A Day Off With Riley & Katie

Today Katie and I both had off, so we decided to go see Brande's new place. She just recently rented an apartment in Old Towne Seal Beach, right across the street from the beach. I am SO jealous! Brande had to work today, and Katie & Riley hadn't seen the empty apartment yet, so we stopped by to see it. As you can tell from the photo above, Riley enjoyed all the empty space. She also told me she is looking forward to hanging out with Auntie Brande at the beach! Riley LOVES hanging out with Brande!After visiting Brande's new place, we drove down PCH to "Pa's Pumpkin Patch". This place has been around Long Beach forever. I've been waiting for today for awhile now as it is the first day it opened. I thought Riley would be more into picking out a pumkin than she was, although she did like the one she decided to choose. But something was wrong.
The reason she was so grumpy was because of the choo-choo train! Riley talks a lot but you can't always understand what she is saying. As we went to the car with her pumpkin to leave, she started crying and repeating, "choo-choo, choo-choo". We figured it out after that. We bought her a ticket for the train, and as you can see above, she was having a blast riding the choo-choo at the Pumpkin Patch with her mom. She waved, smiled, and laughed. It was magical, that is until the ride was over and she had to get off!Riley cried, and cried so why break her heart? We just got another ticket to ride the choo-choo. This time I squeezed my butt in the engine seat and Riley got to ring the bell as we circled the track, waving at mom, and smiling and laughing. I love how something so simple as a little choo-choo train can make little kids so happy. And of course, you know what happened after the ride was over. More tears,(we did think about buying more choo-choo train tickets though) but it was time to go with promises to Riley we would come back. Of course it made no difference, she still cried. She was a little happier at lunch and after we ate she visited the duck pond by Claim Jumper. As Riley stared eye to eye with the really big duck, and he looked back at her like he was thinking of taking a little "nip" of her. So we decided to call it a day before there were more tears from a duck bite! Before we left the parking lot though, Riley was fast asleep in her carseat probably dreaming of the choo-choo train, pumpkins, and the big duck!

A Sunday With My Country Roads Family

This past Sunday, our Country Roads staff and dealers threw a suprise bridal shower for Pam. We spent a couple of weeks secretly whispering who was going to bring what, and make SURE you don't let Pam know anything about it! It was nice to see she was surprised.

Pat Estrada brought her awesome mom with her, and Riley, and little Oliver, who is Dude & Marilyn's grandson, thought she was pretty special too!

I've known Pam's mom since the early days of Battered Barn, my first little store in Old Towne. She use to work in the afternoons so I could pick up my kids after school. At the time she was pregnant with Pam's sister, Andrea. Where does the time go,since Andrea will soon be 16?

Of course our "get togethers" wouldn't be complete without the Castillo family. Carol has been at the store for at least 12 years now. As you can tell, it's tough to eat when her little boy, Adrian, and Riley want to help out!

It's never easy taking a picture of four little kids together, as you can tell. From left to right is Josalyn (Yesi's little girl), Riley, Adrian (who is escaping), and Arianna (Carol's daughter). All three girls are going to be flower girls in Pam's wedding. Not sure how they are all going to get down the aisle "together", but we are counting on Josalyn to hang on to them.

The shower ended with cake, which had the name of Pam's favorite song written on it, except spelled wrong! But hey, it's a Country Roads bridal shower, and we never claim to be perfect, just family that really cares about each other and always enjoys a good party!

It's Just Another Tuesday

I'm very fortunate that in my life there is never a day that is the same. Each day tells its own story. Today, was MY day with Riley. After she got here, we did some coloring and then went down to Whole Foods by the Marina. The water was beautiful today. Riley had a lot to "talk" about as we shopped, not that I understood it all. We picked up some "pumpkin sticks", my first motivation to begin a little Halloween display. I love to pull out some of my old, vintage jack-o-lanterns. Later that day I noticed there were these awesome, vintage fanback chairs in my dining room. Bryce had worked early at the store today and I wasn't sure "why" these chairs were in my dining room. Apparently, Wentworth Miller,the star of the tv series Prison Break had been shopping in the store today. He's in the process of building a house and Bryce had told him he would deliver the chairs he bought at Country Roads to him tomorrow morning. I have to say, Wentworth Miller is a really nice person, unpretenious, and buys great stuff. The difficult part comes when you have to remind yourself to stop staring. And it's not because he is on tv, but he is just so good looking with these beautiful eyes! I remember one time when he was shopping, Justine (my daughter-in-law) begged us not to make her help him because she was in such awe just looking at him. It's hard not too. Each of our days are different, and I try to remind myself that they all hold meaning and have a story to tell. I'm appreciative of that, and I guess this is my Tuesday story to tell!

