The Button Box

2012-02-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

There is much to do & plans to set in place before I depart. I'm flying off into the sunset, well actually to Toronto. It's my Spring buying trip, can't wait to see what trends await for 2012 in fashion & home decor.

A relatively uneventful flight except when the pilot announced a wheel needed to be changed before takeoff....hmmmmm  Touch down was smooth,the shuttle bus was on time and I "checked in" at a lovely hotel. King size bed, down duvet & and SO many pillows!

For 3 days I shopped for hours & hours. Who knew one could shop for so long but there was just SO much to see, decisions to be made, & pulling out the VISA card makes the wrist so sore!

Time to rest, soak my feet, and dream of HaPpY tHiNgs to come....all those parcels!

2012-01-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

Winter has most definitely arrived! The wind has been relentless  roaring through the Valley causing the snow to swirl and drift into places it's not supposed to drift. The roads are hazardous and whiteouts are abundant, many schools and business closed (until further notice). I took this picture looking out my office window. The photo is deceiving because it has a particularly calming look to it, but trust me, it is anything but calm. 

I love the look of the snow against the old wood. The temperature is hovering at about -20 with wicked (and I mean WICKED) outflow winds. Mother Nature is showing us what *w *i *n*t*e*r is all about.

My darling little Malti-poo is dreading this time of year. Oh yes, he looks all cute and innocent, but trust me.....he hates wearing his new coat (any coat for that matter)!

So it is that time. Time to make a cup of something lovely & hot, something to soothe the winter weariness away. Perhaps add a sweet (or two).

Gathering a few of my favorite magazines, I will flip through the pages of inspiration & beautiful things. Dreaming of projects I will tackle in the Spring.

Most definitely dream of sunny days filled with green, florals, and COLOR!

2011-12-28T17:53:00.000-08:00


Love, Health, Happiness ~ a simple recipe for 2012 Best Wishes, Jeanie

2011-12-17T20:40:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe another Christmas is just around the corner. Time marches on and stops for no one and I find myself wondering where did the year go? Being the owner of a small boutique, I have been planning my buying, gearing up for this season, for months now. In my personal life however, my shopping trips are those of necessity and quick decision-making must be had. No second guessing as I have not had the luxury of time on my side. Each year, a little voice inside my head echoes "I am going to be more organized" but unfortunately, it never quite pans out. That being said, now that I have actually written it on paper, perhaps next year I can sigh with relief, pat myself on the back, as I have stock piled the perfect gifts for my loved ones throughout the year. On top of my "done" list will be the pretty written Christmas Cards with personalized notes for all my special friends and family. That would be perfectly....perfect!

2011-12-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

The joy of visiting the Make-Up counter. So many different brands,colors....products galore!

It always makes the job easier if one has the correct tools. A brush for this and a brush for that. One thing I have learned is you can't "skimp" on the quality of your Make-Up brushes. It's much better to have one top notch brush rather than a few cheaper ones. 


I used to watch in anticipation as my Mom would apply her stepping-out-for-the-evening Make-Up. She was frugal and instead of using a specific "blush" she would dab her lipstick on a Kleenex and carefully smudge it on her cheeks. She would run a comb through her short stylish wavy hair. Clip on her earrings. Leaving the best for last ~ she would slowly, meticulously apply her red lipstick. Taking the other corner of the Kleenex she would "kiss" the hanky making sure her lipstick was applied evenly ~ not too overdone. I like to think my love of Make-Up is hereditary, one of the more pleasant genetic traits I also share with my daughters.

2011-11-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

The joy of finding the perfect winter Coat!

The delicious taste of fresh cake with cream cheese icing.....

Passion.....


Our dear little furry friends ~ unconditional love.

2011-11-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

I came across this sign and thought how perfect, such a simple concept.  I'll show those dust bunnies a thing ~ or two!!

2011-11-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about owning a shop is ~ going shopping (of course)


I am loving the taupe & champagne colors, the dove gray & soft pink hues. Classically elegant.

A touch of sPaRkLeS celebrate the feminine side of PRETTY


Celebrate with Jewelry ~ Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, a touch of BLING (ring a ding ding)!!

2011-11-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

My girl's and I share a passion.....

We love the excitement of fashion & Accessories. My oldest daughter works magic with her hair styles. My youngest daughter shines with pretty tresses.

