tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37161253785861730472024-03-19T04:15:37.607-07:00Stuff and Nonsense, Home of The Sheer Trash RoadshowVLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-79544873271318282422022-01-24T11:08:00.003-08:002022-01-24T11:08:39.116-08:00Upcycle Project: Refurbished Metal TinsQuick share here today of a project I've been playing around with for a bit: upcycling some rather bland (ugly!) used tins. Some were tea tins I acquired for a quarter apiece at a garage sale just for this purpose, one had been a gift tin originally containing a wristwatch, one I grabbed at Goodwill because of its appealing shape, and one was an actual vintage Daher tin that was sort of nice, but I craved an improvement. (Well, MY idea of an improvement.)
Without further ado, here's the first one.
Daher "Fascination Face Powder" tin. Yes, it's vintage, but I see lots of these available and I don't think the Antiques Roadshow police are going to come after me for defacing this one. And I literally mean "defacing"!
Here's what it looked like originally (not my photo, but one I plucked at random from the internet).
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Nothing wrong with this tin, per se, but I had some vintage Meyercord decals I wanted to play with. Here's my "Must Love Dogs" version:
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I had a little trouble with the old decal cracking and splitting; hence the spaniel's slightly mutant appearance, but with the addition of some fine iridescent glitter and my Posca paint pens, I minimized what I could and I'm relatively pleased with the result.
I've since learned that if one applies a coat or two of clear spray paint on old decals, they're less likely to disintegrate when soaked in water for application. It's not a guarantee, but it does help. Here's an example:
This tin was the dreary Fossil (?) watch tin. I spray-painted the lid (bit tricky, but you can manage it if you cover the bottom part surfaces with paper first) to cover up all the writing and logo stuff. Then I took my vintage deer decal, treated with two layers of clear spray paint, and applied it. It still split slightly, despite my efforts, but I'm pretending that just adds faux-vintage patina to my project. I also used a coat of spray adhesive and carefully sprinkled fine iridescent glitter to further disguise the flaw. Not a true fix, but I can live with it.
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A gift of new vintage-design decals set me off on the tea canister project. These are really quite delightful! I understand they were ordered from Etsy, but I'm afraid I don't know which seller. First, I spray-painted the tins to give them pretty pastel backgrounds. The new decals went on like a charm! Here are some photos of my "new vintage" poodle tins:
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-82873304921230368902022-01-05T16:27:00.003-08:002022-01-05T16:27:31.371-08:00Whole Lot of Projects Going OnIt's about three weeks since I put my Etsy shop in mothballs, and I'm starting to feel my creative juices flowing again. It's amazing what having free time can do.
Anyway, no long intro--I've been out of the loop with this blog for a long time, so I'm just going to launch in.
About a year ago, I saw a youtube video about making your sewing scraps into useable pieces of fabric. Kind of nice and mindless--no pattern needed, no plan--just sort of crazy quilting little pieces of fabric together. I'm always loathe to throw out bits of vintage fabric, and I'm not especially skilled in my sewing, so this idea was appealing. From time to time, when I was in the mood to make something but hadn't the energy to tackle an actual project, I would pull out some scraps and go to it.
A couple of days ago I decided I wanted to try actually making something with the results. Wasn't sure what; just knew I didn't want to make yet another tote bag.
I settled on a reversible apron. I have made a number of these over the years because I wear them almost every day, and I know what style and features I want. And I'm a cheapskate! Don't want to fork out the money to buy those cute frilly mid-century style aprons I see for sale, although they are quite fun. I like a cheery-looking apron, simply styled, and I like them double-sided so I can flip them over if one side gets a bit mucked up before I'm ready to do the laundry. So, anyway,I pulled out one of an "old faithful", traced around it on my crazy-quilt cloth, and in very short order, <i>voila!<i></i></i>
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It has a fun pocket, too. Nice to have found a good use for this little snippet of butterfly print fabric:
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For the opposite side of the apron, I took the plunge and cut up a small hemmed panel of vintage kitchen curtain fabric I've had in my stash for a long time. Had to pluck up my nerve a bit, but I did it! Here's the apron's reverse pattern:
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And I have to show off the pocket--I matched it up so it's almost invisible!
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Now, in case you're wondering about the red dress on the dummy, it's a sixties full-skirted beauty I picked up at a garage sale this past summer for $4. It just needs a bit of replacement stitching at on the zipper and is waiting its turn in my mending queue. Pretty thing, huh?
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Finally, to finish up, I stitched up some new hotpads. (My old ones are in pretty disreputable condition.) Here they are, front and back. Not fancy, but a satisfying project all the same.
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Be back soon to show you more projects. Be sure to head over to the facebook page for daily vintage and vintage-inspired posts. VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-90403564466244191012020-06-08T08:53:00.000-07:002020-06-08T08:53:00.698-07:00Gasp! She Diversifies!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How doth the little busy bee</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Improve each shining hour</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>And gather honey all the day</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>From every opening flower?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~Isaac Watts (1674-1748)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quick post today: I want to show you that I <i>can</i> actually make something besides a poodle cozy. It's not easy, mind you. No matter what my intentions when I begin a cozy, it generally morphs into a poodle before I'm very far into the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But recently, I branched out! Some gorgeous bright yellow yarn was beckoning, and after failing miserably endeavoring to make a chick, I cast about for another idea. <i>Voila! </i>A bee! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK3J_eyC7asPdNL2IuHIpffAuXa_hGKceCtfIrUmjHKhYcCpwxDcTEnq22CWaO1f4IjJvCOKHaYov1gtPsQ6CVXpZTXvX-rDiWFdjqR772EEGNPjeBXz4dqqNiJihkdwifjpwPAO-pJY/s1600/main.121836.60323664.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK3J_eyC7asPdNL2IuHIpffAuXa_hGKceCtfIrUmjHKhYcCpwxDcTEnq22CWaO1f4IjJvCOKHaYov1gtPsQ6CVXpZTXvX-rDiWFdjqR772EEGNPjeBXz4dqqNiJihkdwifjpwPAO-pJY/s320/main.121836.60323664.L.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll admit this was a second attempt. I got as far as this and was stymied, so the little fellow (no, little <i>gal</i>, now that I think about it from a scientific standpoint) sat perched on the shelf above my computer while I tried to figure out how to proceed, especially with the limited supplies I had on hand. She just didn't look complete. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This state of affairs went on for a few weeks, until I had an epiphany over the weekend. Some yellow tulle netting, glitter, and sequins; some multi-colored tiny pompoms and chenille stems; my not-so-trusty glue gun... Suddenly she came into her own! I'm absolutely in love with her, though she is proving to be a challenge to photograph. Either the eyes have too much glare or the wings don't show up to advantage. But here she is: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know what you think. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And while we're on the subject of bees, I hope you'll consider making a simple bee watering station to put out in your yard or on your porch. Honeybees are in a serious decline, and they need all the help we can give them. You can find lots of articles and videos online if you need inspiration, but they can be really simple--some pebbles and rocks in a dish of water that you replenish regularly on dry days. Your local bees will appreciate it; your butterflies, too! You'll be surprised at how often it's visited. It makes a neat nature project for kids, too. </span></div>
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-83944204367905339332020-06-01T15:17:00.001-07:002020-06-01T15:17:41.566-07:00A Whole Lot of Poodling Going On<span style="font-size: large;">If' I'm ever to have the fabled "15 minutes of fame" I venture to guess it will be because of my poodle toilet tissue cozies, which are really the only thing I make that might be worthy of acclaim. I joke about "My nefarious mission: Repopulating the world wit kitschy, tacky poodle tissue cozies, one bathroom at a time!" But it's only partly a joke. I really think everyone benefits from whimsy, and these zany canines are my contribution to that happy sense of absurdity we need so much in the stress-filled times in which we live. My sewing skills are so-so (ignore the pun, I'm being truthful here!), I love to knit but don't do anything terribly ambitious or complicated. But I do make a mean toilet paper cozy, and I'm not too bashful to say so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The past few weeks I've been experimenting with some new designs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Actually, I'm always experimenting, and in the past 8 or 9 years since I began making these, there's been quite a few changes and improvements I've implemented.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the earliest examples of my work; they seem pretty crude to my eye now, but even then, folks seemed to like them and I sold quite a few. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zu8CDb3dJJFxoqRtOmbNTgzgLALlHLipMnWD5x4jQDZPjUhhmVzvldWvb3fENt13oai0ULgAbgNxO9jqm5Vi1-Zl-gr2wX1cA80S4yIvKvLGWtAulWe4usun_nNoOL4gzM2NIcEZbPI/s1600/DSC00841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zu8CDb3dJJFxoqRtOmbNTgzgLALlHLipMnWD5x4jQDZPjUhhmVzvldWvb3fENt13oai0ULgAbgNxO9jqm5Vi1-Zl-gr2wX1cA80S4yIvKvLGWtAulWe4usun_nNoOL4gzM2NIcEZbPI/s1600/DSC00841.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHYh-t3Y479KwH3G_bafWaL37L-_g8UDvNMNRe8yuouFT28mCCqMX0hYB2YmlJCjBdOpIdn0YelQtvWXCQ0JdioEha3IkBeF6foud3mTh1vj-cOqyrldK3AgwkhkWCUQteILQ1nl5PR8/s1600/DSC09537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHYh-t3Y479KwH3G_bafWaL37L-_g8UDvNMNRe8yuouFT28mCCqMX0hYB2YmlJCjBdOpIdn0YelQtvWXCQ0JdioEha3IkBeF6foud3mTh1vj-cOqyrldK3AgwkhkWCUQteILQ1nl5PR8/s1600/DSC09537.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My photography wasn't up to much in those days, either, looking back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But over the years I've done a lot of fine tuning and I'm quite pleased with how much they've improved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several weeks ago I was approached to make a custom order poodle in the style of the vintage spaghetti-ware figurines that were so popular in the 1950's and 1960's. Like this: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnskIjqdAN6jN3li_p0UEnC8mBxe-1wDlFOOy7a9weQaQN37Ans0vxBnD41OUfKpYWz44iIvQ5KOCeQZY_S_cgf8S6Y3WZ3z8Zi329odHyX5WklL3eeLDNi2ZgjR_ZcTcCmvBklYXcIeY/s1600/download+%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnskIjqdAN6jN3li_p0UEnC8mBxe-1wDlFOOy7a9weQaQN37Ans0vxBnD41OUfKpYWz44iIvQ5KOCeQZY_S_cgf8S6Y3WZ3z8Zi329odHyX5WklL3eeLDNi2ZgjR_ZcTcCmvBklYXcIeY/s320/download+%25285%2529.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was a delightful project, though coming up with the eyeglasses took a good deal of trial and error, but eventually I sent this charming cozy off to her happy new owner:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKWHqTIIdRJcdvAslYLQ3M69bUBhb0lxD1NHv6hAo1U6R_HkRPvmhYMmKL6cJd-ASsWvbK2ZGulH_JhHyQ1Es9bRRCE2ZBTGZbRydQVWiWeyEe56zlVYJkhp3SgpIXkUiGrwXmv2k6MU/s1600/il_340x270.2286258220_itxd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="340" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKWHqTIIdRJcdvAslYLQ3M69bUBhb0lxD1NHv6hAo1U6R_HkRPvmhYMmKL6cJd-ASsWvbK2ZGulH_JhHyQ1Es9bRRCE2ZBTGZbRydQVWiWeyEe56zlVYJkhp3SgpIXkUiGrwXmv2k6MU/s320/il_340x270.2286258220_itxd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Several more of these bespectacled canines later, my daughter had another idea for me. She suggested I make just a poodle <i>head</i> cozy, not a whole body poodle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This also took a deal of experimenting, and I'm still in the early stages of developing it, but I'm finally feeling hopeful I'm getting it nailed to my satisfaction. Because the proportions are completely different, my usual eyes simply don't cut it, and I have had to experiment with teddy bear "safety eyes"--not that they're child-proof by the time I'm done with them, as they have to have the shanks removed so they can be glued in place. My husband obligingly saws them off for me. And the eyebrows--good grief!! Those have really had me stymied. But I think now I'm getting it. </span><span style="font-size: large;">(One fan suggested I use actual false eyelashes, and I may have to give that a try. Meanwhile, I'm using to stiffened felt.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the prototype. She's definitely looking stunned. Or stoned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Altogether, she just doesn't suit me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZYxtANd6cnlowDId-XRxdW7U5Toc_iUOhpSWKvDrZfkF-pMn_38oJrDm28JimF50o85LRtP0DBnbPJ8lQ9f-a7LAfUsEDNxuD0rg-Zc9BTG9nqq9FfwzAxFy4Gjr2eMk4u7mEm-blJ4/s1600/IMG_3480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZYxtANd6cnlowDId-XRxdW7U5Toc_iUOhpSWKvDrZfkF-pMn_38oJrDm28JimF50o85LRtP0DBnbPJ8lQ9f-a7LAfUsEDNxuD0rg-Zc9BTG9nqq9FfwzAxFy4Gjr2eMk4u7mEm-blJ4/s320/IMG_3480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My next poodle head is much more to my liking, though! Here she is: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XpylbWQkqtdzaKkD3f2I9gSmRRgCVLstIOTzRqV5_Dwhtmsz-AR_c2pje2iuZbWtY43xYwpVd0wAkxr739hMyx59ff7zlinpGIFa7mFJEmiC0z5VVcPPYBQsjBa3ac4OEZzX36Q0Cdw/s1600/main.121836.60323420.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XpylbWQkqtdzaKkD3f2I9gSmRRgCVLstIOTzRqV5_Dwhtmsz-AR_c2pje2iuZbWtY43xYwpVd0wAkxr739hMyx59ff7zlinpGIFa7mFJEmiC0z5VVcPPYBQsjBa3ac4OEZzX36Q0Cdw/s320/main.121836.60323420.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've given her a larger "top knot" pompom, set her eyes further apart, and tapered the eyelashes. A larger, repositioned bow is another change I like. It seems a bigger poodle needs a bolder-looking bow with more "substance" so I used my best quality saddle-stitched grosgrain ribbon. Not sure what this type is made of, but it's definitely heftier and holds its shape better than the cheaper polyester stuff I used on the other one. Here's another view: <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCLU9lEP2ly6MqICE8GKCnDQJLW19vQ_LvdleQ2xkulmpmRA97QGA97TI8BSKmMKN-luYao6uFj1xpCHgT0CJpHK9asVBeZyd-jMSw598pR_K1RrrQAN1rM-6-zQVZuC-p_wKPbfv8Ds/s1600/main.121836.60323446.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="647" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCLU9lEP2ly6MqICE8GKCnDQJLW19vQ_LvdleQ2xkulmpmRA97QGA97TI8BSKmMKN-luYao6uFj1xpCHgT0CJpHK9asVBeZyd-jMSw598pR_K1RrrQAN1rM-6-zQVZuC-p_wKPbfv8Ds/s320/main.121836.60323446.L.jpg" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pretty poodle will be available in my shop soon! I wanted to show her off here first.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After working on my pretty peach gal (the yarn, by the way, is vintage Phentex from the 1970's, approximately--love the color!) I went back to Prototype Poodle and worked a bit on her again, trimming the goofy Carol Channing eyelashes and giving her a larger bow. It's about all I can do for her, but she does look better, I think: </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWdrGoFylvITvYfAqvqS1OCIq1PwZK5xRFn1Tg1lp61uYvLgPgl7f1NSiikKKQGLeujbatZvf4EoVBmM8PIL-5BG8XOmB1reaBZi9ZvixZBrwv38kjaC97SUhlmI5MG2XIm5teA-H1Es/s1600/main.121836.60295585.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWdrGoFylvITvYfAqvqS1OCIq1PwZK5xRFn1Tg1lp61uYvLgPgl7f1NSiikKKQGLeujbatZvf4EoVBmM8PIL-5BG8XOmB1reaBZi9ZvixZBrwv38kjaC97SUhlmI5MG2XIm5teA-H1Es/s320/main.121836.60295585.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/795314942/petal-pink-crocheted-poodle-toilet-paper">https://www.etsy.com/listing/795314942/petal-pink-crocheted-poodle-toilet-paper</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I know it's been a <i>very </i>long time since I've posted anything, but I wanted to share what I've been working on. And I'll have more to come soon As I say, there's been a whole lot of poodling going on around here. </span>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-60001502460390243042020-02-08T13:25:00.000-08:002020-02-10T08:18:32.091-08:00Dog Rescue... Very OLD Dog Rescue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zOAOs1iqXYWKQYm1rPhh10E9B9WUs10Je9coyoLf-SnaaVSoPnipU8UyTNbSXoLK4il0gbY7LtyFqwLOdMFrQWAbXT11GckR80ccPa_QLvdu7g0nyW99-aQxBFmqhpsaf5LzE7kR03I/s1600/Scan_20200208+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="827" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zOAOs1iqXYWKQYm1rPhh10E9B9WUs10Je9coyoLf-SnaaVSoPnipU8UyTNbSXoLK4il0gbY7LtyFqwLOdMFrQWAbXT11GckR80ccPa_QLvdu7g0nyW99-aQxBFmqhpsaf5LzE7kR03I/s320/Scan_20200208+%25284%2529.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's probably been two or three years ago, at least, that I bought a bag of vintage yarn, and when I got it home, I found a little surprise in it: several knitted pieces to make a little stuffed toy dog. These were rubber-banded together with a magazine clipping with both the pattern and illustration showing how it would look when assembled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure just how old the pattern is, but I'm guessing it dates to the mid-1960's to 1970's. I'm going by the only clue I have, which is he photo of a bubble-cut Barbie on the reverse side of the instructions:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqyeejSvBVNqfFv3QzfZ_fXz8kodVKlA6PEyqGVUjJc-_pfL4Xm5w8FcxDvn9WSAyi-4MeOjdWA3qnGBwTPis02mLcrPbB3Mc30xYiu5VHoXD1bpmmMjQtI52rk7AEOHHA4AZgcX_PXo/s1600/Scan_20200208+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1375" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqyeejSvBVNqfFv3QzfZ_fXz8kodVKlA6PEyqGVUjJc-_pfL4Xm5w8FcxDvn9WSAyi-4MeOjdWA3qnGBwTPis02mLcrPbB3Mc30xYiu5VHoXD1bpmmMjQtI52rk7AEOHHA4AZgcX_PXo/s400/Scan_20200208+%25286%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The knitted bits also appear old, being of a slight mohair texture. I wish I knew who had made them. No doubt the child for whom the toy was intended is long since grown and probably a grandparent by now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But anyway, early last year I got around to stuffing the pieces with wool and sewing them together. Then I propped the little fellow up on a shelf in my sewing room and ignored him until a few days ago, when I decided to get cracking and finish him, as per my 2020 new year's resolution to conquer my many partially-finished craft and sewing projects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the result:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think he's rather sweet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also finished a little dress this week. I'd gotten it about half done in December, but hadn't had time or desire to deal with it since. I'm showing you the front here; the back zipper is slightly wonky but serviceable. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOuEcF1Md2pjTA6EGVe1Tbs0VQVuoBWVIXfOS0BGhQ_jzgtYLW17tA7eLnmjDsvcXikHvO2MoOUkz_LOM95akA3PaU8Hv6Gba03CzYSqazUuHXSt_VJc0MvYyhAJC9xLYV8C5xg_mrbs/s1600/main.121836.57451971.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOuEcF1Md2pjTA6EGVe1Tbs0VQVuoBWVIXfOS0BGhQ_jzgtYLW17tA7eLnmjDsvcXikHvO2MoOUkz_LOM95akA3PaU8Hv6Gba03CzYSqazUuHXSt_VJc0MvYyhAJC9xLYV8C5xg_mrbs/s640/main.121836.57451971.L.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdnNllDILtsj2-Clbm6JVrqgInri8sReuGySL-OQaRC9BDDJVico8uvLynrf-StbN1SuU3a65R_FYvXPj5Z4y3b3z7c7e7dPRUI-2nPdaYRqStJVmrwcuijZCi2I7el9Oy8FMRYb8oWE/s1600/IMG_2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdnNllDILtsj2-Clbm6JVrqgInri8sReuGySL-OQaRC9BDDJVico8uvLynrf-StbN1SuU3a65R_FYvXPj5Z4y3b3z7c7e7dPRUI-2nPdaYRqStJVmrwcuijZCi2I7el9Oy8FMRYb8oWE/s400/IMG_2811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hate doing zippers! Especially lapped zippers, which I can never quite figure out, no matter how many YouTube tutorials I watch. One of these days I intend to make myself learn how to do them properly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, a few more "UFO's" crossed off the list and I'm onward and upward!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the complete pattern for the dog, in case you'd like to make your own: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-71442626652620181882020-02-08T08:52:00.000-08:002020-02-08T08:52:04.932-08:00UFO Alert!<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, it's me again, come up for air!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know it's been a donkey's age since I've posted, and even longer since I posted with remote regularity, but at my pay rate (zilch) you take what you get! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, I'm feeling inspired, and think this blog may just become a "thing" again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's because I've been on a roll with the projects since closing up the Etsy shop. You see, my new year's resolution was to tackle all those "UFO's" (UnFinished Objects) stacked and neglected in my sewing room and in my yarn closet. Posting my successes is my way of staying on track and and motivating me to continue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, as Miranda Hart would say, <i>"On with the show!" </i></span><img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640x360/p05r75h6.jpg" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Previously in my life...