A Bohemian Market

Under Construction

2011-08-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Katherine at Made It For You is doing some redecorating for me. Please don't mind the dust. I'll be up and running soon.

Good Morning 1 year late : )

2011-08-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone:

Wow, it is going to be interesting coming back to Bloglandia after an absence of more than one year.

Much has transpired with me; surgeries, moved to the high desert (the heat is killing me), I am enjoying a studio inside of a garage (I actually have half the garage for my arts and crafts : ), I get to cook for my best friend's 94 year old mom and it is fun since I love to cook and she says she loves to eat the food : ).

My youngest granddaughter turned 2 on July 29th and she is the best!!!

She is wearing her tutu I made her for her special day. What a joy she is for me : )

My youngest daughter, Malaika holding her daughter (my 4th grandchild), Malaika II, on her 2nd birthday. Malaika's friend, Jeri, is a fantasy face painter at Universal City Walk in North Hollywood and she painted Mimi's face. I love her artistic abilities and patience with children!!!

I am the proverbial happy and proud grandma/mam ma/granny whatever name you want to put on it : )

Well, my friends, thank you for coming by and I will be back : )

Peace

Carole

In the Catskills, Comfort in a Gingerbread House

2010-06-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone:

Please click on the link and read about the most adorable cottage!!!

In the Catskills, Comfort in a Gingerbread House

This is the owner, Sandy and her Maltese.

She also has an adorable blog!!!

Here are more photographs, in the form of a slide show, from the New York Times article.

Sandra Foster turned a Catskills hunting cabin into the romantic Victorian cottage she had always wanted.

I was reading the New York Times article and a few paragraphs from the end

I read the name, Beth Neumann,

{her Tattered Chic blog is inspiring}

a fellow blogger whom I have been following forever because she is so nice and creative!!!

So I am excited to read the article that has Beth's name in it and that we can all see this beautiful oasis

Sandy created for herself.

It is so ethereal!!!

She probably has little dainty faeries watching out for her too!!!

Have a wonderfully wistful weekend!!!

peace

carole

Life is becoming what it is going to be : )

2010-06-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

I am listing in my Etsy shop,

a Bohemian Market.

(when you have a moment please visit)

Offered to anyone who mentions they are a Follower of this blog,

a fellow Blogger and/or read this post; a 20% discount will be given

to you. Please mention in a "convo" or an e-mail so it can be deducted.

Shipping will remain the same.

Mary Rose from IsabellasCloset blog creates

the most wonderful and beautiful banners and buttons on this blog:Playing With Graphics. She re-vamped my blog and my Etsy shop to reflect a new, fresher me. Spring goes into summer and with that comes renewal, rebirth and transformation. I did NOT think I was a lavender/purple person; seems I can do it : ) I cook every day. I love to cook for all 3 meals.

This range free chicken breasts baked with freshly squeezed lemon juice, Himalayan pink salt, oregano, thyme, garlic cloves, cumin, thinly sliced baby onions and 1 organic sliced carrot.

Another view

This a view of thinly sliced zucchini, onions, turmeric (good for inflammation; particularly arthritis) which I use in most dishes. Love the color and the flavor!!! This was incorporated into 2 soft scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Another view

Take a look at this organic Valencia orange baked chicken:

This dish was started being sauted in the skillet with extra virgin 1st cold pressed olive oil from Spain. It is a favorite.

These 2 photos are after it was taken out of the oven and put in the refrigerator to be eaten today : )

My dishes consist of black, white and black/white checks and black/white polka dots and some florals.

I hope you have enjoyed what I created.

Spices are wonderful; garlic, Cumin, Turmeric, oregano (Italian and Mexican), Sal Del Mar smoked sea salt Matiz Mediterraneo (from Spain), very rarely is white table salt or black pepper used.

I use lots of fresh, very finely chopped Jalapeno peppers.

It is so delicious and very healthful for you.

I love Lavender but do not have any right now : (

What are your favorite spices?

Do you bake? Can? Make jams?
Do you listen to music or whistle while you are in the kitchen?

Have any lavender food recipes you would like to share?

The other thing I do every day is drink a couple of cups Ginger root tea because it is another natural inflammation fighter and I require all the assistance I can get. I boil water in my tea pot (love to hear the whistle), cut a piece of the Ginger root, dice it into little pieces, pour the boiling water on them and let it steep. I never use sugar or amber Agave nectar (from a cactus plant) in my teas or coffee. Have wonderfully aromatic, savory or sweet, day!!!

peace

carole

Good Morning Everyone

2010-06-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone

I am having the privilege of baby sitting the Lil Ms. M this day : )

She is in on my, yes unmade bed, sleeping.

I truly become absorbed in her whenever she is around : )

Her Mom and Auntie (2 of my grown daughters) had to go to Brawley this morning and brought her by so we could spend time together. Lucky me. It is on it's way Darla : )

I am unable to do too much of anything when she is here as she is a whirlwind of energy.

I am taking her to the post office as I have a package to mail out today to a friend.

I knew she was coming so I prepared the package last night.

Ms. M thinks she is suppose to be on the computer keyboard and I let her : )

Tomorrow is my day for surgery; the bladder (yuk).

I go in this evening and the surgery is 1st thing in the morning.

When MiMi wakes up we are going to have soft scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Cage free Vegan ones; my oldest daughter is very healthful minded.

We want to pass it on to the baby.

She just woke up so off to make breakfast : )
Have wonderfully delightful and happy day!!!
peace
carole

Good Day!!!

2010-06-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to Everyone!!!

I would like to thank of you who took the time to leave me well wishes while I have been gone. Thank you sincerely!!!

Mary, thank you for taking the initiative to update my blog.
Thank you!!!

I am kind of back : )

Still dealing with health issues and glad to be able too.

Today and yesterday my daughter, let me have Lil Miss M over and I am so thrilled.

She is, at 10 months a handful, and giving me a run for my money : )

Here she is on my unmade bed in the tutu I made her months ago.

Please notice the Bali silver ankle bracelet. She wears it all of the time.

She is crawling on the kitchen floor actually on the aqua rag rug my daughter gave me.

Okay, she is taking everything out of her diaper bag and throwing it on the floor; and I let her : )

I am the Grandma : )

She is walking and it is fun. My oldest daughter and I took her to the Long Beach Whole Foods Market and she had a blast. She has learned how to do the Prom Queen wave and the venue was perfect for her : )

She is delightful, happy and a joy to have around.
Before I ramble on, I had the most pleasant experience Wednesday.
A lady bought some items out of my etsy shop.
I was so excited when I saw it was our friend Marylou!!!
Her blog is:
Marylou's Thoughts & Other Critical Matter :)
She has the most wonderful vintage/shabby/French/fou fou creations in her shop.
Stop by and see her when you want eye candy; hers are functioning pieces that you CANNOT do without!!!

I am scheduled for my (ugh) bladder surgery on Friday June 11th. A good thing for me physically yet my Dear Friend Amy
has invited me to meet with her and some other ladies in Temecula and I will be unable to get the proverbial hug, kiss and the opportunity to take photographs with her due to the scheduled above surgery : (
Please click on the link above and read all about her upcoming trip to Southern California.
I am gearing up to see my wonderful neuro surgeon on June 9th and we will discuss the prognosis of the 3rd and hopefully last spine surgery I will need.The one where he will insert a metal rod and screws in my spine and hopefully the muscles and nerves will grow on and around it giving my spine the stability it really needs.
Then I "found" the nicest, positive and wonderful blog.
Her name is Lori Bei.
Please click the link and give her a holler. Just so sweet.
I have a real sincere "thing" for positive, sincere and uplifting human beings.
It keeps me on track.
I need it more than not : )
I am listing in my etsy shop and anyone interested is certainly welcome to stop by.
a Bohemian Market
Anyone that comes by and sees something they like can e-mail me {abohemianmarket@yahoo.com} or "convo" me through etsy and mention you read about it on my blog and I will gladly give you a
20% discount on any merchandise you choose to buy. Mentioning it to me first will allow me to adjust the listing so 20% discount will be reflected when you buy instead of having to refund your money.
Shipping will remain the same.
I have to learn how to put the etsy badge on this blog.
Some things fail me : )
Take care and much happiness to all.
Peace
carole

~Update about Carole~

2010-04-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello this is Mary of IsabellasCloset, a friend of Carole's

I asked her if I could please add this post to her blog.

Many of you are probably worried about her

and wondering how she's doing.

At this time she has no computer access and

is only able to receive emails via her cell phone.

I spoke with her Sunday she sounded good but

is in a lot of pain. She still has a long way to go.

Even with all that's going on with her

she has the best attitude!

God bless her.....

When she's able to get back to her computer

she will tell you more.

Until then please keep Carole in your thoughts and prayers.

Thanks so much ~Mary~

Thank you for your well wishes and continued support!!!

2010-03-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Life is good

Here is Malaika cruzing the living room floor in her pink rubber duckie : )

I stayed at Malaika's for the 1st week after discharged from the hospital.

Here she is playing with her yellow rubber duckie.

She is chubby yet the doctor said she is not over weight.

She is strapped into her car seat going to her christening.

Yes, she already likes pearls and bling in her hair : )

Babies are the most precious and dearest!!!

A bit about me:

My neurosurgeon was absolutely wonderful; straight to the point and did NOT sugar coat anything!!! I sincerely appreciate his honesty.

My spine is for want of a better analogy like hard jello and wobbly. Before this year is gone I will go in for my 3rd surgery and a metal rod will be screwed in to stave off the degeneration. It is a stop gap measure yet should give me another 4 or 5 years being able to walk albeit with my jazzy walker.

I am NOT complaining as I am so grateful to be standing up straight again!!!

Before surgery I was walking stooped over like I had done hard labor all of my life.

Life is going as it should and I am happy!!!

I sincerely appreciate all the care, concern and well wishes from you and as soon as I can sit at this computer I will come and say a personal thank you to all!!!

Right now it is doctor's, labs and housing that I am concentrating on : )

I am a busy bee : )

Hi everyone; this is me today : )

Take care.

Much love and peace to all!!!

carole

Fabulous Friday

2010-02-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Always happy and great to post : )

Lil Malaika is relaxing in her pink bath tub : )

Mom, do you have to take so many pictures?

This picture below is Lil Malaika playing around and not wanting to get dressed.

I titled it:

"Casting Call for the Flying Nun"

It certainly is simply wonderful being her Gram : )

Yes, I still need to buy her Mommy a digital camera.
Shana (Big Sister) and I are going to look for one, hopefully this weekend.

My spine surgery was postponed a second time. First time was because my

blood tests were not finished. This time and emergency operation took

precedence (which I totally understand) and Monday is a holiday.

So, patience, from me is required until Friday February 19th.

I want to have the surgery so I can recuperate and start living

a more normal, pain free life again.

I am looking forward to fun stuff, sewing and being creative : )

Have a wonderful week end and be Happy!!!

I just came across the
lovliest cupcake blog.

Her name is Nicole and her blog is:
Dotty About Cake
Absolutely lovely!!!
It is about 8:30 am here in Southern California. It is time for my bowl of oatmeal with organic raw blue agave nectar
and I would so much rather be eating ~~one~~ three, of her delightful treats!!!
peace
carole

2010-01-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone

Life is ~~Good~~ Great.

I have been rearranging my ducks (life) as I will have my 2nd spine surgery on Friday February the 5th. Everything should go smoothly : )

The Neurosurgeon is super.
He laid the law down to me as I did not follow the other instructions 2 1/2 years ago : (

I was approved, the other day, for my SSI Benefits.
It has been a long {6 years} winding road to be approved.
I can now breathe a sigh of relief!!!

I still do NOT have a photo of my 6 month old grand daughter in the tutu I made her : (

Malaika has had company at her apartment and is a sweet thoughtful hostess.

So, Mom {me} has to be patient; especially since I will be recuperating soon.

I bought my URL {http://a-Bohemian-Market.com} over a year ago for 5 years.
I have been unable to find anyone who would create it for an affordable amount.
I will enroll, after I have recuperated enough to sit in a classroom, in a local adult night school that is teaching Dream Weaver so I can do it : )

I want a place to sell my many vintage jewelry findings and paper products.
It is late 9:36 pm and I started this early this morning : )
gotta go to bed

Peace

carole

2009-12-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

Good Morning everyone

I feel mentally well and recharged : )

Physically I think I am older than my 60 years.

I am grateful for so much and glad I fall asleep without aid of medications each night.

I seem to have issues with my Followers/Friends gadget so before I became a raving maniac

it will not be on my side bar any more because it is frustrating to keep adding and watch it disappear : ( Honestly, I love blogging and the dear Friends I have met and the new ones I meet but since all of you know who you are...Mission is accomplished!!!

I will continue to follow all of the super and wonderful blogs!!!

Pleas click the above photo and peruse this blog!!!

What a graphic designer she is. Her blog is pure delight!!!

I am still sorting through, literally, hundreds of photos taken during these Christmas holidays to find the pictures of Lil Malaika to show everyone.

