Five Minute Friday: If I knew I could, I would.....

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.

Only five minutes

And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is "If I Knew I Could, I Would…...."

Ready. Set. Go......

If I knew I could, I'd turn back the hands of time and do so many things so differently. If I knew I could, I'd go back twenty three years, when I stopped having children after two, I'd of had one more. Funny, how you long for something that at the time, you never even thought about. Its hard to watch your children grow up and sail off to their own worlds.

There is a sense of pride to know that they can make it on their own, but I often wish, I'd had one more, or at the very least adopted one more or two. When you are younger and raising children, you often long for a nice peaceful house, but when you find yourself years later in the midst of a very silent house, it is just not that fun....I miss my kids terribly. I miss the loudness, the arguing, and I even miss all their dirty laundry and dishes.

If I knew I could, I would open my own business which I am certain I'd be good at and be able to run efficiently. It is one thing to "think" you'd do fine, but it is another entirely to "know" you'd make it. I hate living with regrets, and this is one thing I really regret. I wish I'd of pushed myself more, and just did it when I thought I could not fail.

If I knew I could, I would go back and sit one last time with my grandparents, aunt, mother in law and my dad, whom are all gone from us now. I'd take the time to make sure each one knew what a difference they made in my life and the lives of my family. Each is different, but the feelings are the same....I should have not waited, I should have done more to let them know how special they were. It is hard to live with that sometimes, I miss them so much, my heart hurts from it. If only I knew I could....I would.

Vintage Thingie Thursday: A Little Bit of Vintage Royalty

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week.  

Lastly, if you link in, your post needs to include:

1. the LINK back to my blog and or the button for Vintage Thingie Thursday. I have been visiting lately and when I click on a link, there is no mention of Vintage Thingie Thursday or my blog. 

2. make sure your post has something to do with something vintage. All advertisements will be deleted. If you'd like to advertise on my blog, email me, we can work that out. No more free advertising by linking in.  Shame on those who do this, nothing is free in life.

Starting this month, if you fail to either have the button on your blog, or in your blog post and/or have not linked back to my blog in your post. I will delete your link. 

It is not fair to those who follow the rules to allow others not to do so. I am not being ugly, but rules are rules.....in all aspects of life. So if you find your link removed, check your post, you need to see why that happened. Hopefully, I won't have to do that. 


________________________________________________

I don't know how by now you have not heard of the big event this week coming up...another Royal wedding. I myself, I have to admit I am looking forward to it.

There is nothing like a fairytale ending that does the heart good. I can hardly wait for the wedding.

This lovely vintage church is Westminster Abby.....there has been lots of activity this week here at the Abby. I myself just love the stained glass and the gothic design of the Abby.

Maple trees and flowers that are native and blooming this time of year were chosen by Kate and after the workers transfer this into a wooded, flower wonderland, and the wedding is over the plants will then be planted locally. I love that.

Security has had dress rehearsals too.....I am sure this is a long standing routine......vintage style.

Here is another shot. All have to be ready for the big day!!

Now, I am most sure this is a vintage Royal carriage. Oh, how fairytale like to think of riding in this carriage wearing a Royal wedding gown.....so very romantic.

Just look at the onlookers camping out already, awaiting the big event. Amazing. (all photos are from internet)

Now, to keep with the rules and post a "vintage thingie".......I had to really dig to come up with something today!!

Several years ago....SEVERAL, my mom went to London and brought home a few souvenirs that I still have. The first one is a tin representing a mail box. It was full of toffees, and is intent is a bank. I think it is rather cute and have saved it all these years.

My mom also brought me a thimble, as she knew I collected thimbles....still do for that matter. However, this one has the queen on the front and a royal symbol underneath. It is old, and has a little chip in it, but that does not bother me.



Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday.....hope it is a Royal Day for you!!!

One Fine Blessing: Senior Birthdays for May

I don't know where the time is going, but we are already at May. Here are the list of Birthday's that I have for May. Please choose one, or all to wish a very happy Birthday this month!

This first birthday is coming up soon...May 1. And....yes, there are two names there....husband and wife share the same birthday!! They are both wonderful friends my family have known for a very long time. It would thrill them that the received birthday wishes in the mail....Their birthday's are May 1st! There is still time to send these two out!!

Pat and Sherrie Ferguson
2478 Highway 1 North
Tillar, Arkansas 71670
Birthday: May 1

The next sweet lady was also added by one of our participants who is mailing out cards each month.

Senior turning 65 on her next birthday - single, and would most certainly love a card in the mail.

Beth Hontros
602A S. 60th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Birthday: May 9

This next birthday was emailed to me by one of our participants wishing to add her mother in law:

Mabel is a wonderful lady who is extra special because she is totally deaf, as was her husband, who passed on a few years ago. Both their sons are hearing.

