...sex sells

I was watching the Country Music Awards last evening while folding laundry and noticed that the age old adage 'sex sells' is still true. The visually 'hotter' performers with abs of steel and good bodies got the full camera pan. The others, especially one blonde vocalist, who isn't a size 2 enjoyed her performance while the camera remained on her pretty face only.
On this day in 1927 Mae West was sentenced to 10 days in jail for obscenity for her play Sex. Sex was a 1926 play, written by, and starring, Mae West. It was very popular for about a year before the New York Police Department raided West and her company, charging them with obscenity, despite the fact that 325,000 people had watched it, including members of the police department and their wives, judges of the criminal courts, and seven members of the district attorney’s staff.
West was sentenced to 10 days in jail, getting out two days early for good behavior. The resulting publicity increased her national renown.
Business is good and I hope that everyone out there can report same. My suggestion is, if you want a raise or need to increase sales, forget the typical corporate work garb and sex it up.Men: tight fitting slacks and shirts that show biceps. Women: show that cleavage and please try to wear skirts that barely reach the knee.
I am off to get 4'x 8'plywood and studs to construct tables for a prom with a Jamaican theme. Now, where did I put that G-string? "Sex on the Beach Toile Sex Fabric" shown today.
"A dame that knows the ropes isn't likely to get tied up." Mae West

...where are you going?

"Take a left in one quarter of a mile," my navigation system barks. "Left, now!" Auchtung! I have no sense of direction I hate to admit. When my navigation system isn't playing with me I am fine. When it feels like telling me to travel 6.5 miles in the wrong direction, how would I know? That's why I have the system. People often stop into my shop to ask for directions. Yikes. I can help them with a Poly/Cotton blend in a drapery weight fabric in 54" widths but...so I usually hit Expedia and print out a map for them. Bon Voyage! 'Gordy's Events' wants some of my Regatta fabrics but alas, it is on back order. I will try to 'direct' him to a second choice. He has mapped out a party plan and I intend to help. On this day in 1924 Rand McNally published its first road atlas. I was in my early 20's so it came in handy but not as handy as the navigational system that I call Fiona. When she is on a good mood. Have a good day, stay on track and if you feel confused you know who to ask for direction. And I am not referring to either Expedia, Rand or Fiona. Shown today, "Metal Sailboat." Just don't put it in water for Heaven Sake. It's metal.

"It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go."
Jim Rohn

...real or synthetic?

Hello. A young couple came into the shop yesterday looking for fabric. Embroidered silks are beautiful but almost twice the cost of synthetics. They found an embroidered nylon fabric that looks like silk and seem to be happy. BW just texted me and his Mom is doing better, thank God. There are snow flurries again in Chester County, PA but it's ok. Grey skies give way to sun...at some point. On this day in
1935, DuPont scientist Wallace Carothers invented Nylon. Wow, 75 years ago? Joan Rivers was only 50 then. She wore a polyester pantsuit to the award ceremony. I may be delivering furniture today, but we shall see. Have a great day, keep it real but if you need to be 'synthetic' watch out for the feelings of others that may be affected. Shown today is a nylon embroidered fabric available through me.
"Life must be understood backwards; but... it must be lived forward." Soren Kierkegaard

...know nothing

Actually, we know plenty. The brain is bombarded by, well, it does depend on the particular brain. Information travels at different speeds within different types of neurons. Transmission can be as slow as 0.5 meters/sec or as fast as 120 meters/sec.
Traveling at 120 meters/sec is the same as going 268 miles/hour.That's a lot of information to process while listening to someone babble on about nothing, or trying to drive and yet keep two small boys from beating each other in the back seat. On this day in 1856, the American Party also known as the Know-Nothings, convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to nominate their first Presidential candidate, former President Millard Fillmore. His twin brother was a duck aficionado, named Mallard Fillmore. Final selection has been made on the Carved Settee and I will have it made in a Burgundy Leaf Velvet fabric. Stunning! The large plaid arrived yesterday and tomorrow I pick up six chairs to have recovered. Know nothing? I'd say not! Have a good day and learn more and more. 'Casablanca Mirror' shown today.

