My Muse

My life

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

So, I sit here at 1am in the morning, wondering where my life is going. Last year, I had plans. Simple plans. Go to school, get my appraisers license and continue my home business.

I turned 47 today, and I have always taken care of myself. Always, and others. I look at what is happening around me, and my heart hurts for what my children may be facing in the next month or so.

I have slowly closed my business, due to personal and health issues, and can no longer work in the public. Now I am facing loosing my home, my children's home. I have no idea where to turn or what to do. It really makes me wonder what I have done in my life to warrant this possible ending. I know when one door closes, another door opens, but at the moment it is to dark to see the other door.

My faith is strong, and I have good people in my life. I have a man whom I love and support with all my heart, and he does the same for me. However sometimes, things are beyond our control, and we have to sit back and see where the cards fall.

My older son is in ROTC, he is a good kid and has goals, my younger kids, are all in bible study, choir and school activities, but the events in their life in the last year has caused them to distrust what may happen in their future. I have tried to teach them that nothing is guaranteed and that anything can happen, but also, no matter what, I love them.

I have done what I could to hang on to this family and keep us together. I just don't know if I have the strength anymore to continue. I am tired. Tired of all the drama and fighting. Tired of trying to hang on to something that I thought was worth it for them, but other's in my life do not feel the same. I feel like the ones who should care what happens to these kids, have turned their back on us. Most of the time, I roll with this, I don't let it get to me, but today, not only my birthday, but also the anniversary of someone who made a promise to me and our children, broke that promise for his own selfish reasons. I have forgiven him, which enabled me to move on, but I don't believe the children have.

My husband wanted out of our marriage. Out of the blue, now he wants to walk Scott free and not pay a dime for any thing. He has not thought about the trauma his leaving and involving another woman in my children's lives, prior to divorcing me, has done to them. He is not thinking about what he is choosing to do now, He refuses to see what it will do to them. They have accepted her to a point, but I can still see the anger and deal with it daily. They love Rick and respect him for supporting me and being a part of my happiness, but as all children do, they do not understand, and I don't know how to tell them that dad is no longer going to pay for their home.

I try to stay positive, and keep them moving along on a daily basis and to concentrate on school and being kids. It is not always easy and I am not perfect.

I have a decision to make, and it is not going to be easy for anyone involved. Mostly it will not be easy for my children. I have prayed and thought on this in the last month, knowing this was coming and I do not have an answer as to how to deal with it, but I trust god will get me through this one way or the other. No matter what I do.

Blessings and love to all.

Words of Love

2012-01-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that.

It's 1 2 1 2

2012-01-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

Year in review

January: One hell of a month. Spent it just trying to get through each day. Cleaning, getting the kids to school, and purging.

February: The 1st "was" my 15th year anniversary and also my birthday. I spent that alone, but had a former friend down for dinner. It was also the catalyst month for who I am with now. I also bought my Ruger, and started training again.

March: Purged a lot in the home this month, and started on the yard. The last week of March, my daughter and granddaughter came for a visit from Montana. I was also still wearing my wedding rings and was still being told that he was coming home. I had a home invasion in this month, and was told on the last week by my children that "daddy" had a girlfriend.

April: This month was another life changing month. I had taken my wedding rings off, and was considering the dating pool again. I met a dear friend, with whom we both had thought about taking a few steps in that direction, but he was also going through divorce as I was. On the 5th of this month, I had my 1st date, but with a man that I met through the internet. I knew we had something, but we were also both processing where our relationship might go.

May: Still dating this man, who swept me off my feet. I have to say, this may seem fast for some of you, but I had done a lot of reflection from the time Paul left in November, although we were finished in August, and I know that I had out grown him. I was ready for new love and did not even realize it until meeting Rick.

June: From March forward, I had hit the music scene again, after being gone from it for almost 17 years. Rick, as those of you who know him, is a drummer. I was going to most of his gigs and spending time on the house in-between times. I was also meeting new friends and hooking up with old ones, and having the time of my life.

July: I love the summer, and this month we actually had some sun, so I spent a lot of time out side and also I was still purging things from my past. My relationship with Rick was progressing, although we have had some ups and downs, I have been completely happy with him. My friendships with the new people I have met were also becoming stronger. I had model pictures done, with my vintage clothing, although I was in the process of closing down, due to to many personal issues happening and taking care of the children.

August: The kids seemed to be doing fine, although knowing them and our dynamics, I also know they were all still suffering from the split with me and their dad. On the 1st, when Paul came to get the mortgage, we had a phone conversation that changed things again. I took a roll of the dice, and I am now in the fight of my life for my children's home.

September: The kids are back in school. I have stayed in close touch with the principal and the counselors to make sure the kids are on the right track. We have had a few bumps, but overall they have done well. This was also a month of taking care of some health issues, although now, they seem to be back.

October: Ricks band was doing good, and he was coming along musically on the scene. I have to say, he is an amazing drummer. The best I have seen come out of the Northwest in a long time. Don't get me wrong, there are good ones out there, but for as fast as he came up on the scene, he kills it. He's going places. I have no words to describe how proud of him I am.

November: Still moving forward here. Antony and the kids are doing well, although we have some things happening with Alexis that need to get addressed. ASAP, and I am not getting help from her dad. Not sure why he seems to thinks things are fine, but they are SO not. Rick has taken on a couple more musical projects and his career is moving forward the way he needs it too.

December: This again is another hard month, not just because of the holidays, but because the children are going through all the memories of having their second Christmas without dad and dealing with the 1st year of knowing he is not coming back. They know I am happy, but they also see all of dad's things still here, and as children do, think maybe, just maybe, he will come home. They don't say it, but they don't have to. I can see it in behavior and actions. Our Christmas was good, (wonderful for me, being the 1st of many to come with Rick) but it also low key.

In closing:

I am also still in cleaning mode, and finally have gotten Paul to remove some of his things. The catalyst for this was CPS showing up at my door, Christmas eve. How nice. Following this was the health dept. The allegations involved are bogus and contradictory, so I am hoping that inter-agancy, they will see this as harassment. I will never have access to the name, but the agency's will. At this point, there is no public disclosure, so I have no way to defend myself. The children know the truth of the situation, as does Paul, his girlfriend and his family. They are not neglected, living in filth, nor going hungry while I live high on the hog. I don't do drugs, and drink on occasion, when they are at their dads. Nothing illegal in that. They are well dressed, and well behaved kids. That is the main point, they are KIDS.

Starting the New year dealing with this situation is going to be interesting. I will say this, the person, or persons who have sunk this low to hurt me, have only hurt my children, and that is not a good thing to do in my book. Karma will come back on you.

The positive out of this, is my place is now MINE again, and Paul's things are almost gone. There are still a few here he needs to get, but that is being taken care of by the end of the week.

To the people I love, and who have been here for me.

Rick, you have been my rock and my inspiration this year and I know you will continue to be.

To the ones who want to hurt me? Well, you can kiss my ass. Bring it on. You have fucked with the wrong mom. Nuff said.

Happy New year everyone, and may this one be better than the last one.

Life is devine Chaos.......forgive yourself

2011-12-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

A little over 15 years ago, I trusted a man and vows that were said. A little over a year ago, those vows were broken. I was broken. It has taken me almost a year to put myself back together, along with my children and their needs. I have not had help doing this, and people call me strong.

I'm not. Everyday, I have my moments of wondering if I am doing the right thing, hanging onto the family home, running my business, which at this point is failing miserably. There is not a day that goes by that I do not look at my children and feel the pain of the betrayal of their father. I have forgiven him for what he did, and I have moved on, but my children have not. I am not OK, because I do not know how to fix the hurt that was done to them. I can only love them and be there in the way that my parents taught me.

Yesterday I had such a moment of weakness out shopping that I broke down in the store. This lead to a discussion with my mother in law about my home, and children. I don't know from one day to the next if I am going to have to up-root them and move them on. I know she said to trust her, but I am sorry, I just don't.

I do know that I was raised for more than 25 years in the same home, same school district and same friends. I want this for my children, and anyone that thinks that children are that resilient and that capable of just letting go and moving forward is wrong. I know, because I see it. These children love this house, they love their friends, and teacher's and activities.

I see the anger and rebellion from my granddaughter that I have custody of. Her trying to fit and find out who she is. Her mother did the right thing at the time by giving me the guardianship of her and letting me raise her, but there are some things that are beyond my power to do. She needs help and love and stability, and every day that goes by, I worry about whether I can provide this for her.

My boys seem to do OK, although I know by their grades that the middle one is suffering, and quiet, and hard to reach. My youngest, is just that. He is still the baby, but there will come a time when he will need that father figure, whether it be his real one, or someone I am with to help him to his manhood. My oldest...... well, I am the proudest of him. He has taken on so much, and knows the pain of what I go through. He see's me when I have cried, and am distant. He see's me wanting to throw it all in, and walk away, but he knows I won't. I won't do to my children what my husband did.

We are both in relationships. Mine makes me happy. I didn't think I could be happier. I thought I was fine, but what I have now, means more to me than the vows that were taken that long ago day. The reason is this, I trust this man. I don't know if my ex is happy. I don't know if who I am with will be the person I am always with. I want to be. He is a very special and amazing man, That much I know, but nothing is guaranteed.

I hope my ex is happy, but I also know that the guilt he carry's over what he has done to our children will stay with him for his life, and regrets can ruin a person. I don't want to see this happen. I want him to realize what the children need. Not to come back. I don't want that. I want him to be a dad and to communicate about what is right for them.

This is not about us, it is about them. I wish he would see that.

Yesterday I put up a post on facebook, that was pretty much self pity. I feel bad for that, I am not normally a person who falls into that pit. I will be alone on Christmas.... this is the 1st time in my life I will be alone. I have always had family to be with. My parents are aging, and I will not be able to make it to see them, but I will call. I will call the people I love and let them know that I love them. That is what is important. No matter the kind of love, passion, desire, admiration, and all the different kinds of love there are, I will let them know.

I just wanted people to know where my mind is right now. Maybe not a good place, but I will make it out of this. Somehow, someway. I will make it happen.

Remember this, beautiful pictures are being developed from negatives in a dark room, So if you see darkness in your life, you can be sure that a beautiful picture is being developed by god.

Someday, that picture, the one with the hands of commitment will happen again for me, I know, because I know how to love, not only myself, but the people in my life.

Wishing all my loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New year, where ever you may be.

This man

2011-12-16T04:50:00.000-08:00

This has been one week from hell, let me say. Ha! Well I said it whether you liked it or not.

We all have weaknesses and strengths, things we are good at and imperfections. No one is immune to it, admitting those are what is going to get you somewhere in this life.

With all the holiday cheer and craziness, we forget what is important about this time of year. Love, friends, empathy, compassion and giving from your heart.

On Tuesday of this week, I had one of the roughest days I have had for the past year. The man I am dating, the man I am in love with was the one who came to me, to help me through it. All he had to do was be here. That was all. He did not have to talk to me, hold me, understand me, or any of the things that we expect in a relationship. All he had to do was show up. He did.

I want to say, that by doing that, and all the other little things he does for me, are what stay in my heart, and always will. His calmness, and presence changed how I was perceiving what was happening around me, and that was more meaningful to me than anything anyone could have done.

Thank you Rick, for being in my life.

liars, game players, drama..... BS!

2011-11-30T17:17:00.001-08:00

The one thing I will tell you about me, that most know, and some don't. I don't like liars! I never have, never will.

When you lie, you have to tell more to cover up the 1st one. Whats the point? Really? When someone wants something in life, go out and get it. Don't lie about it. It may hurt the people around you, but dragging it out hurts more.

It's like cutting your arm off. Would you prefer the a slow long slice, or a quick cut, all the way through and be done with it?

Well this is where I stand. I don't lie. I won't lie, and if someone does not like it, well then to bad. That is me.

I will give you 100% until you screw me over, then I am done, and what I mean by that, is, I am done. No lies, no games, no bullshit. Done, moving on. Period.

Why cannot more people be like this. Life would be so much more simpler if they were. More people would be happier and healthier, if we just were true to ourselves and everyone else in our life.

Be real people. Don't lie, honesty is the best policy. I know, cliche, but it is.

Life

2011-10-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

Its amazing what one person can do. Some people build you up just to bend and break you.

Some people bring out parts of you that you had no clue existed.

All throughout life, we meet people and every single one of them brings something to us, gives us some sort of purpose. We come across people that will hurt us so incredibly much that it seems unbearable to go on with our lives, but the truth is, we can overcome anything we want to if we believe in it enough.

If we have lost faith in ourselves, in who we are, then the most important thing in life is to find yourself, know who you are at all times and stand by that for the rest of your life.

No one has to right to tell you who you are and control your life, because its yours. Your life is meant to be lived by no one else but yourself.

We sometimes let people get the best of us, destroy us, and change our opinions on what we believe is true.

Only you know whats right for yourself. You have the power, you make the choices and you learn.

Each experience we go through in a life is a lesson to be learned. We all make mistakes.

Why is that so hard for some to understand? No one should be judged by the mistakes they have made. Its past news.

Everything happens for a reason, and without the hard times, how will we ever realize our true strength?

Its only through a time of suffering when we realize how strong we truly are inside, when we realize how much we can actually put up with and deal with before we eventually get tired of it and move on.

Live life to it's fullest, it's the only one you have.

One Year ago today

2011-09-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

So one year ago today, my life turned up-side down. I have to say it's been one hell of a ride. Literally.

I was married to Paul for 14 years. We have 2 boys together and we raised my granddaughter also. I considered my life to be normal. House, mortgage, jobs, bills, kids... ect. Pretty much the "white picket fence" life. Suburban. Mundane, boring.

Society has a pre-concieved notion of what marriage is. I know I did. I believed in my vows. For better or worse, but what do you do when the other person no-longer believes that way? You roll with it, like I did. I can't say it's been easy, but it was not hard either. I changed how I looked at things. I had too.

Today, I am in a better place than I was a year ago. I've healed. What I went through made me who I am now. I am enjoying my life. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still have my moments, but that's life. My kids are better. We are moving on, growing and changing and having fun while we do it.

I have a man in my life that completes me. I love the freedom of loving him without expectation. I love that we are individuals, who can be apart and confident enough in each other to pursue what we want in life and still come together and be happy. Life is good today.

I'll leave you with this. A friend of mine wrote this and it is perfect for where I am at.

Life is so full of mystery, and it is so unpredictable, but what a wonderful thing it could be if it stands the test of time.

So few hearts find the courage to hold off the darkness of the unknown, and then get lost along the way. Make sure you stay on the path.

We all search.. sometimes it seems to the ends of the earth, but the nightmares of the past weigh so heavy and harden the soul, it shoves our chances of happiness to the side, prolonging our freedom from the chains that bind so tightly.

Forgive the demons that burden your heart with suspicion and pain, grasp what has been laid before you. Hold tightly for when you have lost it, it will be gone, many times forever.

So feel the warmth that you have so longed for, the tenderness of an embrace that comes from deep within, unleash the beast that has bound your soul, fill your eyes and heart with the happiness that that all the yesterdays took away, then realize and know the magic that you only dream of, and let it become your reality.

Thank you to Frank James (Rage on Stage) For sharing your musings with me.

Putting it in perspective

2011-09-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

I have to say, that this weekend was one ENLIGHTENING weekend!

I have been in the process of getting the kids on the same page as me, since, well, for a YEAR NOW! (actually much longer, but we'll stick with the past year where it has been just me and the kids) It's sad when one adult undermines another, just because they have a difference of opinion in raising children. It's the kids that suffer the most when this happens.

Electronic age: <<<< Yea, that's what I wrote. OH? you thought this was about the kids? It is... I'll get there. So, growing up, as far back as when I was 4-5 years of age, we had a party line. What's that you say? You remember, the old rotary phone where you shared the lines coming into the neighborhood with your neighbors? Still don't know what it is? Well, no matter, because the point is this, we didn't have access to cell phones, game boys, Xbox, PS what the hell ever they are! We had a T.V, that you had to get up to change the channel on, a phone that you had to be in the house to use, and only with the parent's permission, and those were a PRIVILEGE! We EARNED THEM!

How did we earn them you ask? chores... CHORES! Yea, and we did the chores and did not threaten calling child protective services because one of us had a HARDER chore than the other, or it WASN'T fair! Good lord, the kids these days have it EASY, and they think we are virtually killing them! OH, and food? We ate what was put on our plates. Period. Why? Because, that's what mom and dad could afford, and if we weren't at the dinner table when mom put it on, then we were sh*t out of luck. We also said prayer's before each and every meal. Thanking god for what we have, not asking for what we DIDN'T have.

Let me say this. My kids are good kids. They have been through the wringer on some things, but they are basically good kids. BUT, they expect to much for to little. Sorry, is that selfish of me to say? Pfffttt.... too bad! This is their home. They have a roof over their head and food in their belly. Much more than a lot of people have in this day and age.

Last night when the kids got home from their weekend with dad, I sat them down and had a talk. No more electronics in this house, they will earn the right to use them, and that will be limited use, based on attitude and performance. I want my family back. I want peace and harmony in this house, and I can't get it with the constant bickering over game time, cell phone texting, calls, T V, ect.... so I am done. I'm taking them back to the dark ages as my kids say, but if that's what it takes to make these kids responsible productive adults, then that is what is going to happen.

As for what happens elsewhere in their life, that is up to the adults in the other households they are in. Would it be nice if all concerned were in agreement? You bet, but that is not the case, so I focus on what I can do in my home. Period. I don't have time or energy to worry about what goes on outside of here.

My status today is this:

A little girl wanted to know what the United States looked like. Her dad tore a map of the USA from a magazine and then cut it in into small pieces. He told her to go to her room and see if she can put it together. After some minutes she returned and handed the map correctly fitted and taped together. The dad was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. She said on the other side was a picture of Jesus and when I put him back then our country just came together.