Everyone who meets Mabel, *loves* her. She has the sweetest smile! Sadly, many of her friends have passed on now (she is in her 80's) and since she has severe arthritis it is painful for her to leave her house. However, she still drives and does her own grocery shopping.

Mabel was gracious enough to welcome me into the family when her son and I got together a few years ago, and has shown me great love and affection. I love and appreciate her and I think she would be thrilled to receive something in her mailbox on her birthday besides junk mail and bills.

Her address is:
Mabel Giambaresi
601 North Kirby Street spc 96
Hemet, CA 92545
Birthday:May 24th

I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to get a card in the mail. I have gotten a couple of emails back and it is making a real difference for our seniors one card at a time.


Remember, you can email me anyone senior you'd like to add to the list. Thanks again in advance for our May Birthday Seniors!!

Not your ordinary eggs in the egg plate

I like to push myself to the limits sometimes. I have heard all my life you can not make divinity in the humid weather or a rainy day. Well, I decided to push the envelope this morning.......not your normal eggs to say the least.

Served and presented in a vintage carnival glass egg plate. Simply Beautiful in my opinion.

Candy.....Divinity Candy as a matter of face, and...this just goes to show you, that it can be done....it is rainy, humid and yucky here today...this sure makes things look a bit brighter.

Happy Easter Everyone......I added this amazing video by Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. Take a moment to remember the meaning of Easter....you will be inspired.

Last Minute Easter Centerpiece - Super Easy

Thought I'd post this fun, fast, and easy project I put together this afternoon. Are you in the middle of cooking for Easter Sunday and all of a sudden you realized you forgot the centerpieces? Well, take a look.....super easy.

All you will need is a clear glass vase, some jelly beans, some peeps, a little plant, a swatch of fabric and some Easter grass.

I took the jellybeans and filled the bottom. Then, took the fabric and covered the little petunia plant. Once the plant is placed in the glass vase over the jellybeans, I added the peeps. Not only are they cute, but they help hold the little plant in place. Lastly, I added some paper Easter grass on top at the base of the plant and added a little fabric strip bow. If you have a cute little spring plant pick, you can add that like I did. Possibly, you might be able to find all these things you need already around your house. I just bought the plant and the glass vase.....I could not find the vases I have stored safely in our shed!!!

I think it is cute, simple but cute. I am taking this with us tomorrow as we are going over to my niece's house for Easter dinner. I think she will like it, at least I hope so. She can plant the petunia in her flowerbed after Easter. Serves double duty that way!

Now, I need to get in the kitchen, I have a dessert to make and a side dish!

Happy Easter.....enjoy your day!!

Five Minute Friday: The Hard Love...........

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.

Only five minutes

And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is " the hard love...."

Ready. Set. Go......

This topic today sorta goes along with my thinking and earlier post this week.....with my aunt and uncle celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary a week ago, and my 25th coming soon, I have thought about the hard love.

You know, it is easy to love someone when all is right in the world, and there are no problems. It is easy to love someone when conflict is not present or no problems or bumps in the road come up. It's too bad we don't live in a world where things were rosy all the time.

But it is in the hard times, the times when there is strife and turmoil that the hard love will see you through until you are back in happier times. It is not easy when things are rocky to see the love that is still there. It is hard to love or even remember you love when the whole world seems to be stacked against you. But it is the hard love that sees you through, and makes you glad you stayed to weather the storm. I think in today's world, it is hard to even think the hard love is present...and that what causes breakups and moving on to find the easy love again.

......and sometimes it is the hard love we all need a little more of. It is hard sometimes to remember to love and forgive not only yourself but others too. Sometimes it is hard to forgive those that came in your life and left quickly. It is hard to forgive the damage they did to your life and the lives of those you love by their actions or lack of. It is hard when these people changed the course of not only your life but the lives of those close to you. Heartbreak is hard to forgive, much less even harder to love those who have wronged us. It is during those times that it is hard to even think there will be better days ahead.

Hard love, Hard forgiveness, Hard to move on at times....but those are the things we are instructed to do. However, when you finally realize you made it through the tough times, and know it was not an easy road to get you through the woods to the grassy meadow, there is a sigh of relief in the knowledge that all is good once again. It is the hard love....that will see us through.

.....times up. Have a great weekend everyone!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Card for a Big Celebration

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week.  

Lastly, if you link in, your post needs to include:

1. the LINK back to my blog and or the button for Vintage Thingie Thursday. I have been visiting lately and when I click on a link, there is no mention of Vintage Thingie Thursday or my blog. 

2. make sure your post has something to do with something vintage. All advertisements will be deleted. If you'd like to advertise on my blog, email me, we can work that out. No more free advertising by linking in.  Shame on those who do this, nothing is free in life.

