The Last Entry

Yup! This will be the last entry from me this year. A lot has happened, too many to point out and if your inquisitive (nosy) enough to know, go to my archives.

I don't have the energy to pack Christmas away right now and again, I plan on giving some decorations to Meredith which is my way of saying, I think I'm tired of schlepping out 13 32 gallon containers from the storage and riffling through each and every one.

My diverticulitis has flared up a little. I think it was a tomato seed, who knows, so much going on the past few days. Why didn't Santa bring me a clean up crew?

I don't intend to make a New Years resolution as the odds are I'll never keep it and anyways I am not looking forward to Jan, Feb or March as those are my least favorite months of the year...analyze all you want as I have no clue why I don't like them.

But what I do want to say is, thank you to each and every one of you who I've come to known through this blog. From Maryland, South Carolina, down to Texas, Hawaii and Canada and everywhere in between, I Wish you all a very safe and happy New Year. Thanks for listening to my vents, fears, concerns and joining me in my joys, triumphs. I will definitely be here next year reporting on the ridiculous and of course the sublime....I'm Just Sayin'

Nana Sandwich

Love it!!!

Holiday Greetings from Us~

Wherever you live and what era you are from

East Coast or West Coast and everything in between,

and whether you believe in the Spirit of Christmas

or...a Spirited one,

and of course, the Man himself

We Wish you and yours a Fun and Wonderful Christmas and a

Happy and Healthy New Year~

Cookies and Feathers

I found out what a "cookie exchange" was and I'm glad to say, I survived it. About 3 weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of meeting some awesome ladies, the Feather sisters to be exact, and they invited me to attend their annual cookie exchange and to show off my wares. So dragging Brenda along with me to Laguna Beach, both of us, not knowing what we got ourselves into, are happy to announce....We had a wonderful time and met the nicest people. First of all....this lovely lady here, Ms. Cheri Feather owns and operates an awesome company called Jewelrax. It's a company that specializes in one of kind display pieces made to organize and showoff your jewelry in a very stylish way .....I want one! She also lives in this TDF 1920 seaside cottage that is decorated in the most tasteful way possible.

~~This gorgeous vignette of stained blue window and vintage bottles~~

~~Stunning Chandeliers with touches of silver stood guard on both sides of her fireplace~~

~~Speaking of the fireplace~~

~~And here are just some of the delectable delights that graced this event~~

~~and more scrumpiousness~

~and yes, even more~

And the main reason I was invited to this little soiree, to introduce Bunny's Purpose to the Feather sisters and their flock. Needless to say, even if I didn't have a thing to show, I would have crashed this party anyways, it was that much fun.



I want to extend a huge thank you and ((hug)) to Cheri, for giving me this opportunity and for being so kind. I also would like to give a shout out to Katie Doyle who owns and operates two ridiculously fab Event Services and Decor operations....I tell ya, the style runs deep in this family. And Pam, thank you hon from the bottom of my heart for expediting things along and helping me with my obsession.

Seems like this is the beginning of a new chapter for me and I'm all ears....bunny ears.

I'm Just Sayin'

Bunny's Purpose

When the last daughter flew the coop for College, I jokenly would tell people that NOW, I have no purpose. I really didn't believe it, it was all in fun kinda, I knew I had purpose and I knew there were many facets to me...one being artys fartsy in a crafty way. I knew this as a child as I would rearrange and redecorate my room (constantly) from recycled and re purpose items...I just knew.

So last week I did pretty darn good at this cute little boutique and as Eric, my helper husband and I were setting up, people were coming outta the woodwork to hem and haw at my stuff. I, being the master of "doubting my ability" was too busy to stand there and take in the praise...I was just too focused on what I was doing, besides, people always say stuff like that don't they?

So, like I was saying, I did alright, learned a little more, took mental notes and decided I was gonna go with Etsy with what I had left...

Ya know... stuff happens when you make plans...The vender next to me loved my stuff so much that she invited me to an event at her house ,in Laguna Beach, to sell what I had left. No pressure, no commission on her part, no strings...she just wants people to see my items. No other venders will be there, just me and then she tells me,"some of my friends own stores in that area
and they too will be there, so, think about it and let me know".

