Let’s have a weekly question!

Which kind of “light” do you like best?

Candlelight?

Moonlight?

Firelight?

City lights?

Or Holiday Lights?

I’ll reveal my choice in the comments!

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

And it wouldn’t be just the usual spring clothes. Oh no!
After all, the girls were in the 5th grade now, so they’d be wearing “grown-up” fashions. And for the first time – they’d wear NYLONS and “SQUASH HEELS”, which were the latest craze in footwear!

Crystal thought it all sounded pretty wonderful. Honestly, who wouldn’t feel like a full-fledged woman in the attire described by these preteen fashionistas? Besides, she was tired of wearing ankle socks and looking like a “baby”.

That evening, she broached the subject at the dinner table . . .

Crystal: “All the girls are going to wear nylons and shoes with little heels this Easter.”

Her father: “Absolutely not!”

He added that she was much too young; there was plenty of time.
Her Mom looked at her with a touch of sympathy . . . but Crystal knew there was no way her mother would disagree with her father on parenting policy.

Crystal was desolate. She could clearly picture herself looking like a little kid next to all the other girls. She did need an Easter outfit, however, and so a few days later – her mother took her dress shopping at a local department store. Their second stop was a shoe store, where the salesclerk brought out a selection of flats for Crystal to try.

Suddenly, Crystal’s mother asked the clerk:

“Can you show us some squash heels?”

Crystal could not believe her ears. Her mother smiled and motioned for her to try them on. Crystal slipped her feet into a pair of black patent leathers, accented at the toe with twisted leather trim and a little gold embellishment with a mabe pearl center. Oh, they were gorgeous and those little heels were divine. Within moments, her Mom had paid for them and they were back at the department store. Crystal was puzzled, at first, and then shocked to see her mother heading straight for the hosiery counter!

Crystal: “Oh Mum! Squash Heels AND nylons?”

Her Mom: “Well, you can’t wear socks with THOSE shoes!”

Crystal: “What about Dad? What will he say?”

Her Mom: “Well, I’m making this decision. I will talk to him.”

Crystal was touched and very grateful – she had never felt more loved. Her mother understood and was going to bat for her!

Crystal jumped into her new dress and then carefully put on her nylons (wearing a pair of cotton gloves just as her Mom always did to avoid snagging them.) The tissue paper rustled as she uncovered her pretty new shoes. She loved the clicking sound the heels made as she walked….

She arrived at church early and when she entered, the scene was awash with colorful new hats and dresses. She walked down the aisle and quickly spotted some of her friends who gestured for her to join them.

After a few seconds, Crystal noticed that her friend, Julie, was wearing ankle socks and flat shoes. A further glance revealed that Pauline was, too! In fact, Crystal was astounded to discover that hardly any of the girls were wearing nylons and squash heels!!!

Or perhaps wishful thinking. Either way, it seemed as if there were lots of parents who had not given the green light for the “grown-up” wardrobe.

Crystal learned a couple of things that day —-

* That she should never again allow peer pressure to influence her desires.

* That her mother loved her very much.

A few notes . . .
When the events described above occurred:

* Crystal was close to 11 years old.
* Her mother was 32.
* Pantyhose had only recently been invented (in 1959) and were not yet widely available. Ladies wore sheer stockings or “nylons” until pantyhose became very popular during the 1960′s.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

And their theme song?

You know —

She’s “a little bit country”; He’s “a little bit “rock and roll”.

C’mon Kids… please say you know what on earth I’m talking about, here.

(For you youngsters in the group – it’s Donny and Marie Osmond!)

I can hear you asking: “Surely there’s a point to this, Crystal???”

Why, yes. Of course!

If I were to join the chorus along with good ole Donny and Marie, I’d be singing: “I’m a little bit “vintage”.

I’m not referring to my age – though I suppose that’s a good adjective to describe it. I mean that I have a passion for all things vintage – beads, jewelry, books, accessories, china, furniture, etc.!

This week, I took some time to play with a pretty bunch of Vintage Swarovski Rhinestones and Cabochons. I combined them with some vintage-look findings and quick as a wink – I had 3 pairs of earrings!

Sapphire Blue – such sparkle on these vintage rhinestones!

Amethyst purple – my favorite color! Love that marquise-shape stone.

And Swarovski Glass Cabochons in Smoked Topaz Aurora Borealis. Talk about a rainbow of colors!

If you were to chime in with Donny and Marie…. how would you fill in the blank?

“I’m a little bit “_______”.

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

On this blog, I usually avoid discussing national and world news. I figure we’re already over-dosed with the 24/7 news cycle from TV, print, and social media.

This week, I’m making an exception – not so much to discuss the recent events, but to talk about what happened afterwards . . .

If you’ve been reading here for a while, you know that I LOVE Boston.

