...under pressure...

Hello. It is sunny here in Chester County, PA. I had a great talk with Tiffany from 'Oasis Raw Foods' yesterday. She was sharing with me the stress and tension that she and many others are feeling lately and feels a change coming. I also feel stress and figure it to be part of life. I keep getting excellent orders from my website and all of the work that I put into it (along with NobleKnits) but items are hard to obtain. I think that, even though my business is doing very well, many companies are either not stocking or wait for orders and then the item cannot be gotten immediately. So far, so good for the most part but that does add another element to pressure. I delivered two refurbished Traditional Chairs to a hair salon this morning and they were appreciative and funny as heck. One stylist has overcome so many challenges in the past few years but still remains smiling and wonderful to be around. Continuing on pressure... on this day in 1948 a dike along the flooding Columbia River broke, obliterating Vanport, Oregon within minutes. Fifteen people died and tens of thousands were left homeless. I feel so sorry for her as I have many gay and lesbian friends and wish that I could have been there to relieve some of her pressure. Huh, what? Oh, my bad. Today M and EW are coming in so that I can help with her dorm room. I have been decorating for them since E was in a crib. Yikes. Pressure. Age wise. JS is coming in to pick up her 'Cheval Washed Mirror' that looks terrific. I spent a little time refinishing the drawer top because I felt it needed a bit more and I was successful. I left the plastic bubble wrap covering on the mirror itself to protect it for it's trip to Maryland. I hope the recipient doesn't think me a wiseacre to cover the mirror. Years ago I remember a walk-in leaving my shop in the pouring rain. I called out the front door, "Would you like a bag?" She replied, "Why?" I replied, "For your head!" I worked out with her ex-husband at the gym and he told me how offended she was. It was not my intention. She was probably still under pressure from the new divorce. Yikes. Have a great day, relieve pressure in any healthy way that you can and try your best not to allude that people need bags on their heads. Today's photo is of the 'Aegean Rattan Dining Chair'. Bag it!

"Being Elvis Presley's daughter is a whole lot of pressure. It's been a constant burden in my life." Lisa Marie Presley

...handicap...

Greetings. The sun is shining over Chester County, PA today after a questionable beginning. Walking four dogs at once may be an easy thing for professional dog walkers and is easy for me unless we run into those unleashed animals which makes it somewhat of a handicap for me. Nothing insurmountable, just a bit more challenging. The scale renderings were accepted yesterday and they also bought the Tall Black Narrow Cabinet. I had a certain height, width and depth to fill and the piece had to compliment the Chinese themed room as well as having to be a certain finish, light reflective quality and provide a specific amount of storage. Heck, that was easy! 'Handicap' is defined as a race or contest in which advantages or compensations are given different contestants to equalize the chances of winning. It is also defined as a physical or mental disability. We all have that in some ways. Maybe I should speak for myself. On this day in 1985 amputee Steve Fonyo completed the cross-Canada marathon at Victoria, British Columbia, after 14 months. Also on this day in 2001 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that disabled golfer Casey Martin could use a cart to ride in tournaments. Back to my dog walking, because I'm sure no one ever tires of me going on relentlessly about them...my Pomeranian has both black skin disease and a ruptured esophagus which renders him almost unwalkworthy in very humid conditions. We slow the pace for him and work with his handicap because that is what we need to do with each other. I suffer from dyslexia at times, especially when I am tired. That can be a real hoot when I am totalling a large sale after several days of sleep deprivation. There is a little person at my gym who commands the StairMaster and is also a hoot. Maybe she developed a wicked sense of humor learning to deal with people or maybe she was born with that gift. Everyone has a handicap I think and we have to treat each other better. Sometimes the handicap is visually apparent and sometimes it is hidden from sight, for those of us who can see. Embrace yourselves and others and have a great day. Today's photo is 'Large Parchment Pendulum Clock'. Give one to your friend who is always late. It is on sale for $56.43, or depending on the day $34.65.

"People think that if you look fairly reasonable, you can't possibly act, and as I only care about acting, I think beauty can be a great handicap." Vivien Leigh

...ice...

Hello. It is blah, blah, blah here in Chester County, PA this morning so we kept to the neighborhood again. That can be a good and a bad thing. Last evening as I walked four dogs, all leashed as per the association bylaws I had to quickly maneuver them as a neighbor with ice for a heart let her large dogs run freely and 'at' my four. This has happened before and possibly they do not understand English so I handled it in a language that has no understanding barriers. I let the Schipperke go and he chased the large dogs away. A herding and protective breed, the Schipperke can be one's best friend and worst enemy. He proved both last evening. My great niece is moving further South and my sister has a sad and cold heart this morning for which I feel completely bad but cannot do a thing for her but to listen and provide some type of comfort. We hate when loved ones go away, don't we! On this day in 2002 the Mars Odyssey found signs of large ice deposits on the planet Mars. Some things are 'Universal'. Today I present the scale area rug drawings and that 'coffin on end' to a client and predict much success. I can't report same for all of those 'Needlepoint Gilded Bird' pillows as they have been further delayed and will not arrive before July 17th. I hope that all of the folks who ordered them can wait. 'Put it on ice' they will probably say but let's hope for the best. I tried to accomplish everything that I needed to do yesterday but missed a LaCrosse game and wish that I could have gone. Hopefully next time I will be able to attend. Today's photo is of the new 'Hutton Wall Pocket' and can hold ice nicely, but is not a recommended use. Have a great day, hold on tight but also be able to let go!

