Life According to Me

Falling Down

2012-01-20T00:50:00.000-08:00

The idea for this blog post has been rattling around in my head for quite some time, but I have declined to post what I was thinking as you never know who might be reading you blog (cue crazy-psycho ex-husband and his family). But the time has come. I need to say what is on my mind.

My blog presence has suffered over the last few months. The craziness that is my life killed my mojo and my will to carry on with any pretense that things were ok.

It all began when I got a tremendous head cold in November. I lost my voice and was a giant bag of misery for WEEKS. Then, there was complete stupidity concerning my son and it was the longest 5 days of my life (I will spare you the gory details). THEN, it was Christmas. Work went mad. I was still sick, the stress of the son's issues, missing the rest of my family and my still struggling to 'get it' at my job in retail was almost my undoing. If I hadn't had the week before Christmas off, I might have just cracked.

As you can imagine, things suffered. My diet went to hell. I put weight back on. My health went to pot. My muse? Well, she went into hibernation.

The good news is, things have improved around here. The job is still touch-and-go, but I am getting there.We sometimes fall down. Life is not fair and the good guy does not always win. It is a fact. What you do with what is thrown at you makes the difference. Today, I choose to rise above it all.

Merry Christmas Madness

2011-12-24T01:51:00.000-08:00

Ah, what I wouldn't give for one more old-fashioned family Christmas. No chestnuts roasting on an open fire. No Christmas pageant, no carols sung by the family while gathered round the piano. Our family gatherings were more-how shall we say-random. Any year might well see the 'orphan' dishwasher from Mom's workplace asleep on the sofa in my step-dad's bathrobe, Mom's boss glaring across the table at Daddy as they hated each other from waaaaaay back in the day. There will be a pot of chili, maybe beans and cornbread and definitely some of Mama's home made fudge.

Who knows, Uncle Jack might find his way from the open road to our house, bottle of whiskey in hand, just in time for Christmas Eve revelry. He might well bring along his ex, coz we like her alot and she always brings cheese and sausage platters with her. Aunt Sis might come over too...just to add to the fun! And with any luck, it will be a year where my mom and step-dad are actually speaking to each other (one can always hope, can't they?).

Hopefully, that lot will keep it down to a dull roar so that I can pile up in front of the television to watch some good old movies, maybe The Love Boat will have a Christmas special, or maybe, just maybe...Donny and Marie!

Whatever you do, however you do it (or even if you don't)...make it a day to enjoy. Make the most of it and remember...you have folks out here who love you!

Meeting Santa

2011-12-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

This is my little Boogie. He got to meet Santa last week. Isn't he growing into the most gorgeous little boy?

This photo reminded me of maybe my most favourite Christmas/Santa story ever. When I was 19 or so, I used to babysit a little boy called 'Booger'. He was four and his name was really Dewayne, but his mama, who was the maintenance lady at my apartments, called him Booger and so did everyone else. Anyway, it was close to Christmas and we spent alot of time making construction paper and glitter ornaments, colouring, baking cookies...you know, that fun leading-up-to-Christmas-keeping-the-kids-busy sort of stuff. A few times a week Daddy would stop by for a visit. We would sometimes walk over to the coffee shop and have a cup of coffee, sometimes he would pick us up and take us to the big thrift store down that road. But sometimes, he would have a little bag of toys or cars for Booger.

One Saturday morning, Booger's mama said to me 'Did you take Booger to see Santa?' My reply was of course no, but it was a mystery. He was insistent that he had indeed met Santa and upon further questioning he said, 'Mama, Santa is Miss Hope's daddy. He comes to her house and takes us out for a drive. I know he is Santa coz he has a white beard, glasses and he brings me toys.'

Who can argue with that sort of reasoning?

The Tiny Tree

2011-12-15T02:41:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, I was a suddenly-single mom. I won't go into the messiness of what happened, but will say that my world was shattered. Everything I had ever wanted or known was gone. Thank goodness for Daddies that step in to make it all better...as much as they can. Then the inevitable happened...it was Christmas-time. Six-year old girls do not understand 'Mommy has the blues and cannot imagine putting up a tree this year'. Unable to muster the desire to put up our old tree, off I went to buy us a new tree. A tree all our own.

I stood in the middle of the store, overwhelmed by all the glory. I was trying to hold myself together and here were all these decorations, all these folks celebrating. Joy was not a word in my vocabulary. Then it happened. I broke down and cried. Right in the middle of the store. Embarrassed, I picked out a tiny little tree, no more than 12 inches high, and made my way to the tills. We may not have the biggest tree, but we would have a tree.

That little tree was with me till I moved to England, all those years later. I bought little lights for it, tiny decorations and a bit of tinsel, but that first year was the only year it was THE tree. Soon, my heart healed, I moved on, but I kept that tiny tree. I called it the Charlie Brown tree.

I kept it as it was tradition. It became my office tree. It became a symbol of how far I had come, and how far I could go. I have tiny trees these days, but only because I like them...and maybe, just maybe, they remind me of that first tiny tree.

The Smallest Gift

2011-12-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

So many years ago, when a little freckle-faced girl was but 6 yrs old, there was a proper Christmas mystery at her house in the country. Of all the packages under the tree, there was only one tiny one for her. No more than 3 inches across, it paled in comparison to those of her brother and sister.

No opportunity was missed to point out her lack of gifts. She wondered and pondered, questioning if she had indeed been so bad that this would be the only gift she would receive. Brother and sister missed not one moment to remind her that she had the smallest gift, that surely it would be all she would receive that year. Tears were shed.

Then there was Christmas morning. The tree skirt buried under a mountain of presents, as many for the little girl as for Big Sister and Brother. Mama, Daddy and Santa had finally come through. She HAD been good enough!

I am sure I got lots of great gifts that year. I vaguely remember a doll and maybe an easy-bake oven, but the only gift I REALLY remember is this little sachet gingerbread brooch. This cutie is what was hiding in that tiny box, and I treasure with all my heart. I keep it tucked away all year long and when I bring it out at Christmas, I wear it with love and pride.

Thanks for stopping by. More Christmas memories to come!

The Memory Tree

2011-12-12T02:01:00.001-08:00

There is nothing that I love more than to decorate my Christmas tree. Over the years, it has taken on a sentimental twist as I accumulate more and more precious ornaments and more precious memories tied to those ornaments.

Here is our new tree in all its glory. Not matchy-matchy. Not themed. Just loads and loads of handmade and cherished treasures.

Each year when I unpack the ornaments, I love to relive the moment in time that each treasure holds. This star? I made it when Katie was not quite three. It went on the first fancy big tree we ever had. I made lots of ornaments that year, but this is the only one I have left.

This window? Kevin helped me design these. He used his fancy magic die-cut machine at work to cut the window after he put together all the measurements. I love this coz it was a project we did TOGETHER.

This tiny little stocking (it is only about two inches tall) reminds me so much of my Daddy. I can distinctly remember the day he bought me a package of four of these (one red, one blue, one pink and one yellow) from Treasure City for 97 cents. I used them for my Barbies for years and when I got too old, they were packed away, waiting for their moment to shine.

This ornament reminds of all the lovely, generous artists that I know. The first year I was in England, I participated in a couple of ornament swaps and in that ONE year, we filled up the tree with darling handmade ornies. I love them and will cherish them forever.

This one reminds me of my mom. She has a number of these on our tree and gave them to me a few years before she died. She bought these when I was a little girl. Tarnish and all..they are too sweet.

This stocking was on our tree all the years of my growing up. Mama bought all of us kids one of these tiny stockings when we were babies. This one was my brother's.

This little fairy is one of about 20 that I made the first year I was here. I hope that someday my kids will cherish it.

These silk baubles my mom bought in the 1960s when we were little kids. There were 8, but sadly, I only have two left.

Rockin my World!!!!

2011-11-18T00:17:00.001-08:00

It's another Friday, and here I am...now what is rocking my world?

1. The weather. It's not been sunny every day, it's been a bit foggy and misty, but considering that this time last year we were covered in snow, it's good! I like the cooler, greyish days of Autumn. I just hate the wind and rain that come with them. We have had very little of that-and while we need the rain-I am not missing it at all!

2. The return of the missing hen. Over two weeks ago, one of our girls went walkabout. We did searched high and low, and continued to do periodic head counts...to no avail. So 8 became 7. Yesterday, hubby informed me that the hen that had been unwell had died in the night. So 7 becomes 6. I wandered out there about 2 om yesterday, did a head count, only to realize that 6 had become 7! Our wandering girl has returned, but we are not sure when or which one (they all look the same). Just at the weekend Mr G had counted them and there were only 6. So, new math works...seems 8-2=7!

3. Crafty-time. I have been off most of the week and have managed to get everything made up that needs to go to the States. I also got all my ATCs made up for Christmas. I even managed a bit of baking!

4. Gary Barlow's eyebrow at the Children in Need concert last night. It seemed to have a life of it's own and had me roaring with laughter! He just gets better and better with age, but that eyebrow...oy vey!

5. Amazing grandsons. My Bobo may be 4500 miles away, but he knows who his Grammy is and that she loves him. Katie was opening my profile on FB yesterday and when Bo saw my picture, he said (he has just started really talking) 'Grandma. I love you'. It makes me happy and sad all at the same time.

6. A month of thankfulness. Everyday I have reminded myself of just one thing I am thankful for. Humbling and satisfying all at the same time.

7. The support of my Slimming World group. I have fallen off the wagon (only gained 1lb tho), but the support there has seen me back to 'the plan' and I am feeling better already!

Well, that's it for now. I am off to work soon. Have a great day and pop over to Celtic House to see the other gals and what is rocking their worlds!

Woody Owls and Other Fun Stuff

2011-11-09T07:49:00.000-08:00

Not much going on here these days, just a bit of work and a day or two out an about. I have managed to find a few treasures (as usual, quirky stuff) that managed to make Mr G wonder if I had indeed snapped my twig.

I happen to love this carved branch. It is s solid and lovely and has a real feel of age to it.

I ha loads of this 'cantaloupe' pottery back home, but have never seen any here. I found this little dish in a really junky shop and knew it had to come home with me. For 50p, it was a steal!

I haven't done any research, but it has super markings on the bottom. Will have to look into it.

This little guy is a bottle opener. Isn't he cute?

Lovely carved wooden owl that has a hook on the front. when you hang something on it, his wings fly up! He is all handmade and is old. I adore him and already have a place in mind to hang him.

So, that's it for today. Told you it has been quiet here.....

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

2011-10-31T01:10:00.000-07:00

Why do I love Halloween so? Why does it capture me, year after year, in its web of orange and black, of jack-o-lanterns and pointy hats? I simply love it becasue iit connects me to my past. I helps me remember that it wasn't all bad, that there was a time when school was fun and inspired, and a time when I got to be someone or something different than what I was.

Once upon a time, schools used to have Halloween carnivals full of haunted houses, teachers dressed in spooky costumes, fun games, cake walks (with home made treats, even!), and more candy than one kid could haul home. Kids wore their costumes (even the witchy ones) to school and there were best costume contests. Decorations of spooky cats, jack-o-lanterns and scarecrows were everywhere. The entire day was dedicated to parties and fun.
We bought our cosutmes from Ben Franklin or ME Moses. Ben Cooper or Collegeville in the box, plastic mask that made you sweat and a costume that would indeed get covered up by the coat your mom made you wear (coz it was cold out there).

Trick-or-treating involved going into town (when we lived in the country) and my mom driving slowly down the road behind me while I went from house to house. My plastic jack-o-lantern bucket would get full and mom was always there to empty it into a grocery sack in the car, ready for refills! Sometimes, Halloween fell on a weekend I was with my dad and that meant to trick-or-reating, but it DID mean a stop at Dunkin Donuts for one of Mr Kemp's specially decorated Halloween donuts. Lots and lots of fluffy frosting on top of a donuts? What could be better?

I was chief pumpkin carver and my step dad would take me to the produce stand to pick out the perfect pumpkin. I would spend a chilly evening on the front porch, scraping and carving my way to the perfect jack-o-lantern. Candles purchased, excitement for the moment when it was dark enough to strike a match and make my creation come to life!

I still feel that same excitement today. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Halloween!

Old Friends....

2011-10-26T01:34:00.000-07:00

Today, I am re-visiting an old post. My old friend, Willie Ragsdale died last night after a short battle with cancer. She was a friend to all and will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. Please keep her family in your thoughts.

When I was a little girl, I went to my dad's every weekend. On Friday, he would pick me up and we would drive to Dallas. Weekends were fun and I never wanted Sunday to roll around. On Sunday morning, I would pack my bag and away we would go.

But we didn't go all the way to Plano since Mama worked on weekends. We went instead to her place of work...a little cafe called 'Willie's Westaurant' in Garland.

Willie's was in this shopping center. Iconic, no? This is Garland Shopping Center in its heyday. It was the newest and largest one of it's kind in the state of Texas at the time. It had it all...even into the 1970's and 80's. JC Penneys, grocery stores, five and dime, hardware, western wear, jewelers...the list goes on. It was on a major road but had a very secure, homey feeling to it.Sadly, I couldn't find a photo on the internet of Willie's, but I do have a photo of the owner. Isn't she lovely? I found her recently on FaceBook and we are friends once again. Mama would be pleased.

Willie gladly welcomed me into her diner and it became like a home from home for me. Christmas tree hanging from the ceiling amazed a freckle-faced little girl. Hugs from the cashier, Mrs Morgan, were the best. Hand cut fries and the best chicken fried steak around spoiled me for any other. Three songs for a quarter on the jukebox and ten minutes of telly for a dime helped keep me occupied. Rolling silverware and filling salt and peppers made me feel important. Tip money from Mama meant a trip across the parking lot to ME Moses or Skillern's (once the Blue Law was repealed). I was most pleased if it happened to be a Saturday, that meant I could buy toys!

