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"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!!

A Little Country Roads History
Another Friday, my day off! Now you want to talk about a joke, me a day off? Last night "my boy Bryce" and my other boy Vinnie (Katie's husband) were fixing some electric thing at Country Roads. I'm big on the "don't ask, don't tell". I'd rather just not know! So while Katie and Riley patiently waited, apparently Riley thought she might do a bit of advertising/modeling for Country Roads. Above Riley has added some "accessories" from Pat, the queen of pink, new little boutique area she has been working on. Riley is posing in Margaret's space, so as you should know, everything in these pictures are for sale, EXCEPT my little Riley! When I saw these photos last night, I fell in love with them while also celebrating that my store didn't burn down while the boys were doing some "electric" something or other.
Margaret is on the left in this picture, and Pat is on the right. And in the middle, of course, is the world famous Tim! I have absolutely NO idea what "that" pose was all about. This picture was taken last Fall when some of my Country Roads family went to Texas. I have a feeling alcohol may have been involved, what do you think? I was looking again at this picture above, and I have to tell you, I don't really believe Margaret is drinking water! I think the water bottle is just a disguise! Margaret and her daughter, Leslie, were one of the first dealers to take space at Country Roads. I remember that day well. I still had my small store, Battered Barn, open over on S. Glassell in Old Towne Orange. I walked over with Margaret & Leslie to show them what we were doing with the big empty space that would soon be Country Roads. They immediately took four spaces! That was in the fall of 1992! And being the small world that it is, Margaret and Leslie both lived close to where I live. In fact my kids and Leslie's went to school together for awhile! I met Tim during that same time when I had Battered Barn. I use to buy birdhouses from him to sell at my store. And I loved talking to to him, how can you not. For those of you that know Tim, he definitely has the gift of gab! Because of the randomness of meeting Tim so long ago, he was the one that built out the interior of Country Roads. And also because I was married to Mr.Wonderful, he decided building out an interior of a store that was 6600 square feet in a month just wasn't fast enough and fired Tim about two days before Christmas that year. Nice guy, don't you think? I was SO angry at him for doing that! I'm extremely happy, after all these years, to re-establish my friendship with Tim. Pat and her husband Rich, came along a few years later after we opened. Pat and Rich had owned a store called Serendipity. I will never, as long as I live, remember the phone call I received from one of Pat's daughters a few years later. She was sobbing while trying to tell me Rich had died suddenly and unexpectedly. I will never forget that day, I still remember it as I write this now. Pat left Country Roads for awhile, but she has been back for awhile now putting together beautiful vignettes. Both her and Margret's displays are over the top and I love them both! And as Riley is modeling some of Pat's new "boutique" accessories, and posing in one of Margaret's spaces, you can tell and feel and see WHY we are all truly family here at Country Roads! Just one quick comment before I go. For you Idol fans like me, I was SO shocked to see my favorites, Lilly and Alex, have to leave. What's up with that? Have a happy Friday, we have sun, hope you do too!!

Extreme Cottage White Makeover!
I'm sure many of you know and remember when I did my post last year on John Morrow of Cottage White. His store had been in Sunset Beach for years, and I was so excited to have him join our Country Roads family. Of course, myself being an "architectural freak", I drooled as they put together his new area of the store. These are KILLER architectural pieces, and thankfully at least I get to visit them each time I work!
I saw John over this past week-end and he told me he was going to TOTALLY redo his space. When Bryce sent me these photos below yesterday, I knew he wasn't kidding!


These pictures were taken of John's stuff out in the driveway behind the store. It is a mixture of some of the new, exciting things going IN the store, and some of the exciting things going OUT of the store. Unfortunately, you will have to check back to see the finished project. And speaking of "checking back on my blog", I just want to say "thank you" to each of you that take time out of your day to read my words. I sincerely appreciate it. Take care!

White Wednesday
Here we are again! It's time for "White Wednesday". I took some time the other day while I was at Country Roads, taking some random pictures of different types of "whites" that we have in right now. That is one of the big pluses of owning a store like Country Roads. There is just always so much stuff to see! Of course, my very favorite "whites" are those that are those of a chippy nature, although I do love all the whites pictured below.!!





