tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75636488029092611442024-03-12T19:00:49.528-05:00The MAD Hatted Bear AKA MADAME Whimsey<center>Welcome...so glad you stopped in ! <br>Grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or even something stronger... Bloody Marys, anyone ?<br> <br>The nice thing about most computers is that you can sit in your underwear, pajamas, or a t-shirt full of paint, threads and some ugly blue spot that was probably a result of the blueberry pie I had for lunch....and no one can see you !<br> <br>Yours in a whimsey, MADAME Whimsey AKA Karen</center>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-73808145794853329502013-06-09T18:14:00.000-05:002013-06-09T18:19:56.061-05:00The early bird gets the .....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Bird Habitat #4</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">* General Byrds House *</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this birdhouse...it was very hard to let go..lol. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perfect for that bird in your yard who is very bossy .....the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">one that even scares cats !</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This birdhouse stands 18" tall from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the flag...it is 15" to the top of the ring on the roof.</span>... <span style="font-size: large;">width of the wood birdhouse base is 5.5" wide. The </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The birdhouse has a metal roof with a metal star at the front...near the peak of the roof. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The vintage metal toy truck is 12" long. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The toy truck is army green and still retains its tires and you can see a bit of the star decal on top of the trucks roof. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Toy trucks in decent </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">condition are very hard to find !</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The flag is cloth with a wood dowel slid into </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 eye hooks in the back....easy to replace or add your own flag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,Times New Roman,serif;">Because I use recycled materials, you can see that items are not perfect....some rust or a scratch here and there, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,Times New Roman,serif;">small </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">dent etc. is part of the charm.</span> </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">~ We haven't gotten </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">any complaints </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">from the birds! ~</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ Front View ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> ~ Side View ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ Other Side View ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ Back view ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Small door in back slides open to reveal hole....great for cleaning out bird house when the General leaves his home ! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">* General Byrds House *</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">OOAK</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">$ 110.00</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please let me know if you have any questions....if you prefer one shipping method over another...US Mail versus UPS...</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">no problem just let me know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Watch for more bird habitats coming soon...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Yours in a whimsey, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">MADAME Whimsey</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Karen A. Meer </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:meer2@execpc.com">meer2@execpc.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1-262-569-0997</span></div>
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Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-52964934984864692282013-05-09T17:05:00.003-05:002013-06-11T16:20:54.842-05:00I Will Fowl You Anywhere.....<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Bird Habitat # 3</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-size: x-large;">~ Wings Of Flight ~</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I love copper & was tickled to find this coffee pot</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> a few weeks ago. </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I actually had this </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">designed in my head even before</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> I</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">arrived home & just knew what a whimsical </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">bird house </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">this would make. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">The birdhouse stands 9.75" tall. The pot retains its </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">original brass knob on the lid as well as </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">On the front a fairy as in flight rests in front of a vintage clock face. A brass set of wings & a ring of filigree decorate the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">opening which is 1.25" diameter. As a perch I added a vintage </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"> brass keyhole with rod & a </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">vintage </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">On each side of the coffee pot we attached a loop for hanging on the tree with your wire or chain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The top of the coffee pot lifts up as usual thus allowing the </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">owner to clean occasionally </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for the next tenant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Because I use recycled materials, you can see that items are not perfect....some rust or a scratch here and there, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">small </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">dent etc. is part of the charm. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~ We haven't gotten </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">any complaints </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">from the birds ! ~</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Wings Of Flight</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">OOAK</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">SOLD </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">$ 85.00</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Side note: I found an <b>exact</b> duplicate of this copper coffee pot unadorned </span><span style="font-size: large;">at an antique mall. I was just about to purchase it </span><span style="font-size: large;">the price tag at $100 stopped me.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"> Please let me know if you have any questions....if you prefer one shipping method over another...US Mail versus </span><span style="font-size: medium;">UPS...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">no problem just let me know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Watch for more bird habitats coming soon...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Yours in a whimsey, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">MADAME Whimsey</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Karen A. Meer </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="mailto:meer2@execpc.com">meer2@execpc.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">1-262-569-0997</span></div>
Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-73279333763465352902013-05-03T17:36:00.000-05:002013-06-02T21:47:38.211-05:00It's For The Birds......too much fun...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Bird Habitat # 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">OK....the name of this birdhouse is just a bit obvious and somewhat unoriginal....lol... but you never know if that homeless intelligent bird may have this exact name! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="font-size: x-large;">Hopefully it doesn't belong to some hungry feline</i><i style="font-size: x-large;">.</i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Constructed with a vintage coffee can as the house ....the open air roof with patio is a bent vintage license plate. On the </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of all the </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">higher class birdie neighbors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Each side of the house is attached a vintage brass laundry pin in which to hang on a tree with your chain or wire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As you understand since the house is metal....it should be </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">placed in a shaded area out of direct sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The decor of the house consists of 4 antique typewriter keys spelling "BIRD" for the intelligent fowl and we all know cats can not read. A pocket watch frame surrounds the 1.25" opening entrance. A vintage spoon handle below the opening </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">as a perch completes this enchanting abode.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The top of the coffee can is attached with screws thus allowing the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">owner to open the can and clean occasionally </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for the next tenant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Because I use recycled materials, you can see that items are not perfect....some rust or a scratch here and there, small </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">dent etc. is part of the charm. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~ We haven't gotten </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">any complaints from the birds ! ~</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: normal;">This birdhouse is 10" tall with a base at 5" diameter.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Maxwell's House</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OOAK</span></b> </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">* SOLD *</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">$ 62.00</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">plus shipping</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Please let me know if you have any questions....if you prefer one shipping method over another...US Mail versus </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">UPS...no problem just let me know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would LOVE to hear your comments !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Watch for more bird habitats coming soon...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yours in a whimsey, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">MADAME Whimsey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Karen A. Meer</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">meer2@execpc.com</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 21px;">1-262-569-0997</span></div>
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<br />Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-25539342557878276642013-05-01T20:48:00.000-05:002013-06-02T21:44:43.769-05:00A NEW Venture With The Hubbie !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">A NEW venture with the hubbie...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">hmmm.....did I see those brown eyes roll to the back o</span><span style="font-size: large;">f his head..lol ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, spring is here ! Time for new and fun projects...our garage and out buildings are brimming to the roof with treasures and a few surprises....just waiting for me to repurpose and recycle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have a good size backyard filled with squirrels, rabbits, a hedgehog and birds. Last year a mama bird built a nest in a basket right next to our back door. For weeks we used the front door to get in a out of the house for fear of scaring the skittish </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">mother. One day the babies decided to fly ....I actually saw them all take off from the nest....they never came back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This spring, I decided our birds needed housing...birdie castles, birdie condos, birdie penthouses, apartments and birdie</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">cottages. After scrounging </span><span style="font-size: large;">in our out buildings and a few thrift shops I found some fun containers & embellishments </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">for the birds habitats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the first of many to come that we are also offering for sale....as the wise owl would say </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"what a hoot"....</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>~ The Castle ~</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fit for the expecting Queen and her future brood and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">standing all of 19.5" tall ...this deluxe accommodation is made of a large lidded potato chip tin with an upside down </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">funnel at the top. A lamp burner </span><span style="font-size: large;">rests on the funnel spout giving the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">illusion of </span><span style="font-size: large;">a tower with a turret.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The base of </span><span style="font-size: large;">the </span><span style="font-size: large;">castle is 7.5" diameter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The front of the tin showcases a large brass crossed axe and sword, a over the entrance hole (1.25" opening) that has metal beading and a vintage skeleton key inserted in </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a metal key hole for a perch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each side of the large tin feature an oval filigree with a large brass lion head as if roaring and a large brass laundry pin </span><span style="font-size: large;">which </span><span style="font-size: large;">functions as a hanger to hang</span><span style="font-size: large;"> from a tree with </span><span style="font-size: large;">your chain or wire. Of course, one must hang a </span><span style="font-size: large;">metal birdhouse out of the sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The top of the castle is attached with screws thus allowing the </span><span style="font-size: large;">owner to open the can and clean occasionally </span><span style="font-size: large;">for the next set of Royalty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because I use recycled materials, you can see that items are not perfect....some rust or a scratch here and there, small </span><span style="font-size: large;">dent etc. is part of the charm. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">~ We haven't gotten </span><span style="font-size: large;">any complaints from the birds ! ~</span></i></div>