Country Roads, Fall, and Magazines

Tomorrow, the 22nd, is the first day of Fall. I love this time of year for many reasons. It is the time of year not only for our Fall gardens but to start decorating! At Country Roads we've displayed "Fall" in a variety of ways this year, from Halloween to the election and the importance of voting and making a difference. Also, if the link below works, I've got a slide show of "Fall at Country Roads" with quite a few pictures on it. I guess I just wanted to show the many different looks and styles we have at the store: country, primitive, cottage, vintage, garden, home decor, holiday and much more!

The new Fall edition of Cottages and Bungalows just came out. A few months back, Romantic Homes did a photo shoot of my house for the March issue of their magazine. I was so nervous because my house is never done, and I actually don't see it as "magazine" material, you know? They also used pictures of my kitchen (which I'm working on) and one of our dealers, Ruthie Schmidt's kitchen. It was a strange feeling for me to buy a magazine with an interview and pictures of my home in it. Not sure how to put that into words. But, I'm very grateful and appreciative to Jacqueline, Jaimee, and Tanya from Romantic Homes for the opportunity. Thank you. With all that said, take a stroll through Country Roads by clicking the link below. Happy Fall!

http://www.flicker.com/photos/susandulane/sets/72157607380191986

Time, Ticking Away!

I have no idea, really, where the time seems to disappear too. Does it mean I'm getting old? Not sure, hope not. Here we are almost half way through September! It doesn't seem like Street Faire or our Labor Day sale were that long ago. Country Roads is looking pretty good these days courtesy of our really talented dealers, and a few that will be joining us soon.

In October,Christie Repasy will be joining our Country Roads family! I've known Christie for a long time, we both kind of traveled on our own rocky paths after going through a divorce around the same time. I'm glad we are both in better places now, although it took several years to get here. Also, Loretta will be expanding her Full Bloom Cottage to add yet another great look to the store. There is just something about Country Roads that defines what "family" really is! Stop in and see our ever changing look, "always your favorite,never the same"!

A Letter to Mom

Dear Mom,
It's been two years ago today that you died. I'll never forget that call I got from the hospital. The phone woke me up at 6:12am that morning. I knew before I answered it who it was. The lady said it was Whittier Presbyterian Hospital and the doctor wanted to talk to me, could I hold on? I waited at least five minutes, which felt like an hour. The nurse got back on the phone and told me that I needed to get to the hospital as soon as I could. I knew you were gone, I just knew without being told. When I got to the hospital, Teri and dad were there waiting for me. I just looked at Teri and said, "she's gone", and Teri nodded her head. Then I saw dad's eyes. You know, I have this thing with people's eyes, they usually tell the whole story. Riley was only four days old, and at first I was so angry with you. I kept thinking how unfair it was for this to happen now, at a time that I was happier than I ever had been. But I soon realized that you needed to let go and that you had just hung on long enough in a failing body and mind just to know your first great grandchild was doing okay. But I gotta tell you mom, that was a tough one but you gave me the strength to be a survivor, you always told me if I got knocked down I better damn well get back up, so I did. Then I took my brand new granddaughter to your funeral. Life isn’t supposed to work like that.

