...stick it...

Good day! I am late at writing this blog. The phone keeps ringing and I haven't had one boring call that would allow me to say 'uh huh', 'I hear you' or other meaningless blurbs while I really don't listen and write away. Kidding. I was taping the boxes for the Ceramic Tassels, Acorn Needlepoint Pillow and 'Blue Crab Needlepoint Pillow' to go UPS to three different states and am thankful for good tape. As a matter of fact, I went through a lot of tape as many of us did right around the middle of December and again late last night when I had to double bag and solidly tape fragile products in preparation for more shipping. As far back as 1930, on this day as a matter of fact the company 3M began marketing Scotch Tape. Work this week has been great and I am very thankful, especially when a 'blast from the past' who tended to tell tall tales and dangerous, frivolous ones at that requested my help in designing her kitchen and family room. Karma is a great thing. I was quick to tell her to go elsewhere. I have an appointment after shop hours today and another one tomorrow and plan on doing nothing on Monday morning until I work again later in the day. Around Fridays busy scheduling gets to me as it probably does others, so I have come up with one more way of using scotch tape...to hold open one's eyelids. I was going to invite my nephew over for the weekend but have too much to do and I really regret not being able to extend the invite. Hopefully next weekend will work out. Have a great day.

'You can't have a light without a dark to stick it in.' Arlo Guthrie

...I Wanna Hold Your Hand...

Greetings and salutations from Chester County, PA. It wasn't too cold for a decently long walk this morning to invigorate and prep for the day ahead. Last night was a somewhat late one but much was accomplished. I also learned the reason for my car registration and title being delayed and it is a curious thing. For literally months I have had an almost full time job trying to get my new registration and vehicle title. I went to a notary, paid the feels and dotted every 'i'. The paperwork was 'lost'. Things happen. I was issued another temporary document. Three months later the documents were still not at my door. They were 'lost' again. Hmmm. After a few visits, another waiting period and non returned phone calls I contacted Penn Dot who kindly told me that I had to go through the notary. Ok, Ok. I tried again. Then I got smart. Yesterday State Troopers entered the notary, confiscated all documentation and computers and an investigation will ensue. Oddly, my paperwork was received from messenger to the notary...yesterday. Ugh. Can someone tell me where square one is please? What a last hurrah. And speaking of such, on this day in 1969 The Beatles' held their last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London. The impromptu concert was broken up by the police. Mild mannered and everything else, what a totally dissatisfying 'goodbye'. Please know that I am not complaining. Re-doing documentation is not a death sentence or horrible in any way. I am simply stating that...with everything people have to do these days, all of the responsibilities and stresses, why do we have to deal with people who keep monies to take a cruise while others are left to fight the system when it is no fault of theirs? Oh, yeah. That's how I started this blog. Things happen. I still ask that if anyone out there has an extra second, to please say a prayer for 'R' at the notary as she is probably in some deep uhm 'things' and could use some divine intervention. We still know to do what is right even in adversity, am I correct on this? I thought so. Pierre Deux Fabrics came in handy yesterday and I am thankful that Kravet Couture carries this impressive line. I have a new client tomorrow after shop hours and it should be a fun time. They need wallpaper and some window treatments and I will oblige. Off subject but on this day in 2003 Belgium became the second country in the world to legally recognise same sex marriage. This happened 46 years after Martin Luther King Jr's home was bombed in retaliation for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. We are all equal. One day it will be recognized. Have a great day everyone. When the going gets tough, I hope that everyone who reads this has a hand to hold.

'Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.' Dale Carnegie

...ice...

Hello. There is a thin layer of ice over much of Chester County, PA this morning and it looks beautiful. My friend AE ( arts and entertainment is apropos) sent me a photo totally capturing this feat of nature and I have posted it as today's picture. It almost looks like a gourmet dessert, doesn't it? Imagine cherries coated in a clear sugar confection. I'll bet if I asked, my AA could either give the recipe out or figure out her own way to prepare this. It is morning here but now I am thinking about dessert. Carl Taylor must have thought about it much more often than I as on this day in 1924 his ice cream cone rolling machine was patented in Cleveland. Oddly enough neighbors to his immediate left and then right were named Ben and Jerry, respectively! (this may or may not have happened) . Yum. Sugar coated cherries on a white wedding cake. I have got to get my mind on healthier items. I wonder if Elizabeth Taylor ever had a wedding cake with cherries on it? She certainly had more than enough opportunities. On this day in 1951 was her first divorce for Heaven sake! Last night was extremely productive, my terrier is back on his paws and I assembled some lamps that look even better in person than they did in the sales reps portfolio. My friends drove home around midnight and although it was ice covered, as I have already sort of explained, everyone arrived home safely. May must be a huggey kissey month because I have so many people celebrating a birthday right now and two people ready to have a baby, (one in process as I type.) Good luck KS. Hope you brought along something blue, no matter what the Dr's. told you! Always the lady, she has been an earthy riot these past few long weeks. Peddle time. Ice Cream Scoops for these cold winter evenings if you want to take advantage of Carl Taylor's cone patent in style. Enjoy, even if Ben and Jerry aren't your next door neighbors. Have a great day.

'Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't.' Margaret Thatcher

...snowfall...

Hello. As predicted, we received snow here in Chester County, PA last night but it wasn't a huge snowfall. People were up and about this morning with little to no trouble but the grassy areas still look 'winterized'. I was up late enough to watch the snow for a while, the flakes looking minuscule as they fell to the ground. I have heard that the smaller the flake the larger the accumulation but I won't swear to that under oath. Some say that bigger is better. The people of Fort Keogh, Montana would be the ones to know as on this day in 1887, during a snowstorm the world's largest snowflakes were reported, being 15 inches (38 cm) wide and 8 inches (20 cm) thick. Can you imagine seeing something like that heading downward towards your head? Yikes. I tried to find a picture or two so that we could (laugh) at the sight, but everyone in Fort Keogh must have been so shocked at the sight of those huge flakes that no one remembered to download and photo shop after the storm. Isn't nature amazing? Since snow is the topic of the day, you may find this interesting also. I use the word 'also' assuming that you found the large snowflake tidbit interesting...Anyway, on this day in 1934 the first ski tow in the United States began operation in Vermont. A ski tow is a rope or ropes that the skier holds onto to pull him/her uphill. Perhaps Obama can get some metaphorical economy tows to pull us up and then we can all slalom, ( to zig zag between obstacles). My accessory order arrived yesterday, delivered by FedEx. Everything looks great and I then printed off some UPS labels and individually sent items to various parts of the US. One customer, a man in Illinois purchased the Snowman Three Tiered Tray and I thought it very cool as he is probably prepping for next Holiday Season already, as am I. I have three gifts downstairs already but I am not saying what they are or who they are for. The metal hanging cut work lantern is on it's way also as is the Abstract Art for the amazingly kind and patient woman in Texas. UPS came through as the frame was damaged and not a more polite or seemingly caring bunch of UPS employees would I possibly be able to find. Whether they truly care or are simply respecting the client really doesn't matter to me. UPS as well as FedEx are a class act. The three Fabricut fabrics came in yesterday also and will make a nice pair of trimmed side panels when all is said and done. I am in the mood to Toboggan at Valley Forge today but that may not be in the cards for me since I am not, uhm, seven years old. Have a great day. 'Beach House Blue Toile Fabric' shown.

'Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.' Frank Lloyd Wright

...light my fire...

Greetings! It is snowing in Chester County, PA this morning and looks beautiful. Forecasters are calling for substantial amounts in the next day or so followed by sleet and freezing rain and finally ending with a warming trend of just rain. For those of you not in this area, please disregard our weather forecast as it probably doesn't interest you. This might tho'. I am being 'green' as I picked up a bunch of remnant wood pieces from a carpenter and will use them for kindling in my fireplace. Doesn't that sound like a warm and inviting idea? My Terrier, who really despises cold anything will enjoy it immensely as he loves fires. People in Coatesville, PA...not so much. It seems that many house fires have been started in the past few weeks and they do not seem to be an accident. So far a string of 15 homes have been destroyed. How sad is that? Fire is such an extreme and oft-times uncontrollable force of nature. So were 'The Doors' who's debut album was released on this day in 1967. They did a little ditty entitled 'Light My Fireplace Screen' uhm, no. It was called 'Light My Fire'. Perhaps you have heard of them. They too sometimes destroyed property but it was usually their own. Please don't mess with people's hard earned things. Even if they aren't 'hard earned' they still aren't other's to abuse. If you get all fired up about something take that energy and direct it to something positive like a good run, a gym workout or painting/wallpapering a room. Not to dwell on pop music but also on this day but in 1984, Michael Jackson was burned during filming for a Pepsi commercial. I have to do that family room floor plan today and fax it to the installers and also order Graber Pleated Shades and some drapery weight fabric. I think that my needlepoint pillow and ceramic tassel order may come in today so I had better high tail it into my shop. If you are in the Chester County area, drive and walk with care and perhaps throw a blanket and bottled water into your vehicle or backpack/pocketbook just in case. If you are in a gorgeous, warm, sunny climate, well...whatever. *smirk* I am kidding. I am happy for you if this is the case. Have a great day, stay positive and if you are in a beautiful neck of the world, please grab me a postcard and fire it off to me.

'Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.' Joan Crawford

...quench...

Hello. It is hovering around 18 degrees here in Chester County, PA. We went to the park early as per usual. As I unloaded the coated dogs my terrier gave me the 'are you kidding me?' look so we kept it short. When it gets this cold out the air also tends to become very dry. I drink as much water as I can handle having learned that once one's mouth is dry, dehydration has already set in. I keep the dogs hydrated also. Many of my friends tend to hydrate on weekends but that kind of hydration is really dehydration, if you know what I mean. On this day in 1838 Tennessee enacted the first prohibition law in the United States. Tennessee Ernie Ford put his home up for sale that very day. (This may or may not have happened.) Check out his classic tune "16 Tons" if you get a chance. Anyway, yesterday at the gym a guy had on a T-Shirt that read 'Rehab is for Quitters' and I found it amusing. I have a dear friend who works at Malvern Institute and have 'dropped off' people at the same establishment in the past for reasons other than employment. One day at a time folks! I gave my system a break this entire weekend by not imbibing energy drinks, except for pouring Emergen-C into my daily orange juice. I am convinced that the body can get used to such drinks so I try not to take them every day, no matter how quenching they can be. Did you know that 'quench' also means to calm? Of course you did. None of us are dummies here. EA phoned me yesterday to inform me that a study showed that 15 cocktails per week is considered average. I don't know the source for that study, but it may have been taken by Kettle One. No tea totaler here but that sounds like a bit much. I will begin drinking 15 cocktails per week and let you know if it makes me any more average. Kidding. I think. Kidding aside, I do give a damn. Romantic thirsts were calmed by a classic film that began shooting on this day in 1939. That film is titled "Gone With the Wind." In the novel Rhett doesn't say "Frankly," but simply "My dear, I don't give a damn." The context in the novel is also different than that of the film because in the novel he is speaking quietly only to Scarlett in a room, not storming dramatically out of the house. Seriously though, what kind of an ending would it have been if the guy had been whispering? 'Quench' means also to extinguish and that ending surely would have done such to the movie's success. Have a great day.

'Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination; do not become the slave of your model.' Vincent Van Gogh

...longevity...

Hello. The park was ours today and it was beautiful. I was in 2-wheel drive while the rest were in 4WD so I had to be a little more careful on the ice. We then washed the salt off of the truck to reveal it's original Black color. Yesterday went very nicely. A stopped in and brought me a mouse and pad for my laptop (thoughtful) and then MW came in and we finished her Master Bathroom selections, choosing taupe, french vanilla and touches of poppy red. I like longevity in my design plans and never choose things that will be out of style. Classic and long term is my idea of good design. I know, I know...you are saying that 'if he designed in a trendy fashion people would have to re-do every year'. My reply is ''yuck'. A sweater can be trendy (but usually not even that). An entire room should stand the test of time. Case closed. After I closed my shop I went to a client who is 83 years old and is redoing her family room. We chose a tan carpet to go with tan and brick red upholstered pieces so that the room will be warm, inviting and practical. Take off your shoes tho'. That lady packs a mean punch. Her daughter is a blast too. I can see why they have so many friends. Those people are so positive in their outlooks that they are like magnets and it is so refreshing to be around them. They have friends dating back 35 years, from Kindergarten if I am recalling correctly. If not them, then certainly someone who I was with yesterday. It may have been A, the mouse and pad gal. That's longevity. So is The Guiding Light soap opera. Am I allowed to call it that? It debuted on NBC radio from Chicago on this day in 1937 and in 1952 moved to CBS television. Still airing, it's the longest running US broadcast program. Accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy, Michael Jackson settles a civil lawsuit out of court. Michael Jackson has had one of the longest careers in pop music as no one can argue and it one of the most successful in pop music history. On this day in 1993 he won huge at the American Music Awards and then on this day the next year after being accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy, settled a civil lawsuit out of court. I am off to the gym now to help along my longevity and then will have dinner with a dear friend. Have a great day. Shown is my 'Discus Table Lamp'.

'I'm just one of the lucky people. I have no other reason for my longevity.' Johnny Mathis

...gold...

Greetings. It is still not bitter here in Chester County, PA and yesterday area car washes were packed. My shop is located next to one, so I speak with conviction. That type of business is predicated on weather; somewhat ironically the bad weather caused the vehicles to be filthy and the warmer weather brought so many to the car wash. It must have felt like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow to car wash owners in the area or at least they felt like James W. Marshall, who, on this day in 1848 found gold at Sutter's Mill near Sacramento, California. I will wash my truck on my way into the shop this morning if crowds allow for it. I got a lot of my tax work finished yesterday and thank God for the Internet and the ability to file and fill forms in this manner. (alliteration day) After shop hours I have a client who needs a sofa, chair and carpeting. I have worked with her in the past and she is very nice. I usually get nice people and have no explanation for that. I'll just accept it and feel great about it. Last time I worked with them they were dealing with a serious health issue but one would never have guessed. Their attitudes were marvelous and certainly didn't give away any indication that things weren't all hunky dory. But isn't that life? It is rare when absolutely everything goes exactly the way that we want it to. Many think...'if I can just get through this I will be fine'. And then usually something else pops up. Maybe life isn't just getting through the storms, but as a great book says, 'learning to dance in the rain'. Or 'Dancing In The Streets'. This video clip is Carpenters when Karen was 17. She is the cute chick on the drums. If you are having a stormy day check out this video. You cannot help but smile. I have to run. Have a great day. Find your pot of gold today, or if noting else...dance in the rain. Or the shower. Today's photo is of the 'Mademoiselle Mirror'. Take a good look. I hope you love what you see in the reflection. Karen didn't but most certainly should have.