This is how my home is going to be from now on. God's here, and he stays. My kids need the simple things in life, and so do I. They need to be kids. Buying them everything under the sun does not make them kids. Teaching them responsibility and accountability is what will give them peace and allow them to be unfettered and free to be kids.

Back to school..... I had to use the word quiet this morning!

2011-09-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

1st day back to school! What can I say, this is my 2nd favorite time of year. NO KIDS IN THE HOUSE!!!

Most parents I know look forward to this day all summer. Sending the kids off is equal to semi retirment in my eyes. I get the house to myself, come and go as I please, and SLEEP if I want to!

This year, my kids are all old enough to where I don't have to worry about going to the schools with them, getting them organized, making sure the backpacks have all the neccsessites, ect... I can kick back and relax. They have reached the age of self suffeciency. BWAHHH HAAA HAAA.... who the hell am I kidding?

SO this morning starts off feeling like a Monday, and let me tell you, it deserves an oscar for it's preformance. (Borrowed that line) lol... but it fits. Up at 5am, coffee on, news, quiet..... sweet, then it begins. 1st kid up. (my children are on staggered school schedules) Antony leaves at 6:30am, Jacob leaves at 7:30 am, and Alexis and Gabriel leave at 9am. By the time Antony is out the door, they are ALL up! Dang, why can't they sleep a little bit? However, they did pretty good on being quiet, until Jake decides he is leaving early to meet Jefferey. THEN it begins.

In and out the door, my forever negotiator..... (

In the meantime, the dog needs to go out, Alexis gets up, *looks at me* says, I'm going back to bed. (Thank god!) and then Jake is out the door.

What a morning, and it's not even 7:30 am yet. Gabriel and Alexis leave at 8:55am, and then I have MY time. I had a list of things to do today, but you know what? I'm done for the morning. It can all wait till later.

I had all my tabs open on the computer, facebook, hootsuite, eBay, gmail, blogger, ect... I was working away. Now it's quiet again... SHHHH..... probably not for long since I just jinxed it and typed that one out, but I am making a fresh pot of coffee, and going to sit in the fresh air. I'm going to enjoy my 1st day without a thing to do. No, I don't want to hear it, the list? yea, does not exsist now, nothing to do. K? My day.

Letting go

2011-08-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

We have all been in that spot. You know the one, where you want to chuck it all and say F*K it.

We'll I've been in that spot for a few weeks now... Yea, I know the drill, it is what it is. Let the cards fall where they may, blah blah blah... but there are time's that we end up here and it becomes hard to get out of here.

So, This blog is to do that. Get me out of here. HA! <-------- nope, didn't work.

I've always always just rolled with things. My whole life. Still rolling with it. School is starting soon, so trying to get the kids back on track and schedules straightened out. Adjusting to new circumstances in my life. New routines.

Working on the blingmybra campaign and making decisions about my future. Big changes coming, and hoping these are all for the better. What I do know, is God has control of this one, not me, never have, but he's got it even more so now.

So, I am out tonight. Have to be, need to be, getting my head together. Hopefully. Have a good night all~

Gypsy..........Back to growing up

2011-07-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's funny the way life is. I have written a few things on my younger brother and myself and our past. We did a lot together, and hung out with a lot of the same people, yet our lives still took somewhat different separate paths.

Lately, because of the past years events for both of us, we are seeing more and more of each other. Life has a way of scooping up everything you know, shaking the shit out of it and throwing it back out in front of you. The best part is, seeing how all the pieces realign themselves and where it all leads.

Last year I would never have thought I would be where I am right now. My brother and I were both married, both thinking long term, and now that has all changed. For both of us. I personally would not have it any other way. I'm loving my life and the people in it. They have become like family and closer in my heart than I thought possible.

Randy is back with me again too. I love the hell out of him. Yes, he's critical, yes, he can be hard, but he's my brother and I accept him for who he is. I do not try to change him, even the faults I accept. We all have them. Working on them and making them better is what counts.

We have both re-defined our goals. Our roots are still in-tack, our belief system is still the same and our core has not changed. How we look at life has. 27 years ago, Randy and I both went to night clubs on Hewitt ave in Everett, now we have come full circle. It's funny too... some of the same people are still there, after all these years, and some are new, but it seems to have come full circle.

I have 3 goals now. One, is my health and getting better, two, is giving 100% support to a man who deserves it more than anyone I have met in my life. Three is being in that mans life as an equal, before my life is over. I want my family to be apart of this too. My brother and my father especially. They know me the best, out of all the people I have known, and even though Randy and I may seem like we are at odds, we are not, it is our dynamic. We both learn from each other.

Most who have read my blog, know the man I am talking about, and I believe in destiny. Things happen for a reason. My brother back, the scene I left years ago, all of it, has brought me to this person, and I am blessed and thankful that it has.

http://youtu.be/c2aLIpiQT-E

Gypsy.......... It's The Law

2011-07-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

So this one is about my son, my oldest. Antony....

His father, Mohamed Ahmed, whom I was married to, back in the early 90's, Is from Egypt. The United States never signed the Hague convention with Egypt, therefore, we have no extradition law. In 1996, Antony's cousin Dowsha was kidnapped and taken into international airspace by her father, her mother, Janet never saw her until last year when Michelle Obama stepped in, and requested a visit between her and her daughter in Egypt in Magdy's home.

Antony's dad and several other men from the middle east were and some still are on the FBI watch list. Antony has all his files and fingerprints with the missing children's organization.

Every year, for the last 10 years, (Antony is 16 on the 9th of August) His father has wanted to take him to Disneyland. Every year, his dad has failed to follow the law concerning the court documents and been unable to do so.

So, 3 weeks ago, Antony came home from a visit with his dad, and said to me, I'm going to Disneyland and you are not suppose to know about it. Haaaaaaa.... wow, so, I'm thinking, here we go again. I said good luck with that, because if your dad try's to get you on a flight without my written permission, FILED in the court, a month prior to the leaving date, with itinerary, then they will stop him and arrest him. Have fun.

So about 2 days later his dad calls me all nice and sweet and says, hey.... I need a favor. I say sure, whats up? He's says I'd like to take Antony to Disneyland. I said OK, give me the itinerary and I'll write out the permission and file it. OK, so were pushing the dates here, but Antony is almost 16, and I figure he knows the score by now. Well Mohamed starts his usual, patronizing BS, and I know something is up right away. 1st, I was not suppose to know, now he wants me to do the permission over the phone. I think not.

Well I get home, and Antony shows me his email, where low and behold, there are two different flight plans booked.... hmm... so I call his dad and play it off, saying I have the plan and come get the permission, and I'll file the paperwork. Well, he picks another fight, off topic, his job, his income, (he drives a 50,000.00 BMW, and owes 8000.00 back child support, plus he owes the IRS on his taxes because he was audited on his home office. another Law....the Dumbshit) and anyway, back to the de-railed phone call, he's going to quit his job, yada yada... and I'm making this hard for him, yada yada.... and so on.

This goes on for the past 3 weeks... well, I left over the weekend with my boyfriend and did not get back until Sunday. I come home and Antony's dad is here and now wants verbal permission, yet he is standing there with the written permission, that is still not filed. So basically I told him F U and walked away. Oh, and he was not suppose to pick Antony up until this Friday, yet takes him right then.

So tonight, Antony calls me and says hey mom, I'm not suppose to tell you this, but were driving. Dad has canceled everything. SO, I hear Mohamed in the background, and he starts yelling at Antony, and my son says shut up dad, it's the law. So I say, put your dad on. He does, and Mohamed is nice for all of one second flat then fly's off the handle.

So here is my position on this. He has not read the parenting plan, he does not ever follow through with what he says to his son, and he is now trying to blame me for his canceled trip, which he probably never had booked to begin with. Antony has now called me 4 times trying to get me to file the paperwork, which is out of the question, not because of me, it is because there is no time to get it to the courts, have a judge sign it with a filed itinerary, them to leave on time and be back on time.

Now, here is the other thing about this whole hinky mess this year. My son is in ROTC.. his father disapproves of this. Has from the get go. He gave me two different flight plans, wants to quit his job, owes our government, and cannot pay his child support, and now has canceled everything.... Would any of you reading this make an attempt to still allow your son to go at this late of a date, knowing what could happen?

To all the dad's out there that read this, I know a lot of you are good dads and read what is written, I also know that the ones who pull this crap, I can only say it will come back to bite you in the ass one day. Karma's a bitch.

Gypsy.................................Bling My Bra

2011-07-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is my mother, at the age of 83, she is 85 now.

So, two years ago, I started in a group on the internet, that does bling my bra for the Susan Komen Foundation. All the bra's that are made, are hand done by each member of the group, and auctioned off on Ebay.

Last year I was un-able to take place in this due to personal reasons. This year I am back in the game and I am more than ready to get this going. This is a very near and dear cause to me.

45 years ago, my mother had a mastectomy. Back then, most women did not survive breast cancer. My mother did, and is still alive today. I myself have been on tamoxifen for a very different reason, but believe there is a cure out there, and the more we contribute, the more we have a chance of finding one.

This is going to be a short post, but to those of you who support the cure, please follow my blog and hit the like on the facebook page for me. See links below.

Special thanks to all involved in donating and making of these bra's.

Special Thank you to our Founder: Beth Cherkowsky
This years Officers:
Kathy Simpson - CEO and Chief Bling Officer CBO
eBetsy Bolger - VP Media Relations
Beverly England - VP Marketing and Talent Coordinator
Danni Ackerman - VP West Coast Operations
Karen Locker - COO and Chief Squirrel Tamer

Facebook page, please hit the like on it, and follow our progress.

http://facebook.com/blingmybra

Please feel free to contact any of the Officers for more information.

Also, please bid, all the money is donated to research. Thank you~

Gypsy............all over

2011-07-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

I started this recent set of blogs to let people know who I am and what shaped me. Right now, I am skipping all over, due to certain events in my life. I am still writing about my childhood and growing up, but this one has to do with a certain friend who I just started to get to know and is now moving out of the state.

Lloyd DeBarr.... musician and friend. What a guy. So... Last week at Marco's in Lynnwood Wa, Rick and I had gone down for the evening to see him off. His band, NSANE' was playing the last two nights with him, prior to his move.

This has to do with my friendships too. So Rick and I walk in, and the place is packed. Lloyd was on the dance floor on a break chatting with people. He saw me and Rick, and gave me a huge hug. Then says, I have something for you. He tells me, on the next break, he'll present it to me.

Well.. imagine my curiosity... not having known him long, my mind is wandering here. wondering what heck could he possibly have. In the meantime, the band starts up again, Lynn Sorensen, and Lloyd and Doug Mcgrew, and Marino.. Great band, and I have to say, I'm going to miss them.

The next break rolls around and Llyod and I head outside with Rick. We go to Lloyds car, and imagine my surprise when he pulls out his Louisville slugger and hands it to me. (I won't say what he said, he knows, Rick knows, and yea.. lol.. well, inside joke,) but the meaning behind this bat that is now mounted above my bed, means more to me than anything I have received in several years.

I find out later the meaning of the bat to Lloyd also, and I am just stunned at his thoughtfulness and generosity. I don't know what to say about how my life is changing and taking different paths than I imagined, but I am so grateful for the people who are in it now. This is what friends are for.

The men and women in my life, thank god have lived a life parallel to mine and know the meaning of true friendship. They know how to step up. All this has to do with god, and how we live our lives. Integrity and honesty, and although things may change in the future for me, and the people I have who surround me, I will always love and cherish the memories of this time.

Peace~

Gypsy......I'm human

2011-07-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet.

Don't put me on a pedestal...I screw up just like anyone else. The difference is, I admit it, and make improvements. It's life.

I made a mistake last night, based on miss information, and I have made amends for that. I won't go into detail, but suffice it to say.... it was done, and now I live with it. My regret is, it affected some very important people in my life, and I can only hope that there is some forgiveness and understanding on where I was at...

No one is perfect. Everyday all day. Don't hold me to those standards, you'll be sorely disappointed. I can only acknowledge my part and move on from there.

Trying to keep it simple.

Forgiving and forgetting are Parallel ~Matt:6-14 Forgive yourself

Gypsy...................Friends

2011-06-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Way back in my blog archives, I did a post on friendship. I had to end one that I thought was solid. This blog is going to be similar, although I am not ending a friendship, it's about new ones I have started.

Back in my teens, I'd say this was the summer before 7th grade. We had new neighbors move in next door to us. There were 4 kids, although one was already grown, but living at home. Two girls and Two boys. The younger ones, a girl and a boy, befriended my brother and me. (Randy, whom you've sorta met in another blog) Randy was close to David, and I became close to DeeDee.

DeeDee and I ran together until pretty close to the ending of my senior year, although there was a period in middle school where we had a falling out. Minor, but it was a pivotal moment in my life, and shaped the woman I am now. She had told me something, and asked that I not repeat it. Long story short, I did. I think looking back on it, it was a period of time where I was still figuring out who I was and where I fit in in life, and giving up a confidence was a way of trying to fit in. As young girls do. The falling out with DeeDee, didn't last more than a few weeks, but it impacted me in a huge way.

God is a huge part of my life. He's 1st. Honesty and integrity in everything I do is 2nd. There are times where I have had to be blunt and have come off sounding un-caring, but it has to do with how I live my life. The people in it now, are people who I believe will be in it for good. Whether that is in a relationship, or a friendship. Truth hurts, but it's the best policy. I won't have people in my life that don't reciprocate the same level of honesty and caring.

I have had to re-define my relationships in the past year, and weed out the people who only care for themselves or who are friends with me for their own gain. It was not easy, but it was the best. I am happier than I have ever been in my life and would not have it any other way. I love the people who are in it and have no plans to change how things are or how I live.

Don't wait for the world to change for you. Live your life with good intentions, see good in everything and everyone and work for positive change in your world....and you will never fail.

Put God 1st, surround yourself with people who also put God 1st, live with honesty and integrity and you'll always have peace of mind. Love and peace to my friends and loved ones.

Gypsy....... .........alone....(revised)

2011-06-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

A very short post on some current events in my life. My step daughter, who will always be a daughter to me, was married this weekend. All my children were in her wedding.

I didn't go. I could have.... she invited me, but I did not feel it was appropriate considering the circumstances. I spent Friday, the day of the rehearsal trying to keep my mind off it. I spent Saturday, in a very melancholy mood, and at one point, was in tears.

In many many ways it was a blessing to me when her father left me 8 months ago, but this was one of the events in her life that I will miss, and because of that, I'm alone. Alone in having someone to share that with, alone in dealing with the pain. This is part of my past now, and moving past it has been fairly easy, except for this one. This one hurt.

It also made me realize that although I have people in my life who love and care for me, it will always be just me, taking care of me. No one else can.

Through out my life, no matter what has taken place, what paths I choose, what people were in it..... It's always been me. I'm the one who has picked up the pieces and moved on. I'm the one doing it this time.

The people who have trampled on me, taken me for granted, and ripped me up, are no longer a part of my life. The ones who do it now, will also be out of my life. It only takes once with me. Don't fuck it up. You are the one who have to answer to god for what was done. I don't judge people, it's not my place, I can sleep at night..... can they?

Trust is earned, and I am having a hard time trusting anyone at the moment. Do me a favor... don't make promises you can't keep, don't say things you don't mean, and don't make plans without letting me know what they are when they are plans that affect my life. Keep it simple. It's called integrity.

http://youtu.be/OYjZK_6i37M

Gypsy.......... early memories of summer times

2011-06-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day with my youngest son, Gabriel. He's my baby. (9 years old ) but I didn't think I could have another one, so he was my surprise. We spent the day doing yard work. I love my home and yard. I have spent the last few weeks working on the inside of my home, and decided I needed to be outside.

My grass had gotten to the point where I felt like dragging the 9 motors out of the garage and hanging them in the tress! Good lord this place has gotten bad! Slowly though, I am making it mine again.

When I was a child, I loved being outdoors. My dad had 5 acres at the time in Lk.Stevens, our home was on a dead end road, and we were always in the woods. We always had chores to. Every August, dad would start preparing for winter. He'd fall the big cedars on the property, the ones that he knew would come down in a good strong storm. We used to help him. Our job was filling the wood shed after dad would fall the tree and cut it up. We were taught how to use all the tools! I loved this. Dad was so good about making sure we knew how to take care of ourselves.

One summer, he was cutting wood, and this was back when the chainsaws had no guards on them. He had put the saw down and it was on idle. He told us kids not to go near it, to pick up the rounds over by the tree. Well..... I was all of 6, I remember that, and you KNOW how 6 year old's are. Looky, rounds by the chain saw. Hmm.. they need picking up to. So off I go to do this, and I trip on the blackberry vines. The fall was in slow motion to me. I can remember on the way down, with my hands out to catch my fall, thinking, blackberry stickers... chainsaw.... blackberry stickers... chainsaw.. well, by the time I had decided the stickers, it was to late, so I hit the chainsaw. Yessss... on the blade. Silly me. Nice little puncture that required a trip to the emergency room, 2 stitches and a trip to Baskin and Robbins. *grin* Now, I have a nice little "race car" scar in the middle of my left palm. This was also back when the stitches were done with black thread, not that disappearing stuff like they have now. So the line from the cut has a line across at both ends, and my skin is puffed where the thread was knotted, so it looks like a race car. I show my boys all the time. Especially when they play with the machete and other knives around here.

Yesterday was a blast. Gabriel was a huge help, except for me taking the sledge hammer from him, and having to keep an eye on him with the machete. I did not look when I set the chain saw down and he was hauling the rounds for me. Just because I figured if I did, or said, "don't" go over there, history would repeat itself.

My lawn mowers are broken, so I weed whacked the whole yard. By the time I got the two stroke and gas mix, and bar oil, it was hitting 630pm and I wanted to finish off the rounds of apple wood I had sitting here from last year. It was a great day, and very satisfying!

