musings of a sea witch

Blue moon count down to 2010

2009-12-31T22:35:00.000-05:00

Greetings and blessings to everyone these last few hours of 2009. My honey and I are busy packing to return back home tomorrow morning. We had a wonderful time in Cancun. Not sure I will return, prefer Puerto Vallerta and Cozumel as Cancun is kind of for the MTV, Spring Break crowd and the locals have adapted to that.

We are blessed with a blue moon to end 2009 and ring in 2010. I took these shots a few moments ago and wanted to share them with you. Both are taken from the balcony of our hotel in Cancun overlooking hotel row. (all photos enlarge if you click on them)

Wishing everyone the joy of family and friends, good health and prosperity for 2010.

Under the Sea

2009-12-28T22:41:00.001-05:00

Hello my friends, come dive with me today. This SeaWitch cannot be happier. I spent the afternoon diving in Cancun at a reef location called Manchones Reef. This was my first dive in Cancun and although this particular reef did not have the large coral beds that I see so often in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, the fish life was all over the place. I have posted a few shots for you. So much color and they are unafraid of divers and will often swim right next to you. (photos taken with Canon Sureshot Elph in Ikelite housing...all photos will enlarge if you double click on them.)

Happy little grunts swimming around fan corals.

One of my favorite shots...so much color and activity.

Closeup of grunt in front of large coral head.

This French Angel Fish was the size of a large dinner plate.

Juvenile Blue Tang. One of my favorite species. These fish are brilliant blue and this little guy measured about 4 inches in length and had the palest shade of lemon yellow on his tail.

A good size Trunkfish. Measured about a foot in length.

Another large school of grunts.

I hope you enjoyed cyber diving with me. My honey and I are off to Tulum tomorrow to view the Mayan ruins. Pictures will follow. Via Con Huevos everyone! Sea Witch

La Habichuela - Lovely restaurant.

2009-12-27T21:29:00.001-05:00

My honey had eaten at La Habichuela (String bean) several times in the past during visits to Cancun and wanted to take me there if it still existed. Not only does it still exist but in my honey's words, it was exactly the same as he had remembered it. Lovely establishment, great food and top notch wait staff.

As noted on their website, La Habichuela has been legend in Cancun since 1977, when Armando Pezzotti opened the restaurant in what was once his home. Today, La Habichuela is celebrated worldwide. Our romantic sculpture garden, filled with aromatic plants and native trees, creates the magical illusion of Mayan ruins under starlight. Year after year, we greet old friends again and again. We use only the best ingredients, just as in our own home, and we prepare and serve our dishes with the same love and warmth.

We took a quick taxi ride to the restaurant and were immediately greeted by their welcoming staff.

Lovely inside with lots of glass, sculptures, and wood and rich with the smells of marvelous dishes to choose from.

A pretty hostess confirmed our reservation and handsome wait staff greeted us as we were led through the inside dining room into the garden area. It was magical. Tiny white lights hung from trees, pretty wrought iron chairs surrounded tables of all sizes, magnificent Mayan sculptures around us, soft warm breeze floated through the air, pretty red hibiscus above us and all under a warm evening sky. Magic.

This magnificent Mayan sculpture was next to our table.

Pretty copper menu listed enticing dishes. I selected a Giant Shrimp dish with ginger and mushroom sauce. My honey selected stuffed Calamari.

A basket of freshly baked rolls and breads is brought to each table. The house favorite are the onion rolls. I shamefully had two with whipped butter.

These shrimp were huge, almost 6 inches in length and an inch wide. Cooked to perfection with a lovely mushroom sauce and a hint of fresh ginger.

Stuffed calamari in a delectable sauce. My honey's only words were: WOW!

We followed our meal with Mayan Coffee. This is fun to watch as the server worked fire from heated saucers.

This is La Habichuela creation and the restaurant signature coffee made with Xtabentun, brandy, ice cream and ground cinnamon.

Mayan Coffee laced with crystallized sugar and orange.

While we sipped our coffees, we waited for our dessert...the Kukulcan Pyramid. A delicious hard chocolate stuffed with cream of amaretto and fruits.

This fabulous creation is a miniature Mayan Pyramid right down to the last detail. Easy to break into, it is filled with Amaretto laced cream.

The chocolate was neither sweet or bitter but PERFECTION. Fresh fruit on the side and we destroyed this temple of chocolate along with our coffees.

A lovely evening with a spectacular meal and the price, less then $70.00 which included our before dinner drinks as well. I have been fortunate to dine at many wonderful restaurants around the world, but La Habichuela will be one of my personal favorites. It was a perfect evening.

A quick taxi ride home and we headed for our room. Tomorrow we will be diving and we hope to take some interesting pictures. Blessings to all of you. Sea Witch

The Merriest of Christmas to you all.

2009-12-24T20:30:00.000-05:00

It is 8:21 pm EST and I should be packing for my getaway to Cancun. Yes, my honey and this mermaid have a dive trip planned for the last week of this year and I'm running around trying to get everything ready for our flight tomorrow.

Instead, I just wanted to stop. Breathe. And give thanks for all that has been given me this year. Among so many things, it has been the gift of this blog. Who would have thought that this simple little venue would reap such blogasphere friendships. I have come to know you all in a delightful way. From the joys in your life to those that are soulfully painful. I would not have missed any of it. Thank you dear friends, for inviting me into your world and sharing all of your gifts. You have inspired me, shared your creativity and have given me your friendship. For this I shall always be grateful.