So opportunity sometimes kicks your ass into the doorway and doesn't even knock...I talked with her yesterday and said, "sure, I'll be there"...as cool as a cucumber but really a hysterical mess inside, which btw, I do really well.

And then, the owner of the boutique I sold at, asked me to come back in the spring. So, needless to say, I am busy...very busy and grateful....very grateful and ordering business cards for........

Yup, you got it.....

Bunny's Purpose

re~cycled, re~furnished and re~purposed

unique gifts for home decor

Dragonflys and Buttons

I've hit the big time...at least in my head I have. I am selling my creations at an kinda upscale boutique in the quaint little town of Orange, California. For those of you who are familiar with this area, this little boutique is at the Orange Circle, for those of you who are not familiar with this area....this is one of the few areas around here that antique stores line four major streets with a huge park area in the middle....hence, the circle. Seems I gave my number to someone at the flea market a couple of weeks ago not knowing it was the owner of said establishment.

Well, you coulda' knocked me over with a feather when she called and asked if I would like to join in on the Christmas Boutique Dec 4th and needless to say....I was happy and excited and then curious and finally....scared. But, Ima' gonna do it, because I got nothing to lose but my dignity and lord knows....that went out the window a long time ago.

So, wish me luck, say a prayer and send me good karma, cuz I don't know what the heck I'm doing....I'm Just Sayin'

Ahead of Myself

Yeah Yeah I know. It's not even Thanksgiving and I've got the Christmas blog up. Well, I've been super busy and I thought I'd get ahead of myself...guess it's better than being besides myself...lol

Anywho, I've sold some of my creations at a local Flea Market and I did quite good. I sold about 1/2 of what I made and met a bunch of good people. But more importantly, someone likes my stuff which is a huge ego booster. Thinking about doing it again...we'll see.

Raquel is coming down for a few days and I hope to actually see her. She's got hefty plans when she's here so let's hope we can actually visit, which brings me to Thanksgiving. I want to wish you all a very happy and stuffed free day. Enjoy your family and think about what you are thankful for.

Me? I'm thankful for a wonderful husband, two kind and intelligent daughters, three wacky squirrely grandsons, a plethora of great family members and friends who will always be there for me...

OH! and I'm thankful for another B~day on Friday...don't ask how old I am....I lost track in the 70's.

I'm Just Sayin'

This Is Why

Fall is my favorite time of year.

I imagine myself living here, surrounded by bright and dull and muted colors of the season

strolling down shadowy paths and not knowing where I'm headed

and coming home to this....

I can dream can't I?

I Fought the Law and The Law Won

I can talk about it now. I have been sworn under oath to not open my big O' mouth and spread the word of the court room. Yes people, I have been serving Jury Duty and not without a fight I might add.
It all started a year ago when I received a jury summons in which I promptly checked off the "I need an extension" box on the back. I kept them at bay for one year, yup, I have skills, I thought....till I didn't receive a response from the last extension I had sent. So you can imagine my surprise when I was notified that I did NOT show up for court and that I had to call them...ASAP! Yikes! I had totally forgotten and went on with my life when the popo caught up with me. Well, I called and I was told that I had 9 days to show up for jury duty, no and's, if's or but's, and believe me, I tried. I was also told that if I didn't show up, I'd be fined $1,000. I guess I fought the law and the law won.

So I show up at the court house at the crack of dawn thirty and make my way to the appropriate lines and window, then watch the cheesy film on our Court System and listen to a speaker go on about what an honor it is to serve on a Jury...then wait, and wait and walk around, eat lunch and wait some more. Finally got called and was asked to report to Court room #24 on the 7th floor ..and about 40 of us, looking like deer in head lights, waited patiently in the court room wondering what the heck is gonna happen.....

Too much to write right now...stay tuned for part deux...I'm Just Sayin'

Just Say No

It took me approximately 30 years of growing up for me to tell people "no". No, I can't, no thank you, no, don't really want to. Family was the hardest to say no to, especially my mother as I so wanted to please her....at my own expense. Didn't know it at the time, but she wasn't impressed, just self centered. It was also difficult to say "no" to the opposite sex because we as women, we all know that when you say "NO', it means time for negotiations and let the mind games begin. The world doesn't take no for an answer very well either. How could I be so selfish, so not a team player.

