tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66746537181750347702024-02-24T00:44:55.077-06:00it all started with paintour home. my canvas.Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-52168586398756565932012-08-31T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-31T04:30:00.867-05:00words to live by ...<div style="text-align: left;">
… and color to live with.</div>
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Words. </div>
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Color.</div>
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Words.</div>
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Color.</div>
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My head is spinning. What do I love more?<br />
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Wait. It’s words. Yes. Definitely …<br />
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<i>Right?</i><br />
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Absolutely. Without a doubt <i>words …</i><br />
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<i>I think? </i><br />
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I mean words ... what's<i> not</i> to love?<br />
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They inspire. They intrigue …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90313205/life-does-not-have-to-be-perfect-to-be" target="_blank"><img alt="LIfe does not have to be perfect to be wonderful Sign" height="403" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6233086/il_570xN.334906999.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /></a><br />
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They captivate. <br />
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They take me places I’ve never been before …<br />
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<i>… can you say Diagon Alley and Hogwarts …</i></div>
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Words hold my attention ... and, at times, they even have me standing at attention.<br />
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Words make me smile. They make me laugh. They make me cry.<br />
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I can’t even begin to describe how much I love and adore and admire a writer who can put words together that send chills up my spine … <br />
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<i>… make the hairs on my arms stand on end …</i></div>
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And when a writer can take a complicated and multi-layered sentiment or idea or inspiration and sum it up in a few short perfectly phrased words …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88278300/we-can-do-hard-things-sign" target="_blank"><img alt="We can do hard things sign" height="431" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6233086/il_570xN.335040578.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /></a><br />
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… that, my friends, takes my breath away.</div>
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But wait. What about color? I can’t throw color under the bus.<br />
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Color in all it’s gloried and varied hues …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82129257/16x16-whimsical-and-unique-picture-frame" target="_blank"><img alt="16x16 whimsical and unique picture frame in the " aly="aly" height="833" only="only" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6233086/il_570xN.339263390.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="558" /></a><br />
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Color that can evoke gloried and varied emotions ... <br />
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For me, color can get those synapses synapsing …<br />
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<i>… or snapping …</i> </div>
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… or whatever those synapses do ...</div>
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Maybe it’s color that I love the most. I mean, I do love to be surrounded by it …<br />
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… can’t seem to make that monochromatic design trend take hold around here.</div>
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Luckily for me, my struggle with words vs. color recently took a fortuitous turn …<br />
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… a fortuitous turn that aligned the <i>word</i>-loving and <i>color</i>-loving me with my fabulous new sponsor …</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/orangeblossomshopaz" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/0/iusb_760x100.8229641.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="760" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>… and just click on the header above … or </i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/orangeblossomshopaz" target="_blank"><i>click here</i></a><i> … t</i></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">o visit this fabulous Etsy shop ..</span>.</i><br />
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A fabulous Etsy shop indeed that sells inspiring and fun signs … </div>
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… and inspiring and fun vinyl … </div>
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… and oh so colorful creations.</div>
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An Etsy shop that, in one place, captures two of my most favorite things ever …<br />
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Words …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108018201/vinyl-lettering-family-together-we-have" target="_blank"><img alt="Vinyl Lettering Family-Together we have it all" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/004/0/6233086/il_570xN.369871975_d6sp.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="570" /></a><br />
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… and color …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75613157/20x24-whimsical-and-unique-picture-frame" target="_blank"><img alt="20x24 whimsical and unique picture frame. Pick your style and color" height="700" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6233086/il_570xN.287076280.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="469" /></a><br />
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I love them both. <br />
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Equally.<br />
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Thank you <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/orangeblossomshopaz" target="_blank">Orange Blossom Designs</a> for sharing my passions …<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-81200722323281128752012-08-29T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-31T20:49:55.463-05:00in or out?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevyv0-cEiYMGV_YUEm374WGIzLBT7c8Eu3RfA4bHv-xWVYfWxRvCVLsEcDOq9KjasLB7QsJKqx8omDdNqQDr_Q2IYZ6riaApMF8zD8yFZtO6UwjrI6tmIYM-kJdnL2Xa9QaTc_lo5YnE/s1600-h/exit-sign-weathered-distressed-white-washed%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="exit-sign-weathered-distressed-white-washed" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QB-k9kj8iX-TPqABnJUxh-AbHbj-Gsop4tIFqUEeldcr-YHmlTzViE_EW2uzVFGOWRPvEe-m7wGCMaux-G1IcV4JXo3XiCm9p2q4Uo57IGR9ZYAttldklPN3TRlsMxs7wPB2KGkFlco/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="exit-sign-weathered-distressed-white-washed" width="804" /></a><br />
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I can still hear my mom asking that …<br />
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... and not in a sing-songy voice.<br />
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It was more like ...<br />
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<i><b>In. Or. Out.!?</b></i></div>
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In her clenched-teeth frustrated<i> you better make a decision now and that decision had better be final because there is no going back once your decision has been made</i> voice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65UseFA2LL19GSBTPgFNRLyRnkWG_UrORZf5qyYOgzjW3uCZkpyyl-6IImKFsV_UHp3f-lYhjJ3hiKTlmuXFyUiql2vrDfHeUMcTYXAiNn808skHycB8gFHS-3Dz0Wm-l4GblMyW-Sxk/s1600-h/exit-sign-distressed%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="exit-sign-distressed" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuMJPmla9TIgaaD7-vM0Rz5bZy70RsMIIgZGQDOVfiT5VQyxJ9Y4FKaGI1MZn4aBRTJ9zyg134-i_LpofDqiMB0VdWYs7RvbmueaWcxFvoAbQtwlrbdaiI03CMXN1s7G4pEfLI4tikGk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="exit-sign-distressed" width="804" /></a><br />
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You know that voice, right?<br />
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Because chances are you’ve used that very same voice with your very own kids …<br />
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Can you remember the first time you sounded just like your mother? I can’t pinpoint the exact moment. Or the exact phrase uttered ...<br />
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<i>... which I'm pretty certain stopped my in my tracks ...</i></div>
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... but I do know it must've been sometime when my first-born was two or three years old. <br />
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And when your next door neighbor tells her third child of a husband that those piles of scrap lumber hanging around inside the house must go out, out, out …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmS2CWSSJ4IL7BobiyrQ5qEiiiyxSzxOcsEoSu79r3t22r1qOqK4WPEG0o4u4aUNsj8pI64Dab7Cl4RMtA1QoAeuSi6EX7-QdkhuTZt45lHYbWimEI3UTmy77g6A6Ri2OCqyhfreammI/s1600-h/exit-sign-weathered%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="exit-sign-weathered" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87q9Pwx22i-UHwQejzkr5kZ3TK3t-eMxzdPL0G2WO0iYo-hzemEE6wjjYB7kqUTT7Iq5wWU7wAA6JHc_1kjUyKvF78g-59SWOMrDm4O-A2jGEwUbWmFSrhAdU6fGqTNfEUO2__vWLpZ4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="exit-sign-weathered" width="804" /></a><br />
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… and you see that neighbor in his backyard cutting up that lumber to make it easier to go out, out, out into the alley…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lG43Cccvax0Xe-sSp2to8_9aNUde1pgT_MM-_t9xH4juNI9dyaOQjIi0c3MhXgMvWj7jFlX7Bt72ZaqcFEbxSlC1IW6HuY0Tv60TgNpHU86L5gj60up9DyrJYM99y-vT5eCWPUh-cPw/s1600-h/DSC_0432%252520%252528900x596%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0432 (900x596)" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRy1slTy658YJuGZROV8TC-GGKcrMxBYoEE0uXSqi484gk3I2tscBNNL3z7aCqEfB5iT0KvjvGeadWmx5xgRRLxpuSMq55CYN5kmMEExc8ouzupNn0sbr3AGfqVWtJJ__cQGKk1xiQZvE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0432 (900x596)" width="804" /></a><br />
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Naturally you’d ask him for a few boards. You know, so you can hop on that making distressed signs and hanging them up around the house trend …<br />
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And what did I make? Not one but two EXIT signs. <br />
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Two EXIT signs to hang over the two doorways in my kitchen. Two doorways on the same wall. Two doorways that, essentially, EXIT to the same place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRQVumYWyIKAGh-Osc1Tv2jsANFmNka_cvf2darCsMcqDhcqVQ4L73tum_0YZkzrJeGPpoiuNx7wFcxRaF-aB9qbwbQYyCFuH3HQLzzbkK03LiCdw7b95JjzjScNw32EKE9b5C9RQNEk/s1600-h/exit-sign-distressed-collage%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="exit-sign-distressed-collage" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfzmNC2nvEDWcm7wdK8wHqPpQwINjUf6jGU9y0qp6Hu7IYZWuuQ3I_nayDa8WI2C3lqVmefCzL_hJWYA1L27JRu19GO5GtAcSFJsQBJOVTLCN8nFWtsxIqlEnidGVJDuHT3HXe5LlUiQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="exit-sign-distressed-collage" width="800" /></a><br />
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The first attempt at this project involved an EXIT and and ENTER sign.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIToili7gDZb5Gf3oLU_lmNYImA9XZ9doQ12EKSbkbus0rtO8eC_nrJdeQmiWArR5lylwMJ4IzmehjXD7xTBj6w5CzDi4LMwlQPlURlGmT6tyET0_0IaEJqi_6OREbRISFgphdshogpA/s1600-h/DSC_0482%252520%252528900x596%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0482 (900x596)" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28pNty0ErCb3NcmGTWN2jZuMgRQS1y0YlBeJ6cWUhQ1Jl4xPx8_aLjRkcgHIdnbfOxxoujFmW4sn9xdW5xkmwrIa0D_yVoe_TgEWMeLDAEM5BCXxqUbP4Jh1CKz1p9mxz-hYvmgiD6TM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0482 (900x596)" width="804" /></a><br />
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But ENTER was bugging me. And since I spend a lot of time in the kitchen each day I knew ENTER would taunt me to no end ...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... which would be bad for my digestion ... </i></div>
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So I cracked open the red paint and started again …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4qgOm77r3NSqLkOXS5YbcaoA5PqfRfbuh-KE9Oj11e2PPujD692puWl9hMmV7LInMKttXAgW9k5skNTEIkTQ7-0N47pskaQuwfDJOFevNl4D3qDrtb57pHgHbtHfbL2KpS0lcsQkRnY/s1600-h/DSC_0484%252520%252528900x596%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0484 (900x596)" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QLTXnuwOvUzQznQOyNc2QotBpDNxLAjqYaqWk6OdrJpJOWfEV7r10Plq5lQ44Y8Dtzrz5ThdqcHKhFuagya_uvCcfvnoPMCHZ92Goc_t5fgM2D4D4ntobp5VYE64EbiIdWmJPCvjb6c/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0484 (900x596)" width="804" /></a><br />
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I dry brushed with the leftover Yarmouth Blue I put on the kitchen walls …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoLChBsvld-uaF7VdG78rHdBNXV0oJnAEirwLX2DDVgSS-UnkahfgIF70TSXiYW7R2PBwAKXTgHmuXo-8PC8ECG0ukgh1qBv6PN8WuZY3qKSztLtWGxqozT9c1gZtzmYllNAyuIb6dZc/s1600-h/DSC_0492%252520%252528900x596%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0492 (900x596)" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vNLoNaRgDkMGnT10ohnKeGxP5YA2yqeYHuO4pi-1hFIrOlEmExcWuYj-ythhz8aTJ7S7v8-OpmG5KGpsi7QWPrng9ryOutfRTUuKAqwokBdmqfgfKdaBxMaEwEO5f9OSWjgllVnVTPc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0492 (900x596)" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
… followed by the glossy white I used on the trim.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For the letters I went old school. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0EH4UuRxxTiUL-30zJtXM4XybExxez9oXYoUfYntEycekq6gTOe9GQ2f12clzDSm00vjihyphenhyphenKX9i3ChnANQtAzJusO3C7P8CCzjYH8pAA-nj1yGypNnPyX9HUcKMMn6PV8IxzpPVBtTs/s1600-h/DSC_0463%252520%252528900x596%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0463 (900x596)" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8a7upVGDDk_Pm_GFhQRjkMsE-mLkWSHv8phOlg0lOAgf8JAINU7O_QhkfoPFrZAVBTyDUDPH9XbxEUx3e2CM1EwuK2Me4pTXawRIW4DPyJbqDrBoD6bAwc0bVCM_vAwES8L7dm_zkH8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0463 (900x596)" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Stencils.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The arrows were free-formed using painter’s tape …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tfDBO2B3we9ucRnQ7yHBcxsMn5azW1FTjDqduQcbeAwFRU2mUAkLTZnf5OQ4yQtubjscd9fWEagTgoMAr-qMiQrBLcZufaHs51bw4SMRw3rN7FXVN9Ghwm3k1N2JUG951fX8zDCyTcI/s1600-h/DSC_0466%252520%252528900x596%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0466 (900x596)" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnqVaRTgpa9KplW1E_Mj-bO1GN-ghzkKnCxCpvhLu7EV6DalIhKO5UkGI-jukCbeM3GotSbY5_-B7-fcJgo-xgxfEXizY8ZWXRxNTH4Gd_OG9VI5pr_aGygq2zS45-R24OwnVdJMRqwk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0466 (900x596)" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Next up: Sanding. By hand. Followed by a white washing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgKoFqb4Z8x2kklE9DcxNb0SwMO5fyslMHwvEW4-3VL3NZ7C7T22BlTGeCBWwP8jRE5Ec52Lb9J9GBb4BI1vDAikykyyvIg00KgG1Gc5hCGgsj7OjscgyGefhIUgKG9l2JlhBw3w871A/s1600-h/DSC_0506%252520%252528900x596%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0506 (900x596)" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8d918s1wC3LxrBjsplsSp4jfD_lmi7o0BoP9QLfG9za8iEQYqas-8MsocJODhjFjWk3tC6mUd2YJw-4-OO5mHXuI-0gTNvspbJqA9O4KeC4eGrnpTpeS56Fujl9FsgEbQLQ1ogKicAI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0506 (900x596)" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I just mixed my white paint with some glazing medium (you can get the same effect using water) and brushed it on … and wiped it off with rag.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, where do you stand?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In or out?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRMAaVEcHZhlZUQGyOT3qhsz1IdPHBKQGzwlSMTv6uLJ3pCBw_geSoGUKE3EtmPQDVo3RwAS9VoA5MgURzxXa2LbVuRjCExsnjLgOj58cJ8mgv1ZFYi556Lh5-kUN27n1p_1bE-r8XwE/s1600-h/exit-sign-weather-and-distressed%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="exit-sign-weather-and-distressed" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehPZccHDM21_B_1U9dfN9SmXn0NNu3u3VAzprxMnOQwJgG3rOvrpFM1Qo2vw7TVwy5pAe_EN0-50JBLxTY7GrWld8wyVCpXfgcUezphy_GaSNqVJsFb9jOXLwBbDfrmFO0MoH4NyrHWU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="exit-sign-weather-and-distressed" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
To be honest, when my mom asked us that question in her frustrated <i>you-need-to-make-a-final-decision-now</i> voice …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMQimSaVDrW2XqMo5w-wz9cwkdRFimufCBJwfs5nRPb-FeJgGg0VWGrb5_akOZq6J63xxiZgog0tqaTYyr1kb_DQ3BxHehr1aYyOn3N9Xwzv-Y-daJdiV6g9xSRuV4HcORaxlsHF2FxA/s1600-h/exit-sign-weathered-white-washed%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="exit-sign-weathered-white-washed" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCaS2Rr-JgiE6vFjqkij_3S-H_7gI7AtYvGXep_GjfwXA08glRtQ22Xk0YPua3fQPPYkRq_X64EhpLEyvyl254WZ3oyav3KiiB4k9Ty1Ty-9dOOMbHnw8YfXn7EP0INkiGg7jYgbL9cSY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="exit-sign-weathered-white-washed" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
… I'm pretty sure she was silently rooting for<i> out.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
<br />
P.S. If you're <i>"out" ..</i>. but still <i>"in"</i> with reading more of my finely honed prose ... then you can check me <i>"out"</i> @ <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a> today by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_107204710">clicking here ... </a><br />
<br />
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<center>
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</center>
Sharing:<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">The 36th Avenue</a> * <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a> * <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> French Country Cottage</a> * <a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/08/link-party-70-and-mes-preferes/" target="_blank">Redoux</a> * <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors </a>* Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-33517376228918067022012-08-28T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-28T04:30:02.874-05:00and now a word from my sponsor ... my husband mikeI don’t know if the week before Labor Day weekend is depressing for you, but it always was for me. As a kid, the day after Labor Day was the First Day of School, so the heavy and echoing countdown to school began in evil earnest right before Labor Day.<br />
<br />
<br />
It put a pall on the happiness of summer. <br />
<br />
<br />
But there’s a week left! For us, anyway. Some of our kids’ friends and my coworkers’ kids’ have started school already, and we should celebrate the fact that our kids have another week to do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING if they want. Which they might. <br />
<br />
<br />
But here’s a telling sign of the fall’s mini-apocalypse: In April, Molly wanted our large inflatable pool up RIGHTNOW, because we had enjoyed an odd warm spring. We waited, but then it went up in June. She enjoyed it a few times, and Linda told me we should probably just take it down before (shudder) Labor Day because the kids would be done with it before then.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqsnB_zW0CtKV6n2ctAuTMT5UZ0jKZ42QFBHfckLbxocCR3v2VlapGWFWw8abA4owlcYzq7EZUlktOX_e76DV4kqyZvE89oic4cfpYjXpqLr4vImOBnzkMasDPzOk4g6UGSS-xuXXeqw/s1600-h/above-ground-inflatable-pool%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="above-ground-inflatable-pool" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FKCnRqel6V_ottWYLlqgygxfNlBPfa_DG-RwuLXIf9CWCuUyc_ZNlcM3X_AeuYTG061eGpiMJeBAf2EkLvpqD9tvSsIWZZQg0Piik4Fwndmpz_ZzlY9c-zEmp6C_uUChlgtPcCA9CVo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="above-ground-inflatable-pool" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Nonsense, I thought. As the kids probably thought, that was years away.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So this weekend, I skimmed it again, preparing it for Moll and her friend who, sadly, never jumped in. It was 90 and sunny! No splashing? Really? She was in fact done with the pool.<br />
<br />
<br />
So I splashed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eA_3uKcGXALctbH9mBwozMhdyrNvEUaAWcoRpKKO9bt4EaOfTmVDdOxvAbl0p1w3XUPL3um52fVt1eqq2hTA0SgzJRtdnfS9E3QPNYYEf1CBKcl5y-aiggoiicNIIeuScSlRRJfX-jM/s1600-h/above-ground-pool-with-ladder%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="above-ground-pool-with-ladder" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfO1veVedqdXEDBfVtrxJygu7dZo84LJNtMMTL_7UBeakcuQRwTSOstgzZooenXhmzyE6xZ8htyXtFngOuw4uHaHbwtvJesDncHhJVKdk1fwUldUlRHSpLfHzi6W7soNXqsY66j9fiSw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="above-ground-pool-with-ladder" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
So there.<br />
<br />
<br />
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-39829063050795773132012-08-27T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-27T07:49:14.226-05:00i’m a professionalWhen I was young and naïve and fancied myself winning all-around Olympic gold in gymnastics, I was fully aware of the rules.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<i>… the amateur status rules …</i></div>
<br />
<br />
You see -- back in the day when I had dreams of Olympic gold dancing in my head -- if you were an athlete and wanted to compete in the Olympics, you had to be an amateur.<br />
<br />
<br />
Never mind that the rigorous training schedule and coaches and equipment and gym dues and fancy, schmancy team leotards and warm-ups would bankrupt your family … <br />
<br />
<div align="right">
… endorsements were not allowed.</div>
<br />
<br />
Thankfully those rules have relaxed. As evidenced by Olympic athletes’ faces smeared across every sneaker or American Express or United Airlines ad campaign these past few months.<br />
<br />
<br />
When I grew up and started working, I fancied myself a writer. Still do. But when people ask me what I do these days, I just tell them I’m a blogger …<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
… which, inevitably, is met with some blank stares …</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="right">
… and maybe a few <i>“bless her heart”</i> looks …</div>
<div align="right">
<br /></div>
<div align="right">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
I’d like to say I’m a writer. But seriously, anyone can write a blog … </div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<i>… and sometimes it seems like everyone <u>is</u> writing a blog …</i></div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
And when it comes to writing, I’m an amateur. A ready-to-compete-for-the-Olympic-gold-in-blogging amateur.</div>
<div align="left">
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That is …</div>
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<i>… until today.</i></div>
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Today I can hold my head high and officially call myself a writer. A bona fide <i>original</i> contributing writer. A bona fide compensated for her words writer. A bona fide created an original piece for this week’s issue of a fabulous new online magazine …<br />
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<a href="http://www.bonbonbreak.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25VquXuvn58N1u9ESuyOPboBt0fVLUIqwNuFzKshlGGZJ8Nny1ehHTOoddUEsWFffqIqsRumglgig3zKMIWLmMWSq1xUsh4nK2QLgNCaCOxlWsQE_5FIZVLvjIFavrrmObtsC-c4ryOY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… <i><a href="http://www.bonbonbreak.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Bonbon Break.</span></a></i><br />
<br />
<br />
And my bylined original article in this week’s issue of<span style="color: #4f81bd;"> <i><a href="http://www.bonbonbreak.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Bonbon Break</span></a></i></span> is the bona fide property of <i>Bonbon Break</i> …<br />
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… which means it will never, <i><u>ever</u></i> be recycled here on<i> it all started with paint</i>.</div>
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So if you want to read what I have to say about breakfast in bed, I suggest you grab your mouse and click on this button …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bonbonbreak.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Profile Picture" height="201" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/373010_133541066777985_639462310_n.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></a><br />
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… and look for the <i>“Breakfast in Bed” article</i> featuring my super bright orange tray table …<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFYKARQGOygkFnoLBVtJDVU0WSrE9DvMMhW5iW2SO2Bx-R1uJc4iVEKzQEfhyphenhyphenkM_VjZb_UQNCvTIMEW_jE61SEgN7v47eZGr6C3NcHiPNpWm6Oa0WQBFzl2L6d_pt1PK2FynLzEGJMLw/s1600-h/Breakfast-in-bed-coffee-and-creamer-watermarked%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Breakfast-in-bed-coffee-and-creamer-watermarked" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZHq4H6_Tq_JI_bAqmn-mE81p7HpHrkws2p7PcJxn0yS_1w6Dejj3IVDVFXeDh-T5d7XFrD35S4P0BMkbwdXe0KYMZTd7uHWzN_yvPaVGV7eL41IfY5ZYhl8WYHyU3_Pq5iG13Er0h3c/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Breakfast-in-bed-coffee-and-creamer-watermarked" width="804" /></a><br />
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… which is a continuation of a story I started <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/08/this-is-not-lamp.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">here</span></a>. Not a sequel, though. You don’t need to read book one to follow along with book two of the thrift store tray saga at <i>Bonbon Break</i> …<br />
<br />
<br />
And while you’re over there, make sure to sign up and get <i><a href="http://www.bonbonbreak.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Bonbon Break</span></a></i> delivered <a href="http://forms.aweber.com/form/73/2049458973.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">via email</span></a><span style="color: #4f81bd;">.</span> It’s a weekly e-zine featuring some of the best (<i>if I do say so myself</i>) mommy bloggers out there …<br />
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… amateurs and professionals alike.</div>
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<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0_aJXm23QxT8OOODya1cjpqnKmvgmK-kIbnjjqbGZMa_xsuMcUqZ9VtXU1vUk0UNI-3GEx3Jodu2s8IVEF2KmNow1y4GsRalJ69MIljMZiWNdD2dd9hOyNHBAwGqak8Ibz1yIrXZPrw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-62678944305058337832012-08-24T13:43:00.000-05:002012-08-29T19:30:04.461-05:00relaxPerhaps it’s the post-vacation vibe …<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ten days of beach and sun and pool and sheer …. and utter … relaxation.<br />
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<br />
Ten days of hugs and kisses from my from mom and dad … <br />
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<br />
<div align="center">
… <i>hey, I’ll always be their little girl ...</i></div>
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Ten days of pampering. Got to love the pampering … though, these days, my husband and I try to pamper back too.<br />