I wish for you all, the Merriest of Christmas', the happiest and healthiest of new year's and may we all prosper in only good ways. I will be blogging throughout my trip so if you have a moment, stop by and say hello. Sea Witch

Meet Fragrant Liar

2009-12-23T09:41:00.001-05:00

You know how you meet someone for the first time and in that moment you realize you have known this person all of your life? Well that is how I feel about Fragrant Liar. In her profile, she states "This is where I rant, rave, reflect, and ROFLMAO. Feel free to do the same. Let's be clear: I am irreverent, and I like me that way. Grab a libation, kick back, and share your thoughts -- and don't lie to me, cuz I'll know."

You must read her most recent post, it will have you laughing out loud. Now, Ms. Liar writes boldly and provacatively and uses lots of descriptive language, slang and a cuss word or two. So there, my only disclaimer...you have been warned. Here is an excerpt from "Good Enough:"

Dear Santa Baby,

I think I've been exceedingly good this year. Or at least good enough. Look at it this way . . .
It's really not that bad to cuss habitually. My dad and mom always do it and I don't want to disappoint them by breaking with a beloved family tradition.

Always telling the truth is overrated. Little white lies are actually beneficial under opportune circumstances, and saving my own ass is Priority One because, really, this shows that I love myself. It's a proven fact that one must love oneself first in order to love others.

Vanity is just part of being a woman. Because of all my nurturing aspects and shit, I take pride in my appearance so I can be a good example for my daughters. How else would they know how much makeup and jewelry to don before they do anything strenuous?

Shooting the bird at strangers and loved ones alike is educational.

If you want to read more, you most click on the above link to access her wise and funny words. Ms. Liar is a woman's humorist. You will recognize yourself in much of her words and that, my friends, is what I enjoy most about her postings. Sea Witch

Tree Bling.

2009-12-21T10:37:00.001-05:00

Is it just me or do the trees look more lovely this year than in the past? Is this difficult economy making us want to ensure that our homes are filled with those traditions that bring fond memories of family, friends and comfort? I think so. These tight shots are of trees displayed at Queen of Hearts,where I have my booth. All have a unique personality and showcase those themes that we individually cherish. I could have gone home with any one of them, all so lovely to look at.

Vintage bulbs, ornaments and bits of Americana.

This lovely white tree showcases silver metallics, vintage ornaments and white jingle bells.

Joyful holiday red and silver. Vintage ornaments and glitter messages of the season hang from this 6 foot vintage aluminum tree. Spectacular.

This unique tree is perfect for a Sea Witch Christmas or anyone whose passion is the sea. White tree is filled with decorated scallop shells, pieces of drift wood and soft pink and blue toile ornaments. Tiny white lights made a lovely backdrop.

Nothing says neighborhood like this tree I saw at our local Waffle House. They always decorate for the troops and this year they added...you guessed it...WAFFLES. How can you not smile after seeing this. Whether a big city or a small community, it is the neighbors in your "neighborhood" that truly make you feel a part of your locale. Wishing you a wonderful Monday. Sea Witch

Robin's Egg Blues Giveaway

2009-12-17T09:53:00.000-05:00

Robin's Egg Blues (White Linen/Lavender Field) is one of my blog favorites.

Her blog is full of elegant simplicity and she has a marvelous affection for all that nature offers. Robin is hosting a wonderful giveaway on Monday that you must be a part of.

Pretty silver crowns hung from robin's egg blue ribbon. I'm dreaming of the spiked crown myself. I think it is a very Sea Witchy looking crown. (hint, hint, if I am a lucky winner)

Not only is this an incredibly generous giveaway by Robin, but she has shanghaied her sister into also giving away one of her lovely kissing cards.

A crown and a kiss, what more could anyone want and all in those lovely shades of robin's egg blue. Stop by Robin' blog to obtain more details and if you have never visited her blog, you are in for a wonderful treat. Blessings to all. Sea Witch

Not so white Wednesday.

2009-12-16T10:36:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone. Winter is here in the south and what remaining leaves that have fallen now grace the open deck parking lot at my place of employment. The brown leaves are wet from days of on and off rain and they have become temporary petroglyphs on the concrete.

I love these ghostly images that fight to remain and so I stopped to take a few pictures before I entered the building to begin my day.

I adore the muted shades of earth-tones against the scoured, white concrete. Our Mother Earth shares her beauty with us at so many unexpected moments.

One brown leaf will eventually become a winter petroglyph.

Like temporary fossils recording a moment in time, these images always make me feel good. Have a lovely white or "not so white" Wednesday. Blessings to everyone this day. Sea Witch

My Favorite Santa - Thomas Nast

2009-12-15T10:31:00.069-05:00

I adore the classics, old school, the woodcut and pen and ink drawings that illustrators so lovingly created during the Victorian era. There are thousands of Santa's on posters, products and storybooks, but it is the Thomas Nast Santa that I love best. To me, nothing typifies Santa Claus better than Nast's classic illustration of that happy old elf.

Thomas Nast was born on September 27, 1840 in Landau, Germany. Following the tradition of thousands that immigrated to America, young Nast, his sister, and his mother came to the United States in 1846 while his father followed four years later. Following their arrival in new York, Mrs. Nast enrolled her two children in public schools. While his sister was able to make the changes, Thomas found it difficult to adjust. In addition to not being able to speak English, he disliked school work. This continued for many years.

A neighbor made candles and crayons for a living. He would give Thomas reject crayons. As a young boy, Thomas would spend hours drawing. He could not stand to do a minute of school work. Finally, when Nast was 12, the school master talked to his parents into pulling Thomas out of regular school and enrolling him into an art school. Three years later, at the age of 15, he had to quit art school due to financial problems. He sought employment.

