I Got A Hitch In My Gitalong!

It's finally happened. I am just too tired to talk. My family has been making book on when the well would run dry and it has. I have no inspiration, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with what all is coming up in July(including a shower for Jenn and two, count 'em, two surprises for y'all!) and to add insult to injury kiddies, I got nothing to say.

I'm going to the Red Shed Sale tomorrow and I think that will be it for the weekend. If you don't hear from me the next few days, you'll know why.

Trash has left the building!

Bling, I Mean Bring It On!

Girls...and David...let me tell you, The DFW area is the place to be this weekend. Val and the crew at The Red Shed are holding a French Market this weekend that promises to be over the top. Go here to preview some of the merchandise they brought back from France and all the other wonderful things they have gathered just for y'all. You will also find all the details such as time, location and dates. I was unable to attend last time (something about a baby!), but I swear up and down, I'll be first in line for this one. So ladies, if you see me there and I look like I am on a mission...I'm giving you fair warning now...Step Back!Now I have just got to tell y'all about this great shop I was in lately. Last month while Cat Daddy and I were on the prowl, one Saturday we literally tripped into the hippest little shop this side of Warrenton. Carley Seale is the owner of a boutique called The Gypsy Wagon and Oh My Gosh!!! If I were only 20 years younger and 30 pounds lighter, I think I would have lost my ever lovin' mind! So boho chic and y'all know I love boho with a lot of bling! There is just about something for everyone from the youngest to the oldest.

The weekend we were there, she had just been on Good Morning Texas with Gary Cogill showing her wedding gift line...Laurie and Patti, you gotta check this out...there are his and hers wedding boots! In fact, a video of the segment is on her web page as well as on Fancy's at Cactus Creek. Which brings me to a small wonder. While Carley and I were talking, Fancy's name came up and it seems that Fancy was in the midst of preparing to do an interview with her! Small world, huh? You can read all about it here as well as get all the 411 on Carley.

Carley holds trunk sales from time to time. The Saturday we were in she had the most marvelous hand made boots (Lulu, 2die4!). The great news is she is having another one starting tomorrow. This one will be for Richard Schmidt jewelry. He will be there on Thursday until 7:00p.m., but the show will be through Saturday. To quote ~Jewelry with soul!~ Don't you just love that?

The Gypsy Wagon is just a Fun, with a capital F, place to shop and we do love our fun shops, don't we Amy & Lisa? If you are looking for something different, I suggest you hightail it on over sometime in the next few days. You will fall in love with the glasses made from wine bottles...I did! The shop is located at 5211 Bonita just off Henderson Ave. in Dallas.

As with everything else here in Texas, we love shopping large! And speaking of shopping, keep your eyes and ears open for a special venue next month. That's all I'm saying right now except maybe think CW!

One more little secret...I think I may have a crush on Gary Cogill! Please don't tell Cat Daddy...he already thinks I am one wampus kitty!!!!

Talking About And Back Talking

As promised in a couple of post ago, Paula (who just happens to be another Texas girl, imagine that!) has started a new blog, Lone Star Lifer. (That's Paula all snuggled in by Cat Daddy...watch out Double L's!) I'm so excited for her and I told her that a whole new world was going to be opening up. The people she was going to get to meet and become friends with was just amazing! Y'all know I'm talking about all of you...my favorite! So if you get a chance in the next few days, go on over and warn her, I mean welcome her to our crazy world. She's a doll and I know you'll be instant BFF's! Without sounding like bragging, even though I am Texan and that is our reputation, I wanted to say a thank you for a nomination for Most Inspiring Blog. I don't know how this happened...I had gone over to vote for Tootsie (who just happens to be nominated for THREE awards!) and saw my name! I was a little shocked since I don't consider myself inspirational. We all know who the inspiration is...I'm just the typist. Never the less, thank you to my one fan. There are some really fantastic blogs in this category. Two of them already have over 6200 votes! What do you think my odds are for winning? Not a snowball's chance or maybe one in a million? Patti at Delighted Heart summed it up for me...it is an honor just to have my name there and by voting for myself every day I can at least guarantee I won't be skunked! You can click on the button to go over and see all the nominees and categories. (I tried to put a subliminal message in here to get some votes, but I don't think it worked!)

