Ever Had One of Those Days? I Mean Weeks? I Mean Years?

The title, the picture and this sentence and that last word are my entire post.

ROAR!

Rare Roaring Lion Pin by Erwin Pearl. Available at Ruby Lane.

Waiting for Spring!

I always used to think of myself as a cold weather kind of girl. I didn't mind the cold, preferred my winter wardrobe to my summer wardrobe and looked forward to snow. Of course, I was about 15 years younger. These days? Eh....not so much. I am cold all the time...I have the worst time keeping my feet warm and have taken to actually wearing bedroom shoes. My winter wardrobe makes me feel frumpy. And snow? Forget it. I live in a city that literally grinds to a halt (ok..."grinds" is putting it nicely....its more like "comes to a screeching halt") at the mere mention of snow. If it actually DOES snow....man oh man. Utter meltdown. A few weeks ago the forecast was calling for 3-6 inches and there were over 100 wrecks BEFORE IT EVEN BEGAN SNOWING. Like, 6 hours before it began snowing. Its like people around here hear the word "snow" and decide to rush out (gotta get that bread and milk), get behind the wheel of a car and tear around town at 100 miles an hour. "OMG - its gonna snow!" *Crash* "Dude - it's gonna snow!" *Crash, crash* *Sigh*. But I digress. While I am not a fan of 100 degree weather and the heaviest humidity known to man (this IS the South, after all...), it is better than walking around like a frumpy snowman itching to get into my car, in the snow and ice, and see how well my Honda can tear it up ;)

As you may be able to tell, I LOVE SPRING. Renewal! Hope! Baby birds and bunnies! Jonquils and tulips! Sunshine and moderate temperatures! That first time of the year rolling down the sunroof and feeling the sun pour into the car and a light breeze as you drive. Ahhhh! The whole point of my rambling today is actually to share with you all some photos I took of my kitchen windowsill. My plants are in bloom!

Bunny hiding in my Christmas Cactus!

And I think there may be a bunny or two as well!

Christmas Cactus Bloom

My "Christmas Cactus" has been blooming for almost a month and my clover for almost 3 weeks!

Clover blooms....I love how the clover opens during the day and closes up at night....

The weeping pussy-willow is a new addition to my windowsill family.

The Weeping Pussy-Willow Blooms....

I have always love weeping willows, but found it a tad impractical to put one in the kitchen window - darn it all anyway. So when I ran across these weeping pussy-willows at Trader Joes I was SOOOO excited! They also call this little tree the "Tree of Enchantment" and an insert instructs the new owner to tie a loose knot on one of the more flexible limbs and make a wish. When your wish comes true, untie the knot and thank your tree!

Up-Close Shot of the Weeping Pussy-Willow Bloom. Amazing, huh?

As another sign of impending Spring, we have 2 birds that appear to have taken a keen interest in my dining room window. (or maybe they are interested in the hustle and bustle of my household? They are probably laughing at me as I scurry around picking up and cleaning up...they probably think I need to sit down and put my feet up. Smart birds...) They come to "visit" quite a bit and tap at the window pane with their beaks.

Our New Addition to the Family....

HAPPY FORTHCOMING SPRING!

Eisenberg Original & Vintage Costume Jewelry

New photos for you to drool over...at least I hope you drool!

The Lady and the Librarian are on Facebook...find us by clicking on the link above and become a fan for updates on new finds and advance notice of special events and sales! Enjoy the photos!

Circa 1950's multi-colored rhinestone pendant necklace signed "Art" on the reverse. The "Art" company is AKA "Mode Art" and was in business from 1950 - 1980 and owned by Arthur Pepper. Best known for their whimsical designs, they also produced beautiful pieces of rhinestone jewels as well.

Though unsigned, this pendant necklace is very much in the style of jewelry from Czechoslovakia. Note the large central glass stone with small rhinestone accents. The soft pewter-tone surrounding metal is not only detailed on the front but has a hammered appearance on the reverse - a clue to it being well-made.

