Rescuing a Tough Day

Yesterday was a particularly difficult day for me.  Last week I called an out of state friend and shared that I was so sad about the current state of our country.  Her response of "Of course you are, dear," made me feel connected.  At least I wasn't alone.  She shared prayerful thoughts and inspirational things to read.  I felt better for awhile.  However, this week I've felt very alone again.  I've been in what a teacher friend of mine calls an "ugly head space" for months now.

At the end of June I shared with a friend how bad I felt about George Floyd's death.  Over the years she and I've gone out to lunch, talked about a lot of things and I really thought she would say something like, "Of course you do, dear, so do I."   Not her response.  Not even close.

I've been trying to sort this friend's response out ever since.  My sorting out has been very clunky.  It became all about me.  Was I clueless about a friend?  Does it say something about me to have a friend who made racist comments?  If we go out to lunch again, do I say something?  Will I ever want to go out to lunch with her again?

I got a call from my daughter yesterday evening -- at the end of the "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day."  I was not giving my usual cheerful responses and finally my daughter said, "What's wrong, mom?"  Over the years we've had loads of conversations about social justice.  She's a very thoughtful young woman, who keeps me on my toes about what's right.  She's taught me a lot and corrected me when I've said thought-less things.  Last night all she was was loving and supportive.  She gently suggested that maybe I was just feeling sorry for myself, and then, working to make me feel better, shared all the things she does or doesn't do when she's feeling sorry for herself.  She shared that when she feels hopeless it's because it doesn't look like things will ever get better.  But, she said, things are getting better, even if there's more to do.  And she reminded me there are things I'm doing to help make the world a better place.  She actually said almost the same things my husband had said earlier in the day.  Somehow coming from her I was finally able to hear them and feel better.

My new mantra is from the Dalai Lama:

"If you think you are too small to make a difference,
try sleeping with a mosquito."

International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day

click here to see behind the scenes

I know some amazing women -- women who have traveled around the globe or who have never left their hometown.

Every one of these women has a story to tell and accomplishments to smile about.

My guess is you do too!

Today and everyday, celebrate the amazing women in your life!

It turns out I have way more photos of architecture and plants than I do of my friends,
so here are just a few ~

Provence 2014

Tennis Partners 1968

I've known both these women since Jr High School

 one of my besties

Happy Birthday

TRAVEL ~ Day 16

I returned my zippy little car to the airport and afterwards, Betty & I went on an antiques jaunt.  When I lived here, she & I would go to estate sales, garage sales and antique shops together as often as we could.  We went to a couple places downtown and then over to Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.

Vignette's

Everyone's favorite.  It is so pretty and fun!

They asked that I not take any pictures of handmade items,

so I limited my photo activities altogether!

 

Pretty pastel display on top of a tall armoire.

No pictures, but dinner out was with Cathy, Betty, Nancy and Renee.  It was a wonderful time.  Although all these ladies know each other (our kids went to elementary, middle & high school together at some time and in some combination), none of us see each other often.  At one point the conversation turned to books (all these friends love to read) and pens & paper were brought out while titles were written down and shared.  It's possible a new book club will grow out of this dinner.  I'm sorry I won't be here to participate, but it thrills me no end that my friends may become better friends with each other.

Balboa Park, San Diego

TRAVEL ~ Day 15

The next evening I went to Balboa Park with Betty, my former Girl Scout Co-Leader and Nancy, a PTA friend and Betty's older daughter's Girl Scout Leader.

The low light and a bit of shaking on my part makes this a less than perfect photo (one of these days I'm actually going to have to read the manual and shoot away from the "easy mode"), but that trumpet flower tree was so wonderful.  Maybe you can imagine it clearer.  There were also pink ones, but the pink ladies truly resisted having their pictures taken!

 The Arboretum
At first, none of us could remember what this building is called.

Of course, once we had, it seemed that Arboretum was in every sentence and became a word of plain silliness by the end of our wanderings!

Balboa Park was the site of the Panama California Exposition in 1915, and the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935.  Click here for lots more info.

My husband played with bands here . . .

. . . our kids love the Railroad Museum.

Plus the zoo is here, the organ pavilion, it is a very fun place.

Interesting architecture.

After walking around the grounds, my friends and I had food on the patio of The Prado restaurant and then were treated to tickets to see Jane Austen's EMMA  A Musical Romantic Comedy.  Nancy's daughter works at the Old Globe and was able to get us comps.  What a wonderful musical.  As Jane Austen is my favorite author, I might be a bit prejudiced.  Then again, perhaps I would have noticed if it did not live up to the book.  It was a lovely production -- set, costumes, actors & singing voices all delightful.

Coronado Island

TRAVEL ~ Day 14

 

San Diego, my old stomping grounds.

We lived in North County during my son's 2nd year; moved to La Jolla a month before my daughter was born (a great excuse to get out of lifting any boxes or furniture!); and finally settled in Chula Vista where the kids went to elementary school  and I made really wonderful friends thru classroom volunteering and PTA.

 One of those friends & I spent the afternoon on Coronado Island ~

,

We had lunch at Sheerwater,

one of the restaurants at the Hotel Del.

We ate outdoors, but were in the shade, perfect!

 After lunch we walked around the grounds,

 discovering these great garden beds.

 

too hot for my tastes!

 

Maybe the berries in our salad were from here!

Then a wonderful, leisurely walk on the beach!