But this got me to thinking about a category that is left out. There really ought to be categories for commenters. Comments are a gutsy thing. First, you have to get up the nerve to leave one, especially on a mega-blog, then you have to try to come up with something clever to say that hasn't been said. Truth is, no comment is too small or trite. Any and all are wonderful little surprises, but still it's something I worry about when I'm commenting so I bet you do too!

There should be a category for most reliable commenter. You know the one who is going to leave you a note even if it is the worst post you ever did just because they care about you. Then there should be one for the commenter who always makes you laugh. Don't you just love when you get one of those? It's the one you hope for to start your day off with a smile. How about one for the sincerest...law, when someone gets me, well I am one happy little fat woman! I think there should also be one for the seeker. You know who you are. You're the one who seeks out new blogs, leaves a sweet comment and goes on to tell others about it. That is an art form all to itself. I don't want to forget the thoughtful commenter. You're the one who leaves wonderful messages and mini-letters. You take the time to write from the heart.

See what I mean? This could be a whole contest all by itself. Everybody is always mentioning comments and how important they are to bloggers. Why not recognize those who do comment instead of the blogs. It's kind of like a football game. Without cheerleaders it would still be a game and a good time...BUT with them, heck, then it's a good time complete with short skirts and pompoms!

(I forgot to mention I have (along with some secret celebrities) a huge surprise coming up that y'all are just going to love...stay tuned!)

Chubby Cheekers!

5 lbs. and 13 oz.!!!!! Woo Hoo!(Disclaimer...no my girl has not suddenly pinked over night. She went to her first baby shower for Bella Saturday and the theme was Rocker Bye Baby, hence the pink highlights! Look out Pebbles!)

My Joe Cool

Tomorrow is Father's Day (like you needed me to remind you of that) and while I could wax poetic about Cat Daddy being the ultimate father, I thought I would talk about my daddy, Joe. Some of the photos I'm using you have seen before, but hey, they are my favorites. You know how when you are growing up, you were embarrassed being seen with your father? I never felt that way about mine. He was such a cute and funny little man...all my friends wanted him around. He and Mother met at her Sweet Sixteen birthday party. I don't know if it was love at first sight for her, but it was for him. When he went into the service during WWII, he volunteered for the paratroopers. When we asked him why years later, he just said he didn't know any better. But let me tell you, he was proud of his service time and went to their reunion as often as he could. Mother and Daddy married five years later just as soon as he was discharged. Daddy taught Mother a lot of things that he had learned while in the service such as swearing and how to make S.O.S.! She taught him table manners and praying before a meal. Together, they taught us the importance of always having someone think we were special even when we weren't. Self-esteem was never an issue at our house. Once when Kerri and I were at the beauty shop with my grandmother, a woman made the mistake of remarking how beautiful Kerri was. Daddy put his arms around the two of us and replied that BOTH of his girls were beautiful!

Daddy worked hard all his life. He worked in the cotton fields pulling cotton to buy his older sister her senior ring. Money was nonexistent in their family. He grew up during the depression when there just wasn't any. He dropped out of school after the eighth grade to help support his mom and two sisters. That was one of his only regrets, but he made sure that all three of his children would never know that kind of hardship. He did go on to get his G.E.D. to show us that it was never too late. We weren't pushed, but there were certain things that were expected of us, with decent grades being one of them. College was made available to us if we wanted to go. Not pushed, but if it was something we wanted, he made it happen. Daddy had a machine shop in town and was considered one of the best in his line of work. He built racing engines for dirt track race cars and had a waiting list that would make GM green with envy. It's amazing to me to see industrial pieces now so hot and expensive when this was his equipment in his shop. Sure wished I had some of his work tables now!

