...change is good

Congrats to AA and UD for selling their home in record time. "All the world's a stage!" They are overdue for a change for the good and it is happening. Sometimes change comes without warning and I wish for everyone reading this that only good changes occur. On this day in 1978 the 730 transport in Okinawa changed its traffic pattern from the right-hand side of the road to the left-hand side. Surprise! Or should I say "bikkuri shimashitaka". Several early morning commuters said a bit more than that, but I like to keep this blog relatively "G" rated. You can fill in the blanks. I am working on a custom shower curtain and padded cornice. This bathroom is fine but a little change is good. Have fun, drive on the correct, (notice how I didn't say right) side of the road and keep on truckin'.
"The truth is more important than the facts." Frank Lloyd Wright

...in the heat of the night

Summer is still going strong. Positive energy to AA and UD in real estate, PS to fight that dastardly cancer, RN for the same. Someone in MN ordered my "Sailboat Wall Plaque" and it is in stock and the last of it's kind. Yippee. She can now have Summer in any season of the year. Bijou took the time to write me a lovely comment regarding his birthday photo and types better with his paws than I do with my hands. He doesn't care for the heat, so Chester County is better for him than Miami. On this day in 1896 the city of Miami, Florida was incorporated. Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine performed at the opening and sold quite a few CD's. Downloading wasn't around yet. The "Iron Scrollwork Mirror" shown today is also in stock and the last of it's kind. Get it while it's hot. I am slowly but surely packing my shop and look forward to working in client's homes and not having to sit there 60 hours per week. It makes no sense and this change is a good one. Stay cool, be nice, have fun. "

The most important thing about Spaceship Earth - an instruction book didn't come with it." R. Buckminster Fuller

...a festive hat

I received an email from the Vet announcing Prince's upcoming birthday this morning. The little man missed it by a week. Luckily, the next email was from my dear friend EA who sent the picture shown today. Hat's off to everyone who has endured this heatwave without becoming bitchy. Hat's off also to whomever invented air conditioning. Hat's on to Bijou, who celebrated another birthday! He is shown in today's post, after unsuccessfully avoiding hours of paparazzi. The smile is genuine tho' and he is a dear friend. Bijou has a large soft, orange ball that he cleverly named 'Orange' and hits it with his nose repeatedly, until he tires of the game. Bijou is in good company, as many others born on this day are physical in nature. I found him listed in Wikipedia, photo and all.
1981 – Christopher Weselek, German rugby player
1983 – Goran Pandev, Macedonian footballer
1983 – Martijn Maaskant, Dutch cyclist
1985 – Benedita Pereira, Portuguese actress
1985 – Matteo Pratichetti, Italian rugby player
1986 – Courtney Kupets, American gymnast
1986 – Ryan Griffen, Australian rules footballer
1987 – Jordan Hill, American basketball player
1988 – Adam Biddle, Australian footballer
1998 - Bijou, American Orange Ball player

"I'll eat when I'm good and ready" Bijou

...better safe than sorry

Honesty is the best policy. Unless someone asks you if their jeans make their butt look big. Then, by all means lie. Or be clever in your reply. But don't intentionally hurt someone. Or try to steal their pride. On this day in 1878, in California, the poet and American West outlaw calling himself "Black Bart" made his last clean getaway when he stole a safe box from a Wells Fargo stagecoach. The empty box would be found later with a taunting poem inside. "There once was a man from Nantucket..." I single handedly delivered the furniture pieces on Saturday and my bones are creaking like an old floor board. The fabric that mistakenly went to the bridal shop was returned and that job should be finished soon. Expecting a quilted comforter and shams, if a Porshe Boxter slipcover arrives, I won't be surprised. Just please send me the Boxter also. "Where is MF?" Madeline, I do not have your correct cell number. Please call or email me. Have a good day and try not to steal.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself." Josh Billings

