ROMANCE-OF-ROSES

Valentine's Day a Day of Hearts

2012-02-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

This is from my friend's Crystal's blog and etsy shop.
Blog:http://lechicbakeryboutique.blogspot.com/ and
www.etsy.com/shop/LeChicBakeryBoutique
Happy Valentine's Day to all my dear friends here on blogland. This is one of my favorite days of the year, you see I collect hearts and when one of my granddaughters was a little girl she always called me Queen of Hearts. These are only a few of my collection of beautiful hearts.

Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. It was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI.

So here we go...This first one is a silver "ex-voto or milagro", which I got into recently...also the next gold one.

Being deeply loved by someone, gives you Strength; Loving someone deeply gives you Courage...

Roses the flower of love...

A single rose can be my garden as a single friend my world...

Angels are always with us...

Write it on your heart that the one's you love are life's most precious gifts...

Creation is God's art work...Love is His signature...

It doesn't matter how much love you have gathered...but how much you've given away...

Follow your Heart...

In our home Happiness, In our Hearts Love...

I hope you all enjoy a beautiful and romantic Valentine's Day with your special someone and remember to always keep love in your heart...cause it's all about Love.

My Grandson the Chef

2012-01-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends,
The end of January is here and the weather here in CA is lovely, so decided to take you to the beach today, Manhattan Beach to be exact, let's enjoy lunch at Old Venice. This restaurant belongs to my daughter Julie and her son Andrew and daughter Natalie. Her husband Jimmy, Jimmy the Greek, as people called him was killed by a woman using her cell phone and not watching the road. Natalie is the manager and Julie, well she takes care of everything, she is a busy girl.

Here is a beautiful sunset at Manhattan Beach taken by my grandson Andrew, who is the chef at the restaurant.

And here he is, I am so proud of him taking over after his dad was killed. This photo appeared in the magazine Southbay in the culinary section.

This is the restaurant the way it looks now after rebuilding cause of a fire.

This is the article:
Old Venice, a family owned and operated restaurant featuring Greek and Italian food, has been in business in Manhattan Beach for more than 25 years. Owner/Chef Andrew Hantzaritez, who oversees a culinary team of eight, has been a resident of Redondo Beach his entire life. Andrew's parents, Jimmy and Julie Hantzarides, first opened the doors of Old Venice for business in 1984, the year Chef Andrew was born. He started cooking at the restaurant "as soon as I was old enough to stretch out a pizza" the chef says at about age 2.
The original restaurant was destroyed by fire in 2006 and despite the untimely death of Jimmy in 2008, his family rebuilt Old Venice in a manner that would honor his legacy. Jimmy was famous for his Greek hospitality and he is Chef Andrew's culinary role model. Here is Jimmy with his eternal smile.

Well dear ones this is the story about my daughter and her family. Jimmy's pictures are on the walls of the restaurant and a tile sign which says, Jimmy's Cucina. It has beautiful art work on some walls. If you are ever in CA drop in and enjoy Greek or Italian cuisine. Sandwiches and other items also available. Have a wonderful weekend.

Some of My Dolls

2012-01-20T18:59:00.001-08:00

Hello Dear Friends, do not know where the time goes, really. It's been over a week that I posted, that is terrible.
Today I decided to show you some of my sweet dolls. My latest dolls are Folk Art Dolls designed by Nicole Sayre, You no doubt have heard of the Santos Dolls, I bought these dolls from the Santos website. Here is a little history about the dolls.

The Santos dolls take their name from the Spanish word for Saint, and are also known as Santos (French) and Santibelli (Italian). The Santos that started the genre of dolls we currently represent (primarily Spanish Colonial and Western European style), were originally started as copies of 17th century carvings by priests. Originally, Santos were created for use as in-home altars. They were needed in small villages that did not have a priest

This first one is my Valentine cage doll, she is the Angel of Love. Really like this one cause I collect hearts.

This one is my Christmas cage doll and so is the next one.

These two cuties I made years ago when I used to make cloth dolls. They are enjoying a cup of tea with their Hello Kittie tea set.

She is a reproduction #785 of Beverly, made in 1984. She is 13 1/2" tall and has glass eyes. Doll artist Bev Sylvia.

This lovely lady you might of seen recently when I posted my finds from GW. I really like her she is very happy here among many friends. Great price too, only $5.00...

She is also one of my favorite dolls, she sits on my dresser.

Again when I used to make cloth dolls I made these two and a cat doll, now I have a cat that looks like this one...so funny.

This sweetie is a lovely doll and sits on our bed on a daily basis.

Just purchased this chair a couple of days ago, knew she would be the one to sit on it.

When we went to see the play Cats for the first time, could not resist making these two cats to remind us of that amazing play. Have seen it 4 times now.

Will end this post with my oldest doll, have had her since I was a little girl.

Hope you have enjoyed some of my dolls, I think we are all little girls at heart and that part of us never grows up. Dolls remind us of our younger days, I am an only child and had so many dolls and each one was so special to me. Have a wonderful week dear ones.

My Birthday Friday 13

2012-01-12T19:43:00.001-08:00

Hello to all my dear friends, well guess what this year my birthday fell on a Friday, not only a Friday but the 13th. No, it hasn't been bad luck for me, always good luck with this number. In fact met my husband on a Friday the 13th and we took out our marriage license on Friday 13. Everything good for me is always on the 13th.
Today our daughter wanted us to celebrate my birthday with a little trip up the coast a bit to the beautiful city of Ventura. Here are a few of the pictures I took.

We went shopping, what fun we had.

Had to take a pic of this darling display in one of the shops. Just an old bird cage with glass shelves and birdie items inside, isn't it just so cute?

Closer look.

We enjoyed lunch at this darling 50's restaurant.

The Mission.

Wow, this is where the priest heard confessions, you can see the little doors on both sides of this confessional booth.

Did you know that this is the only Mission that had wooden bells?

Hand carved many, many years ago.

Had to take a pic of this lonely little seagull at the beach.

