...the sound of silence...

Hello! Today is crisp, clear and sunny in Chester County, PA. We went to the park which, for the last couple of days, has included my 5 year old nephew who is a great help with the dogs. He too appreciates silence and commented on it at the serene park. We had a very nice Thanksgiving making sure to spend the day only around those that we enjoy being around...unfortunately those types outweigh the weirdos so we couldn't see everyone that we wanted to. We hit Black Friday Morning with a vengeance but only to experience it so no stress was involved. Today I have a wedding in Baltimore and will leave here shortly. I am looking forward to seeing many nice people. Late yesterday I finished a project and am very happy with the results. I also had 'phone day' and am again reminded of just how many great people I have in my life. This fact is making it harder and harder to give time to and/or tolerate those few who don't fit into this category. I guess with age comes a selective quality in people and with so little free time we need to be protective of it and just enjoy the sound of silence. I pretty much have the 'Chipmunks' DVD memorized and actually like it a lot. The vocals are somewhat 'ABBA-esque'. The Holiday CD's and albums are also in full swing at my place as I am sure they are in many others and we can thank Thomas Edison for this, who demonstrated his phonograph for the first time on this day in 1877. Thank you Mr. Edison! I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and realize that even with the s*it, seek the things for which you give thanks. Don't let negative people suck your energy, just keep the at arms length and keep striving for a great life. Have a nice one. Today's photo is of a brand new Candlelight Writing Desk that arrived at my shop late Wednesday!

...home is where the heart is...

They began work on the facades in my development early this morning. Many were upset as they didn't have to go in today and the maintenance workers spoke loudly and laughed. I waved as I had been up since 4:35 and they looked a bit disappointed and surprisingly quieted down. Hmmmm. No harm, no 'foul'. Brilliant segue! On this day in 1789 National Thanksgiving Day was observed in the United States as recommended by President George Washington and approved by Congress. Nice to see Congress approving such a loving and sensible thing. Did you know that Washington was monied? He was also (supposedly, as I wasn't there) fastidious about his clothing even tho' most soldier's bathed and cleaned clothes very sporadically. ..ugh...Friends are coming over this evening, not for Thanksgiving per se, but in a way just to hang and show why we're thankful. Tomorrow I have a few stops and all are home 'cause home is where the heart is, not simply the walls that the mortgage pays for. Of course I am thankful for those walls, mind you! Even when they are being repaired early in the morning. I did my annual tie the wreath to my front grill a few days ago it's great how driver's coming at me tend to smile. One gave me the finger and I wonder what makes one look over to see either a smile or a finger? It's not like I look at oncoming drivers as a rule. As long as they are on their side of the road I honestly don't care. Back when I was young I had a Red Jeep and somehow I rigged the wreath to light up when the thing was running. I don't remember how I wired it and maybe that's for the best. I was planning on going to the big park today but the accessory freight truck will be at my shop this morning and that comes first. I had better get hopping, and I hope that tomorrow brings relaxation and warm feelings for everyone. Take the time to sit down and relax and give thanks for what we do have and not dwell on what we don't. Unless it's illness or a pain in the neck and in that case again be thankful. Today I show a small footstool. I received one yesterday that I ordered in muslin, (not a religion, a fabric) with unfinished legs that I will upholster myself after I faux the legs in a green and cream fashion. Have a great day.

...get a bang out of this!

Good almost afternoon everyone! Where did the morning go? Oh, yeah. I had to take a drug test for a job that I am trying to get and it is a first. I'm thrilled to report that yesterday a very nice friend fed me bagels with sesame seeds. What timing! At least it wasn't covered in Poppy seeds. Can anyone say heroin? Heroine perhaps. I thought you'd get a bang out of that tidbit of information! You may get a bank out of this also. On this day in 1867 Alfred Nobel patented dynamite. I have been trying to find a reasonable shipping rate for a very nice woman in Houston who desperately wants to purchase two of my Red Tufted Chairs. If she wanted four it is easy as they could be drop shipped and the cost is almost half! Go figure...which I have been for quite a while now. My accessory delivery should be today as the large FedEx freighter is looking nearby. I will post the new accessories as soon as I inspect and photograph them. They will be beautiful, I am sure of that. So is a combination of Black and White when made into rather intricate window treatments. I doubt that I will see red when I am finished, but I might. Oh, button that lip! I was planning on picking up a slightly damaged desk this afternoon but it seems that I may need to go through rigorous testing just to collect the darned thing! Maybe another pee test perhaps? Yikes. What an odd day, but a good one. I am actually looking forward to the gym this afternoon as I haven't been there in almost three days. There goes the phone. Today is a short blog day. Maybe I will write more later. Have a great day. Today's photo is of a new Bhutan Lamp that is on my website.

...you turkey!

