Betrayal

Prelude:

I haven't talked to my best friend in almost a year. Why? That's a very good question and a very good place to start.

I'd like to think of myself as a seeker of knowledge, not a seeker of revenge. Revenge may be too strong a word, and knowledge may be too deep. But there you have it. I seek enlightenment, not darkness.

On August 5, 2013 my friend Terry severed our relationship like one would have a unsightly mole removed. She cut hard and deep, like a sharp, hot knife slices through butter. Some might say it was better that way, like a Band-Aid being ripped off quickly. The problem is that when you rip the Band-Aid off, the brief pain comes from a few hairs and skin cells being torn off your body. Over and forgotten in seconds. The pain I feel is not over, nor forgotten.

Sometimes for days at a time I will forget, but then, like phantom pain from a missing limb, the memories wash over me and I ask myself, "What could I have done differently."

Betrayal is one of the most painful emotions one can feel. And I feel it still, 12 months later. During the last 20 years, I'd watch her lie to her husband about how much money she spent, dragging me into her lies by telling him I bought her a new outfit after a day of shopping at the mall, or that I'd ordered her a new double crock pot from QVC because I knew she'd really like it. Over and over, I'd see her manipulate everyone and justify everything to get the things she wanted. Again and again I'd see her make up stories to hide from uncomfortable truths. But I just didn't see it coming at me. And that's why it's my fault: Complicit by silence: guilty as charged.

 

Dream House with a Porch Swing

What does your dream house look like? I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours. It’s a single story home with a wrap-around porch. Need I say more? Plantation style would be my preference, both inside and out, if I had my 'druthers.

I envision myself surrounded by my family and friends on a warm summer afternoon drinking iced tea or lemonade out of frosty glasses, viewing the world from behind the safety of my front porch trellis. The toes of one foot is on the ground, slowly moving the porch swing – just enough to catch an afternoon breeze.

In the winter, I’ll curl up wrapped in one of my crochet afghans sipping a cup of hot cocoa doing nothing more exciting than watching the miniature marshmallows melt, as snow, silent and hush, falls outside my little world. And if I really have my way I’ll be all nice and warm with my Ravenswood Firebowl fired up.

Indulge me please as I imagine just a bit more decorations on my porch. Since it’s snowing, I’ll add just a touch of Christmas, like my favorite: the 3 foot Flocked Alaskan Pine with 100 colorful little lights twinkling merrily as I listen to the bells jingling on the sleighs gliding down our street. (Wait. Is that just a bit too much?)

The inside of my dream home will be decorated plantation style, with gorgeous furniture such as the Trinidad Arm Chair by Padma's Plantation and accent pieces such as the Timeworks Tyrell Wall Clock by Uttermost. To keep it fun, I love whimsical little touches like the 32 in Abayomi Elephant Accent Lamp.

If this is a dream, please wake me gently. Hold on, before I go I need to cover my patio swing so it stays clean all year long out on my porch. Of course, I would choose KoverRoos patio furniture covers. Okay, I've shared my dream. I don't really want to wake up, but I will if you'll share yours.

Call Odyssey Homestore 888-564-4744 if you need help making your dream house become a reality. I'[ve found they have pretty much everything you need, from Porch to Patio and Everything in Between.

Tickle Me Pink Summery Top for Little Girls.

This is a crochet pattern for a little summer top that is worked in one piece and is reversible.  You decide if you like the opening and lacing in the front or back; inside or out.  The shoulder straps and lacing can be made in solid color or 2 colors, as shown. Available in size 2, 4 or 6.

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How to Buy an Artificial Christmas Tree

Real Christmas Trees have gotten so expensive! Not to mention the fact that, in order to have a real Christmas tree, you have to cut down a living tree. Really!?

It’s way past time to consider buying an artificial Christmas tree, isn’t it! Think about this:
Artificial Christmas trees come in every size and shape imaginable. From tall and thin, to short and fat and everything in between. In our home, we have only one space for a slim Christmas tree (unless we want to move a bunch of furniture to the garage). Our space requires something thin, but I love a big tree. So I looked for a tall, thin Christmas tree with plenty of branches from which to hang my many ornaments.

Listed below are a few things for you to think about when buying an artificial Christmas tree. You probably already know all of this but these are reminders:

