The Stone Rabbit

THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Located in Independence, MO, the 31 room Vaile mansion was built during the early 1880s by U.S. mail contractor Harvey Merrick Vaile and his wife.  It was  inspired by a large house they had visited in Normandy, France.  The home was completed in 1881 at a cost of $100, 000.00 and is said to be one of the most costly and beautiful homes of its era.

The Vaile Society hosts three public events each year to help raise money for the furnishings of the mansion,  which are in keeping with the splendor and style of the Victorian Era.

The Strawberry Festival, held the first or second Saturday in June, is one of The Society's fund raising events.  It also happens to be one of my favorite local antique shows to attend.

 

We always arrive early so we can have loads of time to look and eat and look and eat!

This is the mansion  when  approached  from the front sidewalk. 

No, the mansion does not tilt--the photographer is the "guilty tilty"!

You can tell we were there very early, because the vendors were still setting up.

 

Visitors were greeted by the official "Ms Strawberry 2008".  The strawberry outfit looks like it has been around a few festivals, but Ms Strawberry was a good sport and struck a cute pose!
 

                                                                                 

We ran into these friends ---- they are always early birds like us!  They also like to eat as much as we do.

I took a photo of them.

 

 

They took a photo of us!

Don't you just love our Junkmaster shirts?  Bonnie gave me mine as a birthday gift a couple of years ago.  The shirts tell it like it is----we love "junk" and we feel we are "masters" of it!

 

 

A little stroll  down the first aisle and we see these sweet little dresses--hanging on the line!

 

 

This booth always does terrific business with their beautiful plants.

 

 

 One of the great parts of local sales is that I always see so many folks I know. This vendor is Karen and I went to high school with her!  She thinks she's pretty swell because I am OLDER than she is----by one whole year.

I always zero in on old funeral baskets---I happen to collect green ones, but I'm always looking at prices and if I find one really, really cheap--then I buy it.  I like to use them as display pieces in my booths at local sales---of course, they will be for sale, too!

This lady is Dee.  We served on PTA committees together when our daughters were in elementary school!  Dee makes wonderful aprons and she is shown here demonstrating a "ditty bag".  It's a tote that can be extended to hold more items!  Clever.

 

I love vintage creamers and tea pots--so this display caught my eye.

 

This booth belongs to Diana, a vendor I have gotten to know over the years.  She sells vintage and primitives and ALWAYS at great prices.

 

Wonderful linens beautifully displayed.

 

Great enamel pots and pans in a well-used wagon.

 

This beautiful mother-daughter team of Samantha (left) and Lesa sell wonderful vintage items as well as lovely and original hand made creations. 

Along with Cassie, Lesa's other daughter, they have an on-line shop at ETSY.COM.   Their user name is Sweet Peace(sweetxpeace).  Among the items they offer on line are:  needle felted creations, jewelry, purses and folk are pieces.  They are a talented trio! 

I also need to add that Lesa works with Renee Nanneman in creating beautiful items for her NEED'L LOVE DESIGNS publications.
 
















 

Marian (holding the goods) waits as Bonnie (the one with the word "junk" on her back) pays for a cute wicker tray AND a GREEN FUNERAL BASKET!!  She KNOWS I love green funeral baskets and she nabbed it right out from under me anyway!

 

 

To ease the pain of my green funeral basket loss, I searched out the booth selling (what else?) Strawberry Shortcakes.
 

 

Being the kind and forgiving and generous and loving person I am, I forgave Bonnie for nailing that funeral basket before me AND invited her and Marian to join me in a little morning snack of strawberry shortcake and ice cream!  It was 9:30 a.m. at that time!  The fellow in the background had already has his snack and was now taking his morning nap!!!

.

 

We listened to some great fiddle and accordian music as we savored our strawberry delights.

 

 

We were soon on the prowl for treasures again.  Marian was the first to score!  She proudly shows her hammered aluminum Lazy Susan.  I know it will look great in the middle of her dining room table piled high with fruit or perhaps it will hold a glass hurricane and a candle.  She'll get lots of use out of that item.

 

The clear blue sky started to become cloudy, but the mansion still maintained its striking beauty.

 

For a second, I thought the gal in the white "I heart NYC " shirt was Pat from Mille Fiori Favoriti. 

As I got closer and I called out:  "Hey, Pat!  You came all the way from Brooklyn for The Strawberry Festival"!  She looked at me and grabbed the lady next to her and they moved away from those ferns (and me) as fast as their little feet would go!

 

Another view of the beauty.

 

OH, Bon Apetit!    It's lunch time!

 

As we munched on lunch, we enjoyed the talent of the local symphony.

 

Our treasure hunt was over this time. 

 Bonnie and Marian loaded up their finds. (Which included one green funeral basket already tucked into her vehicle!)

 

Here I am with three (one is in the car)----and I said three vintage metal picnic baskets.  Bonnie collects those.  I got her back!  Boy, oh boy, you don't mess with the collector of green funeral baskets without paying the price!