So my boy is learing how to be a man, and he loves it. Today we haul rocks out from behind the overgrown blackberry bushes, and finish off my pond.

Gypsy.........summer's after high school

2011-06-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Back to summer. My favorite time of year. The summer after high school, I was on the move. I had dated a guy that was in college, during the last 6 months of my senior year, nice, clean cut, had a job.....AND, he asked me to marry him, and I bolted.

Well, I didn't bolt Per-Se, but the running joke now is I was traded in a car deal to my daughters dad. I took one look at Mike, and thought oh shit! I am in trouble. Proverbial bad boy, with a sensitive side. Why me god? Ha! Mechanic, drummer, (another circle happening here, a blog for later) *grin* Now Mike never did anything with his music, and he could have, but he did pursue his master's mechanics degree.

We lived in a house on Wetmore, in Everett, and I was working at Panama's. This was back when you could sign the blue slip that makes you responsible for being in a bar. Mike was doing some stuff he shouldn't have, and ME, clueless blond chic from sheltered home, opens the door to the police when they showed up looking for him and sweetly says, "Oh, yea, he's here"..*sweeps hand towards garage in the back of the house*..... Silly me. So court ensues, and Mikes parents come up from Ocean shores, and the judge releases Mike on his own recognizance into his parent's custody, so off we go to Grays Harbor.

What times I had down there, some good, A lot not so good, most just wild and crazy. One incident was over a 2000.00 corvette motor that Mike and I had, and BAM, Hoquiam and Aberdeen, and Montesano Police forces, all in our face with guns drawn, and me pregnant with my daughter, and I was done pretty much. Wild life fun, but a bit too much for me. A little ditty in the local paper about a LK. Stevens woman.. < Me, and back to daddy I went. Time to grow up. Me, not him, he's still out there having fun. Love him to death, but most the time, want to choke the hell out of him. *laughs* These days, he's called Grandpa Twitchy, and is also referred to as my never was in-law out-law.
It's all good. More later~

You don't have to Cry, by CSN

http://youtu.be/1awtlA6Nr64

Gypsy....jumping forward ~Lifes Paths~

2011-06-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

The events in my life that you will read about, will eventually bring you to the here and now. This is a quick post, and then I am off for a few days.

It chronicles who I am, who I have always been. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Some of it was painful, but most of it was beautiful. I don't hate people, I dislike certain actions. God has been in my life from my earliest memory. I have never questioned him. The paths I took, long or short, still put me where he wanted me. We don't control where we are going, or who we are with, or how we live our lives. God does, he always has. Our life is predetermined, or predestined if you will.

Each person in my life is there for a reason, whether I wanted it or not. To teach me, guide me, and shape who I am. We were given free will and choices, but each choice made, brings us to where he wants us. Something to think on. What we want, and what he wants, can be two entirely different things. Learn to forgive, yourself and others. You'll be so much more at peace with who you are. Don't take life for granted, live out loud. Love out loud. We may not be here tomorrow. Give with all you have.

Jesus said, "My peace I give you, Do not let thy hearts be troubled" John 14:27

Make every day a new day, a new sunrise, and may it be blessed with beauty and peace.

Gypsy... more of me

2011-06-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm going to jump back here to a few of my high school years and my brother Randy. The reason for this is I got to see him last night for the 1st time since last summer, or close to, as far as a visit goes, so more memories popped up, and well, I can do that. It's my blog. SO MANY CIRCLES IN MY LIFE!

So... let's see, I think maybe my sophomore year or junior, not real sure of the time frame. Memories tend to blur as we get older, but their still good ones. As I said, Randy and I were close, and, yea... I guess it had to be my junior year since Randy was 2 years younger than me. I was on the drill team, and flag core. Our drill team captain was a dear friend of mine Kristie, who is still a dear friend. Man was she good with choreography. Plus I had joined the powder puff football team. <<< We had a tradition in Lake Stevens, the junior girls always played the senior girls, and the seniors always won. (not this time, but that is for later) Anywayyyyy... so back to me and Randy.

By my junior year I was getting pretty wild. I still kept my grades up, except for general studies..... kinda let those go by the wayside and always slid by when it came to passing. My good grades were from my arts programs that I had 5 classes a day in. Most of the time though I was busy socializing and having fun. This is also when I threw the towel in for good on staying away from anything I should have. Yea,... I was partying, to say the least, and of course Randy was right there with me.

We always played frizzbie on the commons between the classrooms and the office. Randy, me, Dena, Nicci, Janie, and a whole bunch of others. Invariably we were constantly late to class. (I'm wondering if I should change names here to protect the NOT so innocent... ) nah, my memories, my right. OK, so ya, back to school. Let me state this before ya'll get in a tizzy here. We weren't always causing trouble, or getting into mischief, we were basically good kids, having a bit of fun. I know we started skipping classes every once in awhile, and usually around spring breaks or towards the end of the school year.

So... places, morrows meadows, Lk road, the bridges, 7th heaven... << these were our party spots. For some reason, even though Randy and I didn't have a car, we always found someone with one, and always a fast one. Hot rods! << Remembering D.J's mustang, (another story) but, yea, muscle cars were in, and most of the people Randy and I hung out with were seniors, or already out of school, so we always had rides to the party spots.

My Senior year, my girlfriends dad who owned studio 59 in Everett, sold it, and bought Buzzy's on Broadway and made it a all ages club. At the time he was in competition with Cheetah's in Marysville, ( another circle in my life, and will write about that later) but, opening night, was a school night and I had promised mom and dad that if Randy could go, I would have him home by midnight. (I didn't) as you can guess.. *snicker* but managed to slide by getting into to much trouble over that one.

So, by this time I was running with my daughter's father, and I was in Everett at his house he shared with 5 other people. He was drinking and I decided I was going to drop acid. <<< OMG... yes, I said that, and did it. (a few times) ANYWHOOO... so I had had Buzz's daughter's boyfriend at the time, pick Randy up, and I met them down at the club. By the time I got there, I was peaking, and Buzz's smoke machine went on the blitz, and the club filled up. WOW.. I of course lost Randy. I think I only saw him once. By the time I had hitched a ride home with Dan, another friend of mine, I knew I was in deep doo doo. Ahyup... Mom and dad were up. Shit! I walk in, and go up stairs to my room.. or try to.. *peaks* in living room, sorta waves to mom and dad, and starts to open room door. DAD, "where's your brother?"... sigh.. so I said he has a ride home and will be here. DAD, "he was suppose to be with you".. Dang.. umm.. yup, well see here's the thing dad... Buzz had trouble with the smoke machine, and I kinda sorta lost Randy and got a ride home with someone else...

Yea, that was quite an evening. Randy finally made it home, and not sure what he had done, but he was under the influence to. The dummy comes in and SITS with mom and dad, and I had to go get him out of the living room and send him to bed before he got us totally busted.

Man, those were some times... more to come, that's it for now.

Gypsy

2011-06-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

This one is all about me.

I decided to do this, not only for me, but for the people who are in my life now.

I was born in Seattle Washington, on February 1st, 1965. My birth mother named me Veronica. (I am so not a Veronica, it makes me think of the Archie comics, and she was a bitch. I'm not. HA!) << Maybe a little, but always for the greater good.
I was in a foster home for 10 months and then the state closed it down for neglect.

Where my life began, was with my parents, Marjorie and Kenneth Surdyk. They adopted me. I was raised in Lake Stevens Washington.

Having been born an Aquarius, I was always attuned to my surroundings and the people in my life. There were times, my perception and observations were un-canny. I think I have said this, but I'll say it again. I'm loyal, kind and compassionate, I give 110% to everything I do and everyone I come in contact with. I'm mercurial and have a wild streak. I'm strong willed and independent. I'm an artist at heart, and music is in my soul. I thrive on visual and touch. I accept people for who they are and expect the same.... nuff said. You'll just have to get to know me.

Now to my up-bringing. Mom and dad raised us in your typical suburban manner. We lived in a 2 story home that my father built, on acreage. I had 2 brothers who were also adopted, both from different family's. My oldest brother and I were not all that close, still aren't, but that is another blog. My youngest brother was my partner in crime. We played for hours in the woods around our home, rode bikes and built forts. Our home was a block away from the beach and we spent many a day on the docks, just hanging out. We climbed trees, and shot at the neighbors mail box from the top limb of a creaky old cedar. (shhh.... ) but it was fun, and normal. We called that tree our man o war. Not sure where we got the name, but there you have it.

In the summers, my father would take time off and we would travel. I have been in every state except Alaska. My favorite spots were in the west, the ghost towns and the history we got to see and feel. In the winters, it was pretty normal, school and church. Mom also put all three of us in piano. I played for 14 years. We also had swim, dance, ballet, and tap. All private lessons that mom took us to after school. I remember when I was in Sunday school, and my teacher talked to us about being adopted. To me it was no big deal, it was the same as knowing the sky was blue, and god was in my life. It just was. Every Sunday after church, dad would take us to McDonald's and then go for a drive. Later mom would cook a roast for Sunday dinner.

Weekends we'd visit cousins. Most of dads family was in the Snohomish area. We would sneak out from my aunts house and go down the road to Gar Cemetery where my grand parents were buried. We also took my little cousin Gayleen. She was 3 I think, and we would play hide and seek in the graveyard, and then leave Gayleen there. << This makes me laugh, because Gayleen and I were talking about it a few years ago and her mom was sitting there and it was the 1st she knew of it. God, what a memory that was. We also used to scare her on Thanksgiving with the bear rug we had at home. Mom would send one of us down to the fruit cellar, and we'd grab that rug and holler for Gayleen. So... yea, these are events that shaped me. Boy was I an imp. (still am)

As we got older, my younger brother and I became closer and closer. My older brother would watch us. Ha! We would sneak out and take the bikes and ride around the lake. We were always home before mom and dad got home. I don't know if Tim ever knew. One year, Randy got a wild hair and decided to hot wire dads car. We took it up to frontier village and did brody's in the parking lot. He rolled it.. sheesh, we took it home hoping that dad would never find out. Still not sure if he did.

Anyway, as I reached middle school and high school, I got involved in the arts programs more and more. I have certificates in Calligraphy and actually put them to use here a few years ago and taught classes through parks and rec here in Marysville. In middle school, I was shy and sheltered. I was hanging out with the under dog's and we would hang out in the smoking area. I still had not experienced anything, but I sure wanted to. By the time I hit 8th grade, I decided that I wanted to have a bit of fun. One of my friends older brother's had a flat bed,LD we called him, (Larry David) and he would pick us up after school, and sometimes during school, (not often, because my mother worked for the schools and dammit, knew everything I did!) So not cool! Anyway, we would drink home made strawberry wine, and kick it in the sun. (for some reason there is a lot of sun in my memories, so bear with me.)

Now for high school! Hmm... the best years of my life? I think not... but anyway, they sure were fun. My class started at the New high school. We were the 1st class to go all 4 years there. (I wanted to go to the pink palace, but by that time the lines had changed, and within the 1st year of my 9th year they had closed it down) In 9th grade, I pretty much stuck to the curriculum, but I was held up to the teachers by my older brothers standards, and that ticked me off. I was me, not him, but I constantly got, "Oh?" "Your Tim Surdyk's little sister?" Lord I hated that. Another thing that shaped me. Sigh... lol.. anyway, so by 10th grade I had pretty much had enough of that crap and started making a name for myself. Lordy, and did I. Hmm.. ........tell or not to tell. Oh, screw it. So my 1st big "entrance" came at the high school homecoming game. An ambulance was called and I was taken home with a respiration of 8. By all rights I should have been dead, but god was looking out for me.(and my mother, who flashed a flash light in my eyes all night long, and then dragged my ass to church the next day!) A friend of mine got me plowed, and I passed out on the 50 yd line. Funny, but SO not funny at the time, and scared the pants off my parents. Of course they never really knew why I did this, and still don't. They thought I was influenced, and what they never got was I ALWAYS made my own decisions. I think my dad gets me now, in fact I know he does, and I love him all the more for it. Anyway, 10 years after this event, I was at the mall and a couple of girls were in the restroom with me, and they both looked at me and said, "aren't you the chic who???"... yea.. lol.. that was me. Shit.... (for some reason, people always remember me when I am in a bathroom to. Weird shit. << More to that statement later.

So, I made it through high school unscathed... pretty much, a few bumps and bruises, but still kicking and still attempting to make a name for me. By graduation, Tim had moved on to college, and I quit 19 days prior to graduating. (another blog) << HA!

I went to college over the summer of 1983, and was also 1st Miss runner up in the Miss lake Stevens contest, and then had to step in and fulfill the duty's of Miss Lake Stevens, who had left for college. In the meantime, I was running all over Lake Stevens with my daughter's father, (who also is another blog) and getting pretty wild. How I escaped all this with a clean record, I'll never know, but I did. Probably has to do with my faith in god.

So, that is my early life... stay tuned, I plan on walking you through to where I am now.

The Dark Side.................bittersweet

2011-06-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

I jumped off line today, because I was feeling sick. Sinus flared up, throat sore, and coughing and headache.. a bit of dizziness. I have been attempting to sleep ever since..... dozed here and there, but no go. My thoughts are all over the place right now.

I know I came down with this again, because it was not really gone, but also because I have been cleaning the house for two days and the dust made it all flare up again. I started with my room, and removed all of Paul's things. There was not a lot left in here, and it was out of my way so it didn't really bug me, but I needed the whole room done, so I did. During this, I came across some things that enlightened me to just how wrong I was about my perception of my failed marriage. All along I kept thinking it was me. Women do that ya know, we tend to blame ourselves.

When he left 8 months ago, it was totally out of the blue. Broadsided me, and threw me for a loop. A lot of close friends saw what it did to me, and to our children. I was over the whole blaming myself issue, and then this. I am laying here wondering if the whole 14 years was a sham, a big lie..... and I am stunned all over again. I'm wondering what the hell is wrong with me, what did I do so horrible in my life, to anyone to have this happen???

Don't get me wrong, I am over him. BIG TIME, I am just NOT over the how and why of it. I have been told my whole life I am a truth seeker, a nun of 27 years said she had never met anyone like me who reflected as much as I did. Maybe this is not a good thing. I look at all these pictures and memories, and all the years we had, and think "WHO THE FUCK WERE YOU??" << THAT is a question to him, to me, to both of us, and I don't think I will get an answer from him. I am trying desperately to get an answer from myself, and not coming up with anything.

Was I really that naive and blind?? How does a person change who they are like that, so was he like that all along? WOW.....

So, looking at the rest of this home that I am trying to make for me and my children, and yes, one day Rick if that is god's plan, I think that I will have more days like this, dark and scary, and lonely, but I also know myself well enough to know that I can pull out of this. Maybe not right away..... some emotions are a bit overwhelming at the moment... the hurt and sadness of what happened, but I am looking to the happiness I found, and my new friends and new life that awaits to get me through this.

So in ending I will say this; Wisdom does not come in a dazzling flash, but slowly, the way a plot of earth is covered with creeping sprouts, until it is finally transformed into a brilliant emerald green rug. I am not defined by my name or by shameful experience, but instead by hopes and dreams, by aspirations, self respect and perseverance. I am not clay in another persons hands, I am a rock and by my own hands I will sculpt the woman I will become.

Paying it forward

2011-06-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

For the last few weeks I have sat by helpless as a very close friend of mine faced a crisis in another state and I could do nothing. Between phone calls and listing and selling, and net-working I became more and more frustrated with the situation.

I met Roy on-line through talkshoe, way back (wow, 4 years?.. seems like yesterday) when an auctioneer friend was doing a series on Antiques. Getting to know him in the chat, and net-working with him on other sites, ie: Facebook, twitter, multipy, and other groups. I came to care about him and his wife. These two are a very special and rare couple. Married 37 years, and still going strong.

In February of 2010, I started chatting with Roy on a more personal level. We were in a group together, and he helped me get through some very tough spots in my life. The moral support and observations of someone on the outside looking in, kept me focused and level headed in my decision making. In April of 2010, after a bone marrow biopsy, Roy took over my listing for me. During this time, my marriage started to falter. I finally closed shop for good in August of of 2010, to focus on the home front. Roy took over everything for me. Up to now, he has continued to do so, even dealing with his own crises.

So now it's time for some pay back. I made some calls to a few close friends, my business partner in New York, and my best friend in Alabama, and we hit behind the scenes, to help this couple out.

I won't go into the details of Roys personal journey right now, but I will say, that he got me through mine, and I, and others close to him will get him through his.

If you can help in anyway, housing in the Cape May area, monetary donations, ect; then please do so. We have all hit struggles in our life at one point or another and we all need to know that there are people who love and care for us, regardless of where we reside.

I am putting Roys Paypal addy on here, or you can email me at gypsygirlmuse@gmail.com to help if you'd like.

roybaker@comcast.net

you can also find him here: http://myworld.ebay.com/2woofers
you can find me here: http://stores.ebay.com/GypsyByways

A portion of my sales will go to and continue to help Roy through out the coming months.

Thank you to any and all help.

He's leaving me.............

2011-05-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is for Antony, AKA, Ahmed, A-town, Cotton, Pizza, and the rest of my boys that I have gotten to know in the last 3 years.

On Thursday, May 12 2011, I watched as my 15 year old 1st born son, became a 2nd class petty officer and his unit won the most distinguished unit award since 2007.

Watching the ceremonies, and awards being given, the slide show of the past year, and seeing all the kids, I have driven around to parking duties, volunteer clubs, food drives, and other ROTC events, it struck me so hard that my son is a young man, and will be leaving me in 2 years, My heart broke. Sitting there with tears streaming down my face, I thought.. wow. He's a young man, and going on with his life, and what the F*K am I going to do with out him???

Antony.. What to tell you about this kid. I fought for him my whole life, his whole life, and when things got rough for us this past year, he stepped up and became my rock. He's an amazing young man. (I know, I call him a boy) but he's not, he's so much more.

