Cottage Violets

The Fine Art of Tapering Off

2011-04-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

My candle burns at both ends, it will not last the night,

But, ah, my foes, and, oh, my friends, it gives a lovely light

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Who doesn't love candles? They are a beautiful luxury for us. They speak of love and light, and times gone by. We are still mesmerized by the flickering flame. You can look into the flame and see a reflection of times gone by. Candles are ever present in literature and films, used as props or eloquent metaphors. We are saddened when we hear "some one's flame has gone out", and instructed not to "hide our light under a bushel". There are times when every good candles needs to "taper off", so why not use a Hammersly fine bone china Candle Snuff. You will find them at Cottage Violet's .

For a slight change of subject I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. For Christians ,(I fit in that category) Resurrection Day is the most important day of all. The day our Lord laid down his life for us. Here is a little picture of an Easter basket filled with my favorite collection of pinkeeps. They were made by Andie Bee (Andrea Ferguson) of The Brown Bee Designs. She is a little maker girl full of spunk and gypsy longings.Visit her once in awhile for wonderful surprises.

"There is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of even one small candle"

Robert Alden

Easter Blessings, Theresa

OMGosh, I Am Mr. Mom!!!

2011-01-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the movie Mr. Mom? He lost his job, wallowed in self pity, let it all go, found himself, organized his surroundings and his life, and in the end regained all he had lost and more.

Yup, that's me, well, without the Mr. title. I quit my stress permeated job (circumstances personal), cried, wallowed in self pity, yelled at God, made a mess of the holidays, came to grips with it all, and found myself. The self I had lost several years ago when I felt the gentle nudging that all was not well with my soul. Do you remember when he drives into the school entrance, and someone yell's "You're doing it wrong!" MMMhmmm, that was me. I was doing it wrong, trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. How about when he tells his son he needs to give up his little blanket or he'd end up strung out on comforters. That was me telling myself, give up the stress or you'll end up strung out on stress, and I was! It took two months of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth to realize I am now where I want to be. Back in partnership with God, nurturing a faith that was sadly neglected. It's a new year, and my circumstances haven't changed, but my life has. Faith renewed, I am looking forward to a year of learning, prospering, working, and most important of all, learning how to BE! I hope all of you have learned your lessons faster than old me. I was always do, do, doing. Now I want to spend some time learning just to BE.

Here's a bit of whimsy for you:

To be is to do ~ Plato

To do is to be ~ Socrates

Do be Do be do ~ Sinatra

What do you choose?

Blessings,

Theresa

A Band Of Angels

2010-12-04T22:16:00.001-08:00

Picture a group of giggling girls in light blue skirts and white blouses. There is the requisite amount of skinned knees and ponytails. Red hair, blond hair, brunettes, and even one little cherub with almost ebony tresses made up the little group. Some are tall, some thin, some a little on the chubby side, some short, but a perfect band of angels nonetheless. Such was my little Missionettes group. I loved them and love them dearly still. They were all unique, showing such promise, and most of them not at the age when a Wednesday night church group was de'classe (excuse the poor punctuation marks, lol). We sang, we crafted, we talked, we prayed, we went to camp, we lived in each others lives on Wednesday nights and Sundays. I had them such a small amount of time. They filled a place in my heart that yearned for children, but more than that they were souls that God wanted to touch. I hope I fulfilled my edict from God to make an impression on their life's journey.

I know they touched me much more than I could ever touch them. Some were so brimming with life, it bubbled out of their pores. Others I am sorry to say were already world weary, which made me suspect dark secrets and home lives that were unthinkable and unspeakable. Love can have the power to crush, and it almost crushed me. I remember praying one time and feeling as if God was saying, "I didn't give those children to you, they belong to their parents, do the best you can with the time you have with them and leave the rest in my care. " I always remembered that, and tried to fill our times together with a path of fun and merriment, along with a sense of duty to others and definitely a path that led straight to the saving grace of God.

I have lost touch with many of the girls. One, I am sad to say, took her own life, oh so many years ago. It is still a dagger in my heart, a wound that won't heal. The past and pain she suffered with, all her young life, are no more. One prays for the best.

This is not meant to be a sad post, perhaps a little introspective. Okay, you caught me, a lot introspective.

I only said all that to say, sometime I see these girls as full grown ladies. They remember me which always surprises me, since our time together was limited at best. They introduce their children to me (some of whom are full grown now). I forget I was only 21 when I started the group and most of them were 10 - 13. Roughly ten years separated us, but the weight of responsibility rested on me, and it seemed more like 20-30 years in age difference.

Along comes facebook, and lo and behold, first one then another has friended me (much to my delight). So far six beautiful Christian ladies, former Missionettes, are on my friends list, and I am blessed that it is so. They are never far from my heart and mind. The last one found me just two days ago. She was the spunkiest little redhead with freckles. Smart and witty, always helpful and kind, I think of her as Pippi Longstocking, but with the added attraction of our Savior in her life.

I know we can not and should not live in the past. However, these girls, now ladies, are chiseled on the walls of my heart. Each unique, each talented, each loved unconditionally by God. I would love to hear your story if you care to leave a comment. I know you have touched lives too!

Thanks for taking time to listen to my heart today!

Blessings and blessings,

Theresa

Lovely Autumn: Time for a Sale

2010-10-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Autumn doesn't last long here in the desert valley. The raging heat turns to chilling cold in a nanosecond. The trees who dare to turn their leaves from green to red to gold are often confused. After they make up their minds to give us a glorious flaming show, the santa ana winds come to blow them all about. They land in obscure piles around cars and trash cans. Much to my dismay they often land in the pool along with the thorny spikes from the redwood trees. This is why we often take our decorating indoors. Cornucopias don't jump off the table and whirl themselves about. Charming autumn teacups stay in their saucers and provide us with a much needed "drap of tea" (scottich ancestry, lol).

In honor of this short lived season, Cottage Violets is having a SALE. What a sale it is! From now until Thanksgiving you will receive 30% off your purchase (not including shipping). All you have to do is type "autumn" into the discount code. Gabby and Miss Violet Teacake will be there to package and ship your purchases. Miss Violet Teacake always likes to add a treat or two so make sure you don't miss out.

Miss Violet Teacake, H. Harriett Hatrack, and Gabby will be adding many products during the next two weeks. Be sure to come back often and see what's new.

So settle in with your blankie and laptop. Do some window(s) shopping and make sure you type "autumn" in the discount box for 30% off your purchase.

Here's a little peak at an autumn Hammersley fine bone china cup and saucer.

"No Spring nor Summer Beauty hath such grace,

As I have seen in one Autumnal face."

John Donne

Beautiful Autumn Blessings,

Theresa

M.I.A. or May I Apoligize?

2010-09-01T23:08:00.001-07:00

I seem to have been missing in action for several months. Life has been happening all around me with great rapidity while I jumped off the merry-go-round in favor of facebook games. I came to my senses tonight, and determined to apologize and start visiting my lovely blog friends again. I have no excuse, I literally threw the disconnect switch on life. I have been greatly troubled by our countries current direction. Enough is enough. One can not live without the touch of others, and I would much rather read your blogs than the news. Miss Violet Teacake and all the ladies at Cottage Violet's are happy to hear my voice again. They are happy to see my smiling face and feel my loving touch.

To you dear friends I say, Please forgive! I will endeavor to pick up the mantle and go forward, happily, singing on the way. There is so much to discuss. There is beauty all around, and we have a commitment to make it known to the world.

Here's a little excerpt from a well know tune to help us go singing on our way.

HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

Happy days are here again,

The skies above are clear again,

So let's sing a song of cheer again,

Happy days are here again!

(J. Yellen and M. Ager)

Most amazingly fond wishes,

Theresa @ Cottage Violets

Muchness, Madness, Merriment. It's All About Alice!

2010-04-22T20:51:00.001-07:00

Mad about Alice? Yes, indeedy. Miss Polly at the French Cupboard is sponsoring a blog party. There is much "muchness" going on behind the scenes. You are all invited! So mark your calendars, it is only a week away. Cottage Violet's is happy to be giving away a prize. You will get a sneak peak later on in the blog. Cottage Violet's has a few Alice items up for sale. Check out the Alice thimbles and tea tile.

Simply Mad About Alice Blog Party

May 1st, 2010

Time to Show Off Your Alice Muchness

(click on the button for details)Okay everyone here's your sneaky peaks at the Alice prize given by Cottage Violet's.

And if you think that's all there is, "Well, you just don't know much about "Muchness".

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"

God Bless Your Merry Heart,

Theresa

Every Vase In Its Place, or My Vase Gets Ooohs and Aaahs

2010-03-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

No matter how you pronounce the word "Vase", everyone has a favorite vase or two. Poems have been written to celebrate them, i.e."Ode to a Grecian Urn". The best china and glass companies manufacture them to go along with their best selling patterns. Almost everyone has a cupboard full of teleflora or grocery store vases that contained flowers to profess undying love, get well sentiments, and other various and sundry occasions. The sight of a glass vase sitting on the shelf can evoke happy memories, and perfumery smells. Now that spring is here we will wash all the vases in readiness for a garden's bounty. The glass sparkles in the sunlight sending shafts of light thither and yon, while the houses spring airing takes on the fragrance of spicy carnations, early roses, and a California native, the lovely California lilac. It's too hot here in the valley for Violets, but I still dream of camellia bowls full of violets. Then there is that special vase that is a work of art all in itself. Like the Grecian Urn, the ornamentation or decoration is enough, simply enough! So in honor of the noble vase, Cottage Violet's is proud to pass on the savings received on two lovely Royal Albert Old Country Roses Vases. They are available at Cottage Violets. They are 9" tall in the Montrose shape. Beautiful in form and pattern, I hope you will take advantage of the savings. Each vase is sold separately, not as a pair.

Ode to a Grecian Urn (an excerpt)

When old age shall this generation waste,

Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe,

Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say'st,

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty"----that is all

Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.

John Keats (1820)

Enjoy springs bounty, it is God's gift to you and me,

Theresa

Little Squares of Heaven

2010-02-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

We live in a disposable world. No one, that I know of, darns socks anymore. Do you use cloth napkins at your dinner table? Hmmmm, I thought not. For that matter, is there china in your picnic basket? Well, I seem to have wandered far afield from the subject I was pondering.

Last night I was going through my hankie stash. I have a nice collection of around three dozen hankies, some of which are for sale at Cottage Violets. I love to look at them and weave stories about them. I tend to set aside the baser use of these little bits of fluff. Men's handkerchiefs are reserved for nose blowing and other unmentionable practices, lol. In the movies, women's hankies were reserved for flirting and grieving. Example, son stays out late with questionable company, and moms sits up waiting, wringing handkerchief between fidgeting fingers. Or, there is the classic girl wants fellas attention, so she walks by and nonchalantly drops her hankie in his path. Hankies were also used as pretty props. How many times have you seen a waitress with her hankie tucked in her sleeve or under her wristwatch. No doubt about it, hankies were and still are eye candy. They draw the eye to the area one is trying to accentuate. If I think of one pinned to the chest with a pretty brooch, it is always a teacher or librarian I am thinking of. If the hankie is tucked up a sleeve or held firmly under one's wristwatch it is always a waitress or some one's long suffering grandmother. If I see a hankie falling to the ground, I am reminded of : 1. A siren going after the innocent unprepared gent. 2. The innocent unprepared belle trying to get a man's attention. Now hankies are consigned to drawers, made into pillows, and "repurposed" into any number of handicrafts. Mine sit in a tissue lined box waiting to go to other homes, or hoping I will once again open the box and weave love stories around their existence. Speaking of love stories, I have tender memories of going to church as a small girl holding in my hand a little handkerchief with a nickel for the offering tied firmly in its depths. What better love story could there be? There is something so lovely about that memory, that I cannot think about handkerchiefs without it bubbling to the surface of my thoughts. When I look at my little stash I think how many dimes, nickels, pennies, were tied lovingly in the depths of these hankies. How many mothers, aunts, grandmothers, and big sisters took the time to prepare a little offering, all tied up in a bit of fluff. Next time you see a hankie think of the path it followed. It is definitely more than just a little square of pretty cloth. It might have held precious tears, started a life long relationship, or held a dime or nickel for an offering that changed some one's life.