"Alimony is like buying hay for a dead horse." Groucho Marx

...olympic feats

Hello. Are you enjoying the Olympics? I haven't had much free time to tune in, as life sometimes gets in the way. I think that they should add another competition to the Olympics; Mom's raising two or more children...at the same time. Just an idea. On this day in 1924, in Miami, Florida, Johnny Weissmuller set a new world record in the 100-yard freestyle swimming competition with a time of 52-2/5 seconds. Joan Rivers was in her late teens, cheering him on from the bleachers. We made another Train Cake last night to lift our spirits, rather than lifting a glass of spirits. I believe that a decision has been made on the Carved Settee, and the plaid fabric from Kravet should arrive today for valances and chair seat covers. The plaid textured sheer is already in but I won't touch it until everything is in place. Can anyone say discontinued? AA and UD are in FLA, RN and RN are battling for life, HB undeservedly lost her job due to an a-hole,and on and on. These are challenging times so please be generous with hugs and positive reinforcement to those near and dear. Even to strangers, but skip the hugs. That could be misconstrued. Enjoy your day, keep the peace and forge ahead. Shown today is a new Sofa Table. If you are watching the Olympics on your sofa and need a place to set your 'herbal tea' buy one from my website.

"Wit is the salt of conversation, not the food." William Hazlitt

...gerrymandering

Hello. There is now more snow covering Chester County, PA this morning. Clever neighbors shovel, creating new and different boundaries from what was once their property lines. I can't blame them. This latest snowfall was heavy! Deliberately modifying where they have to shovel and even where to throw the snow is creative and has been done for years. Gerrymandering is a form of boundary redistricting in which electoral district or constituency boundaries are deliberately modified for electoral purposes, thereby producing a contorted or unusual shape. On this day in 1812, Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry "gerrymanders" for the first time.What a thing to be named after! I need to send out more velvet samples but left the books at my shop. It will have to wait until tomorrow. I have to admit, the landscape is beautiful today. Please remember to fill your bird feeders. Have gun today and if you have to push some boundary lines, do it for positive things. 'Mesh Metal Mirror' shown today. I said mesh, not mush, but that would have been more appropriate.
"He who has great power should use it lightly." Lucius Annaeus Seneca

...common sense

Hi. Common sense is defined as "ordinary good sense or sound practical judgment." Are we born with it or is it learned? If the latter, does everyone learn it? If so does everyone use it? On this day in 1776, Thomas Paine published a pamphlet entitled "Common Sense." It was first published anonymously on January 10, 1776, during the American Revolution. Common Sense, signed "Written by an Englishman", became an immediate success; it had the largest sale and circulation of any book in American history. Common Sense presented the American colonists with a powerful argument for independence from British rule at a time when the question of independence was still undecided. Joan Rivers, a teen at that time, donated her weekends to passing out the pamphlets. A mature person was driving ahead of me on a major road late yesterday and suddenly decided to stop and make a U-turn. Common sense dictated that I turn on my hazard lights to alert those behind me. Instincts told me to lower my driver's side window, flash my middle finger and yell 'get off of the road you stupid f*ck.' I did neither. I did deliver the silk and velvet runners to a delighted client. Have a great day, use your common sense and if you don't have any, learn some.

"Why shouldn't truth be stranger than fiction? Fiction, after all, has to make sense." Mark Twain

...up and down

Hello. There is a light coating of snow on Chester County, PA this morning. It doesn't seem to be stopping anyone and I will know better the road conditions as I go up and down the rolling streets. Sort of like life. Ups and downs. The Wing Chair fabric is in good stock but the website items were unavailable. On this day in 1835 the United States national debt was 0 for the only time. Then, on this day in 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a "War on Poverty" in the U.S. It keeps things interesting. Have you ever had a night when you received so many calls from friends that you couldn't get to all of them? I thought so. Maybe cloning is not such a bad idea...but then, the idea of more than one of me in this Universe would make a decent Stephen King short story. Have fun today, enjoy the up's and persevere through the downs. Another up is on it's way.
"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up." Vince Lombardi

