Prayers go out to those in Tennessee. Click here to view a baby moose playing in a sprinkler.
"Common sense is not so common." Voltaire

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

...stay awake


How many of you are burning the candle at both ends? That's a huge show of hands! Just imagine that you were Christopher Columbus, who, on this day in 1502 left for his fourth and final voyage to the West Indies. As you know, I like 'Rip It Fuel', sugar free for that added boost of (caffeine) energy. Perhaps Keith Hernandez could have used one of these. He fell asleep during a game on Saturday that went into extra innings. Before the 10th inning Keith thought he would just rest his eyes a bit and ended up falling asleep on the job. I am thankful that he isn't employed by the Nuclear Power Plant somewhat near me in Limerick, PA. The 'Hyde Park drapery Hardware' is on it's way to me. Third times the charm, so the 'three strikes, you're out' adage won't come into play. Work hard, play hard. Or work hard, and rest when you can. That's a 90/50 ratio if you ask Yogi Berra. 'Large Globe' pictured.
"Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical." Yogi Berra

Monday, May 10, 2010

...you say tomato


It was rather cool this weekend, but my plants are still growing and thriving. The tomato plants next door are thriving from the large amounts of precipitation we received this past winter. Yes, I said large, but please don't make a federal case out of it. On this day in 1893 the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Nix v. Hedden that a tomato is a vegetable, not a fruit, under the Tariff Act of 1883. And then, on this day in 2003 the May 2003 tomato outbreak sequence took place. Groups of tomatoes were seen circling in the air over parts of Canada. What a sight that must have been! Huh, what? Mybad. It was tornado, not tomato. The replacement drapery hardware arrived and I went to install it Saturday morning, but to my dismay, the box was missing integral parts. I love doing things twice...I love doing things three and four times also. Don't you? Again, it all depends on what you are doing. Have fun today, work hard and try to ketchup on things.
"There is nothing like a dream to create the future." Victor Hugo

Sunday, May 9, 2010

...Mom


Once a year we set aside

a day for just our Mom.

Some still have theirs here on earth

Some have long since gone.

Every day I think of mine

And miss our repartee.

I guess that means that for myself

It's always Mother's Day.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

...leaner leanee on me


Sometimes people, even tertiary relationships need an ear. In a world full of people some can still feel alone. You can see it in their eyes if it's light enough out, or if you have enough light. I'm not saying to adopt everyone that you run into; that simply isn't wise. A wave, a nod of the head or a simple gesture of kindness goes a long way. We don't have enough time to walk a mile in every one's shoes that we encounter, and nodding our heads at everyone may cause some to think that you are suffering from a neurological disorder. Keep it simple, keep your eyes open and keep the light on. If a friend or family member is going through a hard time, take the time to really listen and think about what you and they are saying. People sometimes need to lean on you. Sometimes you need to lean on someone. Find the time and strength please. We are all human. On this day in 1889 the Eiffel Tower was officially opened to the public at the Universal Exposition in Paris. Have you noticed how it still stands?
Have a great day, and do your best to be a strong lean-ee. Tomorrow you may be the lean-er.
"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same." Elbert Hubbard

Friday, May 7, 2010

...one day at a time


It was either God or AA whose slogan is 'one day at a time'. Ironically, that was the name of a sitcom where, in real life, one of the daughters fought substance abuse for years. I was having dinner last night with a most interesting woman. She was telling me how a huge corporation started from a tiny family business in Philadelphia, PA and grew into a billion dollar industry. I find that kind of success fascinating. The cheesecake was also great. The arch shades are in so I will be 'high' in a few days. The faux sisal area rug is also in so things are moving along. Start small, think big. On this day in 1946 a small company named Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering was founded with approximately 20 employees. That name may not ring a bell, but today is known as Sony. Have fun, work hard and dream big. If you have done all that you can do to make that dream a reality, choose another one. And try to take it one day at a time. 'Dream Needlepoint Pillow' shown today.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Mohandas Gandhi

Thursday, May 6, 2010

...wrath


Don't worry, be happy. The Rust Hardware arrived late yesterday so I can now make the change and rehang drapery this weekend. Yippee! I love to do things twice, don't you? Well, admittedly, some things I do like to do twice. It's not like I am trying to farm in a dust bowl, it is custom drapery for Heaven's sake. My floral wool carpeting is now just a pee stained memory. Goodbye! Upward and onward, but not on the new carpeting please. Life is a school, so keep on learning and growing. On this day in 1940 John Steinbeck was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his novel "The Grapes of Wrath." The story was set during the Great Depression and focuses on a poor family of sharecroppers. They had to leave Oklahoma due to drought, economic hardships, and changes in the agriculture industry. I sort of know the feeling when wallpaper became a whore's market and understandably fell out of style. The only constant is change and we need to keep flexing with the times. "Dotty Storage Ottomans" shown today.
"Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other." Benjamin Franklin

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

...the fifth of May


I know. It's the 4th, but I will be working late and may not be able to write this blog coherently tomorrow morning. On this day (tomorrow) in 1862 troops led by Ignacio Zaragoza halted a French invasion in the Battle of Puebla in Mexico, thus the Cinco de Mayo. This day celebrates the unlikely victory over French Forces. All things are possible. Speaking of which, I finished remounting and restringing a Roman Shade for a client other than mine who couldn't seem to get any help. Keep the good Karma going everyone! I have two of the cinco 'Kilim Woven' pillows left, if anyone needs a pop of style.
"Every year thousands of Americans mistakenly refer to Cinco de Mayo as Mexico's Independence Day." Joe Baca

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

...little girl blue


A new book about my favorite singer is coming out this Summer for anyone interested.

...a battle of wills


No, not a fight between Bruce Willis and Will Smith. Sometimes we have to dig in our heels to persevere. We can and do Ask God for strength and direction, but God likes those who help themselves. Incorrect drapery hardware, texting drivers, other annoying obstacles can pluck away at us, but don't fret. Someone who wrote about this, and said it a whole lot better than I just did was Ernest Hemingway, who, on this day in 1953 was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for 'The Old Man and the Sea.' You have probably read it but it may be worth your while to re-read it. Have your Bible handy because there are many parallels between the two books. Speaking of the sea, DF in Florida found my 'Nouveau Nautical Beveled Mirror' through my website. Ahoy maties, and Godspeed.
"I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen."
Ernest Hemingway

Monday, May 3, 2010

...can you top this?


Yesterday's installation went great, even though it took 5 hours to complete. The finished product looks close to perfect and the clients are happy. I have been spending much time on top of ladders and the view is wonderful. "Top Of The World" you might say. I hung 10 'Hyde Park' hardware sets, many, many rings and panels of embroidered silk. Two of the hardware sets came in and were not the color selected although the packing slip read correctly, but that kind of stuff can happen. I will have them replaced this week. On this day in 1973 the Sears Tower in Chicago was topped out as the world's tallest building. Today I plan to make two tiny box pleated valances to install on top of privacy shades for a more finished look. I will also remove my beloved wool floral carpeting because 'someone' had a pee pee accident and it is right on top. No harm, no foul. We all need a place in this world. Stay on top of things and be thankful. "Fusion Coffee Table" pictured.
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be." William Shakespeare