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White Wednesday
This "White Wednesday" finds me running just a little behind on everything! Time just slips away these days. Anyway, sometimes the best stuff is kept behind glass, locked up and only some of us have the key to these treasures. I happen to have the key, and thought I would share some of this great stuff that is all locked up behind glass!







I love different textures. The brick you see in the background on the above photos is the back of showcase Tim built for his creations. He made a giant showcase and utilized our back wall from our late 1800's building to really bring out "the look" for all these awesome treasures. I hope you are finding some time to enjoy summer. This is the first summer I have ever worked as much as I am now. But sometimes we do what we have to do, I think? Stop by and visit Kathleen, the master mind behind "White Wednesday"! Take care.

Time For a CR Slideshow!
I believe I've mentioned my time is really "tight" or should I say free time is just non-existence these days! I quickly through together a little Country Roads Slideshow this morning. After I gathered all the pictures, and added to one of the slideshow formats, it unfortunately was one that tended to cut off parts of the pictures. I swear I'm not a great photographer, but I'm not as bad as some of the pictures seem to be. This is only a small selection of some of the great stuff we have here in the store right now. PLEASE if you see something you can't live without, give us a call and you can pay for it over the phone with a credit card! Stuff seems to be moving pretty quickly these days, so if you see, you want it, I suggest you buy it!! Thanks for taking the time to see what Country Roads is all about!!

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Eye Candy Courtesy of My Boy Bryce!
The weeks fly by as fast as the days do, and here we are in the last week of July. The speed of time still fascinates me. I wish I could slow it down just a bit. My son has been working very hard lately, and his efforts are paying off. The one thing I am the proudest of when it comes to my kids is that ALL of them work as hard, if not harder than I do. They understand the importance of a good work ethic, and this makes be burst with pride. And I can say the same about my other two kids as well, Yesi & Carol. So, with that said, let me share some eye candy with you that Bryce has been working on this week!










So, those pictures above are a result of something simple, "hard work". Bryce wants to come shop in Texas in the fall. So his goal is to work as hard as he can so he can save some money. My kids: Brande, Katie, Bryce, Carol, and Yesi make me so proud each and every day, thank you for all you do for me and Country Roads!!

A Family Night
Yesterday, when it was time to close it became really trying. I don't think I am even able to write about one of our customers right now! Yes, that is how very difficult she really was and on top of it all, we got held up at the store until about 5:30 because of her need to be special. As I'm driving home, it happened again. Another damn accident! I got stuck in traffic on Friday night and couldn't believe it was happening again on a Saturday when there "should" be NO traffic! People, slow down and learn to drive! So when Katie called and wanted to know if Riley could come over to swim, I just kept thinking how tired I was. But then I realized, what better way to brighten my day than with my family! So, I'm giving you a warning. This entire post is selfishly about my family, those that fill my heart with love each day! Riley got a wetsuit at Costco yesterday and wanted to try it out in my pool. And my pool has no heater, the weather here hasn't been that warm so it was the perfect time for it. Plus, her and Morgan hadn't seen each other for awhile, so they were able to play together for a bit as well.







Little Bo slept through most of the activity, as you see him here strapped in his car seat ready to leave. I don't know how those of you that live away from your little grandbabies and family do it. There are days you probably hear us arguing with each other at Country Roads, but I have to say, we are a pretty tight little family. Brande was especially missed last night. I remember one of the times she was flying out again, Riley and I had taken her to the airport. After I dropped Brande off, Riley said, "I'm sad, I don't want Brande to go"! Brande is still out on the road with Lilith Fair and pretty soon Arcade Fire. She definitely was missed last night, that's for sure and we hope she will be home soon!!

The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works is the family. ~Lee Iacocca

Mike, The Guy With the Smile!
When I first met Mike, I noticed his smile. He is just one of these people that are just nice with a smile to match. Then, I started watching as he began setting up his displays, and continues to. I am in awe of all the awesome stuff he has! If you look closely at the "HOLD" tag on the cool vintage sign above, you may notice the name on it is the same as my name! What can I say, I couldn't resist! Here are just a few more photos of some really cool stuff that Mike has been bringing in this past week!