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

...first!...

Hello. The sun is shining on a cold but not bitterly cold Chester County morning. Walking in the neighborhood this morning we met up with our neighbor who is usually the first out of the development. She forgot her glasses and had to turn around, but that doesn't make her any less than first. My nephew likes to be first also and places the animals 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th and then it is usually me at dead last. That's fine. I have no problem with that placing. Many people like to be first as is apparent in shopping plazas, conversations and the deli counter at the grocery store. I found it interesting that many history changing firsts occurred on this day. In 1571 the Royal Exchange opened in London, in 1656 Pascal published the first of his 'Lettres provinciales', in 1789 Georgetown College was founded, in 1849 Elizabeth Blackwell became the United States' first female doctor, in 1855 the first bridge over the Mississippi River opened, on this day in 1897 and a scary story to boot was the Heaster murder in West Virginia which is the only case in United States history where the alleged testimony of a ghost helped secure a conviction. In 1899 (hi Carme one 'l' a) Emilio Alguinado was sworn in as President of the First Philippine Republic, on this day in 1907 Charles Curtis became the first Native American U.S. Senator, in 1943 Duke Ellington played Carnegie Hall for the first time, in 1978 Sweden banned aerosol spray cans to help save the ozone layer, in 1986 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its first members, and in 1997 Madeline Albright became the first woman to serve as Secretary of State in the U.S. I wonder why January 23rd is such a pivotal day? It must be fun to do something historically sound and be the first to accomplish it. I don't expect my accessory order today but it would be fun if it arrived. Those types of shipments usually take a little under two weeks, so if it did arrive today it would be a first. Another first is a custom order that has been in my shop for what will be a year today. Beautiful valances, seat cushions, toss pillows...the wonderful gal even paid for them in full and yet, there they sit. That is a first also. I hope that she is ok. My friend 'K' is out of the hospital and seemingly extremely happy to not have given birth yet. <<<please note the sarcasm in my typing. I measure for more design type carpeting tomorrow and have more year end paperwork and tax filing to prep for today and all is well. Have a great day and please remember that holding a door or performing other acts of respect and kindness add to the good in the world. One doesn't always have to be first.

"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." Vince Lombardi

...bless the beasts and children...

Hello. Last night was somewhat exciting as my friend KS went into labor. This will be her third child and possibly first boy. Doctors tell her it is a girl but she has a little voice telling her that the Dr's may be incorrect. We shall see. Usually soft spoken, demure and genteel this woman has been quite different as of late. I wanted to sleep longer than 6 this morning but my little angels wouldn't allow it, so 6 it was. Until this day in 1973, in the case of Roe vs Wade when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized some abortions it was a 'back alley' kind of thing for women who couldn't or did not want to have a baby, and had no right in the decision making...even tho' if you had enough cash one could find a way. I would have said that the Supreme Court 'delivered' its decision but that would have been plain corny. If any of you are lucky enough to have children or pets, make sure to constantly 'light their way when the darkness surrounds them', even when they are on your last nerve and you don't seem to have any patience left in your reserves. I will probably learn this morning that KS had her baby and I will report back on here even though you have no idea who she is. If you did tho', you would like her and wish her the best. Even when she gets on your last nerve. *wink* It is going to be above freezing in Chester county, PA today and most likely will feel like a veritable heatwave to us. Not as warm as FLA tho'. B received her birthday cards yesterday and called to both thank me and report on the warm weather. "I wish that I was there too B!" I have another appointment for carpeting this Saturday and that is sort of odd but I am happy for it. I do carry many different carpet styles...not the usual broad looms so I guess many out there want 'different'. I aim to please, especially when it comes to different. Today's photo is 'Boat Flags Upholstery Fabric Black' and would look very sharp on the cushions and tailored valances in your yacht. I am off and wish everyone a great day. If you see a baby or an animal today, be grateful and high five 'em. Better yet, say a prayer to yourself for them otherwise you might scare the heck of of the Mom.

'Tell the children the truth.' Bob Marley

...where there's smoke...

Greetings! There is now a Democrat in the White House and many are looking for change. Let's cross our fingers and hope that the changes are good ones. A walk-in stopped into my shop yesterday inquiring about a sofa. The one that she saw elsewhere was the approximate size of her entire Living Room wall and 4 foot in depth and then came around to form a huge 'L'. I suggested that she make a paper template out of the dimensions and place it on her floor for visuals sake. And End Table's sake for that matter! To each his/her own I say. So did the mayor of New York. On this day in 1908 New York City passed the Sullivan Ordinance making it illegal for women to smoke in public, only to have the measure vetoed by the mayor. I am not a fan of smoking, or drug use either but fair is fair. Either let every consenting adult have the choice to do it or let no one be allowed. Sort of like marriage. And speaking of illegal (and boy was Courtney Love pissed. <<<that may or may not be true) On this day in 1999, one of the largest drug busts in American history happened as the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted a ship with over 4,300 kg (9,500 lb) of cocaine on board. That's a big party that never happened! I placed another accessory order as I sold a few needlepoint pillows from my new(er) Beach House Section along with a chandelier and a piece of art and something else that escapes me at the moment...from my website last night. I guess that some people did more than sit on huge sofas watching the Inauguration. I didn't have time to watch a second of it but trust that everything went swimmingly. I see a sort of trend at this time of year. Some folks want to update a room, sofa or chair but don't really need to replace or reupholster it. Throwing a pillow, (thus the term throw pillow) onto an existing piece of furniture really adds a punch to the space. One on a club chair, two -that don't necessarily have to be exactly the same-on a sofa..or twenty seven of them in a mix and match vein if your sofa is the size of a room! I am off to the shop for a while. Have a great day. Don't snort coke even if your ship does come in... the Coast Guard might be watching. Smoke freely unless you can possibly quit but out of range of second and third hand air quality and if you see things happening in this administration that you don't think jive, speak to your local and/or state representatives. We have a voice and always have had a voice. I believe that we have ears that are willing to listen. Bon appetit!

'Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.' Alfred Lord Tennyson

...life's ups and downs...

