Denmark Does Country Roads!

This is the famous statue in Copenhagen, Denmark called the "the Little Mermaid". Why is it in this blog post? I guess to make me look like I might actually know something about Denmark? Anyway, the other day there were these two guys peeking in our front windows before we opened. And as soon as the door opened, in they came, and the stuff started coming up to the counter with rapid speed in handfuls. They seemed to know what they were after, and didn't really require or need any help. They are like the cool customers that are here to shop, have an idea what they are after and know we are here to help them if they would like. Finally they started talking to us when they were almost finished. They were decorating a restaurant in Denmark and were taking all this stuff back to use. Apparently they had been our here last year sometime. Within a half hours time, they had gathered all their treasures, and dropped a quick $2500 on top of that. It was a wonderful way to start our day. They said they were going to look around Old Towne for a bit and would be back with a truck. And sure enough, they came back and insisted upon loading most of it themselves. Yes, there were the "perfect" customers that started our day quite nicely! I wonder if it is possible to clone them??

I Did It!!

Last night when I was getting ready to crawl in bed, I saw one of Riley's favorite teddy bears (the one I fixed his arm up with duct tape) on my bed. We had put the rest of her stuffed animals in the part of the family room where all her and Morgan's toys are. She told me she wanted me to sleep with the teddy bear. It kind of touched my heart that Riley did that.At the end of last year, I had promised myself I would get back on my treadmill like I use to a very long time ago. I always had an excuse not to. So, finally this morning, "I did it", a phrase Riley uses often. I set up alarm for 5:30am, and it took awhile for me to wake up. I had laid out my "treadmill clothes" last night across from my bed. That way I was convinced I wouldn't talk myself out of it! And I didn't, and feel so much better for starting day one! As we all know, day one is the hardest! I've always had my treadmill in the garage. Now it is in this little storage room of mine in the garage. Why, well that would be an entirely different blog post, but let me just say it has to do with "my boy Bryce"! It took me a few minutes to have a clear path so I could get situated and actually use the treadmill. I do need to do some serious cleaning out there later today. Once I did, and once I got going, it felt SO good, a feeling I haven't had in a very long time. It's funny how your body just remembers you can still run!! When I use to actually USE my treadmill in a different part of the garage, I had a sign that said, "fat sucks" and a picture of Riley for motivation. I haven't gotten my pictures up yet, but it was interesting that I was starring at Rachel Ashwell's book signing poster I had kept while on the treadmill. Rachel is not only tall, but she is skinny! As I'm walking and running this morning, and starring at her, you all know what you want to say, what a skinny "b*tch", although Rachel is very sweet. I'm sure some of you know what I mean!! I want to be in shape to continue to keep up with my grandkids. By the way, giving a three year old a dust buster or whatever they are called, is the best toy ever! As they play, they also clean your house!! When Riley says, "come on Gramma, let's jump", I'm thankful that I still can. But I have known for a very long time the importance of exercise, and kind of have blown it off with a million excuses. I watch Morgan as she plays and starts to crawl. And I know in the very near future, she will be "running" after Riley and I want to be ready. My mom was always in poor health. She never took very good care of herself, and although she loved my kids with all her heart, she would "sit" in her chair outside as they played, just "watching" while she smoked. And sadly she died only four days after Riley as born. She never even got the chance to hold her! I want so much more for myself when it comes to my babies! I've got another baby on the way, this time a boy! God help me, a boy! Brande and I were laughing the other day. I was telling her when the lease is up on my car, that I think I will get another SUV, telling her that you know I am going to have grandkids. I meant, I needed more room for carseats, strollers, etc. She reminded me, "you DO have grandkids"! I've always been a person that has never wanted to "watch" life pass me by. I want to play an active part in the lives of my kids and my grandkids. So, thanks Riley, Gramma "did it", and I'll do it again tomorrow! I may be sore for a few days, but I KNOW the end result is always worth it!! I did this post for myself, meaning I needed to OWN this! It is a reminder to me to continue to do what I did this morning. I'm a Gramma now, and I intend to be the best damn Gramma around!!

It's ALL About Display!