</b> (Okay, it was January:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">...I figured out how to make buttonholes with my new sewing machine and finished up this very vintage (1950's?) little girl dress which I bought in its partially constructed state for a few bucks last summer:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cOnNhpkvm40dhDfRN69nNAgAhvZJXbHjvCSXiiA0NK4pSy02qZe9aJ_QRAqyUomE3Z-pF3g2FGwEoOfGo6cKjFTLnEmuZ6VFsbEfwjUaShpUGV3OpaSrB4eXhyi3pn2wnum5yeyG46M/s1600/main.121836.57453391.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cOnNhpkvm40dhDfRN69nNAgAhvZJXbHjvCSXiiA0NK4pSy02qZe9aJ_QRAqyUomE3Z-pF3g2FGwEoOfGo6cKjFTLnEmuZ6VFsbEfwjUaShpUGV3OpaSrB4eXhyi3pn2wnum5yeyG46M/s320/main.121836.57453391.L.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlzP88XedMeNiclRAaIPq42yZ3Acf5HwJdkMukiJzIvZXxOZ5HL3R8d3ETux7bxTFx7scYw3-PE5jgIvXlxnJ-_C18BpjSZzer8zI_fPs2fsQAWtUxan3KbrSeYtEyOkKNb00VvfH5Yg/s1600/main.121836.57453410.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlzP88XedMeNiclRAaIPq42yZ3Acf5HwJdkMukiJzIvZXxOZ5HL3R8d3ETux7bxTFx7scYw3-PE5jgIvXlxnJ-_C18BpjSZzer8zI_fPs2fsQAWtUxan3KbrSeYtEyOkKNb00VvfH5Yg/s320/main.121836.57453410.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbUIfy_bkboLKyQPf3GQWQiPH9evq9T3Jsl0yGPll_wxSypeT49DuDNzjI4m19wmy0QNcxmdGsWoPdBIdUBms-8YrSvdkjEeHfck43iTjwuiRyZFmpiLGMCt4zO4xWeEYCZy87z-W-eI/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbUIfy_bkboLKyQPf3GQWQiPH9evq9T3Jsl0yGPll_wxSypeT49DuDNzjI4m19wmy0QNcxmdGsWoPdBIdUBms-8YrSvdkjEeHfck43iTjwuiRyZFmpiLGMCt4zO4xWeEYCZy87z-W-eI/s320/IMG_2724.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet vintage print, huh? Wonder what the lady for whom this dress was originally intended looks like today?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also got around to mending some vintage wool "49'er" jackets (one a Pendleton, one a lookalike) which had been languishing, unwearable for months, until I took pity on them: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXzO8g58-iGy_TBK8zVU4ldF9Pl6pWtxIyP2T0bU_-II5PbXcBReI2YiC3dg9_rm9HYbUM1MJ6UQEAZ9SlqaoSYv3Kjs8T7usxDCNSQlF-aJfKGRde9GM5py5fFU7NYaFCBSJLxmHSjE/s1600/main.121836.57453432.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXzO8g58-iGy_TBK8zVU4ldF9Pl6pWtxIyP2T0bU_-II5PbXcBReI2YiC3dg9_rm9HYbUM1MJ6UQEAZ9SlqaoSYv3Kjs8T7usxDCNSQlF-aJfKGRde9GM5py5fFU7NYaFCBSJLxmHSjE/s320/main.121836.57453432.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...as well as, replacing the mismatched and missing buttons on this 60's/70's double-knit jacket with its <i>delicious</i> silver lurex threads. I shall look forward to summer when I can wear this again , open fashion, over my t-shirts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After that I changed gears from sewing to knitting, and got this pair of socks off the needles and grafted the toes. They've been waiting about a year. So far, winter's been more wet than cold here so I probably won't need them until next year, but it felt good to free up the needles and mark another task off my list:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc4lKAaBQ5sLodI-YTfHNvpaBRifHLP9NDOIhMrWsiGAKbKEpaYTueuL6KlsTABTv2ezKHkvaMLMX0UGjNdsIMYqP7ouz4KuzW_11808cDQJDP75gbr5-pVWMteLv3BoRt2XadHiZT84/s1600/IMG_2775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfc4lKAaBQ5sLodI-YTfHNvpaBRifHLP9NDOIhMrWsiGAKbKEpaYTueuL6KlsTABTv2ezKHkvaMLMX0UGjNdsIMYqP7ouz4KuzW_11808cDQJDP75gbr5-pVWMteLv3BoRt2XadHiZT84/s320/IMG_2775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">During the last week of January I moved from the practical to the whimsical, and forced myself to finish up some miniature faux poodle cozies. If you've read previous blog posts you know poodle cozies are rather a "thing" with me, but these are little doll-sized models, inspired by my increasingly-famous doll-collecting daughter, Madeline, of "All My Plastic Children" and "Travels with Barbie" instagram renown. I had made her one for her Barbie doll house, and she suggested I make others to sell to her serious collector friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a very fiddly and frustrating project and I don't look forward to doing this again any time soon. It necessitated making my own teeny-tiny pompoms and using the finest of crochet hooks and, all-in-all, involved a lot of snarling and gnashing of teeth. So I'm not selling them cheap, but if you're desperate for a truly kitsch accessory for your collection, let me know. The pink one is $35 with free shipping, and the yellow and turquoise ones are priced at $30 each with free shipping. <b>(<i>Stop</i> <i>laughing!!!)</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_I3YDSi0w6x9iiidugfAAub-msh42uCcNmEuJx5tIb4LSCWqwFYb5b-Kw0sS04D0TvZUO0NiwI5yIKXX1zbQu3M2rhZZvxa0CbDaQbvIuy81-cjOVhjaTuQ9NBZVy02gAL7_m45Jv74/s1600/main.121836.57226632.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_I3YDSi0w6x9iiidugfAAub-msh42uCcNmEuJx5tIb4LSCWqwFYb5b-Kw0sS04D0TvZUO0NiwI5yIKXX1zbQu3M2rhZZvxa0CbDaQbvIuy81-cjOVhjaTuQ9NBZVy02gAL7_m45Jv74/s320/main.121836.57226632.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That wraps up January.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My first week in February has also been productive, but I'll post that update later. There's an estate sale I need to hit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for looking me up again after all this time. I appreciate it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now go out and accomplish something, then tell the rest of us about it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-80502263398315505712019-11-08T09:14:00.000-08:002019-11-08T09:14:14.353-08:00Going for the Wall!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21Fy4FkRvlojAHhLevWjBbhABv9FVy8a-l4F_SDVXTUxbJs7kHvbzqHcnJwbOKmb1O9IPCzfO3IwkV00iSy7ymLlr8Z1ysFioaUzmDUM7wA6UbWrSH1oGO_Fe69hMLTidF8BiKzjK7o8/s1600/dbb2fcaf9b11e395cf5b8aa7e07f8c6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21Fy4FkRvlojAHhLevWjBbhABv9FVy8a-l4F_SDVXTUxbJs7kHvbzqHcnJwbOKmb1O9IPCzfO3IwkV00iSy7ymLlr8Z1ysFioaUzmDUM7wA6UbWrSH1oGO_Fe69hMLTidF8BiKzjK7o8/s640/dbb2fcaf9b11e395cf5b8aa7e07f8c6f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a prison break! One more week and I'm bailing out of Etsy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi, friends... Yeah, I know. This blog has been out of sight and out of mind (out of MY mind!--but what else is new?) for months now, but there is hope of it being revived. The reason is, I've decided to chuck my Etsy shop. For real, this time! Only about a week to go and then I'm "going for the wall". Hallelujah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided to bail out a couple of months ago and have been listing new items madly in a last gasp to clear out the excess vintage clutter around the place. I've put the shop into sale mode and I'm boxing stuff up madly and shipping it out. It's a bit frantic right now, but the prospect of (Dare I breathe it? Gasp!) <i>FREE TIME</i> is beckoning to me like a oasis mirage in the middle of the Sahara and I'm dragging myself toward it with all the waning strength I can muster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The stuff that doesn't sell will be divied out to family members and friends or donated to the local humane society thrift shop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And how will I spend my nobly won free time, you ask? Doing everything and anything I jolly well want to, that's what! Going with the whim of the moment. Making things again. (It's been forever, it seems.) Reading. Maybe even taking up a musical instrument. Going for lots of walks with my dear, dear dogs. Maybe even resuming this blog! I have no fixed plans. I'm getting out of the loop, and I'm going to like it!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lollia and Wickham, now 11 years old.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, anyway, that's the scoop. Just wanted to let you know, and do a little last-gasp shameless promotion of the shop. Still have over 300 vintage gems to part with and I hope you'll head over and check 'em out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tune in next time for what might actually be a post worth reading, for a change! And thanks for hanging in here with me.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sheertrashroadshow.etsy.com/">SheerTrashRoadshow.etsy.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-62838373891022946632019-08-12T09:58:00.000-07:002019-08-12T09:58:58.668-07:00Quick Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmpIgdO18k2OZFO2ppS60dafKFVKoFd9b2YTbuuT7uZWF_aGEKO61eiXU88cb3n54lkIlq92hG__p6MPG1yuRBRqK3-dQNNcvyT_Ul25G0r_IViAlOAUfJGzn5mcxg8rpcmxsfIz-mis/s1600/BeFunky-collage+cute+stuff+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmpIgdO18k2OZFO2ppS60dafKFVKoFd9b2YTbuuT7uZWF_aGEKO61eiXU88cb3n54lkIlq92hG__p6MPG1yuRBRqK3-dQNNcvyT_Ul25G0r_IViAlOAUfJGzn5mcxg8rpcmxsfIz-mis/s640/BeFunky-collage+cute+stuff+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After taking an Etsy hiatus for several months, I reopened recently and have added many new items--all of which are on sale now through August 18. Hope you'll check it out.</div>
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And we have a new addition... This is Sherman, the stealth attack kitten. Encourage him at your own risk. If you don't believe me, scroll down to see a typical day's damage. Never had a Siamese kitten before (well, half-Siamese) and it's proving to be a wild ride. </div>
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<br />VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-86753385971048331962018-08-25T08:20:00.000-07:002018-08-25T08:20:05.724-07:00A Good and Perfect Gift<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Inline image" height="425" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=bc8ab535af&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1606978092253979856&th=164d220f8ea224d0&view=fimg&sz=w1600-h1000&attbid=ANGjdJ8wNQooSURUFG8cOKTAAfLlmeRj3Gcm_xjxb4PKJe2ZP8ZbMAWiCxliTJ4UFthjqzShPb2UEfG3twN02pCE82HmZVqsqnyI0mN8JBqTS7GG-31ENC20chuzrsY&disp=emb" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppy and Wickham, summer 2018. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Every good and perfect gift cometh from above...</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>James 1:17</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After an unexpected, but much-appreciated reprieve of just over a year, Peppy's collapsing trachea problems suddenly worsened in the last few weeks, and last night he died quietly at home. I will miss him terribly. </span></div>
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Back story:<br />
<a href="http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2017/05/my-pal-peppy.html">http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2017/05/my-pal-peppy.html</a><br />
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<br />VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-11042313402852811662018-08-22T10:16:00.000-07:002018-08-22T10:26:08.964-07:00More About Meyercord<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ec/3b/0b/ec3b0b5a35c7bd261ee78504ad5156d2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Meyercord Decal Shop, circa 1940. www.pinterest.com/pin/73746512623717499/</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKDzncnC8x9z9O65aJTNk3EySCRGqnJrKlrdXm4MBGGwgt3XAY6zz7LjAuU7EQRE0Tn3t5bZBFrK4R4HlaE8mXlFZ8rmgti_aPWUnAsd8YCYMOMTZJTfkKyf2gyqU8qzjGP4qYgExnAA/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKDzncnC8x9z9O65aJTNk3EySCRGqnJrKlrdXm4MBGGwgt3XAY6zz7LjAuU7EQRE0Tn3t5bZBFrK4R4HlaE8mXlFZ8rmgti_aPWUnAsd8YCYMOMTZJTfkKyf2gyqU8qzjGP4qYgExnAA/s640/download.png" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catalog page from an early Meyercord catalog; circa 1940. I want those dogs!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wow, the Meyercord post struck a nostalgic nerve, it seems. I had a big jump in views with that one. Well, it's easy to see why--they're pretty marvelous! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So today, instead of merely <i>oooh</i>ing and <i>aaah</i>ing over the decals themselves, I'd like to share some examples, both vintage and contemporary, of how these have been used. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Of course, if you didn't get enough of those on the previous post, feel free to jump to this facebook video: </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/SheerTrashRoadshow/videos/321987218538356/">www.facebook.com/SheerTrashRoadshow/videos/321987218538356/</a> <span style="font-size: large;">)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, without further ado (whatever "ado" is), <i>Behold!</i></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dig it! Not just her cool outfit, cat-eye glasses, and orange lower cabinets, but those Meyercord decals on the upper cabinets!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzZpBkWu9TkhSx9BDABPw-IJiYzcQ94nqWnBFsQ4AleQVwzcfm7-Laq_5uXEs3FHI_7dyD8UfsXUc7jcPvf-jpSi-xabdEjSQP8m6ccWiQ29N3bvdXVnJknJ57A1SLQMMmR9olVVXMKA/s1600/e82027d725d5725c6dd3e66c8a41f326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="564" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzZpBkWu9TkhSx9BDABPw-IJiYzcQ94nqWnBFsQ4AleQVwzcfm7-Laq_5uXEs3FHI_7dyD8UfsXUc7jcPvf-jpSi-xabdEjSQP8m6ccWiQ29N3bvdXVnJknJ57A1SLQMMmR9olVVXMKA/s640/e82027d725d5725c6dd3e66c8a41f326.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Pinterest image.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9Db5RenL2vXpTUpsfTSDZiW2g45QyvRUoEk4X0HwQR2YPWDaz9S_CCUzwmTfsPIi31BQJH6k8dZxWRmYIxkI3IBDllrqKzzg3RD506V0sMdoho82h6XfVpXaUngy5xJWejZ15aDvIoo/s1600/0d884e0391d5d08432c0fbec368869cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9Db5RenL2vXpTUpsfTSDZiW2g45QyvRUoEk4X0HwQR2YPWDaz9S_CCUzwmTfsPIi31BQJH6k8dZxWRmYIxkI3IBDllrqKzzg3RD506V0sMdoho82h6XfVpXaUngy5xJWejZ15aDvIoo/s400/0d884e0391d5d08432c0fbec368869cb.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest image.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFgz1ctvBHqxfn9EA5iqp1LbTAn31luqAjblC85ZF4X24_PUy_9oNMy0grY0aqM99iuuDDKHABGBbEhOKcO5XfU4hyphenhyphenXFsPxx28hgXQzkk-ehpk5CJ8KSdKg1O8D-vrP3p_PYAqVmEclo/s1600/006a9e8f7a28500ddb2a4e910981cb92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFgz1ctvBHqxfn9EA5iqp1LbTAn31luqAjblC85ZF4X24_PUy_9oNMy0grY0aqM99iuuDDKHABGBbEhOKcO5XfU4hyphenhyphenXFsPxx28hgXQzkk-ehpk5CJ8KSdKg1O8D-vrP3p_PYAqVmEclo/s400/006a9e8f7a28500ddb2a4e910981cb92.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest image.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78XtF_y7eNIiLuOwWbLC_PLnybGt_WDMfnfyk0ca4xaLEuyRfrWoech7-4f6qH7RAME1HIqzxKm7BHSjqdRFYp63CI0qu7q0LuzevQDSMvda_melsH4k8MKdG7Cu5ppUwhxwAeaavwv0/s1600/s-l500+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="275" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78XtF_y7eNIiLuOwWbLC_PLnybGt_WDMfnfyk0ca4xaLEuyRfrWoech7-4f6qH7RAME1HIqzxKm7BHSjqdRFYp63CI0qu7q0LuzevQDSMvda_melsH4k8MKdG7Cu5ppUwhxwAeaavwv0/s640/s-l500+%25282%2529.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rare-One-Of-A-Kind-Thermos-Decorated-With-Meyercord-Black-Poodle-Decals/182975509724">www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rare-One-Of-A-Kind-Thermos-Decorated-With-Meyercord-Black-Poodle-Decals/182975509724</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwvsiKsG6P4Vh9T3fqNkoUOHQgNiQBdGpB_T-UuNXoaS51FWmBild0VFdA0V13kgTK2ve6FTPiPRqAnkYvpfiv36wn_erZ_Q-2ekurrCSYiM-8BQn0MJfc_aUfKwt2mrBYkEu-YGH_u0/s1600/il_570xN.928565152_mo1h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="570" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwvsiKsG6P4Vh9T3fqNkoUOHQgNiQBdGpB_T-UuNXoaS51FWmBild0VFdA0V13kgTK2ve6FTPiPRqAnkYvpfiv36wn_erZ_Q-2ekurrCSYiM-8BQn0MJfc_aUfKwt2mrBYkEu-YGH_u0/s400/il_570xN.928565152_mo1h.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/269707100/hand-made-1950s-1960s-vintage-foot-stool">www.etsy.com/listing/269707100/hand-made-1950s-1960s-vintage-foot-stool</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WHIkV9p0leV41OkVbltylJlKUYHCbbIAKAsNKju9EtDbJKqB2GpFbFi6gGaEfKoPc-Hxuep9QiswFqapQeunmg-0yvU8HDQm7FX3-24qlp4pslHU7eusDuhFrwZhZnrDwWw-qWSui1U/s1600/il_570xN.1040187595_t6d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WHIkV9p0leV41OkVbltylJlKUYHCbbIAKAsNKju9EtDbJKqB2GpFbFi6gGaEfKoPc-Hxuep9QiswFqapQeunmg-0yvU8HDQm7FX3-24qlp4pslHU7eusDuhFrwZhZnrDwWw-qWSui1U/s400/il_570xN.1040187595_t6d9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/386864346/kitsch-dog-baby-wood-high-chair-nursery">www.etsy.com/listing/386864346/kitsch-dog-baby-wood-high-chair-nursery</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlhMUmb2avkRleOFgU8FD0ufNm_a3VIev8IyEc8yVwtmHJ9rM4dcr_WHhFN_BbeNDSp29mh4tKVMMDF6ON7V8ybDZ4SHnRSOTBKvoRolqVhPcg9XCBSl7Wk_TRGEiua1pJCDUhJEtrw4/s1600/il_570xN.1060155527_ftdf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="570" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlhMUmb2avkRleOFgU8FD0ufNm_a3VIev8IyEc8yVwtmHJ9rM4dcr_WHhFN_BbeNDSp29mh4tKVMMDF6ON7V8ybDZ4SHnRSOTBKvoRolqVhPcg9XCBSl7Wk_TRGEiua1pJCDUhJEtrw4/s400/il_570xN.1060155527_ftdf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/467868197/1950s-cradle-rocking-crib-babydoll-bed">www.etsy.com/listing/467868197/1950s-cradle-rocking-crib-babydoll-bed</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQDfmWaD2OjxEqWjuNKd8ZeIiw2zATJ4OlttjC8sodLe-nj3B1DF97xVZn0IAacz_aO3Kyvys9rphd4iDUxo7OEk5wdruSyt8iHs0KU0FHI-aOqqoEsBofnIRhDolaNyo_W1o09XBXWQ/s1600/il_570xN.1064282476_1dc0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQDfmWaD2OjxEqWjuNKd8ZeIiw2zATJ4OlttjC8sodLe-nj3B1DF97xVZn0IAacz_aO3Kyvys9rphd4iDUxo7OEk5wdruSyt8iHs0KU0FHI-aOqqoEsBofnIRhDolaNyo_W1o09XBXWQ/s400/il_570xN.1064282476_1dc0.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/486089085/vintage-furniture-red-childs-step-stool">www.etsy.com/listing/486089085/vintage-furniture-red-childs-step-stool</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpA4IiRNz-1-t8PZfsSmXYtn7E09Bld9VuxYES_jSS0gg0lFsMOLPYBoqDTwzge06OjcY2j_Hv7VP-51FqRAsqm8S_cMmMNfrdKnO0Dmeu2VPYu6uqToISA4umcKaHGEVdvzVsdkferI/s1600/il_570xN.1170280625_t3iy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="570" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpA4IiRNz-1-t8PZfsSmXYtn7E09Bld9VuxYES_jSS0gg0lFsMOLPYBoqDTwzge06OjcY2j_Hv7VP-51FqRAsqm8S_cMmMNfrdKnO0Dmeu2VPYu6uqToISA4umcKaHGEVdvzVsdkferI/s400/il_570xN.1170280625_t3iy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/492300794/two-vintage-sheep-lamb-tiles-decal">www.etsy.com/listing/492300794/two-vintage-sheep-lamb-tiles-decal</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_756161571"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6wzm9bwTqdSHYmNgB69dOWCHgh0p8hMnTZFm3v1op8Hg5kFr4A3gIYdrUDBCuA32OdRZiW2Po55D7pwcu_2XXOQJG4tUlR3PLQdEI1YH222di0uICvKVwqysk5BpUVD1_ydzvkvuekM/s400/il_570xN.1261465906_9yaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/548756447/pair-of-sweet-vintage-tile-coasters">www.etsy.com/listing/548756447/pair-of-sweet-vintage-tile-coasters</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_756161574"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="570" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQLKHiHw-YMwGr7tE2IuLen-7UfuZqfOxsdTquSLQlkHx-Tm4A1IxwuZwJHOmE6vX6WFy5qrPDIbierE88W-DDZIL0GvpBM6-mL_Gm_7zvhkqf95DXsxZMuYXiX1hJSKm4kBTlFVxG5M/s400/il_570xN.1588225300_efzs.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/636019087/vintage-mid-century-decal-tiles-set-of-3">www.etsy.com/listing/636019087/vintage-mid-century-decal-tiles-set-of-3</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAACvUSB6DaGP1lLzySRDT6rdFzkzu3EdQJhpv2l-7ttorb6UgqanKwvOV3UymoHg_4tvdkFpW48cJYJn7E2cbRXeClCw1eDzHCaaGlDSsvLJyz6fw7SrdCWbuM8gOuvkn1WTN1J24S0/s1600/il_570xN.1610114631_bssr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="570" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAACvUSB6DaGP1lLzySRDT6rdFzkzu3EdQJhpv2l-7ttorb6UgqanKwvOV3UymoHg_4tvdkFpW48cJYJn7E2cbRXeClCw1eDzHCaaGlDSsvLJyz6fw7SrdCWbuM8gOuvkn1WTN1J24S0/s400/il_570xN.1610114631_bssr.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/629448707/set-of-4-vintage-pastel-wood-snack-trays">www.etsy.com/listing/629448707/set-of-4-vintage-pastel-wood-snack-trays</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sy9ByP05cKbiAfsvioWQSf-yYtyqfCMMRFce2gTHnbT8sfSOC29w3jyZbkEM2DmgCg9zjvHz0ne4bAHIKHUv20wNoBnGVKwr6FWkmgUZ6vg24EE04OUWr1AmqxkIZEs-bOEDbN93zWw/s1600/il_570xN.1499547180_lkgw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="570" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sy9ByP05cKbiAfsvioWQSf-yYtyqfCMMRFce2gTHnbT8sfSOC29w3jyZbkEM2DmgCg9zjvHz0ne4bAHIKHUv20wNoBnGVKwr6FWkmgUZ6vg24EE04OUWr1AmqxkIZEs-bOEDbN93zWw/s400/il_570xN.1499547180_lkgw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/262905615/antique-childs-doll-dresser-chest-of">www.etsy.com/listing/262905615/antique-childs-doll-dresser-chest-of</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnCRn_kbRy32XfKdNvl2rRKkOPYFTyNDwQBNLJB6-hHDm15e6sLBx9Ur4gOaHr7hdRC7Ewg48Z0sBjQ3l4SkUqYUmg34keps05Fvy355ZID8E6Xyg_tiidR8rBzWwotu1K3EuQpuUghw/s1600/DSCN9729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnCRn_kbRy32XfKdNvl2rRKkOPYFTyNDwQBNLJB6-hHDm15e6sLBx9Ur4gOaHr7hdRC7Ewg48Z0sBjQ3l4SkUqYUmg34keps05Fvy355ZID8E6Xyg_tiidR8rBzWwotu1K3EuQpuUghw/s400/DSCN9729.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">This last photo is a closer look at the wooden tray I shared in my last post. I found it at a church rummage sale last week--that awesome cowboy decal made this one a no-brainer for hauling home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I notice it's mostly the nursery furniture and some kitchenware that has survived. I wonder if that's because it was mostly used for those purposes, or because the cuteness-nostalgia factor influenced those pieces being saved? Both, probably. I'd sure like to find more examples.