SPECIAL GIVE AWAY FOR THE NEW YEAR!

Michelle ~ Shabby Creations is retiring some of the older pre-made designs and replacing them with new and even more gorgeous designs.She has a wonderful selection for everyone, from pink, French, scrapbook, bird, vintage and even a Valentine blog design! Click here to enter Shabby Creations!

I think of you this day . . .

And Suddenly there was with the Angel . . .

A multitude of the heavenly host praising God saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:13-14

Jingle for the Cure

I participated in my very first "ornament" swap, "Jingle for the Cure"! This was by far the most difficult task I have gotten myself into for some time.

Pink is not a problem, but design an ornament . . . how talented am I? My first thought was I will sew. I actually went on a search for the right fabric, trims, and oh so many to choose from and so many ideas came to mind as I walked the aisles. Then, a vision was before me, my idea was in sight BUT so was the craft section of the store (you know, the beads, embellishments, gorgeous papers.) A little of this and a little of that ~ enough already! Well, my trip was fairly pricey! I walked to my car admitting to myself that I am a fabric sleuth, why did I need more fabric, why did I go into this store? Silly me!

I changed my design, I changed the media that I would use, not just once or twice, rather too many to count. I was not happy with a one of them. Have you ever just thought too much and it becomes too difficult to imagine? (Maybe a Type A personality here????) Finally, I put the project on hold for a week or more and then last Friday, instead of fretting over the design and believing it would not be good enough, I just went with my heart. It is by no means a masterpiece but truly a gift designed from my heart in honor of "Jingle for the Cure"!

"There's more, much more, to Christmas than candlelight and cheer; it's the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, it's hope reborn again, for peace, for understanding, and for goodwill to men!" unknown

Aqua and Pink . . . vintage style

The holidays are for sharing, giving, decorating and celebrating. Below are a couple special finds that are guaranteed to be perfect for your entertaining needs or as a gift for someone special.

Jean Pouyat Limoge Cake Plate Handpainted ca 1898
ARTIST SIGNED AND DATED 1898: Beautiful hand painted French Limoge plate with gold trim and robin egg blue. The colors are soft and a romantic mix of pinks, yellows, greens and lavender. This is a highly decorative piece and will make a nice addition to any collection or simply for display. Too gorgeous for cake or cookies!!!
California Originals Aqua Lazy Susan
This gorgeously designed vintage Lazy Susan by California Originals, Manhattan Beach, Calif, is a stunning set suitable for any occasion. The soft aqua color is classy and absolutely timeless and will complement any decor or setting. The design and color is exemplary of California Originals quality design and products.

Romance, Angels and the Pianist . . .

I came across this litho a few years back at (where else?) an estate sale. The setting and wardrobe of the pianist appears to be of the Victorian era. Angels are rising to heaven in a muted background. The scene for some reason reminds me of Paul de Longpré (1855-1911) who by far my favorite artist.

The print does not show the litho company nor the artist. It appears the original was cut down for professional framing.

Has anyone ever come across this painting? Can anyone identify who the artist was for this litho?

Can I be pretty in pink?

"The strongest oak in the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun."

Napoleon Hill

Can I be pretty in pink?

I came across an intriguing blog this afternoon. It touched me in so many ways. My prayers and support or with Deanna, as well as my Mother who has lung cancer as well as my friend Jenny (who's husband has prostrate cancer).

PINK is the color that represents a never ending courage, dignity and strength innately possessed by every woman who has personally experienced the journey and/or traveled the journey as a wife, Mother, daughter, sister, extended family member or friend.

Cancer is a very diverse and invasive disease, it has no boundaries and it is not selective on whom it attacks. The types of cancer are endless. Check out the National Every one's support is needed in continuing the research, please keep informed and support in any way you can to help to continue the research.

Next month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, this disease is still one of the major causes of death for women over age 40. Women who have either been faced with this dreaded disease, or persons have lost relatives who were diagnosed with its various forms, have been wearing a pink ribbon, symbolizing the disease which will strike an estimated 178,000 women in America alone this year, with more than 40,000 dying from breast cancalone.

While October is breast cancer awareness month, become aware of all cancers and show your support!

Do you know someone experiencing the journey? Show her you care!

Vintage Jewelry, Findings and Repurposed

I have a number of obsessions (I am sorry ~ "hobbies") and one is collecting antique and vintage jewelry over the last decade. My favorites include Aurora Borealis and crystal rhinestones to name a couple. I tend to keep many of these treasures and enjoy accessorizing my wardrobe.

Often times my vintage jewelry finds (usually through my estate auction adventures) include pieces that have lost their purpose, no longer useful in their original form. I have begun reinventing or repurposing these vintage treasures by designing new pieces.

I am adding more vintage costume jewelry, brooches and pins signed and unsigned over the next few weeks. My signed collection includes Arts, NEMO, Kramer, Lisner, Coro, Trifari, Sarah Coventry, Florenza, Eisenberg to name a few. I will be adding many beautiful pieces over the next few weeks so visit frequently for that special gift, bridal, bridesmaid, prom, pageant jewelry, fashion jewelry for parties, cruises and special functions!

