The Ride That Almost Was...

Last night in downtown Alpharetta the annual tree lighting ceremony took place.  Gallery 35, where I sell my bling, is right in the middle of the action.  The Mayor was present as were cute little kids doing singing and dancing, blah blah blah.  Santa was to arrive via a FIRE ENGINE.  This was my destiny...

A little background:  I did a reconn of the vicinity before dusk to see where the Firemen were hanging out.  If I were blind I could sniff out a fire engine!  Yes, after a bit of eyelash flickering, sashay-ing and good old fashioned sweet talk I was about to close the deal to get a ride!  I wasn't allowed to ride with Santa; something about Mrs. Clause, blah blah blah.  I wasn't sure how committed Captain Matt was to my cause so I threw in an offer of cookies.  He said they needed to stay fit so I offered boxes of clementines.  SCORE!

The plan was to meet up after Santa got dropped off.

 I was there.

Santa was there.  The Engine was there.

The photos are not great because my heart was doing a salsa beat, my hands were shaking with excitement and I really couldn't see straight. 

Captain Matt offered to ride me down the street and drop me off in front of the gallery.  I had my 'people' lined up and ready for my JOY RIDE photo opp of a lifetime.

In retrospect, I should have known those little children would be my downfall.  As if they've never seen a fireman or a fire truck up close.  They took sooooo long to look inside my truck the cab and all the gear and shiny valves and buttons.  Criminy they are always doing field trips to the stations or having Fire Safety Day during the school year WITH MY TAX DOLLARS.

FINALLY, Captain Matt was getting ready to kick out the little rug rats--tell the parents that time was up.  I was applying my new red lipstick and just about to step inside when I heard...

'beeeee baaaaaaaaaaw beeeeeeeenk'  and all the beepers starting squawking...oh nononononononono...please no...I AM

THIS CLOSE

TO MY DREAM COMING TRUE. 

THE DRIVER YELLS "..WE GOTTA 5315...LET'S ROLL"

AND JUST LIKE THAT MY DREAM EVAPORATES INTO THE NIGHT LIKE A CANDLE IN THE WIND...

Later, after much consolation with a good Oregon Pinot Noir I remembered the promise of clementines..

"Oh my darlin'  

Oh my darlin'

Oh my dar-lin' clementines

A couple box-es just might get me 

Riding 'shotgun' on Engine 9... "

stay tuned...this ain't over

xo lulu

GREAT SHOPPING AHEAD!!!!

COME ON OUT AND HAVE A GREAT TIME SHOPPING!

VILLAGE MARKET AT PAPER MILL

this is a new venue for me!

my buddy, Angela, runs this indoor/outdoor market on weekends!

all handmade, vintage and antique dealers.  Many are from the Scott's Antique Market.

it's going to be chilly here but I AM INSIDE!

come and see new bling just in time for holiday shopping as well as vintage Christmas and whatnot!

xoxox

lulu

TRUNK SHOW!

saturday, october 16th

2:00 pm

felicity gifts

326 sandy springs circle

sandy springs, ga 30328

404-843-6456

come out and say hi!  shop for the holidays or just for your own special self!

ox

lulu

STORM WARNING FOR THE NE COAST OF FLORIDA!!!!!

THIS GRAPHIC SHOT SHOWS THE REMAINS OF SOME POOR UNSUSPECTING BEACHCOMBER WHO IGNORED THE WARNINGS LAST AUTUMN!

DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!

 State of Florida BE ADVISED!  IT IS COMING!  BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES! HIDE YOUR VALUABLES (LIQUOR) AND STAY AWAY FROM THE BEACH...DANGEROUS WHIRLING SAND!  EVACUATE!!!!

THE OUTER BANDS OF THE PICKLED HENS OF PONTE VEDRA ARE ESTIMATED TO HIT PVB SOMETIME AROUND NOON EST THURSDAY SEPTMEBER 30TH

LOCAL BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN ON ALERT SINCE A STATEWIDE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED.  THOSE EXPECTING UNUSUALLY HIGH DEPLETIONS OF STOCK INCLUDE GARY'S SEAFOOD & LOCAL LIQUOR STORES WITHIN 2 MILES OF CORONA AND PVB BOULEVARD

A SMALL CRAFT WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR  BUTLER BLVD from 2 -4 PM AS A SECOND SURGE IS EXPECTED TO HEAD IN FROM THE WEST ON I-10 WITH WINDSPEEDS BETWEEN 75-85 mph

BEACH EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR A 4 MILE SWATH SOUTHWARD FROM THE INN DOWN TO SAWGRASS VILLAGE AS THIS IS  THE ESTIMATED STORM PATH FOR HENS, according to CAPTAIN RICHARD S. LONG of the COAST GUARD.  HE ALSO CAUTIONED FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE ON ALERT FOR POSSIBLE COAST GUARD IMPERSONATORS wearing badges and bikinis!

