Fleur-de-Lee

Lest We Forget

2009-09-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

REMEMBERING those who died on September 11,2001.....God be with their families and friends and with us all as Americans who are still grieving over this unbelievable tragedy.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!! "That your FAITH should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the POWER of God. I Cor. 2:5

2009-09-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been since May that I have posted on my BLOG! I guess I have been too busy with Facebook and Twitter! I have had a busy summer too and ,boy ,has it flown by! Did it fly by to you too?? I used to hear my mother talk about time flying by and I don't think I understood that concept until I was older. The photo above is me enjoying some time of relaxation at my sister's new lakehouse. It is so lovely and peaceful there. We had a sister get-together there to celebrate my eldest sister's 70th birthday. We had so much fun ...laughed alot, ate alot and shopped alot! What more can you ask for! I am so blessed to have these 4 beautiful gals in my life and believe me I thank God for them daily!

I hope all of you had a wonderful summer and have a lovely fall too. Before you know it, we will be counting the days 'til Christmas! God Bless and I will soon be back posting my silliness again on Fleur-de-lee!

ADOPTION

2009-05-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth with Matthew

McCartney with Alexis.

McCartney in the nursery with Alexis.

Elizabeth with Matthew in the nursery. Beaming I might add!

My lovely granddaughters, McCartney and Elizabeth, just spent 5 days with us while Mommy and Daddy took a much needed vacation. I wanted their stay with Mimi and Mackey to be a memorable one, but had no real idea about what we would do to make it that way! But, I really prayed about it and asked the Lord to be with us every step of the way. One day , we ventured to the downtown area to visit a shop that had children's clothes. That really didn't interest them though. Then I remembered that we had a DOLL SHOP and I asked if they would like to visit and see the dolls. They exclaimed , YES!!!......So off we went to "Little Faces Doll Shop." We were greeted by Terry Jennings, long time owner and operator of this charming shop. In the very back of the store is the "Nursery" where precious Lee Middleton babies are waiting for adoption. We were mesmerized by these life-like infants and immediately fell in love with them. Long story short, my two granddaughters became MOMMIES that day and could not have been prouder!! McCartney the eldest one, adopted a blue eyed baby girl and named her "Alexis Sophia" and Lizzie adopted a boy that has blue eyes like mommy's, and named him "Matthew Baker". And I became a Great Grandmother!! How about that??? What wonderful memories were made that day! Hopefully, these girls will keep them and treasure them in their hearts and tell their children one day about the day they became MOMMIES for the first time!

SUNSET and ART......

2009-04-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Found this painting at a thrift store for a whopping 7 bucks! Lucky me!

This darling original work by FIFI FLOWERS is all mine! I won it on one of her auctions......lucky me! The notecards FIFI gave me as a little surprise....aren't they cute???

Took this picture at sunset recently out my front window. Spectacular!! I am so blessed to have a RINGSIDE seat too! I love it!

Have a TERRIFIC TUESDAY all..............God Bless ya real good!!!!!!!!!!!!

For EVERYTHING there is a SEASON.......

2009-03-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

As I looked at these gorgeous pansies that I planted last fall, I was sad because I knew they would not be around much longer. Isn't it amazing that these delicate blooms survived the harsh winter to look so beautiful?? Now that warmer temperatures and sunny skies are on the way, they will soon shrivel up and die. In Ecclesiastes it says "For everything there is a season....." So it is with these pansies.......and so it is with us as we journey through this life that God has ordained. And we should welcome each SEASON of our lives as a gift and enjoy it while it lasts. And then we should graciously move on to the next season with anticipation and joy looking always to our Lord and giving HIM praise for His blessings.
So long my sweet pansies......will see you next year!

One of THOSE KODAK MOMENTS....

2009-03-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

While shopping the mall last Saturday with my two precious granddaughters, I spotted this very attractive young woman at the bookstore who was dressed EXACTLY like me. I strolled over to her and tapped her on the shoulder and when she turned around she almost screamed! We both had a good LAUGH and then I summoned my granddaughter , McCartney, to take our picture. Talk about a KODAK MOMENT!! My "twin" told me how cute I looked, and I said, "well, so do you!"........It was one of those fun moments that you will remember always with a good laugh.

Arthur Stace.....Mr. Eternity

2009-02-16T20:06:00.000-08:00

Arthur Stace was a loser, a no-hoper, an alcoholic and completely illiterate. He lived in the streets of Sydney, regarded by many who saw him as a lost cause.
One Sunday night in 1932 he entered St Barnabas' Anglican Church on Broadway, Sydney, and heard the Reverend T. C. Hammond preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Banner of Truth has published a paperback biography of T. C. Hammond. Arthur was convicted by the Spirit of God. He left the church, crossed the road, and sat under a tree in Victoria Park where he committed his life to Jesus Christ. He had become a new creation.
Later that year he was at the Burton Street Baptist Tabernacle on the corner of Palmer Street, Darlinghurst when he heard the evangelist John G Ridley preaching.
In his urgent, commanding voice, John Ridley cried, "Eternity! Eternity! Oh, that this word could be emblazoned across the streets of Sydney!"
Arthur Stace the little man who still could not read or write left that church, took some yellow chalk, bent down and wrote one word on the footpath. And throughout the night for the next 40 years, while Sydney slept, Arthur would take his chalk and write in immaculate copperplate handwriting the word "eternity" on footpaths, entrances to the train station, and anywhere else he thought it would catch people's attention.
Sydneysiders would alight from their commuter trains of a morning and see this word as they walked to work.
In Sydney today, you can still see the word in three places...
1) On his gravestone in Waverley Cemetery, commemorating the life of Arthur Stace who had become known as 'Mr Eternity'.
2) Inside the huge bell in the GPO clock tower which had been dismantled during the second world war. When the clock tower was rebuilt in the 1960s, the bell was brought out of storage and as the workmen were installing the bell they noticed, inside, the word "eternity" in Arthur Stace's chalk. (No one ever found out how Stace had been able to get to the bell, which had been sealed up, to add this mysterious entry to Sydney's folklore.)
3) In Town Hall Square, between St Andrew's Cathedral and the Sydney Town Hall. When the area was redeveloped in the 1970s, a solid brass replica of the word in Stace's original copperplate handwriting was embedded in the footpath near a fountain as an eternal memorial to Arthur Stace.
As the year 2000 was welcomed, the word "eternity" in Stace's handwriting, was emblazoned NOT across the streets of Sydney as John Ridley had wished, but across the face of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and, thanks to modern technology, was seen around the world.
Of all the words that have been spoken during the first two millennia, the one chosen by otherwise-godless people to be featured on the Harbour Bridge at the dawn of the year 2000, is the one that was used to remind so many busy Sydneysiders of their impending appointment with their Creator.
Because Sydney's fireworks display was the first of the international celebrations to be telecast around the globe, people in every continent witnessed the miracle that God performed when he touched the life of one little, 'insignificant' man - Arthur Stace - a man who heard the voice of God and responded by committing his life to 'preaching' his one-word sermon.
Heaven only knows how God will continue to speak to the hearts of so many people around the globe, using the work He started back in the 1930s through Arthur Stace and his piece of yellow chalk.
Ron BevisMaroubra Baptist Church Sydney

THE Moral of this story is..........it doesn't take MUCH to effect ETERNAL Results!....Amazing man, amazing story!

