...strength...

Greetings. It is sunny and beautiful this morning in Chester County, PA. Yesterday's vehicle inspection and root canal went great; both offices being professional, efficient and polite. Everyone should be like K & S Auto in Frazer, PA and Maria Concepcion, DMD. My teeth and truck are 'chewing up' the roadways like never before now. Watch out! Sadly, I received an email from KM in Texas and they are doing their best to get through their days . They lost their beloved cat Oliver to cancer on Friday after a long battle. Words aren't enough to buffer the pain. Maybe if you have a moment or two you can pray for their strength today. An icon of strength was inaugurated on this day in 1889. Made of iron, this tower is built on the Champ de Mars beside the Seine River in Paris. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. My weekend with my nephew was great also and I am thankful that they live so close to me. We did some crafts, walks, marbles and work and both had a nice time. BB picked up her new sofa cushions yesterday. My neighbor, Donnelly Printing was nice enough to keep the pieces safely as I was in a chair at that time. A modeling company in California is ordering my 'Antique Ivory Suitcases' for one of their shoots and that should be fun. I have to order that round area rug today also, the one from that template of last week. Have a great day, stay strong and if you need some more strength pray and ask for it. Pictured today are my 'Chateau Wall Clocks' ironically available in Ketchup and Mustard.

"I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived." both Oliver and Willa Cather

Greetings. We just returned from the park where we walked and puddle jumped. My nephew jumped in 14 puddles in total. His sneakers, socks jeans and sweatshirt are now in the washer! The dogs did the same so all of their gear is in same. Just because it's raining outside doesn't mean one can't have a good time! Work yesterday went great and I had a chance to update the front display window. We then went to a client's home to do some consulting work and then hit a few stores on our way home. We met friends for dinner at the 'Fitzwater Station' and spent a little while feeding the geese and ducks. My nephew had a Coke with his dinner so one could say he pulled a Pemberton because on this day in 1886 Dr. John Pemberton brewed the first batch of Coca-Cola in his backyard in Atlanta, Georgia. Have a Coke and a smile I say to the generations of Pembertons that followed, all the way to the bank. We have a party today for my niece who turned 16 recently and it will be a fun time. Tomorrow I have my vehicle state inspection and emissions and also a root canal so I may not have time to blog. Have a great day today and tomorrow and I will catch up on Tuesday. Even if you don't drink Coke, smile. Decorate your garden.

"He who slings mud generally loses ground." Adali Stevenson

Greetings! It is again rainy but tolerable here in Chester County, PA. I am thinking ahead to how beautiful the flowers will be in a few short weeks. I am also intrigued at the students in France who are so hands-on active at such young ages. Their concerns and attention seem foreign, no pun intended, to students here in the U.S. Just yesterday NPR was interviewing and reporting on a 15 year old student who was staging an organized semi-rebellion and trying to block students from entering schools. On this day in 2006 at least 1 million union members, students and unemployed took to the streets in France in protest at the government's proposed First Employment Contract law. My nephew is with me today at work and is the advanced age of 5. He is bright and interested and it gives me hope for the future. And the present. Yesterday's template trial went very well and an area rug was ordered. There was a bossy gurdy around who felt the need to try and run the show, but it takes all kinds. Perhaps France could use her. MW is coming in today to pick up her shower curtain and BB is picking up her reupholstered sofa cushions. If it stops raining we will hit the park, if it continues we will find something indoors to do that is both challenging and creative. Have a great day. Today's photo is of my 'Birdhouse Style Plant Stakes'.

"A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age." Robert Frost

...fly away...

Greetings. It is sunny in Chester County, PA today and promises to be warm. 60 degrees warm. Friends just informed me that they will attend a wedding in Italy this May and the plane fare is quite reasonable. What would we do without airplanes! I remember one flight when my nieces were tots and we were stuck in Texas for hours. Well, maybe a couple but it seemed like hours. We were not allowed to leave the plane. Finally my one niece said to the flight attendant, 'the least you could do is bring me some ice'...It must be genetic. On this day in 1970 the Concorde made its first supersonic flight. Fly Away! I never had the pleasure of being a passenger but my college 'friend' sure did and took it every school break. Today I bring the huge paper templates to a client's home to adjust if necessary and order a few custom area rugs. One will be a Wilton of 100% wool but the other three will be variations on a theme. I will use broadloom in slightly different heights and textures to create mostly floral and bordered designs. The floor plan is somewhat open so each room must play off of the other while keeping it's own identity. If I just sounded like an adult in a 'Charlie Brown' cartoon, don't worry about it. Tonight I will probably pick up my nephew and hang with him for the weekend. I always enjoy that. Birds fly away also, but perhaps a few of my 'Lighthouse-styled Bird Feeders' will keep them around. Have a great day and since it's Friday, if you get an offer to fly away...do it!

"Let him that would move the world first move himself." Socrates

...eradicate...