'I was so cold the other day, I almost got married.' Shelly Winters

...mind...

Greetings. We stayed local for our walk this morning as it is...you guessed it...overcast and grey in Chester County, PA. Yesterday for some odd reason I You Tubed Maureen McGovern singing 'Can You Read My Mind' from 'Superman'. One of the finest voices in popular music, I always thought that she should have been a bigger star but sometimes fate can be unfair. Coincidentally, or maybe not so much if you know me at all, on this day in 1995 in Culpepper Virginia, just down the road from my family, actor Christopher Reeve was paralyzed from the neck down after falling from his horse in a riding competition. Bad hand. Maureen McGovern recorded and released 'I Won't Last A Day Without You' at the same time Carpenters did and we know how that turned out. My friend LaLa worked with Maureen and had nothing but great things to say about her. A good attitude is paramount. I shipped the Russell Wright pieces to L in NY and packaged them very carefully. They cannot be replaced as they are pretty much one of a kind. Just like Christopher reeve and Maureen McGovern. Yesterday I blew out three light bulbs and after the gym my cell phone read 12-31-1999 8:00 pm. One odd energy moment after another. I don't know if there is any significance to that date and time. Maybe all cell phones do that on occasion. I'm sure that most of them did on December 31st, 1999 at 8:00 pm. The decorative wooden panels are on their way which will make D and D very happy. They will hang between the kitchen and living room, creating both art and partial privacy without blocking the space. Somewhat like X-ray vision. I received the color, to scale renderings for the two area rugs and one was not drawn correctly. The art department at Masland is awesome but in this case, simple is better. I did instruct them to 'use their creative expression' but I guess they also can't read my mind. Little Max is visiting for a couple of weeks and weighs about 5 ounces. He looks like a moving leaf and I would like some of his energy. I wish that for everyone. Have a great day, be thankful for the little and big things in your life and remember that life may not always be fair, but it is good. Today's photo is 'Brick Leaves Wallpaper'. A bunch of little Max's at about 25 dollars per single roll.

'The mind is everything. What you think you become.' Buddha

...party...

Greetings. It was a beautiful weekend here in Chester County, PA with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Today is 'back to work' and school for many and the skies are overcast. I stopped by DS's home to pick up two period armchairs and will refurbish and reupholster them. We went to 'Cedar Hollow' for dinner on Friday and had a great time. The staff was rather 'cool' but we didn't care and had fun. It was a perfect way to ring in the summer. Saturday my nephew and B went out to eat and again had a great time. Little 'Maxi' will be spending a couple of weeks with us beginning tonight because B and G leave for Italy this afternoon. Beau has made it clear that he likes his new home and his brothers which is a wonderful thing. One happy party after another. On this day in 1783 A Great Jubilee Day was held in Trumbull, Connecticut to celebrate the end of the American Revolution. Last evening my neighbor had a party and it was a fun bunch. Many are in the dental industry so there were plenty of white teeth. A gal from New York found my website and ordered some Russell Wright pieces to add to her collection. Anyone who spent the weekend at the beach really lucked out weather wise. MLASA did and had a blast. I even found a little free time to swab the deck and my nephew helped. It is supposed to rain today which is fine. I'm glad that it held out until now. Rain needs to party too! Have a great day. Today's photo is the 'Pineapple Design Fountain' for anyone planning a garden party in the near future. It can hold water nicely, Chardonnay even better.

"I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat." Will Rogers

...freedom...

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all of those who gave their lives to protecting our Freedom.

"Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect." Eleanor Roosevelt

...answers...

Hello. It is clear here in Chester County, PA and promises to be sunny. Yesterday JS ordered the 'Cheval Washed Wood Mirror With Drawer' for her sister's birthday and I am hoping that NS, (the sister) does not read my blog. If so, so much for surprises! I also ordered a tall black distressed cabinet for that Chinois Black Schumacher Wallpaper Bathroom and it will be perfect for that space. A business associate commented that it looked like a coffin standing on end, but divided into three section as it has been designed, it would be the most gruesome coffin in history. I think you get what I am saying. On this day in 2002, in Washington, DC, the remains of the missing Chandra Levy were found in Rock Creek Park. My neighbor Ashley was a true animal lover. She had two huge dogs that she would walk religiously and also worked at the Hickory Springs Kennel here in Chester Springs, PA. Ashley died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, May 16, 2009. She was 23 years old. My thoughts and prayers go to Ashley and all of her family and friends. Sometimes there are just no answers. This weekend many will celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a United States federal Holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after WWII to include American casualties of any war or military action. This is probably the least upbeat blog that I have written, aside from Max but it is what it is today! When my Dad visited this past weekend he kept saying that he only asks one question and needs to follow up with 'Questions 2 and 3'. That is all well and good and shows a great amount of caring, but sometimes we don't even get the answer to Question #1. Have a great day, keep loved ones both alive and here in spirit in mind and do the best that you can.

In recognition of Ashley's love for dogs, memorial contributions may be sent to Main Line Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 89, Chester Springs, PA 19425.

"Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well." Josh Billings

...sign of the times...