I thought I could do everything. Control everything....be liked and at the same time be nice and kind. I've seen that saying that states, " don't confuse my kindness for a weakness". That was me....so I thought. Nurture this person, nurture that person, do this, do that, fix this, go here, can you please?, I knew you would come through...but I couldn't do it anymore. I came to the realization that I came first and that saying yes to everyone and everything just brought on resentment, guilt and frustration and worse....not taking care of myself.

Which is why I am teaching my college living daughter to "just say no". NO...it's not to drugs, although that would be alright too. It's just say "no" to whomever and whatever that makes you uncomfortable, tired, off schedule and just plain crazy. Through our recent talks it seems that time has started to repeat itself. So, I tell her what no one bothered to tell me....It's OK to say NO! NO, I can't go to dinner, NO, I don't want a boyfriend, NO, I need to study and NO...I just don't want to....

I told her that if at anytime she didn't want my opinion, advice or 2 cents, that she is to tell me NO thanks.........I'm Just Sayin'

Little Big Man

Today is my #1 grandson's 9th Birthday. I wasn't there when he was born as I was at a funeral....ironic, I know...that's a whole other entry. But anyways, as our tradition goes, on each of my grandsons birthday day, I take them to any store and buy them anything (in moderation) that they want and in doing so, enjoying some one on one grandson Nana time. Over the years we've had some pretty good conversations...today's was no exception...


Me.........So, how's 4th grade?

Him........pretty good!

Me...... Any girlfriends yet?

Him..... No...but that will come in time I guess.

Me...... Do you like any girl?

Him......No...but you know Nana, the girls that like me chase me and bother me. That means
they like me.

Me.....ya know, your right!

Him.....I just can't figure out women.

Me.......and you never will

Him......ahhhh man!

Vintage Wreath

Being that I have a little more spare time on my hands, I've been a little busy bee here in Santa's Work Shoppe. Among many other items, I've created a vintage wreath using very old pattern paper. If your interested, here's how I did it...If your not...look at the pretty pictures.


I started with vintage patterns

and cut them into squares....you decide the size

then you fold them using the fan technique and secure them with whatever you have...I used raffia because I couldn't find my twine

it makes one of those "Old Skool" wedding flowers....remember?

I attached a ribbon and proceeded to glue gun them to a Styrofoam wreath. It actually looked pretty good as is.....

but I took it a step further....I sprayed the tips turquoise

and added some glitter

and Voila'...
a Sparkly and Turquoise Vintage Wreath. Super easy to make.
I'm Just Sayin'

School of Burlesque

I see a lot of inappropriate clothing at work and we are usually on it, but today this one slipped through the cracks...

This is where P.E shorts come in handy.....I'm Just Sayin'

The Blog Doesn't Fall Far....

Well, I'm a little surprised. Raquel was given an assignment in her Ag. Communications class and it was to create a blog. Out of my two daughters, I'd say that Meredith was more like me, but now I'm seeing a little more of me in the younger one. I asked her permission if I could put this on MY blog and she said "Go for It"...so I am.

If your interested in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animals, Nutrition or just plain nosy like I am most of the time OR....If you care about me and my well being and state of mind...go check it out....HERE

And if you really really want to...you can follow her. She's kinda easy to know...I'm just sayin'

It's SLO Time

Everything went perfectly. Not only is this school highly organized, but everyone was so cheerful and happy. We met up with some friends who's son is also going here. Raquel is doing good. I'd be doing good too if I was hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, doing yoga, biking, going to dances.....etc. She loves her roommates and she's getting ready for classes to start on Monday. It was not a pretty sight as we left, but I do feel better now that we've talked. Now I gotta figure out this me and hubby thing....I'm just sayin'

A Change is Gonna Come

I have been dreading this post. It's been on my mind for a while now and I've tried to come up with something clever and witty, but all I get in my head is sadness. I shouldn't be sad. I should be happy, upbeat and positive and I am...but I'm sad too, perhaps I'm many things, least of all....worried.