As we were leaving, Ms Strawberry and a very kind officer, told us how much they enjoyed our visit to the festival this year.  They also hoped we would come back for The Strawberry Festival 2009.  We assured them we would!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before I left the house to go to the festival, a  little "birdie" told me how much THE STONE RABBIT loves fresh strawberries- - - - - so when I saw Ms. Strawberry handing out souvenir baskets of strawberries, I was only too happy to bring one home for him.

He was thrilled.   

Thank you Ms Strawberry Festival 2008---you made my rabbit so happy!

 

DANA

THANKFUL and THANK YOUS. . . . .

This morning, as I took my first steps out of the front door and breathed in my first breathe of fresh summer morning air, I realized what a lot I have to be thankful for. 

  At the top of this "thankful list" are the really important people in my life--my husband, family and friends.  Of course, there are my little furry friends who bring me such joy (mixed with a tad of aggravation at times) .

After people and furry friends, would be so many other material blessings that have come our way over the years.  However, the little blessings I saw all around me this morning and don't always appreciate are the ones I want to share right now.

For instance, there's this ice cold glass of orange juice, just waiting for me to enjoy!  That is certainly something for which to be thankful--it's pretty hot in the Mid-west right now! 

I am certainly thankful  my begonia and ivy planter.  The plants have managed to grow this summer---even when I forget to water them like I should.  The red blooms look almost orange as the early sun shines on them.

In the front of the house, the day lilies are starting to bloom again---we turned on the  sprinkler so they get a little more consistent dose of water between the rains we've experienced this year.  They are showing their appreciation and I AM thankful.

I am thankful the Liriopi are starting to put forth their sprigs of purple.  I love the little touch of color they add to the border.

I am thankful our trees in the front yard are thriving and providing more and more shade each summer.  Check out that tiny trunk diameter---it IS much larger than three summers ago! (At our old house we had seven enormous trees that gave us lots of shade AND tons of leaves to deal with in the fall.)

I am even thankful for good neighbors who put out their trash and don't let it pile up---we had issues with that in our old neighborhood! (I just saw the black bags to the right of the tree and realized that is truly something to appreciate!)

 

I am thankful our newspaper arrives on time, 99% of the time. 

I would have been more thankful if it had hit the drive and not the wet grass I had to tip-toe through to retrieve it, but it's here and that is a plus!

 

I am thankful the Impatients I planted WAY too late are starting to grow.

 

I am thankful for THE STONE RABBIT, my trusty friend, and how cute he looks snuggled next to the Impatients.  I think he secretly gives them little pep talks and that is why they are thriving!

 

 

 

I am thankful for a rabbit who knows how to spell and send out a message for me to some very special people.

 

 

 

I am thankful for the following kind bloggers who sent these wonderful awards my way.

This "Thank You" goes to:

Laura of AMONGST THE OAKS and  Connie ofLIVING BEAUTIFULLY and Jean of THE DAISY CHAIN.

They each  passed the BRILLANTE WEBLOG on to me --- thank you so much for that sweet honor!  I think the "brillante" part is a stretch, however.  :-)

THOUGHT: I believe I just proved my daughter right---I don't accept compliments well.   Sorry, I do thank you!!!

 

                                      

The rules say:

1. Please put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. You must nominate 7 fellow bloggers for this award.
4. Add links to the recipients.
5. Leave a comment so the recipients know they have received an award.

 

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Next, I want to thank Kim of KIM'S TREASURES for sharing this lovely award!

The rules: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same** Read all the details at Memoirs of a Mommy. You'll be touched by this story!

                     

Lastly, I want to say "thank you" to all of the fellow bloggers I have met over the last few months---- since I started becoming good friends with my computer and with many of you via the Internet.    

 

I want to pass these lovely awards  on to all of you bloggers that I visit on a regular basis and let you know I have been there by leaving comments for you--- the established and very loved of you and the newer and growing of you.  Your posts are brilliant and uplifting and a big part of my daily life.  Thank you!    

Please take these  awards and share them, if you wish, with those who you feel deserve them just as much as I feel YOU do.

DANA                                

THE PINK CHALLENGE !

Because I don't have a bunch of pink items in my home, I am always thinking about ways to participate in Beverly's Pink Saturday!

I was recently shopping at Target and saw these pink flip-flops.

I brought them home and looked at them for a couple of days and then the idea really grew!

Wouldn't it be fun to involve my friends in a Pink Saturday Challenge!

Ohhh, the wheels were spinning in my head.

I promptly sent e-mails asking them for their shoe sizes.  Puzzled, but being the good sports they are, they sent me the information---waiting until our next breakfast meeting for the rest of what I had in mind for them.

Armed with shoe sizes, I returned to Target and purchased the shoes.  The clerk was a bit taken back by the pile of Pink flip-flops in assorted sizes, but maintained his composure and scanned them and put them in a bag.

