FINESSE... It's What I Do!

More things!

2009-11-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

A bride reconnected and asked me to help her with a gift for her husband for their 2nd anniversary. The traditional 2nd anniversary is cotton so she left it up to me. She told me that he loves to cook and enjoys good wine. My suggestion was a wine bag to use when they go out to dinner at a BYOB. She liked the idea and asked me to personalize it like this:

She filled the bag with some of his favorite good wines. Nice gift!

One of the most unconventional brides I have met is the curator of an historical museum in Philadelphia. She has 4 bridesmaids and gave each of them pashminas with a Liberty Bell on the corner. Another unique idea!

She even had me make one for her. Her liberty bell included her wedding date.
Congratulations Dena and Pat!

Testing, 1-2-3

2009-10-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

I just received this new tool for my website and I am "checking that baby out"!
So far, it doesn't appear to be working the way I thought it would but, oh, wells....I am still learing. Don't shoot me yet!
Also, I am not using it in my website until I get it figured out; it links back to WeddingWire (where Finesse received the "2009 Bride's Choice Award").

I'm on a roll!

2009-09-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is kicking my butt this year.
Here are a few of the projects that have been keeping me busy.

This was, without a doubt, my biggest challenge of all the bridal hankies that I have done. I think I threw away at least 3. This bride wrote a poem for her mother and one for her father. They were very touching but the words were difficult to fit on the hanky without distorting them and making them hard to read. I think I put in about 90gabazillion hours on each one! It was worth it in the end because, as usual, it brought tears to some well deserving parents; tears of joy.

She must have liked them; I was invited to the wedding!

Another custom order. Another challenge.
This bride had a hanky made to pin to the tree next to her fiance's mother's grave. She wanted butterflies on it. When I sent the proof to her, she liked them so much, she ordered 2 more; one for her mother and one for herself!

This bride asked me if I could copy the design on the invitation to her Miami wedding. It was a pretty pink and rose floral design. What do you think?

SURPRISE!

2009-09-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't been here much because I have been crazy busy. So I had may as well get right to the surprise.

When this mom asked me to make her baby's bedding, I was thrilled! She is very special to me and that made this project even more important. Since I am a Paralyzed Perfectionist, this project took a little longer than I (and the mom) hoped it would, but I am pleased with the result.

So, without further delay, here it is!

Bumpers are teal on the inside and the monkey print is on the outside. The tiny print is the trim and ties on the bumpers and crib skirt is fashioned to match the window valance which folds back to reveal an applique palm tree; the folds are held by buttons, covered in the trim fabric.

The quilt is teal on one side and monkey print on the reverse. Of course the trim makes the cording and it is hand tied. The monogrammed pillow was made from the left over teal.

I am so happy with how this project turned out and mom was too!
I just can't believe that I didn't get a picture of Baby JT in his new room.

Ok, so it would have been a little difficult since I was holding him the whole time!

Super Secret Project

2009-08-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

So, this is to be a surprise. Except, I am not one being surprised! AND it is so hard for me to keep secrets! But I promised, so I will.

Here's what the surprise will be made from:

Can you tell which one of these people will be doing the surprising?:

I will post more when the surprise is finished! All I can tell you now is that, so far, I love it!

New Blog Announcement.

2009-07-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Remember Doug?

Well, His wife is coping well on the outside. I can't vouch for the inside but she has started blogging in the hope of dealing with her grief and helping others to deal with any grief that they might be experiencing. She would love for you to stop by and say hello or chat.

Find her at Denyse Starting Over

Best Wishes, Nikki

2009-07-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Nikki contacted me about 2 weeks ago. She wanted hankies for her mom and future mother-in-law. Here is her sentiment (I get so choked up sometimes):

Mom, When I say "I am going home", it means to where you are.

Vote Here

2009-07-07T14:45:00.001-07:00

The easiest way to vote is to click on "change button".

All Star Game...FINAL VOTE

2009-07-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

The World Champion Phillies were hot tonight with a 10-0 lead at the top of the second inning! The game ended in a Football score. 22-1; more runs than scored in the last 6 games put together!

But I digress.

There is a campaign going on in Philadelphia, and even elected officials are doing all they can to send their man, Shane Victorino, to St. Louis.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter walked the streets of South Philadelphia with Victorino on Monday afternoon, knocking on doors -- literally -- to solicit support.

"He left whatever he was doing, running the city," Victorino said. "I should go to the budget meetings and sit there and be like, 'No, I don't think that'll crunch. Those numbers don't crunch.'"

You can help make Shane Victorino the 33rd and final roster spot for the NL with the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote. Please cast your vote on the right side bar.

PRESS RELEASE!!!

