A New Week at Country Roads

A week ago, "the store" was trashed! We had been SO busy with the New Years Day sale and the following days after. Now, everything is put back together again. What I LOVE about Country Roads is all the different displays and merchandise. It is wonderful to have "something for everyone". Here's what I'm talking about:








When I first opened Country Roads on a rainy California morning back on January 2nd, 1993, we primarily carried country primitive antiques. Although that is one of my first loves, it is really nice to evolved to a business that pretty much offers "something for everyone"! I look forward to visiting with you all during this new decade of ours. And please know, I will continue to work has hard as I can to giving you a place to shop that you "deserve". Myself and my Country Roads family are "steppin' up our game" this year. I'll have some more great pictures later this week, please check back for more "Country Roads Eye Candy"

My Day to Escape

Friday is the one day of the week that I've always tried to set aside for ME! Or at least part of the day. I like to go to a late afternoon movie by myself. There is no one I have to chat with, no phone to answer, nothing to do except to kick back in my chair and get lost in the movie. I have wanted to see the Blind Side for so, so long but my Friday's at the movies were taken up with work and stuff the past two months. It felt so good to get back to "my day" yesterday afternoon. I really enjoyed the message in the Blind Side, a true story. Helping someone because your heart wants to help and you can. Wouldn't it be awesome if more people were like this? A pretty simple concept. I love this time of year when there are so many good movies out. I always like to see as many of them as I can before the Academy Awards. What better way to escape than to just sit back and get lost in a movie. I've missed this and can't wait to go back next week! And if you are like me, and haven't had a chance to see this movie, GO! You might want to bring some kleenex with you as well!

Life in 500 Posts

Yesterday afternoon I had been working on paperwork all day and was just burned out! Ever since the beginning of November, I have worked so hard and been so busy it truly has been insane! It was a beautiful late, sunny afternoon here. I grabbed my ipod, my headphones and Sally (my dog) and sat in the California sunshine by my pool. I have to say, it could have been warmer, but it was beautiful out nonetheless. The sun was getting ready to call it a day, as the seagulls started flying back to the beach. Their reflection in the late afternoon sun was so peaceful. It made me miss summer. I've always lived near the beach. The pictures on this post I took in Maui in January of 2006. Brande had given me a great Christmas present, a trip to Maui! One of my favorite places anywhere!Anyway, yesterday afternoon I was listening to Adam Lambert sing "Mad World" on my ipod. That boy CAN sing! I listened to the song several times over and over again thinking about this past year, you know, what we've all been through. I thought a bit about writing 500 posts in a little over a year, and actually it wasn't the writing itself I thought about, but I thought about what I had been through in my own life during those 500 posts. Like so many of us, life this past year or so, sure got our attention. Did I ever think twenty years ago, my life would be like it is today? Nope, not a clue! I don't mean it in a negative way. I'm glad for the good and not so good things I've been through on my journey. You grow from experience. My life is good, I am blessed, and I'm happy and positive. My life is filled with such wonderful people and family that it doesn't matter "what" stuff I go through like everyone does. At the end of the day, when you crawl into bed and think to yourself, "life is good & I'm happy" you know you are okay! For me, the hard part comes when I watch the news, when I read the newspaper, or I watch "life happen". What has caused our world to become so callous when it comes to other people's feelings? What has caused our world to become so violent with no respect for human life? If I was a magician, as corny as this sounds, I would wave a wand over the world and HOPE it would spread peace, love and happiness. A dream, sure it is. But we never give up on our dreams, we need to keep HOPE alive in our hearts because change can happen if you "believe"! Blogs are good for that. They help keep that HOPE alive, they are reminders that there really ARE people that care, people that believe in the good. It is a nice reminder to turn on my computer in the mornings and start my day by visiting all of you. I thank you for this, for helping keep my HOPE alive. This blog has reminded me to keep looking at life daily, because it always has a story to tell! And as John Lennon sang. . .
You may say I'm a dreamer,
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will live as ONE!

She's Headed to The Golden Globes!

One of our own Country Roads family members is headed to the Golden Globes Award show. Not because of her acting abilities, but because when it comes to making jewelry, Gloria Bass rocks! She will have a table where she will be giving her jewelry away to the "stars" at this years Golden Globes! Below are a few of the pictures I took of Gloria's jewelry that is at Country Roads.





As Gloria told me the other day, she is really hoping to meet Sandra Bullock. Me, I would be so nervous and not sure who I would most like to meet. I don't think I could pick just one, there are way too many! So congrat's to Gloria, and rumor has it, she "might" get to be at this years Oscars as well giving away her creations. You go girl! We are proud of you!!

White Wednesday

It's the first "White Wednesday" of 2010. A new year, a new decade, and a new beginning. This
"White Wednesday" finds me out in JM Gardens at Country Roads, soaking up the sunshine as I enjoy all of our vintage fountains. Here are just a few of my favorites.



Be sure to stop over and visit Kathleen. She is the hostess of "White Wednesdays" and on her blog you can find a long list of blogs that participate and have some wonderful photos. Make today a good day!

Why I Love What I Do!