I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm so, so anxious for Spring to arrive. I can hardly wait and am hoping it brings back our California sunshine with it! I KNOW if you take the time to go visit Kathleen at Faded Cottage you will be amazed at the photos you will find!! Hope you all have a wonderful "White Wednesday"!

A Little Introduction!
I think by now the entire world knows that Katie is pregnant! Well, of course not the entire world, but a good portion of it thanks to my big mouth. I have told everyone, even "before" Katie was pregnant that it was going to be a boy, I just knew! And sure enough, as the tiny fingers above indicates, "you got it right Gramma"! Katie's defination of the ultra sound picture is a little different as in, her little baby boy is shooting her, poking her as he continues to bump around in her belly! In one of Riley's ultra sound pictures she has only ONE finger up in the air, and you guessed it, "that" finger! Technology just amazes me, the detail of the 3-D ultra sound images that technology is able to do these days. All of his tiny back bones, the little heart beating, toes, fingers and all the other things you pray to see. And for that, believe me, we are ever so thankful and blessed!! With all that said, before long you know it, you will see little grandson chasing "Gramma's Girls" around and torturing them just as Bryce did to his sisters. Or should I say, STILL does to his sisters! And as almost everyone in our family said, we need more boys!! Since we are on the subject of family, I am so excited that the new TV series "Parenthood" begins tonight!! I can't even put into words how much I loved the movie, Parenthood, back in the 1980's. I thought if ever a movie was made that portrayed what families are REALLY like, it was Parenthood! I also really like Peter Krause who is featured in the this new show. I fell in love with him on Six Feet Under. I can't wait to see the show to pick out all of the set props that came from Country Roads. This show has a really cool set designer that bought lots of things from our store for Parenthood. She also has great taste in what she purchased! I already have my DVD set, can't wait. With all that said, you have to know you will continue to see more and more "photos" of my soon to be grandson!

Monday Madness
Monday morning, running short on time! I've got lots to do today. In a few minutes, Riley & I are going with her mommy and daddy to take a peek at her baby brother. See how he's cookin' in the oven! We are going to the 3-D ultra sound then I'm off to work, a bit late though. I'll have to catch everyone up on our BSC Sunday later. Let's just put it this way. I watched part of the Academy Awards at El Torito. I needed to have a delicious Pomegranite Cadallac margarita! It helped me get over BSC Sunday! Also, I was so, so happy with all the winners of the Academy Awards. I love Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges, Mon'ique and to see the first female director EVER to win an academy was totally awesome. So, as I'm still trying to wake up and head out the door for a very busy day, I just wanted to thank all of you that shopped with us this past week-end. Even are favorite BSC customers. You never let us down!!

My Boy Bryce
Bryce "hit the highway" last night to sell at Alameda today. I look out my front window, his truck (that he just got out of the shop after weeks of repair) is loaded beyond your wildest imagination. It is raining, it is raining hard! I watch him pack for his trip. He comes out of his room with a lime green tote bag,which has a big cartoon panda on the front with green bamboo shoots behind the panda bear. I'm guessing it's Morgan's bag?? He fills the bag with several small bags of chips, water, soda, and I don't believe I saw anything resembling nutritional food get tossed into the bag. He grabs a few other essentials, and tells me his headed up to LA first to meet David (another young dealer at our store). They are following each other on theircaravan to Alameda, which for those that don't live here is near San Francisco. He tells me it should only take them six hours and he will text me in the morning. I watch out the window as he pulls away and I say a little prayer that he will arrive safely. He texts me a short time later to thank me for my help. I text him back and tell him to text me in the morning that he got there safely and that I love him. His text back, "K, love you too". I go to bed feeling somewhat better. I wake up this morning, and is there a text waiting??? What do you think? It's "my boy Bryce", off course not! I text him, he arrived safely, and sent me these pictures to share. I have NO idea why the pix's are tiny, damn iphones!!




He's learning this business well, and I know (hope) as he gets older, he will slow down a bit, take his time more, plan better, all the things that will help ME sleep better. I'm also a realist, so I don't count too heavily on this wish of mine! When I look at Morgan these days, and I see so much of "my boy Bryce" in her. I say a prayer thanking God for giving him a girl!! I couldn't imagine what it would be like for Bryce to have a son! A "mini" Bryce might really do me in!! Bryce makes me crazy as is, although I've always had a bit of that craziness in me as well. Not like our "BSC" Sunday customers, just a little crazy! Oh no, I just realized what day it is. It IS the dreaded "BSC" Sunday!! Better savor my last quiet moments here at the computer before I enter the world of the "BSC's"!!!

