...less stress

Hello. I ran to get lights and a few odds and ends yesterday and people seemed to be in a whirl. Heck, it's the 333'rd day of the year and the Holidays are here. Some folks are not respecting Ernest Sirrine's patent. On this day in 1910, he obtained the first US patent for inventing the traffic lights system. It's not an option people! If the light is red, stop. Demands and stress play havoc on some minds and it's key to remain focused, even with a thousand things running thru your heads. This may sound old fashioned, but keep a small pad of paper and a couple of writing utensils handy and make lists. Once things are committed to paper the brain gets a break. Just don't read your lists while operating a motor vehicle. The same goes for texting. Self protection people! Be defensive, not offensive. Anyway, I paid for my lights and chatted with the register clerk a bit and promptly left without my bags. Focus man! 5 items regarding Holiday stress may be reduced once you are aware of them.
Doing Too Much...do the best that you can. Be organized and use time wisely.
Eating, Drinking and Spending Too Much...just don't do it.
Too Much Togetherness...home and hearth is great but don't allow yourself to be smothered. Not Enough Togetherness...if you feel lonely, donate time to local facilities that need senior assistance or help for the young, down on their luck or heck...stop by the mall. You may be happy that you have some alone time.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)...less light and colder temperatures in some places make this condition very real. Google it for your own health's sake.
I have to get going. Remember to remain focused, polite and defensive. It sure is hard to type this blog while driving, drinking coffee and beeping my horn.*beep beep* Get the f*ck outtamy way dingbat!
Just kidding. Mirror the behavior of cool people.

"God will never give you anything you can't handle, so don't stress."
Kelly Clarkson

...saw the light

Hello. ML called yesterday reporting that she was at a mall at 3 am. The wait for a cup of Starbucks coffee was an hour. What a trooper! The place was packed according to her report and police had to keep the shoppers in line. I saw the light at about 6 am, made my own cappuccino and stayed far from the maddening crowds. (party pooper) Karen Carpenter sings, "the light on my tree, I wish you could see..." Me too. I didn't see the lights that usually adorn my tree and outside shrubbery. Some gremlins must have tossed about 25 strands of crystal lights so I need to replace them today. I do still have those multi colored twinkling ones but I can't bring myself to use them. Things have to coordinate not alienate! I'd like to find those gremlins and knock them over the head with a stocking filled with coal, sort of like, but not as extensive as, what happened on this day in 1994. Remember that oddity serial killer who was interested in necrophilia, cannibalism and torture? Ugh. In Portage, Wisconsin, convicted serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was clubbed to death by an inmate in the Columbia Correctional Institution gymnasium. Don't worry tho'. When the inmate had finished clubbing this freak to death, he was able to finish his reps, grab some water and find a spotter for his bench presses. Do you see the light freak? They are flames and a temperature well above the boiling point. Stay warm... I'd better get moving. Friends are coming over this evening and the vacuum won't push itself, unless I get the kind that 'freaked' out the housekeeper on 'Flipping Out.' Have a great day, stay far away from cannibals and continue to see the light. (Octagonal Light) shown today. Can you see it?
"An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?" Rene Descartes

...in the black

Hello. Is anyone in the mood for leftovers? Are you at the mall yet? Today is the official start to the Holiday shopping season and many will be wearing festive colors as will the shops and walkways. I, personally, wear a lot of black. Being in a visual industry I never wear something that might detract from what I am proposing to a client and black seems to be the best choice clothing wise. Beginning as early as 1966, Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season. The term has become more common in other parts of the country since 2000, even tho' it began on the east coast of the US. Because Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, Black Friday occurs between the 23rd and the 29th of November. It is referred to as 'Black Friday' because it's the first day, (after registers have been counted) that retailers are no longer in the red for the year. That is one long year! Tomorrow is another Thanksgiving of sorts for me and friends. We will hang out and catch up and stay far away from the maddening shopping crowds. On this day in 1924, in New York City, the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was held. Some traditions I love. Have fun today, good luck locating this year's 'Pet Rock' and remember, black is beautiful. Shown today, 'Black Wooden Clock.'