Hello! It is a peaceful Sunday morning here in Chester County, PA. I walked the dogs at our own pace and enjoyed the solitude. Yesterday was a series of trying to get things accomplished in an efficient manner while no one seemed to be on my schedule. How selfish, you say? Some days are like that but this one was a constant barrage of people wanting to chat. In a way I am lucky but in another way it is stressful. I'm sure that everyone experiences days like these. I hung up on one dame who kept talking politics even when I said I had to go. She didn't listen, so neither did I. Respect goes both ways, ya know! Miraculously I got home in time from the shop to walk and feed the animals, grab what I baked the night before, go back to pick up friends and then make it to Perkasie, PA in time for Thanksgiving Dinner. I drove and am somewhat fast but safe. We had the radio on and 90.1 here in PA had a countdown of the best vocalists in history. It was fun although I still have yet to learn who compiled the list. Leave it to the music tho'. Those San Franciscans really have been ahead of their time for many years. On this day in 1889 the first jukebox went into operation at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco. My guess is that they had the usual 'Funky Town', 'New York, New York', 'Turkey In The Straw' and a couple of dance tunes but I could be wrong. The ride was quick and pleasant and once there I had a chance to relax. I bond well with R and it reminds me that there is something out there much larger than me. One of the guests kept drinking tonic water and I know that feeling well although my drink of choice is fat free milk. What a party animal! But I did have to drive and have a lot to do today as well, so I didn't need anything to take the edge off of my mind. I joked with that guest a few times, even made a 'funny' comment as I exited using air quotes to tell this person to enjoy the 'tonic water'. Not until we were all back in the car heading home did I learn that the guest is a recovering alcoholic. Every party needs someone like me, eh? I had arrived at my shop a little late yesterday morning and a sweet couple was waiting in the frigid temperatures and I felt bad as I am never late and no one is ever at the shop at 9 on a Saturday anyway. Gobble, gobble. They found some in stock wallpaper and borders and left happy. While there the woman laughed at me while I tried to answer the store land line going from one phone to the other and getting no connection. A few minutes later an exasperated lady from Houston called back thinking that I had intentionally hung up on her. The day went pretty much like that. But last night around 7 pm as I threw the Hot Potato, got bonked in the nose by a small but hard head, unknowingly teased an alcoholic about drinking habits and communicated with a very special child, I felt thankful. Have a great day everyone and if I don't make much sense today, I understand. Blame it on the turkey.

...do you see what I see?

Hello. It is clear and cold today in Chester County, PA. There is a firing range very near home and on weekends it sounds almost too close for comfort. Yesterday on my way into work I took the usual scenic twisty road that passes a creek and waterfall. It was even more beautiful with the snow and I loved it. A funeral procession passed me going the other direction and as I approached the one lane bridge a black cat crossed my path. But I continued onward! I finally reached the end of the quaint road which intersects with a major road and that road was bumper to bumper; a literal standstill. So I went back from whence I came and got to work in fine time. This morning as I walked the boys we again had the park to ourselves. But wait! Not entirely to ourselves. A beautiful buck ran past, stopped for a moment and we said 'hi'. Oddly none of the dogs uttered a sound. The buck then proceeded to run across the nearest street with a car approaching at a fast pace. I yelled 'watch out' which probably fell on deaf ears as no one with a lick of sense would have a window open in this cold. But the driver did hear me. The car missed the buck and I felt such a sense of relief. Not so lucky occurred on this day in 1963. In Dallas, John F. Kennedy was killed and Governor John B. Connaly was seriously wounded by an assassin, identified as Lee Harvey Oswald, who was later captured and charged with the murder of police officer J.D Tippit. (who's name sounds like an author and I mean no disrespect) That same day, US Vice-President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States. The teal fabric and lining arrived late yesterday and the runners are back from the binder. This afternoon is over the river and through the woods...but not to Grandmother's House. Friends are having Thanksgiving Dinner and it will be great. I bore you people regularly with how thankful I am for my friends and 'stuff' but I really am. Have a great day, keep your eyes open and please don't ignore the signs. Also, if you go anywhere this Holiday Season remember not to go empty handed! I am bringing a home baked (Marie Calendar's) Pumpkin Pie! If you are so inclined, bake something too! Shown are copper pots.

...inspiration...