Together we love to shop vintage. Half the fun is finding something unique and pretty (of course).

Thank goodness my youngest puts up with me ~ she is my official hat model for my vast hat collection. It is a bonus that is she so photogenic.

It is difficult to select one specific style of clothing we like ~ the options are vast. Oh....and did I mention makeup?

We are dangerous group when we hit the Mac Cosmetic Counter! Quick....where's my Visa!

2011-11-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

We unpacked box after box of beautiful things!

Our favorite season is almost here. Time for some ***sparkle***

Add a little Glitz

A touch of wHiMsY....

& a BIG dose of GLAMOR! You are most welcome to stop in for a visit ~ we'd love to see you ~

2011-10-29T23:06:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Vintage Style

Delicate Old Cotton & Lace

Dreamy Floral Design

Sweetest Leather Baby Shoes (with tiny buttons)

Millinery ~ The Quintessential Accessory

Treasures....share the passion!

Fall Has Arrived!

2011-09-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful day in September, my daughter and I planned our 2011 Fall Hat photoshoot.  We both agreed Cultus Lake would be our destination as we envisioned brightly colored leaves blowing in the wind. 

We drove all around the lake, checked out campsites, pulled off the road numerous times but we were unable to find just the right spot.  

As the sun was starting to go down behind the mountain and the light was shifting we knew we had better find our destination pretty quick. 

Oddly enough, if I wasn't so stubborn and listened to my daughter's original suggestion ~ we could have spent less time (and gas) driving all over the place! So there we were, no leaves in sight, just the two of us as the end of the dock. The lighting was perfect. The breeze rippling over the Lake & the photo's.....well, they turned out perfectly!

2011-08-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Celebrate with feminine pretty touches ~ a lace scarf, a classic hat, and jewelry! Create your own unique style and have fun with the treasures that you find~ at The Button Box.

This once sad looking chair transformed into a pretty vanity chair ~ fit for a princess!

A touch of inspiration. My favorite decorating style ~ French Country. A little bit of shabby, a hint of glamor, and eclectic accessories add the finishing touch.

2011-07-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Time for our Girl's Get-Away. We planned and planned, changed our schedules, emailed back & forth. We wanted everything to be perfect!

I loaded up the Van, had a quick Pedicure (thanks Gwen), then drove to White Rock to pick up Laurie.

We arrived at our destination after a nice ferry ride, beautiful sunny skies, and much anticipation. A huge "thank you" to Jen....who is our "mother hen"....she had a buffet of snacks waiting for us!

Tighnamara Spa is amazing! A perfect spot for relaxation and gorgeous scenery. We walked the beaches, had amazing spa treatments, laughed till we cried, A Tapas meal fit for a "Queen".

We "toasted" our Sue (who we know was with us in spirit). Then we made plans for our next Get-Away....perhaps an Okanagan Wine Tour? We'll see.....

2011-06-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Friday ~ June 3rd, 2011 Thank you to my many friends who visited my shop today. Celebrating my 5th Anniversary with you was wonderful! I will continue to find beautiful unique items for you to enjoy and as for the hats ~ the styles just keep getting better and better!

2011-05-27T21:43:00.000-07:00


The Button Box is 5 years old! We are so excited to celebrate with our many friends. Yummy.....cupcakes!

A beautiful Gift Basket Contest ~ such fun!

Refreshing Iced Tea to Quench Your Thirst.....

Special Guest ~ Make-Up Artistry By Erika! She will share the latest trends for Spring! Oh yes ~ 10% off your purchase! The Jazz will be playing in full swing, the Shop is bursting with color & inspiration, and we will be in the party mood! Hope you can stop by ~ we'd LOVE to see you !!

2011-05-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Good Friday was such a beautiful sunny day! My daughter and I were on a mission ~ we needed to find the perfect outdoor spot for a photo shoot. Afterall, I need to showcase my beautiful new Spring hat collection. So we headed out......

We drove and drove all over town searching for that special location. Nothing seemed just right. After 2 hours, we stopped for a bite to eat, collected our thoughts, and carried on.

Funny thing was.....we ended up finding the spot we had been searching for. The light was perfect, the trees added a softness, and we were 2 minutes from home!