"Any colour - so long as it's black." Henry Ford

...flightless birds

Hello. It is easy to capture a flightless bird. On this day in 1637 the first official "Day of Thanksgiving" was proclaimed by Governor Winthrop. He did so to celebrate the safe return of men from the Massachusetts Bay colony, who had gone to Mystic, Connecticut to participate in the massacre of over 700 Pequot women, children, and men. On this day in 1789 a national Thanksgiving Day was observed in the United States on the recommendation of then President George Washington and approved by Congress. Then, on this day in 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the United States. According to Thanksgiving mythology, the pilgrims arrived, the Native people fed them and welcomed them, and the Indians promptly faded into the background, everyone living happily ever after.

The truth is a sharp contrast to that mythology. The pilgrims are glorified and mythologised because the circumstances of the first English-speaking colony in Jamestown were too questionable to hold up as an effective national myth. Many turned to cannibalism in order to survive. Also,the pilgrims did not find an empty land any more than Columbus "discovered" anything. Every inch of this land was Indian land. The pilgrims did not come here seeking religious freedom; they already had that in Holland. They came here as part of a commercial venture. They "introduced sexism, racism, anti-lesbian and gay bigotry, jails, and the class system to these shores."
One of the very first things they did when they arrived on Cape Cod - before they even made it to Plymouth , was to rob Wampanoag graves at Corn Hill and steal as much of the Indians' winter provisions of corn, beans, and wheat as they were able to carry. They were no better than any other group of Europeans when it came to their treatment of the Indigenous peoples here. And no, they did not even land at that sacred shrine called Plymouth Rock, a monument to racism and oppression which "thankfully" we got rid of in 1995.

It is easy to capture a flightless bird. I am thankful for the roof over my head, the health of my friends, family and housemates, the ability to earn a livelihood and the many, many gifts that I have been blessed with and continue to be blessed with over the years. I take none of it for granted. Have a great day and for those who celebrate, have a nice Thanksgiving Dinner however you decide to spend it... and always strive to do what is right.

"My cooking is so bad my kids thought Thanksgiving was to commemorate Pearl Harbor."
Phyllis Diller

...weather or not

How do I say this gently? Today in history marks many acts of nature that caused much loss and devastation, totally beyond our control. In 1343 a tsunami, caused by the earthquake in the Tyrrhenian Sea, devastated Naples (Italy) and the Maritime Republic of Amalfi, among other places. In 1667 a deadly earthquake rocked Shemakha in the Caucasus, killing 80,000 people.
In 1703 the Great Storm of 1703, the greatest windstorm ever recorded in the southern part of Great Britain, reached its peak intensity which it maintained through November 27. Wind gusts were estiamted to reach up to 120 mph, and 9,000 people died. In 1759 a disastrous earthquake hit the Mediterranean, Beirut and Damascus completely destroying the area and 30,000-40,000 were killed. And then on this day in 1833 a massive undersea earthquake, with an estimated magnitude between 8.7-9.2 rocked Sumatra, producing a massive tsunami all along the Indonesian coasts. In 1839 a cyclone slammed India with high winds and a 40 foot storm surge, destroying the port city of Coringa (which has never been completely rebuilt). The storm wave swept inland, taking with it 20,000 ships and thousands of people. An estimated 300,000 deaths resulted from this disaster. In 1926 the deadliest November tornado outbreak in U.S. history struck on Thanksgiving day. 27 twisters of great strength were reported in the Midwest, including the strongest November tornado, an estimated F4, that devastated Heber Springs, Arkansas. There were 51 deaths in Arkansas alone, 76 deaths and over 400 injuries in all.
On this day in 1950 the "Storm of the Century" occurred, a violent snowstorm that paralyzed the northeastern United States and the Appalachians, bringing winds up to 100 mph and sub-zero temperatures. Pickens, West Virginia recorded 57 inches of snow. 323 people died as a result of the storm. In 1987 super typhoon Nina pummeled the Philippines with category 5 winds of 165 mph and a surge that swallowed entire villages. At least 1,036 deaths were attributed to the storm. In 1996 an ice storm struck the central U.S. killing 26 people. A powerful windstorm affected Florida and wind gusts over 90 mph, toppled trees and flipped trailers. On this day in 2000 was the horrible Baku earthquake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale. One good act of God and Mother Nature occurred on this day in, well, no need to be specific after all of the facts that I just laid on you...my Uncle RD Sawyer was born! Yay! See, there is a silver lining! Happy Birthday Uncle Dick. Many happy returns. May I suggest everyone wear galoshes and rain gear today, just in case! Today I install pinch pleated drapery resulting from my Side Panel Sale, colors running from white to red to purple to green. If all of these stats are making you feel 'blue', buy the mirror shown. Have a good day and for Heaven Sake, don't fool with Mother Nature!