Many of you know that every time my Country Roads family visits Texas for the shows, I SO much want to go. But being a single woman and all, some of us have to work. Who knows, maybe if I go I could meet myself I fine young cowboy, and make my Mom and her Texas roots proud!! Anyway, at the last show, Lisa (of Tim & Lisa) went to
Theresa's Blog Party, and brought me back some of the little things above. I thought it was so thoughtful of her to remember me that way, thanks Lisa! There are a couple of other reasons I would like to go. I want some time to hang out with my buddy, Malisa who has promised to cart my butt around the big state of Texas and show me some of Mom's roots. I also want to sit a spell with Debbie ! She has a heart as big as the state of Texas. I'm always amazed at how kind she is to everyone! The displays by Tot really caught my eye. Her displays are amazing, and I'm always drawn to them. See what I mean? I hope you have a chance to stop by her blog and just be blown away by her amazing talent! I have a feeling once you visit Tot's blog you will be going back quite often!

White Wednesday: Courtesy of Texas!

This "White Wednesday" I've got some great photos for you. A few members of my Country Roads family recently went to the shows in Texas. And while some of them, along with another store down here in Old Towne Orange, are waiting for the cargo truck to bring home their stuff, Tim & Lisa are already busy "selling" their stuff!! Tim drove to Texas with his cargo van and trailer. And when the shows were over, he booked it back to CA. That awesome country primitive, chippy white painted cupboard pictured above just SOLD this past Easter Sunday! Here are a few more photos of great fresh new product that is now at Country Roads just waiting for you!!






Believe me, all of the stuff above is truly amazing.! The pictures above don't say enough. And as many of you already know, if you see something you can't live without, you can just call Country Roads and pay for it over the phone with a credit card! We will put it in storage until you are able to come pick it up. And "thank you" to the world famous "Kathleen" for hosting "White Wednesday"! Hope all of you are enjoying Spring!

My Dogs Are Barkin'

Remember that stupid old saying, "my dogs are a barkin" in regards to your feet being sore. My feet ARE sore, and my legs, well they are howling!! We have been very busy at "the store"! And you are hearing no verbal complaints from me, so my legs and feet can shut up for a bit. I have been working a lot, as you can see Morgan helping me last night burn some midnight oil! Just full of those dumbass sayings this morning, aren't I? The "Marvelous Marcela" took on some more space. That chair has definitely been calling my name the past few days. What I love about Marcela is that she mixes vintage with some of her really cool creations! These aren't the best pictures, and will get some better ones up soon. Let's remember, I'm still using that ever so special cheap display camera that I bought at Target a few weeks ago. Sometimes it's nice to me, others days, well, I need to THROW it in my pool! One thing I really enjoy about some of our very special customers is all their knowledge. And they aren't at all hesitant about sharing. Some guy yesterday wanted me to buy a box full of his dead Granny's dishes. I made the mistake of telling him, "I really don't know much about that type of glass". He snapped back at me, "it's not glass, it's CHINA"! Well, bless his little heart! Yesi & I just laughed. The public is fun if you just go with it. Yesterday, I also was blessed to have one of our customers go on, and on, and on and never stopping to take a breath about how she just can't stand this industrial stuff. What are people thinking? I'm always polite because I really do enjoy people. You have to in this business, and you have to be able to listen. I will admit, listening isn't always the easiest thing to do at times. But none the less, I do respect my customers and hey, everyone wants to be heard in life. I told the customer that I really like the industrial look. One thing I like about it is that is the perfect example of recycling! And there are so many uses for these things. I do have to laugh at the term, "French Industrial". Somehow in this business, "French" adds value to things ;0} With that said, I'm working again today! Yes, my fourth day in a row which I usually don't do. But I got a good trade out of the deal. I'm off this coming "BSC" Sunday! Don't worry though, I will have a "guest writer" doing my post that day. My Monday's wouldn't be complete without a BSC Sunday story or two to share! The sun is shining today, feels like Spring, and I'm looking forward to going to "the store". We have had many out of state customers that have been awesome! Maybe our "locals" should take a lesson!

BSC Sundays, Easter Sale, & Earthquakes!