He's smart, intuitive, sensitive, strong, and loyal. He's a smartass, like me, he knows how to roll with the punches, and he's tough. I taught him how to love life, no matter what comes our way, and he does.

I never thought I would miss my kids. I love them all in different ways. Krystal is my 1st born daughter, and I am proud as hell of her. Antony is my 1st born son, and again, I am proud as hell of him. Jacob, is my 1st born son by Paul, and so he holds a special place too. Gabriel is the baby of the family, and of course, also holds a that special place. Alexis, is my 1st born grand child, another special place.

I am not your typical soccer mom, not June Cleaver, nor Betty Crocker, HA! Nope.. so I never thought I would miss my kids in the typical way a mother does. Honestly, I can't stand my kids 1/2 the time. They drive me bat shit as my Favorite Aunt would say.

My parents raised me with strong ethics and morals, Church and family, that was #1, and roots. I hated it. I swore to god I was NOT going to be like my parents. I was not going to raise my kids the way they did. I would NOT have empty nest syndrome! Well I F*Ked that one up. God just laughed at me again. Oh, I didn't raise them EXACTLY like mom and dad, who by the way have been married 58 years this year, and still kicking, but somewhere in there, I think I got it right, which just messed up my plans of wanting my own life.

I will miss the HELL out of Antony, and I suppose, the other kids when it is their time to fly the coop.

Slow my Roll... ... it's complicated!

2011-05-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

This will be a short one, but had a discussion last night with someone I care about a lot. Maybe to much right now, but rolling with it. Am I real? Yeah, as real as you can get. Loyal, blunt and have a wild streak a mile wide.

BUT, here's the deal, The people in my life are here for a reason, long term or short term, and I am good with that. This goes back to my blog on goals. Anyway, << hate that word, but have stuff to do, so again, this is a quick one.

I am who I am. You'll not find another like me. Maybe, but doubtful. Independent, strong willed, opinionated, but open to anything anyone wants to throw at me. Good, bad, or indifferent. I can deal. Mature enough to know what I want out of life, and smart enough to get it, and I will. Eventually.

Kids raised, schooling, Paris, license, and a man. Yea... a man, but not full time. Maybe eventually, but yeah.. we'll see.

So to this I add, I love the ones I had, I love the the one I'm with, and I will love the one in the future.

Rock and Roll Drummer man~Live to the music! Loving life~

Goals

2011-05-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Today is the day..... back to the Doctor. I have to say, this is a scary one for me, and something I rarely admit. My side is killing me, and I went cold turkey off all meds last July. I don't want meds again. I want my license and Paris, and ... yeah, Rick... eventually when we can mesh things together.

What I don't want is chemo. I swore to god they had better come up with something more effective, and as far as my research goes, they have not. I know this is back, I can feel it. I hate it, and I don't want it. It scares the shit out of me. I will NOT go back on chemo, so if any of my friends have links or advice or anything else that will get me through this holistically, then put them on here. I cannot take care of my kids and business, schooling and Paris if I am on chemo, won't work, and I refuse to give into this illness.

They call doctors practitioners for a reason, so, guess what? I can practice to, and google gives me a bevy of information on what I have and what I can possibly do to get me through this.

What I have? Retro peritoneal fibrosis. You can look it up, but basically it absorbs my internal organs. It is inflammation of internal organs and my spleen is gone, and now it is on my kidney and liver. WOW... did I say that out loud? Ya... I did. Sigh. Have to say, this sucks, but I will beat it. I did once before, and I will again.

It is an inflammation between the lining and the back wall of the peritoneum. On top of this, I have Raynauds and all this, together puts me at risk for a host of other cancers like non Hodgkins lymphoma, rare blood cancers, oh, and my recent fun with skin cancers. Basil cell is non invasive and easily taken care of, but not mine. Apparently I am an anomaly. Mine is invasive, just as invasive as melanoma. Hence my not being able to be out in the sun much, which annoys the crap out of me, because I LOVE the sun.

So, here's my thought... screw it! I will do what I can on my end, but I will NOT go on Chemo, and I will NOT give up my sun. I will however do everything else suggested.

Cats out of the bag. Have fun with this one, I know I will..... It's part of life.

Here is a link, and yes, mine is idiopathic, never been to the middle east and never did cocaine.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001497/

Back to reality........ I'm putting friends on notice

2011-04-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start this with a little caveat here. This in no way will change the core of who I am.

With that being said, I had quite an epiphany yesterday.

As most of you know, since the split with my husband, I have done some re-defining of my priority's and goals. However, those are being slowly de-railed due to me putting my self last. Of course we know my kids are 1st, but with 4 of them, in different schools, activities, and going in different directions, no help and dealing with a house that has been slowly falling apart, dealing with things left behind, clean up, and purging, plus trying to get in me time, things are getting out of hand.

My health is now becoming a major issue in the derailment of what I want, so I need to stop. Just stop, and focus again. This has not been by any means on purpose or easy to do what with all that I still have left to deal with here on the home front, but after realizing that I am now in a size 24" jeans, Its time for me, or I won't make it, and I have to make it for my kids, because there is no one else.

A lot of my close friends are aware of my illness, and I have always been pretty private about it, but here's the thing, when it has come to the point where it is affecting what I want, who I want, and where I want to be in life, it's time for help, and asking for help, and TRUST ME, I HATE asking for anything. I have always done things on my own. Even in my past relationships, I was the one who made things happen, got things done, or just moved on because it was not where I needed to be.

So beginning on Monday, I am making calls to my doctor whom I have not seen since November. I will be calling in favors for help with the schedule and kids. (which is another hard thing for me to do) but nuff said. There you go..... me time.

New begginings ... cont. ....god has a plan

2011-04-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

So interesting story here; Since Paul had moved out, just about everything that could go wrong at the house, did. Oh lets see, electrical shorts, stove breaking, home invasion, (which entailed a new back door) all "his" stuff piled in back yard, and runs to dump to get rid of junk that was left behind.. ect.. been on the constant move here in the last 6 months.

I have doctor appointments and referrals put on hold, classes and schooling, just to keep up with the kids schedules. During all this time, I have also on the weekends that he had the children, gone out with my girlfriends and had fun. I had no intentions of meeting anyone or dating for that matter. To much to do, and with the way things were handled, I figured the kids needed at least one solid force in their life. Me.

So about a month ago, my daughter was up, and we did go out when the kids were home. Mostly cause Papa and other family was always around and I hadn't seen her in about 2 years. Since she left, I had decided to file for divorce. I know I lost Paul along time ago, and was at a turning point in re-defining what I wanted.

Let me back track a sec.. I have a group of people that I do hang with, and we all have a good time, and sorta look out for each other. Another good friend was talking to me about the electrical in my home, and we were trying to schedule when that could happen. In the meantime, I had hooked in with some old friends from the 80s on facebook, and have a bunch of musician friends I have re-connected with. Well one of them, I had added, and he messaged me about a week ago about my Harley shots. Asked if I ride. I do, but the bike is no-longer here, it was Paul's dream, and although we bought it together, I gave it to him when he left.

Now to the un expected. The electrical. The man who emailed me about the Harley, I happened to mention my electrical. He knows how to fix it, so he said he'd come up and take a look. As soon as he got here, my heart stopped. Wow, was all I could think, This is NOT what I need, but oh.. I am such a liar.. it was. It took about a week of back and forth and both of us denying that we had anything, and finally, I called him after a particularly rough evening with the lawyers, and he met me up in Everett. Since then we finally acknowledged how we felt, Ha.. a week, wow, but this is one amazing guy, and so yeah... there ya go, God did have a plan in all this.

Now to make it all fall into place with my goals, and his.

Yeah... he's a drummer, go figure.

By the way, yes, he has met the kids, and they are happy that mom is not going to grow old and become a crazy cat lady. (My Granddaughter told the school counselor that)

New Beginning's........OMG... the dog.

2011-04-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then, this is it folks. Time for a new start and a re-defining of life as I knew it.

As some of you know, my husband and I separated in November of 2010. This separation actually started in Jan of 06, but I was apparently oblivious to what was happening. Oh, I saw some signs of things happening, but what, was not definable. He actually told me on September 29th of 2010, after a camping trip we took. Then continued to stay here. The day after Thanksgiving he said he was moving home to his mothers.

So, I had started a blog awhile back on inspiration, and decided I didn't need it. There were to many in-consistency in what was being said and what actions were taking place for me to think that we may have had a second chance at anything. No regrets here by the way. We had something, and now we don't. Time to move on.

This is where things get a little hinky, but it is what it is. I won't go into the details, because I refuse to degrade what my husbands choices are at this point, but for me, I am done, whether he thought he was or not.

Enough is enough. My priority's have always been the same. Kids 1st, then family, and ect... Now it is Kids, Job, and someday, one day, who knows when, a man that knows how to be honest and real, no games, and will accept me for me. Strong, independent and at times opinionated, but loyal and honest. Take it or leave it. Not marriage, at least that is not on my mind now.... and won't be until the kids are grown and gone, but I will have a man. Period.

So, no more inspiration blog, and going over memory's of my life as it was, it is from today forward. Anyone who knows me, truly knows me, knows I don't go back, I move on. I have always been that way.

So Chin up, boobies out, (as Oshun says) and on with life! We only have one, and my husband is correct in saying that.

This is my family. I love them.
Signing off for now~ Loving life!

Life changing events

2011-01-10T11:41:00.001-08:00

I just finished reading a blog about an event that change a friends life, and I am now following it for inspiration.

This is a story of my life changing event.

15 years ago on Nov, 11th 1997, I met the man of my dreams. 14 years ago, on the 8th of January, we made a life commitment to each other. 13 years ago, on the 1st of February, I married him. We had a fairytale romance, and a beautiful little boy by June of 1999.

We were living in a rental home in Everett, and my husband decided that he wanted to go to college in Arizona for his Harley Davidson accredited mechanics degree. So we moved into his parents to save the money. During the time we were living there, my son who was 3 at the time, and in pre-school, mentioned something to the school counselor that changed the course of my husbands dreams. By the time we made it through the courts with my sons father, and a separation forced on us after 8 months, my husband was allowed to move back in with me. Also during this time, our son, Jacob, ended up with a ecol i and we almost lost him. He was 7 months old at the time. We missed each other terribly. It was a difficult time, and we did the best we could to get through it.

From his parents home, we then moved to a trailer with my son and our son. He has a daughter from a previous marriage, and we had her on weekends. We lived in the trailer home for 3 years, and had a second son. A month prior to giving birth to my second son, Gabriel, We took my oldest daughter's daughter in at the age of one. I had Gabriel on Oct. 29th 2001, and then on the 11th of Nov. 2001, I was sick at my husbands birthday and so I was rushed into the doctor. It took them 8 months to figure out what was wrong with me. I had an auto immune disorder that absorbed internal organs. My spleen was missing and I was on oral Chemotherapy. I took care of 4 children now, all under the age of 5. A newborn, a one year old, a 3 year old and a 5 year old, and drove them back and forth to school and activities, while my husband worked a job he hated. He would come home and take over for me so I could rest. I was also on very strong pain medicine back then. One night my husband had gone up to the store for me and his daughter to buy ice cream, when he came home, he was dancing. I loved him so much right then. He came in the door, and had a huge grin on his face. He had bought, not only the ice cream, but a dollar scratch ticket and won 5000.00! One of his other dreams was to build his own Harley,he already had the frame, from taxes from 1999 and with the 5000.00 we got the engine and tranny. No one in his life had ever backed him with his dreams.

I never lost sight of my marriage or my vows to my soul mate. This was forever. Amen.

In May of 2003, I asked if we could move to a house, we were squished in the trailer, and things were hard all the way around. We made a move to a house that was built in 1910 and we loved it. It had room for the kids, and us, a yard, and a creek. It was wonderful. My husband had worked for a different fence company for awhile, and then went back to the original one that he worked at when we lived at the trailer. During all these years, we had family reunions, took trips to North Dakota every year and made beautiful memories.

Life moves on.... to life changing events, cont....

BONANZA! ......... Odd man out.

2010-09-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Since the announcement yesterday on http://rantsravesrenagade.blogspot.com Renagades bolg, and on http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/cab/abn/y10/m09/i21/s01 Ina Steiner's blog, and a million other posts, forums, facebook threads, the internet e-commerce people have been a buzz with opinions, speculation, angst, and down right upset over a venue that was promoted for two years under the bonanzle name.

*sigh*..... well, I guess I am odd man out on this one. I sat back and watched the commenting the meltdowns the thunder and lightning, like a train going to crash and this, the over all reaction to a community that most have either loved or hated. Loved because it gave them a new venue, low fee's nice people, and communications with the owners. Loved because a precedent was set and an expectation that communication and ideas would be shared within the community to further the development of the site. Hated, because not everyone can be made happy.

That is the clincher. We are back to people being un-happy, and why? Because they were not informed of the name change, or the new market that was acquired. Well here is where my opinion differ's and is probably going to upset a lot of people. Bonanzle was the only site that I have sold on, up until about a year ago. I tried Ebay and a few others, but could not afford it, and stuck with my bonanzle booth. I was never a rah rah cheerleader for the site, but I never was against it either. This is where people really need to look at the bigger picture. I am hearing how the sellers should have been informed, how some had put money into advertising, how some have just bought business cards, and NOW, all this was for naught. I have to say wrong. I know it is inconvenient, but the URL will be re-directed. The business cards are still useful, and people will still shop at the site. WHY? Because they will.

I promote me. My booth, my antiques, my store, on-line and locally. I do not confer with Bill and Mark when I need to up-grade my sign, or change business cards, or for that matter, when I made a name change about a year ago. I went from GypsyTrading, to GypsyByways. Did I tell them? Did I see blog post's all over the internet hollering at me that I "owed" it to them to tell them of my intentions? No, and you know why? It is MY business, and they know that. Bonanzle is their business, and I know THAT!

Should there have been a courtesy? Maybe, possibly, probably, if we go by the precedent that was set, but there wasn't so guess what folks? Deal with it. They do not have to inform us, consult with us, or anything else with us. This is their business. As business people you people should KNOW that. Time to move on. Think about it. You are in business for you. If you don't like the site changes, then go to another site. Simple. Sorry, that is business.

My 2 cents... like it or lump it as my dad used to say. (Still does for that matter)

Bring a 1st aid kit............. for crying out loud!

2010-08-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

So, we have not camped since my 15 year old son was about 4. Every year since then we have gone to North Dakota to see family. This year, we decided to take a camp trip with the kids here in our own state.

We headed up highway 20, one of our favorite drives, on the bike, or in the car. This is a gorgeous area, and is packed with history. Newhalem, one of my favorite little towns, has a history going back to the early 20's and is run by Seattle city light. This is where Employees live and work on Ross Dam, and Diablo Dam. (Diablo is my absolute favorite place. The water there is as green and brilliant as an emerald.

On the website for the campground we choose, it said not to bring your own wood. So we didn't. We Stayed at Colonial creek campground, and all the wood, ice and amenities should have been there but were not.

We left Antony in the campsite as we registered. Paul had given the boys knives for whittling, and Antony had already broken the tip on his knife. We showed him how to make it dull on the rocks so he would not cut himself with the broken edges. While we were down registering, Antony took Jake's knife and was throwing it at the tree. Well apparently, for some reason he kept his hand on it, and the blade collapsed.......... on his KNUCKLE! (A real nice slice that should have had a couple of butterfly stitches.) We had to head back down the mountain to Newhalem anyway for wood and ice, so since we had FORGOTEN a 1st aid kit, we decided to grab one of those also. I did however have packing tape and feminine napkins in the Jeep, but the boy freaked out! "NO WAY" he says!

The rest of the day was spent driving back down the mountain to Newhalem, and then to Marblemount, because Newhalem was out of wood. (WHY? they are in the middle of a forest! How could they possibly be out of wood?) Oh, and NOBODY carry's a 1st aid kit in the area. Apparently the broken down fire truck we passed on the way to Marblemount is the ONLY emergency services around there. (we did pick up pack of band aids)

After getting back to the campsite, and oh, picking up band aids for the boy, we settled in for the evening. Paul had a beer, and I had a cooler, and my son say's, Hey mom, I am only funny with alcohol! Ha ha... good one, but NO. The site had a cool granite rock in it, and the littler kids played on that while we sat up the tents and made a fire and dinner. It did rain the 1st night up, but was not a lot, and we were pretty well covered.

The second day out, we actually switched campsites to one by the tributary that feeds from Ross Dam into Diablo Dam. A gorgeous site, and we were the only ones in that area of the campground. The wood we picked up, for 5.00 a bundle, (we ARE bringing our own the next time) (I think they don't want foreign wood. Well tough, mine does not have french bugs, OK? Anyway, the wood was green. PFFFFFFTTTTTT!! GREEN! Who does this? Do they not know how to season the wood? Sheesh.. so it was hard to cut, and also smoked a whole lot. A LOT! Speaking of cutting, back to injury #2. Paul was making kindling.... or trying to, and the hatchet was dull, and he got a bit miffed at the piece of wood he was hacking on, so he took a good whack at it, and the axe bounced and slammed back into his knee. GOOD ONE! Again, no 1st aid kit, but the cut was not as bad as Antony's which was still open and bleeding periodically, the hatchet was dull. THANK GOD!

That evening a ranger dropped down to our camp to let us know there was a slide show in the amphitheater. After he left, my funny boy says, hey mom, "I was going to yell", "hide the weed!" OMG.. thank god he refrained from that little joke. I don't think the guy would have been amused.

The trip over all was awesome, and the scenery was beautiful. They did a few slide shows in the amphitheater, and the kids enjoyed that. The weather was great, and there was some wildlife. Mostly birds that annoyed us at the butt-crack of dawn, but hey, that's camping.

We did take a few hikes, thunderhead trail and the gorge trail. There are pictures on my facebook page, and if you ever make it to Washington, this area is a must see.

