MUSIC MONDAY - ENJOY!

*VIEWING NOTE: BE SURE TO CLICK THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE MUSIC PLAYER ON THE LEFT SIDEBAR BEFORE PLAYING THESE MUSIC VIDEOS.*

This Monday I've chosen all light, cheery music selections -- some you'll already be familiar with and others I'm happy to "introduce" you to. :)

Starting with one of my all-time faves, Fats Waller -- piano maestro extraordinaire from the 1930's -- the song is called "Your Feet's Too Big" and its just a totally fun, crazy song so typical of his style.



The second song is one of my new favorites! It's called "Instead" by Madeleine Peyroux (who, to me, sounds so much like the late Billie Holiday, it's scary) and the words epitomize optimism -- and who couldn't use THAT on a Monday??

:)



The third is by yet another female singing legend, Dinah Washington, and I'll bet you'll know this song as soon as you hear it -- the original is perfect, of course, but let me tell you, if I can find a remix of a classic, I'm all over it. I absolutely LOVE hearing the more upbeat/updated versions and this one is incredible! And loving art the way I do, when I saw how these funky jazz-themed paintings were paired with this song, well, that sealed the deal.

So, as you have time this Monday, enjoy these unique song videos -- hopefully they'll put a spring in your step to start your week!

~Ruth~

WHEN CUSTOMERS BECOME DECADE-LONG FRIENDS...AND WE'VE NEVER EVEN FORMALLY MET... OH THE BONDS WOMEN/MOTHERS SHARE!

I got surprise package in the mail yesterday that I just have to tell you about.... It came from a dear friend that started out years and years ago as a customer, when I first opened my online shop.

Trish was one of my first online customers almost 10 years ago and we both still remember a day back then when she called me, maybe with a question about something in her order, and we ended up chatting for quite a while -- we hit it off immediately. I remember that conversation like it was yesterday -- the version of it in my mind is of me feeling bad not only with a bad cold and an almost completely lost voice, but also feeling stressed and discouraged about my new little fledgling business.

We talked for I don't know how long -- talked of children, dreams, homes, styles, etc. Trish is one of a handful of people who goes back far enough with me to still remember my deep desire to move from my native Florida up to Maine and live my "beautiful life" in the north in what I came to view as my utopia. (Still here in Florida by the way, but have since found that utopia is not a physical place -- its more an inner calm and willful/volitional acceptance of where you are instead).

Well, years pass, and whenever an order from Trish would come through on our ordering system, I'd smile and stop and remember back to our chat so many years ago, wondering how she is and what changes have occured in her life.

Recently, Trish & I began emailing frequently, getting caught up on family, dream, business, neighbors (hee-hee), etc. and have found that really not much has changed -- including the fact that we still have that certain "thing" that just makes us "click" when we talk. Don't you love when that happens? Trish has apparently been reading all my blog posts this past year, and so was already up-to-speed on a lot of things in my life. (Note to bloggers: you just keep posting -- people DO read!). :)

Last week Trish emailed me to ask for my address -- all very sketchy and clandestine... Then yesterday my daughter comes upstairs to where I'd been cleaning (nope -- still haven't hired Merry Maids) and said "THAT PACKAGE TRISH SENT IS HERE!" I dropped the mop and ripped into it ...

There were TWO beautifully hand-made cards AND the latest cd from.....DRUM ROLL.....none other than one of my all-time favorite male vocalists ever -- Steve Tyrell!!! He adds the memorable music to countless soundtracks that you have surely heard and enjoyed for decades -- most notably (for me anyway) are the two Father Of The Bride movie soundtracks.

I have followed Steve Tyrell's music for soooo long, and guess what -- I've NEVER mentioned that to Trish. Ever. So imagine my utter freak-out when I pull out this cd -- AND her note mentioning that Steve Tyrell is a close personal friend of hers. WHAT???? Trish, girl -- you have been SERIOUSLY holding out on me!!! :)

So, I looked up her home phone number on my order system (no, I won't do that to you guys if you order -- don't worry) and called her at home. I told her about my major fit I had upstairs amid torn envelopes and paper (from when I ripped open her package and discovered the cd) and how you could have heard my squeals of delight into the next county as I literally ran screaming down the stairs to find my hubby to show him... oh what fun!! We were on the phone no less than 1/2 hour...

Just look at the gorgeous work Trish does in making cards!!!

The front of this gorgeous card is filled with motifs and designs that speak to things Trish knows about me and my life -- a truly special keepsake... Thank you, my friend.