Oh the weather outsides delightful! It is snowing here in Chester County, PA and everything looks beautiful. Unfortunately weather forecasters are not calling for any significant amount, but just seeing it fall is a welcome sight. I put my multi-celebratory tree up a few weeks ago and am glad that I continually rush the holiday(s) season. Tomorrow after work I am officially beginning my Thanksgiving Holiday as friends in Perkasie, PA are having their annual dinner. I will bring a pie! That should garner more than a few laughs...but seriously, my friend AL taught me years ago how to bake a Pecan Pie and it is about as easy as toasting bread. And it tastes a whole lot better. I know that we are in the Gregorian Calendar and have been ever since Ed McMahon was born or maybe even further back, but on this day in 1620, according to the Julian Calendar, Plymouth Colony settlers signed the Mayflower Compact. That would make a great name for make-up! Are you listening Cover Girl? The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony. It was written by the Separatists later known as the Pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower, seeking the freedom to practice Christianity according to their own determination. Think for a moment how daring and brave that was! Is that moment up? Ok, I will continue...There must be something in the planet alignment on November 21st because a few more momentous things occurred. In 1783 the first non-tethered Hot Air Balloon flight took place. Wheee! In 1789 North Carolina became the 12th United State, in 1877 Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph, in 1905 Albert Einstein's paper discussing E=MC2 was published, in 1922 Rebecca Felton became the first female U.S Senator, and in 1995 the Dow Jones closed above 5000 for the first time. I closed at 2 thirty yesterday because I had a client interview, but that pales in comparison to other historical facts. I placed the accessory order and aside from one declined credit card, the order is a success. The carpet for K and M is being bound as I type and I plan on picking up a desk either today or early tomorrow morning and I can't wait. My intention is to sell it, but I will look at it until that happens. B and G leave for Florida on Monday and I will miss them. I am also a little green but am happy that they can be bi-stately in their living arrangements. I think that I am going to Bethlehem on Sunday but will pick up the phone and make sure later today. Have a great day and I hope it is snowing where you are also!

...greetings...

Good day! It feels like Winter here in Chester County, PA. If I can stay at home for an evening I plan on making a roaring fire, but that will have to wait. I had a real nice talk with a client who has come back into my life. I think we get along so well because I can take her at face value. She is real, honest, direct and not at all about manipulation, trickery and lies. I find that to be rare in humans, not to get all negative here. I do have more than a handful of people in my life who fit the former description and I count myself lucky. As we all know, it gets tiring having to watch one's back all of the time when people who aren't so honest and direct come into our circles. Last night three of us went out to dinner and afterwards two of us had a great, honest talk. I mostly listened, as a good friend does and hope that my attention helped. The subject was, again, about honesty and in particular, how a person represents himself. It is a very telling trait. On of my favorite movies was, and is entitled 'The Children's Hour' and I first saw it many, many years ago. I still rent it on occasion today. The acting is superb and was written by the woman who also wrote 'Little Women'. Perhaps you've heard of that one. It was made into a movie from the team that I mentioned in yesterday's blog. "The story is not about lesbians," Hellman explained to Samuel Goldwyn's story editor, who wanted to buy the screen rights of the play. "It's about the power of a lie." Despite the controversial theme, the play ran on Broadway for nearly 700 performances. The premiere of this play occurred on this day in New York City in 1934. If you have never seen it, I highly recommend it. You may want to smack the little b*tch who plays the tattle-tale in the mouth, but keep repeating to yourself...it's only a movie, it's only a movie. I am in association with someone who tattles on a regular basis and cannot understand the reason why. I am sure that many people are confronted with that and it is a shame. What isn't a shame are the new Robert Allen drapery weight fabric books. Even though they didn't make a black volume, the line is well done. I also received many new wallpaper samples and I will begin downloading them onto my website depending on how much attention may be sucked out of me today. If not during the day, then in the wee hours of the night. Have a great day everyone. I have at least one Guardian Angel looking after me and hope that you do too!

...smoke and mirrors...

Brrr. It is getting colder here in Chester County, PA but is to be expected. I can keep the inside warm and look out at the bright sunshine but that make believe is short lived once I step outside. I had to bring paperwork home last evening as a business associate continually talked, interrupted and did strange things to garner as much attention as possible, thus making for a long day! I guess that many people live with smoke and mirrors and have a need to pretend. On this day in 1990, pop group Milli Vanilli were stripped of their Grammy Award because the 'vocal' duo did not sing at all on the album "Girl You Know It's True'. Session musicians had provided all the vocals. The boys were pretty enough and had great hair extensions from what I remember, but... I had a couple of 'declined' credit cards this week and it's only Wednesday! I wonder if that has anything to do with the economy because I sure haven't felt any downward spiral, thankfully. And I can't remember the last time someones credit card would not go through. Thankfully also, I accept personal checks!

This afternoon a friend and I will select an area rug or two and then go out to dinner. I have been hanging wallpaper and fauxing her walls and it is really looking great. She is a wine aficionado and almost has a wine tasting room finished. The floor has to be laid and a few details completed and then she will have a party on 12/27. I am in the midst of painting and making new seat cushions for two ladder back chairs for another client and they are turning out very nicely. Back to smoke and mirrors... One of the biggest form of smoke and mirrors is the entertainment industry and on this day in 1916 Samuel Goldwyn and Edger Selwyn established Goldwyn Pictures (the company later became one of the most successful independent filmmakers). Why it wasn't named Selwyn Pictures is beyond me, but that's for those two to figure out. At least they didn't name it Milli Vanilli. Have a great day, don't take any crap and in a world of scripted 'reality' shows, let's do our best to truly keep it real. *waves energetically to KKK which is not the bigoted group, but my wonderful niece*

...kiss and Tell...

