OCDesigner

Priceless

2010-09-30T23:10:00.000-07:00

WHO'S THE QUEEN

2010-06-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got back from a delightful holiday shared with long time (long, long time) girlfriends from grade school thru to high school and well, now beyond middle age.
I would like to share a little history about these ladies so you may enjoy the following pictures as much as I do.

Janece is the owner of this beautiful country estate which she has so generously offered as a bi-annual cronies retreat. About Janece. She was our Senior class president, Student bodyVice President, Head cheerleader blah, blah, blah (over achiever) and is now a devoted mother, almost grandmother and pretty much still the head cheerleader. How does she do it you ask? 96 oz of Diet coke w/lime apparently helps. But seriously, go figure she has issues about not being officially crowned as "The Queen" Yeah, thats her the "blonde" with Wendy another cheerleader, once prom Queen. SINGING Which I would like to draw your attention to--------->To me
(if I could only figure out how to post the video)

e.
Then there is Theresa the shortest of her majesties subjects but never the less a high school cheerleader, V-day queen blah, blah, blah, who is now also an ever devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She doesn't do crafts, drinks diet coke for breakfast and will not stay in her PJ's for a whole day. But, she will be happy to take a break from a puzzle to tell a story and strike a pose. Once again------> For ME.

Next is Myrna and Wendy. Two names, but you can hardly say one without the other.
Myrna was always the resident peace maker, she obeyed her mother dutifully, took every opportunity to sing (and boss) and pretty much took care of everyone who needed it. She will however sit in her Pj's all day with out a bra. ( I hope your mom wasn't watching)
Wendy as I mention before cheerleader/prom queen and also bra-less PJ sitter. hehehe (your mom either)
There is absolutely no one they aren't related to or memory they can't recall and they have the pictures to prove it!!! Avid crafters, devoted wives, mothers and grandmothers as well.

Which brings me now to this thought. Who are they all cooking for?

ME!!!!

Guess that makes me the Queen

Love ya girls
Video to follow

OCDesigner: tips on getting old

2010-03-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

OCDesigner: tips on getting old

2010-03-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

OCDesigner: tips on getting old

tips on getting old

2010-03-23T23:07:00.001-07:00

A few tips on getting old and how not to do it.

1. Don't let people who don't love you or care about your self respect take random photo's of you being a grandmom.

2. What you can do is fake people out by taking your own picture. Holding the camera high above your head causes you to extend your neck up. Which lengthens it and allowing the jowls to fall back. I know everyone knows this trick, but I still like it.

3. But, sometimes you just get tired of faking people out with camera tricks. Cuz, What the heck....If they got eyes the camera trick only works in the picture?.......(.hmmmm shoulda thought that thru.)

But when you get a glimpse of the most hideous picture you could imagine and it resembles....something that could live under your porch combined with.....well, your mother. Vanity seems highly under rated! So Im gonna reach out and grab me some......

Now the question is.......Was it worth it?

Stay tuned to the next exciting episode!!!!! Vote if you'd like. Will it be worth it?

visit to N'awlins

2010-03-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

2009-11-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Eric and Megan

2009-11-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

2009-11-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

2009-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

2009-11-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

I said Country!

2009-11-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

recognize this?

2009-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

2009-11-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

Breakfast & Birds

2009-05-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hi, Welcome, Please come in......For those of you who know me and for those of you who don't....I admit..." I am a little quirky." I like being different from the rest and living simple in my modest cottage style home in the Southern Utah Desert. Spring is short here. Our temperatures jump from 80 to 115 overnight. The only time we get to enjoy our patio is in the early morning or very late evening. So, my tablescape is set today for breakfast for two on my soon to be abandoned patio. Above us two birds have made nests in the eaves of the metal awning and the hummingbird I posted about last week is behind us nesting closer to the house. Because of the bird situation I thought it would be fun to bring out a few bird books to identify some of our guests.

Now, To start the introduction of my table setting. I found this piece of fabric on the dollar rack at Walmart.... and thought it would make a nice tablecloth. So now it is. Because, I like things worn and comfortable I washed & dried it a couple of times to soften the fabric and fray the edges. Yes Grandma, I did starch and iron it.
Remember I said I live Simply.?.... ooohhh, look at my old folding chairs..... I just love them!