Hello. Today our 44th Presidential Inauguration takes place here in the U.S. The swearing-in of the President of the United States occurs upon the commencement of a new term. Duh. The following is what Barack Obama will say today. The Constitution mandates that the President make the following oath before he or she(almost) can "enter on the Execution" of the office of the presidency:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
The newly elected or re-elected President traditionally adds "so help me God" to the constitutionally mandated statement, although some people out there do not have that belief system. I think The President needs all the help that he (or she someday) can get so why not add the 'so help me God' part! Our country and the world at large, or small, depending on how you view it has had many ups and downs and still we persevere. L.A. Thompson made our country better for the ups and downs on this day in 1885 when he patented the roller coaster. For those who never rode on one, do it. I was out rather late last night and the area was covered with a thin layer of ice, so much that it made a difficult time out of opening vehicle doors. Everyone arrived home safely so thank God! The carpeting was supposedly installed yesterday and if so, they always do an excellent job. Today is also a cusp day as we enter Aquarius from Capricorn. A 'cusp' is an imaginary line that separates a sign in the zodiac or a house in the horoscope. It began at around 5 pm yesterday and as I am a cusp sign on the line of Aquarius and Pisces good things are supposed to (continue to) happen for and to me. Yippee. I sure hope so. And for everyone. My nephew and I made some beautiful rubber bugs and they are scattered about. I would rather go to Valley Forge Park today with the animals and a decorated toboggan but work calls. Anyway, back to cusps. Supposedly here are my traits according to astrology.

Aquarius/Pisces
The Pisces/Aquarius Cusp occurs approximately from dates February 18th to February 22nd. Sometimes referred to as Aquarices. The Aquarian/Piscean is thought to be tolerant, open-minded, undiscriminating, intellectual, sensitive, compassionate, original, offbeat, imaginative, timid, romantic, sentimental, sympathetic, unique, multi-talented, caring, flirtatious, extroverted, shy, quiet, modest, thoughtful, visionary, and understanding. The Aquarian/Piscean is prone to escapism, fickle, hyper-sensitive, dependable, eccentric, goalless, neglectful, impractical and rebellious. I disagree with the impractical part as well as the goalless part! But whatever, and I repeat...I would like to get a huge decorated toboggan, skip work altogether and spend the day at Valley Forge Park! So much for astrology. *smirk* Have a great day, welcome our new President no matter where you live and wish him the best no matter who you voted for. And when it comes to lifes ups and downs, make sure you are right up front so that you can experience the whole thing up close and personal and not simply play the part of bystander. We rarely get to know what is next so do your best to embrace life and trust that everything is going to be alright. Wheeeeeee!

'Land is the secure ground of home, the sea is like life, the outside, the unknown.' Stephen Gardiner

...the face of history...

Good day! It snowed a little late yesterday so on the way home from dinner out and the Eagles game (they lost, don't ask) my nephew and I ended up making snowballs, snow angels and decorating a few cars. It was quiet, serene and beautiful out and seemed very peaceful. This morning it is still beautiful but we kept the walk to a minimum. 68% of the feet and paws do not like an ice/salt mixture. Speaking of 68%, on this day in 1953, 68% of all television sets in the United States were tuned in to I Love Lucy to watch Lucy give birth. That was history making. And then on this day in 1983 the Apple ( I am Lisa), the first commercial personal computer from Apple, Inc. to have a graphic interface and a computer mouse was announced. A third history making item is celebrated today. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States Holiday marking the birth date of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. which is observed on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday, January 15th. It is one of three United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual person. King was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. Violently, he was assassinated on April 4th, 1968. But the breaking of a wave cannot explain the whole sea. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination. Ronald Reagen signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. These people are known as $%&^#. (This may or may not be the proper term.) It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000. Computers, Pop Culture TV and racial freedom, all on the same day. What will you do today to make a difference? Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities whether they are big or small ones. I just got an email from the thermal aqua people who are happy with Saturday's drapery installation. Yippee. I like to hear that! I hope that it warms a bit because I'd like to take my nephew out but if it remains cold we will still have a great day. N and T do not hope for the same thing in Colorado. They are hitting the slopes so I (sl)hope them lots of snow. Today's photo is of my nephew and one of my housemates. Perhaps one or both will change the face of history also. Have a great day.

'The breaking of a wave cannot explain the whole sea.' Vladimir Nabokov

...radio waves...

Greetings. Let me turn down the radio. There, better. It is a snow covered morning here in Chester County, PA. Light snow, but just enough to give a canvas to the paws, (birds, dogs, cats, squirrels, deer and I believe a fox) but cannot be certain. I seem to be the only one up around here and that is fine with me. I have electronic company also if need be. As I catch glimpses of the Inaugural train progression that hearkens back to Abraham Lincoln I found that on this day in 1903 then President Theodore Roosevelt sent a radio message to King Edward VII which was the first transatlantic radio transmission originating in the United States. How cool. I then immediately thought of Carpenters 'Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft' a song way ahead of it's time and then recalled Roger Waters album 'Radio KAOS', KAOS being the clever call letters. Carpenters had the idea first and used this theme for one track only; Waters built an entire album around the premise. YouTube 'Calling Occupants' by Carpenters if you have the time. It is quite the production. What the heck. Here is the link. 'We Are Your Friends'. It is absolutely sublime and out of the box. I choose to think that extraterrestrials are attractive visually, not monster-like. We shall see if I am right. The thermal lined clients called yesterday at 9:05 am and I am happy to report that the installation went very well. B would be very proud and now has one less thing to think about. The room actually got more quiet but that can happen when 54 yards of fabric are added to a space, half of it being extremely thick. I have been administering cough syrup to two of my housemates these past two days and hope that the coughs disappear. I have been taking it easy on them with normal walks, not those two mile power walks. Have I used forms of the word (2) enough? Geez. Hi S. I too gave into peer pressure and added myself to Facebook. Not really pressure tho'. It seems ok for now even though I cannot see how people have a lot of time to spend on that site. But what do I know ? I still listen to the radio all day at work, always in my Truck, (unless I am playing a CD or my IPOD) and always at home(again, unless CD or IPOD). I now have to find end tables and aqua and brown lamps but will save that task for tomorrow or Tuesday. My nephew is coming over today and I will need to have my wits about me. He is intelligent, polite and will be ready for many different activities...but none of those tasks will include looking for Home Fashions. Have a great day. Radio Waves and I wave back. Thank you!

'Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.' Martin Luther King, Jr.

...ice berg...