Thanks for stopping by to visit today. I hope you have a glorious day, whtever you do!

Something Spooky This Way Comes.....

2011-10-25T04:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know how you feel about ghost stories, but I love them. I am still not sure if I believe in the supernatural 100%, but enough credible folks I know have had experiences that it does make one think. I have had a few things happen to me as well and I thought I would share...

In 1986, I went, with a group of friends, to see my friend, L. She had recently moved into an almost-new house with her mom and brother. We were hanging out, me, L and a group of friends...and L's dogs. I hear footsteps upstairs that descended the stairs. You could distinctly hear the footsteps on the plastic carpet protector. the person then went into the kitchen, opened the fridge, closed the fridge and went back upstairs.

I asked L, 'What is W (her brother) doing home?'
Her reply was, 'He's not here.'
Me: 'So, what about J, then (his girlfriend)?'
L: 'Nope'
Me: 'I know it's not your mom, coz she is at work.'
L: 'Yep'.
Me: 'Then who the hell just came trodding down the stairs and into the kitchen?!?!?!?!?!?!?'
L: 'I don't know. It happens all the time.'

Now, me and my very spooked friends made a hasty retreat, eyes wide, reassurinf each other that we had indeed all heard the very same thing.

Seems the house had some sort of 'history' that caused the previous tennants to flee in the middle of the night. The new owners (L and her mom), bought it full of their possessions, dishes, furniture, and all.

Creepy.I never had that experience again as not soon after that happening, I moved away. L and her mom didn't last too long in that house, either.

Saturday in Fishtoft

2011-10-22T04:22:00.000-07:00

making the most of the sunshine,

we dug up the potatoes today.

lots and lots of potatoes!

me, pulling weeds...

and Marm soaking up the sun.

What's Rockin' My World, Feline Addition

2011-10-21T00:24:00.000-07:00

It's that time again folks.....

This week, despite struggles with the in-laws (FIL has dementia and MIL is not coping very well), I have found a few things to make my week worth shouting about.

I must firstly give kudos to Marm, the old man of the house. He is simultaneously annoying and loveable. He howls for food, sits where he is not supposed to, leaves a trail of furry goodness behind him, but when he sleeps in positions like this, all is forgiven. He makes me giggle like no other beast ever has. God love his ancient shaggy soul.

Second shout-out goes to Timmy. His panic of ' I need in! No, I need out!' is enough to make me slit my wrists, but he gives the best middle-of-the-night, breathy, whisker-filled kisses. He also attcks your feet thru the blankets and get so excited that he sneezes. Weird but awesome.

And to this guy. My Dooby-Do. There are not enough words to tell you how much this little guy means to me. He does not know he is a cat. He nicks food off of your plate of you aren't looking, howls for no reason and sleeps on any clean clothes I leave on the bed. He also joins me when I take a bath. He sits on the edge of the tub and gives me lots of tomcat kisses and then drinks my bathwater. When he gets excited, the end of his tail twitches like crazy (like a rattlesnake). He supervises hubby's shaving and toothbrushing in the morning, and often tries to help. He is always happy to see me and comes running thru the garden to see me. Who doesn't want that at the end of a long day?

And as far as shaggy creatures....this other guy is pretty awesome too. I amy not like everything he does, but he is A-OK in my book!

Other honorable mentions today include: my employer for deciding to make me a permanent employee, my Slimming World rep for being not only an inspiration, but an award-winning leader (go, Jacky!), the gorgeous weather (mid-October with the windows open), new friends and old for just being there and my postman for catching me up on the village gossip and for being cheeky enough to leave my packages in my barbecue grill so that I don't have to go fetch them from town. Last but not least, two telly shows that are giving me something to loook forward to: X Factor and Downton Abbey. Love them both and they make my weekend TV viewing less dismal.That's it folks. I am linking up with Virginia. Pop over and see what is rocking everyone's world this gorgeous, chilly Firday!

Caged Bird

2011-10-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

Not too far from where I live, there is an open prison camp. Prisoners are sent here when they are close to their release date or if they are considerd low risk. They are sent here for rehabilitation and to do community service work in our town. Many end up working in charity shops. That is where I met P.

P's sentence has been a long one as his crime was horrific. Stupid young men sometimes make stupid, tragic mistakes. He has never, for one moment, denied what he has done. Never placed blame anywhere other than on his own head. The shame that he carries will never go away, but time has mellowed him and made him a better person.I liked him at first sight. Full of funny stories and mischief, we got along splendidly. He got along well with everyone and never hesitated to be a helping hand, a friendly face and a good friend.

You might ask yourself why I would bother making time for a criminal. Why would one ever forgive such horrendous behaviour? How could I ever look past the past? It is simple, folks. I can only go by the way that P has treated me and those around me. I can only judge him by what he is doing today instead of hanging on to something that happened 30yrs ago. I also know that people do dumb things. I know that folks go to prison one type of person and come out another. I know that my Daddy served time and came out a changed man but spent years trying to lose the stigma, even though he was a kind and generous man. If I can make just ONE person's life a bit better, if I can treat ONE person with grace and dignity in spite of what has happened, then I will have done Daddy proud.

P got his parole this week. He is off to his home town, far from Boston. I will miss him and wish him the best.

Tremors and Movie Stars

2011-10-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

Daddy met Mama in 1964 when she was a waitress at a coffee shop. He was handsome and funny, she was beautiful and fragile. They married and he swept her away to Los Angeles to escape her crazy ex-husband. Mama brought along Jimmy and Kallie and Daddy brought Terry. Mama never wanted to leave Dallas but the promise of easier times and better money made sense. Daddy had connections out there and ended up painting very posh houses, including some movie-star types and their families. Hot pink was the colour choice of Dezi Arnaz's mother. The walls, the carpets, the furniture. There was coffee in the mornings with Mickey Dolenz of The Monkees (they just happened to be in the same coffee shop every morning). There was Don Ho at the restaurant where Mama worked. The Batmobile, Monkeemobile and Munstermobile were common sights in our neighbourhood as the studio was just down the road.

Sadly, all was not grand in the state of California. The traffic, the sheer amount of people and the lifestyle just did not suit Mama. She was unhappy and missed her family. Even the joy of the unexpected pregnancy (another story for another day) that resulted in me was not enough to ease the homesickness. Add to that the terror of the tremors and you have a recipe for one unhappy young mom. She often said it was far too unnerving to be just sitting down to dinner only to have everything shaking and trembling.

Rocking my World This Friday; Beefcake Edition

2011-10-14T00:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been a bit rocky here the last few months, so I need to take some time to think about the good that is in my life every day and it just so happens that I thought a bit of manly goodness would also be inspiring...

So, what is rocking my world this Friday? Let's see.....

Adam Levine. Ewan McGregor. Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Robbie Williams.

Seriously tho, here is my list:

My lovely daughter for just being a good friend and listening to my moaning about family stuff. Who knew all those years ago that that snotty teenager would turn out so fab? Kudos to her for being a tough chick and a great mama!

The lovely old man who took a moment to tell me how lovely my accent is. He did it without making a big deal and without prying. He was a real gentleman and it came at just the right time in my day.

Dear hubby. Mr G. Professor Poopy-Pants. He has been a real star about listening to my constant questioning and frustration about the job. He has supported me and been there for me and I am eternally grateful for it.

The weather! We have had a bit of rain, but holy cow has the weather been fab for this time of year! it is very reminiscent of home and I am loving it.

Other things rocking my world are: Downton Abbey, X-Factor, my sewing machine, Pinterest, my kitties, new size 12 knickers, upcoming holiday time off work, old friends, new friends and Shape Apple Crumble yogurt...not necessarily in that order!

Ok, off to link up with the other Rockers. Want to see more? Click on the button on my sidebar!

An Open Letter to a Few Folks...

2011-10-12T07:31:00.000-07:00

In case you are not aware, I recently started a new job. I have been there almost three months and am still settling in. I miss being at home with my family, doing the mom thing. I hate working evenings and weekends, but in this day and age I am thankful to have a job. I just have a few things I want to get off my chest....

Dear co-worker A: Please do not make derogatory remarks about foreigners. I am one and am offended by your ignorance, even tho I think you are pretty cool and I like you.

Dear co-worker B: Please do not screw your face up like you have just eaten something sour when you refer to America and Americans. See my not to co-worker A. I still like you too, even if I am a mystery to you. And thanks for the comment about my cool tights the other day. It made me happy.

Dear co-worker C: Please do not hate your job. It shows in your face every day. I see it, the customers see it. It makes me sad that you hate the changes that have happened in the company, but changes are necessary for the place to stay open. If you think you can't handle it, it may well be time to retire. Whatever you decide to do, please keep your sour self away form me and my rainbows. Thanks muchly.

Dear co-workers D, E & F: Thanks for making the daily grind a little more bearable. It means alot that you have taken me in and accepted me without too many questions and just as I am.

Dear co-workers G-N: Thanks for being so good my Justin when he has his work experience in your cafe. It is a joy to know he was so accepted and he came out of there a changed young man.
Dear co-workers O & P: Thanks for making me feel welcome in the break room. My social anxiety makes it hard for me to 'fit in' in groups, so thanks for talking to me. Lunchtime can be lonely for sorts like me.

Dear assorted co-workers: Please stop giggling at my accent. I refuse to make another /PA announcement because I know you are having a giggle at my expense. You may think it is cute, but I find it highly embarrassing. I just want to fit in and you are forever reminding me that I am different. I don't mind being different, but let it be for my funny hair, silly clothes, multiple tattoos, or jokes and not for something I cannot control.And lastly...Dear Management: thanks for taking me in and giving me a chance. I hope to do you proud.

Tatty Old Crap

2011-10-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

Here it it....the sun total of the crap I bought this weekend. A serious tat theme going on here.

Great wooden box is big enuough to hold my parge family pictures and will fit nicely on top of the wardrobe. Needs a coat of paint, but will clean up nicely. I only paid £1 for it and that makes me happy!

I love the carved tree gnome. I would love to have a collection of these.

And then we have this tiny little pen knife. Made in 1953, it is a Queen Elizabeth coronation souvenir. I will be giving it a clean-up and then adding it to my small collection of commemorative items.

So that's it. Not much to crow about, but I am trying to cut back on my accumulations and collections.

So, what did you find over the weekend?

Saving My Life

2011-09-21T02:10:00.000-07:00

I have been on a journey for six months and I can almost see the light now. The end is nigh...almost. Since March, I have been fighting the battle of my life, for my life. I feel better. Empowered. And it is amazing.

In March I made the decision of a lifetime...to lose the weight that had been holding me down. For reasons that I have gone into before, I had gained a significant amount of weight in the past few years and it had begun to catch up with me. My body ached all the time, my knees gave out on me. My ankles swelled. My feet hurt all the time. I was in agony.Gardening was a chore as was anything that involved bending and stooping or much exertion at all. And we won't even go into what all that fat was doing to my insides. Colon cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes were all on the horizon. Let's not kid ourselves, it is the truth.

People that love me would say 'You're not fat'. But I was. Incredibly so. A person who is 5 ft tall SHOULD NOT weigh 170lbs--no way, no how. I was told that I was far too critical of myself, but I think I was just seeing myself in the truest light.

So here it is, September. I am down a little over 25 lbs. That, for me, has been three dress sizes. From an XL (or an XXL) to a M in six months. I am astounded with every week's weigh-in. I am flabbergasted when I have to buy smaller clothes. I have had an entire wardrobe clear out right down to undies and bras. What a feeling!

I have always said that I wanted my kids to know that they could change the world around them. They didn't have to just take what life handed them. I think I lost a bit of that along the way but I hope that this change helps them to see that their old mom is still a woman with the power to change the world.

There have been doubters. Those who could not let the past go. Those who only saw me as 'half-a-job-Hope'. Maybe they just could not imagine that after all these years, I was finally strong enough to do it.

I have a ways to go still. I have about 20 more pounds to lose to even be within the healthy weight range for my height, and if that is 'too thin' for some folks, tough. This is about me, saving my life...one pound at a time.

The End

2011-08-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

A running joke in our family is that English summers never last more than two weeks. Our 'summer ' was in April this year with record high temps and little or no rain. A drought was declared. Then things cooled down, but still no rain. Then it began to rain, with temps holding their own around 75 degrees or so. Not really shorts weather, but leave it to the locals to get their kit off at the first ray of sun. (I have seen alot of pasty flesh in three years here!)While the lack of sun and truly warm weather made certain gardening a challenge, other things thrived. 'Battle Aphid' was a short one this year and as a result, our roses were more beautiful and fragrant than ever. The clematis was stunning. The strawberries runneth over. The downside it that things like pumpkins, squashes, beans etc have suffered a bit. Not anything devastating, but still not as good as years past. Also, the cabbages have been ravaged by the scourge of our area...the cabbagewhite butterfly and their slithering little offspring. The cooler weather must be perfect caterpillar weather! as you can see from the photos, the mushrooms have been fab this year too. These grow at the back of the property, under the trees and several sorts grow there. I don't eat them, just take photos of them.

We have spent our summer trimming trees, painting the kitchen and bathroom, installing new appliances, repairing all the broken things around the house and generally just catching up. I also began working (for money this time) and so far, so good.

I hope that your summer has been a successful one and that you have gotten done all you needed to do!

Unwanted

2011-08-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Once upon a a time, I was a social work intern at a hospice. I arrived my first day full of excitement about a chance to prove myself. A chance to help others. What greeted me were hostile glares and an extreme lack of enthusiasm from the already established social workers who had neither the time or the inclination to take a newbie on board. My early days there were filled with tasks more suited to an office assistant than someone who was on the verge of a new career. I was finally permitted to go out on calls with the other social workers and eventually was assigned to a single family...not because I was a great worker and had true insight on how to help these folks, but because the person assigned to them was fed up with them and honestly...she just didn't like them much. How sad.