Wow, I really thought "BSC" Sundays wouldn't hit yesterday; you know with it being Easter and all! I should have known I was in trouble when all three of my kids went "BSC" on me. I think everyone was arguing with each other BEFORE the store even opened! Good times!! Country Roads did start out pretty mellow, not very crowded and people were pretty easy going. Then by late afternoon, the "BSC" in some of our special customers started to come out. I knew we were in trouble. One was paranoid we wouldn't tag her layaway. Three of us tried to reassure her that we may "look" like we know what we are doing, but trust me, we've been doing this along time and know exactly where it is. Another "special" lady continued on a tangent about getting an item that was marked 20% off for even less than that. She was like a dog with a bone, wouldn't let go! I think we all took a turn with her! One of these days, I promise you, I'm going to look at one of "those" people and say, "hey, about FREE"!! Morgan stopped by for a visit in her Easter dress. Brande introduced her to our mascot, the bull with the cop hat. I tried to edit the "red eyes" but one remained red. Maybe she is signaling us that it WILL be a "BSC" Sunday! As we neared closing, and the customers were becoming more and more "BSC", it happened, the big 7.2 earthquake. Katie is wrapping a plate and asks me, "are you jumping on the loose board"? We have a platform at the counter and one of the boards is loose. I told her I wasn't and she thought she was not feeling good. Katie sits down, says she feels dizzy. And me and my Japanese customer, we continue with her order still don't notice anything. THEN, all of a sudden, this older hippy biker says, "wow, this is like a drug trip from the 70's, we're having an earthquake and it's STILL going"! I still don't feel it. But at that point, I too felt a bit light headed but started looking around the store. Chandeliers were swinging for quite awhile. A big wicker swing kicked into action as well. It was a little creepy to see all the stuff moving for such a long time. When I got home after my "BSC" Sunday, I looked outside at my pool. The cover on the filter had been knocked off, about an inch of water "left" the pool and was on the deck along with a big puddle of water in the street where the overflow water goes. Did I mention, I hate earthquakes! With all that behind me, all my family arrived for Easter. My sister Teri, and her partner, Linda kindly brought over the entire dinner and set it all up as well. I can't even begin to tell you how awesome that was! The girls went on their Easter egg hunt, and as usual, they both spent some time in "my boy Bryce's" lap! I do want to thank all of you for shopping with us, I appreciate it. I also want to thank the "special" customers for shopping with too, as they give me a story to write about!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to everyone. I'm up early, got a big day ahead of me. I've still got my baby girls Easter baskets to fill, and eggs with candy to hide! I want to put together a "a peep display" if I can find the time. Al, who is my friend Darcy's husband use to line them up outside on tooth picks. If I can only find the tooth picks! Outside, my bunny family sits in the garden, each of them smiling and celebrating Easter morning! The "peeps" in the garden are up early as well, just waiting for Easter to begin. They know how Riley loves to come over and rearrange them. Even the bunny on the gate this morning has a BIG smile on his face. And the "lone peep" on the front door is anxiously awaiting for the day to pass and it's time for "Easter dinner". He understands that he lives at a home where they leave early to go to Country Roads for a big Easter sale. He knows it makes them happy though to celebrate this wonderful day with all their customers and friends. And the best part of the day for this particular peep is when it gets closer to dinner time, and more family arrives home to celebrate Easter together!! Sometimes it isn't about the day or time you celebrate an event or holiday. It is ALL about "who" you celebrate it with. I'm hoping to see many of you, my favorite Country Roads friends and customers enjoying some of our great sale prices today. I'm hoping everyone remembers it's Easter and we don't have to witness any "BSC" moments. Wouldn't that be awesome? Although I would have no Monday morning stories to tell. I guess time will tell! And then, I head home to spend the evening with my family. Get to watch Riley hunt the eggs, and I'm guessing Bryce will be in the middle of it carrying Morgan to help on the Easter egg hunt as well. After all, it is her 1st Easter. Here's wishing you all a wonderful Easter Sunday, and hoping you have some time to spend it with those you love!

Cleaning Sucks!

