Sunday, June 29, 2008

New Begginings



Yesterday was wedding day of Tom's oldest brother's youngest son... We traveled to Hicksville to attend the reception and when we arrived back into Defiance last night I went to my favorite place.....the gas station... we capped off our evening with filling the tank... I am thinking if you see this grey haired couple out on the form of transportation ..... it's probably Tom and I... It is starting to look like a great way to get around... Maybe there might be a few coins left in our pocket.... On a lighter note the wedding ceremony was lovely in our home parish of St. Michael's Ridge and the reception was also very nice.... All of Tom's brother,Paul, children and families made it home for the wedding. Paul and Bonnie had a family of 10 children.... Tom came from a family of 10 also.... It was great seeing all the family and they danced into the night..... ps.... the guy in the photo smiling and gabbing is Tom talking to his younger brother...

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Good Morning.....




GOOD MORNING...... Sharing some pancakes and coffee with you this morning.... Really sharing some great old ads with you... Have a wonderful morning...

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Vintage Objects of Beauty




Objects of beauty displayed in our bedrooms and bath bring a lucious vintage feel. Mirrors with sparkle gracefully reflect the silver handled comb and brush and powder dish and puff. Compacts with their statement of glamour from a earlier era are a lovely collectors item.... I also have a vintage hankie and bar pin and a old set of necessities..... These old items show beauty as eternity gazing in the mirror.... I love old dresser items as they become harder to find ..... and the alure of the lovely lady brushing her hair and peering into the mirror readying herself for a suitor....Doesn't that seem like a romance of a different slower paced era that we have lost time with......

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Unusual Find



I felt I was very fortunate to find this old hat box with my first name on it.. I found and bid on it on ebay and really didn't have to give all that much for it.... Being my name is not so very common ..... I was named after my two grandmother's. My father's mother was Mary and my mother's mother was Etta so mom dropped the y and added a I and I am Marietta..... I have a few old hat boxes and find them harder to find... I should try to find some and store some of my altered art in them but I just can't put much more into this house without ridding of others.... I still love old hats and boxes.... but have not purchased too many more as of lately.... Thought I would share with you as some of you may enjoy old hats and boxes....I do use them alot at Christmas. I have one of my Christmas trees in a old hat box instead of using tree skirt.. It is a square one that I just cut open the lid from the back and made a hole in the center of the box....placed the tree in ....this is a 4" tree with the metal platform bottom...slipped the lid on carefully throught the slit and use it every year.... I just store it that way.....

Friday, June 20, 2008

Christmas Tags




I finished this set of 12 tags for one of my trees last night. These will be placed on a tree with pink glass balls and crystal....I thought it may be fun to share. I love doing images for my tree as you can change your look every year with very little expense..... I have finished several for my antique and brides tree that I will share at a later time with you...

Thursday, June 19, 2008

FINALLY.. Winter vacation planned


Oh my gosh... I have been hunting for a rental home for the month of March for 2009 for 2 weeks ..... I have searched on the computer for hours and emailed and called and emailed and called and read and looked at pictures and even was doing this in my so called sleep. Yikes.. It was awful but finally this morning I told Tom ... I have it down to 3... I placed all the positives and all the negatives and all the money such as rent ...taxes charged.. cleaning fees ect. and we made a decision... I called and we are booked. This is the first time I have ever been able to take a month vacation in my 67 years of life so as you can tell it was quite a task for me.... especially when you have never been there and are kinda blindfolded... We are going to Fort Myers, Florida....Shew... I am exausted......

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Antique Light Fixtures { New Life}



I have purchased several light fixtures at antique shops or sales and just made them have a new life .... They are so adaptable... The large holder of votives was made into a setting holder with the addition of gluing just everyday votive glass holders onto fixture..... I love using this for gatherings... At Christmas I snipped some pine and tucked around and under and added pink roses and glittered cones from my yard and set the food all at different elevations around it. The setting was lovely with little cost.

The second holder I use in different ways. Teacups set securely on top and I place candles in the cups... I also have use it with a teacup and a saucer on top and just another saucer alone to make elevation level different and added chocolates and other candies for serving. I have sold several on ebay but have held onto these two as they work for different occasions for me.. I find these little treasures are worth having especially of you don't like serving and using ho hum everyday items in your home and I know alot of you out there love the use of vintage......

Monday, June 16, 2008

POT OF GOLD





Last evening some thunder showers moved through our area and we appear to have a pot of gold out at the end of our property and also one on the golf course that we play golf. Tom is over checking out the one at the golf course this morning... if he doesn't find the pot of gold he most definately find some golf balls. They had a hugh golf outing and many lose the golf balls and Tom is a great golf ball finder.. The one on our property I decided God left it for a rainy day ... I wanted to share the pictures with you as it was incredibly beautiful and we need to take time and enjoy that kind of beauty.... Breathtaking...