Is Our World REALLY That Big?
It's funny how at times I think our world is huge, filled with so many people. But through blogging, I have found out that most of us have very similar interests, and need an outlet to express both our joys and a few of our pains as well. Country Roads has "allowed" me to not only meet so many people, but also the pleasure of getting to know them as well. Yesterday, we had a brand new dealer move in our store. Many of you may know her, Kate, who has the beautiful Salvage Dior blog! Kate's blog is as beautiful as the person she is as well! She joined our Country Roads family yesterday, and that is a picture of what she put together yesterday. Be sure to check back for more photos. I also have a favor to ask. Someone that is my friend, and that I really care about has finally started blogging. I'm sure many of you know Christie Repasy, but what I want to share with you is the truly beautiful, caring person that she is. Our paths in life these past ten years or so have been very similar, and all I can say is that I'm very honored to call her my friend. I don't have to tell you about her talent, you all know that already. But what I would love for you to do is go visit her Christie's blog, Chateau de Fleurs and leave her a nice comment, maybe sign up as a follower, and encourage her to keep writing. Our world these days isn't always the easiest place to live in, as it too is a bit "BSC"! But I believe in my heart that through all of our blogs, it encourages others, it helps them in times of need, and sometimes our blogs are good enough to make each other laugh! So, if you find sometime today, go visit those two blogs above. Me, I'm off to visit my friend, my companion, Country Roads. I'm hoping we are busy and the day is filled with "happy, shiny people" or whatever that Moby song was. And I think I see the sun peeking out as well. Have a happy Saturday!

Positivity
I've written about my mom before, and how her life wasn't always easy. She was born in Lubbock, Texas and lived there as a young child. Her life was simple, filled with challenges, and her family didn't have much. But she never looked back at her childhood negatively. As a young teenager, her family moved to Temple, Texas. Things were a little bit better for awhile. Her mom worked as a waitress and her dad drove and oil truck. But, like many things in life, stuff happens. Her dad committed suicide when my mom was fifteen and her mom died of breast cancer a few years later. My mom ended up moving to CA and marrying my dad. My life growing up was pretty simple. My dad worked for Edison, my mom worked part time for awhile when my sister and I were teenagers. But the one thing I always, always remember about my mom was that she was such a positive person! Living through everything she did, including the Depression, she was a positive person. As a child she would sing all the time, stupid little songs. She always sang the song, "High Hopes", think Frank Sintra recorded it. Never did a day go by while growing up that she wasn't singing happy, positive little songs. My mom stayed positive her entire life, even right up to the time she died. Never complaining about her pain, she just accepted life. Her love of music was passed on to me, and I try to pass that on to Riley & Morgan as well. Music and those that perform and write it is the very best dose of positivity I could ever ask for. I'm a big fan of American Idol. There, I admitted it. I like it obviously because of the music. But also love to watch it because it is about young people working as positively as they can to make their dreams come true! As I watched last night, I was really thrilled to see Danny Gokey come back and perform his new song. For us "Idol" fans, I think you remember how Danny had lost his wife at a young age. But instead of choosing to let life pass him by, he turned it all around. Here are the words to my new favorite song, "My Best Days Are Ahead of Me"!

Blowing out the candles
on another birthday cake
Old enough to look back and laugh at my mistakes
Young enough to look at the future and like what I see
My best days are ahead of me

Life hasn't always been a party
but mostly it's been good
There's only one or two things that I'd change if I could
I don't get lost in the past or get stuck in some sad memory yah
My best days are ahead of me

Age is nothing but a number
Sometimes I have to wonder
What does it really mean
But heeeey im still putting it together
I keep getting better
if I keep getting better
I can be whatever I want to be
My best days are ahead of me

Age is nothing but a number
Sometimes I have to wonder
What does it really mean
But heeeey im still putting it together
I keep getting better
if I keep getting better
I can be whatever I want to be
My best days are ahead of me

I've got sunsets to witness
dreams to dance with
beaches to walk on
and lovers to kiss
there's a whole lot of world out there
that I can't wait to see
My best days are ahead of me
My best days are ahead of me

To me, this was such a message of positive thinking! Life for so many of us right now is just a day at a time. But I promise you, if you add just a tiny bit of positivity into each of your days, every little thing will be a whole lot better!