Earlier this week, I think I mentioned that we've been really mixing things up at Country Roads. Dealers have moved to different areas, displays have been completely re-done and the store looks amazingly awesome right now. If you are in the mood to shop this week-end, I would definitely stop by. We are lookin' good as is Mike, the guy with the smile!

My Summer Vacation
For those of you that live locally, I'm sure you remember Heard's Gardens. I think Tim even built some outdoor structures there a very long time ago. Mary Lou Heard was this tiny woman with a passion for gardening! She died way before her time several years ago. And what better way to honor someone, especially a gardener, than to name a rose after her! I remember hearing about the rose, and then finding it years ago at a local nursery, H & H, not far from my house. I haven't had much time to work in my garden this summer. I did, however, a few weeks ago quickly trim back some of my roses. And this morning when I went out to pick up my morning newspapers that I won't have time to read, my Mary Lou roses were in full bloom. I always try to take time in my life to notice the little things, the small things that mean the most. And my roses this morning were just what I needed to start my day. Remember when you were a kid and school was out, and you had a job for the summer? That is what I'm kind of doing right now. With Katie out on maternity leave, this summer I have a full time job at Country Roads, plus my Country Roads job at home that I normally do! It's been interesting for me. Our customers hold no surprises, as I'm use to ALL of their antics. In fact, they are the ones that continue to entertain me. But what is really tripping me out right now is the behavior of some of my dealers. Please know I DO appreciate them all, but wow, some of them are pretty caught up in the "all about me" thing. We were SLAMMED yesterday! Don't ask, I don't know why except to say that someone bigger than life is taking care of me and continuing to help me get through my days. There were a big bunch of dealers in yesterday working on their spaces and some worked quietly and I never even had a chance to chat or say good-bye after they left. Then others, well these were the ones that blew me away. Most of the time when you get in your car, and put your stuff in your car that you are bringing to the store, don't you remember that you are "going" to the store? On top of being so busy yesterday with customers, we spent the day providing supplies & tools, my son (who has the patience of a saint), looking for tickets that were already in the dealers books, stepping over dealer merchandise that filled the aisles and spilled over into other dealer spaces, and just general chaos. I really had to step back and take a mental picture. I think I have at least 80 dealers, and this morning I am SO grateful that the majority of them are the most considerate, sweetest, and helpful people you would ever want to know. Seriously, they are the best. But I do have to say, I have a small portion that make Country Roads all about themselves. That is just the way of life, how our world is these days. I guess yesterday was just an illustration of "human nature" to me, that is still fresh in my mind this morning. Yesterday, my little Bo and Riley visited the pediatrician. I use to go with them on these appointments, but my "summer job" has kept me away from many things that I'm starting to miss! Bo is now almost nine pounds at two weeks old today. He looks like a doll in that picture. And their pediatrician, who I have met before, still doesn't look old enough to be a doctor!! She is good at what she does. So, as I head out the door this morning back to work, I'm very grateful for my life. I am so appreciative of the business that has been brought our way at Country Roads, and my dealers that work so hard to make this happen. And I'm happy I still remember to take time to smell my roses! I have a date tonight after work with Riley and Bo! I've missed them!!