Greetings! It is overcast and misty today in Chester County, PA. Yesterday at the shop was phone day and all three kept going and going and going. That's fine as I was still able to make my paper area rug templates. One room calls for a large circle so I taped old stock wall paper together and then made a compass out of string, a large straight pin and a colored pencil. Voila! The round rug is ready to be taken to the client's home tomorrow. Seeing is believing, besides the kitchen is not a simple room. It has many angles and protrusions so a circle makes sense design wise and a template is necessary due to all of the constraints. Time well spent I must say. Time not well spent was the time it took me to measure an entire home for wall-to-wall carpeting and the installer tasted sour grapes as they aren't doing much in carpeting these days. My punishment was for them not to ever get back to me with a quote for my client. Eradicate the poop heads! Luckily I had a plan 'B' as I always do and even tho' it took me more time than it should have, I got my end result. The silly installers lost out on a considerably large job and I still can't figure out who would turn that kind of work down. Anyway, back to good. The Chinois wall paper is due in 2-3 weeks from now and Schumacher will be well represented. I promise to take photos of this job but things are still in an upheaval until the movers have finished their second delivery. Jonas Salk made quite a delivery on this day in 1953 and also did much to eradicate poop heads also. He announced his polio vaccine and taken in combination with an oral vaccine has all but eradicated this virus from most countries in the world, reducing the worldwide incidence from an estimated 350,000 cases in 1988 to just over 1300 cases in 2007. There are some amazing people who walk and have walked this earth. Isn't it great? I have to get ready for the shop and may ignore the ringing phones today. Is that a good idea? Have a great day. Today's photo is a 'Boy and Girl' playing and is part of my 'Garden Design' web section.

"Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom." Hannah Arendt

...safe and sound...

Greetings. I am late today in writing my blog as many demands fell upon me early and continued! Yesterday's deliveries went great and every piece looked as good in it's new setting as I had imagined. I now have to make huge paper templates for custom sized area rugs for a Kitchen, Living Room, Dining Room and Sun room. 'Beach House Diamond' is going in the Sun room for sure with a Sage Green binding but I have to play with other samples to see what calls to me for the other three spaces. People are a little slow on the draw this week, and although I am thankfully busy and some are not, I still need to progress. I will light a few more fires to speed things up but not the kind of fire that caused the death of many garment workers in New York City on this day in 1911. It happened at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory but even in the darkest times, some good came of it. That fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the Garment Worker's Union. The shop looks a little empty today after that delivery. I was getting used to stepping over things. I think it is time to order more things! Have a great day. Today's photo is of my new 'Box Style Lantern' available in both blue and citron green.

"History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies." Alexis de Tocqueville

...the longest yard...

Greetings. Yesterday was a real challenge as one of my beloved dogs took off for a few hours. It seemed like an eternity until he came back and all kinds of negative thoughts crept into my mind. It was one of the longest mornings of my adult life. That is sort of how the spectators felt on this day in 1936 as the longest game in NHL history was played between Detroit and Montreal. Detroit scored at 16:30 of the sixth overtime and won the game 1-0. Several fans fell asleep at 15:02 and one person's head plopped into his bag of buttered popcorn. (this may or may not have happened) Anyway, I got a lot done yesterday...faxed floor plans to the installer to fine tune my carpet estimate. I don't oversell a product 'cause it is simply the wrong thing to do and people do not like to overbuy. It is as simple as that so if it takes a few days for me to recalculate ways in how to save on product and then thus labor, well, it is all for the good. I hung an old window from the ceiling last night to create a visual separation in a loft and then around 10 pm fell fast asleep. The dogs beat me to it. So did the cat. Everyone was happy that the group was all at home, safe and sound. Today I deliver chairs, those Chippendale Footstools (not the male dance troupe, the style) and the outdoor furniture that I had been painting, and painting, and painting...Have a great day. If your day turns out to be a long one, I hope it is for all the right reasons. The 'Butterfly Bench' is new. It also comes in Blue.

"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody" Bill Cosby

...he's baaa-a-a-ck!...

Greetings. One of my dogs ran away this morning and it took us several hours to find him. This blog is short but I will make up for it tomorrow! Happily he has returned, probably needing to feel the leash less liberation of a dog on the run. No one likes to be controlled but it is for their own best interest. Ironically, on this day in 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death". I think I heard my dog mutter that same quote as he made a bee-line for the back yard. Considering that a highway is less than a mile away we are all lucky this morning. Have a great day!

...opposites...

Greetings! It is cold and clear in Chester County, PA I have to type quickly because I am on schedule to deliver an antique love seat to a beautiful old Chester County Farmhouse this morning. It has been reupholstered in a thick, tightly woven Lee Jofa print and looks aged and awesome. I have finished painting the rattan furniture finally along with the side table and have reupholstered the chair seats and made cushy back pillows out of a Carole Fabrics printed microfiber floral pattern. I will bet that you thought that Microfiber came in solids only, right? Well, Carole Fabrics 'Tapestria' line came to the rescue again. I have already placed the sofa cushions and brick colored diamond quilted upholstery weight fabric into my truck (late last night) so I wouldn't forget to hand it to the upholsterer today. I also have to pick up the taupe vinyl and all of these outdoor fabrics make sense as it is Springtime now and people are ready to move outdoors. This is the opposite of the past several months when it was hard to get someone to do a late evening freeze time power walk with me. Now Spring has sprung and also apparently have outdoor furniture springs. To the rescue! Speaking of opposites and not in a positive way but, it is what it is...on this day in 1788 a fire in New Orleans left most of the town in ruins. We all remember the effects of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. Water did the same years later. Back to pretty things! After the shop today I am visiting friends in Haverford and always have a great time with them. Tomorrow morning I measure a full house for new carpeting which will take me quite a while as I am uhm, particular. As long as it goes well and I don't get odd Uncle Horatio, that crazy loon to install, it will be dandy. I remembered to turn my phones off last night so as not to be disturbed by odd hour crazy callers. It must be going around! But not on my home phones! I have to run now. Have a great day and if someone says something dumb, turn it into something intelligent. Make it opposite day only if it is for the good.

