Beatnheart

Already the Spring BULBS are in bloom.

2012-02-22T18:37:00.002-08:00

We are having a very early spring this year.

Many of my bulbs (AND MY BLUBS) are already flowering. I saw

the first of the bright yellow daffodils peaking

their little bonneted heads within the hedge.

The bees, the hummingbirds love this bush...

I don’t know what its called...I think it comes from

Australia. It’s a massive vine like thing that I have

to hack away at a few times a year or it would cover our house.

I believe it could have been planted when our house was first

built back in the 1920s...It is that gigantic.

My boy cat Ginger just loves to eat grass...He’s

like a little goat. I let him out to graze...under

my watchful eye of course.

Mallow bush kicking butt in the front garden.

Yeah that’s right...peach tree already in bloom.

Hope winter is treating you kind. You are probably ready

for some blossoms yourself. Life in California does

have its advantages.

Things are going so well for me right now...it’s a little scary almost.

My Llama gave me a poncho.

2012-02-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

Oh boy...I sure got lucky. Some say blessed...I say however you want to say it, I scored.

I was the fortunate recipient of a gift certificate at an online shop called Novica.

I went online and started looking...clothes, jewelry, pottery, rugs, home furnishings, Shawls! Capes! Ponchos! I am a real die hard shawl person. I love them and I am always wrapping myself up in them... I get ready to leave the house and no matter what I am wearing, I grab a shawl or scarf. And you should see the choices at Novica.

Now this is not some fly by night establishment. It is in association with the fine folks at National Geographic Magazine. They searched out some of the finest artisans to supply the shop with some of the best and finest goods in the land. These are folks that would not be able to sell their goods without
this
shop. These are people who have been handed down their skills for generations....and without this
shop they might not be making it. So not only are you buying quality, you are supporting these people...
not greedy money grabbing big corporations but honest to goodness hard working people who have been doing this for generations. You are keeping them and their art alive...now how cool is that!

Well I looked for awhile, honed in on the shawl department and saw that they have Alpaca. Do you
have any idea how long I longed for anything Alpaca? Have you ever touched Alpaca? Dream fiber..
soft and warm ...luxurious. I narrowed it down to several choices, and finally chose Warm Earth
Poncho. A blend of colors... browns, beige's,creams...loomed into a little piece of heaven with a hood!

I placed my order online and within a week or so my package arrived. Not in a big giant
overkill box but a simple bag. I opened the bag and inside, wrapped in a brown paper Aztec print paper
with a fiber ribbon and a tiny little lama charm was my poncho....Well swoon... words can’t describe.
Soft, glorious, cozy, glamorous... one of the most beautiful things I have
ever had the pleasure of putting on. Also there was a little envelope...
inside was a picture of a Llama...My Llama...and a card from the artist who made the poncho, Alfredo Falcon.

I don’t gush over something unless I mean it. I want to turn you on to this place. If you ever need to send someone a present, how about a feel good, win-win gift. One that makes you feel great about your purchase. Your money is going where it is sorely needed...and you get a wonderful treasure for yourself.
Go and choose something for your friend or loved one and buy an extra one for you. I already
have my eyes on my next treasure from Alfredo..Here’s the Shop link...Novica

And here are links leading you directly to what you are looking for:

Men’s Wallets
womens accessories
womens shawls Bali
Mens India accessories
Pearl Dangle Earrings
Sterling Silver Jewelry

Hey Ma I’m a Statue

2012-02-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Mr. Beatnheart had a commison to do an outdoor sculpture.

He needed some models and I thought it would

be fun. Ha! what a day that was...

All I can say is that for me it was way too

weird.

I had to stick straws up my nose,

wrap plastic around my head,

and then my face in plaster...

and then hold still...

for way longer than I wanted to.

CLAUSTROPHOBIA!

PANIC ATTACK!

being a model is not as cool as I thought it would be...

our friend Paul was a super good sport about the whole thing.

He scuba dives so maybe that’s why it didn’t bother him

as much as it bothered me.

and he had to have that pipe in his mouth...

Thank goodness I didn’t have to do my whole body.

So if you are ever in Fort Wayne, Indiana at

The Lincoln Insurance company...

there I is.

New Work for a New Year

2012-01-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

Changes have been occurring...

The muse has taken me to a different place.

and I follow breathlessly...

sometimes barely able to keep up.

I’m working as I sleep...I wake up with ideas

and can’t wait to get started.

and for me a remarkable thing is happening...

my work is taking on a completely different form...

it’s coming from my heart, my head, my stories...

Now instead of spending hours looking at findings from China

I’m taking a higher road...I’m digging around in my boxes and

looking at my years of collecting and turning it into wearable objects...

little sculptures... The necklace I bought when I was 17...the buttons

my auntie Edith gave me...I’m bursting with joy ...the stuff has meaning to me.

I am an artist.

Giuseppe de Piero...The Website

2012-01-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

This has been one of the reasons that the computer has been burning up over here. As I mentioned
before, Mr. Beatnheart has been working with his old art school mate in Birmingham, England,
Paul Shotan of artworks-unlimited to bring a long overdue website to fruition.

WELL HERE IT IS

It is still a work in progress...this shows almost 20 years of work...

He’s been a busy man...

A Lot of activity...

2012-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

I put in some new listings in the shop...

It takes me a lot of time with my

ADD and all....I fuss and bother and fidget and sweat until I

get it to where I think it’s ok... I love taking

pictures...but sometimes it takes way too long.

I have to figure out how to speed that process along

or I’ll make myself even more crazee.

and even then I not completely happy...

Mourning Jewelry from England.

love this stuff... Thanks Queen Victoria.

cute lil old invites for your next bash..

yikes...outta focus...dang

the old “Keyboard Shot” for which I am famous.

and now...

I'm going wacko with jewelry making. Now that

I’ve got my ipad(luv!!) I can hang out in bed, in the the garden and search for and look at

Etsy artists and different techniques...my stuff is

taking a new direction and I’m chuffed!! I want to incorporate

all the stuff I’ve been collecting for years and oh yeah wear

it around my neck and dangle it from my ear lobs. I’m

no longer happy buying cheapo crap from China that everyone else has.

I want original.... I want unique...special...exciting...adventurous.

Can I hear an amen?

I’m banging metal with my husband in his studio.

Is he happy being my new teacher? Kinda.

He’s kicking butt working on his website. Is it

looking absolutely fabulous? Yes and yes again...

wow...what a body of work...the man is a tireless genius if

I do say so myself.

SNEAK PREVIEW HERE

I am so happy right now with new excitement with

my work..I can’t wait to get up in the morning. I’m bursting

with ideas. Wore some new earrings to a party and got

some really nice feedback.