The MIRACLE on the HUDSON>>>>>

2009-02-09T06:02:00.000-08:00

I love this artist's rendering of the Miracle on the Hudson because I truly believe it was God who saved those passengers and that He guided that wonderful pilot as he safely landed on the water...............Today on a couple of the morning shows some of the passengers and the crew members were reunited and it thrilled my heart to see how totally thankful they were to still be alive. What a miracle and all GLORY goes to God and his Miracle on the Hudson!! <><

"Hold up my goings in Thy path, that my footsteps SLIP NOT." Ps. 17:5

If Only..................

2009-01-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I Love thee .....Let me count the ways...............When Elizabeth Barrett married Robert Browning her father disowned her. For ten years, Elizabeth wrote love letters to him seeking RECONCILIATION, but with no reply. Then one day a large box arrived in the mail from him. Excitedly, she opened it, only to find all of her letters to him UNOPENED and UNREAD!

Today we recognize Elizabeth's love letters as some of the most beautiful in all of classical English literature. The relationship with her father was never restored as far as we know even though Elizabeth diligently tried with all her HEART.

Elizabeth and Robert Browning had a long loving marriage in spite of her father's opposition and they bore one son, Pen,who never had any children of his own so that ended the BROWNING family tree.

Restoring relationships is NOT easy and requires DEATH TO ONESELF, obedience to GOD and love of others. It takes CHRISTLIKENESS.

If only Mr. Barrett had found in his heart to restore his relationship with his daughter , his life would have taken on a new dimension of JOYFULNESS instead of BITTERNESS.

How do I love thee? LET US ALL count the ways and be FORGIVING and less judgemental........................<><

For the LOVE OF FLOWERS......

2009-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

I adore FLOWERS and I love seeing them arranged into a work of art.........God was so creative and good to give us FLOWERS and I cannot imagine LIFE with them, can you??? The bad thing about FLOWERS is that they eventually wilt and die.....:( ! I have chosen some pictures of flower arrangements that I find so lovely and wanted to share them with you......

This is a must have book by Mark Held and Richard David of "Mark's Garden"...these talented men do their majic with flowers for the rich and famous and have really made a name for themselves.

A "Mark's Garden" party setting.....how plush and beautiful!

Are these not to die for??? FABULOUS!

AND THESE have to be my favorites!!!

A simple but elegant bouquet by the ever so talented, Eddie Ross!

This arrangement sends me into such delight I can't stand it!

It is hard to beat white roses with greenery..................

"The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of God will stand FOREVER." Isaiah 40:8

Mount Vernon

2009-01-23T16:55:00.001-08:00

I am a member of a wonderful organization , The Antiquarian Society, which I have found to be invaluable because of the knowledge I have gained in not only antiques but history. Today was our January luncheon meeting and what a treat it was because our speaker was Mr. George Terrell, a local historian and fabulous communicator. His topic today (of which he is gifted with many that he could have expounded on) was Mount Vernon. I thought I knew pretty much about this wonderful estate of our first President, George Washington, but obviously I didn't know much at all! This is the bedchamber where George died. This bed had to be specially made for him because of his 6'2" statue. His height was unusual in his day as most men were much shorter. This master suite was quite unusual in its day also because it featured "his and her walk-in closets"... Before his death, George, made it clear that he wanted to "lie in state" for at least 3 days to make sure he was actually DEAD and not just in a coma! That happened quite frequently back then and he had a horror of being BURIED ALIVE! He also wanted his "wrists cut" before he was laid in his final resting place JUST TO BE SURE again that he was DEAD!

If it had not been for The Ladies of Mt. Vernon in the late 19th Century, we may not have had Mount Vernon as it is today. These ladies formed their group to SAVE Mount Vernon because it seemed no one else cared about it's demise. So together they bought Mt. Vernon for $200,000!! That was mega bucks back then and was quite unbelievable that they were able do this! Thank you Ladies for your audacious foresight in preserving Mount Vernon!!

This is the back of Mount Vernon with it beautiful view of the Potomac.

Mount Vernon as it is today. Of course, George renovated it and added on two wings and the Palladian window on the end which was an unusual feature of the day.

The Library at Mount Vernon.......

George Washington was a wealthy man but a very humble man too............I am so proud that he was the "Father of our Country" ....our foundation is strong because of his leadership and his love of the United States of America. Thanks George!!

I WISH........

2009-01-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

Wish I may, I wish I might......As a little girl I did alot of daydreaming and often I would close me eyes really tight and make a WISH for a white pony. I always wanted the wishbone when Mother would fry chicken so I could make a WISH for my white PONY. I would pray at night for that WHITE PONY to be tied to a tree when I awoke in the morning. Sure enough , I would hop out of bed and run to the window to see if the PONY was there! Needless to say, I never got that WHITE PONY. But I learned a valuable lesson that I can see now as an adult. If I had gotten that greatly desired PONY there would have come with it, lots and lots of responsibilities. Of course as a child I did not take that into consideration. The old adage that says, "Be Careful what you WISH for!" is so true, isn't it?? Well, I have assembled a little WISH LIST below just for fun and I am wondering, WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR?....................

I wish........

I were by this pool sipping a drink!

I were back in Scotland for a visit!

I could sleep this soundly.

I had this view every morning!

I had these BLUE eyes.

I had this minimalistic lovely livingroom!

I had her GOLF SWING (and handicap)!

I had the talent to paint the SKY like this!

I had this trumeau or one similar.

I had more of this vintage crewel fabric.

THIS wish list,of course, is all in fun, because I am so very thankful for ALL I have and I certainly don't NEED one thing more. God has blessed me over and above all that I have ever expected or dreamed. He has blessed me with a wonderful family and friends and a great community where I have lived my entire life. My real WISH list would be that there would be PEACE in the hearts and lives of all mankind and HOPE and JOY and all the LOVE possible here on earth. And I know that that can only come from HIM who created us. Have a BLESSED day, my friends!!