Here is Lil Malaika, in her Mommie's bed, saying no more photos : )

Actually she just fell over as she is almost 5 months now and has not quite mastered the skill of sitting up too long by herself : )

I like this picture of Lil Malaika and her Auntie Shana, my oldest daughter.

Today is a busy day for me as I have an Etsy order to mail off, need to list more items to sell on Etsy and just breathe deeply and enjoy life : )

Peace and Love to all

carole

Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce

2009-12-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

These little photo's were taken with my daughter's cell phone as she lost her digital camera.

I sewed this very large Christmas stocking the other day,

per my daughter's request,

as she wants to use it as a prop for Little Malaika's first Christmas photograph.

Yes, I think she is the best Christmas present ever : )

I have lots to post but I have been transferring the photos and important information

I have on this computer's hard drive to a couple of 8 gigabit flash drives so that I will

not loose everything when it crashes.

The Cyber guys who serviced it said to be prepared for the eventual demise : (

I have to go through the photographs so I can show you the beautiful pictures of presents I have received all the way back to earrings I won from Darla in October : )

I promised I would take picture in them and I will do this when the daughter comes over

Christmas eve.
Tia (Mz. Smoochie Lips to us old timers : ) of
Domestic Underground blog made a decoration with the focal point a very pretty bird and said in her post "whomever wants this send me your name and address" I almost broke my finger writing so fast!!! Well, she sits on the top of my desk looking so queenly.

My friend, Sharon at A Fanciful Life blog, sent me so many lovely presents that it was mind boggling!!!

Then (ta dah with a drum roll) Sweet Carol Anne

Carol Anne's Boutique blog, sent me a creation that made me swoon!!!

Please when you have time visit all of the above blogs as I look to them for delightful inspirations!!!
I am so happy with the ending of the year that has allowed me to deal, positively, with
many challenges I thought would make me pass out : )
I found, through many discussions with many friends, that life serves us surprises and
fortunately I am here to talk about them!!!
Oh, I finally got my brace for my left leg : )

I tried it on and I almost walk normally.
It is rather exciting for me as my left side has me walking with a gimpy stride.
This is for many years because of an aneurysm I had when I was about 24.
Then I had botched foot surgery that severed a main tendon in my left foot.
Then the spinal stenosis surgery made me limp even more.
Most people I have met only notice if I am tired and I have to think to lift my foot : )
At least my brain still works : )
Sometimes, I feel not regular and then I think of how truly fortunate I am : )
Now all I have to do is go to Ross's or Nordstrom's Rack and find a pair casual
leather walking shoes (they have to be 1 size larger to accept the brace and my foot)
so I can start using it.
Thank you dear ones
Merry Christmas
around the world!!!
Merry Yule!, God Jul!, Christmas Alegre,
Joyeux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten,
Hauskaa Joulua, Boas Festas,
Vroijk kerstfeest, Gladedlig Jul,
Natale allegro,
Feliz Navidad, Maligayang Pasko
Happy Hanuka, Peaceful Ramadan,
Vesele Vanoce,

peace

carole

The Hospital Window

2009-12-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

I read this and it put several things into perspective for me this morning.

I am in awe of people that face adversity with an open heart and show strength while enduring pain (emotional, physical, etc) I cannot imagine.

What will my words say to them?

I know strong women & men, my Mom, and several on the blogs.

I admire them and hope I would be as strong as they when my time comes.

The Hospital Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his firstlook at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you to live and get well soon to have a look at all the nice things of this world.'

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.'

I am glad to have people on blogs to know, meet, listen too, talk with and enjoy the company of many people.

Thank you!!!

peace

carole

Sunday computer malfunctions

2009-12-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hello and cheers to all:

I am on my way to take my computer to the repair guys as I have some spyware and malware that is shutting my computer down : (

See everyone in a couple of days!!!

I got my chocolate fudge from Grandma Yellow Hair's give away and it is so delicious; my daughter, Shana, said it is too good. Like addictive good!!!

Will write about it and other stuff when my computer is well again.

I miss everyone already!!!

Love, Peace and Big Cheer for this wonderfulChristmas!!!

Peace

carole

2009-12-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

Good Morning:

I found {No, it was not lost : )} the neatest blog last night.

They are having a SUPER Give Away.

http://becausewebelieve-art.blogspot.com/2009/11/bwbas-1st-year-anniversary-bash.html

Click on the above photo link and photo and see their site : )

Then sign up for their marvelous Give Away.

It made me smile and what JOY there is to behold!!!

Lil Malaika did a sleep over here last night. First time.

It is the first time my oldest daughter Shana, almost 35, had a baby stay all night with her : )

I am truly enjoying using these photos with the words applied to them : )

Click on the photo and it will take you to the site.

Have a GREAT day; I have to package up a couple items I sold in my etsy shop : )

Peace

carole

Sunny Sunday

2009-11-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today is a happy new day.

I have family, friends and I like life : )

My daughter's are spending the day together with Lil Malaika : )

I am here thinking I have been rather droll and not very social thinking

about my ailments. That is so not cool. I am glad I am able to think, dream, share,

create, laugh, be happy, look to the future and have so many women I can draw

good from!!!I am coming out and I do not have something nice to say I am not going to say anything!!! My new life's thought and I will follow it.

I have been busy this weekend listing in my etsy shop and dressing one of my clay dolls.

I have to work on this blog and redo my blog roll as it disappeared off the front page of my blog. Irritating yet technology happens : )

Thinking of all of YOU!!!

Hugs & peace

carole

Saturday

2009-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Good Morning

It is a bright & chilly {45 degrees} outside; I sit on the balcony and drink coffee as it gives me thoughts of the bistro's on the Left Bank in Paris.

I use to sit out there and drink black coffee (Not Americano) and hold the mug/bowl tightly to keep my fingers warm. The gaiety even in the Artic freezing cold was so rejuvenating : )

I never saw an unhappy face. Faces in deep thought, concentration, heated & serious conversations, secretive yet never unhappy. I would have my legs wrapped around a chair leg and chewing on a croissant (actually savoring it while it melted in my mouth) and gazing at all of the life around me. The birds pecking at the ground for tidbits.

I am recuperating from the flu; went to the doctor Tuesday morning to see my Urologist; appointment cancelled as she had an emergency to tend too so I rescheduled and went to my orto-Spine doctor and rescheduled an appointment there. Around 1:00 pm I threw up : (

I got on the bus to get back to my daughter's in Canoga Park and it was all I could do to sit upright. I finally got into her apartment and continued throwing up. I was so tired and my muscles ached terribly. I stayed in bed, literally for 2 whole days sleeping off and on. all I could ingest was water. Thursday evening I could finally sit up yet it hurt. I attempted to answer some e-mails and could not stay upright.

Today, I am grateful to sit here and be able to converse : )

I went to the market to buy some items for Thanksgiving dinner. I am going to bake a turkey breast as both of my daughter's like just the white meat. Malaika, the new Mommie, asked for her Nana's okra, tomato and corn dish so I will prepare that for her. I will make the cornbread stuffing, fresh green beans and fresh baked sweet potatoes. Malaika does not like sweets so no baked pies this year as Shana, the healthful one, does not use processed sugars and I am not into Stevia yet. Shana will make the cheesy macaroni and cheese as we all enjoy that. We are making the dinner {I am; Shana will prepare her things at Malaika's} and taking it to her sister's in Los Angeles so the 3 of us can be delighted in the company of Lil Malaika on her first Thanksgiving : )

I am so glad to be able to sit and say hi to all.

Now, I am going to be even more productive and go to my etsy shop and list some vintage brass finding's.

Everyone have a lovely day!!!

Much happiness and peace!!!

carole

P.S. Something happened and my favorite blogs disappeared off my main page : ( I cannot think right now and figure out how to get them back. Theya re still on my About Me page. Sometimes Blogspot mystifies me : )

Jan at Bobby Pins Boardwalk Blog is having a Give Away

2009-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is a bowl of Hedge Apples. I had seen them in magazines but now I (we) have a chance to win them in Jan's Quicky Give Away!!! Please click on the link and join in on the fun. It is over on Wednesday November 18th, so do not be late.

Here they are in the woods. Click on the photographs

you will go straight to the Give Away blog!!!

I wish I lived close by so I could pick them up too : )

Fun Friday

2009-11-13T08:34:00.000-08:00

I remember growing up and being allowed to think, dream, play and make a mess creating!!!

My Mom would let me sew (yes, I learned to sew on a Singer treadle sewing machine at about 6 or 7).

On his way home from work, my Dad would stop at the butcher's and bring him a huge sheet of white paper so I could draw on it. I would lay on the hardwood floor and draw to my heart's content. I could look at anything and copy it : ) If any of you are old enough to remember the pirate on the back of book of matches...that was one of my favorite things to draw. I remember imagining what a pirate's life would be like : )

I am going for a fitting on December 1st for a brace for my left leg. I had a stroke when I was 24 and the muscles in the left leg atrophied; I was very fortunate as it is only about 1 1/2 inches difference in my legs. I was paralyzed totally for about 6 months yet with the assistance of friends, doctors and the wonderful staff at U.C.L.A.'s Neurophysiology ward I am pretty okay. The physical therapy made me cry and cuss yet I have lived a normal life for the last 36 years because of it. Now the past comes back to haunt me physically; I have been walking, rather painfully, with a cane for some time and I am bending over to relieve it : ( Yesterday I sewed a black, red and pink tulle net tutu for my youngest grand daughter Lil Malaika. I have made tutu's before and I want her to grow up knowing she is special and that magical times can be anywhere, any place and any time. My oldest daughter asked me why black? I have no answer : ) I wanted it to be different and not just pink. It seems most of her clothing is pink or has pink in it : )

This is the tutu...the black tulle is the bottom layer, then red and the pink is on top.

I took the photos on Shana's antique rose velvet settee.

It is so layered and gathered you barely see the black tulle. There are 3 layers, 6 yards gathered tulle in each color and the waistband is a 2 inch wide black Victoria's Secret elastic.

So, it is very full and sticks straight out like a ballerina's short tutu : )

I wanted to show you what I ahve been up too as Shana, will take it to Lil Malaika on Sunday Novemeber 15th and I am sure they will take photos of her with it on then.

There is a lady, Karla Nathan {Karla's Cottage} who has chronicled her Grand daughter Sugar Wings and I want to give Lil Malaika a sparkly life too : )

I suppose I am like all Grandma's and want my grand children to have a charmed life. It is so cool having this little girl so close as my other 3 live in Cleveland Ohio and I am in Southern California.

This is Lil Malaika the other day in her Halloween green velvet with white velvet wings fairy costume : ) She is close to 3 months old in this photograph. The hands are my youngest daughter, Malaika, proudly holding Lil Malaika up for auntie Shana to take the picture : )

I am living a wonderful life and wanted to share with you : )

Peace

carole

Blog Award from Maggie

2009-11-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Maggie (aka Lucy) sent me this Kreativ Blogger Award.

The rules for acceptance are:

~thank this person who nominated you for the award~
~copy the logo and place it on your blog~
~link to the person who nominated you~
~name 7 things about yourself that people may not know~
~nominate creative bloggers~
~post their links~
~leave a comment on each~

Thank you so much Maggie!!!

1. I am totally shy : )

2. I have sewn and drawn since I was about 6; my Dad would stop at the Butcher's store and bring me sheets of white paper to draw on while laying on the hardwood floor. I could look at anything and draw it; remember the match books with the pirate or clown on it?

3. I would rather be bare foot.

4. I drink black coffee and unsweetened tea.

5. It takes a lot for me talk to a person the first time on a telephone.

6. I love Armenian food; dolmas, pita bread, shish kabob (I grew up eating lamb) and Armenian Easter Bread Choreg. As kids we got to pick the grape leaves and the Mom's would cook and prepare them : ) Uummm, good!!!

7. I wish I did NOT need a cell phone.

I nominate:

Sharon (A Fanciful Life)

this is a lady with a big heart, soft words and super creative abilities!!!

Plus she has the sweetest cats : )

Mary (IsabellasCloset)

Mary is one of the dearest people I am privileged to know : )

I can ask her anything and not wonder if she will answer : )

She is open & honest; one of the most creative women I know!!!

Maggie (Just Between Us ~ Grandma Yellow Hair)

Maggie is so cool and I enjoy her candid style!!!

Phyllis (Bella Bliss)

I have known Phyllis since I started blogging and thought she was stuck up;

she let me know what a kind & caring Christian woman she is.

I totally agree.

Tia (Domestic Underground)

Tia is a edgy female that has enthralled me for years; then I lost her : (

I am so Happy to once again have her in my life. She makes me laugh and she is a creative force!!!

Carol Anne (Carol Anne's Boutique)

This wonderful lady is the definition of gentle and kind; plus we have the same name only spelled differently : ) She shares her vintage photos with us.

Mary (Crash and Smash)

Mary is a lovely lady in Texas that has a birthday close to mine : )

She is very lovely too!!!

June (laughing With Angels)

Wow, this is a lady who lives like she talks/writes.

A strong velvet Angel; with gossamer wings and Peonies scattered about.

Sharon (Shardon Exclusives)

I met Sharon through a give away and through her Christian work I have found a life's friend!!! Plus she is a master beader!!!

