OFFICIAL....I'M IN THE 21ST CENTURY

......I THOUGHT A BLOG WAS "HIP".... Ha!....

Yes, three years ago I had no idea what a BLOG was . Now I'm writing one and reading many.

Last year I received (as a great gift for reaching an honorable age) a laptop computer!

BUT NOW I HAVE REALLY ENTERED THE 21ST CENTURY!!!

MC and I had no idea what-so-ever that we would purchase my new toy. In fact, we discussed how we didn't need any of these things!

We went to upgrade our cell phone. Simple, so we thought! Oh no, simple was not the case......at all!!

We walked into the "toy" store and I was like a child in a candy store! All these gadgets..... and they did so many things.....

I NEEDED THESE THINGS.......

They did everything....except cook..and MC does that!!

But, I was very conservative and studied all the options. I realized I'm not into texting ( too hard on the fingers) and was not into listening to music. That really helped eliminate many.

MC has a "thing" about "I Phones" and "I" whatevers......never felt they were worth all the money for his needs. I didn't want to push my luck, so I didn't even look at the I Phones!

A real cute, young, salesman approached us when "our name" was up. The Verizon Store has a good customer service system. I think the 20 year old young men today really "clean" up pretty good!!! I also believe you HAVE to be YOUNG to work in these stores. Anyone over 30 wouldn't understand all the technology!!!!

Verizon has the best reception at our house. We don't have a "land line" (another new 21st Century phrase!), making good reception a major factor.....thus saving time on "server" shopping.

Jason, my new best friend, asked what we were looking for.....what an open question.......

MC's answer "A PHONE !!!"

My answer......."Yes a phone------- but can I have email, internet, maybe a GPS ....... and what are these things called APPS??? "

An hour later, I danced out of the store with my 21st Century PHONE!!!!

There we were sitting in the car. MC says: "Honey, let's test it out". He gets out his 20th Century cell phone and calls me......

I hear it, it's ringing.......but....
I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO ANSWER IT.

Would you believe......

MC went back into the store and had to find someone to show him the SECRET!!! It's not complicated..... actually, quite simple. The phone automatically LOCKS itself. When it rings, you have to slide your finger....(a technique we are learning how to do).....and move a funny looking thing that looks like a jigsaw puzzle piece from one place to another. You have then answered your phone!!!! It has taken me a few times to figure this out, but I think I have it down now!!!!

I am thoroughly enjoying my new TOY.......

IT JUST BEEPED ME THAT I HAVE A NEW EMAIL.....

Now

I CAN BE ON MY LAPTOP AND CHECK EMAIL AT THE SAME TIME.....

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

SAMSUNG STRATOSPHERE
4G LTE ....WOW

A PAGE FROM THE PAST

Welcome to my World of Design

As an introduction to this blog, I first want to thank my Granddaughter, Erica, for the suggestion that I start this adventure.
Most of my family and friends know that my passion in life is Interior Design. Even as a small child, I remember picturing rooms in different colors and forms.
It has only been in my later years that I have been able to express this passion. I have had the benefit of being associated with two designers, one a very talented unknown and the other a very well known celebrity in the Design World. Both have encouraged me to pursue my passion.
Through this blog I hope to share all my thoughts (epiphanies). I have been known to change rooms at 3 AM ---just about whenever an idea comes to mind.
I am not sure what format this blog will take on. I might let it just fall into place and evolve like design does.

WHAT YOU HAVE JUST READ WAS MY FIRST "POST" ON PATTY'S EPIPHANIES. POSTED ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2008.

It dawned on me that my "Anniversary" for this Blog came and went!! I guess being so busy has it's disadvantages!

Since then, MC and I have experienced so many ADVENTURES......like this first post expressed......our lives have evolved! I had no idea back on that day what this blog would achieve. What a wonderful "RIDE" it has been !!!

We have made so many new friends and have lived in FIVE different homes.....talk about evolving...............


Some like to use the word CHANGE. I have often referred to my crazy ideas as such. But....I truly think a better word is EVOLVE. One small "change" leads to another...that's evolving!!!

Years ago, I heard an expression that really stopped me in my tracks. It was:

"IT IS WHAT IT IS"

Those words are so negative and defeating.....If I lived my life with that as a guide, I would never have achieved a thing!

I can't imagine not experimenting, not trying something....even if it appears impossible.............Our lives are too short to not expand and grow. I will continue to be ever so positive and EVOLVE........

STAY POSITIVE AND CONTINUE TO GROW......IT'S SO MUCH FUN

By the way......the count is 18,050......you know what that means. !!!!!

SOFIA'S ART HAS A NEW HOME

MC has done it again!!

In just a day he made a custom frame for Sofia's gorgeous art piece!! It looks fabulous.

The new location highlights the piece ....love it's new home!





Once more, we want to thank Sofia so much for giving us such a lovely gift!!!

ALWAYS CHANGING......

CHANGE.....REDO....WHATEVER YOU CALL IT.....

Funny, yesterday I was asked if I was the type of person who was open to change!!! Little did the person who asked realize how change is a big part of my life!!! Someone else was quick to explain just how much change I was "OPEN TO" !!!!

So what have I changed now???

A few days ago, MC helped a neighbor hang a curtain rod. He came home and described to me how great the room looked. He asked if I was "Open to Change"? Immediately, I could see how it would improve the space.