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song."
Lou Holtz
Speaking of Mother Nature, do NOT taint milk powder in China. China executed two people yesterday for their roles in last year’s melamine milk scandal, according to news sources. I'm not sure if it was fat free but their sentence certainly wasn't.

...Adam's Rib

It is grey and raining in Chester County, PA this morning. On days like these, sometimes it takes the fittest to survive. My appointment yesterday went well although I arrived early which isn't like me. On time is key but better early than never. Some think that Eve was made from one of Adam's ribs and that's all good and well but I think that theory tends to make women appear subordinate in a way. It would have been more palpable to me if say, Eve was made from one of Adam's wisdom teeth. It's a bit more flattering for Eve and then Creationists wouldn't take so much ribbing. On this day in 1859 Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species." These writings presented a body of evidence that "the diversity of life arose through a branching pattern of evolution and common descent." Darwin included evidence that he had accumulated on the Beagle expedition in the 1830s and his subsequent findings from research, correspondence, and experimentation. I updated round mirrors on my website upon learning that one was no longer available. It either sold very well, or the vendor made only a handful. I'll never know. I wish good things for you today. Shown is my "Pet Buffet" for those stylish cats, dogs and other 4-legged family members. Maybe have one under the tree on Christmas EVE.

For anyone who watched the AMA's, were you 'shocked?' Well, more shocking to me is that ABC failed to mention that the 1,500+ complaint calls about Adam Lambert's performance all came from the same phone number. Let freedon 'ring.'

"Believing in evolution is believing in the unproved, while believing in Christ is believing in the proven." Edwin Louis Cole

...let the music play

Hi. I stripped again yesterday and also had the brains to download many of my Holiday CD's into my IPOD. This is a backup in case I can't find a radio station that plays Holiday music 24/7. Elves are playing games with me I believe since I cannot find the crystal tree lights anywhere and they are too large in number to have been mistakenly thrown away. At least I hope that's the case. My installation Saturday went very well and I think it did the Mom good. Her son was moving out that very afternoon and the new window treatments softened both the room and the blow that she must have been feeling. They have music playing in every room with a built in sound system and I loved it. I thank God for my sense of hearing and never take for granted that not everyone gets this blessing. I also thank God for headphones when I don't want to hear some things. On this day in 1889 the first jukebox went into operation at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco. Songs by Elvis, Carpenters and Bing Crosby must have filled the air and Joan Rivers, of legal drinking age by then must have loved the new invention. Have a great day, listen to the music and do the best that you can. Shown today is the 'Paradour Gold Round Mirror.'
"If music be the food of love, play on." William Shakespeare

...Let's Get Physical

Hello. I watched the ageless Olivia Newton John on a talk show the other night. Her opinion regarding mammograms was succinct and stern. She believes that women in their 40's should have exams (mammograms) and that early detection is key. Also, if a woman, (and some men) has a mammogram and isn't comfortable with a questionable result, they can have an ultrasound also. Olivia should know. Olivia is a breast cancer survivor, donating millions to the cause. On this day in 1981, Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" single went to #1 on the Billboard charts and remained on top for 10 weeks. Let's get physical everyone and stay that way. The song was banned in many areas for promoting bestiality which only gave it more press and resulted in more sales.Insurance companies say mammogram coverage is unlikely to change despite the debate over the effectiveness of breast cancer screenings for women in their forties. The controversial new guidelines for breast cancer screening do not represent government policy, as the Obama administration sought to keep the debate over mammograms from undermining the prospects for health-care reform. We are ultimately responsible for our own health, laymen or Doctors may we be. Have a great day, stay informed and question 'authority.' Be your own barometer. I am installing taupe crewelwork box pleated valances this afternoon. That will be a work out in itself. Today's photo is my 'Balsam Needlepoint Tree Skirt' for those who put up a Christmas Tree. For those who don't, it could make quite the seasonal cocktail skirt! One's waist would have to be about 4 inches in circumference tho'. That doesn't sound very healthy.
"Family, nature and health all go together." Olivia Newton-John

