Thank You Thank You Thank You

Really people are just pretty darn special aren't they? Especiall here in blogland. A place I never, really NEVER thought I'd be. I have found so many wonderful people from all walks of life. If I can never get out to travel to Mexico, California, Maine or Florida, I know where I can visit in blogland.

A few extra special people have given me awards. It's almost embarrassing. I'm pretty simple and pretty boring. Especially this week as I haven't posted much. I hate it when someone says, "I had good intentions" and it goes no where. So I make it a point not to use any of those words together. I'll just tell you this, I've been lazy this week. However, these wonderful awards I've been bless with have encourage me to do better and not just ramble (that's the first challenge).

My good buddy and best friend ever and always, Gayla at Oatmeal and Whimsy, presented me with this one:

This Gold Card is probably better than any I've ever carried in my purse. Not much interest and extremely rewarding!! Here's just a few rules for it according to her post: Your rules are to award this VISA to five blogs. One needs to be a new blog from across the world, but I didn't quite do it that way... errr, okay, she didn't follow the rules and she's a teacher? A wonderful teacher at that, I'll explain more later. So I'm not sure if I'm going to follow this rule either. But I do have some "Berry" Special People to give it to here it goes....
1. The House in the Roses, Oh Cielo, the dreamy, romantic with beautiful words and gorgeouse pictures. You must really sneak a peak at her secret gardens. She's a magical, mystical muse who delights me everytime I visit. And I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous that I'm none of those things. That's why I visit, to live vicariously through her posts.
2. JustaBeachKat, Kat shares her diary in such a loving, giving and entertaining way (like the duck at gunpoint). I love to see the pictures and read stories of her Floridian Paradise. She deserves to be there. What a gracious and class act. I just want one more palm tree/ ocean picture - hint-hint!!
3. Whistle Stop Cafe Cooking, okay, who does not love this busy lady? We've followed her around the world and shared her wonderful recipes. I wish I could tag along with her for about a week. I perceive such fun, mouthwatering times!!
4. Back Porch Musings, Pat has gotten many awards and kudos. She's such a talented lady with fantastic ideas. She's one of those gals you just wish was your next door neighbor. I bet she has a tattoo that reads "I'm Wonderful", and if she doesn't she should! Hmmm, maybe that's a birthday gift J can shoot for net birthday hmmm Pat? Cause, I think you're pretty darn wonderful!!
5. The Beehive Cottage, that MaryJane just seems like one hip chick. You have to go check out her pink pretties. She's always taking on a new adventure. I'm not sure if she ever got that pretty pink bicycle or not, but I sure think of her EVERYTIME I see a pink bike. You have to visit, what fun!!

***********************************************************************************

I love primitive everything. I've posted before about a shop in St. Charles that whispers my name when I am near. The shakes overcome me, I tingle from head to toe. Because of my love for Prims, I've been awarded this one by Kim at Simple Needs & Pam at Antique or Not. These ladies are wonderful with all of their "good stuff" and ideas and stories. I visit them everyday.

Here are the rules for the award: 1. The winner can put the logo on her blog. 2. Link the person you received your award from. 3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. 4. Put links of those blogs on yours. 5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

1. Carole's Country Store I'd really love to visit Carole some day. She lives out east in primitive heaven. She has beautiful antiques and prims. You should visit her store. She has all kinds of yummy things for your primitive heart.

2.Cranberry Crossings This lady is awesome. She's full of creativity and energy. I just want to know where she gets it!!

3.Wood n Whimsy If you love prims you should visit. Celene has got some pretty nifty ideas and great things for sell.

4.Oatmeal and Whimsy I could spend hours in this home. Her antiques and love for prims speaks from every corner of her home. I've always been in awe of her heirloom. You should really see her Halloween collection.

5.Tomatoe Creek Primitives Another creative pumpkin who has tons of energy and probably tons of awards too!!

6.Sweet Home Gardens This sight is new to me and I'm in love with it. Everyone should visit.

7.3guysagirlandaprimplace With 2 little boys and lots of inspiring things to do, Kindra is like the energizer bunny. Her Etsy shop is pretty incredible too!!