So, when you own your own business, how do you run it? Do you delegate, tell people what to do, and you kick back your feet in the recliner and wait for that said business to reap rewards? Hell no, you get down in the trenches and you work as hard as you can each and every day of your life!! But, you ONLY do that if you LOVE what you do! Country Roads is EVERYTHING to me! I have an obligation to my family, to my vendors, but most importantly to myself to continue to make this business grow. This past Saturday we began our 18th year of business. My kids, as you all know so well, grew up in this business, and I'm proud to say they are still apart of it today. Just like Carol and Yesi, we aren't blood related, we are "heart" related, and they do, along side of my kids grew up in this business! Thankful, grateful, blessed, happy and all the other words you can think of describe how I feel about something that is so much more than "just" a store, "just" a business, it is part of my being, my heart! As I write this tonight, I'm tired, my feet hurt, and my brain hurts from answering so many questions for the past few days. But when it's the end of the day, and I crawl into bed at night being totally exhausted from doing something I love, well, all of the above is worth it. Here are a few of the reasons below, "why" I not only work so hard, but "why" I'm in love with what I do!









The pictures above are only a very small portion of what surrounds me each and every day that I go to "the store", our name for Country Roads. When you love what you do, when that "passion" burns in your heart, it is never just a job, it is YOU, it is "why" I love what I do!

Sunny SoCal!

Our weather here has been so nice the past few days that it is almost embarrassing. Southern California has seen beautiful blue skys, clear mountains in the distance, and the sparkling ocean. Our temps have been in the upper 70's, I love it, even if it is still cool at night. The other day I had posted a picture from our gardens, Johnnye Merle Gardens & Nursery. The gardens are outside, behind Country Roads and owned by my oldest daughter, Brande. She named the nursery after my mom, her Gramma, Johnnye Merle.This is a picture of my mom at a young age. She was born and raised in Texas, and even though she moved to CA, her Texas roots and "pride" was always near and dear to her heart as was gardening! She always told Brande, Katie, and Bryce that her favorite flowers were the Blue Bonnetts because all you had to do was, "throw 'em in the hard Texas soil, stomp 'em in the ground, throw a little water on them and they would grow! She taught me about gardening, and then my kids as well. It was nice that my mom knew about the gardens before she died. She never got to visit but did get to see pictures. I had a picture of the garden on my blog and Maureen reminded me that not everyone has flowers this time of year. So, here's a few more photos below for Maureen and anyone else that is ready for Spring! They aren't the best photos since I took them really fast while working yesterday and only had time for a few because we were so busy.





For more pictures and information about Johnnye Merle Gardens, go visit Brande's blog or click on the picture of my mom on my side bar for the blog. And me, I'm going to enjoy our California sunshine while it lasts!

"The Vintage Table"

Jacqueline deMontravel and the editors of Romantic Homes Magazine just released a new book titled "The Vintage Table". Like everything Romantic Homes does, this too is a wonderful book they've put together. They have complied pictures of tables & kitchen vignettes of the homes they have photographed for their magazine. It is a great little book, and what is so special to me, is not only am I included in the book and listed as one of the "Homeowners", but some of my friends are as well, including my buddy Ruthie and her daughter, Susan. Because the Romantic Homes office is located close to Country Roads, we often "loan" them items from our store. It was greatly appreciated that we also received credit in the "Resource" section. I love all the little vignettes featured in the book. There is a photo that is close to my heart that the book. While Jacqueline and Jamie (who is so sweet, and an awesome photographer) were at my home taking photos, they took one of this little, old blue & cream pitcher that was given to me as a child by my grandmother. It's cracked, missing the handle and the verse on it starts off with, "I'M A LEFT HANDED PITCHER MADE SPECIALLY FOR YOU". It is so nice to see something you love so much published in a book. Can't exactly explain why, but it just feels good. My old blue harvest table pops up in a few pictures as well, along with other "stuff" I have in my house. Speaking of Romantic Homes Magazine, in the current issue that is out now, Ted & Gloria Hill's home is featured. They have been dealers at Country Roads for a very long time. I've been to her house several times, and believe me, it is filled with lots and lots of "eye candy"! If you are into this world of "junkin" and have a chance, this new book, The Vintage Table", is worth you time.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I am truly shocked, amazed, and most of all "grateful" for each and everyone of you that shopped at Country Roads yesterday! I've said this before, we have the best of the best customers anyone could ever dream of. Thank you. I couldn't believe how patiently you waited in that long line that was endless from my view at the counter. I appreciate those of you that my have experienced a tad of family feuding as myself, Brande, Katie, and Bryce worked the counter yesterday. That was a first, and hey, at least there were no fists flying. Also, for those of you that told me you loved my blog, I am so very humbled by your kind words. Next time you come visit, leave me a comment so I will know you stopped by. If you don't have a blog, you can comment "anonymously" and then leave your name at the bottom. Also, for so many of you that love our E-Mail Express and the slide shows I sent out, you motivate and inspire me. I've got a new camera that takes better pictures (and was cheap). So, please look for a new Country Roads slide show soon! Again, myself, my family, and my Country Roads family says "thanks", and we so appreciate each and everyone of you!! Take care.

A Little Help From My Friends

Riley is pictured here with her "friends" or "buddies" as she calls them. She said to me, "Gramma, can you take a picture of me with my buddies"? Our friends, our buddies, are an important part of our lives. I wish you all a year full of love and friendship and here's to a beautiful 2010! And as the Beatles once sang, "I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends"

What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
And I'll try not to sing out of key.
Oh I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm,I get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends.

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.

What do I do when my love is away.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you're on your own)
No, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, get high with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, gonna to try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.

Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes I'm certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you, but I know it's mine.
Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm I get high with a little help from my friends,
Oh, I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends

Do you need anybody?
I just need someone to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends
Ooh, I get high with a little help from my friends
Yes I get by with a little help from my friends,
with a little help from my friends

Make an effort to make it a wonderful year filled with friends! Happy New Year!!