Jan decided to have one long curtain rod, extending across both the windows in the dining room. She was treating the two windows as ONE !!! I loved the idea. On MC's "To Do List" was constructing 8 more brackets like the ones he labored over last month. We wanted to hang the panels in his Den the same as the Dining room. He was not looking forward to this at all. That was one of the most labor intensive projects he has taken on.

FOUR OF THE EIGHT BRACKETS

DRAPERY PANELS ON TWO RODS

We figured if he got a long dowel all he needed was 4 of the brackets he had made to hang the single rod. Thus leaving the 4 not being used in the Dining Room for his Den!!! WOW, if it worked he was home free!!!

With a little McGuiver trick he was able to make a 12 foot dowel. We hung the four drapery panels on the rod and prayed--- They are not falling down and we are sure they will "hold"!!! Project done.....

FOUR PANELS ON ONE ROD

Now, that we know it worked, MC will make another 12 foot dowel for his Den!!! He is such a happy MC not having to make those 8 new brackets!!!

Thank you, Jan, for having MC help you!!! Many, many, times my Epiphany's are not original. I can see a design and adopt it to the Bucket List House. Jan, I Thank You so, so much......

OH......Sophia, MC has made a new frame for your picture....That's another post!

THE BIG DAY--WE WUZ ROBBED--WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR

No, we didn't win Best Chili or Best Table Decoration but.......we had the
BEST OVERALL TEAM AND THE BEST TEAM SPIRIT !!!!
No, there was no award for that.

Over 300 were in attendance...We now have just under 500 homes, so that's a great turn out!

Enjoy the following snap shots taken during the day. They tell the "STORY' BEST !!!

2011 SUN CITY PEACHTREE CHILI COOK-OFF



SETTING UP AT 10:30








IT'S NOON--LET THE COOK-OFF BEGIN!!!

THE DOLCETTO EDUCATED CHILI TEAM IN FULL REGALIA

FINALLY, THE CELEBRITY JUDGES ARRIVE

WE MIGHT NOT HAVE WON, BUT WE HAD A BALL....

THE TEAM HAS ALREADY STARTED PLANNING FOR NEXT YEAR...... WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A PARTY TO SHARE IDEAS AND CHILI RECIPES....(ANY EXCUSE FOR A PARTY!!)

THE PREP

READY.....SET.......

MC is preparing his SECRET INGREDIENT CHILI. He started it yesterday. It has been MARINATING all day today!





Last night, Bruce and Esther, stopped in to get a peak---- and a TASTE !!! We allowed this private visit ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE ATTENDING A GRANDCHILD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY tomorrow. They will miss the entire event. The DOLCETTO TEAM has given them absolution.




Tomorrow morning the TEAM is meeting here at 10:30 to start setting up. The BIG EVENT starts at 12:00. The TEAM is looking forward to seeing ALL our neighbors and friends------- and of course WIN THEIR VOTES !!!!


SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW------

SUN CITY PEACHTREE ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF

IT'S COMING......OCTOBER 15TH

This will be the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Sun City Peachtree.

Our neighborhood, DOLCETTO, has formally entered.

THE DOLCETTO TEAM

RUSSELL BLANCHARD
LINDSAY LANCASTER
GORDON MINTY
MC

The TEAM is planning, creating, and working so, so hard. We can't lose!!!!

Artistic endeavors are emerging from Russell's Studio!!!

To no one's surprise.... CHEF MC is creating his magic and secret ingredient CHILI !!!

This will be DOLCETTO'S Best Event of the YEAR......

FOR ALL THOSE IN THE AREA........COME AND EXPERIENCE THE BEST CHILI YOU HAVE EVER HAD !!!

AND VOTE

THE DOLCETTO TEAM

THE BEST OF THE BEST......

EVEN THE BEST IDEAS .......FAIL

SOME EPIPHANIES WORK..... AND, WELL SOME.................

I have seen many Pros make errors in design plans. It's very common. A lot of "design" is trial and error..... the trick is to come up with A PLAN B !!!

This last project of mine ...... didn't quite turn out like I hoped!!!

I was SO sure that if I added a little gold glitter and gold spray paint to the old artificial white flocked wreath it would look fabulous......No..No..No




It looks like the dirtiest snow I have ever seen!!! It reminds me of the snow on the side of the streets of New York City three days after a snow storm!!!

Lesson learned........DON'T SPRAY ANYTHING FLOCKED.....





BUT......I can salvage the frame and create an entirely different wreath. .....

PLAN B

The next time you see this wreath it will be

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

62 DAYS TO GO

AND SO IT BEGINS..............

62 DAYS until the Sun City Peachtree Holiday Tour of Homes!!!!

I have had visions, ideas, you name it.......running through my mind, day and night, for months. I have an overall idea of what I hope to achieve! NOW.... WATCHING IT COME TO LIFE!!!!

MC and I will be spending a lot of time transforming old, white ornaments, and greenery into gorgeous, brilliant gold treasures......BUT..... This is only the beginning.







MC converted a small area in his work shop for the "spray painting". He's so clever!





We tested one item........IT TURNED OUT EVEN BETTER THAN I EVER IMAGINED!!!



That's all I'm going to reveal......

EVERYONE WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL.... DECEMBER 4TH