I’ve grown up...I feel like my mama is standing over

my shoulder and shouting me on and giving me

mega encouragement.. things are coming my way... something has shifted...

like I’m totally different...

Happiness for me stems from excitement about what I

am participating in... and success with it. Also

when people actually buy my stuff, especially the things I

make. I know I can sell antiques. I have been doing that

with a great deal of success for years now....but when you

create something and people buy it, well it is a validation

that you are on the right track...so you carry on...I carry

on anyhow....I just love to, no have to (am obsessed with) tinkering with objects.

Be it fabric or metal or paper or beads. I have to create

in order to be happy.

Have a Rocking New Year

2012-01-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

I had read in Patti Smith’s book

"Just Kids"

that her mother told her,

“Whatever you are doing on New Years Eve,

you will be doing for the rest of the year.

so I made sure I was doing this...

May all your dreams come true

in the New Year!

Well it sure wasn't dull

2011-12-31T11:24:00.000-08:00

2011 is a year I'll never forget. I lost my mom...a big, ginormous event in any ones life. I am still not settled down from that and am dealing with it on a daily basis in the best way that I can.

I got a job in the corporate world, and found out soon enough that I am not cut out for that...
That suited me about as much as the size X sweatpants I used to wear. I lost 20lbs... Goodbye, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight. I've kept it off and this is the first New Years Day in my life where
I didn't need to start a diet.

I started my ETSY site. Set it up by myself, set up PayPal myself. Yep me, formally known as" she who was computer illiterate" now kicking butt and trying STUFF I WOULD HAVE NEVER EVER TRIED BEFORE.

I have stuck with a Yoga program and have not given it up. I am a card carrying Yogini.
I've created a new body...don't get me wrong..It is still the body of a woman who has gained and lost 20lbs.so many times that I have lost count. I still wouldn’t wear a swimsuit in public but if I am held together with black cotton and lot's of lycra I don't look too bad. But the stength, the flexibility, that has come from solid hard work and a firm desire... It did not come from reading a magazine article or talking about how I would love to do it but, it came from putting in the time on the mat.

I brought in more sales at my antique mall space this year than last year...huge, considering a lot of places have closed down.. I just changed up my game plan and worked harder and put in more time.

My music has been taken to a whole new level, again through diligent work and practice and meeting
new people in The Long Beach Uke Club. I play with my rock and roll and blues boys and keep up
with them.

All in all a full year..I am hopeful for the next...I am going to work even harder. And mostly
slow down in the process and relish the moments, love and appreciate my friends, be a better
friend, give more, see more movies, play a lot more music, dance more, get outside to run and play, be a better wife, a better citizen and a better me.

Thanks to you all for a wonderful year. You all have helped me in more ways than we'll ever know.

Cynthia

Peace, joy and happiness...

2011-12-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

As I am winding up the year I can’t help but

think of all the stuff that happened...both good

and bad, but mostly good and certainly promising.

I am trying to live my life with gratitude above all.

I am turning around my thinking...

negative thoughts are being replaced.

I am amazed sometimes at what the voices inside
my head are saying...and even more amazed that
I have been allowing it to happen.
Now I try and catch these thoughts and replace
them. “Shut Up”...I tell myself...sometimes
over and over again.

I struggle...

Trying so hard to let go of so much crap...

Letting alot of it go...just go.

just doing it.

Enjoying these last couple of days.

2011...certainly a year I will never forget.

Peace, love and prosperity to you all.

Thanks so much for being there.

Thanks Santa!

2011-12-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus gave this very good girl a iPad for Christmas..
i do hope that all of you got your wishes fullfilled.

We made a promise of no gifts this year but my dear sweet husband
Just continues to amaze me with his kindness and generosity...he
Is always building me up...
Happy holidays to you all...

From My Casa to yours....

2011-12-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS TO

YOU AND YOURS...

BEATNHEART

We are messin with a new gadget.

2011-12-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

We got a cool new toy that allows you

to scan your slides and put them on

your computer...well holy cow. I

took a huge trip down memory lane

and saw pics that I took on my old

trusty Minolta SRT 101...my pride

and joy back in the 1970s.

Downtown Sheboygan 1972

Me at 19! In a Victorian wedding dress that

I got for $1 at St. Vinnies.

(wish I still had that! dang..)

Jaya woman’s collective.

We were opening a shop in Santa Monica

on Main Street. Rent $75.00 a month. Ha!

I’m 19 here...the youngest of the group.

Some of my best friends at that time...

Two of them have passed away. I Haven’t

seen a picture of them in many a year...

Looks like an album cover.

My beautiful nieces...

My brother Dave...we took a trip

around Lake Superior in his Vista Cruiser in

1972.

Canada

Upper Michigan.

It was New Years Eve. We celebrated it twice.

Once in Michigan then crossed the time line and

celebrated it again in Wisconsin. In those

days the bars had a full spread of food and

noisemakers and all the rest.

fond memories of:

cole slaw

“cannibal sandwiches”

rye bread

smoked fish

herring

potato salad

roast pork sandwiches

jello molds

macaroni salad

poppyseed torte

The memories are flooding back

and my mind is filled with it all.

Simpler times.

I’m getting homesick.

Lake Michigan in Sheboygan. New Years Day.

The Polar Bears yearly swim. The city would come

out at noon to watch a bunch of crazy people go in

the freezing waters. Lake Michigan is freezing

in the summer...winter? I can’t even imagine

doing such an insane thing.

I only have about a thousand more slides and photos to go.

It is going to be so much fun and I’m looking forward

to it. The beauty of it all is that I can mess with the pics now in” iphoto''

and clean them up and crop them. That old cardboard box of

slides is taking on a new life. They were getting all faded

and blotchy. I mean, who looks at slides anymore?

I think this new gadget, the “ION Film and slide Scanner”

also does black and white negatives because I got

a whole folder of those...that was when I got

really serious with photography and took classes

at Santa Monica College...There should be

some real dandies in that lot.

It is odd that we are doing this at the end of a year...

a year that has been so filled with a flood of tears,

emotions and memories.

Perhaps these photos will spark some new stories...

Braggin on the old man.

2011-12-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

water feature

Prarie Style door.

copper fence caps

San Diego residence.

bathtub turned into desk

handmade handle

work in progress

finished piece in place in an office.

Not QuiteLast minute gifts from Beatnheart Etsy Shop.

2011-12-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

handcrafted by moi.

Amethyst beads..vintage rhinestone rondelles

Art Deco connectors.

Luscious Vintage.

SOLD...THANKS PENNY!

woof...woof...I need a home.

Vintage cutie pie from England.

Someone in Seattle?

Bang bang

Holiday Glam.

I love these...

These too...Frequent Flyers.

Very Vintage...made by me.

Love, love, love...

Glorious Blue...

