Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Have fun!

:)

Haunted Antique Doll Factory

 Warning!

This post is spooky!

 

 Not long ago, I wandered into a booth in an antique center that was filled with these decrepit and rusty molds from an old doll factory..

 It was a strange and eerie sight...

 

 It reminded me of Frankenstein with all the nuts and bolts...

 Quite chilling with all these disjointed appendages...

 I stayed long enough to take these pictures...

...knowing they would be perfect for Halloween.

...and then I got the heck out of there!

BOO!

I hope you have a Happy Halloween weekend!

...from now on it will be all sunshine and goodness!

Tomorrow is my Mom's 83rd birthday and we are planning a special celebration!

:)

Vintage Tea Cups

Pretty English bone china and lovely French Limoges...

Just a few of Mom's tea cups...

Hope your week is going well!

:)

Put and Take

 My Dad has a collection of interesting small brass items which he keeps in a little glass cabinet on his dresser.

 This little brass Put and Take has a special history.

Dad says that his Father gave it to his Mother along with a box of chocolates when they were courting around 1920.

 I don't know what kind of chocolates he gave her...

...but I have it pictured here with my Dad's favorites.

Put and Take was a gambling game with an interesting history.

It was popular from the 19th century to the 1940's.

A google search provides additional information.

 He also had this nice old brass whistle.

It is heavy duty with a lovely smooth old patina.

A google search turned up the Whistle Museum with lots of pictures if you are interested.

I am enjoying my visit here in beautiful Florida. 

Hope all is well with you!

:)

Vintage Perfume Bottle

 Thank you for all your sweet comments on yesterday's post.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to let me know you dropped by and I love knowing that you have precious jewels and memories of your own.

 This pretty crystal perfume bottle sat on my Mom's dresser all the while I was growing up.

Now it sits on my sister's dresser.

(Yes, Lynn...I borrowed it for the afternoon).

 

 Still so pretty and asking for a little photo shoot in the Florida sunshine today.

  

We don't know much about it or where it came from. Perhaps you recognize the bottle?

The bottom is tinted yellow.

 A neighbor brought this beautiful red hibiscus blossom over this morning....what an amazing flower!

I looked it up to find out a little more information about this gorgeous showy flower.

It seems the red hibiscus flower is traditionally worn 

by Tahitian women.

A single flower is tucked behind the ear.

It is used to indicate the wearer's availability for marriage.

I will make sure not to tuck this flower behind my ear.

Mr. Flea just called to say he misses me.

:)

This is my very first apple martini.

 I miss you too, Mr. Flea!

I'm having a good time with Mom and Dad!

Have a happy Tuesday!

Sentimental Jewels

 

 My mother took the ring off her finger and pressed it in my hand.

"I want you to have this now".

This pretty little ring originally belonged to my great aunt Fifi.

She received it from her employer, New York Life Insurance back in the 1950's when she retired.

It was given to my Mom after Aunt Fifi passed on.

 I have loved this ring from the first time I saw it on my mother's finger. I was a young teen and I suppose it was the blue sapphire. You know how I feel about the color blue.

On my wedding day my Mom let me wear it as my

something borrowed and something blue.

Now, looking into her warm and loving brown eyes

I protested, "not yet, Mom".

But we don't refuse her much these days...

and this sweet ring is now on my finger.

I purchased four of these simple silver bands inscribed sister a few years ago. I gave them to my two sisters, my sister in law and as a gift to myself to commemorate a sister's retreat that we shared.

The inside is inscribed forever...

What a blessing my sisters have been in my life!

My little sis Mary Beth and I were shopping on my birthday two years ago and each bought the other an initial pendant...

It was the same day she talked me into buying my beloved black cowboy boots!

That was a great day....

 I may have shared this pretty lariat made by Dina Varano in a previous post.

When I wear this unique piece I remember all the fun times I have shared with my dear friend and favorite flea marketing and antiquing partner, Paula.

  She has many beautiful pieces made by this talented artist and a visit to Dina's shop in Chester, Ct. is a must when I am visiting Paula.

This last little ring was given to me by Daniel when he was 12 years old. We were on a trip out west to visit as many of the National Parks as we possibly could on our three week vacation.

We were browsing the souvenir shop at Yellowstone.

 Dan spent most of the souvenir money his grandparents had given him on this one gift for me. 

He explained that it was Dakota silver and that it was a thank you gift for taking him and his sister Kate on our wonderful trip.

That is Dan.

What a gift.

I hope you enjoyed my precious jewels! 

I have them displayed here with a few of my nature finds from my morning walk in this beautiful southern neighborhood.

Have a wonderful weekend!

:)

A Change of Scenery

I flew to Florida to spend some time with my parents yesterday.

As is our family tradition, my Dad drives directly from the airport to a little place on the Gulf called Sams.

Looking out at the water

the fishing boats and the seagulls

gently remind me that I have left the northeast.

It's not all bad!

A Margarita in a plastic cup is served along with crab cakes and chowder. Casual dining at its best!

I enjoyed the different varieties of Florida flowers

on my walk this morning.

A different sight than the tall towering pines of the north.

The Spanish moss looks so graceful...

This dapper Sandhill crane walked right across my path and out onto the golf course...

 

Of course I love the pretty blue Plumbago....

I am so happy to have the opportunity to spend time with Mom and Dad. 

I hope to be able to do a bit of thrifting and perhaps a flea market or two while I am here.

I will certainly keep you posted!

Be well!

:)