...bank on this

Hi. AD chose two Chippendale chairs late yesterday in a Blue and Cream striae fabric. Good choice! A young couple in MD chose the Welsford Lane Transportable Dining Set via my website. I have a queasy feeling that it is no longer available but will try my best to get them one. The fun part about this profession is the continual dropping of unique items because they are just that...unique. Take that to the bank and the teller will look at you like you have lost your marbles. On this day in 1782 the first American commercial bank, the Bank of North America, opened. They had a drive through window and a young Joan Rivers took the first deposit. Rumor has it that she used her first paycheck to run to the nearest plastic surgeon but I was across the street at the time and cannot verify same. Are unavailable items a bummer for me? Yes, and for the customer. That is part of the industry anymore but we all need to persevere. Have fun today, be wise about money, spend wisely and keep the faith.
"There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way."
Christopher Morley

...are you ready?

Hi. Happy New Year! Two Advil will take care of that. The fireworks went off as scheduled in Chester County, PA but all animals remain nonplussed. A few predictions for this year: a mysterious ring of light will appear to circle the planet earth giving it the appearance as a ring of light surrounding Saturn. A ring around my bathtub will appear after bathing the boys. This mysterious 'ring of light' will have a dramatic impact on the animal kingdom. All of the animals of the planet will start singing in harmony to the same melody. I sure hope it's "Bless The Beasts and Children!" From one end of the globe to the other end - all animals will be effected and they will be howling, cackling, barking, meowing, mooing, whinnying, in harmony to the same melody. On this day in 1925 the American astronomer Edwin Hubble announced the discovery of galaxies outside the Milky Way. No one Snickers!
The 200 dollar per yard silk arrived and I am hesitant to even cut the stuff. Maybe after two Advil. All the best in 2010 everyone! Health, abundance and peace of mind is my wish for this year.
"Fortune favors the prepared mind." Louis Pasteur

...war of the words

Hello. Tonight is Mischief Night here in the United States, a tradition in Canada also. This is a night when the custom is for preteens and teenagers to take a degree of license to play pranks and do mischief to their neighbours. The most common date for mischief night is October 30, the day before Halloween. The event has spread to England, Scotland and Ireland. I find it rude to prank people but did stop by the local supermarket to stock up in paper towels and eggs. Some rather harmless pranks include:
Knocking and tapping on doors and windows
Dabbing objects with whitewash (simply mix flat ceiling paint and water)
Smearing syrup on doorknobs (Karo is best; thick and stays where you smear it)
Tying together adjacent door handles ( use a box knot)
Removing gates from their hinges and depositing them elsewhere
Throwing toilet paper/paper towels at people's homes (paper towels are better when soaked) Throwing eggs at windows
Favorite songs of the time are 'Bette Davis Eyes','Devil Woman','Thriller' and 'Witchy Woman'. A business associate came in wearing the most hideous mask yesterday and it almost stopped my heart. I looked again and was mistaken. There was no mask. Many people were scared almost as much as I was on this day in 1938. Orson Welles broadcast his radio play of H. G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds", causing anxiety and chaos in some of the audience in the United States. See what words can do? Sticks and stones can break your bones, words can do far more emotional damage. I am picking up those custom pillows this evening for a patient and tasteful client. I'd wrap them in paper towels and hurl them at her front door but that may not be a very good idea at this point. Have fun tonight, be careful and watch what you say!
"Chaos is the score upon which reality is written." Henry Miller