"Miracles occur when life happens..." Trish told me she included this quote because I refer to my daughter, Olivia, as my "miracle" (and she is). Then there are the words "Life is beautiful" - The Beautiful Life.... Then there is the gorgeous pewter fleur de lis and the vintage-y pin on the beautiful green ribbon.... It's truly a masterpiece.

Below is a picture of the back of Steve's cd (yeah, we're on a first-name basis now... afterall, he knows Trish, I know Trish.... you know.... )
Below you can see a listing of the songs you'll find on this cd -- all hark back to the 70's (maybe even late 60's - can't be sure, I was too young then!)

:)

From time to time here on the blog playlist, I've featured some of his music and he's sure to back on my playlist again SOON!

His music is the kind of feel-good, sounds great anytime, any situation kind of music that you never grow tired of. His past cds are so, so fabulous -- please, do yourself a favor and head over to Amazon or where ever you buy cds (or go to iTunes if that's your fave) and check him out.

As for my sweet friend Trish, well....to say "thank you" seems so inadequate. To think that you've silently followed me and the store for this long...its just so amazing. Your words of encouragement have always been a real shot in the arm.

And I'm going to hold you to reminding me this Fall of planning a trip to NYC to see Steve in concert in the city! OKAY?? :)

Well, I hope you ALL have had as wonderful a Mother's Day as I have....I wanted to end this post with a pic of one of my very favorite past Mother's Day gifts -- a wonderful old painted desk that I got many moons ago -- at least 15 years ago.

I "coveted" it for weeks and weeks in a local antique shop and finally told my hubby about it -- then as Mother's Day neared, I finally sheepishly asked if I could have THAT as my Mother's Day gift. Well, as you can see, it now sits in the entry to our bedroom. And do you see that color??? Its my new fave -- all over again. Just goes to show, good things never really go out of style, do they?? We may leave them for other "style loves" but we always return them eventually. Teal blue -- I'm back...

I adore the crackled top in a vintage cream -- the glass knobs, oh I still love it as much today as ever... the sure sign of a great purchase.


Be sure and stop back tomorrow for "Music Monday" - I promised that this Monday I will choose a song that is purely for fun. No tear-jerkers, no "message song" -- just an upbeat, start-your-week-off-with-a-smile song... :)

See you tomorrow!
~Ruth~

DON'T HATE ME, MY BELOVED PARIS, BUT ANOTHER HAS CAPTIVATED ME! (DANISH, ANYONE?)

Oh dear...I do believe I'm being swept off my feet by those great Dane's (Danish/Swedish design that is).

Just look at these breathtakingly beautiful rooms!

Clean, not too cluttered but not austere, either.

Light colorways with just the right amount of vintage patina and wood to warm it all up.

If you haven't begun to notice the sweeping trend toward all things Nordic in decor, well...you will!

There is quite a similarity to the French good looks I've loved for decades - that justifies my becoming smitten with this new beauty, doesn't it? :)

Do Danish good looks make you s-w-o-o-n, too?

You're in luck...

Below are things that we will be carrying in the shop and I couldn't wait

ONE

MORE

MINUTE

to share them with you.

I am so excited about these new additions to the inventory I literally have found myself thinking about it in the middle of the night.

NO, I'm not crazy -- just "in love". :)

Take a look below and you'll see what's to love!

Words, words and more words!

Templates of beautiful French prayers (from vintage prayer cards)

for applying them to your walls, tables, floors - anything!


"Laundry" -- adorn the most-used room in your house (well, most used only after the kitchen).

Fabulous messenger bags, unusual plate/book stand in painted wood, and flax-colored potholders printed in charcoal with the wording from a French olive jar.

You KNOW I had to order pillows...You just know I did. : )

And numbers -- anything with numbers.

We will be stocking the #5 sign you see here...

A lovely linen-toned floral garland wreath...

Vintage-style wooden "clamps" as they're called. Kind of like overgrown (GREAT DANE) wooden clothespins but they stand up and can hold memos, pictures, etc.

A GOREGEOUS mercury glass dome printed with wording in French.

Two coordinating madonna prints on canvas -- vintage with an edgy feel.

Wonderful Euro-style glass jars with zinc clamp lids.

ANOTHER new style of bottle-drying rack! When I thought I would never see another variation on these best-sellers, here we have one! Very versatile because of the new spacing of the pegs!


Dreamy-looking statue in shades of ivory & grey (so Swedish!) and a fabulous bath scrub bar on twine (several scents to choose from).

And not to be missed:

The next issue (Summer issue) of

Jeanne d' Arc Living magazine.