"About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends." Herbert Hoover

...genius...

Hello. Yesterday's installations went extremely well and I even had time to lay the padding and two area rugs prior to the furniture being delivered today. The upholsterer arrived with the Wing Chairs that I had re-done in an Emerald Green Damask by Robert Allen and they look swell. I had installed Florentine Shades by Prestige Window Fashions in all 25 windows earlier this week and yesterday began installing the top treatments. The Sun room received balloon valances of a Lily Pulitzer-like Pink and Green floral by Tapestria, the Kitchen had remade Tea Pot Valances, a retired selection also by Robert Allen. Moving into the Owner's Suite, I used an indigo and cream toile entitled 'House party' by Kravet Fabrics and the toile is properly named for the recipients! The same room took a 'CallanwoldeWool Area Rug' in a 10' x 14' size that left a foot and a half of hardwood flooring as a balanced perimeter. Love it. Once everything is in furniture and accessory wise I will have the wallpapers hung and then take some photos for you to view. Late yesterday I did a tiny bit of arm twisting and the client chose Schumacher's 'Shulu Chinois Ebony Wall paper' and a Black embroidered fabric by Kravet. Nothing like the guest bathroom being the standout room of the house! The client brought back a raised 6-panel Chinoiserie Screen from China, thus the repetition in the bathroom. Subtle! My shop needs some attention today as I have been running around all week and have spent scant little time in it. Fine with me. It is nice to have a shop, but I would rather be outside of it creating in homes and offices. And if you thought that today's blog title was me being self involved, you are wrong! On this day in 1916 Albert Einstein published his general theory of relativity. That's the theory telling hosts that family members who stay longer than three days is like keeping fish for longer than three days. (this may or may not be true) Anyway, have a great day. I have to deliver an S-chair to the upholsterer as it needs freshening. Me too actually. Do something today that is pure genius. Today's photo is of 'Sailboats Drapery Fabric'.

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

...longevity...

Hello. We are back from our morning walk and the bird singing is in full force. They continue to withstand the seasons here in Chester County, PA and so shall we. Longevity. I love it. I guess that longevity can be considered relative. I have been in the same industry doing the same thing for two decades and think that is long, but others may disagree. What we can agree on is that on this day in 1915 Pluto was photographed for the first time. I posted what I believe to be that same picture, the one where he is wearing a Kelly green collar and proudly displaying a bone but...hold on, uhm what? Oh. On this day in 1915 Pluto, the round thing in the sky was photographed for the first time but was not recognized as a planet. It was then recognized as a planet and then it was no longer recognized as a planet. Did you follow all of that? Me either. Pluto is no longer considered a planet but it's still a round thing in the sky and that, my friends is longevity. Green collar or not. I am delivering a few custom area rugs and wall paper this morning and then meeting the upholsterer at a client's home to receive two Wing Chairs and then I plan on installing about 11 Custom Window Treatments. I also have to re-measure for some custom grill work as each panel runs about 5oo bucks and they must be exactly the correct dimensions. There isn't even an eighth of an inch margin of error. Well worth it but I don't need any extras lying around. They would be around forever and that kind of longevity I can do without. Have a great day.

"Longevity conquers scandal every time." Shelby Foote

...charge on!...

Greetings from a sunny and what promises to be warm Chester County morning! Yesterday's installation went 24 out of 25 as a factory error, albeit a small one took my perfect score from me. But I will not wallow! I will have the minor adjustment ready and have 25 more window treatments to install tomorrow. Charge on I say! Speaking of which, on this day in 1850, American Express was founded by Henry Wells and William Fargo. 'Oh, the Wells Fargo Wagon is a 'comin'... anyway, charging on...

Romantic Homes! is featuring my 'Gilded Songbird Needlepoint Pillow' in it's June issue and that makes me very happy. If you do not already subscribe to this stylish interiors magazine, please treat yourselves. They have constants in every issue, a few examples of which are:
“Make It”—Craft or sewing project • “Insider Trading”—Tips and resources for homeowners
“Browsing”—shopping ideas • “Shopkeeping”—Inspirational stores across the country, Top 10 sellers and area information...
Fabrics, wall coverings, fine furnishings, vintage vavoom style, collectibles, entertaining ideas, beautiful homes and more.

I phoned my carpet installation service late yesterday to get pricing on a large job that I am calculating for Sunday and got a Circus Barker on the phone by mistake. He should have answered the phone by saying "Ringling Brothers, how may I direct your call?" Yikes. It was probably someones crazy Uncle Horatio filling in while someone visited the facilities.

This morning I will board mount box pleated valances and a few indigo blue toile swags, keep some shop hours, and then get my Mt. Bike and ride late in the afternoon. Yahoo for warmer weather! Have a great day, charge on and if Uncle Horatio calls you, be polite as always but keep it short.
Here is the link to their magazine...Romantic Homes!

"Don't you know that silence supports the accuser's charge?" Sophocles

...head bored?