Good day all! We just got back from our walk and it was great. It is crisp and cold with some frost here and there and the park looked magnificent. Several people were there so we stopped and chatted a few times with C doing most of the talking. Last evening I did more of that Venetian Faux Finish after I met with a client early in the day to choose drapery panels and hang several mirrors. We made a reflection wall and now his/her beautiful back yard looks like it is right in the Family Room. Success. They have a beautiful apple tree in the back yard and a creek running through their property which makes the whole scene very picturesque. I had to stay on my toes and keep extremely focused as the morning's client has a Maine Coon who is adventurous but not necessarily agile. As I was leaving Haverford my cell rang and it was another client who happened to be in Haverford so we met for lunch and it was great to see her, and the timing was perfect. I go to their home often as their son is a grillmeister. Sadly, their housemate Fritz died suddenly of an aneurysm. He was so big and full of life that it's hard to imagine him gone. If there is a silver lining to autism, it is the lack of interpersonal closeness so their son did not grieve and feel the loss as so many would. He is the apple of their eye as he should be. Have a seat if you'd like on the Chippendale Small Upholstered Stool shown in today's photo. I sold another Dodge City Clock to a gal in Dodge City via my website and two area rugs to another gal in Greensboro. People seem to zero in on my website for which I am very grateful. Speaking of apples and focus, on this day in 1307 (according to legend) , William Tell had to shoot an apple off of his son's head. This was his punishment for not bowing in front of a stick with some pompous jerks ( the newly appointed Volt of Altdorf's) hat on it. As legend has it, Tell was successful in his marksmanship. Supposedly when asked why Tell had TWO arrows in his quiver, his reply was that if he had missed and killed his son, he would have shot the Volt! He sounds like the kind of guy to invite to a dinner party. I like his style. Apple Pie anyone? I need to order fabric today in a teal faille and hope the entire day is a great one for me, you and apples everywhere.

...radio gaga...

Greetings. It's that time of year! Well, seems that it became that time of year a couple of weeks ago. Holiday songs started playing on the radio and bring to me a sense of comfort. I remember back in the mid 70's having a green globular transistor radio and keeping it with me whenever I could. I remember laying in bed one evening when I first heard the latest single from 'Carpenters' and can still revive the special feeling derived from that moment. A few years later I was in college and AM radio was considered laughable, unsophisticated and non-hip. I remember even way back then not giving a s*it what people thought. Today, when some need the TV on or have the need to talk constantly to fill empty space, I prefer music on the radio, or silence if no radio is available. Not talking heads (or talking mouths as I am discussing a non-visual medium), but music. It still brings me a sense of comfort, unless of course the track is really bad. Some cringe and complain that radio offers nothing good anymore and that all we hear is radio ga ga but I disagree. Thankfully we have a choice and wouldn't have if it weren't for this day in 1926 when NBC Radio began broadcasting on 24 stations. No, I wasn't there but can somewhat imagine how exciting it was. Another exciting moment occurred when I went to place a shade order in 'amber' and learned that it was NOT discontinued! Well, glory be. The client needs nine of them and with the amber walls and chalk white satin wood mouldings, the room will be a knockout. My nephew is coming this afternoon with my sister and we will plan a fun-filled evening of games, a nature walk if Ma Nature complies, possibly a dinner party with age appropriate guests and who knows what else... A business associate drove backwards yesterday and parked in front of the shop backwards and it was the first time in seventeen years that the particular business associate did that. Will wonders never cease? It is raining today and I have shop hours, but I really hope that the weather clears soon. At least it is very warm, and that I love. Well it is time for me to get ready for work. WXPN is part of my morning routine and am thankful that enough people contribute to that station to keep it alive. Maybe not since 1926, and maybe no a lot of ga ga, but it suits me to a key! Iron Scrollwork Rectangular Mirror shown...

...road tripping...