In his holy flirtation with the world,

God occasionally drops a handkerchief.

These handkerchiefs are called saints.

Frederick Beuchner

Have a beautiful blessed day,

Theresa

"All The Old Familiar Places"

2010-01-08T00:56:00.000-08:00

The old Frank Sinatra standard goes like this,

"I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places,

That this heart of mine embraces,

All day through",

In that small cafe, the park across the way,

The children's carousel, the chestnut tree,

The wishing well."

Lyrics by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal

I was thinking about all the "old familiar places" we visit in this remarkable kingdom called the internet. I was led kicking and screaming to Facebook, and now I seldom miss a day of catching up with old new friends. I visit several on-line stores, and keep up with several amazing blogs. I am always in awe of the talent, and creativity I find in the souls of my friends. I find pure delight in the way they express their art through so many varied mediums.

I had been missing one particular artist for a long while. I only know her as "The Muse", but she has the gift of bringing out the "child's play" in all who venture into her domain. She has word games and amusing challenges on one blog, and varied works of prose on another. She lives in the shadow of her name, and for reasons known only to herself prefers a certain measure of anonymity. Well, Miss Muse (as I prefer to call her) is back! Hurrah! I am having a lovely time feeding bits of silly rhyme (in my preferred style: the quatrain) to her comments section. I hope you will take the time to visit her blog: A Diva's Hammer, Wielded by the Muse. Remember to bring along your inner child, all ready for an interesting excursion into the mind of the Muse.

I must add a warning: Child's play is addictive, and can lead to copious amounts of creativity and freedom from care. So, enter at your own risk!

Happy Late New Year and May It Be Everything You Want A Grand Year To Be!!!

And please stop by Cottage Violets and have a look around!

Blessings, Theresa

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

A Tomato By Any Other Name Would Look As Sweet

2009-11-05T23:53:00.000-08:00

Summer is well-spent, and autumn is well on its way. Cottage Violet's has some special news for you! We have a whole new batch of ripe tomatoes for sale! It matters not that they are pink, plush, shabby, chic and cottage suitable. Tomatoes they are, and tomatoes they will remain, lol. These tomatoes were lovingly tended and brought to fruition by Andie Bee of Brown Bee Designs. They are made of lovely, tea dyed fabric, hand-sewn, and buttons and french wired leaves attached for a lovely beefsteak tomato look. They are large and luscious. They will fit into any Pink Posh Shabby Chic Cottage decor. In fact, my favorite idea for these tomatoes is a large crystal bowl on the sideboard, filled with tomatoes, and a display of collectible salt shakers with ribbon and button collars. So don't let the weather get you down, treat yourself to a Pretty Pink Pincushion to remind you of warmer days. I know they will warm your heart, as they did mine. So stop by Cottage Violets , and check them out. Plus, there are more to come in the days following.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, And Pink girls know Beauty!

I look at this beautiful handwork and it reminds me of a Bible verse that I have adopted as my own. Here's to all the Maker Gal's I have the pleasure of knowing or will meet in the future:

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

I Thessalonians 4: 11, 12

Blessings, Theresa

Leaves Do Not Fall With Regard To Time

2009-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am taking my cue from Autumn this year. Autumn let's the winds swirl at their leisure. She doesn't hasten the changing of the colors of the leaves. Autumn never pulls the leaves from the trees in uniform formation. The leaves swirl with the wind, and detach themselves from the trees in a rhythm known only to themselves. The winds may blow up a storm, but Autumn sits patiently. She has her allotted time to perform the task at hand. So she sits, and watches the changing of the colors, the beauty of the moment, and doesn't interfere much. Autumn is free to enjoy the labor of the harvesters. Autumn provides beautiful settings and lovely full moons. She silently judges the costumes, as trick or treaters make their way from house to house walking briskly in the chill of early evening. She casts a long shadow for a short time. Autumn is thankful and has a holiday to prove that she is. Even when thunder rolls and lightning strikes the darkened skies, Autumn smiles and settles in for the show. She knows this storm too will pass, and the air will be clean, and the earth will send a fragrance only Autumn can provide. I hope you will take a moment to enjoy the earth the way our Autumn does.

Here are some cup and saucer sets from (my favorite English china company) Hammersley. So dainty in person, light and lovely. Such a beautiful ring when tapped lightly! They are in Miss Violet's Tea Cupboard on Cottage Violet's if you're interested.

I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places,

Theresa @ Cottage Violets

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.... Psalm 24:1

The Tale Of Miss Angel Heart and The Fairy Tale Buttons

2009-09-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your prayers for my parents. Here is a post from July 2008. Please meet Cindy Houot, also known as Miss Angel Heart

Once upon a time in the Land Up North, way across borders and mountains and streams, there lived an Angel with a heart of gold. Now Miss Angel Heart (for that is her name) was sitting in her throne room (license taken) overlooking her kingdom, where goats and chickens and dogs and nature sang together in three part harmony. Amid the cacophony, there came the message, "You've got mail". Flying to her magic box, Miss Angel Heart read the request. Oh my, the land down under (under Sammamish, that is) was in need of buttons. Fairy tale buttons, ice creams colors, pastel wonders, could she do it, the sender asked? Miss Angel Heart went to work with earth, and paste, and glaze, and all the colors of the rainbow. At just the last minute, she raided her stash of fairy dust and threw in a goodly amount, because there is an overwhelming need for Fairy Tales in the land down under (under Sammamish, that is). With a mighty launch, Miss Angel Heart sent the Fairy Tale Buttons flying over land and stream to their new home. In the package the poor Southlander found an added treasure, a beautiful polka dot bowl. Miss Angel Heart wanted to make sure the Fairy Tale Buttons had a royal place to reside, so she sent the bowl to keep them company. Satisfied with her hard days work, Miss Angel Heart laid down her weary head, and dreamt of all the Fairy Tale treasures her buttons would soon be a part of. So in honor of Miss Angel Heart, let the festivities begin. Welcome to the World of Fairy Tale Buttons, the story is just beginning.............. it's a love story.........

NOTE: Gentle readers, who is Miss Angel Heart you ask? When she is not ruling her Royal Kingdom, she takes on the mortal personna of Cindy Houot (pronounced Who, like the Who's in Whoville, but that is a story for another time). Her boutique is http://www.angelheartdesigns.com/ .

P.S. If you are interested in the Pinwheel Tags, they are at http://www.cottageviolets.com/ this evening. I love my Pinwheel Tags, so fun.

See you in Fairy Tale Land, Theresa

Why English Fine Bone China???

2009-08-03T23:57:00.000-07:00

I love English china. So, I went back through the archives to find this post and put it out there again. First posted in February of 2008, it still is timely today. I love English china!!!!! Enjoy!!!

Why English Fine Bone China, you might ask. There is nothing as lovely as English china. With outsourcing the way it is, English china has become the new collectible of the 21st century. The patterns are works of art. The beautiful ring when tapped lightly with the finger. The exquisite colors. The light and ethereal quality of the china. Lately our cozy cottages are all about staging. Some are minimalists, some are plain old pack rats, lol. A beautiful tray on the coffee table with that beautiful piece of Hammersley fine bone china, a doily, a tussie mussie, or small basket of flowers. It is all about elegance. It is all about a gentler life. The patterns lend themselves to still life. Once you become accustomed to the touch and feel of fine bone china you won't be satisfied with any old substitute. Yes, you may use your fine bone china, but due to the collectibility of the china I would suggest enjoying it as art, as arrangement, as still life. And don't forget to have fun with your English China. Set the stage in your home for the genteel life, the cozy life, the life that English china speaks to. From candle snuffers to tennis sets, to strawberry baskets, to syrup pitchers, to sugar sifters, let English china sweep into your life with all the grace and beauty of another era. You will be glad you did.

To err is human, to have fine English china: divine, lol. Sorry it was so long between blog posts, life kind of got in my way for a moment.

Kind Regards, Theresa @ Cottage Violets

Dear Old Dad

2009-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes words escape me, even me! What word do I use to describe my dad? I suppose I will use the first one that comes to my mind: GENEROUS. He was the fix-it man who everyone always came to when they needed help. He worked for P.G.&E. (gas and electric company) for 42 years, and no surprise here, he was the shop steward........We always took in the cousins who had gone astray in the big city (we lived in a small town of 7,000). The big city was Bakersfield, California, lol. Dad loves fishing, and never missed an opening day of the season until recently. He taught us to fish in the streams that run the Sierra Nevadas. I remember walking along the beautiful banks of those creeks. Dad would whisper,"Now don't let the fish see your shadow." He showed us how to fill our creels with moist grass, how to angle in little pools made by the beaver dams, and how to keep quiet, and enjoy our surroundings. He would take us on walks and make up fabulous stories about the Smith family, the only remaining family of the Donner Party. He would pause by a rock and say, "This is where the Smiths buried the baby during that cold, cold winter. He'd have us in laughter and tears during those nature walks, filling us with imaginary tales of poverty, love, and survival during pioneer times. He let us each bring a friend for our two week vacation, and sometimes the cousins would come up to spend some time with us. Dad would always build an outhouse with the help of the boys. He would find three pines in close proximity, dig a deep hole, position the throne, and put up a rope and canvas covering with a flap opening. We always had the best camp on the mountain, we thought. He was a true environmentalist. He taught us to leave nature as we had found it. This was before the days of modern convenience, unless you were rich. But we were rich, if not monetarily. He was barbecue king, and carpenter extraordinaire. When mom and dad bought their first house I was seven and my big brother was nine. Mom was pregnant with our soon to be little brother. Dad made my older brother and I headboards with our names on them. To make planter boxes for the front of the house, Dad would go out and pick up the cement that the cement trucks dropped when they stopped on the side of the road with their funnel trucks. He would mix up the cement, and fashioned lovely planters with native rock. See how long this post is, and I haven't even touched the surface of my father. Father, if you read this please know, "I love you". Of course, papa isn't perfect, and we had our differences. But, I wouldn't trade my dad for any other dad in the whole wide world. So sure was I of his power, that at six years old I told a friend whom I was arguing with that my dad would turn off her electricity and gas if she didn't be nice. I think I got in trouble over that one, lol. Please let me know how your dad's shaped your world.
By the way, my father will be 79 years old this year. He works at the church we attend, and waters the grounds most everyday. He still fishes, and carpenters. He is still a handy man and loving father. My hat is off to you pops. I hope I can retain the same spirit you have when I reach that age....

A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

Happy Father's Day to Father's Everywhere,
Theresa

Be It Ever So Humble

2009-06-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this song?

"To thee I'll return, overburdened with care;

The heart's dearest solace will smile on me there;

No more from that cottage again will I roam;

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

Home, home, sweet, sweet, home!