2009-02-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I received an email the other day, asking me if I saw my WeddingWire Storefront. Apparently, I won an award! The following is the press release:

"2009 Bride's Choice Awards presented by WeddingWire Wedding Cakes, Wedding Venues, Wedding Photographers

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that FINESSE CUSTOM EMBROIDERY has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US. That means FINESSE CUSTOM EMBROIDERY is one of the very best.

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

"We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

FINESSE would like to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award.

Note: See the award at the bottom of the page.

I've been busy...sorry!

2009-02-07T19:01:00.000-08:00

The holidays have long since long passed. The decoratrations have been stored away for another year. Things are back to normal; whatever that is. So, where have I been? I can't really say...We did paint the family room and do some redecorating. We did go to the mountains for a few days.

Ah, yes!! Wedding season is approaching. Quickly!

I have been crazy busy making lots of brides happy; at least I hope so. Look at some of the cute ideas they have come up with in addition to the usual ones.....

This bride called me and asked if I could do a poem on a hanky for her flower girls. It took some doing but I finally got it to fit without compromising the lettering. It is a little difficult to read so, here is what it says:

"When I was just a little girl
about the size of you,
I dreamed one day I'd fall in love
and then get married, too.

So now that I am all grown up
about to be a bride,
I want you for my flower girl
to be right by my side.

This hankie is a bridal gift
to use and store away;
a keepsake you can carry on
your happy Wedding Day."

How cute is that?

This bride had me busy for quite a while. I think she is giving hankies to everyone she knows!

A couple of weeks later, she asked me to make some tank tops for her bridesmaids and the infamous "Soon-to-be" hoodie. I love seeing their wedding pictures with my "stuff" in them!

I love this idea...

"Mother of the Bride" and "Father of the Bride" with the names of each of their three daughters with the bride's wedding date and room to add the sisters' date later.

Cute idea!

The Christmas Gift

2008-12-26T17:54:00.001-08:00

My BFF, Jean, and I sat on my back porch this past summer.

We made our "Bucket List".

Today, I am able to cross another "to do" off the list.

Find Jason & Kyle

When I got Jean to join Facebook a few months ago, I thought we would have fun but I never imagined the good that could come from it. Christmas night, I found out; Jean made contact with the sons who she was seperated from 10 years ago! Faith has seen her through these past 10 years; she has never given up the hope that they would reunite someday.

A mother's love for her children will always overcome the heartaches, hopelessness, and despartion felt when those children are taken from her arms.

Jean, I am so happy for you and I hope with all of my heart, that this is not the last of the answers to your prayers.

Jason & Kyle, I hope that you can know how happy you have made your mother, simply by answering her prayers.

Just when I thought I knew everything about my mother....

2008-12-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

Last night I saw something that really touched me. I wasn't really surprised; just kind of taken back a little.

I drove my mother to meet a group of her friends whom she sees about once a year. The trip necessitated driving North on I95, so it was a nice long drive (if you consider hearing gasps every few miles, and having your arm clenched and scratched by long, perfectly manicured fingernails, nice) with some good conversation.

We reached our destination in about 1-3/4 hours; a little over an hour longer than it should have taken. The holiday traffic was crazy and I changed my route several times so that we wouldn't be late.

She had a good time catching up with her friends and we had a "so-so" dinner at a restaurant that we had high expectations of. I think that may have been because we used to live right near the restaurant many years ago when it was one of the best in the area. The dinner was actually a huge disappointment. Perhaps that is why we took more than half of it home with us; something I rarely do.

On the way home, we have to go through the edge of the city to get to the bridge to cross the river. When we reached the underside of the bridge, we were stopped by a red light at a spot where it is not uncommon to see people hanging around. I must admit that I have gone past this spot so many times that I must have become oblivious to it. This night, there was a homeless man standing in the middle of the street with a sign that read, "Homeless, Hungry, Disabled Vet. Can you help? God Bless."

From the passenger seat I heard another gasp; this time it was not due to my driving but from the sight of that man in the street. My mother started to reach for her handbag, hesitated, reached again.... Then I reached in the back seat to find our carefully secured doggy bags (actually, they were nice styro containers, holding in the heat). When I came up with the box, the man was already standing at my window, as if he knew what I was doing. When I looked at him, my heart sank. I opened the window and he took the box from me and said "Thank you very much and God Bless You."

When the light turned green, I pulled away and as I looked back in my rear-view mirror, I saw the man in the car behind me, also offering something. I turned the bend and headed over the bridge, and out of sight.
We go to the city for the theater, dinner, shopping, fun times. We are so busy that we never look around us. Maybe seeing the city at night, in a different light, makes us more aware of things. Things I didn't realize. My mother had never seen a homeless person!

The crossing was silent. When I reached the other side of the river, I looked over at her face. She was crying. I think it really shook her, actually seeing, first hand, someone so down, so alone, so desperate. My mother was a young child during the Great Depression, still, she was touched.

Seeing my mother so vulnerable is what touched me.

They're dropping like flies!

