Stacey came to the village ~ It's her birthday weekend. Happy Birthday Sweet Darling Niece

What do we live for if not to make life less difficult for each other?

-George Eliot

Stacey my darling sweet precious niece who I've told you much about came to the village on Saturday. It's the weekend before her birthday ~ April 21 so they loaded up their family and drove 10+ hours from Clearwater, Florida to visit with family. Look how cute they are. Brett of course ~ he's her man & their three 4 legged children ~ Trigger, Ace & Coco.

Trigger made the trip with no worries. He has a fort set up in the back of Stacey's sport utility with his siblings. Oh, but Ace wasn't happy back there ~ most of his time was spent on Stacey's lap sleeping on their long drive. I think he's the baby boy of the bunch, not really but he tends to think so. Their first stop was lunch with Nannie, and I got a take out bag from her lunch ~ yummy. Great sandwiches, chips, dip and even Key Lime Cake ~ Stacey's favorite.

Nannie had that special for her ~ birthday cake with candles to blow out.

Then off to the village ~ to see aunt hag ma (me).

Cute... don't you think they are all cute?

left to right... Trigger, Stacey, Brett, Ace & Coco. All sweeties, all with hearts of gold, all that work hard, all that love to play. Yes, that is all correct. Brett & Stacey do work very hard at their jobs. Brett, he's a chef at a resort in Clearwater, think I should go taste all that he cooks there. Of course, the pups work hard at getting to go to the beach dog park & getting their treats. I'm sure Stacey works hard at her job as well as keeping everyone
happy at home.
They all do their parts for sure.

We had an outstanding time together at the village. They met some of the great & wonderful village gals, got a tour that included garden spots ~ what fun.
Wish they were always close to home so these visits could happen more often.
In the meantime, we will take every chance we get to chat a bit & catch up.
Delighted they were here ~ so glad we had some time together. So glad for this special little family in my life ~ they are part of the fun crowd.

Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie ~ you are deserving of every good thing life sends your way.


Coco ~ the latest addition to their family was a rescue. Stacey picked her up on the road when her family moved and left her alone. See, heart of gold ~ right? She has adjusted to life with the 4 legged boys ~ siblings. She has adjusted to her new beach life.
She is just like her Mom, Stacey a cutie pie.

Next trip, Sweetness ~ you'll be leaving on a jet plane from Tampa to help Aunt Hag Ma with Lindsey's wedding. We have many jobs for you... a stay in our cabin ~ the North Georgia Mountains await our visit. I'm sure we will leave our mark ~ Lindsey's wedding promises to be filled with much fun. Just wait. We are all thrilled we have more time together real soon.

Now, have you registered for my first giveaway yet... what are you waiting for?
100th post giveaways only happen once.
You have until the 26th of April ~ to get your name in the hag hat. Yes, LuLu (2chippys)~ your name is already in that hamper ~ oh, my junk necklace awaits I remember.
I'm on my way to Lakewood 400 today to get that special order from Lulu.

excited ~ one vintage hag

New Beach Pictures from Stacey...a grateful "hag"...

good morning blog land... I had a good nights sleep, have new prospectives on life ~

and I appreciate the emails about David. He is going to be

wonderful ~as usual ~ you know he's my "rock"~!

we'd appreciate it if you would just say little prayers for him.

I'm even more grateful now for my "blog" ~

and the friend I stay in touch with

& new friendships this venue has opened.

So, Thank you, I love all of you~!

Have you heard of "Flip Flop Cottages"? A place I've always wanted to visit - its actually at the top of my current list. This mermaid picture came from their blog ~ "thank you" ~ it's a "beach hang on" that I look at often ~

and dream about our next trip whenever that will be?....

maybe I should print this one

and put it on the bathroom mirror....?

anyways... one day I will get the opportunity to visit there ~ they even "welcome pets" ~ so

I know Sebastian will be thrilled....Now, you have heard a lot about my "little mermaid" ~ Stacey, my darling niece in Clear Water, Florida.