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<b style="color: blue; font-size: xx-large;">~ The Castle ~</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OOAK</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">$ 95.00</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">plus shipping</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Please let me know if you have any questions....if you prefer one shipping method over another...US Mail versus </span><span style="font-size: large;">UPS...no problem just let me know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Watch for more bird habitats coming soon...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yours in a whimsey, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MADAME Whimsey</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Karen A. Meer</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">meer2@execpc.com</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">or </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1-262-569-0997</span></div>
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<br />Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-81487136659139932122013-02-21T19:08:00.000-06:002013-05-03T18:39:37.161-05:00Tip Of The Day - # 2 How To Keep Your Husband From Touching Your Goodies<br />
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<b>Tip Of The Day - # 2 </b></div>
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<b>How To Keep Your Husband From Touching Your Goodies</b></div>
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OK...my husband and I have always had this unspoken pact...he or she who has their own private goodies DOES NOT TOUCH the other ones goodies unless permission is given. I personally have had no problem with this for 30+ years of marriage. HOWEVER my darling husband (dh) does have a major problem hmmm...shall we say with keeping his hands off my candy,</div>
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special treats even Weight Watchers snacks.</div>
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The man is a virtual vacuum cleaner when it comes to having eye contact then mouth contact with anything that appears edible....well almost everything as I will explain below. I can save a treat for </div>
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weeks and even months...my husband cant stand knowing that something yummy is in the house. He reasons that it must be for him if it is still there after 24 hours. I don't mind sharing if he asks....but blatant snatching my goodies just isn't right.</div>
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I read on Pinterest a few weeks back about how to hide these segregated treats from the temptation of others.....very very simple ...geesh, why didn't I think of this wonderful albeit brilliant idea... take an empty Kotex or tampon box .....insert goodies inside & hide in closet....NO MAN that I know</div>
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of would even think of opening that box ..lol. Now don't get over zealous and hide the box in the kitchen cupboard...even the simplest of men might figure this one out...lol.</div>
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Now my contribution to this idea is how to hide frozen treats...hee hee hee...I feel so n</div>
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I will eat frozen baby brussel sprouts. Well....you know where I am going with this one...empty the bag of brussel sprouts, wash out the bag and insert frozen treats with a clip holding it shut...this is one of the </div>
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only foods my man will not eat....ha ha ha. </div>
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OK I do have to admit I did kind of steal or I would say indulged in one of his treats...geesh, ladies will understand this ...I found a Hershey candy bar in a drawer and yes I knew it wasn't mine. I started out with one square, then 2 and all at once the entire bar was gone...yes, this was the BIG candy bar....I think his Godchild gave it to him one Easter. I have a very good excuse though...it was a bad day...appliance problems, mother problems, sister problems, hair problems etc ....I needed a quick fix & scrounged the kitchen for anything...so I devoured the candy bar.. To this day he has</div>
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never mentioned the missing candy bar....</div>
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so I am safe for now. </div>
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Yours in a whimsey,</div>
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MADAME Whimsey</div>
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AKA </div>
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<i>Karen A. Meer</i></div>
Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-29853238619741396112013-02-12T14:38:00.000-06:002013-02-12T14:42:04.340-06:00Victorian Fancies For My Lady ~ # 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"> I present to you my second set of slippers.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"> * Victorian Fancies for My Lady #2 *</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">~ Slippers C & D ~</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0p-pTbCGcA/URnV_Se6pXI/AAAAAAAAAUs/yng0QWW9zO8/s1600/shoes+6+&+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0p-pTbCGcA/URnV_Se6pXI/AAAAAAAAAUs/yng0QWW9zO8/s640/shoes+6+&+1.jpg" width="545" /></a></div>
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<b>Slipper C - "Queen Of Hearts"</b></div>
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Slipper insole is a red & white strip cotton featuring an antique German scrap of 3 pups and a Victorian calling card tucked into the toecap. The toe cap is a dark red crushed </div>
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velvet with satin band, antique china doll head with crown, vintage heart </div>
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shaped brooch with stones and faux pearls....a tiny Queen</div>
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of Hearts playing card nestles behind the doll head. </div>
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Tissue paper pink with red hearts ruffle, antique scallop French lace and </div>
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a gold Dresden diecut complete the adornment</div>
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on the toecap. </div>
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Outsole (part that touches the ground) & heel are black velvet. The edging </div>
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is antique tinsel roping with French metallic trim.</div>
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A bit of cotton is tucked inside toecap for shaping.</div>
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<span style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">7</span><span style="color: #666666;">7.5 inches w/o hanger</span></div>
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<b>$ 52.00</b></div>
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<b>~</b></div>
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<b>Slipper D - "Amelia's Lark"</b></div>
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Slipper insole is purplish blue velvet with a antique German scrap of a lovely lass. The toe cap is antique French lace with rhinestone bauble, velvet millinery flowers, silk cream </div>
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ruffle, dark red crepe paper ruffle and an antique German flower scrap. </div>
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Outsole of slipper & heel are cream with a gold French design. </div>
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The edging is French metallic trim.</div>
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A bit of cotton is tucked inside toecap for shaping.</div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">7.75 inches w/o hanger</span></div>
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<b>$ 38.00</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPu_B9kM0ic/URnbn8Tyo1I/AAAAAAAAAVM/2PSepvNJZUk/s1600/shoe+backs+6+&+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPu_B9kM0ic/URnbn8Tyo1I/AAAAAAAAAVM/2PSepvNJZUk/s320/shoe+backs+6+&+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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~ Outsoles AKA bottoms of slippers ~</div>
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I take Paypal, money order or even personal check.....a small amount for shipping is added as well. </div>
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Any questions or if you wish a custom designed slipper ..</div>
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<b>Email - <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">meer2@execpc.com</span></b></div>
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Yours in a whimsey, MADAME Whimsey</div>
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AKA</div>
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Karen A. Meer</div>
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Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-61009293013609392142013-02-11T23:03:00.002-06:002013-02-12T14:46:08.330-06:00Lesson For The Week # 1 Anatomy of A Shoe or Slipper<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ~ Lesson For The Week ~</span></b></div>
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I always loved learning...when I was younger and very bored at home I would pull </div>
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out a book..not just any book but an encyclopedia ....I spent hours </div>
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laying in front of the heater reading about the world and beyond. </div>
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I never told my husband I did this as he cant get over the fact</div>
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I always beat him at Trivial Pursuit...lol</div>
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I love Discovery, HG TV, Travel, A&E, NatGeo, History Channel and the</div>
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internet...all great resources that taught me about the rest of the world </div>
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& beyond that I somehow missed in the encyclopedias....</div>
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Anyway I have learned some interesting things during my past </div>
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as an art teacher, a wife, an aunt, a house slave, an artist, antique dealer, </div>
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tv watcher and sex ed teacher...but <b>that</b> is a whole other story.</div>
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I decided to share these lessons with you....</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lesson # 1</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ~ Anatomy of A Shoe or Slipper ~</span></b></div>
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I only recently came across this lesson while designing my own altered art slippers...</div>
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called Victorian Fancies For My Lady. I wasn't sure what to call the</div>
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bottom and top part of the slipper..I knew one was the </div>
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sole but which was which ?</div>
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I found out that there are different parts to the sole which is a generic term </div>
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for both of those areas ....<br />
yes, I know you are now <b>quite captivated</b> !</div>
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This lesson is perfect for the shoe collector & shoe maker even </div>
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those with a shoe fetish....such as my mother...</div>
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Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-37374614111384000582013-02-10T20:08:00.000-06:002013-02-18T20:54:42.264-06:00Victorian Fancies for My Lady ~ # 1A few years back I was lucky to go to Paris for a summer and shared a Paris apt with my good friend Jane. She went to study at the Sorbonne and I got to play...at the flea markets. We both knew that I got the better end of the deal. I found treasures galore.....french lace, ribbon, trims, velvet, charms, scraps, millinery flowers, silk fabrics, dolls & clothing. I have been hoarding these items waiting for the right creation.... thus my Victorian Fancies for My Lady started to tickle my brain cells.<br />
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I love Victorian....the houses ( live in one..lol), the toys, the ephemera, the furniture and decor, the mannerisms, the clothing, the fripperies to name a few and of course the footwear. I created some Victorian slippers ...I had a ball making these ..in fact I contemplated keeping them..all of them..lol. My home showcases several feather trees with themes ...most of them are up all year long. They bring me joy during those days I need a bit of whimsey in my life. A white feather tree covered with Victorian slippers would be a lot of fun especially for my bedroom.<br />
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I decided to make 13 slippers ..and I could keep ONE for myself. I created them with both front and back covered with either paper or cloth…..a heel is added for a dimensional view. The edges are covered in assorted trims or tinsel roping. The front features an antique scrap from my extension collection. From there I added the covering for the toes with antique lace, silk or velvet. I tuck in a bit of cotton into the toe…then the fun begins…ornamentation with ribbons, jewels, vintage crepe paper, velvet flowers, Dresden pieces and a few slippers with antique bisque dolls. The length of the slipper is around 7.5 inches long without the hanger. Hangers can be removed with a scissors...I just like to give options.<br />
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A few ideas - pinkeeps, eye glass case, wall décor, hostess or Mothers Day gift, candy container, jewelry or perfume bottle holder, potpourri, party favor, display under glass dome or Valentine for a friend, sister, mother, favorite aunt or teacher !<br />
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Thus I present to you my first two slippers.....<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> * Victorian Fancies for My Lady *</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">~ Slippers A & B ~</span></div>
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<b>Slipper A - "Sophie's Choice"</b></div>
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Slipper insole is a dark rose antique velvet from an old scarf. The toe cap is</div>