Starting this month, if you fail to either have the button on your blog, or in your blog post and/or have not linked back to my blog in your post. I will delete your link. 

It is not fair to those who follow the rules to allow others not to do so. I am not being ugly, but rules are rules.....in all aspects of life. So if you find your link removed, check your post, you need to see why that happened. Hopefully, I won't have to do that. 


________________________________________________

Last week on April 13th was a very special day for celebration. And in all likelihood, I should have done this post last week. However, I decided to wait until this week because the sweet folks this post is about, had company and were busy celebrating it up big last week.....so we will continue in honoring them this week here on The Coloradolady.

What is the celebration you ask?? Well, here is a vintage card to give a hint as to the occasion.


This cute little vintage card shows a young couple just starting out on their journey. A lot can be said about the beginning and the life long walk you make with someone in this world. My Aunt Joyce and Uncle Hank I feel sure could teach us all a few things on this....you see,  last week, they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

.......and like the little vintage card says, "It is plain to see you're standing well the strain of married life" After 61 years, you still are each others everything. You two are very inspirational to me, because during the hard times, you stuck with it and you made it through and always celebrate the good times in grand style. A lot can be said from being able to live a lifetime with the same person and still enjoy each other the way you two do. What a wonderful gift to be given.

Happy Anniversary of 61 years!!!

I know you had a great week last week, but I felt the celebration was still in order. I love you very much!!!

Thanks to my Aunt LaVoice for the photo....yes I stole it to use today!!!

Happy Vintage Thingie everyone....and let me make one thing clear....my "vintage thingie" is the card, not my sweet aunt and uncle!!!!

Wedding Guest Book Quilt Finished

I finally have finished the quilt for my friend's daughter who got married last summer. She is the sweet girl who had the vintage brooch bouquet and vintage shower. She used the quilt squares as a guest book for the guest to sign, and then I put the quilt together and had it quilted for their wedding gift.

The colors are different tones of browns and creams with some purples added here and there. The colors for the wedding were purple, but we wanted the feel of the quilt to be a little more neutral.

It did not take nearly as long to put the quilt top and back together as it did to have it quilted. I always seem to have a mishap with the longarm quilters for some reason. But, finally got it back and finished over the weekend.

Here is the back........

up close shot of the back and quilting.

Guest signed the blocks, and left words of wisdom. I found some inspirational quotes and added them throughout the quilt. This one is from me....my own personal quote and words of wisdom.

Very personal, and the bride was thrilled with her quilt......and hopefully will become a family treasure.

I used polka dot batik binding, and really loved how it pulled all the colors of the quilt together.

Here is the label. I swiped a wedding photo from the couple's facebook page and added it to the label. I think it was a neat touch and very personal for them. They are so fun, the label really needed to reflect their personality, in my opinion.

I hope they really enjoy this quilt, and treasure it as they treasure each other. Next time I make one of these, I hope I don't hit any snafu's to keep it from being presented to the couple much sooner than I'd like. At any rate, it will be fun for them to read all the messages and enjoy what their guest had to say.

I really have been quilting.....just not a lot to show it seems....or not a lot of finishes!

Five Minute Friday: On Distance........

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.

Only five minutes

And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is " On Distance...."

Ready. Set. Go......


Distance is usually measured by time it takes to get to point A to Point B. Sometimes, it seems like that is all I think about, "How long it will take" for this and that. It is hard to just stop thinking that way and just "be" in the moment and not worry about the distance or time it takes to get there.

This topic brought to mind a monumental (for me) day coming soon. Our 25th wedding anniversary on the 4th of May. The distance fills up with all the things that have taken us to this point. Lots of growing that is for sure, lots of struggles you can be sure, lots of learning how to deal with the rough stuff life gives us.....and make it to this point in time. The distance part of it was not all bad, lots of good times too, but it is a mark in time that should seem like it took forever to get to, but really only was a blink of an eye.

I think we spend lots of time thinking about the distance in our lives and how long it seems to take to get to where we are going. When in reality, once we get there, or even get close to our destination we had in mind, we soon find out the destination really was not a long trip at all, but a short run to the corner store.
If you know what I mean.

Thinking back, for the last 25 years, that destination space we have traveled, from the outside looking in, appears to be one long trip in time to most, and a huge milestone for staying the course. For me, today, as I think about the distance we have traveled as a couple and family, honestly, it is like a short day trip.

I am not saying a remarkable milestone it is not, just when I look back, I see something much different than when I started this journey. Time is funny that way. We need to stop and give thanks for what we have today, not think about how long it will take us to get to where we think we want to be. I am so guilty of that, and need to work on it myself.....

times up........that was quick today!!!