As I look back ~

Petunias & Verbena ~

2nd life in Summer 2008

The original diagnosis was apparently miscommunicated and/or misunderstood as today we learned Mother has "NON-SMALL CELL" carcinoma. This type of cancer is operable and the survival rate after surgery is high. It will be "LETHAL" and extremely painful without the surgery. There will be pain with the surgery but consistent with any surgery; this is the only choice for Mother and she agrees. The surgery will remove the tuor, lower (3rd) lobe of her right lung, along with a portion of her rib cage and with this, all of the cancer will be removed. Recovery time is minimal. I am always amazed at my Mother's perseverance, strength and courage. It was humbling to hear her say this evening that "the hardest part (of the cancer) is telling Mother." (~ my 94 year old Grandmother) How very selfless . . .

To Mother :

AS I LOOK BACK

As I look back on my life I find myself wondering, did I remember to thank you for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side to help me celebrate my successes and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work, good judgement, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I've ever thanked you for the simple things, the laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude for any of these things, I am thanking you now and I am hoping that you've known all along, how very much you are loved and appreciated.

~Author Unknown~

Romance is vintage stemware . . .

Vintage stemware is hard to find in "perfect" condition. Usually you the stemware found has small chips in the rim and needless to say is not something you want to serve your favorite beverage in to your guests. So what do you do when you do find the "lot" is perfect but an incomplete? 

Use your imagination ~ give them as gifts, use them with candles or simply to display.  Another way to use them is for toasts ~ wedding toast for the bride and groom and even their attendants.  The color, shapes and sizes from days gone by are plentiful in pairs.  In fact, my daughter has two "square" shaped vintage glasses saved for the BIG Day.

Add vintage/antique to your wedding with stunning sparkle as you celebrate your special ocassion. Nothing comes close to matching the light, sparkle and unique pattern of our premium crystal stemware.

Better left unsaid . . .

We learned three weeks ago that Mother has lung cancer. I knew in my heart that the diagnosis was inevitable from the moment we were told she had a mass on her lung. The evening the diagnosis was confirmed as cancer, although it was expected to be positive (she was a smoker), I was very much taken back.

Last week Mother had the PT (PET) scan to identify the type of cancer and how aggressive it has been and/or will get. Tuesday morning on my way to work, we talked about the call from the pulmonologist. She was told she has “small cell carcinoma” and the next step was to see a surgeon to determine if it is operable and if she is healthy enough to go through the surgery. Mother and I laughed together about what small cell meant, we decided it must be better than “large cell” carcinoma. (Humor is what gets us through life, through the bad times, at least in our family.)

I checked Wikipedia to find out more about “small cell carcinoma” and learned “When associated with the lung, it is some times called “oat cell carcinoma . . .” I was frozen in place, my heart stopped. My Dad died of oat cell carcinoma February 17, 1982 at age 53. He was diagnosed with the cancer January 15, 1982. Oat cell carcinoma is aggressive as is evident from my Dad’s experience.

Mother does not know as of yet that this is the same cancer Daddy had. It is our desire (my two brothers and three sisters) that she not know this. I learned tonight that Mother is scheduled to see the surgeon next week (on her birthday ???) I also learned this evening that this type of cancer is inoperable as it spreads so quickly. Timing is everything and her birthday is not the day to learn one's fate. We WILL convince my sister that the appointment needs to be rescheduled AND we will ask that the surgeon not to tell her that small cell carcinoma is “sometimes called oat cell carcinoma.”)

I believe there comes a time in a person’s life when some things are better left unsaid. Mother has been in chronic pain for the last ten years because of serious injuries sustained in an auto accident. She has overcome so many hurdles. She has been an inspiration to her doctors and all who know her for her strength and perseverance. Mother has beaten the odds. It is very doubtful that she will win this fight and it breaks my heart but it is what it is and we can only live life to the fullest with her and for her as we move forward.

Next week, August 12th, we will celebrate with Mother and our Grandmother (age 94) ~ Mother’s 75th birthday!

Happy 4th of July !

Estate Sales . . .

I am one who appreciates antiques, vintage and collectibles and the bliss that comes from a day at an Estate Auction. I have spent the last two Saturdays at estate sales followed by using my Sunday afternoons admiring my treasures and poring through information that will provide me their history. (Yes, I suppose this may be a bit overboard, but for me, it's part of the find.) Sometimes these sales are held as "tag" sales (where every item is tagged with a price to sell) or an Estate Auction where the auctioneer accepts bids on items and the items sell for the highest bid. Shopping estate sales can be a great way to score deals on collectibles and antiques. Perhaps the best place to discover that perfect treasure is the estate sale. Estate sales differ from a yard or garage sale in that an Estate Sale is typically held to sell every item in a home. Most Estate Sales are held as a result of a serious illness, death, downsizing or move to a Retirement or Assisted Living Center. Compact, pottery, bisque, head vases, linens and, well there are too many to list tonight. Cottage Heirlooms is in the early stages of opening and look forward to your visit soon!