Greetings! It is sunny and beautiful in Chester County, PA and the park came in handy both last evening and this morning. Last evening we watched a Lacrosse Game and today we did our usual walk. New signage at the park now alerts people to the dangers of Lyme disease and where to place your trash. I guess that the huge trash receptacles were not an obvious enough hint. I received another order for my 'Gilded Songbird Needlepoint Pillows' and can see the power of a sign, albeit a small one, in a popular design magazine. Thank you 'Romantic Homes'! The movie industry celebrated a sign of the times on this day in 1908 when the first horror movie, 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' premiered in Chicago. I think that he has come back to earth in many different forms. Perhaps some of you have encountered him? Speaking of horror, today's photo is the unfortunately named "Fuk Mi Seafood and Sushi Buffet" restaurant. ( click photo to enlarge) That is certainly a sign of the times...'Thank you for calling 'Fuk Mi', how may I direct your call??? Human signage, and most of us have them, are our fingerprints. Today in 1934, Oskaloosa, Iowa became the first municipality in the U.S. to fingerprint all of its citizens. In 1979 Elton John changed the times as he was the first western rocker to perform live in U.S.S.R. Wonder if he ever ate at Fuk Mi? JS may have finalized her mirror decision and won't her sister be happy! LR stopped in and I can now remove her custom drapery and re-install it in her new home. The kitchen at least. The windows and doors are exactly the same size and it seemed a shame to me to leave them considering how (pats himself on the back) perfect they look. I could always make new ones, but who needs to spend several thousand to recreate the same thing when I can simply take them down and rehang for a few thousand! Kidding. Maybe. That's a sure sign of the times, right? Sometimes a sign can be something other than what you expect. This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend and the beginning of summer to most. If you are in the Cape May area, be sure to look for brilliant blue awnings as it is a 'must stop' location for good, reasonably priced food. 'Uncle Bill's Pancake House and Family Restaurant' if you don't already know and I am sure that you do. Time for me to sign off. Have a great day. Thank you NEO for the great sign photos.

"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." Bill Watterson ...or have they???

...fly...

Hello. It is a beautiful, sunny day here in Chester County, PA. We caught three biscuit toters this morning on our walk which really plays against our purpose that we power walk to burn calories. We should pick up our speed if this continues and fly around the path to counteract the treats. Late yesterday the power washers came and flew thorough the job on my neighbors deck, yet did a thorough job all in all. We will hopefully put everything back together if the stain has dried by tonight. Button down or zipper you ask, speaking of fly? On this day in 1873 Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a U.S. Patent for blue jeans with copper rivets. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall during those discussions and wonder if these men had any idea how successful their idea would be. Flying ahead a few years. On this day in 1932 Amelia Earhart left Newfoundland as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, landing in Ireland the next day. And boy were her arms tired! I received a fax confirmation for those decorative sliding panels yesterday and they should arrive by the end of next week. I am also waiting still on the 'Gilded Blue Songbird Pillows' and wish that they could be made faster. Once finished they have to be flown over from Italy. Maybe I should just fly over and pick them up. That is a justifiable business expense right? ELM returns from Florida today and B and G are already back from Naples for the summer. What would we do without airplanes? And flys for that matter. Of every variety. Have a great day. If you have a hesitation to say something off color, try to keep your mouth zipped. Otherwise, let it fly! Today's photo is 'Pierre Deux's Arriane Denim Fabric'. Perhaps I should email Levi and Jacob and start a new fashion trend. I can see cowboys wearing jeans made of this fabric, can't you? 'Brokeback Mountain' cowboys anyway... Speaking of which, on this day in 1996 the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Romer v. Evans against a law that would have prevented any city, town or county in the state of Colorado from taking any legislative, executive, or judicial action to protect the rights of gays and lesbians. That was surely a 'Rocky Mountain High'. Let's 'Fly Away' with John Denver and Olivia Newton John.

"Land is about the only thing that can't fly away." Anthony Trollope

...don't lose your head...

Greetings. The sun is out and the frost quickly melted from my windshield this morning in Chester County, PA. There were no biscuit toting folks at the park because we got there way too early. The 'boys' almost lost their heads but I made up for their lack of treats when we returned home. I heard someone say 'Don't sweat the small stuff...and everything is the small stuff...' which gave me pause. My Mom had a similar attitude. As she was dying from a rare, untreatable illness something in my life would pop up that was less than stellar. I would hesitate to share my minor worries with her considering how minute they were in comparison, but she would tell me that every problem is real. We all have mountains to climb and it seems that once we conquer one, another in in plain sight. My guess is that what matters is how we handle that mountain. On this day in 1536, Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry VIII truly lost her head. She was beheaded for adultery, treason and incest. Jackie O really kept her head as also on this day in 1962, a birthday salute to President John F. Kennedy took place in Madison Square Garden, the highlight for some being a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' preformed by Marilyn Monroe. The Birthday Party last night was great and it was wonderful to have everyone around the same table. My sister is like me and doesn't like a lot of pomp and circumstance so when the wait staff brought dessert along with some hand clapping and an extremely attention getting song, she sat there with poise and kept her head. Lucky for the wait staff the steak knives had already been removed so they kept their heads as well. Today's photo is of a 'Happy Birthday Apron' which makes a great gift and has a fabric treated coating just in case you need to behead someone. Wash and wear at it's finest, y'all! Have a great day and try not to lose your head.

"Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that. " Norman Vincent Peale

...fully charged...

