He Started a Revolution and Ended up A KING......

Signing the Wall at Graceland





  When you think of Memphis you think of Elvis.  I grew up with him watched every movie he ever made, and heard every song he ever sang.  I was present at his last concert in Cincinnati months before his death and I remember vividly the day he died.   Now I have been to his home, seen his honeymoon hideaway along the the beautiful ranch where he hosted BBQ's.  The ranch is now empty and up for sale and few even know he owned it.   I was amazed at the impact he had on the community and the visitors.  The energy was that of "reverence" in front of Graceland.  There was a steady stream of tour buses along with cars and travelers from all over world.  The signing wall at Graceland was amazing up close and I had to be a part of it.  I have had an ELVIS influence since I could walk and there has been no one since that has had the impact on the world that Elvis has had.  I was so fortunate to have spent the weekend with new friends who had grown up in Memphis and have had personal stories to tell about him.  I can't tell you how much I loved hearing the first hand accounts of the brushes with the King.  They made me laugh and miss him that much more.  I had gone to Memphis to enjoy the Beale Street Music festival and was gifted so much more than music.  Thanks Audrey and Derek for opening up your home and making me feel welcomed you two are the symbol of Southern Hospitality.    I hope you check out my "Elvis is my Boyfriend" pendant on my web page and check back I am adding a few new "Boyfriend" pieces soon! LONG LIVE THE KING!

Outside Sun Recording Studio

Gates at Graceland

                                      

Evening With Ms. Yvonne

Last night I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Yvonne Russo.  She now is on my BFF short list.  She was in town for a lecture at Miami University.  Yvonne was brought in town by another good friend Sande for viewing of the film Naturally Native which Yvonne had produced.  This was the first film she had produces and it was the first film to be entirely financed by a Tribal Nation.  It won her the "Producer of the Year" award from the American Indian Film Institute at the age of 24.  She has traveled the world and she is currently working for National Geographic in Washington DC.  Her bio is only a spark of the shining star that she truly is.  She was open and genuine and quick to laugh.  All the characteristics I love in a person.  The evening was wonderful, great food and even better conversation. Her talent and love of what she does was truly inspiring for me.  Her motto is: "If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life".  I can relate I love to create and bring things back to life.  I also love to find vintage treasures to add to my ebay store.  Last night was just the beginning of what I hope will be a long friendship with my new BFF.

Painted Toe Nails

Today spring official arrived, temperatures in the 70's again and sandals on.  To make it official I painted my toe nails the hottest pink polish ever made.  Now there is no turning back!  I have decided to do more for myself.  I recently started a Yoga class which has worked wonders on my over all well being.  It's not so much the class as the simple act of putting myself first.  I have been working hard on my Ebay store and pushing out my back log of inventory with little focus on anything else.  It is all about balance, one must find a center and try to maintain. I have discovered centered and balance is not answer.  The answer is the mindfulness of stretching for center.  Mindfulness of the beauty in the sunshine, warm breeze and the flowers that bring one pleasure.

That being said I have pulled my pretty spring purses out to add to my page and add to my ebay store.  Make sure you check them out my ebay store name is little6271.

Going, Going, Gone!

Hand Made Red Crochet Dress 50's Doll

This past weekend I received an urgent call....."quick you gotta get over here the house around the corner is having an auction!"  The house was 2 miles away and in the time it took to drive there I received 4 more urgent calls..."They have thousands of old dolls from all over.....you better hurry!".  My bud Melissa was right!  The estate was fantastic!  It was a house full of antique furniture, and every collectible you can think of.  It was a pickers dream come true! Unfortunately for me this town is filled with dealers and their dream came true too.  At the peak of the auction there were 300+ people.  Things were going for a pretty penny.   I spotted several things of interest but most were bid so high that it was ridiculous.  I did manage to get a few cherished items at a reasonable rate.  The dealers must have been getting tired.  I managed to pry from a doll dealers hands one box lot out of blinking story book dolls and a lot of dolls from other countries.  The Native American pieces are my favorite, they show such workmanship that you rarely find.  Enjoy the view!

Hand carved Wooden Native Grandmother Doll

I am planning on posting a few dolls on my web page along with a collection of vintage material and silk scarfs from this auction on ebay.  Make sure you check them all out!  My ebay store is little6271

OLD Native American Split Hickory Strawberry Basket

The God's Are Smiling

Today the God's are smiling on me.  As normal in my haste to get my ebay packages to the post office and make it to the Dentist on time, I put a wrong addressed on a package.  This is not unusual I have a rolling average of losing something once a week.  So this one would be my package for the week.  I discovered the error approx. 6 hours after leaving the post office.  Upon discovery I made a mad dash to get the other orders out and correct the error. 

I purchased a 1954 Chevy Tin Woody Station wagon a year ago and I have been anxious to get "Lucy" her road legs.  The brakes were fixed over the weekend and she is ready to roll.  Today it is sunny and in the 60's and I figured why not?  Let's see what she's got.  She started with the first crank and sounded like a dream.  We were off to the post office!  Hopefully no officers of the law would pull behind us.  I have tags but one tail light is out.  I was just happy we could stop her if we needed to.  Did I mention middle school was just letting out.  She made it with no problems other than the heavy smell of fumes.  Never mind the big hole in the floor.  Because of my dear friends at the post office Pam and Becky my mistake was diverted and all is well in the world.  I owe them both big time!  Thanks Girls you are the best!

Spring IS Here

SnowDrops First Blooms of Spring



The Four Seasons

 Today I have to say spring has arrived here at the Little compound. I have my first bloom from my tiny Snowdrops.  This sure sign that warmer weather is on the horizon has inspired me.  Today I planted my garden seeds and I am launching my 4 Seasons Pin Up Magnets on my blog.  These magnets have been so much fun to create.  I started with a tiny piece of vintage lace that I couldn't trow away.  I then added the pin-ups next a sparkling jewel or two and finished off with a splash of fairy glitter.  They take time to create but they have become a labor or love. 

Closer View

Closer View

Scary Sunday

This past Sunday our house was filled with people.  We celebrated my dad's 91st Birthday!  I was preparing the food and getting the house together for around 15 people when I got the dreaded call that started with  "Popples is not acting right".  Popples is my one and only grand puppy which I adore.  My heart dropped as the hoards of people started to stream in along with the birthday boy himself.  After a half of a dozen calls we finally got through to the emergency vet clinic that was 30 miles away.  I set the kids off with her and joined in the festivities.  The mood was light and festive and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, even the 91 year old who usually doesn't enjoy anything.  He even put on his party hat and Mardi Gras Beads and transformed into OUR tribal leader. Around nine the vet informed us that Popples had probably been poisoned and that she was stable but we would know more by morning.  After a long sleepless night the call came that Popples was fine and ready to be picked up.  She is home now and all is well with the world.  Here is a shot of my baby and her baby Popples.  Note the cool necklace that is one from my Lazarus collection!