Sunday, December 30, 2007
Where in the world is.......???
I am also locked out of this website at my work, and without a computer at home, has made communicating with the outside world rather difficult. I am locked out of my favorite blogs: Curious Sofa, A Feathered Nest, Cathy Penton Designs, and Elizabeth House....just to name a few. I highly suggest taking a look at Elizabeth Maxson's latest entry. She has just lived through a very scary ordeal, but one that will no doubt make her so, so strong. I am such a softy....cried through the whole read.
So what have I learned during my two-month hiatus? That family is so precious. That new family members that we weren't expecting can have such a positive influence. That the only person we have control over is ourselves. That people have to be left alone to live their own lives and suffer their own consequences, even though we (or I) wish to fix it for them. Some of these are tough lessons for me, but I'm learning.
I hope to be back on my blog soon with more interesting information and pictures from projects I am finishing....Dottie's beautiful new kitchen, powder room, and a new niche turned computer cabinet (soon to be finished) and Denise's most beautiful and elegant master bathroom. I am very proud of both of these projects. Finishing touches to be added still, but the majority of it is finished. Hopefully, I will have a few new projects coming up in the new year.
I truly wish that my blogging friends have had the most blessed of holidays. It was a very different holiday for me this year as my mother and grandmother moved a year ago and this was my first Christmas without them nearby. My son was also away. So it was quiet for us, but we made it special by spending some good times with other family and friends. And as for my mom.....well, I am writing this from her house in Georgia. I just couldn't stay away, I guess.
Wishing you all the most precious of life's experiences and blessings in 2008!!
Carol
Friday, October 26, 2007
Musings
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It's interesting that I have my list of blogs that I take a look at daily and have totally neglected my own. Somewhere in my mind today, I thought, hey, what about your own blog?? So here I am.
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It's a rainy day here in South Florida today. I couldn't help but wish this rain could be transported to California to give all some relief. It is another reminder of just how little control we truly have over so many things. What I have been hearing though, is an incredible perseverance. The human resolve is incredibly strong. God truly made us into wonderfully strong creatures. I don't think we even begin to tap into what we are really capable of being.
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I have had this urge to challenge myself lately. I think it is because of this line of thought. I know He challenges my inner strength.....sometimes daily. When I make it over a hill that I thought I couldn't climb (and I mean emotionally), I just say, "WOW! You are incredible Lord. Please don't give up on me!" So I guess now I think, well if I can do it emotionally, I bet I can do it physically. This line of thought is forming.....ideas are coming to mind.....I haven't followed through yet. The bud of this flower is just starting to open. I'm going to do something!!! I just don't know what, yet. More on this to follow.
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This is the book I have been reading for the last couple of days. I will finish it today. I'm enjoying it and recommend it. It is a memoir really, but I am gaining insight from this woman's journey. And of course, I am loving what I am learning about horses. I love them and would love to own one some day. I'm wondering if at 44 I am too old to learn to ride. Did anyone just catch that? Could this be the challenge I've been searching for? Hmmmmm.......
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I have a busy weekend ahead of me and am really hoping to fit in a visit to the Lincoln Road Antique Collectible Market in Miami. It's about an hours drive away.....not bad. I was surprised to learn about this in Country Home magazine and to find out it is basically in my own back yard. It is now the season for this show that runs every other Sunday. How exciting! I'm not going down there with any preconceived ideas, but am hoping to bring back a few treasures. I'll blog some pictures next week.
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Have an enjoyable weekend. Find your own peace and waller in it!!
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Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.
Carol
Friday, October 5, 2007
Safe and Sound....
He is such a little blessing to come into our lives. I just can't get enough!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Office Halloween
Friday, September 14, 2007
"September"
"The goldenrod is yellow;
The corn is turning brown;
The trees in apple orchards
With fruit are bending down."
I hear so many say that this approaching fall season is their favorite time of the year. I will include myself in that group. The words above do not express what fall feels like here in Blazingly Hot Sunny South Florida, however, but I like to read those words and conjure up the image just the same. The picture below was taken by my sister-in-law a couple of years ago when we were touring the Great Smoky Mountains with her daughter and my other niece. What a great time it was. We were actually there running away from hurricanes that year. What we found was a great change.....of scenery, of atmosphere, of thoughts in general.
This picture has become my screen saver. If I look very closely at it, I can hear the water running and feel the coolness one can only experience here. I know if you've ever been there, you know exactly what I mean.
