Families

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!!

They Switched Days On Me!!

Yesterday was a COMPLETE surprise to me! It wasn't Sunday, there was no full moon, there wasn't any wind, it was just a nice Saturday, or so I thought. The day started off nicely. I came in to find this cute little gift above waiting for me. Kate had found it while she was out "junking" the other day and remembered seeing pictures of my bedroom. How thoughtful is that?? And I have to tell you a quick story. I was taking pictures out in the garden, and I hear a little voice counting, "1, 2, 3 " and so on until I hear, "ready or not, hear I come". It was Kate's little girl, Gracie, who is just precious as is Kate's husband Bob! I kind of wondered at first what Bob was doing crawling behind a gazebo in the garden, but you know, it's Country Roads, so we just roll with it. He was playing hide and seek with Gracie. It was one of those moments that just warms your heart. THAT was the good part of the day. And then, out of no where at all, it turned into "BSC" Saturday! What happened? We prepare ourselves to be tortured on Sundays, not Saturdays, it was shocking! I should have known it was beginning when I left the garden to walk back up to the counter. As some of you know, when we get busy at Country Roads, the aisles get really crowded and it's hard to pass people. I was walking behind this old guy and his wife, and thankfully as he stopped and started going "ah, ah, ah", I was able to pass by him. Then I heard the sneeze followed by the sound of, well, "passing gas loudly"! It just kept getting worse, and worse after the farting incident. Stuff was falling and breaking all day long. And each thing that fell got louder and louder with the last being a big glass lamp that made a really loud crash as it fell. The customers had basically, "exploded" our public bathroom so badly that I had to lock it and hide the key! Don't worry, I didn't take pictures of that!! The last customers of the day are really very nice people with really uncontrollable kids, three kids and a baby. All totally out of control! It took us forever to close. At work, Katie had asked me if I want to have some BBQ salmon that Vinnie was cooking. I declined thinking about a piece of red velvet cake I had bought a few days ago, and started dreaming of that and a cold Corona. As I was driving home, I remembered I didn't have any Corona, so I made my pregnant daughter go in the liquor store and buy my beer! That's what kids are for, right? I briefly went into Katie's house as Riley decided she would first hug me, and then wipe her nose all over my shirt. I guess that is what grandkids are for, wiping snot on Gramma! With that, I left. Unloaded the car, brought in the mail, and saw the new Romantic Homes was out. And Clara's house (Marcela's sister) was featured. I couldn't wait to sit down with a cold beer, red velvet cake and my magazine! Then tragedy struck! After the long busy, busy "BSC" Saturday, I knew it wasn't over yet! This happened! I was putting away the beer away in the refrig, and suddenly it just JUMPED off the counter, I swear, it JUMPED! I won't tell you what I said really loud, but I wasn't happy. Not only did some beer bottles break, it went all over my shoe and jeans. Dandy, just dandy! Now, I have to pick up broken glass, sweep, vacuum and then semi mop that part of the floor. Finally I get my cake, my beer, and my magazine. I'm ready to go in my office and run off postcards for Bryce who is doing the Long Beach Flea Market today. It's okay, I like to work around the clock. So, as I'm doing THAT, I happened to glance over at Leonard! Leonard had made the decision that HE, not ME, deserved a cold Corona! This cat is as old as dirt, but for some reason, he likes beer. I don't offer it up, as in "here kitty, kitty, here's your beer", Leonard just steals it when he can! I grab the bottle away from the lush cat, and go wipe it off. No, I'm not wasting a whole beer because of a few cat cooties! Cats have clean little mouths, right? I know what you are thinking so I won't say it!After cleaning off my beer bottle, I walked back into my office, and I guess Leonard had a bit more to drink than I thought! Damn cat!! And hey, lets have a "shout out" to "my boy Bryce" who woke me up at 3:45 AM to ask me a question before he left to sell at the Long Beach Flea Market this morning! Not a good start for "BSC" Sunday! Let's just hope that all the "BSC" customers were out yesterday, not today. I don't think I can handle another day like yesterday. Oh, I just remembered my first job of the day is cleaning up the public bathroom that they "blew up" yesterday. Wish me luck!!