The Good Old Country Stuff
When it comes to decorating my own home, it is truly eclectic. I mean after all, I've got vintage surfboards in my bedroom! But I've always been in love with the really, good, old country primitives. This old dry sink filled with all my wooden bowls and stuff is one of my favorite things. Plus the bottom is great for storage. I love this old chippy white painted cupboard that hangs above my dry sink. It holds "a little this, a little that", all my stuff!! We pretty much ripped out all the standard kitchen cabinets in this house. We still need to finish the walls, and the remaining only base kitchen cabinet I kept is to the right, I just painted it red for now. This awesome green and red old primitive cupboard is by far one of my very favorites. I shows the wear on the doors from being opened and closed so many times over the years. All my dishes and plates are stashed inside. This old, are very heavy, country cupboards holds all of our food stuff, or whatever is the correct term for "food storage". The old vintage "cocktails" sign above use to hang outside of a bar in Pasadena in the early 50's. It's one of my very favorite advertising pieces. I've had these old vintage crocks forever. You don't see them as much as you use to. I store random stuff in these too. They sit below a vintage stove from the 1920's that I have. You guessed, the ovens on the stove are used for storage as well! Here, again, are just some more of my little country cabinets I use instead of the "usual" kitchen cabinets. Still need to get some bead board up. When I bought the house it had ugly, dark paneling. Paint was a quick fix until I can begin to work on the walls in the house. I put a few little vintage "wall banger" cabinets up in the kitchen where the ugly, dark oak ones use to be. Here's another one of those type of cabinets. This one is cool because inside it has little cubbies. My kitchen is still a work in progress as is most of my home. It is like when I finally finish one thing, I move on and want to change something else. I think that type of continuous re-decorating, and all of our vintage stuff is just the nature of this business. It is incurable!!

White Wednesday
With Spring only about a couple of weeks away, I thought I'd share some pictures of my sad looking winter garden on this White Wednesday. Although it isn't all a total loss. I've always loved to have fresh flowers in my house. Sometimes I'll pick up some cheap ones up at the grocery store, but as we get closer to Spring, I enjoy cutting them from my garden. I love when my lilies in the garden begin to bloom. The simplicity of a white lilly is beautiful. I try to keep a vase full of flowers in my entry way and in my family room when I can. Not as easy to have that many fresh flowers during the winter months from my garden though. And I always have flowers on my nightstand, no matter what season! There is just something about fresh flowers in my bedroom that I love. And since lavender grows so easily and it makes any room smell great year round. Often if I don't have any flowers blooming, I will just cut a bunch of lavender! But my lavender, she thrives! She grows through the adirondack chairs and spreads herself all over the garden. And that reminds me that our winters are really not that brutal after all! We are just "weather challenged" sissy's out her in SoCal!! Out in my garden, my favorite old vintage mermaid has endured her share of abuse. She isn't use to the rainy cold SoCal winter we've had this year! She anxiously awaits the arrival of Spring! And my vintage copula hasn't fared much better. But of course, a bit more chippy, white paint will only make it look better. Riley and Morgan's little chairs are cold and dirty. And my old french vintage sink is filled with weeds and crying for help each time I walk past her. All my adirondack chairs are cold and deserted. The wet winter and weeds have surrounded them. But not too far away, the sunny days of Spring will change it all! Be sure to stop by and visit Kathleen on this White Wednesday. This girl has amazing stuff, trust me and stop by for a visit!

You Watch Them Grow
My little Riley started pre-school yesterday. Milestones, they come so quickly. At three years old, my little girl is growing up. Riley was really excited about getting to go to school, but you never quite know what will happen when our little ones actually get "to" school. Katie cried and clung to me until almost 2nd grade! So, I have to admit, I was a bit concerned over my little Riley. But after the picture above was taken, she kissed Katie good-bye, and waved saying, "bye Mommy"! When you are a Gramma, you KNOW how fast they grow. So this Gramma is determined not to miss any of my babies milestones. I get to pick Riley up the next two days at school, and I can't wait! It is bittersweet as we "Watch Them Grow". I love this song that Zach Gill wrote and sings. In case you don't know who Zach is, he plays with Jack Johnson's band. Here's the lyrics.