Not everyone was able to make it to breakfast that day, BUT as you can tell by the thrilled expressions on their faces, the ones who were there and received the "challenge" could hardly contain themselves!

The Pink Challenge was this:  these friends (and four others) were to take their pink flip-flops and decorate them in any manner.  Next, they were to show up at my house the next Monday---wearing the Pink Flip-flops and, of course, something else that was also Pink!  For their efforts, they would be rewarded with "enticing" (that's for you Laura) food, fun, and photos---lots and lots of photos!

During the days prior to the Pink Challenge Gathering, I worked really hard at preparing for the event.

I cleaned, I drug out the special vintage plates I had hidden away and rarely used (pink flowers adorn these dishes!), I cooked,  I moved an extra table into the dining room----whew! This Pink Challenge was a lot of work!  But, boy oh boy, would it ever be worth it!!

(A word about the plates---found them at a garage sale for $1.00 a piece.  They are a Homer-Laughlin design.)

Twiggy loved the extra table and chairs I sat up to accommodate my friends.

Oh, what fun this would be!!!

 

Of course,  THE STONE RABBIT, was an integral part of the centerpiece on the kitchen island.

 

 

 

                                                                                  
                                                                                

Laura brought me two beautiful roses from her plants!  Thank you, Laura!

 

 

Here are the poppy seed muffins I made!

I prepared a fruit salad.  Whoops, WRONG, Patty and Bonnie prepared the fruit salad---I ran out of time and since they were the first of the guests to arrive (thankfully for me!!!!) I promptly piled the fruit in front of them with little knives and a bowl and said "Here! Cut!"

They know I'm NEVER totally ready for any event I plan, so they are always the best about pitching in and bailing me out at the last minute---Thank You, Patty and Bonnie!

Oh, see that darling pink picture frame?  Mary Ann picked that up as a little gift for me!  Of course, she knew there would be a group shot of us that would look mighty fine in it!!!  Thank YOU, Mary Ann!

No brunch would be complete without our traditional mimosa toast---this time the toast is for "Friendship, Fun, and the Pink Challenge!"

Whoa!  Looks like Laura included THE STONE RABBIT in on the good time!

 

The food was on the plates and my friends  were are at the tables!  What a great gathering.

At this table was Bonnie(left), Laura in the white blouse (her slacks ARE Pink!) and Mary Ann at top center.  

For you lovers of "great finds"---the goblets are Americana Fostoria.  I found them at a thrift store a couple of years ago for (brace yourselves) $1.48 each!  

Here we have Patty, (left to right) Beth (bright pink shirt), Mary and Sharleen (with the black vest).  They are smiling, but I think they were thinking "Will she EVER put the danged camera down and let us eat?"


                                                                      

After the feast, which also included French toast and quiche, it was time for "Pink Flip-flop Show and Tell".

Patty (left) and Beth shared their creativity!  Patty attached curly shades of pink ribbon to her shoes, while Beth crocheted yarn (I think it's called "eye-lash" yarn) to hers!  Good job ladies!

I can see both of them flippin' around in those festive shoes all summer long!!!

Laura (left) wrapped her shoe straps with pink and white gingham---which just so happened to MATCH her capris!  She added a sweet little butterfly!   IMPRESSIVE and so co-ordinated, Laura.  Mary (right) attached  shear pink roses to her shoes, THEN, embellished the side of the soles with painted designs and buttons!  ABOVE AND BEYOND, Mary!

Sharleen (left) wrapped the straps with chenille yarn, then the clever girl, added a lovely earring right in the middle!  Nice touch!  Bonnie (right) also used the curly ribbon approach, THEN she found the cutest little FLAMINGOS (on jewelry) and attached them within the bows.  To add even MORE interest, she put sweet little flower stickers on the top of the soles! 

Mary Ann, on the right, wrapped her straps in black, then attached flowers.  She even decorated her hair with a lovely pink bow (it had black polka-dots) AND to "tie" the entire ensemble together,  she used another length of the same ribbon as a belt!  Where, or where, did I come up with such a creative and fashion conscious group of friends?  Me (left), well I was down to the final minutes before my party was about to happen, so I quickly gathered some black and pink dotted fabric and attached that to the center of the straps, then cleverly, stitched on PINK heart buttons.   How's that for excitement?

                                                                                

Sharleen made each of us a darling pink ribbon pin to wear in honor of the Pink Challenge!  Note the Pink wire she fashioned into flower petals, then used vintage white buttons as the centers!  Thank you, Sharleen!

THE STONE RABBIT thought it would be really neat if we pretended we were the Rockettes in our embellished flip-flops.  So we formed a circle,  put our arms on each other's shoulders and did high-kicks to "New York, New York"!

 

                                 

                                                                                
It didn't take us too long to realize a small circle and high kicks did not make a good combination.  So we formed the traditional Rockette line and proceeded with our dance!