How Do We Slow Down Time?
Before I know it, Christmas will be here!! I'm not kidding, I saw some Halloween slipping into the store yesterday. Time! I can't seem to find enough of it these days. Most of you know, Katie had her beautiful baby Bodhi not quite two weeks ago. Seems like my boy Bo has been with us forever. What you may not know is that I'm the "new" Katie! Meaning? I'm working five days at the store, and I'm sure my vendors will tell you I am no where close to doing what Katie does for them! So, on top of physically being at the store five days, doing all the paperwork at home, trying to squeeze in time for my babies, along with other stuff, I'm busy! Took me awhile to admit it, but I'm now "owning it"! Speaking of "owning it", I'm "still" trying to get up even earlier so I can get back on my treadmill. I miss my morning runs. With all that said (which I did to cover myself in case I screw something up) I wanted to let you all know how much moving around we are doing right now at Country Roads. I love when we do this, the store looks great, but it is a major project! I fell in love with this old country primitive cupboard Darcy brought in. It has the old wavey glass, and I think by looking at the bottom, it much have sat on top of something even larger. Believe me, if I had room, this piece would be going home with me! Country Roads has such a variety of styles and looks but I have to say my favorite is country primitives. Let's not forget, that is the EXACT reason I named the store Country Roads back in November of 1992! I just wanted you to have one more photo of Darcy's displays. She's good, and her stuff is always fresh, clean and priced!! Totally awesome! Speaking of awesome, Ginny has been doing a complete make over and moving around. This girl, seriously, has some of the most awesome primitive pieces you will see anywhere. You see, I think she too has a love affair with country primitives! Just peek at some of Ginny's new displays and guess what? She isn't done yet!




I've been so busy lately, I often miss stuff in my own store. Yesterday as we were getting ready to close, I saw this! I'm not sure why I didn't see it sooner, but I missed "it" all together!! I LOVE the look of Stacey's walls. The crinkled burlap added so much to this little area right by the front door! Hey, sooner or later I DO see it all. Okay, need to get rolling! I've got work to do before work, and a freeway to fight. And thanks to all of you that leave me comments, to all of you that come visit us at Country Roads. You make it ALL worthwhile!! Take care.

White Wednesday
This "White Wednesday" finds me aimlessly walking around out behind Country Roads in Johnnye Merle's Garden & Nursery. This is one of my most favorite places to escape to when the work day at "the store" gets to be a bit much! We've been lucky, over all the weather has been pretty mild this summer so it's been really nice out in our gardens and nursery!









The pictures above were just a few of the "whites" that caught my eye in my secret garden. I think there is something magical about gardens and nature. They always draw me near and grab hold of my heart. For more great "White Wednesday" posts, stop by Kathleen's blog and you will find yourself lost in a sea of white! Take care.

Some New Displays
What I believe keeps our customers coming back again & again to Country Roads are the awesome displays we ALWAYS have at the store! The dealers that do well KNOW the importance of good displays. We've not only had some moving going on at Country Roads, but our dealers have been working SO hard on their displays and product. Tim just brought in this amazing table he made from old wood. The picture doesn't do it justice, but trust me, it is so cool! Below are some more of Tim's creations along with some of our other Country Roads family. They've been busy!
Loretta and her husband, Jesse, completely re-did their entire area in the Full Bloom Cottage room! They moved everything around. As always, their displays never disappoint, but to see the entire room flipped and re-done is amazing, and looks great!

Here we have some photos of Pat Fillipi's move. I ALWAYS like when dealers move around in the store. Even though much of their merchandise may be the same, a different area gives them a whole different look, you know?

Pat Estrada moved a bit down the aisle to a different area of the last building. She too is still working on her new area, but here are a few preview shots of what she has done so far!!
The pictures below are "only" the beginning for one of our new dealers, Mike. No, I don't remember his last name although I do know he has some great stuff. He's got a big space and I'm very anxious to see what he does with it!!


With all the pictures above, you would think that is it, we are done shuffling and moving and re-displaying. The coolest part of Country Roads is that we are NEVER done, we NEVER quit, we NEVER give up, and we ALWAYS keep the store looking fresh for YOU!!!

New Country Roads Family!
We have been doing a lot of moving around here at Country Roads. We have some of our existing Country Roads family re-locating to different area's of the store. And in the big shuffle of ours we picked up some new Country Roads family as well. Joining us from Laguna Beach is Jan Hatch, Molly English, and Al Sorry Al, I forgot your last name. As you look at their awesome stuff, please know that this adirondack look of theirs is the real thing!