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And all this relaxation has me thinking of the relaxed balloon shade I made for the powder room remodel …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMxq5jLiYfn6WxvP2Qi8Xvl2T6wcGC4PrTDD8kcSY2JfNWxSGo5YhMzZe_B0NJ3z1sM3Ssue6VTPFts-8ST42_cJ7uIDkORbypWNwXTOAFwWszIE8cUXc4eCCyiOo03yI7qiqsk2ClY0/s1600-h/balloon-shade-in-bathroom-tutorial%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-in-bathroom-tutorial" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEO76oPeK7XtzDr6N1J4cv-no3gm1Qhop3Z7FrITGBC0aVOXz61kbFIEZ1KutpQtptCLDx5_uQLI17mP362E8foIWLfE09BM2xAqXAJami-E5q-C8Fmsf08pwOVaTZ_vOK2gqPSjyxxso/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-in-bathroom-tutorial" width="804" /></a><br />
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… and how I’ve been seriously lax in sharing a tutorial.</div>
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I don’t even have a link that I could share … <br />
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<i>… thereby shirking my need to write the dreaded tutorial …</i><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIucoB8SUabUmNiAXc0MwBoDICC2qeqja_9xg5CUdtO2Qaul8tE_dDLT3MYjO9I1dvwLzP6qOGNhlvRHEbaVRvTnfEWXs94xGR10rGzjcncA9afgDStXsF5epW623aFNh9SJVxdF2VgQs/s1600-h/balloon-shade-curtain%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-curtain" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1SS676RubsQZ1gpiPlqVfcRNdZJ2YSbPtF-ZvnXo4E-b_pj90ebwOhoiMIcBhRP5rzHvs84GY_4KMDJ14bpX165uno7qsGPHsV7TNapiww6BHgGn3SEf1WElLzEKKKc-BC40QEy0jFg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-curtain" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… because I made this up on my own. Okay, that’s not 100% true. My <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/03/what-would-janet-do.html" target="_blank">sister Janet</a> walked me through the balloon shade how-to more than 20 years ago …<br />
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… and when I say “walked me through” I meant we sewed those very first balloon shades side-by-side … all four of them. We were literally drowning in fabric. <br />
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<br />
So when I created the relaxed balloon shade for my powder room, I drew on those skills … <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYRUJCBaPrG1o_oMCce4qfioGFGz3T0BYLmWniDe6Cz3WtCwV_bQrBOHu7uO2sz-uX-om4IDSgQkrCRA2ujGSLiqd2Sip8PpL72XjAKZYaZ0Yd9SbmFLtsghoygIjG_qPcDIyoP-U8nk/s1600-h/balloon-shade-curtain-tutorial%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-curtain-tutorial" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEp4TcgRAoITG33Qb4WTHaXTs0JOXD6FHDgvKZ8ZCN4IDcOuMVSLkfaUDtI0IELmc6qAc-AbkZQ-sa3ld95Tui4WBIL5P9bJSHHeHFyeRbhQV1ZhWcHh0kJ9h4XuVo1c2nioWXvOArZQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-curtain-tutorial" width="804" /></a><br />
<div align="center">
<i></i></div>
<div align="center">
<i>… and then relaxed them a bit …</i></div>
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<br />
You see, most balloon shades are, well, much more ballooney. And I desired something closer to a Roman shade without all those hard straight lines. Mostly because making a Roman shade is my epic sewing fail of all time …<br />
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<br />
And before I launch into the dreaded tutorial, here’s a little secret …<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFY5c_f-fiD3d1Pg_3505m9MSg63EVc80ZbJd4jrlpwUZYHy3ku73WbxkVgaM7w3ivXwfkX6TbyXW8J3qYeqNNA4d6pG_ZSkkYAIz7Obz4yhY0Rw4yVw16siEfUgDGZoRrPm7dCNJemA/s1600-h/balloon-curtain-in-bathroom%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-curtain-in-bathroom" border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRA8qlTdSPlNr1dECLxS1dpWRMM0YSCin2SPIv-PTsW8r2oHQNDP8Kr-ESHttcJlPIMrZ5p9ptiRLM_1jKCZCsROh0I7IigcS8GFDV92Wwm9uT8tqTAwbIDvNOd1-8srlq7ehrZ3o2NXo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-curtain-in-bathroom" width="804" /></a><br />
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I cheated the proportions of the room by hanging the shade higher than the sad little excuse of a glass block window that came with the room …<br />
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And I didn’t bother to line the curtain because, quite frankly, there was no point. This window faces a cinderblock wall so I wasn’t concerned about the view from outside.<br />
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<b>Step #1: Measure & Sew</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib55YVtXuexO3HNV44mtdVUxdiB8wRj-4pSjskz5_DB2spkS09q6VTTx04cmcxkmGQV7Rk3MdTWK4AanP_9AWX8QvpRT7aatNPks9PCYAncgfhkWeNr_CwnoXH_56-9Goe_sUgl1IXGzg/s1600-h/balloon-shade-how-to-measurement%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-how-to-measurement" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zPBw9ApnJuBjHO0Kfx6vmt94KRy3HUCbz9YexwRFgkmiayjflKqhWO_UThUW1UG23ECL6kcvgC6QvNYnnwlg8jXTlVx-Sd9BEa-PeePbls1RSz1I0legoErksLCv7PerYdtHcnVHge0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-how-to-measurement" width="804" /></a><br />
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Measure the length and width of the window … or, in my case, the length and width of the area I wanted the curtain to cover.<br />
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<br />
For the length, I added about 10 inches or so for the bottom hem and the top pocket for the hardware.<br />
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<br />
For the width, I added 16 inches and then cut three equal length panels 14 1/2” wide … <br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9IGgXxIHjkZdmwqoPmEaKOBB_lnaw6ntJrwtM66XSRtFzqV5Zew053e4GOYJyQ10mpZSsBd4KX12FKV1ZdOGvubZwNrbTuZOSboS3ZZ4ttwsH6OCGRM6ZVvBYDmy4L4eNCTMlmDl5yA/s1600-h/balloon-shade-how-to-sew-two%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-how-to-sew-two" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKALCGX-XW5TaAkOy-8sM3k8-2_zDEWsZ0u53Lg7aLKiBhE8-Y1AXX_y9blbmOuQBHm6tDn_a7VFBt7MsMVwWiV1cuMXMf5uaBHf3bYLCnK_5TqroKprxHZksUul_XJZlEs1pk-RWjYrA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-how-to-sew-two" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… which gave me three finished panels at 13 1/2” after I gave the edges a 1/2” hem … and then sewed the three panels together using a 1/2” seam allowance. My full finished curtain width is 40 1/2.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2ZpCsyxn8iFJ-6N3NhzuKKHTUF1nf9oREOTc-RkWXz0QQzxKl3aekNAdYxyVevaBO2Dzc5-mY4f8nduLG3kcu9p4X4kuW45RuULbjwra0qW2IgYmRdm1LjHBBptkFg_Xf5CRFeWgzEk/s1600-h/balloon-curtain-how-to-make-top-hem%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-curtain-how-to-make-top-hem" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib402QWjVNwY39IcVPnjGLKbKbL8MW3bLp7c9H4wmqSJYbEJNZeSv_1cvqKvEz0XjetxBIF6x6n0cL8TY5avj3Vjjyy_mtFuE0b2KkwFPDPwXzGrAMad6CAijIpVeOrRIuzMfYMG-YKyc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-curtain-how-to-make-top-hem" width="804" /></a><br />
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The curtain top was folded over and given a 4” pocket for the hardware. The bottom edge was folded over a 1/2” and hemmed as well.<br />
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<br />
And don’t forget to iron … it’s a seamstresses best friend … and be sure to press open the seams and iron the top, bottom, and side hems for a nice crisp edge.<br />
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<br />
Next up are the rings ….<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FuUbwnGWCvRY9-lH_bekA4whSIMqZJ8rIL9-tQMMNiYYakyNet3zV5q6Gp0kP5UJVlG6R7tQMQ_uiOlC-4BpdipRx7et-7R-NwkxWlm4Hj1g7p-bdESrWeBROPvYHks6hZI0eeQPZEM/s1600-h/balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-make-your-own%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-make-your-own" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPdYcF5QifXhIpRxroSlvJZH0OOfBQDXX91WOba_HivE0ZBPfzgbtisBMiqfGYL8Tw8Mkanu2ab818EaEs3teBmpJNuZm1ZZUBAOHQRqde1HBKQ0om6cl7U7MmDR7ofzd-owpOTGYytk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-make-your-own" width="804" /></a><br />
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Which were hand sewn on. I started at the bottom of the curtain panel and spaced them out about 6” each. You need to sew them on the left and right edges of the curtain, as well as in the center of the two seams where the panels were sewn together.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wRglj6D23qu-zi9mOS39Y3HM_9jki25pN4-Ij2mqibEDvySCmulsWNBT-IOAH9itbC4kz3Z_iVO8QQMnjEpLY2DQ-CgC7oN9ocZdOg6nyTwhwBB5ymEMM_hfR1vUZbOVxPWXckonZ0E/s1600-h/balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-make-your-own-too%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-make-your-own-too" border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYtrSDj-zQJGf-9MaWx8oigwPLoehZ8YcpHy4JRVVZxYpwPL5iehTM7vGnrGqR8kyrziOltPFjlc68LTZLKrh35jLbqpnQra3WOW1idUDiYHTo0w4gTa58VfcdEsAo3cDo3_y9Hj4vtI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-make-your-own-too" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
For my balloon shade, I needed 24 rings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Step #2: Hanging</b><br />
<b></b><br />
Start by attaching the hardware and eye hooks …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsZg-7hwGJ-I1gGWhesmCT6SJhYk0LxOlgt9aSqdWPgyD7u7tgeRv3eFzbFq2dZiFuBiloCn79v-6g4P4TKhsBlFfCnXZ5CJERJSXNQGtBSDAzw8aMX2xEBlaQm8JGwQ71QPGXmR0FR0/s1600-h/balloon-shade-hardware%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-hardware" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeH4nt-bqxeoiRJlLB9PI0zHooDCWk1Cv21I-Qme7srGn_jWbjgwV8w1xLYvxMPj4l1lrjnGBCFHwAHfeieFEZQrDHgrbqX6t80-zO0w9b9rUhishzyBh40TvNfta5V3TI9eGQ-FkdyEA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-hardware" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… I used a level to draw a straight line and then equally spaced out the eye hooks. Since I put mine into the drywall, I didn’t even need a drill. I just screwed them right in.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then I inserted the rod into the 4” top pocket …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-Oqk0XUcqjgGt746BIIY28X6JZErUdgWk2SmYyOKjcoJ_oQ9NoRxwR1jw1qLeAwyfOIgYFdTvD863s1j68t5Wijjm7I0bngs_GqLcsa2BZFSVXCY_CBVuhRHUfPImbnf4yoznT_J4J4/s1600-h/DSC_0417%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0417" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyE6JVswXJBXyXuEXXH3gCQE6Q7jypgDJ4pPti-gY6WOqVJc7araCsLwqrfKauxx03CKP8a6BICjAwez996Cau_hUm_XGbeZVEwiGmzFpgb_qfz_rdcywZcTcWUaXV__L11GoAD88VoeU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0417" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… but it’s not ready to hang just yet. <br />
<br />
<br />
First we need to attach and thread the strings ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7P7htmL1FPpL_nl5nqygzUp-ea6sMowf-cDzqmY7YlH935P0S07yzeVc1INbjD5p7RtAt7K4_FBaiYsA5BVSIbb1WRBw3oQELvJEYalWwqZZXV2eARVr_FQ7qFNowZvg9o2PyG9ksSE/s1600-h/balloon-shade-tutorial-how-to-make%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-tutorial-how-to-make" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_-YEjb2gLa59c-DwUF96mH8bilM32gbQMlur1deKSy3r5D8EY-G3gSkT4_PWt6hr565eTUzatQTxLREyNPXYeLbhcMQMJuyAn3A_BknF6sHR3qhbbu1bjVerzXQqOY4pYmPHJI948lo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-tutorial-how-to-make" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
Tie the string onto the bottom ring of each row … and then feed it up …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsNSfPLu4by7KA-XARTeOyafP1Ln0uXfX-cMxqBI4ZAlqpvtHlavoVA17rmAiJxYar24ACxonOzET9AK53zD2iGYyXAL56FenjQ44mp-YX-0rZ-wflHOnZKPPxyRwLHmwtxI4mAghfJM/s1600-h/balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-hang%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-hang" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO5j5ZIdq_7MrC9l-EdG6IFbV7EMkws6aCopfZSGoqbHRpjuUH52jWOw2FAcMHDfQG5SuWsEr5jNjhDCbFP4NWulPh9Zp2CeBobaqqdSIeqZozxMgUwf9j88Ch1zAm6NwkC-4b1Q4_E4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-curtain-how-to-hang" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… through all those little rings that were hand sewn on …<br />
<br />
<br />
And when you hang the curtain, you start with the outer edge and feed the first string through all the eye hooks …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RvrwpebeWm6Aw2pABd01EZSzVIQqfCc7qdfCeisW2rBquVbT3keBeFLEB2qprxxLeUJlM8DUPvqWTP3w_KQdYMYF4rPtWD6H1uhaf2bG6MQ7CmFWhCS_udZw7BkmH8VyfVgtQM_XoQ0/s1600-h/balloon-shade-how-to-hang%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-how-to-hang" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2WxdD-QEUNQrm5-iJD7BH0btP2b0HTUJ96NkGe3BuCjk4J10w1KmVrcz4api0bee6vsO4HXJNPfKZ4ZSPviPXm98vlvaBTl3IpWTJAVU9u94wvuF3gaSrrKeFQgIZeNJZt4uqbJnnTE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-how-to-hang" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
The next string to the left … #2 … will be fed through three eye hooks …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFXtMdl51umMARiPz3QebopQkVRa3ruY3CDSHG5QjSJwNfI2fM0uoDN9CUI6s4HatPH3P3ezcce_8QGOeqoBjFdjMS61t7ZR8ce4Q7_m2ZwhKSAjlV_-m4HAPOW9ygKPjrq3dOOymnc0/s1600-h/balloon-shade-how-to-install%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-how-to-install" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UW5sqQizqG0WCxyBW8twySBb0GW0C4BaDdNS3LbLSM9GrY4ssWHPxEd6LJOg2-6C_ZeJ5bcNCDerRBCdv2nadMf7hj_b8K0c5fBooOu519hF8EzwMlXy9GMwnFTtipPHVlGIor4x0Cs/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-how-to-install" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
String #3 will be fed through two of the eye hooks … and string #4 will only be fed through one …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4QyXZ-IQr_YMI-RnUvwspOAUbjAjxxtfxS4OuXE1AAPaL55LfiAnF_m1QcYfgC0ZJS0aIz3uYq_-1sH04iGi5NPrwehIfX9r60cRYCXb9DdQn-Ww9qFoHUVn6TLMemyfA_-2iVCou58/s1600-h/balloon-shade-how-to-hang-with-strings%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-how-to-hang-with-strings" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrHqSGzRhB1p9AaXqrBiP-9LFrJJJTbvRMallF75olIqWNG2VFiVtoqdxZjAR6_dd6cQAvN5QLyzNfZjV_eCvB6JIAQSpmlvvPUpV7sa6UZLGjH8L6PBK7P2m3lrLd2eQjZJ7a-o2nwM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-how-to-hang-with-strings" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
Then you just need to gather the strings together and play with them a bit as you pull up the curtain. When you like how it looks, braid the strings together …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx0NfvJllUY8Uuo8lup9hUm58ZSijBug-w33EzCMPjH4jzMqUidA5KGt4Loh5lDTyZNN76ibP7SWXCNP9vSuRoRP-pwkjPhQrZvWYyD9PSlw6cchyphenhyphenAur1uonVSJzrVLWINjGwZRc6Hlk/s1600-h/balloon-shade-how-to-install-strings%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-how-to-install-strings" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ysv5FfukeDgmEEGL232oZv_kIrYgEo1vYKCajtuiTq1dczUKLODoEDaSvobvQAvh2wruncge-IeUcV1XOmP1g2H9HJREnFIctx2qC0Q5yknBpvlIhYcB-oB7m7xhcra3YiTiSxmc3ws/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-how-to-install-strings" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… and attached to an eye hook on the side.<br />
<br />
<br />
And then you can just sit back, relax, … <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsAUk8E0N4O5rZbqAYeoDmk2ofNoVFBBVM8Rw5HLPW_9KAkbwtm6YApGagJwoX4SuYyKs9rVRafHax6yQaI1BW9RdtEEhyGCCjT6QHxv96kJOQSvIkwPg2W5-gSYyTWV9WYAhaP55osk/s1600-h/balloon-shade-for-bathroom-tutorial%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="balloon-shade-for-bathroom-tutorial" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyuGNC5V6EGWJHUSX38qbIr2EhsjSXpcSaN_GaJP8HYKS9u9feLJUl_i0A0ZP9XUFunnhyHAUr0ks-1LYNqSOoGqYlYgW3r72gJAxdAbOFOaOHR6G7mFPZREBkM3gSpWH1lxd3IAYQfE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="balloon-shade-for-bathroom-tutorial" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
… and enjoy the view.<br />
<br />
<br />
Phew. <br />
<br />
<br />
And now I need some rest and relaxation after writing up that dreaded put-off-for-five-months tutorial …<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
<br />
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</center>
Sharing:<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party-30.html" target="_blank">Addicted 2 Decorating</a> * <a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2012/08/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up_24.html" target="_blank">Serenity Now</a> * <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a> * <a href="http://www.justusfourblog.com/2012/08/pinworthy-projects-party-25.html" target="_blank">Just Us Four</a> * <a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" target="_blank">It's Overflowing</a> * <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/08/26/diy-project-parade-50/" target="_blank">The DIY Showoff </a>*<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" target="_blank"> Under the Table & Dreaming</a> * <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/deer-head-with-rosemary-wreath-the-188th-metamorphosis-monday/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> * <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/back-to-school-party/" target="_blank">Today's Creative Blog</a> * Savvy Southern Style * <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank">The 36th Avenue</a> * Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-41714205255250368412012-08-23T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-24T13:44:29.374-05:00in two-hundred-and-fifty-words ...… tell me about your summer vacation.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBNja8FngJbEe30YxQ29Z3L7voL7W8gsz6kVSDdgYOacvvfJ0WGXrqlTwHjtgv0Zn5AMjPWFiaYZfTdXjLsiJYxsbYeeWoWhqPumbouTD-DyCcs4k42S-J9L88yRNNV8DBG8I3hYFS4w/s1600-h/daytona-beach-florida-summer-20123.jpg"><img alt="daytona-beach-florida-summer-2012" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NEWr-w5CGCWKbATO-ehV6qfswRE_sfGq-navhOtCSYKpAP4aa09UHcsQ3t8ySjgLhMrEEtXS9qbC2XquqxloqtE3pScJbvEwOYXVQA7IF1NEm35tMGp7iw6-ceRVZh1RRoOxGiDcYA4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="daytona-beach-florida-summer-2012" width="804" /></a><br />
<br />
Isn’t that the stereotypical back-to-school first day assignment?<br />
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<br />
You arrive in your new classroom on the first day of school. A bit nervous. A bit itchy in your new clothes. Your feet are starting to feel the early signs of blisters from your never-before-worn-shoes …<br />
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Your new teacher writes her name on the blackboard. A tour of the classroom is given. Cubbies are labeled. Jackets are hung. Desks are assigned. Backpacks full of spiral notebooks and crayons and No. 2 pencils are unloaded.<br />
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And then …<br />
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… and only then …</div>
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<div align="right">
… when everyone has settled in …</div>
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<br /></div>
The dreaded first-day-of-school summer vacation essay assignment is scrawled across the blackboard. Big. Bold. <br />
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<i>Unoriginal.</i><br />
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As we enjoyed our summer vacation over the past week, my daughter brought up this dreaded assignment. You see, it’s even <i>more</i> dreaded by my children because our summers follow pretty much the same pattern year-over-year …<br />
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Sure there are a few tweaks here and there. A day camper grows up and becomes a junior counselor. The dates of our annual pilgrimage to my parent’s Florida home fluctuates by a week or two … <br />
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<div align="right">
… and one year we went all wild and crazy and spent a few days at Disney.</div>
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But really, when it comes down to it, it’s all the same. </div>
<div align="left">
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<div align="left">
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<div align="left">
Our children are cursed with parents who are creatures of habit … and avoiders of the masses.</div>
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So instead of boring you with pictures and tales of the beach, the pool, the water park, the endless baskets of spicy peel and eat shrimp …<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
... I thought I’d tell you what I didn’t do on summer vacation.<br />
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<br />
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I didn’t blog.<br />
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I didn’t go online ... okay, maybe a few quick peeks to make sure my scheduled posts went up. But that’s it.<br />
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<br />
And while my warrior family went off each day to battle the ocean that is the Atlantic …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDoy-1JXxMpLNgWx0v8I5oazSL8Qf_hKikbnoWnbZusMZ5G47BNmAooEQx2zYxtWPIE58JqOK009dMRDJrDLM9QaEYpsyZhMX5KZLe0AWQzl_N2uUiKgO-W2pjbg4VjB3E-zTV-3pz60/s1600-h/DSCN0125%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0125" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjLIRZLlvWYIUzN6-T8Byo-FIcazD5hUR6ZLQh4f-R5nHCTvhDtDMSM0nLslbmabhcBGVRoqu6nojL4U0qkKSZo-KtRycq4Rht6CJMUN5BmZpmFP_Uucvc-PR_mfHxE_7GvY4trE_s7U/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN0125" width="804" /></a><br />
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… I parked myself in a beach chair and read.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8MXFf5AFwtRtJ87K3-rsPt20fDdKfqR72kYE6kKe5PtMPZ9J7qAIm1nLACahl2QJt-vYhZPUoNlhRlAp-5HUOLAyCRWqzXXR9dcCeqQUXpIpK4E40zCYp9DB_usv6xf9bq4mA4ogL2s/s1600-h/DSCN0119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSCN0119" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4eFMNdfIYmo-5CY8nIkLwRIVDhKNxjQiwBQ0HjQq4TmDENqUpQbNT5Gkd7aJ3SNBfM15HKAxnBT-E606GMWUJ_mZCRzuwu-UmJoHuHRILcKS3NtGia7UacmHZoyJu9FdaJocRmZtcbo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSCN0119" width="804" /></a><br />
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<br />
I read books. Remember those things? You know, those things with spines? Those things with ink printed on paper …<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I started my reading marathon session with a book recommended to me by <a href="http://www.somewhatquirkydesign.com/" target="_blank">this amazing and funny blogging friend </a>who shares my love of all things David Sedaris …<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland, Indiana" height="552" src="http://www.kdl.org/image_attachments/0000/6120/41k22shna7l.jpg?1208441551" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" /><br />
<br />
<br />
It’s a series of essays that are funny and heartwarming and heartbreaking ... and did I mention funny? I thoroughly enjoyed each and every page and each and every word in this book, as did my 15-year-old-son.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next up was a new series from a Chicago area author …<br />
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<img align="left" border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv7mqjlBb7tPDIXdjHgC_tzIUzT3xi22vqZjBkNe_o8eZ35Qr87WiZzOOsbmU36sBzdWqboPk6rHARETKk9DwLNrVwGwO3gz6iMwgAe4F1mttSSfveHnME3_toYWE86An6E_PrMOTBT8q/s400/Divergent+hc+c%282%29.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left;" width="315" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSkRCw5cgllQhUNuF6F0Dnhz_i19ySOgDykCBBAZd9pLjDV6tCiDfhuroy6lAPmRUU4Lu5HMI7Z2QY5XEBUF-2HUAw291JXCbcB38zapOWKzBicZ2TvlNdNLztHuNtVBP4oyGgHXmSfXd/s320/InsurgentHC-jkt-des4.jpg" width="312" /></div>
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She’s a literary phenom … she wrote these books and got a book contract while still a college student at Northwestern. And it’s in one of my favorite genres, Young Adult (YA). Oh, and it takes place in a dystopian society. In Chicago. How could I resist?</div>
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I read the first installment when it first came out, but that was a few years ago. So I started with a refresh read before moving onto <i>Insurgent</i>.</div>
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Now I’ll admit there may have been a bit much in terms of teen mood swings and teen romance … especially in the second book. But hey, I chose to read YA so I shouldn’t be surprised. But I muddled through the stolen smooches and hand holding and silly fights because in the end, the story is solid.</div>
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Next up, a re-read of favorite among myself, my son, and my daughter …<br />
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<img height="498" src="http://www.cityofcalabasas.com/events/library/elsewhere.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" /></div>
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… a thought-provoking take on life and death and life again.</div>
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Then it was a return to Haven Kimmel …<br />
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<img height="543" src="http://blogs.kcls.org/librarytalk/She%20Got%20Up%20Off%20the%20Couch.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" /></div>
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This time her humorous essays circle around a time in our history when women literally “got up off the couch” and pursued education and careers. Including her mother.</div>
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Just when I thought I was out of reading material, I forgot the 80% off Janet Evanovich book I grabbed from the CVS bargain bin …</div>
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<img height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy74B9YcqynJK4U49xFxV8Tp5pC5GBfqL5JlZn_VvlWQcfvu_myIdZeBBJHGNvAvpZguSWzNZHLZm32Dq5VEo0wYO4Iu99YuYNkg_uJfo61K74sNPQE2ji3Dy4SknFihEtI7qBX_vOWo/s1600/sizzling-sixteen.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" /></div>
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I started it on the plane home and, to be honest, I'm not confident I’ll finish. Not that I don’t love the Stephanie Plum books. Novels one through 10 had me laughing out loud. But it’s become more of the same old same old and I think it’s time for Stephanie Plum to grow up.</div>
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So tell me … in two-hundred-and-fifty-words (or less) … what did <i>you</i> do on your summer vacation?</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-35469922283767562262012-08-21T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-26T22:30:26.985-05:00a week of funny while i enjoy the sunny ... kirb appealI'm trying to remember when and how and why I first crossed paths with today's guest blogger.<br />
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<br />
I'm wracking my brain but my brain is feeling a bit like mush ...<br />
<br />
<br />
... and all I know is the first time I crossed her path, I was hooked. She was bookmarked. I signed up to get her delivered by email. Because I didn't want to miss a single word that Kirby at <a href="http://www.kirbycarespodi.com/" target="_blank">Kirb Appeal</a> has to say ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a border="0" href="http://carespodikirby.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u87/auntdoi/KirbButton.png" /></a> </div>
<br />
...and I get Kirby. And she gets me. Each and every deliciously sarcastic word worth of getting ...<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and don't get her started on words and grammar. She's a teacher. And I'm guessing a favorite teacher among the students at her school ...<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
<br />
<i>Take it away Kirby ...</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</div>
<br />
Hi! I'm Kirby, and normally I blog at <a href="http://www.kirbycarespodi.com/" target="_blank">Kirb Appeal</a>,
but today I'm here at Linda's awesome blog. I am really happy to be
here, because I rarely get asked to guest post...mostly because I'm a
loose cannon and folks are scared I will totally hijack their blogs.