IF ANYONE SEES THESE  'PERSONS OF INTEREST'

PLEASE CALL 1-800-BCHRESQ SO WE MAY FLY A HELICOPTER TO THE LOCATION AND 'EXTRACT' THEM FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIVE PURPOSES

STAY TUNED TO THIS BLOG FOR MORE UPDATES!

THIS IS GUEST BLOGGER & CABANA BOY JIM CANTORI, WEARING A SPEEDO AND SHOUTING INTO THE WIND, FOR lulu redstar!

I Love a Man in a Uniform

Or more precisely I like the BADGES!  I scored some fab-0 'pieces of heat' at last month's Scott show.  This Sheriff badge is old and heavy...

This one seems like a good idea...SPECIAL AGENT...I like that action...

This bad boy is divine in part because of it's shape.  I image Huey Long had many men running around pulling theirs out! ha!

Personally, I really love this speciMEN.  The center part actually spins...just like the rotors on the helicopters...as in exactly like the helicopters that the Coast Guard patrols l-o-w over Ponte Vedra Beach when the Pickled Hens and I are 'in residence'.  I am going to wear this one on my bathing suit next week when we convene for our annual Beached, Blanked and Bling-oed! Look out.  I carry a badge!

xoxo  Lt. lulu

The Little Mermaid

So I'm at the beach with one of the Hens, 'GRACE', her husband, in-laws and THE EMPRESS aka my Goddaughter Tweetie Anne Tyler Smith.  TYLER for short..whew! 

She is about to turn 6.  Going on 26.  Precocious is an understatment.  I road tripped 5 hours (usually takes almost 6...that is another story all in itself).  I said my 'heys' and went about my usual routine: pop open a cold one and unpack.  Tyler sat outside my closed door   Here is the exchange: (programming note:  I am her FAIRY Godmother hence EVERYONE in the family calls me 'Fairy').  go figure.

Tyler:  FAAAAIIIRREEEEEEE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Me:  Baby, I am unpacking.

Tyler:  FAAAAIREEEE I AM READY TO GO TO THE BEACH!

Me:  Well, then I guess I am going to the beach now.  Quit yelling and come inside.

Tyler:  I didn't want to intrude.  I thought you were undressed. (no lie)

Me:  No, baby come on in.  Let me get my stuff and we'll go. 

Tyler:  Fairy, I put on my polka-dotted bikini so we could sort of match. I have hot pink polka dots like your pink bikini.

Me:  Outstanding!

Tyler:  FAIRY....I lost all my front teeth!  (shows me non-pearly whites)

Me:  Did the Tooth Fairy pay you a visit?

Tyler:  Of course!  Twice last week!

****

After she lost tooth #1 I informed her that I was the Tooth Fairy's best friend.  I have, apparently, got MAJOR street Cred with her now. So I got THAT goin' for me...

Later on the beach we are holding hands walking in the surf and later 'baking cakes' in the sand.  She has on her blue "Blues Brothers" shades (prior to losing them in the surf) and having the time of her life.  She told me a secret...she's actually a mermaid...don't let her know I told you.

Being alone with her on the beach gave me clarity of who and what really matters in my life.  If those moments are the only thing I am able to do the entire week then that 5 hour drive was so worth it!  Since I don't have a little one she is the closest manifestation of raising a child I will ever know.

Pretty Damn Fabulous.

ox Fairy lulu

Bogged Down...Blogger MIA

So, it's been a whole 4 weeks since my last post.  I honestly don't know why I can't be consistent.  Maybe it's that I am swamped in bling...

It must be that! 

OR

A close encounter with a world famous Junker...Vintage Rescue Squad SUE...YES I KNOW I promised to blog about a visiting celeb to my booth at Scott's last month but I was distracted!

OR

Maybe I have been just so busy getting my website 'just so'.My Jewelry Box is being visited a good bit, according to my web-mistress...so thanks for taking a gander.  I am updating it with new material at least once a month.  I appreciate everyone who hase dropped me a line, ordered (!!) or just thought to browse.  I had 8000 hits the very first week!  WOW.  I think that is pretty cool considering it's just little ol' lulu.

I hope to be more consistent in blogging and stopping by your blogs.  Don't count me out!

I'll be at Scott's this weekend but packing out SATURDAY so come early.  I HAVE TO go to the beach, again.  sigh. 

love love love you all!

xo

I'M GOING GLOBAL NOT POSTAL

I AM KINDA BUSY...BUT JUST FYI....

http://www.luluredstar.com/ IS UP AND RUNNING!!!!!