I know there are tons of other blogs, but I stuck to the ones I know best. The ones I love to visit everyday whether I leave a comment or not. Everyone is so creative, kind, ambitious and just pretty cool. Thanks to everyone and anyone who feels the need to create and share masterpieces with the rest of us primitive loving people. God Bless You ALL!!

New Things...

I love learning new things about people I've known for awhile. It's like a pleasant little surprise when they share something unknown about themselves. Take yesterday for instance. My friend Toni sent me a little email with some beautiful photographs. "Did you take these", I asked. "Yes", she replied. I had to oooo and aaawww for awhile. Then I learned that she really loves photography and just doesn't take pictures like she used to. However, the other night, she and a friend went out doing just that. I asked her to share some more of them with me so I can share with my blogger buddies. Here is what she sent me tonight.

This is one of her favorites with the old windmill and barn...

More old barns...

I think she was pretending to be a kitty in the grass in this one, I love it...

The Aquinnas Cliffs and Lighthouse...

This one is my favorite. It reminds me of the drives my dad used to take me and my mom on when I was a little girl...

I asked Toni to send me more pictures periodically to brighten up my blog. I sure hope she continues to do so...plus I have also encourage her to start her own Photo Blog. Thank you Toni!!

Now for those of you who love giveaways, Rondell over at Tomatoe Creek Primitives is giving away this fabulous, primitive, 100th Post prize:

I hope I win, I hope I win, I hope I win....go visit her for a possibility to win too!!

A Stress Free Walk

My allergies have been horrible this summer. All I've done since July 5th is annoy everyone with my coughing. I have postponed walking my normal routine. Tonight I decided it was time to give it a try. I left poor Kia whimpering at the window. Depending on how I did, I promised her I would take her tomorrow night. I grabbed my IPod and drove to the lake. The weather was perfect. The waves on the lake were rough, but it sounded like heaven to me. Lots of people were out walking and lots and lots of traffic crossed the dam. I didn't cough once until I reached the car. Looks like Kia may have a date tomorrow!!

Just Peachy

Take a look at what mom did for me this afternoon. Finally, it's not Aunt Helen's, but it's just as tasty...Isn't it pretty? Up until 2 years ago, I could've cared less. Then, Aunt Helen introduced this thing to me. I haven't been the same since. I love peaches, just didn't care for the pie or cobbler. I'm weird that way I guess. It has something to do with the fruit being doctored up or made sweeter. I like my fruit naked and natural. That was until 2 years ago.
I don't care what anyone says, Splenda is a truly wonderful thing!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

These guys had a good time tonight too. Reynaldo played until he pooped out. Annie P. on the other had, ate a little too much. Just like you know who...
"froggy doggie"

MAMMA MIA

Finally. It took us one and a half months to see it, but we FINALLY did. Tonight we watched MAMMA MIA! It was fun and energizing. Mom said, "they sure do a lot of running in this movie". I thought that was funny. She was right. I couldn't get over Pierce Brosnan singing. Not one, but at least 3 songs. 3 long songs. Ha. He is so handsome!! If you haven't seen this and you remember ABBA. You need to see it!

I Want to Thank the Farmchick...

The Farm Chicks Kitchen has presented me with an award which I love dearly. And I would like to thank the Farmchick for thinking of me. My blog is something for me to do and I never had any idea that so many people would take a look at my little boring, uneventful life, but I'm so glad they do.

Here are the rules for this award:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve nominated.

I have visited with so many blogs in the past couple of days and so many have received this hearwarming award. Therefore, I want to share this award with all of you I visit and who visit me. Everyone makes life a little more interesting!!! So please add this to your own blog and display it proudly!!

Everyone have a peaceful evening...

Kindra's Birthday Give-a-Way

Kindra has the right idea. She is celebrating the big 30th birthday all month. PLUS, the crafty gal has made this great gameboard to giveaway as a birthday treat!! Head on over to 3guysagirlandaprimplace and leave her a comment. Good luck to everyone, but I hope I win!!

An Addendum to the Previous Post.

I promise ladies and gentlemen, no more Elvis after this post. But I had to add these two things.

First, mom and I had supper together tonight and she told me she saw the tribute to Elvis post. She said after he passed away I begged her to take me to his funeral. (I do not remember this, and I'm pretty darn good at remembering worthless things like this.) Anyway, she refused to take me to his funeral. So, what would a normal Elvis fan do? I offered to take the bus, she said. She replied, "the funeral will be over by the time we get there". So much for that idea. I tried.