Some new pictures from her to share ~ had those on email when I woke up today... I adore getting her emails ~ fun stuff~ we have the "smileys" going on too.

This is Stacey at a "Bay Coast" tent ~ not sure where -

Maybe its the one at the baseball park with "major league teams". She is a

natural "Social Butterfly" & has no trouble "running her mouth" ~

so, if that is what landed her this new job

"chat on" Stacey...

Girls do love to talk... Lindsey is the same way~!
And, I might add ~ tickled that "Stacey" will be helping with favors, guestbook and "Mom" projects at the wedding. See there Lindsey, Stacey will do little jobs for me ~ so, you and the bridesmaids will be free to do was you wish... we'll both be delighted~!

Some down time, off day...

At the beach (lucky duck...)~ with two of her "pooches"

(the look like the enjoy that) ~

and of course, Brett.

Looks cute in that little 'kini... doesn't she? You go "girl-y...".

Have a "sea gull" ... guess you can drive on the beach there ~
wish I was... at least walking there now.



Pretty Pretty beach with sun... "Brett" is way in the distance with the puppies...

and, you say I send "random stuff"... guess this is why you studied photography?
To take pictures of abandoned men on the beach?
Is this like maybe an Army type scuba diver... with this "flippers"?
Laughed and Laughed at this one ~ girl-y.... you are too funny~
and I must say take some good pictures you do...

I know you have heard of "footprints in the sand" ~ well these are
"pooch prints in the sand" ~ yes, another quite random shot...
Stacey keep sending me stuff ~ I adore hearing from you each day ~ and, I love the bonus pictures of where you are & what you're up too...be careful & safe~!
Much Love ~ "aunt hag"...

Gotta get some cleaning finished for my company tonight ~ then off the the "village" ~ my favorite diversion from "life" ~ see you shortly girls...

a very grateful ~one vintage hag

New Wallpaper...? What do you think? Heard From Stacey today... More "village" Pics from Monday

Okay, so a new look for "spring" ~ do you like my new wallpaper?

It's growing on me, If you happened to peak in a little earlier,

it was changed 30 times... but I landed on this one and think it's me...?

I do adore Roses & Taupe, so there you go.

Got something exciting in my mailbox today...

my first "Stacey" letter~! I was thrilled. I've gotten many emails

to this point but not a letter in an envelope...

She sent pictures of her "pooches" they are all... to cute~!

Especially, Coco whom she rescued.

I got pictures of the place she lives, pictures of the place she works...

and, yes Stacey the "key west salad" looks amazing... wishing I was closer to have that for

dinner... It's called "Bay Coast Coffee Market",

think I need to take a trip to Clear Water.

I got a free "muffin" coupon... bet that would be worth the trip.

& I got a two page typed letter.

I will have to look them up online and send some "coffee money".. that sounds good~!

Now, Stacey - I know you peak in so let me go ahead and tell you... you need to find out

Where "Airtran" flies that's close to you, "Aunt Hag" is treating for a round trip ticket for

"you" ~ Lindsey needs your help at her wedding. You will be there,

only without the long drive.... so ask off at work from July 9 to 12

and I will have you back on a plane for work the 13Th of July...

I love you... Surprise~!

Now, have I mentioned we have "Chocolate Eggs" at the "village" ~

Thanks Lew, I love them~! But have to stay away,

won't be able to fit in my "mother of the bride" dress...

Too cute, little framed vintage chick postcard. Its looking more and more like

Spring & Easter everyday...

Whimsy (that'd be Rjk) ~ has redone her spot. Looks pretty, she does

amazing windows too... they can even go outside ~ just don't use Windex on them.

I love the one with the geraniums.

Kl's spot looks great since her recent re-do ~ but there Is room for "much more".

Dari is ready for St. Patty's Day with these darling "glitter clovers" ~ stunning~!