The patient was a lady I will call Betty. She lived in a very poor part of town with her daughter, Anna and the granddaughter, Gemma (both are not their real names, just to be clear). To say that this family was colourful would be an understatement and I liked them immediately. Betty was descended from hillfolk. Her people were pioneers from the hidden hills of Arkansas and so embedded with the 'old ways' that modern society was still a bit of a puzzle. Betty also believed she was a witch-- that she could transform herself into a wolf and that she could fly. Her powers were passed along to her children and her grandchildren and she was as proud of that as anything else.

Every Friday for six months, I would make it a point to stop by and check on that family. As is the case with many families facing the end of a life, they were indeed in crisis. The family were poor, no doubt, but with Betty unable to minister to their needs, the daughter and granddaughter spiraled out of control. I took it as my job to try and help as much as I could. Menu plans, grocery vouchers, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas presents taken care of, it was then my job to just listen. To give my time, sincerely, and let these 'insignificant' folks know that what they had to say was important, that they mattered. It was my job to let Betty know that long after she was gone, her stories would live on.

I sometimes wonder if Betty knew what she meant to me. How she made me feel a bit less unwanted; less of a burden and more of a person with heart enough to see through the ugliness of poverty and prejudice and into the heart of a kindred spirit.

Not long after I left that placement, Betty died. No one notified me, I only found out in passing. I think about the family Betty left behind and hope that they continue to tell her stories and carry her spirit with them. I hope someone else takes the time to listen to them and make them feel important. I hope that when I am in their position, someone will take the time to make me feel a little less unwelcome.

Cutting In

2011-08-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

My Daddy was more than a housepainter, he was an artisan. He took his painting very seriously.I can remember that his painting stuff took up the entire backseat of his car and was a source of great fascination to me. The folding tape measures, square carpenter's pencils and pristine paintbrushes were like old friends to him. They never let him down in his day to day job because, as he said, 'you take care of your friends and they will take care of you'.

At the end of every day, paintbrushes were cleaned of every last speck of paint and tucked back into their protective sleeves. All tools were cleaned of dirt and and residue. The tools of his trade looked as if they had never seen a day of work.

In the days when he was learning his trade, painter's belonged to unions. Daddy and Pa went to the union shop in the morning in their street clothes and changed over to the 'whites' for the workday.

Shoes were removed in customer's houses (something he did up until he retired) in order to keep from tracking street dirt into the house. Care and time were taken and a brush more often used than a roller. Brush strokes could be avoided with just the right amount of paint and a delicate touch. Customer's children were not a nuisance, but a chance to make a new friend.

Daddy painted all sorts of things in this time. Church steeples, warehouses, insides, outsides, barns, bars and perhaps a brothel or two. He worked for himself and for some well-known contractors, taking that same care right up to the very end. Shoes removed, a smile for the kiddos, the customer was always right.

Daddy has been gone for a few years now, but as we painted our kitchen last week, I couldn't help but be reminded of that man in his painter's whites and his prized silky-clean paintbrushes.

The summer work here is keeping me away from my blogs for now, but I will have more stories and pictures when life returns to normal and Mr G has run out of jobs for me!

Uncles and Other Connections

2011-07-21T02:00:00.000-07:00

I recently found two of my cousins on FaceBook. A brother and sister, children of my Uncle Bo. This is him here, with Uncle Jack. Bo is the one on the right. The cousins, Danny and Joy, were older than me and we were not close. As a matter of fact, I may have only met Danny once or twice and Joy...well, I never met her until we were introduced on the internet. We have enjoyed our reunion, discovering that we are far more alike than different and that many Woolf family traits have been passed along to all of us. The conversations with them have reminded me how much I liked my Uncle Bo. He died when I was a barely-independent adult, so the recollections are from my childhood and bit foggy, but I do remember so many little things about him (I thought I had forgotten all that stuff).

He was funny and had the most devilish grin and was quick to laugh at a good joke. He liked a bit of fun and was always into some sort of mischief (or at least he had that look about him), I looked forward to seeing him at family get togethers. He called me 'Hope Anne' as all the family did and was very attentive to this shy little freckle-faced girl. He would often hold my hand when he talked to me at the kitchen table and play with my fingernails (something several aunts and uncles did, just like my grandma did). He lived in Garland for years, so I saw him often and I certainly heard about his escapades from my mom, even if she didn't know I was listening!

Grasping Time....

2011-07-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

I talk alot about the past. I do it for a reason. I am terrified that I will forget the little stories and memories that have been passed down to me by my family.I also want my kids to know MY stories, simple as they may be. They may not appreciate it now, but I hope someday they will look back and say, 'My mom once told me this story about the time her mom brought a monkey home.'

Stories are simply a family history, a recording of the past, influenced by that person's memory and perspective. The stories I tell are they way I remember them from the heart and mind of a 6yr old or the collective memory of myself and my sisters, scattered as they may be.

Mr G is amazed at the things I can recall, as he has very few memories of his childhood. I do realize that not everyone has the desire or the need to hold on. For me, it has been a real saving grace.

It has saved me from losing the little nuances of past lives. The voices of loved ones long gone still rattle around in my head and I hope that by holding on to them that they never go away.

Perhaps is it the little girl in me that refuses to grow up. Maybe the adult Pixie longs for simpler times wrapped in the love of her parents.

Or perhaps I just have some sort of crazy photographic memory.

I also hope to hold on to today's memories...the everyday movements of easier days and warm nights. The joy of new beginnings and shared goals will warm me even in the coldest darkest days.

I often wonder if other folks do the same, the holding on, the safeguarding of treasured moments and everyday comings and goings.

Am I normal to hold on or am I destined to be some crazy old gal holding on to the past? Do tell, my friends...

Big Wonder Books...and More!

2011-07-04T01:07:00.000-07:00

More of the vintage kids books I picked up last week. Big Wonder books...how cute!The graphics are adorable!

And these kitties? To die for!

This one has a hand written date inside of 1965.

I love Frisky!

and Ruff and Reddy...they are still one of my fave cartoons! Did you know they are the very first Hanna-Barbera cartoons?

Bimbo is a classic kids comic here. This book has seen better days, but I can always use the pics for something else.

That's it for today kiddos. No junk to see from the weekend as I spent my allowance on a new bike for me. I have been wanting one for ages, and finally took the plunge. Have been out on it a few times now, but giving it a rest for a few days as I took a spill yesterday and need to recuperate. Getting old is hard work, you know!

Mabel Lucie Atwell and Strawberries....

2011-06-25T05:46:00.000-07:00

I hit a good book sale in town yesterday and found a small stack of great kids books, including two Mable Lucie Atwell books. This one is printed on something akin to linen and has the sweetest illustrations!Pixies? Who doesn't love pixies?

And little gnomen folks with their woodland friends...too cute!

This second one has a date of 1964 in it. Another sweet book to add to the collection. I also got some 'Big Wonder Books' that I will show you in another post. We have to move on to today's strawberry harvest!

Remember I picked these on Monday? I knew there would be some ready by the weekend, but who knew what that batch would look like as the weather has been less than cooperative and the garden is suffering for it.

Today, with hubby's help, we picked these. More than what I picked on Monday and there are probably twice as many still out there that will be ready by mid-week or so.

Anybody want to come round for strawberry shortcake?

Blacktop Days

2011-06-21T00:12:00.000-07:00

The first days of summer take me back to blacktop days of my childhood. Country kids baking in the sun, feet burning from bubbling Texas asphalt, cool grass, garden-hose water and ice-pops being the only relief. Summer tans turning us brown as beans, we reveled in the freedom of unlocked doors and open refrigerators. Mud pies baking in the sun, a sprinkling of white cleche rock making them extra special.We played endlessly in the fields of Parker Texas and in the playgrounds of Plano. Imaginations running wild, we were on a safari one moment and cops and robbers the next. We played without boundaries, we knew no fear. Older brothers and sisters watched out for us and made sure we were safe.

Mother May I, Red Light Green Light, Leapfrog and Hopscotch were all lessons learned on those endless summer days. One Potato Two Potato and Bubble Gum Bubble Gum made the decision who would be 'it'.

Dinner bells called us in, but meals were eaten quickly and back out the door we went, ready to play away into the evening. Lightening bug chasing, hide n seek and scary campfire stories both excited and terrified little freckle-faced girls.

We took in every moment, sucked each day dry till the very last porch light went on and we had to go home, sweaty little bodies in desperate need of a bath.

Bath time, Disney's Wonderful world on telly and wide Texas sky sprinkled with stars.

Gnomes....Love em or Hate em?

2011-06-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

I found this most wonderful stuffed gnome today. He is a big 'un, with a rubber face and the fuzziest eyebrows...just like Mr G!I do love me some gnomes. I have them in the garden, in the kitchen and everywhere else in the house I can manage to stash them. But, I am picky. Not just any gnome will do.Ii tend to like em cute or very vintage-y. And I hate the new poly-resin cheap ones that are in the dollar store. Blech! And character is a plus.

This poor chap has a slightly mangled hand, but I think I will make him some mittens or something. As I told the guy selling him, I take in orphans as evidenced by my marriage to the saddest orphan of them all...Mr G!

Have a fabulous day folks!

More Junk!

2011-06-07T00:01:00.001-07:00

A bit more junk before I rush out the door this morning. Gorgeous white vase with nice floral design. 50p at the car boot. I almost dislocated my shoulder getting my coins out for this one!

Cute vintage reindeer squeaky toy.

Trio of baskets.

Another wooden toadstool for my collection.

Dreamy Sylvac vase, in white, not cracked or chipped. At £2, a steal!

Ok, I am off to get my day started. Have a good one!

Did You Miss Me?

2011-06-05T04:28:00.001-07:00

I did a huge post, but Blogger refused to save it and since I now have to post from Firefox (Blogger does not play nice with the new version of IE), I lost what I has written in the transition. And because I have stuff to do today, I am going to keep it very brief.

Holly Hobbie 25p. Love her and she is THE icon from my childhood. Looking for more of these if anyone has one they want to do some tradin' for.

Cute Butterick pattern for elves and Santas. 30p.

White and aqua pottery for my living room re-do. Updates to come. 50p each.

Gordon the Gopher puppet with a working squeaker. 50p. For my American friends, you may have no clue who Gordon is, but you can You Tube him. Really really cute.

Vintage yellow flower duvet cover and lemon/orange curtain that may well end up as a skirt for the Make and Mend challenge. 50p each.

Sweet 1960's glass lamp. Needs a shade, but for 50p, I think I can manage.

Vintage paintboxes, in all but new condition. 99p.

This one is huge, almost 2ft across. Also 99p and in new condition.

Tinyish gnome. 25p. I may run the risk of being the crazy gnome lady.

Teaching myself to knit and using this book for inspiration. Sock monkey kit. 50p each.

Tiny King Edward cigar box. 50p.

Sad knitted bunny that needed me. 30p. Love him and he has settled in quite well.

So, that is it for me for now. The pickins' have been slim, but I just keep diggin'. lol. Have a great day!

What's Rockin' my World This Sunny Friday

2011-06-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

1. Sunshine and lots of it! No wind, no gales, just a gentle breeze and glorious sunshine. The garden is also grateful!

2. Return of the prodigal son. I won't go into details (there are folks out there who are nosey and don't need to know all our business), but suffice it to say, it is good to be in the presence of one of the funniest 14yr olds I know.

3. Shrinking saddlebags. Down a stone and then some and the saddlebags that I have been carrying around most of my life are shrinking. I had a huge closet clear out yesterday and while I am sad to say goodbye to some awesome clothes, I can hardly wait to re-fill the wardrobe with new vintage goodies!

4. Good friends. I have so many fabulous friends and their love and support really keeps me going sometimes.

Well, that may be it for now. I will link up with Virginia later on today. Have a great day everyone!

What is Making Me Smile Today

2011-05-23T03:22:00.001-07:00

This boy, er, um, young man...Video-ed himself doing some tricks so that he could see what he needs to work on, trick-wise. My new fave pic of my boy, nevermind that you can see his undies (at least they are clean!).

The Cult

2011-05-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am gonna put this out there to begin with: this blog post might well offend some and for that, I make no apologies. I am not being offensive, just stating my opinion and I hope you respect that.I am not sure how to begin, but I will say that I am not a lover of the cult of craft.Oh yes, I like to make things. I get on an artistic bend every once in a while and paint or draw. I like to put found items together in a creative way to make something new and interesting. What I am speaking about here tho is mass-produced gadgetry and supplies that take every bit of imagination and individuality out of the process.

There are a couple of very big names out there who are forever making something new, bigger, better, shinier than the last thing they sold us. This new whatsit is a must have if you are ever going to make anything as good as what the professionals are making and by golly, if you don't have their latest paints and inks, well, your stuff is just not very good. Really?

Now you need to buy not only their paper, but the scissors and machines to cut the paper to just the most precise design so that your thing will look just like theirs. As a friend said...where's the art/creativity in that?

Oh, and don't forget to buy their pre-rusted gizmos to make that brand new thing you made look old and tatty. You would hate to miss one little thing, now wouldn't you?

The cost of the latest and greatest goes without mention. You get the picture.

Every six months, we are inundated with new stuff that we are told we must have to be creative. The last stuff was good, but this is even better and it's only $24.99. Now, how many can I sign you up for?

I will begin by saying that I am THRILLED that there has been a resurgence in crafts. I am excited to know that other people are excited enough about making things that the industry has taken notice. I am over the moon that it is no longer seen as a happy-hands-at-home sort of thing.

But, and here's the big but, I HATE the big money-making greedy so-and-sos drivng the industry. They are selling creativity and honey it ain't cheap. I know that profit must be made and all that, but they are pricing folks like me out of the game (or are they?). The movement is growing by leaps and bounds and like anything else that gets too big, I am ready to jump ship. Heck, I already have!