A Child's Face......Samuel's That Is!

2009-01-12T07:35:00.001-08:00

When I look at this picture of my precious grandson, Samuel Joshua, I have to wonder why there is so much HATE in this world. The old song that says "What the world needs now, is LOVE sweet LOVE" is so TRUE! The world needs LOVE allright, but not the kind of LOVE that Hollywood so often portrays. It needs AGAPE LOVE and it needs it NOW!!! Agape love is God's love which is a totally UNSELFISH love and most of ALL it is a SACRIFICIAL love. My question to you is.....Is this kind of LOVE in our WORLD attainable??? Of course it is!! And it starts with ME!! And it starts with YOU! TOGETHER we can DO IT!! Most of all, it is GOD's desire that we LOVE ONE ANOTHER and Bear one another's BURDENS. So that for me is REASON enough to perpetuate LOVE and CARING for OTHERS. What about YOU?

HIDE AND SEEK by FIFI FLOWERS!

2009-01-06T07:01:00.000-08:00

Here it is!! The most- talented and so very sweet, Fifi has completed the painting of my granddaughter and I couldn't be happier with it! I think FIFI captured the playfulness and innocence of childhood in her painting of this little girl who is so very special to me. Don't you just love it??? This has brought me great JOY today and I cannot THANK Fifi enough for her generosity and kindness. I cannot wait to get this in a frame so I can enjoy it EVERYDAY! God Bless, Fifi, and THANK you again for making my DAY!!

DEO VOLENTE!

2009-01-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

DEO VOLENTE!! Translated this phrase means, GOD WILLING! This is my new motto for 2009 and I plan not to make any PLANS on my own but to WALK BY FAITH and ask HIM to direct my paths! What a comfort to know that HE HAS A PLAN and we are not to WORRY or FRET because HIS plan is PERFECT for us.

This morning in my daily devotional I read this which was written over 100 years ago: "I will ENJOY all things in GOD and God in ALL things and NOTHING in itself. So shall my JOYS neither CHANGE or PERISH. For, however the THINGS in themselves alter or FADE, yet He, in whom they are MINE, is ever like HIMSELF; CONSTANT AND EVERLASTING!" Bishop Hall. How AWESOME is that!

DEO VOLENTE!! Forever and ever, AMEN!! BLESSINGS to you all in 2009!

LUCKY ME!

2008-12-25T19:50:00.000-08:00

I have just found out that I have won a contest! The very sweet and most talented Fifi of Fifi Flowers has chosen my photo entry of my darling granddaughter as this week's winner! I am so excited because Fifi will paint my photo and place it on frameable notecards for me to enjoy. Thank you, FIFI! I just love Fifi's whimsical style of painting, so I know I will love her creation! I will post it on my blog as soon as she finishes it.

Hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTMAS! I know I feel very blessed to have a loving family and a warm home and I will not ever take that for granted. God has blessed me over and above what I deserve. May His riches blessings be with you all in the new year, 2009!

Today, my husband and I went to see " Seven Pounds" and it is sooooooooo good! Very touching and quite thought provoking. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a good movie to see.

From OUR House to YOURS!! Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Our FIVE little ANGELS.........Elizabeth, McCartney, Samuel, Max and Sarah Gray...........................God Bless you all now and in the New YEAR!!...............

The time draws near the birth of Christ,
The moon is hid; the night is still:
The Christmas bells from hill to hill
Answer each other in the mist........

TENNYSON

Figurine "finds" made in Occupied Japan

2008-12-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

While scouring one of my favorite charity shops , I came across some figurines for Fifty-cents no less that are stamped with "occupied Japan" on the bottom. I understand that these were made after the WWII ended until 1952. They are really collector's items so I was thrilled to find them. The above one is my favorite I think!

This is a beautiful duck planter which I paid a little more for but loved it!

The girl with a rabbit, china plate with basket and watering can are so cute and what about the DOG drinking from a bowl! These make me happy!

This last one is an oriental vase and also was made in Occupied Japan.

IT's Beginning to Look Like Christmas...Part TWO!

2008-12-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

My Front door with a simple wreath with red bow....at night I have a spotlight which really shows it up from the street!

The hearth in my family room with the Nutcracker standing guard!

I love my Christmas plates that I purchased at an Estate Sale many years ago.....these are by CHASE and are embellished with 24 karat gold. I can use these all winter which makes it nice!

A corner in my kitchen......the wine glasses were sent to me by my niece as a joke of sorts, but I LOVE them......One of them says, "My Party affiliation is COCKTAIL!" Too Funny!

THe plates again......How did that happen??

This crazy INTERNET.......a repeat too!

I bring these ANGELS out each year with delight and place them on my piano..........Aren't they lovely?

For several years, I have placed FRESH garland on my mirror in the livingroom.......I just LOVE it!

Fresh garland on my mantel in the LR with Blue ribbon and gold birds that I have had for years.......added white lights since I am not having a tree this year..........

My family laughs at my Sporting Santas which I have collected, but I still put them out with pride and a laugh or two! This one is a fisherman!

Here is my GOLFING Santa .....isn't he just the cutest??

Last but not least, my CANOEING SANTA which is my fave!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I SNAPPED THIS PICTURE THE OTHER DAY OF A PLASTIC LIZARD MY HUSBAND USES FOR FISHING AND A REAL ONE THAT THE CAT BROUGHT IN! CAN YOU TELL WHICH IS WHICH? THIS SAME CAT HAS ALWAYS GOTTEN IN MY HUSBAND'S BOAT AND BROUGHT IN THE FISHING ONE SO WHEN SHE BROUGHT IN THE REAL ONE AND IT MOVED, I LET OUT A SCREAM AND GOT MY CAMERA! LOL!

Blessings to each one of you and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas!!

2008-12-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

My Granddaughters with some local 'Rockettes'!!

Dining Room decorations.......

With friends at the HOLIDAY DANCE......what fun!

A Christmas arrangement I did for a friend.

My diningroom table with Feather Trees and Angels........ Feather wreath on Mantel

Well, It's that time of year again!! I am getting started with few decorations and fun parties with friends and family. I do love the SEASON and wish I wouldn't let myself get FRAZZLED! Why do we let ourselves do that?? For we KNOW that the REAL REASON for the SEASON is the CELEBRATION of the BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST, our SAVIOR AND LORD! Halleluah!

Blessings to you all and MAY YOU remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON! I know I am !!!