...family dynamics

I overheard a 15 year old, mad as hell and fired up, talking to a friend. His Mom had usurped power and went on a tirade thru his bedroom, searching for nonexistent paraphernalia. I cannot say that, if I were a parent, I would not have done same if something triggered a search. It must be hard to keep the peace when there is so much danger out there for young and old alike. Can you imagine being Mary, Queen of Scots tho'? On this day in 1567, she was forced to abdicate and was replaced by her 1-year-old son James VI. Let me tell you, James was a handful before this historical occurrence. Crying, wetting his Pampers, yelling when the Gerber was not to his liking! Egads. Poor Mary then had to raise him while he knew fully well that he was the one calling the shots. Let's remember that it is pretty crappy to shine at the expense of others. Even if you are the King/Queen of the castle.
"In my end is my beginning." Mary Queen of Scots

...shelter

I have loved a song called 'Shelter" since I first heard it back in 1986. I even have it on my IPOD after burning out the CD's several times. The other evening as I returned home late from work, my dear neighbor Contessa asked for my help. It seems that two baby ducks, one black, one white, had lost their way and were scared. I spoke to them and then picked up the one, and then the other and we placed them into a laundry basket. It just dawned on me these many years later why I love the song 'Shelter.' To me it has nothing to do with human companionship. (no surprise for those who know me). It has everything to do with animals. Baby Boy 1, Baby Boy 2, Camille, Max, Maxie, Prince, Beau, Charlie and other 4 legged friends that find themselves at my front door, barking to be let in. There must be magic across my threshold and I love that. And the shelter that I can provide from the storm outside.

Well alright, you gave it all up for a dream
Fate proved unkind, to lock the door and leave no key
You're unsure,
Well baby I'm scared too
When the world crushes you


Let me be your shelter, shelter
From the storm outside
Let me be your shelter, shelter
From the endless night


Disillusion has an edge so sharp
It tears at your soul and leaves a stain upon your heart
I need you, to wash mine clean
You've felt it too, and you need me


Let me be your shelter, shelter
From the storm outside
Let me be your shelter, shelter
From the endless night


You're struggle with darkness has left you blind
I'll light the fire in your eyes

Let me be your shelter, shelter
From the storm outside
Let me be your shelter, shelter
From the endless night

...royalty

In the United States, we really don't get into royalty. That's more of an English thing. Or is it? I have had Princesses as clients for years, met a bunch of wonderful Queens, ran into a handful of Kings-to-be but have only met once Prince. He came to my door many years ago because his family was moving and the new place didn't allow him. He has some issue (and don't we all) but in a matter of days he was a part of the pack. His best friend was Baby Boy, the cat who thought that he was a dog. I would often find them napping together paw in paw. A couple of weeks ago Baby Boy died and Prince was never the same. We all grieve. Do people ever die of a broken heart? I believe that they can. I also believe that the death of Baby Boy took it's toll on an already fragile little man. Still pretty racked over the death of Baby Boy, I buried our little Prince right next to him yesterday. Now they can be paw to paw in Heaven. He is missed terribly. On this day in 1917 King George V of the United Kingdom issued a Proclamation stating that the male line descendants of the British royal family will bear the surname Windsor. If Prince wasn't a Windsor, I don't know who was.

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." Nathaniel Hawthorne

...currency

Is it so important to be au courant? When it comes to the news, yes. Fashion, probably. But what about timless and classic? Since classic never goes out of style, maybe it is au courant also. Ahhh, currency. On this day in 1969 the United States $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000 bills were officially withdrawn from circulation. I vaguely remember having a wallet filled with these denominations and then they became harder and harder to come by. Today's photo is as current as they come. Three cheers for family members posing in red, white and blue at the beach. Simply beautiful.
"It is not to be expected that human nature will change in a day." Frank B. Kellogg

...sign language

Yesterday I somewhat cruely referred to a co-worker as 'Helen' as he kept dozing off and missed several key catches. I was alluding to Helen Keller who had no sense of sight. For those of us who do, be thankful. I sure am. I am able to see the good, the bad and the ugly but wouldn't have it any other way. A monumental sign and now a large part of pop history was officially dedicated on this day in 1923. The Hollywood Sign was dedicated in the hills above Hollywood, Los Angeles. It originally read "Hollywoodland " but the four last letters were shaken when Shelly Winters walked by. Be nice. I am off to the shop to find signs of life and to turn a chaise back on it's feet. Don't ask. Treasure your senses.