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French lace with a silk liner adorned with </div>
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velvet flowers, antique scrap, German metallic edging, silk bud with petals - </div>
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taken from an antique Flapper hat. </div>
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Outsole (part that touches the ground) & heel are paper</div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">7.5 inches w/o hanger</span></div>
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<b>$ 38.00</b></div>
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<b>Slipper B - "Sasha's Delight"</b></div>
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Slipper insole is paper with black lace design. The toe cap is antique black floral lace </div>
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adorned with an antique German </div>
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girl scrap, velvet ribbon edging & frontal bow with a</div>
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rhinestone star, vintage pink crepe paper </div>
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fan with polka dot insert.</div>
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Outsole of slipper & heel are vintage black velvet.</div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">7.5 inches w/o hanger</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SI6D8TzLEH4/URhRQuFNWoI/AAAAAAAAATM/26Rxn0qHkUQ/s1600/shoe+backs+2+&+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SI6D8TzLEH4/URhRQuFNWoI/AAAAAAAAATM/26Rxn0qHkUQ/s320/shoe+backs+2+&+5.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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~ Outsoles AKA bottoms of slippers ~</div>
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I take Paypal, money order or even personal check.....a small amount for shipping is added as well. </div>
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Any questions or if you wish a custom designed slipper ..</div>
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<b>Email - <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">meer2@execpc.com</span></b></div>
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Yours in a whimsey, MADAME Whimsey</div>
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AKA</div>
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Karen A. Meer</div>
Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-22294115604389953292013-02-07T16:48:00.000-06:002013-02-14T15:30:43.757-06:00Tip Of The Day - Tip #1 Put Your Phone Number On Your BraOK.....I decided to start my official Tip Of The Day...I may not be able to post EVERY DAY but will try to do so a few times each week. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">TIP # 1 - Put Your Phone Number On Your Bra</span></b></div>
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I decided to dye my hair today, yes, I know you thought these lovely red-purple spikes were my natural color but underneath lies some pretty persistent grey hairs. All was OK when I turned on the electric heater in the worlds tiniest bathroom (Vict. home here, bathroom is the size of a matchbox). I removed my top and bra & laid them carefully on the edge of the bathtub which unfortunately is right next to the toilet.<br />
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I proceeded to apply the dye and was satisfied with the application. I decided during the 40 minutes of wait time for the dye to do its job that I would make a pot of bean soup. All the ingredients were added to the large pot and I felt very smug with myself for multitasking ...so I opted for a cup of coffee thus placing the cup in the microwave. The refrigerator then started up at the exact same time the microwave kicked on ..... the microwave, the refrigerator and ALL the lights went out including the bathroom & kitchen as well. I was motionless for 20 seconds and then stumbled around for a flashlight. I decided NOT to go down in our dark dungeon 108 year old basement to flip the breaker back on as unfortunately those lights were out as well ....plus there are way too many spiders, perhaps a mouse or two and I truly feel a space alien might be lurking in one of the back corners (childhood fear). <br />
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My darling husband of course was at work so the flashlight would be my guide in the darkness of the kitchen/bathroom. I went into the well lit dining room and noticed on the clock that my 40 minute deadline for dye removal was approaching. I went back into the worlds tiniest very dark bathroom and using the flashlight managed to push my top & bra farther down the tub edge. I turned on the bathtub faucet and rinsed my hair thoroughly ..again I felt quite smug with myself.<br />
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As with most ladies after a cup of lukewarm coffee it was time to pee...I managed to do so in the dark and of course flushed the toilet, washed my hands & grabbed my top and bra off the side of the tub. I went back into the well lit dining room to redress or so I thought. All I had in my hand was my top. I stumbled back into the bathroom scrambling for the flashlight ....NO BRA WAS FOUND. <br />
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OK... naughty swear words here.....%$#$%)@#%$% ! <br />
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I can only imagine when the local sewer company comes across my bra floating in the cesspool...good grief I hope my floating bra isn't downloaded on You Tube or listed on the "look what this crazy woman did" website as a few of my friends are there now....heck, I even contemplated a ''LOST" poster but the neighbors think I am nutty enough as it is.<br />
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Darn, it was my lucky bra ....I guess now I have to call it my unlucky bra.<br />
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So my tip of the day is print your phone number on your bra or even your email address....you could get lucky and get it back ! <br />
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Yours in a whimsey, MADAME Whimsey<br />
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PS The soup was yummy....I even put a small bowl by the basement stairs ...it was gone an hour later....the bowl as well.....hmmm, I TOLD YOU THERE WERE SPACE ALIENS IN THE BASEMENT !<br />
<br />Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-74584216694491400132011-05-16T16:47:00.005-05:002011-05-17T20:26:47.867-05:00Fleas...gotta love em.<div style="text-align: center;">I absolutely love fleas....even a very bad flea is better than housekeeping ...heck anything is better than housekeeping !<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I have mentioned in previous blogs that my husband Tom and I are semi-quasi antique dealers. We have a booth at a local mall and occasionally exhibit at shows & flea markets in the Midwest. This past weekend we had a booth at a local antique flea market in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. It is one of the best in this neck of the woods....southeastern Wisconsin. A small town with a good size flea around 500 dealers on the county fairgrounds. As with most fleas you can find everything there...from herbs...to French lighting..to homegrown tomatoes...to framed Victorian bridal veils...to garden art....to breweriana..to vintage jewelry.......primitive items......to antique patriotic...to dress forms....to buttons & beads galore....to spools of antique lace and the list goes on and on...of course many of these items were in my own booth..lol.<br /><br />People line up at the gate an hour or two before it starts ...when the gates open ..it is craziness. You can also get in early the day before during setup ...I believe the gate price is a lot higher at $25.00 per person...we get a lot of Chicago dealers coming in early for first pickings. They know Wisconsin prices are good prices to buy and then resell.<br /><br />My husband and I set up the day before in our usual spot inside the small animal building. The weather forecast was iffy....wet and cold but we put on a brave face and carried on. I don't usually get a chance to shop early...too much to set up in our own booth which takes 8-9 hours. But I do take a peek when I take potty breaks...lol. I grab some cash and yell to my husband "I am going to the bathroom"..of course he is not stupid knowing this means "she is going to the bathroom BUT will also shop along the way & on the way back"....yes, he is not a stupid man.<br /><br />This time I didnt have to go far for my first purchase....a life size lady mannequin right next door to our booth. The dealer who has been next to us the past few years gave me a real deal....she is a sweetheart. I was going to keep the mannequin and name her...but alas decided to put her in the mall for sale ....I have a lot of vintage clothes and hats so she will show off what I am selling while being for sale as well. I would prefer an older mannequin as this one is pretty current....very pretty but I like the look of a vintage mannequin.<br /><br />Our booth at the mall and at flea markets is a real eye catcher....we get a lot of compliments from the customers...which is so nice when you are extremely tired, cranky and need a bath....lol I have several dress forms in which I dress with funky clothing and use the front of the forms to showcase my bracelets and necklaces. Of course at every show or flea customers want to buy the dress forms..I could have sold each one 2o times over. There are 5 full size ladies and 3 children plus an upper torso form. Not only do I display my handmade charm bracelets at the fleas but I specialize in vintage holiday items, vintage ladies and children clothing, lace...mega hats, Victorian scrap, ladies vanity items, teddy bear & accessories and old toys that need good homes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqDq7ZQ3nnM/TdL7MRRjlZI/AAAAAAAAASM/6cA7H5SjpcU/s1600/dressforms4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqDq7ZQ3nnM/TdL7MRRjlZI/AAAAAAAAASM/6cA7H5SjpcU/s400/dressforms4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607820674243728786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVUJxyJ0fRs/TdL7MP4Nk6I/AAAAAAAAASE/m-dYo_uCnjo/s1600/dressforms3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVUJxyJ0fRs/TdL7MP4Nk6I/AAAAAAAAASE/m-dYo_uCnjo/s400/dressforms3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607820673868993442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4MSwxqX2ss/TdL26RtrYsI/AAAAAAAAAR8/gaAq_ieaei0/s1600/dressforms2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4MSwxqX2ss/TdL26RtrYsI/AAAAAAAAAR8/gaAq_ieaei0/s400/dressforms2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607815967077524162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHiKul5Lhg8/TdL26JHaSZI/AAAAAAAAAR0/kJJ15Li5ebE/s1600/dressforms1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHiKul5Lhg8/TdL26JHaSZI/AAAAAAAAAR0/kJJ15Li5ebE/s400/dressforms1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607815964769536402" border="0" /></a><br />On one of my few trips to the bathroom I did manage to sneak over and visit other dealers I knew and obtain a few bits and pieces for the bracelets...all from one vendor. He specializes in jewelry, vintage bits and bobs, buttons and beads. I pull up a chair and sort thru his boxes...it is amazing how fast time goes by. I carry a walkie-talkie so my husband can contact me if a customer has a question or he is bored and really needs to hear my voice. Of course, this happens frequently when I am in the bathroom stall doing important things....lol.<br /><br />You meet the most interesting people at the fleas...a first time flea market visitor...she was in her 50's and she was thoroughly enjoying herself....even though she spent all her money she was just delighted to be there.... her eyes were glazed over, she was shaking and could barely talk and was so excited that I wanted to give her a hug. Then I met a man who was a bit strange...he told me he was an angel...OK I thought I will hear what he had to say. Needless to say he entertained himself more than he did my husband and I. After 20 minutes he shoke our hands and left. My husband & I just looked at each other and smiled. Of course after meeting an angel what does one say...lol.<br /><br />I noticed a lot of people love to give you their life stories ...they love to talk about their purchases & what they will do with them...most are so interesting ..others not so much. I think they are lonely ....I am a good listener and always thank them for stopping. I have several customers stop who have bought from me over the years...it is like seeing old friends...I cant remember their names but I usually remember what they bought....go figure.<br /><br />I had an elderly man stop and looked at my antique cardboard mask of Uncle Sam...he is also a collector of vintage patriotic. He didn't have one of these in his collection and we talked a bit about it. He left and I knew he would be back. A little less than an hour he brought his wife...took the mask off the shelf and brought it over....he treasured that mask I could tell. We agreed on the price and he left with a treasure that day...I think it made his day actually. I love when that happens.<br /><br />The weather was pretty nasty...it was COLD & WINDY & RAINY......I am so thankful we had an inside spot...although there was a small leak in the roof right over my husbands head. We brought a small heater and after turning it on for a few minutes it knocked out all the lights in our aisle...lol. The dealer next to us knew where the electrical box was and turned them back on. We turned the heater on to minimum and manged to not knock out the lights again. Of course, my husband had to go around and tell the other dealers it was us that did it. This is what happens when you marry an honest man. Several dealers laughed...others smiled because they thought it was their heaters that knocked out the circuit....lol.<br /><br />Even for being bad weather ...the crowds were great....I saw a lot of stuff go by...our sales were good...a bit less than hoped for but I am happy with what we made. Of course I cant wait for the next one on June 26...then we bring the fans !<br /><br /><br />Yours in whimsey,<br /><br />Karen<br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-1940291980020175542011-05-13T15:38:00.006-05:002011-05-13T19:03:32.674-05:00This Saturday.....<div style="text-align: center;">I am delighted to tell you that....this Saturday, May 14<br />I am being represented by <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Felicia Hymer of The BEAR SCOUT<br /><br /></span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VgFxWwgufc/Tc2xc82oFeI/AAAAAAAAARc/rPUqO1mfLKA/s1600/felicia_135x180.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VgFxWwgufc/Tc2xc82oFeI/AAAAAAAAARc/rPUqO1mfLKA/s400/felicia_135x180.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606332222075835874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">* Felicia Hymer</span> *</span><br /><br /><br /><br />at the<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Philadelphia Doll & Teddy Bear Artist Convention</span></span><br />at the Ramada Airport Hotel.<br /><br />then<br /><br />On Sunday, May 15<br />she is holding a Bear Scout "Trunk" Show at<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Country Meadows</span><br />in Kutztown, Penn.