...green skies

Hi. I received some of the the web orders late yesterday. That means aprons, ceramic tassels, Holiday Cocktail Napkins and a metal mirror are now on their way to different parts of the US. The world keeps getting smaller and smaller. It wasn't small enough about 65 years ago when atrocities were happening in Nazi Germany. I think and hope that, with all corners of the world being more accessible, this kind of s*it won't happen anymore. On this day in 1945 the Nuremberg Trials began. They were trials against 24 Nazi war criminals which took place at the Palace of Justice at Nuremberg. These trials resulted in the prosecution of prominent members of the political, military, and economic leadership of Nazi Germany after its defeat in World War II. I am expecting more deliveries this week; a desk and chair and another chair and ottoman pair. Have a great day, think outside the box and remain decent. For those of you who only see skies of blue and fields of green, enjoy today's photo.
"Anyone who sees and paints a sky green and fields blue ought to be sterilized." Adolf Hitler

...keep the Christ in Christmas

Greetings. I have friends of many faiths and even some who believe in nothing. I respect that. We live in a country that entitles us to enjoy freedoms of many kinds. We are not all equal yet but I believe that in time we will be. As far as Christmas goes, I believe that it is all about Christ. I know that December 25th holds some question regarding the birth of Christ and that he was probably actually born in the late Summer or around harvest time but I can deal. Maybe Christ rose at Easter because at this time flowers and other foliage are 'reborn' and it makes more sense that Christ would have been more likely to have arisen at Easter than in the depths of Winter, where it is cold and somewhat desolate in many parts of the world. Still, to me, Christmas is about Christ.
*'Twas the month before Christmas
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas was naught to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday !*
Have a great day, keep the faith and if you don't have any, try to find some. On this day in 1863 U.S. President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the military cemetery ceremony at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. "Holiday Bough White Ceramic Pitcher" shown.

"I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is." Albert Camus

...tom waits for no man

Hello. I had to call Peking yesterday to add to an order. I need to be more world travelled. I understand the different US time zones but in this age of Internet communication emails are one thing, but phone courtesy should be followed as well. When family lived in Tuscon it was easy to schedule calls and even calling friends in Kiev can be easy to do once the time differences are remembered. On this day in 1883, American and Canadian railroads instituted five standard continental time zones, ending the confusion of thousands of local times. Yes, it ended confusion! Shown today are a pair of "Chateau Wall Clocks." Depending on how many friends and family members live in different time zones depends on how many pair you should buy. More popular people should contact me for volume discounts. We painted Vapor Blue last evening and the 'boys' show it. Time waits for no man. Doom and Gloom? Have a good day, stay on time, do things in your own time if possible and in the inimitable words of Marilyn Monroe, " I've been on a calendar, but I've never been on time."

...brass shines, gold mines

Hello. The Holiday Stocking production team worked all weekend and there are now about four dozen items ready to peddle. It was nice to break away from tradition and do something artistic and creative. It's nice to flourish among the ordinary sometimes and I enjoyed this period very much. Cross your fingers that more unique items will be needed. The 'Holiday Cocktail Napkins" and 'Embroidered Pillows' are doing well via my website and it makes perfect sense. People are 'stocking' up for the Holidays. Let's go back a few years now. I was in grade school or thereabouts when, on this day in 1558, the Elizabethan era officially began. Queen Mary I of England died and was succeeded by her half-sister Elizabeth I of England.
The Elizabethan era is often considered to be the golden age in English history. It was the height of the English Renaissance and saw the blossoming of English poetry, music and literature. Elizabethan theatre flourished, and William Shakespeare and many others composed plays that broke free of England's past theatrical style. Even the battles between Protestants and Catholics took a brief sabbatical. Speaking of across the ocean, my 'Koi Pond Oval Hook Rug' has gotten a lot of hits and a fews sales also, which I find odd for this time of year. Maybe some are already rooting on Spring! Have fun today, celebrate creativity and peace, out. Shown today, 'Christmas Ornament Balls Rug.' My keywords are getting more uhm, 'unique' but hey, creativity is good.

