The Penny

Rue over at Rue's Peanutbutter and Jelly Life tagged me so I am to add my favorite saying. I have thought long and hard about a quote that I live by. There are so many that play a part in my everyday life. However, The one that has stood the test of time is "A penny saved is a penny earned". Now I am terrible at this. I tend to spend to much, not budget and not think about the financial future. Yes, young and stupid.

Well here is my story.When I was 16 my family and grandparents visited Yosemite National Park. My parents were fairly well off at the time and money was not an issue. My gramps and I were taking a walk and I passed by a penny on the ground. My grandpa said "Heather pick up that penny" I replied "It's just a penny gramps." Frustrated at me he again said "Heather never leave a penny on the ground. Someday it may be your last and a Penny saved is a Penny earned." I rolled my eyes and picked it up just to make him happy. Not at all realizing the impact this would have on my life.

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Months later my life as I knew it fell apart. My father's business took an awful turn for the worse and my parents lost everything. I mean everything. My dad moved to California to find work. My mom and us kids stayed behind to wrap thing up and we lived off of "PENNIES". Saved pennies purchased groceries to feed us. Oh, the irony.





The lesson stuck hard in my young mind but it gets deeper. Years later as I became a mommy my wonderful Gramps passed away. He was a mentor in my life and I can not even begin to describe the sheer since of loss I felt. From that horrible moment on when ever I have need of advice a "Penny from Heaven" is always on the ground at my feet along with a a gut feeling of what to do. I know that he is with me and it adds great comfort.




This weekend my beautiful and smart 12 year old Savannah competed in a State tournament for Odyssey of the Minds. It is problem solving creative thinking program for gifted kids. After her completion and before the awards we went to lunch, the movies and of course Starbucks. As we stood in line she and I looked down on the counter and there was a shiny new penny. I said "Pick it up Honey that is for you. Gramps is with you today. Hold on tight." She placed it in her pocket and we returned to the awards.
Now there are many schools at his competition ranging from Elementary, Middle School and High School. She is in 6th grade. Her division came up and we listened with all ears. Only the top 2 teams go to the World finals. 4th no, 3rd no, 2nd no, maybe 1st no. Oh I was so upset for her and her team. They had worked so hard. She turned to them and said, "It's alright. What an honor that we made it to State". What a kid. At the end of the awards they give the biggest award of the night, The Renatra Fusca award. This team has captured the true essence of Odyssey of the Minds and had done a above and beyond performance..."Benchmark 6th grade Elementary" !!!!!! Holy cow!!!!! That's her team. They had soared above all teams. All schools, all grades, everyone. They were the Top Dog and going to Worlds with incredible Honor. I cannot even express the joy and pride I felt seeing the look on my angels face. This sense of accomplishment will be with her for the rest of her life.
"Thanks Gramps"

Mailda's Gypsy Show

My mom is part of a wonderful 1880's barn called Matilda's Mouse. Named after the owner's dog Matilda. She is the star of the show. It is located in Valley Center, Ca. Once a month they put on a magical antique show unlike anything I have ever seen. The whole barn is transformed into a theme based on the time of year. This month they decided to do a gypsy show. I have included some pictures. Please stop by her website to find out more.







Matilda the dog









>All photos are from Matilda's Mouse

Go Large

A few of you have asked me to show you a closer picture of the table nexted to my new chairs. Some may think it to be overscaled but I love the way this 5ft mirror looks on top of the shabby table. It helps to balance the large ceilings and the fire place. The mirror is leaning which adds a casual look. Tell me what you think.
Heather

Spring Cleaning..LOL

My daughter has decided that pink and green are for babies. She wants a complete overhaul in her room. The first step was to clean out all unused toys for donation. She agreed. Once that was done I would get her new bedding and paint. Which I have since done. I will post her new room once it is complete. I wanted to post this picture of Holly amongst the mess because for all of us that have children this is real life "clean out". It also gives me inspiration as I clean out the rest of the house knowing that it gets messy before it gets better. Happy Spring cleaning.
Heather

Hello Chancellor

My daughter has been ill so I have been house bound for a few days. Not all that bad but by this afternoon I was plum bored out of my mind. Holly was feeling better so we went to wash the SUV. Well, Goodwill is in the same parking lot and I convinced her to run in "real quick". My fix was needed. I am so glad we did. I found a few treasures that I thought I would share.

1st I picked up this topiary. Some of the leaves are missing, No biggy. $3.99




Holly needed a small lamp for her room. This is perfect. $5.99




The Nester has inspired me to add a round table with fabric..This tablecloth was the under cloth I was looking for. $4.99



Last but not least. On the "women's cart", that's what I call the cart they wheel out full of junk to put on the shelves, there he lay. A beautiful Chancellor rooster. I am a sucker for them. He quickly went in my cart. $19.99





The best part was the lamp had a shade on it that Holly was not fond of so I donated it and they gave me an additional 20% off. What a steal. You never know. It was a good day.

Heather

True Trash to Treasure

A picker of mine, someone who shops for goods for other dealers, came across this awful dresser in the trash. He sent me a picture and I said "bring it over". Now it truly belonged in the trash in it's present condition. Filthy, ugly and full of leaves. I thought the lines were cute. After a good scrubbing and a little creativity a charming dresser was born.

Before




After

It's Here

I was so excited yesterday when the door bell rang. I don't know about you but I love to receive things via mail, besides bills. LOL There it was a little box just for me. I was tickled because I new this was "it", "the" tassel. I opened it up like a kid at Christmas. I unwrapped the tissue and behold the sweetest little thing ever. I have to say this tassel is even more wonderful in person. The detail is incredible. I have since moved him all around the house. I think I need a few more because I have loved him in everywhere I have put him. Thanks Nester for your work of art