There's no place like home, oh, there's no place like home"

John Howard Payne (1791-1852)

We of the Cottage I-business variety try to make our sites a place of refuge, of solace. I know that I would like to think of my little Cottage Violets as more than a hard cold cash kind of affair. We have a need to nurture, to spend ourselves so to speak. I like to add little extras to packages in the hopes of making someone's day. I often pray and ask God, "What can I do to brighten this person's day. This person who took the time to visit my site, and purchase from me." We try to give our customers some eye candy, a veritable feast for the eyes. If they can glean some ideas for decorating, laugh at my silly item comments, or just leave satisfied, I have done my job. Maybe that doesn't make me much of a business woman, (I have never been accused of being much of a business woman, lol) but I can't seem to help the way I am wired. I see potential in almost every site I visit. I get excited for my blog sister's and fellow shopkeepers talents. It is like being in a giant museum of the arts. We fit together. I am cozy, you are elegant. I love English china, you have a French sensibility.

I am an e-commerce youngster, and I still skip from shop to shop, pressing my nose against the windows. I am always amazed as I surf from blog to blog at the spirit of my sister bloggers. Some make treasures from trash, some elevate treasure to a place among the crown jewels. You never know what is on the next page. Blogging is like a big mystery novel with twists and turns on every page. The mystery starts to build as you fit the pieces together, and then voila, you have an intricate collage where everyone has motive and opportunity, everyone is a piece of the puzzle. Perhaps, blogs are more like the movie serials at the Saturday matinees. You always leave wanting more and knowing next week there will be a new episode.

I salute you Sister I-Store owners and Sister Bloggers. Be it ever so humble there's no place like home. You are my home, and Cottage Violets, your home.

Oh, and lest I forget:

"Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it." Psalm 127:1

Warmest Regards, Theresa @ Cottage Violets (of course)

Living in the Land of Gracious Dreams

2009-05-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about "Gracious Living" today. I looked up the word gracious, and was happily surprised by the definition. The first definition of gracious was "godly". Now I will admit it said obsolete in italics, but if we endeavor to give it back that meaning, I am sure we can. In fact, I would venture to say we must. I mean it was the number one definition after all! Godly was followed by pleasing, acceptable, marked by kindness and courtesy, graceful, urbane, merciful and compassionate. The word gracious keeps fine company. Then I asked my online Webster for the definition of "dreams". I really liked definition number four: a strongly desired goal or purpose. So I put them together, and thanked God my ancestors endured such hardship so I could, "Live in the Land of Gracious Dreams." I have heard many of your stories, and I know that you, too, are happy for the "Land of Gracious Dreams". Following you will find some china that survived harrowing journey's to come to rest in the "Land of Gracious Dreams". Please enjoy!!! I would love to hear why you love "The Land of Gracious Dreams". Memorial day is coming upon us quickly. A time to remember those who went before. A time to be thankful....

Greater love hath no man than this...........................

If you are happy and you know it clap your hands!!!!!

Blessings, Theresa

Do Not Rob the Little Violet

2009-04-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily

do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charm,

If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose,

Spring would lose its loveliness.

Therese of Lisieux

I have a certain fondness for violets. Violet's mean faithful in the language of flowers. A cottage epitomizes a certain cozy, warm, way of living or life. At Cottage Violet's we try to live up to our name and evoke feelings of warmth and comfort when you walk through our webby doors. We faithfully bring you lovely china, tchotchkes, and crafts that would fit into any cozy cottage. Here is a little assortment of violet quotes and violet pieces to show you what we mean. I have chosen to showcase Hammersley Victorian Violets china today.

***Please, have a hankie at the ready. We wouldn't want someone to catch you with drool on your screen.

Stars will blossom in the darkness, Violets bloom beneath the snow.

Julia C. Dorr (from "For A Silver Wedding)

Winds wanders, and dews drip earthward; Rains fall, suns rise and set;

Earth whirls, and all but to prosper A poor little violet.
James Russell Lowell (from "The Changeling")

The violets prattle and titter, And gaze on the stars high above.

Heinrich Heine (from "Book of Songs")

Cold blows the wind against the hill, And cold upon the plain;

I sit me by the bank, until The violets come again.
Richard Garnett (from "Violets")

And last, but not least, we can thank our dearly beloved Mark Twain for this closing quote:

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."

If someone has wronged you, please, forgive them today and let the fragrance of your love and forgiveness be shed abroad. It will come back to you in ways you never even imagined. Our Holy Saviour said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." If He can forgive the cruelty he suffered, I can forgive the petty little complaints I have nurtured and grown.

Have a beautiful blessed day,

Theresa @ Cottage Violet's

Don't Worry Be Hoppy

2009-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Come on everyone sing with me:

Here is a little song I wrote

You might want to sing it note for note

Don't worry be happy

In every life we have some trouble

When you worry you make it double

Don't worry, be happy......

I think we all know the Bobby McFerrin song: Don't Worry Be Happy. Now, I am one happy girl. Andie of Brown Bee Designs, a little stitcher girl extraordinaire, was stitchin' and I hopped right on over and won the object of my affection: A Spring Pinkeep....woohoo, and here it is, nestled in among my other luscious pin keeps.

And here it is again.

Thank you, Andie. Here is Andie's blog where you can check out more of her wonderful wares. http://www.thebrownbee.blogspot.com/.

I usually don't choose bright colors for projects. I don't know if I was born bland or just kind of kept leaning that way until I fell for pastel. However, these times call for a little pop of color (trite decorator phrase, lol). That being said, here are some tags I created that exhibit more of a Boho feel. So, look at these tags and "Don't Worry, Be Hoppy!!!"

Celebrate Moments and Share Memories

Enjoy Fun And Family

Stay Enthusiastic and Just Dance

A scripture is running through my head today. "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day." So, if I believe and am persuaded, what does that leave for me to do today. Don't Worry, Be Happy!!! I hope you will do the same.

Kind Regards, Theresa

Proud as Punch and Tickled Pink

2009-03-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

I finally pried open the pocketbook and updated my blog look. I am pleased as punch, and tickled pink. If I were young this picture would be of me, as I gazed upon my new banner. Not only am I celebrating a new look (for the blog, lol), I am celebrating my 36th wedding anniversary. Of course, I was a child bride (not). Let's see, I bought two new blog looks, another shop on Shabbylane Shops (Miss Violet's on the Garden Court), a spot on Friday Flea Markets (also Miss Violet's), and had steak for dinner. Now, that is living large. You know the old bible verse, Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow...... I decided if God can't take care of me, (and I am sure He can), I might as well go down having the time of my life with the best people on earth (that is you). I don't mean to be flippant, but I suspect if we were not told by the news media every five minutes that we were going to self destruct shortly, we would carry on as usual, our feet firmly planted on fallow ground. I was over at Magnolia Pearl's blog and read if I may quote from Robin, Miss Magnolia Pearl herself:

"When I sit on my porch sipping hot tea, I listen to the birds singing as they know nothing of the economy and the sorrows of the world; or do they? I think they know that God is optimistic if he made the sun shine yet another day. I'll take my cue from the birds and sing as long as the sun continues to rise and shine."

Right then and there I decided to be optimistic and happy for each day God gives me and America. I hope you are happy and blessed, too. Heck, you can only fail if you never try again. So, stop and smell the roses and then get back to work, cuz our Lord has big purpose for that life of yours.

Oh. and a big shout out to Debbi of Marionberry Cottage for the great blog designs on both Cottage Violets and Miss Violets. Here is her banner. Click on over and see her lovely shop

Smoochies and blessins,

Theresa

Heartwarming and Homecoming

2009-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

First, get out your handkerchief. I have a short little story for you that will warm the very cockles of your heart. I sold a teapot (yes, this Colclough Ivy Leaf Teapot).

But that's not the heartwarming part, even though my pocketbook, being sadly neglected, was warmed. Then, I received an email from the man (yes, I said man) who bought it. "How soon can you get it to me?", says he. "Priority mail is taking about two days, is that soon enough?", says I. Here's the heartwarming part (handkerchiefs at the ready). He writes back to tell me that the shipping time would be fine. His mother's birthday is at the end of February, and she is from England. The teapot to her set got broken, and he is buying her the teapot for her birthday. Whew, talk about a Hallmark moment. All hail, all hail to men who love and respect their mother's. He went out of his way to make a memory for his dear mother. What a guy!!! Oh, footnote, he wrote to say the teapot was perfect, and he was happy.........

Now on to Homecoming. I have joined a new little web mall called "French Cupboard". Yes, I know I am an ardent anglophile, but my English china feels so at home in the "French Cupboard". I think my wares (always wanted to call the merchandise: wares) fit right in and bring my cozy cottage feel and a certain "joie de vivre" to the lovely elegance of French style. So all you "bon vivants" come on over and enjoy the "French Cupboard". Click on the picture and it will take you there, easy does it.

Hey, while you are over there check out a magazine called "Porch". It is a lovely compendium of pictures that draw you in and take you on a journey; blogger style. It is really worth the read, or should I say look. Click on the picture and you will be magically transported over there.

And here's a little quote to give possibilities to your day:

It is never too late to be what you might have been.

George Eliot

By the way, did you know George Eliot was really a woman, who wrote under a nom de plume so her work would be taken seriously. No, seriously!!!

Here's praying for huge blessings to overtake you today,

Theresa

T'Was None So Fair As Morgan's Rose

2009-01-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hi , it’s my birthday tomorrow and I want to talk about it. Yes, stutter and drool and talk about it. I am speakin of my love of Hammersly English China, especially a pattern known as Morgan’s Rose. Having reached this august age, I cannot be still. I must indulge my fascination for this passion of mine. This china involves sight and sound and touch. The beauty of the roses, the pleasant ping when tapped, and the coolish delicate feel of fine china in one’s hand. I could sit and look at it for hours. There are so many shapes and sizes. I wonder who was chosen to create the look and feel of this pattern. I wonder if God knew how I’d appreciate it, so He let them fashion the cups in the quatrefoil style. Can you tell I’m hooked. Well and truly, HOOKED! I have even written a poem dedicated to this pattern. So here’s the poem and here’s the china. I think you will agree this is a fabulous pattern.

Captain Morgan was a cruel and ruthless man

Who made his living from the sea
He was hard and cold, an unfeeling bloke

But Rose could set him free

He never figured on the Lady Rose
Who touched his blackened heart,
And made him think of better days
Before he’d made this start

Now he’d signed a pirates pact,
And his honor bade him go,
A soldier of fortune was his lot
True love he could not know.

The Lady Rose thought him kind
And loved him with her heart,
And head, and life, and soul it’s said
But denounced his pirate’s art.

So, he sailed the seas, but ne'er forgot,
Her standing there in sweet repose,
He bade her wait 'til he returned,

Twas none so fair as Morgan's Rose

Thank you for indulging my fancy on my special day!!!

God Bless Us Everyone, Theresa

Don't forget to visit us at http://www.cottageviolets.com/

Roses are Red, Violets are Purple, Pancakes are Better, If You use Maple Syrple

2009-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

I guess you could say I'm not a cherub and frou frou sort of girl (although there is that one place in my heart, lol). I am more of a "Blondie and Dagwood", or "Lucy and Desi" kind of girl. I go for the one-liners, the pratfalls, the hold-your-sides-from-laughing-so-hard kind of Valentines. Now, I will confess that anything innocent and cutesy also takes my fancy. Then again, Lucy was always involved in innocent destruction and Blondie takes cutesy to a level heretofore unknown to man. Sex may sell (as the advertisers say), but I prefer a time when your mortality wasn't based on your morality (if you get my drift). I've really wandered far afield, when all I really wanted to say was:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Every purchase from Cottage Violets between now and January 31st will include a free Valentine (and they are CUTE).