"Brass shines as fair to the ignorant as gold to the goldsmiths." Elizabeth I

...negative people

Hello. Keeping a positive frame of mind can sometimes be hard with the challenges of day to day life. There are also people out there who have a constant need to 'rain on a parade.' If it isn't possible to steer clear of these people, and we all know that it is illegal and a sin to kill them, here is a little story that may help you to handle this type of situation. Thanks AB!
A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to Rome with her husband. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded: "Rome? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty. You're crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?"
"We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great
rate!" "Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. " That's a terrible
airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always
late. So, where are you staying in Rome ?" "We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome 's Tiber River called Teste." "Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump." "We're going to go to see the Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope." "That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. "You and a million other people trying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."
A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked
her about her trip to Rome."It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were
we on time in one of Continentals brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot. And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job, and now it's a jewel,the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!" "Well,"muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope.""Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet people and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me." "Oh, really! What did he say ?"
He said: "Who f**ked up your hair?"

On a more positive note, on this day in 1965 the Soviet Union launched the Venera 3 space probe toward Venus, the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another planet. Maybe one day we can gather every negative curmudgeon and send them far, far away. Have a great day! Pictured are my 'Ornament Cocktail Napkins.' Remember not to invite any pain in the butts.

"Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!" Donna Karan

...it's that time of year

Hello. Has it started yet? I am referring to Holiday songs on the radio. I have my IPod on mostly, that's why I'm asking. I think it would be great to have written a Holiday Classic. What a legacy to leave the Universe. I have assembled ten of my favorites with a brief synopsis for your reading pleasure.
White Christmas I can't think of a bad rendition out there. The late 70's gave a whole new meaning to 'white.'
Silver Bells Speaks of Christmas in the City, not in a rural setting as most other songs of that generation.
Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer Max's favorite and I will associate that for the rest of my lifetime.
The Little Drummer Boy Shows that a gift doesn't have to be weighed monetarily.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas Is this song melancholy covered by a thin veil of happiness or do I need psychiatric help?
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Now I think of 'Back To School.'
Frosty the Snowman Written way before the threat of Global Warming
Deck The Halls An Interior Designer's Holiday theme song.
Jingle Bell Rock Let's keep it upbeat also.
Merry Christmas, Darling A modern day classic that apparently sells still, especially in times of war. That should make it a hit virtually every year. Shown today, "Round Snowflake Needlepoint Rug."

The morning after Irving Berlin wrote "White Christmas" in 1940 at poolside, (he often stayed up all night writing) he told his secretary, "Grab your pen and take down this song. I just wrote the best song I've ever written — hell, I just wrote the best song that anybody's ever written."
If that isn't a 'quote of the day,' I don't know what is.

...roam if you want to

Happy Saturday! Are you staying put or going off somewhere today? Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.
"You have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.
"Then you should know enough to have your passport ready."
The American said, 'The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."
"Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France !"
The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to."

How's that for backbone! On this day in 1889 a pioneering female journalist named Nellie Bly (aka Elizabeth Cochrane) began a successful attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days. Click on her name to roam vicariously. She completed the trip in seventy-two days. Backbone. Box pleated valances should be hanging nicely by 5 this evening and Holiday Stockings are in somewhat mass production for an interesting venture that should prove to be a great one. Have a great day and if you can't travel by car, truck, boat or plane....roam using your mind. Click here for Seasonal Holiday items. Shown today is one of several needlepoint dog Christmas stockings. Hi Max! Thank you MelB for blog information today!

"America forms the longest and straightest bone in the earth's skeleton. "
Ellsworth Huntington

...inappropriate

Hello. I am feeling a bit left out lately. I haven't made a sex tape and now think that I am too long in the tooth to jump on that bandwagon, splinters and all. I think of the advertising and publicity that I have missed. Instead of my Icarus tattoo I could have emblazoned my web address where the current tattoo is located and promote lamps, mirrors, custom drapery and other home fashions while performing, uhm, well, you know. That poor, misunderstood Carrie Prejean. The former Miss California USA threatened to walk off the Larry King Live set (speaking of long in the tooth) when King turned the focus of their interview toward the settlement of her lawsuit with the pageant.During the interview, King asked Prejean why, if the issue of religious discrimination is so important to her, did she settle her suit with the pageant? (In the suit, Prejean asserted that she was dismissed from serving as Miss California USA because of her statements about gay marriage and other hot-button issues.) She would not answer, which is her right but geez, she sent about 15 sex tapes to her then boyfriend and is now using the word 'inappropriate?' Sell that book, hun! On this day in 1987 the first condom commercial appeared on BBC TV. Carrie wasn't in it, she preferred to use other apparatus. Damn those perverted gays and lesbians! Marriage and equal rights? Thank you Carrie for being an upstanding person and letting the world know, by your actions, what exactly is and is not appropriate! Today's photo is the 'Large Black Dahlia Ceramic Obelisk.' Yes, Carrie, it is dishwasher safe

