MEET JENNIFER.........

I met Jennifer about three years ago……. Instantly we became friends. Recently some very special events have occurred in her life. I wish to send her the biggest CONGRATULATIONS I can………………AND………… wish her all the success in the world.

Most of you know that the Nordstrom Department Store chain has been a big part of my life for over 40 years!!!! In the 1960’s they were a shoe kiosk in the Best Department Store that opened in the new Tacoma Mall. Yes, Nordstrom, was originally a local Seattle shoe store. Over the years they purchased the Best stores and grew to be a leading department store known for their outstanding customer service.

After we left the Tacoma area I didn’t have a chance to visit many Nordstrom stores until one opened ten years ago in the MacArthur Center in Norfolk. Wow… was that a day! Norfolk had a Nordstrom. I was in heaven…………..

The first store Manager was a very handsome young man who certainly lived up to the practice of “customer service”……….. It is important to note here that I have never spent a LOT of money in the store………… but……..they do have GREAT SALES……… I was a mall walker and would park my car at one of the entrances to the Nordstrom store. ( I always figured it was the nicest way to start my walks, the store was beautiful and the associates extremely friendly). I walked through the store, chit chatted with the associates, and entered the mall to start my “walk”. One day the Manager spotted me and suggested that they would gladly keep my purse, coat and whatever in their office while I walked. (That way I didn’t have to worry about them in the car.) I hesitated, but he insisted………… So the routine began……….. Every day, I parked, entered the store, and went immediately to Customer Service, where I would leave my things. Over the years, managers were promoted and new ones came. They all continued the practice.

Then…one Spring day, Jennifer appeared!! She literally chased me down and said: “Mrs. Day, I am Jennifer Strugala, the new store Manager. I want to personally introduce myself and let you know I will do anything to make you happy in our store!!!!!!! I have heard we hold you personal items while you walk. I will certainly continue that during my time here… plus, please let me know any other way I can be of help to you here at our Nordstrom store.” She was so excited and happy about her new position …. so eager to make this the best Nordstrom in the country.

Jennifer was barely 30 and already a success and going further. Her heart and soul were in the store. Retail stores have their Special Events on weekends……………Jennifer’s day off was Sunday. She was so committed to her “people” that she made sure she was there, on her days off, for them. Needless to say, Jennifer rarely had a day off. I don’t know many who give up their personal time to be available if needed!

Jennifer grew up in a Traditional Italian family in New Jersey. Her parents traveled to Norfolk and helped her move into her new apartment and get settled. Her dad had to be reassured that his little girl was happy and in a safe environment. It was hard for her to be so far from them and she was TERRIBLY homesick. Whenever I saw her, we talked about them and the next time they would be together. It was refreshing to see a young woman who treasured her parents’ approval and suggestions.

When the store held it’s two largest events, one in the Spring and the other in early December, Jennifer made a point to make them special for Emil and Smitty (the husband of a dear friend). These “events” occur on Sunday evenings after store hours. Food and drinks are served and there are special “events” in the different departments. Jennifer made a point to have two very comfortable chairs set aside for the “two guys” and she personally served them drinks, food, and had, on hand, recent editions of magazines and the local newspaper. They loved it……NOW THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE…….. And Jennifer had it down pat!

She has kept up with me through e-mails this past year. In January I received the one with the news I was waiting to hear. She had been …….PROMOTED………AND …..to make it even better to the Nordstrom in Cherry Hill……….. NEW JERSEY !!!!!!!! I just found out that it is a NEW store and will have its Grand Opening Friday, March 27th.

I know that she is so happy to be near her parents and I couldn’t be happier for her. If any one of you are ever in the Cherry Hill Mall, please pop in to the Nordstrom store and say “Hi” to Jennifer. She will make you feel extremely welcome and you will have a special day.

CONGRATULATIONS…. JENNIFER….. THE BEST OF SUCCESS FOR A WONDERFUL FUTURE

YOU HAVE EARNED IT…….YOU ARE A VERY SPECIAL GIRL

Claire is a winner

Claire did it again......

She was the 2000 hit on the blog......
Thank you, Claire, for all your support

Aunt Patty

ERICA ON A ROLL

Our very own, Erica, now has a web site with her personal CUSTOM designs for sale. Check out the site as she "builds" her inventory !

She has started, with the introduction of her CUSTOM, FABULOUS, reversible Hood/Scarf with "hidden" pockets! What a great idea....What a great design......

Congratulations Erica ........ this is just the beginning

www.irisiDesigns.etsy.com

CRYSTAL CANDLESTICKS

FORTUNE TELLER'S CRYSTAL BALL

ANTIQUE INK WELL

A CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE

At this time of the year we think about all the people that have meant so much to us along with the ones who continue to be a big part of our lives.