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But in digging through photos on Pinterest and various other sites on the web, I did find a few pics showing some new projects someone's made with these nifty old decals. These look simple and fun, make a good kid's craft--or <i>crafter wannabe</i> craft (including myself here, of course.) Be sure and check out this board: </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kitikokkonen/hand-made-accessories-and-diy-projects-kitin-helmi/">www.pinterest.com/kitikokkonen/hand-made-accessories-and-diy-projects-kitin-helmi/</a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM-H3tBSneNXLfEgdvX37FxUNSu32xsQC66dkPV6xBivyQDAsXqrgjbx2XPcTnt5H9HFWKGbuTHpS5M0MCVd0Ct-4M0H79I4gXBnHgILXfKT1c3fmy8brACeeQwN68_cznAqSjfhyphenhyphen7iU/s1600/653defe3f6882b5926935967697055db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM-H3tBSneNXLfEgdvX37FxUNSu32xsQC66dkPV6xBivyQDAsXqrgjbx2XPcTnt5H9HFWKGbuTHpS5M0MCVd0Ct-4M0H79I4gXBnHgILXfKT1c3fmy8brACeeQwN68_cznAqSjfhyphenhyphen7iU/s400/653defe3f6882b5926935967697055db.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/384565255665246210/">www.pinterest.com/pin/384565255665246210/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeurUOfrQgwvmOuhGngD-qGTSEGKZdc9TtdbMygBCEKpVN6BJ2P3HHlvrHcrOk6ZCZiLxGJUqlpAd_PV4CxgquILqUOnYxwsI36Rht8vtQ2cGUX0itDq_CjRcrLJpfqBdIHZQSd3eqSM/s1600/ff12789a813a06e8c375476870c21d82+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeurUOfrQgwvmOuhGngD-qGTSEGKZdc9TtdbMygBCEKpVN6BJ2P3HHlvrHcrOk6ZCZiLxGJUqlpAd_PV4CxgquILqUOnYxwsI36Rht8vtQ2cGUX0itDq_CjRcrLJpfqBdIHZQSd3eqSM/s400/ff12789a813a06e8c375476870c21d82+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/384565255665246212/">www.pinterest.com/pin/384565255665246212/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_756161619"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XewbJi_IItfnID04JMiq0o7fAnYnXV9AX7PVaxa7qOt1eitXV4k5aDU4jumtXYPuGOYDQoVXgOA-L11-5hgZK2CPab3tVbLaoYpFz5COgh0BZSv7m9UgM2TtbdStDHjJ0hHoj-NCVYI/s400/8b4ab929e4a7beb880ad08f165f01d9a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/384565255665333492/">www.pinterest.com/pin/384565255665333492/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, enough! I have so got to STOP. Perusing these decal images is addictive. But lest I leave you on a restful note, let me plant one more thought in your mind. Did you know these came in <i>fuzzy</i>???</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Decals with "FEEL APPEAL". Oh, those Meyercord dastards!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Meyercord-Decal-Cuties-13-034-Blue-Bunny-with-Fuzzy-Chicks-In-Original-Pkg" height="640" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZdYAAOSwWjpZqDgT/s-l500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Meyercord-Decal-Cuties-13-Blue-Bunny-with-Fuzzy-Chicks-In-Original-Pkg/232471576010">www.ebay.com/itm/Meyercord-Decal-Cuties-13-Blue-Bunny-with-Fuzzy-Chicks-In-Original-Pkg/232471576010</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-69575723553596561292018-08-20T11:26:00.000-07:002018-08-20T11:26:00.116-07:00So.... Find any good stuff lately? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2h4GjKdC5yQWRtxsBEvY-xLYdaeJJJB8bsn4T0emgGK_2xlsnslTLKL8OIOZvDDHTzK9zrG42KTnpyZ1xYQHthRLYw6QHlzfEFihuQiD2OdlAfGG7zd4ow5De2dF03dQsKNal53iQPs/s1600/main.121836.41877489.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2h4GjKdC5yQWRtxsBEvY-xLYdaeJJJB8bsn4T0emgGK_2xlsnslTLKL8OIOZvDDHTzK9zrG42KTnpyZ1xYQHthRLYw6QHlzfEFihuQiD2OdlAfGG7zd4ow5De2dF03dQsKNal53iQPs/s400/main.121836.41877489.L.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a sampling of the cool vintage trash I've hauled home lately.<br /></td></tr>
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I've been privileged to hit a couple of good church rummage sales recently and brought home a trove of fun stuff, some of which I'll end up giving away (the wooden cowboy tray in the back, for instance--my sister-in-law will love it) and a few bits I'll probably keep (for a while, at least) but most of it will end up in the shop eventually. I notice my nifty little shop link gizmo has disappeared from this page, so I'll just put the link here and you can check out the latest offerings here if you're so inclined: <a href="http://www.sheertrashroadshow.etsy.com/">www.sheertrashroadshow.etsy.com</a><br />
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Oh, and by the way, a recent development has been the start-up of a facebook group you might be interested in joining, if you enjoy crowing about your great cheapo finds or mooning over the good fortune of others. I only ask that anyone joining agree to being civil and clean-mouthed (clean-keyboarded?)--a sad commentary on our culture that one has to specify common courtesy, but there it is. Anyway, if you'd like to join us (we're a very small group still) you can click the link: <br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/200715087202269">www.facebook.com/groups/200715087202269</a><br />
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Okay, enough of the intro! I have a subject I want to explore today: mid-century decorative decals. Meyercord Decals, to be precise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hJ7lNH60hzgmzFA3ah1U9XcBIvykkz2hyjEQJw5BWPWr3K_J9hExRfrzAnWpCoPs5Yc0WSccwLqM22f2_RhpmTnJX99Qz6bzOa0xC9IONPCgWMufhjw5dXD0LgTkA3gYD6RbaQOZNgw/s1600/DSCN9713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hJ7lNH60hzgmzFA3ah1U9XcBIvykkz2hyjEQJw5BWPWr3K_J9hExRfrzAnWpCoPs5Yc0WSccwLqM22f2_RhpmTnJX99Qz6bzOa0xC9IONPCgWMufhjw5dXD0LgTkA3gYD6RbaQOZNgw/s400/DSCN9713.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of my recent finds.<br /></td></tr>
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These inexpensive decals were wildly popular in the 1930s - 1960s, and one often finds their kitsch images on vintage household items. No wonder, as they are cute as all get-out, and were originally priced from 10 cents to 49 cents, depending on the size of the packet, which would translate into roughly $1.80 to $8.88 in today's currency. (You gotta love the Consumer Price Index inflation calculator--so much fun to use for determining trivial bits of information like this!)<div>
<br />And even today, you can find unused Meyercord decals for relatively little, although some of the more iconic and desirable images command higher prices. Just a quick stroll through eBay, Etsy, and Pinterest and I found these fun items in just minutes:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Vintage-Transfer-Paper-1950s-Meyercord-Wall-Decals-Fruit-Vegetable-People-Animal" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/GjoAAOSwJ95bTeOX/s-l400.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Transfer-Paper-1950s-Meyercord-Wall-Decals-Fruit-Vegetable-People-Animal/263882603772">www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Transfer-Paper-1950s-Meyercord-Wall-Decals-Fruit-Vegetable-People-Animal/263882603772</a>, $6.50 Buy It Now<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Vintage-Image-Nursery-Baby-Vanity-Set-With-Bear-Bunny-Waterslide-Decals-BAB613" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TDwAAOSwCU1Y1HAT/s-l400.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/400989152751">www.ebay.com/itm/400989152751</a> $11.49 Buy It Now<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.etsystatic.com/il/18fbf1/925705762/il_570xN.925705762_gglp.jpg?version=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.etsy.com/listing/269044914/vintage-meyercord-decal-roses-nos $5.00</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.etsystatic.com/il/bdeb2f/981209126/il_570xN.981209126_x9h8.jpg?version=0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.etsy.com/listing/295196841/vintage-meyercord-decal-transfer-two $17.00</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Vintage-Transfer-Paper-1950s-Wall-Decals-Duro-Decal-Meyercord-Airplanes-Planes" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/BP0AAOSwfHVbSkJ4/s-l400.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Transfer-Paper-1950s-Wall-Decals-Duro-Decal-Meyercord-Airplanes-Planes/263877172525, $9 Buy It Now<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://img.etsystatic.com/il/a74da6/1361685354/il_570xN.1361685354_8xsw.jpg?version=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.etsy.com/listing/560841216/vintage-decal-teddy-bear-duck-drum $19</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://i.etsystatic.com/7739261/r/il/d2fbe0/1564559580/il_570xN.1564559580_fd7c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.etsy.com/listing/616118012/two-unopened-packs-of-meyercord-vintage $11.00<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://i.etsystatic.com/11627132/r/il/682ad3/1220134178/il_570xN.1220134178_aiyv.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.etsy.com/listing/523071722/gene-autry-meyercord-decal $22<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I'll post more about these my next post, but <i>tempus fugit</i> and duty calls. Talk to you later!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for stopping by.</span></div>
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-75019461433687880702018-08-15T17:46:00.000-07:002018-08-16T07:34:35.194-07:00How I Spent My Etsy Vacation<img src="https://www.socialwork.career/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/elephantintheroom-leo_cullum.jpg"><br />
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Yes, I'm aware there's an elephant in the room, which I am assiduously trying to avoid addressing, but I'll just say this and move on: Yes, it's been a jolly long while since I posted anything on the blog. No excuses, per se. I just couldn't think of anything I might have to say that anyone would be interested in reading. And I have been harassed and harried for time, which is pretty much a perpetual state of affairs around here, even when I take a break and try to regain my tenuous hold on sanity.<br />
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So, moving right along...<br />
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I took six months off from Etsy selling so thought I'd share a bit of how I spent the break. The most notable thing I did was that I bought myself a new sewing machine with a few more bells and whistles and made stuff. It was thoroughly satisfying--actually<i> making</i> things instead of merely <i>selling</i> things.<br />
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This frothy little charmer was made of vintage flocked sheer fabric, using a vintage pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk6U8yKAYjxp0lhyphenhyphenifAS197pstsH-eJvFB45Ie98ikajEo2bFnkTs6KSjiSTLVt7p5-4zIhQRuDkCzu6q56anqwSehFcn6gHf4-TMJxI4QAYIPxusK_DSWgKMLHyR0CQTG1qnFv86fkg/s1600/DSCN7884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="367" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk6U8yKAYjxp0lhyphenhyphenifAS197pstsH-eJvFB45Ie98ikajEo2bFnkTs6KSjiSTLVt7p5-4zIhQRuDkCzu6q56anqwSehFcn6gHf4-TMJxI4QAYIPxusK_DSWgKMLHyR0CQTG1qnFv86fkg/s640/DSCN7884.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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These play outfits were also sewn from vintage patterns, and some vintage plus some new "vintage look" fabric.<br />
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<img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, hat and child" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34881816_2206274369389909_4325631249369530368_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=adea19fbbb8677e209ecf3a3a6140c0b&oe=5C014B2C" /><br />
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<img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, people standing and outdoor" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/34779956_2206272692723410_5735840158503141376_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=92fe7bac64ab857aab662d0dbebe5ea8&oe=5C11C822" /><br />
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I did some experimenting, too. A favorite jersey-knit shirt was irreparably stained, so I took it apart at the seams and used the pieces to fashion a pattern of my own, tweaking it a bit to improve its design. And with leftover fabric and my new gathering-foot gizmo, I made a matching fabric brooch.<br />
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<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/render3.fotofuze.com/main.121836.41776396.L.jpg?2018-08-15%2018:59:20" /><br />
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I did some playing around with a jellyroll purse pattern, which was rather fun. Wish I could remember the designer I bought it from so I could give credit!<br />
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<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/render3.fotofuze.com/main.121836.41776402.L.jpg?2018-08-15%2019:00:26" /><br />
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I made some ditzy living room curtains from some aging atomic era fiberglas drapes that had some holes and snags in them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjD_6Hr9Z-L1v9VSM0oRSQEEbKV5vs9iBQTpToWDRA9xtB7QOlMltVTlvhMqE-HCJ-A_A6d_LTSi4KzFq8Q06gi4x_udtnPy4ESEiKofQ1mGfE_StY_c1XXdvS_2OCjz9A4XtuT0M9nM/s1600/DSCN9560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjD_6Hr9Z-L1v9VSM0oRSQEEbKV5vs9iBQTpToWDRA9xtB7QOlMltVTlvhMqE-HCJ-A_A6d_LTSi4KzFq8Q06gi4x_udtnPy4ESEiKofQ1mGfE_StY_c1XXdvS_2OCjz9A4XtuT0M9nM/s320/DSCN9560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I embroidered a poodle on a t-shirt, using a vintage Vogart iron-on transfer.<br />
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A couple of vintage Vera linen napkins being ignored in a drawer became some snazzy throw pillows.<br />
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<img alt="Image may contain: indoor" src="https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30704735_1747311218668340_2658527302446481408_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2f2f59e0e125009bf769a92d5e3c030d&oe=5C12E7C6" /><br />
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And I had an absolute <i>blast</i> sewing men's boxer shorts for various family members. They were so much fun to sew! These I will <i>not </i>be showing you; a decision I'm sure you will appreciate. There is, after all, such a thing as <i>too much</i> information.<br />
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<br />VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-81966098657651643712017-11-29T10:54:00.003-08:002017-12-01T08:28:55.405-08:00Farm Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuOYUipUoKELCO3HtX2KWOoybL9fIkw8YuQLXLc1BnSTCpRNSlnkKcd-JsE0v8KDzALooSgd1KuDjw8EKWUAX3xpA9GDaizHlouJv_BEuoPC2E51Bi67KX9sdIcNe8woaiLDDushmhvU/s1600/c614c30c9b9d8db3bdd52b6d1e818985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuOYUipUoKELCO3HtX2KWOoybL9fIkw8YuQLXLc1BnSTCpRNSlnkKcd-JsE0v8KDzALooSgd1KuDjw8EKWUAX3xpA9GDaizHlouJv_BEuoPC2E51Bi67KX9sdIcNe8woaiLDDushmhvU/s320/c614c30c9b9d8db3bdd52b6d1e818985.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not All Heroes Are Human</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> He was only a dog, just a plain ordinary dog. He had no pedigree, no papers, he was just a dog. Big and homely, his black and tan hide full of fleas, the lazy hound would never have won a beauty contest, but to his owners, he did not need a handsome appearance to win his way into their hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We saw him for the first time fourteen years ago on a Sunday afternoon, full-grown, lost, lonesome, and hungry. Several of the hogs had managed to escape for their sty, and our ancient collie, Elmer, despite his stiff muscles and aching joints, was trying to herd them back. In spite of our efforts, one or two of them eluded recapture, for old Elmer could not move swiftly enough to do the job. It was then the dog appeared, seeming to have sprung out of nowhere, and proceeded to herd the remaining livestock into their pen for us. He seemed to know from the start what he ought to do, and in no time had completed his task. Of course, we thought the collie, as usual, would send the stray packing, for he never allowed another animal on the farm. To our surprise, he made no hostile moves against the dog, but permitted him to stay. To this day, I think the old fellow knew a good thing when he saw it, for the stray stayed on the farm for fourteen more years.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdcHAodxjLA_vDo2rAg8tsAIfBWk-AsSB-nsNlFW0fwWf7pIifjX1G-eUgO2JlrYfydUAZj6-KOZnTEpFrXel3UTHS_qmOTxnSk85g1AXHSkbUMPDmuVbrj6ZbbCIdCQl3l2tBGFpMEI/s1600/e322ad87887807d87d7e0b06373ddc63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdcHAodxjLA_vDo2rAg8tsAIfBWk-AsSB-nsNlFW0fwWf7pIifjX1G-eUgO2JlrYfydUAZj6-KOZnTEpFrXel3UTHS_qmOTxnSk85g1AXHSkbUMPDmuVbrj6ZbbCIdCQl3l2tBGFpMEI/s320/e322ad87887807d87d7e0b06373ddc63.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If an animal can think, this one did. What uncanny sixth sense told him to aid in rounding up the straying hogs? He seemed to grasp the situation at once, choosing to help, and asking nothing in return. As a result of his actions, the dog won for himself a good home, and all the love he wanted. We named him Harry, gave him a home for life, and never regretted the impulse. Harry, in return, faithfully guarded our livestock, people, and home, and, becoming loyal to his benefactors, was a family pet. He considered himself an important addition to the farm, and decided to make himself at home for life. If we had any qualms about his presence, they were forgotten when the loss of chickens by theft fell to nil from the one time high total of over one hundred at a time. Also, in several weeks, we did not worry about the loss of gasoline from the tank where it was kept for use in the tractor, for Harry kept watch.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m_AOMSRElCQzp5JHrWrbnxfY6EU_8a5zGqgF2G90HaPAkOEwnN_J9sVin-fWY5KfQgFuG15m0aYfTnpChdnUeVjZ2E2U-zrMn6ak8DupNr2O-c7FwWvSRxcamy69ClVCj9pcGt_y5d4/s1600/ca869bd418b95f97dd54d5be7e9dbe7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="564" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m_AOMSRElCQzp5JHrWrbnxfY6EU_8a5zGqgF2G90HaPAkOEwnN_J9sVin-fWY5KfQgFuG15m0aYfTnpChdnUeVjZ2E2U-zrMn6ak8DupNr2O-c7FwWvSRxcamy69ClVCj9pcGt_y5d4/s320/ca869bd418b95f97dd54d5be7e9dbe7c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> A great many lessons had to be learned by the stray, and it was really amusing to watch the old collie teach him right from wrong. For instance, there was the little matter of chickens. Harry, no more than a pup, liked the questionable sport of chicken chasing, though I doubt he would know what to do with one if he caught it. Old Elmer, however, soon cured him of that by biting the dog whenever he started out after a chicken. From then on, however, Harry permitted no one to chase the hens, not even one of us. He had to be penned up on the back porch until the chicken was caught, or it would not be safe for the offending party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> From the day he arrived, it became apparent that Harry loved the presence of children, for he romped in the yard with the younger ones, or roamed the farm with older children. No man could spank a child when Harry was near, for he would simply place his mouth around the person's arm and growl, and, usually, the child was spared his whipping, at least until he could be gotten inside. He stopped more than one of my brothers and sisters from administering discipline to a child, and the youngsters knew they could count on Harry. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_L9ZJ9lABHrU0AZlCGlzQUIOPqFzigd3KI0ij9GyZ_QTYpfzcL1gfm7ciaxMkWlQwgUfUic__qVHjdmVDSMxQueb_gZ-2HAUKAGJ2SirYAcjyLbX6Vj7qEbKGFtjIZvhrbo8G_xig5o/s1600/7b1cfb115d5256de3ffe0dd8dc8625dd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_L9ZJ9lABHrU0AZlCGlzQUIOPqFzigd3KI0ij9GyZ_QTYpfzcL1gfm7ciaxMkWlQwgUfUic__qVHjdmVDSMxQueb_gZ-2HAUKAGJ2SirYAcjyLbX6Vj7qEbKGFtjIZvhrbo8G_xig5o/s320/7b1cfb115d5256de3ffe0dd8dc8625dd.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> One by one they left the farm, and Harry decided he was my mother's dog, following her about the yard, or as she worked in the garden. In the evening he sat by her chair, receiving her caresses as if they were pure gold. When we had to be away for a short time, we always knew Harry would keep her safe. When she walked outside, Harry was there, wagging the long black tail he had situated there like it was a fan. If, as she patted his big, brown head, her hands, tiring, would stop, he gently pushed a wet nose under her hands, begging for more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> He never allowed a stranger in the yard when she was alone, even, at times refusing to admit a neighbor. Sometimes a sharp word from one of us would suffice to stop him from attacking any stranger who came, but other times we had to hold him. Even my nieces and nephews held the big fellow,but woe be it to the stranger who tried to follow suit. It was somewhat unbelievable to see a small child holding the big dog and warning someone that he was dangerous and would bite. Once we let someone into the house, Harry ignored him, but, if the man happened to stop by again some other time, Harry did not great him any different than the first time. Harry knew who was a neighbor, who had no business being there, and who he should admit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The years rolled by, and old Elmer died, leaving only Harry, who developed into quite a notorious character. He was well known in all of Preble County, Ohio (where our farm was located), in Indiana, Kentucky, and other states. Admired by some, hataed by many, and feared by the local population of thieves, Harry's fame kept many persons from attempting to trespass. Several people offered to buy him for use as a watchdog, but, of course, he was not for sale. Despite large amounts of cash which were offered, we could not give up the dog, for he not only was a good watchdog, he also was a family pet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> All the pay he ever wanted was a place to lie his head at night, good meals, and a little love. In return, he was the perfect watchdog, keeping every inch of soil safe from prowlers, tramps, etc. He never forgot one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how far away they moved or how long since he had seen them. Even after he grew old, hard of hearing, and partly blind, he guarded the farm as best he was able, and I know we will never be able to fully appreciate what he did for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When my mother passed away, Harry lay on the porch, not making a sound until someone came to him. Old then, and not able to see as well, he decided he was my father's dog, and guarded him as he had my mother. He was as safe in the yard alone as mother had been, and we knew Harry was on the job. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When part of our farm was used for a highway, Harry was an old dog, but he did not leave my father's side while the workmen were there. Though he did, after a while, make friends with one of the men, Harry still remained wary of letting any of them in. After the highway was finished, our lane, which had been used as a transportation link between the back roads and the new highway, was a shortcut from the highway. People used it with or without permission, observed no speed limits, and ignored no-trespassing signs. Harry would snap at the wheels in an effort to fend them off, but he was frustrated in any further results, for most of them ignored any attempts to stop them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Shortly after the highway was completed, my father passed on I moved to town, and the farm stood empty. For some weeks afterward, all went well. My brother took Harry's food to him twice daily, and the dog had the entire run of the farm. As to his worth as a watchdog, we found that, though he was alone Harry still guarded the farm. One neighbor reported that Harry had chased him from the yard when he came to check on things. Another, who had been told to help himself to as many of the pears as he wanted, said that Harry did not let him out of the car.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Things went along fine for some weeks afterward; then, one day my brother brought Harry's food to him, as usual, but the dog did not meet them at the gate. Worried, the searched for him, finding Harry on the porch, injured. His leg was smashed! Tracks in the lane revealed that a strange episode had taken place. A car, running some fancy curves, had evidently tried to run down the old dog. Taking him to the veterinary, the dog made little sound, for his leg was quite painful. When my brother arrived, the veterinarian said it was too late: Harry, fifteen years old, was too old to recover from his wounds. He was put to sleep, and would suffer no more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I only hope the person(s) who committed such a cowardly action know what they have done and repent. Why any man would deliberately destroy such an animal who never harmed anyone, is beyond me. Harry had always liked children and old people, and refused to harm them or let them be hurt by anyone. Tje man who did that must be a warped individual to let Harry be so badly wounded.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Yes, he was only a dog, just a plain, ordinary dog. We could not claim him as anything else. He was a stray, with no particular pedigree or sign of any recognized breed. Although we had no idea of the ancestry of the dog, he did not need a long pedigree to win his way into our hearts. Harry was a friend of children, loyal to his benefactors, and protectors of my mother and father. He protected livestock, guarded property, watched over my mother and father, and won his way to our hearts. Many humans would be happier people, with more friends, if they were as grateful to those who help them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The farm is occupied by another family now, and Harry no longer roams the land, but somehow I feel that, if I do return some day, he will come bounding up to meet me as he used to do. I do know that none of us will ever be able to add the things he did for us, and never be able to repay him. As I said, not all heroes are of the human variety, and I believe that dog proved my words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">--Margaret House, R. N.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Camden, Ohio</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Note: The above photos of farm dogs and their owners were found on Pinterest, a rich source of fascinating vintage snapshots. This account was written by my husband's aunt, and was found among her papers long after her death. I'm happy to say a photo of the actual Harry was just sent to me so I could add it to this post. This is Harry and my brother-in-law in the early 1950's. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pMKkVokRfi0rD4DLLgfzMor4cxfS_xCsBEbXNmw7YNffy9IIbXN4SVV-kZu99lapdC9bzAdE3zlrKRv2yWB-merLffa2yye3AvP4lHy1WbKZbg1vzeVHBuuju9qufVpH6rJUspWpH70/s1600/main.117944.35563319.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="645" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pMKkVokRfi0rD4DLLgfzMor4cxfS_xCsBEbXNmw7YNffy9IIbXN4SVV-kZu99lapdC9bzAdE3zlrKRv2yWB-merLffa2yye3AvP4lHy1WbKZbg1vzeVHBuuju9qufVpH6rJUspWpH70/s400/main.117944.35563319.L.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Harry, the coon hound, and my brother-in-law, circa 1953; Camden, Ohio.</span></td></tr>
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-46015554669946732142017-09-20T13:14:00.000-07:002017-09-21T09:09:15.014-07:00The Depths of My Depravity: The Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Youthful disdain has a way of biting you in the backside as you grow older. When I think of all the things I mocked and sneered at in my teen and early adult years, and which I now avidly seek and long for, it's a humiliatingly long list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For example, if you had told me in the mid-seventies that one day the sight of a mid-century kitchen dinette set would put me into a gibbering swoon, I'd have rolled my eyes and written you off as a complete crackpot. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1qY0wcH7k_zg3L0t38gYnnXBbpO1E-ZxcIQWdvfN7qY9wNInqrGjIhjqP3cCxIUZh9UV17T8uCGSkmy19TQM9LYiqrvITnwYhrDLWaJHBlbg95fNtAFy0X7yjSRA3DwcNsMDMW6LTbc/s1600/012a981e5c31fb31f3bef4e2773eeeed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1qY0wcH7k_zg3L0t38gYnnXBbpO1E-ZxcIQWdvfN7qY9wNInqrGjIhjqP3cCxIUZh9UV17T8uCGSkmy19TQM9LYiqrvITnwYhrDLWaJHBlbg95fNtAFy0X7yjSRA3DwcNsMDMW6LTbc/s1600/012a981e5c31fb31f3bef4e2773eeeed.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Melamine dishes? Yeah, right. And then one day I came around a corner in a local antique shop and beheld the very same set of pink Melmac dishes my mom used to have (acquired with Green Stamps, if you know what those were) and it was as though Cupid had shot his arrow straight into my rapidly fluttering heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were no holds barred after this--I grabbed up every piece of aging pastel plastic I could lay my hands on.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U020Cwwm9-9mX289jk2TOkbV2sjIWevc4mWVFRheppqOXkYWsQg92pc-JIkx1IIuM34L5jw-Ij9bxV1ie4N5G-4s2QTCT15polsc4pFs1LqWQ4qww0LemwcypK-NcARd_8moijEmc_Y/s1600/DSCN9152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U020Cwwm9-9mX289jk2TOkbV2sjIWevc4mWVFRheppqOXkYWsQg92pc-JIkx1IIuM34L5jw-Ij9bxV1ie4N5G-4s2QTCT15polsc4pFs1LqWQ4qww0LemwcypK-NcARd_8moijEmc_Y/s400/DSCN9152.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't call our place "Melmac Paradise" for nothing!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gravel art? Paint-by-number art? Don't get me started! Yeah, I've got it. In spades.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k8HKU_i6q9ncHVU2UTO0vyfz9YX_uLlJTgwK16aHdFQo0ACPx65X_BlbUI3xKNK3G7B2nCvjIO4_aq-UUPhfAIsMreRT_Uh5_7czbg7hKJGDWId49enchyphenhyphen8cxfwFDrfeg0MuVmmjp-8/s1600/DSCN8310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8k8HKU_i6q9ncHVU2UTO0vyfz9YX_uLlJTgwK16aHdFQo0ACPx65X_BlbUI3xKNK3G7B2nCvjIO4_aq-UUPhfAIsMreRT_Uh5_7czbg7hKJGDWId49enchyphenhyphen8cxfwFDrfeg0MuVmmjp-8/s640/DSCN8310.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2016/04/she-thought-it-was-ordinary-blog-post.html">http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2016/04/she-thought-it-was-ordinary-blog-post.html</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But nowhere are the real depths of my kitsch-loving depravity laid quite so bare as in the maniacal acquisition of mid-century artificial flowers. <i>Plastic</i> flowers, to be precise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">W</span><span style="font-size: large;">hen I think of the withering scorn these hated hokey horrors used to elicit, and my present doting fondness for them, I can only shake my head and wonder: <i>What was I thinking not to have been converted to them sooner???!!!! </i>I LOVE this stuff!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziOJxoZIZm2J-6xt6vx5AqRq6b7rs37tKT3JB7NC8PL0pkXOk1s1w9_4aBD91iGxaQOQwj2pb3z6WGL1KRZ6u6rwws4876EVhv7jG_J8YVFPQgkV9aLfVJb9pTYieT-mIhuPRP6W1Csk/s1600/BeFunky+Collage+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziOJxoZIZm2J-6xt6vx5AqRq6b7rs37tKT3JB7NC8PL0pkXOk1s1w9_4aBD91iGxaQOQwj2pb3z6WGL1KRZ6u6rwws4876EVhv7jG_J8YVFPQgkV9aLfVJb9pTYieT-mIhuPRP6W1Csk/s640/BeFunky+Collage+flowers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic mid-century flowers, some sold, some still available at <a href="http://sheertrashroadshow.etsy.com/">SheerTrashRoadshow.etsy.com</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not sure when the transition occurred. I grew up across the road from a cemetery where I saw plastic flowers (and despised them) on a daily basis, so maybe it's a nostalgia thing. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7it10X65soKw5s0ZBDJRMnGY-fE72fbUJSpL2Mhluwv_Jkvd9TmPxJ7TP9_qlaiO9RSsEL5Jv53z-v2Ime7jnxiCxweFxi6ZhcZvclxvFUayNaQfCUKtU3aELsev3MJ-bR4NAjoFU04/s1600/91774908249a7bd70fb77187a4dd0a23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7it10X65soKw5s0ZBDJRMnGY-fE72fbUJSpL2Mhluwv_Jkvd9TmPxJ7TP9_qlaiO9RSsEL5Jv53z-v2Ime7jnxiCxweFxi6ZhcZvclxvFUayNaQfCUKtU3aELsev3MJ-bR4NAjoFU04/s320/91774908249a7bd70fb77187a4dd0a23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graves adorned with plastic flowers were <i>de rigueur</i> in the 1960's. Most of them didn't look this good!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or maybe it's because here in my little nook in the Pacific Northwest, if it weren't for fake flowers I'd rarely see anything in bloom. But whatever the reason, I've gone full circle and now clutch these things to my beating heart whenever I'm lucky enough to find them, which is not as often as you might think, by the way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's only been in the last couple of months that I've started listing some of my overflow for sale in my Etsy shop, and I've been amazed at how much of it has sold. Apparently I'm not the only tasteless clod! Seriously, these things are selling like proverbial hotcakes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've managed to reduce my hoard by about half, but further than this I don't know if I care to go. I'm clinging tenaciously to my favorites, most of which are orange, yellow, or blue.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFvavBrXRd8hK0akODotHS-I8n2Y2_GlMDVGEhi_qi7wEMjZmnB_Z_HGu_QgmeYjbJv9DOmRRUb6JuJicM731lHOSnjgRK88bGDx-uRPGVQQk_-I2JnvMCcDZrE0GDIRi3ET52BjyMU/s1600/main.117944.33473445.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFvavBrXRd8hK0akODotHS-I8n2Y2_GlMDVGEhi_qi7wEMjZmnB_Z_HGu_QgmeYjbJv9DOmRRUb6JuJicM731lHOSnjgRK88bGDx-uRPGVQQk_-I2JnvMCcDZrE0GDIRi3ET52BjyMU/s320/main.117944.33473445.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssdvR97LB8982kMBfHJBmvCSmFfxDsmYWQ6lGLkrw_QH7C5oiy-aQhCDIob4mz8G7H2LaWIcoPEOaJJ6F6J629CjeU5kHt-RIrSJvZWApeX6Yuj6Nw_sJKzTGc_mUafp-_A1abw3S0eY/s1600/main.117944.33473450.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssdvR97LB8982kMBfHJBmvCSmFfxDsmYWQ6lGLkrw_QH7C5oiy-aQhCDIob4mz8G7H2LaWIcoPEOaJJ6F6J629CjeU5kHt-RIrSJvZWApeX6Yuj6Nw_sJKzTGc_mUafp-_A1abw3S0eY/s320/main.117944.33473450.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are two views of my biggest, boldest plastic flowers--poppies! They're massive, each blossom being about 9 inches across. I've got five or six of these orange ones, and somewhere around here I have a couple of white ones as well. It was a red-letter day when I found these at a thrift shop.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeoXhEMlXjamgjRN0t3RqjqnLb8O2hCbX6mT8bHggtQodx1Gvnhw4Eu8358rQTPmPUCuH-ErnjRa_beIlVsW3fgoS9wDfgFUHBJ23fGHewa4tBmr3K5tuPBprbAKM0K7RtrCQONdaRBk/s1600/main.117944.33468383.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeoXhEMlXjamgjRN0t3RqjqnLb8O2hCbX6mT8bHggtQodx1Gvnhw4Eu8358rQTPmPUCuH-ErnjRa_beIlVsW3fgoS9wDfgFUHBJ23fGHewa4tBmr3K5tuPBprbAKM0K7RtrCQONdaRBk/s640/main.117944.33468383.L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Size isn't everything, though. These petite yellow roses, mums, and orange marigolds are very special, also. I was particularly jazzed to find the marigolds--the only ones I've ever come across.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF5tCRzFWuJcqZBJCmdsEpwlfkmXdlNp8_-N6cZSLnworMZHOZAXw-QhtIgK2GLBY4K0lxIKF569Dc4WJyAKErCy9mqlkjfE2jIsMPhwGp4Zqqi3jyeQhlpadwZZBMqLoNnUQ9KbycGM/s1600/main.117944.33522029.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTF5tCRzFWuJcqZBJCmdsEpwlfkmXdlNp8_-N6cZSLnworMZHOZAXw-QhtIgK2GLBY4K0lxIKF569Dc4WJyAKErCy9mqlkjfE2jIsMPhwGp4Zqqi3jyeQhlpadwZZBMqLoNnUQ9KbycGM/s400/main.117944.33522029.L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This bunch of peach and orange blossoms is waiting patiently on my mantle, until I can figure out what exactly I'm going to do with them. I found them jammed into an ugly piece of aging floral foam and arrayed in a hideous basket, sitting forlornly and unwanted amongst the freebies at a garage sale. They were grimy and dusty, but I could see their potential so I nabbed them. Once home I ripped them from the ugly green foam and gave them a sudsy soaking in my kitchen sink. Now they look marvelous! (Well, <i>I</i> think so, anyway.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrI133BcgYBTJ1XP2JK7w_oRgwL1xM3mhWxttznAtIofLfi7nhkvvRAv0Z0XD6kxjnVscJAB4YQRh2tHvdM8Sl09ja9izZG3wjoc60GMg0oNCEd4LVt8GXKty4-NMx4625mvtPL2PaMU/s1600/main.117944.33473620.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrI133BcgYBTJ1XP2JK7w_oRgwL1xM3mhWxttznAtIofLfi7nhkvvRAv0Z0XD6kxjnVscJAB4YQRh2tHvdM8Sl09ja9izZG3wjoc60GMg0oNCEd4LVt8GXKty4-NMx4625mvtPL2PaMU/s640/main.117944.33473620.L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now while orange is my passion, this mixed posy of blue plastic flowers is delightful, too. Look at those little blue bachelor's buttons top and center! Cute as cute can be.</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf45wW_HjDzZetqKRPfrAxAA2nqj9nZlAc_VJM1O8rUICzsE5fG0BzPIzHMYEHuhzeAORgY_rmCyqbR-0l4AHD7aSt3aMTlWhCI2K_0wWKrXEXq33QrkUidvZEBm20YJfHZTTWfoAz8_s/s1600/main.117944.33473432.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf45wW_HjDzZetqKRPfrAxAA2nqj9nZlAc_VJM1O8rUICzsE5fG0BzPIzHMYEHuhzeAORgY_rmCyqbR-0l4AHD7aSt3aMTlWhCI2K_0wWKrXEXq33QrkUidvZEBm20YJfHZTTWfoAz8_s/s640/main.117944.33473432.L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here we have orange, yellow, and blue plastic flowers together. I love this little arrangement!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPqufi32VW-us89T-sz2nTZrujybPfdruz2aq0dgz9qqElUAGekFNMuNNwD1V0z85BRsPtqLHg-DTw_1KxwaJbz08P9KvtQzM2w8JqoNVR0dURIp2QrjhcvTbJ48_2_7U3fYwyz7ZAys/s1600/main.117944.33522051.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPqufi32VW-us89T-sz2nTZrujybPfdruz2aq0dgz9qqElUAGekFNMuNNwD1V0z85BRsPtqLHg-DTw_1KxwaJbz08P9KvtQzM2w8JqoNVR0dURIp2QrjhcvTbJ48_2_7U3fYwyz7ZAys/s640/main.117944.33522051.L.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">these</i><span style="font-size: large;"> are some of the most unusual of my fake flowers--chrysanthemums in rare hues of green and turquoise. I may list them; I may not. Time alone will tell.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjg_eLKU8U2qQ4YajRS5F7ccv0qtzwflqcSzcNtfsD1l1sQfSSdiOM8GBssrrZJXXtXxOjX5OYgTzr7j7EKcKpb0Xup3WdQ6VD2lQ_XxgiwhjcGjJH84ImqCfZaxHUUbNFlbIA1AHaL4/s1600/DSCN5613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjg_eLKU8U2qQ4YajRS5F7ccv0qtzwflqcSzcNtfsD1l1sQfSSdiOM8GBssrrZJXXtXxOjX5OYgTzr7j7EKcKpb0Xup3WdQ6VD2lQ_XxgiwhjcGjJH84ImqCfZaxHUUbNFlbIA1AHaL4/s400/DSCN5613.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another plastic flower wonder of mine was found in a garage sale free box--or rather, placed right beside the free box. I clutched it to my beating bosom with rapture and exclamations of joy that truly startled and alarmed the seller, but--oh well! Not my fault if someone doesn't recognize the desirability of their junk.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJu0ejQAPMiD4MWLjFkyFYnkRxB4HR-8zs7iA_zqUzr7dgHapPgoz-W7xokMBGHdPLUtMmaz_dHdEpsO5EfMQWS5WShkR4a_KoQ1UGxWvSWFTsW-qnaRg2jJPrDLGVAPEqiREDcbk61g/s1600/DSCN5754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJu0ejQAPMiD4MWLjFkyFYnkRxB4HR-8zs7iA_zqUzr7dgHapPgoz-W7xokMBGHdPLUtMmaz_dHdEpsO5EfMQWS5WShkR4a_KoQ1UGxWvSWFTsW-qnaRg2jJPrDLGVAPEqiREDcbk61g/s640/DSCN5754.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my freebie footstool!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This inflatable wonder is what's known as a "terrarium ottoman". And since I'm not about to let go of mine, here's one available from another Etsy seller (just in case you're in a swoon of envy):</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLXtHl54-MhaljRpS3citu0_EzbmMYcJsS9T59LXjBlxgqLt_e3u5zRP9AsGNSniNjYnTq6rLNnei-S05oRllwTOWy7uCiOXC0U8CitDABmT7Vd235OdWxtiwjSGeNWMNWAczgLxL10k/s1600/il_570xN.1335097803_to0i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLXtHl54-MhaljRpS3citu0_EzbmMYcJsS9T59LXjBlxgqLt_e3u5zRP9AsGNSniNjYnTq6rLNnei-S05oRllwTOWy7uCiOXC0U8CitDABmT7Vd235OdWxtiwjSGeNWMNWAczgLxL10k/s320/il_570xN.1335097803_to0i.jpg" width="320" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/541919924/vintage-inflatable-terrarium-footstool">www.etsy.com/listing/541919924/vintage-inflatable-terrarium-footstool</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, my most serious breach of self-respect came at an estate sale this past summer. Hidden in the corner of a dark garage, up on a shelf and nearly out of sight, was the most disgustingly dirty and cobweb-covered plastic pot imaginable. Drooping dejectedly over the side were three grubby plastic chains and a bevy of bedraggled, nasty-looking plastic blossoms. Even my stalwart junking buddy, Claudia, was aghast when I fished it out and proposed buying it. Why it hadn't been hurled into a landfill decades ago is anyone's guess, but I decided it was worth trying to salvage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I shamefacedly purchased it for twenty-five cents or so (actually I should have insisted the seller pay me to take it, but I was already too embarrassed to consider doing any haggling.) Once I had it home I stashed it on the back porch for several days, being too mortified to face what I'd brought home. But eventually I steeled myself to the disgusting task and proceeded to soak and gently scrub it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In retrospect, I should have taken a photo of it in its original gruesome state, but somehow I couldn't face the prospect of so graphically revealing the depths of my collecting depravity. I know you want to see how it turned out... Here I happily unveil it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9r-Y7nMEhWqTvuGrKiKewKFPN6gi4bIkG2fzUbR-g_4iFhUGbaOeDPHmipkhv5JgzaSLCtZEY9Au1YAA7W__6WVWNeLFgFJiuHokI-rTclHdwb2WQfTJ5h2Nh4PGsKQl33PR2vbhlVk/s1600/main.117944.33660680.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9r-Y7nMEhWqTvuGrKiKewKFPN6gi4bIkG2fzUbR-g_4iFhUGbaOeDPHmipkhv5JgzaSLCtZEY9Au1YAA7W__6WVWNeLFgFJiuHokI-rTclHdwb2WQfTJ5h2Nh4PGsKQl33PR2vbhlVk/s640/main.117944.33660680.L.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, the basket isn't still dirty; this is the original "antiqued" contrast color.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Voila! </i>It's now one of my very favorite plastic pieces. Love the lovely blush-pink roses cascading over the sides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All right. I've laid bare my soul. Feel free now to share your own eccentricity. I won't snicker--too much! </span><span style="font-size: large;">I promise.</span><br />