Betty (Shes Sew Pretty) A California lady whose husband makes a perfect pot of coffee, her daughter-in-law bakes the best cookies and Betty, the nicest/sweetest/crafty/artsy lady!!!

Now I will go leave a comment on each of these wonderful ladies blogs so they can claim their award. I also know about real life and if you are busy like I think you are; just claim your Kreativ Blogger Award and keep going : )

Thank you

Peace

carole

Wednesday Winkles : )

2009-11-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

Little Malaika saying hi to everyone : )

Her Auntie Shana, bought her this little blue sweat suit with a hoodie jacket.

I gave her the pink heart shaped sunglasses : )

I have a "thing" about the use of pacifiers : (

I did not use them with my 3 daughters;

yet everyone, within my daughter's friends, says it is okay to use them.

What do you think?

My daughter's say I am old fashion : )

I am in the San Fernando Valley working on the dolls I learned to sculpt

out of paper clay. I am having a blast and can't wait to show them : )

Take care and enjoy this beautiful autumn season we are in!!!

Peace

carole

Wonderful daughter and even more wonderful Granddaughter

2009-10-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is the most current photograph of my eldest daughter, Shana

and my newest Grand daughter, Little Malaika

who will be 3 months old in about 3 days.

Little Malaika's wonderful Mommie, Malaika, took the beautiful photograph.

It is embellished by my friend Mary because I am

clueless when it come to using any photo type editing program : (

It is a beautiful sunny, with a slight breeze here in Southern California.

The birds are chirping, wind chimes are melodic as the leaves of the fully grown Ficus trees sway in the wind.

I was trying to catch up with blogging and it is difficult. I have Internet access only on the weekends because my daughter does not have Internet access as she is totally engrossed in Mothering her first born baby : ) That is a good thing!!!

So many great blogs and the photographs and the wondrous words have me captivated.

So, dear ones, enjoy this wonderful day and keep your loved one's close to your heart!!!

Be happy, all!!!

Peace

carole

Angels

2009-10-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I read the most beautiful posting from this blog:

Laughing With Angels

Why "Laughing With Angels"
Please read this ladies heart rendering post

the tears flowed from me even on the 2nd reading.

I had to go and look up 'Angelman Syndrome'

There is a wealth of information on the Internet.

It is NOT that unknown.

I wrote the lady who's blog I am referring you to and asked her

permission to post it here. She was kind enough to tell me yes : )

Sometimes, I complain about all of my maladies and then I read about

a wonderful woman and her family. I am pulled up short and know how lucky

and fortunate to meet people of this caliber on our blogs : )

This brown curly haired bow Angel makes me think of her son!!!

He has his Angel with him!!!

When I read passages about women of this caliber it makes my heart swell!!!

So, this beautiful day I dedicate to June. She is wonderful!!!

How nice Bloglandia is!!!

Thank you for sharing with us, June!!!

Love and Peace to everyone

carole

Sweet Marie Zine October 19th Give Away

2009-10-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

My Artful Adventures Give Away

This charm and necklace is the lovely prize!!!
So please click on the above photo and enter her
giveaway.
My Artful Adventures Zine Celebration Give Away

My Artful Adventures Wonderful Give Away

Is this zine just too beautiful or what?

It is free.

Please click on the above links to go to her blog

to enter her Give Away.

On October 19th

You will be able to click on her link

and download your own free copy : )

I am going to enter right now!!!!

Much Love

carole

Away for awhile

2009-10-08T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, if I do not have a tumultuous life, no one does : )

An emergency, non life threatening, no health issues and not serious

yet I will be gone and am not sure when I will have Internet access

at my disposal.

I will not be in Canoga Park, where all of my belongings are, including my storage, so I will not be able to list anything for sale on Etsy : (

Please keep me in your thoughts, hearts and prayers.

Peace & Love

carole

Edgar Allan Poe finally getting proper funeral

2009-10-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Edgar Allen Poe is one of my most favorite authors.

I still can get tingles down my spine reading his books.

I am posting the entire article I found on Yahoo news because I think it is a nice honor and long overdue!!!

By BEN NUCKOLS, Associated Press Writer Ben Nuckols, Associated Press Writer – Tue Oct 6, 1:08 pm ET

BALTIMORE – For Edgar Allan Poe, 2009 has been a better year than 1849. After dozens of events in several cities to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth, he's about to get the grand funeral that a writer of his stature should have received when he died.
One hundred sixty years ago, the beleaguered, impoverished Poe was found, delirious and in distress outside a Baltimore tavern. He was never coherent enough to explain what had befallen him since leaving Richmond, Va., a week earlier. He spent four days in a hospital before he died at age 40.
Poe's cousin, Neilson Poe, never announced his death publicly. Fewer than 10 people attended the hasty funeral for one of the 19th century's greatest writers. And the injustices piled on. Poe's tombstone was destroyed before it could be installed, when a train derailed and crashed into a stonecutter's yard. Rufus Griswold, a Poe enemy, published a libelous obituary that damaged Poe's reputation for decades.
But on Sunday, Poe's funeral will get an elaborate do-over, with two services expected to draw about 350 people each — the most a former church next to his grave can hold. Actors portraying Poe's contemporaries and other long-dead writers and artists will pay their respects, reading eulogies adapted from their writings about Poe.
"We are following the proper etiquette for funerals. We want to make it as realistic as possible," said Jeff Jerome, curator of the Poe House and Museum.
Advance tickets are sold out, although Jerome will make some seats available at the door to ensure packed houses. Fans are traveling from as far away as Vietnam.
The funeral is arguably the splashiest of a year's worth of events honoring the 200th anniversary of Poe's birth. Along with Baltimore — where he spent some of his leanest years in the mid-1830s — Poe lived in or has strong connections to Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Richmond.
With the funeral angle covered, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond staged a re-enactment last weekend of his death. Those with a more academic interest in Poe can attend the Poe Studies Association's annual conference from Thursday through Sunday in Philadelphia.
Visitors in Baltimore for the funeral can enjoy a new exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art, "Edgar Allan Poe: A Baltimore Icon," which includes chilling illustrations to "The Raven" by Edouard Manet.
Baltimore has a decided advantage over the other cities that lay claim to Poe, notes BMA director Doreen Bolger. "We have the body," she said.
This week, that's true in more ways than one. Jerome said he's gotten calls from people who thought he was going to exhume Poe's remains and rebury them.
"When they dug up Poe's body in 1875 to move it, it was mostly skeletal remains," Jerome said. "I've seen remains of people who've been in the ground since that time period, and there's hardly anything left."
Instead, Jerome commissioned local special-effects artist Eric Supensky to create an eerily lifelike — or deathlike — mock-up of Poe's corpse.
"I got chills," Jerome said Monday upon seeing the body for the first time. "This is going to freak people out."
The body will lie in state for 12 hours Wednesday at the Poe House, a tiny rowhome in a gritty section of west Baltimore. Visitors are invited to pay their respects.
Following the viewing will be an all-night vigil at Poe's grave at Westminster Burying Ground. Anyone who attends will have the opportunity to deliver a tribute.
On Sunday morning, a horse-drawn carriage will transport the replica of Poe's body from his former home to the graveyard for the funeral.
Actor John Astin, best known as Gomez Addams on TV's "The Addams Family," will serve as master of ceremonies.
"It's sort of a way of saying, 'Well, Eddie, your first funeral wasn't a very good one, but we're going to try to make it up to you, because we have so much respect for you,'" said Astin, who toured as Poe for years in a one-man show.
The service won't be a total lovefest, however. The first eulogy will come from none other than Griswold.
"People are asking me, 'Jeff, why are you inviting him? He hated Poe!'" Jerome said. "The reason is, most of these people defended Poe in response to what he said about Poe's life, so we can't have this service without having old Rufus sitting in the front row, spewing forth his hatred."
Eulogies will follow from actors portraying, among others, Sarah Helen Whitman, a minor poet whom Poe courted after his wife's death, and Walt Whitman, who attended the dedication of Poe's new gravestone in 1875 but didn't feel well enough to speak. Writers and artists influenced by Poe, including Arthur Conan Doyle and Alfred Hitchcock, will also be represented.
Jerome expects to cry — one reason he won't be speaking. Even his rivals are impressed with the scale of the tribute.
"Annoyed as I am with Baltimore sometimes, I have to give them credit," said Philadelphia-based Poe scholar Edward Pettit, who argues his city was of greater importance to Poe's life and literary career. "Baltimore has done an awful lot to maintain the legacy of Poe over the last 100-some years."

New Blog & Etsy Banner

2009-10-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5847188 http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5847188Fall has arrived and with it a new look for my blog.

Mary at Isabella's Closet blog has made mine for years.
I still do not have a clue how to do it myself : (
First I want to learn how to add frames to my photos.

Here is her link to the Marvelous Banners she creates.

The cute happie child's drawing on the right side of my blog is Tommie; the lady that designed and carved my purple bird stamp. She is on maternity leave as her little girl is due this month and she is so excited!!!
This is the banner for my Etsy shop
"aBohemianMarket.etsy.com".

I ordered a hand carved bird stamp and all of a sudden I want "birds" in my life : )

When it arrives I will blog about it and give you the Etsy shop in my post.

I am taking photos, writing descriptions and just happily busy getting my shop ready to be open with more than a roll of ribbon : )
Have a wonderful evening!!!

peace

carole

Teacher's Pet : )

2009-09-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Look at Colleen giving my heart happiness : )

Yes the wonderful Colleen Moody holding a sign "Teacher's Pet" with the Pumpkin Doll I was to learn how to create.

Yes, I am the Teacher's Pet!!!

Dreams come true : )