"It's inappropriate and vulgar and absolutely unacceptable to use your private life to sell anything commercially. "Lauren Bacall

...cross to bear

Hello. I spoke with my Dad last evening, a Veteran of the Korean War. He was somewhat upset that the library was closed and therefore he couldn't sign out books. I figured a glass of chardonnay and a cigar might be a good replacement but he had already thought of it. I posted three crosses and a prayer on part two of yesterday's blog and have come to learn that the ACLU has filed a suit to have all military cross-shaped headstones removed and another suit to end prayer from the military completely.I am not sure that this is true so will have to investigate further. Supposedly Navy Chaplains can no longer mention Jesus' name in prayer. I never want to dis anyones beliefs, whether religious, spiritual or simply following the Golden Rule but I am happy that, if I want to post a prayer or crosses on my blog, I am still able. Blogs can be far reaching as my simple, somewhat daily blurbs have proven. On this day in 1990, Tim Berners-Lee published a formal proposal for the World Wide Web. Thank you Tim and may God be with us all. If anyone out there doesn't believe that there is something more than our physical presence on earth, email me. I have a few experiences to share that may just change/open your minds. Have a great day. "Angel Figurines" shown today. Amy Grant, 'Angels Watching Over Me.'

"Believers, look up - take courage. The angels are nearer than you think."
Billy Graham

...remembrance, two.

THE FINAL
INSPECTION

The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well..
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
~Author Unknown~

...remembrance

Hello. How has your year been? Do you realize that there are only 50 days left in 2009? Time to collect your memories. Today is Remembrance Day (also Armistice Day) regarding World War I as that ceasefire went into effect at 11:00 am on this day in 1918. In the United States, Veterans Day celebrates all American military veterans. Unfortunately we now must include the twelve soldiers that Major Malik Nadal Hasan, M.D. M.P.H. murdered execution-style at Fort Hood, Texas. Life can be a battlefield. By the way, M.P.H. is an abbreviation for Master of Public Health. I have been held at gunpoint a couple of times in my life; actually held only once and then shot at once and then chased once by a pack of gun toting crazies when I was in my early twenties. Each time I fought back, one time rather unknowingly so I won't share that here and I can imagine the fear but not the horror of war, whether it be on the battlefield or in the safety of a soldier's home comfort zone. Have a great day and take nothing for granted. Today's photo is my ' Hungry Cat Birdbath.' It's cute and ironic in a way because the bird is in no real danger. Fantasy trumps reality on occasion.

"In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons." Herodotus

...hope springs eternal

Greetings. "Hope" is defined as 'a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.' The power of positive thinking should not be denied and all of us should exercise that part of our brain to keep negative thoughts from invading, encompassing and ruling our existence. A friend of mine is on the employment roller coaster, reaching many highs and lows in rapid succession. Hang on EA! Something great is out there...have hope and keep following every avenue. On this day in 1958, the Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Institution by New York diamond merchant Harry Winston. This particular diamond is 45.52 carats which is a whole hellovalotta bling! A Housewife in Orange County, CA has one similar but maybe not quite as large. Have hope hun! Maybe it will be your next bauble! Today's photo is my 'Caramel Finish Jewelry Case.' Here's hoping that you have a great day. Update! Please send positive thoughts to little boo who has a nasty ear infection and is still a wee little good girl!

"Only the mediocre are always at their best." Jean Giraudoux

...may or may not flower

Hello. Many will be travelling this Thanksgiving Holiday, one of the highest volume travel days of the year. Ironically, or maybe not so much, The 'Mayflower' travelled for 66 gruelling days, heading for the mouth of the Hudson near New York City from England. On this day in 1620 the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower finally made sight of land at Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The voyage was supposed to have been a three hour tour, carrying a Professor, a bombshell, a wealthy mature couple and a few other people but we all know how travel can be. I have to admit to the changing seasons today even tho' it's supposed to be very warm. My outdoor plants need to be retired for the winter as they need dormant time and who am I to force nature? If I don't, they may or may not flower next year. Today's photo is a 'Three Tier Snowman Tray,' perfect for entertaining or for keeping the contacts, false teeth and pills safely on a bedside table. Have a great day.
"You know more than you think you do." Benjamin Spock