<br />This is adjacent to Renningers Antique Mall<br /><br />11am - 5pm<br /><br />*<br /><br />At both events, she will be featuring along with other bear artists<br />a number of my pieces...<br /><br />as<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >The MAD Hatted Bear </span><br /><br />from my bears...to cat dolls ...to whimsical pincushions...to bunny muffs<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnozANOIGDQ/Tc2o-6LUMvI/AAAAAAAAAQc/IUrCYRQnfWs/s1600/sweetwilliam.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnozANOIGDQ/Tc2o-6LUMvI/AAAAAAAAAQc/IUrCYRQnfWs/s400/sweetwilliam.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606322909868208882" border="0" /></a>~ Sweet William ~<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfiAwsZNg7k/Tc2p8CdI42I/AAAAAAAAAQs/JozHaFR6Cq4/s1600/bunvict.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54P9XFkHLVM/Tc3GU3zInMI/AAAAAAAAARs/XrCN42pXg3Q/s1600/dancepig.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 488px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54P9XFkHLVM/Tc3GU3zInMI/AAAAAAAAARs/XrCN42pXg3Q/s400/dancepig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606355173024242882" border="0" /></a>~ There's A Pig Dancing In My Garden ~<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb54vm_oiTU/Tc2o_HGZWSI/AAAAAAAAAQk/9fGyAGtpo1s/s1600/misspuss.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 443px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb54vm_oiTU/Tc2o_HGZWSI/AAAAAAAAAQk/9fGyAGtpo1s/s400/misspuss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606322913337235746" border="0" /></a>~ Miss Puss ~<br /><br /><br />and as<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >MADAME Whimsey</span><br /><br />....assorted bracelets with charms of teddy bears, The Roosevelt Bears,<br />old toys, Brownies and more !<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u58U3BE3TFo/Tc2p8c5fdOI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/HQHH_zwdGj0/s1600/%25234%2Bbearsstory.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u58U3BE3TFo/Tc2p8c5fdOI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/HQHH_zwdGj0/s400/%25234%2Bbearsstory.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606323967160710370" border="0" /></a>~ A Bears Story ~<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IMjC3GDmd8/Tc2siwxZXQI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/lVunBDRvnN8/s1600/%252310%2Boldtoys.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IMjC3GDmd8/Tc2siwxZXQI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/lVunBDRvnN8/s400/%252310%2Boldtoys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606326824353750274" border="0" /></a>~ I LOVE Old Toys ~<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SgRS_MSQeJA/Tc2si6dFDyI/AAAAAAAAARE/XeX3w7PSwxs/s1600/%2523%2B6%2Bpassion.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 375px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SgRS_MSQeJA/Tc2si6dFDyI/AAAAAAAAARE/XeX3w7PSwxs/s400/%2523%2B6%2Bpassion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606326826952888098" border="0" /></a>~ Teddy Bears Are My Passion ~<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8HZO73azW0/Tc2wVeEEBKI/AAAAAAAAARU/HarooFgwntU/s1600/%2523%2B9%2Broosbears.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8HZO73azW0/Tc2wVeEEBKI/AAAAAAAAARU/HarooFgwntU/s400/%2523%2B9%2Broosbears.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606330994039981218" border="0" /></a>~ The Roosevelt Bears ~<br /><br />* * *<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Felicia Hymer</span></span><br />has been an exclusive rep of teddy bear artists for the past 15 years.<br />She is also known nationally as a lecturer and even has been<br />a judge for the Tobys three times.<br />Internationally she has written several articles<br />for the teddy bear magazines<br />around the world.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Her website is</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">www.thebearscout.com</span><br /><br /><br /><br />***<br /><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Her email address is</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="mailto:bearbroker@aol.com">bearbroker@aol.com</a><br /><br /><br />***<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Her Facebook site is</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">under her name -</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Felicia Hymer</span></span><br /><br /><br />Check out her website for upcoming teddy bear show schedule in your area....it is well worth the trip so see so many fabulous teddy bears & friends<br />represented in one place !<br /><br />Yours in a whimsey,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Karen</span><br /><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-19361065249627310002011-04-26T17:45:00.004-05:002011-04-26T18:42:30.260-05:00And yet another trifle....for your perusal.... a whimsical pincushion !<div style="text-align: center;">This whimsical pincushion on my Easter web show was fun to create.<br />I called<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>this one</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>of a kind</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" >~Victorian Easter Frippery</span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"> ~</span><br /></span><br />Over the years I have accumulated a rather large collection<br />of antique portrait pins and sometimes<br />select one to place on<br />a creation when it calls for an interesting<br />bit of trifle !<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VySRd60gWY/TbdPRPyzo2I/AAAAAAAAAPs/EsFm47ytnLU/s1600/bunvict.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 554px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VySRd60gWY/TbdPRPyzo2I/AAAAAAAAAPs/EsFm47ytnLU/s400/bunvict.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600031819374502754" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:Papyrus;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">The bunny is 4..25" tall .... entire vignette is 12.5" from<br />bottom of base to top of bunny ear.</span></span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Papyrus;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"> I just love the polka dot sash !</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4LfTVXISlU/TbdPRpXiBdI/AAAAAAAAAP8/CaP-5CSR2Pg/s1600/bunvictclose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4LfTVXISlU/TbdPRpXiBdI/AAAAAAAAAP8/CaP-5CSR2Pg/s400/bunvictclose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600031826239423954" border="0" /></a><br />Note vintage millinery flowers...very hard to find these days.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsM3ujyhcYU/TbdPRUQz48I/AAAAAAAAAP0/ScJQ1DyorlE/s1600/bunvictbacka.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qsM3ujyhcYU/TbdPRUQz48I/AAAAAAAAAP0/ScJQ1DyorlE/s400/bunvictbacka.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600031820574090178" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Papyrus;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">Completely hand-sewn bunny</span></span>.<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Papyrus;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">This endearing pinkeep </span></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Papyrus;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">commemorates the days from long ago.<br />A wee hand-sewn white wool bunny sits upon a 2-tone<br />chocolate wool egg. The arms of the bunny are jointed with one holding<br />a wee basket waiting for Easter treats.<br /><br />The bunny named Harvey wears a silk ribbon gathered collar,<br />has an embroidered nose with tiny bead eyes.<br />A pink blush covers his tummy.<br />The large egg features on the front, 2 wool felt medallions of creme<br />and pink with a brown pleated ribbon encircling the egg.<br />On top of the medallions is a wired creme with brown polka dot sash, 2 vintage floral sprays, a brown velvet ruffle<br />& an antique portrait pin of a mother and daughter.<br /><br />The bunny is removable as it is attached with a vintage corsage pin to the egg.<br />The egg rests on 2 wool felt skirts of pink and a star shaped dark brown.<br />The egg is permanently attached to the wood base which displays a velvet ribbon.<br />Both bunny & egg are stuffed with polyfil.</span><big><big><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </big></big></span> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;color:black;"><big><big><span style="font-size:100%;"><big><big> </big></big></span></big></big></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="font-size:180%;">~Victorian Easter Frippery~<br />Pincushion</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><big><small style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><big style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:brown;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></big></small></big></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><big><small style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><big style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="color:brown;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price $ 195.00</span></span></big></small><big style="font-family:Times New Roman;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></big></big></span></span><br /></p><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">Free shipping to US.<br />Paypal accepted!<br /><br /><br />Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.....I dont bite much !<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Yours in a whimsey,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Karen A. Meer</span></span><br /></span><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-15177859467546635092011-04-20T22:44:00.008-05:002011-04-26T17:30:28.423-05:00Easter Web Show is up & running...yahoo !!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Yes, I finally got the Easter Web Show up and running....<br />my eyes are bleary,<br />I can't remember the last time<br />I went to the bathroom<br /><br />and<br /><br />I just ate cold pizza for dinner at 10:30pm.....but the web show is DONE !!</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I am offering ...</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nX8zDMeCu74/TbdC4VG9JrI/AAAAAAAAAPc/B2pKafs-390/s1600/chasebutt.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMA5tS9dlKk/TbdGlTxJYII/AAAAAAAAAPk/-HvAkxQZnLE/s1600/chasebutta.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 564px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMA5tS9dlKk/TbdGlTxJYII/AAAAAAAAAPk/-HvAkxQZnLE/s400/chasebutta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600022268434014338" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lP7PHJX_87M/Ta-w6CAk7AI/AAAAAAAAAPM/k4uWUSRX76k/s1600/chasebuttclose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 353px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lP7PHJX_87M/Ta-w6CAk7AI/AAAAAAAAAPM/k4uWUSRX76k/s400/chasebuttclose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597887372863007746" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br />~ Gorgeous Pincushions ~</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BusYxX8AczQ/TbdC4Ev5EaI/AAAAAAAAAPU/lkh7jyn5r-Y/s1600/chalkware%2B6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BusYxX8AczQ/TbdC4Ev5EaI/AAAAAAAAAPU/lkh7jyn5r-Y/s400/chalkware%2B6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600018192773222818" border="0" /></a></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2LjQKJSH4s/Ta-ptIJDuOI/AAAAAAAAAPE/eFXmSSVylUs/s1600/chalkware%2B6.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > ~ Hand-painted Chalkware Novelties ~</span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-250AFkeo4ZQ/Ta-pszxAfYI/AAAAAAAAAO8/jWFXwkWr62U/s1600/box1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 306px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-250AFkeo4ZQ/Ta-pszxAfYI/AAAAAAAAAO8/jWFXwkWr62U/s400/box1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597879449119915394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > ~ Adorable Trinket Boxes ~<br /><br /><br />and so much more on 2 Easter Web Show Pages !<br /><br />Check it out at -<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">www.themadhattedbear.com</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /></span><br />Yours in a whimsey,<br /><br />Karen<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-71462013340915479692011-04-19T14:33:00.002-05:002011-04-19T14:45:09.964-05:00Easter Web Show is coming soon....Yes, I will have an Easter Web Show...and yes, I realize Easter is on Sunday...lol.<br /><br />Well, due to house problems.....a huge pipe in basement cracked and flooded our basement with not such nice stuff, our plumber went on vacation for a week and then when the pipe finally got replaced they hit a light that shorted and knocked out 1/2 of our house electricity...which included the 1/2 of the house with the computer and sewing machine. Yesterday, the electrician fixed the problem and life is back to normal "gulp" I hope.<br /><br />Needless to say I have fallen behind at least a week. So.........I am frantically finishing up the pieces that will be featured on my Easter Web Show....hopefully tomorrow unless the lightning I hear in the distance strikes our home...lol. Ok...that is not funny.<br /><br />Yours in a semi-catatonic-albeit frenzied-humble state of being,<br /><br />KarenKaren A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-6625359923088367802011-03-26T16:31:00.016-05:002011-04-25T14:34:55.708-05:00Brownies ....should we eat them or just play with them ?<div style="text-align: center;">Yes....I enticed you to read this blog about Brownies....not the wee Girl Scout lass or unfortunately the yummy hi-caloric chocolate<br />very naughty gooey dessert treats</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />BUT<br /><br />whimsical little creatures albeit kind-hearted sprites created by Palmer Cox during the later 1870s.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0NPgpuZrCA/TY5bHXFwjkI/AAAAAAAAALs/rwlRK3G6jCE/s1600/palmer-cox-ninebrownies1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 507px; height: 174px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0NPgpuZrCA/TY5bHXFwjkI/AAAAAAAAALs/rwlRK3G6jCE/s400/palmer-cox-ninebrownies1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588504369628745282" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">~ Brownie Nine-pins ~</span><br /><br /><br />A few years back a dear friend Mrs. S. was conversing with me via the phone and somehow the topic about Brownies came up. Thinking she was speaking about the dessert brownies I was anticipating a pan of chocolate goodies for our next trip...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lol</span>. Alas it was not meant to be BUT the conversation got me interested in pursuing a little more info on these tiny gentlemen of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">whimsey</span> and design a MADAME <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Whimsey</span> special bracelet for Mrs. S.