Greetings! It is again very cold today in Chester County, PA. I looked underneath my feet and confirmed that I am not standing on an iceberg. I had taken my truck to my mechanic a few weeks back to have it winterized and am glad that I did. It is one less thing to cause concern and know now that my battery is strong, fluids are full and belts are in fine condition. I laid low last night and stayed inside for a change deciding to watch some TV. With so many channels from which to choose, I found nothing that caught my fancy. I kept channel surfing, lingered on a movie about the Devil and Prada and then turned the thing off. I remember back to Friday nights when TV really was must see and the line-up then now had some considered classics such as 'The Brady Bunch', 'Nanny and the Professor' and more family oriented comedies. The lady who played the 'Nanny' did some soft porn I believe, but not on the show. It seems that television comedies have been around forever but that is not so. The first TV comedy premiered on this day in 1949 and is considered a classic comedy-drama. Entitled 'The Goldberg's', it was first broadcast from 1929 to 1946 on American radio and later was shown on television. This show lasted from 1949 until 1956. It was a domestic comedy featuring the home life of a Jewish family in New York City. This premise was the idea of Gertrude Berg who wrote the scripts, directing each episode, and also starred as 'bighearted, lovingly meddlesome matriarch Molly Goldberg'. The show began as a portrait of Jewish tenement life before later taking on themes like growing pains, moving into a more suburban setting and struggling with assimilation while sustaining their roots. Sounds like the show could be aired today, even though that was 60 years ago. I have yet to hear from the thermal lined drapery people and assume that they are somewhere warm. I hope so. They are artsy, funny, smart and fun to be around. That would translate well to a beach or resort also and sounds great to me right about now. Also on this day but in 1991 was the start of Operation Desert Storm which is the 'polar' opposite of both iceberg temperatures and classic comedies. I am still waiting on the carrier who damaged that fine piece of abstract art and have found a replacement for the discontinued fabrics from Fabricut that showed in plenty of stock on their website. This past week was one of those weeks when, as I stated in a different blog I did my job a few times to make up for those who chose not to do theirs at all. Hopefully next week will be the polar opposite. I wonder how Molly Goldberg would have handled the aforementioned clowns? I have been scoping fabric houses to find unique drapery and upholstery weight fabrics to place in my Beach House website section. The photo shown today is 'Sailboat Multicolored Drapery Fabric' which will become a classic in my estimation and without icebergs or Goldberg's simply because they stand...well, sail...just fine without either. Not that Molly, or Gertrude wouldn't have made an excellent sailor. Have a great day. Laugh, stay warm (or cool depending on your geography) and try not to take things too seriously.

'Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than in a whole one.' E. B. White

...magnetism...

Good day! It is as cold as a ___'__ __ here in Chester County, PA and even the dogs wanted to cut their walk short. They may be regretting it now so I will take them out again. Each has a distinct personality, all magnetic. We all know the meaning of magnetism and how items that posses this quality can repel or attract. I know many magnetic people as you all probably do also. An acquaintance told me once that there are two kinds of people. After spending time with that person, he/she either leaves you feeling exhilarated or drained. When you have some free time, make a mental list of your acquaintances, put each in one of those two categories and figure it out. Perhaps a little house cleaning is in order. Add this late entry to your Resolution list for 2009. Don't wait 'till 2010...why should you? Those crazy carpet people were at the client's home yesterday ready to install, however they never phoned the client to set up an installation date. The client was out of town and made for an interesting morning. How is this possible, you ask? I wish that I had an answer for you. I also wish that I had answers for many things that occurred this week; many people not doing their jobs and me having to do the work of many. You know what I am talking about. This isn't a rare thing I hate to admit. There are those who take responsibility and have job pride and those who sit back and do the least work possible. Such is life but don't let them drain you! Don't let them attract you too much either. That's why a magnet also has a 'repel' quality. The beautiful pinch pleated drapery for B arrived very early this morning. The box had been opened and re-taped. I am not surprised at all. Some curious soul was keen on seeing what great item was made and succumbed to their curiosity weakness. No harm, no foul. The contents are perfect, still wrapped in waterproof plastic and awaiting installation. This weekend would be a great one to install as the window treatments are thermal lined and I did begin this blog by stating (not very scientifically) how cold it is in my neck of the woods. I spent another chunk of my day responding to false accusations that I sent the wrong item via my website to a client who is less than stellar. Curiously, she included photographs of her complaint in with the letter which simply proved that she has indeed received the correct item. I don't make these things up folks. This is my blog, not Creative Writing 101. I just filled one of the bird feeders with Sunflower seeds for the cardinal family who are nowhere to be found. Maybe they are relaxing elsewhere this fine day. Oh, back to magnetism. On this day in 1909, Ted Shackleford from 'Knot's Landing'...oops, wait...I meant Ernest Shackleton's expedition found the magnetic South Pole. Don't laugh please but he called his expedition the Nimrod Expedition. Again, I don't make this stuff up. When I do I use my tiny case addendum, i.e. (this may or may not have happened). Anyway, after finding the South Pole he was able, in July of that year, (through his magnetic debating skills) to talk Mr. and Mrs. Clause into moving to the North Pole! (this may or may not have happened). The squirrels are using their skills at the moment to annoy the heck out of my Schipperke, dancing by the French Doors and eating nuts. Ahh, nature. It has been attracting me since I was a mere tot. Today ought to be a great one and I wish that for everyone here. Hone your magnetic skills and attract only the good, repelling the negative. Have a great day.
'Conscience is our magnetic compass; reason our chart.' Joseph Cook

...and a smile...

Good day! It is cold and overcast here in Chester County, PA and we received a light dusting of snow overnight. My friend M emailed me from California to tell me that she is in flip flops with the doors open. So glad to have heard from her! Have a Coke and a smile hon! I sure smiled last night as on my way home from the gym during rush hour I noticed a terrier, much like mine running in the middle of the highway. My heart was in my throat of course as I prayed that other drivers would see him. The driver in front of me slowed thankfully and in a short time I noticed a clearing to my right. I took advantage of that pulling off of the highway and bringing my truck to a stop. With hazard lights flashing I exited my vehicle leaving the front door open and yelled 'Come here!' For some freakish reason, the animal, who was on the shoulder of the road at this point and ahead of me, stopped and came running for me. He jumped into the truck and sat himself on the front passenger seat. He had tags and I grabbed my cell to place a call. Just then a brick colored Hummer pulled up behind me with it's flashers on also. The lady and gentleman in that vehicle said that there was a little girl crying at her driveway a ways back. They had just passed her and had seen me calling for the dog. Moments later, (as two noticeably large vehicles with flashers were sitting diagonally to the highway), a white van pulled up and two people jumped out of it. I knew that they were looking for a dog. Two angry faces turned to mush as the little girl, in her long dress marched over to my truck, opened the passenger door, and as she grabbed and held her dog tightly sternly exclaimed. 'Bad Dog!' I'll bet that the three of them slept great last night. My day had been one stress after another, one time wasting solicitor after another and an 'all about me' person who lingered for a few hours. My workout helped to rid me of the negativity of the day, but it all washed away as what could have been a tragedy turned out to be one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Yippee. I wanted to share this with you as news is mostly not good. This news is wonderful. We are supposed to get more snow today and I think I will not have a Coke even though on this day in 1889 the Coca-Cola Company, then known as the Pemberton Medicine Company, was originally incorporated in Atlanta, Georgia. I'll bet those housewives drink only diet. Have a great day and please keep your eyes open. We never know what is around the corner...or in the middle of the highway!

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

...damage control...