Good day! It is again raining but nice and warm here in Chester County, PA. Yesterday was a wonderful, productive day and I got so much done. I was pretty sure that I didn't have to babysit and it turned out to be true. My time remains so much more open when I don't have to place constant attention on those tiny minds! No offense to the small minded of course! Speaking of which, I have some heartbreaking news to report. Focus On The Family, who generously spent a half of a million dollars fighting to pass Proposition 8 in California is announcing layoffs...as many as 46 employees in their 1200 member company. At least they spent all of that money focusing on the families! I measured in the morning after walking the boys, met with reps in peace and had virtually no interruptions, scaled and priced a new window treatment job, went to the gym and then met friends for dinner. It was refreshing that I didn't have to bring the paperwork home and do that late at night for a change so I was very satisfied. The early morning appointment led me to a great gal who has a dream to travel once her child is out of school and that will be in a few short years. She feels somewhat trapped and I wished her the best and suggested that she begin planning now. Why not? I believe that the more one visualizes things the more apt they are to put them in motion. I do it all of the time, and I mean several times in one day. Creative visualization is key if one also works hard and doesn't wait for things to fall into their lap. It is also important to keep negative people away as they are like bats, attracted to the light. No offense to bats, of course. So far the lightening bolt hasn't struck but many other things have come to fruition. So travel I say! As did Nelly Bly on this day in 1889. The journalist (aka Elizabeth Cochrane) began a successful attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days. She completed the trip in seventy-two days. Astute and creative journalist that she was, Ms. Bly also faked insanity to study a mental hospital from within. I may know someone who does that on a daily basis, but the jury is still out on that one! My plan for today is to put another accessory order together as I sold another Rooster and more of those ceramic tassels from my website at some point during the night. I will add some reasonably priced gift items to that order as many are not in the mood to do all of their stocking stuffers from Tiffany and Co. My nephew was ill last weekend and I think he may be coming this weekend if he is up for it. I may have plans to visit AA and UD also and friends are coming down from Perkasie either Saturday or Sunday so I will be as flexible as possible. Oh, yeah. I also ordered lighting fixtures for one of my best friends who began as strictly a client and has become so much more. She doesn't read my blog so I am not trying to score points here. Have a great day and if anyone reading this feels trapped, (and my guess is that we all do to some degree), visualize a small change. Heck, if someone who changed her name to NELLY can do it, we all sure can! Wink. My friend EA is having her annual company Holiday Party on 12/5 so today's photo is appropriate. They are named Ceramic Painted Tipsy Trees, but don't worry. I have already been assigned designated chauffeur. Have a great day. And if you feel trapped, put some peanut butter in that trap and get someone else to take the bait! It may be a perfect setting for someone else even if it doesn't fit you and we only have one life to live! Or two, or three...

---tunnel vision...

Hello! If you want to know the weather forecast for Chester County today, read yesterday's blog. Speaking of yesterday,work was bizarre as a business associate revealed to me that this person cannot back up a car and has had three major accidents due to this fact. Oddly, this person has never had a car accident due to backing up! *start chilling scary sounds* This revelation was made after I suggested that this person bring their car to the store's front door to make it easier for me to load it, which would have required backing up. Not sure how this person left the parking lot yesterday... Tunnel Vision is loss of vision in one's periphery so if you are backing up, in large crowds or watching so that someone doesn't stab you in the back, tunnel vision would be an awful thing to suffer from. Last evening I stopped over at a client's home, stain varnished an old trunk and finalized the carpet selection for their foyer stairway and upper hall. It is a carpet by Masland called 'Seurat; Butter' and is a dense, dotted carpet very similar to one made by Webster Carpets. I tried my damnedest to sell the Webster brand but the color simply wasn't available. I will next time tho' as reps from both vendors are awesome people. I received needlepoint pillows and ceramic tassels also yesterday from my website and shipped all items out as soon as I received them. The furniture truck arrived just as a carpet rep arrived and I unloaded a Camel back Sofa and a Cordovan Velvet Lounge Chair. The lounge chair finish was called 'Aspen' but looked nothing like what the fabricator shows in the sample book which is distressed cherry with an overlay of white, alas 'Aspen'. I called customer service to explain my dilemma and apparently that department has been misnamed. I fauxed the frame and legs myself, it looks excellent, I delivered it and all is well. Except for the slight lack of customer service on their end...but never from mine. This morning I visit a long term client and my shop hours should be productive as I don't think that I have to babysit. I had better get ready so I will cut this blog short. Have a great day, especially those in the NJ-NY area who have to commute to work, 'cause speaking of Tunnels on this day in 1927 the Holland Tunnel opened to traffic as the first Hudson Bay vehicular tunnel which links New Jersey to New York City. Shown today is a large entertainment stand, perfect for flat screen televisions and staying in bed. The remote controls work from the pillow vantage point, so no unnecessary getting up to change a channel is required.

...to go, please...

Good day! (Let's hope so...) I hung wallpaper again last evening and did a Venetian faux on the angled wall above the paper. It is looking rather posh and Old World if I do say so myself. This afternoon I am receiving some upholstered pieces and am happy that the delivery service calls in advance. Very nice! EA gave the boys Dental Bones and not the green ones that are dangerous. They were in Heaven, clicking and chewing away into the wee hours of the night. I will remember the next time to give them those treats as I leave for work. *yawn* The gym last evening was packed at the same hour that I always go when it is relatively empty. This always occurs the first week of the (resolution time) New Year, but not at this time of year. Maybe people are taking advantage of 'to go' windows and need to get off of their proverbial butts and work off some of those sitting calories. I am all for convenience, although I am not a drive through food kinda guy. I never have been. I do make an exception tho' in regard to banking. I cannot remember the last time that I walked into a bank; I always use the drive-in window. Chicago again takes the lead as on this day in 1946 a branch of the Exchange National Bank in Illinois opened the first drive up teller windows. And they started with ten of 'em. "I'll take one of each, please~! Ones, fives, tens... they all look so good." I am now searching for a large piece to go under a large flat screen TV and want something linear and streamline. They are calling for rain here in Chester County, PA all day today and into the evening. Maybe wax will fall from the sky afterwards and my black truck will gleem. Well, I had better run and grab my mallet. I think I will knock a huge hole in the wall at my shop so people can do the drive through thing! Hopefully the neighbors to my left and to my right won't mind. Have a great topiary everyone.

