Have Been Busy---White Elephant Sales and all~~~

Well Darlings,

You are just going to have to forgive me for not posting for so long, but I have been very busy.

First of course, were the taxes and fortunately they were exactly as I had expected. My tax preparer is always so happy that I keep excellent records; well it does help to work with him throughout the year, especially if one has any questions. When I was with my friend Michelle in Reno, I did have some substantial winnings, but they will be for the 2008 taxes.

Then the garden, while we had some good weather I had my gardener work on the garden to make sure that I would have blooming flowers all year round and right now the plum and cherry trees are in magnificent full bloom, but it does aggravate one’s allergies, but I’m a bit fortunate in that regard, just some sneezing and sniffles and it’s worth it to see all that beauty.

I hired Manuel, Juanita’s son-in-law to work on the platform dock that I have to make sure that it is solid and to upgrade it so that when the weather is fine one can have coffee or cocktails without it sinking into the water. He did a wonderful job, and I was surprised to discover that he is such a fine craftsman with wood furniture, an artist really; I’m going to recommend him to a number of my friends who are doing some remodeling in their homes.

And I’m still decorating my home, well Darlings it never stops. I had a spare bedroom that I had not furnished yet, I wanted to continue my art deco/art moderne theme, but it was finding the right bedroom set. Now my house has 3 bedrooms, mine, and one that I converted for Juanita’s use and one spare bedroom but it wasn’t ready when Michelle stayed a couple of nights earlier this year.

But finally I found it and could get a nice tax write-off, The Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale, my brother Tom and his wife, Lois and I never miss it and this year we were prepared as always, Tom’s two sons and their wives were also coming with us and we had their trucks with rented trailers attached for our haul.

I asked Juanita if she wanted to come with us and she did. It was there that I found it, the perfect bedroom set, it had that wonderful round vanity mirror with the vanity and matching chair, two night stands, a dresser, double bed and an armoire with a mounted mirror. And a bonus, I also found the perfect table that would go with my Bogart Lux Dinning chairs; I just could not believe my luck with all of that.

My brother found some furniture to go into his cabin to replace some odd pieces that were there and that would match the décor a bit better and Lois, the girls and I found some jewelry we couldn’t live without (I know it sounds so, well you know, but it was fun). I also found a statue in the art deco style, my sister-in-law Lois came across a painting of an old western town street scene and we agreed that it was perfect for the cabin, Tom and the boys fell in love with it.

Juanita was also very lucky, she found the perfect chaise lounge chair and reading lamp that she had been looking for her room, just right to rest in with one’s feet elevated to read or watch T.V. and also a good sturdy table for her T.V. and DVD player.

So with all the loading and unloading we were delightfully tired, but it didn’t end for Tom and his boys, they all were going up to the cabin at Donner Lake to take the furniture and to check on the Cabin for needed repairs. So after a late lunch off they went while Juanita and I dusted and polished our hard won prizes.

But poor little Princess was feeling a bit neglected so I moved her little bed into the spare bedroom while I polished and cleaned everything to my satisfaction and she had the fun of trying to curl up in my lap as I sat on the floor cleaning every single bit of carving on the furniture. She even fell asleep. Juanita came in and laughed at the fact that I dared not move with my little darling sleeping in my lap, but move I must much to the little darlings’ complaints.

Juanita was very proud of her finds and they fitted into her room just perfectly.

Just when we took a break to have a bit of coffee the door bell rang and it was my sweet darling Kenneth, asking if he could treat me to dinner and an auction preview and I said only if I could go casual.

Then I took a look at Kenneth’s shirt and it was the exact type that Charlie Sheen wears on “Two and a Half Men” (well I do like the humor in that show), so with my (dare I say it) jeans, flannel shirt, tennis shoes and my hair it a cherry print scarf, and his Dockers and Charlie Sheen bowling shirt if that is not casual, then we don’t know what is, so off we went. But I had to sneak Princess with me; she had been neglected enough for one day.

Juanita was fine as her daughter called and she and Manuel were coming to pick her up to go to a relatives house for dinner, so freshening up my face, bundling Princess in her carryall off we went and had fun at the auction preview and made plans to come back the next day for the auction itself.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend, Tom and his family arrived at their cabin just fine without any problems and would be staying there for the week I had asked my friend ‘Mean Kitty’ if she had wanted to go with us to the White Elephant Sale but she had to work that day and hoped she would be lucky on Sunday.

I got lucky at the Auction as well and was able to purchase some jewelry at below their value. And here is where there is another lesson for all you Darling Diva’s.

Jewelry is also a good investment, no matter what, the value of gold and silver is always going up, so are gems, there is only a finite amount to go around, the only one that can be manufactured is pearls and to a certain extent coral, but if the seas or waters are not the right temperature then even pearls will not be available.