HAD A COUPLE OF CELEBS IN MY BOOTH YESTERDAY WHICH I WILL POST ABOUT SOON...
LOVE YOU ALL...
AND A HUGE 'THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU' TO MY WEB MISTRESS...MS. HEATHER!  YOU ROCK!
XO

THE 'Y CHROMOSOME FACTOR'

i Know...it's Father's Day.  Happy Father's Day to all the mens to whom it applies.  Being that it is so male-centric today I thought I would offer up a THEORY about the male species.  Yes---they are a species unto themselves.  How many of you disagree?  see?

Okay.  It's simple...Women have XX chromosomes.  Mens have XY chromosomes...THEREIN LIES THE MADNESS....

I have determined from a 17 year study on one particular Male and several ancillary unsuspecting victims participants in said study that the Y chromosome is responsible for an action or nonaction and a REACTION.  To wit:

First Example:
Male walks into room wearing old, ratty "I'm With Stupid " t-shirt, gross jeans and flipflops in preparation to celebrate FEMALE's birthday dinner which SHE is making.
FEMALE then poses the following :  WHY are you wearing that to my birthday dinner?  WHY am I making my own dinner?

Second Example:
Male says to Female:  "You left that hat outside after YOU mowed the 3 acres.  It has dirt all over it. I put it on the wrought iron chair."
Female to Male:  WHY didn't you just bring it in?  WHY was it necessary to speak of this?  WHY don't you pick up your $^&$#( newspapers each day?

Third Example:
Male says to Female:  "I'm hungry.  Is there anything to eat?"
Female to Male:  WHY don't you open up the fridge and look for something. 
Male:  "I did.  I didn't see anything.
FEMALE:  WHY DON"T YOU OPEN THE SNACK COMPARTMENT AND LOOK IN THERE.
Male:  'oh...I didn't think to do that..."

FOURTH EXAMPLE:
Male and Female driving on trip
MALE:  'Gee, we're almost out of gas.'   *Says this as they drive by exit with 15 gasoline stations*
FEMALE:  WHY didn't you get off of that last exit for gas?"
MALE": 'oh, I didn't see the signs."

FIFTH EXAMPLE:
Same Male and Femal driving on trip.  Get off at remote EXIT for GAS...Male drives and takes a left.  goes 6 miles and finds gas station.  Sees signage for State Road which he SAW exit sign for 5 miles back on hwy.
INSTEAD OF going back the way they came...MALE takes STATE ROAD BECAUSE.....
"Well, I'm sure it will run right into the Highway.  (MALE AND FEMALE have NEVER been to this spot-EVER)
FEMALE to Male after driving 30 minutes:   WHY DO YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING? WHY DIDN'T YOU ASK DIRECTIONS BACK AT THE 'BAIT, TACKLE, GUN,BEER & BAIL BONDSMAN JOINT?
WHY?

I would love to have other SCIENTIFIC feedback and commentary on a world-wide pandemic I feel we are facing!  It is critical to our survival!
xo
Professor lulu

Booth Shots from last weekend

Love those old beaded purses...some are french and they are all WONDERFUL!

Below is my newest addition 'LUCY'.  She is sporting a vintage silk and ostrich feather pocketbook!  How about those plaster twig lamps!  The floor lamp is stunning in my bedroom!  Someone had the good sense to buy the great table lamp.

Love the old lanterns...they went quickety-quick!

It was a great show although we all had to work for each and every sale....geesh.

*******

On a programming note.......my website SHOULD be up and running in conjunction with the July Scott's Show (July 9th)

keep your fingers crossed!

ox

Boy, It's Hot outside

Since Memorial Day weekend I have been to Chicago, the Beach, set up at the Scott show. This week I am the DOMESTICATED lulu. ugh.

The heat index hovers near 100 with the sun shining.  So, I am mopping my floors, vacuumning the carpets and rugs and cleaning tile.  What a life!

While I'm waiting for the floors to dry allow me to present.... My latest Fashion Frock ...I bought it in Chicago...it was a  hit on Saturday.  This dress is indeed an original from the '60s.  I was channeling Jackie O.  Or Phyllis Diller...I also bought a swim cap from that era...but that is for another post...it's a hoot.

Th-th-th-th-th-th-th-that's all folks!  It's time to churn the butter. ox lulu

Chicago, Chicago...It's a Heck of a Town!

Well here are just a few shots of our booth at Chicago Antique Market.  The weather was HOT! 90 degrees!  Holy Cow..this is Chicago..cold..not so much last weekend.

Jeanne and I had a great time together.  The trip was well worth it! Sometimes it's not about what you sell that but what transpires during a roadtrip that resonants long after the money is counted.  This trip was just that way....so glad I went.

but still the goods were good...

Can you STAND that gorgeous French blue enamel fish poacher!  It didn't last long!  The fountain of the little boy is bronze...signed by the French artist..oooh la la

The big honkin' blue heart is a bracelet titled 'Titanic'...it sold quickly!  Just love that heart.