Parenthood

I LOVE the new tv series Parenthood. I loved the movie, which by the way, Ron Howard directed way back in 1989! Has it been that long? I think what I like best about this new show is it shows us all that life & families aren't perfect. If you think your family is "perfect", well, all I can say is "bless your little heart". My family is very close, and far from perfect. Guess that is why I love this new tv show so much. It kind of shows us what life and family is all about! So, with all my ramblings about this new tv show, you can imagine my excitement awhile back when the set designer (yep, I forgot her name, Janice?)started shopping in our store awhile ago for this new series. Well, that "logo" on the truck above was back again yesterday to pick up a bunch of stuff they bought again for the show.The bigger stuff like cabinets and cupboards are much easier to pick out while watching Parenthood. And the set designer is the easiest person to work with and that makes all the above mean so much more to us here at Country Roads. There were bags of stuff all over the store filled with "smalls". It's hard when you are watching the tv show to pick out stuff that came from Country Roads. The set designer told us that a lot of the stuff from our store is in the parents house on the show. I sat in bed last night (I record the episodes) starring at the kitchen shelves in a scene in the parents kitchen looking for stuff that came from "the store". As I said, there was stuff for Parenthood EVERYWHERE in the store. Including behind the counter! So, with the truck packed up as it leaves our driveway, I'm really hoping Parenthood will be around on tv for awhile. You know how that goes, you fall in love with a show on tv and then all of a sudden it's cancelled! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one!

Spring at Country Roads

So, do you ever have one of "those" weeks when you just think you can't listen to anyone else or your head will explode in a million little pieces? That has been my week! I've been really busy, and I think I may have to grab my headphones and sit out by the pool for awhile to clear out my brains, or what's left of them. I've put together a little slide show below. If the pictures are goofed up, all I can say is, "I tried"! Not sure why I was having so much trouble putting the thing together. So, heads up! If it doesn't turn out like it should, I confess, it is my fault, but like the picture above, I don't want to hear about it ;0} Hope all of you have a great week-end, and stop in and see us. Johnnye Merle Gardens & Nursery just had a big make over, with new plants that just came in! We have some great new plants for your Spring gardens! We've got some new displays and "Spring Fever" really bad! Come see for yourself!

Create your own free photo slide show

When Someone Asks For Help

This is a picture of my friend, Malisa, who actually when we first became friends, I always thought the way her name was spelled it was pronounced, Malaysia! Then she explained to me that it is how they spell "Melissa" in Texas! Anyway, many of you know her for her mouth, her wicked sense of humor, her Texas football, her politics, and her big ole heart! I had emailed her a couple of times yesterday. I usually here from her almost each day, or I read her blog post, or we chat on Facebook. I was a bit worried, because I knew on Tuesday Lurch (as she calls her husband Larry) had gone to the doctors. He took a pretty bad fall at the hospital that day, and they took him into ER, and on their way back home, they had stopped somewhere and he fell again! I knew Malaysia was worried. Look how cute the "mouth that roared" looks in that picture above. Well, now she has asked me to do a post for all of you today to let you know what's going on. Sorry it's taken me so long, but I wanted to do a good one for my friend. Yesterday morning at 9am, an ambulance took Larry to the hospital. His heart beat was only 30 beats per minute, and last night they transferred him to Houston and he was in CCU. I haven't heard from Malyasia since. I have to admit, I'm worried. You know what I love about Malaysia? It's that she has this wicked sense of humor, and a heart as big as the state of Texas! And I know how in love she is with this big guy she calls Lurch. Not everyone has that kind of love affair. This is her second husband, you know Malaysia the big player and all she is! Just kidding of course, but they have been together for the past 22 years. And Lurch stepped in and helped her raise her boys, Evan and Eric. Lurch became a grandpa as well to his little Madi, pictured above. He's a grandpa to "my boy Tango" who looks so innocent in this picture, doesn't he? I call Tango, "my boy Tango" because he reminds me so much of "my boy Bryce" at that age. And Lurch is also a grandpa to little Cash, who is just five months old. The same day Lurch had the fall, little Cash was also very sick. So, needless to say, my buddy, my friend Malaysia has a lot on her plate right now.Look at how cute her son Evan looks with his babies. They all need Lurch to be okay!When she asks for me to do a post, I know she is asking for your prayers, for your good karma, for your positive thoughts and everything else you utilize to make the bad turn into good! Malaysia always rallies up the "blogging troops" when someone needs help. She gave me some big shoes to fill this morning, so I'm hoping I did her right with this post! I'll keep ya'll (did I spell that right) posted on Larry's condition as soon as I find out out anything!

