Junking Woman Lovers Club Membership Drive Rerun

Sitting here tonight, reading all of y'alls great New Year's Eve wishes and remembrances has been wonderful. It renews my faith in all of us that even with the past year full of trials, loss of jobs, triumphs, personal conflicts, joyous moments and sadness...not a one of you has lost hope. Twenty ten brings with it the promise of an exciting year full of new adventures and opportunities. I did a post last year detailing my own resolutions for 2009. Y'all have each extended a hand of friendship to me that I never dreamed of finding and proved time and time again what strong men and women you each are...unique in your gifts and your ability to give with nary a thought of personal gain. How lucky am I in having been included in your lives through 2009. As bad as it was for me, y'all were the silver lining in my cloud. I'm reprinting that post and what I felt last year...I still feel tonight. Y'all have proven that integrity, honesty and hard work are alive and well. Thank you my sweet friends! You know how I said in my previous post I wasn't going to make any New Year resolutions. Well, I changed my mind. In reading some of my friends New Year's posts and comments that have been left on mine during 2008, it got me to thinking. I only started blogging in August of this year, but it has opened a whole new world to me of women who are fantastic! In light of this, I've decided to form the Junking Woman Lovers Club. Now it's open to all who will join me in my resolutions for 2008. No haters, posers or fakers allowed. Sincerity will be the annual dues and are payable over the course of the year. These will be real easy resolutions to keep if you're feeling it. If you're not or if you really like tearing someone else down to make yourself look better or passing off someone's great ideas as your own or constantly patting yourself on the back or well, you get the idea. I suggest you now click off because frankly we don't need your participation or fake dues. But if you really like this idea, I'll list my resolutions and you can join by commenting. I'd also like to say some of y'all are already charter members. You have been so wonderful and giving, you've set the bar high. OK, ready then? Here goes:

1. I resolve to always have my sisters-in-business back at all times. If she needs something and I have it to share, it's hers. This may be in setting up for a show, tearing down or just an itch on said back. If she needs an extra two hands, she's got them. This also means I will not use said back as a launching pad. You will never find my footprints on the back of your favorite tee. I'll gladly let you stand on my shoulders, but never try to climb up my back and I'll stay off yours.
2. I resolve to never talk about someone behind their back. If I have a gripe or complaint, I'll take it to the source. I'll risk a b---h slap for honesty. I also resolve to try and avoid those who like to stir you-know-what!
3. I resolve never to question someone else's taste. We're all different and that's what makes us each unique. If you love it, I love it for you, even if it is dog butt ugly to me. Always!
4. I resolve never to borrow someone else's idea without permission and when I do I further resolve to give credit where credit is due. This is a big one but there is just way too much stealing (let's just call it what it is) out there and it has got to stop.
5. I resolve to share ideas, tips, locales, recipes, love advice, sources and just about anything you can think of to help you stay in business. I do draw the line at Cat Daddy unless you really, really need him then we'll negotiate.
6. I resolve to listen when you need someone to listen. I'll even let you whine and have a little pity party if necessary. Heck, I'll whine with you and I'll provide the cheese.
7. I resolve to never repeat anything you tell me if you tell me not to. This one is very important. Everyone needs to let off steam now and then and one needs to know it's not going to come back and bite one on the butt.

As we roll into 2009, we don't know what lays ahead. It's important we protect the friendships we have made and protect each other. Feel free to add any resolutions I may not have thought of. So let's all tighten up those bra straps, slap on some lipstick and make money. If not money, new friends in 2009. Now what do you say, let's go put on a show in the barn!!!

I'd like to add that this is not limited just to women. There are some wonderful men out there who have rocked my world and in my mind that makes them honorary members for not being afraid to put themselves out there time and time again! Y'all know who you are!

Now, go have a wonderful New Year's Eve and I'll be talking to y'all next year!

Through A Glass Darkly

Well kiddies...y'all will be so proud of me. The window is finished for Winnie and Tulula's and I didn't hurt myself once...or fall off the ladder! I have the small window this month while Liz and Fran have the larger one. While I suffered no bodily injuries except for tired feet, poor ol' Cat Daddy almost fell out of the window trying to hang my clock. I think at that point he wanted to clean my clock. No #*%@ words were used, but I'm pretty sure he was thinking 'em! Let the cards fall where they may...I'm done! While I toiled in the window, the big man worked the booth. He gathered pine boughs, swept the floor, rearranged furniture, schlepped boxes, schmoozed with the customers AND took all the photographs! Law, if he keeps this up I'm gonna have to sew lace on his underwear!