A showcase of Hats! Now it's time to clean our boots, pack the hats away, and have a nap!

2011-04-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have such nice memories of Easter especially when I was in my teenage years. Keeping the tradition of The Easter Egg Hunt going, my dear Mom would write little notes and scatter them all over the house. Each little love note would urge me on to search for more clues and delightful little gifts would be found. She always knew what I loved and so those gifts were always treasured.

Spring Day @ The Barn

2011-04-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had a beautiful sunny day ~ they are few and far between these days. We spent some time at the barn so April could groom Gabby ~ she was one dirty pony!

We took Gabby into the open field with nice grass for her to munch on.

Gabby got some loving care and attention. She soaked up the warm sun, had a smorgasbord of grass and fresh carrots.

The afternoon was finished off with a good brushing of her coat, her mane and tail were detangled. She was one happy pony!

2011-03-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Prettiest Spring Hats have arrived!

Special occasion ~ Wedding, Garden Party, or Just having fun!


Each hat has been selected with a great deal of care and attention. I have chosen the color of the straw and added the perfect trim. This particular line of hats is Made In Canada whereby the traditional hat-block method is used. Visit THE BUTTON BOX and we will be pleased to help you find the perfect hat! HATS ~ THE ULTIMATE FASHION ACCESSORY

2011-03-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

Step Inside....................

The Button Box is bursting with color.....

We are anticipating the arrival of Spring ~ Just around the corner !

Invitation

2011-03-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

2011-02-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

Take a peek inside @ The Button Box !

Beautiful Vintage Glass Jars ~ Vintage Round Mirror ~ Pretty Bird Cage

I love different types of Glass pieces ~ they reflect light so nicely

I've been Spring shopping for my wonderful customers ~ step inside and be inspired~find a treasure...or two!

2011-02-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

It is Saturday evening, a delicious dinner has been consumed (thanks to my husband-the-chef), I am feeling very tired after a very busy week. In my mind, I have a list of many things I should be doing but feel the need to write a simple post about what I experienced yesterday. // In the early afternoon on Friday, a friendly nice looking Gentleman came through the door. I would guess his age to be around 65 years. He was dressed appropriately for the cold weather with a warm winter coat and a rather natty looking hat (of course the hat was the first thing I took note of). We chatted back and forth about this and that and as I was busy with another customer he proceeded to browse. Once the opportunity arose, he approached the counter and inquired as to whether I new of a woman named Shirley Thoms? Of course I knew Shirley! She was one of my favorite customers! In many ways, she was old fashioned in the sense that she always looked so"put together" with her coiffed red hair, high heels, matching handbag, and long manicured fingernails. This was a woman with style, a woman who loved and appreciated beautiful things. I recall feeling extraordinarily sad when I read that she had recently and unexpectedly passed away while visiting her home town (somewhere in Saskatchewan). The kindly Gentleman introduced himself as "Doug". Upon reflection, as Shirley had visited my shop hundreds of times, we would have the best girl-to-girl chit-chats,and she would always mention the love of her life, Doug. Immediately, I felt as though I had known Doug because Shirley would love to talk about their love and how they managed their long distance relationship. // Yesterday, Doug happened to be out for a walk Downtown when he noticed the name of my shop on the window and he recalled his Shirley often spoke of me and The Button Box. He told me a beautiful story. He told me about a love so strong throughout his life which kept him young, vibrant and strong. He told me about the complete and utter despair he was feeling with the loss of the love of his life. I learned he asked the red curly hair Shirley to high school Prom but she declined because she already had a beau. He spoke of how their lives took them in different directions but he always dreamed that one day they would be together as a couple. When many years later their paths did cross, their affection for one another blossomed. Of course, their relationship had it's challenges as he was an established teacher in Saskatchewan and she was a well loved teacher in Chilliwack. They both had their successful careers that they had worked so hard to achieve and they knew their only option would be to travel back and forth, as time would permit , to make the most out of their time spent together. They both loved to dance. They loved music and romance. He loved that she was so "classy" and she loved that he was a true Gentleman, in every sense of the word. // Doug and I must have talked for over an hour, I lost track of time. I listened to him tell me all the special little things about his Shirley. He felt the need to tell me about the tragic ending that took his love's life away. I could feel his complete sense of loss. I too felt so overcome by sadness, and yet at the same time, I knew that by letting this Gentleman retell his love story and by sharing his memories, for a time, his broken heart would rest a spell. // I wish I could write the story, how it should be written, on the pages of a book, but this is the best I can do for now. I'd just like to send a special message to Shirley ~ You would love my new line of Spring hats ~ you'd look fabulous in the purple one with the matching handbag!