Greetings and Happy St. Patrick's Day! It is starting out cold here in Chester County, PA but promises to be much warmer later today. The window treatments installation went great yesterday and I have many more, for a different client to install again today. On this day in 1756 St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in New York City at the Crown and Thistle Tavern. The day is the national holiday of Ireland and celebrates it's patron Saint. It is celebrated also in many other countries but is not a national holiday. Don your green but remember that it wasn't until the 1750's that green was the representative color of this day, it was blue. The Chicago River is dyed green every year...that isn't algae! Anyway, I installed horizontal blinds yesterday and then had lunch with a dear friend who made green cookies and it was fun. Last night I helped my Dad transpose music into different keys and then finished folding laundry. Can you stand the excitement? Today promises to be a great day as well. It is Silhouette day and I will be installing 25 of them. Wish me luck. If you are Irish, please remember this: according to legend, on the day of Judgement, while Christ judges all other nations, St Patrick will be the judge of the Irish.

"An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind." Mohandas Gandhi

...depressed and stressed?

Greetings! The sun has risen on another day so let's make it a great one, no matter what challenges you may be facing. A man named Lawrence Oates, an ill member of the South Pole expedition left the tent on this day in 1912 saying, "I am just going outside and may be some time." His body was never found. His goal was to find a way for the rest of his crew to reach their destination and he died trying. Some people must be born with this kind of fortitude. I can't imagine being in that position, but then again, some people may not be able to place themselves in some of mine. Sometimes it gets too much and we need some type of release or outlet. I'm lucky because I have an artistic outlet in my career. Depression is nothing to ignore and there are many ways in which to help yourself or someone that you know is suffering.

Beginning on the first day of April will be Emotional Healing Workshops. If you are near Malvern, Pa or plan to be on these dates please enroll.
4 Sessions: Saturday, April 4th & 18, May 2 & 16
Location: Malvern, PA
$200 Per Person
Art Materials Supplied
To register, call 484-716-0212 Deadline for Registration: April 1st

Now in the 'What Took So Long' department, on this day in 1995 Mississippi formally ratified the Thirteenth Amendment, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery. The Thirteenth Amendment was officially ratified in 1865. What's that number again for the Emotional Healing Workshop?

I am off to install window treatments this morning and hope to then have time to take a nice, long walk while the sun is still out. Have a great day.

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Nelson Mandela

...pie...

Hello. Chester County is cold this morning but it can only be a matter of time until the warm weather comes to stay. I celebrate the change in seasons in this area of the world but many prefer constants ie warmth all of the time. Maybe there is a symbol for that. Today, being 3-14 is celebrated as Pi Day because the 3.14 is the equivalent of 'π'.
The first Pi Day celebration was held at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988, with staff and public marching around one of its circular spaces, and then consuming fruit pies. The museum has since added pizza pies to its Pi Day menu. The founder of Pi Day was Larry Shaw, a now retired physicist at the Exploratorium who still helps out with the celebrations. Sounds like a fun guy to me. Yesterday was spent reupholstering the tops of two footstools among other things. It took about 3.14 hours to accomplish this feat! I consult with MW after shop hours today and love this person. She is smart, tasteful and direct. Oh, what marvelous qualities! I need to be around more people like her. Last evening I aided EA with Quick Books and then we had dinner and it was a beautiful evening. I am off to walk the dogs now and wish everyone a great day. Tomorrow is a Birthday party. Yippee. I hope they have pie! Blue Bargello is bright and available on my site.

"I think; therefore I am." Rene Descartes

...skyward...

Greetings! Happy waning Full Moon on Friday the 13th from Chester County, PA. I shipped out a table order via my website to Minnesota late yesterday and found two more wall paper possibilities for a guest bathroom. I replaced my parking light bulbs which was a simple task. I remember in days gone by when I had either a Mercedes or a BMW or even a FIAT for that matter, it seemed harder to perform even the easiest of repairs and I had to rely on a certified mechanic. Not that I am dissing them. I found the best, most honest and reliable mechanics in the area a few years ago and am thrilled that I did. (K&S Auto Service) But I don't think even they would want to use their time and space to repair a light bulb. It makes no sense to me. Since we are in a Full moon phase and it is a Friday the 13th, I thought I would have some fun. For those of you under the age of 15, I will provide you with a day's worth of giggles now. On this day in 1781, William Herschel discovered Uranus. For all of us, on this day in 1997 The Phoenix lights were seen over Phoenix, Arizona by hundreds of people, and by millions on television. They are now a hotly debated controversy. Today at the shop I will reupholster the two footstools and the rattan chair and (set them on fire) get them ready for delivery. Kurt Muller from Webster Carpet Showcase stopped in with two brand new sisal carpet samples that are earthy and one has a touch of sage. If any designers are not aware of this company, please do yourselves a favor and contact them. 800-428-3270 They are very nice and timeless in design. This evening I will help a friend and neighbor with Quick books and who knows what else the day holds for any of us. Maybe a UFO or two! Today's photo is of two Robert Allen fabrics and a Duralee Brush Fringe in a Dining Room. Have a great day. Keep looking skyward.

"When all is said and done, more is said than done." Lou Holtz

...fireside chats...