We are on our way to SLO and I'm sure we are laughing and singing in the car mixed in with a few words of wisdom from me and Eric, but I know my family, I know my daughter and I know myself. There will be an underlining feeling of sadness and the "not knowing" of what the future will bring. But when I think about it, this is what she has worked so hard for...This IS the future...it is happening NOW. I don't have to tell you all the work, effort and time she has put in to get to this place, nor do I have to pledge my love and pride I have...but this time has come way too fast.

And so, with all this said and done, here we are, taking the next step in hopes that everything will turn out alright and it probably will.

Da Hole Ting

Yuppers...we're back and I wanna tell ya, I'm not happy about it. There are skid marks in the Maui parking lot we're I dug in my heels...lol We had a fabulous time relaxing, eating, swimming, rock climbing, touring, walking and just being.

Here are a few pics of the view from our condo, Molekei Island from our beach, Lavender Farm, Goat Farm, Lahaina, Sunrise and Sunset. We also saw lots of Mongoose which apparently is a huge problem. Gold sand beaches, black sand beaches and white sand beaches. Ate Hawaiian cuisine for dinner every day, enjoyed a Luau and basically had a blast....enjoy~

Aloha...

Thanks to Post Options, I'm 30,000 feet up in the wild blue yonder on my way to Hawaii.

Don't like flying but if it gets me to where I wanna go....so be it. There are always drugs and alcohol...lol

Be back soon and I will definitely show and tell. Don't forget me...

smooches~

Love in the Produce Dept

It's not what your thinking or what I think your thinking...let me explain.

I just got back from my local market and as I was casually strolling in the Produce Dept minding my own beeswax, I hear from behind me, "Oh Miss, excuse me, Miss", ok, I know this person isn't referring to me as I have been called a Ma'am for a few years now and btw, I dislike it very much as I don't quite see myself as a "Ma'am, anyways...I ignore it and start rifling through the bananas when someone taps me on my shoulder, I turn around and it's an elderly lady, one that I would call....a ma'am. She says, "Excuse me Miss, but are you buying lettuce?"as she pulls out bit and pieces of paper from her purse. I'm thinking to myself, there must be a recall or a deadly plague associated with the lettuce and she's alerting me to it. Then it dawns on me....she's looking for a coupon as she says," Oh, I just know I have a coupon for lettuce", yup, that's how I knew, I don't need a house to fall on me..... And before I could say anything (insert shock) she finds it and says, "here it is, Iceberg lettuce", "Oh no!", I respond, "I have Romaine, but I need to tell you that I love you". Ok, she's kinda startled and giggles a little and before she can run away from me I tell her, "first of all, that was very sweet of you to offer one of your coupons and second of all and most importantly...you called me Miss...lol, you just made my day".

And as we parted ways, there in the produce Dept, for a split second I was a Miss and it felt good and I don't care if she couldn't see or that she was an elderly Ma'am or even if she called all females Miss. I'm Just Sayin

I'm not PMSing.....I Pinkie Swear

Let me just start by telling you how much I HATE Wal~Mart. Yup, I'm probably one of the few people on the planet who will admit this....and while I'm coming clean, I will admit to...
Not liking IN N Out Burgers, New Car smell, Disliking Elvis with a passion and any board game whatsoever....WHEW!...OK, Now that that's off my chest I can get back to freakin' Wal~Mart.

Yes, I went there today...I didn't want to, I tried to think of another store that offered what I needed to get, but what store offers milk, band-aids, fruit and storage units...All under one roof?
First of all, when you are hired at the ripe old age of 75 to be a greeter, shouldn't you be greeting people with a smile? I'm really not trying to be sarcastic (although you know that's my M.O.) but the greeter looked at me, I smiled and she looked at me like she was constipated, I mean, come one, you work in Wal~Mart....go to the laxative aisle for gawd sakes. That's her job....smiling, saying hello and offering you a shopping cart...how hard could it be? It's not like she'sPMSing and even if she had a bad day (it was 11 am )...pretend smile...I do it all the time...even when I'm PMSing.