I've been longing for this place of late. Maybe it is because of the peace and calm that overcomes me in this park. Life is interesting. I say that to myself many times a day. We never know what the next day or even minute will bring. We can't control it....only roll with it. What comes our way is not always what we wish for or expect. Life has been interesting to me lately. I learned many years ago that the control of it all lies within the hands of Our Father, who I keep saying must think I'm a very strong person....that I can handle a lot. If He believes in me that way, I need to also. It's the giving it up that makes us stronger, don't you think? That sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true. So.......like the water that endlessly runs in the mountains above, I will continue to have faith that life will run over some rocks on some days and flow smoothly on others.
Wishing you all......warm wishes and sweet dreams,
Carol
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Time Flying By....
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
I Just Meet the Nicest People!!
I love this picture. It's so charming. I'm on the serious look-out for a bike like this to add to my own garden. It looks like the same bike I learned to ride on so many moons ago. Such memories....scraped knees and all.
I enjoyed so much talking "shop" with Dawn. She and I both commented on the wonder of the kinship and network this blog thing has become for so many women-run businesses. It is great. And I just can't say enough for how sweet she is. Truly, Southern Hospitality abounds at The Plum Tree. It is worth the trip for sure. Here are some more pics....
I can only imagine what her place must look like come the Fall. I will have to visit again. I know we all were wishing for some Fall-like weather as it was a scorcher!!
I left Dawn and The Plum Tree feeling so wonderfully full and rich in the warmth of new friendship. Thank you, Dawn, for making us all feel so welcome. Your store is truly a treasure that I will visit many times over.
And one more little mention here -- Thank You! I have received some very nice comments from people I am only just now meeting and from those who have visited past shows. Your words are very heart-felt ,and I appreciate you and your comments. Sometimes I think these blogs become public diaries of sorts and we don't realize who might read our inner most thoughts. To have others take the time to send well wishes....well, I am truly touched and say thank you again.
So for now....I wish you....
Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.
Carol
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Lessons Learned
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Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Keep Those Shipments Coming!!!
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This picture and the next are just a sampling of the lovely charms from Cathy Penton Designs. She has truly outdone herself this time. My photography is not doing them justice, but I will keep working at it.
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My calico kitty, Gracie, would like to present some incredible items from Secret Leaves. Their offerings surpassed even my wildest expectations. Sharon and Ann.....you are both quite talented and I am very proud to show your work to the masses.
What you see here are two photo albums (on top shelf) the old fashioned way. The covers are actual covers from vintage books. Pictures are to be applied via corner tabs. I will have some of those available also.
Also included here are incredibly unique "Take Cover" journals. They are also made from old book covers with blank pages for all your secret, and not so secret, thoughts. You'll also find other assorted journals, mini notebooks, note cards, and gift enclosures.
Now, do you see that small book in the center. That is truly the cream of the crop. It is called a "Scrap Journal." It is a small book of old pages of all sorts. And I do mean old. A few pages show a date of 1941. It is SO COOL. They are one of a kind in every detail. I will admit, I didn't "get it" at first. When I read the description, I couldn't picture it, but let me tell you......it's gorgeous. My husband and I truly enjoyed turning each page for the next discovery. There are places for your own thoughts throughout as well. Here are two other close-ups of this little beauty.
These are one of my favorite pair of earrings. They are called Honeycomb Earrings. They have a brass honeycomb combined with a citrine on a long chain behind it that makes it look like
To the right is the Charm of the Sea bracelet and Sea Salt earrings....very appropriate for these here parts..... I expect them to be very popular. I really love the way they look with my beach findings and star fish.
Monday, July 23, 2007
I've Been Tagged!!!
Wow!! I am always so surprised when I hear from someone from somewhere out there that has visited my humble little blog. I have been tagged by Deena from Sweet Annee. She has a lovely blog. You can sure tell she is in the Midwest. Her woods are so different from ours. We really don't have much in the way of woods actually. Anyway, please check her out.
Here are 8 Random Things about me:
1. I was a "Lancerette" in high school.(drill team)
2. I played the violin from 4th grade to 8th grade and wished I had never given it up.
3. I could easily become a recluse (but think I would miss people after a while).
4. I have always wanted to live on a large piece of property....multiple acres.
5. I love the ocean more than lakes. I think I will always have to live where the ocean is within a few hours drive time, even though I rarely go in the water.
6. My husband is truly my best friend. I would miss him terribly if I became a recluse.
7. Together, my husband and I have four children (he has 3 and I have 1) and we have 5 grandchildren with one more on the way.
8. I have a major desire to become a major yoga follower, although I do not take yoga or do yoga at home. What does that say about me??? I love what I believe it could do for my body, but have not made the commitment.
Well....there you have it. Some things that some may know about me and then again, maybe they don't. I won't tag anyone else right now, as I really don't feel I know enough other bloggers. The blogs I read on a regular basis have all been tagged recently. When I find a new one, I will pass on my tag and say "You're It!!" Thanks all for reading.