Which may or may not happen.<br />
<br />
<br />
The end of summer can mean many things: trimming back the hydrangeas,
changing from the sunshine flag to the apple flag, and quickly
finishing the gin because it's tacky to drink it after Labor
Day. But most importantly (and most fun, except maybe for the
whole gin thing) is back-to-school shopping.<br />
<br />
<br />
First of all, a little history.<br />
<br />
<br />
Do you remember magazines? I know that seems like a dumb
question, but they disappear almost daily. I remember my mother
getting <i>McCall's</i>, and I cut out the Betsy McCall paper doll
in the back, solidifying my love of magazines forever.<br />
<br />
<br />
Over the
years, I subscribed to a variety of magazines, mostly fashion (like
<i>Mademoiselle</i>, now defunct) and home decor (like
<i>Mary Englebreit's Home</i> <i>Companion</i> *little sob*) and
lifestyle (like <i>Victoria</i>, which disappeared and
then reappeared, like a magician). But this isn't a history
of magazine publishing in the US, so I'll get back to business.<br />
<br />
<br />
The very first magazine my mother ever bought me.<br />
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<br />
<i>Seventeen</i>.<br />
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<br />
The back-to-school issue.<br />
<br />
<br />
Back when I first started getting<i> Seventeen</i>, it was a
large-format magazine, like the old<i> Life</i> and
<i>Look</i>. The full-page photos of back-to-school clothes
were stunning (even though it was the '70s, and clothes were basically
hideous), and I devoured every one. (Here's an explanation of
why this was important: my fashion sense up to this point was "who
cares?") Thanks to my mother and <i>Seventeen</i>, all of a
sudden I cared about how I looked when I went back-to-school.<br />
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<br />
From then on, I paid careful attention to back-to-school
fashion. And in one issue of <i>Seventeen:</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sT0ql1MKUNlHK6UVmk7scORipBmQp2Ti3RTP50Q5zHouTMEHUnwtcZf-ySXRvIU0iPCRgUchpu_tJwX4GcTAbVNjEM9ycHrLepSeBy6YixIzGWKWwpEYYdJLnRb8LBV7wbuz5whIBuc/s1600/seventeen+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sT0ql1MKUNlHK6UVmk7scORipBmQp2Ti3RTP50Q5zHouTMEHUnwtcZf-ySXRvIU0iPCRgUchpu_tJwX4GcTAbVNjEM9ycHrLepSeBy6YixIzGWKWwpEYYdJLnRb8LBV7wbuz5whIBuc/s1600/seventeen+cover.jpg" /></a></div>
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I saw them. The object of my desire. My fantasies revolved
around them. I wanted them so badly I could taste it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDVu0IIzNrNU1su97pvPhNTUJVW08Pl4C__OG2gCN95GbBAjQAGS9euctPU8fm9iwchhejChdcf4qQrfHYDPHUPHcxPExPX1Bfwv_q808RyX6P9AoIglHb5ZjS9Pj7XhZSfM9RS_pw8A/s1600/frye-boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDVu0IIzNrNU1su97pvPhNTUJVW08Pl4C__OG2gCN95GbBAjQAGS9euctPU8fm9iwchhejChdcf4qQrfHYDPHUPHcxPExPX1Bfwv_q808RyX6P9AoIglHb5ZjS9Pj7XhZSfM9RS_pw8A/s320/frye-boots.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Frye Boots.<br />
<br />
<br />
The choice of fashionably-shod teens everywhere.<br />
<br />
<br />
But being a small-town girl where employment was limited to
babysitting for 75 cents an hour, Frye boots would remain outside my
grasp.<br />
<br />
<br />
Like so many of my favorite magazines, Frye Boots disappeared for
awhile. Oh, I'm sure that they were around somewhere, hiding
beneath the jeans of motorcyle boys, but Frye Boots as fashion were no
more. But when they reappeared (in Belk, a local department
store) when I was fifty, I was no longer babysitting for 75 cents an
hour. I was babysitting for a salary! And I took a whole
bunch of that salary and bought myself some Frye Boots.
After a love affair that lasted more than thirty years, they were
mine.<br />
<br />
<br />
Guess what I'm wearing when I go back to school?<br />
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<br />
Oh, I have to chime in on this one! Frye boots ... yikes ... I'm having flashbacks of Matt Dillon (back in the day when he was all dark and moody and oh so cool) and the movie <i>Little Darlings</i> ... I don't know if he wore Frye boots in that movie. But I envision him wearing them. As he leans against his motor bike. With arms crossed. Giving the camera a smouldering bad boy look ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i> </div>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-72907093990412420622012-08-20T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:14:34.743-05:00a week of funny while i enjoy the sunny ... while wearing heelsToday I turn the blog over to Amy from <a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">While Wearing Heels</a> ...<br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="While Wearing Heels"><img alt="While Wearing Heels" src="http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q572/wearingheels/highheels003-125.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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... now I first crossed paths with Amy through a thumbnail at a link party. And the thumbnail was of some <a href="http://whilewearingheels.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-heart-fake-food-felt-corn-tutorial.html" target="_blank">fake food she made</a>. Out of felt. And it cracked me up. I don't know what it is ... but I have a thing for fake food. Made of felt.<br />
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And we actually live not too far from each other. Okay, maybe 30- or 40-minutes away. That is if I don't get lost. And I will get lost. You see, Amy is in the suburbs. And I'm suburb-challenged ...<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
... but it will absolutely be worth getting lost in the suburbs just to have a chance to meet this funny lady in person. </div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" />
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<i>Take it away Amy ...</i><br />
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As anyone in a relationship knows, one of the keys to success is learning to compromise.<br />
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Sometimes, that's easier said than done. As was the case when compromising involved incorporating my husband's bachelor decor into our new house together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTwrcAD4Hpaxwjxwo6UtqoQJnVXQo5aE-0ypn7sNDxfZ8m3e7rFZxuHPIWcV-36n3YTL0AmOnAYGWbK4KRh9jZvz2fVxLdct-AISrgb-IE1XzhCrl4210CDnvTmxmNYemvYSlVeRQU7M/s1600/masks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTwrcAD4Hpaxwjxwo6UtqoQJnVXQo5aE-0ypn7sNDxfZ8m3e7rFZxuHPIWcV-36n3YTL0AmOnAYGWbK4KRh9jZvz2fVxLdct-AISrgb-IE1XzhCrl4210CDnvTmxmNYemvYSlVeRQU7M/s320/masks.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Since my husband is both so charming and handsome, he won me over...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigOM-CT6J3Ko19Z3A6khFnPx3ysGZi33E9_Uh_2LxS24aT3TYxjkcljEOjWW6HtvewFTaiP4hH1kGWVyjHuI3Y8wicUkKmEk87yTellnK1ASBLUhzmpOnnNpc6MXVK_qHrzqj5JTIUKI/s1600/masks-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigOM-CT6J3Ko19Z3A6khFnPx3ysGZi33E9_Uh_2LxS24aT3TYxjkcljEOjWW6HtvewFTaiP4hH1kGWVyjHuI3Y8wicUkKmEk87yTellnK1ASBLUhzmpOnnNpc6MXVK_qHrzqj5JTIUKI/s320/masks-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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... and we settled on a compromise. The masks were moved to the basement where he could appreciate them and where they didn't scare off our guests.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TgMQgrh0WFDMj2Bo0oTCrRIHKRchP6aatkiAPJrA1cjKCrzXRzGFDBMhT-WQhfzccNzbYrFjZASs-oXPaFkoi38o9i5q8jQn_kQa032yE8DHOBJVyivSlcTmsXcqvHNC5rKR6YHbAfM/s1600/while+wearing+heels+021a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TgMQgrh0WFDMj2Bo0oTCrRIHKRchP6aatkiAPJrA1cjKCrzXRzGFDBMhT-WQhfzccNzbYrFjZASs-oXPaFkoi38o9i5q8jQn_kQa032yE8DHOBJVyivSlcTmsXcqvHNC5rKR6YHbAfM/s320/while+wearing+heels+021a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then came *our* growing collection of barn, scrap and drift wood which involved less compromise since it's out of sight {stored in our garage}.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m4I8BoinRIx9Fb4X3tOGr548HqmI3H8vjnjdIKW6NHAo7Qm6aOI4QweXd-qYyfhY7OXd3LB1r_kFKEQ0XvxF-7JhwsFMwhiBOQTECPElkhlhnKjf1KrfOoxd1A5Hp1zJTlkiN2MaV3Y/s1600/whilewearingheels+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9m4I8BoinRIx9Fb4X3tOGr548HqmI3H8vjnjdIKW6NHAo7Qm6aOI4QweXd-qYyfhY7OXd3LB1r_kFKEQ0XvxF-7JhwsFMwhiBOQTECPElkhlhnKjf1KrfOoxd1A5Hp1zJTlkiN2MaV3Y/s320/whilewearingheels+014.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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But, in the end, by showing some tolerance for his latest obsession, I saw his vision. He shocked and amazed me by turning those planks of old barn wood into this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBevyLmDZJHxGToVHDiknOkdH2W61NUM5_nD5d97754V6SQyhhhNuRoJBBYQWnWZPCUdISRHAY7tpyxXIjCFd2EUWQoT84O5n9V5IaNuAqMC1zE6SthUgvReo64RMRQxWsGqNPO4MFjA/s1600/Dave's+geese+004a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBevyLmDZJHxGToVHDiknOkdH2W61NUM5_nD5d97754V6SQyhhhNuRoJBBYQWnWZPCUdISRHAY7tpyxXIjCFd2EUWQoT84O5n9V5IaNuAqMC1zE6SthUgvReo64RMRQxWsGqNPO4MFjA/s400/Dave's+geese+004a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKaFJMaVI6PZRtLukMZlpco5f3cB8xX1y9T4y_b2TGwYJPt9E3wnaKd1F12Xoy8IC0tH-TVq9fd9Xw1obcoHglQv-FOBAPksqdbqtE2Cb7KvAQE31gcrqXTOagdvSpuiQJml7wWAso6w/s1600/Dave's+geese+029a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKaFJMaVI6PZRtLukMZlpco5f3cB8xX1y9T4y_b2TGwYJPt9E3wnaKd1F12Xoy8IC0tH-TVq9fd9Xw1obcoHglQv-FOBAPksqdbqtE2Cb7KvAQE31gcrqXTOagdvSpuiQJml7wWAso6w/s400/Dave's+geese+029a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And his scrap wood into this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxqhZjGlnuWtlmGyJF-3tt-BGSAbhC-khDwfSJee-kboUjeOZsuaXs5vJx-At50fsG-YX2HxGX8JwoOd_CLOhyphenhyphen1-cO6AnAmNHvHpfBhLdqAVuY4h5HBkVUze874nOmaN9O0gIhs82tiI/s1600/Dave%2527s+projects+001a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxqhZjGlnuWtlmGyJF-3tt-BGSAbhC-khDwfSJee-kboUjeOZsuaXs5vJx-At50fsG-YX2HxGX8JwoOd_CLOhyphenhyphen1-cO6AnAmNHvHpfBhLdqAVuY4h5HBkVUze874nOmaN9O0gIhs82tiI/s320/Dave%2527s+projects+001a.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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When I saw how honed his skills were becoming, I enlisted him in my quest to get that crafting nook I have been dreaming about. So, he built me a crafting desk {which still needs to be painted}. Amazing, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9MvReDUrkxzyOBLozpIZkUHTQkij4tl6oJ4txl2e2Zduk7er80XmdSunUEDr8Pes2O3FtCnVP4FDSU_IS1jvYPbzorxQ82NHRINcbKvyEbhMWT2UhU0GvVCKR6K-QiLpuMJQ2K8UtVs/s1600/whilewearingheels+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9MvReDUrkxzyOBLozpIZkUHTQkij4tl6oJ4txl2e2Zduk7er80XmdSunUEDr8Pes2O3FtCnVP4FDSU_IS1jvYPbzorxQ82NHRINcbKvyEbhMWT2UhU0GvVCKR6K-QiLpuMJQ2K8UtVs/s320/whilewearingheels+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The only problem, just above it...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyTSOxK3FqlzJDc2QnRMXKt7zrZhUueRCewuKnTbGumC26IhmRgtOTuaS6WhEyFAUrhsYwV1hfimKEeQ1yLC5naYeTi3HAT54J6oRxr9cIh9k2C6zCS5bPEh5T_1Aib6bL7mOFgWu3Nk/s1600/whilewearingheels+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyTSOxK3FqlzJDc2QnRMXKt7zrZhUueRCewuKnTbGumC26IhmRgtOTuaS6WhEyFAUrhsYwV1hfimKEeQ1yLC5naYeTi3HAT54J6oRxr9cIh9k2C6zCS5bPEh5T_1Aib6bL7mOFgWu3Nk/s320/whilewearingheels+011.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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Looks like we've come full circle. <br />
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Time to compromise again.<br />
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *<br />
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<i>Me again. What do you mean who is me? It's Linda</i>.<br />
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And when I finally do make my way to the burbs to meet Amy in person, I think I'll insist we meet at her house. Mostly because I'm hoping to leave our oh so fun-and-laugh-filled time -- because it will be oh so fun-and-laugh-filled -- with those amazing scrap wood Hancock and Sears (<i>sorry</i>, Willis) Tower creations tucked under my coat ...<br />
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<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-25974842961575694012012-08-17T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:14:20.552-05:00a week of funny while i enjoy the sunny ... wish simpleYou write a blog post. You schedule it to go up at 4:30 AM. It lands in your email subscribers’ in-boxes between 5 and 7 AM …<br />
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<i><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=ItAllStartedWithPaint" target="_blank">(and if you want to get my blog posts delivered to you by email click here)</a></i></div>
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… and all this black magic happens while you’re still dreaming sweet dreams.</div>
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Then you reluctantly wake up. You make a cup of tea. With milk. And Equal. And click on HGTV. And you park your butt in front of the laptop. Open email. Sip some tea. Read some emails. <br />
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And then …<br />
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… and then you open an email comment on your <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/07/fish-sticks.html" target="_blank">fish on sticks blog post</a> that says …</div>
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<i>“My hubby just walked by and said "gross" to your fish. </i><i>I am so looking for fish for his bedside table now. Hee hee.</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W9iD1tvplKj2HRRuI4te2Hg9fF3HkPy20VAEyd7gFR3-hvUusiOFWCnIvlZG9kNavuS8o1dJBH3oxmJBAUD-RCwe2I8XX-l-riMY7ifGiZ62U68BpG1FGKa8astCwbe1JELbddsKHSU/s1600-h/fish_painted_wooden_fish_on_stick%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish_painted_wooden_fish_on_stick" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZggqhToC6nDclEBFu77rFwY-T4FV9cJEG0EYUvqoYYsmME4p4SaRiNPr-St4LfHK9YcUQb4sueWh-d5s681JjEjeXrF-JhJN1NVGP5pfvp7xB1HG0GB2niOHeUgYpeisfTwzTe3C5OvA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_painted_wooden_fish_on_stick" width="604" /></a></i></div>
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<i></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>.. and I’m thinking this is the pic that pushed her husband over the edge …</i></span></div>
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Now, to give <a href="http://wishsimple.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ally</a> her due credit she did start her comment with some real bona fide advice. But that line? That line made me laugh. Out loud ...</div>
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<br />
… and that line? That line had me making a beeline to her blog, <a href="http://wishsimple.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wish Simple</a> …<br />
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<a href="http://wishsimple.blogspot.ca/.com" target="_self"><img alt="wishsimple" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4r6t0ax3LCIx0gN4CeTva1EBcbm5VjhLPBCrGHwy-oAUB24k0lMOWwqWJaHA4PvDJcoznWHq3BhnqiWIee-MJ5sgjD6n0WyZquApz8a5hULuXhV5Y618QqJLJV_JdoZn3h46pmh2kSIQ/s1600/Button3.jpg" /></a> </div>
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And Ally didn’t disappoint …</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" />
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<br />
<i>Take it away <a href="http://wishsimple.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ally</a> …</i><br />
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<br />
When one is the mother of small children, one develops parental hearing and sight impairment. <br />
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With this power, I can navigate shopping malls with my violently river-dancing offspring, blog with deafening song being trumpeted in my ears (like right now), and stare directly at a child as they repeatedly ask for ice cream while never losing my train of thought.<br />
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Only when I am physically assaulted can I be resurrected from my bubble of blissful silence, so the <strike>minions of the dark lord</strike> sweet little darlings have taken to shaking me or pelting me with Lego men as they ask their questions. Clever dears.<br />
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I actually enjoyed painting this rocking chair today. I used a little roller which worked much better than the brush I used yesterday, and didn't leave brush strokes, duh. I turned on my "Opera Greatest Hits" in the garage and drank nearly a whole case of Coke Zero so I was vibrating by the end, but I managed to get the important parts done before the palsy struck.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xuwxmiz4SL5l6TMrcmQvoAcBQdi6QarBQ1qPDFqkTBVTdtZTwIM3KBzSfwSM3_8XIJXc8RVZEg10qlK-xXyQna2nLTCmqrj51gRxbPZmEdnj5UbEwCyLglHcLHN3ZWmVKYq7N3nnfqFJ/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xuwxmiz4SL5l6TMrcmQvoAcBQdi6QarBQ1qPDFqkTBVTdtZTwIM3KBzSfwSM3_8XIJXc8RVZEg10qlK-xXyQna2nLTCmqrj51gRxbPZmEdnj5UbEwCyLglHcLHN3ZWmVKYq7N3nnfqFJ/s640/IMG_3251.JPG" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="408" /></a><br />
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BEFORE</div>
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So, to recap, I got this chair from Goodwill for $15 as I mentioned in <a href="http://wishsimple.blogspot.ca/2012/07/great-white-north-thrifty-finds.html">great white north</a>, and planned to paint it Polo Blue by Benjamin Moore. And I did just that, making sure to use an exterior primer and paint so I can rock in the sunshine, rain, snow and sleet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-hGQ0bwENQ9q8ExxnRqdKgo3dWwFF1jaZ67gXyxFsAJ7NInmI6PD-KBEigxbokye1sF4MlZbtP86xbAh3yEn5Z4KHouu_TY9UPvnszXkAsS5Y8l07BmGoqW_dGRY_TOMU53v8XpINafb/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-hGQ0bwENQ9q8ExxnRqdKgo3dWwFF1jaZ67gXyxFsAJ7NInmI6PD-KBEigxbokye1sF4MlZbtP86xbAh3yEn5Z4KHouu_TY9UPvnszXkAsS5Y8l07BmGoqW_dGRY_TOMU53v8XpINafb/s640/IMG_3426.JPG" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></a><br />
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AFTER</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwQ2dK3iYiW_91hDsd6-oB1x15-yFdfEjTxtGA2KRMmKOuNV79JihYlRxTAhI9xJXaRcWGer3xw4RWq1y26Fcnb6OeXPci1UHVw6CwdDgcMwufj6ehnYbpAHbAxPjp3rWZV8qrzovmBW7/s1600/Rocking+chair+after.JPG"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwQ2dK3iYiW_91hDsd6-oB1x15-yFdfEjTxtGA2KRMmKOuNV79JihYlRxTAhI9xJXaRcWGer3xw4RWq1y26Fcnb6OeXPci1UHVw6CwdDgcMwufj6ehnYbpAHbAxPjp3rWZV8qrzovmBW7/s640/Rocking+chair+after.JPG" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="448" /></a><br />
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AFTER</div>
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I don't quite know where to put it yet. I might just try putting it in the middle of the lawn - it's quieter there.<br />
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<i></i><br />
<i>It’s me again. Linda me. </i>And this is the post that sealed the deal. I immediately signed up to have <a href="http://wishsimple.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wish Simple</a> delivered to my email ...<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-45384000338849332842012-08-16T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:14:07.950-05:00a week of funny while i enjoy the sunny ... bliss ranchWhat can I say about my guest poster today?<br />
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The infamous Miss Bliss. From <a href="http://blissranch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bliss Ranch</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blissranch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbFWwGSx91M/TwzhePMiWuI/AAAAAAAAAAk/a8gOsN-kfMs/s800/blissranchbutton2.jpg" /></a></center>
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She has like a gazillion kids. Oodles of talent. And she's the best comment leave ever. Seriously. Her comments make me laugh. And not just the comments she leaves on my blog ...<br />
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... but the comments she leaves on other blogs. Lots of blogs. Lots of comments. She's everywhere. And she always gets there before me. It's like she's omnipresent. Or maybe she's just hiding from those gazillion kids ...<br />
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All I know is this week of sunny funny would not be complete without a guest post from the funniest comment leaver in the world. <br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" />
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<i> </i><br />
<i>Take is away Bliss ...</i><br />
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Hello to Linda and her ItAllStartedWithPaint followers.<br />
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I'm Bliss from <a href="http://www.blissranch.blogspot.com/">Bliss Ranch</a> and I've come over here to entertain you while she is off enjoying herself. I think I heard her mumble something about umbrella drinks and a cabana boy named Mike.<br />
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Funny in the Sunny.<br />
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Hmmm...... hard to be funny when I just want to type all sorts of nice mushy stuff about Linda, but I'm sure I'll get over that. I want to tell all of you about how supportive she is, how she included my lil 'ol blog in bigger and better things back when I had like 20 followers.<br />
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I'm not sure why she even gave me a second glance. She introduced me around like I was the new kid in school and she didn't leave me sitting all alone at lunch time. She never asked for anything in return (until now) which was good since I had nothing to offer.<br />
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Now she would like a guest post, and make it funny too so it stays with the theme, oh and have it done by the 10th.<br />
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And because she never left me alone at lunch time, of course I want to do a <i>funny in the sunny</i> post for her, you know.. to pay her back and thank her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hYbnRcKuQSGepR1wr5yG5774qDoTIpbH5WN79vynaSE9ip40u3mAAapfwQ56_Nlmy5lIOFwJV7S14I6Hy4rw37q-VU1shoMZZnzxFpXhUo7lFGZ-_nj8qOdyKwsABkojoaBY29FKsAGE/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hYbnRcKuQSGepR1wr5yG5774qDoTIpbH5WN79vynaSE9ip40u3mAAapfwQ56_Nlmy5lIOFwJV7S14I6Hy4rw37q-VU1shoMZZnzxFpXhUo7lFGZ-_nj8qOdyKwsABkojoaBY29FKsAGE/s640/IMG_2304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So this morning I looked out my window for inspiration as I reflected on a fitting post for Linda<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strike></strike></span>. I saw fog and dog doo. How freaking inspirational is that? It's August.... <i>helllooo Mr. Sun</i> I need some shine to put the <i>sunny</i> in the funny.<br />
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Being the visionary I am, I saw through the fog and dog stuff and realized Linda's like my dog. I love my dog. He's a great companion, always there when I need him. She's not quite as hairy and I can't imagine she would leave brown surprises on anyone's lawn, but she is always there when I need her.<br />
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And if she lived closer I'd make her a little food caddy too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbMdSzVuT-H9IhJ9l8i-EeBHf2uYLLih1WhZtxLLyqz2QocJ6pHQDLmtFxjc4-L6AtA9HVxLK6afUHg58GJx5qDY7v4waXbpkANlMPsB8-IFnAKxFhmq_cV0z_tOf2bhJRG6k5dsTQROe/s1600/IMG_2313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbMdSzVuT-H9IhJ9l8i-EeBHf2uYLLih1WhZtxLLyqz2QocJ6pHQDLmtFxjc4-L6AtA9HVxLK6afUHg58GJx5qDY7v4waXbpkANlMPsB8-IFnAKxFhmq_cV0z_tOf2bhJRG6k5dsTQROe/s640/IMG_2313.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just look at that chippy finish.<br />
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Forget that I wanted lime green to mimic that beautiful inspirational view of trees in the fog. I settled for metallic orange - because of the 999 little bottles of craft paint, I have no lime green. 998 shades of blue yes. I probably should have used a blue since it's an appetite suppressant and based on the amount of scooping Brawn needs to do in the yard my dog could use some appetite suppressing. (It was in our prenup that I don't do doo).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt7idMNPNq-shpaFS-0cPl6OpgwfpyzgRSa0YRJYfAemopEGePYBIM1oWX91Rl6sb7CbhOJ6gbQ9st2d5cBcMy88x2a-pBk5wFEWXa-XDc2Fy_j5_Hh1Ej3xjXeKbYHtuhy7piZRaYOAr/s1600/IMG_2252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCt7idMNPNq-shpaFS-0cPl6OpgwfpyzgRSa0YRJYfAemopEGePYBIM1oWX91Rl6sb7CbhOJ6gbQ9st2d5cBcMy88x2a-pBk5wFEWXa-XDc2Fy_j5_Hh1Ej3xjXeKbYHtuhy7piZRaYOAr/s640/IMG_2252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The food caddy started out as some sort of a one sided birdhouse planter at a garage sale. It had green plastic pots in it but I left those at the sale and only took the terra cotta ones stacked with it.<br />
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Off came the houses and I painted a coat of ASCP in old white. I was less than impressed picturing dog food drool all over white. I told myself Linda would want me to use orange. You saw <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/07/a-city-full-of-colorful-neighborhoods.html">her fish</a> right? So I painted on metallic orange, used steel wool to sand it back off, and finished it with a coat of dark wax.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIUA5WxK9M6ltdYYdXzSSjQWUys8L1sKFxmRKecSeR7twER8PwXdzD43s3e9IKKkZS2y5eQFn-HudQd2LmdV6sUwmper1l_OwRenE5cW-MCG_BC4MiWi3pQeiRTe9wMCMt7KCtT65Hp5w/s1600/IMG_2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIUA5WxK9M6ltdYYdXzSSjQWUys8L1sKFxmRKecSeR7twER8PwXdzD43s3e9IKKkZS2y5eQFn-HudQd2LmdV6sUwmper1l_OwRenE5cW-MCG_BC4MiWi3pQeiRTe9wMCMt7KCtT65Hp5w/s640/IMG_2255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The holes are a perfect fit for the stainless steel dog dishes that Mo eats out of. I
took his dishes out for photos and inserted white cereal bowls. Why did I do that? My dog has dog dishes. Stainless steel. These are corell cereal bowls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuylEAlwWKl39vuikg4lFAgPyvNA93dUSMzkIUIdNL3130pivS6Mvw5abN6SdJmnSWrJ_D699rHbGbXiDXXOFYUxa79ssUeaueCM-l-ThlBvauRODpy_yInpS6IkGf7TbGZ61CKJqz-0Z/s1600/IMG_2312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuylEAlwWKl39vuikg4lFAgPyvNA93dUSMzkIUIdNL3130pivS6Mvw5abN6SdJmnSWrJ_D699rHbGbXiDXXOFYUxa79ssUeaueCM-l-ThlBvauRODpy_yInpS6IkGf7TbGZ61CKJqz-0Z/s640/IMG_2312.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My dog Mo was sort of mad at me, this didn't turn out at all like I described it to him.</div>
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I told him I had to take his picture because he's just like Linda and he should be in the post. He looked at me like I intended to beat him with the camera, then he turned away and proceeded to lick his....</div>
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.... paw. </div>
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And he didn't understand any of the comparisons to Linda. You see, at our house Linda is the cat. Yes our cat's name is Linda. She's pretty crafty too.</div>
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Thank you Linda for inviting me here and for introducing me to the other kids.</div>
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You are terrific.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85968/blissranch/b4f172933bdb371e8fb5688a46005028.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0px none ! important;" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</div>
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Thank you Bliss! I would love to dine from that orange food caddy! And the only reason I'm not as hairy as your adorable dog is because it's summer and I'm at the beach. Now in the dark, cold, and gloomy winter months I might give Mo a run for his hairy money ...