THANKSGIVING 08 ........FULL of THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving, I was the DELIGHTED GUEST, in my sister's BEAUTIFUL home and it was sooooooooooo much fun!!..........Thanks sweet sister for making my THANKSGIVING such a BLESSING! I LOVE YOU!

Hope all of you had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving 08 too!!
Lighting the votives for our FEAST to begin.

Sophie was at her BEST and as darling as ever!

My Sister's Elegant Table ready for a Thanksgiving FEAST!

Yes, by accident, my sister and I dressed ALIKE!!!
Purple sweaters, footless tights and black flats!

When we saw each other, we SCREAMED!

GIVING THANKS...............

2008-11-25T08:39:00.001-08:00

For.........my two sons who have so BLESSED my life!

For......SMiles that brighten my DAY! My loving granddaugher

FOR ......Pets that LOVE no matter what!

For .....little girls playing dress-up ......my great niece, Sophie

For........puppy dogs

For.......Kittie Cats

For............Flowers in Bloom

For.........pretty blue eyes ......especially when those eyes belong to Lizzie, my granddaughter!

For......a loving Dad with his children. My oldest son and his three cherubs.

For.....another loving Dad with his children and beautiful wife. My youngest son and wonderful daughter-in-law.

THAT Birthdays only come ONCE a year. My 60th !!

For......a husband who loves me .......warts and all!

For........FIVE little munchkins that love me.

THAT the styles have CHANGED! THANK GOODNESS......circa 1970

For.....GOOD LONG TIME FRIENDS.

FOR......A Christian Mother who loved me! She is now in Heaven and waiting for me to join her!

FOR.....four darling sisters and one dear Brother!

FOR.....Christmas programs with my granddaughters.

For......my baby sister and my brother-in-law who have been there for me in a SPECIAL WAY!

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

"O Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is GREAT!" For without him, I am nothing and all that I have is because of Him!

May His Love and Peace with you all as you gather together on Thanksgiving Day. God BLESS!<><

SCOTLAND, sweet SCOTLAND.....Take me back!

2008-11-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

St. Andrews historical cathedral and school courtyard

Castle in Edinburgh....

Loch Ness on a windy day......look closely and you might just see IT....the monster I mean........not my sweet hubby of 43 years!

One of the charming cafes in the Highlands.......flowers were always gorgeous!!!

Lovely old manor house where we stayed.......boy, if these WALLS could TALK!!!

The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland.....awesome!

Bagpiper and friend on the streets of Edinburgh.

The four of us having a cozy dinner in Aberdeen......

The Guys relaxing and enjoying late afternoon cocktails in our lovely hotel in Aberdeen, Scotland on our way to the Highlands.......

Castle at Edinburgh, Scotland sightseeing............. my friend Nancy with my hubby!

View from the Castle at Edinburgh, Scotland.

Cemetary and ruins in St. Andrews, Scotland

Ruins of an old cathedral in St. Andrews

Manor House where we stayed in Inverness, Scotland. This is me with our bagpiper friend who came at sundown each evening........very nice legs! BTW.....Prince Charles also stayed here!

It is hard for me to believe that it has been two years that we took our wonderful trip to Scotland with our friends, the Thornells!.......What a grand time we had! Scotland has to be the most beautiful country in the World!

We began our adventure in Edinburgh and traveled up the east coast (with my hubby driving the treacherous roads and doing quite well) and then down the west coast seeing many SIGHTS in between.

Our trip through this lovely country included visits to Castles and farmlands to BREWERIES of SCOTCH (with tastings!). Loch Ness and St. Andrews golf course being some of the highlights. The Highlands had to be my favorite with lots of shopping and good eats!

We left SCOTLAND and headed to LONDON which was so fabulous. I will post photos of our adventures there at a later date.

Today is my BIRTHDAY and it has been fun going down memory lane and giving you a little peek into my SCOTTISH adventure!.........There is an old Scottish saying that goes, "A Highlander by the GRACE of GOD" and now that I have been there, I certainly agree!!!.......

What a girl!....My namesake granddaughter.

2008-11-09T16:16:00.000-08:00

This is me with McCartney and her little sister, Elizabeth....

Posing with Goldfish she won at the Fair!

McCartney posing for MIMI...say cheese!

Posing with her daddy and my youngest son, Mark

Here she is after a swim in the good ole summertime!

Yesterday, I got a call from my soon to be 9 year old granddaughter, McCartney (that is my maiden name) and she wanted to tell me about her upcoming birthday PARTY! She proceeded to tell me that it was going to be a SLUMBER PARTY with 5 girlfriends in attendance. She said she was sending ME an invitation. I said," You don't want your old grandma there, do you?" She said," Oh , Mimi, yes I do.....you are so much fun and so girly girl!".........Of course, I said with delight that I would be there! How sweet was that! I realize that I had better enjoy my popularity with her now, because the TEEN YEARS are fast approaching and it will not ALWAYS be that way!

The day McCartney was born, my son came out to announce that she would have my maiden name......what a surprise and a delight! She and I have from that moment been soulmates. We look alike and we act alike and we also THINK alike! She has for as long as she was able to dial a phone, called me and we can chat forever about nothing! She is so precious to me as are ALL of my grandchildren. God is so good to BLESS us with grandchildren and I have often wished I had had THEM first! Being a grandparent is so much fun and alot less stressful than being a parent, that is for sure.

I hope the admiration is mutual and somehow I THINK it is.........<><

ARE YOU DISTURBED TODAY?

2008-11-05T08:37:00.001-08:00

I just love this photo of Cindy McCain (wouldn't she have made a gracious FIRST LADY?) holding little Trig Palin in her arms as he peacefully sleeps. Jesus said, "PEACE I leave with you, My peace I GIVE unto you." The peace that Jesus is speaking of comes only from LOOKING INTO HIS FACE and realizing HIS total UNDISTURBEDNESS. Are you painfully disturbed today by the waves and billows of God's providential permission? I know I TRIED to be, but I have turned my FOCUS onto His FACE and see the beautiful PEACE that illuminates his entire being. How can I be DISTURBED after doing that.......it is IMPOSSIBLE! LOOK UP now and receive the UNDISTURBEDNESS of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Be Like little TRIG in the photo and REST PEACEFULLY in the arms of JESUS!!

May the Peace and Love of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all today and the days ahead! AMEN!

My Latest "FINDS" for FREE and ALMOST FREE!

2008-10-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

This antique chair I found on the street for the trashman to pick up!!! It was FREE!

These wonderful brown transferware plates I found at the thrift shop for and unbelievable..........50 cents each!