So sad, no lifeguards on duty, due to all the cuts in CA.

Taken from the car, so long Ventura see you again soon...

We had a delightful day, weather was perfect with blue skies and we did buy some pretty things. They have a sweet Angel Shop the name is Things from Heaven and I bought a couple of endearing Angels.

Our Old House

2012-01-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends, here we are in our new year of 2012 and so far here in CA the weather has been perfect. Our days are in the 80's, I even have roses blooming before I can even trim them down. Since the weather has been so wonderful I have been outside gardening and the thought came to me as to who build our home. It has so many features that we just love, so the builder must of thought like we do. We live in an old Spanish style home, it was built in 1930 and we bought it from the original owner. We love our home and have made many memories here with our family. Here are only a few photos of things I like here.....Top photo, anyone for tea in my patio? This second one is a cute little squirrel that came to pay us a visit and just look at my cat on the next photo, how he is just watching every move she makes.

Here is a door in our patio which faces the front of the house. I like this area very much, it's great for shade plants.

This little window is one of several cute little windows on this house.

Oh how I like this side door.

Here is another small window. We even have a couple of round windows, which I didn't photograph.

Lemon tree in back yard and another way to get upstairs.

That's it for now, thanks so much for stopping by to visit this old house of mine.

Happy New Year 2012 Clocks Ticking

2011-12-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy New Year to one and all of my good friends here on blog land. As some of you know I have an invalid husband, Rick, who suffered a stroke and is paralyzed on his left side from head to toe. He has a computer and a tv to keep him occupied. Rick has always enjoyed photography so now he likes me to take him out so he can photograph city clocks among other things and here are a few of his pictures which he takes from the car or if we are walking he takes them from his wheel chair. He only has use of his right hand so he has a small camera that he can hold with one hand. We hope you enjoy them as much as he enjoys taking them. All taken here in Southern California.
We went up to Solvang and this is their clock.

Montrose is not far from here and he was able to take this picture.

We went to Riverside and stayed at the Mission Inn, he took several shots of this clock but we decided on posting this one.

LaVerne is about an hour from our home, it was a nice drive he caught a picture of this handsome clock.

We used to live in So. Pasadena so of course he wanted this clock.

On a visit to our daughter Judy in Upland he took this picture.

We went for lunch in Monrovia, he spotted this clock. Always carries his camera.

Our other daughter Julie, took us up to Los Olivos, I know the clock seems a little far but we had so much to do there that this was the best picture.

This is Duarte, we were just out for a little outing that day.

San Gabriel is the next city from us, took him with me on errands that day.

This clock is in down town Riverside.

Well all the clocks are ticking and soon we will see a New Year. My wish for us and for all of you is for good health, peace and love in our hearts and of course strength for those of us that have extra work with our husbands, like Dolores and Shirley.
God Bless everyone.
I have joined the party over at Ivy and Elephants please visit them to see what all the other gals have been up to. Link is on my side bar.

Christmas Family Doggies

2011-12-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, well Christmas is over for another year but a wonderful Christmas it was for us with our family. Had to post these family dogs cause I think they are so cute. The larger one belongs to my Granddaughter Kelly and the smaller one belongs to my daughter Judy, they posed perfectly in front of the tree. Each one is about 5 years old and they get along famously.

Wishing everyone a lovely week as we await the new year 2012.

Merry Christmas from Los Angeles, CA

2011-12-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hello and Merry Christmas to one and all. My daughter and I went to down town Los Angeles here in CA to Olvera St., she had to pick up a little crib for her baby Jesus. We did some shopping there and paid a visit to a most amazing church, more like a chapel, absolutely fabulous.
This is the life size nativity scene outside, we could not believe the beauty in all of this. Just click on each picture to see them larger.

This is the church, took these photos from across the street.

The picture does not do this amazing altar justice, it is breath taking.

Just look at this gorgeous angel, their were two of them.

One on each side of Mother Mary and so many flowers, could not believe all the flowers everywhere in there, almost like a florist.

This is a wall of crosses in one of the shops, sorry I posted it here, should of been the last one.

This is the room where the children, babies and adults are baptized. Their was so much more and have more pictures. Thought this was a perfect time to post all of this.
Wishing everyone a very Blessed Christmas and that 2012 brings us all good health.

Japanese Tea Set

2011-12-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone and welcome to my blog. I have something special to share with all of you, read on....

Another gift from my husband when he was in Japan. Now I do not really know if this is a tea set or used for something else, I will have to rely on my dear friend Orchid to enlighten me on it...but I just love this little set and always keep it in my china cabinet for safe keeping.

It has just been confirmed by Orchid that indeed this is a Japanese tea set. Thank you so much Orchid.
Continue to enjoy this beautiful season. Have a wonderful day.

My Angel Box

2011-12-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends,
During this hectic time of the year, I prefer to shop in the small shops instead of the large malls. Went to one of my favorite shops in Arcadia called Magnolia and ended up buying something for myself instead of the birthday gift I went in to buy...but could not resist this darling angel on top of this magnificent crown box. My husband and I decided it will stay out all year, not just during this holy season.

This is the open box, do not know yet what to keep in it but I'm sure I will think of something.

For now it graciously sits here adorning our bedroom.

Hope everyone has a beautiful week shopping, visiting, baking and more. This is one of the reasons I prefer smaller shops, they are faster and allows me time to come home and get my baking done...and doesn't the house smell delicious when we bake? So yummy.
Thank you so much for visiting, I am listening to Christmas music and actually feeling just a tad lonely and sad thinking of my parents. This was always such a special time for all of us to have mom and dad here, however we know they are in heaven and safe.

San Gabriel Mission

2011-11-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends,
The other day while out doing errands, I passed by the San Gabriel Mission and decided to take a couple of pictures, now wish I had taken more. I live only about 10 minutes from it but have been so busy that I just didn't have the time to go back. I did not take this picture of the bells, it's a stock photo.