These old white plates were in the cupboard. Apparently one had been broken leaving me with only three. No matter, I only need two. Still, something is missing... I know. Some colored plates to sit on top of the white. Pier 1 had my back on that. Then....... back at Walmart while mothers day shopping I found this perfect small brown planter (the only one) and those pretty little white moss roses! Now....., I have a Tablescape! Im telling you, sometimes things are just meant to be. Personally, I love how it turned out. I hope you like it too! We'll be out here for awhile basking in the sun...and reading about birds. Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit the other tablescapers listed at Susan's Between naps on the porch. Thankyou Susan for hosting this fun Thursday event.

Pink day

2009-05-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

Feeling Pink

2009-05-10T22:28:00.000-07:00

2009-05-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks Chari for hosting this fun walk down memory posts
I hope this applies in your Sunday Meme' rule book as this is a new post of an old RMS post.

Baby MaMa

2009-05-02T17:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks Chari for hosting this fun walk down memory posts.
I hope this is applicable to your Sunday Meme' rule book as this is a modified new post of an old RMS post. I'm sure you will remember it.

Our Very Own Baby MaMa

This clip was shot from my kitchen window today May 2,2009 . Actually, not true. I opened the window and stood in the sink to get this close up...Do you think she is posing?

If your interest is peeked enough to read further...

This is the fourth year running for this nest to be occupied. I don't know if it is the same bird or not? We assume it is as, she has become quite comfortable and I dare say a little demanding over the years. You may find my next statement a little unbelievable but, I promise, it is the absolute truth....She taps on the window if we leave the patio light on to late!!! Cute huh?

This years eggs

Always two!

If any of you all have info about hummingbirds.....Please. Share!

2009-05-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

sistah's

2009-04-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday Favorites

2009-04-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

This fun Sunday Favorites meme' is sponsored by Chari the funnest, nicest, and happiest lady. Please, take some time to visit her at Happy to Design. Totally worth it.
Hi Chari....! Thanks, for letting me tag along...

It seriously takes me longer to figure out all this computer stuff then a trained monkey would. On a positive note. I do feel a little accomplished by learning link! I keep thinking it will get better but... To date.... Obviously still struggling!

I Love Junk

I paid $30 for this 1950's buffet at a local thrift shop. As you can see my first attempt at painting it proved unsuccessful. Now, it may appear that I am not a perfectionist but I did have a plan. Which meant it had to be re-sanded, re-painted then re-painted and re-sanded.
See what I mean? Its resting now in the playroom. Housing all the grandkids puzzles, crayons and video games. Generally speaking this is usually not my style but I love it, love it, love it and it has now made it to the Who gets what when I'm gone list? Now, what I'd really like to know is.... Do they know something I don't know? -OR - How bad do they really want it? Yikes!

How do you hug an Island?

2009-04-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

So you can identify the characters on this fun filled vacation, I am the eldest, fuller figured gal. Yeah thats me right there, My sister Cindy is next to me and sister Sandra is the younger of the three. We had so much FUN on our sister trip to Washington states Whidbey Island!!!
Yes, we took our own picture. Its a Daffodil field.
Who else would do it? Geesh

Okay, I have a few fun stories to tell or to ramble on to myself about. Whatever the case I will still blog them.

YAAWN...stretch.....mmmm........ Huh? Groggy thoughts start forming a private conversation with the other personalities residing in my head. Some of us are less interested then others.
My rent is up? oh.......stretch........Its been a week. oooohhhh....stre----tching longer now...This is our last day of breakfast in bed. uuuuhh... Huh.....? Pack your bags......I stretched again only this time to reach for the (chenille) covers pushed sometime during the night to the foot of my bed. Questioning myself again. What day is this? Really? THE LAST DAY ON THE ISLAND? The covers are now pulled over my head and, suddenly we have all come together with one common thought. "But,We just got here"! I'm not leaving yet.......! "NO", I shouted out loud. "I am seriously not going!" "I saw a help wanted sign in the hotel window down the street." -or- "Maybe our B&B hosts will let me stay here?.... "I'll feed the dog and help them plant more foliage on their beautiful grounds." "I will praise them, and appreciate this little piece of heaven daily.... and ....I will fix my own breakfast."
I peeked out from under the covers to see my two wide eyed sisters staring at the large heap in the middle of my bed. Cindy taking intermitent breaks from putting on her makeup and Sandra just staring. No defining expression from either one. Just staring. Cindy finished her makeup and turned to Sandra. Still, no expression or tone in her voice when she announced, "Come on Sandra, We gotta go." Oddly enough, they stood in unison and started dragging their luggage down the five wooden, dew drench steps leading from our room to the rock paved path and out to the pebble driveway. Like stray pesky ants they marched back and forth with just a few pieces of luggage at a time. Finally, their last trip up the stairs and in to the cozy, perfect little space of Whidbey Island bliss to check for forgotten toiletries and misc stuff. Their giant ant bodies stood hunched in the open doorway, blocking the sunlight and casting a hideous looming shadow across my perfectly comfortable bed.
And then................
Sandra turns to Cindy and says "This is what I do with my 3 year old." "I'm leaving now....byeeeeee."
How can it be possible that I am already back home? The good new is.... This was just the ending and I still got the beginning and middle to tell....hahaha No, no don't beg. I'll be happy to tell you.