Wow! You should have seen us!  The Pink shoes were totally energizing----even after consuming such a carb laden brunch!  Thank heavens for the Power of Pink!

 

Mary surprised all of us with our very own Pink Glasses! 

Of course, that called for ANOTHER photo of our glorious Pinkness!

Check out who Bonnie is holding!  Yep, even THE STONE RABBIT had some Pink shades.

THE STONE RABBIT had such a good time at The Pink Challenge.  He talked about it all week long!

Oh, and Mary Ann, he really enjoys the pink pin wheel you brought over and Mary, he hardly takes those Pink glasses off!

 

One last Thank You to my friends.  You are always up for fun--even if it's pretty goofy.  You made the Pink Challenge turn out to be a great time---you are the bestest friends ever.    Oh, I want to see those flip-flops now and then! :-)

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For many, many more fun Pink Saturday blogs, you will need to go over to Beverly's at HOW SWEET THE SOUND for a list!

Here's hoping your Pink Saturday is full of fun!

 

DANA

 

HOW TO ENTERTAIN A KITTY

 

When little  Twiggy isn't sleeping she is very, very busy.

 

 

As her co-owner, I make certain she is  entertained!  You see, I've learned that it keeps little kitties out of trouble if they are appropriately occupied!

 

Here little Twiggy plays with her blue fish---a favorite of hers!

Frankie (on the right) is older and more mature.  He showed little Twiggy the joys of watching birds play on the front veranda.  This keeps kitties busy for HOURS! 

 

Twiggy also knows how entertaining it is to sleep on my feet while I work on the computer--she gets her little belly tickled and she likes that a whole lot.

 

Miss Twiggy also loves to be in a chair right over Izzie's head and occasionally whack the unsuspecting pooch.  The length of entertainment time is directly related to Izzie's mood.  Sometimes Izzie doesn't stick around too long!

Today, I found Twiggy in the computer room staring at the wall!  Yep, she was just staring!

Recognizing that this was NOT normal Twiggy behavior, I quickly flew into action and dug  into my "entertaining-the-kitty bag of tricks".

 

First, I removed the foil from the drawer. 

 Then I pulled out approximately eight  inches of the wrap.

Very carefully, I tore off the amount of selected foil.

 

Quickly, I started crumpling the foil ----kitty always hears the noise and knows something is up and she will want to investigate!  This is where  speed is of the essence!

 

By now, the eager kitty is poised  and ready to pounce  on  the little silver ball which I am about to toss is on the floor!

 

Humph,  kitty didn't pounce, but rather daintily batted the little silver orb a time or two, then stretched out on the floor! 

 

Not being an owner that gives up too quickly, I walked over and picked up the wad of foil and gave it another toss in the direction of Twiggy.  She promptly turned her head the other way!

 

In one last effort to engage the kitty in playful exchange, I ever so gently kicked the ball at her again.  This time she stopped it with her paw and stared at the wall in the dining room.

 

However, she actually got up when she heard the sound of THE STONE RABBIT coming into the room and she slowly approached him.

 

THE STONE RABBIT has always taken Twiggy under his "wing"----from the first day she came to live with us about two months ago.  She really likes him, too.

Twiggy actually batted the ball toward THE STONE RABBIT---hoping he might want to play with her.

 

Before the game of Whack the Foil Ball could start there had to be the ceremonial greetings.  First Twiggy sniffed THE STONE RABBIT'S feet.

Then THE STONE RABBIT gave his little "hello" and the Battle of the Foil Ball was on!

 

 

 

 

 

DANA

THE BOUNTY

This time of the summer brings some of the most delicious rewards from the gardens---NOT my garden, but the wonderful gardens of others.  Others who so kindly share their crops with us!  Kind and generous friends who know we LOVE to welcome their homegrown produce into our home!

I just had to take a picture of some of the scrumptious veggies that have been given to us recently.

Tomatoes, green beans, corn, cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash are are in abundance here in the mid-west and are we ever glad!

Aren't they beautiful? 

The little cardboard baskets I put the vegetables in, just for YOU, are from Stephenson's , a local  orchard and restaurant that were in operation for many years until recently. 

I made many a good apple pie from the Johnathans I picked off the trees in their orchards.  Their restaurant was famous for their apple daiquiris and pork chops AND wonderful apple cider.

They still have their fruit stand in operation and continue to sell locally grown items---right now they have peaches!  If you find yourself in Independence, MO, area you might look them up!

 

I had a brunch here yesterday for some of my very special friends.  This is a piece of leftover quiche I had for lunch today---along with the most tasty cucumbers and tomatoes!

Note, THE STONE RABBIT  decided the red bandanna would make a nice "gardeny" touch to my photo!  I think he was absolutely right about that!

 

This says it all!

It was a delightful summer lunch--just me and my concrete bunny and some of the best veggies ever!