What appeals to me personally about Country Roads is the variety of merchandise we carry. Right now the store looks so good. If all goes well for me this week, I want to try and put together a slide show so you can see what I'm talking about. And if you haven't been by in awhile, I would really try to stop in. Things are looking really good these days!

Crazy Hot Saturday
Yesterday was a really crazy, hot Saturday. Even with the a/c on in the store it was 85 degrees inside!! One thing I've learned on days like yesterday, do NOT eat sushi for lunch. After work yesterday I went to Azul's birthday party. He just turned three years old. Where does the time go. Actually the park was much nicer than I expected and there was a breeze which felt great!! Below are a few of my favorite pictures of the celebration!







I say it all the time, but my Country Roads family truly is MY family! We not only work together, we play and celebrate special occassions together as well. And today, the temp is going down and supposed to continue each day afterwards! So, I hope you find some time to stop by the store. We have had some moving around and some new dealers that we've just added to our ever growing family. I'll have some pictures tomorrow of some of the new looks here at Country Roads.

Summer IS Here!!
So, apparently it is really Summer here in SoCal! We went from mid 70's to upper 90's in the blink of an eye. I'm told it's only temporary. Even with the warmer weather, Country Roads continues to stay busy. I'm amazed at our awesome our customers and dealers are. Why do I mention my dealers? Check out these pictures and you will see why! They don't care about the weather, they care about YOU, our customers. So, they keep their merchandise and displays fresh!!






To be honest, I could have even posted more photos. The store looks so good right now and if you are down are way this week-end, I hope you will stop by. We do have air conditioning, and even though it's not freezing inside, it is much cooler than the outside! Today would have been my parents 60th anniversary. They have been gone for a few years now. When I had to move them into assisted living and pack up their house, I found this card my mom wrote to my dad. Her dementia was pretty bad then, but they truly cared about each other. Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad, we miss you!!

Technology & Junkin' Is Amazing!
I am continuously amazed with technology. It changes daily, and it keeps me fascinated. I'm also saddened with those that don't want to keep up with it. Why? Because there is now a wealth of information at our fingertips. Now days most of us own cell phones that can receive and send emails, texts, pictures and are basically like a hand held computer. Pictured above is Mr. & Mrs. Money Ring!! Bryce received an email from Money Ring's guy that helps them when they are out here from Japan to shop. In the email from Money Ring's guy, he forwarded Bryce pictures of the Money Ring's shopping in Brimfield. They randomly showed up on someones blog from back East. And so I don't get in trouble, these are their pictures that I lovingly borrowed! These people were also shopping at Brimfield and had snapped a few pictures of the Money Ring's! He wrote the reason was because they "were this cool Japanese couple"! Which is absolutely correct! He wanted to catch up with them but they had disappeared some where in the fields at Brimfield. What I absolutely LOVE about this business of antiques/junk is that it brings so many of us together. Friendships are formed all over the world because of technology. Even though I've yet to get to the shows in Texas, I feel already that I know so many of you there and consider you my friends and know I would always have a place to stay if needed!! I think the combination of technology and all of our passions for "junk" is such an awesome combination. It was so great for me to see Mr. & Mrs. Money Ring shopping at Brimfield only days after they had left Country Roads! Thank you technology for letting us all share so much!!

What's He Up to This Week?
So, what has "my boy Bryce" been up to this week? Well, he has spent some time with "my baby Bo", his nephew, and also been quite busy at Country Roads. I will let the pictures do the talking!





It is amazing how fast the displays and inventory changes at Country Roads. Seriously, there is something new each and every day that has been brought into the store. We've had some dealers moving around and a couple of new one's moving in. I should have some pictures of the "new" looks up soon!

White Wednesday
Good morning and happy "White Wednesday"! I'm running a bit late this morning, and actually have been running a bit late with everything the past couple of weeks! SoCal has finally got it's summer sunshine, and I love it! This week, my "White Wednesday" pictures come from Tim and Lisa's area here at Country Roads. Hope you enjoy them!!