This is the cemetery which was built when the church was built back on September 8, 1771. A large cross stands in the center of the cemetery, first consecrated in 1778 then again in 1939.

This is the new church, inside it's so beautiful. I like to attend mass here.

This is the old church, still used for weddings and sometimes mass. Founded by Fathers Pedro Cambon and Angel Somera, it was the 4th Spanish Mission of 21 that were built.

We are all so busy right now with the holidays upon us but hope you had a chance to come and visit my blog and see this beautiful mission. They have a lovely gift shop and the grounds are so pretty. We have visited many of the missions but not all.

The Color is Burgundy

2011-11-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

Hello to all my dear blogging friends and Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you. This month the color is burgundy.
This lovely plate with a cup and saucer I bought at a flea, set was only $7.00...can you believe it. Mom used to love this color and had dishes similar to this.

Since I collect hearts just had to buy this one at another flea market for $2.00 I included the pretty hand because thought the flowers looked a bit burgundy. The doilie was $1.00.

The angel shelf is in one of my bathrooms which is burgundy.

I made this burgundy heart and was happy with the way it turned out.

The night light is also in my bathroom and I decorated it.

I also decorated this box which is for saving special trinkets.

Hope you have enjoyed my burgundy items, go and see what the other ladies have chosen to show on this Color Party. Enjoy.

My Japanese Dolls

2011-11-13T11:43:00.001-08:00

Good Sunday Morning to Everyone,
When my husband was in the Navy, he brought me these two dolls from Yokosuka, Japan. He really enjoyed his stay there and took many photos. He would go shopping and buy things for me like these dolls, vases and even a Kimono with pajamas.

After all these years my dolls are still in pretty good condition. Although one leg is loose on this baby plus her hair is not having a good hair day, but I love my dolls and they represent a happy and sad time for us. Happy cause we were young and planning a wedding but sad because he was away from me at war and we could never spend Christmas together. But that all changed after four long years on the US Valley Forge.

This is the famous Buddah of Kamakura, Japan....He took this picture when stationed there. Also forgot to mention that he bought our silver service for 12 and our china also service for 12. For being such a young guy, he did very well. Love you sweetie.

Beautiful Peacock

2011-11-09T10:53:00.001-08:00

Good Morning Dear Friends, Wow it's cold here, well I feel cold temp. is 65deg. and rain is coming either tomorrow or Friday.
My daughter took her little dog Bailey to the vet yesterday and after the vet they went to the Arboretum and she took this picture of a peacock, I thought it was so beautiful just wanted to share.

Enjoy a lovely day...

Spanish Dancer

2011-11-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hello to all my dear blogging friends, The other day I was visiting my friend Sheri at http://redrosealley.blogspot.com/ (hope this link works) if it doesn't just copy and paste it on your browser, she had a wonderful post featuring the color red. Among her items she had a spanish dancer, I mentioned to her that I had a picture of me in a spanish dancer outfit from when I took classes and she suggested that I post it, so here it is.

Sorry had to take down my photo because on my Stats noticed folks were stealing my picture and I do not appreciate that. So sorry, guess they don't have anything better to do.

Wish we had more pictures but when we bought our second home, we went out one night and we were burglarized in our old home and lost many things, among them photos. Anyway, do visit Sheri so you can see her lovely red post and thank you for visiting me do appreciate it so much. Enjoy the week, raining here but we are nice and cozy inside with our fireplace on, soft music and candles, enjoying hot coco.

The Color Aqua

2011-10-25T18:28:00.001-07:00

As much as I really like the color aqua don't really have too much in this beautiful
color, but here are some of what I do have and enjoy seeing the color around.
This is my grand daughter Kelly's latest painting. It's on the inside of the door to my studio, so I get to see it all day and I love it. Thought the water was aqua and could use it in my post today.

Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep. I made this doll of ceramic back in the 80's when I used to work with ceramics so much, I liked aqua back then too. Always thought she was so cute and take good care of her. Usually made dolls, many dolls.

Love this pitcher with all the pretty roses resting on the aqua color. Couldn't resist buying it when I found it. My kitchen is mostly pink so it goes well here.

This pretty plate is vintage from Lifetime China Co. the pattern might be Gold Crown. Then I added the angel and fired it and made it even prettier.

Ok, that's about it. Looking forward to seeing more aqua in the posts that other ladies have done.
It's a bit chilly here tonight but the say much warmer tomorrow. However, this cool weather suits me just fine, have candles lit and my new robe on, by the way it's aqua.
Have a wonderful evening...

My Thrift Store Find

2011-10-14T21:09:00.001-07:00

Hello friends, today was my lucky day at the thrift shop. As you know we never know what we will find, well today I found dolls, I love dolls, guess we all still have a little bit of little girl in us. Let me share with you my findings.
This was my favorite today, she is 18" long and wears a fabulous Victorian dress with a long train, lots of lace. Her hair is almost perfectly done in Gibson style and she is porcelain. Price $5.00

This is the cutest little fairy. Her wings were dirty and ripped so I took them off and she will soon have a new set of wings.

Mr. and Mrs. Bear were just married, a happy couple indeed. Hopefully I can clean up his pants if not will make him a new pair.

Sweet angel with porcelain head and hands. Perhaps a tree topped this Christmas.

Fell in love with this little cute bear, look how clean she is.

I was so happy with my findings today, it isn't everyday that we can find a group like this all in one store. When I got home my husband said, you must of found something really good because I see a big smile and he was right. So happy thrifting to all of you next time you are out hunting.

I Love Crowns and Tiaras

2011-10-04T19:17:00.001-07:00

Greetings to all my blogging friends...
I decided to make a post about crowns, you see I love crowns and tiaras. Guess have since I was a little girl. So here are a few which I wanted to share with you today. This first one is my wedding crown, which I have shown before with wedding pictures, of course had to share again.

This little cutie I purchased at Christie Repasy Vintage Marketplace.

I was a princess at my high school prom and still have my tiara.

One of my daughters was Miss 17 and this was her tiara.

My dolly wears one of my hair combs, she looks so cute with it.