It was difficult enough for a 15-year-old to get a job but it was more difficult since Thomas could not read or write. Since he was short and fat, manual labor was also out. The only skill he had to offer was his ability to draw what he saw. In those days there was a rigid apprenticeship established to obtain a job as an illustrator. One just didn't get hired for that sort of job without being an apprentice first -- except for Thomas Nast, however.

By sheer guts, Nast walked into the offices of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper and asked for a job as an illustrator. Finally, tiring of not being able to get past the receptionist, one day he waited for the right moment and slipped past her and marched into the publisher's office and requested a job as an illustrator. Frank Leslie viewed the young man's request as absurd. It just wasn't done that way. In jest, Leslie gave Nast an "assignment". It was to go down to the Christopher Street Ferry house in lower Manhattan during the rush hour and draw a picture of the crowd boarding the ferry. To the publisher's surprise, Nast returned the next morning with the completed drawing. Leslie was so impressed that he hired Thomas Nast on the spot!

Nast became one of America's greatest political cartoonists and was the inspiration behind our Country's political parties mascots.

Thomas Nast is best known for his Christmas drawings. His first appeared in Harper's Weekly for Christmas of 1862 and his Christmas drawings mark the first appearance of Santa Claus as we know him today. Prior to this, Santa had passed through a series of stages beginning with a more religious-type figure.

The inspiration for how Nast's Santa should look came from Clement Moore's poem 'Twas a Night Before Christmas. Still lacking reading skills, he had his wife read to him while he prepared his drawings and engravings. On one occasion, Mrs. Nast read Clement Moore's poem to Thomas. That was all it took for inspiration.

The next 24 years saw Nast produce 76 Christmas engravings that were signed and published. Nast used Moore's poem to put it all together in visual form; a sleigh, reindeer, jolly old elf, filling the stockings hung by the chimney, and so forth.

In addition, Nast used his own imagination to expand upon the theme. He was the first to establish that Santa's home was in the North Pole. In this way, Santa didn't belong to any one country -- he became a citizen of the world. The concept of Santa having a workshop and elves to help him were also Nast's idea. Prior to his engravings, all children received gifts from Santa. Nast conceived the idea that bad children didn't get gifts from Santa. The custom of sending Santa a letter is also due to Thomas Nast.

Thomas Nast brought Christmas to a large audience through his engravings. The result of the impact that these drawings had on American's is astronomical. In Europe, Christmas was observed for centuries on December 6. By the late 1800's when Nast's Santa Claus gained popularity, Christmas Day was legally established as December 25 in all states and territories in the United States. In addition, an extended school vacation during this period became a custom. We owe much of the established traditions of Santa Claus to Nast. Have a lovely afternoon. Sea Witch

Header change, holiday playlist, spa time and a treasure hunt.

2009-12-14T09:30:00.002-05:00

It was a cold, dampy weekend with lots of rain, wind and a some snowflakes. The perfect weekend for treasure hunting, using up the last of my spa certificate from nearly a year ago and why not change out my header and produce a new playlist to boot. So let's start with the header. This neat looking fish is called a Black and Gold Grunt but is more commonly known as the Pork Fish. The Atlantic porkfish is the only Caribbean grunt with two black vertical bars and yellow stripes. They are a gentle fish and you can touch them if you move quietly to them. They are primarily nocturnal predators and Porkfish, like all grunts, produce grunt-like sounds most often heard during duress. The one in the photo was a good size, almost as big as an adult cat.

By now you must be listening to my holiday playlist. Just a few of my personal favorites. I hope you enjoy them as well. Also changed out the background to Raviolis for Lunch, the blog I maintain for my grandchildren. Now it features Christmas Dick and Jane illustrations.

Had some spa time left on a gift certificate at Spa Sydell, one of Atlanta's premiere spas. This was a perfect weekend to spend some pampering of me time so I booked a Reflexology appointment and a facial.

For the very young age of 55, I have learned several months ago that I have really advanced arthritis in my left knee. Not a good thing for someone as active as me as it can hurt like a motha and I'm not a pain pill kinda gal. Other than having to wear "too sensible shoes" most of the day and adjusting to a limp when the weather is really bad, I manage. Swimming helps a lot and as much as I love being in water, I can't sit in a tank at my office so I'm always game to try something sensibily holistic. Read that reflexology (massage and pressure point work) may help arthritis so that was my first appointment. One word...HEAVEN. Not only did the session feel terrific but actually diminished the pain and my limp. I am interested in seeing how long it will be before the pain returns and I'm back to limping, especially with the damp weather right now. If I can go a few weeks without, then I'm back for a monthly appointment as I hate limits on what my body can do.

I followed up the reflex work with a facial. Lovely way to relax and I'm really glad that I took the time to do this for me. Following my time at the "spa" I then hit one of my favorite places for treasure hunting and I scored.

A vintage chopping bowl in terrific condition, pretty Victorian quadruple plate teapot with engraved initial "E" on it. Pretty ivory turnings on handle. Neat photo on thick backing from the 1940s, US Army Medical Unit butter pat -- WW2 era, nice vintage, pine needle basket.

Delightful late Victorian child's desk with locking drawer and pull out writing board and in lovely golden oak. Needs some work, but very minor. Will have to find a key to lock the little drawer.

Crazy about this Antique lobster handle server. Gold lustre on this handsome lobster and pretty transferware flowers trimmed in brillina salmon pink edging. I'm thinking of keeping this myself...something a Sea Witch should have in her home. We shall see.

Sweet shabby child's chair in pale yellow with original aqua paint showing through and a marvelous Columbian Exposition etching. No picture of the Etching, have already dropped it off at appraiser friends place for info on it.

Wonderful cast iron fireplace insert frame.