:)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-59514053926661771922012-08-15T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:13:57.870-05:00a week of funny while i enjoy the sunny ... kelley's break roomToday's guest poster is all about the funny. She knows it. She shares it. She encourages it. In fact, she seeks it out at her weekly co-hosted "Finding the Funny" link party ...<br />
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<a href="http://kelleysbreakroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-F-gitQb6Nhz0-NjHhliFSpc6MdgMBTE7_8DhK3Xcw_0NRTMTwjGGvMFf2WRBtb55712eWfEcMR1u8gpuFsknAvhiWJ4oxuBMIcUwTLZSjxnJhW6WtPdba7yBUs1W5O0IMgKqKl34wc/s1600/Finding-the-Funny-Large-Image.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
... and the party is raging on now so if you're looking for more laughs ... or want to share your own ... I suggest you visit Kelley at <a href="http://kelleysbreakroom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kelley's Break Room</a>.<br />
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Now, before you read today's post I have a few things to share ...<br />
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1. Take a bathroom break. Now. Go. And then come back. Reading this post may cause a few accidents ... if you know what I mean.<br />
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2. Do not drink a beverage while reading this post. Reading this post may cause you to spew said beverage all over your keyboard.<br />
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3. I dare you ... no, I double dare you ... not to laugh while reading this post. Not just a giggle. But true blue laugh out loud laughing. Hurt your sides you are laughing so hard laughing ...<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" />
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<i>Take it away Kelley ...
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This weekend my husband had to stop by his office, so we all went. The boys wanted to see what his desk looked like and wanted to see some of his current projects. In his office, I found<i> no</i> picture of me. Actually, I take that back. There was one, but it was stuck in his desk drawer and it was five years old. What I <i>did</i> find was this slip of paper from a fortune cookie he received a while ago:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm05aD1FEZsmmfbVguYygKAIIlM-KkcdFOUjkGF9NsWeuv4r-3_sE_r_QjVBoH100CxF8gm9wKc-z9hmobbK8Be0zqpAXhPKcarrmv3F-ZeYEDR2pYHhqf9Gv4u3aGYRgsCg8w6wZ6Q3X0/s1600/chinese+fortune.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm05aD1FEZsmmfbVguYygKAIIlM-KkcdFOUjkGF9NsWeuv4r-3_sE_r_QjVBoH100CxF8gm9wKc-z9hmobbK8Be0zqpAXhPKcarrmv3F-ZeYEDR2pYHhqf9Gv4u3aGYRgsCg8w6wZ6Q3X0/s400/chinese+fortune.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Something wonderful <i>was</i> about to happy. <br />
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A massage!<br />
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Several former co-workers, my MIL and I met up at a Chinese <i><u>foot </u></i>massage place on the other side of town later that day. Before I arrived, I expected that we were going to be sitting in pedicure-type chairs while our feet were ripped a new one. <br />
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I was wrong.<br />
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After passing through the door with this sign on it below, we were led to a room with reclined chair/beds. It was actually a very, very quiet atmosphere, as you might have gathered...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8YNTh55fAobP_ZSHZMxU2_m0vb-UMin5hX7wclpxJjDjO-pnhSACHS82lQBwrK0L930DQnnnarbeGbrBtr1kXUyoub5Lkx7UYlvlnaP3CaysTXPKLSa4NeJogzVVey26hd4jRDbs35bJ/s1600/chinese+silence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8YNTh55fAobP_ZSHZMxU2_m0vb-UMin5hX7wclpxJjDjO-pnhSACHS82lQBwrK0L930DQnnnarbeGbrBtr1kXUyoub5Lkx7UYlvlnaP3CaysTXPKLSa4NeJogzVVey26hd4jRDbs35bJ/s400/chinese+silence.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>(I took this picture while the owner and the masseuse were watching me.)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was happy to remain "silence". I was looking forward to this massage. My mother-in-law went with me to meet up with my friends. Remaining silence and having a relaxing hour or so was something I had looked forward to all weekend.<br />
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Once I was put in my fully reclined chair and a towel was draped over my eyes, I waited and waited and waited for my Chinese foot massager to appear out of nowhere. Not being one to disappoint, he dropped out of thin air like a ninja and began his magic.<br />
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Magic that made me break out in a silent giggle attack over and over again. Sometimes he'd feel my body shake with a silent giggle and ask, "You ah-wigh?"<br />
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<i>These </i>were some of my thoughts while he was aggressively massaging my...<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>HEAD</u></b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Hmmmm. This is the farthest point away from my feet.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Thank God I don't have a soft spot on the top of my head anymore.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">How much tip do I leave if I get decapitated?</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He's massaging my ears. For the love of an Orange Julius, he's rolling my ear cartilage around and around and around and around and...</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He's still rolling around my ear cartilage.</span> </li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>ARMS</u></span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Ouch, man.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Dude. Ouch.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Alright, he's trying to pull my arm off of my body. There must be a black market for arms. How am I going to high-five without arms?</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Now he's twirling my arm around like a wind sock. It's swirling around and around. With all the energy he's creating, he could power an entire Lilliputian town. I'd be Gulliverette on the far side of the island creating energy for all of their tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny little lights.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Now he's pulling both of my arms above my head. This is how it would feel if I were drug somewhere against my will. (Note to self: Quit watching so much "I Survived".)</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>SHOULDERS</u></span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This is awesome. All of this for $20?? I swear I've been in this massage chair for at least the better part of a week.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Okey-dokey, dude. I think you just knicked my scapula.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Are discounts given if he takes off my scapula? </span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><u>LEGS</u></span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Homeboy is getting close to my crotch.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Homeboy is getting awfully close to my crotch.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Homeboy, did you just sort of touch my crotch?</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Now Dude is lifting my legs high in the air aaaaaaannnnnnd letting them fall. And letting them fall again onto the chair. Okay, he just did it again. PLOP! And again. PLOP! We've got a real Hulk Hoganfootmassager here.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Okay, now dude's crossing my legs in the air. Now he's crossing them the other way. Switching back. I'm synchronized swimming alone in a reclined chair.</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>FEET</u></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Oh, that feels nice, Mr. Massager Man. Thank you.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Okay, you're massaging between my toes now. That's fine. Just don't spend too much time doing tha- Whoa there, fella! You're about to saw of my little toe!</span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Hee, hee, hee. That kind of tickl- Okay, ouch.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<br />
With a real abrupt slap to the feet, he lets me know he's done with the massage. I thank him in my best Chinese ("Thank you") and proceed to put on my shoes and get my purse. That's when he motions to a section of the room behind a black curtain. The lady masseuse in the room nods towards it and smiles.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I slowly walk in that direction anticipating finding a private check-out area. Instead, I find a long massage table with the Chinese dude close behind motioning me to lie down face first into that little face hole thingy you find on massage tables.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Huh? Haven't I already been here close to a year now? Doesn't this only cost $20? Did I sneeze earlier and it came out sounding like, "I want an upgraded massage package" in Chinese?</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I got in position face-down on the table, because I couldn't ask, "What in the heck am I doing behind a dark black curtain all alone with you in this foot massage parlor? And why do you have a pencil thin mustache?" in their language.</div>
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Shortly thereafter, these were my thoughts as he massaged my...<br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">BACK</span></u></b></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I feel like a human pizza crust.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He's really going after it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Maybe I should move my hands. His groin is getting awfully close to my han- AWWWW! DANG IT!!! Did his jewels just brush my hands?!?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Ew, ew, ew!!!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Alright...he's making his way dowwwwwn my back. Okayheisatmybutt. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Heisstillatmybuttquittouchingmybutt.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Whew. He's returned to my back. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Nowheisbackatmybutt.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Heisreallykneadingthebutt.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Alright, he's massaging my back again. This is good. OH, hold on, brother...my shirt is being moved up and...he just unlatched my bra strap.</span> </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He unlatched my bra strap.</span></div>
</li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He unlatched my bra strap.</span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He unlatched my bra strap.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He knows how to unlatch bra straps really, really fast.</span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This skinny Chinese dude with the pencil-thin mustache is getting way too close to the front. He's getting close.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And he's returned to the back.</span> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Where are my friends? </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Where are my friends?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Will they hear me if I yell?</span></div>
</li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Am I about to be assaulted in a Chinese FOOT massage parlor??</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I'm memorizing Dude's shoes in case I have to identify him to police. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He's re-attached my bra strap. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Hallelujah.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Still massaging the back like a madman.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The madman is now on the table. Dude is ON the table.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Are you standing on my back? It feels like you're standing on my back.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></li>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Okay, no...just some really, really vigorous pushing.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Thank God. He jumped off the table.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">He's scooting around the side of the table.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Was that something kind of ballsy that just brushed my hands again?</span><span style="font-family: Courier New;"> </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then, just like that, he was finished. I got the sign that I was okay to stand up and put my shoes back on. I sort of smiled as I rushed out of the room with my hair all in disarray, sort of like my mother-in-law's:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsDyOdUNvRZwXD3Rcepsayhv-R-1c4vm14YsWKahur9Xgb2e-g44FHErFAGLCmOqbUEiGWpfbloNaus2gWnvZUOm1DbgWoYsCHydwUPbij-vz77DiDOwa2QOrw2J3K8G-DXnnpafLDCRV/s1600/chinese+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsDyOdUNvRZwXD3Rcepsayhv-R-1c4vm14YsWKahur9Xgb2e-g44FHErFAGLCmOqbUEiGWpfbloNaus2gWnvZUOm1DbgWoYsCHydwUPbij-vz77DiDOwa2QOrw2J3K8G-DXnnpafLDCRV/s400/chinese+hair.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't think I have ever been happier to see my friends ever. After paying, I might have exited the facility through the wall instead of the front door in my haste to get far away from Mr. Bra Unfastener.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All in all, though, it was a pretty awesome massage for $20. As much as you might think otherwise, I would totally go back there again.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next time I'll just be sure to bring mace.<br />
<br />
<br />
And I'll request a woman.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Me again. </i> Was I right? Right! RIGHT! I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud ... all I know is my family thinks I'm nuts as I sit hunched over my laptop laughing my head off ...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
</div>
</ul>
<ul><div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</ul>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-34085086895515359992012-08-14T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:13:46.250-05:00a week of funny while i enjoy the sunny ... view along the wayI've said this before. And I'll say it again. There are blogs that I skim ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
... and then there are blogs that I hang on each and every world. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And today's guest poster, Kelly from <a href="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/" target="_blank">View Along the Way</a>, is one of those blogs that keeps me hanging ...</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
... and smiling. Wide ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
... as in a big ol' sh#@%&*t-eating Cheshire cat grin wide. </div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://viewalongtheway.com/" title="View Along the Way"><img alt="View Along the Way" src="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/button.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<i>Take it away Kelly ... </i><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Sometimes I catch my dog Marley staring off into the distance, pensive. Deep thoughts weighing heavily on her mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/?attachment_id=8431" rel="attachment wp-att-8431"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8431" height="600" src="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/100_2445-Medium.jpg" title="100_2445 (Medium)" width="450" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>She's so wise.</b></div>
<center>
<b> </b></center>
<center>
<b> </b></center>
I think she ponders her future, and future of all mankind. If she could talk, she would have much to say about the state of the global economy, original sin, the environment and the falling value of the dollar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Her outside perspective on the human condition, I expect, would be so enlightening as to erase nearly all controversy from even the most controversial of subjects.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>"Wow,"</i> we would all think, astonished. <i>"Why has no one yet framed these issues in such a modern, intellectual way? Surely there is no longer a need for war."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But alas: simple biology prevents her from being able to broadcast her observations.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes she sighs heavily and collapses, distressed, into a heap on the floor.<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="600" src="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/31948_951054142760_5845391_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>That's the weight of her convictions.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<center>
<b> </b></center>
<center>
<b> </b></center>
It's a heavy burden, you must realize, to know that you carry the solution for man's greatest difficulties, but cannot share them.
Just look at her:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/?attachment_id=8428" rel="attachment wp-att-8428"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8428" height="701" src="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/100_2470-Large-526x701.jpg" title="100_2470 (Large)" width="526" /></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
The wheels are turning, can't you see? Look how she philosophizes. She understands The Trinity.<br />
<br />
<br />
She is so deep, that dog.<br />
<br />
<br />
Such a tragedy that though she wishes she could communicate to us the keys to world peace and the end of world hunger, her life is spent napping, pooping and fetching.<br />
<br />
<br />
A grievous squandering of rare brilliance.<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you'll join me over at <a href="http://www.viewalongtheway.com/">View Along the Way</a> for more deep thoughts on the meaning of life (and/or useless silliness related to home projects). You can <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/viewalongtheway">subscribe to the blog here</a>, or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ViewAlongTheWay">follow me on facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/KELLYatVATW">twitter</a>.<br />
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Thanks for the chance to crash your blog, Linda! Have a glorious vacation!<br />
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>It's me again. Linda me.</i> And I have to admit that I'm comforted knowing that Marley is all about the good. Mostly because my kids accuse <span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344643779382210">our beagle Ernie of giving them the "evil eye" ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1qVbmh1qi7Tf6IURngFQzCtpbWUBE-fZebNQvFyB36slL9kU5ZZp0wi_5X-S2BufALNfFTQahj4cCYQ1AfRXh8HPPiltRKqVOs0Z4QPU0EvJTKvCilcXJHt5i_50DoLNYP4YqH0oWaU/s1600/Ernie+Close+Up+Awake+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1qVbmh1qi7Tf6IURngFQzCtpbWUBE-fZebNQvFyB36slL9kU5ZZp0wi_5X-S2BufALNfFTQahj4cCYQ1AfRXh8HPPiltRKqVOs0Z4QPU0EvJTKvCilcXJHt5i_50DoLNYP4YqH0oWaU/s1600/Ernie+Close+Up+Awake+Final.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344643779382210">So while the gentle
and pensive Marley carries around the weight of knowing she has the
knowledge to solve all the world's problems and yet cannot share ...
my will-bite-the-kids-for-food-beagle-Ernie is plotting world
domination ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344643779382210">... but is frustrated that his lack of opposable thumbs is foiling his evil plan.<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344643779382210"><i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></span></div>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-34224058795269632022012-08-13T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:13:36.926-05:00a week of funny while i enjoy the sunny ... thistlewood farmsAs the headline so succinctly states, I'm a goner this week. Sunning myself. Okay, more like burning myself to a crisp while trying not to get caught up in a riptide ... or eaten by sharks ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... and if you know where I live, please don't rob my home. Or, if you do feel compelled to break in, I've put post-it notes on all the items that you should feel free to take away ...</i></div>
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<br />
While I'm away, I've invited some of my favorite funny bloggers to step in ... and I'm kicking off my week away with one of my favorite funny ladies ever ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" " src="http://thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/button1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey, she even<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/a-modern-day-carol-burnett" target="_blank"> blogged about me.</a> And I read her every day. Faithfully. In fact, I cashed in my frequent flyer miles so I could hop on an airplane and <a href="http://housepitalitydesigns.com/2012/07/27/raleigh-and-the-first-annual-southern-bloggers-conference/" target="_blank">meet her in person here in October.</a> <i> </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... and that sounds a bit stalker-ish ...</i></div>
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<br />
Without further ado,<i> take it away my friend <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank">Kari at Thistlewood Farms ...</a></i><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
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P.S. When you read Kari's post, make sure you read it with a Southern accent ...<br />
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<a href="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-476" height="352" src="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_19.jpg" title="72Jan2012_19" width="529" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rtmconnect.com/" target="_blank"><i>photo credit: RTM Connect</i></a></span></div>
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Hello It's All About Paint readers! I am so excited to be here today! My name is KariAnne and I blog over at <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farms</a>.
I have been a fan of this blog since.....ummm.....since ever.
I know that Linda is all about the paint.
But you see....I am all about the stories.
So here's a chapter in the Thistlewood Farm journey.<br />
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<a href="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_223.jpg"><img alt="" height="793" src="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_223.jpg" title="72Jan2012_22" width="529" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rtmconnect.com/" target="_blank"><i>photo credit: RTM Connect</i></a></span></div>
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<b>The President of My Fan Club</b></div>
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The president of my fan club lives at my house.
Actually, I think she is the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer all rolled into one.
She is a fashionista, an artist, a cheerleader and could give advertising executive, Donny Deutsch a run for his money.
She never misses a post.<br />
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The other day she came running into the laundry room, bursting with excitement. I guess she and the other members of the fan club had been in negotiations.</div>
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<b>"Mom....what if a celebrity looks at your blog?"</b>
Now, before we proceed....I feel it is imperative to let you know that my current readership consists of my mom, my sister and a few people who have googled "Ripley's Believe It or Not."
But, hey, who am I to dampen the hefty expectations of my fan club?<br />
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<a href="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_271.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-478" height="725" src="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_271.jpg" title="72Jan2012_27" width="529" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rtmconnect.com/" target="_blank"><i>photo credit: RTM Connect</i></a></span></div>
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So I replied, <b>"Wow! What if they did?"</b>
It didn't stop there.
She continued, <b>"Mom. What if more and more and more people saw your blog....and then a celebrity saw it and wanted you to go decorate their house? I mean mom, what if they saw.....and what if....</b>
(now at this point her face is a study in concentration....furrowed brow....the works....thinking so hard about the most famous celebrity she could dream up).
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<a href="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-480" height="365" src="http://thistlewoodfarm.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/72jan2012_25.jpg" title="72Jan2012_25" width="529" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rtmconnect.com/" target="_blank"><i>photo credit: RTM Connect</i></a></span></div>
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<b>".....what if........Christina Aguilara called you?"</b>
Really?
<b>REALLY?</b>
<i>Christina Aguilara?</i>
Did anyone see booty shorts and red satin in that bathroom make-over?
I'm not really sure that Christina would go for <a href="http://thistlewoodfarm.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/curbside-conversation/">vintage, chippy, shabby chalkboards made from windows, that I found in the trash.</a>
But I can't disappoint the fan club.
I can't let them down.
So, Christina if you are reading this.....
I love red satin...