 

 

 

 

Sharleen, from LUTICIA CLEMENTINE'S brought this sweet daisy bouquet to me this morning--fresh from her flower garden! 

Daisies are one of my favorite flowers---I carried them and yellow roses in my wedding bouquet!  The wedding was a very long time ago and I have forgotten many, many things since then, but I still recall my pretty little bouquet!

THE STONE RABBIT really loved those flowers, too!

 

 

 

Sharleen, this little photo is for you!

 

 

 

 

I hope all of you are also enjoying the bounty of this wonderful summer.

 

DANA

PINK TEASE

I love tee-shirts.  Not plain tee-shirts.  A plain tee-shirt is boring.  A tee-shirt should send a message.  It needs words or  graphics!

A tee-shirt is like wearing a sign of sorts---it should tell the world who you are, where you're from,  what you did,  where you went,  what you like,  what you don't like.

I decided I needed a new tee-shirt.   Not just any tee-shirt,  but a PINK TEE-SHIRT.  One I could wear proudly on Pink Saturday.  I wanted the Perfect Pink Tee---one that spoke about ME----on PINK.  Oh, yes, and it had to be CHEAP!!

The quest for the Perfectly Pink Cheap Tee started, where else, but at one of our local Thrift Stores!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, yes, here we go------an ENTIRE section devoted to nothing but PINK TEEs !!!  The Gods are smiling---this is going to be a cinch!

Let me see if I can find one that suits the Pinkness of Saturday, but with the appropriate "look" that just screams me.  It's  a given that the price point is good in a spot like this!  I am on a Pink roll!

 

 

 

I found an interesting one right off the bat.

I need to photograph my progress in the Pink Tee search.

 

 

 

OK-----this approach will not work.  Didn't consider the old "mirror reversal" issue!

 

Better.

 

Well, this one is a stunning pink and it does have a "catchy" little animal theme going. . . .you know I  really love little creatures,  but I don't know about beavers. . . . .  and I'm really not much of a water person.

I'll keep it in mind.

The little snorkel is cute. . . . . .

Heck, I'm not a snorkel wearing beaver loving person.  What am I thinking?

This will not do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The price is right and the paleness of the pink is fetching, but my water phobia is not a match with the intent of the tee. 

I have been known to do a mean "dog paddle", but I am lucky to save myself---I am not "lifeguard" material. 

Next

 

 

 

Here we have a nice bold pink, with an animal graphic----but it's the "utter" thing that kinda gets in the way on this one.  I know, I know,  it doesn't say "udder", but it is clearly implied. 

I have nothing against udders---I love milk!  I just don't feel comfortable with this look ON me. 

Man, this is getting worse with every word I udder utter.   After all, one of my uncles owned a dairy farm and I used to help him get those cows into the milking barn and I'd scrub stuff down (not the udders), but udder  other stuff.  I loved visiting and helping with the milk cows.  I'll never be allowed to visit them again if I don't shut up about the "udders". 

Next.

 

 

 

Nope.  Not a horse fan.  Horses scare me.   I have had close encounters with horses.  This is definitely NOT a fit!

Now I feel like such a creep again.  I loved the Black Beauty books and My Friend Flicka---oh, and Trigger!  And being from Missouri, I do love the Budweiser Clydesdales.

This Pink Tee search is NOT simple!

Next.

 

OK.  A sweet pink shirt----with daisies (one of my favorite flowers) AND with "America".  Not a bad combination----Pink, Patriotic, Petals!

AND IT'S A SMALL!!! 

 I'M not a small.  Who wears small---especially in a tee shirt?  Is is even NECESSARY to make small tee shirts?

HELLO!!!   WHO WEARS SMALL?

 

 

 

 

 

hmmmmmmm.

Not a good look for a granny.

(There once was a time---but that was a long, long time ago.)

Next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw this one and thought of Pat of MILLE FIORI FAVORITI.  She lives in Brooklyn and shares the most wonderful information and photos about New York.

I'll bet Pat has one of these shirts!

The color is great-----I'm a sports fan----I LOVE New York-----BUT I live in the Kansas City area-----I CAN'T wear this!

I have to support the ROYALS!

Next.

                                                                                      

  

Yes!  This is looking more like it!

I am crazy about the Royals and to find a Pink Royals shirt is so wonderful. . . . .   BUT baseball is not really what I am all about. My favorite part of the game is the concession stand.

This would just make me think about snow cones and hot dogs and cotton candy and Frosty Malts all of the time! 

                                                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHOA!  This didn't turn out too pink---plus I don't have a child named Danielle.  My family would NOT understand. 

Neither would "Danielle".

 

Next.

 

 

 

 

 

THIS one is getting so close to capturing my essence!

I am a carb-aholic.  

It's pink.

It's cheap.

It's gettin' there!

IT'S DEPRESSING!!!!!

no

 

 

 

 

 OOOOOH!  CSI ! 

