Claudia — Page 1689

Antiquing in Orange, Part 1

May 10, 2010 at 8:56 pm by Claudia

I had to get away today – my one day off. So I traveled up to Orange County. One of the stops I made was in Old Towne Orange. Orange is a lovely little town, full of Craftsman houses and full of antique stores. One of my absolute favorites is Country Roads Antiques. This store is packed with fabulous dealers, wonderful finds and great vignettes. It’s a good thing I’m on a budget and live far away, or I would have gone nuts there.

I did go nuts taking photos and I thought you might enjoy seeing some of them.

I love child-sized chairs. This little wicker chair is so cute.

Lots of vintage paper dolls including my favorite, Shirley Temple.

I fell in love with this! The sign on it says you can have one made to order – they are made from old barn wood. This would take up my whole living room. (Yours truly in the mirror.)

The photo of the clock and the next 3 photos are all from the same dealer’s space. I am in love with this bed, headboard, pillows and all. Also love the rose painting above the bed.

More incredible headboards.

This photo is blurry and I apologize. Somehow my camera got changed to another setting without my permission! Nevertheless, I had to show it to you since I know many of you will covet these baskets – sold as a set with the shelves. For just under $1000.00. Yikes! But they are fabulous, aren’t they?

I saw a lot of the Rose Chintz pattern – in several stores. My grandmother had this pattern and I collect it as well. But not today.

The sweetest little girl’s dress.

These little sheep stole my heart. They were in a lighted cabinet, thus the strange lighting. Meredith, I kept thinking of you, dear sister. I may have to go back and get some. (Meredith and I love sheep.)

Beautiful vintage heart pillow.

I have lots more to share with you but that will have to wait for the next post. I like to take you along with me on my little jaunts. I hope you had fun!

While Walking by the Zoo

May 9, 2010 at 11:50 am by Claudia

First, I must say Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom. You are the best, Mom.

I walk to rehearsals every day. My walk takes me through Balboa Park, where the theater is located and where the famous San Diego Zoo is also located. In fact, I walk by the Zoo on my way to the rehearsal halls. Yesterday, as I was passing the Zoo, I took the opportunity to call my nephew who was turning 13. He is the youngest of my sister’s two boys. He has always had the most wonderful speaking voice, very childlike and full of wonder, with a natural musicality that is delightful. If I could I would do an imitation of it for you.

Meredith put him on the phone. I said “Happy Birthday!” A stranger answered. A stranger who has a deep voice with about a 3 note range. What????? I felt like someone had kicked me. Of course, I said nothing to him – I know all about boys and changing voices and self-consciousness. I have several nephews. I get it. But this voice, this sweet little boy voice – I loved that voice.

Gone. When my sister got back on the line, I went on and on about it. She said “Welcome to my world.” Boys grow up, the youngest becomes a young man. I think all Moms want to stop time for a while – have their kids stay at a certain age. I guess Aunts do, too. I’m hoping I can keep that voice alive in my memory, in the little tape recorder in my brain.

Later that day, I was walking back home – again by the zoo. I walk along a high fence that hides the exhibits. For some reason I took my camera along with me yesterday. Alerted by some school children who were pointing and aiming cameras, look what I saw:

Apparently, the back of the Koala exhibit faces the fence. You can see the fence I walked along, and then the interior enclosure. You must know something about me: koala bears are my favorite animals in the zoo. I love them. So I stood there, entranced by this little creature and trying to get a good photo. Here are some more:

He woke up for a minute.

And…back to sleep.

I didn’t even have to pay the entrance fee! Now that I know they are there, I will be watching for a glimpse of one every day. I know that Koalas don’t like to be held and are not ‘cuddly’ but in my world, I prefer to think they are. Isn’t this the cutest little guy? I want him. Do you think they would let me take him home?

Have a wonderful day.

Surprises in the Mail

May 8, 2010 at 1:42 pm by Claudia

Thank you for all your loving, supportive comments yesterday. I know that all of you have had your share of losses and understand how overwhelming grief can be. Writing about it was enormously healing for me. As I wrote, I cried. The sadness stayed with me throughout the day. But I feel better now. Today is a new day, the sun is shining and I have a lot of work to do!

On to happier things!

My friend Terri of Artful Affirmations took pity on my mail-less state and sent me two things this week. I can’t tell you how happy that made me. I received this postcard first. I love the quote and have it propped up on my desk.

Oh, how true!

Yesterday, I received a little package from Terri. Of course, I opened it at the theater so I have to tell you how it was wrapped – in lovely aqua tissue paper with string tied around the package. On the string was a tag. The tag said:

When I flipped the tag over, I saw this:

Inside was this:

I opened up the bag and found this:

The beautiful components to make a flower like the one Terri made at the top of the photo! Isn’t that the best idea? It is the perfect thing for someone like me, away from home and my studio, without access to everything I have there. (I’m so happy I threw some glue in the boxes I sent here!)

Thank you, Terri. Terri is enormously talented, by the way. I continually gasp every time I see one of her creations. If you haven’t visited her wonderful blog, you must!

Have a happy Saturday.

Antiquing in Orange, Part 1

While Walking by the Zoo

Surprises in the Mail

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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