One of my pretty rings.

Oh how I love this bracelet.

Had fun altering this bottle.

Here is Queen Elizabeth in 1953 her Coronation Portrait London, England.(not subject to copyright)Doesn't she look beautiful wearing her crown?

Well hope you have enjoyed my crowns and tiaras. We can all dream that we are a princess or a queen at some point in our life. Do you feel like a queen sometimes?
We are having beautiful fall weather now leading up to the holidays, enjoy.

Cottage Style Brown

2011-09-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

Hello Dear Friends, This month the color is brown in honor of autumn and fall. What lovely shades are ahead for us this month.
I will start off with this cheese box, which I painted a few years back. I treasure this box and think it brings a flavor of the past into today's life.

We live in an old Spanish style house and when I saw this painting just had to have it cause thought it went so well here. Have another one a different style but same idea. It's like going down a street in Spain, have never been there but have seen pictures.

Now this brown glass duck belonged to my Godmother and it's vintage. Actually had a pair but clumsy me broke the other one. I was so upset at myself.

We have had this vintage clock for many years. It still chimes on the half hour and the hour. Hope it continues to work so we can enjoy it for years to come.

This is my husband's favorite candy. It's from Trader Joe and it's chocolate covered cranberries. I cannot eat chocolate, so its all for him, he says...Yea!

Hope you have enjoyed the items that I have in brown, well do have a few more, but for now this is enough. Please visit the other gals that are also showing their browns.

Violets and Pansies Tea Cups

2011-09-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog for Tea Cup Tuesday. Today I was in a lavender/purple mode and decided to show you some of my work that I have done in these colors. I do the decal work and fire them in my kiln. Hope you enjoy them.
This set with a sweet kitty and violets is fine china Sango, made in Japan. I love cats and have done many sets with kitties.

Just lovely violets on this pretty set. It's Lynns fine china from China.

These are two sweet little cherubs surrounded by larger violets. No special maker on this set just a china cup and saucer.

Gorgeous pansies on this Mikasa fine china, Japan set with silver rim. All of these sets have the design on front and back or all around. Also made a tea bag holder and a little heart that could be used for candy.

Thank you so much for stopping by for a little visit, I so enjoy having you here for tea. Looking forward to our next tea party with all my blogging friends. Wishing all of you a wonderful week as we head into the fall season.

The Vintage Marketplace

2011-09-11T19:38:00.001-07:00

Friday my daughter Julie and I went to the The Vintage Marketplace. What a memorable
experience that was. We had a wonderful time and bought many beautiful things, for our selfs and for gifts. The day was perfect with blue skies, as you can see by the photos. Julie had made delicious sandwiches for our lunch, so we stopped shopping so we could eat and right back to shopping. Hope we can go back again sometime.
Christie Repasy had a beautiful booth, hopefully next time I can get one of her paintings. The reason I didn't get one this time is because I couldn't decide on which one to get, all are so lovely and to see them up close in person is magical.

This booth belongs to a special friend of mine, Lexa Finley, a very talented lady.

Just look at all the interesting booths.

Handmade items, collectibles and antiques.

This is my daughter Julie, my youngest.

If you live in California and ever have the opportunity of going to one of her showings, please do so. I guarantee you will have a wonderful time that you will not soon forget.

$5.00 Tea Cup

2011-09-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hello every one and welcome to another Tea Cup Tuesday. Today I will be showing you
a pretty cup and saucer that I bought at a flea market for only $5.
I am always looking for pretty roses and think this one is especially nice.
As you can see here my little lady Emily, in her tea dress and hat, is ready for her cup of tea so she will be joining us today for this tea party with Martha.

Charming roses and gilding trim.

Thank you so much for visiting Emily and I for tea today, hope to see you again at the next tea party. It's always so pleasant to enjoy a cup of tea but it's especially wonderful when you enjoy it with friends like you.

My Irish Tea Cup

2011-08-30T21:03:00.001-07:00

Last year my daughter was fortunate to go to Ireland. She asked me "what do you want me to bring for you?" Well I said, just bring me a cup and saucer for my tea and that is exactly what she did. She chose this one cause of all the Irish clovers...It's so sweet and dainty and while I drink my tea I always think of her.

I didn't post any other tea cups because I cut my pointer finger with a kitchen knife and it's too difficult to type with it all wrapped up.
Enjoy a beautiful week my friends...

Cottage Color Orange Party

2011-08-26T20:16:00.001-07:00

With Halloween and fall not too far away, Etsy Cottage Party decided to go with orange for our color. I didn't think I had anything orange, so had to search around and get creative.
This little pumpkin is an antique, given to me by the lady that sold us our home, many years ago and I treasure it so.

And here is my kitchen ceiling fixture that was here when we bought our home. It is an antique with hand painted parakeets. The colors are still vibrant, made before 1930. Of course it looks best at night, then you can really appreciate the art.

Here we have a beautiful sunset at Manhattan Beach, CA. photo taken by my grandson.

Damien, one of my son's cats. Just look at his eyes, wow! He didn't want to have his picture taken here but he really is a sweet cat.My son took the photo and made the flames around him...just being silly.

My orange canna.

One of my beautiful roses, love this color.

And this completes my color orange for this color party. Hope you enjoyed it and now have a beautiful weekend. Blessings...

Crepe Myrtle Trees

2011-08-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

I had a dental appointment today and as I was driving couldn't help but notice that all the crepe myrtle trees were blooming and in such lovely colors. Giant clusters of flowers are so spectacular. They really are traffic stoppers.
I took out my camera and began taking pictures of these colorful trees, So thought since I couldn't post tea cups today because my home is a mess right now, having some painting done, decided to post these lovely trees, hope you enjoy them...