2008-11-27T12:21:00.000-08:00

Here I sit, on Thanksgiving Day, blogging my heart out. You are probbly thinking I A) Have nowhere to go, or B) Am going to someone's house for dinner. WRONG! I had place(S) to be! I am NOT going to someone's house.

Yes, I am cooking on Thanksgiving and have time to sit, wine glass in hand (half empty- or is that half full?- bottle sitting nearby) aimlessly surfing the web. We turned down 2 invitations in order to have dinner at our house, and we did include the "inviters", who became the first flies to drop. That's ok, we still have my parents (whom I only last week found out that they were not going to the sibling's, as usual; what's up with that?) and my other "spawn with family".

My daughter always attends the "Command Performance" at her mother-in-law's; wouldn't dare suggest otherwise. That's ok with me because I get them for the entire Christmas celebration, beginning on Christmas Eve and ending somewhere after Christmas dinner. This is something which I came to accept early on. I learned how to pick my battles with the in-laws!
Another last minute game call-The Kid's mom has to babysit her younger brothers while her mother works, and she refuses to bring them here. Can't say I argued too hard on that one.
So, we are down to 5. That's fine with me-I still cook for 100. I have never, even after 36+ years of marriage, been able to figure out how to cook for 2. BUT, wouldn't you think that everyone could be a little bit early to watch some football or something? My mother has a long history of lateness. I remember once, when I was first married, having Thanksgiving at my Grandmother's with the whole family. Of course Big Daddy and I were there way ahead of time so that we could visit and have fun with my cousins before dinner. I know it was a 4 hour drive, but if I could do it, couldn't my mom? No. They arrived about an hour after dinner was set. I still can't figure out why she was annoyed that we had eaten without them; we did save them some. She complained that they left the dark meat (she likes white), the potatoes were cold, and there weren't any rolls left. Oh my!

I would never start without her but, she had better get here soon because I don't do this often and I want it to be good. Not only that, I am really hungry and I refuse to eat anything now and miss the pleasure of gorging myself intentionally later.

Besides, she has the pies!

I've been busy!

2008-11-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I had some major technical difficulties last week but I am back and in full swing!

Today was really busy and the day flew by.

I had some towels to monogram for a Bridal Shower,

Taggies for a Baby Shower,

Custom blanket for the same shower,

Christmas

bib

And this is just too cute NOT to show.

I had a bride ask for something for her Flower Girls; This is what I came up with:

While You Wait

2008-11-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but, I hate waiting. I am impatient and I must have instant gratification. I had lots of that today.

I had to take my embroidery machine in to fix a self induced problem. The repair man told me to give him at least a few hours. No problem; I was in my old neighborhood (an hour away from home) so I planned to meet a friend (Just An Old Fashioned Gal) for lunch and maybe do a little shopping.

While I was shopping in Home Goods, I found a basket full of items, each one was right there waiting for me. I found a beautiful tablecloth and then found exactly 2 packages of 4 each, napkins, in the clearance aisle! Then I walked over to the toy aisle and found the perfect toy for The Kid--a balance board with a picture of his favorite thing, a duck!

After that, I turned around and there was my friend (she said she was tired of waiting for me)!

No waiting continued at the checkout line (no line). While I was paying, my phone rang and it was repairman letting me know that he had finished and my baby was ready!

We were pretty hungry so we jumped in our cars (yup, you guessed it; right in the first space) and went to a restaurant just down the street. Table for 2? Right this way! 12:30 and no waiting? Our food came out before we even had a chance to catch up.

This is what happens when you try to take a picture of yourself!

So in all, my day was great. After I left my friend at the restaurant, I was driving toward home when I saw the funniest thing. Well, it may not be funny to everyone but, it struck me so funny, I had to take a picture with my phone. I hope you can see it. Ok, it's too far away to see but here is what it says:

(Whoever)'s Art; Tattoos while you wait!

Since I hate waiting, I won't be going there anytime soon!

Oh, Yeah!!!!!!!! World Series, Baby!

2008-10-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

No words needed!

Family Tree?

2008-10-24T18:26:00.001-07:00

Many years ago, I was really into Geneology, tracing my mother's family back to 1700's Switzerland. I learned a lot, such as the difference between second cousins (the people in your family who have the same great-grandparents as you, but not the same grandparents), and cousins twice removed (there is a two-generation difference). It is all very confusing but eventually, you get the hang of it.

There is one family relationship that can't be explained, however.

My daughter-in-law's first child gave birth so that would be my "Great-grand", right? So far, so good.

Now, here is where it gets tricky. My mother adopted the little girl, so that would make her my "little sister"?!?

Yeah, my mom took on the responsibility under protest by my dad! He said, "absolutely not!" when they discussed it. He thought that it was too much trouble, and would take up a lot of time and effort, and they would lose their freedom. But once her saw her, he fell in love. So they became proud parents. They dote. They fuss. They spoil. They adore her! (All ad nauseam, I might add.)