I LOVE a BARGAIN!!! Who doesn't though?? But recently I found two that I just had to SHARE with you!.....The first one was not a mere bargain, but it was absolutely FREE! I would have missed it if I had not at the last minute jumped in the car with my HUSBAND to go get a take-out for dinner. There we were riding out of our neighborhood, when ole "eagle eye" me spotted this lovely chair sitting on the side of the street ready for the trash man the next morning! I screamed for my husband to back up (thank goodness we were in his truck!) and retrieve this JEWEL which he did very obediently , I might add! Wow! I couldn't believe it when we arrived back home and I got a good look at what I had gotten! Granted, it needs recovering, but it is now sitting in my livingroom .......notice the hand-carved wood on this baby! I just LOVE IT!

My next "almost free" FIND are the lovely transfer-ware plates that I found at a local THRIFT store. I have always admired the brown transferware and had not been able to find any that I could AFFORD! These beauties were made in ENGLAND and would have a nice little price tag on them at an ANTIQUE SHOP. They had a price tag on the bottom of 99cents but when I took them to the check-out , I found out they were half price that day , so I paid a whopping 50cents each for them! Why , I had to pay 4 times that for the HANGERS I purchased to display them with!

I would love any comments you have and would like to KNOW about some of your BARGAINS or FREEBIES too! <><

Frank Babb Randolph.....Washington DC Designer

2008-10-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Randolph's Georgetown townhouse.
His lovely diningroom (notice no rug)

The Livingroom in Randolph's Georgetown townhouse.
Frank Babb Randolph..... what a delightful person and talented designer.......

Mr. Frank Babb Randolph is a talented and very prominent DC designer who I have had the honor of meeting in person and entertaining as a GUEST in my home. A few years ago, I had engaged Mr. Randolph to speak at our ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY as I was program chairman that year and saw an article about him in Southern Accents. WHAT a DELIGHTFUL guest he turned out to be and now a FRIEND! Randolph was raised in Washington, DC as the son of a Congressman and as a Washington insider , so to speak. He has the NOTABLE distinction of meeting every First Lady since ELEANOR ROOSEVELT. He says his favorite would have to be LADY BIRD because of her graciousness and her program of WILDFLOWERS on the highways of AMERICA.

Frank was the DESIGNER in charge of the renovation of the Vice Presidential Home and worked very closely with the CHENEYS. He LOVED being an integral part of that project and found Mrs. Cheney to be lovely to work with. He had the honor of having lunch with her and the First Lady , LAURA BUSH (his latest meeting with a first lady!). Hmmmmm....wonder who the next will be!

The GEORGETOWN TOWNHOUSE where Frank resides has entertained many dignataries over the years, because it had previously been the residence of Henry Kissinger!
Frank absolutely loves living there and says it feels like HOME to him as he has a view of the HIGH SCHOOL where he and his brother attended.

I have featured a few pictures of the INTERIORS of his Lovely GEORGETOWN Townhome and I want you to notice how MININALISTIC his designs are and also the BARE floors. WHILE staying in my home, Frank was aghast , I am sure , at ALL MY STUFF! He made the comment after I said I had gotten something at an ESTATE SALE...."Lee, I think you need to quit going to those SALES and have ONE OF YOUR OWN!" In other words, GET RID OF SOME OF YOUR JUNK! He doesn't even care for window treatments and after he left I TOOK DOWN my draperies in my diningroom and have LOVED the CLEANESS of that!

I only wish that I could have found more photos to share with you of this wonderful DESIGNER'S work, but I hope I have given you a little insight into his WORK and when you see him in a publication (he has been featured in them all!) you will recognize him and appreciate his TALENT! One of his lay outs in SOUTHERN ACCENTS was titled , SIMPLY FRANK, and that so describes him and his work........always ELEGANT but done so with SIMPLICITY!

Fleur-de-lee's AUCTION!

2008-10-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Darling velvet and crepe two piece ensemble going on the auction block!
Another view of this simply divine frock!
The sterling silver fleur-de- lee necklace (not incl. in Auction)

I am trying something a little different on my blog...........just to see how it might work! I am AUCTIONING off this darling outfit to the highest BIDDER! The auction starts immediately and will end at 12 o'clock midnight on October 16th!

The fleur-de-lee necklace is not part of the auction, but I wanted to show it to you as it was a real find in that I got it for FREE when I bought the gorgeous bracelet that I showed you from an earlier blog! Isn't that fantastic??? I just love it and will enjoy it for many years to come!

Okay, now, get busy and bid on this cute FROCK.......cause the CLOCK is ticking!! I almost forgot......it is a small size between a 2-4........Surely you know someone who is little enough for it, if you are not!

Lizzie's Visit with Mimi and Mackey....FUN!

2008-10-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth watching her favorite movie, ANNIE!

................................................Elizabeth Baker Moates!.............

What started out with difficulties, our visit with our granddaughter Elizabeth was delightful! The plan was that I was to pick Lizzie up at school and bring her home with me for an overnight stay. She had been looking so forward to some alone time with Mimi and I was looking so forward to it too. Part of the excitement was that I would check her out of school early! Well, on my way to Birmingham, my son called to say he had to go pick her up because while on the playground, a schoolmate had thrown a rock and had hit poor Elizabeth in the head! When I arrived at their house, E was snuggled in her mommy's arms and was running a fever, too. When she saw me, she jumped up and was ready to come with me, so off we went! Knot on her head and all! Upon our arrival in Gadsden, with her darling Pumpkin outfit on.....Precious!

Elizabeth's favorite movie is "ANNIE", so I had the video player all ready for her and she watched this delightful musical again for what she said was her "thousanth" time! Lizzie could go right to Broadway and get on the stage and recite every line and sing EVERY song because she knows them all! It was truly amazing to watch her as she sang each song and told me exactly what each character was going to say before they said it! One funny side note.......Lizzie told me she asked God if He would give her curly hair like Annie's and God told her " Of course you can have curly hair, Elizabeth!" and she said , "now I do!"......the faith of little children!

On Saturday, we went shopping, of course and Elizabeth found her Halloween costume. She will be Ariel as a Bride ..........she is so excited! She also picked out an adorable new doll that she named Rosella. The doll is animated and moves her arms and head. Lizzie was one happy shopper and hugged me and thanked me and thanked me!

Grandchildren, it is said, are God's apology for Parenthood! I believe that! What a delight these precious little creatures are and a JOY too!........Being a MIMI is sooooooooo much FUN!

My New Fall Frock!