Were they not spectacular? Hope you enjoyed,

My First Tea Set

2011-08-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

I joined Martha's Tea Cup Tuesday again this week...
I learned all about tea from my sweet mother, who of course is no long with me. She would have tea every afternoon, I was just a little girl and had my own little tea set, you know the kind I mean that all us little girls have had. She would serve me my little cup which we had with cookies or something my dad had baked, he enjoyed baking and everything he made was delicious.
As I grew up the afternoon tea tradition continued, of course when I was at work we had our tea on weekends and after dinner, we would sit and talk with our cups of tea.
One day we both were out shopping and we saw this tea set, she immediately said, I am buying this for you, I wasn't even married yet this was back in the early 50's, and yes she did purchase it and I treasure it so, it's service for six. Love my very first tea set, thank you mom and I love you always and forever and thanks dad for baking all the goodies.
Had to share these pretty little spoons that I bought at a garage sale, all for $2.00

One of my daughters also enjoys having tea and has taken me and my granddaughter to tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room at the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena several times. It's a beautiful place with many gorgeous gardens and a lovely tea room. Of course the menu is very special, so yummy.

"I cannot sit and chat with you, the way I'd like to do...So brew yourself a cup of tea, I'll think of you, you think of me"
Enjoy the evening and the coming weekend my tea loving friends...
Lu

Tea Cup Tuesday

2011-08-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

I will begin by showing you this gorgeous rose that my granddaughter, Kelly, send me this morning via my email. First thing I saw was this precious pink rose. She told me she was walking her little dog when she saw it and thought of me. Sweet, sweet girl. Ok to the business at hand. I have entered Martha's Tea Cup Tuesday and will show you some of the tea cups and tea pot that I have done myself.

This one is one of my favorites, I did quite a bit of decorating on it, as you will see in the last pictures.
Tonight I had tea alone because my husband was not feeling well and went to bed.

This tea pot I decorated to match one of the tea cups. I apply the decals and fire them in my kiln, haven't done too much lately but plan on doing more soon.

Here are two of my tea cups, one matches the tea pot. I so enjoy doing this work.

Tea pot and cup.

You can see how much detail I added to this tea cup.

Here is a view of the saucer. Actually it's even prettier in person.
Lovingly Lu

Garden Flowers

2011-08-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

"In the Garden We Don't Count the Hours"
I have joined Cottage Garden Party to show off some of our blooms...
Some pretty day Lilies

Love these Spathiphyllums, they are all blooming now

Yellow Canna

I planted in this bird bath

Orange Canna

Yellow Cactus blooms once a year

"Let us be silent that we may hear the whispers of God"
Thank you for visiting my dear friends...

My Granddaughter's Art

2011-07-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

Since I had such a wonderful response from everyone on the cat that my granddaughter Kelly, painted on my chair, which is in my studio, that I thought perhaps all of you might enjoy seeing a little bit more of what she has painted for me....This is the door to enter our bedroom and she knows I love angels so she decided to paint one here. She was 16.

Then you step inside the room and the first thing you see is this gorgeous angel in flight behind our headboard. We named her Angel Marion after my husbands mother who passed away when he was a little boy of 5 years. She was 17 here.

Then I asked her to paint me a tree in the entrance hall, she responded "what no angel?" no angel this time I told her, just a little tree. So here is the tree she came up with, even has a couple of little birds and a nest. I just love her work. First thing she ever painted and surprised all of us was Strawberry Short Cake doll. We didn't know she could draw, she was about 4 years old.

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Tree has little pink flowers, but did not show up in picture and blogger will not enlarge it for some reason.
Have a wonderful week my friends...

My Work Space Where Bloggers Create

2011-07-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

I have joined up with Desert Cottage
for this bloggers party working spaces.

Hello and Welcome to my home...this is
the entrance to my work room, to the right
is my bathroom to the left is my sliding
door mirror closet. Ironing board as you
enter on the right is always open. Also
to the right is another large cabinet,
not visible, with my fabrics. My area
is not too big but it's cozy and I enjoy
being in here with everything I love
around me.

My granddaughter Kelly painted this chair
for me at age 16, she is now 30.

These cabinet drawers have ribbons, old linens,
and other supplies

Wall unit displaying items I have made and more.

I covered seat of chair to match the Laura Ashley curtains I made for this room.

My two sewing machines that I could not live without, have been sewing since I was 12.

Paints, other supplies and some things I've made.

Some of the blings I use on different items I make.
I have many other boxes full of bling.

Cabinets filled with lace, paper roses, jewelry, old linens, thread and so on.

I was a Winner, Hurray!

2011-07-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

Feast your eyes on these beauties.
2 magnets, my beautiful initial and this
gorgeous ornament in pink. Love it all.

Inside this lovely box more pretties.
Fabulous pendant and earrings.

How about those roses.

Don't you just love this color?

I was so excited cause I was the winner at http://rosechicfriends.blogspot.com/
give-away. When I received word from Lorena that I was the winner, just could
not believe it and I cried, you see it's my first win here on the blogs.
Lorena does an exquisite job on her roses, if you haven't seen them just go
to her blog or etsy shop for a peek, they come in several colors.
Thank you again Lorena, you're a sweetie...
Lovingly Lu

June White Party

2011-06-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have joined Etsy Cottage Style this month of
June for color white. White is my other favorite
color next to pink and have many things in white.
Here are just a few of my white's, hope you enjoy them.

Angel in bedroom, I have draped this lace over a cabinet with a tall mirror, then a gardenia from my garden, my white home, where we have lived for 50 years and my vintage doll

This is a view of my patio with white furniture
and ready for tea.