I have a few ranger inks, a crop-a-dile and one Martha Stewart punch and that is the extent of my buying into the trend. I decided some time back that I wanted to do this myself, this crafty thing I do. I want to buy the paints I want without guilt. I want to cut out my own shapes without the Cricut or Vagabond. I want that home made personal touch in the things I make.

I refuse to buy the little rusty trinkets and numbers, too. Heck, if I want rust all I have to do is set something outside for a week or so and presto, bingo...rust! Better yet, on my walks into town, I find all sorts of rusty bits to bring home with me. What a thrill to reclaim a bit of detritus from the side of the road. The world is one less bit of rubbish lighter and I have a new whatsy-whoosit for that thingy I am currently working on!

I believe what the big names are offering is a chance for everyone who can afford it to buy into the dream. They too can make a treasure! Be creative, but make something that looks just like this thing I just made. I just don't see what the fun in that is. It is too homgeneous and watered-down. It all looks the same. I want to make my own thing that looks like the thing I dreamed up last night in my pizza-induced delirium. I want to mix my own paint colours, use the glue that I like, cut out my own paper bits (crooked tho they may be), rust metal junk myself, rescue junk from the side of the road, draw my own designs, use cheap/inexpensive supplies without guilt, use glitter that isn't German glass and make something that just screams HOPE GRIFFIN MADE THIS, ALL ON HER OWN!

And I promise, it won't be crap.

Going Home

2011-05-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Can you ever, really and truly, go home? I think alot about home. My first home that I remember was Parker, Texas. Plano was home after that and then on to Garland for the rest of my raising. Dallas was a weekend home for me with my dad. As an adult I moved around, but Fayetteville, Arkansas became my steady home for 12 years.But what is home? It is often a place of familiarity and comfort. A place to run when life gets hard or a place where one retreats to in their mind when age takes everything else. Home is Mama and Daddy, harvest gold appliances and green shag carpet, colonial furniture, floor furnaces and attic fans.

Yards full of fragrant Bearded Irises and wild rose bushes. Downtown squares of brick streets, dime stores, one-screen movies houses and single pump gas stations.

As the scenery changes, so does my perception of home. The physical places cease to exist in reality, but they live on in my heart. I return there often when life gets hard or I need that little bit of past goodness. In my heart, things never change. Favourite places are shiny and new and family members are forever young. Grandmas still smell like molasses and snuff. Grandpas still roll their own ciggies. Freckle-faced little girls play outside till the sun goes down and Mamas call them in for supper. Bed time is still 9pm, no questions asked!

Do you have special memories of home that you recall fondly?

First Love...

2011-05-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

When I was 10, my friend Rosie introduced me to the Bay City Rollers. I was immediately smitten! up to this point, I had had crushes. Elvis then Donny Osmond. The Monkees. But no one, I mean no one, had ever had this sort of effect on me! I began a campaign of teen magazine buying and poster-putting-up the likes of which had never been experienced in our household.This is the back of an album my dad and sister bought me when I was 11 or 12. My mom was livid. This was pretty sexy stuff for a girl of my age...but maybe that is the clue as to why I loved them so and why they still hold a very special place in my heart.

A girl never forgets her first love. She never forgets what it is to feel so different than she did before. These guys, these BCRs, were the first guys that I really noticed were guys, if you know what I mean. I am certain it had as much to do with hormones and puberty as anything else, but I knew with this lot that something was VERY different...and I wanted to know more!

How could a young girl's head not be turned by sex served up ever-so-cleverly by teen mags, wrapped up between Shaun Cassidy and Erik Estrada? My hormones raged as their music soothed me to sleep every night.

As time moved on, my tastes changed. The band split up and we all moved on. But, they were still in my heart and just a few notes of this song never fails to take me back in time:

Truth is...I still love them!

Going Home

2011-05-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yards full of fragrant Bearded Irises and wild rose bushes. Downtown squares of brick streets, dime stores, one-screen movies houses and single pump gas stations.

No matter where I roam or where I live, home will always live in my haert--a warm and welcoming place that never changes.

Obsessions, Hoardings and Other Beginnings

2011-05-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

Unlike many folks, I can almost pinpoint the minute my hoarding began. It began with the declining health of my mom and my need to fill the void that I knew she would leave when she was gone. The emotions were just too strong to deal with, so I covered them up with stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. So much so that I opened a flea market booth to cycle thru the increasing piles of vintage goodies that I couldn't stop myself from buying.I bought boxes and boxes of crap every weekend, all based on emotion and a connection with the past. But, unlike many hoarders, I didn't really want to keep it all. I thought I had to have it and when the new wore off, it would end up in my booth. The initial euphoria at the moment of discovery would turn into shame and disgust at me sad need to fill the empty spot in my heart with junk. The offending item would then go into my booth to fill a gap in someone else's heart.

I bought alot of stuff saying to myself, 'My grandma used to have one just like this' or, 'My mom bought something like this from TG&Y back when I was a kid'.

Then Daddy died and even with my impending move to the UK, I still piled stuff into the house. I was on emotional overload what with being a busy mom and having a job that I loathed. The fear and anxiety connected with the upcoming move and the uncertainty of the future made for one messy mama. I was one more crisis from completely shutting down.

I look back today and can see it all very clearly, the need, the sadness, the pure hatred I had for my life. I had created my own personal hell built on a deep, deep grief that I couldn't deal with. The only cure was to peel away the layers and get to the bottom of it all.

It began with the job. Ick, I hated that place. It was the undoing of my self-confidence that I had gained in college. I walked into that place full of assurances that I was amongst the best of the best in my class. I walked out an empty shell. Job gone, relief sets in.

Second was the purge. Getting rid of it all. Six large suitcases plus a few boxes stored away at my dad's place is all that I have left. I do miss some things, but mostly, it was such a cleansing action that I cannot help but be thankful for it.

Third: the move. Security. Safety. Quiet. Time to sort myself out.

Fourth was/is dealing with the grief of loosing almost an entire family. Learning to embrace the memories. Telling the stories of my life. An ongoing process, it is what keeps me moving forward.

Fifth: Trying not to buy all the orphans and cuties at the car boot sales...maybe the most difficult! I keep trying tho, to not bring them all home with me each week. What a challenge...

Sixth: The weight. I have talked about it in the past, and will not dwell on it here, but as I get better, it comes off. I am able to be real and honest about how I got so fat. It is a daily struggle, but I am getting there!

As always, thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day and I look forward to seeing you again!

True Worth

2011-05-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

Ever have a moment where someone just ruffled your feathers the wrong way? It wasn't their intention, but it happened anyway and it left you scratching your head in amazement. Let me replay one of those moments from my life. It happened this weekend at the car boot sale.I saw a few Snoopy bits on a stall. I picked up a rather tatty Snoopy plush and I saw her. Here she came with a gleam in her eye...the vendor. The conversation went something like this:

Her: 'That's a Snoopy, duck.'

Me: nothing

Her: That one's a pound, that other one (a large plastic Snoopy that I have seen everywhere else for 20p) is £1.50, and this little one (a PVC Snoopy in poor condition) is also £1.50. They are collectible'.

Me: put Snoopy down and walk away in disgust

Me: (to hubby, quite loudly) 'There is a fine line between giving a bit of info and being a know-it-all snotty-pants'.

I hope she still had those Snoopys at the end of the day.

Had I asked her what it was, my reaction would have been very different. She apparently felt the need to justify her prices and that annoys me. It happens all the time, tho. Folks don't price anything and then when you pick it up to look at it, the can't wait to tell you how old it is or what it is. I have had folks tell me what something is when yes, it is obviously a hammer. That it was your great-grandfather's hammer means nothing to me really. I want it coz I am gonna do some serious hammerin' this weekend and this looks like just the ticket, if not a little rusty and worn. What, you want £15 for that hammer when one almost identical to it is only 50p three stalls back? Let me do you a favour....since that bloody hammer means so much to you, you just keep it. Take it home and give it a place of prominence that, according to the exorbitant price you are charging, it must really deserve. Keep it in the family. You guys belong together.

The truth of the matter is, and I say this all the time, that a thing is only truly worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I have an awesome old collectible tobacco products game, still in the tin. I have tried to sell it online a few times, and no takers, not even at £9.99. Ones like it have sold for £89 in the past, but they just are not selling for that anymore, so it stays put in my craft room, in a box. I am not willing to part with it as it has more value to me in that box than if I were to sell it to some yokel for £1. But I am smart enough to realize the fact that emotions have no value in the buying/selling game. Connections mean almost nothing and if something is so special that you need to explain why it is so special, then keep it at home or price it accordingly and stand by your price (but expect to live with it for a while). I just wish other folks would do the same.

Oh, I will continue to cruise the sales, looking for a bargain. I cannot help myself.

Ant Kallie and Other Treasures

2011-05-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Mr G HATES ants. HATES them. With a passion. So imagine my glee when I found this huge stuffed ant toy at the car boot sale this weekend! I am certain that the seller thought I was completely nuts as I chased hubby down the aisle with it. In honour of my sister, I have named her Ant Kallie. My sister would think it is a prefect name!Been making lots of these out of vintage table linens. They are quite large and are a perfect brooch for Spring!

These two enamel ware jugs came from a charity shop this week. Love then and I plan on adding some vintage decals very soon.

This cool vintage purse was a 50p bargain last Sunday at the car boot. It is surprisingly roomy inside. Do you think it is 1960's or 70's? I can't decide.

This little stamp makes an embossed stamp like a notary. It is cast iron and crazy heavy, but don't you just love the decoration? Not sure of that age...any guesses?

Well, that's me done. I have another post over that my other blog and if you fancy a giggle at some naughty ATCs, then pop on over but promise me you won't be offended!

The Day the Feds Came a-Knockin'

2011-05-06T00:07:00.000-07:00

Before I had such a rich, full and crazy life, I was a quiet, timid gal who was a bit sheltered. I hadn't been around long enough to see much of the world. I was an innocent.

Monday morning, age 19. Working as a teller at a small credit union. Daily grind just beginning. The next customer in line greeted with a smile not returned. Drooping left eye, large scar across cheek. Black suit, buttoned jacket and short black buzz cut clued me in that he was not one of our regulars. Firm eye contact that made me whither, followed by the words I will never forget 'I am agent so-and-so from the FBI. I have a summons for you'. Crap. What had I done and why was this big scary guy summoning me?

My knees shaky, my voice cracking, I called for the boss and left them at the teller window. From the looks of things, he wasn't there for me (BIG sigh of relief). Seems his summons was for the records of one of our customers was in trouble for money laundering. What a relief. I was beginning to envision myself in the big house and I know horizontal stripes do nothing for a short gal like myself.

In a funny turn of events, the FBI guys ended up being a bit of a protector to me. It was determined that I would make all the copies of the records and *GASP* present them at the trial! In DOWNTOWN Dallas. All by myself! Jiminy Crickets...I had never driven downtown by myself, much less been in a trial OR been sworn in for any reason! Terrified all over again, that was me.

Thanks to the patience of my boss (gotta give it up for Sherry) and the kindness of the agent, the day went well. Bus transport arranged to the federal building, ticket paid for by the credit union, the agent made sure to meet me in the lobby and reassure me. Despite his rough looks, he was a good soul willing to take a few minutes to make sure one terrified innocent gal was safe and secure.

My brush with the Feds was a short and sweet one topped off by the arrival of a check to cover expenses a few weeks later. That Sherry let me keep the money myself. What a gal!

Yard Sale Days

2011-05-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

Our house on the corner of Saturn and Anita was perfectly situated for a yard sale. A large corner lot on a very busy street, combined with lots of room for parking on the side street and many, many signs (made by me from beer flats) assured that anyone within miles of our house knew we were flogging our junk just down the road.Even more exciting was that the sale ensured that I might make a bit of money for myself by selling my old toys and junk (wish I had all those Barbies and Kiddles back!). Also very exciting was that in most cases, it meant the arrival of family from both near and far. A mini family reunion would certainly happen! Aunt Weldon and Grandma would come from Louisiana to sell their home made dolls, toys and western shirts. Aunt Sis would come from across town and bring some of her fancy glassware, Uncle Joe might well stop by and if he was anywhere close, Uncle Jack would stop by in his big rig.

Premuim shady spot under the Mimosa tree, full of lawn chairs, cool drinks in hand, my family would tell stories, haggle prices with customers and each other, and just enjoy their time together. At some point in the day, someone would go out and buy lunch which could be a loaf of bread and a package or two of bologna, or it could be Church's chicken (I always voted for the chicken).

Our sale often took up the ENTIRE yard, both sides. Aunts took orders for more dolls and doilies and toys. Antique dealers came by for a bargain or two. Pocket money was squirreled away or maybe spent on items brought by other family to sell. The end of the sale day would come at 3 or so. Worn out from the heat, we all piled into the house to recuperate with the help of the air conditioner.

In the evening, if we were especially lucky, my uncle's ex (Jimmy Francis, who worked for Kraft Foods) would show up with a large Kraft tray of cheese and sausages and the party would carry on into the night. Chips and salsa, beans and fried potatoes, and bologna sandwiches fed us all like the yard sale royalty we were!

Macaroni and Cheese Days

2011-05-04T01:14:00.000-07:00

Single parents, moms and dads, have a real challenge in their lives. How does a famly survive on a single income when the price of groceries and gas continues to rise every day? Not to mention the cost of putting a roof over your head and clothes on your back...geez, it can be a terrible struggle. Many learn to get by on the least amount possible. Such was our plight, me and my kids. Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs and Kool-aid became staples in our house. We made meals out of cheap ingredients. We may not have had steak every night, but we ate well enough. But still, those tempting ads on telly for the latest and greatest snacks and treats amde the kids a bit crazy. They made me feel like I was letting them down a bit. We only ever bought what we had to have and treats were a rare thing saved for a special occaision.

When I returned to school, I found myself eligible for food stamps. The application process was a long one, but the end result seemed, at the time, like a miracle. The benefit would be enough to feed us well until I was out of school. Huzzah!