...freedom...

Greetings everyone! It is chilly and sunny today in Chester County, PA. The boys had their coats on for the first time this season and now look forward to this transition rather than nipping at me when I try to dress them. They used to try to escape the 'persecution' until they realized that I was only trying to make them feel more comfortable. The citizens of Plymouth had similar feelings but not because I was trying to dress them! Although many settlers of Jamestown, MA were entrepreneurs, some settlers of Plymouth were fleeing religious persecution and wanted to find a place where they could worship God freely and as they saw fit. History repeats itself, doesn't it! Find your freedom people even when those scoff at you. Who cares about them! The social and legal systems of the colony were closely tied to their religious beliefs. Our tradition known as Thanksgiving and the monument known as Plymouth Rock stems from this brief but very important period of history. The harbor, by the way, is an amazingly diverse and productive habitat. (That is intended to be taken in different ways as I am not simply referring to the seafood.) I digress. Anyway, on this day in 1620 in what is now Provincetown Harbor near Cape Cod, the Mayflower Compact was signed on the Mayflower, establishing the basic laws for the Plymouth Colony. I installed box plated valances, lined side panels and balloon shades yesterday in a color palette of taupe and vapor blue much to the delight of the client. She then made lunch and it was a great day. I got home in time to walk the boys, feed and water them and run out to meet friends for dinner. All in all an A+ day for those who need to assign a grade to an event. I hope that everyone has a Grade A+ day today and my thoughts are with D and M and all of their family and friends who are grieving the loss of their Mom who passed a few days ago. She suffered for quite a long while but wasn't the type to whine. She has found freedom from her pain now! Talk about Grade A+. That woman was (is) strong, no nonsense, great eye for design and a totally awesome person. She and her family are pretty much the epitome of MA.

...games people play...

Good day all! It is a sunny, crisp morning here in Chester County, PA. I am supposed to install a full day's worth of drapery beginning in about an hour and wish that I had slept a little better last night. Even after our wonderful walk this morning, the dogs are also beat. It was game playing night and many people were on my phone and visiting in person and although I wasn't totally in the spotlight I did receive a lot of residual and peripheral playing cards. None of them must have read my blog entitled ' ...listen up...' which apparently is a lost art form. I did great though, but not as good as Knute Rockne who, on this day in 1928, playing against Army at Yankee Stadium, gave what is considered the greatest locker room speech of all time by saying "Win one for the Gipper." The Fighting Irish would win the game 12-6. I found bar stools from a new vendor yesterday morning of all days and it was great because I have done much smaller jobs which took a lot more time so it feels terrific. I will be in a sea of tan, chocolate and teal fabric today so wish me luck. Hi ak...hope WC is treating you and Z great. Have a great day everyone and beware of players!

...I can almost see land...

Good sunny day everyone! Last evening was a total change of plans as both my nephew and the hostess of the scheduled dinner party fell ill. He was pretty disappointed so we made plans for the following weekend. I am still adjusting to the light change as many of you probably are too. I was walking the boys by the creek and at some points it is so dark that I can't see land. They guide me when they aren't playing Cat's Cradle with their leashes. Little varmints! Someone from a far off state found my website and ordered the Centerpiece for their Thanksgiving Table. In a small way I am now part of their annual tradition...that is if they use it every year. I also have to make a trip to Yankee Candle and get some season specific scents and may do that today if I solve the speaker dilemma in time. The far rear ones seem to work intermittently so I think I may have a wire crossed. If I look closely I will figure it out. Speaking of looking closely, on this day in 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower sight land at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. How cool. What a great place to land. If you haven't visited yet it is quite a beautiful spot. My friend AL lived there for many years and when I was younger my friend KC and I would drive up there to vacation...never knowing that in several years it would be one of the few states open to gay marriages. I am off to do as much as possible today, hopefully some of it outside. Have a great day and keep your eyes open for a new discovery.

...listen up...

I had dinner with a friend last night and we were discussing how few people really listen these days. I am lucky to have a few that still do. I can see why people need to seek therapy; they pay to have someone listen. The 'listen' link is to the inimitable Helen Reddy singing "I Can't Hear You No More" from 1976, and definitely worth three minutes of your life. Vincent Van Gogh cut off part of his ear when his friendship with friend Gauguin began to fail. My guess, along with his suffering from depression which resulted in suicide was symbolism for not being heard. On this day in 1973 the right ear of John Paul Getty III was delivered to a newspaper together with a ransom note, convincing his father to pay 2.9 million dollars. He was 16 at the time and a bit rebellious so the first ransom demand fell upon deaf ears as the family thought the demand originated from the young man. A second demand came but was delayed by an Italian Postal Strike. By this time the kidnappers were tired of being ignored, cut off a lock of his hair and part of his ear and sent it to a daily newspaper. The ransom was then paid and the kidnappers were never found. People need to be heard, and in this life when things are moving faster and faster it gets harder and harder to both hear and be heard. Let's try to be wise men and women and lend an ear (figuratively, please) but not to the point of sacrificing your own good mental health. Have a great day. Did you hear me? I said have a great day. My nephew and I have plans this evening which is always a great time. He is fun, caring and wise beyond his years. You should hear him...