I still work hard, and I always remember, as you always taught me, to help others when I can, so I keep at that. Riley just turned two years old a few days ago. All of us went to Disneyland. Riley loved it, she smiled and laughed the whole day long. You know, Riley is a lot like Katie, who as you well know is just like me. We all are a little "busy", talk too much, and are always doing something that makes everyone crazy. Katie is such a good mom, I'm proud of her. You always taught me, then my kids little songs. I teach Riley not just songs but to dance. I LOVE to dance with that little kid. Vinnie is the best dad I've ever known, much better than you know who, the one that I picked. I remember the card you sent to be after the divorce admiring me for doing it all “on my own”. And actually, I hope you have no idea what Dave’s up to now. Trust me, you wouldn't want to know. Katie and you knew how to find a better husband than I did. Brande is still doing great, the sensitive one, although she wouldn't want us to know. I know she misses you so much. You would be so proud of her, she works to help others, teaches little kids in an after school program and hates social injustices just like you always did. And she LOVES little Riley. Bryce is doing so good now, except he reminds me of dad , kind of spooky. He and Justine, who is the kindness person ever, live with me as does Brande. I like having them here. Bryce kind of keeps an eye on me to make sure I'm doing okay and helps me out. He just gets grumpy sometimes like dad did and is always working on his antiques and projects. Teri is doing great, she finally met a girl that is good to her, much better than "you know who". The holidays and birthdays are now much more fun. You would be proud of Teri. In the beginning of the year her and Linda had a commitment ceremony. It was awesome to see her finally be so comfortable, after all these years, with being gay.

And you, being the die hard Texan democrat you were, you would be so happy this election year. The first black man to run for President, Barrack Obama, I like him. He made his acceptance speech on the anniversary of Martin Luther King's famous speech. You have to know I've never forgotten what you taught me about living through the depression in Texas. And even in the economy today, I'm working hard to make you proud of Country Roads. I've been able to kind of use it as a way to give back to others and help when I can. And I know it always embarrassed you, naming a nursery after you, but "Johnnye Merle Gardens and Nursery" is still going strong too. I have battled with the City hard to keep them from turning it into a parking lot. Hopefully I can keep up the good fight, as you taught me to never give up. So, I just wanted you to know we are all doing okay and I miss you. But the lessons you taught me about life are still in my heart, in my kid's hearts, and in Riley's heart. We are a tight little family that all have good hearts! I love you mom, Sue

Happy 2nd Birthday Riley!

On this past Tuesday, the 26th, we all celebrated Riley's birthday at Disneyland! We arrived early to have breakfast in Riley's favorite place,Rainforest Cafe. It was a tad early for cake and ice cream, but none the less,she got to blow out her first birthday candle of the day!
Everyone was there for Riley; me, her mom and dad, Brande, and Bryce and Justine. We wouldn't have missed this day for anything! There is nothing better than a two year old at Disneyland. Just watching the excitement in her eyes made my day. We ate a late lunch over in California Adventure. We kind of stumbled into this restaurant without realizing how awesome it was!
"Ariel's Grotto" was the perfect place to celebrate a little girls birthday. As we came down the stairs; Riley,mom & dad, all had their picture taken with Ariel. Then as we sat out by the water,the various Disney princesses came to see Riley and wish her the happiest of birthdays! Then before we knew it, here came another princess!

Riley was loving it, and then Minnie Mouse herself showed up. Maybe it's Minnie's costume, but Riley was having nothing to do with her!! Lunch ended with the staff bringing Riley some cake and ice cream and singing Happy Birthday.
Disneyland, Riley at two years old, and my family really made for a "magical" day! These are the kinds of days I always hold close to my heart and am very grateful for.

A Country Roads Wedding

Looks like someone is getting married! Pam and Adam are getting married October 11th, 2008. We've all talked about this "date" forever and its hard to believe it is almost here. The picture above is their engagement photo, and they just look so cute. I've known Pam (aka: Pamela, or Little Pam) since she was five years old. Her mom use to work with me at my first store in Old Towne, Battered Barn, then at Country Roads. I have to admit, I look at Pam as one of my own kids. She is very special to me and is such an awesome person. I'm really happy for her & Adam right now!