Daddy coached little league baseball, ate fried chicken out of crepe paper decorated shoe boxes at father-daughter Girl Scout picnics, sat through countless talent shows, football games, dance and piano recitals. When I was grown and performing in American Cancer Society musicals, he always had a seat at the back of the auditorium. I can still hear his laughter above everyone else's! You see, to him I was the star!

Daddy was saved when he was 39 years old. As with everything he did, he threw himself into church. He and Mother were always in demand as chaperones for church hayrides, socials and camp trips. He was such an imp and knew how to have a good time. He taught Sunday School, R.A.s, Training Union class and anything else that had to do with the kids. He could short sheet a bed with the best of them and did frequently. (In fact, he was continuing that little trick with his grandchildren when they went to his lake cabin for a weekend!) He knew when to look the other way if a boy and girl wanted to pitch a little harmless woo...as long as the girl wasn't one of his daughters! That wasn't what made the kids all love him though. It was just his love of life and finding joy in everything and everyone. Making friends was never a problem for him. He was just naturally outgoing and had that charm that drew people to him. Easygoing, slow to anger, gregarious, loyal, quick with a comeback...that was my Daddy.

Daddy valued family. He was adored by his sisters, respected by his father-in-law and babied by his mother-in-law! I've told you that Marie was a beautician...she was notorious for giving Daddy waves in his hair, dying his eyelashes...anything to make him even more handsome...and he allowed it! Daddy was a man's man, but he loved the fuss. Now before I have y'all thinking he was some kind of saint, I need to point out some of his faults. Daddy believed a man should take out the trash, change light bulbs, take care of the cars and mow the grass. The housekeeping...that was Mother's job. Occasionally he would cook, but oh my when he did! We did love it when he went to the grocer's. We never knew what would come out of those paper bags nor did Mother, but she never said a word, just rolled her eyes!

If Daddy was sick, he never went to the doctor. His cure for everything was clam chowder. You had the flu...clam chowder. Headache...clam chowder. Upset stomach...clam chowder. Campbell's stock rose during his lifetime, he used it for so many remedies!

He loved to sing and wrote many songs...never published. He was an inventor and held several patents for things he had designed...never manufactured. He wrote a book...never published. This didn't keep him from dreaming big. David was going to be a doctor, I was going to be the next Patsy Cline and Kerri was going to marry a rich man...didn't happen! Even these little setbacks didn't keep him from dreaming or from trying to be the next Texas millionaire. That is one trait he did pass on...to dream big and try. The worst that could happen was you had to try again...so what?

My daddy loved his grand kids. He taught them all how to play hickey and took delight when they could beat him! He was there for every birth except Jenn's. He thought he had time to take a shower, but I delivered in less than a hour after getting to the hospital. He was just more than a little put out with me...like I could have waited! The kids all thought he hung the moon! Every one of them thought he or she was his favorite. If he came by to get Joey, Jenn would jump in the truck as well. He taught her how to fry liver with onions and Joey how to drive his '52 pickup. Law, how he loved that pickup! He had Joey on those back roads as soon as that boy's feet could reach the pedals.

I loved my daddy, faults and all, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. We lost him in 1988. Daddy was only 64 and while that was way to young to leave us, I figured God needed one more toothy smile in Heaven.

Daddy, if you get to read blogs in Heaven...I love you and Happy Father's Day!

Love always, Debbie

Eye Of The Beholder...Part Deux

Jump with me into the Way Back Machine and take a second look at these chairs I showed you that I was going to have redone. Remember? Y'all thought I was crazy, right?While I thought they looked very "George Jetson", some of y'all thought they looked like, well, to put it as genteelly as possible, Crap!!!

I got them back today and oh baby...look at 'em now!

I haven't even placed them yet. I was so pleased at how they turned out that I couldn't wait to show y'all. Please tell me you approve!

I chose a hounds tooth fabric and I'm happy that I did. The couch, which is even cooler, is going to be done in white pleather just as soon as I can catch enough pleaths to cover it. They are tricky little animals to trap, but no trickier than a cat daddy! I thought I would do the buttons on it in the hounds tooth. What do you think? Maybe some apple green throw pillows for contrast? You can be honest with me as long you as you lie and agree with me!

