I'm back!

Hello,

I'm back from taking November off for National Novel Writing Month.  No, I didn't complete a whole novel of 50,000 words in a month, but I did write 4 chapters and 12,000 words-which is more than I've written this whole year!  I also developed some daily writing habits.  I found I do have time to write at night while enjoying a glass of wine instead of watching some mindless TV show.  I'm going to continue with my novel and now have a goal to complete it over the next year!  I wish you luck with your challenges and dreams!

I did spend a little time at the antique mall sprucing up for Christmas and also attended the fabulous Christmas Open House at the Shabby House (stay tuned). 

Here's some pics of my booth all decorated up for the holidays. 

   Take care,

Di

Taking a break in November for NaNoWriMo

Hello,

I'm taking a break from the blogging world to participate in the National Novel Writing Month challenge where professional and amateur authors from around the world try to write a complete novel (50,000 words) in the month of November.  Check-out the craziness and fun at:  http://www.nanowrimo.org/ and follow my progress in the widget below.

Wish me luck, and see you in December!

Di

It's starting to feel a little spooky!

Hello,

It's starting to feel a little spooky in your fav store, outside, and even in your very own home as skeletons, witches, and creepy crawling critters of all kinds begin their invasion.  Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday-my son was born the day before Halloween!  I remember, back in 1990, wearing black leggings and a bright orange smock to my baby shower (just a few days before I gave birth).  Those were my skinny days (sigh) and Matt was a big baby, so somehow (unintentionally) I looked like a giant pumpkin.  I spent that first Halloween happily with him in the hospital-his first costume a diaper and receiving blanket-while children trick-or-treated outside the hospital window.

Plus, I'm a horribly chicken person.  I hate scary movies, violence, and pretty much conflict of any kind, so Halloween is the perfect holiday.  You can be scared-all in fun!

These pics are a repeat from The Shabby House in Boise last Halloween.  I haven't had a chance to get over there to snap new ones (hopefully this weekend), but I love the decorations they did last year and felt they deserved a second showing.  

           

Happy Haunting!

Di

Memories of a Pink Portable Hair Dryer!

Hello,

Every once in awhile in my treasure hunting, I come across an item that sparks a vivid memory.  The memory can be unpleasant-like a pack of multiplication flash cards that reminded me of hours in my basement being drilled by a tutor.  Math was never my strong suit!  Or the memory can be a pleasant one-like the comforting blankie you carried around with you until it was threadbare and falling apart.

I recently found the pink portable hair dryer above at a yard sale.  My Mother had one similar to this she would put us girls under after our bath.  I loved the soothing sound of the air coming through the hose as it filled-up on the top of your head like a big balloon.  When it was your turn, you grabbed your favorite book and snuggled down in your flannel pajamas as the warm air dried your hair.  It was a simple, happy pleasure during an innocent time.

I took it into the shop to sell, but I'm now debating bringing it back home to use after my next bubble bath.  One day soon, my hubby may come home to find me in flannel pjs reading a Nora Roberts novel with a goofy looking contraption on my head.

Leave me a comment if you remember any similar happy memories from a pink portable hair dryer. 

I love to spell out words with old scrabble or game letters.  Of course, this one spells out my fantasy city-Paris!

The witches have started to invade the antique mall!  I guess Halloween is definately on the way!

Take care,

Di

Time to send the flamingos flying!

Hello,

If you're like me, you've finally realized you can no longer ignore what the chill in the air, the kids back in school, or the Halloween decorations in your fav store mean. Yes, summer is officially over! It's time to send the flamingos flying back to their storage in the garage or attic until next Spring along with any stray garden gnomes.

The one nice thing about Fall in my yard is the brilliant blooms of the Trumpet Creeper that climbs the trellis over my front walkway. It's summer's last hurrah before everything fades to brown.

Here's a few pics of my front yard (while it still looks good before that first freeze). On the bright side, decorating for Christmas is not too far away (Michael's Craft Store has Christmas decorations already on the shelves).

My obsession with Eiffel towers extends to the front porch table. Pretty pink petunias pop-out of a rusty watering can. A finial sits under a glass cloche.

Another iron Eiffel tower and shabby little church birdhouse sits on top of a cabinet. I found this cabinet at a yard sale painted bright orange for $2.00. I painted and distressed it adding decorative touches with chunky stamps loaded with brown and creme paint.

The trumpet creeper welcomes you!

The brilliant trumpet blooms last hurrah!

Have a great evening!

Di

Love my new spot in the Annex!

Hello,

I absolutely love, love, love my new spot in the Annex at Antique World Mall. It's the perfect size. I even love the background color (brown) and the pink chippy cement floor. I hung (or should I say my sweet hubby hung) two sparkly chandeliers (from Home Depot-they look old but are new and were only $68.00 ea) and added a black scroll border. These pics didn't turn out great, but I couldn't wait any longer to share them with you. I hope you stop by to check-out my petite booth as well as all the other great vendors in the Annex.

Shabby wicker laundry basket, "His" & "Hers" pretty pillowcases, and white chalkboard.

Looks like I had way too much caffeine when I took this shot!

Adorable red child's tricycle

Pink birthday plates and napkins are so charming!

Block letters spell, "Paris". Wish I was there!

Take care,

Di

Move to the Annex!

Hello,

It's always good to make a change: new hairdo, new room color, new man (except in my case-I've got a keeper). Realizing my own limitations of working full-time, trying to self-publish a Children's book with my Mother, taking care of my family, and my inability to successfully clone myself, I recently decided to downsize my large booth at Antique World Mall.

To my delight, when I approached Sue (the fabulous owner of the mall) and hesitantly told her of my plans, she had the perfect petite spot in the Annex available. The Annex, "features antiques and vintage treasures, painted furniture, shabby chic, and many unique items. The Annex is a fun place to shop for distinctive home decor and imaginative gifts," I quote the website. I absolutely adore The Annex and was thrilled to become a part of it! My area is the small "nook" located in the back hallway by the emergency exit (hopefully, it won't take an emergency to get you to visit my booth).

I'm not quite ready to share pics yet as I've got some sparkly chandeliers to hang this weekend to complete the booth. But I did want to share some pics of my new, favorite family at the mall. They own, "Shabby Attic Furniture" (see link on the right) and have the front part of the Annex as well as one (or more) of the rooms. Their adorable painted furniture, nick-nacks, and treasures always make me smile. I also met, Diane or "Red" (named for her pretty red hair) whose booth, "Boutique Rousse" specializes in vintage dresses, gowns, sparkly shoes, and jewelry (see link on the right). I love her booth and have posted pics of it in the past.

Here's some of "Shabby Attic's Furniture" for your viewing pleasure.

Hope to see you there soon!

Di