Starting here. Please, let me introduce Maury and Charlotte. Owners and hosts of the most wonderful B&B ever. The Coupe De' Villa in Coupeville, Washington.

Aren' they cute!!! If I were to imagine a Maury and Charlotte........ It would be them.

Next is Charlotte and Phantom. I couldn't possibly leave Phannie out as she is the C oupe De' Villa greeter. We fell in love with her too.

Check out the view from the front yard or otherwise, Observatory.
aaaaaahhhhhh How nice of them to share this.
Notice the tree in the second picture? Look closer. Enlarge it if you need to. Now, do you see the eagle perched above our heads? uuuummm Nice girl..

How poetic. A garden path leading to our room annnnnnd

Our very own courtyard and patio too.

Seriously, I lived here for a week. It's even unbelievable to me!
Next, The view from our bathroom window...... I want a Staycation!!!

Oh, Did I mentioned the private beach?

Fields of daffodils and tulips too....... Is this heaven? Who knew...?

Apparently, WE DID and we got a hall pass!

This looks peaceful doesn't it?
I can assure you it wasn't. I went kicking and screaming all the way home.
Now, who wants to see pictures of me falling down the hill or of the police officer that visited our room? UUUh Huhhh..... I told you there is more!!!

Dig In

2009-04-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends, My computer is down so I am at my daughters trying to post this belated Easter table. After the first and last Tablescape entry. I started getting a little more planned with my ideas. I actually did another Easter setting that I never had a chance to post or use....(Thats another day and story.) Anyway, My grandkids came for a visit one evening and I asked them. What do you think of Grandma's Easter Table? The oldest one looked at me with little expression and said...... "We're Boys". So I started on a quest to do a boys Tablescape that they would actually notice. Let me say here, it wasn't easy. Easter is so pastel and pink even the blues look feminine. I think it actually turned out cute and they loved it too. Last minute I had to move it off my table at home and transfer it to my sons house...
I think my most clever idea is one you can't really see. The napkin rings are rubber flippers bugs I got from the easter Isle. The drinks are bubbles, the egg in the shovel is a wash cloth and the easter grass is edible.
This is Andy my second grandson... Look at that red hair....The pictures look so good because my daughter is a photographer! I have to stop here because I am using her computer and she wants it back. (I got the eye roll Laurie!!) As I said before my computer is down and I am leaving for Seattle in the morning so I guess that is good timing.

Tablescape 1

2009-03-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Hi! Welcome to my first attempt at Tablescaping. I've been following the weekly Tablescape posts for some time and just kept thinking "I'd really like to try that." In an effort to do so I have to say.... "WOW! I've learned alot."

Like:
1. The camera enhances any and all flaws.
2. I need new silverware
3. Tablescapes look thinner on camera
4. Colors look brighter annnnd drum roll please.......
5. It doesn't matter how clean I think my house is. Something is always out of place!!!

