Shake, Rattle, & Roll...

Oh My Goodness! We had us a big one today. It's been a while since we had us a good shaker. Preliminary reports put us at a 5.8 magnitude but it seems to be changing to 5.4 and 5.6. I'm sure they'll figure it all out by tomorrow. I've all ready felt two aftershocks and believe me, this is enough earthquake all ready. No real damage here Thank God! We're located about 20 mins from the epicenter and I can show you the new little cracks that have appeared. As we lay under the dining room table, I could hear things falling, the sound of glass clinking and the water sloshing in the pool...I tell ya', I must have held my breath the entire time. When the shaking finally stopped the first thing I did was check our gas and water lines. All clear! I went around the house noticed all my china had been knocked to the doors of the hutch. I had just put a ponytail holder around the knobs and if not for that, the doors would have opened and my china would have been in bits and pieces. All the artwork is askew and the Kinkade in my bedroom fell off the wall. It didn't break but the frame is nicked. The strangest thing though. For those following my adventures in DIY Kitchen Facelift, you'll know we do not have cabinet doors right now so I thought for sure everything would come down. It didn't! A couple of cups, some tupperware and that's it. My vintage corningware, my fine china and all my crystal was fine. Some of it was literally teetering on the edges of the shelves, but it didn't fall. I went around pushing things back into place and I think for tonight, I may take some of the items down.
For such a jaw wrenching shaker...we came out all right.
Per the news, there have been no reports of damage or injury either. Thank God!

It's the small things...

With the water restrictions that we have imposed upon us, it wasn't really an option to go with a big garden this year...although that was what I had wanted to do. So instead I opted to try some container gardening. These are on my patio. They were so small when I planted them. Don't they look happy? While it's not much, it's enough to make me smile and I truly enjoy looking at them. Seeing them thrive makes me feel a sense of satisfaction and even accomplishment. I may not have a brown thumb after all-

My Favorite Things...

Cindy at My Romantic Home is our gracious host of "My Favorite Things"...Pay her a visit and check out other bloggers' favorite things...

Here is one of mine...
It's a Christening Gown. I, as well as my two daughters were Christened in this gown. It was made for me.
Notice the hand embroidery...This detailing is also on the skirt of the gown but I was unable to get a good shot of it.
This is the underskirt...
The gown...
And cap. The embroidery was never completed on this. I've thought about having someone "finish" it, but that's all I've done...just "think" about it.

Pink Saturday...

It's that time again! Hail Hail Pink Saturday. Hosted by our gracious hostess Beverly at How Sweet the Sound. Pay her a visit!

Once upon a time, there was a wee princess and her mommy dressed her in clothing made with love and the magic of pink. A tiny bonnet to keep her head warm, small little shoes to encase her precious feet and a dressed kissed by Angels with thread and ribbon woven in love...
This belonged to my eldest daughter, now 23 years of age. Where does the time go?

Princess had a special cabinet to keep her pink magic ...
Today, while treasure hunting, I came upon this sweet little bunny. How fortunate that she is accessorized in pink...I believe she is enjoying her time frolicking in those pink roses...
A favorite of mine. I like the simplicity and rustic nature of this pitcher. I thought it's pink lip and pink roses would fit right in with this week's Pink Saturday. This water pitcher has been well loved and repaired with caring hands. During an earthquake, it took a tumble and was broken at it's spout.
Thanks for coming by and leaving me comments. I'll be sure to pay you a visit as well. Enjoy your day and may it be PINK

Pink Ladies Pledge...THINK PINK !!!

See what I found...