So for all you peeps out there who have camped, or are intending to camp. Please bring a 1st aid kit. I have never done a list, and have always forgotten at least one thing that should have made it with us, but never have I forgotten a 1st aid kit.

An aside to my good friend Brenda Ford, We had taken the kids to get their Junior ranger badges, and I was chatting with Ranger Katie. I brought up wolves, and apparently we do have a pack in this particular part of the forest that meandered down here from Canada. It would have been awesome to see them, but we did not get to. Only chipmunks.

Ending a friendship

2010-08-03T05:11:00.000-07:00

Knowing when to end a friendship can be difficult, especially if the one you had was a strong one.

There are lot's of different types of friendships out there. Close friends, acquaintances that become friends, and friends that are like family. It all depends on how they fit into your life and the value you provide each other.

I have done this twice in my life. The 1st time it broke my heart. This time, I am just stunned that the whole premise of the friendship was not based on what I thought it was based on.

10 years ago, I told my girlfriend that I could no longer be friends with her and it hurt me terribly. I needed her in my life. She was as close as a beloved sister. At the time, there was an event that changed things for the both of us, and I could no longer in good conscience keep the friendship. About 4 years after ending it, a close friend of ours passed away, and I called her. It happened to be on her birthday and although it was a difficult call, we ended up reconnecting. She is still in my life, and we are still very close.

The friendship I ended yesterday, came down to pretty much the same thing. An event took place, and I had to decide which was more important. What was taking place in my life, or the friendship. My personal life is the priority here.

Instead of just cutting off the friendship abruptly, I decided to give this friend the benefit of the doubt, and let her know why I was ending it, secretly hoping that we would not have to. This actually goes back to September of last year, but to bring you up to speed, I only just found about about this in April of this year. So I emailed her in April, and never received a response. I emailed her last week, after she had contact with one of my family members, but not with me. (I was still trying to work this out) She did email me back this time, although the email, was twisted and full of anger and accusations, that justified to her, actions that took place in September of last year.

Whoa... so reading this, I thought, wow, why would you turn this around. What is the motivation? So without going into all the personal details, I quickly wrote back, that I needed the contact to stop and would she also please remove the family member from her contact list also. I received 2 more angry and nasty notes, saying she would not Jump to my requests, and that she would do it when she got around to it.

To make a long story short here, I see that she has lied to me, and so I wonder about the motivation again. I not written back to her, and have removed all contacts for her. I have also had my family do the same.

The bottom line is this. I am still friends with the woman that I stopped being friends with 10 years ago, because we were both mature enough to know that things at the time had to be the way they were, and we accepted it. There was no accusations, or angry letters, calls, ect, and no contact until our mutual friend passed away. This is the type of friendship that goes long and deep. The ones that can handle that you need to make personal decisions based on your life at the time, usually will stick around threw thick and thin. The ones who can't don't and are not worth the effort. Sad but true. This second friendship will not be one that I pick back up in the future. It is time to move on.

Christmas in July

2010-06-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

The best sellers on the internet. This is an amazing list of bonanzle sellers, that are all involved in one of the biggest promotions of the year.

1st I do want to say, that my heartfelt thanks goes out to Jamiro, shopatusm and sofyblu2 for all their wonderful support and up-dates on the forums and all the work they put into this. All three can be found here>>>>>

> http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/jamiro

and here > http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/shopatusm

and here > http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/sofyblu2

Also, OUR LANDING PAGE WILL BE ON JAMIRO"S SITE< THE ONLY ON_LINE WIDGET MALL!

http://www.109frontstreet.com

The Christmas in July promotion includes these fine sellers!

Vintage Porcelain and Sterling, Dancewear, Clothing, Books
http://www.bonanzle.com/abbysattic
15% discount with coupon code Christmas

Jewelry, windchimes, yard decor
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Abrafox
Clearing out the Warehouse! Prices too low to believe!

abcdesignsart Clothing & Accessory Treasures
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/abcdesignsart
15% off Everyting the Month of July!

Collectibles, Toys and More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/alicesgiftshop
20% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Unique Clothing, Jewelry, Art & Collectibles
www.bonanzle.com/booths/andi
25% off with coupon code Xmas25

Annapplebonanza
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/AnnappleBonanza
See booth for more details

Mia Bella Soy Candles, Soaps, Eggart, Art Gitter Products
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/annimae
15% already marked off – no coupon or code needed

Antiques, Vintage, Retro Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/AntiquesRGreat
20% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Arista’s Little Bit of This n That
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/arista
Special: 20% off with coupon code CIJ

Crafts, Ornaments, Books, Household
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/AutumnLeaves
15% off sale use coupon code Joy

Books, Toys, Collectibles, & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/AvocadoLane
20% off with coupon code: July

Banners, Advertising, Promoting, eBooks
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/AwesomeSteals
Special offers all month long!

Jewelry and Watches
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/bama1958
20% off with coupon code 20cij

Paula’s Barntiques
http://www.bonanzle.com/Barntiques859
See booth for more informatio

Bayside Betty
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/baysidebetty
Coupon Code: July for 20% off

Books, Paperbacks, mystery, romance
http://www.bonanzle.com/betsymint
20% Off with published coupon no code needed

all kinds of things – new
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/bfruendt
code for 10 percent off is elizabeth

Gemstones, Belt Buckles, Rocks, Fossils,Jewelry Findings
http://www.bonanzle.com/blarney_stone
20% off for all orders the entire month of July

Home & Garden Decor; Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Blazey
15% off with coupon code Christmas

Apparel,Household, Collectibles & Gifts
http://www.bonanzle.com/bloomermo
25% Off with Coupon Code: Snow

Vintage European Jewelry, Ivory, Asian Art
http://www.Bonanzle.com/BlueBoy
11% off with Coupon Code koziol.de

Boyd Glass,Handknits,Collectibles,& Vintage Jewelry
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/bluridge2cats
15% off with coupon Christmas

Books.Movies,Craft Media for all ages
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Bluridge2Bookshelves
20% off w/coupon Christmas

BMJ Housewares n More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/bmjhousewaresNmore
See booth for more details

Books, Sci-Fi, Cookbooks, Music, DVDs
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Bobisbroke
coupon: July30 30% off all month

Children’s Books: Board,Toddler,Preschool,I Spy
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Bonanzabooks
Buy 1 book, Get 1 free during Christmas in July!

Cookbooks – craft books
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/TheBookie
Freebie with purchase!

Collectibles, CDs, Quilt Fabrics, Patterns
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/BonBonAnonz
5% to 20% OFF Many Items, No Code Needed

Books, Christmas Costume & Ornament Patterns, Gifts
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/BookbinEtc
20% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Stop by For Great Gift Ideas
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/bunnyseeu
40% off with coupon code hohoho

Earrings, Bath & Body, Handbags & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Buy2Sell4U
50% OFF Code: CIJ50 at Checkout

Vintage series and antique books, newer fiction
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/CALsBookInn
15% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Alice in Wonderland Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/canary_treasures
20% off with coupon code CHRISTMAS

Vintage Photographs, Victorian Cabinet Cards & More!
http://www.bonanzle.com/CapturedMemories
20% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Books, Sci-Fi, Children, Science
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/ccmom
15% OFF Coupon Code: July15

Sterling Silver Jewelry & Gifts, Celtic, Chakra, Christian, Goth
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/CelticMoonRising
25% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Handmade,Candles,Dipper Critters, More
http://www.bonanzle.com/charp77
Check booth for different weekly specials

Cookbooks, Crafts, Gifts
http://www.Bonanzle.com/Cheyenne2u
FREE Shipping + 10% Off with $25 Purchase

Treasure Today
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/ChillyDog
15% Discount with Coupon Code Christmas

Gifts, Collectibles, and Ugly Christmas Sweaters
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/chinanmore
15% off w/$50 order with code: Jingle

Soy Tarts, Soy Candles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/chopely
10% off with coupon code JULY

Christmas Wrap
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/ChristmasWrap
See booth for more details

Children’s Clothing, Toys, Skin Care & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Christine_sTreasure
20% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

clothing,watches/jewelry,health/beauty,crafts,handbags
www.bonanzle.com/cici
Check the booth for weekly specials

Raikes, Boyds, Funicello, and Teddy Bears
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/CindyBear
25% OFF Coupon Code: Special25

Buttons, handcrafted, home decor, collectibles
http://bonanzle.com/booths/CleosFleaMarket
10% discount with coupon code: cleo

CLSAK free shipping over $10.00
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/CLSAK
25% off with coupon code July

Antiques, uniques and other fun things
http://www.bonanzle.com/CollectibleCorner
20% off with coupon code Santa

O.C. Mercantile: books, videos and more
http://www.bonanzle.com/CollectibleCornerToo
10% off with coupon code Santa

Beads, Handcrafted Jewelry, Collectibles and more
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/colleenm248
25% off all month with coupon code: Christmas

Band tees, trendy clothing & brand names
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/coolshirts2cheap
Free US & Canada shipping on $20 – see store for details

Nascar, plus & junior clothing, and more
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/coolstuff2cheap
Free US & Canada shipping on $20 or more

Handbags, Wristlets & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/countess613
20% off with coupon code: snow

Home decor, needlecraft, gifts for any occasion
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/CraftPatch
Freebie with purchase

Collectibles & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/createstuff
Save 20% with Coupon CHRISTMAS

Home Decor~Yard & Garden
http://www.bonanzle.com/crittercreekranch
Free Candle included with every purchase

Collectibles, Crafts, Books, Dolls and Lots More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/cshort0319
12% off everything Use coupon: 12 days

Custom Xmas trees, wreaths, florals and jewelry
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/cutethings6
20% off all Christmas Items for the month of July!

Collectibles, Homer Laughlin China, Comic Books
http://www.bonanzle.com/daylily
20% off with coupon code Christmas

Deez Stuff
http://www.bonanzle.com/deezstuff
See booth for more details

Toys
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/dresstressballs
10% off all month of July. use code: stressballs

Pet Toys, Children’s Clothes, Christmas Deco
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/DiabeticSocks
10% OFF with Code: JULY

Dolls, Dolls, Dolls
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/dollcottage
Coupon code dolls for 30% off

Antiques, Collectibles and Vintage
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/DoodleDandy
20% discount with coupon code Doodle

Bibs, Blankets, Clothing, Civil War, Collectibles, Fabric
www.bonanzle.com/DoubleLLGifts
10% discount with coupon code HOHOHO

Handmade and vintage jewelry, Japanese collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Dreamstalker
20% off and combined shipping with code: JULYSNOW

Collectibles,clothing,Christmas
http://www.bonanzle.com/driver211
20% off with code holiday

Handcrafted wire work jewelry
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Edi
15% Discount,with Coupon Code July

Handcrafted Gemstone Jewelry
http://www.bonanzle.com/eggcentricityjewels
25% off with coupon code CIJ

Sensual, Sexy, Elegant Lingerie
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/elegantlingerie
25% off everything during July with code XMAS

Barbie dolls, Beanie Babies, Diecast Cars & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/emmesattic
20% off with coupon code: July sale

Glass,Pottery,Jewelry,Collectibles & more
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/estatefinds4u
15% off with coupon code Frosty15

Promo Videos, Custom Banners, Ivory and More
http://www.Bonanzle.com/EuropeanGoodies
10% OFF with Coupon Code koziol.de

monkeys, jewelry ,home decor and collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/fairdeals4u
20% off monkeyboy

Women Junior & Junior Plus Clothing
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/fancyfashiongal
20% off with coupon code jingle

Folk art prints, tags, tuck-in cards, bookmarks
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/FunWithPaper
Freebie with purchase

Vintage to New Toys Books & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/forevertoysandbooks
20% off coupon code CHRISTMAS

Antiques, Vintage, Collectibles, Eclectic, OOAK Art
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Frolicnymph
15% OFF With Coupon Code: Frolic

Dance shoes, Better Brand Clothing, replacement dishes
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/fromlu2you
coupon: July30 for 30% off all month

Home Decor, Poodles, Tableware, Books, etc
http://www.bonanzle.com/galrion
10% off with coupon code XMAS

Clothes, plus size, misses, tops, shorts, jewelry, kids, men
http://www.bonanzle.com/gingernellscloset
20% off published coupon, no code needed, combined shipping

Lingerie, bras, panties, jammies, nightgowns, pajamas
http://www.bonanzle.com/gingernellslingerie
20% discount, published coupon, combined shipping

Welding Supplies, MSA, Jackson, Radnor, SAIT
http://www.bonanzle.com/gingernellstreasures
20% Off, published coupon

Girls Horse Clothes & Accessories, Household, Toys
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/GirlsHorseClothes4U
10% off $100 or more purchase with coupon code – HORSE

Toys, Holiday, Crafts, Clothing, Vintage, Jewelry
URL : http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/glorsstore
Discount: 10% Off Everything – more details in booth

Collectibles, OOAK Dolls, Comics, Jewelry & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/grabadeal
20% off with code Rudolph

Jewelry Specials Stop By and See What’s New
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/granny123
10% off on all Jewelry Plus Free Shipping

Custom made bracelets, Clothing +Much More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/granny7x
Coupon Code: PEACE for 15% discount

Collectibles, Jewelry, Decor, Kids Clothing
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/gran12345
Weekly Super Specials

sun essential Sunblock SPF 30 and SPF 20
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/grayghost
15% Discount,with Coupon Code July

Quality Antiques and Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/gypsygirl
15% off for July coupon code: july

Handbags, Wallets, Bible Covers & Jewelry
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/HandbagAddicts
20% off with coupon code Christmas

Collectibles, Craft Supplies and Yummy Mixes
http://www.bonanzle.com/handmadebyjingles
Coupon Code for 15% is CIJ

Collectibles, Household, Toys and more
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/HodgePodgeLodge
Special Offers All Month Long

Collectibles, Decor, Eclectic, Oddities
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/HooliePonyRecycle
10% OFF Already Low Prices w/Code Nickers

Handmade Angels and Awareness Items
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/hopeslittleangels
Save 20% with Coupon CHRISTMAS

Eclectic Stuff & Gifts For All
http://bonanzle.com/booths/hoppyeshopper
25% off with Coupon Code: XmasNow7131

Sewing Patterns, Books, Collectibles, Clothes, Software
http://www.Bonanzle.com/Indizona
Save 25% with coupon code July Christmas

Everything from baby clothes to zebra print bedding
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/irresistiblegifts
25% off everything during July with code XMAS

For Everything Genealogy and Scottish Clans
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/J7339
20% off all Coat of Arm, Irish Surname, Clan Badge Prints

Jamiro-Eclectica ~ Vintage to New
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/jamiro
20% off with coupon code Christmas

Collectibles … Records & Sports Cards
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/jeterdaman1
30% Off Purchase of $2.00 or More

Cameos, pendants, earrings, sterling, jewelry supplies
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/TheJewelryBox
Freebie with purchase

Quality jewelry and gems
http://www.bonanzle.com/jewelrywiz
See discount in booth

Clothing, Jewelry, Accessories, Home Decor
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/JGClothing
10% off with coupon code: Christmas

JillyBeans Boutique
http://www.bonanzle.com/jillybeansboutique
See booth for more details

Antiques, Collectibles and Hand knits/crochets
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/jinx_stuff
20% discount with coupon Mickeys Christmas

Books, Home, School and more
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/jklbooksupply
15% Off using coupon code: JulySale

Books, Music, Christmas Items & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/joangranite
Coupon Code: Santa – 20% off

Jodeze Gifts & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/JodezeGifts
uses code jodeze for 15% off

Euro-style affirmation beads for prayer, meditation, & mindfulness
http://www.bonanzle.com/JourneyBeads
15% off with coupon code SAVE15

Home Decor, Incense, Figurines and Jewelry
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/juanitamart47
Accepting all reasonable offers

tees, sweatshirts, and mouse pads and coasters
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/judyfruendt
coupon code elizabeth for 10 percent off

Stuff’N Nonsense an Eclectic Mix
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/karenfrew
15% off on items over $10.00 and free shipping as always

Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage, & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/kashmir31
15% Off with Coupon Code CHRISTMAS

Buy one clothing item,get one half price
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Katherine_s
See details in freebie listing

Old Vintage Antique Goods
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/kbarrd
15% off with code: July

KB Creative
http://www.bonanzle.com/kbcreativedesigns
%20 off entire purchase for month of July

KB Store
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/KBStore
%20 off entire purchase for month of July

Hallmark ornaments, cake decorating, sewing, quilting
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/kraftykel
15% off with coupon code: xmas

Vintage, Toys, Scrapbooking, Jewelry, Gifts
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Kokokat
20% off with Coupon Code: Snowballs

French hand painted collectible Limoges boxes & more!
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/LaBoutiqueFrancais
15% off with code: xmasjuly

Ledfoots Pet Bakery
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/LedfootsPetBakery
See booth for more details

Handmade, pre-made and custom made signs
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/ALittleBitofPaint
Freebie with purchase

Antiques, Collectibles & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/loristhisandthat
20% Off all items ~ Combined Shipping

Vintage Collectibles & Hand Crafted Leather Creations
http://www.bonanzle.com/loneelk
20% off any purchase with coupon code SAVENOW

Vintage to handmade, florals, gift baskets, home décor
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/lynsky59
See booth for more details

Novelty Car Tags, Plates, Military, Patriotic, NASCAR
http://www.bonanzle.com/maggiemays
10% Published coupon, no code needed!