Greetings from a sunny, cold Chester County, PA. Last evening, after a great workout I did some birthday shopping for my niece who turns the big 16 this year. It was not a car dealership KK, I am sorry to say. Then a friend came over for dinner and we decided to eat outside. As evening turned into night I lit oil lamps and we had our own kind of fireside chat. The moon was full and the sky was covered in storm clouds although it never did storm. I saw a shooting star through a break in the formation and am sure that it wasn't an airplane. We pushed the season by grilling and it was nice. I put another coat of Sea Shore Paint on the outdoor furniture that I am (still) 'vintaging' and the pieces will need at least two more coats. I didn't figure on this, but on thew other paint splattered hand, some jobs that I think will take eons are finished in a jiffy. It tends to even out in the end. It seems that JF and I aren't the only ones to have Fireside Chats. On this day in 1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the nation for the first time as President. in his first Fireside Chat to the United States. His "fireside chats" were considered enormously successful and attracted more listeners than the most popular radio shows during the "Golden Age of Radio." Roosevelt continued his broadcasts into the 1940s, as Americans turned their attention to World War Two. I placed an order for another Shower Curtain using buttonholes at the top rather than grommets. I prefer that look and the one that I made for MW looks better in that fashion. This curtain is a Kravet Indigo on Cream Toile entitled 'House Party' and I can well imagine it being most properly named for the house that it will be adorning. These folks are wonderful people. I wish that you could meet them. I picked up the parking bulbs for my SUV late yesterday also and will change them today. It is always wise to drive your vehicle up to a window and then back it up, to check out all of your lights from time to time. When I see one is out, I buy two and simply change them both as it is only a matter of time before the other bulb goes. It also gives the police better things to handle than pulling someone over for an outted light bulb. Have a great day.

"Beware how you take away hope from another human being." Oliver Wendell Holmes

...ashes to ashes...

Hello. It is overcast and grey in Chester County this morning. With my dark coat and hooded black sweatshirt on, as I walked the dogs I may have appeared to be the Grim reaper. Sorry folks! What a way to start your day. Today is the day that if memos of wall papers have not arrived at KM's front door I will disassemble wall paper books and mail her sample pages. I hate to break up my samples, but we do what we have to do. Some people consider the lower end wall paper business to be dead. I don't carry the low end but my wall paper business continues to be strong. That is as long as the client can actually get samples of it! Ashes to ashes...not my wall paper business. On this day in 1997 the ashes of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry were launched into space. Another comment on death but not a human death. Today in 1974 the Record Rhino Store actually gave people 5 cents to take home Danny Bonaduce's solo album. Bonaduce did admit that his vocals could barely be heard on the album and that most of the singing was provided by Bruce Roberts. The album was apparently so awful that the aforementioned record store paid people to take home Bonaduce's album. Ouch. I received my accessory order yesterday which included the 'Cottage Console Table', the 'Al Fresco Bird Table, Chairs and Tray Table', needlepoint area rugs and some hand painted Tropical Fish Guest Towels. I am still unpacking and doing some minor assembly. If today remains grey and rainy it will be the perfect day to stay indoors and get this stuff finished. Today's photo is of 'Boat Flags Upholstery Fabric White' also available in a few other colorways.

Have a great day.

"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." Kurt Cobain

...ring...

Hello! We walked briskly this morning in Chester County, PA because it is again a little colder than it has been these past few days. Yesterday was a great day as I thought it would be. The two clients are always kind and a real pleasure to be around. I am lucky. My Pomeranian snored again last night and even tho' I put his little house two levels down, I could still hear him. I think I need to buy Breath Right Strips for dogs. Even my ear plugs let in too much sound. I need sleep! But don't we all. At least the ringing of the telephone at an odd early hours didn't occur. We should try to give thanks to Alexander Graham Bell, who started the whole thing on this day in 1876 by making the first successful telephone call by saying "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you." The following day, when he received his first call of a solicitous nature, he replied into the phone "&!%$#*" again you "%&*(%$#@ loser". (this may or may not be true) One of my nieces is fast approaching a milestone birthday on the 15th, which is the Ides of March. I will report on both a bit more on the 15thm of course. Oh, boy. It just hit me why I have been having insomnia for these past two nights. The Full Moon will be here tomorrow evening and it is the Worm Moon. I can usually ignore snoring, etc. but not when a Full moon is coming. It gives off some kind of energy and really riles me up. Now that I have figured it out I will expect to sleep again on the 16th. So be it.

Taken from the Farmer's Almanac: • Full Worm - March Moon As the temperature begins to warm and the ground begins to thaw, earthworm casts appear, heralding the return of the robins. The more northern tribes knew this Moon as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or the Full Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night. The Full Sap Moon, marking the time of tapping maple trees, is another variation. To the settlers, it was also known as the Lenten Moon, and was considered to be the last full Moon of winter.

Fun, isn't it? Yesterday at the bank a thug almost backed into me because he was in another world. I told him to wake up, the 'wake' beginning with the letter 'f', but now that I think of it, he may be suffering from the Full Moon also. I need to be more tolerant at times and I usually am. I hear the landscapers already! I didn't know that grass needed cutting but I guess that it does. Today I will upholster the tops of the two footstools and get them ready for delivery. I am asking in advance for positive energy and no kookiness...Have a great day. Be thankful for the telephone and Mr. Bell and always remember the endless possibilities of 'call blocking'...

Today's photo is of 'Percy' who is like the proverbial Phoenix, and is now eating on his own. Thank God.

"With confidence, you have won before you have started." Marcus Garvey

5;40 pm. The picture of myself and my two sisters fell from the mantle and the glass broke. I write these things down now for psoterity's sake. There was no air movement nor a cat in sight.

...pounding at Pomodoro's...

