...repeating itself

Can't we all just get along? Not always it seems. On this day in 1838, Missouri governor Lilburn Boggs issued the Extermination Order, by which orders all Mormons had to leave the state or be exterminated. Donny and Marie were working on their first album together as Donny's solo records were slipping in sales. It must have been a tough time for them. Try to embrace everyone for their differences, not similarities. Unless they are being buttheads, then do what is necessary.

"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected."

Steve Jobs

...moonshine anyone?

It is sunny, crisp and clear here in Chester County, PA this morning. It is a perfect setting for the filming of a scary movie. On this day in 1952 strange occurrences, including a monster sighting, took place in Flatwoods, West Virginia.The Flatwoods Monster, also known as the Braxton County Monster or the Phantom of Flatwoods, is an alleged unidentified extraterrestrial or cryptid reported to be sighted in the town of Flatwoods in Braxton County, West Virginia. Stories of the creature are an example of a purported close encounter of the third kind. Most agree that it was at least 10 feet tall and that it had a red face which appeared to glow from within, and a green body.Yesterday's Custom Drapery Installation went without a hitch and then the customer took me out to lunch. Including a Bloody Mary. Nothing scary about that!
A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

...am I blue?

No. I am feeling pretty good. But on this day in 1958, The Smurfs appeared for the first time in the story La flute à six schtroumpfs. Speaking of blue, I am installing Blue and Cream Buffalo Checked Balloon Valances today. After that I will stop by EA's home, shhhhhhh, because it is her Birthday! She will be turning 21 again so alcohol will most definitely be involved in the evening. My Schipperke is on my lap, valiantly trying to add to this blog. If any unsavory words appear, blame it on him please.

"An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one." Charles Cooley

...pollywhat?

Flip Wilson, comedian and a regular on 'Laugh-In' often declared that "the Devil made me do it". On this day in 1843 Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, allegedly received a revelation wherein Jesus Christ proclaimed that anyone who rejected polygamy would suffer damnation and would not "be permitted to enter into my glory". Hmmm. To each his own. I would like to see the day when everyone of legal age is able to obtain a marriage license. Somewhat ironically, on this day in 1979, "Disco Demolition Night" at Comiskey Park Chicago, IL was a promotional event that took place during which a crate filled with records was blown up on the field. The event has been characterized as the "emblematic moment" of the anti-disco "crusade". Shown today, "Straight Valance".

"I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies."
Oscar Wilde

...out of Africa

Oftentimes, people claim that I must have been born under a rock. I have a Birth Certificat that proves otherwise, but I have no memory of that day. On this day in 1997 in London, scientists reported the findings of the DNA analysis of a Neanderthal skeleton which supports the "out of Africa theory" of human evolution placing an "African Eve" at 100,000 to 200,000 years ago. They think that is where all humankind originated. Fine with me, as we are all one anyway. I swear that I found another sister on Friday. We are so similar that we even adopted the same, rare kind of dog. Our skin colors do not match, but so what? Maybe they match more than I have ever imagined. Embrace the day, our differences and keep your eyes opened to the fact that we are more similar than we might think. "Black and White" Powder Room shown today.

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first."
Mark Twain

...ladies first

It is the gentlemanly thing to do, but I am not referring to simple manners today. On this day in 1873, Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote in the 1872 presidential election. Also on this day, but in 1928, Aviator Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly in an aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean. Ms. Earhart was a passenger but that doesn't change the fact that she showed bravery and courage. Later, she was the first woman to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross,awarded for becoming the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
Will you be flying your own plane today? Let's hope so.
Shown today, 'Cloud Valance' because it seemed appropriate.
"There are two kinds of stones, as everyone knows, one of which rolls."
Amelia Earhart

...pot of gold

It's out there for everyone, but I'm not sure what shape it will take for each of us. Maybe it's a great new song, learning how to ride a 2-wheeler or finding a nice, crisp 20 on the ground in the middle of nowhere. On this day in 1869 the largest alluvial gold nugget in history was found in Australia. I always thought that alluvial meant loose and not stuck together, but I digress. Find your pot of gold today and every day, even if it takes the form of tiny pieces or a huge chunk that you get all at once.

"Flat Fold Roman Shade" shown.

"A mask of gold hides all deformities." Thomas Dekker

...let there be light

Our morning walk involved dealt with black ice and lack of light. One smart dog walker had a flashlight in his free hand. Smart fellow. I have no free hand luckily so we felt our way. This time of year, in certain geographic areas, people suffer from a lack of natural sunlight. The easiest way to cure this is to book a flight to somewhere warm and sunny. If you aren't in the mood to fly, stare into a light bulb. On this day in 1883 the first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, built by Thomas Edison, began service at Roselle, New Jersey. Unfortunately it was the first performance of Cirque de Soleil and they should have paid more attention to the location of these wires. The audience was none the wiser tho', as Jacques Deschamps looked as though he was on a trapeze. Have fun today, see the light and avoid electrical wires being used as jump ropes. Talk about light, on this day in 19**( her publicist advised me against using all four digits) Dolly Parton, American singer and the actress, known for her very large uhm, collection of wigs, was born.
"I look just like the girls next door... if you happen to live next door to an amusement park." Dolly Parton

...can you take me high enough?