I've always like to investigate----figure stuff out------solve the puzzle.

I am the one my husband comes to when he can't find his keys, his billfold, his gym bag, his car . . . . . . . . . .

 

It's Pink and it's cheap, but I live in Independence, MO, ---- not Las Vegas.

CSI:  INDEPENDENCE 

It loses something when put that way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one looks a little more than "gently used"---maybe someone with a real bad attitude was a previous owner.

I don't have a good feeling about this shirt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thrifty, pink, and UN-true! 

 I am getting desperate---I can't find the Perfect Pink Tee!

Rats. . . . . . .I really thought this would be EASY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm certain there MUST be a MISSOURI TIGERS shirt here somewhere!!!

 

 

 

 

Oh, man, I BEGGED my husband to take me on one of the Pink Jeep Tours when we were in Sedona.  He said he'd already spent enough to get me there and if I wanted a better view I'd better start hiking up the hills.

My right knee has never been the same since.

Not this one either--it just brings back bad memories!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lucky, lucky me!

I'M a LEO!  Super!

However, upon closer inspection I see the "It's all About Me!" part!   Don't think THAT sends a good Pink Saturday message!

Rats----it was so close to being the Perfect Pink Tee!!

 

 

 

 

I was starting to get realllllly down----Saturday was getting closer by the minute and ME without the PERFECT PINK TEE  !!!!

 

If you've read my posts lately, you know that I was  looking forward to going to see MAMMA MIA today. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonnie and I DID go see it and it was FABULOUS, and ENERGIZING, and EVERYTHING I had hoped it would be!!!

As we were heading home Bonnie noticed I wasn't showing the amount of excitement I should have been if I was so nuts about the show.

I just told her I was having a real problem finding the Perfect Pink Tee for Pink Saturday----and my time was running out.  I told her about the ones I had found and she thought I should go back and get the "Utterly Divine" shirt.

I told her that wasn't the least bit funny and I slumped down even more in my seat. 

All of a sudden she slammed on the brakes and whipped into a parking spot right in front of a store.  After I scraped myself up off the floorboard, I noticed the sign on the shop said "Happy Times T*Shirt Co."  My eyes bulged with Tee Shirt Anticipation!  Gads, she's a real friend!

When we walked into the store, this beautiful lady came over to us and smiled and sweetly asked,  "May I help you?"   Well, I started stumbling and mumbling about Pink Saturday and how I was in search of the Perfect Pink Tee and how I had looked and looked and looked and NOTHING was out there that was PINK and ME!  

And with a knowing nod, she ever so gently led us to a rack in the verrrrry back of the store.  She told us this was a secret rack where only the special shirts were kept---then  she pointed to the most wonderful Pink Tees I had ever seen in my LIFE!

 

 

OH MY GOODNESS!

The color---PERFECTLY PINK.

The message---MAMMA MIA!  OH, yes!!!

The price---well, two out of three is not too bad!

And with that we each grabbed a Perfect Pink Tee----and the kind and sweet Linda---and asked one of the other store employees to follow us outside to take our photo!

Then Linda said, "Oh you girls look so WONDERFUL in those shirts, why don't you show me a little dance move from MAMMA MIA"!

 

 

 

 

And we did-----after all, we ARE the "Dancing Queens"!

 

 

 

 

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

 

THE STONE RABBIT could hardly wait until I got home to tell him about the movie.  However, he wasn't very happy with me when I walked in with my MAMMA MIA shirt and none for him. 

I had to think fast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think he was OK with this little makeshift tee.  At least he didn't complain any more.  I clearly heard him humming "Take a Chance on Me" when he thought I wasn't there.

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

To see the complete list of all of the bloggers who have great "pinkness" to share today, you will need to visit Beverly's blog HOW SWEET THE SOUND.

Here's hoping your Pink Saturday is filled with fun and joy and, above all else, PINK!

 

DANA

 

Oh, and I have one more pink tee photo for you!

AN AWARD, TAGS AND. . . . . . . . . . . !

         Pat of MILLE FIORI FAVORITI recently presented me with the sweetest award!

                             

There are so many wonderful blogs I enjoy reading, but today I will pass this honor on to these blogs that always put a smile on my face:

                1.  Karen at MY YELLOW FARMHOUSE

                2.  Lynn at THE VINTAGE NEST

                3. Tracie at MY PETITE MAISON

 

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

 

 And now a tag from Darlene at DARLENE'S DAYS

I am to answer the following questions:

Where have you traveled?  My favorite place to visit was New York City, but I also loved Alaska, Boston, Washington D.C., San Antonio and Phoenix.

Where would you like to live? It has taken me a long time to get to this place--I believe I will stay right here!

What is your decorating style? I have gone through lots of styles, but they've always been centered around "reclaimed" items.  Currently, I like "casual traditional"---is that a style?

How many times have you been married? ONCE.