JimClarey@msn.com

...Rainy Days and Wednesdays

Hello from a drenched Chester County. We had to walk this morning but all towel dried to keep the beasty flu away. If that indeed helps. Last evening while writing 'Thank You' cards, and blessedly for me I had quite a few to write, an ad for Carpenters 40/40 came on. It brought me back *cough* a few decades and the feeling was magical. They could have used more attractive video clips of Karen who I had met on several occasions and was much more beautiful in person, but it's really all about the music. 40 years later the brother and sister are selling big numbers. What a legacy for Karen and a pot of proverbial gold for Richard. The Roman Shade installation has been postponed again and that may be a good thing. My drapery steamer stopped working this past week and I ordered a new one. Built in obsolescence maybe? Binge drinkers may be interested in knowing that, on this day in 1885 the first porcelain toilet was built. Joan Rivers bought one in Harvest Gold. My Living Room is now stripped of the Brunschwig & Fils concrete block wallpaper that I have loved for over a decade but it is far too daring to leave up to a prospective home buyer so I opted for vapor blue walls. I finished painting late Monday and the boys all have touches of said color on their coats. Speaking of blue, does continual rainfall make you feel that way? Do 'Rainy Days and Mondays' always get you down? I hope not. The line that she sings, 'sometimes I'd like to quit, nothing ever seems to fit' is eerily ironic but she is one amazing vocalist. If you are in the mood, click on this link and listen to Karen Carpenter, in her early 20's, singing this tune. It is as soulful and timeless as it gets. Have a great day, celebrate the porcelain toilet and take time to listen to the music.

"The image we have would be impossible for Mickey Mouse to maintain. We're just... normal people." Karen Carpenter

...still waters run deep

Hello. Saturday afternoon I called on two clients who happened to be neighbors even tho' they didn't know each other. Both appointments were no nonsense, just the way I like it. Saturday evening EA had a dinner party and I think that I can speak for everyone when I say that 'a good time was had by all.' EdA spent quite a bit of time 'in the closet' upstairs screwing and banging while his wife waited patiently downstairs, sipping an amber liquid from a highball glass, refilling it as necessary. Sunday I sanded and inhaled more drywall dust and I now know how crack addicts lungs feel. Sunday afternoon I met with a client who is still pretty much all over the map even showing me a floral fabric and stripe coordinate that she has been holding onto for six years. She had indicated to me 'no more flowers' so we shall see how/if this room design progresses. I took Beau in for his neutering early Monday morning and he was nervous but I knew that I was doing the right thing. When I picked him up at 6 he had major attitude, as I would have, considering the procedure. All is well this morning and the little man doesn't even want his pain meds. I was sent home with pages of instructions, but things aren't always as black and white as they are written. He shows no signs of pain, no after effects and is doing splendidly. Speaking of black and white, on this day in 1951 the "Johnny Bright Incident" occurred in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The "Johnny Bright Incident" was a violent on-field assault against African American player Johnny Bright by White American player Wilbanks Smith during an American college football game. Bright's injury highlighted the racial tensions of the times and assumed notoriety when it was captured in what was later to become a Pulitzer Prize winning photo sequence. I wonder how Johnny felt about that? Thank God in 2009, things have changed. My cat and Schipperke are black, Beau is white and Prince is red and we all get along. I sometimes wish that all humans were color blind. Have a great day and don't let what appears to be a shallow pond fool you. Shown today, black and white toile wallpaper, black and white tailored ballon valance and white sheers. Don't they go great together?

"All the people like us are we, and everyone else is They." Rudyard Kipling

...let them eat brioche

It's raining again in Chester County, PA and we had quite a fire last evening. The first of the season, it dried and warmed an otherwise damp, cold night. I chopped firewood and need to chop a lot more if last night was any indication of the Winter forecast. Sharp instruments are used for more than firewood as we all know. On this day in 1793, Marie Antoinette, wife of Louis XVI, was guillotined at the height of the French Revolution. "Let them eat cake" is the traditional but inaccurate quote associated with Ms. Antoinette and there are no records stating that she, in fact uttered this quote. "Cake" back then was really an egg bread and not a dessert. The quote, as attributed to Marie Antoinette, was claimed to have been shouted during one of the famines that occurred in France during the reign of her husband. Upon being alerted that the people were suffering due to widespread bread shortages, the Queen is said to have replied, "Then let them eat brioche." She could also have said, "let them eat Tasty Cake" but that is probably not accurate either. I am expecting another upholstered chair and ottoman in the next few days and then have to start planning the revamping of a basement. I like turning wasted space into usable square footage; so do clients. Have a great day. I need to get going. Chop, chop!

"Courage! I have shown it for years; think you I shall lose it at the moment when my sufferings are to end?" Marie Antoinette

...whose rights...

