Saturday, November 20, 2010

~IN EVERY LIFE A LITTLE RAIN...

...and it seems to be falling in mine right now...
I don't want to be a downer but....things are just not always hunky dory!  Fact of life.
It is less than a week until Thanksgiving.  Not my family's greatest year but we will make it.  We always have.
I hope next year is better, but no matter what, I do have a lot to be thankful for.  I don't live in a Fairy Tale world, but I cannot help wishing I did.  Perhaps that is why I come on here and read blogs...it's nice in so many ways.  Lots of love goes on the pages of these blogs.  Lots of sharing and kind words.

My family is well.  No one is homeless or hungry and I am thankful for that.  And we have love.  We are a very large family and sometimes there is conflict but it is so rare that when it occurs it is very hurtful.  I have noticed that since I have gotten "older" it concerns me more and I do lose sleep over it.  Age is probably a factor, but when my children are troubled...so am I.
I hope...though all of us will not be together this year...that wherever they are...they will still hold hands and pray and thank God for one another.  I also hope that our world stays safe until they all make their way back to each other.  Do you hear me, my children?    That song comes to mind,  "Smile." 
Smile though your heart is aching..
Smile even though it's breaking,
You'll find that life is still worth while...if.. you'll just smile!    (or some such thing!) 

Is that it Shelia??  Am I close?  :)
Soooo...anyway.~

Last Saturday's garage sales went well and Sunday's half price Estate Sale was great...and though it was lots more money..it yielded some really pretty things.  For instance..

These Hydrangea's.  They were beautiful and were $1.00 each.  I bought all they had which was three.  These were quality flowers...and worth much more.  I was lucky! :)


Next was this beautiful salad bowl for half price.  It was $20.00 on Saturday, but on Sunday it had dropped to $10.00!  I have been looking for one for a long time for Holiday salads.  That little liner plate was from another week and I just slipped it under the bowl.  It isn't attached!

 I found this beautiful new bolster/body pillow at a garage sale last Saturday, just before we discovered the Estate Sale.  $1.00.  Never been used..tag in tact.  The color was perfect and I don't know if you can tell, but it matched the flowers in my quilt perfectly.  The cover has an invisible zipper which came off easily and was washable.  I love it.  I have wanted one of those for a long time but never bought one.  

See??  Isn't that a nice match??  The woman said it was a gift and the "pillow didn't fit her bed at all!  I just smiled and took it off her hands..wouldn't you have.  OH...now come on..it was new..and washed beautifully!

This is not a great photo.  It's too dark, I know,  but back to Sunday and the Estate Sale.  I found this luggage rack for our guest room for $4.00.  More than it probably would have been in a garage sale..but it was in perfect condition and again...something I have been wanting. 

Ok...here is what is happening.  Not just to me..but to my family members and to friends.  People are beginning to buy at garage sales.   Department stores and even discount stores are not so attractive any more.
Goodwill is great..and you are supporting a cause, but often you are doing so at garage sales as well. 

It is a different way of shopping...and sometimes it takes awhile to find what you want but eventually you will...it's out there.  Somewhere.
There are a couple of other things..but I'll show you those later.  I bought this the Saturday before but forgot to share it.  The box was lovely, and when I opened it...
It was filled with this lovely set of Evelyn Crabtree products for just $3.00!   Lily of the Valley, and it smells wonderful!
I opened everything to make sure it  had not been used and the woman said it was a gift to her that she just did not care for.  Can you imagine?  I couldn't.  The bottles were large sized and I KNOW what those cost.
It now sits on my bathroom counter and I use it every day.  The box is used in my closet for storage. 
Yes...yes indeedy!!  :)  The marks on the boxes, I made.  And..I pulled the sticker off the little can of powder...then I remembered I wanted to photograph it!  Sheesh!!!

So...that's it folks. 
This weekend was rained out!  Totally.  Rained all day long....  so I stayed in my jammies all day long with a nice warm fire in the fireplace.   
Love and hugs,
Mona

P.S.  There was one more item..but I stuck it up in the cupboard over the stove and now have to climb up and take it down.  WHY do I do that.  I get busy putting things away...and then forget what I have bought!!  Do you ever do things like that??  (Oh, please say you do!) 

29 comments:

  1. But even in a fairy tail things usually goes bad once in a while and there´s always one evil thing that wants to destroy for others.

    It always looks so nice in other peoples blogs because we just don´t write about what mess our families really are :-) :-) :-) Take my family for instance, most of us haven´t met each others for years :-) :-) :-)

    Have a great day now!
    Christer.

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  2. I hope that hurt feeling will soon mend. The glass salad bowl is really pretty! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

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  3. Dear Mona, So sorry to hear you're having some sadness in your life.
    It doesn't seem to matter whether you have one child (like me) or seven children(like you), when their lives are troubled you can't be truly happy, and your heart aches for them.