It was a great haul for a rainy, dampy day. Now all I have to do is wait for the holidays to end so I can swap out my booth from Christmas to these wonderful pieces. Have a great week everyone. Sea Witch

Silver adorns a wrist.

2009-12-10T23:08:00.001-05:00

One of my co-workers brought me two necklace strands they had purchased at their favorite Ralph Lauren counter. She wore the necklace once and decided these frost kissed silver beads would be better as a bracelet, so she came to my desk and asked if I could make a fun braclet for her. Well, every beader worth her/his salt knows that a strand of beads waiting to become something other than it originally was makes your heart beat fast...what I call "bead porn." Oh the choices, the shapes, the feel...the very idea that you will recreate sets your emotions racing. Yes, bead porn is an apt description.

The two pretty frost kissed silver bead strands. I removed the toggles and divided the beads to meet a 7" standard wrist length.

I decided that four strands of these lovely beads would make a bold, fun piece to wear around your wrist.

Once the toggles are attached, a slight twist displays one of the ways you can wear this piece. But something was missing for my eyes. The original "Chaps" toggle was lost in the size of the bracelet. And I had 6 beads left over.

The finished piece with the 6 extra beads hung from the toggles for a kicky movement at the wrist. Yes, now this is ready for a good time on my gal pals wrist.

Such an easy and fast re-do, just goes to show you that a simple necklace can be repurposed into a fun and pretty bracelet. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend. Sea Witch

Christmas Day - November 28th - Italy

2009-12-09T22:51:00.001-05:00

Hello dear friends. I'm afraid I have been remiss in my postings. This month is proving busier then I had expected and I have not been posting as often as I would like. I want to share a little bit of my time in Italy with my son, my wonderful daughter in law and the three raviolis. To see Kit Kat again is always a joy as she is so full of life and energy and sparkle and shine. She makes me laugh all of the time. To have the opportunity to hold my new grandtwins was heartfelt. To be blessed with one sweet angel is a gift like no other, but to have two in your arms is more than I can describe. I already miss holding them and seeing them laugh and coo and demand their meals. They are simply amazing.

You are probably wondering why I have my title as Christmas Day, November 28th. Well, that is the day we celebrated Christmas in Italy. My son and his command were given their deployment orders for December 2nd during the Thanksgiving week and so Army families were celebrating Thanksgiving and then two days later, following up with Christmas. To watch my son and his wife prepare for this day with such grace and perfunction was a struggle for me to keep back tears. I did not want to show them tears because they are both remaining strong in front of the little ones. Unless you are or know a military family well, you cannot imagine the emotion behind being told out of the blue, this is the day one of your loved ones will leave to go into harms way. It hit me square between the eyes at that moment that as adults, we all leave for work...grumble about our day and the issues we encounter, complain about a commute if you have one and then wonder how we will get supper on the table because we are tired from the day. But there is one big difference between our day and a soldier's day....there is nobody waiting to shoot us or leave road side bombs for us to trip as part of our work day. Kerry is a seasoned Army wife and handles this with grace, aploomb and a quiet dignity. I admire her. For this third deployment, she has prepared a large jar marked Daddy's Hugs and Kisses. Kit Kat and her daddy, filled the jar with enough kisses for the length of the tour and each night before Kit Kat's day ends, she can take one or two out as kisses and hugs from daddy. If she is missing daddy at anytime, she may also ask for one during the day. Every time I look at this picture I can't hold back the tears. Something so simple as a jar with Hersey's kisses in it becomes a powerful show of love and affection from a daddy far away.

Decorating the tree the day after Thanksgiving. Kaitlyn was thrilled with all of the hustle and bustle of boxes from the attic, stringing lights and making ornaments. I had my "bag of tricks" filled with craft items and she ended up making lots of ornaments for the tree. Between the glue, the paper, the glitter and the paint, ornaments were made and it was a lot of fun.

The tree, stockings and a lit fireplace. Home at its best.

KitKat reaching way under the tree for gifts on their Christmas morning.

Jason gave special pieces of jewelry to both Kerry and Kit Kat. For Kerry, a bracelet with Italian type charms of all of his ribbons and badges along with deployment stars and awards for her. So many for all that an Army wife does that she had two full bracelets of Swaroski crystals signifing deployments, moves, and his ribbons.

Watching my son softly speak to his daughter as he put the necklace he picked out for around her neck left a lump in my throat. He gently told her that the pendent she now wears shows everyone that she is a daughter of a soldier. "A soldier." Such simple words he uses as both he and she are so much more. But I find this is how military men and women speak of their service. There are no braggerts within. They understand the duty they perform and so freely give to our nation, it is not about titles it is about the service.

I am a daughter of a soldier.

I was taken to supper at a local restaurant with amazing course after course of freshly made pastas, salads and a main course, strong Italian coffee and dessert. (I felt like a bloated tick when we left.) So much food and all so good. Kit Kat knows the owners and their children and so she sat down and colored pictures with them until our meals arrived. No one speaks English and Kaitlyn is becoming very fluent and carried on a non- stop conversation with the owner's daughters in Italian. It was sweet to watch.

Can you believe that these are twins! Yes, Connor may have weighed less then Kelsey when he was born but he has sure made up for lost time. He is slowly becoming a linebacker. Kelsey is such a sweet little thing and is light as a little feather. Connor is so big compared to his sister. Twins are such unique siblings.

Lots of bottle washing every few hours.

Beautiful mommy feeding the twins. Talk about multi-tasking and she looks so good at the same time.

Following feeding is playtime on the blankets. They love to kick and coo until they fall asleep.

Kerry took me to this marvelous Christmas garden and craft shop. Fell in love with this gold lame bean bag and actually considered carrying it on the plane. I mean, how cool is a golden bean bag?