Old Friends

TRIP ~ DAY 6

We were best friends in high school.

We haven't seen or written or talked to each other since then.

Judging by our yackin', you'd never know 40 years have passed.

Not bad for a couple of old broads!

I don't know if this song was a favorite of Renee's in high school. It certainly was one of mine.  Seems very appropriate here.

Giving Back A Little Sunshine

I've probably mentioned this, but I love going out to lunch --  when my husband is free we have favorite places; doing lunch with a girlfriend is a treat; and getting to eat out by myself where I can sit and read a book can be a real highlight to my week.

A couple times a month I eat out at a restaurant next to the closest Michael's.  I've gotten to know one of the waitresses.  There are all sorts of reasons we hit it off.  She is a good listener.  We both like to read.  I've suggested books for her to read.  She has a favorite series and said I might like it.  I read it, I liked it, I told her so.  It's fun to talk books together!  I always ask to sit in her section and she seems genuinely pleased when I come in.  She is such an upbeat person, it's nice to see her when I eat there.

She & a friend are going to Hawaii for the winter and I wanted to give her a little bon voyage gift.  Having a daughter her age, I know -- cash is always welcome.  My friend Mary made creative holders for gift cards and a holiday gift book and they inspired me to be creative in the packaging of my gift.

 

Front of card

I love the snapshot.

The beauty in the canoe seemed apropos!

Open to Inside

All sections of the tri-fold card.

I used walnut ink, distress stamp pad ink applied with Ranger blending tool & foam, rubber stamps, printed tape, markers, ribbon, a MS border punch, vintage paper, rhinestone strips.

The glittery ribbon holds the money.

I cut a strip in the card, laced the ribbon through and taped it in place on the back.

Compartment to hold bills is closed.

I went to the restaurant today for lunch.  She said she was hoping I would come in today as tomorrow is her last day -- so sweet.  I gave her the gift, and she was so pleased.  It was wrapped up and she didn't open it while I was there.  I figured she might like to open it by herself.  I'm terrible at getting gifts, but I love giving them, specially when it's to someone who is so nice!

Celebrating!

This is my 100th post and 1st giveaway!

photo credit Cape Cod Rambling Rose

Last weekend was my shop open house.  What made it so delightful were my friends, who came out in force!  One friend is someone I knew in California when my kids were little.  She's here for a temporary job and I love it that she took her lunch hour to come visit the shop.

Another friend brought her children and they were an additional delight!  Her daughter tried on a whole bunch of my vintage hats.  Her 5 year old son did also.  Then my friend and I had to join in the fun! 

  We all looked mahvalous.  

photo credit Cape Cod Rambling Rose

The kids each picked out a vintage ornament for their tree.  Yessss -- handing off the vintage tradition to the next generation.  

photo credit Cape Cod Rambling Rose

 

Louise, who is so busy with 4 kids, her husband's shop and her creative endeavors, showed up to ooh and ah!  Even tho there are lots of breakables in the shop, I really enjoy kids coming in -- well behaved & interesting kids anyway.  So I was glad Louise brought her 2 youngest.  They are sweeties!  I have used some of her beautiful photos for this post.  She is documenting Cape Cod this holiday, drop over and see her blog Cape Cod Rambling Rose. 

New friends also visited.  A couple with an antique shop up the road who have welcomed me into the 6A community of antique shops came by on Sunday.  Their daughters visited on Saturday.  One daughter, Lee is an amazing photographer.  Click here to see her website.  

 

photo credit Lee Sutton Photography

She's purchased some things from my shop for props and we have a mutual admiration society.  She loves my shop, I love her photos!  

 

 

photo credit Cape Cod Rambling Rose

Two women who had never been in the shop before came in.  We hit it off right away.  I love making new friends, so I hope I get to see these ladies again.  Maybe they like to go out to lunch?   

 

So to celebrate both 100 and friendship, I am having a giveaway.  I will pick a comment and send this little basket & other treasures from my studio & shop.  Leave a comment before December 24th, telling me what you celebrate and treasure in your life! 

2 Little Shops, 2 Much Fun!

My friend and neighbor Amy Mason has a wonderful shop across the street from me.  Sometimes it's just knowing she's over there, open, that gets me to open my shop when I might really rather be going out to lunch and reading a book!

Tomorrow we are having open houses at our shops.  She designed a great e-card, the gist of which you can see here.

My card

Designed by Amy at Stony Brook Design

(the back has all the pertinent info)

Amy's business card
She designs the cutest greeting cards too.
I love visiting her shop, it's bright, cheery and full of color.
Plus she does killer displays!

Adding a bit of sparkle to the blues.

A couple hours away from Pink Saturday!

Holiday gift tags

I couldn't resist the white embossing powder, it's called "winter wonderland" and has a little bit of sparkle to it!

The Big Day

 I understand why professional photographers are hired for weddings!  They aren't distracted by being a part of the ceremony, or needing to be in the photos.  So this is my view of the wedding: pretty dresses, flowers & dancing shoes!

 

BFF's!

She even did my eye makeup!

 The ladies of the wedding party.

I love the flowers.  Wish I could have taken them on the plane home.

The bride loves shoes.

While this picture doesn't quite do them justice, these are truly amazing  & match the dress.

 Head Table

 Centerpiece.

The flowers match the cake.

 Beautiful and Restrained.

The bride & her younger brother.

I've known him almost as long as I've known my friend and I love watching them dance!