I was going to resell them, but now I'm not so sure. I may just have to keep these for just a little while. That's what we do in the junking business...the original recycling center.

BTW, are you digging these lamps I got at T.J. Maxx? Again, they are not where they will be, but I just couldn't wait! I told y'all I was heading in a whole new direction and I wasn't lying. I am all about the white and black.

Real quick before I sign off...I wanted to show you Malissa's mixed media art I am selling at Winnie & Tulula's. Isn't it fantastic?

She has really got an eye and the talent for this. I am very proud to have it on display in my space. Now you really do have a good excuse to go and shop at Winnie's and Tulula's...you can be a supporter of the arts. While you're at it, howsa about supporting my habit, too?

The Power Of Agreement

I rarely do two posts in one day, but I feel this is a second one I need to do. Jenn and I were talking today and she asked me if I could do a post requesting prayers for one of our favorite little boys. Of course, I told her yes, sorry that I hadn't thought of it first.
Witt is a special baby and one I hold dear. He is part of my Zapp Hall family...Karen's grandson. He is such a blessing to any and all who meet him and have read about his wonderful, grace filled life. If you haven't been to his blog, just click here or go to the button on my side bar. He was born in October, but he has already touched so many and there are so many more to come. His family takes turns posting and I have come to look forward to those posts as much as I do my coffee. All the family writes with such faith and powerful words, that we as the readers receive a blessing just by visiting.
Witt is going to have a special procedure tomorrow. I know it is a cardiac cath, but I really don't know what all it entails. I only know that they as a family would appreciate your prayers for the doctors and hospital staff. Witt's path is in God's mighty hands because that is where they have placed him....to quote "I started to say that I will be praying nonstop, but I heard God tell me to leave it with him!". This is their testimony to believing with one's whole heart that God has a plan and it will be fulfilled accordingly.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.~~Proverbs 3: 5 & 6
In every post they do, God is put first with all the praise going to Him. As I said, I am blessed to be allowed to share in the day to day life of this special child. No comments are necessary here. I just ask that tonight when you say your prayers you will include Witt, his family and all the hospital staff that will be with him tomorrow. In fact, would you please include all the children everywhere with any needs in your prayers. Thank you all my wonderful, loving friends.

No Rest For The Wicked (Witch That Is)!

When I left Winnie and Tulula's Saturday, to say I left it in a mess would be an understatement...so I called on my favorite junking trashette, Graycie, to see if she was available to drive Miss Lazy to Athens and help her work.Grayzilla told me to be ready when she got here and we would head on out for a road trip. She really knows how to make me toe the line, lift that bale and tote that barge. She can be one really tough taskmaster, so I better get up and slap some lipstick on and brush my hair before she gets here.

If there is one thing she dislikes, it's having to wait on a woman...especially an old one!

Whoops! I hear her tooting her horn...so we are off to see the Wizard! Catch you after the bull riding!

Snake Lover and Charmers

I wanted to do a quick post to let y'all know that as promised, David has done a slide show and flicker set of the grand opening of Winnie & Tulula's. He says he only does photography as a hobby, but kinda like Amy, I think someone is blowing smoke up our dresses. You can't be this good at hobby...you just can't! His photos are unbelievable. I don't know which I loved the most...they are all that good. Mindy is certainly one lucky woman and watching him watching her is a lesson in love for all men. The photo above and below are a couple I stole, I mean borrowed from his set just to show you what he can do with a lens. Jennifer, my Bella Momma, was able to come out for the afternoon and play with us. David caught her in this laugh and it made my heart just sing with happiness seeing her this happy! Is this not art? Things are going much better for Bella. She is now 5 lbs. and 3 oz. Can you say Praise The Lord!!!

