;; But I Had A Tiara: nostalgia
Showing posts with label nostalgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nostalgia. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Whimsy On Wednesday, My Napoleon Dynamite Chair

Awhile back I posted about how much I love whimsy, and why. I meant to start posting about whimsical things sometimes, thinking "Whimsical Wednesdays" has a cute ring to it.

That was awhile ago and, well-- no more whimsy has made it’s way to this blog, on a Wednesday or any other day. At least not intentionally. But you can bet I have been collecting whimsy in real life. I like a little chuckle, something that tickles my fancy, every once in awhile. It sort of breaks up the monotony around here, the hum-drum of everyday life...because that really happens alot around here, as you can imagine.

One of my friends commented, “Unfortunately, that line between whimsical and tacky is varying widths, and some folks need glasses to find it.” Okay, THAT made me laugh because it is so true! I hope I don’t cross that line.

But you might wonder when you see my whimsy for today…

Since I referred to it last week, I thought that, today, I’d post about my cheerful and ugly whimsical chair.

DSC01148Here’s the picture from Craigslist. It’s a little blurry because it’s a picture of a picture that I took to send to my niece. I knew she’d laugh.

This is my Napoleon Dynamite Chair. It’s a 1940’s chair with 1970’s upholstery. I bought it off Craigslist for 50 bucks. I love the eclectic, risky retro feel of it.

And anyway, it’s sort of a test piece. Right away I have a gauge by which to measure one’s likes and dislikes, maybe even personality or mood, based on their reaction to this chair when walking into our music room.

It sort of takes you by surprise when you walk by the door and ---WHOA! There it is!

I think that’s funny. I love seeing and doing the unexpected.

IMG_2349I’m not loving the area rug, so it will eventually be changed.

When I sit there, I am surrounded by things I really like, many of which remind me of people or events I treasure. I even love the french doors leading into the room.

Some people don’t like my silly chair. That doesn’t hurt my feelings at all. Because I know it’s questionable. Even my own sons don’t like my chair. I think that’s funny too.

Personally, I think it’s a hoot -- not to mention practical. It has really wide, flat arms where I can rest a book (or a magazine) or a cup of coffee. I keep a Bible which belonged to Grandma M, an adopted grandma of ours who recently passed away, on one of those arms too, where I can think of her often.

IMG_2365

My sons say there is a floral couch in the movie Napoleon Dynamite which they think looks alot like my chair. They paused the movie at just the right moment and showed me which couch they meant. It was important to their emotional development that I acknowledge the similarity. And, being the caring, sensitive mom that I am, I went with it. And, ya, okay, I’ll admit -- it does have the same basic colors. But mine has a much denser floral pattern. It’s even a bit louder!

There it is, all situated and comfy. You can see how big and cozy it is when I curl up in it, cuddled up in the blanket the stewardess told me I could take if I didn’t tell because she isn’t supposed to advertise that we can take them I acquired from Lufthansa, once fall sets in. In a long, long time from today.

That blanket, though tucked under the pillow and not really a compliment to the chair, gives me something to snuggle in, and reminds me of the trip I took to India and the precious people there, who I will always remember.

IMG_2363

The picture that hangs above it was left to me by Grandma K, another adopted grandma. She was our neighbor when we first got married. Her husband gave it to her when they were dating and he wrote on the back of it. I always admired it hanging on her living room wall. So here it hangs in our home, where I think of her every day. It is perfect for a music room.

IMG_2362

Even the books and the plant on the table are special for one reason or another. The chair just gives me one central place where I can have all of that loving goodness in one very whimsical spot!

IMG_2354

What whimsy do you have in your life that makes you chuckle, or think about those you love?

I love whimsy.

I’ve been saving it up so I have lots to share too!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Secondhand Saturday

Today I went on a mission to find some items for my homeschool room repurposing projects. I did get some goodies I am excited to share sometime.

And, ummm, well, I brought home these lil sweeties.

Jewelry, Bakelite Bangles Bakelite Bangles, Circa 1930s

Okay, so while they don’t help my storage problems, they will look awfully pretty on my arm as I read to my lambies, therefore making the entire room a sunnier place. See how that works?

I’m not big into “stuff” but I do love, Love, LOVE vintage and antique jewelry. That’s really all I wear. Oh stop. You know what I mean. I like clothes too, and wear them everyday. But, even more -- I love to accessorize with unique vintage jewelry.

Bakelite is so fun and colorful, especially if you put a few together. Doesn’t really matter if the rest of your outfit is somewhat nondescript, these make the whole thing POP!

I have looked at Bakelite bangles at antique shops, shows and expos for a few years now, in hopes of finding a stack of my own. Though I have found a few as gifts as well as a couple look-alikes, usually either my hands are too big or the price is, so I have just enjoyed looking at the colorful displays. Until today …

I was pretty happy to find these, which actually fit over my hands, at a garage sale --- for TWO DOLLARS EACH! Don’t worry, I got several other good deals today too, even a couple for the homeschool room, as I originally intended.

I love a good deal! It was a pretty good day that way. How ‘bout you?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Comfort TV



It is 12:03. I had the news on channel 12 because of the snowy road conditions.

The clock stuck 12 and I heard the musical introduction of Perry Mason.

As a young girl I would watch Perry Mason when I stayed home sick from school. I'd eat noodle soup and grilled cheese if I was up to it.

I think Perry is handsome and distinguished.

I think I was watching Perry when the news of the assassination attempt on President Reagan interrupted.

I also think I was watching it when Israeli Prime Minister Anwar Sadat was assassinated.

Today my little daughter and I are cuddled up now on the bed, watching the black and white film together as she asks me "Is it going to stay dark like that?".

Think I am going to get some noodle soup for us on the next commercial.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

1984. Because I Can And Because It's Funny.

This is when my friend Brad from my Teen Missions days came to visit our family from Idaho with a few of his friends. I remember the trip but I have no recollection at all of this picture being taken and I do not know where we were. Maybe in front of the Willamette River in downtown Portland? Anyhew. I'm lovin' it.


Me. 1984. Feathered hair. Rabbit fur coat.

My mother. Pink leather coat with fur trim. Layered hair.

My Princess Sister Toe-Toe. In a brown ski coat.

My baby brother Bubba T. Bun wearing a tribal animal head.


My brother Wuzaker-Buzaker. Wearing a
rainbow ski coat. (Click on his name and then scroll down to where it says "Uncle Josh" and shows my son with a guy in glasses, and you can see what he looks like now:)

My brother Hievel.
He has such a nice bowl cut. Hmm, I wonder who cut his hair in those days?
(Yes, it was me. And, no, I did not use a bowl. I am a freehand artist. It was in style then for little boys okay?)

Yes, these are childhood nicknames bestowed upon young, helpless siblings. They are not their real names so don't make any remarks about us being from the backwoods.


And, no. It is NOT okay for you to say I am becoming my mother. Got it?
(No offense mom. It's just one of those things! I'm just kidding, of course!)

Where is your picture from 1984? Or were you even BORN yet?