However, my parents like to travel and sometimes it is not possible or appropriate for my great-grand/sister to accompany them. When that happens, they slyly ask if she can stay with us. Of course I say, "Yes"; she is no trouble at all. She practically takes care of herself and she loves the cats (We have 3). Plus we have a big fenced in back yard to play in and I can sew little clothes for her.

When they arrive, so does her little bag containing her washcloth, towel, toothbrush, hairbrush and hair accessories, and special toys. Her pillow also comes along, as well as a thermal bag filled with individual daily servings of pre-cooked oatmeal (I gag thinking about cooking the stuff).

She sleeps with Big Daddy and me; she loves to snuggle. My mom is a little annoyed about this because now she won't stay in her own room at home. Oh well!

She's so cute with curly black hair and black eyes. One can't help staring at her; everywhere my parents go, people remark how cute she is--even with the rather dominant underbite. Oh, would you like to see a picture of her?

I think she is the best thing that ever happened to them; she gives them another reason to get up every morning, and is going to keep them young.

The Fork War: The Final Chapter

2008-10-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I did an embroidery job for an old friend (remember the Fork War?). She needed a gift for a 90th birthday. I suggested a monogrammed pillowcase. Turns out, the birthday girl also loves to cook, so in addition to the pillowcase, I made an oven mitt.

During that same week, "Kevmeema"'s mother passed away after a lengthy illness. It was a really tough year for her. Even though I have never met her in person, I know that she is a really tough, strong woman; one that I admire.

A couple of days after I sent the package with the pillowcase and oven mitt, I received an email telling me that the package arrived as they were leaving the house to attend the funeral, and she didn't open it until the next day. Her email went on to compliment my "talent" and then she asked me what she owed me.

What price do you put on friendship? I felt that I owed her more than she owed me. She was always there when I needed someone to confide in. She helped me brainstorm when I started my business. She made brochures for me. She gave me ideas, incentives, encouragement to try, when I had less confidence in myself than she had in me-someone she hardly "knew". Once, she even helped me accept a new chapter in my life when The Kid was born and I became a grandmother!

I asked that she make a donation to her Mom's favorite cause...The Jersey Shore Animal Center, in Brick, NJ, where they had requested memorial donations in her mom's name. I expected negotiations to begin but I guess she realized how futile that would be. She agreed and I was happy; it was a done deal!

Two days later, a package arrived at my house. Since I was expecting a shipment of handkerchiefs from a supplier. I put the package in my sewing studio without looking at it. Several days passed before I noticed that it wasn't from the supplier, but from Kevmeema!

Somehow I just knew what was inside, even before I opened the package. I knew that she would think of something so special; that's the kind of lady she is. So, I carefully ripped the paper off and yanked the top off the box and threw it on the floor. Inside was the nicest gift I have ever received. A gift from

the best friend I never met.

The forks have come full circle and so has a wonderful Internet friendship--one that must certainly evolve soon.

But one thing, E, it is YOU who is a special lady!

Tag! I'm "it"!

2008-10-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged! Not by just anyone, either! I was tagged by Just an Old fashioned Gal.

I know Marialena, personally and I can vouch for her being an old fashioned gal. She is also someone I call friend. We may not be "hang-out-together-do-lunch" type girlfriends, but she is definitely someone that I am proud to know. We have had more than a few encounters but this is one of my favorites:

This HAS to give you some idea what a hoot she can be! I love her!

Now, on to the tagging thing (which I can also credit her for teaching me).

Here are the rules:
1-Link to your tagger and list the rules
2-List 5 random facts about yourself
3-Tag 5 people
4-If you're tagged, play along and pass it on!

Here's the link to that fabulous life that I warned you would come up now and again:

1-I was an only child for 16 years but I am not the typical spoiled brat (I never lie, either)

2-I have been happily married for 36 years to my High School Sweatheart (and they said it wouldn't last. The secret? He travels....a lot!)

3-I've been to more countries than United States; not terribly proud of that (even though I had some really great times) but I am working on changing that next Spring

4-I went back to college at 47 and graduated summa cum laude; not like that woulda happened when I was 20!

5-I have very few friends my own age; most are more than 10 years younger than me. Who wants to hang out with old people anyway?

Ok, now this is the fun part....I am tagging:
Superbef
Taking Chances
Mrs T Rod

This is as far as I go. I am still so new to the blogging world that I don't really know anyone else well enough to intrude upon them. Jeez! I hope those that I did impose upon, don't mind!

The Hostage Situation

2008-10-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

I guess it isn't very nice to refer to one's family as "Hostage Takers", is it?

Years ago, my grandmother came to visit after the birth of my second child. She arrived with a car trunk full of suitcases and stayed for weeks. My uncle said she took us hostage in our own home. To this day, Big Daddy refers to that visit as "The Hostage Situation".