Greetings. It is sunny and cool in Chester County, Pa this morning. We got to the park a little earlier than usual as everyone seemed to be fully charged for a change. I don't bring my cell phone to the park giving us a few moments of transmission free time to focus on the day and our time together. Except, of course, for the biscuit toting power walkers who never seem to forget about us. When I arrive home my cell usually reads 'Fully Charged' and is another signal that we are ready for another day. Jacqueline Cochran was a fully charged woman, (May 11, 1906 – August 9, 1980) and a pioneer American aviator, considered to be one of the most gifted racing pilots of her generation. On this day in 1953 she became the first woman to break the sound barrier. The second woman to do this, by vehicle, is my friend Buffy who achieved this goal many times in her life. In aerodynamics, the sound barrier usually refers to the point at which an aircraft moves from transonic to supersonic speed. A client on Saturday chose Florentine Shades by Prestige in Snow White and I was able to show them a photo of how they look installed as I had installed about 25 of them in a recent job. Also having a physical sample of said shades, I assured the client that they would not look nearly as fuzzy as those shown in my pictures. And yes, my camera was fully charged. Today is JK's birthday and we will go over to her home this afternoon to give presents and then go out to dinner. Happy Birthday J! Saturday night was also a fully charged evening and CK was not as charged the following morning. She had a party for her son and he invited about 150... oops, maybe 15 friends over and it was a full house. Last night we went to the 'Epicurean' for dinner and they have a brand new menu. We had a great time and fully charged the dinner on American Express. Today's photo is one of many new wall brackets that I will be adding to my website once I have a little time to download and Photo shop them. Have a great day and stay as charged as possible.

"As a designer, the mission with which we have been charged is simple: providing space at the right cost." Harry von Zell

...better late than never...

Hello. It is overcast today on Chester County, PA. I finally got the scale drawings faxed for those two area rugs and can now put that aside. I started with this job last August and then delay after delay prevented the client from physically moving into their new home. That combined with large discrepancies to the original floor plan required adjustments in size and scale but now everything is on track. Just don't track mud on these gems folks! In keeping with the 'better late than never' theme, I cleaned last night. A friend came over to help and we got a whole lot accomplished. I vaguely remembered that my counter tops were white but can now prove it. On this day in 2005 Kuwait finally permitted women's suffrage in a 35-23 National Assembly vote. Kuwait is a sovereign Arab emirate on the coast of the Persian Gulf as we already know, and has the fifth largest oil reserves in the world. It is easy to see that it is also one of the richest countries in the world per capita. And four years ago they finally allowed women to vote! Better late than never. Two curious marriages occurred on this day also. In 1770, 14-year old Marie Antoinette married 15-year-old Louis-Auguste who later became king of France, and in 1836 Edgar Allen Poe married his 13-year-old cousin Virginia. How macabre! It must have been 'A Dream Within A Dream' for them. I am off (but you already knew that) to the shop for a while. Have a great day, clean if mood suits you and marry young. You don't need any flapping lips at the wedding reception whispering 'better late than never'. If that does happen tho', we can take care of those meanies by arranging a 'Premature Burial'.

"All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream." Edgar Allan Poe

...enduring...

Greetings. It is raining slightly here in grey-ish Chester County, PA. update. it is sunny at 2:52 pm and I am not referring to rt. 252. It has pretty much been doing the same thing here for days on end. My installation yesterday went great and it could have been a circus because the vent system people were there as were the carpenters, (no, not them but I would have preferred them) as well as the clients so we endured and tried to tread lightly over each other. Kind of like this rain. Some interesting popular culture items were introduced to the public, (redundant) on this day and all have endured. Firstly, on this day in 1905 Las Vegas was founded and that place has done nothing but endure and prosper, for the most part. So has Walt Disney Studios who premiered Mickey Mouse in his first cartoon on this day in 1929. The animated short was entitled 'Plane Crazy' and I wish that it had premiered the day that I wrote about kooks...1940 proved to be an important day as McDonald's opened its first restaurant and is now the world's largest chain of fast food restaurants. They serve nearly 47 million customers daily, some repeats. The first nylon stockings were sold on this day in 1940 also, making both women and drag queens much happier. Then, in 1970 the Beatle's released their last album. 'Let It Be' which has also endured. Today I will fax those area rug renderings and get them on their way. It has been area rug month for which I am thankful. Interior Design-wise, both toile wallpapers and the 'Empire Pole Swag' have stood the test of time simply because of good design. Both are favorites of mine, not that you asked. I have made this widow treatment in many different fabrics and have also omitted the pole at times and board mounted the treatment for a less curvy look. I have family coming this weekend and a birthday party for my dear sis JK so I plan on finding the vacuum cleaner and some cleaning supplies. But plans change...My thought is that I had better endure and get the cleaning done. Have a great day, wear your nylons with pride and if you need to go plane crazy, well, 'I'm Lovin' It!'

"By trying we can easily endure adversity. Another man's, I mean." Mark Twain

P.S. I love the Google ad for Velcro that suddenly appeared on here!

...solace...