The other day I was thinking back 10 years, when I first met, Bill Shaver. Bill was an Interior Designer with tons of talent who never had the opportunity to shine. We were in the market for some furniture and he was the salesman who approached me as I entered the store. We hit it off right away and he mentioned that the store had a policy that encouraged their Designers to make house calls to help the buyers with their choices. That statement stuck in my head! He was so helpful with my selection of a sofa and chair and gave me wonderful hints about future projects.

A few months later, a cruise we were planning on taking to celebrate our 40th Anniversary, was canceled four days before it was to sail! We were devastated. Then, when I realized we were getting all our funds back, I had my first EPIPHANY !

Bill had mentioned that there were lots of ideas he had to "finish" the look I was after. He said: "When you're ready, come back and we'll work together." EPIPHANY……use the trip money and finish my design dream.

That was the start of a lasting relationship that evolved over the next 5 years. He helped me with area rugs to candles. You name it, he had wonderful ideas and new ways to do things. He loved to add little touches of whimsy, and like Kenneth, loved that pop of RED. He told me he had many plans for our home and would let me know in steps, because I was too eager to do it all at one time. He taught me to use restraint, that less was more, and that I didn't have to have everything I owned displayed. He was the inspiration for my warehouse! The idea of putting some things away and bringing them back out at a later time for a different purpose has been a wonderful tool I owe entirely to him.

In his last year he was very ill and became housebound. The furniture store supplied him with a special chair so he could sleep in his living room. He could no longer climb the stairs to his bedroom and when his fellow employees realized he was sleeping on the floor they got to work and supplied the chair. He was hospitalized the last few weeks and Emil and I would visit him daily bringing him design magazines. The next day they would be spread out across the bed with tabs marking his favorite "projects" for the future. We also made him tapes of all the HGTV design shows. He didn't have cable and missed his favorite designers, none of which are on at this time. Kenneth Brown was a new designer that we would catch on Designer's Challenge. Bill loved his work. He said: "That guy is going places… he has what it takes- that special talent… Patty … learn from him."

Emil and I miss Bill very much, but we know he is in a better place and is no longer in any pain. But……. the story doesn't stop here. Bill's work wasn't finished when he died. He remained with us….

He stayed for almost a year. We had many "happenings" and strange events that go beyond the "natural" during that time. You might think I am crazy, but we are positive Bill was with us. If I got an idea on a design project, he let me know if he approved.

One of the first "strange" happenings was after we put some mirror tiles on a wall. We were trying to think of a product for another project we were working on, a backsplash in the kitchen. In the middle of the night, we heard a loud crash! We looked all over the house and finally discovered one of the mirror tiles had fallen to the floor. Immediately we realized Bill was telling us…."use mirrors for your backsplash." We did, and it was perfect!

Occasionally, furniture would move during the night. Heavy furniture. The small adjustments would be improvements from their original placements. We started looking forward to his comings and goings. I was constantly getting ideas from him in one form or another. He was there to the end of the design project.

One sunny morning, about a year after his death, we looked out onto our balcony, we saw two large footprints. The weather was so clear and sunny that day, but these two prints were wet and as clear as a bell. They were facing away from our home…..Bill had left… His job was finished. He approved of all our work and he could rest.

Today I have been thinking of Bill quite a bit. I believe his spirit will move with us, to our new home in Georgia.

"Merry Christmas Bill", put a little whimsy on the clouds and add that pop of red to the stars.

TOUR

The tour was a HIT ...A BIG HIT

Over 1000 upbeat visitors came through. We were told that our home was THE BEST...

The comments and questions were unbelievable. Erica's art was among the most asked about. The picture of Kenneth Brown and yours truly at High Point was also a big conversation piece. Emil's den/guest room gave the visitors an insight into our past with our Air Force and Va. Tech accessories. EVERYONE loved the tree and the decor. The evening tours were by far the favorite. The city added the Christmas Magic ...the VIEWS from our home are fantastic and they definitely showed themselves off these last three days. The entire event was something I will never forget and will treasure for many years.

Today things are back to normal. Although, normal in my life isn't quite the norm!

We are now looking forward to Santa with Steve and Tess. We will miss not having Angela here and will look forward to seeing her this summer....at the BIG party....

In a few days I will get back to regular entries. Have some news and want to share it with all of you.

Stay tuned...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Staff and Management of Patty's Epiphanies want to take this opportunity to wish all our loyal and faithful readers the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years.

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/6U8FB5kun2mGaz5XJAEl

We have been rehearsing diligently for weeks to give you this sample of our dancing talents. Click on the "Other Dances" button to see our full repertoire. Dancing With The Stars, watch out.

CHARLOTTE CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR

What a fun week! Since my last entry I have actually put order back into my life, found the "PLAN", and finished trimmings down to every last crystal!

We have been told over 1500 people will most likely tour our home. That's a staggering thought!

The tour is in the evening, on Friday and Saturday, and ending Sunday afternoon. I think the two nights will be the best. The city lights that are visible from our windows will make the room glisten all the more.

The "décor" consists of 300 yards of ribbon, six large sheets of different gift papers, hundreds of small crystals, silver and crystal balls, and numerous crystal accessories…. Not to mention the glitter debris that took two days to clean up! I am sure I will find "sparkle" in the shag rug well into June!