Well, this past weekend, my aunt (my mother's sister) and uncle came to visit my parents for a few days. My mom invited us to come for Sunday brunch, before they left to go home. Big Daddy said we were going to negotiate the "Hostage Situation".

I was thrilled to see them all together; it doesn't happen often. Not that they don't want to, it just doesn't happen due to distance, different schedules, etc., maybe even a little pig-headedness (ie. "But, I called her last"). I think that if they made a little more of an effort, it could be done. Afterall, my mom goes in her direction on road trips to the Finger Lakes, and my aunt comes to Atlantic City occasionally (and AC is not far from my mom; certainly not in relation to the 3 hour drive it takes her to get there!) Neither of them stays put for long-funny because they called my grandmother "One-foot-out-the-door-Mabel"!

It is sad that we sometimes have to make such an effort to get together. I think it should be a natural occurance...Oh, like Earthquakes??

My aunt, My mom, & me at my mom's house

NOTE: I loved having my grandmother stay with us! Even if it meant gaining half a ton eating her incredible cooking!

The Fork War

2008-09-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

A few years back, I was really into collecting antique china and silver. It didn't have to match; that's what makes it interesting.

I fell in love with Occupied Japan and couldn't get enough of it. So, I collected, and collected; as much as I could find. Ebay was a great source.
After I had collected enough china, I began looking at silver. Forks, knives, spoons, demitasse, butter knives, ladles, muffineers, napkin rings.... You name it, I had to have it. And it HAD to be silver.

One day, I found some forks. They were beautiful, they were silver, and they were mine! (At least in my mind they were mine!) They were all I needed to complete my set, allowing me to be able have 12 dinner guests. I could feel them in my hands. I could see them on my table!

I put my bid in. I waited. I watched. No competition.
The last day of the auction, still no bids, and I had to leave the house, something I never do on the last day of an auction. I felt confident that I would be eating with my new forks later that week.

When I returned and checked the auction, someone else had bid against me and stole my forks! I was so disappointed! But for some strange reason, I was calm! Later, I would learn why.
At the time, ebay allowed users to use their email addresses as bidder names. I noticed that the ~~thief~~ winning bidder had an AOL address. I don't know what possessed me but, I immediately added the name to my AIM list and IMed her/him (?).

"I had to leave the house today," I said, "or those forks would be mine!"

Holding my breath, I waited for the response. I really expected to be ignored or worse; get a nasty response. Instead, I got the old, "LOL"!

So, I responded with some other witty retort and ended up having a nice, long conversation with a really nice lady who, it turned out, lives a little more than an hour from me! We continued to have conversations for days, then weeks, months....

It has been years now (I can't even remember how many) and we still laugh about the forks. Things happen. Life interferes. Children get married, grandchildren are born, loved ones pass on, houses are sold, spouses get sick. But we continue to be Internet friends. We laugh about the forks. We exchange birthday, anniversary, and Christmas cards. We laugh about the forks. We exchange confidences. We laugh about the forks. Someday we will meet.

"Kevmeema" is one of the best friends that I have never met! Sometimes, it takes being a loser to become a winner!

I survived the NY Subway!

2008-09-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

Wow! The kid's first day of school took a lot out of me. I needed a week to recover. Ok, 2 weeks.

On Monday, I took Big Daddy to see a Yankee's game. The Yankees are his favorite team; Mickey Mantle, his idol. So, when he mentioned that he was sad that he had never actually seen them play, I decided to buy us some tickets and journey to the Bronx before the stadium came tumbling down.

He was so excited to be going to see his team play; I was excited to be going into Manhattan for lunch!

Ok, so I amthe typical tourist; shoot me! Oh never mind, by the looks of this picture, somebody already did!

We took the NJTransit from Hamilton, into Penn Station. Then we went up to the street to walk around a bit and have some lunch before descending into the dark hole known (to me, anyway) as the New York Subway.

The trip wasn't as bad as I had imagined, even though I had to stand and hang on for dear life; swinging and swaying like a pole dancer. When we ascended the stairs, the street was alive with tourists and Yankees fans, all taking pictures of the new stadium. There it was in all it's glory.

The new Yankees Stadium

We wandered around under the train tracks, looking at t-shirt shops, hat shops....Big Daddy didn't want one of "those" hats; he wanted one from inside!

So whatever Big Daddy wants, Big Daddy gets...

Um, no, you cannot have a hat like Mickey Rivers'.Outside the stadium, somebody painted on a wall in a parking lot. This shot shows Mickey Mantle (L) and Joe DiMaggio (R)Here's the whole gang:

Inside the stadium, here's another gang:

Yup, this is as close as we got to Monument Park. They only allow so many people through there at each game! How fair is that? :::note sarcasm::: Before the game started, I took a bunch of pictures and I will not even attempt to tell you who these guys are but if you are a baseball fan, Big Daddy said you would know.