2011-02-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

It's always fun when the parcels arrive! I will be a very busy little bee over the next few days as I unpack our newest "Spring" treasures !

2011-02-13T08:50:00.000-08:00

Several years ago when I was pondering the idea of opening a shop, I found a great book called "A Shop Of One's Own" published by Victoria Magazine. I used to read that book from cover to cover (still do) and look at the dreamy photo's that were so inspiring. This book was my "mentor" in print! Recently, I had a local photographer, Kim Mallory, visit the store and she graciously took a few pictures for me. I am thrilled with this particular photograph because in my eyes, it could be found on one of the pages of my treasured book !

2011-02-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but time is just flying by. Whatever happened to January? For me, it was a whirlwind of a month! I had to be super organized as I had to attend several seminars and plan my Spring buying trip to Toronto. Now that I have shopped myself out (so to speak) I have returned home feeling inspired and excited about the many amazing things I have purchased for the shop. I am so excited for SPRING which is just around the corner.

2011-01-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

2011-01-22T22:33:00.000-08:00

Spent a relaxing Saturday evening with my daughter at the movies! I don't go to the movies very often so it always a treat. We saw the movie at our new (huge) theater complex which has a somewhat "space techno" look to it, all very modern and slick. Big improvement on the seating arrangement~big reclining seats with individual cup holders and designed in such a way that no one (no matter how tall) can block your view. I find the sound almost deafening though and might consider a pair of ear plugs the next time I go (I hate to admit it). Thank goodness we actually liked the movie because the cost was totally ridiculous. By the time we bought our tickets and the usual popcorn, pop, and candy treat, I had spent $57! We won't be able to afford this very often, it will be movie rentals and homemade popcorn at home.

2011-01-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again ~ we're having a FANTASTIC Hat Sale! Some amazing styles still available from casual to dressy. Sale ends Sat. Jan. 22nd. 30% off casual, caps, & tams 40% off beautiful dressy felt hats !!

2011-01-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

It may sound a wee bit silly but I searched (and searched) for the perfect planner!

Trying to keep myself organized was a nice idea......

Then I came across THE ONE I had been looking for. The design allows me to view the whole month with enough space to write notes ~ mostly reminders of the millions of things I need to do, ideas that cross my mind.

There is even pockets on the inside jacket to tuck those important little notes!

2011-01-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

Dear 2011~ If you would be so kind, we would appreciate a year filled with happiness, health, and lots of laughter! I don't think it's too much to ask, so please do your very best.

2010-12-27T22:05:00.000-08:00

2010-12-19T19:01:00.001-08:00

Christmas Luncheon

2010-12-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to C. & L. for meeting me on such short notice. You're the best !

2010-12-15T21:07:00.001-08:00

2010-12-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

I watched the most delightful movie this dreary rainy morning on TCM. Snuggled under a favorite blanket with my little furry companion, I lost myself in the world of The Bishop's Wife. This movie will most certainly be added to my "favorite" Christmas Movie List. An endearing classic storyline unfolds with the most beautiful Loretta Young, handsome Carey Grant, and gracious David Niven. Perfect!

2010-12-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day. I was like a woman on a mission. My only day not working in the shop, this week, meant it was time to "power shop" for my loved ones. Yes, I actually did make a list. I peaked at it a few times but for the most part I focused on the task at hand and found some pretty amazing gifts all within the time limit I gave myself. Next I was off to an evening affair with local merchants where we sipped wine, ate nibblies, and just enjoyed each other's company. All in all, it was a pretty nice day ~ but it definitely is time to put my feet up ~ and r e l a x !

2010-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

~ Our Shop Is All Decked Out In It's Finery ~

fwLots & Lots Of Pretty Unique Gift Ideas !

We Will Even Gift Wrap Your Purchase !

Poem By Alice Lilley Graham (my Grandmother) 1887 ~ 1974

2010-11-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

The little birds are skipping

In the trees......