Greetings! The sun is shining and the birds are singing in Chester County, PA this morning. I had dinner with EA and we caught up on the good, the bad and the ugly last evening. It seems that a group of thugs employed by POMODORO'S IN YORK, PA decided to go all Chris Brown on a 50 year old as he and 4 women left the restaurant after celebrating his birthday. There was too much garlic in the Risotto and I have seen enough 'Top Chef' to know that cooks take things personally but this rings of something far shadier. I am sure that when facts are released, restitution will be made. I don't want any readers going to places that are sure to cause heartache and pain. Life is too short for that. Especially when the hand is heavy on garlic and punching. I meet with a great lady this morning and then another one in the afternoon so today promises to be stellar. I may have slept all of 3 hours last night as i could not turn off my mind. Does that ever happen to you? It is downright maddening. I brought the deck furniture up and will hopefully have time this evening to do some touching up. I love to sit outside on this warmer evenings. The view is nice, the animals love it and to me it doesn't get more real than that. Speaking of real...*smirk* on this day in 1959 the Barbie doll made it's debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York. What a doll! The link is to a movie made about Karen Carpenter using Barbie to portray the unrealistic goals in which some women (and men) use to mold themselves. Have a great day. Today's photo is of a resin finial. I am slowly but surely adding drapery hardware to my site. They are substantial enough to hold heavy drapery and quite possibly could be used in self defense situations if one needs to beat down a chef after a meal.

'If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.' Abraham Maslow

...registration woes...

Greetings. It is 60 degrees in Chester County, PA and I love it. The park was occupied by more than us this morning and everyone enjoyed their walk. I am not the only one to walk three dogs at a time either! There was another man with three leashes and a woman with two. I love it. On this day in 1911 International Women's Day was launched in Denmark by Clara Zetkin. She was the leader of the Women's Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany. Another woman, but of different renown gave herself up to State Police the other day. From the paper... "MEDIA ; Pennsylvania State Police arrested a 79-year-old Newtown Square woman Friday on nearly 400 theft, forgery and fraud charges stemming from allegedly illegal activity at her Haverford auto-tag business. '-----------'owner of Eagle Auto Tags, surrendered to state police Friday morning at the Troop K Media Barracks, where she was charged with 211 felony, 127 misdemeanor and 44 summary criminal violations in connection with a variety of alleged schemes she is alleged to have perpetrated over a period of 22 months, defrauding thousands of dollars worth of sales tax and registration fees from the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and her customers." Now I know why I have yet to receive my registration and title. It will be a year on March 28th. This opens up so much time for me that maybe I will take on a second full-time job. LOL. Crazy talk, eh? I am sitting on my deck writing this blog and the birds are not afraid of me. They are using the feeders just next to my bistro table. Maybe they know it is me who has been supplying them with seed all Winter. I hope so. Even with all of the hassle that Media Lady caused me a many, many others, I pray for her. Something must be wrong in her head and I hope she is able to sort it all out. MW stopped into my shop yesterday as did C and we got a lot done. KM emailed me from texas wondering where her Schumacher memos are and I sure hope she gets them early this week. Otherwise she may have to paint and that would be so boring in comparison to nice wall papers. Have a great day. If you buy a new vehicle today and need to get registration and title, well...best of luck!

...all in the game...

Hello. It is sunny and warm in Chester County, PA this fine morning. We began our day outside early and expect that most others in this area will be outside also. SW from Kravet Fabrics stopped in to my shop to update me on fabrics and it was nice to catch up with him. BB came in also to choose a sofa fabric and no kooks bothered me. The dentist was also a fine time. Everyone in that office is great. It is called Malvern Dental if anyone is in this area and needs a recommendation. This day is so beautiful and I can't imagine anyone choosing to stay inside to play a game even tho' on this day in 1933, "Monopoly" was invented. My nephew loves this game, and at age 5 does quite well. We played it at the beach last Summer and probably will again this Summer. I have shop hours today but would rather work on my deck furniture. It needs a little freshening and obviously it's time to start thinking about outside entertaining. It is also 'time' to Spring forward, at least here in PA. Try to remember to turn your clocks ahead by one hour before falling off to sleep tonight. I am finally satisfied with the Chippendale leg footstools that I am 'vintaging' to coordinate with four different fabrics I am using in an enclosed porch. Once mahogany, they now have the subtle shadings of fern leaves. Ta da! Once they move in to their new home, that porch will give plenty of comfort and beauty and I am not referring to simply what I have done. They have a gorgeous view with not another home or building in sight. There they can sit on a cold evening, play Monopoly and hold hands. It's all in the game. Have a great day. Today's photo is of 'Ketchup and Mustard Chateau Clocks'.

'We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time.' Vince Lombardi

...what a pain...

Greetings. We avoided buses today by taking our usual walk in the park and were greeted by two ladies with dog biscuits in pocket. That made for very happy trekkers. It is already 41 degrees here in Chester County, PA and the birds are singing more than usual. They can feel it too. My dental appointment is today and the timing is great as I feel a little ache and took some aspirin last night. I keep aspirin available and have now learned to read the label carefully. Some aspirin contains large amounts of caffeine...not the thing one needs at 3 in the morning. Yikes. May as well get up at that point, which I did.