Favorite color:   Thanks to Beverly, I look at pink in a whole new light!

What is your proudest accomplishment? Having a long marriage,  children, daughter in law and grand daughter!  Oh, yes, and a concrete bunny who has stuck around for a very long time.

What would we be absolutely shocked to learn about you? I could eat ice cream until I exploded.

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


 

Kim, from KIM' TREASURES sent a fun tag my way. 

                                      The 7 Song Tag

Here are the rules:

List 7 songs you are into right now. No matter what genre, whether they have words, or even if they are not any good, but they must be songs you are really into right now, shaping your summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your 7 songs.Then tag 7 other people to see what they're listening to.

 

 

OK ------HERE ARE MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE SONGS I AM INTO RIGHT NOW-------AND HAVE BEEN FOR MONTHS!

 

 

        1.  DANCING QUEEN

 

        2.  TAKE A CHANCE ON ME

 

        3.  KNOWING YOU, KNOWING ME

 

        4.  MAMMA MIA  (*****Tracie, that one is for you!)

 

        5.  VOULEZ VOUIS

 

        6.  THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

 

        7.  MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

 

 

 

        I am going to pass these tags on to any of you who want to play!  

 

        Have fun!

 

 

      Can you tell how really, really excited I am about MAMMA MIA?   I'm just giddy with excitement---it's all I can talk about, think about, dream about!  And THE STONE RABBIT  just keeps me pumped !!!!!!

 

 

                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dana

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?

My good friend, Marian, gave this to me for Christmas.

Have you seen one of these before?

 

 

 

You clearly see it starts out flat,. . . . . . . but Presto-Chango . . . . . .

 

Wow, look at it NOW!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And  with a tug and a pull. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

It has  expanded to almost a square---with a bottom , a handle, AND wheels! 

Yes, indeed, this baby has wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

So what does a person do with this thing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's great for hauling plants and yard implements . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or hauling dirt ---the Grand Dog must give the dirt a thorough "sniff-over".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or hauling the recyclables to the car to take to the center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or for giving Izzie a spin around the yard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR. . . . . . . . . . .OR. . . . . . . . . . . . OR. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. WAIT A MINUTE.  What do we have in the cart now?

It looks suspiciously like a little concrete buddy I know and his newest friend, The Flamingo!

 

AND THEY HAVE A MESSAGE!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They know how to make my day!!!!!!!!!

 

DANA

PRIMITIVES OF THE MIDWEST 2008

Recently Rita Briner, owner of Quilter's Station in Lee's Summit, MO, hosted her fourth annual PRIMITIVES OF THE MIDWEST.  This is such an exciting event, as  students from all over the U.S.A.  enroll in classes taught by wonderful designers of quilts, wool applique, stitchery, rug hooking and so much more.  The classes are held over a period of three days.

 

If you click on the name of the shop above, you can read about all of the wonderful designers and the classes they taught during Primitives of the Midwest.

I stitched two of designer Maggie Bonanomi's wool applique patterns for Rita to use as  samples.  The day I was preparing to drop them off at her shop I thought I would take a photo of the projects and. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

well, you can see Miss Twiggy decided to walk across the samples just as I snapped the picture.

 

 

I should buy stock in those tape rollers ---with all of our animals, I'm always trying to get fur off of something or somebody!

The samples looked "hairless" when I left them with Rita.  Whew.

On Saturday morning of the event, Rita holds a "mini-flea market" as a treat for her students.  This year Bonnie and I were able to be a part of that fun time!

 

 

We loaded our cars and arrived at her shop around 6:00 a.m. to unpack and set-up!

 

 

We were on the sidewalk in front of her shop, so the arrangement of our booth was pretty looooong.

 

 

 

Bonnie is adding a bit of patriotic ribbon to the display pieces.

 

 

 

 

Since we had not previously participated in this, we weren't certain what types of items to bring.  As you can tell, we had some vintage. . . . . . and a smattering of seasonal handmades.

 

 

 

We met some wonderful ladies (AND gentlemen) during the few hours we displayed our wares.  I believe we enjoyed visiting with Rita's students about as much as anything!  Bonnie and I have the "gift for gab" - - - neither one of us meets a stranger.  I think that is why we connected as friends some years back.  (Well,. . . .  that and the fact that we like almost exactly the same things and we both are nuts over cats.)

 

 

 

 

Tea-dyed flags in a very vintage and rusty "funeral basket".

 

 

 

 

Our little Hodge Podge!  But isn't it fun?

 

 

 

More of our conglomeration of items.

 

This lovely lady is Renee Nanneman of Need'l Love.  I think I own every single one of the "Threads" books she has published.  If you are not familiar with her line of publications (patterns) take a few minutes to visit her web site which is linked to her business name above.  Many of the items seen here are patterns available in her books.