The little dogs are gathering

On the corner......

The sun dancing as it shines

Cans of milk are jostling

One another......

Doors fly open ~greet the morning sun

Life on our street has begun !

2010-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have wonderful memories from when I was a teenager, visiting my delightful Auntie at her truly lovely Tudor-style mansion in Victoria. The house, built over 100 years ago, stands majestically surrounded by her colorful English garden. My Auntie introduced me to the simple pleasures of treasuring beautiful old things. The house is adorned with stained glass windows, claw foot bathtubs, bay windows dressed with Priscilla lace curtains, and carved wood panelling throughout. Now in her 97 year, she has lived a life of creativity, from being a wife, mother, florist, painter, seamstress, and a gardener. It was on one of my summer visits, I was first introduced to Victoria Magazine (I was 17 at the time). At first I thought it was simply a magazine about the City of Victoria but I soon realized it was so much more than that, it was a treasure-trove of inspirational photographs and articles celebrating the simpler side of life. Before long, I found myself immersed in the splendid vignettes that were displayed upon the pages. Quite simply ~ I was hooked ! The Magazine has always been a showcase for women entrepreneurs, and I too, dreamed of one day having a lovely little shop. At The Button Box, I have my regular list of ladies who I promptly telephone just as soon as the new issue of Victoria arrives ~ and like always, we share our delight in what the pages will unfold !

2010-11-21T17:41:00.000-08:00

My little buddy and I spent a lazy day relaxing and doing a fair bit of cuddling ~ quite perfect !

2010-11-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Mother and Daughter spending some time together trying to get that perfect "shot". It's hard to do when we are laughing so hard and bumping into each other we are practically falling over !

2010-11-14T10:14:00.002-08:00

Rainy Days

2010-11-14T10:14:00.000-08:00

~ You should not be sad when it rains but raise an umbrella that points towards the sky. While walking with tip-tap steps through the puddle you imagine all the flowers blooming in the rain !

2010-11-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

2010-11-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

Lovely Antique Maple Vanity

Restored Antique Oak Sideboard

Pretty Gift Ideas For Someone Special !

Some Sparkle and Shine ~ So Pretty !

Time To Shine

2010-11-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

We are busy bees decorating The Button Box for this very special season. Thank heavens for "angel" girlfriends who are lending a helping hand creating a bit of sparkle and a bit of glam ! I will share some pic's soon !

2010-10-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

Millinery Delight

2010-10-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

One would never know by looking at these photo's that my daughter and I went into fits of laughter in- between "takes" ! She has this amazing new camera with a huge lens and most of the time I have no idea what I am doing which makes us laugh even more. It was a cold rainy day, we found the perfect background (a cement brick wall behind my store) selected some cute hats and "voila" ! I am lucky she is so patient, giving up her time on a Sunday, to act silly with her Mom !

2010-10-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing is sweeter than a pretty collection of vintage compacts ~


~Crystal Trinket Jars ~ Boot hooks, Nail buffers, beautiful porcelain vases~

Treasures on your antique Vanity

A perfect Fall day

2010-10-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Fall day at the barn

Flowers still in bloom

Winter is an etching, Spring is a watercolor, Summer is an oil painting, & Autumn a mosaic of them all !

Pumpkins almost ready for the picking !

Memories

2010-10-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

I found myself at that difficult time of life when I was presented with the harrowing task of sorting and packing my Mother's lifetime of personal belongings. Sadly, she was about to be admitted to a Nursing Home. Day to day living had become such a struggle, owing to the fact that she was stricken with Alzheimer's Disease, which was wrecking havoc with her mind.

Opening her dresser drawer, I lovingly packed each item carefully knowing full well that these were her most precious items. Reaching deep into the drawer, much to my delight, I came upon a treasure so dear to my heart, it brought tears to my eyes. I asked myself " how on earth could I have forgotten about such a treasure" when time and time again, throughout my childhood, it brought me so much pleasure. The Button Box with all of it's glory lay before me waiting to unleash the exquisite array of colors, shapes, and textures.