Hi. We awoke to a light film of frost this morning as the sun began it's ascent. It was not quite a '3Dog Night' temperature wise, but it certainly was in my bed. A sweet, mature coupe came in via my website to order sunflower border and I found just what they wanted. A business associate who has a tough time remaining 'mum', (pun intended) didn't know that people still like to use borders in certain areas. I have over 200 wallpaper books of which 94% include borders so I cannot help her at this stage of the game. The client was satisfied and that's all that matters. Who's right? Me. Speaking of rights, on this day in 1979 the first Gay Rights March on Washington, D.C. took place, demanding "an end to all social, economic, judicial, and legal oppression of lesbian and gay people." The march drew 200,000 people. Late yesterday I chose a Tapestria fabric for the recovering of 6 Dining Room chairs and found a dark blue diamond pattern fabric for a Box Pleated Valance. This is the third home that I have decorated for the client. Their once infant son is now 24, so please pass the Oil of Olay Night Emergency Under eye cream. And march! Have a great day, stand up for what you believe and demand respect. Also give it when appropriate. Shown: "Dancing Witches Coir Mat." Supposedly a business associate is the second from left but I wasn't there in 1692. Update:Michael Jackson's three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, will appear on the new Jackson reality show, The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty. Yikes. Also, Country ingenue Taylor Swift and dead pop star Michael Jackson led the contenders for the 37th annual American Music Awards, and will both vie for the artist of the year prize, organizers said on Tuesday. "Billboard Magazine"

"Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment." Rita Mae Brown

...studs on fire...

Hello. On this crisp, cool October morning in Chester County, PA we got a whiff of someone burning a fire. This scent fits perfectly with the colder mornings and turning leaves. I needed new bags for my ShopVac so visited my local (cocoon) Sears Hardware and was greeted with decorated Christmas Trees and shelves full of lights and decorations. The Holidays can never come too early for me. How about for you? On this day in 1903, Victor Herbert's "Babes in Toyland," premiered in New York City. We all know that "Babes in Toyland" is an operetta composed by Victor Herbert and Glen MacDonough, which melded various characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes into a Christmas-themed musical extravaganza. That MacDonough was savvy as he wanted to cash in on the extraordinary success of The Wizard of Oz, on which he had assisted. Two classic compositions have stood the test of time as "Toyland" and "March of the Toys" occasionally show up on Christmas compilations. My soffit revision is almost finished. Thoughtful and caring, I measured and cut most of the studs at work. The builder didn't drywall underneath the soffits so happily I had to cut 17 studs, cut drywall and then tape and plaster more than I had anticipated. Turns out that neighbors on both sides of me have been ill for a few days. All they needed to hear was the sound of many studs through my walls! That could have been better stated. I saved the remnants of all stud pieces and will burn them on the first cold evening, when time allows. One three yard piece of cording is back ordered and that holds up an entire order but patience is a virtue right? I never claimed to be a virtuous person. Have fun today and be open to the change of season and all of the great things that Autumn has to offer. Life also, for that matter. "Box Pleated Valance" shown.

"Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing." Salvador Dali

...drapery side panel sale...

Custom side panels and hardware sale! Cotton Duck, Linen Blends, Satins, Silks and Textured Solids. A 24" one width finished pleated panel up to 144" long is only$145.00 - $205.00, a 72" three width pair are only $435.00-$614.00 depending on the selected face fabric. Up to 90" long, $134.00-$403.00, up to 120" long $170.00-$510.00. These panels are lined, double turned with blind stitched side and bottom hems, weighted on the corners and prepinned. Nothing cheap about the quality, just the price. Add tiebacks for only $17.00 each. Interlining is available for $62.00 and $186.00 respectively. Ask for Jim. (610) 322-6081 If you need drapery hardware, that is also specially priced. Metal rods with decorative finials and brackets only $55.00 for up to 48" in width. A custom look for a 'ready made' price. http://www.allthroughthehouseinc.com/

...Harvest Moon 2009...

