Fabric Alert!

Did you know that there is some fabulous fabric about to hit the shops? Mary Jane's "Glamping" collection is just sweet! Lots of colours, coordinates, and designs to choose from in this line being offered by Moda Fabrics. Even though I have my little "tin can" all decorated, there's always room for another pillow ;) or maybe a lap quilt for those chilly days. Take a peek...

To see all the colours and designs offered, check out this link:

http://www.unitednotions.com/fcc_glamping.pdf

                                                Happy sewing!

The Pleasure Chest

So here's my Pleasure Chest camping cooler. My father bought this before we went on a camping vacation to Cape Breton in the summer of 1960. It used to have a little metal tray (for ice), but that has been lost over the years. When I was in university some friends and I took this with us when we went camping. The name "Pleasure Chest" always made us laugh, especially my friend Joy. My dad decided that when he passed away, Joy should get this vintage cooler. So being the dutiful daughter, I fulfilled his wish. But guess what? Last summer Joy decided that the Pleasure Chest belonged with me, and she gave it back. (Thank you, Joy.) I think it's the perfect accessory for Betty, my vintage trailer. Dad would be absolutely delighted to think that old Pleasure Chest is still going strong some 53 years later!

Gift from the Sea

                          

This is what happened one day last summer when I had way too much free time. I emptied my trailer of all its red decor and restyled it. I basically just "shopped" the cottage and dragged out some of my coastal/cottage/nautical things. When you are only decorating 96 square feet it doesn't take too long to change things up! I've had that "She Sells Seashells" doll for at least 10 years. It started out burgundy, but now it's blue. That "Welcome Aboard" life ring came from the guest room.

Someone once said if you have more than three of something it counts as a "collection". I guess you could say I have a collection of nautical books including three from the Bobbsey Twins series, The Outermost House, and Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Every few years I reread this little gem while sitting in my beach chair with my toes buried in the sand!

Stompin' Tom Connors

                                            

This tribute was in our provincial newspaper today. A Canadian folk-legend, fiercely patriotic Stompin' Tom Connors, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 77. He got his nickname because when he sang he stomped his left foot (usually on a piece of plywood). His most well-known hits included "Bud the Spud", "The Hockey Song", and "Sudbury Saturday Night".  I guess you might say he was Canada's Johnny Cash!
Here he is singing my fave, his first hit from 1970, "Bud the Spud".

                                     

 "Bud the Spud" and "The Hockey Song" are available as children's books. Both selections are popular in my classroom.

Flashback!

                  

This vintage photo reminds me of my family. That would be me digging in the cooler, while my older brother figures out how something works, and my Aunt Gwen pours our drinks. Did you have a little dress like this too?  My mom used to make most of my clothes and I can remember her making a little blue and white one in this style. 

Just something to ponder: When were Happy Meals introduced?

If you would like to see more original vintage humor,

 just hop on over to http://annetaintor.com

I am sure you will find something that puts a smile on your face!

Mr. Magee Cracks Me Up!

                                      

Last spring I was on a quest to find this children's book. I checked my local bookstore, but no luck. I called Scholastic, because I had seen a copy with their label on it. The clerk looked it up and said it had been 5 years since it had been on their order list. Rats! I had over $300 in my Scholastic bonus coupon bank and they didn't have the ONE book I wanted. I told my sad tale to the school librarian. About a month later she was purging some books and guess what ended up in the discard pile? Later that week the librarian presented me with a copy of A Camping Spree With Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen. Oh happy day! If you have never read this book before, you must! With rhyming text and hilarious illustrations, it's the perfect story for young children. And how adorable is that cover sporting a very stylish, vintage trailer?

Heart Rocks

                              

Heart rocks, another collection of mine. I'm telling you, I never return empty handed from the beach, haha. In the summer I display my heart rocks on the ash plate of our wood stove, but when it's wood stove season I keep them in a Mason jar. Only one has any real significance. See that one on the far right of the bottom row? Found that on the beach the day after our oldest daughter became engaged. I think that might be a good omen ;)