Happy Friday everyone! I just had to share my latest ebay find. This is my dining area and upon our table is my latest treasure. I love this tablecloth! The colors are still true and vibrant. It was a great find because you'll see in another picture that I've all ready got the matching runner (or maybe it's a dishtowel). You can see some of my other pretties upon my buffet. This is another piece that I inherited from my mother and I am the third generation to have it. The artwork hung above the buffet is actually a bit more formal then my usual taste, but when I saw it, I just fell in love with it. It's called "A Night in Shining Amour" by Dale Terbush. I know the framing is a bit ornate and the gold clashes with the rest of the colors in the room, but to that I say a big "oh well!" :0). Perfectly imperfect is always, always, always fine with me.
Hmm, about that window. I've yet to find a window covering to replace those horrible mini blinds. Have I mentioned how I detest mini blinds? It's an odd shaped window. Long in length but only so wide. I'll have to be creative to "finish" it off. Maybe hanging full length panels? Share your thoughts please.
A rose is a rose is a rose...Isn't it pretty?
This toleware tray is another ebay find. The silver pear is something my hubby found for me at a yard sale. It's been suggested that I buff the silver, but I kind of like the tarnished look, at least for now.Here's the matching runner (or dishtowel). I found that months ago, of course, on ebay. I know the toleware tray is being obscured a bit, but I really like the way it looks when the light falls upon it. Perhaps I should hang it on a wall. Your thoughts?
That little bit of red you see poking up along side that chest of drawers is something I'll share another time, another post.
I hope everyone has a FABULOUS FRIDAY !!!

Roadtrip...1940's style

We'll be stopping in...

Clearwater, Florida
Provincetown, Massachusettes
Cape Cod, Massachusettes
then making our way up to Bangor, Maine. It's the 40s, we're driving with the top down on our 1940 Lincoln Zephyr...





Wind blowing through our hair as we enjoy the sights and sounds around us. Perhaps you're wearing a scarf so your "do" stays in place?












The nation is at war and most of our men are off fighting, but for this brief moment, we're going to just enjoy our time on the road.
I've a fascination with vintage post cards and when I found these they just "hit" me and I had to have them. Perhaps it's knowing my father was in Germany during the dates that appear on these cards, perhaps it's just nostalgia. I just can't say, but as with anything, life continued and it seems all strived for normalcy (as we do now).





This is what is written on the back of the Cape Cod postcard...
Some of what it says:
Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday i got to thinking of the happy visits you and Chas used to make on me. I did enjoy them so much. I have only one roomer now. Expect more soon, but Labor Day is not far away. Hope you have had a lot of fresh vegetables.

Sent August 16, 1943. Notice the "1-cent" stamp
(zephyr photo from wikipedia)

Still working on those hinges...

Hi all.
Yes. It's true. I'm still working on the cabinet hinges. Thirty hinges to soak, boil and scrub clean is no easy feat, plus with the heat and humidity we've been experiencing, the last thing I wanted to do was put on a pot of boiling water. Like I need it any more hot or muggy around here (pant, pant, wiping brow) Still, I'm happy with my progress. Chanting to self--- slow & steady wins the race, slow & steady wins the race, slow & steady (pfew!). I've noticed that some of the hinges clean up faster and easier then others. Some I've had to soak/simmer for as long as 2 1/2 hours, others are in and out within an hour. I've been doing a few at a time, making sure they get enough time in the "jacuzzi" and then once they are all clean and shined up, I put them back in their respective baggie. Before we embarked upon this adventure, Hubby made a diagram of our kitchen, numbering each cabinet. As each hinge was removed, I placed it into a baggie marked with it's co-ordinating cabinet number. That way when we're ready to re-hang cabinets, attach my vintage hinges and hardware, we know EXACTLY where it came from and where it's been these past 54 years.

I've added a few "tools" to assist in my cleaning process. Along with the old towels, I've decided to lay down newspaper to catch the paint peels and chips, a very fine grit steel wool (luckily it isn't leaving any scratch marks) & a small metal key with a tiny point to dig out the paint from those little nooks and crannies. Also wanted to mention, that after I've cleaned them up, I give them a quick rinse in some cool water. I've noticed that the baking soda leaves a bit of a residue. Anyway, rinse them off, dry them with a soft cloth and then I polish them up. I'm using a fair amount of "elbow grease", but as you can see, it is proving to be worth it.
At this point, I've 10 hinges that are paint free and back to their original glory. I love them! Here's a link to my original post about the hinges. "Un-hinge Me"

My first Pink Saturday...

