One of the best things we truly enjoy to do in this Life is to give a little bit of our time to others. Sometimes we give too much and it’s fine too. We do not wait until someone calls for help to assist them; we offer to help. For instance, it breaks our hearts to see an elderly weeding or cutting down a tree. We know they are more than able to complete the task ahead of them; it’s just that ‘Compassionate Human Side’ of us which kicks in and urges us to act; to get up and reach out. Fighting it only makes it worse and leave us empty.
Most of the times, these individuals are reluctant to accept the help. When it comes to this, we barter for something (in our case that something never gets taken away). When at the end, they realized we tricked them, well, we all have a good laugh. We are always available to lend a hand and our help is always free. We strongly believe that helping someone should be free (of course, to some extend).
Last month after helping a neighbor remove the remainder of his tree stump, he surprised us with samples of beautiful Christmas Card collections and a gorgeous 2013 Boys TownTreasured Moments Wall Calendar. You see, he had to leave them in our mailbox because we politely made him understand that our help is free and he wanted to do something nice for us in return. That was quite a nice surprise and we thanked him.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to help out another neighbor clear the weeds in his front yard and organized his tools in the garage. I just got tired of seeing him sneezing and struggling to do the work himself. I cared less that he had a full house; I was more concerned about his allergies. He offered to pay which was a huge no-no for me, especially given the nature of the task. I said I would take a few branches of a Pine tree he had lying around (to use as plant border, see an example here). He agreed and we sealed the deal.
An hour later with a blistered finger, the job was complete. He was grateful and I was happy I could help.
Prior to leaving, I spotted what turned out to be a Vintage Wood Crate in his garage. As I began to inquire about the little treasure, he started moving his tools from the crate into an empty box and handed the crate over to me. How cool was that? In my state of gratitude I managed to let out a sincere thank you. The thing is, I have always wanted to own a Vintage Wood Crate and — oh, I still couldn’t believe that I was getting one.
Vintage Wooden Fruit and Vegetable Crate.
Here’s the slightly new and improved Vintage Wood Crate, serving now as storage for our Giveaways goodies. I cleaned it up, did a little sanding here and there and spray painted it. I used Brushed Metallic Satin Spray Paint Nickel for the crate and Brushed Metallic Satin Spray Paint Sparkling Canyon for the Tulip.
I was blessed to receive all these beautiful things because I gave of my time to assist someone else, freely.
Click here to learn about cleaning Wooden Antiques.
As I mentioned in an older post; I am drawn to old things with character.
I am pretty much what some people refer to as ‘old school’ and my darling Father calls me ‘an old woman in a younger body.’ I inherited a blue Vintage 1960’s Silk 2-Pc Wide Leg Lounge Set/Pajama from my late Sister, who had inherited them from our Mother. I am now saving it for my daughter, whom I hope, will cherish it as much as we all did.
Wide-Leg Pants have always been my absolute wardrobe staple. One of the best things about them is that they can be paired and styled in so many ways (and you don’t have to be ‘tall’ or ‘slim’ to look good in them as they flatter every body type and shape). There’s something about their slimming and elongating effect …
The other types of pants I own beside Wide-Leg Pants are Leggings, Skinny Jeans, Ankle Pants and my indispensable Straight-Leg Sweatpants; I absolutely adore Straight Leg Pants. You can pair all of the above with Short jackets, blazers, simple tops, solid tops, shirts, sweaters, sleeveless blouses, etc. You can wear them with towering Sandals, chunky heels, high heels, wedges and flats. It’s always a good idea to try a few and stick to what works best for your body type and shape.
Click here for some tips on how to wear them and where to buy them.
I get so excited every time I find a new Vintage Store and get to buy something from the past. Sometimes it’s not about the buying, but seeing all the beautiful furniture. That was exactly the case this Saturday.
After a quick stop at the post office to mail some gifts to my niece and goddaughter; we decided to take a drive to Apple Valley, CA in hopes of locating a Church. We found the Church and walked around the premises; however, we didn’t get the information we were seeking as the office is closed on the weekends.
On our way back I spotted a sign which said VINTAGE GYPSIES and we all agreed to stop by the shop and take a look. The shop is located in the Historic Roy Rogers Apple Valley Inn complex and the view is breathtaking. For those like me who are new to the area; we can only be amazed by its beauty and try to recreate, in our minds, the paradise this land once was. It is literally breathtaking.
The shop carries beautiful vintage furniture and gifts. You will find antique jewelry, restored furniture, books, some clothing, lamps, paintings, housewares, kitchenware, cameras, tools, some collectors’ cars in original packaging, bird cages, mirrors and so much more. Beckie, the shop owner is so friendly and always ready to help.
This is a place that has beautiful items that are worth seeing and buying. I will definitely be going back.
Vintage Gypsies
21880 Us Highway 18 Apple Valley, California 92307 1 (760) 953-5236 Email: vintagegypsi@aol.com Facebook Page or here.
Shop hours:
Wednesday – Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Check out her Facebook Page for additional information as dates and times are subject to chance.
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The Apple Valley Inn along with the restaurant was once leased by movie star Roy Rogers, when his wife Dale Evans and their family became residents of Apple Valley, in 1965. The Inn was then renamed Roy Rogers’ Apple Valley Inn. Click here to learn more about The Apple Valley Inn.
As we know, all trees grow from seeds. Some grow from stem cutting and others don’t. Success often depends on the timing, the type of tree and as well as the methods of propagation (Rooting, Seeding, Grafting, Cuttings, Layering, Separation, Division, etc).
Mulberry
I grew the Mulberry on the right using a branch from the main tree. It started by mistake, really. In December 2010, we cut off some branches from the main tree and decided to use them as decoration for the backyard. We placed them in pots and added dirt and water to hold them in place. After about two weeks, I spotted new buds at the base of one of the branches.
Young Mulberry Tree.
As surprised and amazed as I was; I cringed at the idea of having a second Mulberry tree as they shed all their leaves in the Fall and I do not look forward to raking and picking them up (though I always do). On the other hand, I told myself, why not? We could always use the shade it provides during Summer (and Summer here is really hot). So, we planted it somewhere in the backyard and it’s been almost two years now.
Navajo Globe Willow
Growing up in his parents home; Eduardo’s Dad got a hold of some willow Saplings which grew and grew and grew. On one of his visits he asked if it could grow from a branch and his Dad said” Yes they can and will”. Three branches about an arm’s length came from the San Joaquin Valley up to the High Desert and after sprouting roots and getting planted; only one branch survived. After a year or so, we cut a branch from that first one and after it grew roots; we set it down with plenty of water to drink. They are both doing well so far.
By JM Perez