I hope each and every one of you are enjoying summer. It is such a special time. Life somehow "should" slow down a bit and we get to be lazy. So enjoy it while you can because it will be gone in the blink of an eye and we will be knee deep in the holidays! And before I close, I had to share a picture of "my baby boy Bo" only minutes after his birth last Friday. Riley was so excited as were we all. He arrived a couple of weeks early and of course looks much different than he does in the picture. I wish you all a great "White Wednesday" and enjoy these summer days of ours and if you live local, be sure to stop by Country Roads for a visit! Take care.

No Words Needed
Sometimes when I walk through Country Roads and take pictures, I'm just amazed at some of the stuff that is in the store. So, today, I thought I would share just a small portion of some of the pictures I took!




I think you might agree with me, right? No words were needed!!

"Sorry, I'm Sold"!
If you come in to shop at Country Roads today, you might see quite a few of these signs pictured above. These are our "HOLD" tags that have been made into "SOLD" tags because we ran out of the "SOLD" tags! I'm not complaining and the store is full of these signs right now. We had an amazing week-end, and I'm so grateful for all of you that shopped with us, thank you! We also had the pleasure of Mr. & Mrs Money Ring coming over from Japan to shop with us! We have called him "Money Ring" for so long that I have forgotten what his and his wife's names are. The name stuck because Money Ring wears a ring that has a large dollar sign on it covered in diamonds. Mrs. Money Ring wears a ring, I believe, that is in the shape of a horseshoe, and it is also covered in diamonds. I have a copy of a Japanese magazine that Hidea, one of our Country Roads dealers, gave me a few years ago. The magazine had done an article on Money Ring and his studio in Japan. There was a picture of his hand with the ring. Hidea translated it for us, and it said, "at Country Roads in America they call me Money Ring". Both Money Ring and his wife are truly the nicest people you will ever meet and so easy to work with. Below are some pictures of not only their purchases, but a lot of other stuff that has sold over the past few days!!








I was just blown away by how busy we were this week-end. I'm definitely not complaining and it keeps that "hope" alive in my heart that Country Roads really is an awesome store. And from my heart, a big "thank you" to each of you that shopped with us and also congratulated me on my new grandson. Your words always hold a special place in my heart, thank you!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Riley and I have been having slumber parties the past two nights. While Riley was partying like a rock star last night due to the LONG nap she took at the hospital right before I picked her up, I couldn't keep my eyes open! I'm in a very grateful mood this morning. My heart is filled with love and I know how very, very blessed my life is. It also has been a very long time since I've been this exhausted!! As everyone knows, I have a new grandson named "Bodhi". Katie had told me the meaning of the name, but in my whirlwind life I live, I had to google it to remember what she said. Actually, yesterday I had to ask her again, what time he was born! I was there, but I'm running on adrenalin right now!! Bodhi is pronounced "Bodie", and since "ya'll" know my mom's Texas roots, I have a feeling that the nickname "Bo" will stick pretty easily! That's my mom as a baby on the porch of her home in Texas. I've also been thinking a lot about my mom and dad right now, how excited they would be. A new life does that to you! I "know they know" about Bo, that is just how life works. As I held Bo last night, I couldn't help just starring and thinking as I looked at this little grandson of mine. I mentioned how I have "thinking" issues anyway. I can never stop THINKING! But when you hold a brand new life in your arms, your blood, your family, it does take your breath away. The timing of his birth, being early and all, really worked out well. Brande, who has been traveling with the "Lilith Tour" and gone the past few weeks, was in Irvine last night. So, today she is home, meets Bo, we get to have dinner together and life is pretty darn good right now and again I know how blessed I am, believe me! Marcela commented on my blog post yesterday with this:So glad the store was busy today, Sue. In Argentina they say that babies come to us with prosperity under their arms...they might be right!! She really got that one right. Yesterday was so unbelievable busy. It wasn't a sale, there was nothing special going on, we were just insanely busy!! You have no idea. I've thought about THAT a lot, and when I read Marcela's quote, she pretty much opened my eyes and heart. I'm like everyone, this past year or so isn't easy so you do what you have to do. You stay positive and work as hard as you can, and you know, it all comes together somehow. My girls, Carol and Yesi, came down to the hospital last night after working the grueling day we had. We did NOT sit down ALL day long! These girls, are MY girls. I love them like my own kids. I watched them both hold Bodhi for a long time. Yesi wouldn't let him go and finally Carol wanted a turn! Family, couldn't ask for more. So, with all that said, I have a shitload of work ahead of me this morning. Yesterday was the 10th which is dealer statement day. Magically, only one dealer came in for her packet which was awesome because I hadn't finished putting them together!! See, things just went so well yesterday. If I wasn't so tired, I would be doing the happy dance. I know written words can't really convey that much feeling. But when I write, "thank you, thank you, thank you" please know that goes out to all of you straight from my heart! And even my "BSC" customers aren't gonna get to me today! (I hope)

