Of roses and lizards...

One of the few good things about Winter in So. California
is that the lizards disappear from my backyard
and I finally can venture out and enjoy my morning coffee
without the risk of a heart attack.

I don't have a bid yard,
actually, no yard is big enough for me and lizards.
If they are out, I'm in...simple and clear.

That's why these winter mornings...
warm and oh so missed sunny moments are so enjoyable.
Those moments when the roses let me think
that Spring will soon be here....


those moments when the roses whisper in my ears:
Enjoy us, because the lizards are also coming back soon!
Yikes!!

Enjoy your weekend!



"When you suffer an attack of nerves you're being attacked by the nervous system. What chance has a man got against a system?"

~Russell Hoban~

White Wednesday

Many years ago,

more than I care to admit,
I took home this wooden box.
As many pieces that have followed me home,
it came without a purpose or a reason...

I tried to work on it many times,
but it always seemed like a huge work
and I was never able to imagine the final product.

About 5 years ago got a wooden applique
and coats and coats of putty...
only promises, nothing concrete!
3 Wednesdays my wooden box
made the sad trip from the garage to the curve...
and those same nights the trip back to the garage.

Last week it finally happened,
out with the applique,
lots and lots of sanding,
primer
and of course, white paint.

My wooden box and I were re-connecting.

What better way for my transferware collection
to make the trip LA-Buenos Aires
than inside of my very sturdy wooden box?

1122...our address here in Cali

4...the people embarking in the adventure....

Once we settle,
my wooden box will be perfect as a coffee table...
the move from a 2400 sq. ft. home to an apartment half the size
involves some creative storage!

Thank you Kathleen for White Wednesday!

Folders...

As some of you already know,

I'm moving next year.

Not only to a new home,
but to a new city.
Well.... actually,
to a new "old" country.

My family and I are moving to Argentina in July.

Big ...huge move that involves lotst of:
Do we take it?
Do we leave it?
Do we want it?

Do we need it?

The list of things to move with us will change numerous times on the months to come,
but some things like my magazines, need my attention right away.
My baskets,

boxes...

and piles...

are being tackled,
analyzed,
categorized,
transformed
and
reduced (the magic word!).

While watching HGTV,
I sit on my rocking chair...
(shhh she will not be making the trip, but doesn't know it yet!)
and go thru them all...
cut
save
discard

so far I have a
Recycling Ideas Folder...

a Cool Crafts Folder....

An Inspiration Folder...

and a Fave Quotes Folder...

I also have a
"They are crazy folder".

That's where I keep people's thoughts about our move...
and it's already full.

Weather Update...

Since I wrote my letter to Mr. Warm Weather, we have had nothing but perfect weather!...

I guess being polite and saying please, pretty please, really works!

Now I'm in a roll!...
Who should I write my next letter to??

Dear Mrs. World Peace...
Dear Mr. Economy...


"An optimist is the human personification of spring"
~Susan J. Bissonette~


Will be back later with our White Wednesday post.
See you then!

Rainy California

Clara found this very cute dresser full of possibilities.

$40.00 and big plans for it!

Nice drawer pulls,
Nice legs,
Nice details.

Until the rain came.

The cute dresser was in the back of the truck.
The truck that does not fit in the garage.

Do I need to say more???

Recycling? Yes!
Miracles...no!

This is what is left of the cute little dresser...

This is all I have to make my $40.00 back...
Wish me luck!!!

And they say that it doesn't rain in California!!

Luckily...

"Only a few things are really important"
~Marie Dressler~

Working hard...

Another shipment of our Postcard Pillow Covers went out today....

...this time to beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

Thank you Blue Lobster Cottage!
If you have a minute, visit their website HERE
or just stop by if you are in town:

Blue Lobster Cottage
1229 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2607

It feels so good...

...to wake up and find those friends that you haven't seen in almost a week...

The Blue California Sky....

and my own Shadow!!

Have a bright weekend everyone!...

Don't forget to check Hey Harriet for more inspiring shadows!

Take a deep breath...

When it rains hard for 3 days....
(No, not the California "rain" that we get every year...I mean RAIN!!)

...and your 18 year old is driving on the freeway, you...

When its raining cats and dogs ...
you pick up your 16 year old from school and you are surrounded for teenagers texting and talking on the phone while driving, you...

If the rain continues today, I promise I will...

"Children are a great comfort in your old age,
and they help you reach it faster, too"
~Lionel Kauffman~

One more thing:
Our friend Mary sent us this link and we thought that you would love to watch this show:
"American Pickers"
http://www.history.com/content/american-pickers


Is that the most wonderful job in the world or what????

Down by the beach...

...nests can be sunny yellow...

or sage green...

...maybe taupe....

...any shade or blue....

...even pink....

...or be totally covered on ivy!

But they all have one thing in common...
charm!

Just wanted to show you a little bit of our beach town today...
The last picture is our friend M's front door.
Her house will be featured in the December issue of Romantic Homes...don't miss it!
She has beautiful Americana and a great eye for display...you'll be inspired!