I told you I like Roses... this is a great book on Antique Roses~!

Mag has quite a few lovely vintage Easter items.

Although new ~ this chick hit my hot button~! And, Only $4.00.

Bling... Tlw has added some "glitter" ~ really cute "spring sign"~!

Where are all your lovely chandeliers...?

oh, that's right you sold all but one~!

Get shopping with Mr. Tlw....I know he adores that.

Chicks, chicks... all sorts of chicks ~ some great vintage "chicks".

Come and get them... you need some~!

and, those tasty... little marshmallow Easter candies... have you had them?

hag has a great 2 pane old window ~ actually there are 2 ~ $12 each.

fox has a great black table & 4 chairs...tell your breakfast room ~here we come...

lbi ~ these Easter ephemera cards are the best...

and I love the lime green flower frogs. want one?

no,cute cute cute chick~ its not candy ~ but don't tell Lindsey ~

she will want to add to her Easter Basket ~ Mvh~!

Piggy ~ now that's a project. A great old rocker, with new fabric ~

ready for an afternoon with the staple gun.

mvh... did you get that cool "cafe sign" on your buying trip too?

treats for our "Matilda Jane" customers....

cinnamon clusters & minis from "chick-fil-a". Yum~!

told you a bit about the "hoot" ~ Lt this morning... she is a mess~ but I adore her.

Honored to have you and Vickie back at the "village"~

wasn't ever the same without you.

Now, that Matilda Jane little sweater is kinda cute with your "snazzy dress"~!

Yes, Shanna she is going to try that one on next... "Matilda Jane" has the cutest stuff.

Not much for women but wait til you see my new

Linen Ruffle Pants. Part of my Spring/Summer costumes for the "village".


Always up for a "grand time" ~ well come see us.

"The Charm House" is coming soon ~ how bout that.

It will be good to see her ~ after all these years.

Maybe Friday, so I'll have my camera.

Off to do some cleaning... found out my Aunt Judy & Uncle John

from Huntersville, North Carolina will be here Friday

afternoon... I've got a bunch to do before then.

see you soon... ~one vintage hag

Meet Stacey... My "Adorable", Energetic, Motivated, Sweetheart...I Love You ~ Stacey~!

This morning... Its my pleasure to introduce you to my

"Adorable", Energetic, Motivated, "Sweetheart" ~ My Niece ~ "Stacey".

Although for many years, Stacey together with my Sister, Kathy and her brother Brandon

have lived not so close to the rest of us. Kathy didn't care for the traffic and

hub bub of our little town, the town we grew up in. Because, this is where my "parents" were, because this is where I raised my Children and because this is where my business is...

I have always wanted to stay close.

Here, with everyone that means so much to me and my family.

Not intentional at all, not ever intended but Stacey and her family were far away... too far to stay close. Time to make up for lost time, now...

She is "adorable" ~ she has a drive for life that I wish everyone could.

It's only been recently that I have or should I say "we have" rekindled a relationship ~

one that means the world to me ~ to my family~!

"Stacey" needs someone to "love on her" ~ she deserves that "all the time"~!

So, if you are a parent like me. You will relate very well to this story.

Our children grow up in a flash ~ and then, they leave our "nest".

Left only to wonder ~ "have I taught them all they need to know", "will they be okay in this big world", "what if they stray", "what will I do without them".

I believe that as Parents we all wonder these things & more.

Stacey, being no different than any other child. Grew up, graduated from High School

where she had been a popular cheerleader ~ stayed rather close to home attending

North Georgia Technical College. Where she could come home in a hop, skip and a jump.

Then, the dreaded "she meets a guy..." oh, no... life will never the the same.

I'm sure as a Parent, like me... you've been there. I would like to think that I handled it a bit different, but in truth ~ I probably didn't. The one thing that I can tell you without any doubt, is that I have never turned my back on my Children. I've always been a support factor in each of their lives... like it or not, "their lives".