(to call it a "magazine" is an understatement!)

The text is all in Danish, but WHO CARES! The pictures and the beauty on the pages transends language!!!


Here is a sampling of what you can expect in the next issue!

Will my newfound love for the Franco-Nordic style have me soon forgetting my first love, French style? NEVER!

I really don't have to choose -- the two styles blend and meld so beautifully, there is only peaceful cohabitation in the future for these two design beauties.

We're expecting to stock and have available the items you saw above later this month. You can BE SURE I'll mention it here when the treasures arrive!

Wishing you everything beautiful,

~Ruth~

*Photos Jeanne D'Arc Living

MUSIC MONDAY: CELEBRATING MOMS & WOMEN IN GENERAL. ENJOY!

*VIDEO NOTE: PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE MUSIC PLAYER ON THE LEFT-HAND BAR OF THE PAGE BEFORE PLAYING THE VIDEO ABOVE.

We women can be awfully hard on ourselves, can't we?

We get caught up in the day-to-day rat race of errands, appointments, car-pooling, car-lines, etc., we scale the daily heights of that never-ending mountain of laundry, dishes and dust in our homes - only to look in the mirror at the end of the day and wonder: "What just happened here? I'm dead tired, look frazzled and worn out, and what did I actually get done? And what does it even matter, because it's ALL gonna be waiting again for me to repeat tomorrow morning -- BRIGHT & EARLY."

I don't know of one woman who hasn't felt these feelings (almost daily) and just simply took a deep breath and kept moving. But there are those times, those moments, when we do look around and see a bigger picture -- a deeper meaning in all the Swiffer pads and Tide boxes, tubes of Neosporin, and cases of juice boxes.

Something we can't fully put our finger on yet somehow we know we really just might be doing something noble here -- amidst the dirty socks and crayon smears...something they don't give awards or raises for, but something that is priceless all the same.

If you happen to find yourself right now in the crazy mix of all I described above, take a couple of minutes to sit, enjoy this song, and in a small, small way, receive your "award" for all you are doing -- possibly going totally "unnoticed". I use quotes there because in reality it is anything but unnoticed.

All you do to instill goodness, character, and life-skills in your children is being noted, absorbed and tucked away for future use by those kiddos.

One day when they're much older (and your mountains of laundry and dishes are but a memory) you'll see something in the way they handle a situation, or speak to another, that makes you proud. You did that. You instilled those values and character in those kids -- it happens slowly, almost imperceptibly -- maybe as you had to correct them on the playground one day, or show them the better way to deal with their playmates and friends, or teach them the value of their meager allowance.

So see, your work today is noble -- and that's putting it mildly, dear lady.

You are changing the world -- with every child you train in moral decency and character to one day go out into the world and make a difference and then raise his/her own family -- you are changing the world 'one little heartbeat at a time' -- one load of laundry, one casserole dish washed, at a time. :)

Happy Mother's Day, blogging moms. YOU ROCK!!

~RUTH~

MUSIC MONDAY!! (I think I'm moving to Brazil!)

(VIDEO-PLAYING NOTE: YOU'LL WANT TO GO OVER TO THE LEFT-HAND SIDEBAR AND PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THE GREEN MUSIC PLAYER WIDGET BEFORE PLAYING THIS VIDEO)

As the web's foremost coffee drinker (wink-wink), I figured this song was a PERFECT start to the week.

There's lots to do on my to-do list (how about you?) and a coffee song is just the jolt I need.

Prepare the coffee maker, press "start" and let's all get our week off to a java-fueled start.

By the way -- just kidding about moving to Brazil. (But the way they talk about all that coffee there, its tempting!!)

Here's to a fabulous week!

~RUTH~

LOOK WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL!!

I have, bar none, the BEST customers on the planet.

Last week I spoke to a customer on the phone about an item in her order and we chatted for a bit, somehow I mentioned I was in Florida, and she then decided she wanted to send me some products from the company she is with -- Palmer Cocoa Butter products!! She figured that with me here in the Florida sun & heat, my skin could use some pampering. How sweet!!

Within a couple of days I get this box from her company and inside is no less than a dozen FULL SIZED items for moi!

I am SOLD on these products! The beauty of this brand is that you can find it pretty much anywhere -- even the grocery. But THE SECRET? These products REALLY WORK! I am just loving them! Thank you, Germaine!!