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<br />VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-76480860863052069822017-09-06T16:46:00.000-07:002017-09-08T18:38:19.326-07:00An Ill Wind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"> 'Tis an ill wind that blows no one good.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy1kKpseiusg4irLzec_cmO0funXeZp_jALDZKqH968DAC6Hho2YYQs0k3rzaBlSO89z2hjw-T2AzIUj16_ODhr_3UtPHmEBe0659hJNAEsa6PSPua5Plm8U7dPKkVaZIQPURKwMAXqo/s1600/21314756_942161612603026_6331398225976690720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy1kKpseiusg4irLzec_cmO0funXeZp_jALDZKqH968DAC6Hho2YYQs0k3rzaBlSO89z2hjw-T2AzIUj16_ODhr_3UtPHmEBe0659hJNAEsa6PSPua5Plm8U7dPKkVaZIQPURKwMAXqo/s1600/21314756_942161612603026_6331398225976690720_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been an edgy week here in southwest Washington, as our record-breaking dry conditions have finally culminated in raging brush and forest fires throughout the region. My little neck of the woods is not directly threatened at this point, but everyone is walking on proverbial eggshells, knowing the smallest spark could set off a conflagration. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over 100 years ago, this area was the scene of a devastating fire that destroyed over 200,000 acres of timber and took 38 lives, the "Yacolt Burn" of 1902 (http://<a href="http://www.historylink.org/File/5196">www.historylink.org/File/5196</a>). It was, in fact, the largest recorded forest fire in Washington state's history, and the scars of that destruction are still visible today, and though most of the evidence is mouldering away and grown over, we residents are wary that it could easily happen again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So far, we've been spared anything more troubling than fine ash sifting down from weirdly yellow skies, an eerie blood-orange sun, and the omnipresent haze and smell of wood smoke, driven by east winds up the Columbia River Gorge and funneling into our valley. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But yesterday, something unexpected and wonderful happened as a result of this upheaval: I had a garden visitor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQI6Wda_g5FcHRE67NObRO3-9sM2UxPSTc_wAlVfbt2XM0gUPbQitwd6orpxmn9NhFqvxU6sqtyDxYH_fE79-MHxLSizxKfywOMLJKxxaZpn0b5bZtClclVIG1Fxr5bK9XN5jPFo6W_PI/s1600/DSCN5486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQI6Wda_g5FcHRE67NObRO3-9sM2UxPSTc_wAlVfbt2XM0gUPbQitwd6orpxmn9NhFqvxU6sqtyDxYH_fE79-MHxLSizxKfywOMLJKxxaZpn0b5bZtClclVIG1Fxr5bK9XN5jPFo6W_PI/s400/DSCN5486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the first monarch butterfly I've seen in this part of the country, and I've lived here since the mid-seventies. My husband (the amateur naturalist) saw it first, and came in with some excitement to report what he'd seen. I dashed right out, and sure enough--a monarch, dining daintily among the zinnias, gloriosa daisies, and calendulas. Wonder of wonders!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been hanging out here today, as well, and I managed to capture a few photos, though it seems a bit leery of my getting too close. While there's no way of knowing for sure, we can think of no other explanation than that this pretty creature was blown here by the east wind, made more powerful than usual from the intense thermal activity of the fires in the eastern part of the state. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQskoAg9IbtcRqgtCqsa7Vd9GaDak9c98JOU6RbaD9icewUCTyFYHd3aaMcp0AZFlch3zuaJ9p2nO7jLDVxDiDLx2fGrsfN0Zaf0vNK91F9hK6spzl3w4kxl5NwnDAjtkZLQnVDAfkxU/s1600/DSCN5484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQskoAg9IbtcRqgtCqsa7Vd9GaDak9c98JOU6RbaD9icewUCTyFYHd3aaMcp0AZFlch3zuaJ9p2nO7jLDVxDiDLx2fGrsfN0Zaf0vNK91F9hK6spzl3w4kxl5NwnDAjtkZLQnVDAfkxU/s400/DSCN5484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This photo gives you some idea how dry it is here--that's my lawn in the background--<br />or what's left of it after three months with virtually no rain.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was excited about the sighting and made the mistake of sharing the info on a local chat site, eliciting a variety of condescending remarks intended to set me straight on the matter of a monarch's rarity in this region. Apparently my remark struck most of the folks who read it as though it was the babbling of the village idiot. I even received a photo to prove my ignorance:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiEl8ecF3rSToIJFpAUSrR3m5zqbWV5LhL-f5_1YIeH-WvwW7BEh0IjRzZNMZyGgqUO85ome_Rp1wPga5LFYL2048cnVeNKuY2BKqmdQM6a7assDDLXDUC_7lELr7NtD7TO7Cb_0Gsso/s1600/th+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="238" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiEl8ecF3rSToIJFpAUSrR3m5zqbWV5LhL-f5_1YIeH-WvwW7BEh0IjRzZNMZyGgqUO85ome_Rp1wPga5LFYL2048cnVeNKuY2BKqmdQM6a7assDDLXDUC_7lELr7NtD7TO7Cb_0Gsso/s400/th+%25288%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was compelled to point out that this, though a beautiful butterfly indeed, was <i>not</i> a monarch but a swallowtail, and that if anyone was seeing monarchs, it was a fluke as we have no milkweed plants here for them to lay their eggs on. There was a noticeable drop in the online sniggering after that.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO04Kh-36qfLg0dtypY2Gy6zAwquEWx5ls1cAC4i-W32TUfste8ZY6M5ChM78bDS-4ABIbKRSPwBfCVmbeoJdDmn5LUIQpdOsrKOFCa0REeYUparbfLZwepHrf495TiUTQeFeHyt4Jz8/s1600/th+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO04Kh-36qfLg0dtypY2Gy6zAwquEWx5ls1cAC4i-W32TUfste8ZY6M5ChM78bDS-4ABIbKRSPwBfCVmbeoJdDmn5LUIQpdOsrKOFCa0REeYUparbfLZwepHrf495TiUTQeFeHyt4Jz8/s1600/th+%25289%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, my husband did some research and found an intriguing article about a Portland, Oregon woman who planted milkweed plants in the hopes of luring monarchs to the area. Maybe I got one of her hatchlings!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/06/monarchs_reappear_in_portland.html">http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/06/monarchs_reappear_in_portland.html</a></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Pv7yVfvEDzk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pv7yVfvEDzk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_HsSs2xusIYqNtPhOWdk74VZ_lM_zUgk9aWwClSIplWunVaC8GNbJyx0GnGIQqxD7FchJZxV4A632VfOeU4i3dPkMM1dCeknP3nYVIP23O7BTHaahVcY5HeQMMMUz5yHPG7tqJl1olE/s1600/il_570xN.799972977_f9yt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="570" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_HsSs2xusIYqNtPhOWdk74VZ_lM_zUgk9aWwClSIplWunVaC8GNbJyx0GnGIQqxD7FchJZxV4A632VfOeU4i3dPkMM1dCeknP3nYVIP23O7BTHaahVcY5HeQMMMUz5yHPG7tqJl1olE/s320/il_570xN.799972977_f9yt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/240079184/1984-smokey-the-bear-40th-birthday-pin">www.etsy.com/listing/240079184/1984-smokey-the-bear-40th-birthday-pin</a></td></tr>
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If you're interested in helping monarch butterflies increase in numbers, you can purchase milkweed pods/seeds from this (and other) Etsy sellers:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh93ZhdtrKMo8JtAggR2KDnlftryGRrIGX17szIsRsIt-2JHRt7Y3xhDNGFl5zzJoP_5ihzXsD1M9LQPbdO9LfLovpJPXFY6eT3ZOnjB3yp3D2jV2JTvSZ7kPGbnzcGB7ZziNipZbL1cY/s1600/il_570xN.1038746418_9368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh93ZhdtrKMo8JtAggR2KDnlftryGRrIGX17szIsRsIt-2JHRt7Y3xhDNGFl5zzJoP_5ihzXsD1M9LQPbdO9LfLovpJPXFY6eT3ZOnjB3yp3D2jV2JTvSZ7kPGbnzcGB7ZziNipZbL1cY/s320/il_570xN.1038746418_9368.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw15PrwCQD_vZwN92XKPCwD06uLBrb10la5gcA1UiNWFBZWnTw2P5mSfshmcmRkhzlelgxBoycrMRjivu9Y5S2kfCfGOkJiQtlAgun1slj2zilYzZ_UcPGMEFyKubGB4lOGySgAGNEhKw/s1600/il_570xN.1085298221_kx6t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="570" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw15PrwCQD_vZwN92XKPCwD06uLBrb10la5gcA1UiNWFBZWnTw2P5mSfshmcmRkhzlelgxBoycrMRjivu9Y5S2kfCfGOkJiQtlAgun1slj2zilYzZ_UcPGMEFyKubGB4lOGySgAGNEhKw/s320/il_570xN.1085298221_kx6t.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_736041480"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPicnsfromNature">www.etsy.com/shop/SweetPicnsfromNature</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/463593694/5-milkweed-pods-with-seeds-for-butterfly">www.etsy.com/listing/463593694/5-milkweed-pods-with-seeds-for-butterfly</a><br />
<br />VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-19501290089341837492017-08-01T11:38:00.001-07:002017-08-01T11:38:15.243-07:00THEM!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJew0btESe_GEy44nPWk4FyZqxQq6PAZ4ksGmSEADrrBksnLJUiyonTZ6j2YCHyxPnay58xzB9UdI3YnL-cvBOOZ-LGyUU0WiAwuaftfcAnZeha60HKpOSIBj2n3Ffh4KD5L89r4KVKgw/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="225" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJew0btESe_GEy44nPWk4FyZqxQq6PAZ4ksGmSEADrrBksnLJUiyonTZ6j2YCHyxPnay58xzB9UdI3YnL-cvBOOZ-LGyUU0WiAwuaftfcAnZeha60HKpOSIBj2n3Ffh4KD5L89r4KVKgw/s640/th.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last week on facebook I posted a series of photo examples* of the many miserable monkey-themed torments which were routinely inflicted upon Baby Boomer-era kids. It's one of my theories as to why the world is the way it is today. It's difficult to undo that kind of psychological trauma and its long-term ramifications.<br />
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But worse, far worse, than the monkey madness was the damage wreaked by the diabolical child abuse torture known as <i>clown cruelty.</i> I can only surmise that, having endured the physical and emotional scars of World War II, our post-war parents unwittingly sought to dilute their own pain by deflecting some of it off on their offspring. It was a case of being born at the wrong time.<br />
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This insidious practice typically began in infancy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QjrMOU3Wt36BowUEMctWNieBVbvDgHyEcDapK1IG30WRFwpEta_WjiQTXnviZ0MFUKGlF6fuYgdwqO5GjUTK4ehytyjPseVA85MSdNGp2y2RhrEAkgChbFlbak6dgYDWbORTgob9cOM/s1600/b390625857b14b997b8d8056f0ba92dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QjrMOU3Wt36BowUEMctWNieBVbvDgHyEcDapK1IG30WRFwpEta_WjiQTXnviZ0MFUKGlF6fuYgdwqO5GjUTK4ehytyjPseVA85MSdNGp2y2RhrEAkgChbFlbak6dgYDWbORTgob9cOM/s400/b390625857b14b997b8d8056f0ba92dc.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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There were clown baby bottles. So much more nurturing than a silly old-fashioned <i>mother.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLeCAIyV92w_4RgNTtvccvftaXJxP4siFM-XugsWeicBXBmAkWf7FxRl-RhqGwcya0NfwEf_dierpOGdyWxKDh0WSQLixSvnVeq9CK-NtdyY29TJzUjX9Bs7hfOmuFii9WtRqqNu6c6I/s1600/5938420f41c7d90f833b30d419b823c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="150" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLeCAIyV92w_4RgNTtvccvftaXJxP4siFM-XugsWeicBXBmAkWf7FxRl-RhqGwcya0NfwEf_dierpOGdyWxKDh0WSQLixSvnVeq9CK-NtdyY29TJzUjX9Bs7hfOmuFii9WtRqqNu6c6I/s400/5938420f41c7d90f833b30d419b823c9.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Crib blankets and nursery decor were rife with the hideous creatures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5f3frQD1pwa4bSi9bhc9IX0FZT4vu80vRdFjDLcx6op8_OMbHW4Vea-lJovFfQ0jERbncHF-w90BfMmLOaztUnaVWyj0xfr3wyoT5ih6HmQs3tvMFUVqDFnJFACkGHtgi31GRdM4iTU/s1600/5bbdae9fcd6a1a52dd3b015aba8a2a12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5f3frQD1pwa4bSi9bhc9IX0FZT4vu80vRdFjDLcx6op8_OMbHW4Vea-lJovFfQ0jERbncHF-w90BfMmLOaztUnaVWyj0xfr3wyoT5ih6HmQs3tvMFUVqDFnJFACkGHtgi31GRdM4iTU/s400/5bbdae9fcd6a1a52dd3b015aba8a2a12.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There were clown rattles to hang in the crib. (Choking on one of the small parts was the only option to limit one's exposure.) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXUcod9KVKVIvaxUBW6oSKCHHNOMUD4RkF6RA5Utqt_XFk8ceeeTlvArNUZpkk95fxiDiLVf4sssgjV1vE0BhipZ7RK2d_YbYvKloClONhMjb-B2gg5XWBIH-qBbRavZwh-3zduVRSfQ/s1600/44a33e8263c1c1dba3f45645643c8ac2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXUcod9KVKVIvaxUBW6oSKCHHNOMUD4RkF6RA5Utqt_XFk8ceeeTlvArNUZpkk95fxiDiLVf4sssgjV1vE0BhipZ7RK2d_YbYvKloClONhMjb-B2gg5XWBIH-qBbRavZwh-3zduVRSfQ/s400/44a33e8263c1c1dba3f45645643c8ac2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggPMq1u8ZPOypOk-c97deFCc-wH27Pvop9Dbtphuwa7RSMWjar2VMNPbLFfBBWe4EnwoK2FcZD3ISmp6mD4HL-IBwje4ON-BSVPFANEbjGHMv45Gjd2kBe_xx_U8WGmzb4rrr7EaxDb0/s1600/il_570xN.1276313903_20hx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggPMq1u8ZPOypOk-c97deFCc-wH27Pvop9Dbtphuwa7RSMWjar2VMNPbLFfBBWe4EnwoK2FcZD3ISmp6mD4HL-IBwje4ON-BSVPFANEbjGHMv45Gjd2kBe_xx_U8WGmzb4rrr7EaxDb0/s400/il_570xN.1276313903_20hx.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/399779315/15-off-retro-creepy-rocking-bobble-clown">www.etsy.com/listing/399779315/15-off-retro-creepy-rocking-bobble-clown</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sinister floppy clown toys were designed to leer alarmingly at baby during naptime. These were typically produced by the dozens for church and school bazaars by seemingly sweet grandmotherly types whose intentions remain unclear.<br />
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Even the nightlights and nursery lamps were clown-themed. (You'll notice how many of us are still afraid of the dark.)<br />
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But the torture didn't end in infancy.<br />
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Once we were on solid food, we ate with clowns.<br />
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Clown cereal for breakfast...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV3r4iDgG7IicxT5zPvJ3xp-cQVkIgklGk4zZgzpf_F0u_-3hsy4RQgy2t4_Nfve194uZ3SI0BFsUhYWoYogJHOEhHV_pjkXm-CzK7R6zLZ0bvEsKgwQMxeTbFHsNapbx3mE5GQ_SYuE/s1600/35a244f72b7a02e9401d65ec4f348cd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV3r4iDgG7IicxT5zPvJ3xp-cQVkIgklGk4zZgzpf_F0u_-3hsy4RQgy2t4_Nfve194uZ3SI0BFsUhYWoYogJHOEhHV_pjkXm-CzK7R6zLZ0bvEsKgwQMxeTbFHsNapbx3mE5GQ_SYuE/s400/35a244f72b7a02e9401d65ec4f348cd1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Served to us in clown dishes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoO7Y4wBTqvYIUsVWXIpSzBoETys7y9TYsYml1Ur9m7cgqzHWygexRLwLkgMkHFDcRRJIm421_DXnl-YaW91D9cI9HLXQxWt_7cpK-P_g7SLyoffWRSXm4b6G6nL2pG6EgMEl2TdZOok/s1600/64cad298be335126dc8989bd340db803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoO7Y4wBTqvYIUsVWXIpSzBoETys7y9TYsYml1Ur9m7cgqzHWygexRLwLkgMkHFDcRRJIm421_DXnl-YaW91D9cI9HLXQxWt_7cpK-P_g7SLyoffWRSXm4b6G6nL2pG6EgMEl2TdZOok/s320/64cad298be335126dc8989bd340db803.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With, to keep us company in our high chair, yet another clown.<br />
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After breakfast, we were plopped in front of the television to watch the morning spate of kiddie programs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1Pg43mhnY8Y32jbDdw_l8u7G251U1X6yQS_nZuo3eBdZA8sQrDiFO-1-ac9GOJKCcbSreeamSO1-fetJJgq8ggWUCKGRzdautStRF0yabtIl3iglndycCNBJbt_UYJoft4q4J1M-DrI/s1600/50aa4ad448cbd93c0b9e9b29b63eb0eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1Pg43mhnY8Y32jbDdw_l8u7G251U1X6yQS_nZuo3eBdZA8sQrDiFO-1-ac9GOJKCcbSreeamSO1-fetJJgq8ggWUCKGRzdautStRF0yabtIl3iglndycCNBJbt_UYJoft4q4J1M-DrI/s320/50aa4ad448cbd93c0b9e9b29b63eb0eb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
From Romper Room...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5KwGOzt5nRPvBKaEpifPgCJh8EYAs8rKikaDThXto5LSG69bvy3IfOURNTOG4BYmQc_fb5aGPQ0k3XTiP9wHGfFGE_rnlp1L3ZRdjPo80RWEQZqodef2AVNDIUlVQZXZ_m8hVLMFy3k/s1600/howdy-doody-clara-thd-clown-and-buf-bob_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="359" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5KwGOzt5nRPvBKaEpifPgCJh8EYAs8rKikaDThXto5LSG69bvy3IfOURNTOG4BYmQc_fb5aGPQ0k3XTiP9wHGfFGE_rnlp1L3ZRdjPo80RWEQZqodef2AVNDIUlVQZXZ_m8hVLMFy3k/s320/howdy-doody-clara-thd-clown-and-buf-bob_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
...to Howdy Doody...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCztSBjPtzEWBfBLSn_XSdyefV2P7luyatt89jjDM2jhodvAAcHfS5ND8Vu7khaePY4tKOMSxjhSkTauTOVoCK5m5gDjdHplMYpVoDxu_toPzq4UvHNnu5nBlseCf409Ve4nRleKuZSSI/s1600/0a359acc01c0d145c80a5271eae794f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCztSBjPtzEWBfBLSn_XSdyefV2P7luyatt89jjDM2jhodvAAcHfS5ND8Vu7khaePY4tKOMSxjhSkTauTOVoCK5m5gDjdHplMYpVoDxu_toPzq4UvHNnu5nBlseCf409Ve4nRleKuZSSI/s640/0a359acc01c0d145c80a5271eae794f6.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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..to that nadir of ghastly boredom and grotesque dreariness, Bozo the Clown.<br />
<br />
We kiddos were understandably cranky by that time, so Mom lulled us into an uneasy afternoon sleep by reading to us. About clowns.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z13PxOXV3QONoJKglYi_iPgmtUfWKGXihegtJfZcF2i5_xCzWKCIF3lwDUVWJcbUjV6AxvDeXSlw_WXi1HXLN1-mjZBamOUjOlDRZ3YXZTT14c5D6_D-OhpaUGDEnIGkQMQBh-OKugI/s1600/il_570xN.509268733_hcom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z13PxOXV3QONoJKglYi_iPgmtUfWKGXihegtJfZcF2i5_xCzWKCIF3lwDUVWJcbUjV6AxvDeXSlw_WXi1HXLN1-mjZBamOUjOlDRZ3YXZTT14c5D6_D-OhpaUGDEnIGkQMQBh-OKugI/s640/il_570xN.509268733_hcom.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/164763454/big-book-of-the-circus-1951-vintage">www.etsy.com/listing/164763454/big-book-of-the-circus-1951-vintage</a></td></tr>
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When we awoke, we were patted on the head and encouraged to play.<br />
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With <i>clowns</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDuewyJNibyXZhyphenhyphenPItoVmVx1SuBcUWqMQyfg1QdQmom8GKqQQdXYFuRQWNq1Co4Ru6lsi6_Yo5o-2qYK7pOyF-UoSBFabVIAOXY8RRhtd9Rl9BEmuCdbqUSSJSAD6TNOYBwpfMdhETcI/s1600/il_570xN.1284930989_i5lv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDuewyJNibyXZhyphenhyphenPItoVmVx1SuBcUWqMQyfg1QdQmom8GKqQQdXYFuRQWNq1Co4Ru6lsi6_Yo5o-2qYK7pOyF-UoSBFabVIAOXY8RRhtd9Rl9BEmuCdbqUSSJSAD6TNOYBwpfMdhETcI/s400/il_570xN.1284930989_i5lv.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/399779315/15-off-retro-creepy-rocking-bobble-clown">www.etsy.com/listing/399779315/15-off-retro-creepy-rocking-bobble-clown</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAzxn5H7-lZsu9WioMpw-ImKCmWhfvl_-dBkjKJAHEnIvEn5tB0pQrcPsLsRkjcQWgwC8RMNJno6upduA06gMzaTD-GuKzLgnps9iudhWh3ClZlZELZHeWOd4GNhndQu5LDuxVo4-QyI/s1600/il_570xN.795422367_2s8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAzxn5H7-lZsu9WioMpw-ImKCmWhfvl_-dBkjKJAHEnIvEn5tB0pQrcPsLsRkjcQWgwC8RMNJno6upduA06gMzaTD-GuKzLgnps9iudhWh3ClZlZELZHeWOd4GNhndQu5LDuxVo4-QyI/s400/il_570xN.795422367_2s8f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/239027294/mid-century-clown-tin-tambourine-circus">www.etsy.com/listing/239027294/mid-century-clown-tin-tambourine-circus</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IUiq13zOQmtdVL7lKYTYTzA54ggD23X0BU5U72eMPTMF2wAot9Tu_O_dppfSsmEgpA4HOjfpatMg8sV29aFfChav9t9mNgE55oWKyuPlBGvnbTisdwJxQc8CgwYySDzAIjc7liORQQ4/s1600/il_570xN.1037764948_6qbg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="570" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IUiq13zOQmtdVL7lKYTYTzA54ggD23X0BU5U72eMPTMF2wAot9Tu_O_dppfSsmEgpA4HOjfpatMg8sV29aFfChav9t9mNgE55oWKyuPlBGvnbTisdwJxQc8CgwYySDzAIjc7liORQQ4/s400/il_570xN.1037764948_6qbg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/463244950/vintage-1940s-creepy-clown-ramp-walker">www.etsy.com/listing/463244950/vintage-1940s-creepy-clown-ramp-walker</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7-MT76LPlXPcfovcVfro2a1heWXyrnMgTKTfF7cav1BbjJrgr1eWxnADtFZXAsJyDMas5KWT_srlTEWrrAZ1ErraeJj-INKHozilV8yeVqotCEV787-ViClBxs6xaLcDMLcLH7BkMu0/s1600/il_570xN.1303867433_rzn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7-MT76LPlXPcfovcVfro2a1heWXyrnMgTKTfF7cav1BbjJrgr1eWxnADtFZXAsJyDMas5KWT_srlTEWrrAZ1ErraeJj-INKHozilV8yeVqotCEV787-ViClBxs6xaLcDMLcLH7BkMu0/s400/il_570xN.1303867433_rzn2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/533700066/mid-century-r-dakin-clown-felt-and-vinyl">www.etsy.com/listing/533700066/mid-century-r-dakin-clown-felt-and-vinyl</a></td></tr>
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Eventually, we were freed from our cocoon of clowndom and launched into the larger world of school. But even then, we were not quite free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNEeAieSgTkzOQfSnDwbKtUcQnsH4vHZjJKwgwZiN-jSDedTXspHJlxgpHXwQ1LU3SE8T97T5O8Kx5FuwYD1vJIYSyiXRIHzjfqBHPAFwt989bZh-idPx9TAR347hLBAqGst7aEW_wz0/s1600/784dd35f4b5f12f86770bc2bf714f107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="564" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNEeAieSgTkzOQfSnDwbKtUcQnsH4vHZjJKwgwZiN-jSDedTXspHJlxgpHXwQ1LU3SE8T97T5O8Kx5FuwYD1vJIYSyiXRIHzjfqBHPAFwt989bZh-idPx9TAR347hLBAqGst7aEW_wz0/s320/784dd35f4b5f12f86770bc2bf714f107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the rude jolt of the clown alarm clock...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhs8nJPbmTniPWPl4qlmr-0UlSJxNm88V3-HPeM0Er0krxk-vbbiC2cwupWRxgaCT2Hc_YZFDs-e2boDnkJo0ZL5XBPfUvEYm9LCuVTFl9DeLt7KhMcocPmvbPfWYbh8OfE3ITW7LTMw/s1600/th+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="248" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhs8nJPbmTniPWPl4qlmr-0UlSJxNm88V3-HPeM0Er0krxk-vbbiC2cwupWRxgaCT2Hc_YZFDs-e2boDnkJo0ZL5XBPfUvEYm9LCuVTFl9DeLt7KhMcocPmvbPfWYbh8OfE3ITW7LTMw/s400/th+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
...to the lunchroom barrage of clown lunchboxes and thermoses...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-_hJ_awCMNIU1h19Sg-I5sLBqEUySmFLvTcxLdomJhZywaXjqNj0qmSH_9rLSCB9MBy1GW4OpdauUjK6Mxce2clTUyQbB1j9mxAtl8OoOOMLjsFdylZ5qYob8jyLnsbE9iRZ1ZsRoIM/s1600/th+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="243" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-_hJ_awCMNIU1h19Sg-I5sLBqEUySmFLvTcxLdomJhZywaXjqNj0qmSH_9rLSCB9MBy1GW4OpdauUjK6Mxce2clTUyQbB1j9mxAtl8OoOOMLjsFdylZ5qYob8jyLnsbE9iRZ1ZsRoIM/s400/th+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEsp-wPEkWU1GrgZDIsfcoZRb1huRK70WoKgG0AF9jO58SJ2DWI5NPvaBDT0PXk8h7qxR5G9xXo9XC-0plxT3QTVR6x2f8_Dv3mTFrU1vTCElJLGCSCuUFiP65iCsb-YS4u_hXOuh-QA/s1600/th+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="229" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEsp-wPEkWU1GrgZDIsfcoZRb1huRK70WoKgG0AF9jO58SJ2DWI5NPvaBDT0PXk8h7qxR5G9xXo9XC-0plxT3QTVR6x2f8_Dv3mTFrU1vTCElJLGCSCuUFiP65iCsb-YS4u_hXOuh-QA/s400/th+%25283%2529.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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...in lesson time and art class alike, we had clowns.<br />
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And then, when we finally returned home...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9sK-5br67EmEZMLb-nUYQo631lRSy1Cy6EE9B3RTdS8W6HDxaSQuXBHz1kIyacTZ1E1x8K-pOc9S7goNGo5Ioqq9wGBdBSsgWljQKTAIMcxsCzIP9h6JT4GA6_m1GguUiLY8C3L28E4/s1600/d5e62d4cd55d3eeb3f439a4ad6f723bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9sK-5br67EmEZMLb-nUYQo631lRSy1Cy6EE9B3RTdS8W6HDxaSQuXBHz1kIyacTZ1E1x8K-pOc9S7goNGo5Ioqq9wGBdBSsgWljQKTAIMcxsCzIP9h6JT4GA6_m1GguUiLY8C3L28E4/s640/d5e62d4cd55d3eeb3f439a4ad6f723bc.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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We got our afternoon snack: milk and cookies. Cookies--from a <i>clown</i> jar.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">And for a special treat, we might be taken out in the evening for an exciting supper of hamburger and fries. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Promoted by a clown.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QAHo2GYq46WhbhduJdIPzDvytpDwSzQ1-HL6H2t37EpfDQBrSGVXtHuo6hGLD8uroQdiYfOFofRQiUjH6EJg3vNhtHr_LOA4PNw3kUKaiHxbYmZrTw5-J72h8C1ZP-qAE4vo8WfBdjo/s1600/ronald_mcdonald_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QAHo2GYq46WhbhduJdIPzDvytpDwSzQ1-HL6H2t37EpfDQBrSGVXtHuo6hGLD8uroQdiYfOFofRQiUjH6EJg3vNhtHr_LOA4PNw3kUKaiHxbYmZrTw5-J72h8C1ZP-qAE4vo8WfBdjo/s640/ronald_mcdonald_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, many of us baby boomers became raging alcoholics, forever attempting to escape the surreal images of our twisted childhood memories. Alas, I fear it is a forlorn hope.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdhLdNGVToZpDQLbojw4Oh77920qmLLOZ8uqZSwxiNVF60Apnx6aJjganQQ5IG3spCPIRPLxxZsQrvbCLw6RPiYfTaZhfLDstKp32kgxNODVASYd0EG8fG0Equ75pKcW_AYIu0T0RGA8/s1600/il_570xN.944985010_1ig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdhLdNGVToZpDQLbojw4Oh77920qmLLOZ8uqZSwxiNVF60Apnx6aJjganQQ5IG3spCPIRPLxxZsQrvbCLw6RPiYfTaZhfLDstKp32kgxNODVASYd0EG8fG0Equ75pKcW_AYIu0T0RGA8/s1600/il_570xN.944985010_1ig2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/273431866/circus-liquor-neon-sign-photo-clown-art">www.etsy.com/listing/273431866/circus-liquor-neon-sign-photo-clown-art</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVHumyQ2uTfWXh3W9xT6aww7dClRaagSNiSgw_SBGR6Tkrmr_1M2spOWj3NRgekLTT3LtH2VCo5m4wZE4OH5x78FnVTA6s6n81P4MB9wab7DToBdkosy-be5U-A9-kiZ7fUVr6t7HUDw/s1600/160032b3cf3ef11ad535efd94a3b1d91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzVHumyQ2uTfWXh3W9xT6aww7dClRaagSNiSgw_SBGR6Tkrmr_1M2spOWj3NRgekLTT3LtH2VCo5m4wZE4OH5x78FnVTA6s6n81P4MB9wab7DToBdkosy-be5U-A9-kiZ7fUVr6t7HUDw/s1600/160032b3cf3ef11ad535efd94a3b1d91.jpg" /></a></div>