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuQyMa1uUnE/TY6CFupRhpI/AAAAAAAAAMs/jLzXC6SmRJs/s1600/footrace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 234px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuQyMa1uUnE/TY6CFupRhpI/AAAAAAAAAMs/jLzXC6SmRJs/s400/footrace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588547222545467026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ The Foot Race ~</span><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Postcard</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6nMbIZXcC8/TZDTY7AcPRI/AAAAAAAAANU/gy5Qw34uGsU/s1600/191_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6nMbIZXcC8/TZDTY7AcPRI/AAAAAAAAANU/gy5Qw34uGsU/s400/191_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589199562676649234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ Handkerchief ~</span><br />The Dude was the most popular !<br /><br /><br />Four years later....and I am hooked....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lol</span>. I will not say it is an obsession nor the main focus of my collecting. BUT......I love to read, gather and absorb all that I can find about the Brownies and their creator...lol...OK I have just a wee obsession.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />Over the next few months I will include more info & photos I have gathered...<br />there is no set schedule.....it takes about 5 full days to gather, sort, write and edit.....I am an artist and make no claim to fame as a writer....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lol</span>. Plus my husband needs a little attention once in a while...<br /><br />Check back often for interesting facts and images. I would love to include images and info from my darling readers !<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">There is a quiz below....lol...and a dandy prize to boot !</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >* * * Brownies * * *</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDxTJiBmPM4/TZEHZB31QII/AAAAAAAAAOk/Q8cLi2vqtbA/s1600/932_brownies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDxTJiBmPM4/TZEHZB31QII/AAAAAAAAAOk/Q8cLi2vqtbA/s400/932_brownies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256739124232322" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">PART 1 -</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Most of the information I found is from current & past magazine articles & a few websites about Palmer Cox. There is a wonderful & diverse selection of Brownie items also for sale on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">internet</span>... via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ebay</span> of course and websites of antique emporiums like Ruby Lane.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> * Brownie Items *</span><br /></span>Many of these antique items are comics and books written & illustrated by Palmer Cox the creator of the Brownies. Due to the popularity of the Brownies, dolls were created in different materials which lead to more merchandising with the Brownie images on dishes...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvlZcYqUs2A/TZEHYwDiJ_I/AAAAAAAAAOc/jlRIZPZD3Uc/s1600/salt%2526pepper.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 246px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvlZcYqUs2A/TZEHYwDiJ_I/AAAAAAAAAOc/jlRIZPZD3Uc/s400/salt%2526pepper.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256734341474290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ Brownie Salt & Pepper Shakers ~<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Update 4/25/11</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">I just found out more info on these shakers. They are Napoli pattern glass by Mt. Washington Glass. The Napoli pattern is a raised web-like design....very rare.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:85%;">They sold through Skinner, Inc.in a live auction a few winters back for $6000.00.<br /><br />Source: The GPSA Gazette June 2007</span><br /></span></span><br /></span><br />....rubber stamps, frames, humidors, desk items, toys such as nine-pins and ten-pins...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwBVVUwE_bE/TY5bIGJgCHI/AAAAAAAAAME/Q9XOyFlBFCo/s1600/0013_1_lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 483px; height: 362px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwBVVUwE_bE/TY5bIGJgCHI/AAAAAAAAAME/Q9XOyFlBFCo/s400/0013_1_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588504382260906098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> ~ Brownie Nine-Pins Box Cover ~</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> ....puzzles, blocks, postcards, trade cards, candy, candy containers, biscuits in the shape of Brownies, spoons, stickpins, charms, handkerchiefs and of course the "Brownie" camera !<br /><br />Two of the most unusual items I came across were a .......<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JgK5uPLqXk/TY59erPj4TI/AAAAAAAAAMM/YTzMDEcC3Vo/s1600/slotband.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 616px; height: 315px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JgK5uPLqXk/TY59erPj4TI/AAAAAAAAAMM/YTzMDEcC3Vo/s400/slotband.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588542153570902322" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Brownie Slot Machine & The Merry Band Of Elves Ten-pins ~</span><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo from Roy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nuhn</span> article </span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(see sources below)</span><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />and</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_IhWPw_2YA/TY6GuTbj4fI/AAAAAAAAANE/GWEYowzNAsE/s1600/br%2Bandirons.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 379px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_IhWPw_2YA/TY6GuTbj4fI/AAAAAAAAANE/GWEYowzNAsE/s400/br%2Bandirons.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588552317661340146" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ A Set Of Brownie Andirons For The Fireplace ~</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> * Brownie Dolls *</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dolls were some of the most popular items created representing these sprites other than books or comics. <span style="font-size:78%;">(1)</span>The books, save for the cover, were in black and white. The dolls, of course did something else. They made the unseen Brownies, the Brownies who only came out at night and could only be seen by Uncle Palmer, who had "second sight," visible and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">huggable</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(a)</span>Brownie dolls were made of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">papier</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mache</span>', rubber, bisque and even kid heads and armature bodies. In 1899 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Schoenhut</span> Co. created 12 different large wooden Brownie characters for a display at the National Export Exhibition in Philadelphia.<br /><br />Some of the more colorful Brownie dolls were printed as paper dolls & were very popular. I will write about these & show photos at a later date.<br /><br />Other Brownie dolls that were very popular with children were printed on cotton fabric panels featuring the most popular Brownie characters. There were 12 cloth dolls not 10 as some sources state. A person would purchase these 1 yard panels for 20 cents in dry good stores and take them home, cut out the back and front of the 8" with seam the individual printed doll. More than likely they were hand stitched together and made doll-like with a bit of stuffing made of cotton, wool, fabric scraps or even bran for a more hefty feel. Once sewn the doll size was smaller from 6.5" to 7.5" depending on the skill of the sewer in sewing seams & how much stuffing was used.<br /><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">* My Brownie Doll Collection *</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I am at the beginning stage of collecting...my accumulation of Brownie items is quite meager...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">lol</span>. I do have high hopes of accumulating more as time goes by. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Recently I was able to acquire all 12 of these small cloth dolls either as a large panel of six, individual panels of three dolls and seven completed sewn dolls. The panels are in fair to good condition ...color is slightly faded & stained but details are still notable. The sewn dolls are a bit ragged & soiled from years of tugging, dragging and hugs from the wee human folks (children).</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gEnpPr68S9Y/TY59e_h-bII/AAAAAAAAAMU/lUSGAaGSrC4/s1600/original%2Bindianblog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gEnpPr68S9Y/TY59e_h-bII/AAAAAAAAAMU/lUSGAaGSrC4/s400/original%2Bindianblog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588542159016848514" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ My Indian Brownie Doll Panel ~</span><br />Arnold Print Works<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">North Adams, Mass.</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHH1UX3VCPs/TY5bHiFSz5I/AAAAAAAAAL0/YfkTKPyXaQ8/s1600/original%2Bhighlander.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHH1UX3VCPs/TY5bHiFSz5I/AAAAAAAAAL0/YfkTKPyXaQ8/s400/original%2Bhighlander.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588504372579585938" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ My Highlander Brownie Doll Panel ~</span><br />Arnold Print Works<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">North Adams, Mass.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmhngWJrpAI/TZEPEfM4xKI/AAAAAAAAAOs/LK22BilYqRk/s1600/7antdolls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 484px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmhngWJrpAI/TZEPEfM4xKI/AAAAAAAAAOs/LK22BilYqRk/s400/7antdolls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589265182312940706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ My Set Of Antique Brownie Dolls </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~</span><br />The Dude, Canadian, Irishman<br />John-Bull, Highlander, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Chinaman</span>, Sailor<br /><br />~<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">* Larger Cloth Brownie Dolls *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was also larger size Brownie dolls that measured<br />at 12" & 16.5" before sewn.<br /><br />I include 2 photos from the few images I have come across.<br />Information on these larger dolls is very scarce.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqHqm7sADWQ/TY6CFdTaTlI/AAAAAAAAAMc/SEv0JDe2q8g/s1600/lgdoll.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 482px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqHqm7sADWQ/TY6CFdTaTlI/AAAAAAAAAMc/SEv0JDe2q8g/s400/lgdoll.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588547217890365010" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">~ Larger Brownie Doll Photographed With Toddler ~</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X1e3zAI0yD4/TZDXXWn-upI/AAAAAAAAAN0/99wbvvbj9WM/s1600/16.5in%2Bbrown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 513px; height: 494px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X1e3zAI0yD4/TZDXXWn-upI/AAAAAAAAAN0/99wbvvbj9WM/s400/16.5in%2Bbrown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589203933777017490" border="0" /></a></div> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ A Cotton Fabric Panel for a 16.5" Brownie Doll - Uncut ~</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Cocheco</span> Manufacturing Company<br />Lawrence & Co.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Boston-New York-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Phila</span>.<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some Interesting Tidbits *</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Female Brownies</span><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most collectors and well known antique experts state that the Brownies were all male characters however, after extensive research I found an article <span style="font-size:78%;">(b)</span>that stated <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">there was one female</span> a Nurse....<span style="font-style: italic;">the only woman</span> among the men. She was added to Cox's cast of over 50 male characters at the urgings of his publisher. To date I have not seen any doll or image of her but I will pursue the hunt for this elusive female....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">lol</span>. I am dying to see what she looks like.<br /><br />Another source <span style="font-size:78%;">(2)</span>does state that the male Brownies did dress up as women during a few escapades.<br />Oh my, I do hope one was not just dressed as a Nurse & there really is at least<br />one female Brownie.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Famous American Soldier Plays With Dolls</span><br /></span>General George S. Patton played <span style="font-size:78%;">(c)</span>with a group of six Palmer Cox cloth dolls - Sailor, Indian, John-Bull, Highlander & the German. In fact a set of 26 Brownies went to bed with him every night. Born in November of 1886 he was raised with a life of hunting, fishing, horseback riding and playing history games. He loved to reenact battles and was quite imaginative.<br /><br />One can only imagine the trials those little Brownies went through in the tiny hands of this future commanding and highly decorated General. The dolls were on exhibit at the Patton Museum of Calvary and Armor at Fort Knox, Kentucky. My magazine source (below) is dated 1986 so contact the museum first before making the trip. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />~<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> * My Fascination *</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Due to my wee obsession over these past few years I am offering as a tribute to the Brownies limited edition reproductions of these cloth doll Brownies printed on fabric with both sides of the doll showing a front and back. They are completely hand stitched ( 3- 4 hours ) and I created them larger at a size of 8-8.5" when sewn. The original antique dolls were 6.5" to 7.5". They are a lot of fun to place with a favorite teddy or in a basket as if peeking out or placed<br />with a vintage toy such as a small piano, wagon or vintage toy car.<br /><br />With Easter coming.... The Dude Brownie riding a rabbit or pig would be a hoot ! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The characters include - The Dude (most popular) which I offered in February of this year & the Irishman which was posted for sale just a week ago.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82-YlAIQ17M/TZDTZtSpj6I/AAAAAAAAANk/wpHAG0awoxo/s1600/Irishmen%2B2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82-YlAIQ17M/TZDTZtSpj6I/AAAAAAAAANk/wpHAG0awoxo/s400/Irishmen%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589199576174792610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ The Irishman ~</span><br />Larger replica with antique doll<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">sorry antique doll not for sale</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"In greatest trials always bright, I bear a heart 'That's ever light"</span><br /><br /><br />At an introductory rate the replica Irishman dolls sell for $ 22.00 each...as the limited edition sells...the price does rise. So I am featuring the Irishman this month of March. The price of $ 22.00 is good until I feature the next Brownie.....guess who.