Finally, the hubby and I went to Vegas to get married on June 28, 2005. I didn't want a chinzy, cheesy Vegas wedding. AND DEFINITELY NO ELVIS IMPERSONATOR would marry us. The hubby agreed. So we opted for one at the Wee Kirk O' the Heather Wedding Chapel.


My great aunt got married there many moons ago. So, rationally, we decided that was reason enough. We toured the place. Then talked to "Henry" who so professionally helped us feel relaxed about our rational decision.

At 6:20pm, we show up. Prepared to make our devotion legal in Sin City. "Henry" asked me if I wanted to "freshen up" before the nuptials. Of course. I wanted to check my lip gloss. On the way to the bathroom I spied our minister preparing for the event. IT WAS PRETEND ELVIS. I started to panic. Then I started to giggle nervously. "Oh @*%&!" I went back to the vestibule and told the future hubby, " I think we are about to be married by Elvis!!" The hubby replied, "NO @*%$!!!!"

The pretend Elvis was wonderful. He did not sound like Elvis, but he sure did look like him. Not on narcotics of course. He was dressed without Elvis attire, which helped. I do believe if we had paid the right price, the full meal deal Pretend Elvis would've blossomed. We didn't. And I'm happy we didn't. Pretend Elvis did a beautiful ceremony for just the two of us and "Henry".

Never Forgotten

I wrote an earlier post about music. And, I cannot believe, I forgot to add Elvis to my list of music my family listened to when I was younger. I meant to do this post yesterday, but didn't. I was too busy dreaming about all those model kitchens I looked at yesterday.

So, here it is, my tribute to Elvis. I can remember my dad playing his albums when I was little. We were, and still are, an Elvis Presley fan family!

I remember playing his music sooooo loud. Dad didn't care too much at that time. Only later, when my taste emerged reflecting a bit too modern stuff. My cousin Julie spent a lot of time at our house in the summer. She loved Elvis. I mean LOVED Elvis. We danced and sang all of his songs over and over again.

I recall the very day he passed away. My mom and I were listening to the radio in the living room when they announced the "special news bulletin". I don't really remember exactly what we were doing. But I remember being concerned about cousin Julie. I wanted to tell her myself that Elvis died. Mom reassured me that her mommy would tell her in the exact way she needed to be told. I worried. I wasn't sure mom was right. I stewed about it all day. Trying not to be a pest, I didn't let my mom know I thought she was wrong in her decision to let Julie's mommy share the news. The day went on, then the next, I guess Julie's mom Jackie told her. Hopefully in the way she needed it to be told. I'd love to see if she remembers it like I do.

And if she does remember it, I'm sure it's the young, saucy, suave Elvis that we loved so much. (To be honest, I'm not sure I, or we, would've realized just how he "was" exactly before he passed. We loved the young, handsome man who wooed the hearts of young girls in the 50s.)

Elvis, I was only 8. Julie was only 7. She always picked you for her boyfriend when we played house. We miss you. Thanks for the memories...

Mom's Makin' Decisions

Time for a bathroom makeover for my mom. She's been trying to get, well we'll call him "Mike" to redo her bathroom. It's taken "Mike" well over a year to come and do it. She gave up and now has another man, who really wants to work, on the hook for this major renovation. I will post before and after pictures of her 70-ish-chich guest bath. She picked out her goods today. It was fun to go in the store she found. So of course I had to take the camera and do some snapshots of the awesome Kitchen & Bath Storeroom.

First, just a couple of shots of the bath ideas.

I guess since mom didn't get her tub here, I didn't pay too much attention to them. They had some very contemporary shower stalls and tubs. I spent more time in the kitchen area. It was too dreamy. Much dreamier than the bathroom area. Take a look. (Notice the faucet below. I love it!)