Sunday, June 15, 2008

YA THINK YOUR'E HAVING A BAD DAY


I just wanted to say if you get a moment pop over and tell Myrna hello and wish her a get well soon. She has been struggling for a couple weeks.... doctor wants her to drink fluids and rest. Hope she gets feeling up to running around the block a couple times real soon.. { I never feel that good... I consider running PAIN}
Hope every one is making this a plesant Fathers Day for all the men in their lives.... We are going to cook out later on if the weather allows us to.... Tom has already played his golf for the day so he has had his daily fun for the date.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Dreams of VINTAGE



Pieces of vintage clothing define and restore memories of things past.... and add the stamp of the dreams of vintage and deepening your appreciation of elements and glamor of the past. I feel we are letting the workmanship and beauty of special warmth and feelings get away from us ... creating a colder world for us to live in... Caring of the person and wondering the live this person lived creates SPECIAL feeling and love for the item. I do display victorian and vintage clothing in different areas of my home.. The picture and this lovely white antique dress meets the eye as you walk through my front entry. Choosing wonderful items you love helps you create our own style and romantic backdrop for your setting... The vintage textiles look and feel much more romantic with the test of time and natural aging. It creates in my eyes the warmth that a modern setting cannot complete. I realize this is not for all but it completes the mood for my taste....

Thursday, June 12, 2008

BLING FOR YOUR CLOCKS




The romantic objects look their best when placed in vignettes being made up of personal possessions, collections of unrelated objects... To add a sense of style I have been finding different pieces of jewelry that I can add some bling to mt clocks I already have in my home. I have watched many rhinestone clocks sell on ebay on shabbyforme and a couple other sellers I love their auctions. The only problem is most often they are going for 200.00 to 300.00 dollars and I can't believe anyone could do that. I kinda like my budget way of adding bling and I can change them off if I would care to. The clock with the pink rhinestones is a simple vintage necklace just clipped on like you would wear on your neck. The rhinestone other one is a vintage bracelet I added a real thin ribbon to make longer to get around the clock. I really don't want to glue at this point cause I am always changing things. What a simple solution... Adding a brooch or a bling button would probably require gluing but I think I will try on another clock I would like to add some bling to. I love this frilly...bling.. added to objects... It is always fun to satisfy our desires by finding a budget way to succeed.......

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Making My Day Special




Old time is still a flying and I decided I was going to pamper myself this afternoon... I have supper in the oven ... beef roast.. carrots.. and potatoes .... I thought while I had my oven on I would make some old fashion shortbread... I just took it from the oven and will gladly share some with you.... I just placed a couple pieces on a pretty pink rose plate and am going to fill a Hugh glass with ice and pour a sweetened ice tea ... Going to sit on my small deck off the bedroom with my new Victoria magazine and sip and snack. Then I am going to take a swim and lay in the sun.... Tom went to Indiana up by Lake James to golf with his son and grandson and I don't expect him back for a couple hours. This is the love part of being retired....You can whip up a tray of affection for yourself and just enjoy...... I love the quote of George Bernard Shaw " Happiness is a perfume that you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself".... Have a wonderful day.....

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

OLD CHIPPY TIMEWORN PLATTER


I just completed this chippy, crazing, large old meat platter of the past. It was perfect for working some altered art on... This was also created to fit in the area where I am planning my antique tree with bride images of the past. This platter has simple items ..buttons.. lace... old rhinestone shoe clip...ribbons... old book print....old key and a double tag. Just with items I had laying here for projects.... The vintage purse you see in the bottom of the photo I had recently purchased from Pretty Petals ....

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Fun in the Sun

3 H's today hazy ..hot.. humid..

Well. the forecast says 3 H's today..I could add another "H" but I will try to control myself.. I do not do well in weather that is in the 90's... ya could say I get alittle CRABBY.... especially when I am preparing food and doing clean up. I am just going to have to jump in every half hour and cool down and drip for awhile.. Tom's daughter and grandkids are coming from Indiana today to swim and eat..... I will try to catch a couple pictures if I don't get caught up in all the goings on. See how nice and peaceful it looks now.... It's not gona look that way for long..... I must run now and get meat and garden corn from the freezer and start to ready... Have a great day.....

Saturday, June 7, 2008

POSTCARDS


Postcards carry more than captivating images and messages. Their stamps, postmarks, and graceful pen - and - ink messages give beguiling clues to other times. I love the use of old postcards. Mementos and ephemera such as old postcards are saved from generation to generation. We are finding so many of us love using them in our decorating and crafting.... I always have my eyes open for these beauties of the past.... In reading I found that the post card first appeared in 1870's. That was when handwriting's was still a art. I so love handwritten letters and notes as I stated in a post awhile back... A lovely hand penned post card with a lovely photo can be a true treasure from the past era. A era I truly miss.....