Have a terrific day...I leave you with this poem
from Mattie Stepanek an award winning poet at the age of 11
The sky is such a perfect blue
It must have been painted there.
Even the clouds bear witness
To the stroke of an artist's brush.
This just proves that God is perfect
At many professions. February 2000

More Amazing Garden

2011-06-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Had to add a few more pictures of this gorgeous garden. The one's I posted seemed so small and her garden is to beautiful deserves to be shared, and still don't think the pictures do it justice.
Happy Sunday...Lu

Amazing Garden

2011-06-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

On my way to the Post Office I drive by this lovely
garden.
This lady works hard to have all of her front yard
looking like this.
Last week I thought why not stop and ask if I
could take a few pictures of her garden. I pulled
up in front of her sweet home, had camera in my
hand and went up to her door, knocked, out came
this sweet lady. I told her how much I admired
her garden and was wondering if I may take a few
pictures of her beautiful garden,well she was
thrilled that I liked her garden and replied,
"Oh my yes, take all you want," so here is part
of her amazing garden.
Have a sweet day...Lu

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-17T20:57:00.001-07:00

Daddy you were the best dad anyone could ever have.
Thank you for being my sweet dad and being there for me always.
I never saw you angry or upset about anything once in my entire life.
Remember when I was a little girl and you would
take me shopping down town to buy me my paper
dolls and my coloring books? Of course had to
have that big box of 64 crayons, oh how I loved
those days and will treasure
those memories forever.
Love you Daddy and miss you, I know you are my guardian angel...

A Wedding Party

2011-06-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

I have joined Stephanie of Angelic Accents for this wedding party.
Two group wedding pictures are from 1930, family members, dear husband and I leaving on our honeymoon between them. The year was 1955, a magical time, this is our original cake topper and my crown, so glad I saved them all these years. See below for other vintage wedding pictures which I had posted previous to this party. God has truly blessed us and we are forever thankful.
Love is wonderful without love we have nothing.
Blessings...Lu

My Teddy Bears

2011-06-05T12:06:00.001-07:00

Hi to all my precious friends, I never post things I make so today decided to show you just a little bit of my wares. I enjoy hand embroidery so made these children's clothes hangers, also love to sew and made the little bear dolls the last picture is of my favorite three bears. Gold bear was given to me before I was born, he is vintage by now, lavender is Annette Funicello bear, purple bear cause love purple. I also do decals on china cups etc., altered bottles, images on pillows and much more.
Hope you enjoyed my little bears...Love you all, Lu

Vintage Weddings

2011-05-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry but had to take pictures down because people were stealing it.

Hello dear ones...Since it's almost June the month of weddings, thought I would post a couple old photos. Ok, so the first photo are my parents then my godparents. Don't you just love those vintage bridal gowns, don't they look so beautiful, and the men look so handsome. Both couples reached over 60 years of wedding bliss...we should all be so lucky, right?
Hugs...Lu

Our Wedding Anniversary

2011-05-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

May 21, which is tomorrow Saturday, is our wedding anniversary. I thought it would be nice to post our hands photo which was taken on that day 56 years ago. Came across this little verse and thought it was perfect....
"They say nothing in the world is perfect but I know one exception, the joining of our two hearts" author unknown.
Hugs and rainbows to all my dear friends here on blogland.
Lu & Rick to God we give thanks...

2011-05-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun to be able to be out in my small garden. I don't have much space so have to make good use of what I do have. Will post more pictures soon but this is what I have for now. Hope you are also enjoying your garden.
Loving hugs...
Lu

Happy Mother's Day Mom, I Miss You

2011-05-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

"My Mother Emily, my friend so dear,
throughout my life you're always near.
A tender smile to guide my way,
you're the sunshine to light my day."

Cottage Style Pink Month

2011-05-01T18:53:00.001-07:00

Hello dear friends,
I have pink through out my home, couldn't decide which pictures to use for Cottage Style Pink month.
Choose these three and hope you enjoy them...
Hugs from Lu

My Garden Roses

2011-04-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Yellow Rose means Joy, Friendship and Freedom
Red Rose is Love, Passion, Respect and Courage
White Rose is Innocence, Purity,Secrecy and Reverence
Pink Rose means Gratitude, Happiness and appreciation
To all my friends I give you a rose...
Hugs,
Lu

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T17:51:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone. I made these bunnies back in the 80's and they come out every year to enjoy our Easter festivities.

Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA

2011-04-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today being the second Sunday of the month, it's the day for the Rose Bowl. My granddaughter Kimberly and I love going there, so I packed our lunch she was here to pick me up early and off we went. What a wonderful day it was, weather was perfect, you can see the blue skies and temp was about 72deg.
We both came home with merchandise just bursting our of our bags. I found a fabulous vintage swan in pink and charcoal,very unusual, a gorgeous mirror for the dining room with pink trim and a few other pretties. She bought some to die for jewelry among other things. We can't wait till next month. If you are ever in Pasadena, you must go to the Rose Bowl on second Sunday.
Have a sweet spring week everyone...
Lu

Spring Flowers

2011-04-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well think the garden is looking a little bit better now, it will take me a long time to get things back to normal this year. As I have said before I had shingles last summer and nothing got done outside, of course my husband couldn't do anything as he had a stroke. Little by little I will get it done and looking forward to it. My favorite time is early morning when the birds are just waking up, I say my morning prayers outside and enjoy the birds that come to visit and bathe.
"Oh, if you're a bird, be an early bird
And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.
If you're a bird, be an early early bird-
But if you're a worm, sleep late".
by Shel Silverstein
Have a wonderful day...
Lu

Cottage Style Color is Green

2011-03-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Bought the green bunnies at TJMaxx, this is my kitchen window.
My vintage cockatiels, a different green but still green.
Part of our china that my sweet husband brought back from Japan years ago. Have service for 12...a huge set.
Hugs...Lu

2011-03-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

~ The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose ~

2011-03-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to amelias-parlor.blogspot.com for featuring my etsy shop on her blog. Take a peek and enjoy her lovely blog.