...slowly but surely...

Hello! It is down right balmy here in Chester County, PA this morning They are macadamising (lol) the parking lots at the park today so we again had it to ourselves. I picked up another 30 gallon trash bag of stuff on Sunday and today the place looks like a dumpster tipped over. Eghads! I was going to do another pick up when I saw it but with three leashes in hand...well, it will have to wait a little while. I need to place another accessory order today so will try to find my crystal ball as both Roosters and Trays seem to be early gift giving purchases. I think people are calming down from the exhausting elections and interestingly, on this day in 1893 women in Colorado were granted the right to vote. It wasn't until August 26, 1920 that the Suffrage Battle Was Won. And on this day in 2000 the controversial US presidential election that was later resolved in the Bush vs. Gore Supreme Court Case occurred. Wonder if anyone regrets that decision? Have a great day everyone!

...defeat...

Good day from another slightly rainy Chester County, PA. The weather didn't deter us from our morning walk in the park tho' and the temperature is unseasonably warm which we love. I received the beautiful decorative plates yesterday along with the bottle stoppers and new Robert Allen drapery weight sample books. If you are a Rutgers fan you probably already know this fact but on this day in 1869, Rutgers University defeated Princeton 6-4, in the first official intercollegiate football game. Yesterday in California Proposition 8 passed by a vote of 52.47% to 47.53%. Young voters overwhelmingly voted for Gay marriage while older voters, churchgoers and African Americans voted against gay marriages. Hmmmm. What are those churches teaching? Hopefully we won't start seeing separate water fountains popping up in public places! It was arguably easier back in the day to make Blacks drink from a different water fountain but sometimes you cannot tell if a person is a gay or a lesbian. You can always judge a person by their skin color! I think it is due time to pass a law requiring that gay men dye their skin pink and lesbians dye their skin purple and once and for all take a stand. Simply denying equal rights just isn't good enough. I tried to speak to a business associate regarding this but she couldn't wrap her brain around it and continued to push women's rights, diverting I guess because it wasn't all about her. So come on people, let's get it together. Well, let's get it more separated. I mean, the next thing you know we will have a Black person or a woman in the White House. Yikes. What would happen if they were purple or pink? Have a gr8 day. Oh yeah. Wallpaper, fabric, furniture, home fashions, yadda yadda yadda...

...driving Miss Daisy...

Happy Day! It is overcast and lightly raining here in Chester County, PA. I voted at 7:09 am and spent the rest of the day as chauffeur and hung out with my nephew. The two of us stopped in the town of Phoenixville to get some ice cream at the Brown Cow but it was being used by the Obama campaign so diverted to Dairy Queen. We had a great day. Running around like crazy folk made even the animals tired this morning and our walk was lethargic to say the least. But we did it. Interestingly and somewhat ironic, on this day in 1931, Nat Turner, an American slave leader, was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death in Virginia. 'Nat' was an American slave who started the largest slave rebellion in the antebellum (pre Civil War) southern United States, in Southampton County, Virginia. His methodical slaughter of white civilians during the uprising made his legacy controversial. At birth he was not given a surname, but was recorded solely by his given name, Nat. In accordance with a common practice, he was often called by the surname of his owner, Samuel Turner. I ordered more Ceramic Tassels for a very nice lady in NYC late last evening and a couple of needlepoint toss pillows too. My chauffeuring tasks yesterday led me to meet some of the most wonderful people, one of which was a grand mom who no longer drove but wanted to vote. Turns out it was her first time ever to cast a ballot. Another, who lived in a trailer park and also had no car but did have quite a few cats held on for dear life as I drove her. Hmmmm. I was slow people, believe me. She claimed that she may wet herself on my passenger seat but luckily it didn't happen. I calmly explained to her that she had to be in line by 8 pm and the last minute call would not prevent me from getting here there. What a life! Step on it! Needless to say, I got her there on time. What ended up happening yesterday? Have a great day everyone!

...election day...

...It is Election Day here in the USA. I am off to pick up people to cart them to the booths. Not Shirley Booth, the smart mouthed actress most remembered for her role in 'Come Back, Little Sheba' and her eponymous TV show but Voting Booths to cast my ballet. I have to go NOW and will try to write more later. I am on call to transport people in need so if I don't write more have a great day. Can you see the light?