Vintage Thingie Thursday: Vintage Garage Sale Finds and Vintage Roses Blooming

Welcome everyone to Vintage Thingies Thursday. If you have a love for vintage things, well....you have come to the right place. We have a "dog-gone" good time each and every week!!!
If you are new to this party, please take the time to read and follow the instructions for participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday, click HERE. I try and keep things fairly simple, so  please make sure you follow the instructions. Please only ONE link per week.  

Lastly, if you link in, your post needs to include:

1. the LINK back to my blog and or the button for Vintage Thingie Thursday. I have been visiting lately and when I click on a link, there is no mention of Vintage Thingie Thursday or my blog. 

2. make sure your post has something to do with something vintage. All advertisements will be deleted. If you'd like to advertise on my blog, email me, we can work that out. No more free advertising by linking in.  Shame on those who do this, nothing is free in life.

Starting this month, if you fail to either have the button on your blog, or in your blog post and/or have not linked back to my blog in your post. I will delete your link. 

It is not fair to those who follow the rules to allow others not to do so. I am not being ugly, but rules are rules.....in all aspects of life. So if you find your link removed, check your post, you need to see why that happened. Hopefully, I won't have to do that. 


________________________________________________

I was lucky enough a couple of weeks ago to come across some great vintage goodies at a garage sale. First, many of you may already own one of these, but I did not and was delighted to find this at a local sale.

This General Electric Roaster was a great find and a great deal. I paid $10.00 for this baby and was happy to do so. Now, when I need one, I won't have to look for someone to borrow it from.

I was ever impressed with all the extras that were included. Both serving pans with lids and another glass serving dish. Love it.

I could not believe when I found this red handled galvanized water cooler. This is made by Covey and is in great shape. I love how the red handle is not chipped, so cute......and it works well.

Here is a photo of my antique roses blooming. I purchased these online last year and they hardly made a bud, but they are finally blooming this year and the roses are so pretty. I love them.

Just look at the delicate flowers on this rose bush. And believe it or not, they smell as sweet as the look.

Happy Vintage Thingie Thursday everyone!! Have a great weekend.

Lessons from the Dogs!

Married for Love

Married for Money


This one is so cute....if your dog or dachshund is like mine, the doorbell rings and they go bonkers!!! This makes me laugh. CLICK photo to enlarge.

Have a great Saturday everyone!!! Hug a dog today....it will make you smile!

Five Minute Friday: " If You Met Me......"

Today I'm linking up to Lisa-Jo aka the gypsy mama, who chooses a topic every Friday and writes for five minutes.

Only five minutes

And the rule is that whatever you write about in that five minutes is what you posts. No editing your thoughts. Today, her topic choice is " If you met me...."

Ready. Set. Go......

I often wonder about the topic today, as I know so many people have met their blogging friends in real life and they have strong friendships. I often wonder if meeting a particular person was what you'd expected all along or were you pleasantly surprised.

I wonder if you met me if that would be the case? Would you be pleasantly surprised? Would I be the person you'd expected all along to meet?

I wonder if you would see the slightly older than middle aged women who seems to have it pretty well together, or would you see a glimpse of the inside and the struggles each day brings just to make it through the day? Some things it is easier to keep at bay when you don't see folks face to face.

I'd hope you would see someone who tries to use what talent God has given her to do good when she can. I'd hope you'd see someone who has not always had it easy, but seems to be able to still put one foot in front of the other. I would hope you'd see the compassion I have for others and animals displayed in my everyday world, and never see the hurt and despair caused by other individuals during my lifetime. Somethings are easy to try and keep hidden and not let the world see, but it seems they are always on the surface just waiting for the opportunity to cause doubt and destruction.

I'm sure if you met me, you'd see someone who needs to take better care of herself, lose weight, exercise, eat right, take the time for herself. Those are the things that are easy to see, they are on the outside. It is the things inside that are sometimes lost when someone "sees" a person. You have to look inside, very deep, past all the hurts and muck to see a heart that wants things to always be better for the other person than what they have.I'm sure you'd see a sometimes scatterbrained, forgetful, often stressed from taking on too many projects, lady who really should slow down a bit. Sometimes, it is the busyness that keeps us sane and pushing forward!

It would be my hope that you'd walk right up to me and say I was exactly what you pictured "The Coloradolady" to be and a little bit more.....I'd certainly hope you'd not be disappointed. Funny, I often have wondered what people thought about me when they read something here. Sometimes, I don't think about it, I just write, like now.....so, I guess that is it.....five minutes is up.




*** I have to add, these writing exercises sure bring pause to think about what you write in only 5 minutes. I just sorta type it out and by the time the five minutes is over, and I hit publish.....I reread it....it is interesting to say the least. I am learning from these Friday post. A lot.