You Watch Them Grow

She's close to God, I'm sure of that
She sits him down, and they have a chat
She asks for sunshine, and he agrees
You see, for her, He'd do anything

You watch them grow, then you let 'em go

She is a monkey, and I'm her tree
And now she's climbing all over me
Swinging on my vines dancing on my limbs
Her monkey sounds sound like angel's hymns

You watch them grow, then you let 'em go
You watch them grow, then you let 'em go

She is an angel, she is an imp
She's got my big toe, and her mother's lips
She gives fishy kisses, and great big bear hugs
42 pounds of pure love
Then one day she'll be 17, feelin' too big for her home
Seems she was just only 3, oh how our children they grow

You watch them grow, then you let 'em go
You watch them grow, then you let 'em go
You watch them grow, then you let 'em go
You watch them grow, then you let 'em go

Then one day she'll be 33, maybe with a child of her own
Seems she was just 17, oh how our children they grow
He'll ask for sunshine, and she'll agree
You see for him, she'd do anything
He is her child, the center of her world
She is his mother... my little girl

You watch them grow, then you let 'em go
You watch them grow, then you let 'em go

A Busy BSC Week-End!
Usually, we are only fortunate enough to experience a BSC Sunday. But I'll be damned, we had our BSC customers ALL week-end long! And I want to give a special "shout out" to the moon that shined so brightly all week-end long! It really intensified the atmosphere for our BSC week-end. Yesterday we got a break from the rain and the sun came out for awhile. But it was still cold. I had stepped outside of the store to throw something in the trash on the corner. I noticed cars slowing down, my customers looking across the street and staring. As I turned to see what everyone was looking at, well, this is what we all saw! I'm hoping that this young lady was just enjoying our California sunshine! But, I have to say one thing. I do believe that even when tanning on a dirty city street, your legs should be together and less of your body should be in the gutter and street! Again, that is just a suggestion for the next time anyone decides to soak up the rays of the sun! And to the rest of our BSC customers that visited us this week-end, well, "bless your little hearts" and I apologize for not being able to sell you any and everything in the store for five bucks! When I flew over to Maui last week, the surf was awesome! Actually, I went to Maui in my dreams. This is the surf down at Sunset Beach yesterday. AND, this beach never has waves this size! Go figure.Brande has decided to go for an early morning bike ride before working at the store yesterday morning. As she peddled "down" to Huntington Beach, things were fine. However, when she turned her bike around to head home to Seal Beach, it was a whole different story as you can see. And what is always amazing in situations like this is when little cars think they can just drive through a flooded PCH like they are driving a Hummer or something! This is the Seal Beach parking lot by the pier after high tide! All I can say is I'm glad I was on my way to work and not parked in this lot! So, all and all between the full moon, the BSC customers ALL week-end long, and the high tide, my days, as usual, are never boring!

The Art of Lori Hannah Gutierrez
What I love about Country Roads is the "variety" of talent that makes up our Country Roads family. From quality antiques, to awesome vintage displays, to artists, we have a bit of everything. These pictures are of Lori's work. She is in a very small area right now but will be expanding tomorrow to a much larger space. I can't wait to see it! Right now, she has a lot of mermaid paintings on display that are for sale. Since I'm such a beach freak, of course each of these appeals to me! These painted shells on old vintage bottles are over the top! The detail of the mermaids is incredible! Lori's work is very detailed and beautiful and colorful and most of all, original! Another speciality Lori paints are crowns. This isn't the best example of what she does but all that she has right now. One of our customers cleaned her out last week. You can also find some great painted bracelets among other creations of Lori's! This little painted mermaid suitcase found its way home with me a few weeks ago. Fits in perfect in my bedroom that is a bit tropical and beachy! I hope you find the time to stop by next week and see what Lori is up to with her new large area at Country Roads. You know, Country Roads. . . always your favorite, never the same!

