February 27, 2009

Surprise!

I've come to the realization that the older I get the more I like surprises. I guess it's due to the fact that the older I get the less I happen upon surprises, maybe because I am weathered or because my life is all too predictable.

This delight over surprises is one of the things, I guess, that draws me toward the Garage Sale.

There is something so serendipitous about it. My friends who know I garage sale sometimes ask me what I'm looking for, and I answer, "I don't really know." And I don't! The truth is that I usually have my eye out for something that I like that doesn't cost a lot of money.... a surprise!

Take the last garage sale I went to, last weekend. It was actually an estate sale--the entire contents of the house was up for grabs. It was years and years of accumulated stuff.
The woman who had lived there (I try not to think about what's happened to the people who've abandoned their worldly possessions) was clearly a sewer (read that as a person who sews, not the pipes in streets where water goes).

She had many old sewing notions, zippers, fabric, snaps, buttons, hooks, books, etc, all of which were practically being given away. No one was interested in them, that is no one except me and Tati (who is Emma's daughter and my sidekick for the day). 

I am careful not to hoard, so I chose only two books of old patterns from the 1960's, one package of piping, one package of rick-rack, and two aprons. I spent $1.50, and these few possessions are among the things I love. The books are so inspirational and fascinating!

I did some scanning and am sharing some highlights; these books are from 1968.


The yellow onezie to the right is adorable. I would definitely wear that, maybe it should be in another color and maybe a tad bit longer. But I love the styling and love the gold chain belt. The other outfits are not my cup of tea but I am in deep love with the pink shoes which the gal to the farthest left is wearing. (I'd marry them.)

I am completely weak for a onezie. The fabric is so darned fun. Her hair is so adorable (it makes me want to get mine cut). I love her accessories. The shoes are To Die For, so darned cute! One thing that scares me though about this photo is: what in the world is this woman doing? Is she dancing? Who poses that way? Is she climbing over an invisible fence? Getting in the mood for a key party? Words fail me.
Do you love the flowered number to the left as much as I do? It is girly and mod and the tights and shoes go so well. It reminds me a little bit of some things I recenly saw in the Lilly Pulitzer line, but this is way cooler. I would wear the sunglasses in a heartbeat. (The girl to the right, admittedly, looks goofy, and what is with the way she's standing?)

Finally, let me just say that this woman looks beautiful. Refined, elegant, the dress looks like something Michele Obama might wear. I love the shoes. But what fascinates me most is The Hair.


Is it real? I want me an extension that looks like that! I'd wear it every day!
(Later on I'll take some photos of the aprons and post them! I have quite a collection! Uh-oh, am I hoarding??!)

February 23, 2009

Why it's better to watch the Oscars with girls rather than boys

  1. Girls are content to eat carrots and tomatos and nurse a glass of white wine, and don't need to tank up on Doritos
  2. Girls know the skinny on who's who, who's dating whom, who's out of rehab and who's just had a baby.
  3. Girls can discuss hair, gowns, shoes, boobs, make-up, etc until the cows come home and they do not shush you or roll your eyes or act like they don't care (because they do care, they really do!).
  4. Girls have crushes on the same boys you do.
  5. Girls do not change the channel during commercials to see the score of the hockey game.
  6. Girls do not fall asleep and snore so loudly you cannot hear the acceptance speeches.
  7. Girls are girly!

The shudda wons


After last night's Oscars, I wanted to publish my own list of who should have won in a couple of the categories.
  • Best actor: They chose Sean Penn; I chose Mickey Rourke, followed closely by Richard Jenkins. Mickey Rourke might look a bit distorted (um, mangled) these days, but he was absolutely amazing amazing amazing in The Wrestler. It was painful and moving to watch. I just found him fascinating. Richard Jenkins in The Visitor was stunning.. that was an excellent movie.

  • Best actress: They chose Kate Winslet; I choose Anne Hathaway.

  • Best supporting actor: They chose Heath Ledger; I choose Michael Shannon from Revolutionary Road (Kate was amazing in that!)

  • Best supporting actress: Those chose Penelope Cruz; I choose the same! (And I loved that Vicki Christina Barcelona, too!)
Best dressed women? Natalie Portman & Tina Fey; Tilda Swinton looked gorgy in an androgynous sort of way. The Fugly Girls say some funny things.

February 19, 2009

A silly list I found someplace


For lack of a better blog theme today, here's one of these silly lists that are making the rounds.