The state also deemd fit to give me two months back benefit. We were rich! As soon as the card arrived, off we went to the big fancy grocery store with the chandelier in the entry. If I live to be 100, I will never forget the looks on the kids' faces as I gave each of them their own cart and told them to pick what they wanted...whatever they wanted. It was Christmas all over again! Baskets filled quickly with selections of goodies...Ding Dongs, donuts, Cheetos, frozen taquitos. But, the carts also filled with things like...are you ready for it....macaroni and cheese, hot dogs and Kool-aid. Three carts made their way slowly that day to the till. Breath held to see the total and refill the carts with bags full of such bounty. Who would culd have ever guessed that buying groceries would bring such joy? A once in a lifetime event never to be forgotten.

Thanks for your comments yesterday. It means alot that that my stories make a connection. Have a wonderful, blessed day!

'We Were Drinking Beer'

2011-05-03T00:51:00.001-07:00

At 44, you would think that stupid mistakes made as a kid would be long behind me. Not so. Reminded out of the blue by my step-dad, a mistake long forgotten is used as a way to make a joke, but the joke falls on wounded ears. Why can they just not let it go? I made loads of errors in judgement as a teenager, the least of which is probably selling my dusty old bike for $5 at our garage sale. As my dad said last night, 'we were probably in the house drinking beer' when I sold the bike for a fiver. As far as I remember, it was my bike to sell, but the fault lies, to this very day, with me. Not with parents who were drowning their misery in a can of Coors.

I am often reminded of my shortcomings by those that love me. I am unable to finish what I start, I put off things till the last minute (half-a-job Hope, that's me!), I am grouchy and quick to speak my mind. I am short, I have bad feet. I can be emotionally unreachable at times. I am often too soft. I am a terrible optimist. I have dreams and aspirations far beyond this little life I lead. I never tell the people I love that I love them. I am selfish. I never apologize and I never say I am sorry. I also never take the blame for anything that is my fault. I am sure there are others, but that should about cover it for now. It sucks being reminded how faulty and human I am sometimes.

To this, I owe my beautiful daughter an apology. She maybe doesn't know how much I love her and how sad the distance between us makes me. My recent string of crappy days and my worry over a suddenly single mommy has me reminding her of her past boo-boos. I am spending my time punishing her for mistakes made oh-so-long-ago and I vow to make it stop. Dredging up the past is only taking us further apart. Why in the heck do I do this when I am reminded almost daily how bad it hurts?

It is perhaps too late to change the way that my step-dad relates to me, but it is not too late for me and those that I love and hold dear. Today is a new day.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a little bit of my life with me. May your day be a blessed one!

Fracass at the Landfill

2011-04-29T03:42:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what happens to the stuff you take to the tip? I am not sure what happens in other parts of the world, but here the tip is very orderly. Everything is sorted by category and put in corresponding skips to be dealt with in whatever way they are dealt with. I have made a number of trips there and often see things set off to the side or put in large barrels and not into the big dumpsters. I have asked several times and been told that I could take what I wanted, no problem.I have also noticed that there is a building off to the side where nicer things are put and have actually seen someone arrive in a white van to haul these things away. Computers, bicycles, nicer furniture, etc. Interesting. Always wondered what lucky soul had the hook-up in order to get the good junk.

A couple of weeks ago, we took some garden cuttings to the tip. As we were carrying them back and forth, I noticed a barrel full of goodies. Barstools, useful looking fittings of some sort and the coolest old metal ammo box with a blue stripe. Remember the blue stripe. It will make an appearance again shortly. Not seeing anyone to ask and having been told in the past it was ok, I took the box and put it in the car. I was summarily told to put it back and given the most scathing looks from the hateful burly chaps working there.

Flash forward to last week. Market Green Wednesday auction. Looking at the rows of goodies, what do I see? A blue-striped metal ammo box! Not only that, but everything else that was in that box was there for sale.

Now, this auction does not bring in the big bucks, so I doubt well that the council would send one box of stuff to the auction ..it doesn't add up. As far as the metal, they would make more money in scrap than they ever would selling those bits individually. So, what do you think happened? I think someone there has decided that they can make a bit of spare change by selling on bits and pieces that people bring in. That is all fine and dandy, but totally against the rules. If I am not allowed to take items away as they money made from selling scar on goes to keep the place running, then employees shouldn't be allowed to either. It's only fair. I dare say that if I had refused to give the box back, the police would have been summoned!

When I was a kid, there was a dump in Louisiana that we went to when we visited my grandma. It was more like a large fleamarket, only the stuff was free. Rows and rows of great old furniture, etc, all for the taking. Set up so that is was safe to browse. A great idea but in our modern 'nanny state' that would never be allowed. Stupid, isn't it? What a waste.

The Last in Line

2011-04-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

I am the last of a number of children, just as my mother was the last and my father was the younger of the two kids. 'Baby of the Family' syndrome multiplied. I am the result of a vasectomy gone wrong. An unplanned pregnancy that left my parents glaring at each other across the kitchen table for weeks, each with their own set of suspicions. I have hinted to the fact that my childhood was not easy. Split between a father who adored me and a mother who's affections ran hot and cold. While I was the center of Daddy's universe, Mama struggled to stay sober and alive. Seen as the last chance for a family, I wavered between genius and stupid and fat (sometimes all in the same day!). The weekends saw me blossom only to have me withdraw during the week, afraid to be in the way. The weeks were full of angry glances between Mama and step-dad and days of stony silence. Don't get me wrong, there were good times too, but a young heart takes the sadness on board far too quickly. It becomes part of your being.

I often wonder why this blog has become so important to me. I come here to tell my stories to an audience that I have never met. The comfort of my own chair gives me the confidence it takes to reveal a childhood that was at best, unusual. The truth of the matter is, I have begun to heal. The scars left from a bizarre life are far less noticeable these days. I feel lighter and more free to be my true self.

Time and understanding have allowed me to forgive my parents for the extremes of their love. In the end, I know they loved me and indeed, each other.

I thank you for stopping by and taking a few moments of your day to check in on me. I do hope you will stop by often to say hi...it means alot to me!

Library Saturdays

2011-04-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

A simple man with not alot of formal education, my Daddy was a studier of things. Nature, people, animals, science and mechanical things..he knew alot about alot. He made it his cause to know about things that others may question. He loved all things history even if the specifics like dates escaped him. He was more interested in the humanity of the event.

Daddy loved to read and exercise his brain. In later years, the NY Times crossword and Lois L'Amour books were his passion, but for years, he would devour the newspaper daily and always seemed to be watching some sort of documentary in television.

When my parents divorced for the second time, I began spending every weekend with Daddy. A treasured time that will stay with me for the rest of my days, our weekends were full of going from here to there, seeing the sights and exercising our brains! In true 'Daddy' fashion, the library became a regular stop for us. It was a refuge from the blazing Texas summers (no A/C in the car back then) and checking out books was, after all, free. Even better.

We would spend some time flipping thru the card catalogue, looking for our favourite subjects of archeology, animals, monster movies, Hollywood movie stars, miniatures, crafts, dollhouses and doll making. Sometimes, we checked out the maximum number of books (I think it may have been 10 or 12) and other times, not so much. We also went from library to library, branch to branch to see what they had. Books checked out at the Downtown branch could be returned at the Lakewood branch if we happened to be in that particular neighbourhood. Saturday nights were full of Love Boat, Donny and Marie, The National Enquirer, and stacks of books...all needing daughter-father agreement that we had indeed made the book score of all book scores that weekend.

I never quite thanked Daddy for helping me to become the keeper of the knowledge. He passed that gift down to me and I find myself sharing with my kids the little facts and snippets of info that may seem insignificant to others, but have kept my Daddy's memory alive.

The American Embassy and the Revenge of the Chicken Sandwich

2011-04-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

Last post about the London trip..I promise. Our REAL purpose to the trip was the renewal of the Incredible Shrinking Boy's passport. If her were over 16, we could just mail it in, but under that age, one must do it in person. the booking of said appointment was a breeze, but the coordinating of train tickets and Eye tickets required tandem laptop usage by Mr G and I. Then there was the coordinating of maps and directions for travel. We ended up making an itinerary for the day including step by step directions for when to turn left and how to get to places. It was the only way that we could manage it all. Tube maps printed, walking distances calculated...we were ready to go.

This is our first destination...the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square. A walk from the tube station revealed a gorgeous, rich neighbourhood full of Georgian and Victorian architecture...till you get to this:

Maybe the ugliest building in the area (there is a new embassy under construction), surrounded by these:

The security was crazy, but we managed to get the passport sorted and it was nice to be amongst the Americans.

After a run (and I mean run as we were running behind schedule) over to Southbank and the Eye, we headed back to Piccadilly circus. I just wanted Justin to see something so iconic and cool. shame we couldn't find Tower Records.

We did manage to wander a short distance to Leicester Square and find ourselves a Mc Donalds. That is when things went a bit south. Halfway thru my chicken sandwich, I choked. One almighty whack on the back from Mr G dislodged the offending piece of sandwich. I always say 'It's not how they remember you, it's that they remember you' and given the looks of the folks at the tables next to us...they will remember. Thank goodness I never have to see those folks again!

It's back to reality today. The boys are back to school and I have my house to myself so I am going to get some sewing done. Enjoy your day and please keep the folks in Arkansas in your thoughts the next few days as the neverending storms have led to massive flooding and lives have been lost.

Pyrexia...I Haz It

2011-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

And it was caused by these small purchases on Sunday. There are actually four of these little cups, but the other one is in the fridge with fruit salad in it. The condition is a bit faded on those but the little sauce boat thingy is almost perfect. The creamer is a plastic one that just somehow made it into the picture.New shoes. TUK brand that sells for £40 new. These were £1, slightly worn. EMO-boy loves them and would probably wear them if they weren't pink.

If I wear goth shoes...does that make me a goth-mom? Am I still feeling the influence of Camden Town?

Lastly, here is Mr G with his new leather bush-hat. He's been wanting one of these for ages. does this mean that I have to call him Crocodile Dundee now?

Ok, that's it for me today. Everyone have a happy Monday if you can!

Bunny Tracks

2011-04-24T04:40:00.001-07:00

All those years ago, in the house with dirt floors, my Grandma worked hard to keep things neat and tidy. In those days, everything was starched and pressed within an inch of its life and there was a constant battle to keep out the West Texas dust and dirt.Church was a big part of life back then and a special day such as Easter would have never been overlooked, no matter how hard times were. Special new dresses made from flour sacks. Starched white socks and slips and shoes shiny with polish. If every other day was one of field grime and farmer's sweat, then Easter was the exact opposite. Saturday night baths made sure everyone smelled as good as they looked!

One Easter Sunday in maybe 1950 or so, as the family was leaving for early services, Grandpa remembered that he had 'forgotten' his Bible. Little did the family know the surprise he had in store for them when they returned. A few moments stolen to make things just right.

Upon their return, imagine the shock of my mom to see the beautiful Easter basket, toys and candy that were ever so carefully placed by the Easter Bunny in the center of that starched and bleached bedspread on Grandma and Grandpa's bed. Who else could it be but the Easter Bunny after all...he had left a trail of muddy footprints across the floor, up onto the bed and all around the Easter treasures!

Happy Easter to you all...may you have day filled with the joy of family and friends!

Oh Camden Town, How I Love Thee...

2011-04-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

We had to go to London this week to renew Justin's passport. Having plonked down a ridiculous amount of money on train tickets, we decided to make a day of it. Camden Town was our last destination of the day. What a fun place!I love eclectic, fun and strange...and this is certainly the place for it!
Enough market stalls to keep you busy for a day or two and loads and loads of shops carrying great clothes, shoes and accessories at awesome prices (if you are into this sort of thing, which we are).
Many of the shops have these great signs on the front and at Camden Lock Market, there were huge statues to boot.
Hubby took photos while I haggled with shop owners.

The best part of the day was discovering lovely food stalls selling anything from Mexican to Thai to Indian...even Japanese food. And they were fast with the samples too.Most plates of food were £4 or less...so a great deal. Sad part is...we had already eaten at McDonald's. Yuck.
Hubby, who is so not a shopper and who hates London (and all big cities in general), liked this place. There have even been discussions about returning for more food, sightseeing and a bit of shopping for the boy.
A place like this needs more exploration. I need time to peruse each shop. I need time to really take it all in.
And I may need a new tattoo while we are there. I didn't discuss that with Mr G yet....
Thanks for stopping by. I will have more tales to tell of LondonTown soon. Have a great weekend everybody and a fun-filled Easter!

Funky Fun Finds

2011-04-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Not many exciting finds in the last few weeks, but I did manage to find this awesome book:Just full of glamour shots from the 1950's.
'Don't be logical'. Sounds like my second marriage.

'Angles and curves'. And wowza...what curves they are!
'Keep 'em smiling'...even when they are standing on their heads.

A few chenille critters for the herd. A fox that is too cute for words.
A sad one-eyed poodle that just needed me.
Cute as can be....Bambi's tattier sibling.
And lastly...this guys looks as if he has had a real fright!

That's it for now. Hopefully, I will have more photos and treasures for you later in the week.

What's Rockin' My World?

2011-04-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, chickadees....

1. The return of sunshine. It was touch and go for a few days, but Mr Sun is back, albeit a bit hazy. But beggars cannot be choosers.

2. Birds. Crazy, nest-building-frenzy birds. They are keeping us entertained these days with their antics.

3. Tesco vouchers. Ours arrived today and I can say it is nice to get something back for all the shopping we do there. And they beat the pants off of ASDA any day of the week (in my book).

4. A family outing yesterday to Lincoln. It was for business (passport photos for The Incredible Shrinking Boy), but we made a day of it and it was wonderful to spend time with my favourite menfolk. Lunch was wonderful, the shopping great and the street entertainment even better.

