You know if this is the first picture you see on one of my "BSC" Sunday's, it means it was a BAD day! The day started off rather mellow, as most Sundays do. With the time change, that helped us have some time to face the public and their craziness.
It was really a beautiful day outside yesterday. The flowers were blooming in our Johnnye Merle Gardens, the store was peaceful and I "started" to enjoy taking pictures. Here is a tip for anyone that thinks they can save some money when they buy a camera that was a display model. Even if you get 30 percent off, there is a reason! My camera button that you push to take the pictures got stuck. Then the camera button that turns the camera off and on would get stuck. How did Brande help me fix it? You have to take the battery out. You know that battery that I had just charged and was dying by the end of the day. About the same time as the camera issue, our day started!
When Brande had gone to Starbucks someone had spray painted the above on on of the walls in Old Towne. I would like to think it was the two, fancy most OBNOXIOUS women of earth that we all wanted to strangle. Brande encountered them on the sales floor first. It was $32 chair. They basically wanted it for free. I was at the counter with Brande when they came up to pay. The more obnoxious of the two started, "you guys are killing me, can't you give me a break here". We just said no. Then she persists, "can't you just eat the sale tax", this is when I REALLY wanted to suggest she personally "eat" you know what! Instead I gave her the lecture of how in the state of California you are required to actually charge tax. I told her if she didn't want to buy it, no worries, which she did end up buying her stupid chair. As Brande said, "if you are going to act like a fancy, rich, you know what" then why be an ass over $32! People are truly BSC!!
On a much happier note, I want to wish Arianna (Carol's little girl) a big happy birthday! I can't believe she is four years old today. I remember going to visit her after she was born at the hospital and it didn't seem THAT long ago.
This Azul, who is Ari's little brother. Every time you ask him to smile for a picture, you get the same little look on his face. It's his pirate smile!! And the vintage egg crate he is clinging too that holds fake eggs? Azul's new thing is to climb into the refrig at home, search for the eggs, then he throws them one by one on the floor. Azul likes to watch them "explode"! Boys, and I'll have my own here pretty soon! Let's hope my customers today are kinder and gentler!
I just got home from another equally trying Monday at Country Roads! Thank God I'm off for the next few days. I did have to add something, that I forgot to put in this morning. At the very, very end of the day a guy walked up to the counter. I quickly said, "I'll be right with you" without really looking AT him! When I went over to write his order up and actually "looked" at him", well all I can say is he was the most "beautiful boy" ever! I'm guessing in his late 20's! He caught Brande's attention as well. His eyes were ocean blue & they sparkled, full head of sandy blonde hair, with a scruffy unshaven look. He was beautiful, and nice. He was asking about all the boardwalk we use in the store that use to be the boardwalk in Laguna Beach. When I told him, he was so into it and smiled and said, "shut up, awesome"! He lives in Laguna Beach. So we chatted a bit more as he told me what he was going to do with the stuff he bought. I just stared, seriously, I just stared at the most beautiful boy I think I've ever seen. As he left, I noticed how nicely his Levis fit him! I guess there is a word for people like me. Is it that "cougar" word???
Yesterday afternoon, after "the store" closed, we went over to the park to celebrate Arianna's fourth birthday. Where does the time go? What makes a "real" family? Is it "blood" or "heart"? My family is made up by those I love, those that hold a place in my "heart"!! These are my grandbabies above, from left to right, Azul, Riley, Josalyn, and the birthday girl, Arianna.
Morgan was too little to sit at the picnic table with the rest of her family, but she will be sitting up there next year, as Aunt Brande will probably be holding her new nephew! As most of you know by now, I have known Carol and Yesi forever, I consider them "my" kids as well. These two sisters are such beautiful, loving, and caring people. I am so blessed they are a part of my family. I have no words that can convey that feeling in writing. Azul and Ari are Carol's kids, and Josalyn is Yesi's little girl. What I LOVE about Josalyn is that she always has her own since of style, as you may notice the "hat on hat" attire!
When it comes time to blow out the candles, I love how every camera and every other electronic device is pulled out, and how the excitement level rises! Here are a few other random pictures of my family celebrating Arianna's fourth birthday!
We all watch these little ones grow and I truly treasure these moments because I sadly know it will pass so fast. Life is crazy at times, and it is always nice to step outside of it and spend it celebrating with "family". And thank you to all our wonderful Country Roads customers yesterday. You were the best, except the one woman who was totally confused and thought she was still at a flea market! Happy Spring to you all!!