Connor looking around and thinking deep thoughts.

Kelsey says feed me again.

I'm wearing my Italian pre-school pink smock and am ready to go to school. It was a wonderful visit and I can't wait to see them again in the spring. Sea Witch

A hectic weekend

2009-12-06T22:30:00.001-05:00

Glad to be back blogging, I have missed all of you my cyber friends. I feel like I have been away for months instead of 2 weeks. Had a marvelous time in Italy with my family. Will share about that in future posts. The weekend was busy with me playing "catch-up" after being gone. First day back last Tuesday and we had frost. Had my car outside as I had holiday items in the garage and I had to scrape ice off the windshield. YUK! I'm a sun worshipper so having to scrape ice was painful. Still, the ice looked lovely from the inside of the car so I snapped a quick photo. These look like raindrops, but they were actually frozen solid. (click on photos to enlarge)

Priced items Saturday evening and brought them into Queen of Hearts to update my holiday booth displays. Acquired some wonderful vintage silverplate this year and I displayed them on an antique farm table. Nice juxtaposition of elegance and primitive.

Silver, such a lovely metal for the holidays. Fill with your favorite vintage ornaments or best holiday fare.

Red and green is so festive.

Yes, that is a Mrs. Beasley doll sitting next to a vintage Santa doll. She is in wonderful condition with original collar, apron and glasses still intact. Pull string is still strong but the voice box has been over wound. I found her when shopping with sis and she shared that as a little girl, she loved Family Affair and wanted a Mrs. Beasley doll.

You gotta love these tricked out Christmas ducks!

Cookie jars and cookie presses.

Holiday sleigh bear with tiny white lights.

Snowmen abound within the green depression glass.

Another shot of the table full of silver and behind it gold and white items. My booth is filled to the rafters and I don't think I can fit in one more item. I'm so delighted to be apart of Queen of Hearts. This busy antique mall is filled with so many wonderful things.

Now, I actually fit one more task in this weekend and that is the launch of my second blog, "Raviolis for Lunch". http://raviolisforlunch.blogspot.com/

This blog is for my grandchildren, my delightful little raviolis. Since they are scattered all across the country and other parts of the world, I wanted to find a way to let them know each day that I am thinking of them and miss them. If you have children, or grandchildren dear readers, they are all invited to stop by. Have a wonderful week and I can't wait to visit everyone's blogs this week. Sea Witch

Now that's a delicatession

2009-11-24T17:38:00.019-05:00

Had to make a run to the local supermarket for a few Thanksgiving "staples". Kerry, the twins and I spent hours walking through this fantastic supermarket, but it was the deli that brought me to my knees. I'm New Jersey born and raised and had local butcher shops, milk men, bakeries and deli's all around me. I have had the great fortune to live and visit many places across the US and overseas and presently residing in Georiga...all have introduced me to the flavor that makes each unique, but it is the deli's and the bakeries that I miss most of all. Walking into this store was like coming home. I didn't know which way to turn first.

Supermarket in Vicenza...yes, that is the delicatessen area. Be still my heart.

Case after case of meats, cheeses, olives, salads, ready to eat meals.

Fresh Vegies, beautiful and fresh.

Braids of garlic.

Fresh, ripe and red tomatoes. These are the size of baseballs.

It's all big in Italy. Check out the size of that salami...so big,they needed a dolly to move it.

So many wonderful cheeses to select from.

Fresh wheels of aged cheeses.

Fresh pizza pies for the lunch crowd.

Couldn't resist a slice and a coke.

The twins sleeping as we check boots out at the local shoe store.

Mommy feeding the twins.

Sweet Kit Kat greeting me at the airport. This sweet girl holds my heart in her hands.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Sea Witch

Jetting to Vincenza to see grandchildren

2009-11-21T17:44:00.007-05:00

Dear friends, I am writing this from Gate D in the Charlotte Douglas Airport as I wait for my flight to Frankfort, Germany and then on to Venice, Italy to spend Thanksgiving with my son, his lovely wife, and their three ravioli's...my grandchildren.

This is an unexpected pleasure as my son and his wife decided (out of the blue) to send me a ticket to come visit them in Vincenza, Italy for Thanksgiving holiday.

As many of you know, I have recently become the grandma-ma of twins two months ago. This double addition to the family has been a blessing and a joy. The only difficult part is they are so far away so I can only see my raviolis from the webcam or pictures in email.

To be able to hold them in my arms and then play with Kit Kat as we craft and glitter and bake away is the best possible world a grandmother could ever want.

So, look for future postings over the next few days about my adventures in Vincenza with the delightful grandchildren and their wonderful mother and father. Enjoy your weekend. Sea Witch

Open House - Vintage Village

2009-11-20T18:53:00.016-05:00

My first Open House, this season, was at Vintage Village, the coziest shop in metro Atlanta. Vintage Village is a lovely place to shop for antiques and vintage items along with great altered art pieces and materials and unique gift items. What makes Vintage Village unique is the people inside...genuine and warm, our dealers are like family and it all comes together during events like these. I hope you enjoy the photos below and if you would like to see more, click on this LINK.

Thank you for stopping by to visit. My next posting will feature my second open house at Queen of Hearts. Sea Witch

was Slew, All in A day, by the Indiens

2009-11-17T07:01:00.019-05:00

I have a fondness for cemeteries. They do not frighten me nor do I feel "creeped" out as many of my friends say of my interest in them. I have always found them to be peaceful places and an historical diary of communities. As I walk through them, I am always drawn to the words carved into the markers by those who helped these individuals pass. When I was traveling in New England several weeks ago, my honey wanted to take me to the South Nashua, New Hampshire cemetery that he often visited as a boy. It was a lovely autumn morning, with just a light chill in the air and a brilliant blue sky as a backdrop. If you are not aware of its location, you will drive right by it as it is just off of a busy highway. A hidden gem of this area's history so to speak.