I was born and raised there. It’s the city where Sir Beads and I met and fell in love. The surrounding areas are home to most of my family.

So, as you can probably imagine, we were devastated by the horrific nightmare that began at the Boston Marathon and continued over the next several days. We were glued to the reports and life seemed to stand still for a time.

But, it’s what occurred in the aftermath that I want to focus on today.

A week or so had passed and by then we really needed to shop and do a few errands, so we headed to the stores.

Generally, people at the mall seem detached, or rushed, sometimes grumpy, even rude. But on this day, after such a difficult week, there was a distinct change.

It’s hard to explain how I became aware that the mood of people around me was quite different than usual. Very gradually, as I negotiated the aisles with my shopping cart, I began to notice that people were making eye contact and then smiling. I don’t ever remember receiving so many smiles from strangers in one day. But even more amazing – people were kind. Several times, I encountered another cart in my path but invariably the person pushing it would jump out of my way . . . even apologize for the inconvenience!

At one point, I came upon an older lady who was waiting for a prescription. She was sitting on a store bench but leaning into the aisle area. I realized I couldn’t easily get by, but I didn’t want to bother her so I began to turn my cart in the reverse direction. Immediately, she stirred and said, ”Oh wait, please come ahead. I’m sorry. I must be asleep.”

Such a contrast to the customary aloofness of passers-by . . .

It was as if the events of the previous week had reminded everyone that we are truly one very large family . . . that we need to appreciate each other . . . be good to each other. Surely we knew that already . . . but it’s so easy to forget.

As we headed for our car, a young man, smiling broadly, called out to Sir Beads: “Hey, I like your jacket!” (a Red Sox jacket)

It had been a day of unexpected healing. The young guy’s comment was simply the icing on the cake. We drove home feeling better than we had in quite a while.

Life may be frighteningly uncertain, Kids, but there’s great comfort in knowing that when things get really tough, we are surrounded by good-hearted people.

Extra hugs for all of you,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

I’m talkin’ a fever . . . . . in the spring!

(Sir Beads and I have been under the weather.)

It’s crazy because we went through the entire winter with hardly a sniffle.

Then, for the last couple of weeks, we’ve both had a very pesky cold. You know complete with orange juice, tissues, cough syrup – yuck!

I hope I’m not jinxing myself to predict that we’re almost out of the woods.

Actually, I’d much rather have a case of the real “spring fever”.

And by the looks of our neighborhood – with its carpet of daffodils and the forsythias at peak bloom –

I think I may be succumbing soon.

Do you have spring fever?
Which signs of spring are showing up in your yard?

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

I wanted to have fresh flowers around the house for Easter and couldn’t believe how lucky I was to find these perfect roses at a bargain price! I divided them into 2 vases. (The other one is in the powder room!)

It wouldn’t be a holiday without a memento of holidays past. My girls and I decorated these Easter eggs many years ago . . . (story here)

A few days ago, I was delighted to receive photos from Michelle.
I’ll let her tell you about them!
“This year we have added to our furbaby family with another unplanned rescue. Lily was going to be put down the next day so we took her in. Shes only 3 and a sweet thing.”

“This picture shows all 3 of our rescued dogs playing tag in the snow.Our 3 cat rescues prefer to watch from the window.”

Many thanks to Michelle!

I’m hoping another reader will be inspired to send in photos – of family, or pets, or a pretty view, or something you made (or cooked!) or even your latest bargain!

‘Til next time,

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

Kelly sent pictures of what’s been happening in her neighborhood this past week!

It may be Spring, but Mother Nature still had a surprise up her sleeve. Kelly said they had one of those beautiful snowfalls that softly coats everything in white frosting!

Isn’t it gorgeous?

Kelly’s puppy, Artie, just loved it!

He and Kelly even went sledding!

Last weekend, it was “Pet Day” at the Harley Dealer and he won a grooming gift certificate!

And at the Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs, he met the Bunny!!!

Thanks so much to Kelly for sharing her photos!!!

(If YOU have any to show us, don’t be shy! I’d love to post them here on the blog. (Send them to crystal at beadhappilyeverafter dot com)

For those who celebrate Easter, I wish you wonderful day! Take it easy on those chocolate eggs and jelly beans.
No, wait! It’s a holiday – eat whatever you like.

Happy Weekend to all . . .

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

However, it seems as if Greta felt she’d been misquoted! In his 1955 book “Garbo”, author John Bainbridge includes the following explanation from the lady, herself:

‘I never said, “I want to be alone.” I only said, “I want to be let alone! There is all the difference.’

Recently, after a long day of errands and shopping, Crystal felt quite a kinship with Miss Garbo. Yes, it’s true. Crystal also wanted to be “let alone”…

It all started innocently enough. Crystal went to a local gift shop to buy a birthday present. She handed her selection to the clerk and pulled out her wallet to pay . . .