Pimpin my wares...thanks for indulging me.

Kohler Art Center Sheboygan, Wisconsin

2011-12-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

The fabulous folk art collection in

the garden of the art center.

This art center is world class...amazing

for such a small Midwestern town.

Wisconsin has alot of folk art. The Kohler foundation

has a program for artists from all over the world to

come and work at their foundry.

Look at your sink...

it probably came from the Kohler Company.

more than half of the people in Sheboygan work there.

The family is a huge supporter of the arts.

These pieces attest to that.

want to see more? click here

John Lennon

2011-12-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

John Lennon was taken away from us.

gone but not forgotten.

1950s Christmas Tree Ornaments.

2011-12-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

I found these ornaments at an estate sale.

Do you remember these from back in the day?

These were in a box, unopened, unsed...

Memories from the 1950s !

My family didn’t have these but I knew a few people

who did. I don’t think I’ve seen them since then.

and oh boy...I’m selling them in my Etsy shop...

(also in my space at the Wertz Brothers Antique Market)

Earrings that I’m making.

2011-11-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

I’ve got a new jones. Making earrings.

I have struggled with necklaces...and hassled

with bracelets. But making earrings?

Easy. Fast. Quick gratification.

I made these modern day Mourning Jewelry ones

the day Amy Winehouse died. A tribute to her.

I used jet Victorian buttons on these.

Old Amethyst beads, vintage rhinestone spacers,

old Art Deco connectors.

Citron colored crystal beads saved from a decayed

Art Deco necklace found in a shop in England.

These blue beads are Czech Picasso Saturn's.

Love, luv, love these.

These purple ones were harvested off of a 1920s Art Deco

necklace that I found in a dusty old box at the Newark Antique Market

In Northern England.

I have never worn swinging, dangling earrings.

I always went the modest route with studs and silver hoops. But these feel so cool to wear and

they feel great swinging under my hair. I’m hooked on them now.

I am not a bragger... or a very good self promoter. People

often say to me.."Gee, I never knew you could do that!"

I dislike blowing my own horn. In la, la, la “L.A.Land"

everybody is always bragging about something that they do.

Heck I’m from the Midwest...we don’t do that kind of stuff.

So I quietly made these earrings at my kitchen table.

They are for sale in my etsy shop.

Southern California in the winter.

2011-11-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

Southern California in the winter..

some random pictures...

on a beautiful sunny clear day.

When it rains down here...

It snows up there.

If the air quality is good this is what we

get to see. A day trip to some antique stores

near Riverside and these are the views we got

78 degrees...hot and sunny.

This is why we put up with traffic, crowds and crime.

You can’t beat this weather and that is a fact...

and that is why a zillion people have flocked to live

here.

This is my kind of winter. Hope you are enjoying yours.

Tonight...a annual post thanksgiving dinner at an old friends house.

They have been doing it for 21 years.

rock on Murph and Paul.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

A very fine stained glass window at The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin.

Gratitude is what keeps us going in the midst of

pain and sorrow. It’s what makes us realize how good

we have it. Without giving thanks for what we have

we are nothing but takers. And when you are nothing

but a taker you are nothing.

Today and everyday I give thanks for my warm, cozy home.

My husband. My pets. My friends. My neighbors.

My creativity. My music. My health. Yoga. My business.

My self.

Gratitude is part of my daily life. Not just today but everyday.

I give thanks to all you for your kindness, warmth and friendship.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Building a Website...and a hair slide

2011-11-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

My man is building a website with his

best friend in England. He is learning

as he is going along. New stuff...

new frustrations...

HOWEVER...

I can’t get on the computer!

He is learning Photoshop (I can hear the cussing

all over the house) and it’s causing him alot of grief.
But some of the stuff he is learning...wow.
And the site is looking awesome. Good times.
The atmosphere is crackling with anticipation and
excitement on his new venture. This is something
he has been talking about for along time. He didn’t
know how or who or what. But his equally
genius friend came to his aid...

but i still can’t get on the computer!

To appease me he found time to make me a present.

Guess I’ll have to let him slide...

Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day

of the eleventh month

we stop to remember the fallen.

Remember all the brave men and women both past and present

who have fought and died for our freedom.

A Lalique Femme de Mer fountain now graces my bedroom window.

2011-10-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

This beautiful cast glass masque was just floating

around in our back garden. I asked English husband,

“could you make me a water feature outside our rather

dark and dreary second bedroom window?"

and of course before I knew it, he was

busily at work doing just that.

and a miracle occured.

Lovliness...tranquilty...gently trinkling water.

The sound is all throughout the house.

Now I sit and meditate and stare at her pretty face.

The tv doesn’t even go on.

Talk about a transformation.

The Feng Shui has changed.

The bad mojo banished.

The yin and the yang are in harmony.

The whole room is now a retreat of serenity.

Sometimes it’s a gentle breeze...

2011-10-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling my mama...

sometimes standing right next to me.

I was in the garage and I smelled her perfume...

I snapped my head around but she wasn’t there.

I was hoping she was.

Standing there... All young and pretty

and healthy and happy...and living

a life different than the one she had.

one door shuts and another one opens

or so they say.

I know that she’s in a better place.

and her tears are dried gently with

a loving hand

as i wish mine were right now.

There is nothing in the world that prepares you

for losing your mama. Even when you know

it’s the right thing and the natural thing...

and something we all must go through.

I’m waiting for things to get better...I can’t seem

to make it through a day without crying...and I’m

grouchy and short tempered...and I miss her so.

And I don’t know what normal is anymore...

when a gentle breeze blows I feel her and I

feel her soft mama hand stroke my cheek and

dry my tears and make it all better.

And I long for childhood days of carefree flight and fancy free

happiness. And running swiftly across the sand of Lake Michigan

chasing gulls and laughing and yelling at the top of my lungs

while breathing that briny air and then hearing mama calling us in to a supper

of her extraordinary fried chicken and hearing dad’s change jingle in his

pockets while coming up the drive after a long day at the plant.

We grow up when our parents die and the childhood days

are a faded memory that will never return and I can’t go back

and I really wish I could.

she was there with me from my first heartbeat

miss you mom.your baby.

The Crazy LA River

2011-10-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

We had one heck of a storm the other day.

It rained buckets in the early morning...

so unusual for us at this time of the year.

I live about 5 blocks from the L.A. River,

which is kind of a river but basically they

have turned it into a big concrete ditch.

Normally it flows very gently,

but when it rains a lot it gets pretty crazy.

We get every cigarette butt, Styrofoam cup,

and baby diaper that all the not so nice

people throw away in not so polite places

floating down this river which leads into

the Pacific Ocean.

No wonder they have that giant mess in the

ocean near Japan.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

yikes.

Two times the size of Texas.

90% plastic.