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So just hand over the obnoxious creepy chocolate dude and no one gets hurt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGNZxdTQZC9TvoIey4U-6BXViblVWRpFekgcM8VVpDOJr0lCXICgtT6Uwfs8YllNZF24W5MSaGyweukaQ791siemhaw7dRE0XFcqUIYJb2DmbHVFoIQ7-QgNm8oLLH14nbepgchqPMHE/s1600/chocshow11a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="550" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGNZxdTQZC9TvoIey4U-6BXViblVWRpFekgcM8VVpDOJr0lCXICgtT6Uwfs8YllNZF24W5MSaGyweukaQ791siemhaw7dRE0XFcqUIYJb2DmbHVFoIQ7-QgNm8oLLH14nbepgchqPMHE/s640/chocshow11a.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.citysweettooth.com/2011/11/14/chocolate-show-nyc-2011/</td></tr>
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*<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SheerTrashRoadshow/posts/1471067202959411">https://www.facebook.com/SheerTrashRoadshow/posts/1471067202959411</a><br />
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<br />VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-27882477637462663532017-06-02T14:25:00.000-07:002017-06-02T14:25:50.120-07:00Going, going, GONE! (I Hope) <br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pvNXm_5kLmo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pvNXm_5kLmo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mom wasn't into soap operas, so I grew up with morning game shows blaring across the tube during summer vacation: <i>Concentration, Jeopardy!, Hollywood Squares, </i>and that tacky horror of horrors, <i>Let's Make a Deal. </i>(Mom always excused herself from watching that one.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I got to thinking about that old show this week when I launched my Etsy shop's "Hot Summer Sale". I got the idea from another seller who was closing her shop. It's got something of the "do I dare or don't I?" risk aspect which would have made old Monty Hall proud. I've discounted masses of items I'm eager to unload, but there's a twist.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the scoop:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>From now until June 10, the discount is 20% off.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>From June 10 until June 20, the discount is 30% off.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And from June 20 - June 30, the discount is 40% off.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And after that, the majority of the discounted items that <i>haven't </i>sold I'm donating to charity. It's just time for them to GO.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the question is, do you want to gamble and wait until some terrific kitsch goody is a whopping 40% off, or do you risk someone else swooping in and whisking it away from you now or next week, when the discount is less, but the pickings are better? </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's up to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can see <i>just </i>the discounted items here:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsyonsale.com/shop/SheerTrashRoadshow">www.etsyonsale.com/shop/SheerTrashRoadshow</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or, you can check out the entire shop here to mix sale and non-sale items:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.sheertrashroadshow.etsy.com/">www.sheertrashroadshow.etsy.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, enough about the sale.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to show you my garage sale finds! It is Friday, after all. And I spent a whopping $1.70. Let me show you what I found.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLKL5oqpAKNfiqmVjqeFdv6yDXScRpdOCdBmihMhEg9ft0OOXPUkaNaOkyMvtVA3f7JXi18QlfHtLRBDrHvd936GqhrPP6v-GOBXRBY-wnNWeOW2Fmmu_FuBVItBZLYtt7qHcsT2dyGo/s1600/main.117944.31059326.S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="622" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLKL5oqpAKNfiqmVjqeFdv6yDXScRpdOCdBmihMhEg9ft0OOXPUkaNaOkyMvtVA3f7JXi18QlfHtLRBDrHvd936GqhrPP6v-GOBXRBY-wnNWeOW2Fmmu_FuBVItBZLYtt7qHcsT2dyGo/s640/main.117944.31059326.S.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today's 95 cent haul.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The best sales are always the ones where the seller is actually trying to get rid of stuff instead of trying to get a return on their dubious purchases of generic home decor dreariness. Quite by accident, I stumbled across one of those today, and for 95 cents, brought home a delightful jumble of sheer trash. The two vintage hand mirrors are in reasonably good condition and I paid 25 cents apiece for them. The lucite resin-and-shell alligator with the googly eyes was another quarter item--unfortunately I didn't notice his broken off front feet until I got him home, but hey! I'm going to experiment with him in the yard to see if he'll ward my cats off from desecrating freshly weeded flower beds. Otherwise he'll be a paperweight. The <i>wonderful </i>lime green-and-purple dog with the big sad eyes is pure 60's kitsch and, while I may sell him eventually, I'm going to enjoy him for a while first. He was priced at a modest 10 cents, and I'm surprised no one nabbed him before I did. Wishing now I'd kept my hot pink sad-eyed cat figurine set (below) because they'd have made quite a display together! Ah, well.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Tdq5mnRDpEeGJ08QMUPDxWh4WDnW6sgwqx4fOLhkEjUsn8xdcWcO-h3HXhZzNqzG54AT8f_GmtDmHsGt5CH_PgP_CAOD3bHLdxURaqQYuNXA_SZxE4SHteFAmNRXZMGPKz5gZgBRNc/s1600/FBAEECAC-B89F-11E4-BD81-040A0B061C97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-Tdq5mnRDpEeGJ08QMUPDxWh4WDnW6sgwqx4fOLhkEjUsn8xdcWcO-h3HXhZzNqzG54AT8f_GmtDmHsGt5CH_PgP_CAOD3bHLdxURaqQYuNXA_SZxE4SHteFAmNRXZMGPKz5gZgBRNc/s640/FBAEECAC-B89F-11E4-BD81-040A0B061C97.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sold: sheertrashroadshow.etsy.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The goofy aerosol can of Avon room freshener spray was an impulse item. It's mostly full and I think it was just a curiosity thing that made me want it. There's no bar code or date on it, but I'm thinking it's of 1970's vintage. Of course I tried it out--but like most old Avon products, it just smelled like Old Avon to me. But then I'm not the best judge. My smeller is sort of selective, I've discovered.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Last but not least, I have a vintage Walt Disney Made in Japan Dumbo figurine, for which I paid another quarter. I took a quick peek on Etsy and saw a few of these with prices ranging from $10 - $20. Mine will probably join them soon as I'm not a big Disney fan. I just recognized this as a desirable collectible so I grabbed it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTbpTrGUu7Cd7HAgHaPXrRQw1Z2Nklv8Ul7rJa0V2W6WdD4e315tz8ubN95Rg9hhyihBP75U0IHhvEAWE5ri_GV8rdTjwb2ouRlTXV1CbadlWu8v4GgbN2II6am1iv8nLxz5zNkcF2G0/s1600/main.117944.31059358.S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTbpTrGUu7Cd7HAgHaPXrRQw1Z2Nklv8Ul7rJa0V2W6WdD4e315tz8ubN95Rg9hhyihBP75U0IHhvEAWE5ri_GV8rdTjwb2ouRlTXV1CbadlWu8v4GgbN2II6am1iv8nLxz5zNkcF2G0/s400/main.117944.31059358.S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't this a darling little doggie? I found him at a thrift shop last week and paid $2 for him. He's a bank, actually. Has a bit of crazing and hairline cracks but no repairs or chips, and he's not going anywhere--at least, not for a while. I'm too busy enjoying him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, take a look at the "Alexis Handi-Panti" he's posing with, which is the other item I snared today while perusing the yard sales. I wish I could get it to photograph better, but it's a pretty, frilly little NOS (new old stock) pair of vintage snap-on rubber baby pants in lovely little-girl pink, complete with lace and brocade rose-design trim. Cute as cute can be! I love it when I find a vintage item in its original package. This is dated 1983, and I paid 75 cents for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week I found another never-used treasure in an original package, and it's up for sale in the shop already. In today's everyone-including-the-cat-has-a-cell-phone era, it may not seem like such a big deal, but this was state of the art back in the 1960's/1970's when it was manufactured in Taiwan. I'd have throttled someone to have had these to play with as a kid--but these were probably for home office use originally. Or so the wife in the house could summon hubby from the garage when dinner was ready. I'm thinking the set would make an interesting Father's Day gift for some lucky fellow. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzWi9KIij_PdOi2IMz7MVwl_7ZvTXkxs3kvqOpi0gY9vkNjSA8Nf5JvFQwW-0KkTg5Q-ggo65AWFA0h_xeUVkn9j9FKzy1NG43FFHCqAdbQICEpT6n8dcmD3hQfoIEdfRFoUk0kaNKPI/s1600/main.117944.31020692.S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzWi9KIij_PdOi2IMz7MVwl_7ZvTXkxs3kvqOpi0gY9vkNjSA8Nf5JvFQwW-0KkTg5Q-ggo65AWFA0h_xeUVkn9j9FKzy1NG43FFHCqAdbQICEpT6n8dcmD3hQfoIEdfRFoUk0kaNKPI/s640/main.117944.31020692.S.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/520360876/vintage-intercom-system-durable-2">www.etsy.com/listing/520360876/vintage-intercom-system-durable-2</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7sfvR4bLcWWpTdDXJdATnpZMaPBH3wVZ1d3Dh0oaRKdaZRvK3MBWPvRUcxYbQY2UhtmfsRrpLbereWwpM_zKh9_c7ojrG1qmEs5wR-rte3s5wg3pCjduDqUZ-HiALDx_Pdjd_QcG3-I/s1600/main.117944.31020765.S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7sfvR4bLcWWpTdDXJdATnpZMaPBH3wVZ1d3Dh0oaRKdaZRvK3MBWPvRUcxYbQY2UhtmfsRrpLbereWwpM_zKh9_c7ojrG1qmEs5wR-rte3s5wg3pCjduDqUZ-HiALDx_Pdjd_QcG3-I/s640/main.117944.31020765.S.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's it for this round. Happy junking, and do check out the sale!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's going.... going.... gone! Get your deal while you can.</span>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-62904878521787158182017-05-19T14:37:00.000-07:002017-05-19T14:37:02.329-07:00Whoo-Hooo! Friday's Finds May 19, 2017 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweawJe9eHJCPlBSs8QOTfwOG1TP_mLvNDuWXO9GADePt0CP5yiINsBqt_jbNc-WmWYyWUW2BV1UCcDklBBCg5BXwkp4aRGZnNRN3GMSqsBojDQSMBspFZMeer5wC5pXpdWgtlBCncJPk/s1600/850fca4578789627138481fc5e4bdac9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweawJe9eHJCPlBSs8QOTfwOG1TP_mLvNDuWXO9GADePt0CP5yiINsBqt_jbNc-WmWYyWUW2BV1UCcDklBBCg5BXwkp4aRGZnNRN3GMSqsBojDQSMBspFZMeer5wC5pXpdWgtlBCncJPk/s400/850fca4578789627138481fc5e4bdac9.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found on Pinterest.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Faster than a speeding bullet</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>More powerful than a steamroller</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Able to leap tall free boxes in a single bound--</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Look! Swooping through sales--</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It's a crazed hoarder!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It's an escaped lunatic with incredibly bad taste!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>No! It's SUPER JUNKER!!!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxPil8xCo9ukms3cz2IXNT49-1IQFbjQjxAcIyqRUx36EmZ994yGGzqWJ6G9eCMgONbjiCCEU7NxNrfSEl2MScDbh2w_0JNVZ-2iUk1dXpciimScMZYwSHtSnYXrCYnTmuzbn3msm3IA/s1600/785756749327094f0eeba550458fbfa8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxPil8xCo9ukms3cz2IXNT49-1IQFbjQjxAcIyqRUx36EmZ994yGGzqWJ6G9eCMgONbjiCCEU7NxNrfSEl2MScDbh2w_0JNVZ-2iUk1dXpciimScMZYwSHtSnYXrCYnTmuzbn3msm3IA/s640/785756749327094f0eeba550458fbfa8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Guess what I did today?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Yes, readers, it's one of those red letter days again, when I celebrate the joy of junque acquired for peanuts. It's Sheer Trash Roadshow's latest edition of "Friday's Finds".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We finally have decent weather on a holiday-free weekend, and the garage sales have sprouted like the lush and rampant weeds in my flower bed. Truly, Spring has sprung. Gotta show you what I snared today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, keep in mind I'm reining myself in these days. And also that </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">some</i><span style="font-size: large;"> of my finds I can't display here because they're destined as gifts for family members. (Yes, we cheerfully bestow trash on one another for Christmas and birthdays.) But I still have a few delights to show for my efforts today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My best stop today was the annual rummage sale put on by the local Catholic church. Catholic rummage sales are almost invariably terrific, at least in my estimation. One year I got a piece of dirty barkcloth for $2 and, after hand washing it, sold it on eBay for over $150. Now <i>that</i> was a banner day. (A recap, if you're a glutton for punishment: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2013/03/strictly-for-birds.html">sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2013/03/strictly-for-birds.html</a> </span> <span style="font-size: large;">) I also stopped at several garage sales and snared some dubious gems. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBB6AY0OTNemZ0Oh0UgNIKv285me34gmBiidmxMD-apNWExqOa0pKXLihjIgjWt5Ivnu4TB2zd4wGU0k_-ddPqddgrHW0yRPCq889LrHutnttEV52lUAs9c0PQvDhJMjH-J-9MQ5ThI8/s1600/DSCN3717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBB6AY0OTNemZ0Oh0UgNIKv285me34gmBiidmxMD-apNWExqOa0pKXLihjIgjWt5Ivnu4TB2zd4wGU0k_-ddPqddgrHW0yRPCq889LrHutnttEV52lUAs9c0PQvDhJMjH-J-9MQ5ThI8/s640/DSCN3717.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From left to right, feast your eyes on these vintage treasures:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a plastic watering can in ever-popular mid-century aqua, a plastic blow-mold bunny to add to my collection of cute and bizarre vintage rabbits, an Anchor Hocking lustreware coffee mug (very collectible), an aluminum scoop (I find it hard to resist vintage metal scoops and ladles--they look cool and are jolly useful to boot), a chippy chalkware wall plaque featuring a Mexican motif (maybe 1930's vintage?), and a set of glass swan water barometers. This loot cost me all of $3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also found an unfinished hand knitted toy dog project and pattern, with all the pieces made and just waiting to be assembled. Looks like someone's project from the 1960's or 1970's. I'll have fun finishing him up. I paid $1 for the privilege--a bit on the high side, but hey! He's hand made!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIodBdR8YmhU0MUsb2zBmvXF23l5rARh1ZAnGL9ZJG2ZTK7-8vuk3j3tG7K3VwyyzleE3Ao3faGdjgWyCym3gq-xQ7-a3yGM5lonuxt4LSUQlfMJdOsvbK8ZHUp3MBaksrJXeMBC-41W0/s1600/DSCN3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIodBdR8YmhU0MUsb2zBmvXF23l5rARh1ZAnGL9ZJG2ZTK7-8vuk3j3tG7K3VwyyzleE3Ao3faGdjgWyCym3gq-xQ7-a3yGM5lonuxt4LSUQlfMJdOsvbK8ZHUp3MBaksrJXeMBC-41W0/s640/DSCN3725.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I blew the last of my loot today at a garage sale I nearly passed by. No vintage "junque" at this one, but I did snare a stack of Civil War history books and I'm fairly salivating at the prospect of delving into them. Paid $1.50 apiece and I'm sad to say I still had to leave some behind. And I had a most enjoyable chat with the seller who was pleased to have found a fellow Civil War buff to take his cherished books off his hands.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x96-dBGE4Ev0-fa0BQbDDmb-NHt_zM2ccXaIjOFJlRlnAGMKa1SRerEQ7EeaTRTDzjkqn6zrZGtE_VOwlYc5NA53B1fnTq530DOwPlALD7dhuLDIU3u3PzOG4Eucczs1koj0LiAHM7M/s1600/DSCN3715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x96-dBGE4Ev0-fa0BQbDDmb-NHt_zM2ccXaIjOFJlRlnAGMKa1SRerEQ7EeaTRTDzjkqn6zrZGtE_VOwlYc5NA53B1fnTq530DOwPlALD7dhuLDIU3u3PzOG4Eucczs1koj0LiAHM7M/s640/DSCN3715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, now for a side trip. A couple of Fridays ago when garage sales were non-existent, I ducked into a charity thrift shop and found these wonderful old Gund musical rabbit toys. They cost me $15 apiece and even though that's more than I'd customarily fork out, I was glad to get them. I need to do some more research on them, but my preliminary findings have me convinced they're worth considerably more than I paid. If you have any information about these toys, I'd love to hear it. I'm thinking they're 1960's vintage.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGIfxpKVAWFh7ukR7SnHOiTHwUBM_d7HKhchIBcGeGYLGJiqQ3oB41xCD_kE9EkalHVRryxIbW15Wx_YofZ6AkavnIV9P6BmqGauERzNHsEt73ONyPAI5pHIWd8bdujNaQRKZl4CGgJ8/s1600/DSCN3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGIfxpKVAWFh7ukR7SnHOiTHwUBM_d7HKhchIBcGeGYLGJiqQ3oB41xCD_kE9EkalHVRryxIbW15Wx_YofZ6AkavnIV9P6BmqGauERzNHsEt73ONyPAI5pHIWd8bdujNaQRKZl4CGgJ8/s640/DSCN3722.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't these guys adorable? They stand 10-10.5" tall. They're in marvelous condition, and she's still sporting her original tag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP9cayPcQBWzSQj4C0sKEAWROj7E6F1YrSu-5iXwPtd-oMpgOgT8k4smeOEqKH3XM-dUk8AOSXlsKxIOMmUvNyGmkqodkr2MrFn2cfGMFV8L7oGSgb8bFneJixoEHszuk6swPE05BplU/s1600/DSCN3723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP9cayPcQBWzSQj4C0sKEAWROj7E6F1YrSu-5iXwPtd-oMpgOgT8k4smeOEqKH3XM-dUk8AOSXlsKxIOMmUvNyGmkqodkr2MrFn2cfGMFV8L7oGSgb8bFneJixoEHszuk6swPE05BplU/s640/DSCN3723.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy Bunny plays "Rock-a-Bye Baby" and Girl Bunny plays "Brahm's Lullaby".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG1hogPf93w6bPoeCdds2UiYBH4T3coN_tZW8iq1Wq9rBs4C3C5xGb5Uh9eO5PFFmz21GOFGqIE0cy9NuozVMI9vUwvMiZWj1vNMuWmPb55gGWTFa6f89xnopLXn2sw9AoQOGSB1DCOA/s1600/DSCN3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG1hogPf93w6bPoeCdds2UiYBH4T3coN_tZW8iq1Wq9rBs4C3C5xGb5Uh9eO5PFFmz21GOFGqIE0cy9NuozVMI9vUwvMiZWj1vNMuWmPb55gGWTFa6f89xnopLXn2sw9AoQOGSB1DCOA/s640/DSCN3724.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the bottom of their feet! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for joining me on today's junking journey. Happy thrifting!</span></div>
