Good News Friday

My third installment in the "Good News Friday" series:) I think I may start doing Weird News Wednesday, as well:)
This story is not well known and not in print, until now. If you've been following my blog, you may have seen my post on the friend of mine who was in a horrible car accident. Three months ago, she was hit head on...without going into too many details numerous breaks, rods and surgeries later...she's on her way back. There aren't too many people (that I've met) who could have handled this with the strength and grace that she has. We were all very worried as to what would happen but her usual determination pushed her through all of the hurdles...which were immense. Because her job is an extremely physical one - I'm sure that there will be more struggles ahead and some aspects of it, will just have to change.
I'm proud to call this amazing woman, my friend. She is finishing her final long term hospital stay today and going home for good - That is truly good news:)
Life can change in a moment...so make yourself a great day and enjoy it!

The Value of Hard Work

I've seen an amazing thing this week...My teenage son has discovered the daily grind:)
I have a friend, who owns a produce farm. Farm work, be it horses or produce, is good old fashioned back breaking, hard work. I love it!! A feeling of accomplishment and over all well being at having done a tough job, well. A great sense of taking care of things. I wanted Zach to work this summer, he's in his early teens and I believe that it's time. I started working at 12 (cleaning houses and babysitting), by 14 I was wrapping produce in our local grocery store, cleaning houses and babysitting...I had quite the little corporation going...subcontracting the cleaning out to my friends, when I had to wrap the produce:) Anyway...the point is that it taught me my work ethic (that and my father's lectures).
I believe that work teaches you many things early in life...how to get along with people in a different environment, how to take criticism, the value of the dollar, how to juggle a schedule and gain the perseverance to drag yourself out of bed for somebody other than yourself...basically how to be responsible.
My friend said that she could use Zach at the farm weeding, picking, tilling...a little bit of everything...so they made a deal for 3.5 hours a day, 6 days a week. He starts early before it gets too hot and still has the rest of the day to himself or for us to go do something.
I was a little concerned...up to this point the world has been pretty much all about him, now it was time to grow up a little. He's very mature and has a natural ability when it comes to people. He's a good, smart kid, who holds doors open and does the right thing...but I wasn't sure if he had inherited his father and my work ethic. Well surprise surprise...he did! They love him and he loves the work. He does his job and then goes to find out what's next or who he can help. He takes what he's doing seriously and takes pride in the job that he does. He's learned how hard it is to make a little money, how difficult it can be to get out of bed and out to work, he's learned to arrange his schedule and be more appreciative of other people's time. He was tired today and for the first time said, "Mom I really don't want to go to work"...I laughed and said, "Honey this only the beginning...Of all the people in the world, there are maybe 5 who wake up and say "WOOHOO I'm going to work!!" Off he went to the daily grind:)
I'm always proud of the person he his but I've never been more proud than I am now, of the man that he's becoming. Who knew 3.5 hours a day could teach so much?
People say that teenagers are so difficult, I'm happy to say, not mine! I'm loving this time and this part of parenting...where I'm actually getting him ready for the real world.
Such a tremendous feeling that I had to share it:)

New treasury and other tidbits:)

My new treasury "Stormy Sky" is absolutely my favorite so far...please stop by and take a look
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=59744
...truly some amazing artists!
What else is on the horizon...I wanted throw a little kudos, the way of Lora and Jane at http://vintagevillage.ning.com If you haven't stopped over to vintagevillage, please do. An amazing collection of vintage shops on a beautifully done site created by Lora of http://ElsiesAttic.etsy.com Lora now has the help of Jane from http://YesterdaysPleasures.etsy.com and Jane is doing an incredible job. These two women manage to stay right on top of things and keep the sight running smoothly...it's a great place to fine tune your vintage knowledge, ask that vintage question that's been bothering you:), or just browse for great treasures!
Now that I've posted my stormy pics (below one post) and created my Stormy Sky treasury...we have gorgeous weather!!
...So I'm off to take some much needed listing pics and enjoy the day!
...and one shameless self promotion link:) I picked up a gorgeous Vendome Gold Filigree Floral Bib Necklace...http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27195384 Even if it's not on your shopping list, take a look and enjoy the intricate beauty of the piece:)

July Blog Giveaway!