    When you mentioned that song, "SMILE" I thought to myself... gee that could be my theme song.

    But as sad though as some areas of my life are though, I always try to remember that there is always HOPE that things will get better someday! Until then I try to find things to make me smile.
    A rainy day spent by the fire in your jammies can even fun. It was a rainy day here too, and thats how I spent most of my day!
    Hey! and thrifting and finding treasures makes you smile too, RIGHT?!! Yep, I think alot more people will be doing their shopping at them and garage sales too.
    Like you said, I almost always eventually find the things I'm looking for at them! Sure looks like you found some wonderful treasures didn't you!!
    I do hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll be praying we all get our happily ever after!

    Hugs, Sherri:)

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  4. Families, families, I do understand. We have it all in our family so I wish you well and hope it all works out whatever it is.
    Love your gifts especially the Lily of the Valley. If you go to my Blog you will see a shortish video on making a corsage with lily of the valley - such a sweet smelling plant.
    The bolster pillow is gorgeous. What a find. It's just my favourite colour of all time.
    Blessings, Star

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  5. Sounds so wonderful! Love that box.

    I am going the other direction...emptying my house. Seven boxes were removed yesterday, cleaned and wrapped for our shop. May someone else have as much pleasure as I did when owning them.

    The main reason I am thinning is so I can get more stuff!!!

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  6. Hi sweet Mona!
    I've been thinking of you and praying that your family will heal and your feelings will mend. You are such a sweet and loving person and love your family deeply and for this you will always be rewarded.

    I love all of your great finds. And yes, I put things away and forget where I put them! LOL!

    hugs to you and blessings.

    Sissie

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  7. Blessings, sweet friend. I know when I am down I just get down ON MY KNEES. You are in my prayers.

    Love you,
    me

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  8. Oh Mona,
    Your blog made me cry as it brought back those memories when like kicks us around. I agree, I spend many sleepless night worrying about my children's problems; Been though some very round years and cross my fingers, all of a sudden I can see the rainbow; it will happen. Keep your beautiful attitude; they need it right now.
    Hugs,
    Rita

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  9. That bolster pillow is GOR JUS! Such a brilliant color and I can see that it goes really well with the flowers in your comforter. You lucked out on that purchase, Mona. Really nice!

    Di
    Sorry about your rainy weather.... stay inside and keep warm and dream about a warmer week-end to come.

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  10. Mona,
    Hope your world gets better real soon. I understand about kids and worries. We will always worry about them and want everything to be okay with them. I hope it all gets better soon.
    Hugs,
    Robin

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  11. Mona, so sorry you are sad today. I guess the bright side is in order to feel the good stuff, we have to be able to feel the bad too. I do agree that as we get older, we seem to be wiser with age and feel more joy and also more pain.

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  12. Hi Mona...We Moms are all the same. We want the best for everyone. The kids grow up and out of our nests and have lives of their own. We just have to learn to not interfere and give advice when asked.It's so hard sometimes.We can look from a distance and see the answer, but we have to let them do it themselves. That's how they learn.Things usually have a way of working out.It can be especially hard at holiday time. We all have this Norman Rockwell vision in our heads.We just have to "let go and let God."
    Balisha

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  13. Oh how I know that there is absolutely no such thing as the perfect life. That is truly only in fairy tales! We have to experience hurt and bad times along with the good and the joyous. I guess how we choose to handle it all is a testament unto ourselves and our maker. It isn't easy, is it?? I hope that things in life will get better for you and yours. Here is wishing you a good Thanksgiving, Mona! ♥ Sue

    P.S. You got some good stuff in your outings! And you're right- blog hopping does make me feel good, too!

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  14. Dear Mona,I know exactly how you feel,although I don't know the details.I have 4 grown daughters and just because it's the holidays dosn't mean they all of a sudden get along.3 years ago during christmas they were at war and took sides.My heart broke.All I could do was pray.I thought it would last forever.It did last through Easter but by the following christmas they were back to normal.Hold on to your prayers.You will be in mine.

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  15. No fairy tale life here either my friend. Even though sometimes it may LOOK like it is.

    Being REAL is sometimes hard. But...not matter what that is what I want to be. God promised me He'd walk by my side always so if He is next to me I know I can face anything~

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I am already praying 2011 is better for you...for us all.

    xoRebecca

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  16. Oh I so agree Mona, we do have so much to be thankful for and we are so blessed. Healthy children and grandchildren. Your treasures are all wonderful. Love that salad bowl and how nice to find some lovely bath products for you. I'd say you did good. Hope you have a super day. Hugs, Marty

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  17. Wow, hon, you scored some sweet things :-) LOVE the salad bowl, and the C&E toiletries! Nice!