In some areas over 90 feet deep!

scary.

You can see from this picture that the water doesn’t

have too far to go before it reaches the top.

This is from only an hour or so of rain.

Thank you all for your kind messages, emails, phone calls,

cards, flowers and presents after my mom’s passing.

I am coming around. It’s easier because I know my

mom needed to go...she was suffering and now she is finally

at rest.

Your friendship and caring has meant so much to me. xxc

Rest in Peace beautiful momma

2011-09-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Dorothy Braeger Wolff

My beautiful mom passed away on September 21, 2011 at
her home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She was 91 years old.

The world was too harsh of a place for this sweet fragile girl.
May she find eternal love , peace and joy in the arms of
her heavenly father.

my latest Etsy Favorite.

2011-09-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Etsy is just filled with so many talented people.

You see things you just don’t see anywhere else.

Take these little hats for example.

reindeer hat

dinosaur hat! love this one!!

pumpkin hat

pumpkin patch hat

candy corn hat

I never get tired of looking at these pictures...

so darn adorable. I just laugh out loud.

and what a good sport her cat is..

You can find more of these kitty hats on

Scooter knits

Happy Birthday to me from Sooty.

2011-09-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Imagine if you will Sooty playing Happy Birthday

to me on his xylophone.

Today I am 59 years old. My mother always

told me to lie about my age.

I never was very good at listening to her.

2011-09-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Saying the rosary is like chanting a mantra

over and over again...

it keeps the mind focused..

and helps to stop you from thinking and ruminating

on the negative stuff the clogs your head.

maybe I can be full of grace if I keep at it.

I stumble and fall over and over again.

I get back up over and over again...

only to stumble once more.

Happy September!

In Irene’s Path...

2011-08-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

cream city brick in Princeton, Wisconsin...

To all those in the path of this horrible storm...

while waiting for things to calm down

I am thinking of you and praying

for all of those who are suffering...

my little problems are nothing

compared to what you are going through.

It’s hot here.

too hot and I don’t care for it much.

but I am safe and secure.

I’m going to quit complaining today.

I’m so good at complaining.

Bellyaching my father use to call it.

It’s a life long habit that I need to

control and cut out.

So hang in there friends on the coast...

Stay safe.

Think Positive...it’s all we’ve got.

2011-08-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

earrings by Beatnheart on Etsy

Today is going to be great.

all things are possible

i am wonderful

loving,

kind

and considerate.

full of spirit

and of joy.

Instead of letting things get me down

and responding in a negative way...

Today, I want to live like it’s my last day.

I’m eating ice cream.

Beatn down heart

2011-08-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

and the old door shuts one last time

Just a tiny little pin prick of light...shining in her dim and clouded eyes. Recognition? Does she

remember me? The baby girl she had so long ago, held for countless hours, lost sleep over..Now

I am a mere shadow. I saw Cindy on TV she told my brother. And after the first visit, she never

asked for me again. She didn’t remember me coming there in the flesh, holding her in my arms, whispering in her ear..it’s gonna be alright Ma. But is it? This is where the elderly end up...after all those years of struggle and pain and heartache and abuse and suffering and laughing and crying. Oh yes. Crying.

Years and years and buckets of tears and rivers of tears flowing endlessly out of those cloudy eyes. And

now? Now what? All those years of saving and sacrificing and not spending a penny on the nice things..the money saved so carefully...the sacrifices made for what? Adult diapers and a tiny hospital bed in a stifling, airless room with the noises and wails of others...suffering equally.

The woman who never shared a secret with anyone is now living among strangers where there
are no secrets. All the dirty laundry is aired out right there in front of everyone.
Partners in wheelchairs and walkers. Roomates. Wailing like infants in a maternity ward. Get me
out of here. No longer able to walk...talk...think clearly or think at all...back to crawling and crying
and wearing diapers.

91 years is a long time to live. Sometimes too long a time to live and in the case of my mother the tears
and agony and wishing for things better carries on still. I’m still on my knees...I’m still praying for
something better... for the pain to end for her...and us.

Beatnheart is beating harder.

2011-07-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

Time for my yearly trip back home and it is

going to be filled with so much sadness and pain.

My mother fell and broke her hip and at 91 years old

you know that that is not a good thing. I am so

full of dread at seeing her... this time in not very

good shape both physically and mentally, lying

in a hospital bed and not walking on her own. I

am praying for strength and courage so I don't

break down and that I am strong enough to give

her some light and love. I always say to myself

that this will be the last time that I see her but the

old gal just keeps on keeping on. a miracle really.

There will be fun times too. I’ll make sure of that.

I have some good friends to see, some music to hear

and play and a chance to have some quality time to

spend with my brother. I have a flea market in

Elkhorn, Wisconsin that I plan on going to and

old pals in Milwaukee to visit.

So hold down the bloggy fort and I’ll be back on August 18th.

Cynthia

The Fabulous Bettye LaVette

2011-07-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Had a chance to see Bettye LaVette Saturday in Pasadena

for a free outdoor concert.

She has been around and has been at it for a few years now.

Her list of credits and accomplishments could cover this

whole page and then some. She is kind of under the

radar but it just goes to show if you stick it out things do

happen and this has been one heck of a year for her.

I took a lot of photos of her but she is like a hurricane

and so many pics turned out blurry cause this

gal never slows down.

On keys, our friend and excellent singer in his own right Al Hill.

A beautiful evening in Pasadena on the lawn in this

great park, not to shabby sound system and free.

My kind of night...

Check her out HERE!

Giveaway Winner

2011-07-25T08:37:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Libby from libbysvintage.

You are the giveaway winner. Please contact

me with your address so I can mail your earrings

out to you.

Thanks to everyone who participated. And

to all of you who found etsy for the

first time...welcome.

Giveaway in my Etsy Shop

2011-07-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

How many of you shop at Etsy? For those of you who

do not, you are missing out on one of the coolest

shopping sites on the internet. You can find

so many beautiful handmade things. Also great vintage things, clothing,

beads, jewelry findings, jam, homemade candy, hand crafted perfumes,

soaps, hand knitted sweaters..... Whatever you need

you can find it there. I can spend endless hours looking and

putting things in my cart.

Some of the shop keepers set up a beautiful site. Fabulous

photography...careful editing...cool props. Just like

a real brick and mortar store.

So in the interest of getting you to stop by, I am

giving away these earrings that I am now selling in my store.

What do you need to do???

If you are not already registered you have to do that first.

It’s easy, only about 4 simple steps and it’s free. And hey,

once you are registered you are then able to open a shop of

your own if you are so inclinded..

NOW THAT YOU ARE REGISTERED...

Go to my shop by clicking on the word

‘beatnheart' over on the right hand side. Look

around at my shop and then when you find these earrings

click on "add them to your favorites”...