Greetings! It is cold and clear today in Chester County, PA. Although I am not a fan of hot forced air, (it tends to dry and age the skin) the heater ran most of the night, even having had set it to 58. I sleep better in cool temperatures but apparently it was so cold outside that the heater deemed it necessary to run. I'm sure the 'housemates' appreciated it. The 'Abstract Art' arrived at the front door of KM in Texas yesterday afternoon and *shame alert* it was damaged and the box looked to have been thrown around carelessly. This lady was so nice tho' and I immediately put in a claim with the carrier. I hope that I can get another piece of art just like it for her as she is somewhat disappointed. I will not name the carrier because I have had nothing but rave reviews of them for the past number of years. Everybody has a bad day but please don't take it out on my artwork. A more healthy outlet might be a punching bag, StairMaster, free weights or a good friends ear. Holding stress inside or taking it out on ourselves in unhealthy ways speeds the aging process. That includes alcohol, caffeine in high amounts, nicotine and the other poisons contained in many cigarettes and crappy thoughts that get smashed down inside our thought patterns. Be polite and direct but never allow jerks to walk on you. You will get more wrinkles! On this day in 1998 researchers in Texas (land of a whole lot of nice Internet shoppers) present findings about an enzyme that slows aging and cell death apoptosis. It has been found to be a programmed death cell. Isn't that wild? I saw Joan Rivers the other day and she must not have any of these cells. She looks like she was born...huh, whaaat? She had what done? Oh, never mind. Please delete my analogy. It is unfounded. Anyway, I found some great new symbol needlepoint pillows for teachers, teachers pets and people who simply like punctuation and they are in my 'Home Fashions' area. I also have started a new section incorporating Beach house Accessories, fabrics and have overlapped existing items on my site to make it easier for people who are doing Summer homes or want that look in their permanent homes. My friend B called just as I was finishing up with the great gal from Texas to inform me that Naples, FL is warm and sunny. They were on the beach and I was just so darned happy to hear that news. I added another sweater as she waxed on about the benefits of a hot climate. Wear sunscreen doll! Protect those apoptosis cells! I am kidding. She turns 30 again this month and I need to find the perfect gift as she is tried and true. I had better get off of this thing and throw some under eye cream on. Have a great day, lose the stress and if something doesn't go the way you wanted it to, take a deep breath. Always use damage control.Or avoid damages altogether!

"Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force." Irving Berlin

...since the beginning of time...

Good day! People's lips were a-flutter after Saturday evenings party and I really wanted no part of it. I don't like to be around negativity and I sometimes think that it manifests itself in both small and large gatherings. I hate to say that I think it is part of human nature;if that is so then I'm not human, but...from someones outfit to the hairstyle to their job, ugh. Let's talk about ideas people, or religion, or politics. Oh, uhm. Maybe not that either in polite conversation. It's never gossip time (picture shown link) if the conversation in any way disparages someone. Lets at least talk about the weather then and the (then) Full Wolf Moon. Today the full moon is no longer full so maybe people will calm down. I sure hope so, but by history's lessons that may not be what's in store. Let's not go as far as BC today but as far back as 1605 Emile Zola's J'accuse which was an anti-Scottish comedy, caused Jonson and Chapman (the writers) to be arrested for a time, which of course made their play one of the most famous dramatic scandals of its era. Maybe that's where Britney Spears got her paparazzi stunts! They say that there is no such thing as bad publicity...and then in 1898 Émile François Zola, a french writer from the literary school of naturalism's' J'accuse was TMZ in that it exposed the Dreyfus affair, the political scandal of its time. Anyway, I try to steer clear of gossip and even had to tell some bloke to stop videotaping me and a group of people with his cell phone. He said that he did it all of the time and downloads onto YouTube regularly. I told him that unless he knew of a very talented proctologist, to knock it off and he did. I'm a nobody in the public scene. I cannot imagine being any type of celebrity these days, especially if I were having a bad hair day or blowing my nose. Enough of that. I just got another new grouping of catalogs so methinks that I will be updating a good part of my website this week. Even in this somewhat tough economy I am happy to see people decorating, purchasing home accessories, installing new carpet and adding a touch of color and texture to fight the greying exteriors who seem to already be waiting for Spring. Hold on a second please. Someone is crouching in the shrubbery. (This may or not really be happening) 'Hey, you! Put down that camera'...'or at least wait until I strike a good pose.' Have a great day. And please keep in mind that once words leave your lips they cannot be rewound. That goes also for the written word. Emails, blogs, handwritten letter, etc. If you wouldn't want it printed on the front page of the New York Times, think twice and write once, 'cause you should hear how she talks about you!

...irreplaceable...

Greetings! My terrier gave me quite a bit of attitude on this mornings walk and my only excuse for not realizing why immediately was because I was still half asleep. Then it hit me...his paws get very cold and he truly hates winter weather. I picked him up and hugged him to make him warm faster and he is now swaddled in a blanket, still giving me a bit of attitude, but warmer. I know that almost nothing lasts forever and have to remember that when I am handling three leashes in the winter morning cold and one of the leashed won't move...but sometimes...I arrived home and opened my laptop to receive an email from a dear, true #1 friend who wrote to tell me that they had to put their beloved dog to sleep this past Friday. They were so sad that they couldn't call and speak the news to me thus the email. I know the feeling and it is a horrible one. I had a dream Friday night that J had stopped into my shop and in the dream my shop was an old barn with a bunch of antique pieces in total disrepair and even holes in the floor. She was looking for new carpeting since she no longer had to worry about 'R' peeing on the floor, but my dreams are another blog altogether. Most of you reading this blog know the feeling of loss also so I am not telling you anything that you don't already know. I wish that I could do something to remove their pain although I know that it is all a part of the circle of life. A back-up plan sounds great in theory like having a clone in case of this type of situation but in reality would that really take the place of a lost loved one? On this day in 1998 nineteen European nations agreed to forbid human cloning. I can't imagine a clone having the same demeanor, attitude and personality as 'R' but I haven't delved too deeply into the science of cloning. If you have a chance today, please say a quick strength prayer for S,J and A. I have a feeling they will need them. In the meantime, I will be more sensitive when my terrier doesn't want to walk on ice. Rainbow Bridge is a grief center for people suffering with the loss of a pet. Also on this day, but in 1991 U.S. Congress gave George Bush the authority to wage war against Iraq.

The sun is shining, the birds are outside eating breakfast and the day is new. It is time to begin as everyone reading this blog has been given another chance to enjoy another day. Several things occurred on this day in history that were beginnings, not endings. In 1866 the Royal Aeronautical Society was formed in London,in 1895 The National Trust Of Britain is founded and in 1908 a long-distance radio message was sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time. Beginnings, middles and ends. Let's do our best to hold onto and let go of the best that we can.

"Forgiveness is the final form of love." Reinhold Niebuhr

...convenience...

