Oldies

What’s in Your Attic…

I was watching Antiques Road Show and am always fascinated by the stuff people bring in, how they got the thing, the story behind it and the price! I love the stores. So many people find treasures at garage sales, charity thrift shops, relative’s attics etc.

And they are worth a flipping fortune! And the people had no idea, they just bring it in on a fluke. When a Native American blanket comes on I know that’s a ton of money, or a NA basket. Those are priceless and often museum quality.

And then there’s the Civil War Confederate ammo box or gun or sword. They’re always worth a bundle. Often these have letters from the soldier who was a relative. How exciting is that!

I have a painting my grandmother got for a wedding present that I love. Don’t know if it’s worth anything but I love it. And some cut glass and gold coins and grandmother’s china etc. I guess the item I prize most is my grandmother’s wedding ring that’s inscribed from FF to AK 4-25-13. And my grandfather’s citizenship papers. He came in through Ellis Island from Italy and became a citizen of the US. He framed the citizenship papers and it hung in the living room till he died.

So, chickies, what neat stuff is in your attic? Any treasures you cherish from relatives, garage sales, etc?
Any you found the worth of and nearly passes out? Any neat stories to share?

Hugs, Dianne
DianneCastell.com
DianneCastell@hotmail.com

found in grandma's barn

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Keepers

We’ve all got keepers.  Movies, books, music.

Lately, I’ve been in the mood to revisit some faves-I’ve been re-reading some of my Sherrilyn Kenyon books, and not too long ago, I did the same with the Darkyn books by Lynn Viehl.  I’m also on a Buffy kick-stayed up until 2 am the other day watching the last part of season 5.

I don’t have a lot of ‘keeper’ TV shows, but Buffy is one of them.  Law and Order: SVU is another.  The old showtime series, Robin of Sherwood.   I already know the new Joss Whedon series, Dollhouse, is going to be a keeper.

Now I love House, Charmed and a few others, but I haven’t ever gotten to the point that I have to own them so I can watch them any time.  So they are loved, but not keepers.

Some keeper movies, Independence Day.  The Green Mile. The LOTR trilogy. The Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.

And then there’s my keeper shelf of books.  Which isn’t just a shelf now.  It’s an entire bookcase and it’s got double rows, one in front, another in the back and some of those are even double stacked now.  I have a lot more keeper books than movies or TV shows.  Of course, some of my fave authors (cough, cough Nora/JD cough, cough) writes almost as fast as a bunny reproduces-or so it seems.  So the Nora books take up a lot of space.  My SL Viehl/Lynn Viehl/Jessica Hall/Gena Hale books take up a lot of space.  My Mercedes Lackey books.

The list goes on…and on…and I plan on just adding more and more.  I love keepers.  Who do you have on your keeper shelf?

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I love New York!

Well, at long last, I’m home and glad to be blogging again! I had a fabulous time in New York… my hubby was with me the first week, and then Dianne Castell came up for the second week. I’ve done touristy things and work-related things, and even started to feel like a native after I managed to ride the subway from the upper east side to Brooklyn for a party… and then made it back without getting lost.

Broadway was wonderful! One Saturday night managed to loiter at the stage door after the Noel Coward play, Blithe Spirit, and was lucky enough to get Rupert Everett’s autograph. We even exchanged a few words. Sigh…

Unfortunately, spring hadn’t found the Big Apple yet. My nicely painted toenails never saw the light of day. Windy and cool for most of the time.

The St. Paddy’s Day parade was fun – it’s huge!! Later in the week I loved the 3 hour boat ride around the entire island of Manhattan. The first Wednesday was actually semi warm and sunny, so dh and I walked from Greenwich Village to Battery Park.

The PASIC writer’s conference ran from Thursday afternoon through Saturday. I saw lots of old friends.

Hubby left on Sunday and Dianne flew in… we spent lots of time with her lovely and talented daughter Anne Marie.

Food is the order of the day in NYC… consumed many calories, but it was all worth it. I had meetings/meals with my editor and agent, more than once actually… and when Dianne was in town, we both shared a fun lunch with Kate Duffy.

I got home late on the 27th… worked all day on taxes on the 28th. Had to go out of town for a funeral on the 29th. More taxes on the 30th. Laundry, cleaning and packing again on the 31st. On April 1st headed off to Chattannooga to visit my mom and sisters and to attend my niece’s first birthday party on Saturday. Both of my daughters and families were able to make it as well, so we had a sort of mini family reunion.

Got back in today around noon. Will be good to sleep in my own bed!

I brought the kids t-shirts from New York. Two are my granddaughters and two are my sister’s girls.

I have an ARC of my July release, Mating Game to give away. Drop by and leave a comment about your favorite vacation destination in the USA and I’ll draw a name as a winner Wednesday the 8th at 6PM Eastern.

We’re supposed to get 1 to 3 inches of snow tonight! Where the heck is spring???

Janice Maynard

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Happy April Fools Day

Unless you get pranked, that is. 

Not that he would do it now, but once Karl (that would be my hubby) hooked up something to his dad’s pickup when his little sister was first learning to drive.  They had a little bit of land and she was allowed to drive the pickup in the pasture.   Once she put the pickup in drive it started smoking and whistling.  She jumped out, the pickup started forward and Karl had to run to catch it before it went through the fence. 

So, are you the prankster or the person who gets pranked?  I think I’m a little of both   

BUT, this is no prank.  If you make a comment, I’ll put your name in a drawing to win a copy of The Bad Boys Guide To The Galaxy.

Have a fun day!

Karen

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