DeDe Warren's Blog: Dream Create Share

has more wonderful photos of

Colleen and Iva's classes.
DeDe created this one too:

~~~They are super wonderful~~~

DeDe's Littlest Witch from Colleen's workshop. Isn't she lovely!

This above photo is of DeDe on the left and Iva on the right.

Enlarge the photo so you can check out the witch's shoe

Crafty, artistic and beautiful ladies!!!

How wonderful is the shoe made from a vintage chocolate mold?

Imagine the flow in this class!!! WOW!!!

These two wonderfully creative artist's who had workshops at the Lily would receive

from me lacy, papery confectionery delights were I a modern day magician!!!

I am ever grateful to meet artist's who share their creativity so willingly!!!

What a ride this is : )

Peace

carole

Sad Sunday

2009-09-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Sad Sunday indeed.

One month ago I was ecstatic as I read Coleen Moody was coming to

The Gilded Lily
in Old Towne Fullerton on Saturday and Sunday the 26th & 27th of September.
Yes, I immediately called DeDe Warren
{she is the class manager and a Dearie!!!}
to book a seat for each day : )
It is a dream come true; not just being in the same room with Colleen but to sit, listen and to her teach her wonderful craft!!!
#1: Colleen Moody is NOT uppity and had a couple of years ago answered an e-mail I sent to her asking a art question; not only did she answer my question but also gave me a hint : ) She is a Master of her craft!!!
Yesterday's class was "The Littlest Witch";
I chose to make a Pumpkin Girl : )
I was immediately dreaming of the vignette she would come home too.
I bought a teeny tiny human cameo for her to wear on her oh so slender neck.
Then I booked a seat for the class today:
"A Vintage Cabinet Card Doll"

(swoon with vapors)

I booked these classes one month ago...I like to be ahead of the game.
Wednesday, September 23rd, at approximately 1:30 pm I was driving to get onto the 101 North Freeway to go home and my transmission started slipping. Well, it died on me and I have no car; the transmission would cost more than the car's worth.
So, I cried, called Nancy and e-mailed DeDe about my situation.
They were supportive of me. It will be okay in the future.
I wonder if I will ever be priveleged to meet Colleen? I certainly hope so : )
So, I am home alone : )
My daughter is spending the weekend with a friend so I am going to bake some organic zucchini's and beautiful organic Vindalla onions and a red Bermuda one.

I had to take photographs so you can see the awesome coloring of the organic zucchini; she only shops at Whole Foods Market and is a very healthful female.

I had took this picture of my freshly brewed coffee for Darla : )
since we both drink French pressed coffee.

This is pitcher of freshly brewed Lemongrass Green Tea.

I drink my coffee and tea {cold or hot} black.

Life is good and I will plan to get up to Northern California
when Colleen gives a class up there one day.
I hope all of you are having a Simply Marvelous Sunday!!!

peace

carole

The Bloglandia Ball 2007 September 26

2009-09-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

I am re-posting this (2 years later) as it was a fun filled night of frivolity, sharing, delightful silliness and I truly thought there would be another one each year...I was late in participating because I am really shy and did not have much confidence. It was a ball and I am sad that there has not been another one. EB was the hostest with the mostest. Josie no longer resides with me as she moved in with DeDe Warren. I bet they have lots of fun together : )
Bloglandia Ball

These are the girl's twin escorts!!!
(Yes, Scoundrel is on the right & Rogue is on the left)

They are hot!!!They spoke with EB and she said they could wait outside under the grove of trees. They said okay as they wanted to smoke a good cigar and drink their nightly glass of burgundy amongst fellow revelers. I know they have a lot to share with their friends : )

The BLOGLANDIA BALL

is in full swing and I am unable to attend. You see I am very busy attending matters.

I am permitting a couple of my girls to be seen and they are eager to dance, sing, drink (Josie is a bit of a lush and tends to be risque : )Please say hi to

A Bleu Bow

She is on her way home as Spreckles and she have an early curfew.

Actually she is much older than she appears yet we all know about those secret spa appointments : ) Don't you just love her green wooden wheels on her tricycle?

Presenting Josie!!!

Yes, she is born in America yet her alter ego is Josephine Baker and she thinks she is her double. Corey where are you? Josie is looking for you everywhere!!!

Seriously, she thinks because you are both American born you are related : )

Oh Donna, she is in hysteria because she was unable to have you fashion one of your Queenly crowns. In fact, I am , hearing about it several times a day!!!Josie

loves to be photographed

She wanted you to see her vintage rhinestone bustier with a drop medallion. Josie's skirt is an idea Constance gave to me. Actually she was too dress similar to Miss Kili (A Floralina doll purse hand designed & made by Constance) yet she would NOT hold still long enough so all she got was the 5 layers of beaded dangles.Josie is sending a "shout out" to SugarWings over at Karla's Cottage!!! Josie thinks SugarWings is the most special little person she has ever seen!!!

Okay as you can see Josie has removed her bustier and vintage rhinestones so I think it is time for her to depart EB's Bloglandia Ball before she is entirely nude : )

Well, we will probably never be invited to another Bloglandia Ball : (

Josie has no _____ about herself!!!

Thank you Jamie over at Simply Me Art for the beautiful white satin round bow pin. Josie is complaining still as she wants her ostrich feather fan that she holds while sitting out in Pigalle in Paris, France hoping someone will recognize her as the Josephine Baker : )

She does favor her.

Good night ladies!!!

Sunday with Little Malaika

2009-09-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

Lil Malaika at 50 days old in this photo.

She's trying to figure out who I am : )

She is letting me hold her water bottle : )

Now, I get to burp her, and yes, she spit water up all down my back
: )

She is making her mad get away.

She is a sweetie and yes, I am a typical grandma : )
She sleeps through the night, likes music and is a very joyful and happy little girl.
Her Mommie said it is time to go home.
Big Malaika is rather shy about photos until she looses the baby fat.
Ciao everyone.
Peace
carole

Hello : )

2009-09-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Good Day to Everyone!!!
I am rather well and hoping I can continue to use the computer; weakness of the muscles prohibited me of recent.
I am trying to walk better yet there are still days I cannot leave out the apartment.
Yet, I feel good because the view from the balcony is a canopy of green Ficus leaves; the cutest squirrels play in the branches and if I am real lucky I can spot a Hummingbird flit from tree to tree : )
PLEASE visit my friend's blog {carolannesboutique} as she is having a SUPER Give Away!!!
This is the photo on her profile and I love it!!!

She is one of the most kind, sharing, and generous females I have every met.
I have entered it and I do not know how to scrap : ) It is that nice : )
Okay...I am back and will gladly start visiting all of you WONDERFUL ladies!!!
Peace
carole

Smiling Sunday

2009-08-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

I am smiling this Sunday; I finally got to touch, hold, kiss and show love to
my Newborn Grand daughter{Malaika} this morning.
Why did it take 4 days you might ask?
I just got out of the hospital yesterday.
Ugh!!!
Bladder infection (again) and kidney problems.
Seems the older I get the more problems I am experiencing.
This is the day I got to hold Little Malaika.
In the photograph with me is my oldest daughter, Shana, happily proclaiming what a proud Auntie she is ; gladly showing the familial resemblance.
Yes, She is into the pink girlie thing already and I love it!!!

Love, Peace & Hugs
carole

Baby born last night

2009-07-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last night July 29, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. my youngest daughter, Malaika, gave birth to her first baby...Little Malaika greeted the world smacking her lips : ) She did not cry as she was letting her Mommie know she was hungry : ) In the photo below she is seen having breakfast : )

She has dark curls, thick eyebrows, big chocolate brown eyes, fat cheeks (just like her Mommie) and was hungry!!!

She is the nicest part of the my hiatus.

She weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches long.
My daughter was in labor almost 19 hours. We were at the Hope Hospital for all that time
and yes, she was worth the wait : )

This is my oldest daughter, Shana, happily holding her niece!!!
Lil Malaika is sticking her tongue out. She held her Auntie's finger too : )

Peace and much loving happiness to all.
I am so fortunate, blessed and lucky : )
carole

Good Morning

2009-07-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Good Morning All you Super Bloggers!!!
I am taking a hiatus as I need to find a job in these super slow economic times.
Being 60 (which I truly love) with ill health, I have too many doctor appointments and
laboratory appointments I must keep.
My etsy shop is on vacation and I must say Good Bye for awhile.
I will visit you ladies as I am able : )
Have a beautiful and fruitful day (days).
I will miss all of you!!!
Peace
carole

Whimiscal Wednesday

2009-06-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Good Morning

I am so excited. I received handmade buttons from
Tessa Ann's Etsy Shop.
Is her packaging too sweet or what?

Tessa Ann's Etsy Shop.
I ordered them to put on some baby clothes I will make for my newest grand daughter who will be born in August : )

I just love her packaging!!!

Please enlarge the photograph and look at the detail of these little handmade buttons. She is so "IT"
She also has a blog:
Tessa Ann
She will create custom buttons and I feel privileged that she is currently working on some for me right now : )
Please check out her etsy shop and you will be so impressed.
I am : )
peace
carole

Tattered Tuesday

2009-06-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

It was a great & crazy weekend for me; in fact it was not over until Monday evening. I spent Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with 2 of my daughters at my oldest one's apartment.

I lost my Sprint cell phone that was only 8 months old : (
No, I did not have insurance : (
I think I will look on e-bay for one to replace it.
I received a package in the mail. The stamps were Cary Grant so that evokes thoughts of class : ) Sorry it turned out blurry : (

Then I opened it and these are the individually wrapped presents I received:
Look at the vintage reproduction card. I love him : )
Thank you Tina!!!
The envelope French inspired book is a booklet of fancy Post It Note's. Now I will have something nice to write little words instead of grabbing a piece of lined note paper : )

I just love the envelope that contains the notes!!!

These lovely butterfly's are canceled stamps laminated and now I have the PERFECT book mark. I usually end up using a receipt from the market or book store.
Thank you Tina!!!

Sharon from A Fanciful Life
knew I was trying to find glassine small bags {I need them and will use them} to use in my Etsy shop and she sent these to me. She is the lovely person behind these super presents being to me.
It was a great end of a super visit with my daughters.
To have presents waiting for me makes me feel so special : )
Thank you so much Sharon & Tina!!!

Wonderful Wednesday

2009-06-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last night my BFF {Best Friend Forever} took me to Teena Marie's CD release in Ladera Heights.

David is a life's coach and most of his clients are in the entertainment industry.
David L. Green
The following are photographs I was able to take : )
I was a busy photographer : )
This photograph is the billboard of the front of her new CD. Isn't she lovely? I like soulful look in her eyes!!!

I visited the Jamba Juice while we were waiting for her limousine to arrive : )
Drank a pomegranate berry yogurt smoothie!!!

The local radio station 92.3 The Beat was in appearance to photograph the festivities too. If you click on their link you will more photographs they took too.

Lady Tee
has arrived : )

Here is the photograph where I captured David and Teena recognizing one another : )

Teena and David talking while she autographs the CD,
Congo Square

Yes, David and I are holding the CD's that Teena will sign with the bandana's
92.3 The Beat
gave to us. I had her sign my CD for my daughter.

It was a fun evening.
Let me add, when Teena arrived and the fans were so excited to see here the body guards and security were keeping the fans back; Teena said no. She took the time to hug and shake hands of all that reached out to her!!! She is a BIG proponent of showing her fans she appreciates them!!! Big hands up to Lady Tee!!!

Simply Saturday

2009-06-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

Simply Saturday

I went to work today, went to the market, went to the mail box to pick up mail
and my heart skipped a couple (a lot) of beats.
A lady named Carol Anne's Boutique sent me a surprise and what a surprise!!!
Her blog is one of vintage photos that she kindly lets us download and use in our art work. Feminine, vintage and so sweet are her photos.
Hwere is the envelope as I received it.

Here is the inner, pretty and see through floral print envelope.

This is the lovely card that was in the envelope attached to the floral inner envelope.

This is my beautiful surprise. The detail Carol Anne went to is amazing. The heart is out of 2 pretty brown, tan, and Robin's Egg blue papers, little blue fleurs with orange stamens centered in each, a bit of vintage lace, the coordinating blue & brown vintage seam binding, and the tiniest scrabble pieces spelling "Vintage."
The pocket is holding the most precious vintage real photograph postcard of a very proper little girl dressed in all white with cotton eyelet and lace. 1910 and just a beautiful in 2009

My camera was acting out so the photos are not the best : (
She is beautiful holding a bouquet of white roses in her right hand : )

She is all that a little girl should be!!!

I have several vintage/antique photographs of babies in their christening gowns; yet this young lady is absolutely the best.
In closing; Thank you so much for your kindness
Carol Anne!!!
peace
carole ann

Fun & Friendly Friday

2009-06-05T00:02:00.001-07:00

Fun & Friendly Friday:
I love this little birdie : )
He is all puffed up and giving his best scowl. I just love his expression.he is too cute!!!
He has been around for years photographed by the renowned wildlife photographer:
Michael L. Smith

The name of this photograph is:
The Mad Bluebird

Talk about my age catching up with me : )
I am one of those people that lines up everything and thinks I am super organized : )
Not : )
I am 3 weeks ahead of myself on the VHL conference.
I got up this morning and was all ready to pick up Beverly and her wonderful son Steven and good thing she e-mailed me and nicely said in 3 weeks : )
So, instead of excitedly hosting them to see Hollywood stuff I will clean my storage and list items for my etsy shop.
Everyone have a great weekend and talk to ya later : )
peace
carole

Thoughtful Thursday

2009-06-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hi
Today is a marvelous day. I went over to a friends blog and looked at the scrumptious she made pizza and took photos of a little girl that just swelled my heart.
I am going to Nancy's shop:

Gilding the Lily
The above is a link to her blog. You can see and read about all of the artist's and their workshops that are held there.
This is her Gilding the Lily Vintage website.
If you like and love vintage trims, feathers, ephemera, finding, rhinestone brooches, buttons, wall paper, fleurs, millinery, ad infinitum.
Well, I went to Nancy's shop and met with a nice lady but Nancy was not in appearance : (
Her lovely daughter was holding down the fort and was her usual charming self!!!