I got hand soap (which is now at my kitchen sink and its WAY BETTER than any other kitchen hand soap I've ever used), body wash (which is in my shower and I just LOVE it - really softens the skin even after you're out of the shower), three kinds of pump body lotions, three tubes of hand lotions (thicker than the all-over body lotions), two swivle-up cocoa butter sticks (perfect to keep in your purse for quick on-the-go hand therapy), and my new fave: believe it or not, the bottle of "Scar Treatment Oil". This stuff is the THICKEST oil I've ever seen. And you know what its GREAT for? I love putting it in the eye area at night or even dabbing a TEENY, TINY amount around the eyes in the daytime. Who knew??

So, ladies -- head out to your grocery store or discount drug store and check out a new old favorite -- Palmer's Cocoa Butter products! They are so affordable (I mean, like you wouldn't believe kind of affordable) and the products are wonderful! The packaging and branding may not be pretentious and glamourous, but when you get it home and simply have to use it, who cares if it works. And it does! :)

So, now after years of being somewhat envious when my hubby would come home from work with little freebies and giveaways and perks from other companies who'd send them things, now I have something, too!

I love my job...

~Ruth~

FAIT ACCOMPLI - The Big Pillow Order Is Done!

'TIS DONE!

A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to get an order from a fabulous Manhattan designer team in need of some unique pillows for a hotel project, and today I was able to ship the order off. They turned out so wonderful and I just wanted to share the photos with you!

They apparently saw my Mathematicus pillows on our website and called to order for the hotel.

I also want to thank my friend, Karen Carothers, who labored tirelessly these last couple of weeks to get this order done in addition to all the other work she does -- and done in the expert, beautiful manor she does all her work. Thank you, friend. You deserve a very big vacation!

The cool thing is how each pillow was done specifically for each of the guest rooms, with the number specific to each room.

If you have a moment this weekend, check out the site belonging to the company I did this job for called Sixx Design -- they have quite a story and they also have a book coming out in a week or so (which I've already pre-ordered on Amazon.com) called Urban Chic - From Wreck To Ravishing.

Sure sounds like something I could use! Hey! Sounds like something my house or my bod could use! HA HA! :)

BLOG AWARD? MOI? SO, 7 RANDOM THINGS...HERE GOES:

See the fabulously cute banner above?? It belongs to my new-found web friend, Deb Kennedy and oh are you ever in for a HUGE treat getting to know her.

There isn't enough time to enumerate her many talents and the many avenues of creative business she is involved in -- you will simply have to hit ALL her websites for that. But suffice to say that she is a one-woman design/creative/idea fountain of genius and if you ever need display or design inspiration, she's your go-to gal.

So a couple of days ago, I find that Deb has awarded me this!

Thank you, friend!
:)

By receiving this award, I am to do the following, and so are the other blogs that I will be passing the award on to:

1.) Name several random things that you love, or things about you.

2.) Pass this along to several other blogs that you love/inspire you and be sure to leave them a comment on their blog so they'll know they got an award!

3.) Somehow link back to the person who prensents you the award (in this case, that would be me).

So here we go, seven quickies for you. They are what popped into my mind right now and so here they are:

1.) I love things that show their age (notice I said THINGS, not ME; I'd prefer not showing my age quite so much).

I really treasure the things I've collected over the years that give me pleasure each time I see them scattered through the house in various vignettes:

2.) So in light of what I just said, explain how I also love a room like this, below? This is part of my office area in our "barn" or "carriage house" and it is anything but "old" or "worn-looking" (like our house!). Yet, I love it, too. Design split-personality? Nah. Just a more playful, casual side that fits the office area perfectly.

3.) I love the picture below -- it is from Olivia's 8th grade dance (5 years ago, I think) and I love how her daddy is next to her along with our sweet, huge Doberman, "Jam". He has since gone on to run in the meadows in heaven, but its such a treasure having all of them captured here. Doesn't she look lovely? Her brilliant blue (lovely with her eyes) dress trimmed in chocolate brown (lovely with her hair) was made just for her for that dance. I suspose I'll keep it forever. Along with the memory of that day. :)

4.) The pictures below are from my hubby's 40th birthday (almost 8 years ago!) and I suppose since his b-day is coming up again next week, I thought I'd include this. The red Dodge Viper and the Hum Vee were my "gifts" to him. Now before you get the wrong idea, let me explain. I came up with the idea to surprise him with these cars, RENTED for him, each for one day (though we ended up getting keep the Hum Vee for TWO days!). On his birthday, the Viper arrived, the rental guy walks into the house and presents Doug with the keys and says "It's yours 'til tomorrow! Happy Birthday!" So he proceeds to drive that thing all day, takes me to dinner in it, etc., and drive it some more that night and the next day. Let's just say, the neighbors come crawling out of the woodwork when you're zooming around in one of those things. AND! You could hear it coming for at least a 1/4 mile! Loud!