Vintage Cookbooks and Sewing Patterns
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/marlenesvintage
10% discount with coupon code MV2U

Martist Music
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/martist
See booth for more details

Antiques, Collectibles and More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/marycarol
15% off on 25.00 purchase

Collectibles, Ornaments and much more
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/mcbryn7923
20% off with Coupon code Christmas

Collectibles, Books, CDs, Magazines and More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/McGester
Save 20% off in July with coupon HoHoHo

Glass, China, Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Memaws16
Coupon Code: July for 20% off

Gifts, Jewelry, Handbags, Wholesale, and more
http://www.bonanzle.com/miatai
15% off w/$50 order, free shipping w/$75 order

Steins, Santa, collectibles, rare books & more
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/midfield_john
20% off with coupon code: MERRY

Vintage to New Costume Jewelry, Sarah Coventry
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/MissDaisy
15%off with Code CIJ

childrens, womens & mens apparel new and gently used
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/missy2223
20% off with code CIJ

Junior Clothing,Perfumes,Collectibles & Gifts
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/misty55
20% off with Coupon Code Santa

Collectibles, Crafts, China, Vintage, Jewelry & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/MKDesigner
15% off total with code: HOHOHO

Diecast,Model Kits
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/modelmania
Coupon Code(models)25% off

Handmade Jewelry
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/momsjewels
All Items: July 1-15 50% Off ~ July 16-31 75% Off

Collectibles, Glassware, Candles
http://www.bonanzle.com/momspennies
25% off all purchases

Clothing,Collectibles,Jewelry and Books
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/mrsdinkerson
Free shipping on everything in booth

Mystery,Jewelry, & Banners
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/MrsMysteryGal
50% OFF with coupon code: CIJ50

An eclectic mix of Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/NANCYCRAIGN
See booth for more details

More Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/NANCYCRAIGN1
See booth for more details

Collectibles, Houshold and More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/nancycraign2
See booth for more details

Hand Crafted Jewelry, Lanyards, Cosmetics, Skin Care, Colognes
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/NaomisNook
25% off all month – use code JULY at checkout

Nature Blank Greeting Cards Real Photo
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/NaturesInspirations
10% Off with coupon code: Inspire

Books,clothing,Avon,home decor,Christian books
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/New_Life_Resale
25% off with code Christmas

Handcrafted Bead & Jewelry Ornaments, Vintage Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/newmillenniumbeatnik
save 20% off in July with Coupon code – NMBCIJ20

Toys, Hobbies, Collectibles, Home and Garden
http://www.bonanzle.com/newriverone
20% off with coupon code newriverone

Country Crafts, Home Decor & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/noodles886
20% off with Coupon Code: JulySavings

Bath and Body
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/normasbathandbody
10% off all month during July. Use Code: Normasbath

Vintage & New Collectibles & Books
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/nutz4bookznstuff
20% off with Coupon code: hoho

Pottery, glass, porcelain
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/okietwo
20% off entire booth with coupon July.

Collectibles, glass, porcelain, jewelry, hand-crafted items
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/okiemarket09
20% off entire booth with coupon July.

Products and services for natural health and wellness
http://www.bonanzle.com/oshunspirit1
15% off with coupon code SAVE15

Vintage, Old & New Everything Eclectic
http://www.bonanzle.com/paceset9999
15% OFF Coupon Code: Joy

Books and stuff
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/parisgirl
See booth for more information

Top Quality Mousepads Made in the U.S.A.
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/PegsPlace
Free Shipping

Contemporary, Vintage and Antique Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/pennipete
20% off Coupon Code: CIJ

Collectibles, Vintage, Christmas and Clothing
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/pepestreasures
Coupon code pepee 15% off

The Pink Frog Shoppe
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/The_Pink_Frog_Shoppe
Coupon Code Frog, 15% discount

Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Home Decor
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/PhoenixResale
Coupon code: Xmas 25% off

Vintage Postcards Victorian Trade Cards & More!
http://www.bonanzle.com/ThePostcardShoppe
20% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Home Decor, Clothing & Accessories, Collectibles & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/purpleiris
See Booth for Various Specials

Vintage Farm Equipment Manuals
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/purpletractors
15% off with coupon code Christmas

Antiques, Collectibles & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/pwittsstuff
20% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Christmas Items, Yard & Garden, As Seen On TV
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/KweenJessi
Free Gifts see booth and spend $50 get 10% off

Antiques, Collectibles, Vintage Christmas, Glassware
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Queenmum
Buy $25 get 10% off ~$100 10% off + Free Shipping

Jewelry boxes, Mantel Clocks, Purse Hooks
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Rdesigns
15% off with coupon code CIJ

Handmade Homespun Fabric Rag Wreaths
http://www.bonanzle.com/ragwreathboutique
10% off with coupon code christmas

Ravens THIS N THAT
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/RavenFireFury
Too Large of a variety to mention!

Baseball Hats and Choker Sets
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/rayvensrarities
See details in my FREEBIE listings

Clothing and Accessories
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/RecycledThreads
30% off in July Coupon: threads

Vinyl Records,CDs & Collectibles
http://www.bonanzle.com/renagade
15% off with coupon code: Music

Antique to New Collectibles, Pottery,Glass,Art & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/RicksVintagePlus
Specials all month

Vintage & New Collectibles, Gift Items, & More
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/rnewsome
40% off with Coupon Code: Christmas

Name brands at affordable prices
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/saleaway
15% off with coupon code: July

Custom tshirts,lighters,mousepads and more
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What a week..........

2010-06-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

WOW... So this sorta starts off with my sons birthday party on Saturday. We rented a table at the Skate Inn here in town and he had invited 3 friends, plus our own. This is a costly venture and if anyone does do this, look into how many of the children coming actually skate. The party was 4 hours long and mind boggling. One of the little boys mothers asked if we could keep him over night. She kinda put me on the spot, but since we did not have Father's day plans, and my son was going to her son's birthday party on Sunday, we said yes. (MISTAKE) This woman is a friend of the "other" woman I discussed on my meltdown blog post. I should have known.

So, OK, the boys stayed up late as boys do, and were up early. 530am. UGH. This is fathers day. Well by 730am, child that stayed with us, wanted to go home. He was bored. 730am here people. Sigh.. so we call his mom, and I left her a message saying I understand it was early but he was practically in tears and missed her and could she give me a call when she gets up. I left a message on her cell. About 930am I left a message on her home phone. Her son in the meantime, has been calling her from his cell. She never did call back, and Paul took the kids at 2pm for this boys birthday party. She was there but leaving and did not say a word to Paul. GRRRR

Monday rolls around, and another of the children that had been to the party on Saturday, his mother calls, and wants to get the boys together at her place. I am all up for that. She will pick them up at 2pm. All good. So a third boy from the party also wandered over to our place, so I let the boys walk down to the grade school they attend.

The day went fairly well up till about 7pm. My older son, took his bike and went up to the little store. He comes back, grabs an ice pack, and an Ibuprofen and heads to bed. (unbeknown-st to me, he had a conversation with my husband, and so my husband knew something I did not know until Tuesday morning)

So, Tuesday morning arrives. MY oldest boy has a black eye?? What?? Where did this come from. Oh mom he says, some punk at the store walked up to him and out of the blue, cold cocked him and ran off. Hmmm... I am thinking there is more to this story. Tuesday passes in much the same manner as Monday. Kids head up to the school, they went swimming at neighbors. Oh, but one thing, the third child from the bday party that had wandered over did so again. Well then he left. Later his baby sitter called looking for him, and I had no clue where he was. He periodically wanders off like this. Later found at neighbors with the pool which is how my kids got to go swimming also.

So yesterday, same routine pretty much, but oh, both cars have broke down, Saturn needs a starter and the jeep needs who knows what. I am pretty much home bound. The kids once again go up to pinewood. Well an hour later, they are back and saying that a teenager had threatened them with a gun. WHAT??

OK, now we get to the whole story. I sit Sam down, the one who had the airsoft gun on Monday, who's dad told him not to tell anyone about it. Well he apparently snuck Sneaked? snuck? grammer... hmm whatever, he took it up to the school with my boys and the teenager had stolen it from him. This I had not heard about. SO I have the boys describe this teen. My older son, with the black eye comes down and says mom, mom, I know who he is. He is the one who cold cocked me on Monday night. This teen did an awful lot on Monday. Assault, theft, and threats with a weapon, on school property. OK, long story shorter here. I Googled the kids name, he goes to the alternative school, and has quite the little "attitude" so wondering how he knew my oldest son. (another story) and he did not just coldcock him, he asked to pop a wheelie on his bike and when My son said sure, he grabbed the bike, dropped it, then punched him. Nice shiner by he way.

Anyway, back to yesterday. I ground all my kids to the yard. They are no-longer allowed over to the school. I call Sam's mother, (got dad in trouble) ha ha.. idiot. Then called the police. I filed a report and so far have not heard back. Now interesting. The officer did know who this boy was, and the boys brother, and his parents. He asked if my kids hung out with him. I of course said no way in hell. Ever and ever. BUT, wondering here, why this teen is still out on the streets.

I can't WAIT till the weekend!

Round Four.......... your kidding right?

2010-06-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

Well here we go again. So I log into my bonanzle account this morning, and low and behold, my Louis Vuitton Vintage watch is gone. "poof" AGAIN!

So, In the last several months, I had been watching the Purse forum through my Google Alert's, and also a new forum by the name of effenhaute.com Not sure where the tagging and bombing came from, and it does not really matter. What matter's is these "self-proclaimed experts", are deliberately going after my business and now are making this very very personal.

Just a re-cap, for those of you who do not know the story behind this watch. It was originally listed in September of 2009. In November, it was tagged, and removed. I chatted with the site, (bonanzle.com) and the owners, and the watch was immediately re-listed. Everyone who has heard this story cringes. My feelings on this is if there was some sort of proof of a claim that the watch was indeed "fake" then the person needs to provide that, and we can all move on. At this point in time, "proof" has still not been provided. There has never been any contact between myself as a seller and the person who has decided this watch is a fake.

So, here we are in June of 2010, and once again, I am being signaled out by these people, and again with no proof to back up the claim. It was suggested at one point for me to join this forum, The purse forum and address the issue. HA HA HA. I think not. I did a bit of research on the original poster that decided he did not like my watch. Maybe competition for him? Who knows, but the point is, why would anyone of a business mind, want to join a forum where a 18 year old is making a claim against someone he know's nothing about, and insists that he is right. Oh, and let me clarify, he will be 19 in September. Lives in Hawaii, and probably thinks he knows it all, as teenagers do. (Yes, I do know who you are, and have the decency not to list your posting ID.) That would be called "being professional". SO Not on your life will I ever join this place. I have watched the forum and my views on this watch for months now. Let me tell you, the people who are going here to "authenticate" the items they are interested in buying are getting nothing but opinions, and that is all they are, from kids. Plain and simple. Kids who have nothing better to do than to make false claims they cannot back up with real proof. One of the alerts that came up, was a young lady who was 17 and asking for advice about her boyfriend on facebook, who may or may not be cheating on her with an on-line friend. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This is the "reputable forum that thousands of people go to for advice on the money they are going to spend?

This question is for the buyer's. WHY would any of you in your right mind, not research an item, in a reputable manner? Your looking to spend thousands of dollars on a purse or a scarf, or trinket with a brand name, and yet you go to a forum on the internet? Oh yeah, they are so good at spotting the fake's. These people are kids. Put it in your Google alert's. Watch how professional they are when it comes to ripping people down and putting people out of business. Ruthless, and they are kids!

So take some advice people. Do it the right way. Go to the actual dealer. If you do not know the product you are going to buy, then research it, but do NOT use a forum on the internet that allows kids to make decisions about your money and other peoples business.

TEENAGER'S ............................ARGGHHHHHH

2010-05-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

I took this from a newspaper clipping that I had sitting around for many years. I have revised and added some of my own experience. I thought it appropriate to do this today since my teenager is home "sick" and there are chores to be done, but he is "sick".

I do not know the Author, but he hit's it spot on.

My kids think I am boring.

I know the following won't be read by my teen, or my children for that matter, nor probably anyone Else's teen, but I thought that parents would enjoy it.

Short lesson: This is why your parents are "boring."

You may have noticed their absence from the home during the day on weekdays, and sometimes on a weekend. Monday through Friday, they do something called work, for reasons MOSTLY to do with you, however, there are taxes, current trends in prices, ect ...you can expect them to be doing this for years to come.

Work is how they pay for the house you live in, the car you drive, the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and the tickets you need to see whatever concert it is that you "have to see" this weekend. I won't mention the overages on your cell phone plan and the late fee on movie rentals. (100.00 last month! I could have bought them)

Work is usually from 8am until 5pm, however, in this day and age some parents work from home, and so these work hours vary greatly. BUT, Monday through Friday, because of traffic, add an hour each way for the commute. This means they get up at say OH 5am, and don't return home until say OH 6pm or later. If everything goes well, which is not always the case, as happens several times a week, you can expect them to roll in about 8pm. Once in awhile they get something that requires the label of "important project" and they end up working on a Saturday. NO, they do not get to skip it, or call in SICK.

They work for someone known as the "boss". By the way, you think your teachers are tough? Do they make you do things that seem pointless? Do you think they do not understand how TIRED you are, or that your having a rough day because Tiffany broke up with Chad, and you're stressed about what Chad might do? Wait a few years.... then you get to meet the "boss" commonly know as Attila the Hun, OR you get a "boss" who is worse than Attila the Hun, and will make Attila curl up in the fetal position and cry, then fire him for wasting company time crying.

So after work, your parents get home. Unless they enjoy, endless tuna sand-whiches, and cardboard pizza, they get to make dinner. As they start to cook, they wonder " are those the same dishes that were in the sink last night?" "Didn't we ask someone to put them in the dishwasher and by the use of incalculable reserves of energy and unimaginable physical dexterity, push the ON button?"

Time for the "dish fairy" to put in an appearance, sweep the house for glasses and plates, and do them. That way everyone has something to eat on, besides the kitchen table.

They serve dinner.

"This again?" You know I don't like casserole, (meatloaf, stew, soup, chops. ribs, goulash, fish, rice, beans, carrots, peas, potatoes, salad,ect) "WHY do we always have this?" Can't you guys ever make anything else?

They finish dinner and clear the table. They put the dishes in the sink. With a sense of futility, they ask, "would someone do the dishes while we are at work tomorrow?"

As they finally settle into the living room, they hear a voice saying, "I don't have any clothes for school tomorrow". They respond: "Why don't you pull some from that humongous pile in your room and put them in the washer?" When they are done, transfer them to the dryer, dry them, then take them out and fold them and put them away.

They hear the sound of slamming doors.

They go to bed in order to rest up for another day. Then the weekend comes.

That's when they wash the car, buy groceries, clean house, fix the leaky gutter, cut grass, return movies, go to church and occasionally buy the 1st new shirt or skirt they have had in a year.

On Sunday night, they drift into sleep knowing tomorrow is Monday and the cycle starts all over again. It may seem boring to you, but it sure looks more like busy to them.

They can't dodge any of it, and the good ones don't even try. The funny thing is, that most of them love doing it, (won't admit it) but will actually look back on it fondly.

That is if they're not arrested for boiling you in oil 1st.

Meltdown,............. and manner's

2010-04-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know, It could be the stress I have been under lately, It could be the planet alignment or it could be that some people were just not raised with social skills or manners and doing what's right. (I think the latter is more apropos to what took place.)

It does not excuse my behavior, but I will say this. I am human, and it was definitely the last straw in a very long day.

A little back ground. I have a 10 year old son, who always, always, goes for the underdog. (takes after me) So last school year he made friends with a boy, (we'll call him J) and I knew the boy from school. I help in the mornings at the kid's school, and I also work with the counselor there. So the counselor and I had discussed my sons relationship with this boy, and I had decided to keep an eye on things. They were only friends at school at this point. There is a 3rd child involved here, but I have been OK with him.

So one day after school these 2 boys drop by. Now I was raised, and raise my children the same, no kids over unless I know the parent. Period. So.. I sent the boys home. This little scenario continued for about a month. We'll finally I met "J's" mother. Seems nice, sat and visited for a few, and I gave her my business card and home #. My schedule was also duly noted. No kids after school, I work from home, and plz call a day in advance for weekend activities. (I have 4 kids here) ALSO, I DON'T BABYSIT.

So all seems well.. right? Good boundaries, rules in place, mother met. NOPE! Now that mother has my phone# I am called constantly, and never is my son invited to her home, always it is "can my son come to your place". WHAT?? One, we have 4 kids, different directions and I WORK from home!!! HELLO.. well at this point, I am not arranging to many activities, but I have let her boy come over a couple of times. Then it becomes where she is just rude when I say no, I am busy. Comments like, oh, I thought so, and so on.

SO the 1st day of summer rolls around, and she shows up with out calling. Summer.. OK, my kid's are out, but I STILL WORK FROM HOME. You getting the picture here?
So she drops by, and asks if she can leave "J" while she runs to Seattle to pick up her pay check. OK... 2 hours tops? I have a meeting and an account I am trying to pin down and I cannot have the extra kid around. Mine are suppose to go with Grandma for this.

Well needless to say leaves him.... and never comes back. Does not answer phone, and never later says anything to me. My oldest son walked "J" home at 8pm that evening and I looked at my husband and said that's it. I am done. This woman continues to call to try to make time for the kids, AT MY HOME... no.. I blow her off each time.
They finally they moved. THANK GOD!

So life goes on....

Now it is Friday, of this week. I get up Friday morning, and My oldest boy has track. It is a half day so I know the day is going to be long anyway. I am waiting on a package from Great Britain, but it still has not arrived. When the kids arrive home, I check the mail.

1st thing to set me off. I have an attempt at delivery. WHAT? sigh.......... this is like the 5th time my postal carrier has decided I am not here when I am and just didn't do his job. SO, I call the post office. The supervisor says he'll call the carrier, then call me back. OK.. he calls back. Apparently, the carriers cell is disconnected. Nice huh? Half the people in this country out of work, and this one has a job, but can't do it.

The day rolls on.. I take the kids, drop Antony at the track, go grocery shop, and then stop by post office because they called and said my package was there. During this, I almost was in 3 wrecks due to idiot people and my kids fighting in the back seat. I am frazzled OK?

About now I am looking like medusa, and really needing to just go home. Not Happening.