Make 'em laugh

Don't you know everyone wants to laugh?(Ha ha!)

My dad said "Be an actor, my son

But be a comical one

They'll be standing in lines

For those old honky tonk monkeyshines"

Now you could study Shakespeare and be quite elite

And you can charm the critics and have nothin' to eat

Just slip on a banana peel The world's at your feet

Make 'em laugh

Make 'em...Make 'em laugh

Don't you know everyone wants to laugh

My grandpa said go out and tell 'em a joke

But give it plenty of hoke

Make 'em roar Make 'em scream

Take a fall Butt a wall Split a seam

You start off by pretending

You're a dancer with grace

You wiggle 'till they're Giggling all over the place

And then you get a great big custard pie in the face

Make 'em laugh

Don't you know... all the...wants..?

My dad...They'll be standing in lines

For those old honky tonk monkeyshines

Make 'em laugh

Don't you know everyone wants to laugh?

Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh Make 'em laugh!

(from Singin' in the Rain, lyrics by Arthur Freed)

Use It Up, Or Wear It Out, Make It Do, Or Do Without

2008-11-23T20:40:00.000-08:00

I love the old rhymes and sayings. The title of this blog is a particular favorite of mine. Here in the valley of Kern County we are a hardy bunch of pioneers. Some came because of the dust bowl era, some came during the depression, some pioneered the west, some came with the discovery of oil. My mother came during World War II from San Diego with her widowed mother, and my father was born here to a Southern Pacific Railroad Engineer and his wife. The saying has been a mainstay in my life, and during these uncertain times it will stand me in good stead. Most of us who craft still know the old ways. We know how to clean, to cook filling food from scratch (plain food I call it) and some of us still remove the buttons from the worn out clothing. We can plant and tend a garden, and drive an old stick shift if we have to (are there any left?). We know how to entertain ourselves without stepping a foot off our own property. We rely on God and His goodness. We still pray with thanksgiving, and seek God to heal our land. I must admit I am not a progressive thinker, but somewhat simple and single minded, lol.

I think that is one of the reasons I so love Andie at Brown Bee Design's pinkeeps. They remind me of another time. A time when precious resting minutes were spent stitching treasures filled with love and artistry. This is the same love that Andie puts into her work. I ordered another pinkeep that says "Do Much" to go along with "Promise Little"(see post below). More old sayings that hold a ton of information with very few words. Words that make you go "Hmmmmm". Words that make you think.

And speaking of words, I have posted another story in Gabby's Bunny Tails on my web site, Cottage Violets. Here is an excerpt from the heartwarming Thanksgiving story,

"As usual I ran to the window to check on the snowfall. I love snow in all its white fluffiness. As I lifted my curtain and looked down I saw an imprint in the snow. It was the shape of an angel. Careful to be quiet lest I disturb mother, I ran to find H. Harriet to explain to me that form in the snow. She came to my room and pulled back the curtain, “Miss Gardenia, it looks as though the angels have been resting in the garden. How the Lord must love you to send you an angel to rest outside your window.”

Please read the whole story at Cottage Violet's under Gabby's Bunny Tails if you are so inclined. The girls love to entertain you, and the website is always ready and waiting for your arrival.

Here are few pictures of the new necklaces (charms) on the site, and some Pinwheels crafted with handmade buttons from Cindy Houot at Angelheart Designs.

Have a beautiful, blessed Thanksgiving,
Theresa @ Cottage Violets

Eazy Peazy, Pinkeeps Pleaze Me

2008-09-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am addicted, totally and inexorably addicted. Andrea Ferguson, better known as Andie of Brown Bee Designs, makes pinkeeps. Pinkeeps guaranteed to take you to another place and time. My latest score, lol, arrived safe and sound with lots of goodies (extras, woohoo) all tied up in torquoise tissue with brown ribbon. Those are Andies company colors so to speak, and she combines them well. Anyhoo, they are handstitched, whipstitched, blindstitched, cross stitched, I mean these little beauties are stitched. I guess you might call them primitive, but they really shatter the time barrier and come right to the future with amazing alacrity (don't you just love Merriam Webster, words are our friends). My present pinkeep purchase as shown says "Promise Little", and is plump and aged just like me, lol. I quickly wrote Andie and asked for another that says "Deliver Much" or "Give Much", but she was way ahead of me and already has one on the drawing board. So, I am poised to beat all of you to the punch and get to it first when it arrives on her little Pink Boutique.

Here is my first pinkeep purchase. It is a sampler signed Elsa Taylor with the date of 1850. Well, Miss Andie is certainly a time traveler because I can just imagine a young Elsa having newly arrived after enduring steerage class. It was her treasure, and now it is aged and stained, and definitely my treasure. You may visit Andie at her blog, or visit her boutique"Brown Bee Designs" at Make Mine Pink. Just click on her name anywhere in this post and you will go right to her blog. Well, I asked Miss Andie if I might have the honor of using her pretty pinkeeps as backdrops for some new altered art pendants I am working on. In her best southern accent, (well, I imagined the accent, she is a southerner), she told me to go right ahead, y'all. So following please find a new series of pendants I am working on for Cottage Violets. The first pictures shows a little vignette with the pinkeeps and a crystal candy jar with "It's Good to be Queen" pendant hung on the knob, looking quite regal I might add.

Don't Andie's little beauties make wonderful backdrops for pins, pendants, maybe a shadowbox or on a crystal serving tray with tchotchkes of your choosing.......

Tonight, I will doubtlessly be reading my Canon photobook 101, and trying to figure how to get good close-ups. I haven't figured it out yet. When I do, these pendants along with a new series I am calling "Girl Guides" will be on Cottage Violets, and on Lollishops when that gets up and running. All the pendants are 1"X3" and are little collages sandwiched in between glass slides and held in a silvertone frame. They can be used as necklaces, brooches, tree ornaments, or bottle charms. They are moderately priced at $9.95 plus shipping. And bonus round on the back I included one of my favorite sayings, "It is never to late to be what you might have been". I will include a ribbon, key chain, and stick on pin backing with each piece. A leather strip is also available, and comes standard with all Girl Guide pendants (not shown here). The pictures don't do these pieces justice, even if I am tooting my own horn, lol.

Please visit Andie at Brown Bee Designs, she has way more than the one proverbial string in her bow. In fact, she is a bower of creativity, (do you like my word connections, I do, lol). Plus the girl is funny, rip roaring, knee slapping funny. In fact, I have met a lot of looney ladies at all the E-Malls. Tons of fun, and creating an American made legacy to boot. Now I'll give myself the boot, and say :

Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite,

But if they do, hit them with a shoe,

Then they'll have to quit botherin' you.

God Bless You More Abundantly Than You Could Ever Think Or Ask,

Theresa

Shoe-lee Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me

2008-09-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, a Shop Owner comes along. Maybe I should say Artiste, Purveyor of Dreams, Handcrafter Extraordinaire, Forward Thinker. Perhaps, I should just say "Dorkwad"(for we often call each other that without offense taken or given). If you have peeked at the pictures you will already know I am describing Michelle at Raspberry Rabbits. She has a gift, and feel for the art she brings into existence. First, I present the shipping box wrapped in white and festooned with flowers. A happy package that probably caught the notice of every postman lucky enough to handle it.

And then my treasure, a beautiful little quilt (she named it "Mail Art") encased in a clear plastic box. The photos don't do it justice, so use your inner eye to picture the beauty of it. The symmetry is perfect. A square within a square, within a boundary, within a square. Oh my, I really meant to say, It is set together with an artist's perfection or rather perception. When I wrote Michelle to tell her of its arrival, I commented that pictures did not do this piece justice. It is true. It is a perfect little melange of perfection, eye candy.Can you tell I like it A LOT.

And her branding was great! An engraved pen in splendiferous pinkness, lol. A little Raspberry Rabbits Pouch with Raspberry Tea, and a Raspberry Chocolate. Which reminds me, my cousin, Miss Sweetpea Pitty-pat was over and we opened my treasure together. She ended up with the Raspberry Tea (alas, my chocolate addiction must needs be fed, lol). And then the "Thank You" card. I don't know if you can see, but it is her logo , and a beauty right down to the deckle edge on the bottom of the card. Sweet, sweet, sweet.

To the right is a close up of the shoe, just because I wanted to see it again, lol. Miss Sweetpea Pitty-pat loved the lace coming out of the shoe. I loved it all.........

And one more attempt at getting a true picture of this work of art. Do you remember when we used beautiful words like "soutache" to describe the braided trim on the edge of this piece. If you will take a moment to stare at this piece, the remarkable texture, the clever use of layers, the whole package really, you will see what I saw, perfection in a small package. Someone's love of creation explained in one picture.

Now for a little silliness, which will take that saccharine sweet taste out of your mouth, which I must say I could not describe my treasure without. It needed all the sweetness I could muster to do it complete and perfect justice.

Here is a little song I wrote for my girls group on a lazy afternoon back in 1979 or so (long ago). It can be sung to the tune of "The Girl From Ipanema". I have no excuse for this silly ditty, except that the natives were restless, and needed a slight distraction from the labors of the day.

So here we go, it is the reworking of the Nursery Rhyme, The Little Old Lady Who Lived In The Shoe:

Short and stout, and bent and sturdy,

Oh living in a shoe can be dirty,

And when she passes

Each one she passes

Goes ewwwwwww,

(Chorus)

Oh, but what can she do,

She spent her whole life

In a shoe,

Oh, what if this happened to you.

She has kids, ten more than a dozen,

A nephew, a neice, and one chubby cousin,

And when they pass,

Each one they pass

Goes ewwwww,

(Chorus)

Oh, but what can they do,

They spent their whole life

In a shoe,

Oh, what if this happened to you.

What if this happened to you!

The girls liked it, and God didn't make me repent, so I guess He was okay with it. I must say God has a great sense of humor, because He passed so much of it on to all of us. And Michelle at The Raspberry Rabbits has much more than should be her rightful share. Please visit her at http://www.theraspberryrabbits.com/ for a wonderland of delights. And don't miss her pictures of Chunky Bunny and the rest. Chunky Bunny is currently on the Iron Man circuit to lose a few pounds bless his heart.

And remember Proverbs in the Bible says, " A merry heart doeth good like a medicine".

Dorkwads Unite!!!!

Bless You,

Theresa

Pinwheel Tags and Lolli-Shops - They're the Tops

2008-08-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

There's a fun, new e-mall a coming!! Lolli-Shops! I mean, look at that name, it drips cute. I can't even say it without smiling( and drooling a little). Look at their logo, it will give you the warm fuzzies guaranteed. I was irresistibly drawn to it like a moth to a flame. But I didn't get burned, I got accepted. I hear it is opening sometime in the fall or early winter, so get ready to have an incredible shopping experience in the near future, lol.