5. Impending trip to London next week. Have to go renew TISB's passport and it has to be done in person since he is under 16. We are making a day of it and will get to take in some sights. Haven't been to London in 20years, so I am looking forward to it!

That's it folks. For more Rockin', click on the button on my sidebar. I am off to link up and then head out the door for town. enjoy your day!

What's Rockin' My World?

2011-04-08T00:35:00.000-07:00

What a difference a week makes. Last Friday, it was real 'skirt alert' weather. This week...not so much. Add to that a sunny sky, and I am a happy camper! Here are, in no particular order, the things that are rocking my world this Friday: 1. The discovery of a bonafide fabric shop in Lincolnshire! As a matter of fact, it is right down the road from the feed store and happens to be owned by the warehouse manager of the hospice. The sewing classes alone are enough to get my attention, but a knitting club and very reasonable fabric and pattern prices will keep me coming back for sure! 2. Sewing. I love it and have recently rediscovered the joys of taking some ratty 1990's frock and remaking into something I love to wear. 3. Kids. Mine are great and it is a joy to see them make their way in the world. 4. Good health. I am grateful for my own good health, but also that of my family and friends. 5. Cheerios Multi-Grain cereal. It is 5.5 syns per bowl (in Slimming World), but it is worth it for the fabulous fiber-action I get from it. Weetabix can go away now. 6. Balanced diets. I am trying and feeling better for it, both in my body and in my head. 7. Evening Primrose Oil. It has kept the PMT or PMS at bay. My famliy has been allowed to live another month thanks to its hormone-balancing effects. 8. Job-hunting. Not a fabulous way to spend a day, but at least I am able to find more jobs in my area that don't involve harvesting cabbages. Well, I think that may be it for now. As always, pop over to Celtic House and see who else is having a rockin Friday!

Did I Ever Tell You About the Time....

2011-04-07T01:15:00.000-07:00

.....that I had the worst 'surprise blind lesbian date with a side of stomach flu'? No? I can't believe I forgot to share that one! This lady here, the one with her mouth open, is one of my oldest and dearest friends. After years of us being single moms together, she found herself a man and decided that I should have one of my own. She then proceeded to parade me past all the eligible men she knew, but no takers.

Fast forward a few years, still single. Amy, happily settled down, decided to make one last attempt to save me from myself. She hatched a plan that Lucy and Ethel would be proud of. A Friday night out with friends at the local gay bar for a bit of dancing and a bit of fun. Here is where it all went wrong, in order of occurrence:

1. When we showed up, it was explained to me that this was a surprise blind date and that the date was a co-worker of hers who just happens to be of the female persuasion and thinks I am cute. Now, I have to say that I do not object to the idea of a set-up, but you need to let the parties know what is going on.

2. When said surprise girl-date shows up, she already has a date for the evening. Rejection at the beginning does not bode well for the evening.

3. As we were chatting and milling, Amy says 'Hey, isn't that your neighbor, Sherrie?' Crap. Sherrie has been after me for quite some time and I am NOT interested. At all. No way, no how for reasons that involve her personal hygiene and the fact that I think she may have been dropped in her head as a child.

4. Said neighbor sees me, makes a bee-line with her date in tow. After small-talk, I spent the rest of the evening trying to hide from her.

5. Best time of the night was Big John and the Princess demonstrating something called 'backing it up' with a healthy dose of 'reach around'. With their clothes on of course, but the visual will never leave me. Two men were never more mismatched in size and the fact that Big John (all 6.5 feet of him)was the girl to the Princesses male role (he was about 5ft tall) made it even better.

6. It is about this time that Amy says, 'Gosh, I'm not feeling so well'. Then the mad rush to the bathroom takes place and we all agree that I should be the one to take her home since I was the one that brought her. We had to stop twice on the way to her house so she could purge herself of her excesses. I feel sorry for the homeowners who had to wake up to that on a Saturday morning.

7. The after effects of the evening? Typhoid Mary was kind enough to share her cooties with me and I needed about 4 days to get over it. My illness was interrupted, however, with the return visit of the neighbor from hell, with her date (Frenchie) in order to prove to the date that 'that hot chick from the club' was indeed her neighbor.

Sounds like fun, doesn't it? There is a reason I was single for so many years.

A Wee Blog Overhaul

2011-04-06T03:26:00.001-07:00

Pardon the mulitiple posts...I am doing a bit of blog rearranging. This may take a few days, but I am moving things from my other bog to this one in anticipation of a much larger project that is, for now, a secret.

10 Things I Learned from My Mom

2011-04-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

Just thinking of my mom today and how wise she was. Perhaps these thoughts are brought on my watching my son grow up. You know, teenagers know more than their parents, but when they become grown up themselves, they figure out mom and dad knew a heck of alot of stuff about life and junk like that. The lightbulb switches on, the cycle begins anew.

Mom taught me alot over the years. Here are the top ten:

1. Life is short. Learn to laugh--it will get you thru the rough spots.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Most of life's worries are indeed small.

3. As hard as you have it, someone else has it harder. Keep that in mind when your days are dark.

4. Love the people in your life while you can. There is no guarantee of a tomorrow.

5. Everyone deserves a second chance.

6. Trust and respect are earned, not handed out willy-nilly.

7. You must love yourself before anyone else can.

8. Don't be so damn hard on yourself. You are only human, you know.

9. We may not always know why certain people are brought into our lives, but be quiet and listen, and soon the reason will become obvious.

10. Take time for yourself. You deserve it!

That's it. Wrap all that up in a sassy pair of hot-pants and a bouffant hair-do, and you have my mom. Well, a 1970's version anyways.

10 Things I Learned from Daddy

2011-04-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

Here we are, Daddy and me at maybe Galveston or Padre Island, about 1971. What a pair! If ever there was a colourful character, Daddy was it. A life that few of us could even imagine had taught him alot about people, politics and the ways of the universe. Never preachy, never talking down to me (or anyone else), he led by example. He never had to tell me...I just watched him and listened...and learned. Not perfect, by any means, but willing to admit his failings. I know I have talked alot about Ray Jones on this blog, and I have touched on what a cool person he was. I have mentioned the fact that he was sometimes the only person who I felt really understood me. But I have never really talked about what he taught me, so here we go: 1. Never snitch, even when things are looking bad for you. Take your lumps and go on about your business. 2. Listen to your inner voice, it is usually right about things. If someone seems creepy, they probably are. 3. Do not judge folks by the mistakes they have made in the past. We all make them, some worse than others, and we all deserve a second chance. 4. Never sit with your back to the door. Took me years to get over that one! lol 5. Know where your loyalties lie. Stick to your principles and you can't go wrong. 6. NEVER judge a book by it's cover. You will lose out on some great experiences if you do! 7. People come in all sizes and shapes. Appreciate them for their difference. 8. There is no shame in being poor. 9. The 'wrong side of the tracks' to you may be someone's precious childhood home. 10. It is never too late to say you are sorry.

What NOT to Wear, or, The 70's Were Very Very Bad

2011-04-06T03:19:00.001-07:00

Two posts in one day may be a bit wild for me, but I just found this pic in my files and thought you, my vintage fan-friends, would appreciate all the hideousness of it. Sadly, I am related to all these folks, and sadly, all but one of them (besides me) are gone now. Top left: Aunt Sis (I look more like her than my mom). Check out her hair...aren't you jealous?!?!?!?! Top Right: from left to right: Mama, me, Aunt Sis and my sister Kallie. Weren't we cool? Bottom left: from left to right: Mama (in her frosted beehive wig days), Aunt Weldon (everyone else called her by her real name, Mary), Aunt Sis, Grandma, and Uncle Bo. Bottom right: Daddy and Mama. Check out that crazazy striped ensemble. She looks like an escaped convict gone wrong. There are more like this, if I can find them. We were fashion disasters and had no idea! For the record, I was very small and had no say-so over my wardrobe....an innocent victim if you will.

A Few Fashion Tips From My Family

2011-04-06T03:17:00.000-07:00

First, the Jones side of the family: 1) It's never too soon to start thinking about your personal style. (Daddy and Auntie)

2) A gal should always own at least ONE good hat. (Auntie and my Great Aunt Sis)

3) The 'Rat Pack' style was not for everyone. (cousin Larry)

4) Likewise, the Twiggy look was not for just anyone. (sister Toni)

5) It is important to have an outfit for every occasion. (second from right is my Pa)

6) when you are THIS cute, a bad hair day can be forgiven. (sister Terry)

7) That 'Titanic' style has been around for a while now.. (Daddy's Aunt Elsie)

8) A good haircut can make or break an outfit. (Daddy and Auntie and their grandpa)

9) Great styles will make a comeback, even if they ruined your feet the first time around. (sisters Terry and Kallie and brother Jimmy)

10) Time forgives those of us who just did not know any better. (me, Daddy and Terry)

11) Once again, a great hat completes a look, espcially if you are trying to look like a pimp. (Daddy and Auntie)

12) Great hairstyles, like great fashion, will always make another appearance. (Terry)

13) The proper swimsuit covers up all flaws, the wrong one shows the world you have had big thighs your entire life. (me and Daddy)

14) Make sure you aren't showing the world your panties, or if you are, smile like you have no idea. Oh, and be sure you are wearing your favourite dress of all times. (me and Terry)

15) Hemlines are always a volatile issue. (Terry and Daddy)

16) Choose a signature pose for all photo opportunities, just remember that there is a thin line between 'steely-eyed' and 'downright scary'. (Pa)

Now, a few tips from Mom's side of the family:

1) What works for girls does not necessarily work for boys. (Aunts Weldon and Sis. One of my uncles, not sure which one tho)

2) Dental health is imperative to carry off a polished look. (my brother Jim (aka Jughead) and his wife Donna)

3) A cute frock is timeless. (Aunts Sis and Weldon)

4) Pick a pose and stick with it. (Aunt Sis)

5) A great swimsuit on a beautiful girl never goes out of style. (Aunt Sis)

6) There is a time and place for any fashion, even pantsuits. (Aunts Weldon and Sis)

7) You just can't beat a great summer frock made by mom. (mama, Aunt Sis, Aunt Weldon and Grandma)

8) Dress for the weather....scorchingly hot West Texas weather. ( Aunt Weldon, Grandma, Aunt Sis, cousin Jackie, and that goofball on the end is my mom)

9) Once again, you are never too young to develop a style all your own. (cousin Jackie)

10) Just as good fashion is timeless...so is bad fashion. (Grandma, Mama, Aunt Weldon and Aunt Sis)

Gosh, that was fun! Thanks for stopping by to visit with me and the family. Y'all come back now, ya hear?

Rockin' My World on a Windy Friday

2011-04-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, folks. I have been quite remiss in my Friday postings, but I promise to do better from now on. I really, really do. So, what IS rocking my world this Friday?

1. Memories of my mom. Today is the 6th anniversary of her death and while I do miss her a hell of alot, I am so grateful to have had the time that I had with her and I can think of her as she was before she was so ill. 2. Seedlings. The seeds we planted last weekend have begun to sprout, so they can be moved off of the kitchen counters and out to the greenhouse. It is a win for everyone as I can now have my workspace back!

3. Frasier. I love this show and watch it several times each day. It makes me laugh uncontrollably and Mr G has learned to love it too.

4. Fruit. I have learned to love it, thanks to Slimming World. Due to my record consumption of bananas, I may begin to drag my knuckles and climb trees, but I will look damn good while doing it! 5. Royal Mail. They finally came thru and MONTHS after I filed a claim for a lost parcel, coughed up £30. It took several phone calls, but it finally happened, just when I had given up hope. Huzzah!

And, one more. A cheeky #6 is....

Good Reads! I love to read and when I find a good book, I will often re-read it several times. No matter what else is happening in the world, I can escape in a book. What a joy!

That's me then, all done. Do pop over to Celtic House and link up if you want to shout about what is rocking your world today!

I Must Have Lost My Mind...

2011-03-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

...or I am reliving my childhood. Softies have been some of my favourite purchases recently.Knitted Babar and friend. Most of these knitted critters are a bit 'ick', but I like these.

This squidgy little mouse is too cute!

And the pink bunny? Just in time for Easter!

And some embroidered softies from patterns from various sources. I have more of these made up and need to find a larger basket!

So, as you can see, the lack of baked goods around here has resulted in my regression. Somebody get me a brownie!

Vintage Linens!

2011-03-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Just a few linens that I recently rescued from the bin. The bright spring colours and delicate handwork just make me heart sing!

The Struggle

2011-03-22T01:32:00.000-07:00

I have had a lifelong struggle with my weight. I have touched on it several times here, but I tend to keep it very quiet. I was a chubby baby that grew into a chubby woman. Not quite fat, not quite skinny. Not an issue when you are younger, but as I have gotten older...it has made a huge difference.It was all complicated a few years back when I started having issues with my legs and feet. The burning an tingling were terrible. The numbness set in. The doctor's diagnosis? 'Some sort of neuropathy' which left me with more questions than answers. The arthritis made each day a misery. Then the horrible PMS set in. Every month was a bigger challenge than the last. I cannot begin to describe the days of agony that led up to my period. The OB/GYNs diagnosis? Early onset menopause with a side issue of fibroids. He wanted to take out some of my lady-parts, but I said 'no thanks'.

Further frustrations came from the deaths of my mother, father and sister in a short period of time. Then I moved across the world and fell into some deep, dark place that I have struggled to get out of. The light has appeared at the end of the tunnel, finally. A plan has been formed and results...oh, the results!

Now, there is nothing worse than someone who goes on and on about losing weight and changing their lives. I am torn between feeling very happy for them and asking them to find a new subject to talk about. I know they are excited and maybe want to inspire others, but there is so much more to the world than the size of your ass. For me, it is about making a better life and trying to heal myself. And it has begun to happen.