Just yesterday I was having lunch with M,E,J,G & M W. Part of our discussion was listing retail venues that have gone out of business including Bonwit Teller, Wanamaker's, etc all having been in our own back yards. I learned tho' that Yang Ming, also in our back yard, was voted Best Chinese restaurant in the US, or something like that. That is something to be proud of. On this day in 1983 the tallest department store in the world, Hudson's, the flagship store in downtown Detroit closed due to the high cost of operating.I personally only like to hear success stories, but reality then sinks in. One of my favorite songs is "High Enough" which I have linked in case you need to hear it. Have a great day, don't get too high ( remember Hudson's) and give it your best shot. And like JO said, if there is an irritation in your life, be like an oyster and turn that irritation into a pearl. Good luck with that!

'Pleated Balloon Valance' shown today. Hang it high enough to create a sense of height in your room.

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

...crystal gale

Crystal Gayle is an American country music singer best known for her 1977 country-pop hit, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue". Actually it was the contact lenses. An award-winning singer, she accumulated twenty number one country hits during the 1970s and 1980s. She is also famous for her nearly floor-length hair and was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world in 1983. She is the younger sister of singer Loretta Lynn (19 years younger) and a distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless. Crystal Gayle has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, near Loretta Lynn's star.
On this day in 1880 the Great Gale of 1880 devastated parts of Oregon and Washington with high wind and heavy snow. Chester County, PA has had lots of snow already this year making the green grass white. AA, UD, BJ and GD are in Naples, Florida missing all of the fun! Stay warm, enjoy the changes in season and if you feel the Winter Blues coming on...give one of the aforementioned initials a call. They would be happy to have you.

"On life's vast ocean diversely we sail. Reasons the card, but passion the gale."
Alexander Pope

...Radio City

I have been hearing this catchy, old school-esque song on the radio for quite some time now. It is one that I have to own, called "Forget You". I went onto YouTube to find out who it was, convinced that it sounded like Gnarles Barkley and boy, was I surprised! Gotta love the radio, especially 88.5 WXPN who always play the more unique tracks. Radio Gaga everyone as, on this day in 1932 Radio City Music Hall opened in New York City. Their opening number was not F*ck You tho'. It snowed last evening and we now have a blanket of white over Chester County, PA. The radio sure comes in handy for weather and traffic reports. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Christmas night came and went in a flash. I had a great time, happy that everything was done in a timely fashion. Now, how many days until next Christmas?

"It's not true that I had nothing on. I had the radio on." Marilyn Monroe

....RB and NORAD

Last evening RB was driving with her 2 friends in HB's Volvo. This is not an official report of the accident that ensued, but perhaps one of her friends tried to change the radio station during Mariah Careys "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and RB leaned over to slap her a good one. The car rolled and one of her friends was listed in serious condition. RB chipped a fingernail. Except for the Volvo that rolled over, everyone else survived. Thank God. And Thank God that there is a manicurist open today. On this day in 1955, NORAD Tracked Santa for the first time in what has become an annual Christmas Eve tradition. Can you keep an eye on RB also NORAD? We want everyone to be safe, and that includes goth black nail wearing lovelies.Hug your loved ones. Life tends to happen in a split second. "Bashful" trim shown today. Nothing ironic there!

"How a person masters his fate is more important than what his fate is."
Wilhelm von Humboldt

...living space

Mankind seems to be competitive by nature.There is also a survival instinct inherent in us. I have been noticing over the past couple of years how many people seem to need to shine...sometimes at the expense of others. Are we still in the 'me' generation, no matter our age? The Golden Rule is a simple one in theory, but applying it to every day life is apparently more challenging. Yes, it's a crowded world and we all want our piece of the pie, but please put away the knives, unless you are cutting a piece of your slice of the pie to share with another. make room or share your space. On this day in 1937 Adolf Hitler held a secret meeting and stated his plans for acquiring "living space" for the German people.If you don't know what he meant by 'living space' and is plans to achieve it, Google it some day.
"There's no night without stars."
Andre Norton

...pony up

Deliver the letter, the sooner the better. We are coming up on one of the most popular card giving seasons, and I for one, am thankful for stamps. Email cards are nice, but I would rather send/receive paper ones. It helps to keep Postal Workers employed, and gives those cute ponies a break. I installed the Graber Cellular Shades this past Sunday with the help of 5 year old design assistant Sophie. Everything worked out beautifully. I also had a lesson in the TOP 10 Princesses of all time. We had Thanksgiving Dinner at B and G's home, gathering around a decorated Ping-Pong table, and why not? We almost needed the Postal Service or the Pony Express to deliver simple messages such as, 'please pass the vodka' or salt for those of you who use it. On this day in 1861 The Pony Express officially ceased operations. All of the ponies got jobs at parks and circuses after that and had a real ball. Have fun, work hard and pay of your Credit Card balances every month. That applies to all of you Princesses out there too. "Horse Right" needlepoint pillow shown today.