Hello. There is a thin film of ice over Chester County, PA this morning so please tread lightly. Unless, of course you are in Australia...then I think you are enjoying Summer. Early this morning I started my truck while we had vitamin water in the nicely heated house and then we all jumped into it for our morning park walk ritual. This is while the automatic de-icer ran, the gasoline was being burned into the environment, the warning lights were illuminated and neighbors were still trying to sleep. Being somewhat savvy, I turned off the truck, removed the animals from it and we walked our own neighborhood rather than being environmentally irresponsible just to get to the park. I am thankful for modern conveniences, but responsibility is key also. Last evening I had dinner at a neighbors who has a beautiful kitchen equipped with every modern convenience. This makes sense as she enjoys cooking and is quite good at it. Hold on please. The TV is annoying, I don't want to actually get up to change it so I need to locate the remote. Ahhhh, there it is. As I was saying. I just turned to Inside The Actors Studio and John Travolta is the guest. What a difference a few days make in a person's life. This was of course filmed before the tragic death of his son. He is talking about how Patrick Swayze and Patrick's mom taught him to two step in 'Urban Cowboy'. John just said 'what a life we have...' Sometimes even modern conveniences aren't enough...I loaded some new songs into my IPOD and am ready for the gym today. The facility where I belong has all of the latest pieces to train and to stay in shape. I still have to drive there as I cannot mentally transport myself but that should be possible pretty soon. I do go to the store to buy fat free milk which is the reverse of what began to happen on this day in 1878. Milk was first delivered in bottles to people's homes on that day. Do people still have milk delivered? I think that was one of the earliest modern conveniences and yet it may not be as popular as it was in days gone by. Another convenience that is life changing/saving happened today in 1922. It was the first use of insulin to treat diabetes in a human patient, the patient being a 14 year old. The onionskin thermal lined drapery panels are now finished. I think that I already told you they are made of aqua and chocolate. They will be installed on a very cold wall thus the thermal lining. Another convenience, as in the past people would have to add logs to the fire to help to keep a room warm. My friend W is home from her rotator stint and in this operation they inserted a pin to help with her mobility. W reported to me that while there people were having new hips, knees and other parts installed. In the old days, I think that people were simply placed on an iceberg and sent out to sea. This last part may or may not have happened Later today I will try to get her to take a walk with us. I don't want her to go stir crazy and the snow and ice have stopped. I wonder how the inhabitants of California felt on this day in 1949 as this was the first recorded case of snowfall there and it happened in Los Angeles. The full moon is in full swing and hopefully everyone will take a few minutes to go outside and take a good look at it. I had better get off of this modern convenience, turn on the immediately hot running water, remote 'off' the TV, remote 'on' the stereo system, grab the IPOD and thankfully embrace January 11th, 2009. Have a great day. Oh, I have included a photo of my new 'Brown Leaf Needlepoint Pillow' and conveniently linked it to my website.

"My house is my refuge, an emotional piece of architecture, not a cold piece of convenience." Luis Barragan

..spin, doc...

Greetings! It is snowing lightly here in Chester County, PA and the park had more inhabitants than it usually does when there is no precipitation. I liked making foot and pawprints on the thinly snow covered macadam pathways and thought that a fabric using these colors and patterns could be a good seller. I have to figure out the base fabric before applying a shoe sole stamp and various sized paw print stamps from white fabric paint and I think I know exactly what to use. A black and grey thick wool tweed. I think a transitional sofa, chairs and even upholstered cornices would look great in this style of fabric especially if I make the pattern subtle. It is important to keep coming up with variations on a theme or things get stale. RCA Victor knew this well and on this day in 1949 introduced the 45 RPM record. They were also the founder of the phonograph and record business. Once the 45 RPM vinyl disc was released, stores had copies that played a salesman extolling the virtues of this latest invention. About a month later, the record label released a package of several 45 records in various genres.
The 45 RPM record's years of greatest success began with the onset of rock and roll. The new 7 inch format was favoured by the young and in the UK sales of 45s overtook 78s early in 1958 as rock and roll established a boom in record sales. During the next few years the UK was to become a major source of popular recorded music with the advent of the British 'beat' groups which were exemplified in the 'Beatles'. This was the 'golden era' for the 45. Although sales of popular music were to grow dramatically during the following decades, buyers gradually transferred their purchases to the 12" 'LP' (albums for those out there who are approximately the same age as I am) as their affluence grew. By the end of the 1960s sales of the 45 had even begun to decline. During the early years of the Beatles, a record would need to sell in excess of 750,000 copies to reach the coveted number 1 chart. These days as we all know, downloaded music has put quite a hamper on record sales. I received an IPOD for the Holidays. No, not a shirt with an alligator on it, I said IPOD. Alas, I am old school and have really only copied favorite tracks and full CD's onto it that I already own for now. It helps me to concentrate more on my workouts and makes the beloved (please read that word with sarcasm) StairMaster less of a chore. I brought in my turntable and a handful of 45 RPM records to my gym but people kept tripping on the extension cord and it made for treacherous insurance considerations. This last part may or may not have happened. Anyway, I found two large embroidered striped upholstery fabrics yesterday in the colorways previously mentioned and it was no easy task. Now that it is done, and in good stock I will present on Monday or Tuesday and many will smile. It isn't like I invented a new way to present recorded music, but I still think that my small contributions help. I hope that everyone reading this blog feels the same way. We rarely get a report back when we do something to positively (or negatively) change a person's life but that doesn't matter. ( Positive changes). What does matter, IMHO is that we keep doing things that improve other's lives even if it is the tiniest gesture. The Buttercream carpet has been examined and will be delivered to the installer on Monday. Hopefully it will be installed this coming Thursday. These people are intelligent and kind, but I truly think that they don't know how much this installation will change the feel, sound and tambor of the room. No, I am not talking about the bay in Costa Rica, I am referring to the architecture of a room. If a wall-to-wall carpet installation turns out to look like a bay I am totally (link please). This blog is 'G' rated and I intend to keep it that way. Anyway, how excited will these people be once the installation has been competed, everything is back in place and they can relax...grab their turntable and crank up 45RPM records dancing wildly to songs of every genre. But please remove your shoes first and don't trip on the extension cord. I have been slowly adding some brand new needlepoint pillows and area rugs to my website and some are way off the beaten path. Not a snow covered macadam one yet tho', but soon.Have a great day. Perform small gestures of good. If RCA can go from 78 to 45 with such success, we can also do small things to make big changes.

"I don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos". Oscar Peterson

...freezes over...

Hello. I called my friend W who is out of her rotator operation and should be home at some point today. If she needs a shoulder to lean on, I am here for her. I was restless at 2 am and should have known that in two days there will be a Full Moon. I always feel it but sometimes forget to check the schedule. Indeed, on January 11th we will experience the Full Wolf Moon.In the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. That's how they got the name for January's full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes use that name for the next Full Moon that occurs in February. I think I used thew word 'howl' in yesterday's blog also. Rarely do I use it so two days in a row is odd. Or is it? Philip0460 rocks. The air here in Chester County, PA is crisp and cold and the skies are clear and sunny. I spend the better part of yesterday searching for red and bottle green fabrics, studying a new Kravet drapery weight fabric book with a great and necessary Summerhouse theme, pushed a vacuum and organized accessories. There was a sprinkling of snow flurries late in the day and an acquaintance asked me about Tuscon, Arizona which covered two extremes pretty much. He is thinking of moving there and my advice was to visit the area a few times in different times of the year. I have heard that the job market is good there for some reason and I do love warm weather. Hmmm.... maybe that kind of move is a good idea! ...nah. Not right now anyway. Besides, that comment wasn't about me, it was about someone else. Back to snow. Near Arizona, as well all know lies Mexico. On this day in 1968 the only known snowfall ever there occured; additional snow fell on January 11th and 12th. I wonder if they also had the Full Wolf Moon during that snow storm. That would have been some crazy time in Mexico City! It was also on this day in 1947 that The Black Dahlia was last seen alive. I hate to go negative on here especially since this terrible act has never been solved as far as I know. I pray for her today. Her soul has probably received many, many prayers but one more never hurts. Anyway, have a great day. I had better run. Be mellow yellow. The carpet vendor just called and I have 24 hours to get dimensions for a bound runner and better get that tape measure a 'cranking. Hell will freeze over before I mis-measure.