"Life is a comedy for those who think... and a tragedy for those who feel." Horace Walpole

...satisfaction

You gotta start somewhere! And they did. On this day in 1962 The Rolling Stones performed their first ever concert, at a small jazz and skiffe* club called the "Marquee" in London. Did they think that they would still be around today? Did they think that they'd make a profound and lasting mark on music? Who knows. If you sometimes feel that you cannot get any satisfaction, try to pick the good moments of any given day. They're there. Like the little boy sifting through horse manure to find the pony. (*jazz, blues, folk, and country influenced music) I found satisfaction in calming my esophageally impaired housemate and he is now able to sleep. Sometimes the little things are the big things. Shine on but never at another's expense.

"When you have a dream, you've got to grab it and never let go." Carol Burnett

...own little corner of the world

The rains have stopped and the sun is shining over Chester County, PA. People all along the East Coast have been finding ways to keep their cool. Nolah's fan base has been wondering what she has been up to. Shown today is her way of keeping her cool with style and panache. She finds ways of creating her own little corner of the world while still remaining in the public eye. On this day in 1740, Jews were expelled from Little Russia. Withstanding persecution for centuries they now reside in every corner of the world, as it should be. Love one another and keep the haters away. Yes, the Candlelight Writing Desk is still sitting in a corner of my foyer awaiting touch ups. It will get done. He just needs some time to himself. Find your own time, even if it takes a large clear plastic tub and a few cherished play things.
"When you are through changing, you are through." Bruce Barton

...rainy days and fun days

It is raining like bats and frogs in Chester County, PA and we really need it. I hope that it isn't raining on the shore parade AA and UD but the foliage is almost dancing. I was going to deliver the refurbished table this morning but won't risk it due to the weather. Would a day like today have saved London years ago? Maybe. But Mother Nature has a mind of her own. On this day in 1212, two years after my birth, the most severe of several early fires of London burned most of the city to the ground. It's not like it could have burned the city up to the sky so why they say it that way is beyond me. It may be a good idea to check your smoke alarms. I plan on doing that tomorrow and hope that you do too. "Rainy Days and Mondays" was released in April of 1971 and on this day in that same year, was hovering in the top echelons of record charts, ultimately peaking at #2. The song was a smash and caught on fire instantly upon it's release. Fire in a good way. Listen to Karen's vocal if time allows. She starts out so quietly and by the end of the song turns it into a torcher. Be safe. New photos of Nolah will be posted shortly due to an increase in fan requests. Hopefully something in pink.
"Nature provides exceptions to every rule." Margaret Fuller

...catch a wave

To begin, those of you who received an email from 'me' offering Canadian male enhancement drugs...please refer to a recent post entitled 'spam.' I am not suggesting that eating spam will enhance your male. It's the other kind of spam. Some acts of nature are beyond our control and I would never peddle such things. Large or small. Speaking of large, on this day in 1958 Lituya Bay was hit by a mega-tsunami. The wave was recorded at 524 meters high, the largest in recorded history. What a huge act of nature. The beautiful Kravet Fabric that I am using for a comforter and window treatments found it's way to a darling shoppe somewhere in the Midwest with a similar name. Although the package was addressed and labelled properly, apparently it is my fault and I guess that I should have tied it to my back and walked it there. I am just thankful that several Bridesmaid Dresses were not made from it by mistake, much to the horror of the Bride.