Slumber Parties!
Last night I took Riley home from the hospital and she spent the night with me. We had our own little slumber party. She was so sweet, and it was nice to give her some special time just for the two of us. I had a few pictures, but "blogger" has decided I don't have storage to post them or something for them and I'm just too exhausted right now to figure it out. If any of you know the magic answer, I would love to hear it! PLUS, I need to leave for "the store" within and hour. These past few days have gone by so quickly. Katie had some minor problems last night but is fine now. I sat last night holding Bodhi at the hospital. That is him above. I hadn't had much time to bond with him because of probably just everything that has been going on. There is something so innocent and pure about a newborn baby. I know soon he will look so different than this picture in a few days. They grow so fast. And with all that said, I need to get some work done and prepare for another slumber party tonight after work when I pick up Riley at the hospital. Gramma needs to add grocery shopping to her mile long list of stuff to get done! And "thank you" to everyone for all the warm wishes. They are appreciated. Take care.

What a Wonderful World
Newborn babies all have a similiar look, don't they? This morning, and I'm so tired right now that I forget the time, my little grandson "Bodhi" was born. He was two weeks early and weighed in at 8lbs 3oz! Came out screaming with a head full of curly hair! Below, you see his big sister Riley getting her "big sister" braclets. Below are just a few random pictures I took this morning. As you know, I'll have many more up soon.

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You know, as I held my little grandson for the first time, the words to Louis Armstrong's song kept running through my head. I think his lyrics below say it all!!

What a Wonderful World


I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you.

I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.