• First, decide on a budget for the tree. Add up the money you would spend on a real Christmas tree and multiply that times 5 – the average lifespan of a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree. Now you have your budget
• Next, think about the kind of Christmas tree you usually buy. Everyone has a favorite: cypress, spruce, grand fir, noble fir, balsam fir. My favorite type of tree is a Noble Fir, which isn’t all that easy to find a tall, think Douglas Fir tree. It took a while, but I found it online here
• Find a retailer that sells artificial trees. You can find them at many big box stores, but at most you’ll find 12 – 18 different kinds, and we knew we wanted a larger selection. That’s why we decided to carry them on our store. We knew we wanted one that looked real, so we found these “Feel Real” trees here.
• Think about the number of branches you like. Do you like a tree with room between branches so you can see each and every one of your ornaments, or one with branches that are fuller than normal? Some artificial trees that are “affordable” in big box stores actually have very sparse branches, so it’s important to know how many branches and tips your tree has when making the decision
• Check the quality of the needles. PE and PVC tips are the highest quality needles for artificial trees. Stay away from plastic. One great tree is made with "Feel Real" technology, which not only looks real, but feels real too. Click here to see a Tiffany Fir "Feel Real" Christmas tree that's amazing!
• Make sure the cord is UL listed for maximum safety
• The number of lights a tree has affects the price. Buy a tree with as many lights as you can afford to create a warm, homey feel. You’ll enjoy it so much more with tons of lights! Think also about whether you want clear or colored lights. Clear lights definitely give off a more traditional look while colored lights add festivity and a modern touch
• You have a few other options as well. You can purchase artificial Flocked Christmas Trees which have become very popular again in recent years, especially in those of us who enjoy a white Christmas but live in an area where little, if any, snow ever falls. Also available are Fiber Optic Christmas Trees which add fun to any room!
• Look for coordinating Wreathes, Swags, Decorations and Centerpieces. Buying on line allows you to find just the right Christmas decoration, as well as storage and accessories
• Finally, measure the space! This is the most important component you need to think about. If you have one, leave yourself enough room at the top of the tree for your favorite tree topper. Measure the width of the space you have and be sure the tree you buy will fit
• Check the return policy. Make sure that if you get the tree and you’re not happy with it you know ahead of time what the return policy will be
• Last, have fun decorating and feel free to send us a picture of your beautiful Christmas tree. We would love to post them!

If you have any further questions, feel free to call a Christmas Tree specialists at (888) 564-4744 to help you find just the right tree. Odyssey Homestore® offer “Legendary” products and services that you just won't find anywhere else. They also offer a low price guarantee, so if you find it anywhere else for less, call and they'll match the price, plus send you 15% of the difference in a gift certificate for future use.

Oak Park Hates Veggies

Someone took their own little plot of land and decided to grow veggies on it! That’s a brilliant idea! Someone should have thought of it before! Oh wait, they did! Our ancestors … (Yes, I know. I too use too many exclamation points but at least I use capitalization.)

In this day when money is tight for everyone, and we’re all trying to get back to our “roots” so to speak, there’s not a thing wrong with using whatever little bit of land we have. But I’m with a few others here, there’s a way to make it look aesthetically a little more pleasing to your neighbors. I myself have raised flower beds, but then again they’re made of stucco and brick, not 2 x 4s.

But that’s not the point here, is it? The point, as I see it, is that a government official (or three) have decided they have eminent domain over Julie’s lawn.So what we have now is a bunch of bureaucrats posturing because if they back down they’ll lose face. How about this… if they don’t back down they just might lose the next election! This is a political standoff in which the only clear winner can be Julie! If she loses her court case, a good percentage of the population will be sympathetic with her and the cameras will be rolling as she bulldozes her vegetable beds. If she wins … well then she gets to claim “winner!”

Either way Julie, I’ve put you on my blog and hope more people show some moral support. This is a silly waste of tax payers valuable money.

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How to Store Wine

I remember as a young girl, my uncle had an underground wine cellar in his basement. He had the bottles stacked willy-nilly setting on home dug dirt shelves among gossamer spider webs. It was the creepiest place I’ve ever seen, yet my uncle was so proud of his wine collection, even though he had to crawl in on his hands and knees to find a vintage bottle to bring out for his guests!

Then, when I learned to appreciate fine wine, I saw my first real cellar at a local winery. I was so impressed, and decided then and there that if I ever have a house that has a room, or a portion of a room, which could be used as a wine cellar, mine would look just like this. Floor-to-ceiling wine racks of some type of rich, dark wood lined the walls in a large rectangular room. Against one wall was a huge, fire roaring in a fireplace tall enough to walk into. In the center of the room sat a large, regal-looking table surrounded by eight massive chairs that reminded me of thrones. It’s a room I could see myself entertaining guests on cold, winter evenings. I’ve dreamed of that room for years.
 
When I ran across this Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar, I knew it was exactly what I’ve been looking for! Plus it has a rich, tropical flair which is a look I just can't resist!

So if you’re looking for a home wine cellar or creative ways to display your wine, look no further. Even if you don’t have room for a full wine cellar like the one that’s in my dream you can turn any closet, empty room, or unused space into the wine cellar of your dreams. Whether your wine collection is 10 bottles or over 1000, you can mix or match the Padma’s Plantation Modulare Collection to create a wine cellar you’ll be proud of!

The Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar blends beautifully with almost any décor, and can be used against a wall or even as a room divider. From one cube to dozens, you can create unique storage or display spaces to suit a variety of options. This just might be the ideal solution for your home, office, hotel or almost any location where wine is served!

We found the entire Padma's Plantation here. (Did you notice how many times we used the name "Padma's Plantation? We can't help it, we just love the name!)

I hope you love it as much as I do!