Stay tuned for my FAB finds I HAD TO BUY...you won't be disappointed!

xo

With Honors....

My Adorable Nephew, Angus, graduated with HONORS from Wesleyan University on Sunday.  Although circumstances kept me from seeing him walk I am nonetheless PROUD as a PEACOCK!  The boy studied architecture, drama, philosophy, physics, beer and other important disciplines these last four years!  Time is flying waaaaay too fast! 
You can see what he's up to on the right side of my blog under "BRAGGING BOARD".  He is so excellent.  He is EVEN making noises of going to Austin, Texas for a bit to 'check it out'. Until then he'll be splitting his time in residence in Brooklyn honing his considerable acting skills and in Vermont defending his Park House Croquet Championship, with his Papa, while continuing to whittle down his golf handicap as well as being a gentleman farmer under my sister's careful eye and loving encouragement!  He's such an underachiever...

Here's to you, Fang!  ILY xo

Road Trippin'

I am going to Chicago, nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah.  Actually, it is over Memorial Day weekend!  This is totally throwing caution to the wind!  Driving up with a fab friend, Jeanne Tardiff of Creekside Ferns Antiques from Roswell GA and other dealers that I do not know!  This show is new for everyone going up, I think.  The Show is outdoors (pray for sun) and two days only.  It's been mentioned on Oprah (I guess that's a good thing) and looks very good.  So, wish me luck as I prepare for a crazy trip just a week away!

If anyone has been to the show or knows more....do tell.  I've never been to Chicago so I KNOW THERE WILL NOT BE ANY ISSUES OF ME CROSSING OVER THE STATE LINE INTO ILLINOIS.  but THERE is that little issue in Tennessee.  oh.l dear.
ox

My Inspiration for the moment...

I just love this color...aqua with a touch of robin's egg blue plus the shimmer of rhinestones and aurora borealis beads...and that beautiful ribbon from Grograin Annies.  I love the big Bee pin and how it makes this latest necklace 'pop'. 

Any way, just wanted to share.  What is inspiring you today????

ox

Ear Ye Ear Ye

Happy Mother's Day........

This is a photo of my Mom, Betty Jane, from the early 70s.  She wasn't a gardener but she could make a mean spaghetti sauce!!! That's our dog Cha-Cha with her. 

This HAM is my maternal grandmother.  OMG.  I see where I come from, partly...She gardened, crocheted and made macaroni encrusted baskets which she spraypainted GOLD! and sold them.  OMG. Her name was Helen Kunegunda Schultheiss Mitrione. 

I cannot upload the photo of my paternal grandmother.  Her name was Ruth Johnson Zinn.  I think I am going to look like her as I age...think Betty White...OMG

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful women in the world who actually had the guts to get big as a house, suffer edema, varicose veins, LABOR, LABOR PAINS, BIRTHING, changing diapers, laundering diapers, making bottles, breast feeding, going without sleep for days on end and still loving us all through thick and thin. 

Thank you Mom for being so creative and kind, loving and sweet.  I wish we could do things together now that I am making my creative way.  I know you love to look at my jewelry.  I hope somewhere inside of you you understand that I appreciate everything you did for me.  Sometimes I think I am not a very good daughter because I don't see you every day.  But I know when we see each other it makes me happy and you too.  I wish you could come to the antique show each month.  You would love it so much.  I am thankful you were a collector of primitives and found objects waaaay back when it wasn't fashionable.  OMG.  I know where I come from !!!!!

I love you!

ox

And The Winner Is...................

For those who entered my little contest to see what the 'mystery component' in "MINT CHIP" there was a correct answer!

Yes, the sparkly item next to the chain is in fact A PIPE CLEANER (hand dyed by the diva  Jo Ann.  The smarty-smart who guessed it is the lovely Susan Broyles.

BOLO Ms. Susan! It goes in the mail tomorrow!

And Speaking of crafted in the US of A...the Handmade Market at the Paisley Farmhouse was wonderful!  We DID not have weather issues!  The reason...I rented a big-ass 10'x10' tent with big-ass 75lb weights! 

I met so many wonderful people and customers who own my jewelry!! yay.  And people were buying! 

The week ahead is busy busy busy.  I move my stuff into the The Artisans' Emporium Tuesday and then go to the Scott's show Thursday.  Any last minute gift items for Mother's Day can be had! Come and see me either THURSDAY evening at the Emporium for GIRLS NIGHT OUT 6pm-9pm 

or

THURSDAY-SUNDAY at Scott's!

whew!  I think I need another vacation...hee hee hee 

ox lulu

p.s.  I am repurposing EAR BOBS...and they are cuuuuuuuute!