My Secret Garden
Many of you know that right behind Country Roads, right out those back doors, is a little garden area called, "Johnnye Merle Gardens & Nursery". Brande named it in honor of her Gramma and my Mom. What some of you may not realize is that garden means SO much to me. It is a great place to escape from a day when you feel you can't just answer anymore questions or your head will explode! Seriously, those days sadly are not that rare! Sometimes I have made a quick beeline out those back doors after getting into an arguments with one of my kids at the counter. After all, the family that works and plays together, also argues together as well! So there are days I need an escape, a place where no one can find me. A place I go to "walkie-talkie" free as in, "oops, I forgot my walkie"! And I just walk around, look at the flowers, and try to get my mind off whatever we were arguing about so I won't return to the counter even more pissed off! Usually, my time spent in the garden cures the need to explode! I think too much. I've always known that. My mind tends to wander, just like our morning glory has wandered all over our garden area. There are days it is hard for me to stay on task. My mind wants to travel to other places. I'll be out in the garden watching the bees. Then I wonder, "if bees are so smart, considering year after year the queen bee returns to the same spot to make a beehive and all the other bees follow her, then WHY don't the bees communicate well enough to warn each other never to drink from a pool! Why, because they drown! I can't tell you how many I rescue with my net at home. Johnnye Merle's is a good place to think about just random "stuff" without being disturbed! Sometimes I like to think about my Mom and how she taught my kids about gardening. She so loved plants and her Texas bluebonnets! I think at times when I'm out there about the days my Dad and his Alzheimer's and my Mom and her dementia made me want to set up camp in the garden away from all the madness back then. But I also quickly remember about how my Dad paid Home Depot to install a garden window over their kitchen sink of their home. Why? Because he knew my Mom could no longer physically work in her flowerbeds and wanted her to be able to garden in some way, shape or form. I think a lot about the love they shared that I never understood nor had in my own marriage. On some days I just love to walk around in the garden, taking in all the beauty that she holds. We have wild parrots here in Old Towne. I often wonder why they are so loud? Are they each trying to talk over each other and that is the reason they make so much noise? And which parrot gets to decide when and where they go? Is it random, or have the parrots made the decision who should be their leader? Yes, I wonder about that has I watch them all beautifully fly away each day! Johnnye Merle's has also shouldered many of my tears over the year as well. Things happen during work hours that you become aware of, and there are those days that you really just need to find some solitude quickly. I've shed many a tear over my own sorrows along with those of others as well. But most of the time when I visit the garden and nursery that was named after my mom, it is for the memories I hold dear to my heart. I think about Norm and Jeannie's daughter, Dee-Dee, that passed away a few years ago. Norm and Jeannie had set up a little area where Dee-Dee could sell herbs. And oh how Dee-Dee loved the feeling of having just a purpose for the day. You could see it in her eyes. She was our first original little gardener and never will I forget her coming up to our customers with her herbs in hand saying, "smell this"! It makes me smile as I write this. I remember one Memorial Day standing in the garden with one of my customers. Her mom had died the year before. Both mom, daughter and her son always shopped together at Country Roads. The garden was a special place to them. Zach was still in a stroller when they first started coming in, and now he is a senior in high school. That Memorial day we stood together, shoulder to shoulder, as vintage jets flew overhead, near the cemetery where her mom is buried. The jets flew in the, "missing man formation". We stood side by side, starring together at the sky, not speaking as it was a time no words were necessary. It's those memories that make this garden that much more special to me! There is a rosebush planted out in our gardens that is in the memory of Isabel. She was one of our dealers that passed away too young. I remember the night well that some of us gathered after hours to honor her memory at the store. Country Roads and our Johnnye Merle Gardens is just THAT kind of place, you know? Most of the time though, when I'm out in our gardens, I just walk around with a smile in my heart and feel good!! I guess I know, without ever thinking twice about it, that when I'm back there in "my secret garden", my Mom is watching over me and those I love! It's just that kind of place!

White Wednesday
Happy "White Wednesday" to each of you and hope you have stopped by Kathleen's blog to say hi, and add your name to the list of participants. This week, I decided to post one of our more elegant "white" area's of Country Roads. These pictures are courtesy of Loretta's talented work and style that she brings to Country Roads! Enjoy.






Here is Southern CA we have had such great weather this summer. Mild temperatures, clear blue skies all add up to a great "White Wednesday"! Take care.

Randomness
I think part of the appeal of Country Roads is not only our great displays, but the variety of product we carry. While some stores specialize in country primitives, or the shabby whites, etc, here at Country Roads we DO have it all! And that even includes an outside garden and nursery. Today, I tried to post some pictures that would illustrate to you what I mean. Here are a few of the many different looks of Country Roads that are currently in the store right now!!






Also, as many of you know, we are on "baby watch" in my family! I was just very grateful that Katie didn't go into labor last night. I really needed to sleep since we've been SO busy these past few days at the store! All of our wonderful customers made sure we stayed VERY busy during our sale on Saturday, and also yesterday, on the holiday Monday. Please know how very much I DO appreciate your business!! I'll keep you posted on the arrival of my "little man" either here on my blog or on Facebook! And "thank you" for all your kinds words in sharing the excitement of a new baby in our family! I sincerely appreciate it! Take care.

A "Mover & Shaker"!
I'm not sure quite how long Georgia has been at Country Roads. But I DO know a couple of things. First, this is her third area in the store and it looks awesome! Seriously, my pictures really don't come even close to how great Georgia's displays are. Also, I love the "darker" look. She has some wonderful oak pieces that really add to her merchandise just "popping" in her displays! Below are a few pictures of what I'm talking about!