Spring Has Arrived

2011-03-20T18:56:00.001-07:00

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout
I absolutely love spring. Last year I had the shingles and could not do much in my garden, so hopefully this year I will be able to work outside and enjoy the garden.
I did the decal work on the tea pot and tea set, fired them in my kiln.
Lovingly,
Lu

Cottage Style Color Purple

2011-03-02T22:23:00.001-08:00

I am joining up with etsy Cottage Style with the color purple this month.
These are some of my purple items, I have done the decal work and fired them in my kiln. Hope to do more this summer since I enjoy it so much. The purple card in frame was given to mom from dad when they were courting in 1930.
Blessings, Lu

2011-02-24T19:38:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share with all of you my baking shelfs and give you the recipe to the cupcakes, it's an easy one. Ok, here we go:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (unbleached)
1 1/3 cups sugar
3 tsp baking powder (aluminum free)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 lg eggs
Preheat oven to 350 deg.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in large mixing bowl.
Add shortening, milk and vanilla. Beat 1 minute med. speed.
Add eggs beat 1 more minute, beat on high for 1 more minute, till well mixed.
Spoon batter into paper lined cupcake pan 1/2 to 1/3 full.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes. Frost with your favorite frosting, I use Pillsbury Strawberry
...Pink hugs, Lu

2011-02-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends,
What would be the best thing to do on a very cold day like today, bake cupcakes that's what. We are expecting rain tomorrow and for the next several days, thought the rains had left us for places unknown but they are returning, guess they liked it here in CA...well I say, "welcome rain" we do need more of you so we can have our lovely flowers in April and May. I planted so many bulbs and am anxiously awaiting for the blooms to arrive, spring is just around the corner.
Have a wonderful evening...
Lu

Youth, Love and Marriage

2011-02-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

Karen Valentine had a darling Valentine Party, something went wrong and many names were lost. I am trying to post my Love Story but have not been able to do so since something went wrong with her Linky Tool. However, will try again.
We met on a Friday the 13th when I was only 15 and he was 17, this was early in the year, saw him a couple of times at high school dances, I liked him and though he was was so cute, blue eyes and strawberry blond hair. He joined the Navy when he turned 18 in June of same year, he asked me if he could write of course I said yes. We wrote for the next four years and we really got to know each other and our love blossomed. He would come home for one month once a year and that was a magical time for us. When he was discharged he surprised me with a beautiful engagement ring. I remember we were sitting on our lawn swing in our back yard when he kept taking off the ring I was wearing, you know on and off like playing and at one point slipped it off slipped on the engagement ring, oh my gosh! what a wonderful time that was. We planned our wedding and took out our license also on a Friday the 13th, then we wed. Now three grown children and five grown grandchildren and still very much in love. He is still the love of my life and I am his.
Blessings to all...

2011-01-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

Today is blue Monday at Cottage Country Style. The two blue ceramic dolls I made for my mother in 1980, tea pot is from a flea, the little girl is a Maude Humphrey and my two little birds have been with me forever. That's all I have in blue.

2011-01-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderfully warm day here in CA today 82deg. so my husband and I had tea and cookies out in our patio. It was so nice to get out after all the rain we had just about a week or so ago. Birds were bathing in the fountain, had to keep our eyes on our cats cause they were keeping their eyes on the birds, whew! but all went well. Last summer we didn't have cats but now we do, two kitties. They enjoy the outdoors but know their home is inside and I like it this way, they can be in or out and they don't run away or get lost, they stay in the yard or the patio. Enjoy your evening my dear friends. Hugs, Lu

2011-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today being Saturday, couldn't make up my mind about going out to a few garage sales, but decided I would for a little while. Didn't really find much except for this little beauty. Don't know what I will use it for yet but had to have it, isn't it cute?
It could be used for sugar, but already have a pink glass sugar bowl with lid, candy perhaps? Hmmm! this will take some thinking but meanwhile will enjoy it sitting on the counter and looking so pretty, of course it wasn't this clean when I bought it. Have a wonderful weekend...Lu

2011-01-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Since I love pink so much I like to collect pink plates with roses among other things, of course. Antique shops have a good supply of them. I use them for different things, to put jewelry or keys on them, some are for eating, for pretty soaps in the bathrooms and so on. It's so much fun to spend the day in antique shops or thrift shops too just looking around looking for that special item to take home. It's so exciting when you spot something you like, if it's at a distance it seems like forever that you don't get to it, whew! I made it, what a relief, right? It's happened to me more than once. If you are planning on a day out there, don't forget to take a snack cause you will get hungry and thirsty too. I eat as I go, can't stop have to get to the next store and the next. Enjoy the day, Lu

New Curtains

2011-01-20T22:40:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how a new curtain can change a bathroom. Next to my studio we have a half bath, it's only mine. I was a bit tired of the curtain that was up, so the other morning while enjoying a cup of hot coco, I began to think about changing it, did not have a color in mind for this curtain just so it looked a bit victorian. Ok, got dressed and off I went to the fabric store, row by row I went, knowing that when I saw it would know this is the one and that's exactly how it was. Would you believe the last row of fabric, the last bolt...there it was. I got so excited and bought what was left, which was five yds. have enough for a long valance to go over my mirror closet door adjacent to the bath and my studio, plus made another curtain to another half bath we have. Decorated it with items we already had around the house, things look different when you move them from one room to another, didn't spend any money except for the curtain fabric. Hugs, Lu

Old Venice Manhattan Beach, CA

2011-01-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

Well thought I would post a couple of pictures of our daughters restaurant. These pictures were taken before they opened for lunch. They have Greek/Italian Cuisine.
Before my husband had his stroke, we would always go for Valentine's Night. Julie our daughter would decorate so beautifully for the occasion and it was so romantic. Now it's difficult to take him out but we go whenever we can like today, it was a special day, my birthday, and we enjoyed the day at the beach.

My Birthday Today...January 13

2011-01-13T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday and my husband Rick and I are going to our daughters restaurant, Old Venice in Manhattan Beach for lunch. Later just the two of us will enjoy a cupcake each here in our living room. (pink cupcakes, of course)I just love pink and my eyes just go to anything and everything pink.

2011-01-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

It's been so cold here in CA and the fog came in the other morning so my son took this picture from an upstairs window, now this doesn't seem like CA...we are used to sunshine most of the year. I like to bake in the mornings to enjoy fresh baked goods for breakfast so I made this raisin/cranberry bread and it made the kitchen so warm and cozy plus it smelled like a bakery here, of course I could have used a larger plate, oh well...my husband likes this bread, so I made it just for him.