...truth in advertising

Greetings. With Photoshop, airbrushing and editing, advertising can be a lot like smoke and mirrors. A gal stopped into my shop yesterday, expecting to see everything that I have advertised on my website in full stock in my shop. I don't mean to mislead, but sometimes that kind of stuff can happen. I'm not out to dis anyone's religious beliefs, but former Scientology member Marc Headley left Scientology after being involved for fifteen years and is publishing a tell-all book called "Blown for Good," and I won't comment on the title, about the bizarre religion. He talks in depth about Tom Cruise's supreme influence on its members.

Those working at the Scientology compound in Gilman Hot Springs, California are not allowed to watch television or read newspapers, but apparently they were gathered at different times to view clips of Scientology poster-child Tom Cruise! For example the actual footage might have said, 'Scientologist Tom Cruise, the biggest movie star in the world, acts like a crazy person on Oprah.' But what they saw was 'Tom Cruise, the biggest movie star in the world.' Then it would cut to the next thing."

The purpose of advertising is:
To attract new buyers and try to expand customer base.
To compete in the market.
To create an organization's recognition among consumers.
To promote subsidiary or products manufactured by the same company.
To bring into notice the changes, special offers or current developments of the interest of the consumers.
To increase the sale of a particular product.
To carry out public relations and public service program.

Is it 'right' to purposely mislead? That was rhetorical. On this day in 2002 Iran banned advertising of United States products. Have a great day and if you are shopping my website from Iran, I only ship within the continental US. I installed yesterday with great success the side panels, box pleated valance and upholstered chair seats. Shown today is my "Crown Motif Metal Napkin Ring."

"Americans are the only people in the world known to me whose status anxiety prompts them to advertise their college and university affiliations in the rear window of their automobiles." Paul Fussell

have a heart

Hi. For those enjoying the Full Beaver Moon on the last few days, it is waning. I hope that everyone set their beaver traps before swamps near you froze. Beavers too are preparing for Winter and I guess that the 'survival of the fittest' thing comes into play. I don't know if there is a Full Mink Moon and I'm sort of hoping there isn't. November's Full Moon is sometimes also referred to as the Frosty Moon so let's hope that no one captured him or seasonal television specials will have a lot of 'splaining to do. Have a heart people! That is precisely what a Doctor told William J. Schroeder on this day in 1985. Schroeder was the first artificial heart recipient to leave the hospital. Alive. Now if I could only figure out how to have the workroom send fan folded pinch pleated panels without wrinkles my heart would swell. Holiday decorations are set up in full swing in various shops and I love to see that. The season flies by so I like to start early so that I can enjoy the shiny, sparkly decorations. People seem to be more sparkly and shiny also. "Shiny, Happy People" everyone. Have a great day, have a heart and do your best. Pictured today is my 'Snowman Cake Stand." If you aren't the most deft baker, this stand takes the eye off of the sort of round, but not exactly, delicacy.

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts." Charles Dickens

winners and losers

Hello. The pinch pleated side panel sale is going well and I received notice that five windows worth of completed drapery are shipping. The wood hardware is already in so I know what I will be doing in the next few days. Everything is on schedule with no delays, no discontinued items and no problems. It feels good to win, doesn't it? It feels less so to lose, whether the proportions are minute or of a huge scale. On this day in 1937 Adolf Hitler held a secret meeting and stated his plans for acquiring "living space" for the German people. That was a little over 70 years ago and is still hard for me to wrap my brain around it. Bigotries, fear from the ignorant and plain hatred abounded back then and still do today. Two days ago Maine voters narrowly rejected a state law Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman! Stop trying to make it like you are equal and have the same rights you gays and lesbians! Pay your taxes, work hard, be responsible for your overheads, monthly bills, the laws of the land but keep your freakish needs silent! Maybe we should gather up every abhorrent person on this planet and find ourselves another Hitler-esque commander to fix the problem once and for all. Huh? What? You mean gays and lesbians will keep being born? Not if there are none left to coerce to the 'other side!' Many of the Christian Right are smarter than the rest and know that God doesn't make people gay. If so, then it is a big mistake. And when I say big, I mean that the estimation of gays and lesbians in the world is more than 10 percent. If the current world population is 6.795 billion' that would mean...NO! It can't be! Many people in Philadelphia were majorly, (major league) bummed last night as the New York Yankees beat the Phillies to win the 27th World Series title. There is a camaraderie that kicks in when one cities team escalates in a contest. No matter the outcome it is a great feeling and tends to bring people together. It also takes the stress away momentarily and people can focus on something other than day to day challenges. You win some, you lose some. Have a great day, keep the faith (the real kind) and do your best. Today's photo is my 'Silver Stunning Chandelier'. It's nice sometimes to be vacuous and look at shiny, pretty things.