That’s when the barrage of questions began…

Clerk: Are you a preferred shopper?

Crystal: No. Thank you.

Clerk: Would you like to be a preferred member?

Crystal: No. Thanks, anyway.

Clerk: Do you know it’s free to join?

Crystal: Yes, but I’m all set.

Clerk: Would you like to take the form home? Maybe fill it out, later?

Crystal: Umm, no.

Clerk: Do you realize that if you are a “member” you’ll get a free (thing-a-ma-jig) after you spend $100.00?

Crystal: I’m not interested, but thank you just the same.

The Clerk sighed and then tapped the register keys to ring-up the birthday gift.

At this point, Crystal figured she would soon be leaving for the next stop on her errands list. She was wrong.

The clerk continues: Would you like to use your store charge card for this purchase?

Crystal: No, it will be cash, today.

Clerk: Do you have a charge card with us?

Crystal: No, I don’t.

Clerk: Would you like to open an account with us, right now?

Crystal: No, thank you.

Clerk: Ok, would you like to donate to _____? (a worthy charitable cause)
We can just add the amount to today’s purchases . . .

Crystal: Not today.
(Crystal tries to give generously – as often as she can – but the requests are everywhere! Even Daddy Warbucks would be broke if he were to say yes every time.)

Clerk: Your zip code, please?

Crystal rattles it off.

Clerk: May I have your phone number?

Crystal: You may not! (Crystal answers rather impatiently… and then feels sorry.)

Clerk: That will be $22.70

Crystal gives cash to the clerk.

Clerk hands a receipt to Crystal.

Clerk leans towards Crystal says in a very earnest voice: Now, be sure to go online as soon as you get home! Visit the website listed right there at the bottom of your slip and take our shopper’s survey!!!

Crystal nods as politely as she can, takes the receipt and her change, and heads for the door.

As she leaves, she swears she can hear the clerk call after her . . .

“WOULD YOU LIKE FRIES WITH THAT????

Ok, I’m kidding about the fries part, but I cannot believe what a nuisance it is to go shopping, lately!

I realize the clerks are just doing their jobs but – whew!

It’s exhausting to be a customer.

Do you find it to be the same?

Hugs,

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

And to go with it – some delicious cotton yarn (Patons “Grace”).

The book is chock full of amazing snowflake designs. I could hardly wait to get started . . .

Believe it or not, I was actually making these during a snowstorm!

Before long, I had a little pile but, as many of you know, crocheted items often come out a little wonky (wrinkly) at first and need to be blocked into shape.

In addition to shaping them, I wanted the snowflakes to be stiff enough to hang on the Christmas tree next year. As soon as I gathered a few supplies, I was ready to begin work on that part of the process.

After painting them with a thin coat of the Mod Podge, I gently pulled them into shape, and then pinned them in place to dry.

I had planned to paint the second side (after the first side was totally dry) but eventually changed my mind. They seemed firm enough with just one coat.

Looking at them makes me smile – they were so much fun to make.

Here in New England, it’s beginning to look like Spring, so I’m thinking that Mother Nature and I may be finished with snowflakes for a while . . .

But, I’ll be sure to make another little “blizzard” of them in time for next Christmas.

Hugs,

I’d love to hear what’s up with you!

Click the envelope to leave a comment!

I LOVE the internet! Don’t you?
For me, it is still as full of wonder and excitement as it was the very first day I logged on. I’m continually amazed by the vast amount of information at my fingertips. It’s thrilling to know I can get an answer to almost any question in minutes! It’s like having the library open 24/7 . . . a library that’s in your own house!!!

When I browse, I’m always looking for creative ideas and new projects to make. It’s astounding how much talent is showcased on the web – each idea more wonderful than the last! Sometimes, I bookmark them in my “favorites” file on the computer. Other times, I print them on paper. I’ve got the over-stuffed very full folders to prove it. We’re talking scores of projects and patterns! I’ll be a very old lady before I make even half of them, but who cares? The fun is having a whole bunch of good ideas from which to choose whenever I have some time to craft.

Today, I want to show you my latest . . .

It begins with one of these oval-ish silver rings.

Add some tiny glass seed beads, a needle, and beading thread… and soon a design is beginning to form.

When finished, it makes a showy pendant – not too huge, just bold enough to make a statement.

Although it would be pretty on a cord, I decided to play up the silver oval by placing it on this silver chain.

Kinda cute? Don’t you think?

So now I can scratch another project off of my “to make” list!
Hmmm… that’s one more down, and a gazillion to go.

Do you have more restraint than I do when it comes to favorite-ing – everything?!?

(Thank you, Kids, for last week’s wonderful comments!)

xoxoxo