2008-10-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Just had to show you my first purchase for FALL! It's a darling gray corduroy semi-swing coat with 3/4 length sleeves and rolled collar. I absolutely love the lining....TURQUOISE!.......I cannot wait to wear it with jeans or tweed trousers........a dress or skirt. I think it will be so VERSATILE!! I love it.........Don't you just LOVE it TOO??????????

What a FAB Weekend at the BEACH!

2008-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is hard to see, but it is a bracelet I got for 75% off with pave diamonds and is a John Hardy look alike........I love it and I got it for a steal!
My hubby and me(on the right) with our friends at "Stinky's" ....
Our lovely room at the cottage with a gorgeous view of the ocean!

An Original oil painting I bought for 30.00 at the Sale at Seaside
ANother work of art I got for only 20.00 at the sale! The frame is worth much more than that!
Also got this old silver chafing dish to use for flower arrangements.....

This is me sitting in one of the Harem rooms at Alys Beach pool.... So COOL!
One of six Harem rooms(as I called them)with flat screened tvs
These "BEDS" were so neat overlooking the Pool
So lovely at Alys Beach pool area...

Alys Beach entry to Pool
Entry to pool area at Alys Beach
The unbelievable pool area at Alys Beach
Outdoor living area poolside at Alys Beach

Under Construction at ALYS BEACH...... A home being built by our friends...
Pool and Courtyard Area.........
Spiral Staircase with Fabulous window.......... A grand piano will be placed here.

WOW! We just got back from a wonderful time at the Beach with our friends, The Thornells, who graciously invited us to stay at their wonderful cottage right on the OCEAN! The weather was so fantastic and the FOOD was wonderful and the COMPANY so delightful! We really did not want to come home!

While there, we toured Alys Beach which is a fairly new development near Rosemary Beach. Our friends are in the process of building a home there along with 6 other investors. I took photos and will share them with you. It is really an extraordinary and beautiful community!

We also went to the SEASIDE community flea market which is held twice a year. We helped my friend's mother with the selling of her goods and it was so much FUN!! I found some really great DEALS that I will share with you also.

Well, that is about it for our trip to points in Florida. We did have so much FUN and laughed and ate and tromped on the beach and saw some gorgeous sunsets.

Some thoughts on FRIENDS:

A Friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things YOU can be.

A good FRIEND is cheaper than Therapy!

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can GROW separately without growing APART!

Our friends, the Thornells, have been our friends since we were young and just starting our families and after almost 40 years, we are still such close friends. That is amazing to me because we haven't had to really TRY to stay close..........it just came really easy!.....Thanks for a great time at the Beach, Nancy and Stanley.....We love ya!

Our Wonderful Family Reunion......PERFECT!

2008-10-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

ALL six of US on the loggia.........having fun!

The Gals relaxing on the Loggia...........

TABLE set for the first night's dinner PARTY!!

On the front steps of our childhood home.....the 5 sisters... Myself with 3 of the sisters with our Brother.........

WELL, my big weekend is OVER and I think it was a GREAT success! All of my SWEET family were here and we had a GREAT time together! We LAUGHED, we ATE, we WATCHED FOOTBALL, and most important of all, WE SHOPPED!!! I decided for the first night they were here to have an elegant dinner in the diningroom with fine china and the whole bit. I cooked our mother's favorite meal which was Roast Beef, Green Beans, Slaw, Scalloped Potatoes and Yeast Rolls with plenty of real butter! We had the best time sitting around the table and talking and laughing. It was a good start to a BIG weekend!

Saturday for the GAME , my husband, Mackey , got the best RIBS in town and we had those with more Slaw and STUFFED EGGS! Delish!

My sisters were sweet to bring some lovely desserts......Ann, brought a delicious Butter Pecan Cake....so yummy!......Sue, brought some wonderful homemade cookies that were to die for! Jeanne, brought a delicious Kahlua brownie pie with chocolate covered strawberries......yummy, yum!.............Jeanne also brought marinated shrimp that was so divine! We had plenty of wine and that kept us in good SPIRITS!

On Friday, my brother, Lane , came and chauffeured us around Gadsden in his mini van. What a treat! We went to our childhood home and had our picture made on the front steps......very sentimental! We toured downtown and other spots of interest that we remembered from our childhood days. FUN, FUN!

I think EVERYONE took home some great souvenirs of our SHOPPING and got things they love. ALL in ALL, everyone seem to have a great time together !

HOLD YOUR FAMILY CLOSE WITH BOTH HANDS!!! and I plan to!..................Have a great week all and GOD BLESS!!

I've Been Tagged

2008-09-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been tagged by Judy from Gracious Southern Living to tell 7 weird or unusual things about myself............so here it goes!

1. I got married at 17 and we have been together for 43 years.

2. I love game shows on TV......especially Deal or No Deal and Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

3. I almost drowned as a child of 6 years old but was saved by a man who saw me fall in the water (it was at night and I walked off the dock).

4. I am obsessed with Auburn Football......waaaaaaaaar eagle!

5. I love decorating magazines and books and I never throw any of them away (I have thousands!).

6. I love to shop at thrift stores and of course I love a BARGAIN!

7. I had two imaginary friends when I was a little girl and they went everywhere with me!

Company's Comin'!!!!

2008-09-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

FOUR OF US........

MY FRONT DOOR.....WELCOME!!

WHEW! I am pretty tired 'cause I have been in a flurry getting ready for company!

My precious four SISTERS are coming to town (our hometown) for a four day GET-TOGETHER! It is AMAZING how much you can get done when you HAVE to get it done! I have totally cleaned everything from the fridge, to the carpets and windows (thanks to help of my sweet hubby) and even did a bedroom redo! It has been FUN and I am really GLAD I had a reason to set myself in MOTION! We GIRLS also have a lone brother who will join us for the FESTIVITIES.

We have several things planned and I am sure there will be IMPROMPTEAU events also! For sure, we will watch AUBURN play tennessee on Saturday and we might even take in a movie (The Women). Lots of laughter and lots of memories shared as we gather together for shopping, eating and frivolity!

I am so BLESSED to have such a wonderful family and I thank GOD for His provision. Our mother is already in HEAVEN, but I am sure she will be here in SPIRIT with us because she absolutely LOVED it when we would get together and have fun. What a very special mother she was to us!

I will give a full report on Monday and post new pictures too!

Okay, back to my work..............my food menu is next! ANY IDEAS????

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,LIZZIE!!!