This is a very personal subject for me and I have not told many folks about my struggles, much less my new way of living. But I will tell my friends who read my blog. You guys rock. You would never be condescending to me, or take pity, or any of that other stuff that I hate so much. And I promise that I will not go on and on about it. What I will promise is that when I reach my target weight, I will have some sort of huge party. And you will be invited. And I will post pictures. But not yet. No befores, specifically to show the differences...just because I want this to be more about feeling better overall. And I already said it is about more than the size of my ass. I want to feel well enough to do things that I want to do. I want to not ache when I get up in the morning. I want to live long enough to see my grandkids. I want to be able to buy undies that fit (that one IS about the size of my ass, folks).

Two and a half weeks ago, I started a new plan and things are beginning to happen for me. The pounds are coming off. My digestive system is working much better. The added vitamins and supplements (Vit E, Evening Primrose Oil and a good multi-vitamin) seem to be helping my PMS symptoms as they were less than they have been in years. And the REAL benefit is I finally feel like I am moving forward after being stalled for so very long, and that is worth talking about!

So, I will chime in from time to time about my journey..if I have time between all the other life stories and pictures of junk. It IS that time of year once again, folks!

P.S.....these books are all a bit of fun I picked up this weekend at the car boot sales. Aren't the covers great?

Spring Has Sprung!

2011-03-21T02:38:00.000-07:00

We headed out to the first outdoor car boot sales of the season on Sunday. The skies were bright and blue on Saturday, but on Sunday?...colder than a well-diggers big toe. Despite that, and the possibility that Mr G's ears might freeze off, I did manage to bag a bargain. Check it out:

A 1968 Singer 457, in excellent condition, for the princely sum of £4 (that's about $6 in real money). All the attachments were there and it when I plugged it in, it worked like a charm...until there was a whiff of smoke, a pop, some sparks, and then more smoke...all coming from the foot pedal. After some research, it seems that the capacitor burnt out, but Mr G is replacing that today. After some fine tuning of the tension, she just hums right along. I am pleased as punch as she will sew thru some very stout fabrics whereas my Brother machine does all the fancy stitches but struggles to get thru a chenille bedspread. A combination of both machines should just about meet all my future sewing needs! On Saturday, the neighbours were working on their roof. One of their Border Terriers decided to join them up there and climbed the ladder. Isn't he cute?

I caught these two love-birds in an intimate moment. Sorry guys!

I think this stump in the flower bed must've been a hibernation point for the ladybugs as there were loads on it.

Well, that is it for now. I do have more treasures to share with you, but will save it for another day.

Enjoy your day...I am gonna get out and enjoy mine!

Three Pennies

2011-03-17T04:02:00.001-07:00

Mama was a customer service professional. You never sat at her station that you were not greeted promptly, served efficiently, and made to feel at home. Your coffee or iced tea were kept full (if that is what you wanted). Service with a smile no mater how lousy life was treating you. And if you were a 'regular', she might share the latest joke or funny. Mama worked hard to make sure that when you left, not only were you happy, but your tip would make her happy as well.

So, imagine her shock when some yokel left her a three-penny tip. When she discovered the tip, she met him at the register. 'With these three pennies, I can tell your fortune'.

'The first penny tells me you are cheap'.

'The second penny tells me you are a bachelor'.

'The third penny tells me you father was a bachelor, too.'

No word on whether the guy ever came back for more fortune-telling.

Two Moms

2011-03-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Two moms share one broken heart. Their hearts break for the same reason and despite the distance, they feel close in their shared sadness. We have lived our lives and know that sadness is just a part of life, but this particular moment leaves us reeling. Our kids are splitting up.I won't go into details, but I will say that there is no blame, no pointing of fingers. We are all on the same page that the precious little boy borne of this marriage will always know that he is the most wonderful precious creature on the earth...even if his mom and dad do not live together.

Please keep these kids in your thoughts...they need all the support they can get.

Where Does the Time Go?

2011-03-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Boogie's 1st birthday. Where did that year go to?

Apparently, it went to growing up...as Boogie seems to be turning into a little boy now.I haven't talked to Katie yet to see how the party went, but from the looks of things, the boy seems to have enjoyed himself.

He needs a haircut, but his mama can't bear the thought of cutting it.

Seems that Boogie and Elmo are fast buddies now.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing in my Grammy-ness with me. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day!

Feeding The Obsession....

2011-03-07T04:58:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you about y latest obsession. It is with chenille bedspreads. I love them. I buy them whenever I can find them and am always looking for unusual colors. I have a million and one plans for them in my head.

Last Friday I ran across this one at a local charity shop. I could not bear the thought of cutting it up, so it has found a new home. Apparently, Doo approves.

'I am ready for my closeup, Mr Demille.'From the realms of Ebay comes this lampshade, perfect for the tulip lamp I purchased a few weeks ago. I was going to use this in the bedroom, but it is simply too large for my bedside table. apologies for the darkness of the photo..the light in this part of the house is terrible!

I have a few more treasures to share, but my photo skills are not so good today. I will post later in the week. Look out also for some new ramblings!

Have a great week, y'all!

Prefectly Imperfect

2011-03-02T04:05:00.000-08:00

I am imperfect. Despite what Mr G says, I am full of flaws. Some of them worse than others, but none of them too terribly tragic (my two ex-husbands might well disagree, but who cares what those losers think anyways).

I am bossy and opinionated, but it took me years and a breakdown or two to find my voice. I have a quick temper, but I have calmed down tremendously over the years. I have some thick crazy afro hair that I sadly passed on to my children. Hairdressers tremble when they see me coming. My legs resemble stumps more than legs and my ass has more dimples than a golf ball. Bifocals are my friends. I need a bowl of Cheerios in my life every day now to keep things moving. My feet are in a sad state of repair and I would like a foot transplant (maybe only the left foot tho).

And the list goes on.Despite all of that...I am ok. Not perfect, but still damn good, much like this little lady I rescued from the bin yesterday. Deemed too tatty to be of any value to anyone, I could see her potential. She was mucky and dusty and her poor parasol has certainly seen better days. Her little poodle has a broken lead and may well run off at any moment.

But just look at her face. Isn't she sweet? Doesn't she have something that just speaks to you of days gone by and more innocent times? I think so and so she came home with me.

As I was washing her up this morning, I found myself wondering why I am so attracted to these odd bits and bobs I love so much. Perhaps I can find some way of relating to things that have seen their heyday. Maybe it is that I, too, am a bit of an oddball and that I just cannot write things off because they don't fit in. I believe in second chances. That's just me.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a beautiful day!

Bad, Bad Lighting

2011-02-22T04:17:00.000-08:00

I start off with an apology for the lighting in these photos. There has not been a sniff of sunshine in these parts for almost a week and it makes taking decent photos a challenge. I am sure the sun will shine again soon...just not this week according to the weather man.

On to bigger and better things! We snuk out of the house on Sunday for a little indoor car boot sale. It is at the same place where they have the manic, crazy jumble sale once a month, but this is a much more respectable bunch of folks and things were much calmer. Probably for the best as I am not in the mood for BS these days.

I found this lovely metal tulip lamp. Perfect for the bedroom and a snip at £3. Now, who knows how much I will have to spend on a shade...

A few more treasures. 1960's tea pot in perfect condition. A couple of sweet porcelain mama and baby ducks for Easter decorations. A large wooden shaker box (it was propping up a sign for dog food, but I convinced the man to sell it to me), and a pair of shabby rose kitchen curtains. Not a bad haul for another £3. I am off to do some sewing now...I am feeling some inspiration to make myself a few dresses. Patterns purchased, vintage fabric in hand... off we go!

The Changeling

2011-02-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

This is my beloved girlie-pie, Katie. Mother of the Boogie. Sharer of giggles. Dresser of hair. Polisher of toenails.

Why so serious Katie?Your teeth? What, you say? Your teeth are making you sick and preventing you from smiling? Well, that just will not do. And so, today, the girlie-pie took a big step in improving her life.

Out with the old and in with the new. Teeth beyond repair thru no fault of her own. Broken and infected. No end in sight for repairs or costs and no guarantee of a permanent fix. So, like the brave girl she is...she took the big step.

Her phone call after the procedure saw a girl groggy and with a mouth full of gauze, but with a promise in her voice of a much smilier future.

Your mama is very proud of you Katie-bug!

Vintage Fabric Love

2011-02-14T02:24:00.000-08:00

Some recent fabric scores. There are at least two yards of each of these beauties. I see skirts and dresses in my future!

The one on the left has a nubby pattern woven into it. It reminds me of a tablecloth. The one on the far right is a bit shiny and silky. Surprisingly, despite their age, none of them have that musty 'loft' smell. All the better, I say as that smell can be a real problem to get rid of!Lastly, this divine border print in a light, airy fabric. A couple of yards means enough to play around with. Skirt? Dress?

Well, that is it for the moment. The sun is shining with more reularity these dyas which means the fog is lifting for me. I feel it in my bones...crafty overload is about to commence!

The State of The Weather

2011-02-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

The snow keeps falling back home and at last count, as little as 12 inches and as much as 24 inches have fallen and it continues to come down. How much snow is that exactly? See for yourself! I guess you could say the snow is 'waist high to a darn cute Boogie'!

Sweets for the Sweet

2011-02-08T03:06:00.000-08:00

Try and control your enthusiasm over this post. I am going to show you some of the things that have been occupying my days recently. I haven't been up to much, but have managed to make a few things and to buy more fun stuff.

These toadstools are too cute. I buy the plain wooden ones whenever I see them at sales, but most often they have been varnished. These had not and looked very very bare...so I painted them. What self-respecting toadstool wouldn't want a red cap with white polka dots?

Now if you have an issue with weird stuff...look away now. Can't remember if I showed you this hedgehog bank, but I think he is so cute! and this little wooden missy is needing a bit of TLC, but I love her.Indulge me for a moment while I reminisce. In 8th grade we had sewing classes. The big project was to make a pillow from a kit. We had all sorts of choices, but I chose a dog. I have no idea what happened to that dog, but I have been hankering to find the pattern and make my own. After lots of internet searching and the help of some FaceBook peeps, I found out that what I was looking for was a To-Sew pattern. To make a long story short, I discovered that Haan Crafts is now producing the patterns/kits. I tried contacting them and got no answer (bad customer service, people), so I have simply made my own pattern based on theirs. Here he is, made from on old chenille bedspread. Cute, no?

Oh, a few compacts I have collected recently. The birth of a new collection!

Now, please forgive me, but I have these next two photos out of order. A little bulb bowl/planter purchased on Sunday at an indoor car boot sale. anyone have any idea about the markings on this thing?

I am just crazy about the shape and colour! It was covered in limescale and candle wax but polished up rather well!

And lastly, my favourite of recent purchases may well be this old sweets jar. About 14 inches tall and heavy-as-heck, this is a Cadbury Roses jar. Proper old-fashioned sweet shops had row upon row of these full of sweets of all sorts. Believe it or not, I was just last week watching a few of these on Ebay. They sold for a ridiculous amount of money, but I am keeping mine. I only paid £1 for it and am going to fill it with my collection of wooden spools. A real blast from the past, this.

So, that's it for today. I hope to be back and posting regularly very soon. The sun is out and the fog is beginning to lift!

Long Time No See...

2011-02-07T01:07:00.000-08:00

I have been out of the loop for some time now. Lack of enthusiasm on my part is certainly no reflection of my feeling towards my lovely blog family.

Truth be told, my back is out, has been out for a couple of weeks now (off and on). I am off to the doctor today, and will hopefully come home with some sort of pain medication and maybe some muscle relaxers. This is my boy, who went to his very first concert on Saturday night. It was Punk 4 the Homeless, a local organization that raises money to help street kid. As you can see, he has developed a new hairstyle just for the occasion!

On another note, today is my luverly hubby's birthday. We had a roast chicken dinner last night followed by an ice cream cake that was heavenly. Happy Birthday Mr G!

I have a few treasures to share with you...maybe I can manage to get a few pics up today. Until then...have a great day!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-31T05:25:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment to let you all know that I am taking part on One World One Heart 2011 on my other blog, Pixies Ponderings. OWOH is a worldwide blog party with tons of great prizes and inspirations untold. Please do stop by my other blog and leave a comment for a chance to win one of these little collages and don't forget to go to the main OWOH blog to see the list of participants (last year it was over 1000!) and maybe win yourself a little sumthin sumthin.

So, go on over, make a few friends and find a bit of inspiration!

Mission Accomplished!

2011-01-17T02:44:00.000-08:00

Every sojourn into town or to a car boot sale has me looking for the ugliest thing I can find and am willing to pay for. In the past, this has resulted in me dragging home any number of giant troll dolls, hairy little Monchichis, demented squirrels, baby toys that probably scared the life out of any child who dared play with them, assorted Yeti and now, this:Sadly, Mr G and I both really like them! As I say often, 'Even the ugly ones need love too'.

A Wild Ride or How Mr G Met Uncle Dan

2011-01-12T12:52:00.001-08:00

My sister Kallie was a character so when she married into the infamous Henson clan in Winslow, no one was really surprised. It suited her that they got married in overalls and that there was a shotgun involved (just for a bit of hillbilly fun).

My brother in law Dan is quite something. Born and raised in these hills. Not one ounce of fakeness. What you see is what you get. A heart as big as the Ozarks, but a raging alcoholic who could pull a bender that would shame even the worst amongst us. That being said, my sister loved him, as did we. Justin especially liked his craziness, irreverence and ability to make a crazy situation out of any ordinary happening.

I had warned Mr G about Dan, just as I had warned him about Brother Jughead, but bolstered by his fondness of my brother, he insisted that he meet Dan and my sister. So we headed south on Hwy 71 to Winslow. It went well. Kallie was having a good day so she enjoyed the company. Kevin couldn't understand one bloody word Dan said coz Dan speaks very softly and has a huge mustache that covers up his upper lip, so you can't even read his lips. Add to that the Arkansas accent and the fact that hubby is quite deaf himself...well, you get the picture. A good time was had by all. As things were a bit quiet for some, Dan called hubby outside. I was scared. No telling what was about to happen. I heard the 4-wheeler start up and take off. Away they went, Dan at the helm, hubby hanging on for dear life (did I mention that said 4-wheeler travels at warp speeds?).

