Hart 2 Heart

Did I mention. . .?

Spring is springing!

Thank you all who commented here and on my facebook page about the Faberge cookies. I found out that they were to be given as favors for a special event at the Russian Embassy, to honor a philanthropist who gives generously to the Russian-American community. I'm hoping to get some photos. . . we shall see! It took me a few days to recover from their production, and while taking a moment off, I was able to stop and smell the roses.

This bush is always my favorite. It is the most prolific bloomer and the flowers burst open like flames.

This one's a bit more subtle, but very purdy. I also have yellow, red and purple roses in my garden. I always like the look of a monochromatic flower garden, but I could never do it myself. There are just too many beautiful colors to choose from.

When my dad was visiting in January, we planted these pretty pots. The funny thing is, we did not plant that glorious yellow Ranunculus. It was actually a volunteer, that showed up later. I do enjoy a lovely surprise.

I planted my Calla Lilies when we first moved into our house 12 years ago, and they bring it every year. 

I'm loving succulents more all the time. This basket hangs near my side gate to the backyard. It's been looking good for a couple years now.

And last on my scenic tour is the harbor view we enjoyed for Easter brunch. After baking and decorating cookies non stop for Easter, there was no way I was going to pull off an Easter celebration at home. So I made reservations. The weather was absolutely perfect, as were the mimosas and lobster benedict. yum. 

Hope you're enjoying Spring wherever you are. See you soon!

 

Field trip!

This is where the other half plays. Trump National Golf Club happens to be just up the road from where we--the "other" half-- live (aka, "the hood").

Donald was nice enough to make a lovely trail for us to get down to the ocean. So off we went, Andy, Lanky and I, on a beautiful summer day.

It's a bit of a hike, especially for the out of shape member of the trio, but it was well worth the effort.

We're told that Weimaraners like the water, but so far, Lanky is not very interested.

He prefers to relax and blend in with the sand.

We happened upon this interesting stone formation on our hike.

What a beautiful day it was.

 

 

 

 

 

The Corner Store

Sunday I had a trunk show at the Corner Store here in San Pedro; another reason to love our harbor town.

I began my business 9 years ago when the previous owners (Susan and Marissa) hosted a neighborhood crafts and collectibles fair on the 3rd Sunday of every month. I shared a table with 2 dear friends. Angela sold her mosaic pieces, and Anne brought her baby quilts. I made 5 dresses for that first sale, and sold one, to a friend. I had fun, and came back by myself the next month and sold 2! That's how it all started. 

I kept going back every month for a couple years, until the Corner Store neighbors (it only takes one!), had a fit, and they had to stop having the fair. You see, the store is tucked in a little neighborhood near the ocean, next to a surf shop, and nothing else. And actually, it's not on the corner--one door down. Peggy (sitting at the table above) bought the Corner store a couple years ago.

I've spent many hours walking by the ocean, followed by a lovely latte at the Corner Store. Peggy invites me back to have a trunk show a couple times a year.

It's great to get back to my roots. I still have customers stop by that purchased from me at those very first fairs. One woman bought a tee shirt for her daughter (now 10!), who used to wear my baby clothes. 

Much has changed over these past years. 9 years ago, this was a little side line, as I was still playing the saxophone for a living. I'm happier now than I ever was, being at this full time, working at home, as I wait for Emmet to get off the school bus. Did blogs even exist back then? 

Why I love San Pedro

Well, one of the many reasons. Just a couple blocks from our house is Weymouth corners. On 8th street between Weymouth and Averill is a block full of charming businesses and other points of interest. 

Right on the corner is a cute little flower shop.  There are no chain businesses here. Most are small and family owned.

This is the view down the street. It seems very mid-western, but without the snow banks (notice, the lady getting out of the car is not wearing a parka). Though it was a gloomy day--not great for photos. Anyway. . .

Rosalie and Alva's Ballet school and theatre was opened in 1952. Their story is amazing, and typical of many folks in San Pedro. Their son started a live music performance series at the theatre, showcasing some phenomenal jazz artists.

Then there's Lou's Floor Covering. They have granite too, just in case you need to pick up a slab. 

This is the lovely window of Mia's Boutique. Not quite as big and over the top as those in NYC, but fabulous none the less.

This is Vicky the shop keeper/owner. Her mother owned the boutique for years, then Vicky's daughter bought it, now Vicky has it! Vicky has also worked for me on occasion. She is a master organizer (my biggest deficit), and very creative with display and interiors, not mention one of the sweetest ladies I know.

Next door is Polly Ann's Bakery, where my son likes to stop on the way home from the bus stop.

And perhaps most important and very convenient, is our little post office. It's run by the Assistance League, an all volunteer staff of very dear ladies. Like this one. . .

I'll  be hanging out there tomorrow, when I finally get my Christmas boxes in the mail.

There are many other attractions in Weymouth corners, including a delicious Chinese restaurant that has been there for several decades, a jewelry store, hair salon, co-op preschool, and a church. The only thing we really need is a coffee place--independently owned, please.