FOUL BALL!!

This guy comes in, late, toting a bag and a toddler. Who takes a 3 year old to a ballgame?!Oh, perhaps when the 3 year old is a huge fan? This kid was so excited, he almost lost his PB&J! He was my favorite part of the game.Some of the Yankees fans are crazy! You'd never catch Philadelphia fans doing anything like this!

Hmmph! The Phillies will disagree!

Kindergarten!

2008-09-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today was The Kid's first day at Kindergarten! He was all set since he had already gone to pre-school last year. He loved it then and he loves it, still!

While waiting for the bus, the neighbor came by with his company vehicle. The kids loved it!
Saying goodbye to Mom.
Here comes the bus!
7 hours later; home from a hard day at the office.

Another fun day with THE KID

2008-09-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to go to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire for a few years now and when I got the email about Children's Weekend, I thought, "Yeah, 2 birds; one stone".

Whoa! People actually come dressed like gypsies, maidens, wenches, etc (body parts busting from their garb, and all...makes for a hard time hiding the tatoos!). Whole families. I couldn't help but feel sorry for some of the children who's moms dressed these poor little darlings in velvet and leather clothing in the sweltering August heat! What the heck is wrong with people?

We were first met by some really tall guys.

Then there were some pretty ladies.

Gotta love these outfits: The Kid had more fun than The PopPop on the swinging boat!

But they both had fun on the elephant! $15!?!?!?!?!?!???? WHAT?????

Ok, so this kid was cute:

The horses were a big hit. Yeah, I was there, too....making sand art (woohoo!).
In any event, The Kid had fun that day but The PopPop sure was beat when it was over.

God, I love having this kid all to ourselves!

36 years ago, today

2008-08-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

As I sit on my back porch enjoying my morning cup of tea, I am reflecting over the past 36 years.

August 26, 1972 wasn't as cool as it is today, in fact, it was an ungodly hot and humid day that year. Hurricane Agnes had left a mark on many that year.

My DH's best man was unable to make it to the wedding because of the devastation done to his family's home (as well as those of everyone else in the town of Wilkes Barre, PA.)

When I woke up that morning, I was excited, as any bride would be on her wedding day. The sun was out and shining brightly. As the morning progressed, it became a little overcast but I wasn't even concerned. We came home from getting our hair done and I began the challenge of "getting beautified". In those days, I was still in full makeup mode at all times (false eyelashes included) but today, it had to be even more special. I remember coming from the bathroom to show everyone my makeup and I noticed that the drapes had been drawn closed in my room. When I asked why, I was told that the sun was shining in so brightly that the girls couldn't see to fix their own faces. Little did I know at the time, that my dutiful 'maids' thought they were protecting me from the ugly truth outside; It was pouring buckets!
Little did they know that I couldn't have cared less! It was my wedding day and nothing could spoil it. Nothing else mattered. OMG! Look at those dresses!

When the photographer finished with the family shots inside the house, we opened the door to leave and the rain had slowed to a drizzle. Barely noticeable drops were few and far between.

By the time I settled into the back seat of (now here is one of those times I warned you about; when you become jealous of my fabulous life) our friend's brand new black Grand Prix, the sky opened up again, and poured all the way to the church.

When I reached the church, the rain slowed enough to get inside after which it began storming once again!

Then it happened; a thunderbolt so loud and so close that the electric went out in the church which meant....no music! Horrors! My organist was a friend and he was so disappointed. Luckily, my mother's friend jumped up and ran to the piano and saved the day. Or so she thought. I held out hope that the lights would come back on and my friend could play. We waited as long as we could and finally, started the procession for the girls. Just as I reached the doors, the lights came back on and the organ started up again! The ceremony went on while the sun shone through the stained glass windows of the sanctuary. It was beautiful!

The rain held out for the receiving line and throwing of the rice (which I subsequently picked from my hair for 2 days!). While we were inside doing some more pictures, the rain came, but only long enough for the pictures and then it stopped again while we were in the car going to the reception.

Once inside the (Washington Crossing) Inn, I didn't care any more!

The night was wonderful and at the end, you could hardly even tell it had rained at all!
So, I guess it's true what they say; "Rain and sunshune on your wedding day is lucky!"

Wow! Have we changed much?

Swirl, Baby!

2008-08-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

I have been really busy this week; thus the reason for my slacking, again!

This group of ladies I know have been busy preparing a "care package" for one of our own.

T was on vacation and went into pre-term labor. Within hours, Baby T was welcomed into the world. Her weight was 2lbs 10oz and she was 14 inches and her gestational age was 28 weeks 3 days!

BabyT was flown to Cooper University Hospital's NICU where she remained for 18 days. While we were preparing the package, Baby T stabilized and was transferred to a hospital closer to her home; a good sign that things are progressing nicely. This news was a good thing in more ways than one. Mom and Dad live about 45 minutes away.