I know I'm really slipping this in right under the deadline...but it's been a busy day:)

I couldn't decide what to go with this month and ended up with this beautifully bright, rosy pink long strand necklace. These iridescent vintage beads highlight the rose carving...Very pretty!

Measuring 30" long, you can wear these any way that you like.

Your comment is your entry...Drawing will be held July 29th and announced the same day.

For those of you new to my giveaways...I come across many pretty little treasures, in my vintage travels...some I use in my shop, others I don't. The ones that don't make it...I giveaway on here.

So good luck and enter away:) If you do not have a blog or Etsy shop, that I can contact you at - please leave an email address (which I will not publish).

Thanks for stopping by!

Interested in the vintage blouse behind the necklace...stop by http://whimsicalretrostyle.etsy.com/

The Weather and the Winner:)

This week's crazy weather has inspired me to use my camera for more than listing photos:)

Sudden thunderstorms and high winds have me feeling as if I'm living back in Florida again. One particular storm was very ominous. I took these pics with my flash and was shocked at how they came out. The sky was a pale glowing orange, not quite the vibrant fire orange that came up on the pictures - but amazing all the same. Mother Nature has really been digging into her bag of tricks lately...makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Also on the agenda is my blog giveaway winner....Stephanie JH!! Stephanie wins the lovely vintage blue lucite chandelier necklace and earring set. Congrats Stephanie!! There were 14 potentially lucky contestants this month - Thanks to all of you and please look for the new blog giveaway on Wednesday, July 1st (Can you believe that it's July already?!)

That's all folks...a full day of weeding and trimming wore me out:)

Happy Friday Post:)

This week's Happy Friday post is something very close to my heart. I saw this article earlier in the week about the new lives brought to racehorses once they've retired. Unfortunately, it doesn't usually have such a happy ending. Many racehorses are sold at auction where they are either bought by the Amish for use as carriage horses or overseas meatpacking companies who slaughter them and use them in a variety of ways (none of which I like to think about)....this isn't starting out too happy and I'll save my thoughts on this for another day.
The Standardbred Retirement Foundation is working hard to give these horses a better life. I loved this article for giving me a sparkle of hope:)...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/23/AR2009062302869.html?wprss=rss_sports/wires
Have a great weekend!
I'm at the horse farm tomorrow, so this will conclude my blogging until Sunday:)...when I promise to repost my One Lovely Blog Award and the blogs that I've selected.
Thanks for reading:)

One Lovely Blog Award:)

I am the most happy recipient of the "One Lovely Blog Award"...my very first award and I am very proud:) This great honor was bestowed upon me by Ann at http://love2binspired.etsy.com/ where you can browse her beautiful jewelry and fabulous supplies or you can check out her blog at http://love2binspired.blogspot.com/
Now I'm off to find my own award winners:)...which I will pass on to you:)

Thanks Ann!


I've chosen 15 blogs for my picks of the "One Lovely Blog Award" (I know if it's called "One" Why are there 15?...it's just the rules, don't argue:)) that inspire me, make me laugh and impress me with their blogging genius...Some are old favorites, some are great new finds...I hope you enjoy them all:)...
To the winners, please pick 15 of your favorite blogs and list them for the world to see...don't be greedy:)...also please copy the pic above to include on your blog!


http://theresaj.blogspot.com/

http://vanderhoekart.blogspot.com/

http://wvfarmtails.blogspot.com/

http://alygatr.blogspot.com/

http://braytonhomesteadinteriors.blogspot.com/

http://antiquesgaloregal.blogspot.com/

http://lauratrevey.blogspot.com/

http://blackfeatherfarm.blogspot.com/

http://pawprintsproject.blogspot.com/

http://theseasonalcottage.blogspot.com/

http://lisasretrostyle.blogspot.com/

http://justmycupoftea.typepad.com/

http://thelostandfoundvintage.blogspot.com/

http://carolgreavesdesign.blogspot.com/