 

 

This booth belonged to Michelle of M. BALLARD and CO. from Wichita, KS.  Michelle hand stitches the awesome word pillows shown and combines her handmades with wonderful vintage items.

 

 

 

This is the front of the souvenir t-shirts Bonnie and I purchased as a special reminder of our great time at Primitives of the Midwest.  The design is by Maggie Bonanomi.

 

 

 

 

Naturally, THE STONE RABBIT had to check out my new shirt.

 

 

He thought he would be able to wear it, but I told him I thought it looked too big on him. 

He suggested I tell Rita she needs to order some smaller ones for next year . . . . for those with  9" necks.   I told him I'd pass that along.  Rita always likes feedback about the event!

 

DANA

THE PINKNESS OF ANOTHER SATURDAY!

A recent visit to the Square in Independence, MO, led me to my friend's  delightful shop.  It is named Luticia Clementine's---after her Grandmother!

Anyway, I parked my car and was leisurely strolling to her shop. . . . . . . . .

 

 

 

 

just taking my sweet time and enjoying the beauty of the fine summer day. . . . . .

 

 

 

looking forward to seeing Shar's sweet, smiling face. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

when I noticed something very, very "un-Shar-like" positioned beneath her sign.

 

 

Whoa!  What on earth was I seeing? . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

With knees making a popping sound, protesting the squatting position I put myself in, I examined the PINKNESS of this PLASTIC FLAMINGO!!  Has my typically tasteful friend lost her fine decorating mind?

Snatching up that little bird, I walk into her shop.

 

Thrusting the PINK plastic form into her hands, I say to her----"Do you honestly think this is a  look that goes with your Luticia Clementine's vision?"

She was clearly puzzled by what I was talking about--- and how the Pink Flamingo landed under her sign.  (Note that "clearly puzzled" look on her face.)

But . . . . . . . . . . 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being the perfect hostess, with a soft heart (AND a fondness for PINK herself---see the shirt she has on!) she gave the Flamingo a little hug and said, "You just look around the shop as much as you want---make yourself at home my little Pink friend!"

And with that. . . . . . .off he went!

 

 

 

First, he headed for the "Baby Corner" and inspected the sweet pink outfit and the darling little BUNNY lamp - - - - ooh, I'm thinking.  He can't be all bad!  He obviously has an eye for Pink and Bunnies.  I found myself softening.

 

 

Still in the "baby corner", he checked out a precious little Pink diaper bag which contained---yes, oh, yes---a Pink bottle!

 

 

Then he flew up to the display of the soft photo albums and selected a Pink one. 

While looking through the pages, the little stuffed Bunnies hopped on his back for sweet little rides around the store!  "WEE" you heard them say as he sailed near the original tin ceiling, then swooped back to their display location, letting them hop happily off!

Oh, that Flamingo was a charmer-----

 

Next, the PINK FLAMINGO perched himself amidst the enticing cake mix display---naturally, zeroing in on the Pink wrapping of the Coca-Cola Cake Mix. 

With a wink at me he asked if I would put the bag of cake mix on Shar's check-out counter--he was starting a little "pile" of items he wanted to buy.

"How is he going to pay?", I'm thinking to myself.

 

I had to show him one of my favorite items----this wonderful purse with the large Pink flower.  He examined the interior and remarked it was very well made and would probably hold a lot of stuff!

 

Oh, then he was fascinated by the CD's and Pink "back to school items"!  

But he quickly flew to the top of the fireplace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

and there he admired a lovely Pink floral embellished plate.  OHHHH! he DOES like the finer things in life I thought.

On the fireplace hearth, he sniffed the PINK bouquet atop one of the darling  "mini-cake plates" Shar creates using candle sticks and unmatched dishes----sweet!

 

From the fireplace, the Pink Flamingo made his way up the steep flight of stairs to Shar's second floor, admiring the lovely hammered aluminum trays temptingly mounted on the wall!!

 

He was absolutely fascinated by the gorgeous PINK dishes he located on one of the shelves!  I was liking this boy more and more!

 

We made it back downstairs and Shar "rang US" up----yep, I had to pay!  He said he didn't have pockets to hold his money and I felt sorry for him by then.

Shar put the purchases in one of her sweet bags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

and gave the PINK FLAMINGO a little hug "good bye". 

She knew I was a sucker------I paid for his loot AND

 

I gave him a ride back to my house!  He LOVED the ride in my van---he kept wanting to hang out of the window the entire trip!!!

Of course, THE STONE RABBIT (on the far right) and the rest of the yard gang were thrilled to see the PINK FLAMINGO join the group.

They are such an open-minded circle of friends.  They always have room for more and they accept new friends just they way they are---even if they happen to be plastic and PINK!

Ok!  NOW the real fun begins!  Please hop over to Beverly's at HOW SWEET THE SOUND for links to several other bloggers who are sharing wonderful posts today in honor of another Pink Saturday!!!

Have a terrifically PINK Saturday----I will!

DANA