Anyway, I decided to contribute some handmade, custom baby items. I looked up the nursery registry and tried to "copy" the bedding as best I could. What do you think?

There is an "inside joke" that I wanted to capture as well:

I have one more thing to finish before I wrap this project up and mail it off so I am going to get to it!

Strange day in the city

2008-08-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today I had to go into the city to dispute a parking ticket. No problem.

I asked my friend to go with me so we could do a little shopping and have lunch on Rittenhouse Square. Good idea.

Well, at the parking authority office, we had to go through the same kind of security that you go through at the airport. (We (tried) to make a joke about where our plane was loading and where we were going but the "security guard" had no sense of humor.) I was told it would be an hour before I had my turn so we decided to head over to Reading Terminal Market for a cup of tea. My friend went to tell the security man who then asked her if either of us had any vaseline in our "big bags"! Why would anyone ask such a question? It seems he had a big sore on his lip and I didn't even want to know about it. Talk about being 'skeeved out'! I couldn't even look in his direction on my way out. When we came back, my friend went around the corner to a dollar store while I went back inside to wait my turn (which I had missed). When I came out from my hearing (which I won hands down), the security man was standing at the door with some white cream around his lips! My friend got him some antibacterial cream at the Dollar Store! I left, still unable to look him in the face!

We headed on down the the center of town and did a little shopping along the way. I got some great things on sale but that's another day!

So, we went to have lunch at the newest Stephen Starr restaurant, Parc. In case you live under a rock and never get out, Stephen Starr is the number one restaurateur in our "City of Brotherly Love". We worked our way through the crowd that was gathering, to the hostess and told her which seat we wanted; up front and with the best view of the Square. While we dined al fresco, I daydreamed of years ago, when I would come to visit my aunt who lived on the 19th floor of 1900 Rittenhouse, and sharing lunch at the Art Alliance, when ladies still wore hats & gloves, and membership was required.

Our lunch was excellent and we enjoyed everything about it (including the cute waiter who we both wanted to adopt). While we were looking over the dessert menu, my friend began giggling. When I asked what was so funny, she nodded toward the ladies having lunch behind me. We had just commented on how "put together" they looked with their outfits and accessories when she noticed one of the women's ultimate accessory; a long stream of toilet paper hanging from below her jacket, obviously tucked into the waistband of her skirt. (Did I mention that these ladies were well into their golden years?) The longer she looked, the more my friend giggled as the paper began blowing in the breeze. Every time someone walked by, the paper waved at us like a muleta; the red cape that a matador flaps at the bull to draw its attention.

I couldn't let her just sit there like that! So I went over to tell her, but I just couldn't bring myself to touch it! She tried to reach back to find it but couldn't. So, she sat there (I think she thought I was lying to her) and finished her lunch all the while, that TP was flapping in the breeze!

Then it happened! She got up and started walking to the ladies' room! There it was, hanging in all its glory; that stream of TP. Her lunch companion looked horrified and she caught the eye of the gentleman (and I DO mean gentleman) seated next to them. He saw what she was looking at and he jumped from his seat and plucked the elusive TP from the lady's back and made it disappear like magic! Chivalry is not dead!

As we left the restaurant, I stopped at their table and told them to enjoy the rest of their day! I'm sure they did! As did I.

Ok, so I am not the nice person you thought I was; The devil made me do it!

A most fun day at the beach

2008-08-13T17:02:00.001-07:00

The husband & I decided to take a day and go to the beach with Gson. I forgot how much fun it is to be at the beach with a little one.

I really did not expect what happened, since he just began getting his face wet. Little by little, he went into the water.Ok, that wasn't too bad. The water was actually really nice even though it wasn't very hot at the beach.

Sometimes it's hard getting a great shot at the beach!By the end of the first hour, he was body surfing! I almost had a heart attack a few times.

After lunch, we went to the amusement park, on the boardwalk. Pop-Pop took him up the slide and he said he wanted to go alone! (I think Pop-Pop was a little disappointed!) So, I gave them some more tickets so they could go again...together.

Not sure who laughed harder.

After we spent all of our tickets at the park, we went to see Lucy the Elephant.

The walk up the winding steps was hard (and a little scary) but the view at the top was worth it!

I can't wait to go to the beach again. I may make it a weekly habit!

8-8-08 lucky? It was a sad, sad day for many.

2008-08-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

About an hour after I posted about Gson's birthday party, I was ready to go to take D out to lunch. (She's the friend who's husband was in hospice.) Before I left the house, I called her office and I was told that she had left. When I reached her, she told me that the doctor had called to tell her that Doug's oxygen level was dropping rapidly. That could only mean one thing.