Once a one room schoolhouse, this building now serves as storage for funeral tents, chairs, and other equipment. Lovely, old brick building with a working hand pump around the side.

This blazing red tree stands next to this grouping of head stones from the 18th and 19th century.

The leaves were at the height of their color change and it seemed like a fitting mantle to those who now rest here.

The older slate stones seemed to hold their inscriptions better than the granite markers that already showed signs of decay from pollution. Many of the inscriptions on the granite stones were difficult to read as they had become soft and muddied.

Another tree ablaze with color in this quiet resting place.

Slate stone has lovely memorial carving of a weeping willow tree. Typical of the historical mourning symbols. Rebecca was 2 years and 10 months when she crossed over. Rest peacefully, sweet Rebecca.

You can still see the scribe marks that the sculptor used as a guide to carve the lettering on the marker. Here lies the body of Mrs. Jemima Houston - wife of Mr. Ovid Houston - who departed this life December 26, 1765 - in 27th year of her life.

Marker with lovely deep carving in memory of Mr. Ovid Houston's second wife, Catherine Houston. November 17, 1778, departed in the 45th year of her age.

My favorite stone. Inscribed: Memento, Mori. Here lies the body of Mr. Thomas Lund. Who Departed this life Sept 5th, 1724 in the 42 year of his Age. this man, with Seven more that lies in this Grave; was Slew, All in A day, by the Indiens. I have written this exactly as taken from the marker.

These markers are what draws me to these hallowed places, to touch first hand our country's history. To feel some of the spirit that another before me has brought to this ground. Sea Witch

With Joyful Abandon

2009-11-16T10:21:00.005-05:00

dive into your life! This child will be covered in leaves rich in autumn's colors and he will emerge laughing, shaking off a few leaves and will dive in all over again. Can you think of any better metaphor for life?

This photo makes me smile in a big way. What memories it invokes of my dad raking leaves into piles all over the yard (no blowers back then) and then pretending like he didn't want his three daughters messing them up by diving into them. We would laugh and giggle and roll around in them until our hair was full of nature. Dad would pretend to grumble that we wrecked his work and he would have to rake them all over again...always making a bigger and deeper pile for us to jump back into.

Even God's four-leggeds know a good time when they see it.

Go, find a pile of leaves and send nature fluttering all around you. Have a wonderful Monday. Sea Witch

100th Post Winner is...

2009-11-12T22:55:00.022-05:00

can you stand it? Who is the lucky winner of my 100th post drawing that my dog, Kota, selected by his cold, wet nose???? Why it is:

Catnip Studio

Whoo hoo, lots of horns, noisemakers, dogs barking, cats screeching, small children screaming with glee! Confetti dropping and cake for everyone! So Kathy of Catnip Studio, please send me your snail mail address via email and I will pack your goodies up and send them on to you. If you are not familiar with Kathy's blog, http://www.vintagecatnip.blogspot.com/, you must visit. This is one talented woman with a lot of oars in many seas as my hubby likes to say. It is her joy for life and her willingness to share her many talents with all of us through her blog that lured me to her site and kept me as a follower and a favorite. Congratulations Kathy!

The 100 post stash but wait, there's more!

I had a total of 93 entries and I thank all of you who left comments, became followers and noted my 100 post giveaway on your blog. You made this lots of fun for me and I enjoyed reading all of your comments.

Here is Kota sniffing out the names to pull.

And the winners are:

Catnip Studio (www.vintagecatpnip.blogspot.com)

Winners? Did you say winners?
Why, yes I did. As I added a few more goodies to the larder, I decided to pull 6 other entries and send you a sand and sea glass (mermaid's tears) in a tiny bottle necklace. I had made these while sailing in the Bahamas with my honey a few years ago and sold them all over the Abacos to the local shops there. Legend says that if you take some sand from your visit to a beach, that you will return one day. With this simple little necklace and the bottle of island sand hanging from it, I wish the wearer the opportunity to travel to the Bahamian island chain and enjoy their lovely beaches as I do. Here are those winners:

Brocantess (http://www.brocantess.blogspot.com/)
Deb Sea (http://www.dyingtobeyours.blogspot.com/)
Tracy (http://www.athomeontheridge.blogspot.com/)
Gypsy Purple (http://www.gypsypurple.blogspot.com/)
Barb (http://www.thefrenchelements.blogspot.com/)
Karen Valentine (http://www.mydesertcottage.blogspot.com/)

Ladies, please send me your snail mail via an email and I will have these wrapped and packaged to send to you. Excited to know that these are going all over the world, perhaps one day I will meet up with all of you as I adore travel.

The sand and the sea glass were all taken from Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahaamas. Kathy, you will also receive a necklace.

Closer look at that tiny bottle filled with Bahamian sand and sea glass.

Just a few more treasures I have tossed into the 100th post package. Sweet, ladies china hand ashtray...yes, I said ashtray....too pretty for nasty ashes but perfect for rings or hold some fresh lavender. A vintage millinery bouquet that I repurposed into a blazer pin. It will always be spring when you wear this. And the pretty little doily under both of them.

So, I thank everyone for participating in my 100th Post Giveaway. I enjoyed reading all of your comments and making new friends. Have a wonderful weekend and blessings to everyone...and Happy Friday the 13th! Sea Witch

Is that a Parrotfish on my header?