Here is a picture of the logo:

Now, isn't that the cutest. It evokes memories of parties, and childhood crushes, Easter, Spring Carnivals, and a host of other cherished times we keep alive in our memories. Lollipops, pinwheels, kites, and kittens are all reminiscent of that long ago time (not so long ago for some of you, lol). A time when we played hop scotch on the sidewalk. We rode our bikes like life was a constant race to be won on our trusty metal steeds. We wore dresses to school and hoped the wind wouldn't raise them up as we walked home from school with our hands full of Valentines from all the boys in class(I bet their mom's made them do it, lol). It makes me think of the week before school started when we had our little wardrobes all figured out, because our next dress would be coming at Christmas or that special outfit to celebrate Easter. My cousins always had the best dresses at Grandmother's Easter Egg Hunt replete with frills and a bonnet to match (I must not forget the shiny new patent leathers). In keeping with the cuteness that drew me to Lolli-shops, I have decided to offer my Pinwheel tags there. My pinwheel tags are made with Fairy Tale Buttons hand made by none other than Miss Angel Heart of Angel Heart Designs (or Cindy Houot, but please play along!). If you look three posts down, you will see the Tale of the Fairy Tale Buttons.

Here are some Pinwheel Tags and Fairy Tale Buttons:

The picture is a little dark but you can see them on my website in a better light, lol. I have a head full of ideas to use all the buttons in that heart shaped bowl Miss Angel Heart provided (she does lovely ceramics, or is it pottery). But take a look at the Pinwheel Tags on Cottage Violets. They are fun and fresh, a new twist on an old idea.

Just running my hands over the buttons reminds me of a lovely verse that is one of my favorites. A verse that reminds us how to live our lives. I think I will end this post with that verse.

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,

That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and [that] ye may have lack of nothing.

I Thessalonians 4:11,12

Hugs and Blessings, Theresa

Just a Little Game of Tag

2008-08-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Marie of SavonMarie soaps, and Miss Andie of BrownBee have tagged me to tell you seven things about myself you might not know. Well, Marie and Miss Andie you asked for it so here goes:

1. At work, they call me the walking dictionary and say I read the encyclopedia as if it were a novel. I rank high on their geek-o-meter.

2. I am older than Godzilla, and my asst. dispatcher never hesitates to remind people of that fact. He is fascinated by the whole situation, lol.

3. Gabby, Miss Violet Teacake and the Girls are so real to us, that we talk about them at work like they are REAL, lol. (you will have to read Gabby's Bunny Tails on the site , if you don't recognize the names.

4. I have been married for 35 1/2 years to the same man, and still love him dearly. We don't have any children, except each other, lol.

5. I resemble Aunt Bea from The Andy Griffith Show, and seem to have a lot of her screen personna's attributes and mannerisms.

6. I have been known to belt out any old tune that comes to mind, anywhere, anyplace. I also whistle a lot (that one was for free, lol). I am very eclectic in my singing, whether gospel, big band, pop, show tunes, lounge songs. This is for my pleasure only (I am unaware that I am doing it most of the time), and people get used to it, usually.

7. If I had it do to over again, I would have pursued being an environmental engineer. I believe God has given us dominion over this earth, (just like Adam over the garden), and He has a sensible solution for everything irresponsible we have done to this earth. Example, snails eat sludge as their part of cleaning up the environment. Or water running through sand and rocks help purify it. In other words, for every natural resource God has given us there is a natural way to clean up the dross. Oh dear, I have gotten started haven't I. Oh yes, it makes me really angry when a celebrity chains him/herself to a tree after riding there in a 6MPG limousine, snorting cocaine on the way, while lounging on fur seats. Ludicrous to say the least. Let's be sensible.

Ooooh, that was fun, but a trifle boring, so sorry!!!!

Blessings,

Theresa

Staging Your Home, The Blessed Life

2008-08-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

I was curious about the word Staging - Stage, so with my mother's words from youth echoing in my ears I proceeded to "look it up"....I wasn't satisfied until I found two definitions way down the page, lol.

1. To arrange, organize and carry out.

2. A step or period of development, growth or progress.

Now those two definitions I can embrace and relate to. I want to #1 Stage My Home for convenience, comfort, and a soupcon of beauty. 3 simple steps: arrange, organize and carry out, sounds like list time to me (my forte). This I can do, and have done. Now my convenience, comfort, and beauty may not be yours but that is okay also. The best rule of thumb for #1 kind of staging is never ever live up or down to the Joneses, create your own style. If God hasn't given you a Purple Thumb for decorating get help from your Purple Thumbed Friends. Maybe you can trade your Green Thumb for someone else's Purple one.

#2 Staging is even better. It gives us a way out when we are bored, or feel that our tastes have changed. Your living space will evolve (never the Darwin theory kind, lol) as your family changes, your needs change, or your mind changes. Just as Prayer Changes Things, progress, growth, and development all mean change. So I am going to just DE-STRESS over the whole thing. I used to say the one with the most when they die wins (in regards to craft supplies). Now I say, it is not what I have, but how I use it. I want to decorate my home and my life for God's glory. I recently ordered a plaque from Dawn at The Feathered Nest. The plaque says:

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. I Thessalonians 4:11,12

Thank you Dawn for offering such a lovely reminder for our daily lives.

I would like to make a blog toast of sorts:

Here is to a new day and an old way, the gracious gift of life and salvation. Here's to you my sweet blog friends.

Theresa

Showin' Tellin' and Jingle Bellin'

2008-07-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

That song from the 50's just won't let me alone today. It's called "At the Hop" . Danny and the Juniors sang it. Do you recall?

Let's go to the hop

Let's go to the hop (oh baby)

Let's go to the hop

"To the MMP Christmas in July Hop"

It all started Saturday. Miss Sweetpea Pittypat came on over from her Emporium with a load of goodies for Christmas in July at Make Mine Pink. Now, we all agree Miss Sweetpea is the sweetest bunny ever to live in Harrington Woods. And she has outdone herself. So sit back and enjoy the pictures of some of her dreamy creations. By the way, I think Chunky Bunny and Miss Sweetpea would make a great match. Alas, she is not willing to leave Harrington Woods even for a day, even to meet Hunky Chunky.....Oops, back to subject, and here we go to the pre-Hop Hop.

And last but not least, there is that old Andy Williams Christmas Classic;

The Holiday Season

It's the holiday season

With whoop-de-doo and Dickory dock,

And don't forget to hang up your sock,

Cause at just exactly 12 o'clock,

He'll be coming down the chimney down,

Coming down the chimney down.

MERRY SHOP HOPPIN TO ALL

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!

Hurry to The Secret Garden Before the Secrets Out

2008-07-17T21:30:00.001-07:00

Do you remember the story of "The Secret Garden". Do you remember the motion picture version starring Margaret O'Brien and Dean Stockwell? The whole film was in black and white, until you entered the splendor of the garden. Then the scene burst into vibrant technicolor. That is what happened to me as I was looking for items I loved for Pink Friday's Garden Path. When I saw this "Pretty Porch Pouch" by Dianne of Mama's Pocketbook, everything else faded to black and white. There is nothing I would rather have than this Pretty Porch Pouch hanging on a chair, over a fence, sitting on a bench, or anywhere in my garden as long as it is within my sight. I was thinking what a great Garden Party gift. Use the pouch as the centerpiece, then give it away at the end of the party much to the delight of the one who receives it. But I must caution you, if you think giving it away would be easy, I would beg to differ with you, lol. Just click on any of the highlighted areas or the purse itself and go straight to Mama's Pocketbook, where Dianne is waiting with a garden of earthly delights. Thank you Dianne, your work is always inspiring me.

Cottage Violet's has a few little items to share for Pink Friday - The Garden Path, too. I will picture one here and the rest are to be seen at Cottage Violets. Also, I have been working on a whole new line of tags using Fairy Tale Buttons from Cindy at Angel Heart Designs. I hope you will check back for their premiere. I do not think they will disappoint, lol. This little photo will serve as an entrance to the rest of my story, which is a little information about the author of the Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett. Please visit often.

Frances Hodgson Burnett emigrated to Knoxville, Tennessee from Manchester, England in 1865. She had lived in the slums of a then Victorian England (due to the early demise of her father), and emigrated to America to find a better life at the request of an uncle (living in Tennesse at the time). When Frances was 18, her mother died leaving Frances with four siblings to support. That is when Frances started writing. She wrote serials for the leading ladies magazines of the day, Godey's Ladies Book and Harper's Bazaar are two of those magazines. She married a doctor from Washington DC and you would think this is where she lives happily ever after. Oops, not to be. After 25 years of marriage, she divorced her husband, and married her business manager. The second marriage lasted only 2 years. During the 1890's she spent most of her time in England, but came back to America in 1909 after becoming an American citizen.

She was quirky and tempermental. She attended in person the Golden Jubilee celebrating 50 years of Queen Victoria's reign. Although her books were celebrated and famously popular, Frances was often talked about and scandalized in the press.

Her three most famous books are: The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and A Little Princess. All three books found great success, and later found renewed acclaim as they were made into hit movies. The Secret Garden starred Margaret O'Brien and Dean Stockwell, Little Lord Fauntleroy starred Freddie Bartholomew and Mickey Rooney, A Little Princess starred Shirley Temple and Arthur Treacher. Frances Hodgson Burnett died in 1924 at the age of 74 in New York City. Her books are famous, but she is one of the least celebrated authors to have such great classics to her name. The pictures below are of Frances Hodgson Burnett on the left, and the 1911 cover version of The Secret Garden on the right. I hope you will consider reading these classics. They are well worth the time. Regards, Theresa

What Is It About Feet Pictures? Let Me Show and Tell You

2008-07-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

You know, I see more feet pictures these days. There is even a coffee table book with feet that represents a cross section of the United States. Working feet, dancing feet (my favorite, lol), baby feet, cowboy feet, FEET. You name the feet, they have them. My A/R clerk at work got married a year and a half a go. She's a budding photographer. She excitedly asked me if I wanted to see the wedding pictures she took (that didn't include her). Great, I said. Well, the first thing I see is a picture of all her maids and ushers feet (barefoot). She looked up, and said, " I just have this thing about FEET." So, I have jumped on the bandwagon feet first, lol. My dispatcher wears flip flops 24/7. I have heard rumors that her bedroom slippers are fuzzy flip flops. Anyhoo, Janet at Janet's Creative Pillows, (one of my favorite Pink Sister's of all times), had a wonderful marvelous, flip-flop pillow for Pink Friday's Beach Cottage theme. Well, my dispatcher was having a birthday so I just scooped it up ASAP. Here it is in all it beachy glory. Thank you Janet, it was the perfect gift......

The feet from left to right, my boss's granddaughter's feet (she's subbing for her aunt, who is the boss's daughter and ready to give birth at any moment , excitement building), next the general manager's wife's feet, next the birthday girl's feet, and last but not least my little sister (well, ex-sister-in-law, but true blue friend after 30 years and definitely a sister to me). By the way, as you can tell she isn't wearing flip flops, but we are equal opportunity photographers, lol. Also, you don't see the asst. dispatchers (son-in-law, husband of pregnant boss's daughter) feet. Reason; they are too darn big to fit in the picture, and his pink tennies clashed with our theme. I guess our opportunities are not that equal. hahahahahahha, can't help it.
These next two pictures are of my present from Janet of Janet's Creative Pillows. She gave me lips!!!! I have been asking my husband for lips for years (like I could afford them, hahaha), but alas tis not to be. So, I decided, when I saw my scrumptious lip pillow, that I would put it on my inspiration board. Who knows, maybe God will send an angel to plump up my lips for me, lol. Hey, you may laugh but it could happen. I believe, I believe, I believe. Good thing God has an enormous sense of humor.