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-janaCQqB368/TZDTYx77fQI/AAAAAAAAANc/8SbKSSqk_oM/s1600/dude%2Bboth.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-janaCQqB368/TZDTYx77fQI/AAAAAAAAANc/8SbKSSqk_oM/s400/dude%2Bboth.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589199560241806594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ The Dude ~</span><br />Larger replica with antique doll<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">sorry antique doll not for sale</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I'm called a dude because I show The fashions, and good form, you know"</span><br /><br />The first replica doll featured in February ....The Dude now sells for $ 24.00.<br /><br />The remaining characters I will be offering for sale over this year of 2011 are -<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Policeman,</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Indian, Uncle Sam, German, Canadian, Highlander, Soldier, Sailor, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Chinaman</span> and John-Bull</span><br /><br />The month they are introduced they will start out at $ 22.00 each until the next replica doll is featured. Shipping is extra but minimal.<br /><br />~<br /><br />I did create 2 Brownie charm bracelets....which I will feature at a later date. I made one for<br />Mrs. S and a customer of mine last summer when we attended the <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Golden Glow</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Convention</span> in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This years convention which I am attending with Mrs. S will be in Rye, New York.....I cant wait !!<br /><br />~<br /><br />My dear friend Mrs. S created the most fabulous Brownie pincushion as a birthday gift to me last November...it is wonderful and very whimsical ....I am so tickled that I will share with you on a later date. My wee gentleman is so cool and anyone who sees him will be coveting him. But you will have to wait as his unveiling will be in the summer....probably around the 4th of July.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> ~~~~<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXqCSfOFn3Y/TY6CF4KpR4I/AAAAAAAAAM0/BG7J3ga3h-4/s1600/costumes%2Bbrownies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXqCSfOFn3Y/TY6CF4KpR4I/AAAAAAAAAM0/BG7J3ga3h-4/s400/costumes%2Bbrownies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588547225101354882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ Children Dressed as Brownies ~</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">sorry photo image is not great<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >* Sources *</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am listing my sources...I will try and include the web page source where I discovered sites online or the name of the magazine & author featuring the article. If I can identify the author or photographer I will do so...I have saved articles over the years for my own amusement and just didn't think of making note of the original source.....my bad & apologies.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Magazine Articles & Photos-</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span>(a) <span style="font-style: italic;">Talking Antiques Palmer Cox's Brownie Band, Ever Adventurous Imps </span>by Cynthia Musser * DOLLS Magazine Dec. 2007<br /><br />(b) <span style="font-style: italic;">Palmer Cox's Brownies</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> A Merry Band of </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Elves</span> by Roy Nuhn * ANTIQUE DOLL Mag. 2004<br /><br />(c) I<span style="font-style: italic;">t is 1986 - Do You Know The Toys Your Children Play With ?</span><br />by J. H. Schoelwer * DOLL READER Magazine April 1986<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website or Web pages - </span><br /><br />(1) www.gnomesandfairies.com/vagabond.html - Wayne Morgan lecture notes from<br />the 1996 Letita Penn Doll Club conference.<br /><br />(2) www.toycollectormagazine.com - Article called <span style="font-style: italic;">Palmer Cox's Brownies From Folklore To Funny Pages </span><span class="written_by"> Written by Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg </span> * TOY COLLECTOR MAGAZINE<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVEiglG5mNo/TY5bH8wSx1I/AAAAAAAAAL8/1kSJ3Gl2p7E/s1600/maypolebrownies.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVEiglG5mNo/TY5bH8wSx1I/AAAAAAAAAL8/1kSJ3Gl2p7E/s400/maypolebrownies.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588504379739260754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ Brownies Around The Maypole ~</span><br /><br /><br />Please feel free to share with me...your own knowledge, interesting unknown facts and images about the<br />Brownies or Palmer Cox.<br />I would love to include your photos of individual items or groups of items collected.....<br />from the tiniest to the biggest...from the common to the absurd.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">There will be a quiz.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">There is always a quiz !!!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >* QUIZ *</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why were the Brownies called Brownies ? </span></span><br /><br />There are actually a few reasons.....and an interesting tidbit about their faces as claimed by the creator Palmer Cox !<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Who could actually see the Brownies ?<br /><br /><br />What time of day did the Brownies come out ?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span><br />The first person to answer all three correctly according to my sources ....wins my one of my replica The Dude cloth dolls....yes really.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdR5PbcrIJ4/TZD62gt_VRI/AAAAAAAAAOE/c3veBLHqNeM/s1600/dude.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdR5PbcrIJ4/TZD62gt_VRI/AAAAAAAAAOE/c3veBLHqNeM/s400/dude.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589242951969494290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzY65QlbmDw/TZD9epa373I/AAAAAAAAAOU/FqCQNHD0hPQ/s1600/dude%2Bbacka.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzY65QlbmDw/TZD9epa373I/AAAAAAAAAOU/FqCQNHD0hPQ/s400/dude%2Bbacka.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589245840523259762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">~ The Dude - Front & Back ~</span><br /><br /><br />Only rules are:<br /><ul><li>Send your answers via email to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-size:130%;">meer2@execpc.com</span></span> or via this blog....no phone calls please</li><li><br /></li><li>The doll has to be shipped via US Mail within the US</li><li><br /></li><li>I am allowed to mention the winners full name & state in the blog. </li></ul><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> Offer ends April 18, 2011.</span><br /><br />Hint: some of the answers seem easy but are a bit tricky.....so do your research carefully on cloth dolls, the Brownies and the biography of Palmer Cox via books, articles and the internet dont forget knowledgeable historians, doll dealers and museums.<br /><br /><br />Yours in a whimsey,<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Karen the Brownie Stalker</span><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-9008854284068140932011-03-25T16:51:00.000-05:002011-03-29T21:48:54.166-05:00Speaking of Ireland.....lol<br /><br />I was recently corresponding with a bidder of mine on Ebay. She was curious about my last name....here is what she wrote -<br /><br />Hello, Karen.<br /><br />I love your art & recently bid on your "Emmeline & Friends" vignette. I was disappointed my bid was not sucessful, however I was quite interested in your surname as it is also my mother's maiden surname. She was born in Co Sligo, Ireland in 1930 & imigrated to the Philadelphia area at age 19. She was 24 & my father 31 when they wed. My father was so fond are saying she was a meer child. I believe there are a few Meer families in America that have their roots in the west of Ireland.<br /><br />I thought I'd share my background in the event your family (or your husband's) is from Ireland as well. It is such an unusual Irish name. My mother would tell me the Meer's were quite smart or quite sassy or both. Some were a bit daft she'd say. Her favorite Meer cousin was Cassie Meer Mazza who was a bit of an actress & a Broadway Producer. She was a wonderful character who called everyone darling!<br /><br />Thanks for the opportunity to share this with you.<br /><br />My best, Kate<br /><br /><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:10pt;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span>********************<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">I wrote back -<br /><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal;font-family:arial,sans-serif;" ><strong style="font-weight: normal;">Dear Kate,</strong><br /><br />HI..what a great email...thank you for the "meer" info ! My husbands family comes from Germany...maybe Holland....as Van Der Meer. In fact our niece found family in Germany recently and they have been emailing back and forth. I keep meaning to get the info and correspond as well. I am part Irish with my moms maiden name being O'Donnell. So I have more Irish blood so to speak than my husband...he is definitely close to being ALL GERMAN...lol....very stubborn and dry wit. Being part Irish I am the smart, sassy AND daft one in the family...lol.<br /><br />I often ask my husband to help me with my "crazy" projects around the house and use the excuse that I am just a meer woman and thus need his strength and intelligence to get the project done. He just rolls his eyes at me...lol....but it still seems to work after 30 years of marriage.<br /><br />We have a good friend who came from Ireland years ago...I love to hear her speak...she tells us stories about her family..one of 19 children...it is a hoot to hear about her relation & their antics.<br /><br />OK..enough of my stories.<br /><br />Thank you for the email...I loved reading it.<br /><br />With warmest regards and an Irish blessing,<br /><br />Karen The Daft<br /><br />*****************<br /></span>Hi, Karen.<br /><br />Thanks for your nice words. Meer does sound more German or Dutch. Maybe some drunken Irishman said he wanted more beer, and with his brougue it sounded like he said his name was Meer!!<br /><br />Does your husband know who Johnny Vander Meer was? If he's a fan of baseball he should know.<br /><br />Feel free to include anything you'd like in your blog. My (first)cousins in Ireland may write back!<br /><br />I'd be delighted if you'd include me on your mailing list. I do like my fancy tickled.<br /><br />Nice chatting with you, Karen. Have a grand weekend.<br /><br />Kate Sacco<br /><br />*********************<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">OK all you Irish cousins...I would love to hear from you....even the smart, sassy and daft ones !</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yours in a whimsey, </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">Karen The Sassy</span><br /><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /></span></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-86433587424568717532011-03-17T19:58:00.019-05:002011-04-22T22:55:03.352-05:00Happy St. Pattys Day !!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6P55vIWFsc/TYLrfyKhkLI/AAAAAAAAALM/rxBxvpppuFY/s1600/4%2Bleaf%2Bbanner%2Ba.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 42px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6P55vIWFsc/TYLrfyKhkLI/AAAAAAAAALM/rxBxvpppuFY/s400/4%2Bleaf%2Bbanner%2Ba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585285419167223986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YR55jRTYoj8/TYLaDc_kajI/AAAAAAAAAKs/V_VTDodb94U/s1600/header%2Birish%2Bballoon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 625px; height: 403px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YR55jRTYoj8/TYLaDc_kajI/AAAAAAAAAKs/V_VTDodb94U/s400/header%2Birish%2Bballoon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585266240750119474" border="0" /></a></div><p style="font-style: italic;" align="Center"> </p><p style="font-style: italic;" align="Center"> <b>May those who love us, love us.</b></p><p style="font-style: italic;" align="Center"><b>And for those who don't love us, </b> </p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="Center"> <b>May God turn their hearts. </b> </p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="Center"> <b>And if he can not turn their hearts,</b> </p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="Center"> <b> May he turn their ankles, </b> </p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="Center"> <b>So we may know them by their limping.</b> </p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="Center"> <b>May you live as long as you want, and never want</b></p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="Center"><b> as long as you live.</b></p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="Center"><b><br /></b> </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHTWevmDmbQ/TYLrJh0uAWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1i5I8AVWdLU/s1600/4%2Bleaf%2Bbanner%2Ba.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 29px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHTWevmDmbQ/TYLrJh0uAWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1i5I8AVWdLU/s400/4%2Bleaf%2Bbanner%2Ba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585285036823675234" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Being that I am one third Irish...I want to wish all my dear Irish<br />and "wannabee" Irish friends and family</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">a very blessed </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">day.<br /><br />I am celebrating this year in a quiet manner.....no big<br />celebrations ...just me<br />and my gas station pizza.....yum.</span><br />~<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am so excited to show off my second in the series of 12 wee Brownies....<br />whimsical rag dolls. The little fellow I am featuring<br />tis' most appropriate for this month </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">-<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_ZeDv018fM/TYLWlRXFfDI/AAAAAAAAAKk/P7DB-ieQfSA/s1600/Irishman%2Bclover%2Bgreen.