Gotta go to bed for I have a big day tomorrow.
peace
carole

Wonderful World Wednesday

2009-06-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Wonderful World Wednesday
The below link is to Steven's You Tube video that won him the trip, for he and his Mom to Anaheim and the V.H.L. Conference. Please click and watch.

The above is a video on You Tube that won Steven and Mom Beverly a trip to Anaheim to attend the V.H.L. Conference. I met her because I read a post on Corey's blog and followed that part of his journey. I also went to You Tube and clicked on his video every day and sometimes more than once. He won the trip to the VHL conference in Anaheim, with the most hits. His Mom's blog is:
Steven's Journey
V.H.L. is Von Hippel-Lindau which is is a genetic condition involving the abnormal growth of blood vessels in some parts of the body which are particularly rich in blood vessels. It is caused by a flaw in one gene, the VHL gene, on the short arm of chromosome 3, which regulates cell growth.
An Easy Way to Help - if you publish a story which refers to VHL, we would appreciate it if you would mention "for more information about VHL, please contact 1-800-767-4VHL" in the U.S. and Canada, or our E-mail account info@vhl.org anywhere in the world, and this website www.vhl.org
She documents the pain, the smiles and the life of her darling son Steven.
Now, the wonderful part of all of this is I get to pick them up Friday and take them to see Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard : )
Oh, I am so excited to meet this lady {extraordinary Mom} and her delightful son!!!
I will hopefully get to take some photographs and post them over this weekend : )
I have much admiration for this woman and her son!!!

Have a Wonderful Day!!!
peace
carole

Tuesday with Mary and her website

2009-06-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning Bloglandia
I feel like such a fortunate person, as I have been reflecting on my good fortunes in meeting the super awesome artists, crafter's and wonderfully talented women on this Wide World Web!!! I just came from my daily rounds of looking at, commenting on the beautiful posts, gazing upon the foo foo, frou frou, froo froo pink, feminine creations that are floating (almost literally) out here. I wonder and I wish I knew why I cannot conceive and create what I feel inside my soul?
I am not a pinkie person. I love to see the creations of the pinkie, feminine women who go over the top and it is NOT too much. I would have a room just to gaze upon it and think of the softness it takes to make it.
I am a bright jewel tone person and it works for me.
My connection (DSL) is acting sluggish and I am unable to upload the images to create the atmosphere I enjoy and it is not happening.
So, I will clean the kitchen (I made spaghetti with fresh steamed broccoli for tonight's dinner. I will make garlic bread for dinner also.)
My friend, Mary Rose, opened her website yesterday June 1, 2009.
Isabellas-Closet

Isn't her bling lavender Fleur just too sweet?
Most of you know her, Mary Rose, from her blog, etsy and e-bay sites. This lady can design, craft and create artistically with the best. Her cottage is real life. She is a vintage lover, pinks and ruffles.
Her just opened website has vintage and newer items at great prices. I tried to be the first one to buy something from her but 3 others beat me : )
The added extra is this lady is SUPER nice!!!
Okay, the kitchen is clean and I am making a rosette/award ribbon for another artist. when it is finished I will post a photograph.
Have a fun relaxed day!!!
peace
carole

Monday, Monday

2009-06-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Remember California Dreaming by The Mamas & Papas?

I was there : )
Bob Dylan was the heart throb for me : )

Well Donovan too. I wasn't into The Grateful Dead.
I was into Grace Slick and Jefferson airplane.

Love beads, bare feet and long hair : )
The one I will never forget is Janis Joplin;

You did not live in San Francisco and hang out in the Haight and not know her or get to meet her; talk about a down to Earth girl. Actually she was rather shy : )
Well, I will finish with this song by a great man:
Louis Armstrong: What a Wonderful World!!!

And it is a Wonderful World!!!
peace
carole

Simply Sunday

2009-05-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Simply Sunday is perfect for me as I spent yesterday, stayed the night and am sitting at my daughter's computer right now : ) She is so delightful to be around.

I so do NOT know why the quality of the photograph is so poor : ( To the bottom right of the photograph are my gray tennis shoes under her red mosaic heart shaped table, a wrapped present for her sister, the rose cotton velvet antique settee which she loves. She is a lover of hand crafted, vintage and foo foo items.
Okay, I am cleaning off her balcony of leaves from the ficus tree shedding, then I am working on some labels to more artfully package items I sell on Etsy. I bought some colorful sheets of card stock from Kinko's yesterday, I only have 2 glassine bags : ( so after the design is completed I will peruse the Internet and find some to purchase so the packaging will be done nicely. Does anyone know where i would be able to buy some at a low cost? I need 3" X 4" ones, 1 1/2" X 2" and 4" X 5". Any assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!!! Also, the ones I need are the papery plastic ones; not the regular plastic ones. Make sense?
I hope so because I cannot find them : ( I found some, I think. I also found out the correct name is flat Polyethylene bags.
I located a store in Los Angeles called the Paper Mart. I am going to call them in the morning and see if I can walk in and save the shipping and other fees. One case of 1,000 small 2" x 3" bags is $12.80 but the shipping to Los angeles is $5.40, plus (as is stated on their website) a small handling fee of $3.00, 9.5 CA tax and another fee. Well it will double the price : (
Peace
carole

Skipping thru Saturday

2009-05-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

Saturdays child

The lyrics of Saturdays child poem were used to assist a child in learning the order and names of the different days of week. The name of the poem is seldom remembered, it is in fact Mondays child, but as adults we just have vague recollections that such a poem about the attributes of people born on different days actually exists we tend to want to know the qualities of those born on a specific day like Saturdays child.
Sunday was traditionally referred to as the 'Sabbath day' in the religion of Christianity so there is not a specific Sundays child! The author of Saturdays child is unknown.
" Saturdays child works hard for his living"

Saturdays child poem

AKA Mondays child

Mondays child is fair of face,
Tuesdays child is full of grace,
Wednesdays child is full of woe,
Thursdays child has far to go,
Fridays child is loving and giving,
Saturdays child works hard for his living,
And the child that is born on the Sabbath day
I tried to find a photo of the Saturday's Child embroidered on a tea towel Like I did when I did as a child yet no luck : (
So, I close with, I like being a hard worker.
Peace
carole

Maturity is Calming & Soothing

2009-05-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

Cooking is calming/soothing.

Writing on this blog is calming/soothing.
I am not at work today (nor yesterday) yet it is okay. I get to cook, pack and post. My work hours have been slashed drastically. I am living today; I do not worry about tomorrow; which is usually my downfall. Today is marvelous and tomorrow will be here when it gets here. Yesterday what it was supposed to be.
I am 60 and it is super. I am practically healed from my spine surgery on October 5th 2007. There had been much thought to having a second surgery yet the neuro surgeon says he is pretty sure I will not need it. Yeah!!! I am walking and standing much better. He suggested that I get into some type of physical therapy and I am definitely up for that.
I was talking to Shana (my 34 year old daughter) the other day and she remarked how much better I am walking now. She said, "I remember when I was a little girl and you use to drag your left foot/leg." She definitely has something to refer to as I had a stroke when I was 24 {an aneurysm burst in my brain}. Shana was born just before my 26th birthday and I was definitely still recuperating : )
I asked her if it embarrassed her that I was physically different than her friends Mother's. She said, "No, but you were a lot older than they were." She didn't mind that I walked funny but I was old then : )
We laughed : )
Maturity is the ability to live in peace with that which we cannot change. --Ann Landers

Too be able to walk, talk, sew, cook, be with my daughters and meet new friends is so cool for my maturity.
I am rather emotive , have a resonant voice {sounds kind of gravely} and easily get excited : ) Friends are always saying "Carole, take it down a notch" and I do : )
Kids like me because I like them : ) Animals like me because I like them.
Adults like/do not like me because I am down to Earth. Who has time to waste on perpetration? Not, I : )

Fabulous Friday

2009-05-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Last night I decided to use my crock pot for a pot of beef stew. I love all aspects of cooking, buying the vegetables, cleaning, chopping. You can see I used fresh carrots I cut on the slant, chunks of white onions, pieces of green bell peppers, cubes of red potatoes, chunks of beef and cabbage. I forgot to buy celery so I used some celery seeds.

I did not think to clean the sides of the crock pot : )

It is delicious if you like beef stew. I thicken the gravy with a bit of corn starch as I have no wheat flour or quinoa flour {which is by far the superior to me}

On a light note:

Growing up I was never a reader of comic books yet I do remember the back and forth of Archie, Veronica & Betty.Well, about 2 hours ago on the Internet, it is revealed whom he is proposing too in the 600th issue.

Yes, Veronica said yes!!!

the publisher has already revealed the identity of Archie’s fiancée: Veronica!!!on the official Archie Comics blog

I am making a cup of coffee : )

peace

carole

Yellow is a Yummy Color

2009-05-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to my Friend:
Tina
Yellow; is it a color we take for granted?
yel·low (yl)n.

a. The hue of that portion of the visible spectrum lying between orange and green, evoked in the human observer by radiant energy with wavelengths of approximately 570 to 590 nanometers; any of a group of colors of a hue resembling that of ripe lemons and varying in lightness and saturation; one of the subtractive primaries; one of the psychological primary hues.

b. A pigment or dye having this hue.

c. Something that has this hue.

2. Chiefly Southern U.S. The yolk of an egg.

3. Western U.S. Gold. Used formerly by prospectors.

Gold and radiant energy are 2 ways it is thought of.
Radiant energy can take a wide variety of forms; that says a lot to me and it sounds so ethereal. Like an energy so powerful it is emitted in light rays : )
Wow
What do you think of when yellow is said?
Sunshine, Happy, Bright, Joyful, Cheerful,
Yellow Bunnies cake?

Yellow Flowers?

More Yellow Flowers?

Are own special star:
The SUN

The planet Venus is seen by NASA's TRACE satellite, at the start of its transit across the sun on June 8, 2004. What an amazing photograph!!!
The Sun has been out there in all it's glory; heating our planet, making our crops grow and just making us feel good basking in it's light.
A Yellow Lab puppy?

Corn on the Cob?

A Yellow painted Bedroom?

Yellow frosted cookies?

Colors are such a cool way to bring out happiness.
I too like the color yellow as it makes me think of Holland and France.
Holland for the fields of Yellow Tulips
and
the meadows of Yellow wild flowers in France are both breath taking.
When I stood in Vincent van Gogh's museum in Amsterdam and gazed upon his painting Sunflowers it was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life!!!

Tina: Wanted to let you know I like the color Yellow too : )
peace
carole

Wonderful Wacky Wednesday

2009-05-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a Wonderfully Wacky Wednesday
Today is is kind of over cast in Sunny Southern California.
It reminds me of normal weather in San Francisco : )
I like the word:
EXUDE
[Latin exsdre : ex-, ex- + sdre, to sweat; see sweid- in Indo-European roots.]

1. To discharge or emit (a liquid or gas, for example) gradually.

2. To exhibit in abundance
The definition I am thinking of is:
to seem to have (a quality or feeling) to a great degree:
Exude Confidence
I like people/persons that exude satisfaction, happiness and plain old joy : )
As I travel along this avenue called Bloglandia {Blogville} or whatever name you have given to this experience.
I visit blogs that are happy, sad, sparkly, bourgeoisie {I love the soun d of this word},
intelligent, crafty, having love for their favorite animals, flowers, fleurs, free help for those challenged in creating their blog as they want the world to see {I am one of the aforementioned persons : )}, baking, cooking, sewing, antiquing, garage sales online, tutorials {I particularly enjoy these blogs as they gladly share their expertize in a field}, Spiritual & Religious, and we all know the list thankfully goes on and on and on. The pink sites, the Robin egg blue, the colorful, the quiet, the normal, the eccentric, so it is like walking under the umbrella of a shiny new rainbow

and yes
there is a pot of gold at the end...

we are so fortunate to have access to friends across the globe...it is so cool to think of the time difference; it is currently 11:42 am here on the West coast of the USA; 8:42 pm in France, 9:43 am in Hawai'i and already tomorrow: 4:43am Thursday (EST) - in Canberra, Australia. Isn't that amazing that we are in touch with one another and it is totally another continent in another time on another day!!! That is so the big deal to me : )
To me, the Pot 'of Gold are all of the friends we have made and are making on this journey.
peace
carole

Thoughtful Tuesday

2009-05-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooooooo : )
It certainly has been a wonderful past couple of days/weeks.
Got to see a friend, Lanie, I had not seen in a few years. And per usual she is in great spirits. During the space of time we were out of contact she had her thyroid removed and her health is much better.
Words are such a beautiful medium to communicate with others. Just think if we were unable to communicate verbally. The lyrics that we listen to in romantic love ballads, inspirational songs by the likes of Buffy Saint Marie, Joan Baez, Joanie Mitchell, Bob Dylan etc., the songs that make us Happy, songs that bring tears to our eyes, songs that make us remember being a little girl {mine is How Much is That Doggie in the Window by Patti Page from 1953 (I was 3 or 4) I am not sure when I first recognized the song but one of my sister's had it on a 33 1/3 album. It was a treat to be able to listen to it}

There is so much we can share, give, understand and just plain old communicate with words. Written, spoken, sung and using sign language. We are so fortunate!!!
My word for Tuesday is TERRIFIC.
I know, everyone knows terrific means super, great and wonderful. Very good or fine; splendid; Awesome; astounding and I am sure there are many more superlatives you can think of to add. When I was a teenager I had a love affair with the roots of words; where they originated, what language and when.
Hence, when I looked up the word terrific I almost choked.
Latin terrificus : terrre to frighten + -ficus, -fic.
Causing terror or great fear; terrifying: a terrific wail.

Very bad or unpleasant; frightful: a terrific headache.
It is amazing to me that a word is able to express super fantastic and fear.
What do you think?
peace
carole

The word BUTTINSKY

2009-05-25T10:24:00.001-07:00

I was just sitting here, actually, a short while ago and thought about the word:
BUTTINSKY .
Clink on the link above and the audio web site comes up and gives a decent explanation.
I think and was wondering why do people you do not know want to control what you do?
Has that ever happened to you?
It happened to me and I was rather surprised, to say the least.