That’s it...you’re entered. I will randomly pick a winner next Sunday night

and post the winner here on Monday morning July 25th.

EVERYONE CAN ENTER. That means all my wonderful foreign friends.

I’ll ship these to any part of the world.

Alot of people don’t know about ETSY and they should.

It’s a wonderful way to support artists that make some

of the most beautiful and unique things that you’ll ever see.

And they come from all over the world. If you haven’t

been, I promise you that you will love it and be inspired.

Some of the handcrafted jewelry is especially amazing.

And because you are buying directly from the maker,

you can save a bunch of money in the process.

Many of the sellers are willing to ship your purchase as a gift

and will wrap it up pretty and send it off for you.

And all you have to do is click”buy it now” ...no

getting in the car, looking for parking...pain free. Suppose

your sister has a birthday...Find some homemade fudge on etsy

one click and the item is selected, payed for and shipped

all in one go. And your sister gets an awesome homemade

delight that you can’t get anywhere else...

Let’s keep the love flowing...support your local shopkeeper...

buy something handmade. Stimulate our economy!

It feels good. And you make some lovely friends in the process.

So thank you everyone for making my shop a success

I am enjoying it very much. Now go on and win these earrings!

Cheers, Cynthia xx

The Ukettes at The Rancho

2011-07-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Rancho Los Cerritoes

The Fabulous Ukettes!

Every band needs a sex symbol...pretty Laura is ours.

adorable, talented, new mommy Hannah.

our adoring fans.

A great gig at a wholesome family event..

This amazing Banyan Tree over a hundred years old.

Album Cover Potential.

What would the world be like without free spirts?

2011-07-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Imagine the world without free spirits...

those among us who do as they please...

without caring what others think.

colorful, inventive people.

Marching to the beat of their own drums

or no drums at all.

This dude is still looking for Haight Asbury.

No one told him it’s not 1969.

Who said tie dyeing was out of style. Nobody told

these folks.

yo...modern day father.

California Cops.

And of course, everyone’s favorite Free Spirit...Tom

from Wisconsin.

Hope you’re all keeping cool. way too hot here...

I’m in hibernation.

The Ukettes are ready to rock

2011-06-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Ukettes had a little hiatas...

our darling Hannah had a plan to bring

a baby Ukette into our fold...

and so she rested her uke on her ever growing belly

and that little baby grew while listening closely

to her strum away..

but Hannah, being so sweet and delicate..

had to take it easy and so our practices and

certainly our gigs took a back seat to the health

and well being of our sweet lil girls...

But now everyone is strong and healthy...

And baby Allison (her aim is true)

and her sweet angel mama are ready

to rock...

and low and behold a gig presented itself..

An ice cream social for the fine folks in

California Heights, a lovely little enclave here

in our fair city of Long Beach.

and you know how much I love ice cream.

and how much I love my sweet girls in the Ukettes.

So we are preparing and busily ourselves to

get ready...cause we is rusty!

Raising my Glass to....

2011-06-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings...

fresh starts

and a second chance at happiness...

Congratulations Big Sister.

May all your dreams come true.

Life is Sweet...

2011-06-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Since opening my Etsy shop...

my life has taken quite a turn.

I am feeling successful!

It is everything I could hope for..

a creative and fun way to follow my dream

and keep my passion for shopping for

antiques alive.

In fact it has completely revitalised me. I feel like

I did when I first started selling. Etsy is a wonderful way

to have your own business...I love taking the pictures, editing them,

finding the stuff and most of all coming in contact with a lot of other

buyers and sellers. What a concept! This old gal is renewed.

I had sales right away and things just keep rolling along.

I am shocked...amazed and so very grateful. It just feels

wonderful to be doing something that gets rewarded.

You may remember a while back that I applied for a “real job” and

to my complete shock, I was hired. Well....it did not turn out

as I had hoped. I never got the hours I was told I was going to

get, certainly not the health insurance and the stress just about

did me in. Face it, Beatnheart is just not cut out for a straight job!

While I was waiting for the hours to pick up, I decided to get the

Etsy shop going. I had opened it over a year ago but never

had the courage to put anything in it. So, one day, I just jumped in

and went for it. I had time to put effort into it

because I was not working as I had expected. And the whole thing

took off. I called my boss and told her the job was just not working out

for me and low and behold the weight was lifted off my shoulders,

birds started to sing again and I feel as if I had been directed to do

what I have been meant to do...be who I am. What a delightful

feeling to know that you are on your proper path...

Thanks so much to all of you who have given me support and

encouragement and most of all to your helpful tips on how to get going...and for now

I am happy and content and love working in my jammies! If

I never see a “business casual” outfit again it won’t be too soon.

Yoga with a view.

2011-06-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

This is the ocean front in my little town of Long Beach,

and this is Queen Mary which resides here.

and this is a free yoga class that is held on the

bluffs everyday.

Doing yoga outdoors is wonderful...

feeling that breeze and the sounds of the birds

and feeling the earth beneath you.

That’s me in black...oh yeah and 20 lbs heavier.

I say that publicly hoping it will shame me into

never going back there again.

Yoga has helped me in so many ways.

I’m very strong now....flexible...and hopefully

alot more calm and patient.

I’ve met some wonderful people through yoga...The

people who are drawn to it are for the most part

kind, caring and are living a life of compassion

for the earth, themselves and each other...

well that’s the plan anyway.

Butterflies have a schedule.

2011-06-10T11:05:00.000-07:00

Did you know...

that butterflies

have a schedule?

This beautiful one has been visiting

this bush everyday at the same time.

I have tarted up my “driveway” just like I had planned.

This is the first year where it is actually beautiful and I

enjoy sitting out there and working in the garage.

When I saw this butterfly land I took loads of pictures.

Little did I know that he (or she?) would arrive at the

same time everyday this week. I could of shot a movie of him.

A very cool house in Venice, California

2011-06-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Recently, I went on the Art Walk in Venice.

We get two free passes because my husband

donates an art piece every year for a silent auction
with all proceeds going to the Venice Clinic.

Study for a Northern Sky..Giuseppe de Piero

You walk around the many neighborhoods

and get to go inside the homes and

studios of the famous and not so famous.

buy nary a dull one in the bunch.

The artist that lives in this amazing home chats
with a couple of chicks.

It is one of the most fantastic homes on the tour...

something to look at on every turn.

colorful, creative, no holds barred.
do your own thing baby...

only in Venice...purple tights on granny.

They opened up the ceiling on this bungalow and painted
it a lime green.

this room was painted teal, orange and red...wow.

I have more pics coming up in my next post.

stay tuned...

Meanwhile, I have been consumed by my Etsy shop but

just loving it. It is one of the best things that

has happened to me in awhile. Thanks to all of you

who have payed a visit.