2009-11-12T07:15:00.019-05:00

Yes, I've switched out my header again. Just wasn't feeling the love with the spotted moray eel and needed a "lighter" feeling to the header, something more welcoming. What better way to welcome visitors then the sweet and funny face of a Parrot Fish. They have powerful jaws and teeth that look like the beak of a parrot. I adore these goofy looking, brilliant colored species with their parrot shaped beaks that give you the appearance of them grinning right at you.

To me they are the closest thing to swimming cartoons with their bright colors and funny faces. They are the most common and most colorful of species living on coral reefs around the world. All sizes and colors (I have seem some as big as a 50 pound dog), friendly and unafraid of divers, they will often follow you as you move around in their world. (photos enlarge when you click on them.)

Stoplight Parrotfish - male. Named for the brilliant yellow stoplight on its tail (pectoral fin).

A sex changing fish, the colors of the Stoplight parrotfish in the initial phase (below) when it could be either a male or female are dramatically different from when it is in the terminal phase (above) sporting brilliant colors when it is definitely a male.

Stoplight Parrot Fish either male or female in initial phase.

Princess Parrotfish with a cheeky grin. Always a brilliant blue and the face of my latest header.

Bi-color Parrotfish - male How can you not be passionate about this species with so many brilliant colors to choose from?

The parrotfish diet is primarily algae extracted from chunks of coral ripped from a reef. You can actually "hear" them crunching the coral while swimming with them. These coral crunchers pulverize the coral with the grinding teeth in their throat and most of the sand in their region is actually the ground up and undigested coral they excrete.

Wishing you a colorful day and thanks for stopping by. Sea Witch

Let Us Remember

2009-11-11T08:24:00.019-05:00

On this Veterans Day, let us honor all of those who have given their lives in the pursuit of freedom, thank those who have previously fought, and those who continue to protect us today.

Oxford University prominently displays a letter Abraham Lincoln wrote to a mother who lost five sons in the Civil War. Scholars in England claim that Lincoln’s letter provides a “model of the purest English, rarely, if ever, surpassed.”

On Nov. 21, 1864, President Lincoln wrote to the widow Lydia Bixby:

Dear Madam,
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A. Lincoln

You may recall hearing these words in the movie, "Saving Private Ryan." I cannot think of words truer that bring tears to my eyes, weight to my heart and thanks to my lips. Please join me in thanking a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine today for their commitment to this great country of ours and to what they give to the world.

Proud mother of a US Army Captain. Sea Witch

Christmas Booth Display

2009-11-10T10:14:00.014-05:00

Hello everyone. I have two big open houses on the same night this season so I'm running amuck trying to get as many holiday items in both locations as fast as I can. Of course, they need to have an appealing look to entice folks into my booths. I got started this weekend on my larger space at Queen of Hearts and after a lot of restructuring of pieces, got quite a lot of inventory in. Still, I have lots more to place as I like to have a really filled booth during these open houses.

A glass case filled and a farm table loaded with items.

The perfect gowns for the "new moon" movie to premiere next week are hanging in the corner.

Tree with vintage beaded ornaments from the 1960-70s.

I am crazy about this old farm table with its layers and layers of old paint. Neat little drawer in the center has original metal knob that is delightfully bent. I wonder how many home cooked meals were served on this table?

Antique wicker tiered server, mica house, depression glass green bowls, serving trays and more.

Channeling the Temptations or the Miracles...I adore this white linen and sequined tux from the Motown era. Hand made from a local tailor in Atlanta and original owner's name is sewn in the jacket.

Large gold leaf letters of the Child's message on a Victorian settee.

Love the old playpen and shutter on top that converts this into a functional buffet. Perfect for showing off you favorite holiday serving items.

This week, I add more to my Vintage Village booth. Will be drawing for my 100th post this weekend with the winner announced on Monday. You may still leave a comment to enter into the 100th post giveaway. Have a wonderful Tuesday. Sea Witch

100th Post and Buford Junction Antiques

2009-11-08T22:49:00.023-05:00

Whoo hooo, this is my 100th post!!!

I still can't believe that I have posted 100 thoughts,words, and photos and people actually came and stopped by to read them. What a terrific ride this has been so far. Now, if you have not already done so, please look at my 97th post to get a peak at the 100 post giveaway. I have actually added to it and those items will remain a surprise for the lucky winner. If you leave a comment you will be entered once, if you add yourself as a follower (or are already an existing follower AND leave a comment, you will be entered twice and if you leave a comment, are/become a follower AND mention this giveaway in your post, you will be entered three times.

In keeping with special posts, I am delighted to also share with you some photos of one of my favorite local antique shops, "Buford Junction Antiques"...just across the tracks. Buford Junction Antiques is owned and run by Linda...a delightful woman who you will instantly bond with. She has a smile a mile wide and very knowledgeable about the antique field. I met Linda five years ago and have made lots of purchases for myself and for resale. If you are ever in Buford, GA, then this shop is one not to be missed. (photos enlarge if you click on them)

Located next to the Buford Train Depot (and the train does come by several times a day with the rush of wind and the loud whistle, this shop has an inviting and comfortable front entrance.

You will often find Linda along with friends both new and old sitting out front and enjoying the day and good conversation. You can see how easy it is to want to visit here often...it's like meeting up with your neighbor for local gossip and good conversation.

Lots of garden and outdoor items abound. If you like garden pieces, this is an excellent place to shop and the prices are fantastic.

As you enter through the antique door into the shop, you are bombarded with so many wonderful antiques and for every decor imaginable.

Where to begin, so many wonderful things to look at...and purchase!

Pretty white deacons seat with drawers.

Lovely old french cupboard with original Prussian blue paint. One of my favorite pieces in the shop.