I like words; I enjoy finding out where they originate; you know, the root and the definitions. Yes, I have incorrectly used words and mis-pronounced them. This does not bother me as I will ask how to correctly enunciate it : )
When I was little to was very difficult for me to correctly say hippopotamus : ) It is a neat word and yes, I finally broke the barrier and can correctly enunciate it now.
Malaika, as a little girl said bizschetti for spaghetti : )
I still cannot enunciate ephemera correctly and thankfully I am around Nancy over at Gilding the Lily and I can {and do} ask her every time how to say it : )
This is another piece of having friends that you can totally be yourself when you are yourself : )
Like, I do NOT feel dumb because I am unable to roll ephemera off my tongue : )
G'Day to all : )
carole

Memorial Day Monday

2009-05-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Monday
I have NOT moved yet yet soon : )
I am spending today with my youngest pregnant daughter; she is so pregnant I am going to help clean and stuff at ehr apartment. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with her.
I saw her and my oldest daughter when I came back from visiting a friend in Merced who had a her thyroid removed. That is a hard drive as I am older now :: ( Yes, in the dark I have blurry and double vision while I drive. From Orange County to Los Angeles to Canoga Park to the 118 East {I accidentally took the 118 West and ended up in Ventura before I figured out I was going the wrong way} so that added 2 hours to my drive time : ( then to the 405 North to the 5 North to the old 99 North {whew} to Merced and on the way back to Fowler then back on the old 99 South, stop to buy a Subway Sandwich, to the 5 South to the 405 towards Santa Monica to the 118 East to my daughters in Canoga Park to visit with Shana & Malaika {also, I had left my sandals there and had to retrieve them} to the 101 South to the the 110 South to go to sleep : )
David dropped me off this morning at Malaika's and I am sitting here trying to blog with no guilt as I should be up cleaning : )
Well, that guilt is creeping up : ) so I am leaving Bloglandia.
Everyone have a super day and talk to you later.
peace carole

A Day in the Life : )

2009-05-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

My previous post shows how man has found natural products will help solve and remedy many problems. I grew up with a love of Ancient Chinese & Egyptian cultures. Imagine they began remedies that are validated in the 20th & 21st centuries. I was fortunate in that I grew up in a small rural town {Fowler} in the Central Valley of California. The family who lived next door to my home were Chinese from China {they brought with them their language, cultural, and history}; they had no children my age but the wife spoke English better than myself. She tolerated the skinny, inquisitive girl next door : )

The screen on her back door had a bell on it and when I heard it jingle I would run over there. We had 2 things in common regarding property: 1 was a guava tree that was on their property yet when it was laden with fruit I got permission from her to pick the fruit and my Mom and I would make jelly and we had a Willow tree by our driveway and I would sit under the lacy branches and read or daydream plus I could hear her screen door bell very clearly sitting there. Oh, we had no fences or walls (she may have wished she had a piece of the Great Wall of China : )

Actually she would call to me to taste food she would prepare for her husband's dinner. Talk about I was HAPPY!!! She would spend hours and days preparing hand made rice cakes for Chinese New Year and I was the official taster. So, she would let me do dishes and it was fun because I first saw her hand wrought spider ladles made from brass. Ingenious tool; I still use a version to this day.

Her husband and she would sit out on the back porch, in the cool of the evening relating ways of life in China and America. They let me touch real Kimono's and spoke of their Mother Land with much love.

Her was red and a fuchsia pink silk embroidered fabric. To me it was the height of fashion and oh so beautiful. Remember I was a little girl and what little girl doesn't like bright jewel tone colors and mystery : )
The love Ancient Egyptology came at this age. I was given {or perhaps I begged for it} a chalk ware colorful relief bust of Nefertiti
{I literally slept under her head all of my growing up life}.

I was an original book worm {that means nerd/geek}. Library cards and book clubs were the candy of my childhood : ) So, I learned how the pyramids were built and how they used mirrors to
bring light way deep inside.

The mysteries are still just that: mysteries.
My good fortune is I grew up in a town that was culturally diverse yet all American.
Armenians (their dolmas {I use to pick grape leaves, wash them and then my friend's Mom's would pickle them}, pita bread with sesame seeds sprinkled on top {not what you find at fast food markets} and shish kabobs), Portuguese and their sausages, Italians (meat sauce that took all day simmering on top of the stove), Chinese, Japanese, Mexicans and their spicy foods, Good old fashion stuffed cabbage leaves, rice and meat spiced up for the bell peppers (I have to be honest as my Dad use to say I would rather cloth you than feed you : )
Every fall in October the Fowler Fall Festival was held, back then in the 50's at the city park. One corner is 3rd Street and Merced Street which is the main street of downtown Fowler : ) They would have booths set up with every nationality selling their foods and gift items. I remember the Baptist Church was directly across the street and they would have cup cakes, nut breads and home made cookies.
There were stands of home prepared jellies, jams, canned tomato's, cucumber pickles,
succotash, fried chicken stands, with home made hot water corn bread dripping with butter and honey. If you have never had real honey from the wax comb from a beehive you have NOT tasted heaven. They would always have a raffle at the end of the day's celebration and it always got very quiet when the caller would read out the name : )
I am so glad I am still a book worm although I think Darla is outdoing me in the book department : ) It is still so very interesting learning of the cultures of others. Where we have come from, where we have been and yes, where we are going.
peace
carole

National Vinegar Month

2009-05-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoy information such as written below:

Apple Cider Benefits

How the Ancients Benefited from Vinegar

Vinegar is one of nature's great gifts to mankind, and vinegar history shows us why. It is a truly natural product. Any alcoholic beverage, whether it is made from apples, grapes, dates, rice or plain white sugar, once exposed to air, will turn naturally to vinegar. It is the ever-present bacteria in the air that converts the alcohol in cider, wine, and beer, into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its characteristic sharp sour taste. So it is safe to say that man has been exposed to vinegar since before recorded vinegar history.Recorded vinegar history starts around 5000 BC, when the Babylonians were using the fruit of the date palm to make wine and vinegar. They used it as a food and as a preserving or pickling agent. Vinegar residues have been found in ancient Egyptian urns traced to 3000 BC. As well, recorded vinegar history in China starts from texts that date back to 1200 BC.

During biblical times, vinegar was used to flavor foods, as an energizing drink, and as a medicine, and it is mentioned in both the old and new testaments. For example, after working hard gleaning barley in the fields, Ruth was invited by Boaz to eat bread and dip it in vinegar. (Ruth 2:14) . In ancient Greece, around 400 BC, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed apple cider vinegar mixed with honey for a variety of ills, including coughs and colds.
Military Benefits
Vinegar history provides many examples of this liquid's usefullness to everyday soldiers. Diluted vinegar has been used as a strengthening and energizing tonic by the military throughout the ages. Roman soldiers called this refreshing drink "posca", and used it regularly as did the Japanese samurai. The addition of vinegar to drinking water had the additional benefit of killing any infectious agents that might have been present.Throughout history the antiseptic nature of vinegar has been used to clean and disinfect soldiers wounds and thus speed up wound healing. Apple cider vinegar was used to this effect during the American civil war and as late as world war one.
Vinegar's dissolving power was put to use by the Carthaginian general Hannibal when he crossed the Alps with elephants to invade Italy in 218 BC. Vinegar was poured over hot boulders to crumble them and allow his troops to march through.
Louis XIII of France (1601-1643) is reported to have paid 1.3 million francs for the vinegar used to cool the cannons of his army during just one of his many battles. Vinegar, when applied to the hot iron cannons not only cooled them but helped clean the surface metal while inhibiting rust formation.During the Middle Ages vinegar, along with an abrasive material such as sand, was used to clean and polish flexible mail armor.
Vinegar History has Revealed Some Surprising Uses Around 40 BC legend has it that Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, won a wager with the roman general Mark Anthony, when after a lavish meal, she dissolved a priceless pearl in vinegar and then drank the resulting solution. By doing this she proved that she could provide a feast for the two of them that would cost a fortune!
Vinegar was well known to the European alchemists of the Middle Ages. By pouring it over lead, they made a sweet tasting substance they called "sugar of lead", which was used well into the nineteenth century to smooth and sweeten a harsh cider. Unfortunately lead acetate is also very poisonous and it caused the early death of many a European cider drinker. (Vinegar should never be stored in metallic containers made from lead, copper, or iron nor in crystal glass, which contains a high level of lead.)
From 1347 to 1771 many European cities were repeatedly hit by the bubonic plague. It is estimated that about 50 million people died in all from this disease which was spread from rats to man by infected fleas.
In 1721, the Bubonic Plague hit many French cities so hard that all the dead could not be decently buried.To cope with this situation, the French authorities released condemned convicts from prison to help bury the highly infectious corpses.
According to legend, while most died, one team of four convicted thieves managed to survive by drinking daily large amounts of vinegar infused with garlic. As a result vinegar steeped in garlic is still sold today as four thieves vinegar.
By holding vinegar soaked sponges to their noses, European aristocrats of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were able to ward off the noxious odors of outdoor garbage and raw sewage.
Small silver boxes called vinaigrette's were used to carry these sponges and they were also stored in special compartments in the heads of walking canes.
In 1394, a group of French vintners developed a continuous method for making vinegar called the Orleans method. In this method, oak barrels were used as fermentation vessels and the vinegar was siphoned off through a spigot at the bottom of the barrel. About 15% of the vinegar was left behind which contained the "mother of vinegar" and its concentrated bacteria floating on top. A new batch of cider or wine was carefully added to the barrel and was quick started by the remaining vinegar.
The French vintners formed a guild of master vinegar makers, and using this Orleans method, they were better able to supply the lucrative vinegar market.
The vinegar industry in Europe flourished during the renaissance and many flavored vinegars were made with various spices, herbs, fruits and even flowers. By the eighteenth century there were over one hundred varieties of infused vinegars available.
I found this entire article on:
http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/vinegar-history.html

Cats are so cool..Nip, Gracie, Melissa & Madison

2009-05-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Nip and Gracie these 2 girls know all about you and yes, they may be a tad jealous : )

Okay...
I have to make an appointment for my pregnant daughter's kitty to get spayed. Her name (the cat) is Melissa; she has one green eye and one blue eye. She is a sister to Madison who has both eyes of blue. They both have 6 toes and the biggest paws I have ever seen. I always tell Melissa to give 6 instead of the normal High 5 : ) They are both snow white, short haired girls & they have just a little streak of grey on the top of their heads. I am used to my cats growing and being full figured : ) These 2 girls
are rather lean.
Here they are: Melissa is on the left being squeezed/hugged by Madison; actually I think Melissa is asleep and Madison is being protective of her sister.

I will add photos when Malaika (my pregnant almost 31 year old daughter/the baby : )
I am waiting on her to e-mail me some photos of Melissa & Madison. I was able to make 2 appointments for them to be spayed on June 16th which I was very fortunate to secure. It turns out I was able to make 2 appointments ans Malaika went along with it; Melissa is the only one that has big problems when she comes into heat and Madison is less mature although they are 2 of 3 sisters born in a litter; are they triplets are just 3 sisters?
Now please look closely at this photo; Melissa is on the left and Madison on the right. Look closely into Melissa's eyes. Her right eye is light green and her left eye is light blue. Madison has 2 light green eyes.

They are good girl kitties and girlie : )

This is a photo of them playing on Malaika's living room sofa
{I think you can tell Malaika loves her cats} Yes, the M should be a hint : ) Her kitty girls and her first baby daughter on the way in August : )

Fun Friday & a shout out to my new Friend TINA!!!

2009-05-21T23:38:00.000-07:00

First I would like to give a shout out to my new Friend Tina!!!
Ladybugs...
I love them and they are good for farmers. I like their colors; red, orange, grey, black & yellow. I had a light orange one land on me the other day and have personally seen the red, orange, yellow and grey ones.

Hello

I am appreciative of the ladies I have met in Bloglandia!!! I was conversing with a new friend and come to find out I am not the only looking for creative souls to relate too : ) I am so lucky in that I am always finding a new shop, a pretty piece of vintage fabric, a ton of vintage brass findings, that I cannot live without : )
I also had a talk with my Friend Constance over at Rochambeau regarding Blogging politeness and she put it succinctly:
It's good to try to get back either by leaving a comment or an email. But, for some people it's impossible.
Okay. I am understanding a little bit better.
I wondered, I asked and I received an answer.
I like frogs too.

Frogs take me back to my childhood. In the country part of California one of the main crops are the grape vineyards; the irrigation canals {they use to be ditches} water them. As kids we would swim in them as the temperatures were in the 100 + degrees. My Dad use to call me a Blackfoot meaning my feet were always covered in dirt and mud from walking barefoot : ) I thought I was part Indian. I would come home with an old Folger's coffee tin filled with the ditch water and polliwogs. I got to keep them and watch them grow into frogs. It was (and still is) amazing to see them. They are almost translucent and then the tails drop off and next thing you know, they are little frogs. My Mom's home has about a quarter of an acre and the backyard was fruit trees, 2 grape vines, a garden and plenty of room for the pets I had : ) My Dad & Mom were so cool I even had a gopher in an old tin washing tub : ) Did you ever go out in the yard with an old kitchen butter knife and dig out Dandelions? I did : ) I remember my Mom {she will be 100 in June} out in her rose garden, wearing her pedal pushers (I remember there is a difference between them and capris) using her hand trowel around their roots adding organic fertilizer. She had quite the beautiful rose garden. I was not into them. I was usually hanging upside down from a Walnut tree branch watching : ) There were 2 huge walnut trees in the back yard; one on either side of the brick barbecue pit. She loved anything that would grow in nature. Lilac bushes growing alongside the house where my bedroom windows were located, her rose garden in the rear of the house where my other bedroom windows were, hydrangea bushes on both sides of the front porch, beautiful tall purple irises growing along another side of the house. Then I think my favorite was the trellis that had sweet peas growing so fluidly. There was a guava tree that was half on and half off our property {actually I think the tree was on the neighbors side the branches, heavily laden with the ripe fruit, hung on our side. Yes, I got permission first before I picked them} that we shared with the Chinese family that lived next door. I love guava's. There flavor is a sweet pear pineapple task. My Mom use to let me pick them and help her make guava jelly. Quit the treat when I was little : )