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-84888571088001803952017-05-16T09:35:00.000-07:002017-09-21T09:18:14.445-07:00My Pal Peppy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE0KHMskV8WqJ27cj7vu9gnMuocBqByTmwlo3-iTXUxOMaTgILsDVlylAjL_YhsG_VjThcsLSvZ35oSDuzoapvvxEia-mXZEWV7to5S1cRngDVEFFbPEVXXI3PrdYp2YjuCqcKsmH5a4/s1600/il_570xN.788021997_gwtg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE0KHMskV8WqJ27cj7vu9gnMuocBqByTmwlo3-iTXUxOMaTgILsDVlylAjL_YhsG_VjThcsLSvZ35oSDuzoapvvxEia-mXZEWV7to5S1cRngDVEFFbPEVXXI3PrdYp2YjuCqcKsmH5a4/s640/il_570xN.788021997_gwtg.jpg" width="590" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppy: Pastel Portrait by Julene Baker-Smith; ArtByJulene.etsy.com</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">About ten and half years ago, two things happened that dramatically changed my life for the better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first was, I ruptured a lumbar disc while practicing throws (I was the one "throwing", if you could call it that--I wasn't very good at it) in a martial arts class. Back spasms and sciatica quickly ensued, and I was more or less a wreck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second thing was, I finally pitched a hissy fit and gave my dog-hating husband an ultimatum: I was getting myself a house dog--maybe even two--and he could like it, or lump it! Not that I hadn't had dogs over the years; when you live in the country, you really need a dog, but my husband decreed they had to live outdoors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It seems his mother, back in the 1950's, had scrimped and saved to buy some chicks, and while she was out one day, their old farm dog had somehow managed to get at them and kill them all. She hated dogs ever after and her kids were thoroughly indoctrinated with her attitude, a discovery I somehow didn't make until after I was married and was committed to this bafflingly anti-canine individual. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But with the kids growing up and leaving home, and with an aching back and shooting pains up the leg, I got mean and fed up and conversation-deprived enough to make a stand, and decided I was getting myself a dog. A little dog I could take with me in the car when I ran errands. The bad back dictated it had to be a miniature or toy breed; I couldn't lift much. I was researching and combing ads for a dog to adopt when my daughter suggested, "Why don't you get a pomeranian?" I'd never even <i>heard</i> of pomeranians, let alone seen one to my knowledge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To bring this rambling intro to a close, after a few months of praying for God to give me the right dog and searching to find him, I became the overjoyed owner of a 4-month-old red sable pomeranian puppy whom we named Peppy. You can read more about that here: </span><a href="http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2014/11/whats-in-name.html">sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2014/11/whats-in-name.html</a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, what a blessed day! I became a happier, nicer, more contented person with my little dog to chat with all day long. We all became nicer people, in fact. Even my dubious better half was won over. Not that he'll ever be a mushy, dog-loving pool of oohing, ahh-ing sentiment like his wife, but he realized these little dogs were good company and entertaining to have around. I say <i>dogs</i> because eventually we ended up with three poms. And in the house, no less! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of which brings me back to Peppy, and the reason for this post. Those of you who've followed the blog over the years know Pep's had his ups and downs. A product of "back yard breeding", he inherited some unfortunate health issues. A bit of that is covered here, if you want a recap: </span><a href="http://sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2012/05/home-again.html">sheertrashroadshow.blogspot.com/2012/05/home-again.html</a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pep even had his own Etsy shop, <i>MyPalPeppy,</i> for a few years to raise money for surgery he needed, and then to raise funds for small breed dog rescue efforts. So over the years Peppy developed a modest following of sorts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's for you kind readers who have a soft spot for my little dog that I report, with sadness, that Peppy's life is drawing to a close. He just turned eleven, and under reasonable circumstances could have expected five, six, or seven more years, but his congenitally weak trachea is giving out, his breathing is labored, and we're out of viable options for treatment. His vet had prepared me for this outcome--I have always known it was inevitable--but somehow I didn't expect his decline so soon or so suddenly. This past weekend was pretty rough. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8Z-PSBimIKiLOKW0RpILEnRwTSl6PE5kkEyRQd2FiC3ZqHnvM-6C3l-5OSaLJcaFrZV2pZJbvhVri_WknWDDn08umaGPfWp-8-JWBYEkIHlCcNey5gKs0kEcE1EAaJHJ5YVasr1j-7A/s1600/DSCN3712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8Z-PSBimIKiLOKW0RpILEnRwTSl6PE5kkEyRQd2FiC3ZqHnvM-6C3l-5OSaLJcaFrZV2pZJbvhVri_WknWDDn08umaGPfWp-8-JWBYEkIHlCcNey5gKs0kEcE1EAaJHJ5YVasr1j-7A/s320/DSCN3712.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppy after seeing the vet yesterday and getting a shot... pretty tired out.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right now Peppy is on medication to keep him comfortable and--hopefully--give him a brief reprieve, but barring a medical miracle, I know I won't have him with me much longer. He's still eating fine (we gave him a mini cupcake last night to celebrate his 11th birthday) and from time to time, he likes to go out in the yard and sniff around. No more running, but he's still giving me his good dog smile and seems interested in what's going on around him.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKWW51A8XqPROPNUnInDxS9kirwPEWORo9tWeNtWR7gaeUDYAGqky6Zq-KpiElhjRXEDXTcTpv_cjyRQxlSbquvFNWmpiwl5TFN77_VL5za5V77QRMvNGUGnQ4ajDQM-F1Z7hhYv2djY/s1600/DSCN3714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKWW51A8XqPROPNUnInDxS9kirwPEWORo9tWeNtWR7gaeUDYAGqky6Zq-KpiElhjRXEDXTcTpv_cjyRQxlSbquvFNWmpiwl5TFN77_VL5za5V77QRMvNGUGnQ4ajDQM-F1Z7hhYv2djY/s640/DSCN3714.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppy, May 15, 2017</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the precious gift of this dear and special friend. How kind You are, to have shared him with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every good thing given and every perfect gift</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">is from above, coming down from the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Father of lights, with whom </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">there is no variation or shifting shadow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">James 1:17</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm feeling both sad and glad... Tears? Yeah... But laughter, too. Pep's a good boy. Treasuring our remaining time together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Update, September 2017</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To my great gladness and surprise--and that of my vet, Peppy has made a good recovery from his near-death illness earlier this year. The trachea condition is a given, but it's been under control with medication, and his life is back to normal again. I still keep a close eye on him for any deterioration, but all in all, he's doing well! God is good!</span>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-8015735873576985872017-04-21T20:22:00.000-07:002017-04-21T20:22:00.445-07:00The First "Friday's Finds" for 2017<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, here we are at the tail end of April, and finally we've had a warm and rainless day here in the soggy Pacific Northwest. That's pretty slim pickings for sunshine even in this climate, so it was certainly welcome. It was especially nice to see that a few stalwart individuals even had garage sales going, and I managed to find a couple of goodies. It's been a long time since the last one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was surprised and pleased to find this beautiful vintage baby dress for a mere pittance. It's been hand embroidered and trimmed with picot crochet edging. So sweet! The style is early mid-century, not unlike some of my dad's baby clothes which were made in 1927. Not that this little gown dates that far back, but I think 1940's - early 1950's is a reasonable estimate.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gDhbsKrjqBjohMM4VK4FTn_7mFeYQMoaxY7x6XlKy5k0fV6q-YGQVnRC5SzfNxExWWongZIOiHUf7XkakAmBXbtvs0c6Auk5vdUsioyLg28I7ujLvc-I0rBnxixbuNv633B0pxVCKfI/s1600/85938FFC-26DC-11E7-958B-648AFB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gDhbsKrjqBjohMM4VK4FTn_7mFeYQMoaxY7x6XlKy5k0fV6q-YGQVnRC5SzfNxExWWongZIOiHUf7XkakAmBXbtvs0c6Auk5vdUsioyLg28I7ujLvc-I0rBnxixbuNv633B0pxVCKfI/s640/85938FFC-26DC-11E7-958B-648AFB8C67AA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYO-clZXqxJ-Rxpotr5F5FLmnmEPFYPGgVKs-5RgpBNwf2FmocbF0Jclt6PORuzQEGiEiz0Nex88Evs59fjdqwyvY_BLAt9PyPN0lQgjJEDPYvtJSeyBKxPlsTnhJz2idgI8b3qIs93o/s1600/20170421_142146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYO-clZXqxJ-Rxpotr5F5FLmnmEPFYPGgVKs-5RgpBNwf2FmocbF0Jclt6PORuzQEGiEiz0Nex88Evs59fjdqwyvY_BLAt9PyPN0lQgjJEDPYvtJSeyBKxPlsTnhJz2idgI8b3qIs93o/s400/20170421_142146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also found some lovely vintage daisy sewing trim at this same sale. I don't do a lot of sewing, but I couldn't resist this. 1970's? 1960's? Pretty stuff, at any rate. And for only a quarter--cheap thrill, indeed!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3tRUzQKmXLZ7bSbVK3zVTU8CRBbmAdG6N8n7HSbO6X5Pnm8oltmA4Hi4p-D5rgtwqY4APWK-9fl4WBHWB-QKMFYYpUByg2Kdtl_4uASwWn65gCnEbRHHjQ0L7J373mIhjMbenhThXf4/s1600/A8B37600-26FF-11E7-BAD0-8552FB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3tRUzQKmXLZ7bSbVK3zVTU8CRBbmAdG6N8n7HSbO6X5Pnm8oltmA4Hi4p-D5rgtwqY4APWK-9fl4WBHWB-QKMFYYpUByg2Kdtl_4uASwWn65gCnEbRHHjQ0L7J373mIhjMbenhThXf4/s640/A8B37600-26FF-11E7-BAD0-8552FB8C67AA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next, I found this nifty retro "purse size launderette" set.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3uB36qTZDrGQ6pV7U6rLlJ6r_jBuLnN900_hCY7Jkc1IgaZaKtTZPClzoONCkcsdw24FEpSQPsmOki-3RoX1lc4c_7Vd40gogtWmrpUlpzXVifQ0OtYA2oRdxsBpxG-j774d6x4p5KY/s1600/F0A0CE24-26DA-11E7-A467-C87FFB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3uB36qTZDrGQ6pV7U6rLlJ6r_jBuLnN900_hCY7Jkc1IgaZaKtTZPClzoONCkcsdw24FEpSQPsmOki-3RoX1lc4c_7Vd40gogtWmrpUlpzXVifQ0OtYA2oRdxsBpxG-j774d6x4p5KY/s400/F0A0CE24-26DA-11E7-A467-C87FFB8C67AA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaex4-DIF-42ZsIjslPU5GAoyOFDhFrXeIBdxdsxo_WfOuXjqrGv7v7LWwUDp9pQCUzhaJs_CNnBZqN_e1_44AhNEshIErB0LNe3wl-ZmZC3Pop-FLbgbhRTeSTjSzDcFqd7VNF2-hyw/s1600/7C7D3400-26DB-11E7-BE20-5182FB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaex4-DIF-42ZsIjslPU5GAoyOFDhFrXeIBdxdsxo_WfOuXjqrGv7v7LWwUDp9pQCUzhaJs_CNnBZqN_e1_44AhNEshIErB0LNe3wl-ZmZC3Pop-FLbgbhRTeSTjSzDcFqd7VNF2-hyw/s400/7C7D3400-26DB-11E7-BE20-5182FB8C67AA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It contains an elastic clothesline, plastic hook clothespins, and little packets of detergent, still in its original plastic package. Just the thing for tossing into your suitcase when you go on vacation, so you can swish your undies in the hotel sink and hang them up to dry. I love to find stuff like this! Made in Hong Kong and the U.S.A., so I'm thinking this is from the 1960's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This next little sweetie is right up my alley: It's kitsch, it's canine, it's cute, and it was cheap! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsMPAVgYVEI_G0EC1IXKf8FGlYJkcVlACUD-xecWNOiLSNWCeAn0EmN1F3VW0nVmQBtoac103qNi_n4lIQ98pUcnNRFtIVmZNBZI3x8wVP7xZXpyHUmutRy8E-0CIY5PXc4_VD6hBylY/s1600/0653783A-26DF-11E7-8E37-339BFB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsMPAVgYVEI_G0EC1IXKf8FGlYJkcVlACUD-xecWNOiLSNWCeAn0EmN1F3VW0nVmQBtoac103qNi_n4lIQ98pUcnNRFtIVmZNBZI3x8wVP7xZXpyHUmutRy8E-0CIY5PXc4_VD6hBylY/s640/0653783A-26DF-11E7-8E37-339BFB8C67AA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is "Gigi", according to what's left of her original tag, and she's made from wired loopy chenille stems and pipe cleaners. I was thrilled to find her, as she's obviously very old. I've managed to find out that she was originally sold with a miniature bottle of perfume, "Trystess" by Jean D'Arc, and her tag, if entire, would have read, "Gigi The Playful Pup". I don't know when this set was manufactured--the early 1960's, probably, though maybe the 1950's. If you know, tell me, please! I paid sixty cents for this little treasure, and she'll be joining my collection of miniature vintage poodle toys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And while I'm on the subject of poodles, I've got a couple others I've been meaning to share with you for a while. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tbadqLZGb3qD_y_Q7ZvrKk-FUjLQ8yr70hNsFjjgIcFnw6IkGt6Qn3a1UcON73EJ7vzx9lQqLm8q3xqPItdkJFEVU2qSkECmGxpwDiId0YJocTFqutAp5Xzef1wbhw0IpUB2DKhbLwI/s1600/3A254CF6-26DF-11E7-9CFA-049CFB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tbadqLZGb3qD_y_Q7ZvrKk-FUjLQ8yr70hNsFjjgIcFnw6IkGt6Qn3a1UcON73EJ7vzx9lQqLm8q3xqPItdkJFEVU2qSkECmGxpwDiId0YJocTFqutAp5Xzef1wbhw0IpUB2DKhbLwI/s640/3A254CF6-26DF-11E7-9CFA-049CFB8C67AA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought I'd seen everything in the way of vintage yarn poodles. But obviously, I was mistaken! These two gals take kitsch handmade poodles to a whole new level.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Behold! The little grey poodle is neither knit nor crochet, she's been <i>constructed</i>, as it were, from cylindrical bundles of yarn simply tied together, as you can see from the side and bottom views.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDpcVA4XRRFTY-Ww9pRS60INhUHVmjAVbUSsV71TL95GNP_L0ykgT-7gs_7kwL3ehSfbCgXFIR_7aKoA-hEoWE8gToW8dGdFEZVp-gUOanJUkgociVuWE4OaVGNclu80TT0GuBhfajdA/s1600/A72B28A8-26DE-11E7-8465-A298FB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDpcVA4XRRFTY-Ww9pRS60INhUHVmjAVbUSsV71TL95GNP_L0ykgT-7gs_7kwL3ehSfbCgXFIR_7aKoA-hEoWE8gToW8dGdFEZVp-gUOanJUkgociVuWE4OaVGNclu80TT0GuBhfajdA/s400/A72B28A8-26DE-11E7-8465-A298FB8C67AA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqv8UncZmcXplFshJ7rFELViHUu09Vy2Z4u74roU1QrVFOQLCuA-er_OzcGWV9GL0HT7zwrz4Ynhiji2yI2Xgb5sggPEih50v1FHt8Fa9-cipfufZpVqT5D9eZ45CkVO9VVLadp0NBH4/s1600/CCE87244-26DE-11E7-A90C-8099FB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqv8UncZmcXplFshJ7rFELViHUu09Vy2Z4u74roU1QrVFOQLCuA-er_OzcGWV9GL0HT7zwrz4Ynhiji2yI2Xgb5sggPEih50v1FHt8Fa9-cipfufZpVqT5D9eZ45CkVO9VVLadp0NBH4/s400/CCE87244-26DE-11E7-A90C-8099FB8C67AA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With a few pompoms tacked on for ears, nose, and top-knot, she's amazingly simple, and oh-so-cute! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When it comes to poodle <i>cozies</i> (or <i>"cosies"</i> if you're from the UK) I thought I'd seen them all, from "Gin Poodles" (or bottle cozies) to toilet roll cozies (my own dubious specialty) to teapot cozies to hot water bottle covers. But never have I seen one like this purple pooch. Can you guess her function? I'll wager not. But let me turn her about for a rear view...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99BWGvaXbZn8MfCaF44EdO1xJ_D0b76Zwao0YB6mAWswVnDKxMYTDe6NJSPrLBRYbsGh9lr7wzMGJBye3o55fP2ZEngm4rPwhNdE-s07ipnreI-G5-s6Y6XyXp2kijzLco6C21BnCM8k/s1600/5EAB5BD4-26DE-11E7-AF35-CD96FB8C67AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99BWGvaXbZn8MfCaF44EdO1xJ_D0b76Zwao0YB6mAWswVnDKxMYTDe6NJSPrLBRYbsGh9lr7wzMGJBye3o55fP2ZEngm4rPwhNdE-s07ipnreI-G5-s6Y6XyXp2kijzLco6C21BnCM8k/s640/5EAB5BD4-26DE-11E7-AF35-CD96FB8C67AA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you believe it? That's a vintage can of aerosol room freshener spray protruding from her backside! Seriously! I wonder if the person who made this stopped to consider the ironic nature of this design. Was it clownish wit, or utter cluelessness that led to this? All I know is, I've never seen one of these before, and I probably never will again--unless I make it myself, of course... You <i>know</i> I can't resist the idea!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-39576595696448551322017-04-14T10:55:00.000-07:002017-04-14T10:55:31.015-07:00Old Fashioned Things, Old Fashioned Ways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhAaiipT6TCgU0EnZXLDgVXcexgxxCnB5LduUOYxgnCsRijIZTi5hidTEpcKDk9zbz1RP0LAdnsj3OkeB6XNw8fxMMw53mvz43bf5c55ff-X4SNQKlyirHfHx5piR-WSber4lTvxHA28/s1600/324856C0-2132-11E7-9D0A-3CED4DF2029C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhAaiipT6TCgU0EnZXLDgVXcexgxxCnB5LduUOYxgnCsRijIZTi5hidTEpcKDk9zbz1RP0LAdnsj3OkeB6XNw8fxMMw53mvz43bf5c55ff-X4SNQKlyirHfHx5piR-WSber4lTvxHA28/s640/324856C0-2132-11E7-9D0A-3CED4DF2029C.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gracious, how time flies! I've neglected this blog shamefully and, truth to tell, I can't see the situation changing much in the future. Sadly, I fear one day it will just quietly wither away and be gone. But such is life. Seasons of productivity, seasons of dormancy, but always change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, enough with the philosophy. If you've been reading these inane posts of mine long enough, you know I don't take myself too seriously. As I say in the blog description, if you're looking for profound exchanges of ideas, you've come to the wrong place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nevertheless, the Lord in His graciousness has so declared that He "has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong," (1 Corinthians 1:27) and to that I shout out a resounding, <i>"Glory, hallelujah!"</i> because that means even my silly contributions make a difference in His sight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thinking about Easter. And about old fashioned Easters in particular. How I love vintage, and when I find vintage books and ephemera in a Christian vein, I'm always pleased. There's something about the timeless connection with believers who have gone before me that touches me deeply. This morning a few minutes on Etsy yielded some wonderful old treasures that I want to share.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/225967840/sale-colorful-antique-green-and-silver">www.etsy.com/listing/225967840/sale-colorful-antique-green-and-silver</a><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Vintage Embossed Religious Easter Rose Postcard Made in Germany" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/058/1/8185752/il_570xN.720173883_1rue.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/220712336/vintage-embossed-religious-easter-rose">www.etsy.com/listing/220712336/vintage-embossed-religious-easter-rose</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Vintage Religious Ephemera for Journals and Scrapbooking" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/157/1/12969256/il_570xN.1178890272_mhwm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/524251713/vintage-religious-ephemera-for-journals">www.etsy.com/listing/524251713/vintage-religious-ephemera-for-journals</a><br /><br /><img src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/103/0/6672587/il_570xN.837765262_chmf.jpg" /></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/249024972/vintage-pansy-book-pansies-precious">www.etsy.com/listing/249024972/vintage-pansy-book-pansies-precious</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Vintage Sunday School Postcard Psalm 27:11" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6244670/il_570xN.253300904.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76669033/vintage-sunday-school-postcard-psalm">www.etsy.com/listing/76669033/vintage-sunday-school-postcard-psalm</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Antique Victorian Pilgrim Songs Booklet - Hymns and Texts for One Month, Psalms, Chromolithographic Illustrations (WTH-1586)" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/160/1/7948060/il_570xN.1177375559_a2f8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/508052327/antique-victorian-pilgrim-songs-booklet">www.etsy.com/listing/508052327/antique-victorian-pilgrim-songs-booklet</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nowadays it's hardly considered <i>de rigueur </i>to be a follower of Jesus Christ or, indeed, to profess a strong allegiance to any religious conviction. For many, it's seen--at <i>best</i>--as "old fashioned". Well, I <i>like</i> old fashioned. And as one old fine song says, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>If He's always the same, why, He is old fashioned, then!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And a jolly good thing that is, too!</span></div>
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-44771034896269422822017-03-06T15:37:00.000-08:002017-03-06T15:37:50.345-08:00My Personal Monster Quest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAetIS4zQuEtsTWpqV9Lt11bXDH9NKB6M69mFBkLgFWHH8sTaKXNX4kNWgv3INUXqI5Pk0T43vaPmxhq4_09FA9QJgx9u_KmmOJbUZbrb8pzLv0cBrs5TaL3VwxU_6oPGDT_XsJN2zFU/s1600/DSCN6106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAetIS4zQuEtsTWpqV9Lt11bXDH9NKB6M69mFBkLgFWHH8sTaKXNX4kNWgv3INUXqI5Pk0T43vaPmxhq4_09FA9QJgx9u_KmmOJbUZbrb8pzLv0cBrs5TaL3VwxU_6oPGDT_XsJN2zFU/s400/DSCN6106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As most of you who have followed this lame excuse for a blog for any amount of time already know, <i>usually</i> I'm making poodles. Or terriers. Or something in the domestic friendly line.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/484918847/on-sale-now-gravel-art-cat-wall-plaque">www.etsy.com/listing/484918847/on-sale-now-gravel-art-cat-wall-plaque</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But with the long winter days and resultant cabin fever, I've gone off on a different tangent. I've gone "squatchy". Or "sasquatchy". Or "bigfooty". Or "yeti-y". Or stark raving mad. You may take your choice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Actually, I've <i>been</i> squatchy for decades, but I've just recently got brave enough to mingle in the vast Bigfoot-believer subculture. Here I am hanging out with my sons at my first ever Sasquatch convention. (My middle son is behind the camera; my youngest is the one hamming it up, of course.) As for the big guy behind us, well... And I've joined a couple of discussion groups on facebook to compare notes and share photographs. It's a lot of fun! And nice to have people to talk to about one's experiences who don't treat you like you've totally gone off your nut because you know you saw what you saw, or heard what you heard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of these days I'll maybe share some of my family's experiences here, but in the meantime, I wanted to share with you how this "coming out of the closet" has affected my creative output.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a couple of views of my prototype bigfoot, which I made and sold a few months ago, mixing together a couple of types of leftover yarn I had on hand to get a furry effect.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurL_aPcw_GxNGWRyjUckGTiWP8yLdUq2vPuPjK0pWDo4rn-Tgc6pn9GVl1LkKm9HLhLZ8ZWULQnuCKhyFa_a7a4vQyYNxerLAoERSzozASibpCqIizwiRdIeoTIyJcF6MDQtmFvVA9uw/s1600/il_570xN.1031982154_aevn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurL_aPcw_GxNGWRyjUckGTiWP8yLdUq2vPuPjK0pWDo4rn-Tgc6pn9GVl1LkKm9HLhLZ8ZWULQnuCKhyFa_a7a4vQyYNxerLAoERSzozASibpCqIizwiRdIeoTIyJcF6MDQtmFvVA9uw/s320/il_570xN.1031982154_aevn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently this first cryptid was a swamp ape, because he took off for Florida shortly after I listed him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And here are the latest, new-and-improved sasquatches. I was fortunate enough to stumble across some specialty yarns--usually very expensive--at the local Goodwill. I almost didn't spring for the bag full of novelty yarn, but now I'm glad I did! You never know what will inspire you. Even these are still somewhat experimental--I'm working on getting the coned heads just right, among other things.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSH9BQz7_YbGDigiXPoUbakUskBgMhMzIPFvPAs-ZiA3DUHPT3XC2Zfue0wLa4AjDyu4jozmzsutY-5PcG9njBhv8fSEBNt1HTm53hLFddgf9QnojAuUYc6sJVR50BMqj4CInIYUcYyw/s1600/il_570xN.1198414181_b4q3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSH9BQz7_YbGDigiXPoUbakUskBgMhMzIPFvPAs-ZiA3DUHPT3XC2Zfue0wLa4AjDyu4jozmzsutY-5PcG9njBhv8fSEBNt1HTm53hLFddgf9QnojAuUYc6sJVR50BMqj4CInIYUcYyw/s400/il_570xN.1198414181_b4q3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/501507164/amigurumi-bigfoot-baby-bigfoot-baby">www.etsy.com/listing/501507164/amigurumi-bigfoot-baby-bigfoot-baby</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-i7QoK3eyPZ1Kt5K3r3plv7iACWVV7xcnUeiZ52h6wboeqs-iDqf-uSdciOif4A07qrnF-GWzMclHvtAmvoU1QRdhIwyq2Hz5cYe3iUhxOl8rsjPf_X0tUwzpPBzwp-AnUL_qBGa9OQ/s1600/DBC48AA6-FD34-11E6-883D-2F774B301EA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-i7QoK3eyPZ1Kt5K3r3plv7iACWVV7xcnUeiZ52h6wboeqs-iDqf-uSdciOif4A07qrnF-GWzMclHvtAmvoU1QRdhIwyq2Hz5cYe3iUhxOl8rsjPf_X0tUwzpPBzwp-AnUL_qBGa9OQ/s400/DBC48AA6-FD34-11E6-883D-2F774B301EA2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/514978295/dark-grey-bigfoot-toilet-roll-cozy">www.etsy.com/listing/514978295/dark-grey-bigfoot-toilet-roll-cozy</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2vn67lVUrGxXBxIPKlntJbG-HiA-_EvVM4TicZYwqB0lj3pQvoW_YMCyxuGZYMT2oYpAdd53gcWV4z29nzu59kglRRZuvKaf6QTy8Zvuv3T8GKgyiPICxD6Z3NE_PaA6P6vFa03hnjQ/s1600/50141314-FD3E-11E6-9380-73784B301EA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2vn67lVUrGxXBxIPKlntJbG-HiA-_EvVM4TicZYwqB0lj3pQvoW_YMCyxuGZYMT2oYpAdd53gcWV4z29nzu59kglRRZuvKaf6QTy8Zvuv3T8GKgyiPICxD6Z3NE_PaA6P6vFa03hnjQ/s400/50141314-FD3E-11E6-9380-73784B301EA2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/514991405/cute-brown-bigfoot-toilet-roll-cozy">www.etsy.com/listing/514991405/cute-brown-bigfoot-toilet-roll-cozy</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWC70IWvRrQ5bmt1pOxN7ytPecHK0fZa0JPWszID00eTsS63yxEktXvYUgxAjzsSdIsoCr9EUG3bhxgvUlLvYS6l_eibYVoPQ3uPsoBU7CAILLkqr-Vuu9Upy2reb6TS0IAWcYohzi28/s1600/il_570xN.1151789200_p7jl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWC70IWvRrQ5bmt1pOxN7ytPecHK0fZa0JPWszID00eTsS63yxEktXvYUgxAjzsSdIsoCr9EUG3bhxgvUlLvYS6l_eibYVoPQ3uPsoBU7CAILLkqr-Vuu9Upy2reb6TS0IAWcYohzi28/s400/il_570xN.1151789200_p7jl.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/514988661/fuzzy-brown-bigfoot-toilet-roll-cozy">www.etsy.com/listing/514988661/fuzzy-brown-bigfoot-toilet-roll-cozy</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the weekend, I was attempting to watch television with my husband but was getting restless, not having a project to work on at the same time. Gotta keep those hands busy! I really didn't feel like making another bathroom cozy, so thought I'd fiddle around with a simple toy instead. Rather to my surprise, it turned out rather well. And here he is, my very sweet little yeti!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDYfGjE6ziMyl4QsYPVhQWv-AvIgG4bkMOVa1AYRmm6mUMoqZRWi878CUAHLkSDTBkrqyLyE0Y30TAtRuXJPdREMKdMt-QrDKOjs7aB9rykX1v3GAcicGSfBdo5BA92h0YrXNM1GENwc/s1600/DSCN3486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDYfGjE6ziMyl4QsYPVhQWv-AvIgG4bkMOVa1AYRmm6mUMoqZRWi878CUAHLkSDTBkrqyLyE0Y30TAtRuXJPdREMKdMt-QrDKOjs7aB9rykX1v3GAcicGSfBdo5BA92h0YrXNM1GENwc/s400/DSCN3486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He's so soft and floppy! I'm quite enamored of him and tempted to keep him, but I'll get him listed in the shop tonight or tomorrow.</span></div>