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<b><i> ....call me :)</i></b></div>
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P.S. If you want to join me over at <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farm</a> for more about the journey of a turn-of-the-century farmhouse filled with love and laughter......here's <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/love-and-lee-press-on-nails" target="_blank">my favorite chapter</a>.<br />
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<i>Me again. As in me, Linda.</i> Just chiming in to say thanks again Kari for the daily smiles and laughs ... and those pictures and that beautiful room has me wishing my very own daughter didn't turn her back on pink ...</div>
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<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-13725198560797073602012-08-11T14:33:00.000-05:002012-08-26T20:40:50.906-05:00this is not a lamp.Picture me at Salvation Army.<br />
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Picture me on a mission. A mission that includes me seeking out some ugly lamps. Ugly and brassy …<br />
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… but with some great potential. Good bones. Interesting curves.</div>
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Lamps whose true potential will be revealed once they are hit with some bright orange spray paint.<br />
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You see, I keep seeing these amazing lamp transformations. They start out ugly. Hideously ugly. And then with a few squirts of spray paint they are transformed into show stoppers . Like <a href="http://www.billiemonster.com/blog/article/goodbye-old-brass-lamp-hello-new-summer-y-lamp-that-i-love" target="_blank">this one</a> … and <a href="http://amotherandadaughter.blogspot.de/2011/10/orange-you-glad.html" target="_blank">this one</a> … <br />
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Now picture my sad face when I don’t find the perfect pair of hideously ugly lamps for a good price. <br />
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Now picture me picking up this tray …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9sO6_dewCqqc2uMrjle5QMBbqY9HiVuYYEPk8293VQLnokRuaiu3lrYZtrgjn3-fvofIJumjqkcw0mTd0LSvVv6byhAaQaBMhEaL3y-jIyHNQutxSo4jDMtGV5uQlYpnsimxY_8auw/s1600-h/tray-table-from-salvation-army%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tray-table-from-salvation-army" border="0" height="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgZwiwE6VdNEj8w2v-NnnolE3FfovRd0JkhYv2PXdj7rcYg0RltRlpnXq9BMSsm0iI8wJO8bS97IvNvbmNouZLKbsd6cnEKHMNLgILpKnlWMEeDZIUTV6MtlLDxeuANkYsio2-VjG4Cc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="tray-table-from-salvation-army" width="804" /></a><br />
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… this $2.99 Salvation Army tray.<br />
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Picture me thinking I could use this tray to rest my laptop on …<br />
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Now picture me resting my laptop on this tray and realizing it’s not very sturdy. And there is no place for the mouse. And picture me admitting that this was a really dumb idea. Not at all well thought out …<br />
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Now picture a light bulb going off over my head …<br />
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… a light bulb in the form of bright orange spray paint …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtMq8UP0HQ92QphZrQkou9f_l6FTAmjEIo0ae9gkj3Rm4-v41DaHzmxm36EIItNGP5JvvTqiC-A3gVfRO7-d_hvnXUF7ByEkkHg_xqISYd46xzJCjtrsTfD6QpienFd_N700tzjMqqro/s1600-h/tray-table-from-salvation-army-primed%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="tray-table-from-salvation-army-primed" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdD9MKHzwKs0sRH8_gNLsQoWMFnLRHGVMR5cI5E-gOOCJCNKl9WqUH2SnRg92fCR9X6VgqEEiSoGCjBK2CC1V_-Xo7D9HlRNgR0khAZw7AEJ6exa_csKqAulRZtvm-5dKsRVEzdG874o/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="tray-table-from-salvation-army-primed" width="804" /></a><br />
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… and now take a gander at this picture of my newly transformed tray table…</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYZkTOO-jDH6kYSeymcAYYyU39so0BIUE0LwY4v1ywLfN4FQwfwhBifpP1bQ7xU04U93dp71pOpNb6ZUai8o6peodzvkdHhSCNEZEaZRq3sidmHLGsHvNzjD8lclJoI2T6hpCZaYS6BU/s1600-h/breakfast_in_bed_final%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="breakfast_in_bed_final" border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLRevIBrnevfJWcB9sEuYAiHsWZkCW4IFjKUwm0DVvlS0LMNtPBBWbJdv4LQ5b6KHPNjA_VfsmsPfq2v5ia7G7vGQ1C8eQY_Ovot1GAsRcIpe8NdmOQQSNatBUZ9yICTV-4k4IPf65hU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="breakfast_in_bed_final" width="804" /></a><br />
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Not too bad for a $2.99 Salvation Army impulse buy.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
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P.S. You'll have to wait until I get back from vacation to learn more about that tray ... yes, there's more to this story. And it's a good one, if I do say so myself ...<br />
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P.P.S. Just because I'm on vacation next week doesn't mean the blog will be on one too. Not at all. The blog will be hard at work. I've got a line up of some funny blogger friends guest posting while I'm away ...<br />
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... it's a week of funny while I enjoy the sunny. </div>
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<b><i>Let's keep in touch ...</i></b></div>
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Sharing ...<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/2012/08/vintage-thrifty-finds-and-junkin-joes.html" target="_blank">The Cottage Market</a> * <a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/sundae-scoop-link-party-41/" target="_blank"> I Heart Naptime</a> *<a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/" target="_blank"> Flamingo Toes</a> * <a href="http://www.niftythriftythings.com/" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Things</a> * <a href="http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/08/12/its-party-time-8-12-2012/" target="_blank">It's So Very Cheri </a>*<a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/" target="_blank"> Southern Hospitality</a> * <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" target="_blank">Under the Table & Dreaming</a> * <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/how-to-age-wood-furniture-wood-signs-or-a-wood-flag-the-186th-metamorphosis-monday/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> * <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/08/transformation-thursday-no-166.html" target="_blank">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a> * <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/08/22/hookin-up-with-hoh-113/" target="_blank"> House of Hepworths</a> * Savvy Southern Style * <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/08/its-inspiration-friday-no-79-welcome.html" target="_blank">At the Picket Fence</a> * <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> * <a href="http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Common Ground</a> * <a href="http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/08/link-party-69-and-mes-preferes/" target="_blank">Redoux</a> * Funky Junk Interiors *Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-51897068168703009652012-08-09T21:28:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:15:28.268-05:00you can count on mom.<span style="font-size: small;">Life is unpredictable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We try to chart a path.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Set a course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Then obstacles pop up along that path. Or a storm brews and we get blown off course.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And then there are the expectations. Oh, those crazy expectations that we set for ourselves … </span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">... and sometimes others. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">More often than not those expectations are wildly out of whack with reality. And when those wildly-out-of-whack-with-reality-expectations fall short … </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>… as they inevitably are destined to …</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">… we find ourselves disappointed. Maybe even defeated? With the ready-to-throw-in-the-towel-worse-case-scenarios being bandied around …</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">But then …</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">… then there are those things we can always counts on … </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">… like clock work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Like clock work I can count on my dog refusing to let me sleep in on weekend mornings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Like clock work I can count on my husband doing laundry on Wednesdays. And Sundays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Like clock work I can count on eggs and bacon and toast every Sunday morning. All courtesy of my laundering husband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Like clock work I can count on my son to get himself up and showered and ready for school without my prodding.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Like clock work I can count on my daughter <i><u>not</u></i> getting herself up and showered and ready for school without my prodding. Multiple prods, in fact …</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">And like clock work I can count on being greeted with macaroni and shrimp salad when we arrive at my parent’s home in Florida next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Mom’s infamous macaroni and shrimp salad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Mom’s seemingly endless Tupperware bowl of macaroni and shrimp salad. The macaroni and shrimp salad that </span><span style="font-size: small;">miraculously regenerates itself during our stay ...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s the very same macaroni and shrimp salad that I made for our <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/08/how-to-prepare-for-block-party.html" target="_blank">block party</a>. And it was well-received. Seriously. I’m not making that up …</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">So I thought I’d share mom’s very simple … and very delicious … recipe with you …</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g9dfXahj7a1rQbP4Rr0Ix4hZXqF_t8sXs2NV6AYvvmCGQVGaFXqrpvMwWzjHFYWIEUdSsGSQKQxp2hf7QdQd_m8OTPfKceL5S8yhKDpgrHcxJGkbLOuAA_ydk72dBWrtOeuNin6yEFY/s1600-h/macaroni_and_shrimp_salad_recipe%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni_and_shrimp_salad_recipe" border="0" height="603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-aflPEStFzI4nIwJ-TAxkUu9Ks8mmZFN-rkwQp7XQAPvfnhsItPHbO8yowWxrIvjmZL89r7iIN5qmy3g79FPyl_zmtHFe7yWbnGPMx1SvaXBAuLzIOBZyYBhz1XGBdZK9cypUp6T1Ls/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni_and_shrimp_salad_recipe" width="800" /></a><br />
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Don’t be fooled by the six steps. Seriously. Is washing and draining the shrimp a step that needs its very own whole number? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8BseqeXhcn55Z_FnGg1cxa0Emdyapvf0niy4EL0DeaboMQhbOQ0mzOz1hItGG3TIxQA1sys_wVFI7WVYjLjvOMFGnBFwbjg5ILANe9FKKl6G_nMXlk_yJXiWq6VRrTtGYtBLY-C5IqI/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-tiny-shrimp%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-tiny-shrimp" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTWSmciAWTZJmFn4_hSKisICZyaoR8hY-i0NKgXXGylEs_BYnIOJf03Z4TrwxazLaFWT-rb-uXLKVBYz4Y7DSHXQyBHTzbzOIqzcMP-i5el66dm0JyS_I_zZU3LF09zhy3tITdB_DMEY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-tiny-shrimp" width="395" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHLDxsZEWp9DN3CXd8ueSLo6IoQXuJeOFk1_tH8Flssy0Jq_F5eWG51sC1yET5XXR4KVnwkMEwOFRhUZK-c5v4jX44E-loHnCKBZJGpRgKI9vSm_GPoALbyCZpk3xxyS7mRR51CZ2jPA/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-drain-shrimp%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-drain-shrimp" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXPJ6kUvsJ5tGdSWk6ql9ugPgFVsn5BX4yl0Y6XSvVSvvoVp-9itit8gDZrPzvHR1uJxT1ZN017j0abaTrZEbECs4hVVVpoTVzX1vl3m9S_GCSbiEtQF87JfviO4pJ95JrvRWBw3b_HU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-drain-shrimp" width="390" /></a></div>
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And what about boiling the macaroni?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN-C1Nk6S-3IlGRcNsivTQ-ROkOzuLDqtIbuw5ofymDTYxIzynhqAGztjzDRSiAUYF-dXPXNNepEMduTMAmkQF3ZdaQbVmxQiExKnbzQlno1b1sEIPHylh_ZV46DoxwNYO3UQbJwaEhk/s1600-h/macaron-shrimp-salad-elbow-macaroni-boil%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaron-shrimp-salad-elbow-macaroni-boil" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNku1yUR1MCFQ9lmbsoxmR9oQSBV_YECmNpGy1ExWAl0nQgGyCte2E5M5lNFqJmL88LR1RIRg7JLrxhwvBZsujJRg5mT7arsP0CO9HLFekrZbu5Zvb8C3oPjI6ZjLBF5wQRfljGz3dv9s/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaron-shrimp-salad-elbow-macaroni-boil" width="804" /></a></div>
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And running it under cold water to stop it from cooking?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mE43AFkNpyVz56_qhNCDaSiS-7etUF70GWC4SGtLf_7nsW0XXvg5iqGIhDfIeo45lxbRdvhhgvPOVp9IYFA0Ybvywq1jH8qLEg1abalbaS8kv5RX2WLTByidJ_BoxXmlnHlECZqI_CE/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-drain-elbow-macaroni%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-drain-elbow-macaroni" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI58aClkcA79X_M4pyi3N3GaVTzURvPq6Fxv_hd2SMwePW7nYRpU80NVlmXA6GmhzkXbDh51PLtPDKzVDdhf5EvJFxFXDp8Qpf_0JEi6qSIriY2ZyoRXrfcUOLVgk9RaU2pXZPsb5VfHM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-drain-elbow-macaroni" width="804" /></a></div>
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Seems to me this step isn’t worthy of a whole number either. Maybe it should be called step# .5 …</div>
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And mixing stuff together? Stuff like mayonnaise and salt and pepper and minced onions. I renumber that step # .25 …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi993MVIRLyhPF119DHCDQlcBc7dv-GrYo_ekZfJBMD0JZDpeFIsP8m4UgPYY6XUOjs0BS8d8SpnGWIkoECVLqwo2QUdSNgxbQdk3pQIE_p5kxRsD710HuSMjGU6X6HqQnDNe5o0112Q68/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-mayonnaise%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-mayonnaise" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6hHqzRxGO1zdboekTZlj6zUYivk0E6kk5IUeS_lnbuNulcOLcxfvBLsRWM2lbWqY6CyiutTnTLz6_711Vz0s8tPDhR4_jJGpaEIfftOotDRbhNbVs3r_cLAYEp8vd7kAhPdoh6k-vfw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-mayonnaise" width="804" /></a></div>
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… and the drizzling in of olive oil ... and the few shakes of white wine vinegar ... can’t be more than step # .15 …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgAPTR9XbQlIp1F916Km3YIV9lpdrms1RCMK7Sbn4Kw4NLGFcfq0d6DUHYjhyphenhyphen-QQjJGCuMmufBASc-SA2Y5NJi9pnzbDHSlCNtMrzQbTVX3YbkPBlBjh5ioAC8nyIIjcb378Dw-8okBI/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-olive-oil-vinegar%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-olive-oil-vinegar" border="0" height="555" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtR0XxDFYqfzP7LC15QVt5pNbrv_J-mbOsopRWkTwuMlIdy_gtZs41Zqxqf4XbhOAPqgOkz1sCg8fxrebPFtXUCXPRSttd-KmFdSntVWqUJfTakCFn6faMBCQfxT1Qc9dzdSgqegi81MI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-olive-oil-vinegar" width="504" /></a></div>
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… the gentle mixing in of the shrimp at the end drops down another full tenth to step # .05. And that’s being generous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovX_svJSMEY8BDzWah8pqxNYE0sbAX517isA8pqgM7L4PYLaA6Ap6Y1Ukai0w4y6i9WtZEEAGdOr-ZJCa1_OvXJR-nUVBGtS6ATV8z6G2cNp8Rhea-m_pCHsOgVH_kbGV1lWZuPOvfkA/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-add-shrimp%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-add-shrimp" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbzlD7zUStYrAMqq8OSh2yJGKcZjmfFh72Zlb7naYhSSK4jdbFHrOSdbfSke11xglI_P0wTEVyuGODUkP7pTYIacVzhPcx4HXiARcJnda-KClCBtQJDHW_-Nb2ohitNh-Y07e5p-Gw1A/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-add-shrimp" width="804" /></a></div>
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Refrigerate. Seriously? I gave that a number? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wb5UQ_0otTRV3rj1nrITE5k1FgGzyRfFWJ1quqTDLI5uOdpw0M6KDVdRXwxdb_pH0aFx-yFXDGJk7VwxySEiZUjwlY7oVGgLoi4_g99a07p98ij6f9rQF6thBHnEtFaHjgociGRneHU/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-final%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-final" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmaQKIQitYcH47op_LK-8OgJpjwYc3kW9k69LHZJ_pRGfqOJrHWTDB4I3yJZzwSVg6zW3gntZIA5SkVTPXJ2pLYvwzwhITet7kX3PQoZE5J3hLHZxNzwZbQeU4Yvbqo3n_YtCtto993I/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-final" width="804" /></a></div>
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I’ll have to call that step # .000000000001 …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E1rUsKWnZVCS4ByBG45nZGKQwC6WGS4egXwSMfv-Kno_ry60sD4UJdsHAiymJsxnxrlCNNqc8Ao4PK0RWI_reLEH_6QCwKSHQEGvnYe1c3i_LvI_z3ehinIKaukt-OIjQGkC_dfFb6Y/s1600-h/macaroni-shrimp-salad-final-with-label%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni-shrimp-salad-final-with-label" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70dRod_bTKk6m0Ty84wOBcJ48o5v-w8RWbAIlTARVuJHg7UpvpED4zJ7rU3QPyA3pLJdLP0mQBPRdH_rcaK-ZYqypnQ5TkgOdxhdD-uGVXY-Y0eNl6J6jC0vCxk-dJuCSwGDYxTJxVJM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni-shrimp-salad-final-with-label" width="804" /></a></div>
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No pressure mom. But your precious, adoring grandchildren are counting on you …<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... expectations are in place ...</i></div>
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… all the way from step #1 down to step # .000000000001 ...</div>
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<img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpzSmUR-zRDXVgvjUTmJmb_hLt9G76A8-X3sy9SAqtJ7NGZTjYSX7r8BDzXb-T5Ww-IOdwMlAI1HDxfmLQpau140jsFUOSCH1VhKhkvM8QyhgCL4G5FVbXJU7cJfKF23TOS3m26L4tRo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
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From your loving daughter,<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/It-All-Started-With-Paint-Blog/241747805883740" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Facebook 150" border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQloz73R8SY21WqGWhrHJVxTuI_ZCgTDdC1R4c0ReEPPHOUQCPVpQzYQCZn-QZ27z5wIBR6J9_N9z2e8-e3UpOuP6xDH8B3X_jk0Yq-5OfLfGh2F7PoY9WjSClG3QVPoYSC3XQ0y1fVM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Facebook 150" width="100" /></a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Google" border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV5oRloo9QoM8KA4im4MpUPRRC7c1qTWGLX3G3TTz2RcoEqtdH7N5qorf_4qW_rdEphYgNvinvH-GDeRHQPpkd6R-43-kS22XZYN2sUlbMJNY8_liEBgm9_2CB5_nAUtIbzAdzgjsujM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Google" width="100" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/paintschips" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Twitter 150" border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKciTK_yLTNHzIeTE0fDB1qATyAf86qNqFQQLgUqpew5AI9Gd4Bg5DgeVY_f1RUZRg_5UobyIR6aZAHDJZtUOobGw4B5BI-kxcFOeo4Y-SyjWpJHeyyXK0c9OhRChLaVLLDaRigTOllU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Twitter 150" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/iaswp/" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Pinterest" border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SsfdpXIvmvJ4nO51bfQ5zG_Fa3IyxgoaIq_ov7VIIqOgdBJp38dYslbyMEER3Oq1oXPkpBbg1wojBRCFx03ZtnRzpKsZYBBWwFe5VgPpKCKd942dlqqXWWyjj5-CX4dJhxg8zsGp70k/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Pinterest" width="100" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/itallstartedwithpaint" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog RSS 150" border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4ERjDm64cP4qn4U5sdnHHQRG1ZfILxmyYCIQFlPOHwuUBjivivu-ZTILeBw5LFnASjLwmFA6Uw65fA6HHZp-G66WmDr4utKLWm6DLNcTW0It4pnISeDfoZSBWvdWPr7nEfmPR0yix7Q/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog RSS 150" width="100" /></a></center>
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<i>Sharing …</i><br />
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* <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/08/its-inspiration-friday-no-77welcome.html" target="_blank">At the Picket Fence</a> * <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a> * <a href="http://www.flamingotoes.com/" target="_blank">Flamingo Toes </a>* <a href="http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/08/12/its-party-time-8-12-2012/" target="_blank">It's So Very Cheri</a> *Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-1107345459635690792012-08-08T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:16:17.035-05:00seeing green.My headline may be misleading …<br />
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… you may be lulled into thinking this post is about how to make money blogging.</div>
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<i>And maybe, to a small extent, this post will touch on that. Just a bit. A little bit. </i></div>
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<i>And that little bit may be in a round-about kind of way.</i></div>
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But the green I’m talking about is the envy kind. That old green-eyed-monster nemesis …<br />
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As a blogger with less than a year under my belt, I’ve read over and over how you shouldn’t compare your blog to others ... <br />
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... how you shouldn’t pour over the numbers … <br />
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... the pageviews. The daily, weekly, monthly visitors.</div>
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And how you shouldn’t wonder why ‘<i>this blog’ </i>or<i> ‘that blog’</i> has more followers. Or more email subscribers. Or more comments on their posts. Or more sponsors on their sidebar …<br />
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… because, seriously, isn’t your (read: my) blog so much more fabulous?</div>
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But come on. Let’s face it. How could you not wonder why? When it’s oh so easy to access the numbers …<br />
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… curse you Google Analytics!</div>
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(<i>and read that envisioning me looking up at the sky with my fist held high in the air)</i></div>
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And then you (read: me) open up an Etsy shop. And what do you find? A whole new set of numbers. Shop visits … and sales … and positive reviews … and circles … and treasuries …</div>
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And once again you find yourself in the deep end surrounded by a whole new set of much more experienced swimmers …<br />
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… and you're paddling hard to stay afloat …<br />
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... paddling for your life. </div>
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And marveling at your fellow deep enders as they oh so effortlessly swim by.</div>
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Like Ann at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuttonPlaceDesigns" target="_blank">Sutton Place Designs</a> …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuttonPlaceDesigns" target="_blank"><img height="100" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/001/0/6444566/iusb_760x100.9467012_d2pg.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="760" /></a></div>
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This lady has one mean backstroke. </div>
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Olympic level. </div>
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Gold medal worthy.</div>
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Seriously, she hand sews pillows that should be stocked on the shelves at Pottery Barn …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuttonPlaceDesigns" target="_blank"><img alt="Blue Ticking Decorative Pillow Cover 20 x 20 Vintage button closure" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6444566/il_570xN.319884820.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="570" /></a></div>
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Hand made, made-to-order pillows that should grace the cover of the Ballard Designs catalogue<br />
…<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuttonPlaceDesigns" target="_blank"><img alt="Vintage Grain Sack Decorative Pillow Cover Red stripes 20 x 20" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/006/0/6444566/il_570xN.357091348_sb3x.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="570" /></a></div>
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Hand made, made-to-order, open to custom order pillows that should be prominently featured in <i>Southern Living</i> and <i>Country Living </i>and <i>Martha Stewart</i> magazine photo shoots …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuttonPlaceDesigns" target="_blank"><img alt="Brown and Ivory Chevron Pillow Cover 12 x 16" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6444566/il_570xN.322334721.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="570" /></a></div>
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And Ann is not just hand made made to order custom pillows …<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SuttonPlaceDesigns" target="_blank"><img alt="sutton_place_table-runners-and-tote-bags-from-vintage-grain-sacks" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1-CNiLbzQdwt0AkwbmlVUxbS2aZlHEis_0_UXYl-TXMezJ9jo_KcO_llIXyHqpwzj82LEkz-bk28t7dg8zC6dPGQT0C8pvRloyNgpri7BRziGnKupmuXdHZloYN5FNAv1IQ5HCq0DXI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sutton_place_table-runners-and-tote-bags-from-vintage-grain-sacks" width="600" /></a></div>
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… can we talk table runners … and tea towels … and vintage grain sack ipad covers?</div>
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And now for that round-about why ‘I’m-seeing-green-that-has-nothing-to-do-with-envy’ part of this post …</div>
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… you see, Ann has so generously signed on to be my first blog Sponsor. </div>
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I’m honored.<br />
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And humbled.<br />
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As I paddle away in the deep end …</div>
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… trying to keep my head above water.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" />
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P.S. Ann is more than just her fabulous Etsy. She has a fabulous blog too where she shares her amazing home diy …</div>
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<a href="http://www.onsuttonplace.com/"><img alt="Ad" height="125" src="http://onsuttonplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/suttonplace_125x125.png" width="125" />
</a>
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<i><b>... so be sure to visit now and sign up for Sutton Place Designs new newsletter and you'll get a special offer discount coupon code ...</b></i><br />
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P.P.S. Sutton Place Designs is a verifiable sponsor. However, my opinions and views and thoughts and compliments about Sutton Place Designs are my very own. The admiration is genuine … and in no way influenced by sidebar sponsorship …</div>
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Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-43134857302684124992012-08-07T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-22T17:16:26.745-05:00coloring outside the lines: link party features.Today’s post is supposed to be features from last week’s <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/07/mission-possible-crazy-for-color-link.html" target="_blank">Crazy for Color</a> link party …<br />
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… so why can’t I just leave it at that? </div>