I took these pictures "before" our big sale started on Saturday. I can tell you one thing, none of our displays look too good right now. More like "Hurricane CRA" hit! I had a pretty quiet 4th of July, as you can see. Sally and I kicked back by the pool as I enjoyed my ipod and Corona. Usually my family gets together but Bryce was up in Alameda and Brande was in San Francisco on the Lilith tour so we didn't plan anything. And I have to tell you, I was STILL feeling the after effects of our big sale on Saturday!! So, as I sat in my chair with Sally in hers, we watched the sunset and I had planned on trying to stay awake to watch the fireworks from the show at Vet's Stadium. Never made it, nor did my "little man"!! I'm STILL waiting and we will see what Katie's doc has to say today!

A Big Attitude of Gratitude!
As some of you know, we had a big sale at Country Roads yesterday. I always try as hard as I can to promote these sales. I spend the prior month trying to encourage our customers to join us on this special sale day. I rack my brain thinking of ways that I can convince them that it really is worth making a trip to Country Roads! And on the flip side of that, I have to convince all 80 or so dealers of mine to be on the same page that I am! Not always an easy task. Yesterday, all of YOU, made all of our hard work worthwhile and I thank you for this with a huge "attitude of gratitude"! We were short a one staff member yesterday, yet you all waited so patiently in line, thank you! Today, the 4th of July, is a great day to express "attitudes of gratitude"! Above is Riley, last year on the 4th of July. She was celebrating the 4th of July under the big magnolia tree that I spent my entire childhood celebrating similar times as I grew up. I am very grateful that Riley and her family get to grow up in the same house I did as a child and play under the same tree. It was the house my dad and mom bought after my dad got home from WWII where he fought for America's freedom. Today I am very grateful to be able to celebrate the 4th of July in "our" country that allows people to speak their minds freely without prosecution. I am grateful that this country has elected a President that is a good man, and those that don't care for the color of his skin or politics should also be grateful that they can express those opinions so openly and freely. Our soldiers today are still dying in foreign lands fighting for "freedom"! And each and everyone of us should have an attitude of gratitude that we can publically stand in the streets of America and have the freedom and independance to say whatever we choose! Awhile back, one of my friends, Rita, wrote a blog post that I've copied below. I think her words truly express what today, the 4th of July is all about!Again, thank each and everyone of you for your kind words yesterday. They always hold a special place in my heart.
Have I ever told you this story?

This sac of flour belongs to my Nonno. It was given to him by the Americans during War World II. My Nonno managed to take some solders out of town to the country house to rest. He received in return flour and some other goodies. Independence day reminds me of my Nonno's story and that the Americans came at the right time.

As we know America is the FREE Country and the LAND of OPPORTUNITIES because of long time ago on a 4th of July. My story been a immigrant is a little bit different then others and I am still thankful to be here and never regret it. I met Deano in Sicily, he was station in the Air Force, and with no intention in my part to fall in Love , since I was studying in a Language school and planning to work in Europe. After a couple of years of dating in Sicily, Dean and I got married in and .......not that simple!

Hours and hours in Los Angeles at the immigration center to get a work permit. Hours and hours and money to see the Judge to show and prove that we were married for love. Months and months of waiting for me to receive my "Alien Registration Card"!

Two years later I have a Green Card, 9 years later I applied for my Citizenship. Not that simple! Waiting and waiting in the San Diego Office, more money and paperwork. I had to study about the Colonies, the Presidents, the Constitution, the Senate..... I Passed! I am a Citizen of the USA.
I love this Country and yes it is the Land of Opportunities, look at me I am a woodworker and proud of it!

Happy 4th of July, don't drink and drive.....
Ciao for now Rita

Again, thank each and everyone of you for your kind words yesterday. They always hold a special place in my heart. And I hope for a brief moment today, we all just remember what today is all about! Take care and "Happy 4th of July"!