Well, I tucked my pride away and I am posting it anyway. Shucks, I'll probably be coming back everyday to add and subtract from it. LOLOLOLOL Maybe clear till Easter. (So suggestions are welcome) As a matter of fact, this could possibly be a before and after Tablescape. Could I be making Tablescape history? To be honest I kind of got a little frenzied when I decided to do this. I ran out to a bunch of stores searching for just the right stuff. "Wait, I thought. For me this is about showcaseing the things I already have and love. Struting my stuff so to speak. So.... I felt pretty clever using the plant stand from the patio and building a nest with a grapevine wreath I found in the "someday" box. Layering an old green tablecloth with a lace one and using my favorite floral dinnerplates (Selma) from Syracuse China. (hellooo Genius) But then, layering again with the with the teal colored fiestaware salad bowls. (well, thats just off the charts) Okay, I clearly see there is some room for improvement.... Its a little funky..... and probably not for everyone. But I gotta love it "cuz thats my style."! Well, I appreciate your being good sports and letting me practice on ya'll. For your viewing pleasure please be sure to check out all the experienced Tablescapers over at Susan's our gracious Tablescape Thursday Hostess at Between Naps On the Porch. Thanks so much for stopping by ~Athella

Tablescape 1

2009-03-24T20:31:00.001-07:00

When the wind blows

2009-03-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so let me just explain. After two weekends of beautiful weather and major yard work of pruning, planting and piling leaves, branches and random trash. I had a mess waiting to be to hauled off. Well...., the freakin weather changed and even worse. THE WIND BLEW!!!! I admit it. I am a little perturbed at the weather man. (and, feeling a little down and out about wasting my precious time off). So whats a girl with nothing to blog and little cash to do on a Sunday ? WALMART! I found this wreath for $10! $10 bucks! I usually make my own for around $50 but, being it is outside and the weather man and I are not on good terms (and I spent all my money on plants) I think its pretty cute on my old door. Oh, you noticed the empty pots next to it? Yeah, probably not going to change any time soon.
"I'm late. I'm late.... I'm late, Im late, Im late."
Quote by~ The White Rabbit

For Vicky

2009-03-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Room before

Room After

I hope this shows improvement as I am not a good photographer. This room has changed a little more since these pictures were taken. I am trying to convey what can be done with old unloved furniture. Please excuse the clutter. Did I mention I have grandchildren?

Babysitting Events

2009-03-15T22:57:00.000-07:00

Im so envious of you all tablescaping, foodie, and makeover parties. As much as I long for the days that I can play. I know I have to savor every moment I have with my grandbabies for I know how fast they will grow up. This was a particularly long weekend as my son and his wife were off to Mexico for spring break. We started early Friday evening with a birthday party for my oldest son Casey and after the barbecue we broke out the laser tag guns... (that was fun!!) We were hoping to burn off some energy and wear the little ones down but at 2:00 am we were still playing musical beds. Tommorrows another day...... and apparently it starts at 7:30 am....with cartoons. What the heck we got breakfast cooking and planned a picnic and hike (hoping to wear the boys out for an earlier bedtime) After breakfast and bickering there was dirty diapers and packing.....Our picnic started about 3:30 pm. What a hike! (Can you believe I forgot my camera?) How could they possibly resist sleep after this? But lets not take any chances so we took them to the bounce park for 2 hours and played tag and went up and down all the slides and oh add some break dancing in between the bouncing!.....man, "they gotta be tired by now"..... Pulling out all the stops we dropped by walmart and pick up the movie Madagascar2 and headed home with a little 2 step in our hearts. Tonight would be our night for sleep..... Movie starts and in 15 minutes 1 down and 2 to go......one hour later 2 down and one to go. hmmmm Im not sure when the next one dropped. I just heard screaming at 1:00 am and musical beds began once again. Well, I think they have us on their routine now. Cartoons at 7:30 breakfast w/bickering by 9:00 as they plan what kind of torture they can put the grandparents through today.....A Bike ride to the park to fly kites? oh, that doesn't sound sooo bad....then bike rides home. That will wear them out! Well this is me at 12:35 am and this precious little two year old is wanting to push the buttons....LOL If he only knew he already has.....hahaha

I

Blog Music

2009-03-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay I'm an old gal with an even older fixation. What can I say? Im an old fashion girl.... although, Big Band was before my time. Could this obsession come from a past life? hmmmmm now there's something to think about.....