    I am so sorry you are going through tough times right now. It's doubly hard that it comes during the holidays. Hopefully things will smooth out...they do have a way of doing that.

    Have a wonderful Turkey Day!
    ♥´¨)
    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Lori Lynn ♥

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  18. I have been exactly where you are at so many times. Losing sleep over my children and all of their issues. Those issues will always affect me and I hate to take sides...I think I am the only one who sees all sides. So it is no fairy tale here either.

    Love all your lucky finds. You always do so well at your sales. I love the salad bowl and the pillow looks fantastic on your chest...perfect fit!

    I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanks giving, Mona. I will be thinking of you.

    XO,
    Jane

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  19. Yes, many sleepless, restless nights worrying about my children. NOw they are grown and I am still worrying...it never ends, no matter how old they get. I will get to be with both of them on Thanksgiving......very thankful! Have a beautiful Thanksgiving, Mona!~Hugs, Patti

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  20. Mona -- I do understand about the worry and praying for our children -- it never stops. One thing about the storms in life -- they often are followed by the rainbows. Know we love you bunches and just wish we were within hugging distance.

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  21. "Smile, though your heart is aching,
    Smile, even though it's breaking;
    When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
    If you smile through your fear and sorrow,
    Smile, and maybe tomorrow
    You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

    Light up your face with gladness,
    Hide ev'ry trace of sadness,
    Although a tear may be ever so near,
    That's the time you must keep on trying,
    Smile - what's the use of crying?
    You'll find that life is still worth while

    If you'll just smile."

    *******

    It's a very true and hopeful song!
    More later, just wanted to share the whole song right now!

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  22. Dear Mona,
    I am so very sorry you are having family troubles. Its hard when you have a big family because something is always bound to get stirred up.
    Coming from a big family myself, I know how that is.
    You always find such cool things at your garage sales.
    It's too cold here for anymore sales now.
    Take Care and come by and see me soon!
    Hugs friend,
    Cindy

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  23. Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry you are havin' some bad vibes 'round your table. I fear we may have a couple of those here on Thanksgiving Day, sad but just inevitable when ya get the whole dang clan together. I pray for you that your's will come off slick as a bald-headed preacher on a hot summer day! Heeehehehe!

    Your great finds never cease to amaze me. The salad bowl and girl your bolster is just perfect.

    You take care and relax havin' a great time gettin' ready for the big old Gobble-'em-up Dad!!!

    God bless you my beautiful Mona! :o)

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  24. I'm sending you lots of love and hugs and prayers that the clouds will disappear soon!

    Lots of love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  25. I'm sure your family will work things out dear. Not every holiday can be that perfect Norman Rockwell painting, although it's what we all hope for isn't it? I'm sure if it comes down to it you can put your foot down and they will get those bridges mended! We are all spread apart this year too. My sister's baby is late and they plan on inducing her on Thanksgiving if she hasn't arrived by then. Mom and Dad are going down to be with her and the rest of us are on our own. We'll survive though, I'm a terrible cook but I have my secret way of getting through the holiday meals...shh..Raleys! With my crew convience is the name of the game! LOL!
    So just "SMILE" and enjoy the day. At least I know you'll have homemade food!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Hugs and love,
    Dawn

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  26. Mona, the fairy-tale life would be nice, I agree. My family is small and rather disfunctional - for lack of a better word. I have found more joy in friendships. And I also enjoy reading other people's blogs because in some ways these people no longer seem like strangers, but friends I have never met, but may some day. I hope that despite the family difficulties, you have a nice Thanksgiving celebration. Loved seeing all your finds - especially the Evelyn & Crabtree, my favorite!

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  27. So sorry you're experiencing some rife in your wonderful family Mona, but remember that it usually works out in the long run. Hang in there; prayers are on their way.

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  28. Hello sweet lady...

    Ohhh my...you certainly did find some awesome treasures, my friend! I seen a couple of things there that I have been wanting as well...such as that pretty luggage rack. That's something that you don't always think about getting but would really come in handy when you have guests! Ohhh...and I loved your pretty perfume set...what a great deal! The green box is simply divine!!! Ohhh...I love pretty boxes! Hehe! Love your crystal bowl too...it's fabulous!!! I'm sooo happy for you, sweet lady...you got some really sweet treasures!!!

    Mona, we all have our ups and downs. I heard it said once...and it's so true...if we never had a problem or faced any adversities...we wouldn't appreciate the good times...the blessings! Speaking of which...I wanted to come by to wish you and your sweet family a Happy Thanksgiving, sweet friend! Have a safe and blessed holiday!!!

    Love ya,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  29. HI MS.MONA!! I just wanted to stop by and wish you and yours a happy, joyous & fun filled thanksgiving!. May HIS blessings reach all around your table. Hugs. Tammy

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