Beverly at How Sweet the Sound is the gracious hostess of Pink Saturday. Be sure to pay her a visit.
Being that this is my very first "Pink Saturday", I wanted to pick something special, as well as near and dear to my heart. I've picked two things to share with you.

This is one of my vintage tablecloths. I love the print on the cloth and like to think about the stories it could share if it could only speak to me. This particular cloth was a birthday present from my eldest daughter and her special beau.This is part of my china tea set collection. I've only taken down a few pieces.
I've shared the story before, but I'll share it again (humor me). My mother used to have this china tea set. After three major earthquakes, hardly anything survived from the original set. When my mom passed, the remainder of the set was passed to me. I've been adding to the existing pieces and although I know it's not the "original" set that was Mom's, looking at the dainty cups & pot, reminds me of her and the times we would share. Imagine being eight years old, sitting at the dining room table, which we only did for special occasions, and sharing a moment with mom...She'd have tea and I'd have hot chocolate. I remember thinking how special I felt. Not only because I was sitting at the dining room table, but because I was sipping from the special china too. Thank you Mom. Thank you for that special moment and for giving me an everlasting memory.

Pink Ladies...THINK PINK

I'd like to thank the Academy...

LOL! Seriously though,
Carolyn, over at Cranberry Crossings
gave me quite the honor and recognition...My First award. How exciting! Carolyn is a very nice bloganista and a new friend. Her blog is wonderful and please, be sure to drop by & pay her a visit! You sooo made my day Carolyn! (((Huge Hugs))) to you!


Once an award is received, the rules are as follows:


1.Put the logo on your blog.


2.Add a link to the person who awarded you.


3.Nominate at least seven other blogs.


4.Add links to those blogs on your blog.


5.Leave a message for your nominee on their blogs.


1. Please visit Deb, the Garage Sale Gal
She is woman of strong faith and her blog is cozy and welcoming. Be sure to pay her visit when you get the chance.

2. Anne over at The Rusty Cottage
is so friendly, and it'll be great to witness the transformation of her cottage. She's found some great treasures that I'm sure she'll love to share with you.

3. Layla (yes, after the song) at The Lettered Cottage has a wonderful eye for decor, treasures and is a very talented artist. I've enjoyed her blog immensely and I know you will too!

4. Nikki at The Scarlett Rose Garden has been tagged as far as I know, but I wanted her to know just how great she is. Her blog has many treasures, and is filled with "wit" that I am coming to know as pure "Nikki".

5. See Eva at The Cornflower Cottage. Lots of exciting changes happening there and I just have to say, that when I first entered the blog world, she was wonderful at "welcoming" me in :0).

6. Linda at Just Beachy has a beautiful blog and talent galore. I've just recently discovered her blog and when I look at it, it just seems "dreamy" and makes me think of my fave place (you can see my post on my fave place.

7. Mary Beth at Raggedy Angel makes the cutest prim dolls. Check them out and be sure to suggest a "name" for one of her "babydolls".

All these blogs and so many others, have proven to be inspirational on more then one level. May we all have a great day and remember to be excellent to each other.