Now, for the last, but not least, picture. Pink Friday's theme is The Garden Path. So, let me take you down the garden path (snicker,snicker, can't help it). Here is a little foretaste, foretaste of the offerings available at Cottage Violet's this Friday. So mark your calender, and MMP and my site, and shop til you drop in an Earthly Garden of Delights. Tis waiting down the garden path, and you have an exclusive invitation.

Here is a short excerpt from one of my children's books.

" Safe beneath my garden walls,

I've gathered bunnies, bears, and dolls."

You are invited, too!

Regards, Theresa

And The Winner Is - SILENA

2008-07-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

I went to that random counter everyone talks about and put in the numbers 1 and 30, and it chose 16. I counted down sixteen names and there was dear Silena of the Enchanted Valley Boutique. Congratulations, Silena . You have won the first ever Cottage Violet's blog contest. Contact me and let me know your e-mail address. Since you are a sister member of MMP, I would love to toot your horn a bit. Silena's website is truly enchanting, she's a girl after my own heart. She obviously loves to shop for her customers, and pick just the right treasures.

It's Pink Friday- Romantically Roses over at MMP and here are some of Silena's gorgeous offerings. This is a lovely box with silk ribbon accent. Oooh-la-la

This is a tres' chic 5X7 painting of roses on canvas. Someone's very talented!!!!

This is just too beautiful for words. It is a platter and sugar/creamer in the rare Mikasa pattern called Country Roses. It is a rare find, and Silena knows quality when she sees it.

Click on any of the above pictures and you should go right to Silena's Pink Friday Page on her website. Enjoy looking at Silena's treasures. I know I did. You will find just the right item.

Remember, it's Independence Day, and Freedom has never been free. God Bless You and God Bless America, Please!!!! Thanks, Theresa

Red, White and True Blue Blog Contest

2008-06-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Cottage Violet's is having it's first blog contest. The deadline is 9PM EST on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 and the winner will be posted by 9AM EST on the 4th of July. All you have to do is leave a comment telling why you love the good ol' USA, and that's it, you are entered. Please play nice and enter only once, lol. And the prize: A $50.00 (fifty) dollar gift certificate for merchandise of your choice at Cottage Violet's. This old gal's red blood runs true blue, so in recognition of the 4th of July, we are offering a reproduction paperdoll book called United We Stand. One-half the purchase price will be donated to the Disabled American Veterans. We have a limited number of 12 books at only $12.95 (shipping and handling included), so hurry on over and support our veterans. Here's a sneak peak at the paperdolls. (Sorry for the picture quality, they are really crisp and clear in real life).

Una, Ned, Ida, Tom, Eva, and Don are saluting you, and your patriotism. Won't you help Cottage Violets help support a Disabled American Veteran? We appreciate your kindness.

Whether or not you purchase this book, you are still eligible to enter the BLOG CONTEST. So leave your comment, and God Bless The USA. (Please note, international shipping is not included in the $50.00 gift certificate, but may be used as part of the purchase price for domestic shipping. There's always some fine print!!! All comments are subject to approval of the blog owner, and any rude or deleterious comments will be blocked.)

Have a Wonderful Independence Day, Theresa

A Blast From The Past - Beach Party Tonight

2008-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's Pink Friday! Get your surfboard waxed, yourself relaxed, and head out to a Beach Party Tonight. There will be gals and pals, boutiques and chics, and you're invited, so get EXCITED!! Today I have a special beach surprise from Inka at Inkling Designs. It's ketchy, it's kitschy, and oh so Beachy...... Guaranteed to be fun in the sun, so whip out your card, pard, and let's go Beach Combing with Inka.

Surf's Up, and the gang's all here. In between the frug, the pony, and the watusi, swim on over to Inkling Designs and dig the Flamingo Cards. Our pretty pink Flamingo Hotties are strutting their stuff on beachy notecards. In between takes, and sunbathing, drive-in to Inka's and pick a lovely pink Flamingo stepping stone to beach up your pad. It is sure to be a hit with your tiki torches and sandy paths. Click on any items photo to take you to Inkling Designs, surfing made easy...

Hey, this fun's not done. Pick up a basket filled with beach treasures to put that sparkle in your favorite wahini's eye. Or how about a Surfing Safari treasure hunt with this beachy basket full of treasure as the prize. Inka's lives in Florida, so she's in the know and up-to-date on your favorite beach treasures.

This Mermaid is a Beach Cottage Must Have........Don't be late Eric Von Zipper has a crush on this little cutie, and you need to hurry before his gang shows up. Isn't she just made for your seaside retreat, with the seashell trim and beach cottage colors? And for you dyed-in-the-wool Pink Loving Beach Babes, Inka has pretty pink baskets, filled with shells and covered in netting to set on your shabby chic coffee tables. What an accent for your cool, enchanting beach cottage furnishings. Don't miss out! Inkling Designs is just a click away for the best beach experience.

And as the evening winds down, after Annette's Beach Party, explore Inka's sight for vintage treasures and shabby chic pleasures. After all, Inkling Designs is much more than just a day at the beach.

P.S. These Beach Party photos are used purely for fun and nostalgia, so don't go saying Annette endorses this or that, okay????? And never, ever, blame it on the Bossa Nova.

Later dudettes, Theresa

This Is How I Know Tea Time Will Go On

2008-06-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

I picked the most beautiful. lilting song to turn into tea music. And then I picked the most beautiful tea boutique on the world wide web. You have got to see Karen's Sweet Necessi-Tea's boutique. If you are a tea lover, this is your bag, lol.

Every day on my screen I see tea, and cozies
That is how I know tea goes on.

Teapots from all countries,
And colors and sizes,
That is how I know tea goes on.

Near, far, wherever you are,
I believe a small boutique will have your tea,
Once more just open the door,
And it’s there on your screen,
And the tea just goes on and on.

Pink Friday comes once weekly,
On your screen and my screen
Welcome to a Fine English Tea

Sweet Necessi-Tea's offers cozies
And tea cups and saucers
Karen knows that tea must go on

Near, far, wherever you are,
Her boutique is just a click away
So once more just open the door,
And it’s there on your screen,
And the tea just goes on and on.

She’s here, tea lovers have no fear,
I know Sweet Necessi-Tea's will go on,
She’ll stay , so choose tea today
And I know she’ll go on and on.

Please have a beautiful Pink Friday - English Tea

P.S. I am setting sail soon on a new luxury ship. It is the best thing going here in 1912. It is called the Titanic, and I have heard it is unsinkable, from an American friend named Molly Brown. Would you like to tag along? Regards, Theresa

Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest

2008-06-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

What a fine day. I have a question today. Can you guess who our famous Hammersley Grandmother's Rose Teapot resembles? The hint is in the title of the blog. She dances with candlesticks and sings with teacups.

Here is an excerpt from her famous song:

It's a guest! It's a guest!

Sakes alive, well I'll be blessed!

Wine's been poured and thank the Lord

I've had the napkins freshly pressed

With dessert, she'll want tea

And my dear that's fine with me

While the cups do their soft-shoein'

I'll be bubbling, I'll be brewing

I'll get warm, piping hot

Heaven's sakes! Is that a spot?

Clean it up! We want the company impressed.

This Friday at MMP Pink Friday your place has been reserved for the best seat in the house. Welcome to a little bit of English Tea Friday. The event starts on Friday morning. So you can dress up, dress down, wear your jammies, the host will never tell. We are having such a wonderful time presenting these themed events. You can choose among the boutiques, mix and match your finds, and there is always something for everyone.

Well, have you guessed? Oooh here's another hint the role went to Angela Lansbury a great English (turned American) actress. What fun, I love Show and Tell Monday

Thanks for stopping by, Theresa

Father's Favorites - Going Back in Time

2008-06-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

Make Mine Pink is sponsoring a weekly event, Pink Friday's, and you have an exclusive invitation. This week the theme is Father's Favorites. Well, you take a bunch of Pink Addicts and wave a blue flag in front of them. What do you get? Some of the best father's day merchandise available anywhere. It takes all kinds to make a world, and my picks are aimed at the Renaissance Man. The man who likes tea in fine china, the vintage inkwell sported on his desk, and hammered aluminum serving pieces. Plus, I found two Sister pinkies who are offering comfort and food, ie Soft and Silky Pillows and Manly Fudge. Okay, you've got china, you've got pillows, you've got aluminum, you've got fudge. What does that spell? Happy Hubby, Blissful Boyfriend, Pleased Papa, Felicitous Fiance. So click on the links and find your Father's Favorites at the Boutiques at Make Mine Pink. Here are some pictures to get you started:

Come on over to Cottage Violet's and check out the china and aluminum

These stunning needlepoint and silk pillows are available at C'est Chouette

Manly Fudge Doubles at Clutter Bug Studio

Don't miss the vintage inkwell at Cottage Violet's, or the Hammered Aluminum tray.

Happy Shopping for Father's Favorites,

Theresa

Button, Button, Who's Got the Button, Woohoo I've Got the BUTTON(s)

2008-06-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Forgive me Cindy. I couldn't wait. I don't even have anything made yet. But I couldn't wait, I just couldn't. I have seen all the roses Cindy of Angel Heart Designs is making for all my Pink Friends for their beautiful projects. Well, I have this thing for buttons ever since I worked in a Yarn/Craft shop back in the 80's. So I threw caution to the wind and asked Cindy if she would make a couple of buttons for me. This lady is soooooooo nice, she must have flown to her wheel or whatever ceramic artists fly to, and produced the cutest buttons imaginable. I am going to request them in the two sizes and six colors. Oh my, I might just horde them like Scrooge McDuck diving into his pile of gold coins in the vault (sorry, for that mind picture). Anyhoo, here is a picture of the prototypes. Can't you imagine dolls and tags and journals and jewelry and cards and quilts and wall hangings. Mine, mine, mine, all mine, lol. I must also say Cindy is the most accommodating person. She listens, really listens. I like that in someone I am interested in buying something from. Cindy of Angel Heart Designs you are appreciated, and Make Mine Pink, where I found you, is privileged to have found you, too......

Speaking of Make Mine Pink (the art of the segue, lol). Pink Friday is just four days away, and you have an exclusive invitation to enjoy one day of theme coordinated shopping. You don't have to worry about finding something for your Father's Favorites, just come to Make Mine Pink on Friday and click on the Pink Friday boutiques. It's all about Father's and we have all searched high and low for the best father's day gifts imaginable. We put our imaginations to work and the merchandise will amaze you.... Here are a couple of pictures with a little introduction to Pink Friday's Father's Favorites

Imagine the Vicarage at Harrington Woods (if you haven't read Gabby Tails at Cottage Violets, you might want to stop, and go read them, lol). The old Vicar is sitting in the library by the fire. Gabby brings in his morning tray and sets it on the old desk. She moves the blotter and inkwell to make room for the shining tray. The Vicar looks over with a smile on his face. He will never forget how the cheerful Blue Cornflower pattern on the china has been a staple in his life all these years at Harrington Woods. Gabby smiles as she exits the room. Real men may not eat quiche, but they can enjoy fine china.........................................

Don't miss the wonderful surprises that are waiting for you on Friday

P.S. Don't let the look of the Muffin Dish fool you. I know it looks like a butter dish at first. Think of a flat soup bowl with a domed lid. Large enough to hold plenty of breakfast goodies. It's also called a Covered Pancake Dish. It depends on the "authority" you are speaking to, lol.