*I heard from Malaysia a couple of hours. Larry is doing better, they've gotten his heart rate up. They are going to keep in the hospital a couple of more days so they can decide what to do! Malaysia thinks maybe a pacemaker. Thank you all for your nice words, prayers and support. Take care!!

White Wednesday

This "White Wednesday" finds me wiped out. The store, or as other know it, Country Roads, has kicked my butt the past few weeks. But, hey, I'm not complaining, I LOVE all the business we get and the people we get to meet! I've done many posts on Tim, one of our very talented members of our Country Roads family! He spent some time building this custom bench for one of his customers. This is entire bench was made from vintage salvage wood and architectural pieces. I saw Tim's sketch of what he was planning on doing, but seeing the picture of the finished project just blew me away! Look at all the detail involved in the work of art! I know how Tim personally had "fun" purchasing some of the architectural elements from a guy that isn't the coolest person around. But when it comes to detail, design, and creativity, well, I think the pictures speak for themselves. The ONLY thing I don't care for is that this bench is sitting at MY house. Of course I would like to make sure you go visit the awesome & sweet Kathleen! How do I "know" Kathleen is awesome and sweet? I was happy to have her visit me at Country Roads this past Saturday. Her family was down from Oregon visiting Disneyland and since Country Roads is only ten minutes away from the big D, she stopped by. It was really a great visit and before I could get away from the counter, she had already figured out where Marcela and Kate (who happen to be at the store and meet Kathleen too) who participate in "White Wednesday" were located at Country Roads. I was just bummed that I didn't get a chance to visit longer or take pictures. But please know Kathleen, it truly was a pleasure to meet you!

"I Love Rock 'n Roll"

You remember that old Joan Jett song, "I love rock 'n roll, put another dime in the jukebox baby"? I always think of it when we have an earthquake here. And with the earthquakes that have happened in Haiti and Chile, there has been a lot of conversation about them. Okay, here's the deal. I'm thankful that about 4am this morning we didn't have too big of an earthquake, but strong enough to wake me up. I was in such a sound sleep, especially after three really tough days at "the store" so the earthquake kind of pissed me off. Once the shaking stopped, I just turned over to go back to sleep. But Katie called to check on me, which was very sweet. She is the one that worries about her mom. Of course, and earthquake news is big here. And the experts are right, they always ask if you are prepared for "the big one". Above is a picture of my bed. This morning I was wondering if we had a strong quake if any of my junk would fall on my head and cause brain damage? Even though I am already a bit "off" in the thinking department. The big shell isn't too heavy, but the coral is sharp and could hurt a wee bit. The heavy architectural piece (at the top of the picture) that I hung "half ass" on my wall for sure would come down, really hard! The news reminds us to have our "earthquake kits" under our bed? That is where I store things, don't think I could squeeze a kit under there. Next question, do you have heavy shoes to get out of your home in case of broken glass? I have flip flops, does that count? Another biggie, "do you have flashlights". At least I can say YES to that one, although since I live with "my boy Bryce" he has taken every battery out of every flashlight in the house! But I do have flashlights. Every time our earth moves in SoCal, they interview Kate Hutton from Caltech. She is a seismologist! And, she is the most frightening woman to see on the news after an earthquake! Look at those frightening eyes! She's been doing this for years, and each time we have an earthquake, and the news camera is on her, you can just see those beady eyes fill with excitement! So, at least we know one person enjoyed our early morning "rock 'n roll". And maybe this person, me, will try to become more earthquake prepared. But, I will for sure have to hide the said "earthquake kit" from Bryce!