Greetings. It is raining in Chester County, PA this morning so we kept to the neighborhood rather than walk the park. It gave me solace to know that not many parents/children were standing at school bus stops as one of my 'housemates' is quite a handful regarding the color yellow. As school buses and rain gear are often yellow, it is my responsibility to keep him from biting said objects. We escaped the walk without even a written harassment warning and I am thankful. On this day in 1796 Edward Jenner, not the curious looking guy on that reality show, administered the first smallpox vaccine. That gave many parents and family members as well as friends solace to know that the disease could possibly become eradicated. Smallpox localizes in small blood vessels of the skin and in the mouth and throat. In the skin, this results in a rash, and later, raised fluid-filled blisters. Yuck. Long-term complications of the smallpox V. major infection include characteristic scars, commonly on the face, which occur in 65–85% of survivors, 30-35% of the victims die. Onto a happier note. There was much less crazy in my day yesterday and I hope that you can report same. A man from NY ordered my 'Solace Mother Of Pearl Inlay' wall decor from my site. Today I install the black and taupe silk window treatments and shower curtain for that Schumacher wallpaper 'Chinois' black guest bath along with a few valances for other rooms. I will take a photo of the finished product, but we know by now that my photography skills will not keep Annie Leibovitz up at night worrying about her job security. I hope she finds solace in that. I'm glad that we took a power walk last evening because I miss when we cannot do it due to this Seattle-like weather. The dogs don't tho'. (Please apply the header title again...) Have a great day and talke solace in knowing that if today becomes stressful and oddity-filled that there is (usually) always tomorrow.

"I took solace in my relationship with God who, along with my dog, was my best friend growing up." Lisa Bonet I agree Lisa...

...stick together...

Greetings. It is clear and sunny in Chester County, PA today. The full moon has passed but yesterday was a kook filled one for me. A business associate had a quasi-meltdown with many of the theatrics found in poorly done community plays. I exited the scene just as I would have even if I had purchased tickets. Several phone calls during the day secured my theory that it doesn't take a full moon for some people to be crazy. Then I received an email from a 'woman' needing staging but she didn't want to give me her address. This makes it very difficult to find a residence even with the advent of Expedia.com and my terrific Garmin navigational system. It is becoming more and more important to stick together with the good and to repel the evil out there. The one good thing that came from the death of my beloved Max is that now these crazy antics from frivolous people mean nothing to me, for which I am grateful. Stick together everyone, but know when it is time to separate. That is exactly what George de Mestral accomplished on this day in 1958 when his trademark 'Velcro' was registered. Velcro is a brand name of fabric hook-and-loop fasteners consisting of two layers: a "hook" side, which is a piece of fabric covered with tiny hooks, and a "loop" side, which is covered with even smaller and "hairier" loops. Designed for space shuttles it now has an even more important application: Duvet Covers, Window seat Cushions and closing the flapping lips of the odd. When doing the later with Velcro, use the really adhesive kind. Sewing it directly onto the lips can be a real bitch and it is hard sometimes to find a curved upholstery needle at a moment's notice. I digress...Anyway, when the two sides of the Velcro are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and hold the pieces together. When the layers are separated, the strips make a characteristic "ripping" sound. I finalized the renderings for two more area rugs and used similar colors to bring together a Living/Dining Area nicely. The color scheme is emerald green, cream and hot pink. Why not? Friends came over for dinner last night and all claimed that they had had a crazy day. Everyone reading this probably did also...why should you be any different? I hope that today is as calm and wonderful as yesterday was stressful and odd as Hell. Have a great day, think positive thoughts, stick together and please keep Velcro on hand just in case you run into a mouth that needs closing.
"And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world it is best to hold hands and stick together. " Robert Fulghum

...water...

Greetings. It is sunny in Chester County this morning and people are slowly losing the duck waddle and getting back to walking like humans. We grabbed some bags of mulch late yesterday and are waiting for the soaked ground to dry a bit before doing more gardening. Not to sound sexist, but every garden except for two in my neighborhood is well executed and all work done is by women. I don't understand why it took until this day in 1978 for the Commerce Department to state that hurricanes will no longer be named strictly after women. Tick tock. They emptied the water tanks/fire hydrants here and some were surprised when they had no running water for the shortest amount of time. It's nice to know that this area keeps a keen eye on these types of things. My friends are supposed to return to Chester County from their Winter in Naples and claimed to me that they will miss sitting by the ocean. I can understand that. Being a water sign myself, I always feel more at home near a body of water. Sometimes a full bath tub has to suffice...Late today I visit PK to measure and choose more Graber Lightlines Roll Shades. Their line is almost all-inclusive with a huge selection of fabrics. It was probably a watershed moment for their competition when that sample book was released! Speaking of water, it is time for me to hop in the shower. Have a great day and if you are in a new situation where you feel a little 'wet behind the ears' do your best to listen and learn.

"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it." Dan Quayle

...one brick at a time...

Hello. Sunday turned out to be weather perfect here in Chester County, PA. We took an early walk to Valley Forge Park and had the place almost entirely to ourselves. I had to cancel a brunch due to a scheduling conflict and spent the greater part of the day hanging framed art and mirrors, one piece at a time. It is amazing how properly chosen and installed accessories can transform a space. Much measuring and calculations are required but the process went well and the client was happy. On this day in 1850 work started on the 1st brick building in San Francisco. One brick at a time...kind of like yesterday's job but my task was a lot more varied. Today I will be high in the sky installing Graber Skylight Shades and my timing is good...the sun is making an appearance almost daily. Speaking of building, 'Carpenters' just celebrated their 40th anniversary in the music business. A new compilation, just released in Japan is their highest debuting album ever. They built a career one hit at a time and still generate a lot of capitol for the record label and for Richard. Karen would have loved that. I hate to admit feeling physically tired today but after climbing up and down on ladders yesterday my legs can feel it. They will be happy to know that today will be more of the same, one step at a time. Sort of like life. Sometimes it is best to not look at the extension ladder in total, but to view it step by step. Especially when looking down. Have a great day, try to take small steps and enjoy the view whether you have clarity on 'Top Of The World' or feel like there is 'Something In Your Eyes'. Today's photo is of the 'Versailles Teal Mirror'. And yes, I hung on of those.

"Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps." Saul Bellow

...crazy...

Hello. It is sunny and warm in Chester County, PA today. We finally gave back to the great park people who daily remember to bring dog treats when they walk. One lady didn't even have pockets this morning but kindly carried a Zip Lock bag, as though she had no other things to remember. We are surrounded with kindness and I consider myself very lucky. I picked up some handmade cocktail napkins and put them on the windshields of cars that I recognize to be owned by these wonderful folks. If I were really nice I would have put liters of Vodka on their windshields, but let's not get crazy here. Speaking of crazy...tonight is a Full Moon. The may 9th Full Moon is in Scorpio and the given ritual suggests that we open up to others and explore the darker aspects of life, to accept those ‘nasty’ parts we all have in order to transform the dark into the light. By cleansing our spirit of upsetting past emotional issues and looking within and without, we can build a stronger personality that will be better able to help others in an honest, compassionate way. I wonder if on this day in 1671 there was a Scorpio Full Moon? That may explain Thomas Blood's actions. He disguised himself as a clergyman and attempted to steal England's Crown Jewelry from the Tower Of London. He wasn't framed, he did this of his own accord. That crazy faux Priest! Crazy is as crazy does. Some builders use that unattractive plate mirror in bathrooms...the kind that are attached to the drywall with clear plastic clips. I spent the better part of yesterday fabricating pewter frames for two such mirrors and am very happy with the results. I will install them later today and this small change will undoubtedly transform the mundane to the, well, framed. Tomorrow I have just learned, I will hang many, many mirrors and pieces of framed art for a client so I plan on being level-headed quite early tomorrow morning. Today's photo is of the 'I See The Moon' needlepoint area rug. It is a jewel for a child's bedroom so please keep your hands off of it Thomas Blood! It can be purchased on my website tho'. Have a great day and, uhm, why not...let's get a little crazy!

"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy." Charles Manson

...pop-ular...

Greetings. It is sunny and warm in Chester County, PA this morning. Yes, you read me right. People were shocked and surprised at this change in the weather and many were almost effervescent. So was pharmacist John Styth Pemberton, who on this day in 1886 invented a carbonated beverage that would later be named "Coca-Cola". I almost added the incorrect link when searching for Coke so please Google with caution. Yesterday I received new wallpaper books and added several papers along with room settings to my website. Some folks have trouble envisioning the final outcome when choosing wallpapers so this may make it easier for those few. Last evening we did the 5 mile path at Valley Forge which seemed the popular choice for many. The water fountains in Valley Forge Park have cold, refreshing Spring water. I should contact Coca-Cola and suggest they put their product in the fountains...but diet of course. We are tentatively planning to go sailing in Marsh Creek next Sunday, weather permitting. Today's photo is of my 'Sail Boat Wooden Plaque' for those who like the idea of a sail boat but would prefer to stay out of the water. I trust that everyone called that cell phone number to prevent unwanted phone calls. I did this a few posts back. If you haven't taken care of this you still have a little time. Phone solicitation has become popular over the years and I have gotten better at evading many of those callers. Using ruses and other underhanded devices to garner information and try to sell, I would like to 'pop' a few of these phone players, perhaps with a frozen liter of Coke. I wonder if the Pemberton Family would object to this? Pemberton was a pharmacist and chemist in Georgia and his initial idea for Coca-Cola was to create a coca wine. This alcoholic beverage was mixed with coca, kola nut and damiana ( a small shrub with tiny flowers that then produce a fig-like fruit) and he called this drink 'Pemberton's French Wine Coca'. It was intended to stop headaches and calm nervousness, but others insist he was attempting to create a pain reliever for himself and other wounded Confederate veterans. Personally I would have stuck to the original recipe but I was probably walking the dogs when they called for my expert opinion. Have a great day, don't worry about being popular and sail through with ease.

"For her fifth wedding, the bride wore black and carried a scotch and soda." Phyllis Battelle

...sound decision...

Greetings. It is overcast and raining lightly in Chester County, PA this morning. The rain did stop long enough yesterday for us to eat outside and even grill without dinner getting soaked. I had the umbrella ready just in case and that was a sound decision. We were just getting ready to toast those tiny marshmallows with shish-ka-bob skewers when the skies opened. We decided to skip the toasting process and can save that for another night. Yesterday's blog was entitled 'Cheers' speaking of toasts and on this day in 1987, Diane Chambers' (Shelly Long) final episode for 'Cheers' aired. Her uptight, well spoken and humorous character added flair to the show and some missed her in later episodes. She wanted to go on to a major film career so left the top rated show and, well, back to sound decisions. On this day in 1946 Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering (later renamed Sony) was founded with around 20 employees. Sony is one of the leading manufacturers of electronics, video, communications, game consoles, and I.T. products for the consumer and professional markets. Its name is derived from 'sonus' the Latin word for sound. Does anyone out there remember the 'Walkman'? Bet Sony wishes that they had come up with the IPod. Speaking of IPOD central, my gym has been rearranging and adding equipment and the place is so much better almost overnight. They created a much nicer flow to the space but unfortunately kept the same purple, yellow and black color scheme, like something out of a bad Batman movie. Some decisions are sound, some not so much... I tend to like a black and white theme but the world does not revolve around me, unless something has changed and I have yet to be notified. Have a great day, try to make sound decisions and if you feel stressed get outside and walk man!