I'm back. I got to the voting place at 6:30 am and was the ninth person in line. By 7 am the line was huge, wrapping around the Senior Center. Whoever designed the window treatments lined the jabots with a toile pattern that is vicsible from the outside. Ooopps. Phone is ringing and I have to collect more people to drive to the voting place. Have a great day.

...you can bank on it...

Greetings from Chester County, PA. We got back from the park and the boys are all sleeping. We all went to a friend's home yesterday and they are tired out from their day. In a good way. We had tomatoes, lemon yogurt and no one was around to nicotine up the walls and shades thankfully. I love that neck of the woods. It is so private from the rest of the world and yet close to everything. Before leaving for that vicinity I picked up an antique oak chest at 'Power House' in Collegeville, a huge old place that houses many antique dealers and interesting pieces of furniture. The place is open one day per week and that day is Sunday. Lucky! I wish that I could do that. I have another Internet sale for those beautiful Tracey Porter Mugs and I wish that the vendors would stop with the higher and higher minimum orders. It makes it a little tougher to satisfy a person who only wants 6 mugs. Has anyone heard that there is an election tomorrow? Oh, you have. Ok. I will continue then. Wednesday evening I made a deposit at Commerce bank and took my usual blue Commerce pen from the vacuum container. The next morning I made another deposit, and the pen that came back was a green TD pen. It literally happened overnight. She laughed because I was the first drive through person to even notice. Nice try Commerce. I don't miss much. A Canadian bank made the purchase and interestingly, on this day in 1817, the Bank of Montreal, Canada's oldest chartered bank, opened in Quebec, Canada. You can bank on this also but not as strongly as in days gone by. On this day in 1911, Chevrolet got into the auto game to compete with Ford. Have a great day everyone! Don't forget to vote. It is a right and a duty for all United States citizens. If you are still on the fence here are two links that provide information. http://www.barackobama.com/index.php http://www.johnmccain.com/splash32615.htm This link tells you where to vote. >>> http://www.voteforchange.com/ 7am to 8 pm. Did you know that if you show up by 8 pm you are entitled to vote no matter how long you must wait. But wait. It is one evening out of your life. I can see if you have to be at work at a certain time but after work it is your time and your investment in the future. Today's photo is of a pair of Maharlika Design Chairs with Antique Green Finish. They are constructed from Buri Palm which is one of the strongest grasses in the world. And that you can bank on.

...if I could turn back time...

You can. So do so right now. One hour back. Happy Daylight Savings time. On this day in 2004, George W. Bush 'won' a second term as U.S. president, 'winning' 51% of the popular vote. Have a great day everyone. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock...the time's they are a-changing...Last evening I had a most relaxing stay in kind of night. UD is under the weather so I will install today instead of visiting Bethlehem and hope he gets better very quickly. This time of year can bring on the nastiest of colds so I drink Emergen-C every morning. I can take the boys with me to my install and hook them outside on their leads as these people are beyond cool. I have to run and hop in the shower and help out a friend this morning. Chase that time! I have my tree up but need new tiny crystal bulbs and silly me was at KMart at 7:30 am wondering why the parking lot was virtually empty. I will stick to the same color scheme as last year...cream and vapor blue, much like ice. It is classic and very cool. 'Bye for now. Oh, yeah. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday. Many countries don't have that option so whoever you choose, cast your vote. Please!

...it's that time of year...

Greetings everyone. Have you had enough chocolate yet? I hung wallpaper last night at a Halloween dinner and why not? I also had at least three Reese Cups which brought on some wonderful dreams in the wee hours of the morning. It was just as fun as last weekend's party with the face painter and silly costumes. I love this time of year. Sunrise was at about 7:30 as we were finishing our walk. I popped the boys into the truck and the radio station was set to an odd place that I had never heard before. It was playing Brenda Lee's "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" which is fine with me. I love the Holiday Season. When I got home to write my blog I signed onto another site surrounding music and oddly enough the first post involved the man who works for THAT station! Coincidence? I think not. The link is http://www.nowismusic.com/ which promises Holiday music from here on in. For those in the vicinity of this blog the call letters are NOW at 97.5 FM. He is a big KC fan and sent me two rare CD's a few years ago. I also won a contest with an autographed RC CD a few December's ago. I love when the universe connects like this. Anyway, I saved the discontinued sale of a sofa and love seat yesterday. Seems they dropped that frame style! It somehow didn't phase me for too long as I have gotten used to this crap. I have shop hours today and may stop over to show even more carpet samples to K and M. Tomorrow I take a friend to pick up a new oak chest and then I am off to Bethlehem to see AA and UD which is a guaranteed relaxing, soul inspiring day. I hope that everyone reading this has the same type of day. As of tomorrow evening I may have 'lots of ironing and my diet pill is wearing off'... Oh, before I forget. Aside from the brilliant face painter from last weekend there is another painter of similar renown. On this day in 1512 the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, was exhibited to the public for the first time. Pillow shown available under "What's New" on my website. News Bulletin! Daylight Savings Time This Weekend! Turn your clocks back...