There are two prices to look at in terms of jewelry, their cash value (that is the amount of gold or other precious metals or gems) and their design value (that is the design if it is unique and by a well know company or designer) the second can be more valuable than the first.

I have a friend of mine and she will buy what she calls “casual jewelry” at Mervyns or T.J. Max, and sometimes at Macy’s on sale---what she does is takes photo’s of the pieces, puts them in a catalogue binder, tapes the purchase price and what was the original price next to each picture of each piece, this way when she plans to sell them she’ll know what to ask for it. And she has always made a profit.

But this is also true with your good pieces as well, always keep the receipt for the purchase price on file, and then after 5 years get an updated appraisal on it as well.

And all you Diva’s out there who get engaged, remember this---there are several rules about the engagement ring, one of which is traditional, if you break off the engagement you are suppose to give the engagement ring back, if he breaks off the engagement you can keep the ring because it is also a gift or promise to be married.

The only time I would absolutely give the ring back even if it is he who breaks the engagement off, is if the ring is a family heirloom from his family, even if you are the one who breaks the engagement off and the ring is a family heirloom return it, since it would not have any sentimental value to you, by giving the ring back (since it’s an heirloom) you would be looked upon as being an honorable person. If you keep it then be prepared to be sued in court for the ring or its value. A true Diva does not wish to have the head ache of going to court. But always find out first if the ring is an heirloom or if he bought it.

Now there is a gray area here, if he bought the ring and you break off the engagement, then you should give the ring back, but sometimes the ring is kept by the ex-future bride, in that case one of two things will happen either the ex-groom will demand the ring back and even go to court (so be prepared to be sued) or he will walk away and forget the whole thing, the latter rarely happens so it would be best then to give the ring back when you break the engagement, but anything else he gave you (and make sure even in writing) that these are gifts, so you may keep them---if he includes a card or something that indicates it was a period of gift giving, write on the card the date and what he gave you, this will be at least limited proof of his gift giving. Whether this will hold up in court will be up to the judge, but by having the gift cards with the dates it could help your defense. If he asks any questions just say you’re sentimental and also for insurance purposes.

If you do go ahead and get married and then eventually divorced, the rules are this, if he bought the rings you keep them. If they are family heirlooms give them back, it is so much simpler that way---but any jewelry that he buys you or you buy your self---that is yours, only family heirloom jewelry that is from his family should go back. Unless it is stipulated that it is to go to your daughters, in this case it would be best to be magnanimous and speak to your mother-in-law in regards to the heirloom jewelry without interference from your soon to be ex-husband and let her know that you wish to know her feelings on that matter. She will look upon you in a different and positive light, even if her feelings towards you maybe hostile and she acts like a witch, she cannot deny that in regards to the matter of the family jewelry you were honest.

But if you are single and having fun and your man of the hour gives you “bling”, then be calm and collect it, and make sure that the gift card lists the date and the item he gave you and then lock it up in a bank safe deposit box where he can’t get his hands on it.

Just on the news last night, I heard about gold going over $1,000, of course weakening the dollar, but I knew that was coming, since I follow the business and stock news. That is why I have been looking at stocks with growth potential that can weather this unsettling economic situation so remember even jewelry is going go to up in price , don’t waste you money on something that is 10k unless you regard it as just above costume jewelry, make sure it is at least 14k or 18k.

And also about all those little doggies that were going to the Marin animal shelter being rescued from an elderly couple that had over 800 dogs in their home!!! Well I wrote out a check as a donation to help out with the feed and care of those poor things.

Now before anyone thinks that I think more of animals than of people, I do think of people, there is this one charity that I donate regularly that supplies wheelchairs to needy disabled people, I also donate to a women’s shelter and several others that help women in need and children. Women, Children and pets are the one’s that have no voice in this world.

Of course some of you are going to say to me, “but you don’t have children” I have nieces and nephews so I know how it’s like for a child, I am a woman so I know how it’s like for a woman. And yes I do eat meat and I do wear fur, but those are from animals that are specifically bred for that, but even then I do believe that when an animal is made for human consumption it should be done humanely. And I will make no further excuses. Diva’s never make excuses Diva’s just do it.

Well Darlings, it is now Friday and I have plans for this weekend, so Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.

Random Holiday Thoughts

Well Possums,

The weather outside is cold and frightful, but as the song says, thanks to central heating the temperature inside is delightful.

I hope all you Diva’s and Diva’s-in-Training had a marvelous Thanksgiving holiday, I know I did with my friends and then I had the opportunity to visit my Brother and his wife in Santa Barbara, they have such a wonderful Spanish style home with a magnificent view of the Ocean. Of course knowing how dry drought conditions can be and considering all the fires that have been happening, he has taken very serious steps to insure that his home will be as fire safe as possible. All the usual precautions but also a most interesting pump system in which the entire house and grounds will be sprayed with water in case of fire----all it takes is a telephone call to trigger it if he’s away at work.

He hopes he never has to use it.