I would love to have an oven or two in the wall instead of under my range. I'm going to have to start playing the lottery!!Mom and I both fell for this one. It's a raw cherry. What I love most is the matching refrigerator. I love the consistency of a wood grain frig. This one I love too. Or maybe it's just the rooster. I would sure take it if someone wanted to give it to me!! Actually I would be so overwhelmed if I had to do a new kitchen. There are so many fabulous ideas now. I prefer the darker woods, that much I know. Here's the co-host of today's show. Ella. I wasn't expecting her to greet us at the door when we arrived. Sweet, friendly little-big girl who just had puppies 12 weeks ago. I tried to get mom to take one of them too, but she refused.Ella has the run of the place and is super friendly to everyone walking in the door. Her mom said she's great with kids who tend to find the store "very boring". Imagine...

Ebay Find

Look what I found on ebay. Isn't it the coolest thing ever? Actually the ad said it was a replica. Looks like the real thing to me. I'd love to have it sitting on the desk my mom-in-law gave me. I think it would be a perfect fit!!

Thank you for all of your comments on the small wall area of my living room. Someone provided me with a great idea so I hope to be working on that very soon. I appreciate all the comments about the table too, but I'm not too concerned with it since the wall area has been driving me crazy. Trust me, I have tons of stuff to put on that table. A little over a year ago I this room was painted a dark blue and the area of wall you saw in the post below was almost a super pale gray (acutally it was an off white, but I guess with the dark blue it looked gray). I loaded the walls down with all kinds of stuff. (Especially snowmen in the winter.) When I decided to paint, I thought I liked the idea of simplifying the room. It is 30'x 15', so it is a fairly large living area.

When the painting was done I loved it. I felt like I could breath. However, since a year has come and gone, I've decided I've missed some of my primitive stuff and yearn to do something about it. With replacing our roof and now the frig quit working, this is going on the back burner. I do have some wood in the basement. All I have to do is get my saw going and probably get some new paints, then I'll be all set. I hope to show you my plans within the next 2 weeks.

Ideas Anyone?

I'm feeling a bit creative and a bit frustrated. I have an area of wall space that I cannot figure out what to do with it. Here it is:

We had this room painted last year. I was gone to a conference or I would've changed the top color. It was suppose to be a creamier color that matched the bottom well. When I got home, everything was done and I just figured I could live with it until I couldn't then I would change it. I feel like it's almost time to change the color. I do like the bottom color real well. However, I hate this little space between my two sets of windows. I'm a star collector. I love to find different shapes and sizes, preferably not the rusty stuff. The clock doesn't have to stay, I can always move it. Out of habit since I 've lived here, the clock has been in this exact spot. Then angel below was found in Hiawatha, Kansas when my dad worked there. I'd like to keep her somewhere within this area. I can picture a large saltbox house picture here. Not sure if that really suits me or not though. I am looking for a small lamp to add to the table. I think I want something in the large colored hurricane style. I would love to have a red one if I could find it.

I have these guys hanging just around the corner from the clock. I love how they look in this little corner. My thought was to modify their size and cut something out with my saw. I'm not loving the idea, but it's an idea.

I do have other ones I can re-create. I haven't had that old saw out for quite sometime, but I'm in the mood to use it.

I think since the weather seems to be changing and it feels more like late summer, I'm in the mood to decorate for fall. I'm holding onto my horses though, it's a bit too early.

Any ideas from you primitive crafty ladies will be much appreciated!!

Parade Part II

Just a few more shots of the parade festivities this afternoon. Tonight is the big finale. It's amazing how many people come back for reunions. A lot plan their vacations to return to this small town. I miss that about my family. Everyone would have lunch at grandma/pa's then head over to the parde. They only lived 1 block away from the main street. And only a few more blocks from the park. Perfect for those "potty" runs. Good memories of homecoming. I cast my pocket full of wishes to those young ones to have wonderful experiences and happy times with friends and family like I did growing up.

On your mark. Everyone gets lined up. This starts very early in the morning as people prepare their floats.

Hey, I think I know these two...

Emergency vehicles, a lot of them...
I think they were digging for candy to toss...
For my friend Connie...

Tricked out lawn mower racers. These kids' dads will be in some serious trouble one day.

The class of 1958. They were having a very good time.
I love that this German family came out amongst all the Italians today. Brave, brave souls, good for them!!!!

Awesome float. They put some work in this one.
A replica of the Bevier & Southern. One of these days I plan to do a post on this rail line. I believe it was one of the shortest lines ever run. Those good ole coal mining days...

The Class of 1978.
You always know when it's the end of the parade...Until next year...