I wonder what people did to alleviate pain on March 5th 1899? I ask this because on this day in 1899 Bayer registered aspirin as a trademark. A man in Arizona called yesterday to inquire about my 'Wispy Twig Frame Berry Mirror' and no, the berries are not fresh. Where's that bottle of aspirin? I also completed my Federal Tax forms which is somewhat time consuming but not really hard at all. With all of the programs, Quicken and my type-a way of doing paperwork in a timely fashion, along with the on-line forms available it is really simply a matter of filling in the information that is already there. Speaking of information that is available, two people misused this information and paid for it with their lives. I am referring to Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, who's trial for espionage began on this day in 1951. The information involved the Atom Bomb and they were friendly with Russia. 'Nuff said? Or you can always Google them. I am hoping that my ' Country Sunflower Needlepoint Rug', my 'Tropical Fish Hand painted Towels' and other Springtime accessories arrive today. I am just in the mood! There is an exciting and eye opening seminar coming up and it involves using art to alleviate depression. I will have more on this event in the next few days. Today's photo is of my 'Under The Sea Coral Beach Fabric'. I sent out a sample of the Beach House Seashell Fabric Blue to a corporate designer in Colorado yesterday. She will be happy when she learns that this fabric is tested for `15, ooo double rubs using the Wyzenbeek method. I will reduce the type now in case you don't care what the Wyzenbeek Method is. Oscillatory Cylinder (Wyzenbeek)The ASTM D4157-02 is a test of the American Society of Testing and Materials. A Wyzenbeek machine is used for this test allowing samples of the test fabric to be pulled tight in a frame and held stationary. Individual test specimens cut from the warp and weft direction are then rubbed back and forth using an ACT approved #10 cotton duck fabric* as the abradant. The number of double rub cycles achieved before two yarn breaks occur or noticeable wear is observed is recorded as the fabric s abrasion rating. Have a great day and if something or someone 'rubs' you the wrong way, remember Bayer.

"Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." Lance Armstrong

...every little thing...

Greetings. It is 24 degrees here in Chester County, PA and it will only be getting warmer. Yippeee! Yesterday was spent painting footstools, tables and rattan to create a 'Beach House (Cottage House) look. It takes a lot of time to make shiny new things appear aged and vintage. I should be finished by week's end and will then do the paint remover thing. Why do it every day when I can go around looking odd? I ran into AD who is off to CA to golf. Have fun! Fore.

I also 'ran into' a friend from High School via email. The back and forth messages were short but sweet and as it turns out I happened to have made a huge difference in her life. She actually told me that I pretty much saved her sanity in those years. Wow. What a nice thing to say and what a tiny barometer of mental health also! Glad to have been of service. Sometimes we never know what little things we do can make changes in people's lives. For better or worse, so be nice. If not nice, then at least don't be cruel just be quiet.

Every little thing can have an effect on this universe. Just think back to this day in 1770. Five Americans, including a black man named Crispus Attucks, and a boy are killed by British troops in an event that would contribute to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War five years later. In short, a tense situation developed because of a heavy British military presence in Boston and that boiled over to incite brawls between soldiers and civilians.

This eventually led to troops discharging their muskets after being attacked by a rioting crowd. Three civilians were killed at the scene of the shooting, and two died after the incident. It sparked a rebellion in some American British Colonies and culminated in the Revolutionary War about five years later. So don't strut around seeking all kinds of power. It could blow up in your faces. Don't take any crap either. Find the fine line and be decent.

Speaking of such...I spoke with a gal from Penn Dot yesterday and they have begun to process my paperwork. They still aren't sure where my vehicle title is, but geez. it really has only been...well, it will be a year on March 28th. Maybe my documents will show up on that day and it will be an anniversary of sorts. I placed my accessory order yesterday also and included the Al Fresco Metal Bird Furniture. I am interested in seeing if it will 'fly' out of the shop...pun intended, or I will be dusting it off seasonally. We shall see. Sometimes what I think is fun is a bit too off the mark. I received clever cocktail napkins in the mail too and I love getting fun things. I put one to use last evening. This morning I am thankful because, rather than the park, we walked the neighborhood. One of the reasons that we go to the park is for privacy and less vehicular action. Well, today the Schipperke thought that he would show a School Bus who was boss and darted out. Thank God he is fine but we will be back to the park again tomorrow. I will also buy another leash. This one is maybe a month old and never should have gone on unlock like it did. Check your leashes every time people. Yikes and phew! Have a great day. Today's photo is my Al Fresco Metal Bird Tray Table.

"Words may show a man's wit but actions his meaning." Benjamin Franklin

...discovery...

Hello. The snow is still with us here in Chester County, PA but the sun is shining also and it is now a tepid 19 degrees. No wonder Christopher Columbus high tailed it back to Portugal on this day in 1493 on his ship Nina from his discovery voyage to America. He was probably cold! But what a discovery for him to make. And what bravery. I wonder how it is that some people stay in the same small square all of their lives and seem to be content, while others search the world over and (hopefully) find contentment in that lifestyle. I will just bet that Chris and his friends raised a glass to toast not only their discovery but their success in making the trip. Another discovery made was that people like to go to bars and drink! A man named 'Sam' opened the first tavern in Boston, Massachusetts on this day in 1634. His sidekick, Diane Chambers, a well spoken but somewhat irritating woman who...oops! Sorry. That was a television show from the 80's. The man who opened the first tavern was named Samuel Cole. I am not sure if he had a sidekick. The General Wayne Inn located in Lower Merion Pennsylvania also served as a post office from 1830-1850 and was also the polling place in 1806. I can almost remember casting my ballots buzzed on martinis! The Carole fabrics arrived yesterday and I prepped them for the 'workroom' and all seems well. I also began painting the rattan chair and side table for a client's front porch. A nice lady emailed me on my website to suggest that I title my Beach House Complete Home Fashions section 'Cottage House Home Fashions' and I am taking that under advisement. I truly appreciate constructive criticism and positive suggestions but I much prefer coming up with the ideas myself! Kidding...somewhat. Thank you MAB (and not the paint conglomerate.) Speaking of raising a glass, my friend at Connections Magazine is having a banner season. If any of you want to promote your business, no matter how large or small, give them a call or email. Today's photo is of a golf themed border as a suggestion for LR, the clean freak. Have a great day everyone and try to discover something great. I am off to buy some lining and then I will begin making many, many floral balloon valances. After that, I may not discover a new country, but I certainly may discover a chilled martini.