Behind the Scene

2009-03-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

Some of you asked to see what was behind the candle lamp. The big frenchy piece is something I picked up a few years ago at a clearance sale and the other two are radio fronts I painted white and distressed. Im crazy for old hardware (who knows why?) but, I need to make it clear that I only take salvagable parts off unsalvagable pieces. If I find something that can't be fixed I will remove the hardware, drawer or drawer front to make something fun. lol and sometimes I throw that away too! Thanks for looking ~Athella

Lamp Obsession

2009-03-02T22:05:00.000-08:00

I guess it is time for me to admit my obsession for lamps. All lamps. No matter the style or era. Ornate or simplistic they are all visually stimulating to me. I don't always love them in the form I find them so, I take them apart and re-configure or re-purpose them.
For instance: Display a collection of glass bases or use a metal base as a candleabra, make a cake stand, candy dish, or a patio fountain. The sky is the limit when you have so much to work with. Now, I would like to introduce you to yet another of my off handed creations.

This is in my guest room. Don't be afraid the candles are battery operated.

When the stars align

2009-02-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

You know when you fall in love at first sight and wonder.... What took you so long to find me?....Thats when you know it was meant to be. LOL Yes. I can be a little dramatic but, looook its two tone and has a faux alligator top and It will make for good storage. Pictures, stationary, makeup, oh,oh, money. I can put money in it!

Centerpieces

2009-02-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share the crazy centerpieces I made for my nieces wedding. The tall bouqets are old floor lamps I spray painted black then took apart and reworked with old orange lucite beads I took from another lamp. I topped them off by screwing on a large green ceramic pot and filled them with bright pink, orange & green gerber daisies, moss, and grapevine.
They were unique, elegant and fun too.

These two were mock ups. I made 3 of the tall ones above and ten centerpieces. (and an 8ft swag) I purchase lamps from every thriftstore and yard sale I came across plus I had a few collected in the "shed"... (have I mentioned I love lamps?) After they were painted I aged them with a little buffing using a fine gauge steel wool pad. Even though the bases were different the paint, orange beads, and metal flowers presented unity. Which was after all the plan. Once they were all reconfigured I drove 300 miles to SLC and arranged the florals there. The small ceramic pots were filled with pink, orange and green gerber daisies as well as moss and grapevine. Each was placed on individual guest tables along with a small framed quote from Alice in wonderland and another framed pictured of the happy couple. It was the bride's favorite childrens story and I thought how perfect??? Since two young people starting out in marriage are surely entering uncertain territory. helloooo (I don't know if anyone else got it cuz I do have a slightly twisted sense of humor) Anyway the good news is everyone went crazy for them and after the wedding I sold them all... including the framed quotes. Thanks for looking! ~athella P.S yes, she serve cookies along with 3 scoops of colored sherbet.

Did someone say compote?

2009-02-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

I have a few of those too!

If someone would dust I would show more!

I Love Junk

2009-02-23T18:12:00.001-08:00

I paid $30 for this 1950's buffet at a local thrift shop. As you can see my first attempt at painting it proved unsuccessful. Now, it may appear that I am not a perfectionist but I did have a plan.

Which meant it had to be re-sanded, re-painted then re-painted and re-sanded. See what I mean?
Its resting now in the playroom. Housing all the grandkids puzzles, crayons and video games. Generally speaking this is usually not my style but I love it, love it, love it and it has now made it to the Who gets what when I'm gone list? Now, what I'd really like to know is.... Do they know something I don't know? -OR - How bad do they really want it? Yikes!

<-----$5
yard sale find

In Another World

2009-02-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends; I would like to introduce my friend and extended family member Debbie Clark. Her daughter Cally is married to my son Kale. Debbie is working on a most worthy of mentioning cause called Quatemala Childrens project (quatemalachildrensproject.org) I am posting this message because I have first hand experience with it and want to personally vouche for it as an honest and reputable charity. Every penny donated goes directly to these abandoned, neglected and abused children. This post is not meant to pressure for donations. I just wanted to offer the option to anyone who is interested and may be afraid of where their money really goes. If you want to visit the site Debbie has posted pictures of the children and written a history of her involvement in the program. quatemalachildrensproject.org Thanks for taking the time to read this ~Athella

A Little Part of Something

2009-02-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

These pebbles were poured between
plexiglass walls dividing the walk in
shower from the vanity.

<--I thought it was interesting that the entire bathroom was tiled floor to ceiling. Yeah, I sold this tile. Wish I worked on commission.
<---I love how the (tiled) mirror reflects the cast iron bed in the guest suite.

In this shot I was trying to get the beautiful landscape as well as the tile floor. Its a shame Im such a poor photographer. I know you would have loved it!