2nd thing to set me off. I go in, kids in tow, and the person I had talked to was not there, and neither was my package. Well.. fine. Now I am angry, but still holding it together. The person I do talk to gets mouthy with me, and so I blow... yep.. I blow. I am calling the flippin post master. (not the word I used) Sigh... so another gentleman steps in and says nice language lady. OK, he's right, and yes my kids are with me, but I am on a roll now. I whip around an shoot him the bird, then say how do you know I don't have tourette's? A** and proceed to leave.

I get in my jeep, get the kids in, and call my husband. PLEASE come home.. I am not having a good day and it is getting worse. What's wrong he says... I am almost crying.. IDK.. but just come home. OK,he is on his way. In the meantime, my son calls, he is done with track. I pick him up and take him and the kid's home. I decide at this point to call in pizza, and go pick it up, and meet hubby at bank. I leave the little ones.. 8, 9, and 10, with my 14 year old and go. I am a bit calmer now that hubby is coming home. Banking done, and pizza picked up, we head home. Me in the Jeep and him behind me in Taurus.

NOW.............I come around this sharp corner we have on the back road to the house. I am coming up to my house, which has a wrap around drive. In the driveway we don't use, is a vehicle I recognize. OMG.. and kids in my yard. I slam on my brakes, back up squealing the tires, and pull into the neighbors drive. I jump out of my jeep and tell "j's" mother to get her flippin punk kid, and her flippin car off my flippin property, then I holler at my son, who is watching this (with huge grin)my own cheerleading section here, he's 14 OK? and say get my gun, (don't have one), get my badge, (have one, but not active, and call the cops. This woman, gets out of her vehicle. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??????

What''s wrong she say's... why are you swearing at me.. OMG... because.... because I say. I don't like you, I don't like your kid, (not true about her kid) but I have truly lost it now, and your a sorry excuse for a mother, Get the FFFFFFFF out of here. In the meantime, my hubby had driven by, and turned the corner, and pulled into the drive we do use. I get back in my jeep, slam it in revers, squeal tires for more effect here and do the same. (she has gone at this point) and I get out and GLARE DAGGERS at hubby and slam into house.

He is such a chicken...lol.. so. That was my public meltdown. Do I act like this in general? God no.... OMG.. I never blow like this. It could have been handled so much differently. Do I regret it? Nope, because now I do not have to deal with a woman who does not know anything about manners and social boundaries. I feel a bit bad that my kids watched this... but hey. I am human.

Blogosphere.......... the ego driven world of on-line journalism

2010-03-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Blogosphere............ what's that mean exactly?

I have recently been reading a book called Roadside Crosses, by Jeffery Deaver. It is about cyber bullying, on-line blogging, forums, social sites, and life seeming anonymous. This got me thinking about my recent situation with my blog post on "Round three", where this person has demeaned me and tried to strike at my credibility.

The reason it got me thinking of it, is because I am still watching my views on this particular item, shoot up on a daily basis, where my other inventory sits with 1 or 2 views at the most. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have thought of this before, and throughout my little experience, but I like the way this guy says it. I'll be putting some quotes in here, so pay close attention. They will have particular meaning to my own situation.

So in a nutshell, the book is about a serial Killer, but the subtext is about the content that we find on the internet and blogs, and forums, and the credibility and reliability.

"Blogs, forums, social sites, are the mushrooms of the internet", we put a lot of stock in whats being said, and turn to them for information that may or may not be correct, but we accept as correct. The problem with this is, no one does the research. They take the author's word as "WORD". They are be all end all. We'll, not quite.

On a recent forum post, on "The Purse Forum" I came across a comment about my own business, posted apparently by a person who is adman-at that my item is not Authentic. This post was done on Jan 27th 2010 pg. 115 of the purseblog forum for bonanzle. Now normally I would bypass this, and move on. I have no time for games, and petty jealousy, and certainly no time for someone who chooses not to back up their statement. The problem I for see in this, is they won't quit. The comment is still there in the public eye, for all the world to see, along with a link to my on-line business.

So here is a question for the tpf'ers as they coin themselves, and for all the thousands of people who take this blog/forum as gospel, yet, neglect to read, or ignore the disclaimer the site has on it's home page.

1st,we have the welcome "Welcome to The Purse Forum.
Our Purse Forum, or TPF, is the #1 online social network for everything designer handbag related. Join over 250,000 enthusiastic members in this friendly community and start engaging in the discussion today. (Let me highlight a few things)

Then we have the disclaimer on the Authenticate this forum. "Disclaimer
All Authenticate This threads are here to provide assistance to shoppers who are uncertain about the legitimacy and authenticity of designer goods. The evaluations posted by our members are nothing but opinions that stem from personal experiences as shoppers and collectors. They are not legally binding or professional authentications and are not to be treated as such.

For questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me via the forum's contact form.

Happy Bag Hunting!"

WHY do you take this as gospel?

I did a little research on the user ID that made a be-belittling comment about me on this forum, and one, I have to say, I have never been contacted directly by this person. So here is what I found out. He/She.. has nothing with a real name, linking them to their posting ID. They have an e crater.com store that apparently is closed, they have a bonanzle booth that has 39 items in it, and 20 feedback, 9 of which is imported from a different site. Now they do have another .com site, that is consignment luxury goods, but the same items are listed there as on bonanzle.

So why am I harping on this again? Well, like I said, I am watching my views on this particular item, and they consistently stay up. SO either the person or person's are real curious about it, and have not emailed me yet, or they are getting ready to "bomb" it again.

In bonanzle's defense, I have to say that Mark has stood behind me 100% on this, and continues to do so. Kudo's to management for there continuous support. I also have to say that I am sure, that even though Mark and Bill are working on away to eliminate tagging like this, it won't be in time for this not to happen again. Of course that is not bonanzle's fault. They are doing the best they can. I wonder though what stake in this the person really has, and expect this situation to continue indefinitely.

So here's to you! Cheer's, and best wishes in your endeavor. I am sorry that this is now a public fiasco, but I am tired of defending myself and watching inflammatory comments about myself, stay on a "professional" forum.

Pasta............................That's Italian, for noodles.

2010-03-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

I'll start by saying, this was a date long in coming. Usually when Grandma takes the kids,(once or twice a year) we have no clue what to do. We drive aimlessly, usually we are both grumpy, and we waste a whole day, finally by ending up on the couch watching a movie, or going to bed to read. I think it is just the fact that we are getting some quiet time from the kids, that makes us not want to really do anything.

So backing up here, we decided this time to really plan the day. Antiquing, nice dinner in an upscale restaurant, no limits on the budget. (Well not no limits, but less than normal limits)

The last three days was a build up to yesterday, Paul working, me working, and the kids at school. We couldn't wait to get out. I do have to say, in the back of our minds, though, we were still reluctant, waiting for that one thing that would send us home to nap. He did a job this week, and because the guy had a prize winning garden, they were not allowed to use a machine. He dug a trench by hand. Therefore, we knew his carpal tunnel would act up. I have been ill since October, and was unsure if I would make it through a whole day without a nap.

On to the date. We dropped the kids with grandma, (who forgot she was watching them) then took off to get gas and hit the bank. We had decided we were heading to Anacortes. A little town up on the coast that caters to Antiques, Artist, and bikers. You have to pass through Mt Vernon to get to it. This is a gorgeous drive. The tulip festival is up here, and although they are not in bloom yet, the daffodils were out. I made honey stop to get pictures. His term is pictures of Fleur's. (Yes, I am married to a dork, but he is my dork)

By the time we get up to Anacortes, it is going on 1:30pm.... WOW Already? So we browse a few antique shops, and then of course, the inevitable aches and pains set in. I am done, he is done, so now on to find a great place to eat.

Back in Mt.Vernon, there is a great old building. Used to be a bank, then a antique mall, and now it is called the Il Granior. This apparently has been voted by king 5 news viewers, and Evening magazine as the "Best in the Northwest" Italian food.

Really? OK, we'll start with the menu. Fancy Italian names. Antipasti, Insalante', (that's salad for those of you who don't speak Italian.) Pasta, That's Italian for noodles.

When we arrived, we were the 1st customers in there. Great ambiance, Italian chef and owner, nice small intimate tables. Fairy lights, OH and Itailian music. (appaerently Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton can sing in Italian. We've got tonight)

They have a 4pm to 6pm 4 course meal for a good deal. 20.00 a pop. Starting with Bruchetta, a salad, and endless garlic bread and the main course, of course. Paul choose the Strozzapreti calabrese, (this means store bought, but I'll get to that later) and I had the Fettucine Il Granio. He ordered a black brutte, and I had a coffee. Great Coffee!

The waiter brings the endless bread, along with the appetizer, the brushetta. Looks like a open face blt, with out the lt, and pretty much taste like it to. Oh, and the waiter had to have been new, because the Mexican busboy did a better job. (I'll mention him later also, since he got the bigger tip)

Now we move on to the endless garlic bread. I did say garlic bread.

GARLIC BREAD? This looks more like croutons. See?

That's Paul's Insalante' Looks like a big ole crouton on there... that was the endless garlic bread. It works. I think they keep a box in the back.

OK, now back up a sec here, also on the beer and wine menu, they had little astirch next to some of the listings. We assumed this meant, Bottle, carafe, or 1/2 carafe available. His Black brutte? That comes in a keg or 1/2 keg.

On to the main course.

1st I show you Paul's Stozzapreti Calabrese' (again this must mean store bought, because it seriously tasted like Chef Boy Ar Dee, according to Paul, so I had to taste, and of course he was right.

Now mine, (who can mess up Fettucine?) Well the chef. I asked for no mushrooms because, Who eats fungus? Really, so it took awhile for them to pick the mushrooms out. We had a second brushetta brought to us during this time, and thought nothing of it. (The table behind us, did not get theirs, although we did not know this until the end of the meal.)

My fettuccine tasted like tuna casserole. UGH... Paul tasted, and at this point, we were pretty much done. I could have had the meal comped I suppose, but we were tired, and I just wanted one more picture and to get out of there.

The picture was taken by our busboy, who did more work than the waiter. He got the bigger tip. He also gave Paul a chair, because well... he could see he was tired.

We were also given dessert, but we took that home with us. This restaurant was named the "Best in the Northwest" for Italian food. In my opinion it is where Chef boy ar dee goes at night to add the leftovers to the cans he puts on the supermarket shelves.

Round Three

2010-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, who follow my blog, I have had trouble with a person, calling one of my items into question. I did a post on this back in November, or December, the second time it had come up.

Let me bring you up to speed with a bit of background if your unaware of the situation. I had an item reserved until I could prove authenticity. That was done to the best of my ability, and in the eyes of the site that I sell on, was accepted. It Should have been end of story. A month later, it was brought up again, and that was when I posted the 1st blog on this. Now the bottom line is, I still do not have a valid reason why this person is so adamant on my item being a fake. If I did, I could look into it further and possibly this person would be right. BUT, Because I do not, we are at an impasse.

Well, now we are on to round three. Here is the current situation. Because the item was deemed authentic, the person in question decided for themselves that this was un-true. They then went to a public forum and slandered me. I reported the slander, but because it was off the site that I sell on, again nothing could be done about it.

Several months have passed. On Monday of this week, I had a sale. At that time, my booth items dropped by one item. As they should. After getting the item ready and going and marking shipped, I look, and my booth items again dropped by one more.

HUH?? Well, because I have been busy, and because the site is relatively new, I thought nothing of it. May have been a glitch, which has happened before. A week passes. On Saturday, I go into my batch edit to use my mark down manager. I had decided to run a sale on china. THIS did not happen, because low and behold, there sits my item that I thought was no longer in question, with a big "SUSPENDED" next to it.

For those of you who know the site, you know that you can go in and report an item as fake. You use the "bomb" button. Each report is assigned a value so people do not take advantage of it. Meaning, if I report it, it is coming from my ISP address, I cannot then keep hitting that button. Well, I can, but it does no good.

Apparently, because of this, this person who originally thought my item to be fake, recruited a lot of people on different computers, to go in and "bomb" my listing. This to me tells me I am dealing with a mentality of a child and not a professional dealer.

I would hate to sell anything to anyone that is not what I think it is, however, if I am not provided the information to research it further, then I am stuck with what I have, and that is the item is real.

At this point in this on going saga, I have decided to keep it listed. Even though the public slander is creating doubts about my own ability, I refuse to allow anyone to control how I do business. I show integrity, and honestly in dealing with my customers, and that is all I can do.

I said NAPS...............not CATS!

2010-03-05T05:23:00.000-08:00

I will keep this relatively short.

So in the last several months, I have been going through some health issues. In a nut shell it came down to a test I had done last week. A bone marrow biopsy. Arrghh the pain. If any one of you find your self in this position, go for the blood work. It takes longer for results, less painful, and less expensive. Trust me, this was not fun.

Well, we got the results last night, but before I tell you them, I will tell you what lead up to this post. Everything was fine as far as my nerves go on this test. I knew what they were looking for, and had prepared my self for possible bad news. (I thought) Anyway, in the middle of this, we have a cat. She is pregnant, and so decides to go into false labor the day of my results. HA HA HA... I had been needing a distraction, because the closer the day came, the more nervous I got. Not sleeping well, and over tired. Well, I had a little chat with god, ya see, and asked for a distraction. He misunderstood.

I asked for a few NAPS, not a few CATS!

So, that was my distraction. God has a pretty weird sense of humor. My cat had false labor, I never got a nap, and the day was long.

The good news? The tests all came back negative. No rare blood cancer, no leukemia, no lymphoma. Back to the drawing board.

Still waiting on kittens to.

Personal life and business.. when they conflict.

2010-02-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

What to do.. what to do. For the 1st time in my life, there are some personal things happening, that may end up conflicting with my business. Hmm.... so what to do.

I am usually a very private person, and there are a select few who know me on that level. My business has always come 1st, but I now find my self in a position that may well end up making it 2nd.. or 3rd.

My customers are number one, however, I cannot take care of them, if I am not taking care of me. How do other business owners do this and still stay in business? I can't be the only one out there with some things to attend to. The problem is, it seems as if they may be on-going. Where is the balance? Acckk! It's making me nuts. I have always done well under pressure so this should be a no brain er right? Just schedule things to fit whats happening.

Well... on the internet, there are expectations that your available 24 hours a day. My god! How do people survive getting up at 3 am to answer a desperate email to see if you still have a particular product available? Where did this expectation come from? I would never presume my local deli mart to be open solely for my needs. I can wait until tomorrow. I can really. It's not a big deal.

So this is for those who need it right NOW. I am here, and I will get to you, and it will be as lovely as you need it to be, but, I will not answer 3am emails, I will not be here on weekends, and I will not jump because you say jump. Please understand that us business owners have a life also, and communication is key. We know your there, and will do our 100% best to get what you need, but our 100% has to be because we are 100%.

I love my business, it is one of the best decisions I ever made. I run it to the best of my ability. Your #1 when it comes to staying in business, but I am #1 when it comes to running it.

The internet, and rose colored glasses,.... has it become silent all of a sudden?

2010-02-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

So for the last several weeks, I have slowly pulled away from the internet.

It used to be, (and this was only a year ago) that when I would log in, there was always something happening. Podcasts, forums, valuable blogs, tips on marketing, ect. All of a sudden of late, I no-longer hear that background chatter. I had my days and evenings booked, with calls, and events, chat's and webinar's. Groups and new people, now I do not.

I am not sure if this is because this is the beginning of the new year, or if this is just my perception, but it seems as if there is less and less information out there to be had, or at least less valuable. It is feeling cutthroat all of a sudden. I am no longer quit enamored of the people I meet, or interact with, because there seems to be a lack of engagement. No chat, no group meetings, no hey, how ya doing? Some one is always looking for something to benefit them, whether it be sales, or just the looky me mentality... but it has become quite the turn-off.

Oh...business is still good, goals are still in place, but I no longer find the mutual support amongst people, at least not in the manic manner in which it seems to have been prior to now.

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy and benefit from some of that information that is out there, and from the people that it comes from, but not from behind rose colored glasses. Maybe this is part of growing in business and on-line, but in my opinion, it no-longer holds the power it did at 1st with me. Maybe I am wrong to think that who I have met and interacted with, learned from, and moved forward with should still be around for my needs, or my perceived needs, but one of the 1st things I was taught here was to support those who support you. I just don't see it happening. It's awful quiet out there.

What do you think?

When Bad Judgment leads to Self-Enjoyment

2010-01-30T04:46:00.000-08:00

It is 4am on another sleepless night.

I have spent the last several months watching a business person make a complete fool of themselves. Why you ask? Well because I am a people watcher and one of my pet peeves is watching someone else build them self up by degrading another person. So this particular situation caught my eye.

Can I do anything about this? No, probably not, but I can give an example.

I am in antiques, so we will use an example from what I might sell.

Lets say one person has an autographed picture of someone famous, and another person does not believe the autograph to be real. So the person who does not believe this to be true, makes a report against the person who has it.

Well, that's good, because really who would want to buy something that is not what it says it is? Not me, and I would certainly want to know if what I thought I had was indeed not what it appeared to be. So.. ok, now the report has been made, there are emails, and verification, and then everything appears to be settled. In the ensuing weeks and months, all is quiet and the person selling the autograph is doing good, and going about their business.

Then all of a sudden, out of the blue this issue pops up again, on this same autograph. The one that has been verified. So what is this seller going to do? To stay professional and keep their reputation intact, they need to address this. So, off go some more emails and then.... poof... silence.

THEN, the bomb... it appears since the person who has done the reporting, based on little to no reasons, is now slamming this other person because they feel this person is being "protected". "protected"? From what you ask? Why does this person have such a stake in something that has already been verified?

So you may ask how I would handle this, or how you your self would handle this, but at this point, I think the best thing to do is let this person, who has NEVER contacted aforementioned seller, hang themselves.