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Why can’t this be a straightforward tell you what it is post. You know the “thanks for all the great links … so much amazing inspiration … I was bowled over by your bold use of color … so hard to pick features … blah blah bah …” post.<br />
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Instead all I can think about – and want to write about – is the movie <i>Pleasantville</i>.<br />
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You know the one, right? Made in the late 90’s. Starring Tobey McGuire and Reese Witherspoon as brother and sister …<br />
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… and how Don Knotts shows up in their TV … or is it at their door? Or maybe both?<br />
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And somehow the Don Knotts TV repair guy sends Tobey and Reese’s characters into a 1950’s television show.<br />
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It’s a world without color. A world of rules. A world where things were done a certain way. Where people had very specific roles. Wives cooked and cleaned. Husbands worked and were waited on by their wives. Kids were well-behaved. And clean. And teens were chaste.<br />
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A world where everything was the same. Homogenized. Boring …<br />
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… and a world where coloring outside the lines was frowned upon. <br />
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But when they dared to …<br />
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… oh, when they dared to grab that crayon…<br />
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… that’s when all the fun started.</div>
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And their world became colorful.</div>
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And it had me thinking about this blogging world … <br />
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… because, from time-to-time, rules are thrown around. And things can start to look the same. Homogenized. Painted over with Heirloom white.<br />
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Which is why, as I went through the link party, I was truly inspired. Empowered. Emboldened. You see, I realized I’m not alone. That I don’t have to paint everything white. That there are others out there like me …<br />
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… others coloring outside the lines …<br />
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… embracing color …</div>
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… or, more specifically, the color orange.</div>
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Like Erika at <a href="http://bebookbound.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-midsummer-nights-dream-dresser-for.html" target="_blank">BeBookBound</a> who created this amazing dresser for her self-proclaimed geek son …<br />
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<a href="http://bebookbound.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-midsummer-nights-dream-dresser-for.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQmP2TJ5w_DsSL_U4oUOTgKJNu6KpFp157hnScuToZepSjEpPvoMwzIGa5WZZyvXNLhPtA8_HflZr-nXnvIinsGGnqptf_23GEi7ztlpfdndqYhHssDX8V4c0hP4Lloud0-h-moeiWGzI/s640/Math+Dresser+for+Geeks.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="526" /></a><br />
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…and what about my friend Katie at <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/2012/08/painted-chandeliersproject-5-in-chloes.html" target="_blank">Creatively Living</a>? She spray painted a chandelier orange for her daughter’s room …<br />
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<a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/2012/08/painted-chandeliersproject-5-in-chloes.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogdyPZVDiYfIGCJnn3fPBwt_K4xByxdTEOgZXNGuggYHS-epOn6GIeMvHCsBG5HgbQTuOpAizgNtGjY47oDyUG0xkL2hFpX6RdBa2SKeZ8v7wpMZp734mYoxEZBJpEbsXRTyk6_JgV68/s640/Chandelier+6.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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… and then there’s Jennifer at <a href="http://thechroniclesofhome.blogspot.com/2012/07/oopsi-did-it-again.html" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Home</a>. She added pops of orange to her master bedroom (hmmm, that sounds familiar) …<br />
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<a href="http://thechroniclesofhome.blogspot.com/2012/07/oopsi-did-it-again.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZdFE9VptK7KEEXw1qQ0KZtj9pA-vMBlh3WICpC04zYHWbDWY5FAp7o5z7pArpQxUgTIcD_NsWH3zwuk_AHkeRypvC2r_7S9Ub_Z75r-rYe_zH16on7HcxX_8rhqbWJWDxTS1wM2fNIA/s640/DSC_0008.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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… and Melissa at <a href="http://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/2012/06/upcycled-vintage-mirror-to-white-board.html?m=0" target="_blank">The Happier Homemaker</a>? She up-cycled a mirror into an amazing orange framed white board …<br />
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<a href="http://www.thehappierhomemaker.com/2012/06/upcycled-vintage-mirror-to-white-board.html?m=0" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TnhETy7j0aenupopTd4JuYTgGROY1tVi_B6kvRQ3fO7YOGoiEPDlVVf3F5bZWECbqG88tda0UrfJr5usuqABEIaE21KsDM7I_Bu6zDL3Utpp9CP-UGlsYAEiuSoogRqCPT_wW5O8vpfZ/s640/mirror+white+board.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></a><br />
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… and, last but not least, how could I not include <a href="http://southofmain.com/2012/06/29/orange-you-glad-i-painted-them-orange/" target="_blank">South of Main’s</a> very own orange painted fish?<br />
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<a href="http://southofmain.com/2012/06/29/orange-you-glad-i-painted-them-orange/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="463" src="http://southofmain.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/bookends-013.jpg?w=1024&h=790" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bookends 013" width="600" /></a><br />
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Now, the original plan was to keep the features to five …<br />
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… but I have to add in one last one. </div>
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It’s not orange, but it’s close. It’s peach and peaches and making peach jam at <a href="http://www.mayachieveclarity.com/2012/08/peach/" target="_blank">Achieving Clarity</a> …<br />
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<a href="http://www.mayachieveclarity.com/2012/08/peach/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="476" src="http://www.mayachieveclarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/peach7-1024x763.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sweet peaches" width="640" /></a><br />
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… which looks equally as delicious as her deliciously introspective prose …<br />
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<i>“One of the things I have come to appreciate in growing fruit and vegetables is how they force you to stay in the moment … There is a job that needs your attention in the here and now. You either take care of it or you miss your chance.”</i> </div>
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~<a href="http://www.mayachieveclarity.com/" target="_blank">Achieving Clarity</a></div>
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Beautifully said. Full of color. In black and white.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" />
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P.S. Be sure to check out who my party co-hosts featured …<br />
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Kari at <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farms</a></div>
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Karah at <a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/" target="_blank">The Space Between</a></div>
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Andrea at <a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/" target="_blank">The Cottage Market</a></div>
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Kelly at <a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/" target="_blank">Eclectically Vintage</a></div>
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<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/It-All-Started-With-Paint-Blog/241747805883740" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Facebook 150" border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjn6W0WHVuDWRYA3N_DOaT2LvG86UrBh0pWyzN8iENgh1royF6NMYonsJqXFUa7s4MlxdoBvfRgNsRMZXM5n3OHNSxYJOeuppgpViRkJKa-_KrtejK1RV41D_fR1JiFMAliOPORDAMp0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Facebook 150" width="115" /></a><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Google" border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCupbbsInDSTPl-kAl6stvBdS-mbB3EqODhmxKoXJk6NtjkgjA2ey5Df6pnJ6Doz9mdeQD86rTPz1_dNaBT1W0ITvxcuFolJY4F33JwzlWcdmvBAjMynlBkhW54LJ4MNMa0pgCih00vSc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Google" width="115" /></a><a href="http://pinterest.com/iaswp/" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Pinterest" border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieL1jelr3RRRzqLxeHk2efS_aGQn5duQtwT4wdkI3K6p3zPVEQ6LGhjbQQET3aKgA1ZWKg5ZWdbkcDh1l8I4XsC48dmrhKV5uieT_dAh7T4aC6tPTHuC8swxlkNYIYd03_LmiOAXKibaU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Pinterest" width="115" /></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/itallstartedwithpaint" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog RSS 150" border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuyYMWBM-56Br53WArJ6aIYK0XmBqQ1zifwcsoJwWuUyj6IwGXQNgSEaGn1MtWUKk9ZvgdDYbg9sLfkPqG-0kHfZwHmPUO_3iJ8Q-Ai3uaTOeuk3TwuTz2djDuTlUY57aatytsIYRz8I/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog RSS 150" width="115" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/paintschips" target="_blank"><img alt="Social Media Icons for blog Twitter 150" border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJknnh6Tci7xgRUIU5whT_AnfzuwhFuwrBP-PgK8cANva-kv5R_9pVY2jgzrP6OmPnY866wxSTz5i9lcsWNS5lkQUy-Liafoud2xGIPsBmj1eFAqWG95IJqHJHQgzCLEbioKD3ww0vmU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Social Media Icons for blog Twitter 150" width="115" /></a>Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-88144003541936653282012-08-06T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-12T09:41:25.501-05:00it’s a cinch: rock star plantersI have a theory.<br />
<br />
It’s a theory that makes absolutely no sense.<br />
<br />
A theory with no rhyme.<br />
<br />
No reason.<br />
<br />
And even worse, no sense of rhythm.<br />
<br />
A tone-deaf theory, if you will … <br />
<br />
… just like me. I’m seriously tone deaf. You will never hear me sing. Not a single note. My poor lullaby-deprived children …<br />
<br />
But I digress. Back to my no-rhyme-no-reason-no-rhythm-tone-deaf theory …<br />
<br />
You see, I decided that if I made some super simple star plant markers …<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAcKNgMBNvoHMJ1Hi7CC8yiUeQtauK0YYLm-wTvhV6rMs3S85foyehv-8PGxZmiArjbBwNrFAuCkRzHIBNmOglCuuka2xMkY8mBUypr8PtrrNeflHp6e3rbmv7GCQv8Grdj8uR5bAdEg/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants_thumbnail%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants_thumbnail" border="0" height="845" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTrLv9G0C2j-rUMkg49Yeq71JwgxgxfdOPiQiI3BR5VJRsAhhafe0ogWcLM9SbGTwpiCHqKUc8IJnpM8iyKCE1wQoDm1kF9CaLgckDCq8AR1c6RT3m1GqBf6htj1E28haASpR5JXj1Qg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants_thumbnail" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
… using some wooden stars and chalkboard paint …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mBroJdwdOCDcKjD4_MspRJU338f_pJoeAVS2bvg6k6oFDJ5XYiyZwukpaMnl-sXWIaUKajN3TNrdhgYfUvU608sanXRm_9iHVwLumPPRFKUaAMkkDP9JNcmmMkTBhv3iZNjkI9cQfH4/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_star_plant_marker%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_star_plant_marker" border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzvOHXrvJ6MU7EzneU42D9ud-yysnkF07UsBSVv9YUW2sdNR9AOdbiIMkefZMKulsINHjQ8mIIt0Ku4KUI4u2a0LDPXSr7FwQRRSSM0boIuBokUtkyz9JsFZVuitduh8xaqRtY4DY_EU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_star_plant_marker" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
… and attached them using glue dots to some terracotta pots …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVym44hTiEgQ_eY3P9LsNCkWjq6za9BmHT-7ca0YkMAXYoIEaoLsFyM0bJ44GyMhR_vwPNsFyTCO7wCR4BwRnA6zxjwgS2HKOeJ4-k4qflB4-AaWAPTBla5DtWQuZAp9tagEoE8h2UeWM/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_on_terracotta_pots%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_on_terracotta_pots" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAfkllxjneHtAiV0CrdaHDWdu-bvhY9RTPqYURBrrMCvAY8TPU9jO9ueLHr8h-em6l6tTYI122yO59JcjixSzST1SmU0F_oradPllS4pJzasnmHBt3bCIDSPGoR8VHcgSFW0UnUvXXVw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_on_terracotta_pots" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
… and then planted some indestructible (that’s what I hear) succulents in those chalkboard painted rock star marker pots …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nfR-gRA9uLTrE0xrhQCDTxTAswKSyJ7Q_HWTxTXj5Vy2SeI7hRKjiTV851Jj6-OxgqPDqfXJaFGLkt8SUZe7MDal0g_2dLvyFu3iaRWZ2v59bO5k4AyP_uD8cJkdl5L8ha517yCdOP4/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_on_succulent_plant_markers%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_on_succulent_plant_markers" border="0" height="707" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgH1U61VmVD8Tx33A0FEIh8qlzz6Skfnczy3_Aju2qSNn8nvquZVgo-ozrnRjT_QBvEZznkvK85EFmr1Twt_BrGnkee2NmCG8lt4rM1p5GbllABs5u3fiT3o0_vY1XbDb4QIPYye1wqg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_on_succulent_plant_markers" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
… and then gave them some words of encouragement using a chalk paint marker …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwk0BiROCOAjhLK8X3jEIn1CfOMnI1uDfso90EoaUHjOCqNgWq7r_GzZGd7A7JLVLZ6KxQ5SxH-7eOmLpWfWlg4bT0aKICJGgOaAO_jN9di2E-6FX7ek7sYibw6UpYR1tcqeSC3CEiEcc/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_terracotta_planters_with_succulents%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_terracotta_planters_with_succulents" border="0" height="707" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuqYPOQJ-tIhh_Ro4ise_nJ_JS3gUD2QvhpR8OhnEvYTXsU_cemmOekAPehhDg4Vxc8pP01I_0LHIvNwqM98q4Lslk0jhZzkHkuV1PGFW9dn6ny_wOt6vLaa7uYRNxwBux_xKdN1CIzY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_terracotta_planters_with_succulents" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
… to, you know, to boost their little plant confidence …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMQ62DOcG-Rl9HFhbpwJK-giuJOMYNf-ux7Vpzl7_V_QjmMIa8gpg00rXl3mhXgPo4qyez9JRk-vzyS5WHWN-gHW6wCJ_gkIB67s082_I6F9BrxmndkJ6zFdN8DT76PvFnJcdmP4CeVA/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_on_star_plant_markers%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_on_star_plant_markers" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP0pi_AuaUfVx5ON0gAuCkskxI7tBiKSU6mPSBQC8LfhTblAqRucM8_VX9pn-fcqV6W2kyQ1zd0TcMGB-goQg_fvYxyqpdVWcapuvAkIoMUU0CEb5NZy9TbsAZITHmzC4aKAJpWAxlbw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_on_star_plant_markers" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
… that they won’t end up looking like this …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UcQPG2ZpgCBFyzLYSlc4fPQ51jj7TrAqCNBD6koK4tWxAFBqQ-taHi5P4noFWiY2zJqkuzNl9EfwF_EIhUPLOCLkb4tMbyenXvVd24WwHSWS0DzdPqwkiIdppUkHFmQhs6mPiQuvHOU/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_pots_dead_plants%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_pots_dead_plants" border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iiMiIEIoTV9gvfXar_L9EOrDvYkLFSvkdkShvOhJfPd6HvN6-tktqWyE4vKb8jAWup7W9P-T1K34cvka2kEOcAQtY5NH6S8WeOXm-Uo1jEECiK7cYq1yBb4P_HaS56k-fTpfTtDT7r4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_pots_dead_plants" width="604" /></a></div>
<div align="right">
<br /></div>
<div align="right">
… in a week or two.</div>
<br />
<br />
This no-rhyme-no-reason-no-rhythm-tone-deaf-theory it’s a cinch project is brought to you by my it’s a cinch crafting buddies …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="August it's a cinch from andrea" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyCbBEoiEq9Sl6b0WjL_AeRm0eRMgWxVZMrSmGjU3pvy_RFKB2oiMoWJ_HoMoYATpLxbzQagYzd-opZQJrdoW6IZhVUCI7pcZ4_r_EVK5mTYAN5-EVshHPJ2fVT0PVcsts0PBlxp41Mk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="August it's a cinch from andrea" width="337" /></a><a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="August it's a cinch final eclectically vintage music sheet table runner (2)" border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUurHFtPCyWYKb7AXez0d4NBkRQsAv1-KTX12VKI8Do2XdTF6OFy54J085vBhuYb394q3yYZE1yHQVFTqhbfM6PT1hSpBzvrDRq-vVCI8yW6UWOTC9A242u-ag92Kp99eGde58qjwxn7I/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="August it's a cinch final eclectically vintage music sheet table runner (2)" width="261" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="August it's a cinch Carved Rock Necklace-1 (2)" border="0" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNzad2NGlZFgOLvwGhO5RlULDJUDW0mLHEfFx_Lm1kQXS9_kynfbQu9w5nqCHfAKTE9Xk_T77FgCFmSnNnYvvvpc7xokRyci9UKYmoSe8TvQpgWuoQs-8ur2UNhkagmxY4yr7BAApTKc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="August it's a cinch Carved Rock Necklace-1 (2)" width="295" /></a> <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants_thumbnail" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9W7pS-rvi-LzGq3-c8zWEIj8du5W3VI3LhhujdEeF7Y7zx-s0ygDYsusmu5dsF4xy-T70WH6YYJ2ZXkhiRppg3P0l6432roFOobP03qnHZ2wzJzbSbacQG1e6Qj9819xZezN1WyyeJw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants_thumbnail" width="279" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="August It's a Cinch Karah's" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiY2aUou0tGU0zJdu-yyJP0LZHmAG5HHG5V_sheLZhXYPSgzBhJau78lI4_YA8ECj6P1kodiRH-DdgyVjMoAz5CBt6uYG35oKHjf3xW6uw0cJiJVJZAxj84ZOB9bxJXNi23XkR-tYjzqk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="August It's a Cinch Karah's" width="306" /></a><br />
<br />
… so be sure to check out the easy peasy projects they’ve whipped up this month.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. I’m not turning my back on that plant in the middle …<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4D3ypifTPs4soIbf7AqRxDyo5v5kJjgr8t6HT7ZQZVhTsXT3tLtK-Zyn2yKCGU36bW9d7w-7uzLv38dzv23KPt_Um9shfj81xb1iw7Q2cP1OawKN9VlWF3xFsUUY2IhGp3vi2g9DMys/s1600-h/chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants" border="0" height="845" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_FBFmlwWSJxBLOR15wOrtywHsQdjcLEG-jKw4xw4bDLrCQApgDuGz_z65VHwUVJPuGfhemYW66Oj-IjopKnzzDFpfpi_tb8n1GzsX0QVoBNsS-jCLg-rczWaXyZirQ2FNLikZjhzHVqk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chalkboard_paint_pots_succulent_plants" width="604" /></a></div>
<div align="right">
<br /></div>
<div align="right">
<br />
… there’s something ominous about that tentacle.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div align="center">
<br />
<br />
<i>Sharing …</i><br />
<br />
<div align="center">
* <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> * <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/tuesdays-treasures-97/" target="_blank">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia</a> * <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/08/tutorials-tips-link-party-72.html" target="_blank">Home Stories A 2 Z</a> * <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/diy-do-it-yourself-projects/" target="_blank">Today’s Creative Blog</a> * <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> * <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/08/08/hookin-up-with-hoh-111/" target="_blank">House of Hepworths</a> * <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/08/its-inspiration-friday-no-77welcome.html" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a> * <a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party-28.html" target="_blank">Addicted 2 Decorating</a> * <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a> *<a href="http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/08/12/its-party-time-8-12-2012/" target="_blank"> It's So Very Cheri</a> * <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/08/12/diy-project-parade-and-diy-highlights-2/" target="_blank">The DIY Showoff </a>* Under the Table and Dreaming *</div>
</div>Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-48648898873751910072012-08-02T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-06T12:51:12.883-05:00how to prepare for a block partyThe block party. A Chicago tradition. You love them when it’s on your block. You curse them when you’re trying to get from point A to point B but all points in-between are blocked off for block parties.<br />
<br />
We recently enjoyed our very own block party ... so I thought I’d share with you some tips on how to prepare.<br />
<br />
Well, how I prepared ... <br />
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<b>Tip #1:</b> Paint your toenails with the light blue nail polish you picked up months ago. I mean, I am the self-proclaimed most famous blogger on the block …<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... so naturally everyone would be checking out my toes …</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2apYjlAzRxFEL8cr-HBYZ0uvLQH59YIkqDebLnP5pT0yZ4sVuNm4gsmrvcVNMs0SodxaXyoK9es4q5iIsX6Dia2KXpSiwK-46BuaJDprSor2XGmI3zWDMhlmZMLv_akSXY4Z-Odc9Gw/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_painted_toenails_blue%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chicago_block_party_painted_toenails_blue" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6p34-36g2odSMpi-9T29sG94vx73_aD6cBYPb0dULn_vaXiUe7j2vDx_Aq0ygdocrL-UpHfV6uAL5h6Kt4JrzecmPIM6id8Vf4I-6uyEzkqNgV13ebAyON2Vo4eEVUWtJfj5X6z40fM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_painted_toenails_blue" width="604" /></a> <br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
… and you might want to do this when the I’m-sure-she’s-very-nice-but-clowns-creep-me-out-balloon-lady is on the block … <br />
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<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NQAos87FzFowHhvvje0VCYpu_hqyitafyOfK65b5cncWuqnJ-t-_f6j-gC44F0s4kVeqZGQzSIzPKPLJgOGJ5AJOBqVI_YsSruM51A236Id2jiP0tKx3WzCozsrd53eKfStaX0eYXuM/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_clown_balloon_animal_maker%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chicago_block_party_clown_balloon_animal_maker" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN_laiWCzEfcc00NpnwI3Q4HcR-Y0aSzb9vMt9jNgx-NGPqki_kNZB1hrE9zva5o_VbbxCIbFD8hi6Bg00zxSsWdbyVn2M5oV_r3hNlK4hohXlSHfPXYcFm2Rri-UFFLakZRLMCSZDmQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_clown_balloon_animal_maker" width="604" /></a> <br />
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<b>Tip #2:</b> Park your car in front of your very own house and leave it there until the very last minute. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Because ... </i></div>
<br />
<i> </i> <br />
<div align="center">
<i>... for some mysterious reason ...</i> <br />
<br /></div>
<br />
... your house is <i><u>the</u> </i>house in Chicago where people abandon their cars. And you know from past experience that it could take months before that abandoned car is finally towed away by the city ...<br />
<br />
<br />
... and where else would the inflatable company guys be able to set up that almost-as-long-as-the-full-length-of-a-city-block water slide … <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9U8h2UMwQyBJLn2q0kIKIMHW8cYHcTGlf5WYhBkiuLypHTY4Yv9LfShsVP30bTBbbsLb0AVD8j3_4ihq3yWwdSwcQQQP7mw7EHHlbW5a49vn1CxN3-JRo-IQD2l6U-Dhx6LGLqdIbxc/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_inflatable%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chicago_block_party_inflatable" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDkVLOSFty4g3cnC8KTxgw2u_M2l10CMz3MPRqF948brOJJBI9CIKyKoRAa0SNc6pvrMD8AWwVlFsDFTmsiq1ouxR1PtQJ2LQ0NJchZeZ8n2pLqJHYffNGnDtqDou2i_Qzf7BH0nJwxA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_inflatable" width="604" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">... wait for it ...</span></i></b></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEx8yHUkByLk84HeJnGy-MiDFU1dFQKwpEp3chMCdVrJKSbJOktbDwiiubwdpqu4sVlrOO2fJ7uSy4lQFgONEjp-5y36XxN6TjqJuVku4FTT4wdJfGQvC-haBCGTBc3ic7XAl43JmKtM/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_inflatable_water_slide%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chicago_block_party_inflatable_water_slide" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8out6AZybRncCVcG4p8aa3cIGL7IExyywGUHsUcbLZtyyLFqq7P3o5NBkQnRiOvFXGOkwGlIAEs5nVsdMsju_KrYQ-q6uOwHukEPr4CB1p27_8J915wCYaX6T42ZG70TLknMUQHApCWA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_inflatable_water_slide" width="604" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">... wait for it ...</span></i></b></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveayLm8upoQGBvxypRx8ATLgoVIf8ThjAQ2kvbUbyAv-GZ2nMP_ybwYrZI3isd7CvHCY3EngdwjpSAhR939pOSkxdDb-ABWlbL3e66-oG-RaE6OWafyqgK2Lb6sOkbPl-CjShf9cXf8c/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_water_slide_inflatable%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chicago_block_party_water_slide_inflatable" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzW9RUgsuEO9K5w0tvfctINmA9CWaBypf5bNGYNii2Oncdxxad0FnHVj0gDGP1zmekrnAxWyogdHqQour_D0ZSOkB34DOg-rP0XpimW5JIVxf31iNlcioWy6NRiVUMoTmdnbJ9GyX4lg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_water_slide_inflatable" width="604" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">... wait for it ... </span></i></b></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9MRdV2l5p_CyYuX8BGgqrrBuWtZGDWIuWkhViBc1XFDcllv3a4xtQ8_r6jrMWCl_otDI5v4-B7xhNQ320u9qwYWX3IBWkRtw9wWdNwh0Wno8PKOQBX-jqI-OfEzNBNdGjO0y0H-LBag/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_giant_water_slide%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chicago_block_party_giant_water_slide" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8eGeSRNuIonc64Pr43nutvqPB_3dEz_lNRisb8ahrFiM9HbIEOa1KiCLVeLZVqz959PBRAqMKhPmFKxLsBuvofpsWkUMXfaLvdzVHWwTRLabsBqEPp2KEaG522hxKAJoHdnwaovkOv0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_giant_water_slide" width="604" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>... and what?</b></span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DwQva0T1xHkr-RxWEE1MHSLpMKnadf_1Esn8VB7aLvt0mEDKmNKQl-dNtUPMkNKmtaym3hWHy4PmmSBe8kpykeDzQgToEl5GMKm-cyxh8_Awaox0c5RGoSVHTHxtB24_4qmbZIuDAC8/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_water_slide_inflatable_huge%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chicago_block_party_water_slide_inflatable_huge" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWt_Z9u21MFnuNPMY_ZQIcnXleHuV8cbTyNatyMdgT80ro38vO0HQ-F8ccvSiuyWbP-x956jsQkmsA8x2qEOqP760y4-V0GiVhq5BCtRjcPpYYofsXxShPWgUwc5aL5ikpKaTfS3SEuc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_water_slide_inflatable_huge" width="604" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>WHAT?!? Crazy, right …?</i></span></b></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Tip #3:</b> Fix the loose screen on your front screen door using glue dots and a butter knife … but not spray adhesive. Spray adhesive would be silly to use … just saying … not that I have any personal experience with trying to fix a loose screen on a screen door with spray adhesive … <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #4:</b> Dead head the geraniums in those cute black and white terracotta pots. See #1 re: my self-proclaimed-most-famous-blogger-on-the-block claim. I mean, seriously, after my toes are checked out the neighbors would surely check the front porch to see if I’ve been caring for those geraniums properly … <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJowPT7hOzrnIZGwvSyifRh3iHs0qp0jlOjfZE_FUBM0sGsP0cInyYSpzreSif1tZPUzf6xmbcBShO4QwD1JB8lijWDyG3CMHsCQFIeK-WVI8c4MV-O7JVexQSU4MEyd8uwrtlGPiENDI/s1600-h/polka_dot_painted_pot_black_with_white%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="polka_dot_painted_pot_black_with_white" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7b4ojKioK1YG1kiLzk9lkkRycduIIYO8PJ8Mg03uXALwTLaRrRfkQ8CaMU6hTcZPRfI9OObKf5OmHY9HxWHHsvIvPBn1g8YKQAfE-yCn2076e7UOJSrVFGSbUTbubW45-3iosTW88Zw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="polka_dot_painted_pot_black_with_white" width="604" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>A HUGE thanks to <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/07/and-now-word-from-my-sponsor-my-husband.html" target="_blank">my sponsor</a> for caring for those geraniums ....</b></i></span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #5: </b> Mix up some lemonade … check to make sure there is Vodka in the freezer … and ponder what it means that the vodka is frozen … and wonder if a teen son and his friends might somehow be involved … <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppRfZCmHY50eicW-a4gEWidrlZG6-OTr1QdxjSG9wihAbz6ELVjk8S4k5-Ibjkj5uu-ku2AYgUV1ldyenrHjTOox2Fyhy22n22cFv6URY6Ttj5R4L-vRNhTzZX123vxwA_-lal6CLKCE/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_frozen_vodka%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chicago_block_party_frozen_vodka" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gDuQuG2HtKnlhO4PcSti9CSqm7qeOLUo-sa9dFmi4cFCa3h3F_vLQxPeBGlsWxc1w0MBWUuUM7RMkUc91ehTWsnMxUhc72dodyQzC7l-tJbXgZtaj0DHgoqe9TbtMhntR6Vr8-Dz5Vo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_frozen_vodka" width="604" /></a> <br />