I wish I were more artsy like so many of y'all. I would have loved to create a banner or sign befitting the passing of time. Something like "Time In A Bottle" or "Like the sand in an hourglass, so are the Days Of Our Lives" would have been the cherry on top, but alas and alack, here at the home I'm not allowed to play with scissors. Even if I could, I can't draw a straight line, much less do what y'all do when it comes to creating! SIGH!!!

It's amazing how great minds (yeah, right) think alike! Even though we didn't sit down and have a pow wow about what we were doing with our windows...it's like we were on the same wave length....spooky! The girls' window is fantastic. They treated it as if it were two and created a different look for each half. One side is the Stork Club, complete with Fred and Ginger...the other, a little jazz supper club! Mine was more of a French bistro, BUT we each incorporated clocks and time into our designs! I've said it before and it bears repeating...I love it when a plan comes together!

I think now is as good a time as any for a word from our sponsor...Sweet Pea's and Winnie & Tulula's! Don't forget the big White Sale starting next Wednesday! Who doesn't love a good bargain and when the merchandise is this fantastic, it's almost like stealing. Notice I said almost...I got bills to pay so I can't just let it go for nothing, but at 20-50% off, it's next to nothing!

I tell y'all, Miss Sweetie Pie sure does make the rounds, doesn't she. That lady loves nothing more than putting on the dog and living the high life...that's why the lady is a tramp!

I am officially dead on my feet, so I'll say nighty night now. Gotta go get rested up for my big night tomorrow! I do believe there's a mirror ball with my name on it somewhere!

WW...WS...WW!

In case y'all were wondering about all the w's in the title...pay close attention 'cause I can only say this once without losing my breath. They stand for Work Week, White Sale, and White Wednesdays! Man alive, that's a lot of Dubyas even for this Texas girl!For White Wednesday, well I thought this photo couldn't be any whiter! Jodie, I'm still playing with the flash...are you impressed? I arranged this on top of a wonderful, old pie cupboard that we got literally in a kit. When we bought it, Cat Daddy had to tie it together to get it home. It came out of an old homestead outside of Abbott, Texas (home of Willie Nelson...the town...not the home, sillies!) that had been boarded up since 1972. It was so black, I thought it had been on fire...seems it had set next to the stove and that was just years of soot accumulated over time. It's one of my favorite possessions and houses C.D.'s Nascar collection. I just close the doors and no one has any idea what is behind door #1 (sorry about that Robelyn...Nascar just doesn't match, no matter how hard I try)! Christmas has come and gone and now, sadly, it's time to get back to business. That means a whole heap of packing and cleaning...at home and at Winnie and Tulula's! Work week...HA! I just wish it only took a week to get everything ship shape. If only...SIGH!

Speaking of Winnie and Tulula's...a little birdie (Headmistress Gloria) told me she is planning a great shopping opportunity for all of y'all within shouting distance. Starting next Wednesday the 6th, we will be having a White Sale! I KNOW!!! Everything white in the stores will be 20%-50% off. You heard me right...Everything white! And that's not all...no sireebob! Selected merchandise will be "honorary white" with special tags as well. Margo came up with that great idea. Isn't she clever? So mark your calendars, grab some friends and a truck and head on over! The sale starts January 6th and runs through the 9th. There will even be "white" refreshments! As far as I know though...there won't be any towels or toilet paper on sale...but you never know! The winter hours will be 10-5 and I hope to see you there!

Time for me to go get some well earned rest for tomorrow. I'm working on one of the windows at W&T's for January. If you drive by and see me in it up on a ladder...don't laugh...just pity the fool!

Christmas Past and Presents Redux

Christmas this year came and went so fast, I hardly had time to catch my breath. In fact, while I was straightening up today and thinking about taking things down, it occurred to me I hadn't taken any photos of anything! Not that I did all that much this year, but I do try and take a few photos so that the next year I can recall what I did. At my age, the old memory bank needs all the deposits it can get and that's one of the beautiful things about blogging...it's my journal and photo album all rolled into one!Jodie girl, these two photos are just for you. I took one with the flash on and one with it off. What do you think? I'm trying my best to dispel the rumor that an old dog can't learn new tricks and Jodie's doing her best to help me sit up, beg, and fetch! I already got shake down pat! This is just a small portion of my mercury glass collection. Jenn bought me the leaf at the front of the mirror this year for Christmas. I found the Madonna at TJ Maxx...imagine that! She was hidden in ladies lingerie, but I can hear mercury calling me from ten miles away!