So, we waited. And waited. I assumed they would be back directly. I needed to get back to town and get Justin from school. We waited some more. Kallie napped. I finally gave in and made the 60 mile round trip to get Justin from school and back out to the cabin to retrieve what was left of my hubby.

As I pulled up in front of the house, there they sat. Dan smiling from ear to ear, having thoroughly enjoyed himself and poor Mr G, looking a bit bewildered and worse for wear. The tale he told still makes me giggle. Poor Mr G...Dan had led him off into the deep deep woods, driving like a maniac, tree branches snapping and whipping my poor delicate sweetie about the head and face. The path was not a marked one and I am sure Dan had traveled it many times, but to the untrained eye, it looked like the wanderings of a mad hillbilly.

Do you have folks like this in your family? Most of us do, I am sure, but not everyone is willing to talk about them. Us Southern folks tho, we love our crazy family members!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to stop by my other blog to see what I have been making lately.

A Few Tiny Treasures

2011-01-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

Did you ever have one of those 'squeeee!' moments? I did the other day, right in the middle of the charity shop. and it was over this little item. Needless to say, I took it immediately to the checkout and paid the astounding sum of 20pence for it. And it was meant to be as one of our hens blessed us with the tiniest little egg this am! They have been laying really well, even thru a really heavy moult, but have now gone on strike it seems. This bitsy little egg must've taken almost no effort and I cannot even give that gal an 'e for effort'.

The last of the tiny treasures are these lovely buttons I found at the shop where I work. The buckle is mother of pearl as are those big greyish ones in the middle. The shank ones on the end are really heavy glass and the most gorgeous shade of deep deep blue. I have no idea what I am going to do with them, but aren't they lovely?

It seems I say that about alot of my purchases.

Ok, I Just Cannot Help Myself....

2011-01-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

but this little guy just takes my breath away. Forgive a senimental old Grammy for showing off a bit, eh?

Soon, little man, soon. Love you lots!

Two Winners!!!

2011-01-01T05:17:00.000-08:00

First, let me wish you all a proserous and happy new year! May it be all that you envision!

Now, on to the good stuff. I had a tiny giveaway last week. So tiny that only two folks left comments.
So, those two charcters are gonna each get a handmade Valentine from me. Keep it, give it to your sweet baboo, just enjoy it! Jo and chandlerguera...please email me with your address! scwk0511@yahoo.com.

Thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me this past year. I have enjoyed our time together.

Goodbye 2010. Onward and Upward.

2010-12-29T02:16:00.000-08:00

What can I say about 2010? So many things have taken place this past year. Some subtle changes in state of mind to other, more earth-shattering changes. Nothing, however, changed my world as much as the little guy in the pictures below. I have yet to meet this little man in person, but it will happen....you can count on it!

I have read and heard a lot of grumbling about how some folks are happy to see the backend of 2010. It was awful. Horrendous. Unbearable. It was year full of unplanned drama and twists and turns that would make even the strongest amongst us want to stop the merry go round and get off.

Friends have lost dear precious loved ones. Family has been suffering. Kids gone astray. I can understand the sentiment of wanting to start a new chapter. Sometimes it is just too much. A fresh year, a new number to begin anew.
Lord knows I have had some twists and turns myself. Life is always a challenge. I have had a few dreams shattered. My mood swings may well get the better of me. My son has turned into a teenager. Our house has revealed its weak points. But, that all being said, it has been an ok year....because it has to be, and I am not so anxious to see it go. There is still much to do and see in this year.

I learned a long time ago that the key to happiness lies within. It is not something given to us by the universe and likewise, should not be expected to be just handed to us. It is gained from hard work inside ourselves and an acceptance that not everyone or everything will live up to our expectations. Similarly, you cannot blame outside forces for your lack of happiness.

So, with that in mind, I make no resolutions for 2011, only to promise myself that I will do more to improve my lot. I will listen less that that crazy little voice in my head that talks rubbish about not being good enough. I will take better care of myself, inside and out. I will love more and criticise less. I will own up to my shortcomings..all 9 million of them (see, THAT's the voice I was talking about!).

So, I say roll on 2011. Let's see what you have to offer.

Now, for a bit of fun. Let's see who is paying attention. Leave a comment telling me about your plans for 2011 and I will choose a winner on Friday. I have just made some awesome old-fashioned Valentines and will send one or two off the the winner. Make sure that your email address is attached to your blog or you can include it in your comment.

What Can I Say...They Needed Me

2010-12-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

I buy crap that no one else wants. It's what I do. So, when I found these two mournful little souls in town today...I brought them home with me! A bit of glue will make them good as new. Welcome to the family!I bought this bit of weirdness last week and just now managed to get a good photo of it. Strange, I know. I can hardly wait to put him to use tomorrow!

The Santa house lights up, just needs a bulb. The little reindeer...well.....who wouldn't want them? they are all bobbly and jiggle when you touch them. Cute.

This HUGE lot of Christmas tags came from a seller on Ebay who probably would have made more than £1.99 on them if she had spelled 'labels' correctly. The assortment is huge and there was even some ribbon and a new ornament thrown in for good measure.

I especially love the luggage tag ones still in the original packaging.

And these groovy ones from the 1960's.

More grooviness...

Well, that's it for today. Enjoy this Christmas Eve. Much love to all my friends out there in blogland!

The Carolers

2010-12-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

One Christmas. Bills not getting paid. Husband on the lam. Children in need of so much, but mom unwilling to ask her parents for anymore. The shame was too much to bear.

Spirits not deterred, home full of happiness, but empty spaces under the tree told a tale of struggles not shared.
Children too small to understand. A plea sent out to local programs, but no help received. Mom carries on, unwilling to let her sadness show to her children who await a special day.

Christmas Eve cooking, getting ready for the big day. A trip up the mountain to grandparents for a day of family and food. a knock at the door, the faint sound of singing.

Mom opens the door to find a small crowd on her doorstep, singing songs of the season. Local church group answers the call. Giant box of Christmas dinner goodies. Far too many presents for the children. Hearts filled with gladness and cheer for a mom who needed nothing more than a bit of kindness from a group of strangers.

Faith in mankind restored.

When I feel low, I think of this time in my life. Things were so hard, but the love of my children, family and mankind kept me going.

To heck with presents, baked goods, fancy trees, the biggest-bestest latest and greatest. The people who visited me that night didn't know from Adam, yet they extended their hands to me in friendship and asked nothing of me in return. They didn't judge, didn't care whether or not I believed the same as them. They didn't ask me one single question other than 'How can we help you?'

That, my friends, is what Christmas is about to me.

May your holiday, however you celebrate, be a good one. I know I have friends that are hurting right now and to them I send a virtual hug and only ask 'How can I help you?'

David Letterman, Eat Your Heart Out!

2010-12-23T03:38:00.000-08:00

I promised a Christmas story or two, but have decided, in the spirit of the holiday (and my need to give my carpel tunnel a rest), to make instead a Top Ten list, ala David Letterman. So here goes.....

Top Ten Christmas Memories of Hope Jones Griffin:

#10: having 6 WHOLE WEEKS off of school when I was in college a few years back. The kids and I had such good times!
#9: The year my stepdad bought my mom a coat, only had his girlfriend pick it out and it was too small for my mom. A day that will live in infamy.#8: My first year in England, oh so many years ago. I baked cookies for all the single guys in hubby's shop. I ate enough gingerbread cookie dough that to this very day, some 25 years later, I still cannot eat it.

#7: A very special antique china doll given to me by my dad and sister. I especially loved the story of the little old lady with the doll shop who sold it to them. Times were hard back then, but they still managed to give me something that I cherish to this very day.

#6: A certain year where we had a house overflowing with people and my mom got plastered. She proceeded to drag everyone in the kitchen to watch the cat take a poo. No wonder I am totally unbalanced.

#5: A young adult year where I found myself single and far from my mom. My brother and his little family gave me refuge and made it all better.

#4: Later in life, mom very ill, and rediscovering all the treasures from Christmases past tucked away in her little cabin in the woods. An Alpine village still treasured.

#3: A fourth grade Christmas party where I won a prize for guessing how many jelly beans were in the jar. Class moms and teachers worked hard to make the holiday special for all of us. No need to worry about offending, hugs and kisses all around as carols were sung and gifts exchanged.

#2: In Justin's very first year of life, traveling near and far to collect all the figures for the Hallmark Charlie Brown Christmas. A treasure I will pass down to him someday.

#1: My very first Christmas as a married woman. We had no money but we managed to make a very nice Christmas for ourselves full of home made ornaments, gifts on the layaway plan at Kmart, a tiny little tree and loads of family and friends.

There are so many more I could have listed, but some of them were far too tragic and need a page of their own, so I will save them for another day and time. I have a few more things to share with you before the big day, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember to stop and enjoy your day. It will all be over before you know it and wouldn't it be a shame to not have taken time to soak it all up?

A Few Treasures...and an Answer to a VERY Important Question!

2010-12-21T07:12:00.001-08:00

Remember the other day when I found the faboo Christmas plate for 50p? Today I found three more for not much more than that. Yay me! These are Barratts of Staffordshire limited edition plates. I am on the hunt for more now.

These three stockings have been languishing in the corner of a charity shop in town. They needed someone to love them. Who better than me? Not the best constructed things on the earth, but sweet none the less.

Anyone want to identify the Character on this mug? Not Tony the Tiger, but he looks more like the characters from Little Black Sambo (not politically corrrect in these times, but certainly a strong memory from my childhood).

Lastly...the answer to a question. In my last post I said I was freezing my tookas off. I thought everyone knew what a tookas was! lol. Tookas, dupa, hiney, bum..it's all the same. I was and am freezing the back of my front off these days.

So, there you go...a bit of thrifted glory on a cold and frosty day. Be back tomorrow with a tale of Christmas past. You may want to have a drink handy. lol.

Seriously, When Will Spring be Here?

2010-12-20T03:18:00.000-08:00

I am freezing my tookas off. -8c here this am. Car was frozen shut. Postman's door locks malfunctioned and left him locked out of his van in front of our house. Everything coated in a layer of frost and frozen fog. The cold has been relentless. The photo below is a cobweb hanging from the trailer in our front garden.

I have ventured out a few times. One day last week, I even made it into town, just for a bit of shopping. I found this plate for only 50p. another shop had the same plate, only from 1980, for £3.49. This is why I check out ALL the shops. Some are consistently cheaper than others.

I got a few other treasures and I have a few stories to tell...so keep checking back. For those of you who will be occupied all week with the run-up to the BIG DAY...may you have a merry and blessed holiday full of all the things you wish for.

Christmas Lights

2010-12-16T02:45:00.000-08:00

I just love twinkling lights. Always have.When I was a little freckle-faced girl, when Mama and Daddy were still married and we lived in the country, I can remember distinctly my fascination with the lights on our tree. The colours of the time were hot pink, gold, teal blue and a lime green (the 70's were awesome!). Our lights were those sort with the sputnik-type plastic reflectors that gave them even more magic.
I used to lie on my back under the tree just staring up thru the branches at all the sparkly goodness. I remember thinking the pink was so beautiful that I just wanted to take it off the tree and keep it forever.
So, imagine my dismay these days at the lack of lustre in the modern LED lights. I know they last longer and maybe even save energy. I know the light is more directional and more intense, but I just hate them. What I would give for one more evening , lying on my back under that plastic green tree, staring up into some good old-fashioned Christmas memories.

From This Side of The Pond...

2010-12-16T00:31:00.001-08:00

The Voice of an Angel

2010-12-14T00:26:00.001-08:00

The 12 Days of Christmas...Alternative

2010-12-13T01:11:00.000-08:00

I found this a few years ago and it never fails to send me into fits of giggles. Enjoy!

It's a Little Frosty Out There...

2010-12-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!!!

The Cutest Little Santa You Will Ever See...

2010-12-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

Our little Boogie. Isn't he sweet? Someday, someway, I am gonna get my hands on that little guy!

Let the Baking Begin!

2010-12-09T00:50:00.000-08:00

I'm tryin' Judy, I'm tryin'!

It'a About Darn Time

2010-12-08T02:31:00.000-08:00

I haven't been thrifting much, but when I do make an attempt, I end up doing quite well! The very first thing is NOT a thrifted item, but I just could not resist these at the fabric store. I love toadstools, mushrooms and all things 'gnomish' for my tree!

At our charity shop, these were on the tree in the window. No one but me would ever love these tatty little fellas. Hubby informed me at home that his mum has some just like this in the loft. We REALLY need to drag down their Christmas stuff from the loft. I get palpitations just thinking about the goodies that must be up there!

I also bought these lovelies. They are like mini kissing balls and are just so cheery and colourful.

In a sad little bag, at the bottom of the bin at another shop were these little guys. I love the wooden ones the best and nothing says Christmas like tiny wooden monkeys...

So, that's it for the shop-up. I did buy a couple more things, but can't show them off just yet.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Ella Does it Best....

2010-12-08T00:28:00.000-08:00

Was there ever another voice like hers? I think not.

Enjoy your day. We are hoping for a bit of a warm-up today as it has been bitterly cold here the past week. I am so over the whole 'winter-wonderland' thing!

A Few Holiday Memories..

2010-12-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of favourite commercials from my childhood. Enjoy!

A Christmas Dream

2010-12-06T00:26:00.000-08:00

I have unearthed a load of old Christmas cartoons on youtube this morning. I epsecially love this one.

Have a great day everyone. I may just venture into town today, but it is -8, so I will whinge the entire way!