My husband and I went to the hospital as soon as he came home. I didn't really know what to expect but I just knew that I had to be there for D. She is one of those people that you can't help but love, and she has always been there when I needed someone to lean on or confide in.

When we arrived, Doug's family was there and D was crying and holding Doug's hand. He was in a coma by then and on oxygen; his breathing very labored. The doctors told us that he would not see the next day.

D came around and started talking about fun things that we had all done together and times that we remembered. There was a bulletin board with pictures of all of their trips; more fun remembering. Our best memory was of our trip to Italy last year.

After a couple of hours (which seemed like days), we said goodbye to Doug. I kissed him and told him I loved him. I would never forget him.

He held on until noon the next day...8-8-08....the Chinese 'lucky' day. Doug would be amused by this; he was always trying to Feng Shui something (or someone) and consulting our "I Ching'.

Doug was one of the most interesting and fun people I have ever known...he will certainly be missed by many.

"There's no way around grief and loss: you can dodge all you want, but sooner or later you just have to go into it, through it, and hopefully come out the other side. The world you find there will never be the same as the world you left."

Johnny Cash

Did I mention the party?

2008-08-08T05:55:00.001-07:00

Grandson turned five and we, naturally, had a party; About a thousand people came.

Since he had started school this year, he had invited some of his classmates; all girls! The kid is a chick magnet! They love him. One in particular, loves to "take care of him" by leading him around and making sure he gets on the bus, etc. I think we had better keep a close eye on her!

Isn't she adorable?

So, they came to the party and left, looking like raisins! I think they only got out of the water long enough to eat cake.

Ok, so they also got out to open gifts.

AND....One of the highlights of the day was Pop-Pops ice cream. Where else can you go to a party and get your own pint (yes, pint) of ice cream?!
My lovely mother and my beautiful daughter didn't go near the water. My mom said her bathing suit has a hole in it's knee! Well, in any event, I think she looks pretty darn good for almost 80!
In all, it was a good day. We even had a surprise visit from my brother-in-law and his family whom we have not seen in about 4 years. It took about 5000 hours to clean up but in the end, it was worth it to have friends and family around.

Now, if my daughter would only have some kids so we can have more parties!

Go Fish!

2008-08-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

My grandson is a little fish suddenly! Last week, he wouldn't even get his face wet and now he is diving underwater!

It's strange how kids lose the courage (over winter) that they had gained during the summer. Last year, he would jump into my arms from the side of the pool. This year, it was as if he had never been in a pool. I had semi-arranged for swimming lessons at our house, but before I finalized the deal, he was jumping into water over his head! It is equally strange how quickly they regain that courage.

I never grow tired of watching him. He doesn't even wait to take his clothes off! His favorite swim suit is, "my undies!". Good thing we have our own pool!

Finesse

2008-08-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Finesse is the name of my 'business'. I say 'business' (in quotes), because it is really more of a hobby than a job. I love creating pretty things. When planning my daughter's wedding, I realized how much demand there is for personalized gifts, and so Finesse was born.

That was four years ago and I still love it.

One of the most touching gifts I have made was for Becky, who wanted something special for her sister-in-law-to be. This bride was to be married in Punta Cana and was to be surrounded by all those who was important to her, except the most important person; her father.

This is what we came up with. It is the bride's and groom's names and wedding date over her father's monogram. I think it is a lovely sentiment and Becky later told me that her new sister-in-law loved it.
Another bride wanted a handkerchief for her groom that had their monogram on it.

This is the more typical design...
...but I really like working with a customer to make something unique, just for them.

The real reason behind my first post...

2008-08-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Last night, I received a phone call from my dear friend D, who's husband is dying.

This isn't news. We have known for some time. It simply hit home today.

D's husband came home from work one day last August and his speach was slurred. She rushed him to the hospital, fearing a stroke. It turned out to be a brain tumor.

D is petrified to drive in the city so she called me and I ran right to the hospital to take her to Jefferson Hospital, to where they were transferring her husband.

A year hasn't even passed, and 3 surgeries and 2 rounds of chemo/radiation later, he is now in hospice. My friend spends every free minute by his bedside, at the Nursing Home. She only goes home to sleep (which she admits, is very infrequent) and let the dogs out.

He is slipping away fast now, and it made me realize that while we all know life has no guarantees, we need to make the best of every minute we do have.

I cannot afford to continue to procrastinate.

I'm such a slacker!

2008-08-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

When I signed on to this blog thing, I really did intend to, at least, put down some thoughts now and then.

So, what is my problem? It seems to reach far into my life....Procrastination; a type of behavior characterized by deferment of actions to a later time; a mechanism for coping with the anxiety associated with starting (or completing) any task. Anxiety from completing a task???????????

I procrastinated long enough on this task. Maybe if I really apply myself to it, I can stop putting off all of the other tasks I have begun, and left to hang, by making myself accountable for my actions...or lack thereof.