And of course I got to see my nieces and nephews as well, and I’m happy to say that a couple of weddings are in the planning stages, I advised them to make it simple and to not over do anything, see what the catering firm and the banquet hall can offer and focus on the wedding vows. Who knows before long there will be (I hope) little Diva’s in training for an Auntie to spoil.

Juanita had a wonderful Thanksgiving with her family and friends, I called her and said to take a few more days off as I was going to be a while with my own family, who I must confess also spoiled my little Diva Darling, Princess.

And now Christmas time is here, All right Diva’s now what do you do for the holidays.

There is one thing that I always advise Diva’s---do not forget the true meaning of Christmas. It is the time of giving, not just the giving of expensive gifts that can totally crash one’s credit card----that is the commercial aspect drummed up by corporations to extract from you from your hard earned cash on trivial things.

No Darlings----give something that will help----there are charities that help the homeless, battered women, needful children, food for families that are in need, who can barely rub to nickels together for warmth. There are the elderly, the forgotten, and the sick.

Look for charities that will help them such as Toys for Tots, St. Jude’s Hospital, Doctors without Borders, any local Food Bank, a local Church’s soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels and many more. Check your newspaper to see where help is needed.

Not to brag but I donate to St. Jude’s hospital and since I do not have children of my own I give to Toys for Tots, and Doctor’s without Borders. As well as other charities. Does it salve my conscious because I have while many do not?

Well Darlings not to sound maudlin but I put that question to my dear friend Mean Kitty----now she can have the sharpest tongue on this planet, but she looked at me and said (and I quote her) “It is important in life to help those not as fortunate, because by any act of kindness it just may be the very thing needed to help someone get back on their feet, but do not seek praise for it---just do it and don’t look back----Jesus once asked his apostles several questions and when they responded in the right way he said, “Feed my Flock, Guard my Sheep” His Flock and Sheep were all of human kind---now it’s impossible to save the entire world, but you can help one corner of it---just do it and don’t think about it, but do it all year long.”

And she was right and that is a Diva lesson for everyone----now on the practical side of donating to charities---Keep the receipts because your generosity helps at tax time. No matter what---a Diva must be practical as well.

Now for something Frivolous----I must confess I had a wonderful time at the Art Deco Deco the Halls antique show and sale----and I found the perfect Desk and Chair with matching glass enclosed book shelves all in blond wood right out of the 1940’s they look perfect in my little office/library. I already have a work center for the computer and everything----but it is not the same as a beautiful desk and chair to hand write notes and balance one’s budget----of course I have an excellent accountant, but Darlings it’s a wise Diva who always keeps an eye on her accounts and expenditures. And to be able to do it at a real desk gives a certain elegance that a computer workstation just does not have.

And I’m still doing decorating in my lovely new home; it’s shaping up very nicely.

And for Christmas, already I have a few choice decorations placed around the house and Manuel has strung some light decorations in the Front, including a perfect miniature tree. So cheerful. Some of my neighbors go to great lengths in decorating but I can understand it, they have children and grand children so why not.

Betsy, Will and I will be going to the Dunsmuir house Christmas Tour a lovely event but one must dress warmly and then well take in the holiday lights that are on display all over the town. I’ve already seen the Dickens Fair with Kenneth; it just gets you into the holiday spirit. And of course the traditional Nutcracker Ballet that is offered by the San Francisco Ballet Co.

I’m giving Juanita time off for the few days before Christmas to just after the New Year, she has family coming into town to visit and there is never enough time to see family.

I am going to see my other Brother and his wife and their children and little grandchildren for Christmas dinner in San Francisco; it will be nice to catch up on all their events in their lives.

Remember Diva’s Christmas is a time for family and friends----but if you love to shop, wear comfortable shoes and get to the stores early.

And I also advise that you read my friend Mean Kitty’s blog about Christmas---she really knows the spirit of Christmas. Her blog is http://meankittynotpc.blogspot.com.

Possums I must confess it was her that got me into doing a blog, even if it is a vanity one.

But now I must tell you that for one day out of the entire year, I am humbled, it’s on Christmas Eve, yes Darlings, I go to church and there listening to the prayers, the singing, I reflect back on my life and how blessed I am and I think long and hard about that family on a cold night looking for shelter and the promise that was presented.

Darlings I do recommend, go to Church at least twice a year, on Christmas Eve and on Easter Eve it’s only then that you can truly understand the meaning of life. For all my frivolity I do read the Bible and I do ponder upon the teachings of the man from Nazareth, I am fallible, I make mistakes, I am vain, and maybe selfish, but no matter what I try to do the best I can, for all my sins.

And that too is being a Diva. So Happy Holidays Darlings, Enjoy! And if you don’t hear from me before New Years---well I’m having fun!

Until Anon. this Diva is snuggling up with her little Diva Darling and dreaming of Gucci, Prada, Chanel