'You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.' Plato

...editing...

Greetings! It is a snow covered morning in Chester County, PA and looks beautiful. It is downright frigid out but temperatures will be rising as the week progresses. I heard some statistics last evening regarding Internet sales of 'adult-oriented' items and felt a bit low after hearing them. My website is good but some of those adult sites are raking in millions. I guess that I could turn ...all through the house, inc. into another kind of 'house' but I think not. On a similar subject...on this day in 1873 the U.S. Congress enacted the Comstock Law, making it illegal to send any "obscene, lewd, or lascivious" books through the mail. In other words, censorship of sorts. The following day a man by the name of Braun Papier began to make his fortunes by manufacturing his moniker for mailing purposes. (this may or may not have happened). Percy is still in ICU so please keep your positive thoughts coming. The boys are in full force this morning as salt throwers, etc. are outside and it gives them something to bark at. I wonder what they do when I am not at home. Another interesting item was founded on this day, but in 1879. The United States Geological Survey was created, probably to count just how many people walk this earth with rocks in their head. One phoned early this morning. I really need to remember to turn off the 'ringer' when I go to sleep. Ironically today but in 1885 the American Telephoneand Telegraph Company was incorporated in New York. I still cannot figure out if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Kidding. I think. One of these days I will write a blog about boundaries. The upholsterer is stopping in this morning to pick up my template and a blue and cream toile fabric for a windowseat. It is a trapeziod shape and once made will provide a great place to perch. It is time for me to head to my shop and see what the day has in store for me. I wish everyone a happy, positive day with only good people surrounding you. Today's photo is of a Beach House fabric that I call 'Green on Brown Ferns'.

'You create your opportunities by asking for them.' Shakti Gawain

...beat that...

Hello. It is still snowing a little in Chester County, PA unless that's just the wind blowing things around. Accumulation was little but it is hovering around 20 degrees and feels more like 11 with the addition of strong winds. Brrr. I spent yesterday doing errands and home items like house cleaning and laundry which made for a rather uneventful day, but I'll take it. I slept better than I have in weeks and kept odd people and negative behavior totally out of the equation. That accounts for a lot. I am guessing that school closings and late starts are all over the map here and am wishing parents added strength...just in case they were awaiting the start of that school bell. I have heard about a lot of birthdays in the past two weeks and am tempted to count back nine months but that could be silly. I do know that on this day in 1950, American singer and drummer Karen Carpenter was born in New Haven, CT. Best known for her vocals, Karen Carpenter was also an accomplished drummer, her masterful talents praised by fellow drummers Hal Blaine, Buddy Rich and Modern Drummer magazine. Many people are unaware that Karen had an impeccable ability to play the drums, in part because the public wanted a singing Karen Carpenter, rather than a drumming Karen Carpenter. However, according to Richard Carpenter in an interview, Karen always considered herself a "drummer who sang."
Carpenter first started playing the drum set in 1964. She was always enthusiastic about the drums, and taught herself how to play complicated drum lines with "exotic time signatures" (quoting Richard Carpenter from the 'Close to You' documentary). Happy Birthday in Heaven Karen!

'I'm determined to be contented, and having plenty of money from working makes it easier for me.' Karen Carpenter

...in like a lion...

Hello. It is flurrying here in Chester County, PA this morning. Thankfully no crackpot called me myriad times and my morning has been peaceful. The animals loved walking in the winter wonderland and we are now back in a warm, safe place. It is the first of March and, at least in my locale the month is coming in like a lion. Do you happen to know the origin of the weather proverb about March, "in like a lion, out like a lamb"? For most locations, the average temperature at the end of the month is higher than at the beginning, so the proverb typically has some meteorological truth to it, but where did it come from?
This phrase apparently has its origins with the constellations Leo, the Lion, and Aries, the ram or lamb. It has to do with the relative positions of these constellations in the sky at the beginning and end of the month. I always thought that it was the severity of the weather but I love learning new things. I hope you do too. Yesterday after shop hours I visited T and C and had a nice time as usual. I tried to save them some money by suggesting corner cabinets for their Dining Room that didn't have to be custom built, but their minds were made up. They will look great. I also chose an aqua fern fabric by Kravet for a Wing Chair and Ottoman set and think that they will ultimately order it. It is Traditional without being stuffy and a bit off the beaten path so it may take additional time for two minds to wrap themselves around it. Last night we went to 'Creed's' for dinner right in Wayne and I can almost remember being a singing waiter when it was called 'The Sting'. I remember better decorating it when it was called 'Baron's Inn'. Yikes. I am dating myself. Today is errand and clean day but I don't mind. I can lay low, get things in order and spend time with my housemates. I hope you can do the same. Have a great day. Oh, happy March. Roar! Corner Cabinet as shown...$1322.00

'An optimist is someone who gets treed by a lion but enjoys the scenery.' Walter Winchell