A Little Bit of This & That!
One thing that never, ever happens in my life is boredom! I've always got something going on. This past week, Roger's Garden shopped with us. For those of you that live out here, you know how awesome their nursery and store is. Just look at their truck, the design on it, that says it all!! The displays they do inside of their place are over the top. I loved their last Halloween display. I have a picture of it somewhere showing what they did with the stuff they bought from us. I'm very anxious to see what Roger's has planned with this load. And on top of it all, they are the best and easiest customers ever!! Speaking of customers, you know how very important customer service is to us. We even let people that aren't "exactly" our customers take morning naps in the driveway behind our store! With closer inspection, Bryce verified that this guy was indeed alive and well. He was so comfortable they just let him continue his morning nap and sleep it off! I always say we are in the ghetto end of Old Towne Orange, see what I mean? I finally got a chance to have my Friday escape to the movies. I chose to see Crazy Heart, and I totally fell in love with it! I now know why Jeff Bridges is nominated for an Academy Award. As I've mentioned, I love to go to the movies by myself. It is "my" time, and it was nice to have some of that yesterday. If you are looking for a good movie to see, I really would suggest Crazy Heart. And by the way, Jeff Bridges can really sing!My day ended with my "men" (Bryce & Matt) playing with Morgan in the middle of the family room floor last night. Matt had brought a big bag of clothes over for Morgan that use to belong to his baby girl, Hannah. I have to tell you,my heart still aches over Hannah's death this past Christmas. And the smiles on the boys and Morgan's faces were so beautiful but a little bittersweet as well. My boys may have become "men" but they will always be MY boys! Have a great week-end, and hey, stop by and see us. What better place to spend a rainy day than at Country Roads!

Changes
I've been "thinking" a lot lately, probably too much!! I've had trouble writing because my head has been so full of so many different thoughts. I think a week or so ago when I realized that people actually "read" what I write here, it pulled me back into myself a little bit. Not sure why I felt that way. Lately I've been thinking about "changes" in my life. I was like so many others, did the usual stuff when I was young. Went to college, got married, had kids, worked part time in a grocery store until I got robbed at gun point which ended that exciting career, all the usual things we do. I always thought my life would be "regular". I always liked "regular"! And "regular" means like everyone else, the usual stuff. You get married, you buy a house, have some kids and you live happily ever after. I did get married, and get a house, and have three kids and wanted a fourth but my Mr. Wonderful didn't want anymore, or so he said. And sadly, it wasn't always "happily ever after". I loved being a mom, and spending time with my kids. Mr.Wonderful wasn't quite as excited about raising kids as I was, but I loved it, still do. When my kids were all in elementary school, "we" or more like "I" opened Country Roads back in January of 1993. And with that, those changes began. Money was better, vacations were nice, and we left our first home to buy a bigger house in a fancy neighborhood. It's a story that everyone knows all too well. But like a lot of things, "change" does happen. Inside I was still humble, still pulling for the underdogs in life while Mr.Wonderful enjoyed completely different things. Money does things to people which was the case with him. So, as stories go, we divorced, it was ugly, and our "perfect" lives were turned upside down. The big fancy house was sold, and I was able to buy a house in a "regular" neighborhood which I love. And through it all, you somehow muster up the strength to pull yourself together and move on. My kids grew up just fine, even with a few stumbles along the way! And considering everything they have been through, I couldn't be prouder of them all. They have given me a couple of beautiful grandbabies as well, Riley and Morgan. They mean the world to me and I've got another grandbaby due in July as well! I like this role of "Gramma", it suits me well. I never understand when women tell me they hate to me called "Gramma". Bryce, Justine and Morgan live with me. Years ago would I have thought about my kids having kids and living with me? Probably not, but actually I like it and they help me pay the bills. And Katie, Vinnie, and Riley are living in my parents house, in the house I grew up in, although its been remodeled. They bought it after my parents died. We take Riley "trick or treating" on the same streets I walked as a child her age.Brande is living down in Seal Beach and gets to enjoy the ocean every day. She enjoys her nieces, her freedom, and always has a hundred things and projects going on at once!! I am blessed, I'm lucky to have "family" in my life, to have a store like Country Roads which is also a big part of my family! I'm also blessed to "accept" CHANGE so easily. You've got a choice in life when you get tossed in the ocean, you either sink or swim! I chose to swim and as I paddle along in this journey of mine, I accept CHANGE, I welcome it. I "think" it keeps you young. Tomorrow my kids are going to a birthday party. It is Mr.Wonderful's "baby boy's" first birthday! He re-married awhile back. Who would have thought at their ages they would have a baby. But who am I to judge, not my journey to travel, that is his and his wife's journey as older parents. What I love about MY family is they too "accept" change and just roll along with it as well. I think about Riley starting pre-school soon, Morgan's first birthday coming up in a few months, and about my brand new grandbaby due in July and I again welcome CHANGE! I loved when I was in my thirties, and I have to admit, I also love being in my fifties. Guess it goes back to that sink or swim theory, and for me, I keep swimming one stroke at a time. Here's the lyrics to Stevie's song that I've been humming to myself lately!

