Photo-a-Day - May 2013 - Day 07: Bathroom

All though my middle- and high-school  years, my two best friends and I would spend, as often as possible, one day each weekend at to the Jersey Shore.  When my photo group had an auction to benefit the very sick sister-in-law of a group member, one of our group offered this painting.  It so reminded me of those Shore days, I knew it had to be mine.

I was thrilled when I won the auction but the original painting was done in colors not of my preference.  Still, I was happy.  Then the artist, Deborah Dix who resides in Tasmania, mentioned she needed to finish my painting.  Really?  Hmmmmmm.

I wrote and asked whether it would be possible for her to replicate the piece, but in different colors; colors that, for me, better reflected the sand and colors of the water.  She was gracious enough to agree. 

It took awhile, both for the painting and for it to arrive from the underside of the planet, but I couldn't have been more delighted.  I absolutely love it.  Each time I look at it, I see three good friends, walking side-by-side, down the beach and into the ocean.  And yes, it is in my bathroom.

Photo-a-Day - May 2013 - Day 06: Model

Of course, I have the Nancy Pearl action figure with backdrop--sadly, it's a bit creased--and accessories.  How could I not?  She is my hero.

In case you don't know her, Nancy Pearl has become America's librarian.  While Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library, she started a program called "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book", which was so successful, it spread across the country. 

Ms. Pearl has written several books, including Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment and Reason (2003) and More Book Lust (2005), as well as one for children and teens titled Book Crush.

She truly won my heart, however, with her Rule of 50 which states "If you still don't like a book after slogging through the first 50 pages, set it aside. If you're more than 50 years old, subtract your age from 100 and only grant it that many pages."  Thank you, Ms. Pearl, for making it okay to not finish a book I'm not enjoying. 

Photo-a-Day - May 2013 - Day 05: Sparkly

I have long maintained that I was a crow in a previous life--I love sparkly things.  I have a whole collection of sequined, or sequin-accented, or rhinestone-accented clothes, not to mention jewelry.

For a time, I was a member of a choral group called "The Distaff Singers".  As part of our yearly concert, I was also part of a quartet.  I've no idea what number we performed, but each of us bought this tank top and jacket to wear above a floor-length,black pleated skirt.  Under the lights, how we did sparkle and shine.   

Photo-a-Day - May 2013 - Day 04: Band

Even in this age of technology, sometimes all you need is an elastic band. 

Photo-a-Day - May 2013 - Day 03: Used

This incredibly tall, ornate table lamp was definitely used prior to me.  In fact, it's not really even mine as it is on long-term loan from a friend.  But I love it, especially that it has a base switch.  That makes it very easy to turn off and on while sitting on the sofa.

Photo-a-Day - May 2013 - Day 02: Balance

As with everything in life, it is all about achieve balance.  And, you never know when you'll need an empty box. 

Photo-a-Day - May 2013 - Day 01: Celebration

Making baby items for charity "Stitches from the Heart" is a celebration.  It is a celebration of new life, as they items are donated to over 1,400 NICU centers and hospitals across the country.  It is a celebration of volunteerism, for all of us who love doing for others.  It is a celebration of generations of women, and men, who love keeping alive the tradition of hand-crafting.  I do love celebrating.