Girls and their trinkets

Blue
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

What is it about trinkets, pretty plates, lace and vintage anything that makes our little hearts flutter. For me I think it is the history and nostalgia. These cherished pieces bring joy to our days. We truly do love all that glitters and sparkles. I get so excited when I sign on to flickr and my flickr friends are sharing their beautiful things, vintage hankies, jewels, dishes, flea market finds, handmade creations. I find these ladies so very inspiring. Who ever came up with the word "eye candy" said it all!

The Birthday Hug!

The Birthday Hug!
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Tomorrow I will be 52 years old! UGH!!!! Seven years ago tomorrow I recieved a gift that would last two lifetimes. Tim was leaving to go back to school in Santa Barbara, it was my 45th birthday ,he was home for the weekend. When he left that afternoon I walked to his truck with him and he gave me a hug. But this hug was very special , it lasted a little longer and was a little tighter than usual, enough to make me aware that it was different. I didn't know then that it would be the last hug I would ever get from my sweet boy. Tim was killed 3 weeks later in Santa Barbara. It didn't take me very long to realize what an incredible gift Tim had given me that afternoon. How many times do you really remember something as simple as a hug or a quick kiss? I have cherished this memory everyday day for the last seven years and will cherish it for the rest of my life. How blessed I am to have this memory. As you can tell I wear my heart on my sleeve for everyone to see. I share this story because I like to think that it is things like this that make us take notice of the little pleasures in life that are not to be taken for granted. It is actually a happy day for me( except for the 52 thing!)

Charmed

Charmed
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

Next week Emma wil be 3 years old and since she and I are Birthday Buddies, I wanted to share a special treat with her. Emma and I have a very special bond that will forever hold a huge place in my heart ( a very long story that I shall tell at another time). Emma's mom has started a silver charm bracelet for her,so I have decided we will start a tradition and have a "birthday outing" every year to get a new silver charm for our bracelets.
I can remember my mother's charm bracelet as a child. She would always let me play with all the tiny charms to see which ones opened or moved. My mother started her bracelet around 1935 when she was working downtown San Francisco. Each Friday when she got paid she would go to the gift shop at the Saint Francis Hotel and buy a new charm. My mom had so many charms she filled 3 bracelets, overflowing . My bracelet , though still not so full, holds many memories of my own, from places I have been to charms with a special meaning to me. I think this will be the perfect gift for my "special birthday buddy".

A day at the races

A day at the races
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

At what point in your family life do you take note to how much things have change thru the years? A family outing on a Saturday with the children use to be a day at the park or going to feed the ducks. At 24 years old Katie wasnt in to taking a bag og stale bread to the pond, her choice was going to the race track. Who would ever have imagined someday we would be at the track looking over horses and having a beer with our "little ones". I must say the weather was glorious and we had great fun.

78 degrees today

78 degrees today
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

It is a day like today that is the reason we live in California, in homes that are under 2000 square feet, small back yards and cost over $1,000,000.00! It is one of those days that when you sit outside the the gentle breeze makes all the trees flutter with thier beautiful new leaves. A wonderful day to just take the time to sit and enjoy smelling the clean fresh air.

Idol Gives Back

Idol Gives Back
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

I am sitting and watching Idol Gives Back. As I sit and watch this program I am so moved by the pictures they show of all the children and families that are in need. Sometimes we forget that not everyone in the world lives like we do. We forget that not everyone has a dry warm house with a cozy bed to climb into at night. It has given me much to think about tonight when I say my prayers. I am reminded how very blessed I am for my family, health and home. I don't even have words that can explain how moved I am.

Fair Isle

fair Isle
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

My first Fair Isle project. I am finding this to be a very tense and difficult task. I have anew appreciation for many knitters. If I finish t both gloves it will be quite an accomplishment, If I don't I will have quite a snazzy ITouch case!

Flea Market Sunday

French Sailors
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

My favorite day of the month. The first Sunday of every month I cross the Bay Bridge to the Alameda Flea market. AH! The goodies, the eye candy. the chocolate banana muffins and coffee. I'm not sure if it is the shopping or the people watching that makes my day. I can spend the entire morning wandering and taking photos in a place where anything goes!. It is a day when you can see so many fun things that remind you of a day that has past. A day that you can dress in your most outrageous outfit and still fit in. Today I was on the hunt for birthday surprises for one of my oldest and dearest friends. The day was a great success. I am already looking forward to next month.

Hope in a tube

Hope in a tube
Originally uploaded by colleenbaptista

As I took my new face product out of it's box this morning I started to think ( I alway think about things much deeper than intended) What a wonderful concept. "Hope in a tube". Imagine the possibilities of having this tube on hand when ever needed. A little hope can go a very long way!. If this was truly possible I would give everyone I know a tube. I would carry several in my pocket to hand out to people on the street. Such an up lifting thought. My wish for today is that everyone have thier own "Hope in a tube"
Thanks for the beauty tip Carol and the inspiration!