Take care,

Cynthia

Window shopping in Venice

2011-06-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

OK. these are seriously cool shoes and if I had

an extra $600, I would buy them.

Venice no longer has the thrift stores and

hippie shops as in days of yore.

now we’re talking super pricey

super trendy

did I say super pricey....yikes

but such cute stuff..

want, want ,want

buy all 50 of em.

more stuff from the shop Bountiful.

I have been missing in action.

and for that I truly apologize.

My Etsy Shop has taken off and I’m

either taking pictures, posting, researching or

going to the Post Office. Because

guess what? I’m selling stuff...!

I even had someone send me a “convo”

because she found me via Lilac Lane Cottage.

Maura had been the cool lady that helped me

when I launched my jewelry boutique blog and

created my “button” for me cause in those

days I was mega lame about computers. So,

it’s all connected...and people somehow manage

to find you...it’s amazing to me...

So bear with me as I become successful....

Me doing the happy dance!

A trip to Bountiful

2011-05-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Bountiful is a beautiful shop in Venice, California.

and as you can see...

it is indeed bountiful...

The owner has it down with displays.

Large, massive, overwelming...

not 3 but 300..

In this case, cake stands...

what if you want the one on the bottom?

This shop takes your breath away with its shear volume

of merchandise.

There are other things besides cake stands like

the most beautiful chippy, shabby furniture you could

find. The owner helped to define this look in the very

beginning by scouring the back roads of the American South.

She was one of the first. And her warehouse is full.

Her clients include many celebrities .

In case you want a pink cake stand.

or a white hobnail.

Yes, this is all in one store...

more bounty from Bountiful in my next post...

Have to go and open up my own little store on the worldwide web...

Beatnheart on Etsy...not quite as bountiful but a nice little place to shop.

Cheers! Cynthia

Hey Baby...

2011-05-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and let you

know that I’m working my butt off in my Etsy Shop

Taking a ton of photos and deleting a bunch more.

It’s much, much more time consuming than I thought,

but so far fun and creative...

Do me a favor will ya? Please comment if you read this.

I had so much trouble with blogger and deleting of comments

last week that I’m not sure if I’m up and running properly

or if its just that no one wovs me anymore..

Have a wonderful weekend.. cynthia 2011

Going outdoors at bo.tan.i.ka.

2011-05-16T20:20:00.001-07:00

This is the front of the shop bo.tan.ika

in the beautiful little seaside town of

Summerland, California

A beautiful little old Victorian house that has

been turned into this stunning little place

full of delight.

and outside is a garden center...

and yes, everything is for sale.

clever use of succulents and containers.

How fab is this!

stony, mossy ...

oh yeah, want this baby big time...

no, I think I want this one!

It doesn’t hurt that you can see the Pacific ocean from here.

tiny little pots of the unusual...

ideas to take home..

Summerland is a cute little stop just before you go into Santa Barbara...If you visit Los Angeles and
take the drive up the coast to San Francisco, be sure to make some stops along the way. In fact you could take weeks just getting to San Fran, so many cool little towns on your way up.

I have been super busy setting up my Etsy shop...all good things
take time and nurturing and this is no exception. I am enjoying
the creative aspect of setting up the shop and it does’t hurt that
people are actually finding it and buying stuff...amazing!

Shabby eye candy in Summerland

2011-05-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Mr. Beatnheart and I took a little day trip

to a little town near Santa Barbara.

It’s right on the ocean...It’s called Summerland.

cute huh.

This shop is worth the trip alone.

It’s called “bo.tan.ik”

I didn’t have to do any set dressing

cause these guys have it down.

If you want to learn how to arrange and merchandise

your shop, just go here.

I wanted every single thing in this place.

I wanted to move in there and never leave.

It’s also a garden shop...this is where the guy did up

his succulents, flower arranging and pots for the

outdoor garden.. That sink!! The Faucets! Lust and Convet!

My husband couldn’t stand anymore of my gushing

and had to go outside for air.

but you can see why right?

If you were with me we’d be swooning in two part harmony.

And this is only the inside,

There’s lots more outside.

Do you believe it?

do you want these glasses too..?

what about those salt and peppers?

These folks have an amazing eye for what to buy.

wonderful...right...

I knew you’d think so...

I took about 200 pictures of this place...