So, the next day, it's about time for the rental guy to come back and retrieve the Viper. Poor Doug. What he DOESN'T KNOW is that when they come to take the Viper, they will arrive in a GIANT bright yellow Hum Vee and THAT will be his car for the next day!

We had the best time. I even had a little neighbor boy ask me to take him to school in it (along with about 3 of his friends) just so they could arrive at school in it. He made me drive r-e-a-l-l-y slowly up to the front of school and they deliberately took FOREVER getting out. Too funny!

So, this is my story on how, for Doug's 40th birthday, I decided to forego the usual black balloons and streamers, gravestone party favors, etc. and do something different.

Cost of a Viper and a Hum Vee for a few days: $600.00 (I think)

Dinner out in the really fast, really RED car: $75.00

Gas for the HumVee: $50.00

MAKING YOUR HUSBAND FEEL ALIVE RATHER THAN OVER-THE-HILL FOR HIS 40TH: PRICELESS.

5.) I love my daughter's artwork. The picture below is of one of two hand sketches she did and I love them so much, I had them made into 11" x 14" poster-sized signs for my shop and for a show I did. They look so cool and have a look that seems at once "old" and very new, very hip.

I've told her I'd love it if she incorporated some kind of text/saying/verse written in some funky way on the picture. I can see something like that blown up REALLY BIG and hung over a couch on an old brick wall. Wouldn't that be cool?? Her art rocks, and I can't wait to see all that she creates in the future.

6.) Okay, below - why a picture of my hubby standing on a ladder in his work clothes? Well, a few reasons: I love to see him in his "doo-rag" tied up on his head. I just think it looks cool. (Doug, if you ever do get to work with me in the store, this will be a required "uniform" for you!). ;)

I also just like seeing my guy at work around the yard/house. Now, I know for a fact, he'd rather be on the couch or at the computer playing video games, but it does my heart good whenever I see him tending to our home/property. Just kinda neat. I think in this photo he was preparing for a coming hurricane - can't remember which year, which "named" hurricane it was. But typically, if he's got a ladder out, and is headed for the roof, it must somehow have something to do with a hurricane headed our way...Yet another reason to LEAVE FLORIDA! ;)

Or this could have been him working on our house when we first bought it. I know this is an OLD photo because our house is definitely NOT this color any longer and is in quite a bit better shape now. :)

But I do love the doo-rag, Doug. Love it.

7.) The pics below are of another love-of-my-life, Nick (Nicodemus).

I adore this guy. He "found" us, not the other way around. He belonged to someone on adjoining property but seemed to prefer hanging around our place, and slept on our porch, played with our dog (Jam, in the photo above) and just basically, little-by-little, inched his way into our lives, til one day his owner came over and simply said "Its no secret he loves you and loves being here, so you may have him." Say what? Who does this? But I said "OKAY!" And its been precious having him ever since. Labs are the sweetest dogs! He literally seems to live for his owners. Never seen anything like it. So different from our Doberman (who I simply adored), who did have a fierce loyalty to us, but also had that rugged individualism seen in "guard dogs". Anyway, Nicky is our sweetie and I am priviledged to have had him find us. ;)

Nicky, you've come along way from your days roaming the neighborhood, and sleeping outside in the heat, buddy.

So, now to name a few blogs that I'd love for you to get to know:

1.) Alisa Burke's art blog -- oh my. Olivia, you will love this one!

2.) Just Something I Made blog -- I can't even describe this one. Creativity, projects, freebies...amazing.

3.) Wren's Nest - Jackie has become another wonderful "blog friend" and now has opened her own online shop in additon to her blog!

4.) Paris Market blog - by Molly who also has a fabulous line of decorative marble tiles all with a French/Tuscany feel created with her incredible photography taken in Europe. GO SEE!! :)

5.) Simply Stated Aesthetics - Rebecca's blog and online store are wonderful! Vintage things galore!

6.) Bon Jour Madame - a very French-inspired blog that is full of beauty, information and fun! SO glad I found this one!!

7.) Faded Plains - Andrea has a beautiful blog and an equally beautiful webstore which you MUST visit! (HINT: She sells old burlap sacks!!)

So, thank you again, Deb -- and here's to all the bloggers I now pass this award on to! PLEASE take a moment to visit each of them!!

Happy Friday!!

~Ruth~