A saddle and antique stoneware jugs.

Whimsical blue stool and paper mache pumpkin.

Lovely pie safe.

A mantle full of pretty things and a wonderful Winter scene in an old frame.

Nice Bessie Pease Goodman print in original round frame.

A pile of soft and warm quilts with vintage axes. Calling Carrie Nation!

Besides these photos of what's inside the Buford Junction, there are two other rooms. Special rooms. One is the outdoor shed and it is a treasure trove of all things eclectic. The second room is the basement work space where Linda brings vintage pieces back to life and also designs and creates furniture commission. Linda is a true craftswoman and the pieces she creates are amazing. I can't say it enough, if you are in Buford, then you must stop by Buford Junction Antiques and say hello. Thanks for stopping by and for making my 100th Post so much fun. Sea Witch

99 and counting! ...and free tutorial courtesy of The Feathered Nest

2009-11-06T06:55:00.011-05:00

One more post after this one and I've hit my 100th post! If you haven't left a comment, please do and you will be entered in my 100th Post Giveaway. You can get a sneak peak at some of the giveaway treasures two posts below this one.

Now, I have two Holiday Open Houses to set up for and every spare minute has me slowing changing over my two booths. Just started on my largest one last evening and wanted to share some of the photos I took. So much to do and this is only the start. I need more time...the words spoken by every dealer at this time of the year.

Red and green is splashed everywhere, still so much to do.

Edwardian shoes and angel candlesticks.

Love the corner cupboard from an old farmhouse. So many decorating ideas.

Starting to fill in the shelves with holiday items.

Cowboy Christmas things.

Thanks for stopping by, I have to go price more holiday items now. Sea Witch

p.s. I was stopping in at my favorite sites and the delightful Dawn of The Feathered Nest just offered up a free tutorial on how to create a lovely gift box http://the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/2009/11/free-gift-card-box-tutorial.html. Dawn is "uber" talented and you can purchase her delightful tutorials on her blog However, today, Dawn is offering this "box to gift box" tutorial for FREE. Click the link above and she will show you how to turn an ordinary box into something extraordinary. Just in time for the holidays!

100th Post Giveaway and Station Wagon Ducks

2009-11-05T09:24:00.010-05:00

First and foremost, I am 2 posts away from 100 and am excited to reach that milestone. Please leave a comment to be entered in the 100 post giveaway, if you follow my blog you will be entered a second time and if you mention the giveaway on your blog you will be entered a third time.

I woke up to a pair of mallards in my back yard this morning, something that I don't usually see in suburban Atlanta. Lots of Canadian Geese but not mallards. Seeing their swishing little tails and hearing their low quacks reminded me of a story I posted for Dances with Flowers http://danceswithflowers.wordpress.com/ back in July. She had taken to her bed with an illness and asked several of her blog friends to submit a story as a guest poster. Jennifer has a natural green thumb and all of God's flora truly dance for her. I submitted the below posting and I hope it puts a smile on your day and perhaps makes your laugh:

Jennifer has asked me, the Sea Witch, to be a guest poster of which I am shamelessly flattered. Having read two guest postings so far I feel I am a wildflower in a garden of orchids as these folks that I have been asked to follow behind are knowledgeable and passionate about plant life. My only “expertise” is that I love anything that Mother Nature so willingly gives us, and having spent many days watering my dad’s pair of personal greenhouses when he and Mom were on vacation.

My dad was a New York City boy, born and raised, but somewhere in his soul he had a horticulturist’s heart. He adored flowering plants and especially roses. I remember growing up in New Jersey, surrounded with the over 100 different rose varieties and colors that dad tended to and nurtured around our yard. When the flowering season began, our yard would smell like a perfume counter. The heady scent of roses was everywhere.

Dad was also obsessed with the Jackson and Perkins contest for nurturing the perfect white rose and spent years trying to cultivate a pure white rose, but never quite accomplishing that because deep in the center there always remained a gentle hue of lilac.

When we were transferred to Minnesota in 1966, attempting to nurture flowering plants in a short, 6-week summer season was frustrating. So Dad turned to water plants, as we had a huge pond in our back yard. All I remember is that I had my own pond which meant I could swim in the summer, skim rocks and fish all year long and skate on the frozen water in the winter… even then, always a child of the sea… my mom used to say I would find a water world in a rain puddle. Dad wanted mallard ducks for the pond so he grabbed my sisters and me and we piled into the 1966 family station wagon and headed off to a duck farm.

Dad purchased 6 female ducks and 2 males. Being a “city boy”, he thought it was a perfectly sound decision to put one daughter up front and the other two in the back seat and then put the ducks in with us. Hey, how bad could this ride be as it was only 8 miles to the house? The minute Dad turned the engine on the ducks began flying all over the inside of the car. The quacking noise was deafening and this transplanted city family learned firsthand what happens when ducks get nervous.

Dad set land-speed records in getting us back to the house with my two younger sisters crying and screaming at the top of their 6 and 10 year old lungs… which did nothing to soothe the mood of the frightened ducks. The minute we pulled in the driveway, I opened the door and the ducks flew out and ran to the pond, quacking loudly and anxious to settle into their new digs.

My mom heard the commotion, came out of the house and looked at her ducksh*t and feather covered and crying daughters, turned to my dad and said, “Paul, what the hell did you do to the girls?” At the grownup age of 12, I recognized how funny that sounded and how we looked and I began laughing — which only made my sisters wail louder. All my dad could do is turn the outside water on and hose us and the car down. Needless to say, we city folk never picked up ducks in a station wagon again.

Have a wonderful day and watch out for station wagon ducks. Sea Witch