I Found Nemo

 Well Nemo made it's way across Long Island on Friday into Saturday. We got barbarded with approx. 30" of frozen water a/k/a snow. It was a Winter Wonderland, but as pretty as it was, it left me wondering when we would ever get out of our driveways again.

This is the view from my front step looking down into the driveway at my buried car.

I just had to capture this magnificent huge icicle out my little bedroom.

Well, I've had enough of Winter. I'm ready for daffodils and hyacinths. How about you?

Will You Be My Valentine?

Ah love...February is here and time for us to think of Valentine's Day and all those near and dear.

I gathered up my stash of vintage lace and trims

 and had a blast creating one of a kind Valentines.

I hung them on my white feather tree.

I decorated both sides.

I had such a great time that I got attached to them.

I made them for special friends who have had a difficult time this year

and needed a good pick me up in the mail.

I cannot wait to hear their response.

I love happy mail.

I love Valentine's Day.

I love love.

Peanut

'PEANUT'

My little Peanut went on to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday, December 28th. He lived a good, long life. I know God has a special place for him and he is already frolicking with all the other animals. He was such a good kitty, but a worry wort. Just look at that worried look on his face. He felt it was his duty to take care of his cat brothers and caretakers. He would tell me every night at 10:30 sharp that it was time for last kibbles before bedtime. I never needed an alarm clock to wake up. He would get me up every morning at 7 am whether I needed to or not. He was precious each and every day and my life was blessed with his unconditional love. RIP.

Here I am!

Wow! I cannot believe I have not blogged in nearly a year. Where have I been? I wished I could say I was traveling abroad through romantic European towns, taking in all the ambiance along the way...sampling wines and Swiss chocolates, Italian pesto over fresh linguini, listening to the sounds of laughter over the German Alps; sunning in Greece or shopping in Monte Carlo to name but a few of what I wished I could say I was doing. No, instead, I was caught up in life, as if being in a fish net. So caught up I even forgot to take time for my precious blog. So, dear readers and friends, thank you for being patient with me. Let's see what my good intentions will partake in. The Thanksgiving holiday is behind us now and we are looking forward to the upcoming Christmas holiday and New Year.

I did finish making my Christmas holiday cards and posted them in my boutique (www.thepolkadotrose.com). That is where I discovered I had abandoned my blog. Poor little blog.

Stay tuned.  Have a happy day!

Simple Joys

I received a package last week and unbeknown to me it was the greatest cat entertainment center of all! I put it down on the floor after unpacking it and wanted to put it out to the trash when 'it' happened. The furbabies discovered it pronto and now fight to maintain occupancy of this much coveted mailing box. Who knew? Each time I walk past it, there is another cute furry face in there looking way too cool or sleeping away in it. So, save your money at the pet store. Next time you get a package, just place it on the floor and watch your furry creatures discover it over and over and over again. Delightful!

12 Days of Christmas Holiday Shop Hop Has Begun! Fun! Fun! Fun!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the fun has begun at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink: with the 12 Days of Christmas Shop Hop. It is easy to win marvelous gifts just for finding the hidden shopping bags at each site. No purchase necessary. Just Holiday Joy! http://www.makeminepink.com/shop-hop/
Get in the spirit of Christmas with us at Make Mine Pink. Happy Holidays.

Women Helping Women in October

There is always strength in numbers and women helping women is a double effect. Starting October 7th through October 21st, we are having our Pink October at Make Mine Pink. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.10% of all sales throughout the Make Mine Pink October event will help women and children effected by domestic violence. http://www.makeminepink.com/holiday/

Cat-Tastrophie

Just look at that sweet little face! We had a 'cat-tastrophie', or so I thought. I came home with fresh raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and lots of veggies from the farm stand. Before I put all my fresh loot away, I sat down at my counter to look at any emails I may have received while I was out. Lo and behold, Hopper, who I nicknamed Velcro, as he is always stuck to me, came up on the counter quicker than lightning. I looked down and saw his paw was red! "Oh my goodness, he is hurt" said my brain! I reached for a paper towel and with all my compassion and unyielding love, I went to see his boo boo. No boo boo. The little stinker put his paw right into my two million dollar pint of fresh raspberries and squished a few! When will I learn? Okay, when he stops teaching me.

Christimas in July ~ Cool down

It's fun to think about Christmas in July as it seems to cool us down a bit. It is a great time to ponder up coming gifts and lack of crowds as we shop at our leisure. Today at The Polka Dot Rose there will be a special 50% offer effective 6 pm EST. Every day between July 8th and July 28th at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink, Christmas is a jolly time of specials.

Morning in the Courtyard

I woke up to find these beauties awaiting my eyesight this morning in my back yard! How devine! Dsis Liz loves to surprise me with visual lovliness from outside my back door. Once my eyes were open I took the camera and went out into the courtyard to embrace the morning and enjoy the beauty.

I looked around my little yard to see if I could capture the "Red, White and Blue" of the decor for our Fourth of July and look what my wandering eye did appear:

I will take time this weekend to sit outdoors, perhaps with a book, and take in all the sounds of the neighborhood. Reflect on our Nation's birthday and our land of the free. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend. Enjoy!

Litltle Guy and Friendship Roses

Here is "Little Guy" my youngest furbaby. I brought in the cushions from outdoors in case it rained overnight and he immediately discovered it was the best place for a cat nap. Even though the sun came out the next morning and the cushions needed to go back outside, I let him sleep the morning away. My next life I want to come back as one of my cats!