Landslide. . . .

I took my love and I took it down
Climbed a mountain and turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Till the landslide brought it down

Oh, mirror in the sky - What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
I don't know, I don't know

Well, I've been afraid of changin'
Because I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder, even children get older
And I'm getting older, too

So, take my love, take it down
Climb a mountain and turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well, the landslide will bring it down
The landslide will bring it down

Another "Take" on Country Roads
It is always interesting to me to see what catches other people's eyes at Country Roads. Steve Small, a dealer at Country Roads, took all of these photos the other day. And I do have to say, the one above with Katie and Riley is my favorite! As many know, we train our staff very young, and as you can tell, my little Riley already has mastered measuring!! Here a few more photos that Steve snapped at the store.





The time passes so fast these days. I look at Riley "working" with her mom above, and am amazed at the passage of time. I also look at the displays and merchandise above and now how fast that turns over as well. There are days, more lately for me, that I just wish I could slow things down a tiny little bit. Thanks Steve for sharing your photos!

White Wednesday
On this "White Wednesday" I thought I would post some of the varieties of "whites" we have here at Country Roads!




For more great "White Wednesday" photos, stop by our friend Kathleen's blog! Her picture alone are worth the visit! Happy "White Wednesday" to you all!!

A Busy Tuesday
I'm tired today. Sometimes working at my favorite place in the whole world, Country Roads, takes a lot out of you both physically and mentally. I'm dragging this morning, even though I've got laundry going, and many other things done all before 9am! Riley, my little three year old granddaughter will be here soon. We will have time to play for awhile, then off to the dentist I go to have a tooth pulled late this afternoon! So, sadly, I guess it isn't really a day off. I do however, have some random pictures to share this morning that I took at Country Roads yesterday. We have such a variety of things in the store right now, thought I'd share a few of those things!





While some stores concentrate on limiting their merchandise to a certain style, I have to say that I personally enjoy the diversity of Country Roads. We, meaning myself and my Country Roads family, not only have something for everyone, but we concentrate on display and vignettes and most important, customer service! I think that is what makes the store so much fun to shop in! And as always, thank you, for continuing to shop with us all these years and the really nice comments you leave me on this blog. It truly means a great deal to me!

"BSC" Sunday!
Well, yesterday, truly was another "Bat Shit Crazy" Sunday! What I've discovered is these types of Sundays, the BSC's usually occur under two situations. The first is my full moon theory. BSC's just come out of no where! It is like a bus full of lunatics pull up to the store and just go nuts on us! My second theory is the BSC's come visit us on Sundays that there has been a flea market! They feel that shopping at Country Roads is ALL about the "wheelin and dealin" accept they don't have a clue what comes out of their mouths. For example, my favorite BSC customer yesterday was one that started the conversation like this. "I'm interested in something over here". Of course I have NO idea where "over here" is. I follow the customer throughout the store because I know they are lost and don't have a clue in the world where they are. So, I just patiently walk behind them as they circle Country Roads!! Finally we find the space. What they are interested in is $200. The BSC customer starts the conversation like this, "I've been shopping in other stores in Orange and a lot of stores have stuff that is 50% off, is this 50% off"? I breathe deep and calmly just say, "no". Then it starts, you know the critical comments like "it's dirty" or "it's been here for awhile". etc. Finally the BSC customer TELLS me they would like to make an offer of $75 on the $200 item. Again, I breathe deeply and reply, "I really don't think that is going to happen, but I will call and see what their best price is". Which I do, and when the dealer asks me what they are offering, all I can tell him is "you really don't want to know, it's BSC Sunday"!! After THAT customer, I had to leave the counter without my "walkie talkie" and go to the garden! I sat on a bench and took deep breaths and savored the moment or two that I didn't have to answer a customer, or the phone, or anything else. Of course once I went back inside it all started over again, and my peaceful moment was long gone!! After work, I met my family at El Torito to celebrate Justine's birthday. It helped me forget the BSC Sunday I just experienced. And when I ordered my big, delicious Pomegranate Cadillac Margarita, life was a little calmer. Damn, those BSC customers can really wipe you out. Thank God its Monday and I have a week to recoup!!