Next post we’ll go outside..

~~~~~~~~~

I’m busy as a bee....Etsy shop takes alot of time

A full time job in jammies...

come visit. caw

My Sentiment Exactly

2011-05-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

In a window in a pub in Santa Barbara, California

A couple of cool moms...

2011-05-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

My mom

Grandma Wolff

Happy Mother’s Day

ETSY SHOP IS UP AND RUNNING

2011-05-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

And I am pooped!

  It’s alot of work and alot of writing and research....

   But I think it’s well worth a shot and I’m going for it.

   My house is a mess...I am emptying out drawers and boxes and clearing off shelves and taking
stuff out of every nook and cranny. I’m also planning on doing a flea market at The Vets Stadium
because my stuff has really gotten out of control and I need to take care of business.

  So I’ve got bits and pieces on every surface waiting to be photographed and cataloged and entered into the shop... It doesn’t help that I’m a wee bit of a fuss pot and want every detail to be perfect.

Plus all the other work I’ve got going on.

I use to go to bed at 9pm....it is now 11pm and I’m still at it...I toss and turn and worry myself
to sleep as I am challenging myself to the max. No wonder I just stayed at home all these years!
   But no pain...no gain, so I’m doing stuff that I didn’t do before and it’s hard.

So If I haven’t visited you in awhile, please forgive me. The dust should settle pretty soon. I do
know for certain that once you figure things out and do them a few times they do get better. It’s
not the creative aspect of the shop, the picture taking and writing of copy...it’s the paypal, and
funds and fees and seller protection and postal services etc. etc. It could drive a person mad
especially one that doesn’t know what is going on. PHEW...

but in the meanwhile, now that I’ve had my moan...
   enjoy this beautiful glorious Springtime weather Cynthia

I NEED YOUR HELP...

2011-05-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

SOLD!

Well...I finally got the nerve up to open an ETSY shop...

whew!... It has been sitting vacant for almost a year now.

What a struggle to do the banner! You may remember

when I was a complete and total beginner on the computer.

EVERYTHING was a challenge!

So finally last week I looked at my little empty shop and

thought to myself “wait a minute”! you’ve got

tons of stuff to put in there, what are you waiting for?

So I started to take pictures...

Lots of em...

German curtain rings

(buying in ETSY has NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM)

I can do that easily and with great joy!

and I can spend many an hour browsing

and pretend shopping.

So now I appeal to you to lend me a hand

and give this ~~girl~~woman some advice...

cause I don’t know the ins and outs of all this

and I know that many of you do.

help me find a new home...

I follow and look at many of your ETSY shops and I can see that

lots of you are doing quite well. So I would be ever so

grateful if you could share your knowledge and expertise

and help this newbie out with ways to get people to find me

and any other tasty tips that you can offer...

Thank you...the staff at Beatnheart ETSY.

A day at Mauna and Lee’s

2011-04-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon at my wonderful neighbor’s

house taking pictures of their beautiful garden...

creativity in every corner.

This once barren, weedy landscape took a few years

to pull together but just look at it now.

An eye for beauty and detail.

unusual plants

color and texture created with non-thirsty plants perfect

for Southern California landscapes.

bowling balls and boulders

I covet this old neon Paint sign that they salvaged.

creative use of color and form

Bold and fearless...

Mauna and Lee are not only creative to the core but

are such good people in so many ways. They are local activists who put countless

hours into helping their Wrigley neighborhood and the city of Long Beach.

They are also loads of fun and have great parties.

The end to a perfect day...

Palm Sunday...

2011-04-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

A time to reflect and renew and be reborn

and to examine your motives and the

reasons why you do the things you do.

Are you willing to change and throw out

the behaviors that no longer work for you?

I have my faults...and my strengths...

I choose to carefully nurture

and develop the things in me that

are good and will make me a better

person...and one that I am proud of.

This sometimes means taking a hard cold look

at who you really are. Sometimes

the things we think are “cute” are in

truth immature, rude and unbecoming.

all art work by Guiseppe de Piero

Because what I like are people that are

doers and not talkers. Creative people.

Givers and not takers.

The ones that take the time and sweat
and toil to accomplish their dreams and goals.

Working on the Garden

2011-04-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

the Cecil Brunner Rose canopy.

Our garden is a never ending process of weeding, cleaning,

pruning and editing. When you live in Southern California

the garden goes dormant for about a month and then it kicks

into high gear once again. Therefore you are always

trimming, cutting back, weeding and transplanting.

For some, this sounds like heaven, but when you have

to garden somewhat nonstop, it gets to be a little

tiring. Everyone admires Bougainvillea...it

is for a fact a beautiful looking plant...But it

grows like crazy and the thorns on it are deadly sharp.

Cutting it back is not for the faint hearted. You end

up shredded and cut and bleeding. And if you

turn your back for one second and do not pay

attention, it has made it’s wicked way to the

far reaching corner of the garden and it sends

off new and razor sharp branches and back you

go standing high on a ladder hacking it down

once again.

I have been working in the “driveway garden” and

trying this year to get it to look pretty and feel great

as it is closest to the kitchen door and so it makes a great place

to hang out and also to work on my antiques.

So I am creating my little vignettes.

We don’t park our cars in the garage as it is my working

space. And we have stopped pulling the car behind this

gate. I am attempting this year to pull this area together

to create a really nice place to have a meal and have

the neighbors over.

I love geraniums. Mine just stay in pots all year

and in the Spring I repot them with fresh soil and

compost from my worm bin.

This is how many weeds came into

our front garden this year...

Overwelming...again, turned our back for a minute

and boom... they took over.

This is after Mr. Beatnheart worked all afternoon

clearing them out. More work to do still. This whole front

garden needs to be dug out, weed cloth barrier put in, and

new gravel layed. Who ever said a grass free garden is low

mantainance obvioulsy never had one...like I said

never ending work.

Trips down the PCH

2011-04-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip down the Pacific Coast Highway

on my husband’s birthday...

First stop, the quaint beach town of El Segundo

where we discovered

this great little restaurant called

The Richmond Bar and Grill.

El Segundo is located right next door to LAX

so if you ever find yourself stranded at the airport

for awhile this would be a great little pit stop

for lunch.

It was like a blast from the past...

old timey soda fountain stools, lots of old

memorabilia on the walls...great beer selection

and homemade potato chips.

Next stop...San Pedro and another old little cafe.

I half expected the burgers to costs 25 cents

and nickle cokes. We didn’t eat here

because we were still stuffed from The Richmond.

San Pedro is just south of

El Segundo and we drove the coast to get there.

The views on this drive are amazing as you course

through Rancho Palos Verde, a beautiful area

that reminds me of Maui.

The Pacific Ocean from the top of the cliffs

in San Pedro

The boats in the distance are loaded with cargo going
into the port of Long Beach.

The old Lighthouse

A fabulous Turn of the 20th Century building.

A tree that has seen many a wind blown day

This little park right on the bluffs is a great place

to spend the day with a picnic.

The park had an old Spanish Style Band shell.

I wondered if they still have concerts here.

Driving home via The Vincent Thomas Bridge.

It was a great day out and proved that little mini vacations

can be had very near your own home without boarding a plane

or driving too far.

Mother Nature and Husband at work.

2011-03-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

A small side patio and three of my husband’s pieces.

The Fig Tree is kicking in.

Sculptures by Giuseppe de Piero

Water Feature, Wisteria...

Just a few of my Bauer Pots

on one of my favorite things...

an old Train luggage Rack.

Lalique glass sculpture

“Femme de Mer"

Side garden with bathroom round window

(for you Maura)

Back Patio

Water Feature

We had the most beautiful weather yesterday. After the rains,

the sky clears up, we have white puffy clouds and I become