My friend Diane came over Saturday and we shared an afternoon of light Summer fare, reminicing our good times from long ago and much laughter. It was balm for my soul. She arrived with these beautiful roses! I posted a picture on Facebook last week showing roses and I said I was 'dreaming about roses'....Thanks Diane! Enjoyed our day together. I was ironing this lace tablecloth when Diane arrived and she could not get over that I was ironing. Okay, so I was running a tad behind, I'm slow these days or should I say most days. :) I'm glad I did because the roses looked magnificent on the lace tablecloth!

Make time for friends. Time is precious!

Hazy, Hot Summer-ish Day! Aaahhh!

Oh that is just to cool us off. The picture above is what keeps me motivated and happy on a hot day like today. I cannot wait for Summer and even though it has not officially arrived, we are having days of Summer now. It is time for new things: lemonade in frosty pitchers; fresh picked berries off the farm field; popsicles on sticks; flip flops; honeysuckle in bloom; sand in our toes. I don't know about you, but I am ready. Bring it on. Hello Summer!

Memorial Day in the Garden

Happy Memorial Day! It is a day off for most to enjoy their families, bbqs, beach, parades and fun gatherings.

It is our day to remember all servicemen and women who have served our country in the past and presently. Thank you for allowing us to live in the land of the free.

Enjoy your day.

May Flowers

Spring is bursting out all over! The violets have been peeking out like shy little girls on a first date. How cute are they? This week at the boutiques of Make Mine Pink, the theme for May is "May Flowers" and I was honored to be asked to be the guest writer. Come on over and see all the May flowers http://www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday/

Colors of Spring

Vintage Brooches at The Polka Dot Rose

This Friday is more of "Colors of Spring" at the boutique of Make Mine Pink. http://www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday/Nothing does my heart better than knowing Spring is here, it really is. Of course, this morning I woke up to a beautiful Winter Wonderland. Snow all over! And it is Spring! My tulips are up; my daffodils are peeking out; my colorful wreath is on the door and snow is all over my car! Oh woe is me.

So off I go to the boutiques to see more of the Colors of Spring....won't you come along?

Free Shipping on All Gift Baskets

A tisket a tasket,I am having FREE SHIPPING on all my gift baskets at The Polka Dot Rose http://www.thepolkadotrose.com/store/products/?category=39 . They come all gussied up with a lovely gift card and can be shipped directly to you or to the recipient of your choice. Easter is right around the corner and Mother's Day too. Employee Apreciation Day. Let me make your life a little easier. It is my pleasure.

Get Out the Glitz and Glamour~It's Oscar Night

The stars come out tonight....to walk the red carpet at The Oscars in Hollywood, CA. I am so excited! Why? I did not see any of the movies (yet) but I love glitz and glamour. I love romance. So for me to see all the gowns, hairdo's, jewels, shoes, okay tuxedo garb too, I go ga ga!

I brought out a few of my bejeweled brooches for show and tell since it is a glamour night. Some are vintage, some are not, but all are beautiful.

Back in the 50's and 60's, I remember my parents getting all decked out for a night on the town. Cocktail dresses were a sign of the times. Chiffon; taffeta; laces. Netting and sexy undergarments. Those were the days. It was exactly those styles that prompted my Mom to have me host my own birthday dress up parties. We all wore her clothes, high heels and jewelry. We were the cat's meow. I can still feel the feeling of those parties.

So, sit back and enjoy the best seat at The Oscars. I'll be right there with you. Next to what's his name, the handsome one....

I Am Ready ~ The Power of Positive Thinking

I Am Ready

I am ready to join the work force once more;
I am ready to work for a wonderful company;
I am ready to be appreciated for my work;
I am ready to be a part of the whole;
I am ready to see my name on a paycheck;
I am ready to pay my bills;
I am ready to laugh;
I am ready to dress up;
I am ready to put my face on;
I am ready to smile more;
I am ready to make new friends;
I am ready to use my brain power;
I am ready.
Edited to add: This was one of my jottings. Just in case someone did not know that I have been out of work for a long, long time and now "I Am Ready"...

Unconditional Love

Since it is Valentines Weekend, I have been having thoughts about 'unconditional love'. To me it is the greatest love. It is love without strings attached. I just spoke about this to my brother and sister the other day. One of my dearest aunts taught me unconditional love. It is what she lived every day of her life and showered upon all of us. We were all so special to her that we thought it was directed to us individually. Not until later in life did I see that she had this love for all her nieces and nephews, friends and family. No one got by her without this love. Her "eyes lit up" every time she saw us. She has since passed on and I keep her picture of the two of us near me to look at each day. That picture shows the unconditional love she had for me and I for her. No money on earth could ever buy that feeling. I strive to show unconditional love to my family. I want them always to see my eyes light up when they walk into a room.

The Power of Pink

I just received an email to call for an interview and it is tomorrow at 11:30! She asked if I was presently working and I said no. She replied "Oh good!!!!". She apologized and I said she is the very first person who has ever been excited that I am not working. So we are starting off on a humorous note. I am trying to breathe as I am extremely excited.
This was a follow up with this company. I tried almost two years ago with them to no avail. I sent out my resume and cover letter on my primo lightly pink paper and viola, I get an email! It must have been the touch of pink! This is the power of the written word sent through the mail. Someone had to hold my pink envelope and swear they saw a light pinkness to it. Someone had to open it up by letter opener and read the contents. Someone had to walk it over to the President of the Company as it was directed for him to see. He told someone to contact me for an interview. My letter and resume is now on someone's desk awaiting our interview. A light shade of pink...
I feel like I already have the job. I am starting Monday.
And if I do not get this job, it is great practice for my next interview...
Never give up hope. Never stop trying. Turn the I can't into I can try.