"If I don't have wisdom, I can teach you only ignorance." Leo Buscaglia

...how to stay younger

Greetings. I received an email from Karen and Richard early this morning. No, not the Carpenters but good friends who have the same names. I wanted to pass along the information in hope that it may help.

How To Stay Younger:
1. Throw out fear of what might happen. This includes all the "what ifs" you can possibly come up with.
2. Keep only cheerful and honest friends. The grouches pull you down and the dishonest ones will only tell you what they think you want to hear.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the spiritual side of yourself, the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.. Never let the brain idle.
4. Enjoy the simple things....reading a good book, sitting in the sunshine, taking a nice hot bath. You know what they are.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. (unless you are in a shopping mall at the height of the Holiday Season. You may get carted away.)
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets*, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

Speaking of pets, I found a new source for both dog and cat grooming baskets, available on my website. As you can see, they are well done and are a great gift idea.

On this day in 1783 Mozart's Symphony No. 36 received its premiere performance in Linz, Austria. Mozart lived a full life, is considered by most to be a musical genius, travelled the world, endured many illnesses due to visiting 'new' countries, married and had six children and left a lifelong legacy. Did you know that he died at the age of 35? Forever young. Have a great day and try not to sweat the small stuff.
"I pay no attention whatever to anybody's praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings." Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

...time flies

Hi. Was it only a year ago that we were waiting to vote for the next president of the United States? For some reason, it seems much longer than a year. Sometimes time flies, some times it stalls.I have heard it said that everyone has an interesting life, if you leave out the boring parts. There is nothing boring about several historic things that happened on this day. In 1911 Chevrolet officially entered the automobile market in competition with the Ford Model T. In 1913 the United States introduced an income tax, and in 1969 U.S. President Richard M. Nixon addressed the nation on television and radio, asking the "silent majority" to join him in solidarity on the Vietnam War effort and to support his policies. Hmmmm. I stripped yesterday for money. Wallpaper that is. B&G left for Florida but will be back briefly to spend Christmas in Chester County. I truly cannot believe that we are in November but I do love this time of year; especially the Holiday Season. For any Rhianna fans out there, her latest album shows a very different direction musically than she did in her last album - and all her previous albums before that. It is harder and less pop influenced in my opinion. I wonder if her personal life of the past year had anything to do with the change. Probably. Shown today, one of several fireplace screens available on my website. Home is where the hearth is. have a great day.
"But meanwhile time flies; it flies never to be regained." Virgil
(unless you have been unknowingly videotaped and placed on YouTube)...good luck with that!

...knowing all the answers

Hello. We celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday as B and G leave for Florida today. The ping pong table was set for many, many people and it was a beautiful thing to spend time with them. R played the piano, E brought his violin but never opened the case. M brought the costume that she had handmade for her daughter, fashioned after an 1890's pattern. B and G did the majority of meal preparation and it was a wonderful experience. My truck is rather large and heavy and as parking moved to the outer lawn area, I had to put the vehicle in 4WD to get out. I will most probably be adding topsoil and grass seed soon. Who would have guessed? Most of the time we don't have all of the answers; we keep trekking on and work toward our personal best. One man did have all of the answers tho', as on this day in 1959, "Twenty One" game show contestant Charles Van Doren admitted to a Congressional committee that he had been given questions and answers in advance. Sometimes I think it would be nice to be prepared for life in that manner, and sometimes I'd rather not know. S came in on Saturday to pick up her custom toss pillows and seemed delighted with the outcome. Have fun today and do your personal best. We may not have all of the answers, but never shy away from asking questions.
"Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can." Paul Tournier