Years ago, when myself & Mr. Not So Wonderful moved into the really big house in the fancy neighborhood, he insisted that we hire someone to come in and clean once a week. I didn't grow up having all those extras, especially someone that would clean our house. So, I have to admit I was uncomfortable at first. One of my friends had this awesome woman, Susan, clean her house. So, she began to clean ours. After I got over being uncomfortable, it was great. The house would "smell" so good when I got home after work when Susan had been there. When I divorced and moved to my house in a regular neighborhood, Susan still came to clean. In fact she came over the morning after the big move when the house was a disaster, and helped me clean and get some of my stuff put away. We were really good friends, and I would always help her while she was here, if I could. Guess that is the part in me that thinks that is what we are supposed to do in life, help when you can. Susan is a wonderful person and we became very good friends. After all, she watched my kids grow-up and have babies of their own. Over a year ago, when our great economy began to kick us in the ass, I had to make cuts like everyone else. So, I sadly don't have Susan clean my house anymore, although we still keep in touch. I am now the new "Susan", and I hate it! Plus I have little kids running around, live with two teenagers, (oops, I meant Bryce and Justine) and my house is always full of people. Yesterday I had to take one of my few days off and do "cleaning". I'm going to confess something, I HATE it!! But, it was nice for the house to smell better and shine a bit. But it will never be as sparkling as the real Susan days! While cleaning, Justine had asked me if I could watch Morgan for a few hours last night while she went to a BBQ. At first I told her I would let her know because I was knee deep in you know what! Then I realized, my office and bedroom could wait for another day to be cleaned. But Morgan will never be the same another day, she will only grow older! So, me and little "Mo" hung out. Brande came over and we ordered Chinese food and watched some lame TV! Everything goes into Morgan's mouth these days. All of her teeth are coming in at once. These are the happier pictures of her as later she had a 45 minute meltdown! She's not feeling too good, think she has what Riley has been sick with. My little ones are growing so fast, and the one thing I never, ever take for granite is that I AM very happy to be a part of their daily little lives!!

Easter Stuff

The Easter bunny, how scary that can be for kids. That is my oldest, Brande, sitting in the lap of that big Easter bunny! She was a pretty mellow kid, so having her picture taken was easy. Then along came Katie and everything scared the crap out of her! Actually I think she is still a bit like that today. So after Brande's photo with the Easter bunny, that pretty much ended our visits for photo opts at the mall! Katie was able to get one of Riley on her first Easter back in 2007. It's kind of funny how the Easter bunnies are still just as frightening. Myself, I always have a "thing" with people in costumes when I can't see their "real" faces. Because of that, I'm not a huge fan of Halloween. Okay, speaking of Easter Sunday? Country Roads is having a BIG, a really BIG sale on Easter Sunday from 10am until 4pm. I've seen what some of the percentages off are for this sale, and I have to tell you, there are some really good deals waiting for you! Also, I would ask you if you have a little extra to "give" to a local charity that myself and Country Roads works with. It is through the Orange YWCA and as many know, it's called, "My Sister Joanie's Purse Project". It's a pretty simple concept, we collect gently used purses filled with "stuff" that we all have in our own purses and they are given to women that are in shelters. This time, we are collecting diaper bags filled with baby stuff for Mother's Day. I don't have to tell anyone (or at least I hope I don't have to) how tough life is for so many right now. On Easter, if you bring in a "Diaper Bag" filled with "baby items", we will give you an entry blank to possibly win a $100 Country Roads gift certificate! All of you have been so supportive of this project, I hope you will continue with your generosity. We will be collecting diaper bags after the Easter sale up until May 10th. We all have to work together to make this world of ours a better place, don't you think? Hope to see you on Easter Sunday! Take care.

Some "Quickies" From Texas

I only have time for a "quickie" (get your minds out of the gutter, only "my" mind is allowed to go there)post this morning! Katie is not feeling well, so I need to head off to the world famous Country Roads to work. I did want to share some pictures Gloria sent me from the shows while my Country Roads family was shopping and visiting all of you. I LOVE the picture above of Gloria and Tim!! They just look so cute on that little motor bike! One of the reasons is they both operate on a very high frequency level when it comes to shopping! I hope they didn't torture too many of you while they were there! And this too is one of my favorite pictures with Lisa, Cat Daddy, Tim, and Debbie. One of these shows, you are going to see me, yes me in the middle of this happy little group. Below are a few more of the many photos I have to share.

Tim & Lisa are coming in today with some of their "Texas Treasures", can't wait to see them. And for now, since my quickie is done and not all that exciting, I best be heading out to the door to run some errands before I start my day at Country Roads!