peace
carole

Blogging

2009-05-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

In December of 2009 I had bought an issue of
Artful Blogging by Stampington.
In fact the issue I am referring to is:
Winter of 2009

It is a beautiful {keeper} magazine. I remember reading some of the hints bloggers gave for everyone.
I have been blogging for over 2 years; sometimes I have gone months due to what is happening (or not) in my life. But the one thing I always thought was important:
If a person took the time to leave a comment on one of my posts it was polite to respond.
I learned a big thing when I was in the beginning. I almost died and I did cry for the mistake I made. I made a comment on a blog and did NOT know that if you went backwards it would re-post every time on the person's blog. Oh, my. She wrote to me and asked who was I and why was I bombarding her blog? I wanted to crawl under the carpet. I explained and she was quite hospitable to me after that horrible incident. Well, although I am a mature, older female I am really sensitive : ) I am shy and sometimes people think because of my age and my size I am not vulnerable. I was 5'9" until my spine surgery on October 5th, 2007...I am now almost 5'7" yet my demeanor is still of the tall woman I once was. It is hard for me to talk on a telephone unless I know you; I become tongue tied and almost stutter,
yet, since I cannot see the person's face or watch their body language I feel at odds.
I am able to write a beautiful letter and I enjoy the written word as it is an easy tool for expressing myself.
So, why do people that post on their blog not respond either by reciprocating on the person's blog or a quick thank you via e-mail? Am I missing something here?
I think it is a matter of respect and polite.
I understand if you are busy you cannot fit it in immediately; yet why are you too busy to acknowledge a fan or a person saying how nice you painted something or what neat old vintage purse you found at a flea market, or what a lovely photograph you posted?
I found a neat site:
THE LOST ART of BLOGGING
It is interesting and a worthwhile read.
I am 60 (yeah : ), mature and have old fashion values. Like if someone sends something home with you in their dish; it is proper to wash it and place some candy or a what not in it when it is returned.
Thank you notes?
Oh, yes. I make mine when I am able and when I am not I find a nice one to adequately express my sentiments and try to make it as artful as possible. I think it is how it makes you feel being thoughtful and kind : )
When the

Marie
Spring 2009 issue of Stampington's came out I was unable to find it anywhere as it flew off of the Book store shelves immediately. I am not a fou fou {foo foo} or pink person yet I have met and taken a workshop by one of the ladies who was highlighted in it. But for her kindness I would never have managed to get a copy.
Yes, the wonderful
DeDe Warren!!!
Click on her name and read what she had to say about the Marie issue I am speaking of. She is delightful, talented and has a quick wit about her. She inspired me to read about Marie Antoinette; I checked a book out of the library and it was quite interesting.
I suppose using this blog to air my feelings is a good thing : )
peace
carole

Cooking Shrimp with lemons

2009-05-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

What calms me?

Cooking : )
I bought these shrimp yesterday in their shells. Yes, I love to take the shells off and de-vein them as I think the flavor is more intense.

These shrimp had nice thin shells and I also always leave the tails on as I think it gives
them a certain flair : )

I will cook them in the juice Meyers lemons, fresh cracked pepper, garlic and butter. There will not be a lot of butter as I will actually saute them in olive oil and use the butter to thicken the lemon juice into sauce.
This is more fun than worrying about moving : )
I will add more photos as I progress.
I am going to make fried rice with egg, onion, garlic, and 5 spices; then place the shrimp and lemon butter sauce over it.

I tend to waste my seasoning yet I think I am a conductor in my kitchen and relish the free movements I can make.

I diced up very tiny green bell pepper with the lemons; sauteed the shrimp in olive oil with some butter.

I just had to take this close up photo because they really did turn out delicious.

What calms/soothes you?
Cooking, baking, beading, sewing, reading?
peace
carole

Tumultuous Tuesday/Wednesday : )

2009-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Tumultuous Tuesday
Ooops today is Wednesday : )

Today and Thursday and Friday I will be offline and into the whites of my eyes packing and moving out to The San Fernando Valley. I am a bit out of sync and it is because I am in the middle of sorting out supplies and packing up. I am moving and it is a bit of a big deal as I tend to get dis-organized with each move : ) But then anyone that has made a move knows it can get crazy : )

My best friend David is working so is unable to assist me, my youngest daughter is over 6 months pregnant and unable to help and my oldest daughter is working very long hours and won't be there. So, like the mature woman I am; I have started.
I will have to close down my Etsy Shop for about a week so I do not fall behind in shipping out items. Well, today is Thankful Thursday and I already am behind as the truck/van I need to use is in use already : ) The best made plans of men : )
So, until I actually have the truck/van keys in my hand I will still post and sell on
Etsy.

Yes this is exactly me right this moment; drinking coffee, working on this laptop, drinking coffee and my hair in a pony tail : ) No, I am not thin : ) and I wear no earrings.

Marvelous Monday

2009-05-17T21:35:00.000-07:00

Baris Melampahan (aquarelle) - Bali_1939

I love this painting!!! I wish I could see it in color.

This is the sister painting. I visit the digitalgallery.nypl.org
a lot and the variety found there is mind boggling. I only know one lady fellow blogger and friend who uses it as much (maybe more) than I and that is:
Betty {Shes Sew Pretty}. Such a lovely person and a super beautiful blog!!!
Have a great day as I am off to work.
peace carole

2009-05-17T18:41:00.001-07:00

I purchased my web address
(http://a-Bohemian-Market.com).

My Best Friend David asked his web master to hold it for me until I decided how I wanted to go forward with it. Well, 5 months later I am still looking for an affordable designer. I look at all of the beautiful sites and I do not want a cookie cutter site that everyone recognizes who made it because of the way it is set up. It has been 20 years since I have owned a web site for profit; back then they all looked different. So, I am wondering what to do? I require something simple so that I can upload my items on a weekly if not daily basis. Actually I want a simple site that I may become a merchant with vintage findings, ephemera, lace, fabrics, buttons and so much more.

I want to be a shop that people can come to and know they will find something they "cannot" live without and that I can ship to them immediately.

I have antique findings like these extruded celluloid findings. They are so beautiful {pink, pale soft green, black and cream} antique and so very rare. They are light weight, yet solid and not brittle. I really like their lacy look.

These green glass brass head pins are very vintage Miriam Haskell.

I have a passion for anything Miriam Haskell. The little plastic trumpet or bell beads are a real like for me : ) I have them in pink, baby blue, yellow, white and I think I still have some green ones.

If anyone knows of a good web designer please let me know. I want to be self sustaining by the end of this year, 2009.

These are Miriam Haskell glass tangerine tear drop beads
It is 9:10 pm in Southern California and a few minutes ago there was 5.0 earthquake that was felt from {epic center was Inglewood/LAX Airport} Los Angeles, Orange County to Corona by San Bernardino. Time for me to lay down.
peace
carole

Simply Sunday

2009-05-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

Today is marvelous. I have found several friends that I had lost contact with through Facebook. What fun it is : ) It is rather fun to have contact with young people, craftspeople my age and younger, women I admire, creativity flows through the key boards of people I can only admire and may, unfortunately, never meet.

Been to Oahu?
I took this photo in February 2009 from a little park behind Diamond Head.

I took this one probably the same day just from a different view and oh so beautiful : )

I tend to explore when I am walking, driving or on an adventure; which is most of the time. I walked by tide pools and lusicious flora and fauna and came upon this big (HUGE) yellow and black spider, weaving her web. I was amazed as she did not quit and I was breathing heavy hoping I would not scare her.

If you zoom in and enlarge the photo you can see the whisper thin web links. Fine
whitish silvery threads. She did not skip a beat.

I will call the spider her for sake of argument : ) I think she finally tired of my spying
on her web building so she left me : (

Have a Swell Sunday : )
peace
carole

Stolid Saturday

2009-05-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have very little stolid days in my life : )
Stolid: Having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily excited.
\I am easily excited and am glad I am the way I am : ) Last night I watched the finale of Prison Break and it was tumultuous, to say the least, and I cried : ) I am a very emotive person when I watch, see and hear certain things. The show's final episode is already on Fox and yes, I am watching it again : ) I remember when the first episode aired and I was hooked!!! (Television is not a big deal to me) The 2nd season was okay; the 3rd was flat yet the season 4 finale was so well done. No, I do not understand the ending yet it truly picked the imagination.

I would have enjoyed reading Prison Break as a book as that is my preferred way of assimilating information.
2 of my favorite books to read as opposed to the movies are: To Kill a Mockingbird and ET.
Take care. I am doing laundry and grocery shopping today. I hope to have free time to post again : )

Peace
carole

Thoughtful and Thankful Thursday

2009-05-15T06:40:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Bloglandia
I had so much fun with the Give Away I am thinking of a way to have another one in June yet this time I want to have a theme to the next one. This is my other man; I found him the other day quite by accident. Look at his shoes as they remind me of our modern day Croc shoes. Yes, I have worn them and still have a couple of pairs in storage : )
I won a button Give Away from Handcrafted by Mary Ann. Check out her blog link above.

The above photo is from her blog and she sent me lots of the buttons pictured. They are so cool that I am inspired to create : ) I am thinking maybe some ribbon rosette type ribbons. You know, the kind that you use vintage music sheets for the actual rosette and the center of the accordion like rosette will be one of the beaded buttons. Then I would use vintage satin and/or grosgrain ribbon for the tails. Splash on some German Silvered Glass Glitter so that being in the air it will tarnish over time : ) Sounds fun to me and maybe that can be the theme?
I am readying myself for this day's work and it is suppose to be in the mid 80's.

2009-05-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Blessings on Mom's Day!!!

I spent Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday with 2 of my daughter's. We drove Topanga Canyon Boulevard from Woodland Hills to Malibu. It was fun, refreshing and rather glorious to be with 2 of my girls on Mom's Day : )

I am at Shana's right now and as soon as I arrive home I will upload the photos we took.

Welcome Wednesday

2009-05-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

Wild Wenesday
The thrill of the Give Away is waning : (
The above photo is of my "Guys" and if anyone has any information on them I would greatly appreciate it. I bought the original vintage post card (off e-bay) of the one and mirrored him so I could have 2 : ) I love him/them. I use to have a couple of more different guys but I tend to misplace/lose my things : ( I am a bit of a nomad; my genes are different than my family as they are well grounded and live where they have lived forever. My Mom has had the exact same telephone number since before I was bornand I am 60. I have had a million addresses, telephone numbers and library cards from every city I have visited and/or lived in.

Is this elephant absolutely gorgeous? These Nomads have a great mode of transportation!!!

I love this Nomad's jacket. I like Asian inspired art, clothing, fabrics and and jade. I am going to my craft's storage unit and get prepared to package the items the winner's have chosen. I will then be able to mail them to everyone on Saturday.

GIVE AWAY WINNERS drum roll please

2009-05-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please:

The winners of the GIVE AWAY are:

tongueincheek

carolannesboutique

onegalstrash

afancifullife

*iTkUpiLLi*

simplymeart

seeyouthere!

Yep, follow the drum majorette : )
I am a bit of O.C.D. type person. I count in odd numbers, I set everything to uneven numbers; then I got to thinking "2 winners; what was I thinking?" Can't do even. I had 3 daughters : ) So, I did the Random.org and it gives you options. The other thing about me is I tend to go over board : ) Yep, O.C.D. and too much. Get the picture? Well, it felt so good doing that random number picker that I got carried away : )
I will e-mail everyone that won and if you should read this before I e-mail you (I have to go to work tomorrow) please feel free to go to my "aBohemianMarket" and if you see what item you want, just convo me so I can save it for you. If you do not see what you want e-mail me and give me an idea as I have a craft's storage unit and I may have it in there.
Thank you to everyone that entered and let's do this again, soon!!!
peace

carole

P.S. I already e-mailed all 7 winners : ) and now I lay me down to sleep as I have to work tomorrow.

Timely Tuesday...GIVE AWAY deadline

2009-05-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Bloglandia
Today is all about going to my mail box and see what treats are awaiting me, taking my daughters stiletto high heels to the cobbler to put skid pads on them, paying bills and putting everyone's names into a hat to pick the winners of the Give Away. It is not too late to have your name put in the hat : )
I originally said (two) 2 winners yet I have decided it will be three (3) winners because I think what fun to be a winner of a Give Away : ) A couple of years ago I won one and I was elated for long time. That will be another whole post regarding things that make one feel good.
So I am off and will come back later today to document the Give Away process : )
Photographs and all. Blogger is not letting/permitting me to upload any photographs right now, so later

Marvelous Monday..Give Away ends Tuesday May 5th

2009-05-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

What to do with Coffee Grounds on Simple Sunday