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 30px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_ZeDv018fM/TYLWlRXFfDI/AAAAAAAAAKk/P7DB-ieQfSA/s400/Irishman%2Bclover%2Bgreen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585262423696571442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiYie0NkTPU/TYK7lsNUOOI/AAAAAAAAAJk/wfnVVO40o_Q/s1600/Irishmen%2B2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 431px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiYie0NkTPU/TYK7lsNUOOI/AAAAAAAAAJk/wfnVVO40o_Q/s400/Irishmen%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585232744089401570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOzeqim2hWk/TYK-fIFJIMI/AAAAAAAAAJs/odnjzLIbQGU/s1600/Irishman%2Bclose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 324px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOzeqim2hWk/TYK-fIFJIMI/AAAAAAAAAJs/odnjzLIbQGU/s400/Irishman%2Bclose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585235929847111874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><big style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><big>~ The Irishman ~<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></big></big><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"In greatest trials always bright, I bear a heart That's ever light"</span></span></span><big face="Times New Roman,Times,serif" style="font-weight: bold;"><big><br /></big></big></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style=";font-family:times new roman;color:black;"><span style="font-size:130%;">He is a replica cloth doll of the</span></p><p style=";font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">original from 1880s, printed on both sides with</span></p><p style=";font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">special attention to detail. </span></p> <p style=";font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">He is completely hand-sewn...which takes about 3- 4 hours.</span></p> <p style=";font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Note the original antique cloth doll next to </span></p> <p style=";font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">the replica.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"> Antique cloth doll is over 110 years old.....sorry not for sale.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:papyrus;font-size:130%;" ><span style="">The replica Irishman stands a little over 8.5" tall</span></span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw8LAMC_icM/TYLCD06djHI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/K9l--MGfjfU/s1600/Irishman%2Bback.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw8LAMC_icM/TYLCD06djHI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/K9l--MGfjfU/s400/Irishman%2Bback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585239858892082290" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" color="black"><br /></p> <big><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-family:Papyrus;" ><big> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;color:black;" >~ The Irishman ~</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">~<br /></span></big></span></span></span></big><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><big>Price $ 22.00</big></span><big style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><big><big> </big></big></big> <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">eac</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">h</span><br /><span style="color:black;">~ limited edition ~</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;">US Shipping is $ 5.00<br />or<br />$ 8.00 for 2 dolls.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jt52yTB648A/TYLrf4hP14I/AAAAAAAAALE/R1IfDjMHHSs/s1600/4%2Bleaf%2Bbanner%2Ba.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 30px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jt52yTB648A/TYLrf4hP14I/AAAAAAAAALE/R1IfDjMHHSs/s400/4%2Bleaf%2Bbanner%2Ba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585285420873144194" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >Way Back In February...</span><br /><br />I featured </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The Dude</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> as the first Brownie cloth doll.<br /><br />There are still some available for sale .</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">....these are all<br />limited editions</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">so when they are gone<br />...they are GONE !</span><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:QuickType II Pi;"><span style="font-size:2px;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-size:180%;" >♥</span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">♥</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-size:180%;" > </span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);"><span style="color:black;">The Dude</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204); font-weight: bold;"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">♥</span></span></span> <p align="center"> <img style="width: 300px; height: 529px;" src="http://themadhattedbear.com/images/val2011/dude.jpg" alt="The Dude" border="0" /></p> <p align="center"> <img style="width: 300px; height: 529px;" src="http://themadhattedbear.com/images/val2011/dude%20backa.jpg" alt="The Dude - back" border="0" /></p> <p align="center"> <img style="width: 300px; height: 429px;" src="http://themadhattedbear.com/images/val2011/dude%20both.jpg" alt="The Dudes - replica & antique border=" /></p><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><big style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><big>~ The Dude ~<br /><br /></big></big><big style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><big><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"I'm called the dude because I show The fashions, and good form, you know"</span></span></span></big></big><big style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><big><br /></big></big></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">The Dude is the first in a series of 12 Brownie</span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">cloth dolls that I am featuring<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">over this next year....<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">one per month. </span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">He is a replica cloth doll of the original from 1887,<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">printed on<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">both sides with special attention to detail. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;color:black;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="">He is completely hand-sewn. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;color:black;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><p style="" papyrus=""><span style="">Note the original antique cloth doll<br /></span></p><p style="" papyrus=""><span style="">next to the replica. </span></p></span></p> <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;">Antique cloth doll is over 110 years old.....sorry not for sale. </span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:papyrus;font-size:130%;" ><span style="">The replica Dude stands a little over 8".</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:black;" > </span></p> <big><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);font-family:Papyrus;" ><big> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;color:black;" >~ The Dude ~</span> </big></span></span></span></big><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;color:red;" ><big><br />Price $ 24.00</big></span><big><big><big><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);"> </span></big></big></big> <span style="color:red;">each</span><br /><span style="color:black;">~ limited edition ~</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">US shipping is $ 5.00<br />or<br />$ 8.00 for 2 dolls.</span><br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:QuickType II Pi;font-size:130%;" >♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TfpMCHhjh0/TYLoWIVR_3I/AAAAAAAAAK0/VS1oFFwrkAs/s1600/footer%2Birish%2Bsaying.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TfpMCHhjh0/TYLoWIVR_3I/AAAAAAAAAK0/VS1oFFwrkAs/s400/footer%2Birish%2Bsaying.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585281954784345970" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">~~~~~</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Yours in a whimsey,<br /><br />MADAME Whimsey<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/HP_ADM%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /></div></div><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/HP_ADM%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /></div> </div></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-60253323749121418912011-02-27T13:19:00.002-06:002011-03-02T22:02:13.424-06:00Organizing....One of the things I do the first few months of a new year is organize. My studio, office, packing room and general storage areas look like 19 drunk unruly monkeys have run thru the rooms with wild abandon. I know it was me that did all this destructive, havoc, mess and general untidiness but REALLY cant I blame this on someone else.<br /><br />The problem is storage....there is just not enough in this house. We have a garage and a large tool shed but those are both filled to the max with my previous treasures. There are some that could say I was a hoarder... I "gasp" here as I do have a small fear that one day my dh (darling husband) will submit my collecting and gathering escapades to the either one of the other hoarding TV shows or even the show <span style="font-style: italic;">INTERVENTION</span> .... I do "shudder" at this point with fear.<br /><br />Today I am going to clean no, no not clean but organize the back porch. Cleaning means getting rid of stuff...organizing means to sort, label and move things around so the place looks like is has been cleaned ! Am I a smartie pants or what...although my husband calls it <span style="font-style: italic;">bi-annual </span><span style="font-style: italic;">box migration</span>.<br /><br />Actually it is quite fun to look into unmarked boxes....I have found unbelievable treasures that I totally forgot I purchased 10 or 12 years ago....my best find was a whole box of Victorian baby socks...they were just too cute...perfect for tiny Christmas stockings....Ok at this point being the end of February perhaps tiny Easter stockings on a pink tree...I could start a new trend here...hmmm will have to think about that a bit...I will probably need more of these however.<br /><br />OK....next box is full of good junk....pens, bits of paper, price tags...useful GOOD junk so I sort and put these in the proper places. I am feeling liberated already !<br /><br />Time for a coffee break......5 minutes...ok 10 minutes....30 minutes later..<br /><br />I am now well rested and must finish this project ! I worked for more 2 hours....only had 5 things - boxes, baskets, & bins drop on my head...very light weight...no major blood spilled. I managed to clear a path...of course the boxes are now over 8 feet tall on both sides of this path. I will have to hold my breath as I squeeze thru the path to find treasures in the future but it looks organized. Good thing I am not claustrophobic.<br /><br />I did find a large half empty plastic bin with papercups, plates and plastic silverware....hmmm, whats with that ? A perfectly good bin for storing treasures not paper products !!<br /><br />I managed to throw a large gnarly box away...pretty sad shape..couldnt even duct tape it back together...although I did contemplate it. My husband will be so proud that it was tossed out. <br /><br />It was physically exhilarating...especially as the storage area on the closed porch was 42 degrees.<br /><br />Next project ...tackle the garage...this Spring !<br /><br />Would love to hear your organizing stories...or even hoarding stories....lol...although we will call them massive collection and accumulation stories...<br /><br />Yours in whimsey,<br /><br />KarenKaren A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-1688790713331617592011-02-24T12:44:00.003-06:002011-02-27T13:18:32.340-06:00What time is it ?It is chocolate donut tax time !!! The only way I can entice myself to do the dreaded taxes is to promise myself a chocolate donut. I started to layout all the paperwork, load up the tax program and realized there was NO CHOCOLATE DONUTS in the house. The closet chocolate donut place was the local gas station 3 blocks away.....yes, even gas station donuts are still technically considered DONUTS ! I threw on my coat, scarf and "chocolate buying" winter boots, grabbed my purse & examined it for cash and grabbed a large yellow envelope.<br /><br />I went outside and saw my darling husband shoveling snow and shouted to him...I am going to the Post Office and waved the envelope to prove I was going to the gas station...oops Post Office...tee hee.<br /><br />Three blocks later I was in front of the large case of delicious bakery...unfortunately it had been raided earlier in the day, the shelves were quite sad looking and were about 95% empty...BUT there <span style="font-weight: bold;">was chocolate donuts on the bottom shelf</span> calling my name and I just knew they were meant for ME.<br /><br />I grabbed the largest one...and decided to take a second one in case my girlfriend Mrs. S stopped in. Of course she hasn't been to my home in 6 or 7 months but one never knows does one ? Of course one cant have a chocolate donut without a huge mocha coffee so I snagged one of those as well....and a large bag of Cheetos....just in case the tax preparation becomes too much for my brain cells. I have heard Cheetos aid in reproducing ones brain cells or is that fat cells...no, I truly think it is brain cells.<br /><br />I waited a few minutes and arrived home with the donuts stashed inside my jacket...I had to hurray into the house before my husband smelled the enticing aroma of bakery & I had to share.<br /><br />I laid the bag down and threw my coat over the treasure...he never knew what he was missing poor fellow.<br /><br />So I proceeded with the taxes....yuck.....30 minutes later my husband left for work...he yelled goodbye and I ran into the kitchen as the door was closing...the tax prep was over and donut time was NOW. I was so tantilized by the first donut that I barely tasted it...so I proceeded to the second one for my girlfriend Mrs. S. I did feel a bit guilty about eating it so I wrote her an email stating -<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >I am eating a chocolate donut…I got two of them.... one for me and one for you… BUT since you are far far away I know you will want me to eat the second one. Karen</span></span><strong></strong></p>I didnt hear back from her...so I knew it was OK.<br /><br />I managed to save the bag of Cheetos for later. Of course when my darling husband arrived home from work later that day he asked where the bag of Cheetos came from...I managed to mumble something about my awful day of tax prep and I may need a back rub.<br /><br />The day ended quite nicely, thank you...tee hee hee.<br /><br />Yours in a whimsey,<br /><br /><strong><b><span style=";font-family:French Script MT;font-size:7px;" ><span style=";font-family:'French Script MT';font-size:36pt;" >Karen</span></span></b></strong>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-4934051714539253592011-02-10T18:26:00.011-06:002011-02-15T20:00:00.786-06:00My Wee Valentine Web Show is finally DONE ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVSFrrrJQiI/AAAAAAAAAJU/2QDBxmVWnog/s1600/cupidscapheart.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVSFrrrJQiI/AAAAAAAAAJU/2QDBxmVWnog/s400/cupidscapheart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572225624468701730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >I am very pleased to announce the opening of my</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">♥</span> Valentine Web Show </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >♥</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It is finally ready for your perusal and public viewing</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">at</span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;" align="center"><big><big><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.themadhattedbear.com">www.themadhattedbear.com</a></span></big></big></p><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >A few photos here as a tease...come and see some unique<br />pieces that I am proud to show you.