2008-09-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

My beautiful granddaughter, elizabeth, turned six years old and we celebrated at CHUCKIE CHEESE!! What fun! Lizzie as we often call her was 'beside herself' to say the least! Her little friends were too.......what "kiddie heaven" this PLACE is for sure! FUN,FUN,FUN!!!............and the thing about it, I think MIMI had the most fun of all!

It's FALL in Victoria, British Columbia....and is it EVER!

2008-09-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Thought for this Thursday, I would give you a glimpse at what FALL looks like at BUTCHART GARDENS in Victoria, BC..........It takes my breath AWAY! How about YOU??

The CHANGE of SEASONS always remind's me of the LORD'S FAITHFULNESS to us as HIS people. In all this worlds convulsions, in all temporary distress and DANGER, We can remain calm, collected and BOLDLY say with CONFIDENCE,"I know GOD is here and ALL this is working for my GOOD!" Therefore, we will NOT FEAR, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried in the midst of the SEA' the the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling and YES even though the STOCK MARKET plunges!!! Our GOD is ALWAYS FAITHFUL!

Have a WONDERFUL day and THINK on THESE THINGS!

My Best Friend is an AWESOME Designer!

2008-09-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

I want to share with you my friend, Pam, who I think is extraordinary. She is extraordinary because she is an overcomer. Life has given her some really bad breaks but she has never been one to give up or to fold; she has kept her eyes on the prize!

She is also extraordinary because she is a self-taught designer. She has made a wonderful living for herself and her children when the chips were down by using her God given talent and in turn given all the Glory to Him! Following photos will show you a small part of what she can do and I promise to show you more when I take some more pictures (of her own fabulous home too).

She is also extraordinary because she has been a friend when I really needed a friend!

She listens, she cries with me, she gives excellent advice and shares of herself in ways that I cannot explain. "A friend loves at all times"..........Aren't I so blessed to have such a friend?

Now for a peek at her extraordinary talent !.......The first pictures are of a house she recently did for a friend. It was a total renovation of an older home and she was project manager from the ground up!......It is so fabulous and definately should be featured in Southern Accents for sure.

The second set of photos are of a home she did for a local magazine and she was asked to handle the project without fees and with a very restricted budget. She said she would not do that again, but the finished product was wonderful in spite of the restrictions financially.

As usual, these photos do not show just how gorgeous these rooms are, but you get the idea!

This is a diningroom done for a magazine showhouse......she had limited funds for the project and wasn't paid for her services, so I thought this was great!

The main room with antique wooden clock! So good looking!

Breakfast room overlooking the waterway....beautiful view!

The Twin bedroom with iron beds and plaid coverlets....

Loved this wall grouping.......

Hope you have enjoyed my cameo of my precious friend..........there will be more about her in the future........I promise!

I Love to FLUFF!

2008-09-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the little darling relaxing on the Loggia.

Recently I got a call from my son who was in a panic! He needed my help ! He had

moved into an apartment as a newly divorced 40+ year old. As it usually happens, he got very little of the furniture and goodies that it takes to make a house a home, so to speak. He was having a very important guest to come for a visit and he needed my "expertise" in getting the place in order! I told him , "Sure, I love to FLUFF!"......Then I began my search for items to take to begin my makeover of this typical wifeless man's place!

I only had a few days to do my magic and I knew I better get busy. I scoured all my regular haunts......thrift stores, TJ Maxx, Homegoods, and of course my attic!

I filled up my car with everything from lamps, to rugs, to pictures, accessories, plants, and room fragrance sprays! When I arrived at his apartment, he came out to help me lug everything in and he laughed and said, "Goodness gracious, Mom, I certainly didn't expect this!"

Well, I rolled up my sleeves and got my diet coke and went to work. Three hours later the transformation was complete and my son could not believe his precious little eyes. He said he did not think he was in the right place! He loved every bit of it , but most of all he loved that his mom did it for him! It warmed my heart that he asked me to help him in his hour of need and I was delighted to do it for him!

The guest came and went and he said the visit was a huge success and he felt like the KING of his castle! He said he was going to kick back and enjoy his new pad!

That made me feel even better.

Who knows I may just start my own business of FLUFFING......maybe I will call it... "Mom's Fluffing Service"...............I'm going to bed....I am FLUFFED OUT!

Welcome to my English Country Home

2008-09-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

The Diningroom with English slate floors.....
View of Livingroom with 1927 Steinway grand piano............
Another View of Livingroom ............

Family Room with fireplace set at an angle
Curved staircase in the Foyer...framed lithographs from England
Dining room..........

English Secretary in Mastersuite
Master bedroom with a bay window
Breakfast room.............

Another view of Den with window seat.

My Orange Powder Room............
My computer corner in Kitchen with handpainted wallpaper.

The Foyer with Italian commode and bronze statue.

My Country English home was built in 1967 and designed by a wonderful architect, the late Jean Atkins, whom I fortunately got to know when we bought the home 11 years ago. She was living across the street at the time and she and I became very close. She was such a talented lady and had such elegant, fine taste. She was an avid antiques collector and taught me so much about them and I was fortunate to have been her "student" before she passed away. The Steinway in the livingroom belonged to her and I bought it and had it referbished and that just tickled her to pieces because that was her favorite piece of furniture. I have several pieces that I bought from her and will be forever grateful to have them in my home.

Like I said , we have been here for 11 years now, and I making plans to redecorate and also to renovate the kitchen. I am going to completely redo the Master suite, but haven't really found the fabrics that I want to use, so I am taking my time with that!

My husband and I love our home and feel really blessed to have lived here. For many years it was my favorite home in our town and I would ride by just to admire it often. I could hardly believe it when we had the opportunity to purchase it and make it our own! God was good to give it to us and we are so grateful to Him. "Every good and perfect gift cometh from above."

Hope you have enjoyed your little tour of my home. The exterior can be seen on my profile page.......someone once described this home as a Fairy Tale Cottage. It certainly does have charm and great curb appeal!

If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and visit me! You are always WELCOME to my English Country home!

YOU GO GIRL!!!

2008-09-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS SARAH PALIN!!!!......I had not planned to make any political statements on my blog, but after last night's history making speech by Governor Palin, I just HAD to!!........SHE NAILED IT! Did she not? Wow! I am so impressed with her straight talk and her genuine love for her country and her fellow man. She is a true public servant who I believe God has raised up for this moment in time for the good of our nation! I am so looking forward to seeing how this all plays out and I have full confidence that she will be our next VICE PRESIDENT!! God's purposes are being spotlighted to the whole world through this godly woman.........and I , for one, stand AMAZED!!
Have a great Thursday all!....................<><

CHARLES FAUDREE, Country French designer extraordinaire!