P.S. Personally I don't want to scale down any of my prayers. To each his/her own. Happy Prayer Day!

"There is no black-and-white situation. It's all part of life. Highs, lows, middles." Van Morrison

..going public...

Gracious good afternoon. Have I reached the party to whom I am speaking?

REMEMBER --Cell phone Numbers go public next month.

This is easy to do and is worth passing on to your family and friends.

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public next month.

REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing
companies and you will start to receive sales calls.......

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list.

It will only take a minute of your time.

It blocks your number for five (5) years.

You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.

You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS... It takes about 20 seconds.

The gentleman on the recording mispronounces 'registry' so don't giggle.

...cheers...

Cheers! It is overcast and grey here in beautiful Chester County, PA this morning. More rain will come later so there is no cause for worry regarding droughts. Many people that I have spoken with have been feeling tired, listless and sort of sad and I have great news for you. If you are suffering from these symptoms it may simply be lack of sun. I have some reading material to recommend to you in case you are feeling 'down' and this particular novel was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and The Nobel Prize for Literature. Published on this day in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a story written by John Steinbeck and is set during the Great Depression. This novel focuses on a poor family of sharecroppers,( NO, not hairstylists who tend to Cher's wigs) who were driven from their home by drought, economic hardship, and changes in the agriculture industry. In a nearly hopeless situation, they set out for California's Central Valley along with thousands of others in search of land, jobs, and dignity. Happy reading!

If this doesn't do it for you, perhaps 'The Bell Jar' written by Victoria Lucas aka Sylvia Plath will fit the bill. The book focuses on a woman's descent into mental illness caused either by bipolar disorder or clinical depression. She committed suicide a month after the book's first publication which means that she didn't get to enjoy the fruits of her labor which is quite unfortunate. Cash always seems to help a down mood. I wish I had been around to cheer her up as I am doing for all of you today. Wouldn't you like to get away? This may work also. Picture a beach house, sand, surf and lot's of fun, upbeat people, perhaps slightly drunk having a volley ball game just before sunset. Today's photo is of my 'Adriatic Seagrass Dining Chairs', not quite the kind that Woody Harrelson would favor, but stylish and beachy nevertheless. Cheers everyone. I hope you have a great day.

"So, two cheers for Democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits criticism." E. M. Forster

...mental health...

Greetings. It is raining again in Chester County, PA this morning. I think it is getting to people. Our walk in the park was a bit different. Usually, the elderly folks cram dog treats into their pockets. Today we were greeted with middle fingers pointing toward the Heaven's. A local gun shop is having a 'Buy one get one free' handgun special and when I asked my Priest this past Sunday, 'Rainy enough for you' at Communion, he shoved the host down my throat and then slapped me. Mental Health Week is fast approaching and it couldn't arrive at a better time. So hold off on that handgun purchase and save your cash for a new bathing suit. This rain too shall pass. Interestingly, on this day in 1809, Mary Kies became the first woman awarded a U.S Patent, for a technique of weaving straw with silk and thread. The following Fall she started the first course in 'Basket Weaving 101'. I hung all of those blackout shades yesterday that a client purchased to keep the blinding sunlight out and to prevent her furnishings from becoming bleached. No, I didn't give her a refund, but we did laugh at the irony. To MB, yes I did use the intro yet again and hope that by this week's end I won't have to repeat myself! Also to KWL in Hawaii, I smugly hope that you are enjoying all of that sunshine. Mine comes in a pretty blue bottle for now. I just added some to my cappuccino! Have a f*&^ing great day everyone! Today's photo is of a hand painted Antique Patina Table Lamp simply because I need some light...from any source. *Some of today's blog is utter nonsense. "Blame It On The Rain".

Mental Hospital Answering Machine.

Hello and thank you for calling The State Mental Hospital. Please select from the following options menu:

If you are obsessive-compulsive, press 1 repeatedly .

If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you.

If you have multiple personalities, press 3, 4, 5 and 6.

If you are paranoid, we know who you are and what you want, stay on the line so we can trace your call .

If you are delusional, press 7 and your call will be forwarded to the Mother Ship .

If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press .

If you are manic-depressive, it doesn't matter which number you press, nothing will make you happy anyway .

If you are dyslexic, press 9696969696969696 .

If you are bipolar, please leave a message after the beep or before the beep or after the beep . Please wait for the beep... .

If you have short-term memory loss, press 9 .
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9 ..
If you have short-term memory loss, press 9 .

If you have low self-esteem, please hang up our operators are too busy to talk with you .

If you are menopausal, put the gun down, hang up, turn on the fan, lie down and cry . You won't be crazy forever .

If you are blonde, don't press any buttons, you'll just mess it up .

In these coming weeks it is National Mental Health Care week .You can do your part by remembering to contact at least one unstable person to show you care .Well, my job is done . .