1. Where is your cell phone? Right here

2. Your significant other? Right here

3. Your hair? Right here (where it always is!)

4. Your mother? dead and buried.

5. Your father? ditto.

6. Your favorite thing? my camera, my kitty stamp, my bed

7. Your dream last night? scary

8. Your favorite drink? cai pirinha (but cannot spell it)

9. Your dream/goal? be really good at tennis, play the harmonica

10. What room you are in? den

11. Your hobby? photography, garage saling, bridge

12. Your fear? anger

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? someplace warm

14. Where were you last night? right here

15. Where were you this morning? with the Amish

16. Muffins? lemon poppy seed

17. Wish list item? a place in the sun

18. Where you grew up? Philadelphia

19. Last thing you did? wrote an article

20. What are you wearing? cozy stuff

21. Your TV? Ulf bought it

22. Your pets? meow

23. Friends? so dear

24. Your life? lucky and happy

25. Your mood? hopeful, tomorrow is friday

26. Missing some one? always

27. Car? wish i could drive with the top down

28. Something you're not wearing? boots

29. Your favorite store? Bookbinders Design, NK

30. Your favorite color? to wear: white; to view: bluegreen/aqua (like the sea in Southern France)

31. When is the last time you laughed? just before I began this inane list

32. Last time you cried? yesterday

33. One place that you go to over and over? trader joe's

34. One person who emails me regularly? my boss & emma

35. Your favorite place to eat? Pattis's? Mary's? Home?

February 17, 2009

What's good about coming home from Florida to Philly in February?

We were all asking ourselves that question at the airport yesterday. I was trying really really really hard to think of positive things about coming home, with much difficulty. Then, as my day progressed, I got my answers!

1. Finding a birthday present outside our front door (two books from Susan W, one Anne Lamott book, Traveling Mercies, and one called Listography, which will provide fodder for my blog for a long time to come!) Thanks Suz!

2. Seeing my sissies and the whole family for dinner, and the wonderful meal made by Cathy for my birthday. Thanks Patti and Cath!

3. Worth a special mention: Getting one of the cutest cards ever made... from my neice Sophia... see picture at right and click on it to enlarge.

4. Seeing Findus, my little kitty. (She was, by the way, Very Rude to her lovely surrogate parents, not coming out for a single a cuddle or purr, only appearing at mealtimes or to Steal A Piece Of Fish not intended for feline consumption, very very bad kitty!) But we missed her while we were gone.

5. Sleeping in my own bed (simple pleasures are the best)

6. Being able to drink tea in the morning again.

So it's not so bad. Summer is soon here.... i think. Still. Florida was a blast and I can't wait to go back.


Me on a Sanibel Island beach, shelling.


Tati in hysterics..........


because Emma literally collapsed on the beach!


A bird was fishing (what kind of bird?)


The boys were shelling



Taking my dogs for a walk


Other beachcombers

February 9, 2009

What to pack when you are going to Florida to play tennis for a long weekend

I am so excited about the upcoming trip to Florida over Presidents' Weekend.

Here is our packing list:

  • 2-3 tennis skirts (we have laundry facilities)
  • 2-3 tennis tops
  • 2-3 prs socks
  • 1 tennis hat
  • 1 beach hat
  • sunscreen
  • sunglasses
  • tennis shoes (wear on plane)
  • 1 pr dressy sandals
  • 1 pr flip flops
  • 2 bikinis
  • 1 sarong or coverall
  • 5 undies
  • 2 bras
  • 1 pr pajamas + comfy jacket for hangin out
  • shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hair product
  • make-up (moisturizer, foundation if u want, blusher, mascara, eyeliner, 2 shadows, 2 lipsticks)
  • razor for legs
  • tweezers
  • women's needs if necessary
  • fake tattoos for fun
  • 1 skirt
  • 1 pr capris
  • 1 pr jeans
  • 2-3 dressy tops
  • jacket/sweater that looks good
  • a few pieces of jewelry
  • entertainment (books, ipod, magazines, dvd's)
  • tennis racquet
  • camera and charger
  • playing cards (2 decks)
  • phone and charger
  • computer for work (for me only)
  • a surprise!

what have i forgotten?

February 8, 2009

List of songs with "chain" in them.

I'm feeling a bit emotionally locked up. Nothing to worry about, but today I tried -- just for fun --to think of all the songs with the word chain in them.
  1. Chain of Fools
  2. Unchain My Heart
  3. Unchained Melody
  4. Working on a Chain Gang
It's a short list. Can you think of any others?
(Photo is of Tristan and Charlie and their amazing snowman. BTW snow disappeared in the warm spell today, yay.)



February 2, 2009

Short list on Groundhog Day

Unfortunately, the groundhog closest to my neck of the woods saw that fuzzy shadow of his, and it means spring is six long weeks away. (Findy also saw her cute little shadow.)

Here is a short list of reasons why I'm am dismayed on this Groundhog Day of 2009.

  1. I am tired of winter

  2. I am tired of winter

  3. I am tired of winter
Need I continue?