So, this "cutie" grown now... meets the "guy". Likes him a lot, actually "loves him". And, so their story begins. I'll leave out all the "dating" and "you knows" ~ they have been together for a while now. So, guess what happens next... after working together in a restaurant that "Brett" owned... they get a great "job opportunity" for both of them... Oh, but its in "Clear Water, Florida"~ a long way from home. They go and look, they find housing, they move their things & their "pooches" ~ they begin what promises to be a new life, full of opportunity. But her "Mom", my Sister ~ Kathy ~ doesn't like her being so far away, there are other things she doesn't like as well but I won't bore you with that.

Well guess what... that happens sometimes. I'm sure that I won't "like" Clayton being in

Missouri for over 24 weeks either... but if our Children thrive and love life and make a way for themselves... isn't that the ultimate goal?

I believe these quotes... to live by in this one shot at life ~

“For all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: 'It might have been.”

"If you believe in yourself, things are possible."

So, alone with her "dreams" and "hopes" ~ she is making her way in Clear Water, Florida.

She ask nobody for anything, ever. She just lives her life the best way she knows how.

With no hesitations, little doubts... she has a great "new job" in Marketing for a Coffee House... better than ours here, they actually offer good food with their coffee.

She is getting to watch "spring training baseball games" ~ you know the Atlanta Braves & all those teams.. She is living in a really nice resort area. She is getting a "tan" ~(right, Stacey...). All that, offered in a "great new job"...

She is living her life ~ making her way ~ making adult choices...

I must say, I'm very proud of my "precious niece" ~ I have been writing her "corny letters" with all those clip arts and goofy stuff ~ Moms come up with... I've been mailing her random stuff, you know...like a "pop tart" for the "pop tart" she is, that I love... admit it, you've done fun stuff like that too.

I've been emailing ~ because in my heart of hearts ~ I believe that

she is "okay" ~ she is "going to do great" ~ she is "making the most of her life" and she has

to be the one in charge of her own destiny.

Further, I believe... that Our Good Lord isn't going to help those

that don't help themselves...

So Stacey, "You Go Girl" ~ you make you way. You make your choices. It's your life to do with as you think best. And, I think this is "best".

We've all been told that the best life lessons are the ones we "learn".

Stacey, I'm very proud that you are "learning" and taking chances and "growing yourself" ~

into what I wish & hope & pray is a "Remarkable Lady" some day.

You are too young for that now, but I would love to say

"I knew her when...." ~ or "that's my Niece".

"Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it."

How cute is he? This is O'Ryan ~ Brett's Son.

Oh, yea.. now I know what the real problem is..

No, that's not true... I thank Our Good Lord ~ every day I'm given for sending David to me ~ and to Our Children.

What's wrong with the influence of this remarkable young lady ~ on this darling child.

I say "nothing". We wouldn't be where we are in this great life without him...

Stacey ~ your influence on O'Ryan wouldn't either...

So, today a dedication to a "Girly" that makes me proud. I admire your

determination, your drive for life, your energy, your steadfastness.

Gosh, Stacey...

that's many great characteristics for someone as young as you are.

You keep being "you" and keep trying hard...

you will become someone great sooner

than you may think.

Guess, you are "stuck" with "Aunt Hag" ~ her corny letters, smiley emails, "chicken" mascot...

and don't forget the random packages that will continue to come your way...

maybe, next a "sand bucket" ~ for a sweet gal that doesn't need a

"red nose"... trust me, when I tell you "it will be loaded with cool beach essentials".

My wish for you "Stacey" ~ a long ~loving, adorable, fulfilling, productive, rewarding, joyful, nurturing, beneficial & happy ~ "Stacey" life ~

you deserve all that & more.

I'll always be here for you~!

I love you... ~ one vintage hag

p.s. ~ a "song for you" ~ the second one, I can't take "Clayton's favorite" off yet ~ its the first one. "What the world needs now..." just for you~!