inspired to be outdoors and admire it all.

Homesick...

2011-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

There are days when I miss my hometown

something terrible.

especially Lake Michigan.

The quiet tranquility, the sound of the soft waves rolling oh so

gently on the sandy shore...small and constant

a rhythm, a pattern all its own.

No noise

No roar of traffic

No Police helicopters buzzing overhead

No sirens every ten mintues

No loud booming monotonous music

coming out of obnoxious cars filled with rude people

No smell of smog

clear blue sky

gentle breeze

I miss the smell of the fishy brine,

the soft moan of the foghorn

the broken jetties jutting out from the sandy beach

The way those jetties are old and collapsing and

still the same as when I was a kid.

The water is icy cold and when you jump in

your skin turns a mottled purpley color...cold..much colder

than you remember. How did we play in this freezing water

all day long when we were young?

I get nostalgic now and then. It’s no wonder I’m

an antique dealer. I long for the old days,

simpler times...the beauty of nature.

Living in the city doesn’t nurture me.

I’m a fish out of water.

Living in California has its beautiful weather

it’s exciting adventures and possibilities

anything can happen here...

It’s wide open if you have the guts and courage

to go for it. Don’t get me wrong. I am

blooming in the soil at which I am presently planted.

but...

Sometimes, being a grown-up is just plain hard.

and I wanna go and play in the water

bucket and spade in hand and splash in the

icy waters of Lake Michigan.

Rest in Peace Elizabeth.

2011-03-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

A beauty....a vision...a tireless champion for the victims of AIDS...an actress of extraordinary talent...
A look, a glance...that’s all it took. A fire burning within that could not be contained... and what came
across on the screen was like nothing ever seen before and will never be seen again. Her countless marriages.The diamonds. The things she did for love...nothing stood in her way. Cleopatra. Black Beauty. Lassie.
Maggie the Cat...Giant...the list is endless... Liz....just the mention of her name invokes the smolder, the legendary violet eyes, the beauty mark. All iconic to her.....Rest in Peace Elizabeth.. To a life well lived.

Teaching the old gal some new tricks...

2011-03-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

This little girl needs some down time and a rest . It’s

been a really busy week with many new challenges.

I have started a job.

BIG, huge for me.

I have not worked a “ a real job” in over twenty years.

I have never done anything that involves computers,

inputting facts into them, getting information from

people, remembering stuff (a lot of stuff!) all while

standing in the public eye with people waiting in a line

waiting for me to do just that with fingers tapping and eyes rolling.

I have been in training the last three weeks and it has worn me

out a lot more than I thought it would. It is not coming easy.

I just don’t remember things very well (unless its a song,

or where did I buy that, what did I pay for it, that restaurant was good and

what did I have to

eat) you know, the important stuff..anyhow

it has been eye opening for me and very

tiring. I want to succeed but am not certain I will. It is

putting me in a place of doubt, fear and most of all

feeling less than. I was so hopeful and happy to have been

hired at all and now I feel like there might be something wrong with me

and my capacity to learn. My mentor has said

that everyone else is flying though this training and have already

begun working...and then there’s me... But on a good note, she

said she wants me to work there because I’m good with people

and dealing with the public. But panic easily sets in and the hot

flashes come on when there’s stress and I’m standing there in my

little suit jacket with sweat running down me and the intense

urge to run to the safety of my house.

Whatever the outcome, I know this has

been a leap of faith for me and certainly stepping outside my cozy

comfort zone. And that in itself is a good thing.

WISTERIA TIME..

2011-03-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

LOOKING OUT FROM MY BEDROOM FRENCH DOORS

THIS IS WHAT WE SEE...

TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING...

FOR this SIGHT

A TRIUMPH FOR ME

AS I CAREFULLY CLIPPED AND GROOMED AND

SHAPED AND PRODDED AND PULLED AND PLUCKED

THIS BEAUTIFUL WISTERIA.

AND NOW WE ARE REAPING THE REWARDS

A BRIEF BUT STELLAR WEEK OF BLOSSOMS AND

WILD CRAZY BEES.

AND CELEBRATING DAYLIGHT LASTING TILL 7PM..

LOVIN THIS TIME OF YEAR...

PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO US ALL AND

ESPECIALLY TO THOSE IN JAPAN.

SPRING IS HERE..TRA LA LA LA

2011-03-10T08:01:00.001-08:00

THE FIRST OF THE CALIFORNIA POPPIES

NEW GROWTH ON THE STAGHORN FERN

SOME AFRICAN BULB ...THE NAME ESCAPES ME

THE JASMINE IN THE DRIVEWAY EXPLODED THIS

YEAR WITH FRAGRANT BLOOMS...

HEAVENLY SCENT

INTOXICATING

SIT OUT THERE WITH A BEVERAGE AND FLOAT AWAY

STAGHORN #2 IS ALSO SENDING OUT

BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY NEW GROWTH

UNDER THE SPELL OF THE SMELL...

spring is busting out all over here in Southern Cal

and we had 80 plus degree weather yesterday.

ahhh....bliss

Almost Done!

2011-03-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

Part of doing taxes is dealing with end of the year inventory.

It is a time of reviewing your glories...

and your mistakes...

and the piles of stuff..

that you just threw in the garage...

comes back to haunt you.

the phrase “why did I buy that!” rings in my ears...

and so now you must sort everything out, record it and try

to remember what the heck you paid for it...

Deer antlers were huge last year and my dear brother

kept me well stocked by shipping them to me from Wisconsin.

Yikes, what a mess...

It is also a time of reflection.

Maintaining a business is hard work. Trying to make “a living”

selling old stuff can be a wild ride roller coaster because

you never know if the rent will get paid or even if

you’ll break even. Last years fad is this years white elephant

and you end up getting stuck with it.

and then the taxman, and the business licence man wanna come

and take what little you make away.

but for me buying old stuff is fun.

The buying part that is.

So now I take stock, and try and see what the next “hot” thing

will be. Because the worst part of it all is is all the stuff

left over at the end of the year...

The “what was I thinking??? stuff.

the broken stuff..

The I’ll refinish that stuff.

only a few of the lamps that need rewiring

Thanks for hanging in there and I appreciate all you kind support. I apologize....my new
venture is not that big of a deal and I hope I didn’t lead you on to think I’ve gotten signed to
Sony Records or Oprah has chosen me to be her West Coast eyes and ears and given me my own
TV show. It’s small potatoes kids... I’ll keep you posted as things progress when and if they do...

Peace out...caw

A Lot is going on...

2011-02-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

and it’s all good...

I’ve got some exciting news but I’ve got to keep it under wraps for right now... But it’s going to keep me busy for a little while and it’s going to take some adjustment...

And I’ve got taxes due next week!!!! So I need a little time away to get my act together...So please don’t desert me...I’ll be back soon...

Beatnheart is one year old.

2011-02-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

It starts with just one photo...

I’m exploring

and changing

and trying

and developing

seeing things different

with new eyes

different lenses

far out focus

textures

cropping

text

fade in

and out

I’m putting on my rose coloured glasses

and making my world a bit more interesting

bigger, brighter, better,

always different

and not accepting the status quo

of the past...

Cause you can teach this middle aged brain new things.

I find that standing still and doing the same thing

over and over again bores me

so I shake it up

and mess about

and play.

DISCOVER

NEW

THINGS

TODAY..

Do things different than you usually do.

challenge yourself!

You may reveal talents you didn’t know you had

I am Celebrating one year of blogging...

I remember that first baby step and pressing PUBLISH POST for the first time. scary...

Surely thinking no one will ever read this and that’s ok, I’ll do it for myself. It’s my diary of sorts and

a way to pass down some sort of legacy. A tool to see where I’ve come from and where I’m

going. Who would have ever thought I would find all the good friends I have gathered from this

humble little place.

THANK YOU ALL FOR SHARING AND LEARNING AND GROWING RIGHT ALONG WITH

ME. WITHOUT DISCOVERING NEW THINGS AND CHALLENGING MYSELF MY WORLD

WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT DULLER. You all have inspired me to work harder and be

better and not just accept who I am but aim just a little bit higher and reach for new goals.

Happy Valentine’s Day

2011-02-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

be...