New Coats

I wish this photo, dated 1949, was in color -- a perfect example of two sisters showing off their new winter coats in their favorite colors !! Of course, mine was bright red and Shirley's was emerald green, although I believe her most favorite color was probably baby blue. I know we always had warm winter wear, but these two coats are ones I recall, whether it be because of the photo or the circumstances. When fall clothing came into the stores that year, Mom took us shopping for coats. The weather was still warm and back then, there was no air conditioning in the department stores. It was really uncomfortable trying on those winter coats, but, they had to be chosen and "put on lay-a-way" so they could be paid off before winter came. There was no buy now, pay later credit card plan for our family. When Mom picked this red coat off the rack for me to try on, I knew it was "the one". Gee, I hoped it was going to fit ! It was a bit too big, but, lucky me, Mom thought it was fine. It gave me "room to grow". Kids at school dubbed me "Red Coat" that winter.

My "Guest"

Jasmine, my Great-Grand-Dog, is staying with me for a few days while her Mommy and Daddy have gone to Arizona. I usually stay with her at her home when needed, but the weather threw us a curve in usual plans. She has acclimated very well and made herself quite "at home". She has taken over my recliner as she can watch out the patio window for other residents in the complex walking their pets, the yard man doing his work, or whatever else might be going on out there in the common area that I call my "big backyard" !! Here, she is just waiting for something to happen out there !

"Blues"

In the early 70's, as a hair stylist and owner of my own salon, I wanted to create a display of vintage beauty related items. This blue depression era powder box and perfume was my first purchase at an antique store in Tulsa towards putting a collection together for that display. The hunt proved to be more difficult than I expected and I never completed my quest. However, over the years since, I have collected a few vintage powder boxes "just because" I love their beauty and the images of "milady's dressing table" that come to mind when I see them !

Snow in the Desert !

Living in Las Vegas since August of 1985, this is only the second time I have seen snow in my "backyard" ! Every winter, there is snow on the mountain tops to the north and west, but to be able to go outside the door, touch it, feel it, and make a snowball -- a rare experience here !! Back in Iowa as kids, we loved going out in those deep snows, building forts, having snowball fights, making snow angels, striking trails, and there was some game we played at country school when the snow was fresh fallen, called "Fox and Geese". I suppose kids may still play that game because when I googled it, I found the rules ! Or do they play a computer version ?? Whatever the case may be, I don't miss the Iowa winters these days !!

Mirror, Mirror

When I was taking this photo, I began to wonder "who invented mirrors" ? The strange and trivial things that pop into a person's head sometimes !!! Oh, but, Google knows ~~ What a great age we live in -- just type in a question and up pops the answer ~~ It seems that mirrors of sorts have been in existence since 4000 B.C. AND, I thought this one was ancient !! This ornate beauty appears to have needlepoint flowers under the glass on its backside. The mirror itself, is not in good condition, but for me, that only adds to its charm. This small 8" vanity mirror called to me on one of the antique mall treks we love so much ! It is home on my bedroom dresser along with a few other "favorite things".

Christmas in Okinawa

1981 and '82 were good years ! We were in Okinawa and you and your family were in Japan. We were able to see a lot of each other and also, got to do some sightseeing and traveling together. Memorable times once I got over the culture shock !! Since it is nearing Christmas time, I thought of this snapshot, probably the only one where all five of us are together in one photo. You came from Iwakuni to spend some holiday time with us in Naha. An 8 mile trip to pick you up at the airport took 45 minutes, nearly as long as the flight itself. This is one of my favorite photos of all time -- I have a copy framed and on my desk -- memories of happy times together !

Special Jewelery Box

This ornate brass and glass, hexagon shape box was amongst the things that once belonged to my G'ma Hanle. My Mom brought it back from Ohio in that truckload of things from Aunt Bertha's, and of course, it was love at first sight for me !! I really didn't think Mom would let me have it, but, she did !! The jewelery that I display in it are vintage pieces I have purchased at the antique mall shopping trips -- pieces that I "just couldn't live without" !! A pair of G'ma Lottie's earrings, a teddy bear pin, and a tiny green glass kitten have found a home in this box, also. It sets on my dresser in my bedroom and when I am dusting and cleaning, I always spend a little extra time on it - just admiring it, because it is beautiful and special, as are the pieces within it !!