Warm wishes....Sweet dreams....
Carol
P.S. Aren't the shells above beautiful? I ordered them from LunaGirl.com. It's a great site. I thought I was getting clipart, but got this sheet instead. Oh well. I still think they are beautiful. I'll stir the creative juices so I can put them to good use.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
New Favorites...
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The second is: Min Lilla Veranda. Here is a little picture from (her?) blog. Maybe this woman is a photographer or stylist. She puts some beautiful things together.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
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Warm wishes....Sweet dreams....
Carol
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
SHOW TIME!!
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Another part of my little business is decorating. I am currently working on two fairly large projects (one a master bathroom renovation and the other a kitchen [and other rooms]). I will share some pictures as the projects start coming together. I have been very blessed to have made connections with some great people. My clients are truly my friends. I guess that is when you know it's going to work.
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Well, back to work for me. I'll be back soon with more news.......
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Warm wishes. Sweet dreams. Carol
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Liberty and Justice for All....
Carol
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Rainy Days and Thursdays
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Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Secret Garden
This is one of my favorite views from the garden gate.
A close-up of Myrtle. She's so pretty!
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One of our two dozen roses with lemon grass in the background.Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.
Carol
Monday, June 18, 2007
Dreams and Such
As far as the new part of the business goes, I am pleased and excited to be among greatness. I met with Denise Cote of Our Cottage Garden.com this past week and it was like we have led parallel lives of sorts. She has an absolutley beautiful home and garden in Historic Flamingo Park and has surrounded herself with loveliness. Check out her website and eBay offerings.
My point here really is that everyone I have met has welcomed me into the fold. There is a camaraderie of sorts that I am very proud to be a part of. I have much to learn. Everyone I have met has put their own spin on their business to make it their own. I am still working on finding my own niche, but it is there, I know it. I'll keep dreaming and so shall I become!
Isn't this picture beautiful? It is a Blue Wave Hydrangea, as seen in Country Living Magazine. I have this thing for blue and purple flowers, and love to mix them with anything white, pink and yellow. That is pretty much what my garden looks like.....not this flower, unfortunately, as it does not grow in Zone 10, but the color scheme is there. I will take pictures of our gardens as it is at its peak right now. Sometimes the summer heat is too hard on the flowers and they start fading. Hurricanes don't help either, but we were lucky last year. I hope we will be spared this year as well. We've started to finally get some of our summer rain, so everything is coming back to life....in the garden that is. With the rain comes the humidity and I, on the other hand, start to wilt. I'm a Fall and Winter kind of gal, but tolerate it, I do.
Have a wonderful day and week all.
Warm (and I do mean "warm") wishes. Sweet dreams.
Carol
Monday, June 11, 2007
My First Show - Part II
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Iwas tickled to have sold an architectural piece with my own custom finish. That was very cool! (It's the sunburst arch in the above pic.) I was also surprised to have sold so many plants. I had a few that were in old containers (like old oil cans or coffee pots) and also a few just wrapped in burlap. (NEW ENTRY: Since the posting of this entry originally, I am happy to report that I have also sold the cabinet and floor mirror, both of which are custom finished. The little chest sold at the show, but I can't take credit for that particular/very cool finish.)
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The Barbara Schriber cards were also very popular, as well as the Cathy Penton charms (from Australia), and the Bittersweet Designs small composition books. I will be restocking these items for my next show, as well as adding some new things.
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I will have original artwork by Patti Gainey, a very talented artist from Georgia; some beautiful jewelry from These Flowers, This Moon; and organic soap and soy candles from WoodSprite Organics and A Wild Soap Bar. I had a lot of requests for aprons, so I'll be working on getting some of those in also.
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It is my goal to have a few pieces of custom upholstery (actual reupholstery) that I have designed and possibly an example of custom bedcoverings. I really love textiles and love to mix beautiful fabrics for a one-of-a-kind result. Of course, there will be plenty of "new" old stuff. That is my favorite, after all!!
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On to what's next.....I was invited to have a booth at the Ft. Lauderdale Antique and Collector Faire. At first I didn't know what to think, but after discussing it with my hubby, we decided that "YES" would be the right answer. The dates are August 4 and 5 at the War Memorial Auditorium. More information on that will follow soon.
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Following that, I will be back in West Palm Beach in November for their first show of the season. That looks like it for this year, but if plans change, you'll be the first to know. I really want to thank all of you who came out to see my little show. Your kind words went right to my heart (and to my head in the form of ideas for next time). This is my first attempt at this blog stuff that appears to be so popular. I welcome your comments and will try to remember to update it in order to keep you posted on what is to come.
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Warm wishes. Sweet dreams,
Carol
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