2011-01-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

I think I was born in the wrong era, would of loved to wear all the fashions they had then and gone to the balls to meet handsome young men. Of course I would of lived in a castle with a heavenly bedroom all designed in pink and gold...and my jewelry, oh well you can just imagine decorative boxes just bursting with diamonds and rubies. A girl can dream, right? That's me wearing the pink dress, do you want to be the other gal?

2011-01-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

I was looking out this window in the morning and spotted this tom cat sitting out there waiting for food, just had to take a picture of him. He comes and waits for food, of course I cannot touch him, he is feral and afraid of everything. I only put the dish out for him and close the door. He is a beautiful cat.

Ivory Love Whispers Romance

2010-12-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

A lovely ivory keepsake box that I felt looked romantic so called it Ivory Love. Cabbage roses in soft pink and champagne color with a beautiful hand painted china salt shaker right in the middle in sage green with pink roses. So perfect for your romantic cottage decor. Lunamia, my etsy shop.

Slipper in Aqua

2010-12-02T20:33:00.000-08:00

This is a very small and sweet acrylic slipper which I call a Cinderella Slipper, only measures 4½". I decorated it all in aqua, this color is so popular right now and goes beautifully with pink. It will fit in any decor. Slipper is at my etsy shop lunamia.

Maria Antoinette Pin Cushion

2010-11-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

I tried to come up with a pin cushion that Marie would approve of and hopefully she would of liked this one, hope you also like it.

2010-11-14T18:58:00.001-08:00

Today Sunday went to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with my granddaughter Kimmie, as always
we had a most enjoyable time. I always take a nice lunch for us so we won't have to buy anything...we try to go every month. It's every second Sunday of the month and only about 20 minutes if that from my home.
It was a beautiful day about 82 deg. with a slight breeze, just perfect. We both came home with a few treasures.

For My Lunamia etsy Shop

2010-11-12T20:45:00.001-08:00

Been busy getting ready for a boutique and did not have time to post what I have been making lately.

2010-09-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Gather Wild Flowers, Drink Moonlight, Thank the Stars, Remember to Dream, To Laugh, To Sing and Most of all Pretend you Have Wings.. and Use Them.......Laurel Burch...

Laurel Burch was an awesome artist whom I had the pleasure of meeting at an art show in Westwood, CA back in the 80's. Have followed her work through out the years.
Dec. 31, 1945 - Sept. 13, 2009

2010-09-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

I enjoy making many things and one of them is decals on china. I did the rose decals on the first picture and fired them in my kiln, except for the plate. At one time was selling my china in shops but no longer do. I even added the decals to the candle. The second picture I just had to share is of a lovely tea set that my dear mother gave me back in the early 60's and it has a very special place in my heart. Of course mom is no longer here with me but have many wonderful memories of our times together and very often enjoying tea. She loved having tea in the afternoon.

2010-09-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

I had not been posting due to the fact that I just got over the shingles, not a happy experience. Before the shingles we took a little trip up north to Los Olivos, in one of their many shops I saw little blue birds like these that I just loved. Well I have a girl friend who does lovely work in ceramics and I asked her to please make me the little blue birds and she did in different sizes, now have them everywhere in my garden. Here are just a few of them. Look at the cute chubby one in the back.

Avon Country Garden

2009-12-07T22:03:00.000-08:00

A vintage Avon jar which I have decorated
in pink. A sweet pink glittered bird
sits in its nest on top.

Vintage pink lace, silk roses, ribbon,
a large rose, beads and more.

2009-10-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is Miss Kitty on her way to shopping.
She is made of muslin with painted face,
paws and shoes...17" long.
Enjoyed making her.
Was delivered to a boutique today.
Sold :)

Sunset at the Beach

2009-08-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

I just love the sunsets at the beach. This is Manhattan Beach, CA my daughter has a restaurant here, Old Venice, with Greek and Italian Cuisine. Grandson took this picture and is the chef at the restaurant.
It's perfect right now to be at the beach, we had 102 deg. today inland. Wish I was there right now since it's still very hot here.

Lemons

2009-08-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

These beautiful flowers were given to me by my son. Florist called them Lemonade.
Aren't they gorgeous? We had a huge lemon tree taken down because of the roots going
everywhere and shortly thereafter the florist came with these flowers.
Very thoughtful gift, thank you dear son.

2009-08-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

I have made many dolls in the past years and just had to make a few ceramic dolls. I took a class to make this sweet ballerina dressed in pink. Made several other dolls and other ballerinas also.
I remember giving my mother a ballerina dressed in blue, that was her favorite color and added a music box to it, oh my did she ever treasure that doll. Have now been making soft little dolls about 9" in size, they certainly have been fun to make and also making soft cat dolls.

2009-08-02T22:31:00.001-07:00

"A successful marriage is about falling in love many times...
always with the same person"

2009-07-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

~A life with love will have no
thorns but a life without love
will have no roses~

2009-06-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to my dear Daddy, he is no
longer with me but I was the luckiest girl in
the world to have had him as my dad.
I learned so much from him, he was kind and
never would hurt anyone. As a young boy he
raised beautiful pigeons and he always had a
love for cats, guess that's why I love cats too.
Love you Daddy.

2009-06-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

We have seen the musical Cats four times and enjoyed it every time, it was marvelous. I feed feral cats and the behavior is just like the cats in the musical. They hide and pop out when you are not expecting them. I made these two cats to remind us of the play.

2009-06-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

You know they say that in the garden we don’t count the hours, how true!
We get many birds here in our fountain. It's soothing and peaceful to sit and relax
in our private oasis, watch the birds and listen to the sounds of the water.

2009-06-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

We are so fortunate to have nice weather here in So. California, especially cause it's good for working out in the garden. I like the tropical look and that is what I have in my patio. Here is a picture of my oasis.
When I am working outside I just seem to forget about everything else, especially when it's early in the morning when all is so quiet and you can only hear the chirping of the birds.