Just In!
It is always exciting to me to have someone new join our Country Roads family. Georgia moved in last week on the days I was off. So when I came in this morning it was a nice surprise, a really nice surprise!! And I really like the way all of her displays and vignettes turned out. Here are a few pictures of what just arrived!



I really enjoyed the "darker" colors that Georgia is using to display with. It is a perfect fit for the store, and everything looks absolutely awesome, thanks Georgia!!

My Old Neighborhood
I had dinner last night with Brande at our neighborhood pizza place, Marri's! It is just around the corner from my house and we could have walked but it was raining. I use to eat at Marri's when I was in high school! Yes, it's been there THAT long. They have great pizza, so-so service, and really, really horrible Italian music playing. My friend Ginny had emailed me asking me a question about how to do something on her blog, which by the way you should go read! I was emailing her an answer and also about the place I had dinner at. Still being amazed that I've eaten there since I was in high school. Actually it was our hang out back in the day! Right next to Marri's is a dry cleaners, Montgomery Cleaners. That was my very first job, I made $1.65 an hour! But back in the day, it was enough to join my friends at Bob's Big Boy for a combo plate. And actually the building Bob's was in is still nearby, but is now a Blockbuster. I hated that job. They did the cleaning on site, and the smell was enough to make anyone gag. God only knows what chemicals they were using way back then! I went to Millikan High School, and as you can guess, that too is just "down the street"! I was in a soriety, Tabu, and that is a soriety picture of me above (not sure why its so big though. I loved high school, but not because of the academics, but because of my friends and hanging out at places like Marri's and Bob's Big Boy! I ate meat back in the day, which I gave up a very long time ago!! Life seemed so simple back then. As many of you know, Katie and her family bought my parents house after they passed away, the house I grew up in, just a short distance from where I live now. Riley has joined us for dinner at Marri's, bad music and all. I love East Long Beach, the part of Long Beach I live in. Cal State University Long Beach is within walking distance. The beach is only a ten minute drive, a nice mixture of people in my neighborhood, and now my grandbabies are growing up in the old LBC too! I like simple, you know, it makes me happy. Here's a link to an article that was in our local paper this morning. Wilson HS was always a big competitor against Millikan's football team, "back in the day". This article is just another example of why I LOVE Long Beach!!

My One Day Off, Today!
I'm tired today, I mean really tired! Our little "summer" weather has passed, it's cold and overcast which is my least favorite kind of days. As I was sitting at my harvest table this morning eating my delicious bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, I was looking around my house! I know I have too much stuff, that is the down fall of this business. I have a big collection of yelloware, and as I ate my cereal I was looking at the pieces and thinking about them. I know, lame, but when you are tired, you have no control over where your thoughts wander off too.


The little old "butter" crock above is one of my very favorite pieces I have. Why? It shows the wear and tear of actually being used. There is just something special about it that warms my heart. As I was eating my breakfast, I was "studying" my collection. Remembering how I started collecting the more common pieces in the beginning, to the more hard to find and unusual pieces later on. The other thing I love about my yelloware is I actually use it! Some of the bigger pieces are great for big family dinners or parties. Like a lot of my other vintage stuff, I incorporate them in my everyday life. And hey, it is like recycling as well. So, with breakfast finished, you know that gourmet meal of mine, I guess I best get moving on with my day! Sometimes this "one day to myself a week" isn't enough. I think I may be having that kind of day today!!