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<br />
<b>Tip #6:</b> Wait until the very last minute too make your macaroni and shrimp salad to share at the block party group dinner … <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLp_RuIwRG1aaecmofu1nc6kTkAbah1cpMsK8WkkllGWXZGCpKnRY5QWvhfyUYwoAINtNYl4eNJS9wokUIFDGslxeAATbLOztP5xmKEiND1c7q7dUMLyEY5S4GLi5qbRk0NrYGEhvw7I/s1600-h/macaroni_shrimp_salad_recipe%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="macaroni_shrimp_salad_recipe" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwelcwoO54qlFJ2HYM8YYpZIy4GiTtHEtWHG93BzZgrhagIo6_QPw26lsetccQTMVULHMQY_SlATkG7YJcSpPR9qHVnqNg_d7klFIx8Wyr_efRd_mwhyphenhyphen-IDUvfKh11D3Q7DMbBF60kZA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="macaroni_shrimp_salad_recipe" width="604" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
… because you’ve been too busy painting your toes and fixing the screen with a butter knife and glue dots (but never, ever spray adhesive) and mixing lemonade and running to the store to get more vodka and moving your car at the very last minute … <br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>Tip#7:</b> Volunteer (once again) to host movie night. It’s easy. Well, it’s easy if you don’t wait until the very last moment to order <i>Ferris Bueller’s Day Off</i> on Netflix and hope and pray that your disgruntled mailman delivers it in time … <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7PXkuC7tcBadWkzLTvWBIfn9Tyw0P8Foz2Fb7ZcVnrfhDNN8zKQsNfqPcxAE8LWbMhdt8gP0xw3pDqjisxp3wZ2_Yz06Lkcwu0Nrv8XgU0qrSj022Cvm1etSEyPxS2lv-YcHWa93BKU/s1600-h/chicago_block_party_movie_night_popcorn%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="chicago_block_party_movie_night_popcorn" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircfVgtQ_P2P2yDdRVRBVM4kpkQQUxbJaBQqW5zhZ9IKTFAwEFMcFlrSvZt6dFhfj7XW-UYRFXH2tIi6NGLrZDV-RL2KETRVSbwVRrrDLEex6eUyVjf-yGD4L3BDuRikVG28qmO9aQtro/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="chicago_block_party_movie_night_popcorn" width="604" /></a> <br />
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<b>Tip #8:</b> And last ... but certainly not least ... kick yourself for not organizing a <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/" target="_blank">Hometalk</a> craft party as part of your block party like <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/coffee-talk" target="_blank">this blogger</a> and <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/07/how-to-host-diy-party.html" target="_blank">this blogger</a> … <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
… I mean (see #1 and #4) I am the self-proclaimed-most-famous-blogger-on-the-block … and how amazing would it have been to be the self-proclaimed-most-famous-blogger-on-the-block who wowed her neighbors at the block party with their very own <a href="http://blog.hometalk.com/how-to-host-a-hometalk-house-party/" target="_blank">Hometalk</a> swag … <br />
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<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/coffee-talk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Hometalk Apron" height="637" src="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Hometalk_Apron.jpg" title="Hometalk_Apron" width="600" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... if you want to pin this, please click on the pic and pin from the Thistlewood Farms blog ...</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And when it comes down to it, the block party really is a celebration of our homes and our neighborhood ... </i></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... and the families living in those homes in our neighborhood ...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>... and talking about how much we love our homes and our neighborhood with our neighbors. </i></div>
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And to cap it all off, while the neighbors and I crafted and shared the Hometalk love I could’ve quenched their thirst ... while dually impressing them with my crafty genius ... by recreating this paint tray ice tray idea from the very talented <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/07/how-to-host-diy-party.html" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a> sisters … <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/07/how-to-host-diy-party.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Paint Pan Beverage Cooler" height="434" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ScdL-U-EKYE/UAzJRGQGTVI/AAAAAAAALNc/IqqnC6bTJ00/Paint-Pan-Beverage-Cooler_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" title="Paint Pan Beverage Cooler" width="606" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... if you want to pin this idea, please click on the pic and pin from At The Picket Fence's blog ...</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
... and so sorry <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/" target="_blank">Vanessa and Heather,</a> but I would’ve shamelessly told everyone this was my very own genius idea … <br />
<br />
<br />
;) <br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /> <br />
<br />
P.S. If you want to host your own Hometalk swag-filled party, just <a href="http://blog.hometalk.com/how-to-host-a-hometalk-house-party/" target="_blank">click here for details …</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
… and no, I haven’t been paid by Hometalk to write this post. I’m just the self-proclaimed-most-famous-blogger-on-the-block supporting some blogger friends like the ones I linked to above as well as <a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/" target="_blank">this blogger</a> and <a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/" target="_blank">this blogger</a>, all of whom are real-life Hometalk Ambassadors ... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.P.S. You can find me on Hometalk here …<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hometalk.com/u4w89z73to" target="_blank"><img alt="Hometalk Icon" border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3U3mP2BoS_C10T08CP2YhFDwZCM2sXVWn06siK6m6ykIULVHNIOQ4nB87MCdH1ByDHBEWAZ7HfEQdV7QkKx6GkzZWl6kuJceHinQM-5y2ERMR40j7AQU3QwfOOymtMgcEfY72QZfU_Oo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hometalk Icon" width="154" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
<center>
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</center>Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-30424797617179738682012-07-31T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-09T21:31:08.518-05:00mission possible: crazy for color link party<div style="text-align: center;">
So what does crazy for color mean to you?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
For me, it’s all about those bright orange fish …</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPS3qqgOO0tIO2_c_E7lwivD5taXDNiXUZ673vON-mRtF7gPNEfoboQolANuy3A9mxWG8Fo2Rr7WP-w0Pemb8eDhhKDH19paSCWQOzOcGc9WqIIZiET0_wUAc3y97uTEHRpiTj_nEfmk/s1600-h/fish_on_sticks_painted_orange_labeled%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish_on_sticks_painted_orange_labeled" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCKol9pmn2REShe3W6KULXGznNVvNRKaJYCYGKr9M0iYO5zkNU21TdGGh36jgoiCfx3gEuERscHNB6pOrGKW4g_E_no6O5dR1pmCVfgAz21pG8XCQvTqAQi7kEhFjilbciHMbaV0PIbI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_on_sticks_painted_orange_labeled" width="604" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Kari at <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/cork-topped-desk" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farms</a>, it’s a serious lesson in how color can turn a hideous yard sale ‘before’ into a stunnning cork-topped ‘after’ … and, seriously, you need to check out the before …</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/cork-topped-desk" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="604" src="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Cork_Desk4.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Cork_Desk4" width="498" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Kelly at <a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/2012/07/colorful-keys-washi-to-the-rescue/" target="_blank">Eclectically Vintage</a>, it’s working some laptop magic with Washi tape … and now she can fire off those pithy comments and compose her fun and eclectic posts with her one-of-a-kind keyboard …</div>
<br />
<a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/2012/07/colorful-keys-washi-to-the-rescue/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="450" src="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/P1080239.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Washi Tape Keyboard" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Karah at <a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/2012/07/30/how-to-build-a-floating-shelf-tutorial/" target="_blank">the space between</a>, it’s all about a floating shelf, some awesome dog silhouettes, metallic green spray paint … and her <a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/2012/07/02/room-inspiration-living-room-ideas/" target="_blank">Blogging Without Borders</a> challenge …</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/2012/07/30/how-to-build-a-floating-shelf-tutorial/" target="_blank"><img alt="shelf" height="476" src="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/wp-content/uploads/spray-painted-leaf-wreath-1024x813.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="shelf" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And for Andrea at <a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/2012/07/all-about-colorbrought-to-you-by-color.html" target="_blank">The Cottage Market</a>, it’s all about all the many shades of pink she used on her adorable custom-made art … art for a lucky little cutie pie named Ariel …</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/2012/07/all-about-colorbrought-to-you-by-color.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAObTivcw-t9P-X4OmDFCLNWtoLOzMo4c8m3mqr9vkVYXjJjHcFl_cn37QB2-xJoK0kMDllkFu_jNylAj0fIfUevkXAcE_gXeg1uJlRvmcW-2bwWP_fLUdwbc9wvoEcvnsGY-q3I7m9x3s/s640/19.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" /></a><br />
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<br />
And now it’s time to add even more color to today’s blog post with our multi-blog link party. When you link here, you’ll automatically be linked up at these fabulous blogs …</div>
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<center>
<a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Eclectically Vintage" height="130" src="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EV-Button.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/" target="_blank"><img height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQDfYVzFcBeRA1Ha3kLHfdLa7T8b5LMnhWZl6fuT9uFNTdtCSTczfL7nIgFSG7Chr51Vfgi31qQUFRCeEEgl5S5OBmQIYqv7A04cpnvndtM8a635hBUnXK-jn6nb5QW55Pht9ci1V78yg/s1600/TCM+the+Blog+NEW+Blog+button.png" width="125" /></a> <a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="the space between" height="130" src="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/wp-content/uploads/12Apr-button-with-white-tree2.jpg" title="the space between" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" " border="0" height="130" src="http://thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/button1.png" width="130" /></a><center>
<br /> </center>
<center>
… and feel free to grab our colorful button too …</center>
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</center>
<center>
<br /><center>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9WBPmwX4-0gtaAvdnEx-4Z46Axb3Yu4Lot9C0gXGpvbrho2gymLTGpA4WZ1m5p8HHAm6OgCnaGv_ygmPgc9oGOcHFc8IXfshluwdgNThRRzPX3uKOpHnihjviVRy2wwq7bh_8lizDthyphenhyphen/s1600/AllAboutColorFolder+2.png" /> </center>
<center>
<textarea cols="22" rows="4" style="height: 108px; text-align: center; width: 207px;"><a border="0" href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9WBPmwX4-0gtaAvdnEx-4Z46Axb3Yu4Lot9C0gXGpvbrho2gymLTGpA4WZ1m5p8HHAm6OgCnaGv_ygmPgc9oGOcHFc8IXfshluwdgNThRRzPX3uKOpHnihjviVRy2wwq7bh_8lizDthyphenhyphen/s1600/AllAboutColorFolder+2.png" /></a></textarea><center>
</center>
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</center>Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-68243970603357638792012-07-30T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-26T07:30:01.253-05:00a city full of colorful neighborhoodsChicago is a city of neighborhoods. Some large. Some small. Clusters of like-minded people. Clusters of people brought together by nationality. Or religious beliefs. Or income …<br />
<br />
I was reminded of the varied levels of diversity of Chicago’s neighborhood clusters when I marched my way up north and west to the suburb of Skokie to purchase spray paint for <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/07/fish-sticks.html" target="_blank">my 99 cent thrift store fish …</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/07/fish-sticks.html" target="_blank"><img alt="fish_sculpture_from_thrift_store" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WCqGES30CJ1w382RHi3NgTd4d0fT2K7Bw5yxM0BSArSQbqO-MbGYYQxHcAOxif_bQfsLgF2c7Gib3y7FMRZqBmZeFbADAtEeVDRPeVI2iyVbG-GPgtQviD6h0V7e8h9bjRF2h2tBmhE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_sculpture_from_thrift_store" width="604" /></a><br />
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<i></i></div>
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<br />
<i>… and I was forced to go to the suburbs because Chicago is a city that prohibits the sale of spray paint …</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSiH0zd_14XjIuUuzVFg62mOhyphenhyphenYBYc3SGGZ3f5K50UJF3Wp9oNZF4I2PMk5BbZv6-1-hiP_8o7uopa85HLpdTaui9QVsdkY5bv1pZ3_bxU7SB6yB03HX_cdMWuWYJd9EqnNKqUFNIS2Q/s1600-h/fish_painted_orange_on_sticks3.jpg"><img alt="fish_painted_orange_on_sticks" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNLH7cGJ7PCStKYJ4YDmPuEw07qXllX0h-2gk_cOPaHvMODzvIuk-T3bqd8_b2h8OcuSQXI4WWYA59cz2g4M4ZolFqJo97bf4tfgl6teJAYsqbl_pRROtIivc-0AVWFYJbEOnoCGJn3E/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_painted_orange_on_sticks" width="604" /></a><br />
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As I drove through one neighborhood cluster to the next I got to thinking about their personalities …<br />
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… their local color, if you will.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72keeCsoTsl_6pnISZsEuTqYOIrhXmlv2Gkawnriz5pDma_COFeCnR-OHhv1sTgUYZGIPhV5RhCwaSJ2DJs2lv4DhntzE_2U0JARSMtqTt3vhRdZ08aHstANfJ_6QnhrLwmihTjgtkGo/s1600/fish_on_sticks_painted_orange_labeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72keeCsoTsl_6pnISZsEuTqYOIrhXmlv2Gkawnriz5pDma_COFeCnR-OHhv1sTgUYZGIPhV5RhCwaSJ2DJs2lv4DhntzE_2U0JARSMtqTt3vhRdZ08aHstANfJ_6QnhrLwmihTjgtkGo/s400/fish_on_sticks_painted_orange_labeled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We live in a neighborhood called Lakeview. Funny because we’re about three miles from the lake. And even if I stood on the very tippy toppy-est part of our roof, I wouldn’t spot a single glimmer of Lake Michigan’s waters.<br />
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To our west is St. Bens,a neighborhood with very little real estate turn over. Homes stay in families. East is Wrigleyville. Where it’s all about the Cubs. And the bars. And a colorful character named Ronny Woo Woo who roams the streets in a Cubs uniform yelling out, “CUBS, WOO! CUBS, WOO!,” over and over again …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIity_4L_Rq-WtWClc0WjowrjxS2pgvTVkLtRhtuvXu1WbP-TW5FYWE1wBPKf4GxiHppv1I_bF-y-P1k1LKZVDq6tGQ0jGxEXayxSVbKHYZadhrOxRhxiH-uN7AkO1tXfnetQtDsKlcWM/s1600-h/fish_painted_bright_orange_on_sticks%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish_painted_bright_orange_on_sticks" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQqhTgsC_qhr2FZv1fW5hKcKGBV8NdYatOX0gpPM-xI0cKDXnrWjaP8GgF1yc3FwFvaM72H9PR3_wH3XY5yxenGjFsS5TqEE0Ml7aN-QlyBEVDLnQTaZBmQD-5HtGowAXc-0c9ib0u-s/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_painted_bright_orange_on_sticks" width="604" /></a><br />
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The Gold Coast and Lincoln Park are too rich for my blood. Sauganash to the far northwest and Beverly to the far south feel more suburb than city … and are dominated by firefighter and police officer families …<br />
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<i>… because if you’re paid by the city of Chicago you have to live in the city of Chicago …</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexP3JFSeIZ6UMmtcQ-1sfsM95kcV4xCly64w0VqxJi0r-BJ4A-AgSDYGiVoqXebQhPk-pbZ05GaA0lMGb8e7I07cyUMhJfHZtqVgerWq_LCAqc0uhzR_Bvq2S02Cd0VFXWQ4GEGhqc4w/s1600-h/fish_on_sticks_painted_bright_orange%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish_on_sticks_painted_bright_orange" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbEOdXT1tKyMbtZv-kd-0xnSIUjIqcUHeByE2gtPaTKc6TJaJsDc59kW_1Hik8LK4pHfh_1kytMYd7U8TxUhSopZ60RvlVcZJGBFjwM6BwoeGrOjRK2H24JyMuoKC_eRzxKQFtxcvrf8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_on_sticks_painted_bright_orange" width="604" /></a><br />
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Wicker Park, Buck Town, Andersonville … they’re young and hip and arty. Lincoln Square has …<i> or it may be <u>had</u> by now</i> … a colorful character who would feed the pigeons and let them sit on him. All over him. Creepy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyJCAfWqbDiTeAFh4D6V-HAIopKyiK4eGGzbbXJjbfxgkUYTIbZoysswuvtc6kN-kvVyp27rCvIKgAZQcBpnQ8vMtw7E4GDXc1lUW_o8blNgVGBA6y3tuZ8NOFtYrEv9mPT98jd0oN-o/s1600-h/pigeon_man_of_Lincoln_Square_Chicago%25255B2%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="pigeon_man_of_Lincoln_Square_Chicago" border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHTVqhBigOlgZP38GPC9xIoKXvRQOqvSHyiTUzNQeUt7Dm6xocbjSwq0g1Q_WUXaKNhhDJYxE96m8TVroIa_yYcF0UU_HxpbLPdphN10JfLq6dP_w-bce86GPDVlzwHrKFyFUNCZXLzI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pigeon_man_of_Lincoln_Square_Chicago" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>I wonder if those pigeons would look better spray painted bright orange?</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And then there are the neighborhoods that don’t have names … or maybe they do have names but I just don’t know them.<br />
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And as I drove north on Ravenswood … and northwest on Lincoln … and north on Western … and west on Touhy, I marveled at how quickly one neighborhood morphed into another.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg6wAfdNre_R2nJXdSLdwimcgdLk3yRfiQbV23msbT5pXmPrFp7U3iP59A7qjHTg1J9X4qtvjt-8TRE1T7awfpl9-JK48Cw75dva-mI2hUVys8I-mbi8zG5lRdi1VuAJjzNYN-9NUXzA/s1600-h/fish_on_sticks_painted3.jpg"><img alt="fish_on_sticks_painted" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU11U9xgTdXKkrJPECQKt6NV0A1IQ3TrJVE2BA-jtuJgn95hDZaiOiZTPrf9DBR74dejZoexgzRe6S5UIpb-qAhQJYJhuYu409dfBZRgaCJofvYof2iOQL-3ktAQp27JSgzOUqE1E17Sg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_on_sticks_painted" width="604" /></a><br />
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How quickly the local color morphed from children being dropped off at a pricey summer art day camp … to an elderly woman wilting in the 100 degree heat as she waited for the bus …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGo-MuWw78wJtIufMi9ciPvK0t6X1H59c3gECW8LfLGvEI7czSti8Qe0sX5R-ULhH4VHqPL6Dp3fh56eZyI1wwG731Mjtozy_1knT8X0URvj2lLopDoGq7KNwK3CskOcTcMxaP-gamiI/s1600-h/fish_wooden_on_sticks_painted_bright%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish_wooden_on_sticks_painted_bright_orange" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfosOZkFxyOLjLAgrjg_M8IiSb0yrwFgR_t_3Yz19qnpIkVRhlAOXJ1A9otkYHcMWKeOxU-CsrNPC3kCs2lHPOmqn5mMpHlvdJFgKzhadcXNDWpoXdISsqOm2ypF8TlUxVHI6LLeg3HeM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_wooden_on_sticks_painted_bright_orange" width="604" /></a><br />
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How quickly the local color morphed from a group of Hasidic Jew 10-and-11-year-old girls wearing black ankle length skirts and head scarves chatting and laughing and skipping down the sidewalk … to a crazed man in the median yelling at the demons in his head (can you hear the car doors being locked?) …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzipd63QbAroPpOane0ZLHnKx9byXfQ0-KCsDjo0H-eUSm2DaHWhMnA0T9g4nffl9Rk_I0dy6qxy7yKqybC4LeXxgb3fNIbygTyIdXrtPLBotMlmA46aBQgmeno63YwdoDITWVpNd9yc/s1600-h/fish_on_sticks_painted_wooden3.jpg"><img alt="fish_on_sticks_painted_wooden" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsme0TZIcSa3UgjKO9BhOt0LxbM4u7sMuHwIPxhERgnvx-BCeBW1jJykMZeu4MKOd-NbCUuCJ8Hwqee2kMUQltG3gTwZiwr7MiI_LyEcQ4b9M8lYpdpVN8azwgizyUwsR5LhAZ61tr-c0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_on_sticks_painted_wooden" width="604" /></a><br />
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How quickly the local color morphed from a group of head-to-toe burka-clad women … to mustachioed Chicago firefighters at Western and Devon collecting change for charity …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8eLtTCjFvg3sg_B9Bt0Uhx30l5boaoZid_1sDDRW8Qu2yc6apcfGBehey1RaPCJ3bbb8Q4YxaVc4Xt3VpYAC2bIkxhZ3w0PVfC_I0gF-NeU1oJiSv2GfpPip3YMYNpJZG7Cb_0Rtmho/s1600-h/fish_painted_orange3.jpg"><img alt="fish_painted_orange" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcnXteGmZYUllC5De1fpLAooxTUAX8T-C9cvsnzqXwAuPho76ChJvlNQS0t_AWpDMCGDiZ4-_dx3GoOi2egSLi0hy1VHr-QDrzbzAIgKmev774jflwHqu2VNktBp1CEPTP-9WX-Z4CAE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_painted_orange" width="604" /></a><br />
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And as I drove north on Ravenswood … and northwest on Lincoln … and north on Western … and west on Touhy, it had me ruminating that perhaps my obsession with color …<br />
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<i>… my need to be surrounded by color …</i></div>
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… is an obsession and a need that reaches far beyond my home’s décor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4t9qvUpShgFOlRwv6bE1y-s20lBvKhBWRN2kbdoa6X1Ya_QrxZF9hRit6ErrCFRLmLooi8HyXZqHK8g7OpFcGQNGH_83a9bB1tsek0C48Ks99znCFNp_0-AgNNvnAt64Ew31IHfuprY/s1600-h/fish_on_sticks_painted_wooden_bubble%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fish_on_sticks_painted_wooden_bubble_title" border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytG1-Dg53CIPG7vJOf-pu9vfyeSPI994_h8dfs4R5HO9ehzeZs8wVLXNSSgcDT6ArDpajU8enQSxWQ16wOP_sF-RHzigjomdYgGh6qTLbGH67DEJkRV8_mPXweasjkILwLjcxg-6l9SI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_on_sticks_painted_wooden_bubble_title" width="604" /></a></div>
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So what’s your color story? Link it up here tomorrow … and when you link here you’ll be linked up to 5 fabulous blogs.</div>
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We go live at 7 PM EST …</div>
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P.S. Even painted, the fish are still not going on my bedside table …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxDAPPS5FVTZyxtfHWfZhK7ZCpOyNkDeawoAOD_6H87uNwjvYcj-MZOW7MVRuRPTuk0GHxUqaIBwYttE2TSykVLY_0Y6LhlFeDO-RdKVQhVvXpoqcH1BBXeq0HYYdkXH-Qhwu_u72RKs/s1600-h/fish_wooden_painted_orange8.jpg"><img alt="fish_wooden_painted_orange" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB_5-a9udy3QMJS6C5DvQ1ANA3_KdoaBVC8WArFQ1bDaK6ABdeqe6U1RH2IaiQBugFbqq1lGu_0t_ao249nydU1JtSxaMWnSQcuTNogD-zEz3uCpmXu-oR1fVwM1l5DB8cmC_H1fJTjs/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fish_wooden_painted_orange" width="604" /></a><br />
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<br />
Sharing ...<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/" target="_blank">At the Picket Fence </a>* <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/pottery-barn-knockoff-shell-chargers-the-184th-metamorphosis-monday/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> * <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/summer-food/" target="_blank">Today's Creative Blog</a> * <a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" target="_blank">My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia </a>* <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/07/tutorials-tips-link-party-71.html" target="_blank">Home Stories A 2 Z</a> * <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style </a>* <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/08/transformation-thursday-no-163.html" target="_blank">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a> * <a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/08/best-diy-projects-and-link-party-67.html" target="_blank">The 36th Avenue</a> * <a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/addicts-not-so-anonymous-link-party-27.html" target="_blank">Addicted 2 Decorating</a> * <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank"> Funky Junk Interiors</a> * <a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/" target="_blank">Southern Hospitality</a> * <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/08/12/diy-project-parade-and-diy-highlights-2/" target="_blank"> The DIY Showoff </a>*Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-39589419322360457032012-07-28T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-02T07:30:06.378-05:00and now a word from my sponsor (my husband mike)Every winter we come to a point where we just wish for summer, even during the relatively mild winter of 2011-2012.<br />
<br />
Not many of us wished for this summer, with record high heat and record low rain, especially not the dairy farmers for whom I work. Say a prayer for them and all farmers, and in fact, all who depend in some measure on the weather to survive. <br />
<br />
My mom often talked about her teenage summers in the 1930s, which she spent in Altoona, Iowa, working in a canning plant in nearby Grimes, paying the farmers who brought in their corn. They flirted with her. At night, the family often slept on the grass in the front yard of the home, hoping to catch some hint of cool air that mostly never came. That was their reality. <br />
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My grandmother talked about those same days – how her husband and others in the community took turns sitting on top of the small town’s bank, armed with shotguns, looking out for bank robbers such as Bonnie and Clyde and Wilber Underhill. It was hot.<br />
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Even John Dillinger went to the Biograph Theater the night he was killed to find cooling – by refrigeration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwAxQEpAoTdn_k84yyT4_dmTBbGtRQSaJ59W4CS25JnfWe4BGqsi0O8WHkyIDgm3Hrw91czK93KkgkICU5sCn5A1jHI_cvU-2xwrcg3dmo5pMi1CKq7IRwTMyk7R-1pejUbyDTj_AKUc/s1600-h/sponsor%252520post%252520Biograph_theater_Chicago%252520%2525282%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sponsor post Biograph_theater_Chicago (2)" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJttaqpepNoEzNruku9JOjIr2ileveA5vJ_HZmK9wWIE19C-HsUyIEMfmcJGFeyaH8rsZuZdxQGof-y9cNd3YPsq3pIqzOksyhILfDOfQa-yE_M7OdMTLaX0LhyphenhyphenJqZUZ5QktmlQFoYURU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sponsor post Biograph_theater_Chicago (2)" width="504" /></a><br />
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I remember how quiet and still my boyhood home was during hot weekend afternoons. We kept the drapes closed to allow the window units work at their best. I can still see the Emerson QuietKool air conditioner in my bedroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkevZH4OoU0-0sGsej9Y771eUnAAKnh6kOh28fqrm5sbADQW5AkcQYaOJ-qfj52Tf_Q5PPt18J_DIFYxJm3OHuMHVuFCZjm9iSMSp8nzM9ZnV_sy-mFte9VjUoI1pStHbgrm9KvNIU1vA/s1600-h/sponsor%252520post%252520Emerson_air_conditioner%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sponsor post Emerson_air_conditioner (2)" border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c5w8oVxedOCfBIMKkHVSxf_x2tBzRVRBRDfCRy1Ya4s0SF0PnPcqreHRsltapkelZnSmjQkjXgYo85CIVyk1CX-vOnn5oOtbIOCPc6-0TL_8P1wfjhfjzeISindbbvILAUVkuSLpkD0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sponsor post Emerson_air_conditioner (2)" width="504" /></a><br />