And all you people who seem to think that shopping in Wal~Mart is an amusement park for your unruly children....TAKE THEM TO THE PARK...OR LEAVE THEM AT HOME! I don't feel like scolding, yelling or tactfully teaching your children how to behave (although I have) out in public. And I certainly do not like it when little kidlets jump out at me from the center of a clothes rack.
And people...Answer your children when they say MOM for the umpteenth time....or I will.

And lastly, this is the main reason I balk at going into this store....It ALWAYS looks like a tornado hit it. Clothes strewn on the floor, clearance items in disarray and so on and so on...

But.....

There I go, cruising the parking lot and dodging slow walkers who have not a care in the world because THEIR the only person on the planet and their kids can't wait to attack the store.
I guess you can say I have a Love/Hate Relationship with Wal~Mart....I don't wanna go, but I'm drawn to it...like passing a car wreak I guess....I'm Just Sayin'

One mans Junk

Woke up late this morning (won't tell you what time) with nothing really to do. Raquels at the beach with FFA buddies...all day and so it's just me and Eric. He took us to breakfast or whatever that meal was at that time (oatmeal)... let's just say it was breakfast. We passed a few yard sales on the way and so, after our meal, I wondered around the city with $3 to my name and a determination to purchase that one item worthy of the Antique Road Show.

I was kinda lookin' for old patterns but I guess people are hanging on to them...then I spotted this butter dish, which btw, I need...really I do




It's glass with a bubble pattern on top and bottom and it has a silver etched floral design. I asked the lady how much she wanted for it and she told me that she's tired and just wants to practically give everything away and that I could have these matching candlesticks too....all for $1




Well, what could I do? I jumped at it, even though they came with those gawd awful tacky glass candles ( I tossed them) and for $1 I couldn't pass it up. She told me her husband is from Germany that they belonged to HIS mother. I couldn't see any signatures or markings but then again...they were filthy and they are soaking as I am writing this entry.

I love the silver etching on them, in fact, some of it is coming off which makes me like it even more. Anyways, I haven't been yard saling in a very long time and it felt good to get such a bargin.

Perhaps me and the hubster will have a candlelit dinner tonight....with butter. I'm Just Sayin'

The Wild Wild West

I'm baaack! And needless to say fun was had by all...all three of us. Just me, Brenda and Phoebe also known as the Pheblet. Phoebe is Brenda's new 9 week puppy that came along for the ride. Here she is in the lap of luxury (Brenda's) while I drive to Scottsdale. This girls getaway was scheduled a long time ago before Phoebe came to be so we had to take her with us. And although the Hilton is a very gracious and accommodating Hotel, we had to smuggle her in, which was hysterical. Brenda hid her in a very big tote bag and the poor phoebs head stuck out half the time. Phoebe is a Klee Kai puppy and a very spoiled one too, but If I had a baby, I'd do the same exact spoiling...



Lots and lots of Cactus to greet us along the way and the gorgeous Red Rock of Sedona....



For those of you who are not familiar to Sedona, it is kinda known for it's Spiritual and Tranquil feel. Apparently is sits in just the right Vortex...don't ask, I don't get it either, but there IS something about this place that calms and soothes. We were surrounded by this...



and this...


We even ate at the Love Cafe and dined on a Abby Hoffman Breakfast Bagel...Phoebe ate eggs too!

We made our way to Prescott, or as the locals call is...Preskit and I absolutely loved it...more my style. The best part about the city is the old town and the square. It literally had that Mayberry feel to it. It is monsoon season so it rained and stopped and rained and stopped...all the time the sun shining through. We strolled in and out of Antique stores and ended up in an authentic bar/saloon from 1864. We also ran into some characters from that era too.




Me and Teddy Roosevelt in the town square




This is called Flash Street Theater. Who knew I had to leave Cali to see this...lol



All in all, we had a great time .Coming home we hit thunder and lighting storms, dust storms and 100+ degree temps, but us 3 gals stuck it out like Bedouins...lol My next adventure, Hawaii in 2 1/2 weeks....I'm excited...I'm Just Sayin'