Good day. It is cool and not very sunny in Chester County this morning. The fog lifted earlier but it is raining lightly. A furniture delivery came yesterday not as scheduled so I (and the dogs) had to run into work to receive it. Everything is correct so no harm, no foul. Speaking of foul, on this day in 1887 the first game of softball was played in Chicago, Illinois. My design friend sold four different fabrics yesterday and only one is available so I will stop by her studio on my way into work to see if I can help. I know how disappointing it is. Tomorrow is the full Harvest moon and I hope that the clouds will lift so that we can all enjoy it. I have added some seasonal accessories onto my website, and a bunch of new Sink Cabinets and Hand painted Chests. I stopped into Kmart to grab light bulbs and some bird seed and saw that many of the Christmas decorations and trees were being prepped for display. Um, yikes... but I digress. The Full Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. In two years out of three, the Harvest Moon comes in September, but in some years it occurs in October. At the peak of harvest, farmers can work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice are now ready for gathering. Unlike the farmers and the Indians, we can conveniently stop by our local produce stand or grocery store and gather what we need. Live in abundance which can be defined in many ways and have a great day.

http://www.allthroughthehouseinc.com/

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant." Robert Louis Stevenson

...do little...

Hi. Most of us have a lot to do every day and sometimes it is hard to keep everything running smoothly. I am lucky to have been born with an excellent memory, (thanks God!) which can be a blessing and a curse. The shop next to me asked for my cell number and I got most of it right. Have you ever done that? I can't take responsibility for doing little, perhaps at times, too much. Last evening at dinner hour, a client called and we tried to talk over the cat making his dinner demands while the three dogs barked in excitement for their somewhat new antioxidant dinner blend. I mentioned to the client that I must sound like Dr. Dolittle and she replied, 'Oh, I know all about you Jim." All? Yikes. On this day in 1929, Jimmy Dolittle performed the first blind flight from Mitchel Field, proving that full Instrument flying from take off to landing was possible. His fictitious brother, Doctor John Dolittle is the central character of a series of children's books by Hugh Lofting. He is a doctor who shuns human patients in favour of animals, with whom he can speak in their own languages. He later becomes a naturalist, using his abilities to speak with animals to better understand nature and the history of the world. I love it. Hit this link for a 'groovy, hip' rendition of the classic song. You may need to get your Go Go boots out of the mothballs also. Just an idea. The bar stools are supposed to be delivered today and the Laura Ashley drapery fabric is en route. A client in TN ordered some of my hand painted ceramic tassels and they should arrive shortly also. I like the 'Pearly Girly Pink Ceramic Tassels" the best and, well, you know. Have a great day, do a lot and let's thank both Jimmy and Doctor Dolittle for doing so much. Pictured today is a sort of 'cross section' of how my upholstered chairs are constructed. Talk about doing a lot.

"It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can." Sydney Smith

...marathon...

Hello. The Greeff, Fabricut and Robert Allen fabrics and trims were all available yesterday so the day's marathon got off to a good start. The Kravet drapery weight fabric for SB is in good stock also which will make her 8-10 week proposed delivery time much less than that. My bar stool order is scheduled to arrive tomorrow which again will make people happy. I hope they didn't put off cocktail hour until they arrived! Along with the Barakat family, please say some prayers/positive messages or whatever you can to do in a good way to help out M and H who both need a helping hand/paw. Life is like a marathon at times with so much happening all at once. Maybe that's why God gave humans the intelligence to invent energy drinks and Vodka. Marathonwise, on this day in 1968, 60 Minutes debuted on CBS TV and it currently holds the record for the longest continuously running program of any genre scheduled during American network prime time. Most everyone knows the sound of the ticking clock, comfort to some and like Chinese water torture to others. I rarely have the time to watch TV but like to know it's there, just in case. K&S Auto is awesome like I have said numerous times, and I will say it again for anyone who needs expert, professional, honest vehicle care. Especially those of us with all of those computers under the hood. It is also not a great idea to make a U-Turn on Route 30 in Malvern and rapid speed when one sees a line of cars stopped in the distance. Hang tough B, M, E, H, P, J and everyone else. I have one 'Large Grand Estate Tray' left. Tick, tock, tick, tock... Marathon Men/Women

"I always say if the marathon is a part-time interest, you will only get part-time results." Bill Rodgers