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWTLjUJbeA4/TVSD2PRn4aI/AAAAAAAAAJE/mv57IrBstWg/s1600/victoriasheart.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 454px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SWTLjUJbeA4/TVSD2PRn4aI/AAAAAAAAAJE/mv57IrBstWg/s400/victoriasheart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572223606800769442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">* SOLD *</span><br /><br />Thank you !<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwN_JqkTMhw/TVSD2aVytFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/bVkTMbm2iOI/s1600/babyslove.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 436px; height: 457px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwN_JqkTMhw/TVSD2aVytFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/bVkTMbm2iOI/s400/babyslove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572223609771045970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Please let me know if you have any questions.....I dont bite much !<span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif;" align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-size:75%;"><a href="mailto:meer2@execpc.com">meer2@execpc.com</a></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Yours in a whimsey, </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Karen</span></span><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-7681607970169170212011-02-08T23:15:00.010-06:002011-04-22T23:08:15.223-05:00Almost ready...<div style="text-align: center;">Just popping in to say I am close to finishing my update on the Valentines Web Show. I have included this photo below as a little tease.....I am adding new items to my creative inventory. I love learning new techniques ....I guess this means I am labeled a<br />Multi-medium Artist....lol and here I was hoping to be<br />nominated the<br />"Grand PooBa Queen of Crafts" !<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVL6nARg86I/AAAAAAAAAI0/OjQie5lFo8k/s1600/heartboxc.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 551px; height: 455px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVL6nARg86I/AAAAAAAAAI0/OjQie5lFo8k/s400/heartboxc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571791237006029730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVL8NwpDYeI/AAAAAAAAAI8/i-IBqAOlGsk/s1600/heartboxcclose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVL8NwpDYeI/AAAAAAAAAI8/i-IBqAOlGsk/s400/heartboxcclose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571793002336313826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVL4ZSVLpkI/AAAAAAAAAIs/PF2eZxoPAOI/s1600/heartboxa.jpg"><br /></a><br />* The DUDE among a bevy of Valentine Hearts *<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"I'm called the dude because I show The fashions, and good form, you know"</span></span></span><big style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><big><br /></big></big><br /><br />Yours in a whimsey,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >Karen</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TVIolZ41SKI/AAAAAAAAAIU/4sE8wFKn0Wc/s1600/heartbox.jpg"><br /></a></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-31101964090293646022011-02-04T14:01:00.003-06:002011-02-04T14:14:29.919-06:00A true confession...<div style="text-align: center;">OK..my husband has left me......for a fish. Yes, dear readers I am one of those lucky wives whose husband is an ice fisherman. I actually did go ONE TIME with him on an ice fishing adventure. I froze my butt off and kept asking him where the potty was. Needless to say he has never asked me to go with him again, go figure.<br /><br />Well since he is gone I am fervently creating my wee Valentine webshow...and I got a taste for chocolate. I knew he received a jumbo Hershey bar from his Godchild at Christmas and it was still hiding in his secret stash refrigerator drawer...huh, he thinks I dont look there, the rascal !<br /><br />I figured since he got a nice mini vacation that the jumbo candy bar is MINE. I can always put a piece of cardboard in the wrapping and a few months from now tell him the chocolate is probably rancid and should be tossed.<br /><br />Well, I dug out the candy bar and it looked enticing and started to call to me......it was DARK CHOCOLATE...my favorite. I carefully opened up the package and snapped off about 1/3 of it...grabbed a mug of hot coffee and simply enjoyed every morsel. Now it is 15 minutes later and I still do not feel guilty..ha ha..that bar was definitely meant for me. <br /><br />Chocolate and no guilt ...can the day get any better !<br /><br />Yours in a whimsey,<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Karen</span><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-71317476443347329092011-02-03T12:37:00.006-06:002011-02-03T16:04:31.598-06:00I love getting photos from readers...<div style="text-align: center;">My husband spent the entire day yesterday shoveling us out....we had a snow blower but it died. I did see a tear run down my husbands face but we decided to wait for the clearance sale on snow blowers of course once the snow melts away.....lol.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUski_M9cCI/AAAAAAAAAH0/jN4OvvbCLaw/s1600/snowpath.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUski_M9cCI/AAAAAAAAAH0/jN4OvvbCLaw/s400/snowpath.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569585547673694242" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can just see my house peeking around the corner..lol...<br /><br />OK I am lying here...I just had to share this photo with you.<br /><br />~~~<br /><br />A wonderful customer of mine and I are both tired of snow...she also lives in the Midwest and frankly we have had enough. Here in my little town of Oconomowoc in southeast Wisconsin we got 15" yesterday...now I was born and raised in Northern Wisconsin<br />but come on...15" is a bit too much.<br /><br />I was emailing back and forth with this fun lady the other day ...both of us commiserating about the snow when I received this wonderful email & photos<br /> that I had to share with you -<br /><br /><br /><style><!-- .hmmessage P { margin:0px; padding:0px } body.hmmessage { font-size: 10pt; font-family:Tahoma } --></style> <div style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUsg7U6V_OI/AAAAAAAAAHk/mnNxSEL9dLA/s1600/garb-less%2Bdogs.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUsg7U6V_OI/AAAAAAAAAHk/mnNxSEL9dLA/s400/garb-less%2Bdogs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569581567771540706" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />She writes:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> I dressed up Doc last weekend for some funny photos.<br />His brother, Wyatt, is way too sophisticated to wear funny hats or to act silly,<br />so he stayed in the house until I was ready for the "real" portraits that we took later.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Doc, ended up looking like an old bag lady wearing a babushka. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Which is fine except that the plan was to make him look like a skater boy, but because Collies have<br />such small skulls (I know there's a joke in there somewhere)<br />the hat wouldn't stay on unless I tied it under his chin.<br /><br />I laughed myself silly, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">because he's a dog who's absolutely up for anything, and we had so much fun just being goofy in the snow. LOL<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUsei_li5KI/AAAAAAAAAHU/wtEuKgInoRA/s1600/wintergarb%2Bdog.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUsei_li5KI/AAAAAAAAAHU/wtEuKgInoRA/s400/wintergarb%2Bdog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569578950707045538" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div> <div style="font-style: italic;">Honestly, it's like living with Cary Grant and Shemp Howard--they are so<br />very different. But maybe that's why they get along so well.<br /><br /><br />~~~~~<br /></div><br />Yours in a whimsey,<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Karen</span><br /></span><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-52153504608787858012011-02-02T11:30:00.006-06:002011-02-11T12:51:58.198-06:00Working hard.....Yes, I am working hard and I am not talking about shoveling snow ! I hope to have my Wee Valentine Web show up and running in a few days. Meanwhile I did manage to load some fun charm bracelets on Etsy...they are designed with a slant towards Valentines Day but can be worn all year long. Here are 2 of my favorites -<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >* * Chocolate Memories * * </span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >$ 58.00</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_fLMzFI/AAAAAAAAAHA/KgIRLA0HjMk/s1600/chocolatememories.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 338px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_fLMzFI/AAAAAAAAAHA/KgIRLA0HjMk/s400/chocolatememories.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569148431664729170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_trp7kI/AAAAAAAAAHI/Jxkzgeox1sA/s1600/chocolatememories%2Ba.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_trp7kI/AAAAAAAAAHI/Jxkzgeox1sA/s400/chocolatememories%2Ba.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569148435558952514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Several years ago I had an opportunity to visit a chocolate store in Gent, Belgium.<br />The family run business actually made their chocolate in the back room.<br />Now, I love Hersey chocolate bars with almonds, kisses and snickers and<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">have never turned one down</span> ...BUT I was converted to<br />the ambrosia of all chocolate after that trip. I actually bought 10 lbs of<br />chocolate back in my suitcase....lol.<br /><br />When I returned of course I shared my booty with friends and family but a few just didnt get it. I do so regret giving most of it away. It was so divine...I still yearn for a piece now<br />and then and wish I had kept it all...lol.<br />Then I could be known as "MADAME Piggy Whimsey".<br />So I dedicate this bracelet to<br />my chocolate memories.<br /><br />To commemorate this fabulous Belgium chocolate store I designed a second whimsical bracelet with images of vintage typewriter keys spelling out<br />C H O C O L A T E<br />across the chain. In between the letters are beads designed to look like<br />wrapped chocolate bon-bons, some heart charms, a small cup for hot chocolate,<br />a tiny box of chocolates, a cupid and & tiny 1940s celluloid rabbit charm....I have always<br />loved chocolate rabbits !<br /><br />The chain is silver tone with a lobster claw clasp. The bracelet is 7.75" from very<br />end to other end. As with all my bracelets this bracelet can be made<br />shorter or longer just let me know...no problem.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">* * Queen Of Hearts * * </span><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLD</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Thank you !</span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW-25yH2I/AAAAAAAAAGo/qhQp9k8ARA4/s1600/queenhearts.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 406px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW-25yH2I/AAAAAAAAAGo/qhQp9k8ARA4/s400/queenhearts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569148420854259554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_Nnx0jI/AAAAAAAAAGw/YmsIk2O2b9g/s1600/queenheartsa.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_Nnx0jI/AAAAAAAAAGw/YmsIk2O2b9g/s400/queenheartsa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569148426952757810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_Tdqf9I/AAAAAAAAAG4/BQM_377ESLs/s1600/queenheartsb.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 433px; height: 348px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3Rum_GITtiw/TUmW_Tdqf9I/AAAAAAAAAG4/BQM_377ESLs/s400/queenheartsb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569148428520947666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">OK.....I try not to be partial to the pieces I create BUT I love this bracelet of secrets..lol. On the front side of the bracelet, vintage postcard images of ladies, cupids & tiny hearts are<br />featured on small & 1 large frame charm. Nestled between are vintage<br />charms of a celluloid lamb, a dutch couple, metal & red hearts,<br />a running bunny, key, crown, heart locket,<br />Victorian hand, pink buttons<br />& rhinestones.<br /><br />The secret is revealed on the back of the bracelet..the small frame charms<br />now spell out<br />Q U E E N<br />in black letters on a red background. So much fun when wearing this piece<br />as the secret letters reveal themselves slightly when your hand is in motion ! Only you can reveal this mystery to the world.<br /><br />The chain is silver tone with a lobster claw clasp. The bracelet is 7.75"<br />from very end to other end. As with all my bracelets this bracelet can be made shorter or longer just let me know...no problem.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Karen A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7563648802909261144.post-56436825624536889162011-02-01T10:55:00.001-06:002011-02-01T12:39:48.446-06:00Oh my...it is time to take down the Christmas decor...Yes, it is Feb. 1 and I simply must take down my Christmas decorations & trees. For some folks there would be a gasp of horror. These people would be aghast that I waited so long to remove my Christmas treasures to the storage. These kind of people take down their holiday cheer the day AFTER Christmas...this is where I gasp ! My neighbor who shall go nameless actually has been seen throwing her tree out on Dec. 26...I may take pictures next year & post them just to prove it is true. <br /><br />OK...I have to admit here...there was a time..a number of years ago I actually took my tree down on April 1st. It had been a live tree but OK it was definitely dead by then. I probably would have left it stay up longer but for my father in law. He stopped over on a March 31 and his eyes bugged out when he saw our 7' tree still standing in the living room. He thought he was so amusing as he would shake a branch or two then 3 and all the needles fell off the appendage. I was quite irritated with the gentleman as the tree was doing no harm to anyone..it was just a bit brown and I thought the color did show off the Christmas ornaments quite nicely. Well as he proceeded to shake all the branches the tree did start to look a wee bit bare....Charlie Brown would be so proud. So in my embarrassment I took the tree down the next day. Thirty some years later I am still finding dead needles in hidden places in my living room. My father in law has passed away since then and I do think of the stinker whenever I discover one of those nasty fossilized needles. <br /><br />Yours in a whimsey, <br /><br />KarenKaren A. Meerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13021616562795786713noreply@blogger.com0