The gorgeous tree made from vintage jewelry was handcrafted by Liz and purchased by Cat Daddy for moi. It was an early Christmas present and I just love it!

Simple, huh? My daughter-in-law didn't know minimal was even in my vocabulary!

Another one of my fun additions was Mr. Kool Yule that Laurie Anna included in her Twelve Days Of Christmas giveaway! I was the first winner...yay me! Speaking of LaurieAnna....she had to have surgery today, so if you would, please go by and leave her a note. She is just one of the sweetest people on the planet and a prayer for her speedy recovery would be so appreciated. She is such a giving person and now would be the perfect time for us to give back to her with our prayers.

Another sweetheart that I have met through blogging is Pam at Frippery. Do y'all remember back in September when I was begging for help in finding bittersweet and hydrangeas? Pam went in her own back yard and cut me the most beautiful chartreuse colored ones and mailed them in plenty of time for me to use at Zapp. Hydrangeas are wonderful and keep forever...just take a look. Yep, those are the same ones!

The gift that just keeps on giving!

When I look at them, I can't help but smile! Thanks so much Pam. You not only helped me out in the fall, but in the winter as well!

I've also told y'all I am not above stealing when I see an idea that I fall in love with. Case in point...Liz and Fran took a minnow basket, filled it will vintage ornaments and then uplit the whole display. Talk about wow factor!

Nothing would do until Little Debbie found her own basket...with help from ol' C.D. I didn't get out my vintage ornaments this year, but I did place an old church and house inside with a few mercury balls, lighting and plugged it in! Not as beautiful as the girls', but still...not bad for a thief.

Before I call it a day, I want to say a thank you to a comment that was left by someone (I won't embarrass her) who doesn't have a blog. I just want YOU to know how much I appreciate your sweet remarks. Everyone who takes the time to leave me a little note will never know how much it means to me. It makes my heart sing to hear that you feel at home here...that's what I aim for and sometimes wonder if I hit the mark. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who take the time...I really mean it!

On that syrupy note, I think I'll sing my swan song and shut it down for the night! I hope you enjoyed seeing what little bit of decorating I did and what beautiful gifts I have received in the form of friends. Sadly, in a few days it will all be in boxes (except for the mercury glass) until next year. SIGH!!!

Hot Time In The Cold Town Last Night!

I'm sure y'all have all heard about the snow we got in Dallas Christmas Eve...the first white Christmas in the DFW area in 80 years...although I beg to differ. In 1975 there was snow on the ground. I remember because Cat Daddy was working in Wichita, Kansas and drove in a blizzard to get home in time. It was Jenny's first Christmas (which is kind of cool since this was Bella's first) and we waited till he got home to celebrate. I suppose the fact our area wasn't annexed into Dallas at that time might be the reason for their error, but whatever...I'm right and they are wrong!

I'd also like to add that our idea of snow here in Dallas and real snow are two different things. Y'all further north get real snow...here, we get Texas snow. For those of y'all who don't live in these parts, let me explain. Texas snow is one part white, one part dirt, one part sticks and one part leaves....get the picture? We don't build Frosty...we build Twiggy! When it comes to snow angels, one swoop and you're in a mud pie! That doesn't keep us from getting excited when it starts coming down. The hush and the peacefulness are still the same.

I must warn you, these are all family photos and are meant for just me so if you'd like to click off now, I totally understand. If you continue, please just feign interest and ooh and ahh about how beautiful my family is. That would make me so happy! Brandon held Bella like she was a piece of glass and had to be dragged into the photo. He's fourteen...what do you expect? Graycie on the other hand runs into the camera...never away from it! (Can you believe she is only seven? Another year and she'll be taller than her Nana!) I got her stuff for Warrenton in the spring. I'm guilting her daddy into coming down and she's got to be ready for the Junk Gypsy's Prom, right? I just love it when kids put on everything they got at one time...that just screams Christmas to me.