"BSC" Sunday

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???

Really, What Time Is It??

I remember the guy at the bank Friday reminding me to be sure and set my clock back. It will take me a month to get all that done. AND the bank guy didn't have to work today, Sunday, you know "BSC" Sunday! This morning I get up and I notice that my house looks like someone turned it upside down. Then I remembered Bryce was home last night working on a project. I had given him Riley's old playroom after Morgan was born. I also had stuff in it as well. So, last "night", you know when he has plenty of time, he decided to empty the room. Before he even began, he was also putting Morgan's car together. Everyone loves "my boy Bryce", even Rachel. But you guys don't have to live with him. Below is what I saw as I was on my way to the front door to get my newspaper. Not that I have time to read it!!






And you may wonder, "is Bryce up working on this project of his"? Nope, he's shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market and I'm heading out the door, still trying to wake up, and enjoy my sunshine filled "BSC" Sunday!

When Karma Bites You In The Ass!

Yesterday was a beautiful warm day here. I had been working on all my ads and paperwork and I then I stepped outside for a minute. It was warm & sunny, so I ran back in my house. I ripped off the jeans & sweater I was wearing, and dug out a pair of shorts, one of my many "Aloha" tops and my favorite "Locals" flip flops. I was planning on taking some down time for a bit, you know to enjoy our California sunshine. I had my ipod ready and wanted spend an hour or so in the sun. Then I thought it would make a good blog post for today, you know, to taunt all of you that are still having cold weather. Well, let me tell you, my camera seriously "jumped" out of my hand in landed in my pool. You can imagine what word I said out loud. I scooped her up, ran in the house, tried to revive her with the hairdryer, no luck, she was DEAD. And, I had only had her for less than three months! The above picture is a re-enactment of the camera's death. So, I went back inside, put my jeans and sweater BACK on and went in search for a cheap camera. I scored at Target. An Olympus, was $199, was on sale for $129, and since it was the last one, the display model, I got it for $90 and was very grateful! And one other plus, it was water proof!!I didn't get back outside until the late afternoon, and it was chilly, but it was still beautiful out. My poor bar hasn't been used in months. It's dirty and lonely and is just waiting to hear the sounds of margaritas in the blender again. I promised her, "one day soon"! My table and chairs by the bar sit empty and cold as well. They too are waiting for the warmer days of spring and summer so they can be filled with friends and family. I love this little fishy adirondack chair. My boy Bryce was going to take it apart and make some more for me. I'm not holding my breath on that one though! I have two of these wrought iron railings, and as I touched the cold palm trees on them, I feel in love all over again. They hang on each side of a vintage Hobie surfboard that was made into a bench. I fell in love with them originally because of the palm trees. It was a "must have", otherwise I would have never paid for them what I did! Finally in the late afternoon I was able to sit down and relax by the pool. As I mentioned it was chilly, but I enjoyed looking at all my stuff that is displayed by the pool as I sipped my cold Corona. My favorite piece is the big Aloha sign. There is a story behind it. Right after Mr.Wonderful left, he took the kids to Maui. You know, the Maui that I am in love with. Mr.Wonderful had rented himself a Jaguar for the week or so while he was there. He loaned it to Bryce to "run and errand" as Bryce told him. Long story short, this is one of Bryce's earliest finds in his soon to be "junkin career". How he got it into the Jag is beyond me. And, he had Mr.Wonderful pay to have it shipped home to me! That's my boy and I LOVE that sign!! As I with my buddy, "Sally the Cabana Dog", we watched the seagulls fly back to the beach and although it was chilly, it was still awesome out. The sun was reflecting off the seagulls wings, the sky was blue, and I was relaxed. As I sat in my rocking chair watching the seagull with my ipod, favorite headphones and my glass of Corona, I realized how fortunate I am to have what I have in my life. I'm very appreciative of these things. And never again will I think of taunting ANYONE about our beautiful weather here. I learned the hard way, as karma really did bite my ass on that. May my dead camera rest in peace!!