2009-05-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Do you enjoy a cup of coffee? I can and usually drink an entire pot first thing in the morning and will drink cups during the day. That is why I say I will drink most any cup of black coffee : ) So, are you an avid tea drinker or a "Gotta have" coffee type person? Cream, sugar, sugar substitute, or Stevia with that delicious coffee or tea?

I love good, strong, black and piping hot coffee. My friend, Constance, over at Rochambeau drinks this kind of coffee. I enjoy it also, I just will drink most any black coffee : ) I know sooooooo many women that only drink tea. I will have a cup occasionally but that first cuppa cafe is totally refreshing for me.

There are actually many ways you can recycle and reuse your old coffee grinds to help preserve the environment and maintain your health. And for other ways to green your caffeine, check out the wiki all about having an eco-cup o' joe or maybe even look into drinking organic coffee!
A Cup of Joe Goes a Long Way

You’d be surprised at just how many different methods have worked for people:
Touch up furniture and other wood scratches with grounds and a Q-tip.
Sprinkle around areas where pesky insects, slugs and snails dwell to drive them away.
Mix with soil as a natural fertilizer for plants.
Dye clothing or paper.
Rub into your dog as an organic flea dip.
Fill old nylons and hang in your closet or fridge to repel odors.
Use to fill old pin cushions.
Scrub away grease and grime from pots and pans.
Throw on ashes before cleaning out the fireplace to reduce dust from spreading.
Feed to worms to help with your garden.
Rub on your hands to eliminate odors.
Mix ¼ cup grinds with one egg white and massage onto face like a mud pack. If you’re not an avid coffee drinker but you live near a coffee shop or cafe, you can always ask them for the old grinds. Places like Starbucks actually give bags of used grinds away to people who use them for their home and gardens. Recycling is just one way that we can help maintain the natural beauty of our environment, so next time you drink a cup of coffee save those coffee grinds for future use.
I found this article on the front page of Yahoo this morning and thought "Share this information." Much of it we all know yet some tips made me raise my eye brow thinking why didn't I think of that : )

Simple Sunday & the Give Away is still here!!!

2009-05-03T07:57:00.001-07:00

Simple Sunday? Where did that come from : )

Sunday's always give thought of my Mom's Sunday dinner. It was magical and the buffet behind the dining room table was always full to bursting. 6 days a week we ate in the kitchen at the little wooden table. Sunday's was in the dining room and I use to complain about having to place the leaf in so there was room for all of us : )
I have been exploring the fun and fact filled blogs and the amount of information is mind boggling. Please leave a comment so I can enter you into the Give Away.
I love this photograph of a fleur lady. The artist's that drew and painted for the old publications had such marvelous imaginations.

I am glad they have been saved to look at, motivate and inspire us. What a wondrous time. I got these digital photos from The New York Digital Library web site. Please click and see the amazing collections they share with the world. It is awesome and so much fun to spend hours just looking.

I am going on a walk to my craft's storage unit as my room mate is gone with the car. I will walk about 2 miles (to and from) which will be a big deal for me : ) It will take me longer than the normal/average person as I am still healing from spine surgery I had in October 2007. I am feeling great today and I need to do some listings for my little Etsy shop. I want the winners of the Give Away to have lots of items to choose from : )
"See" all later

Beautiful Saturday

2009-05-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am so fortunate.

I spent the day with Shana, my eldest daughter, we talked on the telephone to my youngest daughter (who is pregnant with her first baby and will be 32 this month). I came back with Raw Olive Flats Gourmet Vegetarian Jerky Pure Mild Kalamata (it is a jerky appearing product made from Kalamata Greek olives) and so sinfully delightful. Then Raw Pizza Zucchini Chips that have just enough crunch and if you like zucchini like I do it is a culinary delight for the taste buds!!! Shana wanted to make sure I have healthful snacks in my purse because I am always driving somewhere.
We always do our week's laundry together : ) I like doing it and she does not. I like to fold clothes and she does not. It is a win win situation for both of us since it gives me time to be with her : ) Malaika, my pregnant almost 32 year old daughter could not make it today although she is usually with us. She will spend tomorrow, Sunday, with her sister; they enjoy quality time with one another too.
Then around 4:30 I stopped by my friend, Karen's, so I could show her 21 year old son how to sell on Craig's List and e-bay. He is selling his 1991 Acura Integra GS because he is moving and does not want to take it with him. I have known her for about 34 years and she has a been a friend through thick and thin. She has always permitted me to be myself and it is so pleasant to be one's self when around her. She use to have a bush of fragrant Rosemary outside her kitchen door. I loved going over picking some to take home. Fresh Rosemary imbuing her home with the Italian seasoning was always a welcome when entering her kitchen. Bellizimo!!!
I do not have a garden but I love them. Herbs, lavender, sweet peas, roses, irises, hydrangeas (I grew up with hydrangeas growing on both side of the front porch and my Dad amazed me explaining that the minerals (aluminum and Ph balances) in the soil made the different colors), that bit of information has always stayed with me because to think GOD took the time to make the flowers pink, blue, lavender, white and green in our front yard. To a small child that was an amazing feat : ) I had lilac bushes growing along side the house where one of my bedroom windows was located and I would drift off to sleep smelling them and there no greater scent than awakening to the smell of dew shrouded lilacs!!! The beauty in nature is awesome in it's simplicity. Our backyard was a plethora of trees (nectarines, plums, walnut), tomatoes growing on the vines, cucumbers (we made into pickles), grape vines (Seedless Thompson's and purple black Concords (I use to swallow the seeds and hoped a vine would grow in my stomach :) Then living in California's Central San Joaquin Valley: nature's candy was available always: Raisin's!!! To this day I will buy Champion raisin's over Sun Maid ones because they are boxed in Fowler : )
Okee dokee Friends, it is time for this middle age woman to go to bed : )
Good Night

Hip Hip Hurrah!!! May Day

2009-05-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloglandia!!!

Thank you for such a super response to the Give Away!!!
My comments were disabled and I was unable to get back to any of you : ( I will now.
I spent this afternoon replying to each lovely comment on my blog. The romance, the feel soft pinks, the kaleidoscope of jewel tone colors, the reverence and love of sincere thoughts, the royal blood of the common, the beehive of activity amongst long distance friends, hanging onto the continuing sagas of lives, glimpsing into parties of little girls in France, seeing the covenant of faith of a little 11 year old, watching a blogger write and have her first book published, see the giving of artists from their worlds, unselfish, full of sharing. I come into this loving mixtures (no pinks here : ) asking questions, receiving hugs, lots of commonness with the ladies of these blogs, need help...I will do it : ) Pink (not), stripes/polka dots/ and I am there : ) Running into people that you find online and immediately feel like you have known them forever when you walk into their shop. So alike/so different/ how heavenly!!! To adore the differences of these artists that literally make the world go round!!!
I curtsy to all of you that I have met, talked too, shared thoughts with, want to continue to know and those that I will meet one day in the future!!!
Photos later.
peace
carole

GIVE AWAY STILL IN PROGRESS

2009-04-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

GIVE AWAY STILL IN PROGRESS:
Leave a comment and I will pick Two (2) names and you may pick an item out of my
Etsy shop {a Bohemian Market. etsy.com} for your prize ; )
Women's dresses over the years.

Daring. Unique. Fun.

I cannot imagine some of the corset's one would have to have assistance in putting on : ) Yet the wispy waist line they aspired too was not easily done without at least 2 pairs of hands.

I love the Ancient Egyptian clothing and make up. The joyful use of colors.
Almost theatrical.

Good Evening

2009-04-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

It is so weird that I am able to sit here and write these posts when I was unable to write in 3 months.

Actually, the reason for this is, the downturn of the American economy has hit me too regarding my hours at work. I use to put in 10 to 12 hour days 6 and sometimes 7 days a week. Now I have been informed I will be lucky to be paid for even 20 hours weekly.
Whooo. It is going to be a challenge : )

I love these 2 old buttons.

I have been trying to go to my storage so I could list more in my etsy shop; I am thinking about putting some kind of kits together. I am running into a shipping problem with regards to shipping scrap booking paper. The really big sheets are square and the cost to ship them, so they remain protected,
is prohibitive : ( So I have to figure what the best method will be as I am "de-stashing" my crafts storage.
This is my eldest daughter whom, after 34 years, seems too beautiful to be my child. What a wonderful human being she has become. But that they could have stayed little a bit longer : ) Now she acts like she is the Mommy : ) Asking me if I am tired and always bringing me organic vitamins to take (liquid iron) or cooking me something healthful to eat. Always with a bottle of Penta water in her hand for me : )
The children!!!
peace
carole

HELLO

2009-04-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hello

I am having a Give Away : ) Please come and check it out so I can put your name in to win!!!

Has anyone seen this graphic before? I bought the original vintage postcard on e-bay years ago and have since lost it. I think it is a Tuck card. I kept her because she is my image of what I would have looked like and more importantly, how I would have liked to have dressed. I love her flair with the black plumes and her use of stripes, brocade trim and I am sure the fabrics are cotton velvet. It looks like the good old heavy fabric.Are these shoes hot or what?
I personally cannot imagine walking in them yet I did wear 6 inch platforms in the 70's : ) Since I am 60 now my girls tease me about what I wore and how I dressed back in the 60's & 70's : ) Bell bottom pants, fur vests, flowered anything was cool back then, the love beads (tons of them) and all platform shoes. The embroidered gauze blouses, so billowy and light.
Have a very pleasant day and please come and leave a comment you can have your name included in the Give Away : )

peace
carole

G'Day

2009-04-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

G'Day:

My friend in Australia says that to me (actually I asked her to say it to me so I could hear it from a real Australian). I like accents of people of the world.
People use to ask me if I were from the South and I would say "Yes, Southern California" : ) I do not have a drawl yet I sound like I drink Bourbon, chain smoke cigarettes and have a cold all in the same breathe : )
Oh well I do not concern myself anymore since I do not drink (I am designated driver) and I have big feet too yet what a mess I would be in if I worried about these kinds of "things."

This very lovely lady is Caminade Duchesse de'Angouleme, Marie Antoinette's daughter. Quite the classical beauty!!!I also like this fabric. I like the design. The scroll work in the back ground.
Farewell, ladies, I am off to organize my storage unit.
peace
carole

GIVE AWAY

2009-04-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today is a wonderful day!!!

I am ready to list in my etsy shop:

a Bohemian Market
I am having a Give Away.
#1 I have not reached my 100th post
#2 I am not going to have a baby : )
#3 I have gained much in life's lessons through Bloglandia
#4 Life is so wonderful that I would like to share
#5 This Give Away will last for one (1) week
#6 I will attach to each comment or e-mail a number
#7 Two winners will be announced on the evening of
Monday, 4 May, 2009
#8 Two persons will be able to pick (1) item in my Etsy shop
#9 E-mail me your mailing address and it will be mailed to you
#10 I will mail internationally, locally and/or nationally
#11 It is for everyone
Below are some examples of some items in my shop
Please click on this link (a Bohe mian Market) and look at what you might want.
There are vintage, new
and unusual items to choose from.
There are fun items to play with.
peace
carole

Divine DeDe Warren's Marie Antoinette Art Journal

2009-04-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Front cover of Marie Antoinette Journal

Talk about the coming of age for me.

I attended the workshop of the fantabulous (not a misspelled world; I made it up to say what I feel ) mixed media artiste DeDe Warren's Marie Antoinette Art Journal on March 18th, 2009.
I am a fish out of water when it comes to "off the cuff" art work. I am so used to sewing where the seams must match : ) I am kind of a prude and it took an artist like DeDe to let me know it is okay not to have any rules to follow : )

On her blog she says it so succinctly:
I'm an everyday girl trying to be the best me I can be!!!

She does it so effortlessly and allows one (me especially) to be creative in a mixed media arena. I was so excited I dashed to the library and checked out a book on Marie Antoinette so I would be able to feel and understand the love for her has that has the artists at her beck and call.
What a blast we had at The Lily!!! Nancy Jamar always out does herself in making her shop welcoming to all of us. Food, spirits (liquid and of the past), camaraderie and sharing of thoughts, papers and embellishments. Click on the link for The Lily and you will be able gaze upon the wonderful photos Nancy put on her blog. If you would like to gaze at them now, here they are, with Nancy's permission.
Being around these ladies is pure magic for the soul. I am always over full when I have to leave!!! Being in Nancy's shop is taking a magical tour of an older gentler (excluding the guillotine) time in another world and you (particularly I) do NOT want to leave. Brushing shoulders with 19th century mannequins, wired head dresses of another era, while your busy fingers trace the lines of vintage brass findings that beg you to touch, caress and buy : )
Now I will add some pages from my journal which is my work in progress .

peace and thank you
~carole~

Book signing & trunk show for Jewelry Artiste Amy Hanna

2009-04-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Charming Amy Hanna

The night was teeming with an undercurrent of sighs, camaraderie, and revelry. The illustrious shop, Gilding The Lily, was full to overflowing with artists, food, friends, wine, clients, cheese and persons having their books signed by Amy Hanna.
Her book is beautiful inside and out.

Ada, with Amy, having her book signedThis happy lady is Nancy Jamar...Gilding The Lily's very own!!!Amy's friends

The Fantabulous DeDe Warren!!! If you have not yet bought the Marie edition of Stampington & Company Magazine, break all speed limits to buy one. DeDe is a hit in it!!! She will be what my next post is about as she is a hit as a teacher : )

Okay, I must brag on this photograph...I finally was able to meet the Gracious & Delightful Lidy Barrs of
French Garden House.
Also, her blog is Little French Garden House
To be in the presence of people I have only read about made for a memorably awesome evening to share with Bloglandia!!!

Yes, I too, had my picture taken with Amy. Such a sweetheart!!!

I am back, again : )
peace
carole