Friday, June 6, 2008

A PORCH IS A INVITATION






A porch is a invitation to charm and tradition..... In loved homes ...porches are outdoor additions to your home. They are usually decorated for different seasons... Summer being the longest celebrated. Many get decorated for fall and Christmas with eye candies to share with friends and family. this making a cheerful sign of welcome.....
When you think of a comfy, cozy porch you always think of a spring and summertime treat... LEMONADE....freshly squeezed lemons and a blueberry or strawberry or two floating in the ice... it is a perfect finishing touch for welcoming friends and neighbors.. Thinking of your porch as being as cozy as your indoor space makes a perfect mind set for decorating... Don't forget pillows... they are a great way to make a warm and cozy area and add color... This works inside and outside. Linens purchased at a garage sale or thrift shop make a lovely addition to outdoor spaces...they add a vintage look.... Being in the country I am not able to leave them outside on a permanent basis as the wind will not allow this to happen. I do add them when I am expecting a friend or family or I just want to have a special touch for myself.....
Fall is also fun with our pumpkins, gourds, bittersweets, leaves, and corns... I only like pretty however... Not interested in the fake cob webs.. horrible faces .. what I would consider junk for my porch.... I have never been able to understand why a person would want to do that to their home.... Just add a sweet little scarecrow.. that's spooky enough for this country woman.... Hum... How bout some mulled cider????
Then there is the wonderful holiday of Christmas with the pines, cones, wonderful ribbons, fruits and berries... Once again... I like pretty... Some like cutsie... but it's pretty for me... Hot Chocolate oozing with sinful whip cream anyone?????
Well I hope I have added some inspiration for you to add some love to your outdoor spaces... I am so wanting to do my final clean up, then just the daily cleans... but again it is not going to be today... The wind once again is ravishing everything in it's path... I snapped a couple photos earlier but you can see the cloths were blowing and nothing was staying upright... Oh, I do so want to enjoy my outdoor spaces. I will have to wait to take more pictures when I have friends over for tea in a couple weeks.... I promise pretty pictures then if possible... Hope you all are enjoying your porches.....

Thursday, June 5, 2008

VISITING PORCHES


Oh my I have been so busy today. I worked at church for 7 hours today for a funeral dinner for a member of my church. When I arrived home I put on my Sunday best and off I went traveling around the world visiting all the lovely porches...I must say I had about 4 favorites and there was one that stood out in my eye....It is so amazing to see all the different ways and items people love...What a nice way to spend a couple hours after you have been on your feet all day ... to visit porches and offered beverages...It was only a mind trip but how fun.. Thanks to all of you..... I will post some outside photos if our weather settles down here in Defiance... It is windy.. hot and humid right now and our trees are still dropping the stems from the helicopters... Have not been able to enjoy extended outdoor area as of yet. Maybe tomorrow.. but first it has to be cleaned up AGAIN.....

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Friends Stopping By...



My I must run and fuss just a moment... friends stopping by... how very, very, nice... I have a comfy chair and iced beverage ready for your visit, so we can chat and learn many wonderful new things from each other. It is especially nice when you leave a comment.. gives me hints of what you enjoy and your interests are for future posts... I am enjoying so very many blogs and need to add them to my favorite list. I visit Dawn and Myrna a couple times a day... for inspiration... I enjoy their blogs so much....I cherish my time I spend with my blogging friends.....

Images



Dawn of the feathered nest has posted some lovely postcard images of Paris... I wanted to thank her as this is my wallpaper border in my dining area and with 2 of her images I can create something new to look at and will match quite well. Hum.. on with the thinking cap and bring on the creativity... Dawn is the best... she shares many things and makes everything so special... She is celebrating her 500 post and sharing a give-a-way.....some fortunate people are going to get a chance to share the artwork she creates.... Hurry on over and read her lovely blog and if it isn't already I know for certain she will be on your favorites list.....I gotta go tighten my thinking cap and find some objects that will work with the lovely images....

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Planning A Tea ......

I am deep in thought as I am planning a small tea for some friends to come gather... I have been gathering some recipes and trying to make out a menu for what yummies I would like to serve.... I will keep it quite simple as I just want to share some time and sit on the decks with fancy linens and eye candies..... I do know I will serve cucumber sandwiches as no party is complete without them.. I like cream puffs with homemade chicken salad .. Thought I would share a cream puff recipe with you incase you have never made them... They are great for sandwiches or with home-made puddings.

View On Our Weekend

I have been by this hugh creation several times and always amazed at its beauty. This is a church with this hugh stone statue ... you can see how large by the size of the church. Hard to get a good picture as we were going 65 miles per hour with no place to pull off.. so I got a fly by to show you... please click on photo to enlarge to see it's size...

Monday, June 2, 2008

Peaceful Evening


I wanted to wish all a peaceful evening... I haven't had time to sit and write but will be catching up with all soon.... A pleasant eve to all....

Vintage Jewelry Pin Cushion Purse


I wanted to share with you a pin cushion purse I made.. It was created with a old small piece of a curtain that was used to cover a fainting couch. I used a vintage rhinestone necklace and some fringe { saved } from another scrap..... This is hand sewed as it is so simple to create...... It does display really nice....

Sunday, June 1, 2008

FABULOUS WEDDING




3 Days of maids.. butlers... and chefs... I am home and back to reality.... Attended the Hornish wedding and it was fabulous...The pics are of the Embassy where all the reception took place and we all stayed. I have never had so much food placed in front of me.....The pics where you view the umbrellas is all where we were served breakfast.. your choice of buffet or made to order... that came with the suites... Al some... the reception was in the grand ball room ..... Champagne for all and food from the moment you entered..... I needed to get back home and get my real life back again..... There was a stream of water running through the whole area with water falls ... fish and turtles in their haven...