"Doubt isn't the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith." Paul Tillich

***on this day in 1973 Carpenters had the #1 song in the country!

...I'm Not Lisa...

Greetings. The icy wind is howling out a name but it isn't Lisa. Well, maybe it is. I can't tell because I still have my knit hat with ear covers on from our early morning walk. My neighbor W is having her other rotator worked on so I am watching over her brood for a few days and haven't given myself much visual scrutiny. I have though, been running animals around and they seem to be fine with the change in schedule. Walking the park in my black sweats and questionably attractive hat in the wee hours of the morning may make me seem a bit enigmatic to those up at that hour but not to fret. There is no mystery here folks! I just don't happen to be a slave to fashion when marching around the nature path with several leashes in hand(s). But geez, if you want to see a picture of enigmatic, quite possibly a painting of oil on poplar wood may fit that bill and should be shown next to that definition. I am referring to The Portrait of Lisa Gherardini painted in the 16th century by Leonardo DiCaprio...no wait! Da Vinci of course which is more popularly known as the Mona Lisa. He created this masterpiece during the Italian Renaissance. The painting is a half-length portrait and depicts a woman whose expression is often described as enigmatic. Mona's ambiguous expression, the hugeness of the half-figure composition, and the subtle modeling of forms and atmospheric feel were just a few of the qualities that have contributed to the painting's continuing fascination. Not many other works of art have been subject to as much scrutiny, study, mythologizing and parody as this one. This painting wasn't a hit right out of the box and not very well known even until the mid-19th century when artists of the new Symbolist movement began to appreciate it. Mona Lisa captured their idea of the 'feminine mystique' which tends to change from decade to decade. Mona Lisa was first shown on this day in 1962 in the United States at the National Gallery Of Art in Washington, D.C. I have done my share of painting, both walls and woodwork but have yet to be contacted for a gallery showing. I received my accessory order yesterday and all came in in great condition. People will be happy. A large piece of Abstract Art arrived and is now on it's way to a very nice gal in Tomball, Texas. I hope she has a great 2009. Sometimes folks from somewhat far away seem like friends to me with this web business and it makes me feel lucky. Wilderness Dawn Abstract Painting is en route to her via UPS and should start her New year off right. Enigmatic in its own way, eh? Have a great day. I am off to work .Keep your eye on art, no matter what form it takes. It makes life so much prettier.

"I choose a block of marble and chop off whatever I don't need." Auguste Rodin

...a phone call away...

Greetings and please hold for the next available service agent! Kidding. This is an Internet blog, not a phone line. But these days I sometimes feel more connected using this form of communication than I do the telephone. That changes from day to day for me as it probably does for you also and I see no time soon where we will not need phone communications...even when repeated calls to certain industries lead to an answering machine. My phone rang bright and early this morning but it was a number that I had placed on my 'Do Not Call' list, so it should have gone the way that unwanted emails go...directly to 'junk'. Alexander Graham Bell would be thrilled to see what his invention has done to history as the first Internet connections required phone lines anyway. And on this day in 1927 the first transatlantic telephone call (from New York City to London) was made. 65 years later the video telephone was introduced. Make-up, hairspray and tanning gel sales may or may not have escalated on this day also. Yesterday morning was spent tracking down vehicle registration information that should have taken minutes, but we all know how some things go. It is important not to lose our cool as quite often, as things are out of our control, they are also out of others control. Try to rise above even if your mouth wants to say words that begin with 'a' or 'f' as it usually doesn't do much to help the situation. For some reason I dug deeper with this person and we more than resolved the issue. I arrived home not as late as usual last night to a phone call from this person who had heeded my advise and from the sounds of her office the place was filled with assistance for her and her long standing enterprise. I fell asleep feeling great. Once things are back on 'track' there I will give the phone number on here to help in any way that I can to boost her business. Hopefully she will need a 'Hot line' soon. Last evening the sleet fell and this morning ice covers much of my neck of the woods. I made several calls and even though it will turn to rain soon I wanted folks to know what was what. The birds and squirrels outside hung out by my deck waiting for breakfast. I am about the only one who has feeders out and I do believe that they count on me for some of their diet. The after Holiday loss of color is not at all evident outside my door as Cardinals along with other colored varieties of birds converge within sight. If any of you need an injection of color now that decorations have been removed, think about bird feeders or simply hitting 'Home Decor' on my site and choose a few items to boost your visuals. It is simple to order online, but if you have any hesitation...pick up the phone and call me. Have a great day.

...the right stuff...

Hello! Forecasters are calling for snow flurries today in Chester County, PA and I hope they are right. Work yesterday was a little strange as people seemed less than enthusiastic about returning to what some were calling 'the grind.' I, on the other hand, was happy to have a 'grind' to for which to return. Did that make sense? I love what I do and love helping people and consider myself lucky to be able to work in a field that I enjoy. I am no Mother Theresa tho'. (That's not my name)*. ...get it right...It's Interior design for Heaven Sake, and although I donate in dribs and drabs to the less fortunate it's not like I am travelling to Calcutta to save the poor. But she did,on this day in 1929. By the 1970s she had become internationally famed as a humanitarian and advocate for the poor and helpless, due in part to a documentary and a book, called Something Beautiful for God by Malcom Muggeridge. She earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna in 1980 for her humanitarian work. Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity continued to expand, and at the time of her death these Missionaries were operating 610 facilities in 123 countries, including hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis, soup kitchens, children's and family counseling programs, orphanages, and schools. How about that! This lady knew as early as 12 years old what she wanted to do with her life and when she turned about 18 went out and did it. She had the right stuff folks and the luck to be able to do it. How many of you knew what you wanted to do with your lives and how many are actually doing it? I was almost going to take my Holiday items off of my website but remember how my home DSL was broken for a while? As it turns out, I am glad that I was unable to remove certain items as those exact pieces have sold in the past couple of days. Who woulda thunk? Those out there like me are already thinking ahead to next Holiday Season. Yippee. I bought two gifts already but I won't tell what they are or who they are for. I do this because I tend to choose the right stuff when I am not under pressure or when something calls to me from a store shelf. Yes, that's my name! * my vote for favorite song of 2008... I had better get moving here or I will chat away about people who do good deeds and perhaps bore the reader. I wish everyone a great day, one full of good energy and abundance. Work hard if you need to, protect the less fortunate, keep your eye on the ball and get the names right. After all, you DO want to like what you see when you look into a mirror, right? Even if it isn't my (shameless promotional attempt) Mademoiselle Wood Framed Mirror. (as shown).