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

...sun, moon and stars

Tomorrow we will see another full moon. It really sets the stage for Halloween. I packaged the demi lune table late last night.Talk about scary! On this day in 1966 The Supremes became the first all-female music group to attain a No. 1 selling album (The Supremes A' Go-Go). Back to scary. "Devil Woman" was originally recorded by Cliff Richard who gave the song a pop mystery. Later, Cradle of Filth covered it. Sweet dreams! My favorite song at this time of year is the beautiful Kim Carnes with her "Bette Davis Eyes". A little S&M never 'hurt' anyone. "Modern Sun" mirror shown today.

"Oh, don't let's ask for the moon. We've already got the stars." Bette Davis

...let the scares begin

It is almost Halloween! Webbed windows, tombstones and horribly ugly creatures are everywhere! Even at work, let me tell you. Boo! On this day in 1967 a purported bigfoot was filmed by Patterson and Gimlin. Thankfully the duo had cinemascope 'cause that freak was huge. I came home to a bunch of Graber Pleated Shades, all nicely boxed, needlepoint rugs and pillows and a couple of bolts of fabric. Who has time for all of this work when we all work so hard? Make the time. And be thankful for the abundance. And the freaks.

"It's as much fun to be scared as to scare." Vincent Price

...digitalis

Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and biennials that are commonly called foxgloves. It is often prescribed for patients in atrial fibrillation, especially if they have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Some evil people put it in tossed salads to do away with their less than loved ones. "Please pass the Balsamic Vinaigrette" are sometimes the last words uttered from these folks. Speaking of death, on this day in2001 the Polaroid Corporation filed for federal bankruptcy protection. Perhaps not digitalis but digital in general was the cause of their ailments. I used my digital camera yesterday after measuring and choosing a houseful of cellular shades for a great client. They have moved into a home that no longer lends itself to their Farmhouse Country furnishings, some of which I have placed on my website for quick sales. Be good to others, keep the positive energy going and if someone who doesn't have your back offers you a "tossed salad", maybe stick to the soup instead.
"Free men are the strongest men." Wendell Willkie

...petty cash

The fabric for EW is on it's way. A dark ruby red with gold flocking will surely ad richness to her room. Adding Euro shams to the bill was pushing the envelope cost-wise, but I have a few design tricks up my sleeve. Don't fret EW! Some design firms have their decorators fighting for sales and sometimes it can be a wrestling match...especially when a lamp sale has to be broken down and divided in percentages as to who gets 12.234%, who gets 21.75% and so on. Fun times. On this day in 2006, Google Inc. announced it was buying YouTube Inc. for $1.65 billion in a stock deal.Hey guys, add a couple of Euro Shams to that order!
Tomorrow I visit a return client who has purchased a new home after her young husbands untimely passing from cancer. We never know what tomorrow brings y'all, so save the petty for the cash jar.
"Change before you have to." Jack Welch

...communicate

I had many dreams last night, one of which was my Max. Some say that dreams help to relieve the stresses of the day and I won't argue. I do think that sometimes they are something more. I no longer keep a pillow where he used to rest his head and hope that he sleeps peacefully in Heaven. I know that my Mom does. Maybe she is keeping a pillow for him up there.
On this day in 1860 a telegraph line between Los Angeles and San Francisco opened. It made it easier for Lindsay Lohan and the paparazzi to keep in touch when they weren't sharing the same coast. On this day tomorrow it will have been seven years since my Mom's death. I wish they had a telegraph line from here to Heaven, but think of the cost of that cell phone bill!I wanted to continue working on those custom board mounted valances, but the day...and then the night got away from me.
The sun is beginning it's ascent and we have another day. Lucky for us! Make the best of it, keep the lines of communication open and look for other ways to communicate. I do, and it has worked out pretty well over the years.
"Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done."
Louis D. Brandeis

...comfort zone

It is oddly grey and raining in Chester County this morning. I have a fun-filled day ahead and need to pack in as much as I can on my day off. First, a visit to the dentist. Then two design problem calls. One is a huge shade that refuses to cooperate and then it's a huge traverse rod that has the same type of bad attitude. I will fix both 'cause it's my job! Life cannot always be a Norman Rockwell painting. Photo shopping your life tho' can make people think that it is! My favorite Holiday album of all time is Carpenters "Christmas Portrait" and is considered to be one of the best Holiday albums of all time by critics and the popular vote also. Carpenters chose a Rockwell-esque cover for the millions and millions sold album, released in 1978. In 1978 Richard was heavily addicted to quaaludes while Karen was in the beginning throws of Anorexia Nervosa. Their lives were a living hell at the same time they released a magical collection that has stood the test of time. On this day in 1941, Norman Rockwell's Willie Gillis character debuted on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. EW emailed me yesterday and would like to add a Custom Tailored Dust Ruffle and Euro Shams to her bedroom design. I will cross my fingers that the fabric is readily available! Interestingly, when I hit 'spell check' on this blog entry, 'anorexia nervosa' was not in the dictionary. How I wish that it wasn't a necessary addition. Have a great day, be a good person and if things aren't going exactly as you would like them to be going, photo shop; if only for the moment.
"Fortune favors the prepared mind." Louis Pasteur