I have such wonderful memories of this rather shabby but undeniably elegant tin box. This was particularly so, when I was home from school with the sniffles, as my Mother would offer this special box, as a way to keep me occupied while I was recuperating. Slowly lifting the lid, my little fingers would gather the contents, and if by magic, I would imagine they were sparkling jewels. Of course, one always had the option of sorting the buttons into categories or simply "swishing" them about creating the most wonderful sound. From shiny to fabric covered, from smooth to rough textured, with a bevy of colors galore. The beauty of each button was a treasure to behold, but more importantly, the simplicity of the task , filled a little girl's heart with joy.

*** To my Mother for teaching about the simple pleasures in life.

2010-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

So Thankful So Many Things.....
My Family ~ So Many Wonderful Friends ~ My Little Dog Skooter ~My House that isn't fancy but sure has been cozy and comfortable ~ My Morning Cup Of Coffee ~ My Love Of Beautiful Things ~ My favorite jeans ~ the changing seasons ~ I've had the chance to live my dream !

2010-09-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hooray for lucky me ! My husband loves to cook and often times he experiments and comes up with something pretty spectacular. Here is a photo of the marinated chicken breast & pasta salad ~ nice presentation ~ fantastic flavor. YUM !

Friendship

2010-09-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

One of life's many treasures is our friendship that has lasted 40 years (but who is counting) ?! We survived the often turbulent teen years, love affairs, heartbreak, marriage, babies, divorce, travel, careers, illness, joy and sorrow. Through it all, we changed with the times from mini skirts to bell~bottoms, long hair to short hair, now dyed hair, pedicures, and wrinkles. We faced our toughest challenge last year when we lost one of our "dears" to the dreaded C. Through it all, we rallied together and did the absolute best we could for our most darling friend as she slowly slipped away. We are after all, friends together, forever, and never apart (our motto). P.S. We love you Susie and we visited your favorite shops today. ~J.~

Moment

2010-09-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

I love the early morning when I am the first one up and about. Slipping into my cozy housecoat and my soft pink slippers, I gather my little dog in my arms and we head outdoors for a quick breath of morning air. I can hear the sputtering coffee maker as it brews my much anticipated morning cup of hot coffee. It's a comforting feeling knowing my loved ones are still nestled in their beds while I sit quietly, gather my thoughts, for yet another busy day. ~J.~

2010-09-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

A Tisket a Tasket I found a lovely little basket ~ these are the nicest little shopping baskets ! While you are walking the grocery aisles you can fill your stylish basket with lots of things avoiding the use of those awful plastic bags ! Oh yes, and if it is raining and your basket gets wet ~ it's waterproof !
~ Simply lovely~

~ A Love Affair ~

2010-09-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

My youngest daughter started riding lessons 4 years ago. It all started simply enough, school had ended, the prospect of warm summer days lay ahead, and knowing she always dreamed of riding a horse we signed her up for a few lessons. Upon recommendation, we were put in touch with a very nice lady who taught English riding lessons at a barn just around the corner from where we live. It seemed quite perfect. When we arrived at the barn, April was introduced to a very pretty white Arabian Pony named "Gabby". Who would have thought a love affair at that very moment would blossom? Sure enough, with April's determination and Gabby's love of getting attention, a very special bond grew. Twice a week April attended her lessons working tirelessly at learning all the many maneuvers it takes to be a rider. She learned to groom that horse along with learning Gabby's favorite treats were most definitely carrots. As her mom, I have spent hours taking pictures of her with Gabby and filming her lessons so she could make video's (put to music) of her cantering around the arena. These latest pictures are of her sitting on Gabby bareback. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do ~ there is nothing sweeter than a girl and her pony.

2010-09-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

I want to share some of my vintage treasures with you. I love the "pincushion doll" and even though the beautiful French coffee pot has the tiniest chip in the lid, I couldn't resist it. A dear friend gave me the vintage hatbox and my collection of old suitcases hold many unique little treasures. The circa 1900 Wedding dress I found in the vintage clothing store where my daughter works. Finally, one of the many hats in my hat collection.

Welcome

2010-09-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

I am officially laying out the welcome mat to all of you who have chosen to be a part of my Blog. I have to admit, I have resisted temptation to write a Blog, but I have been encouraged to follow through and give it a try. I am looking forward to networking, meeting new friends, and bringing a bit of inspiration to my page as well ! A big thank you to Katie for the design concept, and my personal photographer April, who has a gift when working behind the lens. ~J.~