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-47029235014932064922017-02-14T13:57:00.001-08:002017-02-14T13:57:50.532-08:00Forget the Romance--Gimme a School Party!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v5k_GKHNL7r_22WxOmp8OBjenR3L7u8euNyWsb3UHvItWkBXEkbUCX2LcnBBoSIdNpBwLYUNqb_aRBIfhUWLWgUPjfsEUsK_KafyOhXQmiFJTPnDZeNNwykqWZwn2hFF3lqCtWqN2IA/s1600/1f1abbb9d0adc041b07b2e125f356467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v5k_GKHNL7r_22WxOmp8OBjenR3L7u8euNyWsb3UHvItWkBXEkbUCX2LcnBBoSIdNpBwLYUNqb_aRBIfhUWLWgUPjfsEUsK_KafyOhXQmiFJTPnDZeNNwykqWZwn2hFF3lqCtWqN2IA/s400/1f1abbb9d0adc041b07b2e125f356467.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elementary school Valentine's Day party, 1950's<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are a lot of holidays that go by pretty much ignored in my household, or at least, ignored now that the kids have grown up. Valentine's Day is one of those. I couldn't care less about cheesy sentiment or an obligatory gift of cellophane wrapped roses. Chocolates, of course, are always welcome, but then that goes without saying. Any day of the year, I welcome chocolate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But growing up as a Baby Boomer, I do hold fond memories of the annual school Valentine's Day party. With what anticipation we kids awaited it--a lovely treat that brightened up the tail end of winter, and promised us, as well, a shortened day of schoolwork as lessons ended early for the festivities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know what kids do now for school holidays. I think they're rather tepid affairs compared with the fun we had--after all, we all those lovely unsafe games and toys to enjoy, and refreshments were homemade because no one gave a rip about the possibilities of food poisoning or worried about eating gluten-free. It was a big deal to be designated to bring cupcakes or cookies from home for the party. There was no pre-packaged anything and not a nutritionist in sight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Best of all was the unveiling of the Valentine boxes, carefully decorated and brought from home on the day of the party, and the ensuing contest for winners. Most beautiful box, most creative box, etc. I don't remember ever winning one of these honors, but it was fun to try every year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most of us made our "mailboxes", using shoe boxes, construction paper, and glitter. A few kids had help from artsy moms and they had fancier boxes, but for the most part they were pretty simple affairs, made with fumbling fingers, pots of paste or bottles of mucillage, and great enthusiasm.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2feuimLr4O8v9RnOGFGu_mdhPlgOLuFS8P2k8hDhq_3ZqDX04HVDjMQ_GnqU2XJ17Xv-iK4XnWVSNIBNLqObgP41FquQ7amQVrnfsui-jXK0f6QUWUq75b_wWK-b7UGWP8nz8QwW7f8c/s1600/e74a26734cda533d06a8d922397e97bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2feuimLr4O8v9RnOGFGu_mdhPlgOLuFS8P2k8hDhq_3ZqDX04HVDjMQ_GnqU2XJ17Xv-iK4XnWVSNIBNLqObgP41FquQ7amQVrnfsui-jXK0f6QUWUq75b_wWK-b7UGWP8nz8QwW7f8c/s320/e74a26734cda533d06a8d922397e97bd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The valentines shared were the standard cheap kids' cards with bright graphics and lots of hokey puns, like these:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsE-bo1wqQORBKy4BZ8R7Pe7rKzbUv5WI76V0y5qmt8zS19WLzj10oHXjfAX8Djne7WxfTnKrl_cVUGniwubV0pqN4Bxm9VBEvMl9p9ZWXEnO2sERYn6JjDCvPVnd1qE5Rm15COFAsYw/s1600/d157cf6aa89d61bdd3173a29b73fbd2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsE-bo1wqQORBKy4BZ8R7Pe7rKzbUv5WI76V0y5qmt8zS19WLzj10oHXjfAX8Djne7WxfTnKrl_cVUGniwubV0pqN4Bxm9VBEvMl9p9ZWXEnO2sERYn6JjDCvPVnd1qE5Rm15COFAsYw/s320/d157cf6aa89d61bdd3173a29b73fbd2e.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ml1aC7O6huySUg18vB8kpBAlJ_o8VyaetfNV6AeJC3Mw5iW3lIVqizGG1SLZrBgbTgKkPbi_y4rq_JogQi7mohqBHo8CN2tTHmFYG4AMEczp4O0SJuQTs0Th1mSc5_MHot0vxNfBKjc/s1600/f554440f65ccc5214a22c15e18f170ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ml1aC7O6huySUg18vB8kpBAlJ_o8VyaetfNV6AeJC3Mw5iW3lIVqizGG1SLZrBgbTgKkPbi_y4rq_JogQi7mohqBHo8CN2tTHmFYG4AMEczp4O0SJuQTs0Th1mSc5_MHot0vxNfBKjc/s320/f554440f65ccc5214a22c15e18f170ba.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt03cA-C51cOk_WOHbnXIqyaa_E2ChoQQvTlxU6aTW1OacQdzF3cM26sZdq15oAUfyJgMj21OsCop_L0_rKWaX7XHdSmSqZyw6if3dHYsPoEVNZBsnc-ILO_QQVVCg__YXNlfsd-wTqww/s1600/10a83cb822c5d76de245cc544869a8f5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt03cA-C51cOk_WOHbnXIqyaa_E2ChoQQvTlxU6aTW1OacQdzF3cM26sZdq15oAUfyJgMj21OsCop_L0_rKWaX7XHdSmSqZyw6if3dHYsPoEVNZBsnc-ILO_QQVVCg__YXNlfsd-wTqww/s320/10a83cb822c5d76de245cc544869a8f5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Notice we weren't politically correct in those days, nor socially sensitive. Ah, well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fifth grade was the last of the parties I remember. That year I decided to forego the standard printed cards and had my mom buy me a package of heart-shaped paper doilies and a pen with red ink, Then I copied out silly verses from a magazine article I had--was it <i>Calling All Girls</i>, maybe? Not sure. I've forgotten all of the rhymes but one, which I gave to a red-haired boy named Carl on whom I had a mild crush:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The man of my dreams </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>is handsome and strong</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But I'll stick with you</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>'til he comes along.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I doubt if Carl was impressed with my efforts, but my teacher, Mrs. Fisher, certainly was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I loved Valentine's Day as a kid. And when I homeschooled my own four kids, one of the few things I felt sad about their missing out on was the fun of the school Valentine's Day party. So every year I set out to make up for the deficiency.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The unexpected thing was, my kids couldn't have cared less. Don't get me wrong--they liked receiving the annual treat of a little heart-shaped box of cheap chocolates. They are, after all, chips off the old block in that respect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But crafting pretty cardboard Valentine mailboxes or fashioning their own cards for members of the family or friends was something that interested them not an iota. They humored me somewhat but it was clear that I was the one who was jazzed about the activity; for them it was just some pointless art project they endured for my sake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The most famous example of that indifference has remained a family joke to this day. I was trying to encourage the kids to come up with their own sentiments to write on their homemade cards. Nobody was particularly enthused. I don't think they could see the point. But I urged them, suggesting ideas and finally by reciting the old time-worn example, </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Roses are red,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Violets are blue,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sugar is sweet,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>And so are you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I left them to it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A half hour later I went to examine the results. I think I finally knew it was a lost cause when I read my oldest son's card to his sister. In all seriousness, he had written:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Meat is red</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">And I like you.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I guess it could have been worse!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some other vintage Valentine "fails" I thought you might enjoy.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YsIk9usIRxa4ZRLIuWxHgRg0lQVesZUb339hV8hrkGz4GYMNdxKIKLYjAxQuUbjlFLzeq1V9g4vxk4OXq-d2xLkXMaemgHuz2GSsVw2lbYzsRUloOYf6Cpdr2UTZG9Q7bfGgWPiGF34/s1600/7edcc09cea13acb8a9faae7ab3049db8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YsIk9usIRxa4ZRLIuWxHgRg0lQVesZUb339hV8hrkGz4GYMNdxKIKLYjAxQuUbjlFLzeq1V9g4vxk4OXq-d2xLkXMaemgHuz2GSsVw2lbYzsRUloOYf6Cpdr2UTZG9Q7bfGgWPiGF34/s400/7edcc09cea13acb8a9faae7ab3049db8.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one obviously slipped past the censors.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2CNihH32OWFiefwLcZjsLWFwTcv3rzMbizCJBeevxFRK4tx_RszdXmh1wL1DhTLJd68QiVfkZuPWCB7K_iJxggd5Ebrh_4ll2fppIBH1o586BBzPnBsJf1fE5MCYpX1cADkVcjaSz8E/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2CNihH32OWFiefwLcZjsLWFwTcv3rzMbizCJBeevxFRK4tx_RszdXmh1wL1DhTLJd68QiVfkZuPWCB7K_iJxggd5Ebrh_4ll2fppIBH1o586BBzPnBsJf1fE5MCYpX1cADkVcjaSz8E/s400/14.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Definitely the kind of card that would have you phoning the cops to report a potential death threat nowadays.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmoBoMvko7cAcYw_K6ZrVBfBlnC98ZB1I31pq8NIcqmSD2vuMiLDiEhpQWMlbbHaJme6RXp6wzcCQ1qge5gnnM2zokn5s37MrzBew9r2s4u-o-xnoy_WCN7amlitL46YNWUP_wV9jduM/s1600/abdd1ca85dea75d7bd7f4f2436520063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmoBoMvko7cAcYw_K6ZrVBfBlnC98ZB1I31pq8NIcqmSD2vuMiLDiEhpQWMlbbHaJme6RXp6wzcCQ1qge5gnnM2zokn5s37MrzBew9r2s4u-o-xnoy_WCN7amlitL46YNWUP_wV9jduM/s400/abdd1ca85dea75d7bd7f4f2436520063.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Something the Texas chain saw murderer might have sent in his youthful ardor.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2BVK0-e7azQ1A8IMkwavAJ0jh8CzKp_Mq_mp6d3yHmm92CX0T3whyphenhyphengcu4SMlolgbCfyy4mezUZd86R4Z5Fn-pLTTQnjfzH0n_t16M4YScUqcBQemZFGJinGA1UlTCVyQ0VYcj0uURVM/s1600/3238439024_e363f43f15_o_width_600x.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2BVK0-e7azQ1A8IMkwavAJ0jh8CzKp_Mq_mp6d3yHmm92CX0T3whyphenhyphengcu4SMlolgbCfyy4mezUZd86R4Z5Fn-pLTTQnjfzH0n_t16M4YScUqcBQemZFGJinGA1UlTCVyQ0VYcj0uURVM/s400/3238439024_e363f43f15_o_width_600x.jpeg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apparently nothing says "I love you" like finding a corpse in your freezer.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz114HaMaso_iQ_4FyNDgoMLjfOg9TSEx2-dtdlQyeRCkvTc8Iq38FZQxJ86EAv6NsLElixIy4IWinGA6zcrksKzbtjr1ZU1yQJYi0bvnyHvha0wgP3NDI1XHafldiEIGmqL7aFZnWQg/s1600/VintageVD3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz114HaMaso_iQ_4FyNDgoMLjfOg9TSEx2-dtdlQyeRCkvTc8Iq38FZQxJ86EAv6NsLElixIy4IWinGA6zcrksKzbtjr1ZU1yQJYi0bvnyHvha0wgP3NDI1XHafldiEIGmqL7aFZnWQg/s400/VintageVD3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Uh..... Never mind.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_n9r4j8Byv0YX1RmFwHfQJbiQ-w5ApPP67rUqx7YXw0941k888Xv_AxB-sJ67YZWPA0M3MFGOpyYeKABV4Sx9UfhmVUf_jfkJOUXohs7qB9m7A1EBFKkmxbJ87WNHIaSDaD4wXNW6zw8/s1600/vintage-creepy-valentines-day-cards-mount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_n9r4j8Byv0YX1RmFwHfQJbiQ-w5ApPP67rUqx7YXw0941k888Xv_AxB-sJ67YZWPA0M3MFGOpyYeKABV4Sx9UfhmVUf_jfkJOUXohs7qB9m7A1EBFKkmxbJ87WNHIaSDaD4wXNW6zw8/s400/vintage-creepy-valentines-day-cards-mount.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I <i>said</i>, "Never mind!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEKnU7GvbZYsmhXbjdj1htw-dSDBnVWjObL_NpMreq8maMl4RYR99-3YX8JtJkbUp25nteug4gOt5UQImU7BMXRrDORIszbdxi9ePy997xmSBkYUDAWCimNT15A_OTQz1_p5UHXfGbvw/s1600/Unusually-Aggressive-And-Intense-Valentines-Day-Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEKnU7GvbZYsmhXbjdj1htw-dSDBnVWjObL_NpMreq8maMl4RYR99-3YX8JtJkbUp25nteug4gOt5UQImU7BMXRrDORIszbdxi9ePy997xmSBkYUDAWCimNT15A_OTQz1_p5UHXfGbvw/s320/Unusually-Aggressive-And-Intense-Valentines-Day-Cards.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A sinister-looking clown. Now THAT'S gonna win her!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxus63_LDAToM-ymu3PNSRlieAk_TxCsikVnYYUp1YNfq9Dg9EmGdi0QMqaLhotKnvdewHVWCQ6bNs50k_MR01YIt_m2RDb_NSvJx3juv019L9MM6G1ENR5-etHLp548GLPGp8k9UL58/s1600/funeral.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxus63_LDAToM-ymu3PNSRlieAk_TxCsikVnYYUp1YNfq9Dg9EmGdi0QMqaLhotKnvdewHVWCQ6bNs50k_MR01YIt_m2RDb_NSvJx3juv019L9MM6G1ENR5-etHLp548GLPGp8k9UL58/s400/funeral.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What planet is this ad from?</span></td></tr>
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<br />VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-83270651846623157952017-01-14T11:31:00.000-08:002017-01-14T11:31:52.376-08:00I'm Iced In and Have Cabin Fever, So Beware<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Snow, icy roads, and freezing temperatures have kept me pretty-well housebound since just after Christmas, and my sanity is even more frayed than usual. Looking at the weather across the nation, I surmise I may have abundant, similarly crazed company, and so I offer this brief distraction for the winter blues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the late 1970's, a pastor's wife shared this little gem with me and had me laughing so hard I could hardly breathe. I didn't know the source of the story and for years--nay, decades--searched for it in vain. Thanks to the internet, I've found this ridiculous tale again and, in slightly edited form, I present it here for your entertainment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">January can be such a dismal month. I recommend you read this little story aloud to a group of people and liven up everyone's spirits. Be sure to keep a serious expression and deliver this in as dry and mirthless a tone as possible.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1dyuVAc9Ox657eeF1XvoNZ2wczZWnEBTjf5jQ8SsfTEUUf-eAZ6Hvhbh29RR9SDfuiXfXnscASXExEmIL6uudHGXijqGOQPg6UXb9AOuPZNnhIJtUmHxLAScxGe2BpqFh0Ap5iv5ynA/s1600/s-l300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1dyuVAc9Ox657eeF1XvoNZ2wczZWnEBTjf5jQ8SsfTEUUf-eAZ6Hvhbh29RR9SDfuiXfXnscASXExEmIL6uudHGXijqGOQPg6UXb9AOuPZNnhIJtUmHxLAScxGe2BpqFh0Ap5iv5ynA/s640/s-l300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Wayside Chapel</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many years ago, an English gentlewoman, while traveling in Switzerland, looked at several rooms in a large boarding house with a view to renting future accommodations. She told the landlord that she would let him know about renting one of the rooms later, when her plans were more fixed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, after she returned to her home in England, the thought occurred to her that she had not noticed nor asked about the toilet, or "water closet", facilities. She thought it prudent to inquire about this important detail before making the reservation, so she immediately penned a note to the landlord to ascertain details. Being of a modest and bashful disposition, she could not bring herself to write out the words "water closet" in her letter, but used the common British terminology, "W.C.".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Swiss landlord, who was far from being an expert in English nomenclature, did not know what the initials "W.C." meant, so he asked the parish priest, who was more knowledgeable than he, and together they decided that it must mean "Wayside Chapel."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Subsequently, the landlord sent this reply to the (doubtlessly) startled woman.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Dear Madam,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I take great pleasure in informing you that the W. C. is located seven miles from the house in the center of a beautiful grove of trees. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sunday and Thursday only. I recommend that you arrive early, although there is plenty of standing room. (This is an unfortunate situation, I admit, especially if you are in the habit of going regularly.)</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">You will no doubt be glad to hear that a good number bring their lunch and make a day of it, while others who can afford it go by car and arrive just in time. I would especially suggest that your ladyship go on Thursday when there is social music. Acoustically, the place is excellent.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the W. C., and it was there that she first met her husband. A great throng attended the occasion, and I remember the rush there was for seats.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">The newest attraction is a charming little bell donated by a wealthy resident of the district. It rings joyously every time a person enters, its tinkling adding much to the friendly, informal aspect of the services. A bazaar is to be held to provide plush seats for all, since the people think it is a long-felt need. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">My wife is rather delicate and does not go regularly. Naturally, it pains her very much not to attend more often. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">If you wish, I shall be glad to reserve the best seat for you where you will be seen by all.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Hoping I have been of service to you, I remain,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Mr. -----, Landlord</span></i><br />
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(Adapted from the version found at MyCleanHumor.com.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I thought the weather here was crummy.</span></td></tr>
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<i><br /></i>VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716125378586173047.post-68428071052161100622016-12-31T09:09:00.003-08:002016-12-31T09:09:53.256-08:00As We Move Forward to 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyhedAb59KRo-d-M1AFXkgqDWO7Nd12YvOSI47mmd5t3QAhkiwnYR08V01uEb8XHcLZljg1iveSDFuUePGpBHOeWWRwj4s0ZpxrW0IWrqXdUUO_T-KOckqPl1jX67Eo8fUEIqO2u9YmA/s1600/c67e8b3a5ebbd7bcb1d5ea6272fb83a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyhedAb59KRo-d-M1AFXkgqDWO7Nd12YvOSI47mmd5t3QAhkiwnYR08V01uEb8XHcLZljg1iveSDFuUePGpBHOeWWRwj4s0ZpxrW0IWrqXdUUO_T-KOckqPl1jX67Eo8fUEIqO2u9YmA/s640/c67e8b3a5ebbd7bcb1d5ea6272fb83a6.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hebrews xiii.8.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We leave many things behind us as we go on. We can never go back again over the closing year. We never go over any life-path a second time. We never pass a second time through any experience.<br />We have infancy once, childhood once, youth once, manhood and womanhood once, old age once, and we die once. We are forever leaving things, places, conditions, and experiences behind us. But through all these we have the same Christ, unchanged, unchanging.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The old ark was carried forward into the new land of promise, and still led the people. The Christ of childhood and of youth remains the Christ of manhood and of old age. Whatever changes the years bring to us, we just ever keep our eyes on the living Christ. He will always be all we need. There will never be a path which he cannot find for us and show us. There will never be a dark valley which he cannot light up for us. There will never be a battle which he cannot fight for us. There will never be an experience through which he cannot safely take us. We are leaving the old year behind, but we are not leaving Christ in the dead year. We need not be afraid, therefore, to go forward, if we go with him. We have not passed this new way heretofore, and it is all strange to our inexperience; but Christ knows and he will guide us, and all will be well if we put our hand in his.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> --J. R. Miller, D. D., 1895</span></div>
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VLWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13450976652481254870noreply@blogger.com0