"Be who you are and be that well." Saint Francis de Sales

...we are not alone

...although sometimes it may feel that way. JB ordered the 'Large Parchment Clock' for her new place in Minnesota. Enjoy it and tick away only happy hours. Hmmm. Did someone say 'martini?' Sounds good in this heat. Two nights ago the skies were so clear that I could count stars. Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan...wait. Not those stars. I didn't see anything odd but on this day in 1947 reports were broadcast that a UFO crash landed in Roswell, New Mexico. I was reupholstering slip seats and thought I had seen something out of the ordinary, but it was only the fabric pattern. Cabbage Roses were all the rage back then. If you saw one, you saw one too many. Happy days, keep in time and march to your own beat.
"Doing is a quantum leap from imagining." Barbara Sher

...sliced bread

Air conditioning is a must have in Chester County, PA. Another hot spell is hovering around us and even the birds are tipping their claws in the bird bath to see if it's too hot. Air conditioning is the sliced bread of the Summer, even tho' when I buy bread it is usually in a loaf and I break it. Whatever. That sort of puts a damper into my 'on this day in' but I shall continue anyway. On this day in 1928 sliced bread was sold for the first time by the Chillicothe Baking Company of Chillicothe, Missouri. It was described as “the greatest forward step in the baking industry since bread was wrapped". Doesn't have much of a ring now, does it? Needlepoint pillows continue to sell via my website, and currently gnomes, owls and butterflies are hot. Just like the temperature in Chester County, PA. As shown today, drop a sink into an antique dresser to cool off. Nevermind all of the cutting to allow plumbing, it's the look that matters most. Did someone just call me vacuous?

"There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles." Stephen Covey

...rabid

It is another scorcher here in Chester County, PA. The boys may be foaming at the mouth which has nothing to do with rabies...it's the heat; and the humidity. My Dad celebrates his 55th birthday today using clever math tactics and good genetics. Back to foaming for a moment. On this day in 1885 Louis Pasteur successfully tested his vaccine against rabies. The patient was Fido, a dog who was bitten by a rabid boy named Joseph Meister.After a great weekend of friends and cookouts, it is a bit ruff to get back to reality, so maybe I won't.

"You cannot get ahead while you are getting even." Dick Armey

...spam

Spam is defined as "the use of electronic messaging systems (including most broadcast media, digital delivery systems) to send unsolicited bulk messages indiscriminately." The less time that I spend on my computer, the more spam I receive in my junk mail. How can that be? We had fun yesterday poolside, celebrating the 4th of July. No spam was invited. Hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken were grilled to everyone's liking and no Spam was served wither. On this day in 1937 Spam, the luncheon meat, was introduced into the market by the Hormel Foods Corporation.
Thanks but I'll pass (out). I washed the Oriental Rugs outside and am letting them dry in the sun. Kimberton is Calcutta for the time being. Happy 5th, and protect yourselves from spam of any variety.

"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas." Marie Curie

...have fun at the beach AA and UD!

...have a heart

I was walking the boys this morning when a stranger with a large dog decided to try to walk through the pack. Brilliant! Half asleep, I tried to nicely explain why it isn't a good idea to confront a pack as I juggled 3 leashes in an attempt to keep my boys safe. My words were received with a smirk so I quickly came up with another way to communicate my point. It was successful. Late yesterday I had to bring a large desk home to touch up before delivering to a client. My dear neighbor is away and has someone staying at her house to watch the dogs. He has chosen to park in front of my house continually which made bringing the large desk inside even easier. Think people! And not just about yourselves. Have a heart. We are supposed to be a team in this Universe. On this day in 2001 the 'AbioCor' self contained artificial heart was first implanted. I wonder if I can get a volume discount?

"Common sense is not so common." Voltaire

...SOS

I have had fun lately using a walkie talkie, although communication can be unclear using said instrument. Words that sound like one thing are entirely different which can cause miscommunication. On this day in 1908 'SOS' was adopted as the international distress signal. The following day, ABBA recorded a song by the same title and it went to #1 on the Billboard charts, written on parchment paper back then. A distress signal is an internationally recognized means for obtaining help. Distress signals take the form of or are commonly made by using radio signals, displaying a visually detected item or illumination, or making an audible sound, from a distance. You can also call a friend or pray. I finished refinishing the table top thankfully. I called out 'SOS' a few times, but had to handle it on my own. Sometimes that's the best kind of help... to help yourself. God likes that too.
"He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help." Abraham Lincoln