Regards, Gabby (oops Theresa)

Springtime in Paris- Ahhhh, the Market Rue Cler

2008-05-30T01:11:00.000-07:00

Make Mine Pink is starting an exclusive event called Pink Friday. It is a once a week themed shopping event, and you are invited. Today's event is SPRINGTIME IN PARIS. One of the loveable bunnies who helped take over my website is one Duchess Delphinium Hammersley. Well, she thinks she knows everything about Paris. Let's just say, sometimes we doubt her veracity, lol. So we pretended she went on a shopping trip in the spring, to Paris, and returned with the lovely treasures you are about to behold. Being a proper lady, the Duchess would never travel without a matching hat and purse, together with her ever present gloves. So travel on over to Cottage Violet's and see what the Duchess picked for her Springtime in Paris adventure.

And don't forget to see coordinating items at Little Pink Boutiques like the Shabby in Pink boutique (click above) and Janet's Creative Pillows (click below). Everywhere you look today there will be a French flavor in the air. Ooh la la, and enjoy your journey to the City of Light (La Ville-Lumiere)

And for a good time this weekend rent "An American in Paris" with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.

P.S. Oscar Levant from my last post is also in this movie as Gene Kelly's piano playing friend. Isn't it funny how everything ties in. Real life is like the Kevin Bacon game, lol.

Au revoir mes amis, Theresa

The Rose Speaks of Love Silently, In a Language Known Only to the Heart

2008-05-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness, it's Show and Tell Monday already!! Well, I have a lovely subject today, and guess what, it involves English China. You are not surprised, right? There is a beautiful Hammersley pattern name Grandmother's Rose. I am pairing up several pieces with famous rose quotes. So sit back and read the quotes, enjoy the china, and dream to your hearts content. I think there is a kinder gentler world in all of our minds. A place we escape to, and long to live in. On this memorial day I would like you to think of all the roses that have gone before, and as you look at the roses, remember, with love and respect, those who have served and are serving, our great nation . Men and women of the military, this ones for you..........

But he that dares not grasp the thorn Should never crave the rose.

Anne Bronte

The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.

George William Curtis

God gave us our memories so that we might have roses in December.

James Matthew Barrie

Yet, O thou beautiful rose! Queen rose so fair and sweet.

What were lover or crown to thee, without the clay at thy feet?

Julia C R Dorr

Note: This is dedicated to Cindy the Clay Queen of Angel Heart Designs. She is an artist extraordinaire, and person sublime. From clay she fashions beautiful roses. Please, take a look.

But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

And since I always find that life is fraught with humor here is one last quote to touch the funny bone, and hopefully, leave you laughing..............................

Roses are red,

Violets are blue.

I'm schizophrenic,

And so am I.

Oscar Levant

The Time Has Come, The Walrus Said

2008-05-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the old rhyme, " The time has come," the walrus said, "to talk of many things,"? Well, I have adapted that rhyme to my Show and Tell. Here goes:

"The time has come, the Walrus said," to talk of many things,

Of shoes and snuffs, and candle wax,

And bone china that rings."

Oh, the pretty violet's will surely quench the flame,

A pretty snuff of china , Victorian Violets the name.

Hammersley sweet "Minuet" a pretty floral snuff,

Will make us forget the ships and kings, and other manly stuff.

Then a pretty patterned shoe,

Alas, my dear, will not fit you.

Next the stylish working boot,

Me thinks yon boot is quite a hoot,

And last a dandy's courting shoe,
With puppy on the toe,
To dance the golden night away
Thus end's my Tell and Show .

Whistles, Rabbits and Other Good Habits

2008-05-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

It's Show and Tell Monday, and I am late, I'm late for a very important date. Oops, that was another book for another time. Right Lewis? Well, I want to show my Peter Rabbit Children's Ware, and tell a little of Beatrix Potter, writer and illustrator extraordinaire.
First I'll show you the cute little Peter Rabbit tea tile. Isn't it too sweet and I showed it to you "tout suite". eh!!!

And right next to it the 3 piece baby set. Made in England, of course.

And the Maid in England is one Helen Beatrix Potter. Born into a wealthy industrialist family in the Victorian era, Beatrix was practically raised by her Scottish nanny. Beatrix attributed her vivid imagination to the Scottish nannies belief in witches and fairies. She had an acute love for nature and animals which accounts for her sheep farming and preservation work in the Lake District in England. There is a whole museum amusement type facility in Windemere (Lake District) called "The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction". Just a little note: If you are ever staying at the Ritz Carlton Naples Beach in Florida, take the children because they have a full blown Peter Rabbit Tea. Isn't that too cool? And I really want to see the movie "Miss Potter" with Rene Zellwigger.
Okay, I'm done for a bit with that. Let's move on. I have the most amazing thing to show you. Well amazing to me....It's a Hammersley Fine Bone China WHISTLE!!!! Woohoo, you heard it right WHISTLE. Isn't this the sweetest thing? I couldn't wait to snag it when I saw it. It's one of those treasures that will be hard to put on Cottage Violets. The picture shows front and back. Sorry about the quality of the pix, I am in a hurry to get this post up before it turns Tuesday on me. lol. Now you really could whistle in style while you work....

There's My Show and My Tell. Now I am off to see all the treasures you have on your blogs. I am always in awe of the creative force behind all your blogs. TaTa Girls, see you at the Lake District, (a girl can wish can't she)..................

Vintage Vavoom and Romantic Homes

2008-05-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to have the chance to donate a little basket of goodies to the Vintage Vavoom Tea Event at Paris in a Cup in Orange California on May 17th, 2008. Here is a link to read all about the event, Vintage Vavoom . I've included some little pictures below, and am so excited Make Mine Pink gave us this opportunity. Vintage Vavoom is a book published by Romantic Homes, one of my favorite magazines. I hope all you California girls get to attend the tea. What a fun time. Also, I would like to give an Honorable Mention to Desi of Romantic Homes who patiently answered all my questions. Thank you Desi, and I have included a little something in the package just for you. Here are the pictures of the basket and its contents:

Here's the basket, and next to it the lovely Hammersley Victorian Violets Demitasse

And then we have the tags (gotta have tags). My own branded Cottage Violet's s Tags and the cute little Violet Stall Girls tags. Both have plenty of room on the back for sentiments.

And one must have a napkin (very vintage,very chic). As a little taste of my hometown I added a bag of Dewar's Peanut Butter Chews, a local favorite and the yummiest. Last, but not least, I added a silver spoon. We were not all born with silver spoons in our mouths, but everybody ought to possess one.... Once again thanks, Romantic Homes Magazine and Make MIne Pink for giving me this opportunity. Regards, Theresa

Salute to May Flowers: MMP Shop Hop for Mum's Day

2008-05-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Now don't jump right to the pictures until I explain. I live in a desert climate where fall, spring, and winter are short seasons. We usually jump right into summer from any angle. So I thought I would present my favorite May flowers in another way.

Have you ever heard of the language of flowers? In Victorian times it was a way to state your case with flowers. Many an aspiring beau used flowers to let their beloved know exactly where they stood,(or wanted to stand). A trifling bouquet could keep a flagging relationship off the rocky shoals of separation. Many a girlish tiff with one's best forever friend was patched and mended with a fragrant tussie-mussie. I hope we can bring this endearing practice back. We have natural flowers, silk flowers, paper flowers, and on and on.

Today I choose to use flowers that never need watering (well an occasional wash, lol). Or a little humidiy in the china cabinet once in a while. You are way ahead of me aren't you. China, ooooh my favorite, and the amazing flowers that adorn our favorite accessories.

Let's start with (hmmmm) Violet's

Violets mean "faithful"

This is a Hammersley fine china pomander with lovely Victorian violets.

How about the Blue Cornflower

The Blue Cornflower stands for "Hope in Love'

Be still my beating heart, isn't that too sweet!

This is a Hammersley Blue Cornflower Trinket Egg. Lovely for little keepsakes.

Then there is the Yellow Rose

The Yellow Rose stands for "Friendship"

This is Royal Albert Tea Rose pattern. This pattern is so cheerful. It is just right for a fun, lasting friendship

How about beautiful delicate ivy.

Ivy stands for "Fidelity"

We don't hear much about fidelity anymore. But I think it is a word just waiting to be revived, remembered and revisited.

I love this Pink Rose

Pink Rose stands for "Grace"

This is Royal Albert's American Beauty pattern. Isn't is lovely? I think God had a hand in this pattern, because He has definitely cornered the market on grace.......

Simply breathtaking are the Yellow, Coral, and Pink Roses.

This pattern is Hammersley's Morgan's Rose.It always makes me think of the pirate's of old and how we've romanticized them. Henry Morgan was the King of Pirate's. He was cruel and a true leader. But I wonder about his tender side. I think of him when I see this pattern, because I am a romantic goose.

Here's a little diddy I made up for this pattern:

He sailed the seas, but ne'er forgot,

Her standing there in sweet repose,

He bade her wait 'til he returned,

Twas none so fair as Morgan's Rose.

And last, but not least, here is a whimsical, and oh so fun teapot of the garden variety, it's pedigree in doubt, lol. But you will notice a big Red Raspberry on it.

Raspberry stands for forgiveness.

So, as a fitting end to this post, I am asking your forgiveness in having to have read this long,long post on a subject I have great passion for. I hope the read was worth the time. Please, don't forget to tell your friends about all the fun at Make Mine Pink

Regards, Theresa

Showin' and Tellin' 'Bout My Inspiration Board

2008-04-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

I was talking to God the other night. No really!!!! Well, you might call it prayer, but being that I am not so eloquent as most people, I just call it talkin' to God. I was talking about Cottage Violets, my web business and my dreams in general. He dropped a little verse into my spirit, and that's how my inspiration board finally came into being. He (as in the guy upstairs) reminded me that the Bible has a solution for every problem, care, hope, dream, plan, etc., etc.. So I started my board and this is how it turned out. Here are some of the components, since the board is full.

The sweetest tussie-mussie from Stephanie at Shabby in Pink Boutique to signify new friends.Then a sticky for prayer requests, lately there has been a never ending supply.

Here is the verse, you can find it in Habakkuk 2:2.

Don't you love saying that name: Habakkuk

Love biblical names.....

Then there is my sweet Cottage Violets. I cut out the front of an old greeting card and fitted my business card inside. I think it's too cute! But then, I would wouldn't I, lol.

I love linens and hankies. So this signifies my love of linens. I have so many more to put in the shop, so check in often. Okay?

Then, I made tags that say, PLAN, HOPE, DREAM. I used gold ink and stamps on gingham pink tags. I remembered an old stampers trick. If you make a mistake, cut-out a patch in the same or contrasting paper. Apply the patch, and then make thread marks on it in the same or contrasting ink. It hides the mistakes and looks like it was planned. Don't you love little tricks? Oh yes, there is plenty of room on the back of each tag to write my plans, hopes, and dreams.

If you know anything about me, it is that I love china. So, I put a sweet little Hammersley demitasse on the board. And beneath it a tag with a home on it. On the back of the tag I have written the name of the area my husband and I want to retire to and live in. He is 59, yikes. 401k's better grow,grow,grow.

And last, but definitely not least is a little picture I made from a little picture.I used blue pastels to suggest the presence of clouds. I added a banner to the airplane, and typed in one of my favorite verses of all times. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

So, there you have my Show and Tell. I definitely showed and told a lot didn't I. But I think everyone should have a revelation and a vision of what they want and where they are going. Because, God wants to give us the desires of our heart, as long as we follow him....................