This bling-bling rhinestone leaf is also unsigned but truly, no signature is needed. The huge central rhinestone and tons of surrounding rhinestones make enough of a statement! This is a gorgeous piece!

Ahhh...the creme de la creme. An Eisenberg Original fur clip. It doesn't get any better, any more collectible, more sought after or more RARE than this. Every serious collection should have one. Eisenberg began production in 1935 and is still in business today. Like many jewelry companies, Eisenberg has used several signatures or marks on the back of their jewelry. The "Eisenberg Original" mark is the earliest mark found on jewelry items; other marks were found on paper tags or on clothing. This mark dates this piece to being made between 1935 and 1945. A true testament to quality and an icon in the jewelry business, Eisenberg is well known amongst collectors for their use of top of the line materials and that has rendered their vintage items extremely sought after today because their jewelry retains its beauty. Their designs are timeless - as easily worn today as when they were manufactured. Pure graace and beauty. *Sigh*.

All of the preceding items are available for purchase via Ruby Lane.

They are also viewable on Facebook under The Lady and the Librarian's photos!

Want to Know a Secret?

Ahhh....can you keep a secret? I guess the point is rather moot since this is a public venue! I have always wanted to write a book. I began reading for pleasure at a young age. I had insomnia for a few years as a child, and I had 2 books I read over and over and over. They were called 'Charlie Brown's Book of Questions and Answers." I had 2 volumes, one on plants and animals and another on planets and space if I recall correctly. I LOVED these books. I used to be able to surprise adults with my random knowledge of scientific things (not so much anymore, but I can say remember when....). Another favorite night time read was my "Childcraft Encyclopedia" set. The volume on space and planets is worn out...did I mention another secret? I wanted to be an astronaut! Ummm....no clue how I got that particular career path stuck in my head but it is probably a VERY good thing I did not end up blasting off as I am horribly afraid to even fly in an airplane. I have flown...many times....but air travel seems rather like playing Russian Roulette these days so I daresay I choose to abstain. Anyway, back to my original secret of wanting to write a book - I remember I used to keep a 3-ring binder with the names of every novel I read and a brief note about the book. I don't remember why I thought this was so important, except I had decided to write romance novels similar to those by Harlequin and I suppose knowing exactly which books I had read would somehow aid in my own writing. I even bought some paperback book called "How to Write Romance Novels" or something along those lines. I think I took notes on that book like I was in class or something! I never did write my book. I have a terrible problem with taking my idea, getting it on paper and then being able to expand on it enough to fill a book. I could probably write my entire novel on 4 sheets of looseleaf paper. I suppose for people with short attention spans my books would be an instant hit! Alas, 4 sheets of looseleaf paper does not a novel make. But practicing my writing will help...there are excercises I can do to become better at expanding and developing an idea. I feel as though I should reveal one more secret, as 3 is a charm. Hmmmm....how about....I am STILL afraid of the dark and have to sleep with the lights on when Darby isn't home. Blame it all on the movie "Poltergeist", seen by an impressionable 8 year old on a dark and stormy night. Literally. *Sigh*. Oh - and I cannot stand clowns! ;)

Winter Wonderland

IT FINALLY SNOWED IN RALEIGH! (of course, we got ice for hours too, but...IT SNOWED!) Everyone was excited to see the snow. Even the dog!

She has seen snow before but today she thought it necessary to bark at the tinkling ice. A lot. Peering out onto my deck, I discovered a genuine Snow Angel!

My Mom gave me this cement angel and I love that she has weathered - even the crack in her face looks just right. My St. Francis of Assisi is doing his job...except his bird food tray is full of snow!

Cameron enjoyed his breakfast with a snowy landscape. By that smile, I would say he is a happy boy!

We took Cameron outside all bundled up: fuzzy footed PJ's, fleece jacket, fleece mittens, fleece hat...and...Ziploc Bag booties!

Hey, they're waterproof and cheap! Don't you want a pair? I should take orders! Ha! And we were only outside for about 3 minutes. Cameron didn't know what to make of the snow.

He didn't seem to like it that much but I did take a few pics. Hope everyone is warm and happy!