This picture above means a great deal to me. This past Christmas, I had told my kids "all" I wanted as my Christmas gift was a picture by the sign on the side of our building. I never got one! But Pam, being the thoughtful person she is, and always remembering the little things in life, had the photographer take this picture for me. That's just Pam, you know. A big heart, always thinking of others. And, a little family bonus at the wedding, the little ones, Arianna, Riley, and Josalyn will all be flower girls! I'm always grateful for what this store, this business, Country Roads, has brought into my life. As you must know, Country Roads is so much more than "just" a store! The wedding will be on Saturday, October 11th at 4pm. So, I'm doing a first for Country Roads. . . we will be closing early that day at 3pm. After all, one of my kids is getting married, and our entire Country Roads family has to be there! We wouldn't miss it for anything.

Make the Time

Sometimes I feel like a hamster on that "wheel", that just goes round & round. I'm constantly busy, and seem never to make the time anymore to do stuff I want to do, things I use to do. I've been wanting to go to the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach for the past three years. When I was young, and not so "busy", I went every year. A friend of mine, Christie Repasy, was there again this year and I really wanted to go down and see her, her paintings and the Sawdust Festival. Brande went with me, and as we drove down Laguna Canyon it brought back so many memories of days gone by. The Sawdust Festival was awesome, and seeing Christie so happy and content, really warmed my heart. Christie has always painted beautiful, romantic floras. And to see she is now also doing beach and tropical paintings was really nice, as they are my favorite. So, of course I couldn't leave empty handed. Just being there, the art, the music, the displays and the beautiful fountains were so peaceful. It really brought back a lot of memories for me of days gone by.

After Brande and I left there, we drove around Laguna for a bit, then headed over to Fashion Island. Brande and I both have been so busy, we never really celebrated her May birthday. We had a late lunch at Tommy Bahamas, one of our favorites that we don't go to very often. If you go, just order the Pina Colada cake, no need for any other food! Then we spent some time over at Fashion Island shopping. One of my favorite stores there is "Anthropolgie". I love this store because of their displays, they are awesome, unique and always changing. I love this "hay couch" that was sitting out front of the store. It made me even more excited to go inside and see the rest of their displays. I also love their selection of books. So, I picked up a couple for myself, one for Riley, and an outfit for Brande as a belated birthday present.

We walked around some more at Fashion Island with all the other "fancy girls", as I call them. It was just such a nice day out. Riley's birthday is in a couple of weeks so we wanted to look in this childrens shop we go to when we are there. They have these stuffed animal chairs, and since Riley's room is all about the beach, Brande couldn't resist buying her the blue octopus chair(that's what is in the bag she is holding)! I can't wait for Riley to see it, she will be SO excited!

We took PCH home rather than the freeway. I live in Long Beach, about 10 minutes from the beach, so this is a much more pleasant drive. It was one of those perfect SoCal late afternoons. The sun was sparkling off the ocean, and to the right, for some unknown reason, it was clear enough to see the mountains. It made me remember how important it is to make the time, not only for yourself, but to spend it with those you love. I got an e-mail this afternoon. One of my friends, Cheryl Mitchell, isn't doing too good. She use to be our crazy gardener at Country Roads several years ago. She was at Riley's 1st birthday party last year, snapping pictures of everyone, then later showing them to everyone in Old Towne;0) That's just "our" Cheryl. She had lung cancer earlier this year, they removed her lung but its back in the other lung. She then had a stroke, and some other sad stuff has happened, all at only 49 years old. I'm not writing this to depress anyone, but to remind myself and others to never, ever take our days for granite. . "make the time", it's that simple, just make the time!

An August Day at Country Roads

As the clock ticks away the hours of Summer and Fall begins to slowly head our way, I just wanted to share some pictures of Country Roads. I'm always amazed when I walk through "Roads" snapping pictures. We have such a wide variety of merchandise and its all displayed so cool and attractive. To get ready for Fall,we've got some holiday merchandise in!
And don't forget to step out the back door into our little piece of paradise, Johnnye Merle Gardens & Nursery, named after my mom, Johnnye Merle! Set in a rustic, country setting,it lets you escape from the hustle of the City.
We just want to say "thanks" again for shopping with us. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't appreciate our customers. "If" the link below works correctly, just click it and watch a little slideshow of "An August Day at Country Roads"!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/susandulane/sets/72157606564824853