Regards, Theresa

These Are Just Two Of My Favorite Things

2008-04-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

If I was writing that famous song, My Favorite Things, I think I would add a verse. It would go like this,

"Handmade and vellum, with ribbons and stickers,

Pictures of maidens, and young boys in knickers,

Strawberry baskets and china that rings,

These are a few of my favorite things."

Here we go with Show and Tell Monday...

Do you know what a Hammersley Strawberry Basket is? Beautiful, that's what. In England they eat millions of strawberries during Wimbledon. Well, I love tennis, I love England, I love strawberries, and most of all I love Hammersley China. So today I chose a Strawberry Basket that I just purchased. As you can see there are pockets for the little sugar and creamers.

So there you have one of my favorite things: A fine English china "Strawberry Basket".

It won't be hard to guess what the other is. Tags, tags, tags. Gotta love'em.

These are big shipping tags with vellum, cutouts, sticker sayings, and a shimmery wired ribbon. There is plenty of room on the back for any note or quote you choose.
The only thing better than a tag or a Strawberry Basket is.....You guessed it.
A tag on a Strawberrry Basket. Ta...Da..... And here it is.....

Enjoy your show and tell Monday
God Bless Us Everyone, Theresa

Show and Tell in My Best Kindergarten Voice

2008-04-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

Make Mine Pink is having Show and Tell Mondays, which are certainly better than Hoops and YoYo's Sarcastic Wednesday's don't you think? Well, I am soooooooo busy, but I wanted to get in on the funnity fun fun. So, my pictures are a little ugly early, even though it is late Sunday night where I am, haha (ugly early, late Sunday, comprende?). I digress,(can you tell I am sleepy?) Anyhoo, I am making a new line of tags that are a little smaller than the altered art tags. Here are the first ones, hot off the craft table. They come in lots of four. The wording will be different on each set (on the little secondary tags at the top).

Much better in person I can assure you. Then there is the old market cart I bought at an antique sale recently. Fell in love at first sight....It is not relined yet, and the wheels are a little squeaky, but I think this is definitely a diamond in the rough. Don't you......Ooops, just noticed something wrong besides the darkness and bluriness of the picture. Can you tell what it is?

So, there you have my first Show and Tell Monday. Teacher may I be excused now. I think it's Sleepy Time....... I hope God forgives such idiotic silliness. You know what? He does, and I am so glaaaaaaaaaaaad...... Theresa

Easy Peazy, Lemon Squeezy, To Paint A Rock Is Not So Easy

2008-04-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today I was thinking of some fond memories. Once on Secretary's Day, the General Manager's wife painted a personal paperweight for all the ladies in the office. There was a saying on each paperweight. She thought long and hard about the sayings, and even enlisted her husband's help. Each year I give a donation and buy a calendar from Christian Record Services .They send blind children to camp each year, it is a wonderful organization. Anyhoo, she put a saying by Helen Keller on my paperweight. I will cherish this rock forever. Oh, bonus round the rock is painted pink........

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

Please check out Christian Record Services. They are a lovely worthwhile organization.

Kind Regards, Theresa

The Best Gifts Are Tied With Apron Strings

2008-03-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a beautiful apron that I am having trouble putting on Cottage Violets. Once you see it I think you will know why. There was a tremendous amount of work put into this apron. I sat and looked at it a long time. Did she pray for her children or husband while she sewed. Did she pray for the crops to get in before the fast approaching thunderstorm. Did she think of all the friends she would serve in her best-after-church-apron. Was she contented and happy as she crocheted row upon row of beautiful lace trim. Were there babies at her feet and hanging onto her everyday apron as she set in the waist at her treadle machine. Was it a wedding gift for a special friend. Did she take in fine sewing to fill the family pocketbook. All the questions and the only answer I could give to myself was: she was an artisan, a sewer of fine seams, a crochet devotee, but most of all she had love. She cared to crochet the lace to set into the strings. She cared to make the careful tucks that set the design apart. Please take a look at this treasure and tell me what you think. But please don't break the reverie, the romance.

I think the best gifts are tied with apron strings.

New Going's On At Cottage Violets

2008-03-15T22:48:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met someone you are sympatico with instantly. Well, my cousin Patty, aka Miss Sweetpea Pitty-pat, is one of those someones. As children, she and my older brother hung out together, and her little sister and I hung out together. But when she asked me to join her Red Hat group " Cherry Cordials" , we totally clicked. Who knew after 40 some years of casual contact she would mean so much to me. Now, she is going to join Cottage Violet's with her handcraft business " Miss Pittypat's Mercantile", and I am sooooooo excited. Plus, extra bonus she is a chefess (new word) extraordinaire. Maybe I can coax some recipes out of her to share with you. I have enclosed a little photo of two of her lovely creations to show you why, "I am so terribly excited to have her at Cottage Violet's". Hurry on over to Cottage Violet's and check out Miss Sweetpeas other offerings. See you soon, Theresa

My First Award, More Precious Than The Oscar.

2008-03-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

I received an award. Awesome....Little old me from humble beginnings, rewards and prizes. Woohoo. Thank you Stephanie at http://www.shabbyinpinkboutique.com/ for the award. Now I must return the favor, so 10 (count'em 10 of you have been targeted) other people will receive the same award and HERE WE GO (in no particular order except Stephanie):
1. Stephanie at http://www.shabbyinpinkboutique.blogspot.com/ you are one of the nicest people at Make Mine Pink and really made my day. I would like to make your day!!!

2. Janet at http://www.janetscreativepillows.blogspot.com/ , you were the best mentor and always available even though I know now what a busy person you are. You help make MMP what it is today.

3. Lynn at Vintage Nest, http://www.lifeatcedarhill.blogspot.com/ , you truly know the meaning of nesting, and how to be an encouragement.

4. Ann at Green Oak Antiques, http://www.magpiecottage.blogspot.com/ , you never mince words and always tell it like it is, with an amusing touch of your lovely sense of humor. Your blog is like reading a letter from a close friend.

5. Karen/Eileen from http://www.forgetmenotdreams.blogspot.com/ , you overcame blogophobia and are well on your way to becoming Blog Queen, and you have the nicest retro logo I have ever seen.

6. Dianne of http://www.mamaspocketbook.blogspot.com/ , you related on Make Mine Pink the other day what a lot of ladies were feeling, and helped them pour out some feelings that needed tending to. You are also my favorite technogeek, lol, and Pursemaker extraordinaire.

7. Andrea at http://www.thebrownbee.blogspot.com/ , you are uproariously funny, but I suspect there are deep waters running under the surface. Can't wait to see your boutique when your plans come into fruition.

8. Karen at http://www.sweetnecessi-teas.blogspot.com/ , I always love reading your forum posts, and I love visiting your website and looking at the tea cozies. Good luck at CL.

9. Lori at http://www.katiesrosecottage.blogspot.com/, you are the perkiest and sweetest lady at Make Mine Pink. You always encourage, but never push yourself forward. Plus, I seem to get more traffic from your website, so a double thanks to you.

10. Janet from http://www.beloved-creations.blogspot.com/, you are so beloved for giving all the ladies a chance to be on blogtalkradio . I also think it is wonderful that you are caring for your Grandmother. God Will Bless You Mightily, and already has.

There you go. So although most of you don't know me much, now you know how you impact the lives of others. HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY, WEEK, MONTH, AND YEAR.....God Bless You All.

Theresa

Someone's Gonna Get Crowned

2008-03-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

Neener, neener, got your attention. On to the news!

Joyce Lucas, of Make Mine Pink the premier e-mall of the internet, was recently made a Country Living Entrepreneur of 2008. She has always been the Queen of Make Mine Pink, picture to follow, lol. Well, it seems being Queen is not enough for Joyce. She has decided to take her entourage to Chicago for the Country Living Event. While there, she is going to give away a gold ring to one of her ladies-in-waiting (picture to follow, lol). All said consort has to do is design a most outrageous tiara, and model it for the queen and her paparazzi.

What about us, what about us, what about us you may ask? Well, ask no longer, your chance has come. All you have to do is be a member of Make Mine Pink, design the most outrageous tiara, take a picture of it on your head, follow the rules (see the forum thread), send in the picture, and receive enough votes to win. The winner will receive, suspense building, drum roll please!!!!!

A STERLING SILVER W/DIAMONDS TIARA RING.

P.S. The white gold and silver tiara rings look the same, woohoo.

All Hail to The Queen

2008-02-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Joyce Lucas, affectionately known as Mama Bear, has been named one of Country Living Magazine's Women Entrepreneurs of 2008. Only a handful of women were chosen. That being said, there is so much more to Joyce than a mere spread in a magazine. She is the Queen of Make Mine Pink. Now I could be biased, as I am a new and fledgling member of Make Mine Pink. However, let's examine the facts. She takes every opportunity to connect with her royal subjects. She offers her time, her talent, and her expertise to keep the Kingdom happy and healthy. I joined February 1st, 2008 and immediately she offered a mentor to help this newbie out. Janet of Janet's Creative Pillows, the nicest lady-in-waiting you'll ever want to meet, greeted me warmly and showed me the ropes. I still ask her questions, and she always comes through. The Royal forums are a wealth of information. Joyce gives one the opportunity to learn, and mature in the fine art of E-Enterprise. So lets all shout it out, "All Hail to the Queen". I don't think she heard it, let's try it once more, "ALL HAIL TO THE QUEEN." If you haven't had a chance to look around at Make Mine Pink, head on over there. You will be glad you did. Here are some royal photos, taken without the authorization of the Queen. So don't tell on me, okay? Now, if you really want to read a better account of the Queen, I'm attaching Sharon of C'est Chouette's blog site: http://www.cest-chouette.blogspot.com/ . Definitely go and read it.

2008-02-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

Welcome in,
Just thought I'd start my new blog with pictures of my craft room. This is the place I long to spend my days, away from the Workaday World we live in.

Picture is kind of dark, but it gets better, lol. As you can see I have the same old rotary mat I used during the crafting craze of the 80's. The table is a barter I made for a quilt when I had my antiques shop.

Love Mary Englebreit. I hope it is okay to show these, oops.

This one I used for Wedding Shower party favors. I made a removable tag with my Xyron that said FAVORS to put over the word "LIVES". Wouldn't want to be so terribly rude.

These are the cubbies my husband built from one of those kits at Lowes. I covered the front of clearance sale Christmas boxes from Longs Drugs with Hydrangea borders I bought from the Dollar Tree. My shabby chic cubbies.

My dolls keep me company. Don't yours?

Two little quilts from my quilting days. The one on the right was given to me by a fellow quilter at work, she was an expert. Mine's on the left, I am a novice.

When my dolls get tired, I have old movies going to inspire me. "Here's looking at you, kid." I painted the little girl on the cabinet way back in the 80's. And decoupaged the boxes in the 90's. I am a child of the 50's and 60's, go figure. I lost the 70's: but then who didn't completely skip the disco age, lol.

Oh, before I sign off. What you don't see is the built-in closet my husband put together from California closets at Target. Sliding drawers for all my fabric (almost). Room for my Xyrons and Sizzix machines. A bin for my fiberfill and shelves and shelves of crafting supplies. Because the Crafter with the most wins when she/he dies. I am definitely in the running.

HONORABLE MENTION OF THE WEEK
Stephanie at Shabby in Pink. These are the roses she let me write about for her blog contest for Valentines Day. Visit her blog at http://shabbyinpinkboutique.blogspot.com/