"Thank You, Erica," for the wonderful Design Plan. The table runner and the bed pillow cover you "whipped" up finished the look! Your talents are fantastic and I greatly appreciate all your help. I could not have done it without your contributions.

I am looking forward to the Christmas Season. As most of you know it's my favorite time of the year. Every year I am transformed into a 7 year old little girl, looking forward to Santa, for the entire month! This Christmas will be extra special because Steve and our 9 year old Granddaughter, Tess, will be here for Santa. It's always magical when the little ones are part of Christmas morning.

I cannot end this entry without giving tons of credit to Kenneth Brown. He graciously and generously answered my questions and gave me wonderful ideas. "Thank You, Kenneth" ….. you are a VERY special, giving person.

Don't stop now. There are ten more pictures below. Also remember that by double clicking on the pictures, you can make them larger.

CONGRATULATIONS

You did it ......Claire Wihnyk, my niece, was #1000...
Thank you Claire

AND

Thank you all for the fabulous support these last months.

ATTENTION

We are almost at a milestone !! We have 996 hits on the blog. That's fabulous!
I would love four of you to hurry and click on. Check the total number at the bottom of the site and let me know who hits in at 1000 !!!

Sorry no prize---just the honor of being #1000

I'm working on the REVEAL......MAYBE in the morning

Thank you all for the wonderful support you have given me.

WILL I GET THIS DONE BEFORE NEXT WEEK ?

I actually have a plan......

Hopefully by next week it will all be beautiful for the Charlotte Christmas Tour of Homes.

I want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will be thinking of you all. Emil and I have so much to be thankful for. I especially want to thank you for all your support with this blog.

Next week the big REVEAL...

NATURE AT ITS BEST

NATURE AT IT'S BEST

Sitting here looking out our windows over the beautiful city of Charlotte I must share my thoughts of nature and it's best show!

I know everyone loves Spring and Summer, but I have always thought nature was smart and saved the best for last. The maturing of the year in all it's color and beauty makes me compare it to ones own life. The air is crisp, the sky is pure blue and the colors of orange, yellow and red are breathtaking.

I can't say we are our best, in looks, but as we go through the years, we grow with knowledge and wisdom. This is nature's way of leaving the best of life for last.

Life is a wonderful voyage and each stop along the way has it's ups and downs. I have learned to love the stop I'm at, and not regret leaving the last. I enjoy the memories but look forward to the next. It's exciting and fun. I am always thinking ahead and planning. To stop would be to give up. None of us have any idea what lies ahead. Isn't that great? All those surprises to look forward to. It's the same as waiting for Christmas morning but BETTER. When all the gifts Christmas morning are opened, the anticipation is over. While with our lives the anticipation is ALWAYS there…..

New Look

THANK YOU ... THANK YOU .... THANK YOU

AS A BIRTHDAY GIFT ERiCA HAS GIVEN THE BLOG THIS FABULOUS NEW LOOK.

LOVE IT

ERiCA...............my granddaughter

ERiCA--------my granddaughter

Today, I am introducing Erica as a contributor to my blog. She is formally listed as: Creative Assistant.

In reality she is much more than that. Erica is the one who suggested I write a blog and she has been a great source of help. She said "Grandma, you can do it, if you need help just call!". I took her advice on both.

Erica has had an artistic talent her entire young life. At 23, she has accomplished so much in numerous mediums of the art world. When you check out her website, you will see why I am so proud of her.

http://www.thisisirisi.com/

My first hint that something was stirring in that creative mind was when, at age four, she designed and built a house for her Barbies. This was before you could purchase a Barbie Townhouse at Toys R Us! She also spent hours making clothes for the dolls and furnishings for the rooms. She did it all!

ERiCA...............the beginning of our collection

ERiCA-------- the beginning of our collection

I first called upon her for a project several years ago when we wanted a large pop of color for a wall above a 10 foot counter in our kitchen. We had just resurfaced the counter with one inch glass tiles. She used the shapes and colors as inspiration and even incorporated tiles into the piece. There actually are three, two by four foot, panels that interact with each other. They were perfect in the kitchen and today they are absolutely fabulous in our foyer. They carry the pop of red from our living room ottoman into the foyer space.

ERiCA...............her talent continues to amaze

ERiCA--------her talent continues to amaze


When we purchased our king bed I felt we needed a new look of art above it. So---I called Erica!

All she asked me for was a paint swatch of the wall color, and four weeks later this gorgeous piece was in the room. She loves to add lots of texture and this gives a great three dimensional aspect.

ERiCA--------black and white drama



Fast forward to our move to Charlotte------. This time we were looking for a large art piece for over the sofa. Again, all she asked me to do was supply her with those paint swatches! The result was unbelievable ---the color, texture and shapes are perfect for our new home. She incorporates the architecture of our home and building into the work and it really customizes the art to our space.