David is also a sweet and gentle man. Now I didn't spell that wrong...he is a gentleman too, but I meant to say gentle man. He won several things in the raffle with one of those being Vintage Patina's donation. He brought it to the grand opening Saturday to send to Jenn. He was able to give it to her personally and the look he had seeing Jenn's delight at his gift was priceless. Thank you David, from the bottom of my heart and thank you for always being our rooster in the hen house! You may shake your head at our hi-jinks (like that word, Janet?), but you are always willing to play along! You and Cat Daddy...what a pair to draw to!

You all have been so generous and have made my girl smile more than once. You just can't put a price tag on that!

I also hate to disappoint any of you, but I now have a new BFF. (Sorry, Chippys!) I received an e-mail from a little sweetheart named Kristen asking about Bella. What makes this doll baby so special you wonder? Well, she is only 5 years old, loves Bella and is praying for her. Is that not the sweetest thing? Children are amazing and their tiny bodies sure do hold some big ol' hearts. So Kristen, I am blowing you kisses from Bella...XOXO!

Finally I wanted to share a photo I received this morning from a new friend I made this weekend at the opening. Paula is from Texas as well and will soon be entering our fun world of blogging. I'll be sure to let all of you know when she is up and running. Such a charming lady!

In the meantime, head on over to David's and take a look at all the photos. Hey, you might even see someone you know. Oh and Laurie, I'll be selling autographed photos of Cat Daddy on E-bay any day now...just not him!

SRO

Well it finally happened! The doors were opened at 11:00 and it's a good thing. There was a mob just waiting to get in and it didn't matter how hot it was outside...they weren't budging! A word of warning for those of you thinking of opening a shop...it is a lot of work, time and money. Gloria has worked her fool self almost to death to get this unique shopping experience ready and glory, what a sight it was to see!

It was my privilege to decorate one of the front windows. All the vendors will be taking turns doing the windows over the year. I gotta tell you, I was just a little worried. I wanted to make it special for Gloria and I hope she was pleased. I'm pretty sure the outside crowd was thrilled with the window show I gave them trying to finish before the doors were unlocked. If any of you shoppers got a photo of my best side bent over...Puh-Lease, do not publish them. The world just ain't ready for that!

Gloria, Don and all the staff (with a big thank you to Cerise for among other things, yummo pimento cheese sandwiches!) worked from can to can't cleaning, painting, helping us decorate and just about anything that needed doing. I so appreciate Gloria giving me the opportunity to be part of this great new adventure.

This was just a small view of the turnout! Wall to wall folks having a great time!

There were old friends as well as new.

I thought at one time the Fire Marshal might bust us for having too many people in the building! It was that crowded and it didn't let up all day. The girls had run out of chicken salad by 3:00p.m. Thank goodness, there were plenty of mimosas!

I know there are going to be a lot of posts going up in the next few days, but I wanted to share with y'all the feel of the shopping! That's what it's all about, right? The thrill of the hunt?

I didn't get to take as many photos as I wanted to because...well kiddies, I was just too busy! Things moved out a lot faster than Cat Daddy and I had been able to move them in.! I don't think Donna and Gloria looked up from the checkout for more than 5 minutes until late afternoon. But breathe easy...David was in attendance and he had his camera!

We were all happy with the attendance. Thanks to everyone who came out and it was fun seeing you all!

I'm going to bed now...I'm tired, but it is a good tired. Here is a photo of my space almost finished last night. Trust me when I say, half of what you see is GONE! Woo Hoo!!! Come see us soon Wednesdays through Saturdays when you get the chance. We'll leave the chandelier on for you!

Tell 'Em Trash Sent You!

Cat Daddy said to tell you he will see you first thing tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. sharp, all wide tailed and bushy eyed! Everyone has been hard at work performing daredevil aerial tricks, juggling acts, walking the tight rope, and sleight of hand magic never before seen by human eyes. So tighten your bra straps, slap on that jungle red lipstick and prepare to be gobsmacked!But for now, we are all tired, dirty and hungry (especially our intrepid leader Gloria and her handy sidekick Don!) so I am going to go take a bath; do my nails and I hope to see you tomorrow! Say good night, Graycie!

Good night, Graycie!