Jenn took Bella off her oxygen line during the evening. She monitored her off and on and the stats never fell below 97! She is so close to coming off of it and although I don't even notice the line anymore, it was nice being able to pass her around like a little sack of potatoes. The tank can be quite a pain the the patootie when trying to carry it and our little chunk of love!

Do I look supremely content? You betcha! I didn't do the "big meal" thing this year. Just a ham, dressing and appetizers....oh, and lots of desserts! We didn't worry about sitting down together...just ate haphazardly and enjoyed being together! It was wonderful and almost stress free! Misty was a little freaked out by the fact that I was ready when they arrived...down to even having underwear on.

Ol' Santy Clause was very generous with the girls! God has been very generous with me. Thank you Lord.

I'd like to introduce you to Misty, the Oldest Melon Head's better half and the mother of Grayzilla! I gotta come up with a name for her. "Misty" sounds way too normal for my bunch! Any suggestions?

No introduction needed...Bella Mama and the baby Kitten!

She totally got the idea of unwrapping the gifts. She was just so slo-o-ow!

Even missing teeth, the princess Kitten is still gorgeous!

I walked into the bedroom where Bella was with her Pop and the light reflecting off the wrapping paper made her tiny face glow. I wasn't able to catch it as beautiful as it looked, but the radiance was enough to make me catch my breath at the wonder of her.

OK, no more photos. I appreciate y'all bearing with me and giving these at least a perfunctory glance. Like I said, this post was more for me than y'all as a reminder of how blessed I am.

I hope you all had a joyous Christmas filled with love, laughter and peace.

Now on to 2010!

Jesus Loves Me, This I Know

~Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.~(Matthew 18:4)(Original artwork by Graycie Lyn, December 24, 2009)

From My Home To Yours...BLESSINGS!

Merry Christmas to all.....

(Photo courtesy of David)

And To All A Goodnight!

Sweet Dreams

Here I am again...just two days out from Christmas eve and running like I'm one of the reindeer pulling the sleigh...just call me Dancer! Bella had already called dibs on Vixen and isn't she just that wearing her sassy leopard!We wanted to say thank you again for coming to the pajama party. The Bella Mama is still sleeping...too much eggnog or something!

I always worry when I do one of my crazy idea parties that no one will come out and play with me. Y'all never cease to amaze me with your ingenuity and playfulness! I guess we all need to be silly sometimes...and y'all cannot be beat at being just as goofy as me! Take that as the compliment I meant it to be! A smile makes one beautiful and y'all are Fab U Lous! I also wanted to send out a special heartfelt thanks to all of you who have been with us since February when Bella's journey began. I thought you might like to see what a little trashette she is getting to be! Your prayers, love, and friendship have meant the world to me this past year and I am so thankful you have been placed in my life. This Christmas truly will be a special one for my family.

All the tinsel and all the presents will never be as beautiful in this chubby lady's eyes at the love I feel when I look at my beautiful grandchildren through the tears of my joy...misty watercolors of God's true love for us. When I think of the perfect gift He gave us in His only begotten son, I am overwhelmed and that He continues to bless us with gifts overflowing...I am humbled.

Our Christmas this year is surprisingly simple. I had big plans, but changed my mind. I've decorated...just not as much as in the past. I've chosen to savor the season rather than rush through it and risk losing a moment. I'm looking forward to Christmas Eve with my Cat Daddy, my children and grandchildren, and friends who I hope will be stopping by.

My theme for Christmas this year is Hope, Love, Peace, and an abiding belief that all will be well through my Lord, my God...never forgetting the true meaning of Christmas. That is my Christmas wish for all of you as well.

Thank you Lord for this perfect present...I really don't need anything else.

Pass Me The Alka Seltzer

I'm so sleepy right now I can barely keep my eyes open, but I wanted to let y'all know who won what.

The winner of the Hot Chocolate Maker.....DIXIE!

The winner of the Gorham martini glasses.....BRYNWOOD NEEDLEWORKS!

The winner of the gown and mask.....SIX DIVIDED BY TWO!

AND

A surprise gift for SASSY MINI-DOLLS for deciding I wasn't too throwed off and becoming a follower!

I'll be back later to talk, but right now my head is splitting...I think I drank too many hot D.P.s!!! Girls, e-mail me your addresses and I'll get these things out to you toot sweet!

Congratulation to the winners and thanks to all of y'all for playing along!

Don't forget to get your bras outta the freezer before you go home! I gotta make room for the Christmas ham!!!