2008-09-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Inside Charles' Antiques Shop in Tulsa

My Cavalier, Bo, which is like Charles' Nicholas!

Cover of Charles' fourth book coming out in October,08

Charles' wonderful logo...........love it

One of his delightful designs.

Dining "al fresco style" in Jamaica..........Gorgeous!

Diningroom in Jamaica with a 'touch of whimsy' says Charles>

I just love Charles Faudree. I first found out about him in Traditional Home magazine while browsing several years ago. At that time, I was program chairman for our Antiquarian Society and I was looking for speakers.............so I called him! I still cannot believe I was that audacious! He accepted and the rest is history! He actually stayed as a guest in my home which was quite an experience for me. I found him to be as charming and lovely as the rooms he designs. I will always remember him sitting in my kitchen floor looking at the blueprints of my sister's home she was building at the time. Yes, he was sitting in my kitchen floor! I will never forget it!

Charles began his very successful interior design career at a relatively late time in his life. He was living in Dallas at the time and working in sales when he took the plunge and moved back to his hometown in Oklahoma and opened his first design studio and antiques shop. His first home was featured in "Tulsa Home and Garden" and as they say: the rest is history! He has since been featured in countless publications and now is awaiting the release in October of his fourth book of Country French design!

Charles lives in a lovely home in Tulsa with his two wonderful Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Nicholas and Ruby, whom he adores. Myself, having a Cavalier also, gave Charles and I a close connection from the beginning. Charles told me recently he is busier now than he has ever been and has no plans to retire even though there are times he would like to especially with all the travel he does.

Please forgive my very crude layout of photos and such as I am very new at this blogging thing, but I did want to share with you my wonderful story of this charming friend of mine, Charles Faudree! Be sure and look for his new book which will go on sale in October! I cannot wait!

RAH RAH RAH...shish boom bah!

2008-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Go TEAM!! ..............Just had to show you my cutie pie CHEERLEADER who happens to be my GRANDDAUGHTER as she cheered for her very first time last night. She was so EXCITED and so was her MIMI! It took me back many years ago as I cheered my very first time too. I was always the tiniest one like her and I was the one always on top (the butterfly) just like her. My husband says that she and I are SO much ALIKE that it is scary! Well, long story short, this little cheerleader's TEAM won 13-0 and she was so elated............VICTORY IS SWEET!......

Have a great WEDNESDAY all....................and GO TEAM!

THE SHELF over my SINK

2008-09-02T06:03:00.000-07:00

Since MOVING into this house 11 years AGO, this little shelf over my sink has been ARRANGED and REARRANGED many times. But, you know what? I THINK the self over the SINK is the WAY it will STAY (for now anyway!) What I did was gather together SILVER items that I have collected over the years with a few other COLLECTIBLES too and a few PHOTOS of FAMILY and now as I WORK over the SINK my eyes FEAST upon beautiful THINGS!.......So here's my little SHELF over the SINK......what do you THINK????

Queen Anne Wingback "find" that is now "mine"

2008-09-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Just had to show off my new chair that I found at a local thrift store for 35.00! I just love to find a treasure that someone obviously considered "junk"! Don't you??? For now I am leaving it the way it is, but later I plan to recover it. The beautiful queen anne legs are carved too! I had not had it in the house for more than 5 minutes when one of my cats (Gracie) found it and thought it to be a wonderful place to curl up and sleep! I don't care; my goodness it was only 35 bucks!
Happy Labor Day all ......hope you are safe and are not bothered by Gustav. Be on the look out for Hanna.............she is on the way!
XOXO............Lee<><

Is this Ethical?

2008-08-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

Because I was having a very stressful day, I decided to get out the ole paints and brushes and a canvas I had on hand and do something creative!.......So this is what I did. I copied a painting by the French artist, Cezanne, and my question to you is....is that ETHICAL or is it Legal??? I won't be selling it that is for sure and now have it framed and on the wall in the breakfast room......It's not a perfect copy; in fact, it is pretty imperfect as far as I am concerned. I told my sister, who is a wonderful artist, not to laugh at my attempt and she said, "Why would I laugh?".....and then she called it a LEEzanne!...pretty clever little sis she is!

Lazy Sunday afternoon watching GUSTAV approach the Gulf.......stay safe all and God Bless AMerica!

I'm BACK!

2008-08-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!

I am back to blogging. To be honest, I did not understand what I was doing, so I have done some research and visited many other blog sites and maybe now I can really get into this new world of blogging! I hope so. It will be a fun adventure anyway.
Quote for the Day: WAITING ON GOD BRINGS US TO THE END OF OUR JOURNEY MUCH FASTER THAN OUR FEET!.........Don't cha just love it! If we could only learn to wait on the Lord and not be in such a hurry!

I have had a fun morning with my newest toy! A Panosonic vacuum cleaner! Boy, does it do the trick with all the pet fur I have around here! That's 3 cats and one really furry doggie!

Got to run and gets some errands done..............Hubby is away so I guess this little mouse will play! Ha Ha!

VIRGIN BLOG

2008-07-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

This is my VIRGIN blog and I couldn't be more excited! The date is July 26,2008 and it is Saturday morning. I am preparing to go spend the night with my two lovely granddaughters so that my son and daughter-in-law can have some alone time! Can't wait to be with those adorable girls!

Let me begin by telling you a little bit about myself. I am a wife, mother,grandmother, and sister to five other siblings. I have been married to the same man for 43 years; five of which have been happy ( I only put that jab in because he always says that!). My husband and I have literally "grown-up together" as we married as teenagers. Wow! What was I thinking???? It has been an adventure to say the least!...........Our marriage produced two handsome and wonderful sons who we are very proud of.........and these two guys have given us 5 great and fabulous grandchildren (two boys and 3 girls).

As I type this blog, I am listening to my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel snoring as he is taking his morning nap. His name is "Bo" after the great Bo Jackson who played at Auburn University which is our school and team of choice. My husband graduated from there as did both of my sons. WAR EAGLE!!! "Bo" is four years old and is a loyal companion friend to us as we are empty nesters. We also have 3 cats who came to us via their mom who left them here! Their names are Annie, Gracie, and TIGER (after the Auburn TIGERS of course!). We love our pets and cannot imagine life without them!

Thank you for reading my virgin blog and I look forward to future blogs and hopefully your comments. I will be posting pictures and will be taking "baby steps" as I explore this new world of blogging!

P. S. Forgot to tell you that I am a born again Christian (is there any other kind?).....The Lord is first in my life and anything good in me is only because of HIM!

With Joy,
Lee (also known as MIMI to my grands)