I saw a blog post recently done by a very good friend of mine, Susan Leak, "Are you talking to me, YOU, taking to me"? Found here>>> http://rantsravesrenagade.blogspot.com/2010/01/are-you-talkin-to-me-you-talkin-to-me.html Well you should read it, because they are. All over the internet and it is very easy to track down someones reputation and see what they are saying about people that maybe they should not be saying. very bad for business, very bad.

and here's the thing.... now they know who you are!

Enough said. Here's the deal people, when you try to ruin someone else, you shoot yourself in the foot. It is bad business to talk about another seller in a bad light. If you have an issue, take it up with them in private. If it is not satisfied to your liking, then there is not much you can do about except to move on. Slamming the other person, and insinuating horrible things about them, only makes you look bad, not the person your trying to discredit. It can also lead to lawsuits, based on defamation of character. I don't think any of us wants that. Do you?

What makes you an expert?

2010-01-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

In the past year, I have learned many things about on-line selling and marketing. Most good, but some has been questionable. So here's the question: What makes YOU an expert.

I follow many blogs, forums, groups, pod-casts, and other media tools to learn how to market myself. I have joined social media sites, and gone to webinars, that have given me value for my business. I also have google alerts set up. Google alerts tell me whats happening around me, when I can not fit in to my schedule all the things I think I would find value in, so I can go to my alerts later when I do have the time, and read to my hearts content.

One of the alerts that come up is on forums. I have set mine up generically, so I sometimes get forums I do not read or follow. Remember here, I am looking for content in my business, ie, Antiques and collectibles. However I do get the odd piece in once and awhile so need more than just the antiques category's. So I do read some of the forums I would not normally turn to for research value.

A lot of the forums, I question, not because I think they may not be reputable, but I see comments come in to my alerts, fairly often when a person is basing thier expertise on a sellers, feedback or how much they may be selling the item for. Now personally, I have only sold on-line for a year, so my feedback is going to be lower than people who have done this for 10 years or more.

Here is just an example: I have some LLadro's listed in my store. My prices are market prices. However, I could conceivably list way below that if I paid way below that.... get the idea here? If I purchase a "lot" of ephemera at auction for re-sale, I can lower my price, based on what I paid. I want to make money, not have a store house full of items I can not sell because some may be to high priced, or for that matter to "low" priced and a potential customer believes it may be fake.

My point is there are many people out there who claim to be experts, but who are really only giving an opinion based on sellers feedback and price. This practice is arbitrary and can do damage to someone starting out, new to on-line, but has been in business, and has integrity and honesty in dealing with people.

Advice? Be careful who your giving "opinions" to. Talk to the person, find out who they are, find out their history and area of expertise before you possibly put someone out of business because you may not agree with pricing or feedback.

SO, what makes YOU an expert?

2009....in a nutshell

2009-12-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a short post..... I think.

WOW, it's been a whole year in e-commerce, and an exciting one. So, a list of peeps I have gotten to know and love. (my influences.. I stalk them)
First though, I have to say, I have learned a lot about internet marketing, social marketing and met amazing people who have helped me along the way, but, I have not learned nearly enough. I am looking forward to the new year, and attending some up-coming events, that will help me with networking and business. Main one will be the ECMCA/PESA conference in Vegas. That is the goal of 2010

My other goal, is re-vamping my business, and hopefully getting my .com off the ground, but that will be another blog post.

Roy Baker >> a wonderful blogger, and you can also find him at http://wooferblog-2woofers.blogspot.com/

John Lawson (The King) found here>> http://www.colderICE.com and at http://www.3rdpoweroutlet.com and his latest accomplishment, found here >> Posted this, so he does not feel left out. :P http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP0Oe82t66k

Alex Mohamed, who has been on my facebook page for sometime, and I am just now getting to know him, and graciously offered help with my .com, I have to mention. A great guy, and funny as all get out, but serious in business. He can be found here>> http://www.GuruOfSales.com a guy to keep your eye on. He is going places.

Quick edit and apology to Marsha, I had her and Marlene's, (Gavins) links mixed up.... so sorry, fixed now.

Marsha Collier, another amazing lady that I have done some networking with, and I am now getting to know more and more. Truly a beautiful person, smart, intelligent, and gives with all her heart. The author of Ebay for dummies, she can be found here>> http://www.google.com/profiles/101540468776840533944

Phaedra Stockstill of attheboutique
Susan Leak of renagadesrelics
Rodger Hujlstrom of Booksbelow
David White from ebayandbeyond
Walt Kolenda aka auctionwally
and the list goes on.. so many that I have and have not mentioned, that have touched me in ways that make me strive to be a better business person and to be successful.

So many old and new people popping up on my radar, and all have made my 1st year in on-line sales just wonderful!

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Charity Auction for the Susan G Komen Foundation

2009-09-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Starting September 27th 2009, we are auctioning off a bra a day for this cause. 100% proceeds will go to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

The charity auction will be held here~ http://myworld.ebay.com/woadieland/

One of my passions is supporting breast cancer research. The most important people in my life have been my mother and father. 4o years ago, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, we saw a general practitioner who was our family doctor. He had a degree in "everything" basically. He also made house calls.

My mother was 40 at the time of this diagnoses, and I remember it well. The fear, and anger of wondering why this beautiful woman, this loving, giving woman would be told she had something so horrible.

Our Doctor had her admitted immediately. They did a radical mastectomy. My father brought us to the hospital to see mom, and all I remember was the whiteness of everything. She was able to come home after a week..maybe a little longer, but I also remember her pain and her moods, and the things she had to do to get her strength back in her arms. She remembers little of the ordeal, only waking up to the nurses, still in white then, and thinking she had died.

This is all so long ago now, but what stands out is she is 84, and on October 10th she will celebrate her 55th wedding anniversary to my father.

It is time for a cure. It is time for all of us to have what I had, a mother to grow up with, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a wife. Please take a moment to consider what you would do if you were faced with this. There are millions of women daily that are diagnosed with breast cancer, and they should not have to live in fear of what may happen to them or their loved ones.

The pictures above, are 2 of the bra's being auctioned, and you can also donate with taking part in the actual auctioning. The 3rd picture is of my mother when she was young.. a bit younger than 40, and not knowing what she would face. I thank god everyday that I grew up with her. She was one of the lucky ones who made it. She's a survivor. We need more of them.

Internet Power Houses and The Belluvue Bonanzleup

2009-05-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

So we came together for a meeting of the minds starting on Friday May 15th.
Downtown Belluvue Washington, at the West Coast Hotel, I finally got to meet Phaedra Stockstill of http://www.bonanzle.com/attheboutique, and her husband Jeremy. I selfishly hogged her to my self for the day to garner information to benefit my business, and quickly learned that not only is she an amazing woman, she has the backing of an amazing man behind her.
I not only got to know this lady and her man, I have come to fully understand the mind behind the success. What drives her, and her business forward is staying in the "know" and being in the forefront of a progressive business. She unfailingly, and unselfishly adds intelligence and value to everything she does, and to who she surrounds herself with. Being constantly on the move, and constantly striving to better her business, and the business of others.

On Saturday May 16th We started our day getting ready for the meeting at the Belluvue Towers. Heading over about 10:45 am, to meet and greet. Arriving at the Towers, I finally got to meet a few others that I was interested in meeting, and one is Alan Seaton of http://www.bonanzle.com/samsplace. A wonderful gentleman that I look forward to meeting and spending some time with again in the future.

The other lady I looked forward to meeting, and was glad I did get to spend some time with her networking, is Cindy Shebly, of www.websellerscircle.com Cindy is a wonderful down to earth woman, who has been around, and someone to pay attention to. She wrote the ebay bible, and is now running her own site, and teaching and consulting people on how to make their business successful. In this picture with Cindy, is myself, Phaedra, and our new member, Joe Campbell.

Upstairs in the 5th floor meeting room, a beautiful relaxing atmosphere for a casual introduction and a Q & A session for the reason for the meeting. We meet, Bill Harding, Founder of Bonanzle, and Mark Dorsey, our chief raconteur. I have to say, that the dynamics of these to men are perfect for the vision and goals of the site that they have spent the last year building. In a world where nothing is really very simple, these two have built a site that thrives on simplicity and individuality. Catering to the small seller, the real people, who build our economy, they have provided an innovative service to those of us who are building our own businesses in a time when we need it most. The only thing I can add to this is "Brilliant" and stay tuned to bonanzle.com for the best place to sell on the internet.

Now in ending here, I wanted to turn our focus to the men in our lives. The ones who make it possible to do what we do. This is cheers, at least from me, to my husband Paul Barton, and to Phaedra's Husband, Jeremy, for with out them, we would not have been at this meeting of the minds, nor quite possibly where we are at today. So thank you to two wonderful men who give never ending support to two very appreciative women.

Taking the plunge

2009-02-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Well hello!

I have taken the plunge. This is scary business. I have had my own website now for almost a year, and never really went anywhere with it. I spent the 1st month building it, and then had some other things that needed attending, so put Gypsytradingcompany.org aside. In November of 2008, I found bonanzle. http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/gypsygirl and planted myself there. Now, The people who have come to know me, KNOW that I am not tech savvy. Ask anyone, www.bonanzle.com/booths/renagade, Susan Leak is one of the greatest people I know on bonanzle, and just a bevy of information for running your business and being successful at it. (waiting for her call now! :) ) www.bonanzle.com/booths/jamiro, Note, jamiro, did the lovely banner in my booth, which will now have to get modified! Help Jamiro! I just love this lady! nuff said! www.bonanzle.com/booths/auctionwally, Now, Wally, he is an auctioneer, and the best in my eyes, but also does consulting and appraisels and offers a host of other on-line services, including but not limited to live auctions! www.bonanzle.com/booths/attheboutique, Phaedra, one of my favorites that I have met since being on-line, is Wallys co-host during his talkshoe programs, and makes wonderful lotions and skin care products. (still waiting for my gallon jug too, and you can label with black permant marker! lol...I'll take it.) www.bonanzle.com/booths/ActionHealthyLife, Sonja, another favorite of mine offers a wonderful variety of healthcare products, and helps whenever she can, and several others including www.bonanzle.com/booths/bonanzlemark
I rerally cannot name everyone that has given me help along the way, and do not have all the words for my appreciation of them.

Since following the progression of on-line business, a whole new concept to me, I have learned terms like optimize, brand, transparency, and a host of other things, but not tech stuff. One of the things I was given advice about was the .com business. In order to get high search engine results, (I didn't know what that was either) I needed to go with a .com. Thanks Wally. :) So, here I am, the proud owner of Gypsybyways.com, and at a complete standstill! Arrgghhh...this is scary! I have to change everything. My user names will stay the same in most cases to keep my branding in place. My avatar will also stay the same. It is all the places I am listed at that I now have to go in and change. Bonanle, (which means changing my lovely banner that Jamiro made for me, and www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=31369&followVal=true&cmd=follow, and everyplaceIsell, and avcosa.ning.com/, and ......the list is a mile long.

This is a daunting task, but I have made one goal a day towards getting this completed, and incorporating it into bonanzle. Todays Goal, is getting Ms. Susan Leak on the horn to settle me down!
She has a godaddy site, and so I am really looking forward to talking with her about the ins and outs of this!

A treasure found in family history

2009-01-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Boutwell Family History
By
Edna Boutwell
My great Aunt

My grandfather at one time owned a great deal of land in Woburn Massachusetts (The blueprints are now with an uncle.

My grandfather, Edward Boutwell, died of a broken jaw (done by the dentist giving him lock jaw) He was 23 years old. He had two boys-my father, Herbert, and George. The mother wished to marry again, her husband, now Garfield, did not want the two boys. When she appealed to their grandfather, Charles Boutwell, He was angry. He said if she tried to take the boys, she would not see them again. They both grew up believing their mother cared nothing for them.

Charles Boutwell was a hard man but a brilliant man. mathematics was his forte' For example, he would offer a 100.00 to anyone who could give him a problem he couldn't solve. When his 1st wife died, he married Olive Larrabe of Peabody. He "bound" his two grandsons to him until they were 21, and then they were given what was called their "freedom papers".
My father loved all children very much and was always wonderful to all of us, maybe because he and George had so little happiness. He and my mother always had surprises for us even though they had very little money. One Christmas when we were small, my parents told us that Santa had forgotten to stop at our home. They said if we dressed and had breakfast we would go in search of him. In those days we lived in Winn Park, we had no furnace, so it was very cold. My father produced a key to one of the rooms that we always kept the door closed to, to save on heat. When he opened the door, there was a lovely Christmas tree, and presents for all.

I loved my fathers brother, my Uncle George, very much. He was an engineer on the Boston & Maine railroad. He was married to Annie Ross of Nova Scotia, and they had two sons. They lived in Greenfield, Mass. Uncle George died when he stepped off a train, and lost both of his legs. Aunt Annie died, and later her to sons, Ross, and his wife, and Harold Boutwell.

My father, Herbert Boutwell, had three half sisters, in the Garfield Family. One of them Velma,
married one of the Dennison's of the Dennison Manufacturing Company.
We were also related by marriage to President Garfield.

My father always regaled us with stories that happened to the Larrabee's One was in the civil war, and became crazed with fever, and deserted his post. He made his way home to Peabody, Mass. His mother knew the soldiers would come for him, so she put him in her big bed, and covered himwith a mattress. The soldiers did eventually come. In those days 12 soldiers would come for the deserter, with orders to shoot. All but one rifle would have be loaded, so as not to know which bullet killed. As they were about to fire, a rider rode up at full speed with a pardon from President Garfield. The poor man only lived to more months, but did not have a record as a deserter.

We lived in Melrose when I first attended school. My grandmother, Sarah Amanda Amelia Chapman Boutwell Garfield, lived there. She had a beautiful home, and were always nice to me.

My father became a solder, in the Spanish-American war of 1898. He was a great cook in the Army. He recieved a pension from the military, and many years later was buried in the soldiers lot in Woodbrook cemetry, with full mititary honors.
Woburn, Massachusettes.

The Boutwells originally came from France. They were French hugenots and during the war between the protestants and the catholics, the Boutwells, (protestant's) fled for their lives to England. In 1642, two brothers left England, and came to Lynn, Massachusettes. They had money, and were given a title of freemen, along with 100 acres of land. Some years later one decendant came to Reading Mass, and then to Wilminton. (see pictures of Boutwell home built during the 1700s by Mr. Witcher of Woburn). In Wilmington today there is a Boutwell School house, and a Boutwell road. Govenor Boutwell was a member of the Boutwell family in Wilmington. His mansion at Groton Mass, is open to the public, and a portrait of Gov. Boutwell hangs in the library there. There is a large bust of the Govenor in the State house in Boston Mass, and there is also a portrait of the Sherriff Boutwell in the Logan Airport.

Govenor Boutwells daughter, Miss Georgianna Boutwell, that as a child she was often held on Abraham Lincoln's knee. Govenor Boutwell was a school teacher before he became govenor, and he also wrote two books. In the library of the town of lyme, New Hampshire, they have a great deal of history on the Boutwell's.

The Boutwell home is in Reading Mass, andis where my Aunt, Parthina, lived. She married a Smith, and became the mother of Burton Boutwell SSmith, Minister of the large Hope Congregational Church, in Springfield Mass. Their decendants still live there.

There is also a coast gaurd cutter named "The Boutwell"
Boutwells also married into the well known and wealthy Hood family, who own the Hood dairy company.
We are also related to the Manning's, of Billerica. They owned the Famous old house and eating establishment.

My Grandmother Sarah, is buried in the sleepy hollow cemetry, at Concord Mass, and she was Herbert Josiah Boutwells mother. (my father).

There is also a history of the Boutwells in the Lynn Massachusettes public library.
I became a historian.
My father married Margaret Etta McCallister, and they had five children.

My mother, Marjorie Frances Quimby, is George Boutwell's grandaughter.
She married my father 55 years ago, and resides now in Kirkland Washington.

The Quimby, Boutwell inheritance was fought and lost by my mother. George Boutwell had left all he owned to her, and she was an only child. Her father Nelson Lord Quimby, left her at the age of 5, and went to New York City. George and Edna, and other Aunts, raised my mother, after her mother died from walking pnuemona when she was 10.

Katrina Surdyk Barton

Romantic nod to the past

2009-01-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

With a look back at the past in yesterdays auction at the auctionwally booth on bonanzle, I found a bit of history that has not been in my collections.
I have always been attracted to photos from the past, and the people who are in them. I find that having a variety in my business, has helped tremendously with the clientele I attract, and also with my own knowledge of whats what.
I am adding a new section to Gypsy Trading Company, and I will keep you informed on detail, and content.
I want to say, the format that I experienced yesterday, could not be repeated elsewhere, and I commend the brains behind the idea! It was a blast, and look forward to the next round!
Thank you to Walt Kolenda for making the experience wonderful, and my first with a top auctioneer!

Antiques and Collectibles

2009-01-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

Clio	the 'glorious one'		muse of history

The Definition of my muse is part of history. Antiques, and that is why I am where I am.
I bring to you the beauty and richness of the past.

Antiques sustain us, and will always be in our lives. They are the embodiment of the worlds history. Recording a past that keeps us rooted to who we are, and preserving a future to those who come after us. Whimsical and romantic, we see in them where they came from, who held them and loved them, the tragedy of why they are here, and the owners are no longer.

Each day of our journey through life, we come in contact with something that impacts our lives in many different ways. These things can be small or large. The changes we choose to make determine the imprint of our life on someone else.

My collections, public and private, have shaped who I am. It is helping me to shape my children and grandchildren.

Bringing my public collections to you, gives me great pleasure. Gypsy Trading Company offers a variety of Antiques and collectibles. I carry china, and bisque, linens, and leather. Hand tooled items, and hand crafts. I have vintage clothing, and random vintage items. Costume jewelry and real jewelry. Most of my collections come from estate sales, and some family. I have rare music, and beautiful buttons! Silver and more.....Stay tuned for updates. I will be adding weekly and cannot wait to see what interests I share with others.
Gypsy~