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Generations before us just toughed it out. We shouldn’t feel bad for keeping our cool when we can. Had our grandparents had access to air conditioning, they would have opted to enjoy it.<br />
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And let’s enjoy next winter a little more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ21wnQd5cb6kWp4nd4tS-SFrQMNQsipcA6QNDHIlIS5qBMxpehlPGP6he1uAz9WRvbFHiF6br9FTwwKwp0Kv9MtxcLUOhXUkhwJI9P3sFK6Jqxrss0myIfC1Xsd0hpoeThZjb3s3gyM/s1600-h/sponsor%252520post%252520Groundhog-Day-Blizzard-on-Lake-Shore-Drive%252520%2525282%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="sponsor post Groundhog-Day-Blizzard-on-Lake-Shore-Drive (2)" border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv3G5z8u68cChMHOsIVE2wpHZdWMWOhnvlpCMRvbqzDPrqhkAagT2JVrafYOO9b9dmBFH-pimJSHKULiX2KxD1FnEhdhk9jlOsAOv0i_q0vfVUirD1iC93t69O_-1BDJDg63f4gCsKYA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="sponsor post Groundhog-Day-Blizzard-on-Lake-Shore-Drive (2)" width="504" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #4bacc6; font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: medium;"><i>~ Mike</i></span>Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-3968977822378854262012-07-26T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-10T10:14:09.485-05:00gloria steinem, this one’s for you ...… with the alternate headline, “an equal opportunity pillow.”<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105263700/ms-drop-cloth-pillow-insert-included-16" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_pillow_monogram_drop_cloth" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMEE0KHGiwUq4ilhGdDKY5wRU7DuRfL_GfbdPzWdXjoZv-LxfXAyz2OrGgQKGFk12MBufu2hP5O7o-PqQkxXWhYsMUDou0Yv4GRd5xY6MuXNCDNbDziOc9hOF_VeuUUBqFwwS569KtNQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_pillow_monogram_drop_cloth" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
Would I categorize myself as a feminist?<br />
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I’m not sure.<br />
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Don’t get me wrong. I’m a <i>huge</i> fan of equal rights. I’m passionate about woman getting equal pay for equal intelligence … equal training … equal jobs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105263700/ms-drop-cloth-pillow-insert-included-16" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_monogrammed_on_pillow" border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4ftVt7Je2xzqUSIo5Tk82DXHlOa6uMOmT5qKHeCjpWlIVu1hxmvOQ-ZsQXoo8FBRHnnteT5If6nzzxzsT_2BngxlcpMJF2TJP1gqnWgx8cY3CxKOSZV8bLCJep84rJ47r0qeGmkIPao/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_monogrammed_on_pillow" width="600" /></a><br />
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And I would like to think that if women like Susan B. Anthony, Ellizabeth Cady Stanton, Gloria Steinem … and, heck, even Jane Fonda … hadn’t stood up, spoken up, and pushed for those equal rights that we women in the U.S. enjoy today …<br />
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… I would like to think that I would’ve taken that lead. Grabbed that bullhorn … and marched alongside those brave bullhorned women as they challenged the status quo …<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105263700/ms-drop-cloth-pillow-insert-included-16" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_monogrammed_pillow" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGTUzzShadts3cAJn6hlGB1F15O74yM-Dd95Dhydaa1sPmrF7WpM9vys4IEA990-W9VO9Ia0b8E2dFWrGxnKIGxVUBoTOw5fr-WU208sTwCU9iVwGqObgUlLHrfxRebnyogyveVm93RI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_monogrammed_pillow" width="600" /></a><br />
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I would like to think that if I was a young women in the late 1800’s, I would’ve been a card-carrying member of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Woman_Suffrage_Association">National Woman Suffrage Association</a> …<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105263700/ms-drop-cloth-pillow-insert-included-16" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_monogram_on_pillow_with_button" border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJGAaH1iybN6Mn-XwZ5gOArH2Jnr0lgvsXW3zlYCtghZROQGEXD0nFZDXnsluhol1OOgtQvlvkR6s7no86IBzRtjeUmEWWfX5ZbmCSmBjUevN8Xbk1C0yNAK2TQ4iQ92mQUxM9GJskIU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_monogram_on_pillow_with_button" width="600" /></a><br />
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… and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Woman_Suffrage_Association_%28AWSA%29">American Woman Suffrage Association</a>.<br />
<br />
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And would’ve stood arm-in-arm with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Stone">Lucy Stone</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Blackwell_%28doctor%29">Elizabeth Blackwell</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Ward_Howe">Julia Ward Howe</a> …<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105263700/ms-drop-cloth-pillow-insert-included-16" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_monogram_drop_cloth_pillow" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ChCtNgz6bRaOvIeC2-uGhIAyOsC83ggyxux2rCH7W3Zrx2k67Ms1Ot91jQXP4OaW7IhAWz1Gy4uKvJZ1xzzEHX28jB6ym2ipp3jFMAPRvMscNkXQWeFRMaLd_CGhgLWwhwecGZP7T_s/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_monogram_drop_cloth_pillow" width="600" /></a><br />
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… as we stood our ground and demanded the right to vote.<br />
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If I was a young woman in the late 60’s? Well, I like to think Gloria Steinem and I would’ve been BFFs …<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105263700/ms-drop-cloth-pillow-insert-included-16" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_monogram_on_pillow" border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5oJT9H3Autrst4KBWa2ncr_gopQP4Bt2ESGBq3YXEmQuMY58RoNOFTo7pHcyfzD3aFulT0nVDViMxnkbH1EF51vWzeeksKntEYlRGci1m52ACcxTDQI_LhPCuLjjhXvjJ38n9waZSAw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_monogram_on_pillow" width="600" /></a><br />
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… and together we would’ve enjoyed some passionate feminist-fueled luncheon discussions with our other besty, Jane Fonda …<br />
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And who knows? There may have been some bra burning after a few glasses of wine.<br />
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But in today’s world of handmade ware known as <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dropclothdesignco" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, you can find a Mr. & Mrs. pillow set to match just about any taste. And I’ve recently thrown my very own drop cloth designs into the mix ...<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105264875/mr-mrs-drop-cloth-pillow-set-pillow" target="_blank"><img alt="mr_and_mrs_monogrammed_pillow" border="0" height="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJd5BXIooYDRZ_U3-YnwzVgJ6siL8MVQ45VgqQC5IaDYP011k-E4xz8aLnloyp8xMis4a6edymYiwuEM6PZwAlkSyr0x1y2_dpYpBxUw2xD7vqrcHAEYWQ4ddzBbB71aLLKez5OF6vLk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="mr_and_mrs_monogrammed_pillow" width="600" /></a><br />
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… the monogram only with a button period accent …<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105269353/mr-mrs-rosette-drop-cloth-pillow-set" target="_blank"><img alt="mr_mrs_monogrammed_wedding_pillow" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKYXpzDd6DVXf6O3tnK2ry7aEH0In4xwvcqQ173Wh66CyiZdLaFvGtjMSRv8pATPC5WuMI62vFJH_jpCPNT9s3jBXNgtabht4rFFMijA_dNtaCyfmDKJ7bBAYAkApPdHIWE2gc1kL2ss/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="mr_mrs_monogrammed_wedding_pillow" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
… and the rosette embellished versions. Either one would make perfect wedding or anniversary gifts.<br />
<br />
<br />
However, I realized there was something missing. And I got to thinking of the feminists. And the single gals. And all those women who proudly wear their “Ms.” moniker …<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105266858/ms-rosette-drop-cloth-pillow-insert" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_monogram_pillow_rosettes" border="0" height="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxoiF8xl7zvg-OdBbAAIgoBxz_MfmNaznXW9dtJJsc5YfQaoJJlnjXStS1TpEgHq4R_qefTt55UxiunFX7V56PtohPJVfP8Lsqv2tybo2B_JtGVu8vYW7kX3C68UAj_OFjuN2Fw9jO4M/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_monogram_pillow_rosettes" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
… and how that hold-their-heads-high-proud “Ms.” marketplace was being underserved … <br />
<br />
<br />
… so I went ahead and stocked the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dropclothdesignco" target="_blank">Etsy</a> with a Ms. pillow too …<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105266858/ms-rosette-drop-cloth-pillow-insert" target="_blank"><img alt="ms_monogram_pillow_with_rosettes" border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE-DuSMlYNAsGIqEW_EevBNsJBpfh0ZfzYChyRJzgA_yXusJ2EyZhI-EH_q3qsPsrZTOP_9ByXZg3FIiZkkcRCPNOM64t-g53ILIf673LCUjZ_NHm-JAXbr7Kw4tnQA-AKONcgzVkCSc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ms_monogram_pillow_with_rosettes" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
… including this rosette adorned one.<br />
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<i>… hey, just because a women is a feminist doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a feminine side … </i><br />
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And I’d like to think Lucy Stone would’ve been proud to rest her weary head – or aching feet -- on her very own monogrammed Ms. pillow after a long, hard day of protesting for the very rights that we, at times, take for granted today ...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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And make sure you come back on Tuesday, July 31 for our multi-blog link party ...<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9WBPmwX4-0gtaAvdnEx-4Z46Axb3Yu4Lot9C0gXGpvbrho2gymLTGpA4WZ1m5p8HHAm6OgCnaGv_ygmPgc9oGOcHFc8IXfshluwdgNThRRzPX3uKOpHnihjviVRy2wwq7bh_8lizDthyphenhyphen/s1600/AllAboutColorFolder+2.png" />
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<textarea cols="22" rows="4" style="height: 108px; text-align: center; width: 207px;"><a border="0" href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9WBPmwX4-0gtaAvdnEx-4Z46Axb3Yu4Lot9C0gXGpvbrho2gymLTGpA4WZ1m5p8HHAm6OgCnaGv_ygmPgc9oGOcHFc8IXfshluwdgNThRRzPX3uKOpHnihjviVRy2wwq7bh_8lizDthyphenhyphen/s1600/AllAboutColorFolder+2.png" /></a></textarea><center>
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<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i> </div>
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<br />
Sharing:<br />
<br />
* <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/07/25/hookin-up-with-hoh-109/" target="_blank">House of Hepworths</a> * <a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/07/its-inspiration-friday-no-75-welcome.html" target="_blank">At The Picket Fence</a> * <a href="http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Common Ground</a> * <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> * <a href="http://www.addicted2decorating.com/" target="_blank">Addicted 2 Decorating</a> * <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/07/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-bliss-jewelry-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Tatertots & Jello</a> * <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a> * <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/07/29/diy-linky-party/" target="_blank">The DIY Showoff</a> * <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" target="_blank">Under the Table and Dreaming </a>* <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a> * <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2012/08/its-another-fabulously-creative-friday.html" target="_blank">Jennifer Rizzo</a> *Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-14661515434972712482012-07-25T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-02T07:31:04.992-05:00mission possible: color crazedIn the house that lives in my mind …<br />
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<br />
<i>… that dream house where everything is perfect and dust bunnies don’t exist and things are never, ever out of place …</i><br />
<br />
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… the colors are subtle. Neutral. Tone-on-tone.<br />
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<br />
Much like the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/98066527/union-jack-pillow-18-x-18" target="_blank">Union Jack pillows</a> I sell at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dropclothdesignco" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>. I mean, look how perfectly they work at <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/four-amazing-things-about-this-picture" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farm …</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/four-amazing-things-about-this-picture" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="640" src="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_0178.jpg" title="Master Bedroom with Peonies" width="550" /></a></div>
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… in Kari’s stunning tone-on-tone bedroom.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
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And my <a href="http://pinterest.com/iaswp/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> boards? Yeah, they’re filled with lots of things like this …<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/187814246930904179/" target="_blank"><img alt="white_and_gray_kitchen_inspiration" border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNFhOo2cHokXx2qP5aKayQ1c-M7zssiGZFevMTJ4qTo46aex_OkBbjDoJoJ-5fSurAsP8xpXAySGP8fZUL_bJIdOU_guypq54yRgg1_14cb-AyZN2LMlvjM2k1v7GMRF9N-jVBChbEpo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="white_and_gray_kitchen_inspiration" width="604" /></a></div>
<i></i><br />
<i>*swoon*</i><br />
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<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she …<br />
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<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
And often times my plans for a room’s design start subtle. Neutral. As in Nate-Berkus-would-be-so-very-proud-of-me neutral …<br />
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The <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2011/12/home-tour-entry-before-after.html" target="_blank">entry redesign</a>? Yeah, that was going to be lots of white board and batten, soft grays, and mellow yellows …<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2011/12/home-tour-entry-before-after.html" target="_blank"><img alt="entry remodel with board and batten (550x413)[4]" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3ZAsM2n-hOY-Z-Qv708YZWzOEseUcIjirPpaSVzYi1T0jhG82L-j02DJC5IjpC3mOpEsqhU61Xabyv9AoOCWOrJ1Mk3VC4dRcmzPKAHK_PZs0htxJ3v8DJc8CkMYr2UI-nVf2VJ48Lk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="entry from living room (550x413)[4]" width="604" /></a></div>
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… and it ended up with a bold gray and crazy Michael Miller multi-colored fabric.<br />
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<a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2011/12/entry-renovation-bench-makeover.html" target="_blank"><img alt="entry_bench_black_with_bold_michael_miller_fabric_final" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3AKDxv0kJ60GKtLCxNamROs1-1OTSFJYHUxLYBXt7x9RO0xaj21UN7kJVSg3STyvleMpAEkl7cOobY09EsWyCR9rOAP1eccZVXpApZr9Cqq0951F-n20WVBofd5AHIHpk07mogvT6_0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="entry_bench_black_with_bold_michael_miller_fabric_final" width="604" /></a></div>
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And then of course there’s my <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/03/stick-fork-in-it.html" target="_blank">son’s room</a>. Nothing like bright orange walls to kill my subtle-neutral-tone-on-tone-in-my-mind-home dreams …<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/03/stick-fork-in-it.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Teen Room orange gray black mirror" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpS-vcAq6JYV-AIeF5ZUkOJX-k-onTDK6hWV7J-q2DP6Et6TVGOJIwlViPTvJVXc7Aesa8LX_KJr5MF4esn45cb19wAN0ITDqs34_2IFEl3-s50rvAhreUlVqJOAewN8GFj_SCWJqxqU/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Teen Room orange gray black mirror" width="604" /></a></div>
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<br />
And now my in-my-head-dreams-of-a-soft-and-soothing bedroom are being invaded by color …<br />
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<br />
… as in the blue and brown and white color palette is not enough. As in I’ll be heading out to Lowes today to check out their spray paint selection …<br />
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<div align="right">
… seeking out something bold. And fun.</div>
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And you’ll need to come back on Monday to see what color I’ve picked …<br />
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<br />
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… and then you’ll need to come back on Tuesday (July 31) and share your very own color crazed moments at our <b>Mission Possible: Crazy for Color</b> multi-blog linky party.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9WBPmwX4-0gtaAvdnEx-4Z46Axb3Yu4Lot9C0gXGpvbrho2gymLTGpA4WZ1m5p8HHAm6OgCnaGv_ygmPgc9oGOcHFc8IXfshluwdgNThRRzPX3uKOpHnihjviVRy2wwq7bh_8lizDthyphenhyphen/s1600/AllAboutColorFolder+2.png" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<textarea cols="22" rows="4" style="height: 108px; text-align: center; width: 207px;"><a border="0" href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9WBPmwX4-0gtaAvdnEx-4Z46Axb3Yu4Lot9C0gXGpvbrho2gymLTGpA4WZ1m5p8HHAm6OgCnaGv_ygmPgc9oGOcHFc8IXfshluwdgNThRRzPX3uKOpHnihjviVRy2wwq7bh_8lizDthyphenhyphen/s1600/AllAboutColorFolder+2.png" /></a></textarea>
</div>
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<br />
This time around we want to see how you add pops of color to your home. It could be with fabric. Or paint. Or flowers. Or accessories …<br />
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… and when you link up here, you’ll automatically be linked at my lovely co-host’s blogs …<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Eclectically Vintage" height="130" src="http://eclecticallyvintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/EV-Button.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.thecottagemarket.com/" target="_blank"><img height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQDfYVzFcBeRA1Ha3kLHfdLa7T8b5LMnhWZl6fuT9uFNTdtCSTczfL7nIgFSG7Chr51Vfgi31qQUFRCeEEgl5S5OBmQIYqv7A04cpnvndtM8a635hBUnXK-jn6nb5QW55Pht9ci1V78yg/s1600/TCM+the+Blog+NEW+Blog+button.png" width="125" /></a> <a href="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="the space between" height="130" src="http://www.thespacebetweenblog.net/wp-content/uploads/12Apr-button-with-white-tree2.jpg" title="the space between" width="130" /></a> <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt=" " border="0" height="130" src="http://thistlewoodfarms.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/button1.png" width="130" /></a><center>
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
And who knows ... maybe I’ll bump into you at Lowes ...</div>
</center>
</center>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /><i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
<i><b> </b></i>
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<br />Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674653718175034770.post-71631232064866478612012-07-23T04:30:00.000-05:002012-08-02T07:31:24.456-05:00where does everyone sit with all those pillows?When <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/lindas-chicago-screened-porch-my-great-outdoors-173035" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a> featured my <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/05/to-go-with-flow-or-no.html" target="_blank">screen porch</a> a few weeks back 99% of the comments were complimentary … <br />
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Things about how people would be heading over for drinks. And how they could feel that cool breeze … <br />
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And then there was this … <br />
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<div align="center">
<i>“where does everyone sit with all those pillows?”</i><br />
<i> </i> </div>
<div align="center">
<i></i></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkrv1xD2s9jlxiTNmTPB8-IUBuBEY-VOjvgWzq76MRpNWkQQdDEtDxX0m_CMmUDYYLdk_o2LQwvYjBb9i5om9I6JQIP3Oy7r2upCHXDCWDULHH5V9ZOMhxkYNoh4AfD63ptFbh0M7wDQ/s1600-h/placemat_pillow_turquoise_and_royal_blue%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat_pillow_turquoise_and_royal_blue" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyfyGYiTG-MC2MS0UdctrQSsDYjZYMYUD0njZpr5Xz-zazkMimM8uBFOFyKGwsS-XGTZhlBejrfHAuKdJjQ7dGLgVDoWGF2yvSBKhtmDt1ZiXfk27k1U10cqzzcJhoG3H3yfnA7fq4YA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="placemat_pillow_turquoise_and_royal_blue" width="604" /></a> <br />
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Really? <br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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They’re pillows. As in soft and light and fluffy …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJJbiNrF3fyJvm_nHQOKSOsDdQ0MKPHmAWjI7omNykDKeTxnp48ErenwSFnW4kF_NjcZoMeEdQsvP-pNF9HovPQTaEC1IW5FZj7nIbqnGDSvtz3s8d6t2RYoeISH4WD6EkQtTM3ZJVw8/s1600-h/placemat_and_number_pillows%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat_and_number_pillows" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vw5Z0-gqrTA5S25HfvRWM0muTgVx1GiU14v96lnaHirg244w7zJimeLSnB2yCwA0M83kkzbbTnOWXcHX2nA-TYXYlrlJYPx8NFoFSlqr7THQ8LAR9KT9VSOCM2UomykWsYG_AiMEI2A/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="placemat_and_number_pillows" width="604" /></a> <br />
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… as in easy to move aside. As in they can be leaned against for some lumbar support.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TLfMRIoYsWKqwOj-iTL9w_k3pUBHgsUMQvxZrRaebGaiUEhueqVgAZ49mGzLuzctRHttcWBxnJq9xoGrlqjuxdWyg3tIxWsDWutHeS18jEJdCyGpPX4Iq7-TR0224EK5Hr0zeDlKjJ0/s1600-h/placemat_pillows_on_screen_porch%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat_pillows_on_screen_porch" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBnrj4D1kD8c9fQ6L4DqJJCNOJlGRf6mUM9SVgc6iBGM3f-b53nizKedRQkPXLEfdT5G0hj8HomkOp0syW0hC_OQypc4GzE14hwu1aZNtODnmqqIFg0EN1Vbn2m_ZA8dz6U6MDKp0MI0/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="placemat_pillows_on_screen_porch" width="604" /></a><br />
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It’s not like I lined the bench with boulders.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVmmumtoFtoa_rx9zjSZkpwHJvz9-f4ABLfgtIdJWy6V9GY0A16oukWXj3ko2hxSR6eYMl8laiEuHbi8-3VsbKzPSskmyiX8_vGWNOMtXUzs0BKs5VuHpy-wRZCv2D2ZLB-6QLj18DGk/s1600-h/placemat_pillows_turquoise_blue_white%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat_pillows_turquoise_blue_white" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpvqMH0dNk_0Slb4BPIQECZ3pFjefQUtaHhjoNnMx97corGdGP_yDb-sARDk-QJSfOAgqLdIPTLg4syL9pFjpALz8o_dEGraLzXmklWfuJH3iqK_5lbRbOtvDMlD54g-0ITrXM578saM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="placemat_pillows_turquoise_blue_white" width="604" /></a><br />
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Just pillows. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_JtSfFxNqW6M5pQdu0a_VKcFeJp_7Fd49EDt5hIwDHe8TFD8Uy7npTA4Z2RirA6rwQTtxNixIynTp8LPhFyg2lx-Utqn59qVK7qRlWNnAQezdKp5Egd6-fNvoHI-lT4NDPh5CWQ3cnw/s1600-h/placemat_pillows_screen_porch%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat_pillows_screen_porch" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimA99w6uEvMFuFkXgHgfTB6kd0F-UQ2JjBCvhvMcuaNwJ8ufPlPHoNQYrpjrVYGRg9dOBQ8yPM3bQg-Ghyphenhyphenxcepqik9eY-bIL83n7opjqZvQbptjj7B3MGHPdhebLXnvdaMTDmZkC5Kflc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="placemat_pillows_screen_porch" width="604" /></a><br />
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Pillows made from half-off placements that I picked up in Target’s clearance aisle last year. <br />
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Pillows so easy to make that even the most sewing-challenged of you could make them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXsvaTUDmkL7ACXgKpT4gasab_NX3h0n-RL_f9aR8KvYSG59jiIm501CLdr5uPHN5M3j5ANreELimC0SKJQKuU8u9XFXB-okYje1QqhWbfRE56c5PWlNHalJeG2m6iXPQ8TLBBkoxpRg/s1600-h/placemat_pillows_turquoise_and_red%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat_pillows_turquoise_and_red" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJKWcu88avuURt0IAvZ6uaq12L_gO3YEnHTY7CnLwb1jWwNxHMy7UxP-oWm-Xcs2Rl84YtYJHfpLpK1yB7E4sBQlwDlAB3Dk5qijQ3HxkbmLmRsbM9Wwr88R5nhvER3zJ_HSgy4mVpvA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="placemat_pillows_turquoise_and_red" width="604" /></a> <br />
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And I know the idea of placemat pillows is not new in the blog world. You can find lots of tutorials out there … <br />
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<i>… like this excellent <a href="http://chase-thestar.blogspot.com/2012/04/make-pillow-from-placemat.html" target="_blank">placemat pillow tutorial</a> that linked up to my first <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/04/pillowpalooza-link-party.html" target="_blank">Pillowpalooza</a> party in Apr</i>il. <br />
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Though, unlike “B" who used pillow forms, I just stuffed my placemat pillows with some batting …<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJEuwyX8ugOU4kGxl61nU_RMbKqbYXxIKuNhWZVY3ZFeUnZX7mhXf1vD0U9Cs1eKP1EjR57GBTqzXE944QTdoPhP3vHNIvYbpe90Ah_tabkBSg0UTYVt1UZ88vuWXGfG0MviGcT7LL-8/s1600-h/placemat_pillows_turquoise_and_royal_blue%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat_pillows_turquoise_and_royal_blue" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtodikQnyW_dZPob9rLsdX1QtSnfo9IcZBrODnSOGbJhVgPV5Ueu9YKxsV6pmS8gQlhjA2Mf-d0cw0LIAyl48aRGHEAq3lUE3lXQifx_Pj4cmh911II_puJOkR65eBbwtGHktrjFY4YE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="placemat_pillows_turquoise_and_royal_blue" width="604" /></a> <br />
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... not boulders or bricks like that Apartment Therapy commenter seemed to think. <br />
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So in response to <i>“where does everyone sit with all those pillows?”</i> can I just say the real question should be … <br />
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<div align="center">
<i>“where did you get all those fabulous pillows?”</i></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTA37QOHpVVTmGNh49-bFCnjfBEx5fMTfnl9BifTycbxEj1QL93TTUz7QaHQLDXD8k4U5f1t_9KLULagHJYbtyep3SCUMtf9uLeg3gnMfowrUIenDduj9I2v9Rjy1LgAYXpWt9KxuRpE/s1600/sig.png" /> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let's keep in touch ...</b></i></div>
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Sharing ...<br />
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* <a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/bedroom-renovation-beautiful-before-and-after-the-183rd-metamorphosis-monday/" target="_blank">Between Naps on the Porch</a> * <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/cool-crafts/" target="_blank">Today's Creative Blog</a> * <a href="http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Savvy Southern Style</a> *<a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/07/its-inspiration-friday-no-75-welcome.html" target="_blank"> At The Picket Fence </a>* <a href="http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Common Ground </a>* <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">French Country Cottage</a> * <a href="http://www.itallstartedwithpaint.com/2012/07/gloria-steinem-this-ones-for-you.html" target="_blank">Tatertots & Jello </a>*<a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank"> Funky Junk Interiors</a> * <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2012/07/29/diy-linky-party/" target="_blank">The DIY Showoff </a>* <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/" target="_blank"> Under the Table and Dreaming</a> *Linda @ it all started with painthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13244682506329000538noreply@blogger.com48