Thoughts on a budoir

After Cookie's introduction and tour of my bedroom, I realized it was a place I rarely "share" with anyone (aside from hubby). Come on in and take a peek. Like the rest of the house, it is a work in progress...
Hubby found this vanity for me. He was out working one Saturday and passed a yard sale and this "gal" was sitting there waiting for someone to give "her" a new home. He called me up, told me of his find and that he'd bought it for me. While it is not at "old" as I normally like, it's cute and the simple fact that my hubby immediately thought to buy it for me when he saw it, makes it a very special piece to me. I had contemplated painting it, but the finish and condition of this vanity is still very good. I like to think it gives the room a "warm" feeling.
Some of my treasures. The Tiffany style lamp is another gift from hubby. He gave this to me as a Christmas gift during our very first Christmas together as a married couple.
See the hand mirror? That comes with a story. My father used to work construction many years ago. He was on a job site digging when he came upon the mirror. He brought it home, got off the dirt and mud and gave it to my mom. It was passed to me after she passed on. I don't know what era it comes from or how old it is, but my dad mentioned that the site he was working on, formally had old Victorian homes on it. I can't help but wonder if this was a gentle lady's hand mirror and what she may have been like. Was she a socialite? Was she happy? Imagine. An era of corsets and propriety...
A closer look...
That's hubby & I on our wedding day. Kiss, Kiss! Always remember to kiss me good-night (or anytime you want!). This is my absolute favorite picture of us on our wedding day. It's natural, not posed and we're being silly. My plan is to enlarge it & crop out some of the background.
There's my "Holly Hobby" jewelery box. An aunt gave that to me when I was 6 years old. Anyone else remember Holly Hobby?
This nightstand is a thrift store find. It reminded me of the ones my brother had in his room. I'm thinking it looks very 60's. I'm still not sure what I want to do with it though. Should I paint it white? Perhaps a green? Ideas?
I love having fresh flowers in the house. Who needs a fancy vase? A plain jar works just great and I love the simplicity of the look. That little bunny is another gift from hubby. He gave that to me the first Easter we spent together as a couple. That runner is actually a valance and my jewelery tray is actually a relish dish from my dinnerware set. I love re-purposing things to suit my needs.
Some vintage jewelery.
A nice cozy place to sit and read...
Hubby found this chair at an estate sale. It's so comfortable!
The wicker chest is a thrift store find and is another project waiting to be completed.

Under these blue carpets is solid oak hardwoods. One day, we'll get to uncover that bit of treasure and bring it back to it's former glory. I'm also thinking that I may like to paint the walls a nice soft green or perhaps a sage green. Decisions, decisions.

Conversations with Cookie...

Hi, I'm Cookie and I'm happy to meet you. Just wanted to let you know that Rechelle (she's my mommy!) is still working on those cabinet hinges and let me tell you! She is working hard! I know by the look on her face that she is very happy with how they are coming along. I think that sometime in the near future our kitchen will start looking great! While she's busy with that, I thought I'd tell you about my favorite place. This is the room. See this quilt I'm sitting on? This is my favorite place to lay down. Of course "hubby" tells me to get down, and I will, but as soon as he turns around or leaves the room, I jump back up (woof*). I have to laugh at "hubby" because whether or not he likes it, he has to sleep on flowers! I don't think he really minds because he lets Rechelle do whatever she wants, decorate how ever she wants and dress the house which ever way she sees fit. Of course, we are not allowed to touch the "man room" aka the garage. That's okay though, he can have that place. It's a bit dusty for my taste and I sooo do not like when the dust balls get stuck to my "paw-acure". Anyway, back to my favorite place... this is a sunny part of the house and the light in here makes me happy. Sometimes the sun will shine through that back window just right, and I'll sunbathe in it's rays. Ah, what a feeling!
Oh! Look at Rechelle's latest treasures. Aren't they pretty? I heard her say they were vintage and hand embroidered. That sounded special to me so I better be sure not to lay on these! How do they look here? How about like this? It seems my favorite place has been made a tad more special. I hope everyone has a barking good day!

My favorite place...

It's another hot and muggy day. The summer days have stretched on with little relief and I felt myself getting very cranky. Then I started thinking about one of my very favorite places to visit...

How I wish I was here.

C'mon, walk with me...
I'll race ya!
The different colors and hues of the ocean water never cease to amaze me. It's interesting how the play of light and sun can change the ocean's waters from gray...to blue...

The ocean rolls in ...
The ocean rolls out...

My favorite place to just sit and "be"...