"Bores put you in a mental cemetery while you are still walking. " Elsa Maxwell

...rock...

Greetings. It is raining still in Chester County, PA. My hands and feet are oddly becoming webbed. Thank God for survival of the fittest. Soon I will start looking for Noah and his wife Joan of Arc and gather animals in pairs. Huh? Let's get ready to rock the boat. Click here for a radio jingle that is well done in my opinion. KFRC On this day in 1981 Rockline premiered on KLOS FM in Los Angeles. I can almost remember when I switched from AM to FM radio and it seemed such a monumental growth barometer for me. Back then I never thought I would live to be 40 and I have certainly surpassed that timeline. I am installing window treatments this afternoon and am still waiting to transplant a tree. I broke my shovel yesterday while digging in the (rock and clay infested inferior ground) back yard and have to get another one today. 'Rainy Days and Mondays'... also on this day, in 1994 Courtney Love was cleared of drug charges. Of course we knew that she was clean! Oddly, one of my favorite CD's is by her, entitled 'Celebrity Skin' that features 'Malibu'. I think it's about Kurt. Rock on...Today in 1904 construction began by the United States on the Panama Canal. I will stop complaining about my rocky back yard as it pales in comparison to what those people did. Have a great day, rain or shine and remember that people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. They should also keep plenty of Windex on hand. Today's photo is of my 'Ebony Pillow Zebra'.

"Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock."

Sigmund Freud

...pick up and deliver...

Hello. It is again overcast this morning in Chester County, PA. Hopefully it will clear and sun will appear but the rain is doing wonders for the foliage. I picked up Max's ashes late yesterday and the beautiful cherry box (thanks Buffy) is sitting next to the battery operated candle that oddly illuminated twice last Saturday and also next to the 'Illume' Pineapple Cilantro scented candle given to us by KM. (thanks KM). Someone emailed me to tell me that euthanizing an animal only causes that animal to relive his/her life with the same disease until they are able to die of natural causes. I respect everyone's belief system so please respect mine. I chose not to have Max suffer more seizures as he was in 4th stage Leukemia and counts on me to protect him as I do for all of the other animals who reside here. I also pick up worms from the macadam path who have lost their way between grassy areas and toss them back to give them a fighting chance. Call me odd. Call me pretty much anything but I have to do what I think right. Interestingly, on this day in 1994 Dr. Kervokian was found innocent on assisting suicides. I also received another email regarding shipping charges on my website. I have automatic UPS Ground charges that are supposed to calculate shipping for each item and it doesn't seem to be working. Rather than cancelling an order, please email me and I can calculate the proper shipping depending on your state, weight and freight. Thanks again to 'Romantic Homes' magazine for featuring my 'Gilded Blue Songbird Needlepoint Pillow' as a lady from California ordered two yesterday. Also, to 'R', the 'Hydrangea Hook Rug' (pictured) freight fee is 12.99 not 36.00. (ouch) unless of course, you are living on Mars. Then that fee may apply. I need to get the Mountain Bikes prepped this weekend and hope to do that after work today. If it rains I may houseclean but the odd sound of the not oft running vaccuum cleaner may scare residents and neighbors alike. I can't make any promises. Have a great day everyone. Do what you think best in every situation and keep on trucking, UPS, FedEx or whatever...

"Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest." Mark Twain

...may day, may day, may day...

Greetings. It is raining lightly in Chester County, PA this morning which should help my grass seed to flourish. I have been combating a bird seed pool under one of the larger feeders out back and for a while it looked as though I had planted a garden there. The landscapers were confused and began to cut around the 'garden' so I cut out all of the growth, replanted it near the walking path and smoothed it over. On this day in 2003, President George W. Bush declared that 'major combat operations' in Iraq were over, smoothing over worry and concern over the Iraqi location. I have been (not) enjoying the 'discontinued' game again as it seems to be hard for vendors to keep items in stock. This included a few needlepoint pillows and ceramic lamps along with a handful of newer drapery weight fabrics. I always find suitable replacements but it takes more time to get it all together. The vet left a message yesterday that Max's ashes are ready for me to pick up which I will do late this afternoon. He is already home but the ashes belong here. I am thankful for low calorie Boo Koo. I usually drink it before a work out but these past weeks it has been a real Godsend to help keep me going. Fake energy or not, it helps so who am I to argue? It is the first of May which of course means 'May Day' and refers to any of several public holidays. In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers Day, or Labor Day, which celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. As a day of celebration the holiday has ancient origins, and it can relate to many customs that have survived into modern times. What I do know is that I am working today. How about you? I showed a brand new Robert Allen large Jacobean drapery weight floral to clients yesterday. They loved it, it is available so that is all good news. Hopefully everyone will receive good news today in one form or another! Have a great day. Today's photo is of a Glass Top Dining Table that is supposed to look reeded but is made of wood. I have it in my shop because it is unique. It may never sell but I don't really care. I like looking at it and hope that you do too.

Mayday is an emergency code word used internationally as a distress signal in radio communications. It comes from the French venez m'aider, meaning 'come help me'. It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency by many groups, such as the police, pilots, firefighters, transportation organizations and interior designers who keep choosing unavailable items to complete jobs. The call is always given three times in a row ("Mayday Mayday Mayday") to prevent mistaking it for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual Mayday call from a message about a Mayday call.

"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure." George Edward Woodberry