Jujube's Coastal Cottage Life

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Seaside Cottage Antique show

This weekend was the Goat Hill Antique show In Los Gatos Ca.
Below is a slide show !

The Seaside Cottage had its first booth there and it was a spectacular event..lots of fun in a beautiful Goat farm in the Los Gatos mountains...here is a peek at our booth and the items we sold at our old shop The Seaside Cottage! My partner Mark Graper did a amazing job with the
decor! Enjoy!

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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

July 4th ! Get Together! Plus a birthday to Boot!

Wonderful July 4th celebration with friends.. Every year we go as a tradition to our friend George's wonderful full ocean view home.. his deck has the best views over the ocean Shamel park were the fireworks are done..so we are spoiled.. we had a great Pot luck ( ate way too much..) we also celebrated a birthday of our friend Julie born on the 4th of July.. what day for a birthday huh?
Isn't it nice to have traditions? To know that certain events will happen ? As wonderful and exciting the new and spontaneous things in life can be...there is a confort in the familiar...like old friends, favorite foods, and that old confortable sweatshirt. What traditions are important to you?? or are you a spur of the moment creature in this world... ? I tend to go more for the spur of the moment thrills ....but as I get older..those traditions really tug at my heart!! have a great day!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Casino, Solvang and RV Park visits! what a combo

Well .. went for a day trip to Chumash casino for the day to play some slot machines and watch a friend which was participating in a Poker tournament there..I had not been there for over a year and had forgotten just how crowded and smoke filled the casino was! yiks! I just can not remember the days when we all lived in environments like that.. at work people would smoke, in restaurants ect... did we really breathe that air all around us?? Well I almost had a asthma attack...I actually saw people playing slots with their little mobile oxygen packs hanging on their shoulders!!???? wow.. now that is die hard gambling!!!!

Well now that my health is something I have to watch and care for...I was so happy for the non smoking casino room! I had a great time there..playing my machines.. ( breathing normal) won $70 dollars with just a$10 bill I used to play with... and then walked away! We had a wonderful buffet there.. ( I had to be very strong and resist all the pastries since I am now on a non gluten/ wheat diet..it was hard) after we went walking in the Town of Solvang nearby.. famous for their choco and bakeries ( not a place for non gluten people to really hang out in.. but what the hell it makes me tougher...) but I enjoyed looking and smelling all the wondrous things! the weather was perfect 80 with a cool breeze... After we toured the town and looked at all the wonderful architecture we took a trip to a nearby RV park..where our friends were staying from the Poker tournament.. sat by the campsite and gabbed...one of those really perfect days....

Friday, May 20, 2011

Moonstone Beach walkabout.

Well the weather has improved somewhat this week...the winds have died down
and off to the beach I went to walk and think and get alittle beach therapy...the fresh air, wildlife, the solitude( yes our beaches durning the week you can actually be the only one there! really are perfect for those times you just need to be alone and think and just be. As my health improves daily and I am stronger and more myself
I really give thanks daily for the gift of being able to enjoy the beauty that surround is amazing little town..not only do we have forest trails to walk thru, and grassy valleys, we have this beautiful coastline with nooks and crannies that you can sit and read and enjoy the escape of it all.. I hope you enjoy the pictures!
Have a wonderful day! Marlene

Friday, April 15, 2011

The Road back to Me....

I've been gone so very long....but I'm on my way back....after 4 months...some very difficult months of Health challanges ,I am finally on the Road to recovery and finding me...I celebrated my 55 year birthday this April..right smack in the tail end
of this life changing chaos that decended my life these months! During a birthday I usually think back on my life that year, what I did, didn't do, wanted to do, taking stock...a mental note of what my year was...and this one birthday brought to me soo many eye opening things about my life... that it was like a gift..a beautiful gift..the combination of the challanges I had and the Birthday, really hit home all the things that were working for me and those which no longer belonged in my life...things like my business, my Art, friendships, and even downsizing all my "stuff" all took on a second look.. a Spring Cleaning of sorts... for my life..looking at it carefully and ruthlessly making changes... so that I can stay on track..on that new road to Me... have you done any Spring cleaning lately??? looked at your life really looked at it...and ask yourself..am I on the right track???
I am happy to be back..slowly but surely ...I will be visitng your blogs of wisdom..and getting back into life again!!! Have a great day! Marlene

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Happy Holidays to All

Yes I am still here...Life has thrown its challanges at me these last few months, which have kept me away from my blog and my visits to yours..which I so enjoyed, but
I feel confident that the New Year will bring more balance in my life..so that I can do more of all the things I love..I wish you all a Healthy, Happy New Year, and good friends to share it with of course...because without good friends our life would be half full...I also wish you all success in all your endeavors and to keep trying and never give up on your dreams. To always look forward to the future with excitement and anticipation..for the great things that are to come your way..Have a wonderful Holiday!!! Marlene

Friday, October 29, 2010

Scary Boys,,Beware!

Just could not resist...playing with the software..hehehe!
.Jujube and Toby are all ready for Halloween...
Toby will be actually wearing devil horns on his head...because he IS my handsome devil... and Jujube the clown.. the trickster...will of course be wearing for all of
2 min a jesters collar...hopefully I'll get some pictures on Halloween night!
but these 2 are very busy that night ..barking and running to the door each time it rings...so we will see...Have a Great day! Marlene

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Well I went to my very first camping trip with some good friends recently...they are seasoned campers going all over the country with thier RV and they were going to show us the ropes!!
The days we decided to book for a 2 day over night trip.. turned out to
be of all days... the first rain storm of the season...We learned things about camping that day that it takes some people many trips to learn... not only did we pack ourselves into this RV, but we took with us our 80 pound Queensland Heeler "Toby"..and our... very "active" Jack Russell "Jujube"..AND it was thier first time ALSO!!!! It was a comedy..staying dry and warm walking the dogs in the rain at all hours in the downpour... coaxing them to go cus they hate going potty in the rain..... the campsite ground was dirt which quickly turned to MUD....8 paws walkin in the mud...hummm..did I mention we did not bring umbrellas and rain gear????!!! But despite all this... our group of friend rallied together, found a old tarp..some sticks and we made a makeshift tent over the grill...AND we had the most fun I have had in a very long time!
Here is a video dedicated to good friends..where would we all be without them? Enjoy!

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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Finishing and Starting....

That's what I have been up too lately.. Finishing one thing and starting another.....frequently..... before I'm finished I find myself starting multiple new things....which causes all sorts problems with my time not to mention the cluttered chaos which my studio has become...but of course... I eventually finish each project, and of course the stuff gets picked up and organized.. and then...of course it starts all over again... I guess the creative process is like that..like a whirlwind it takes over your life and senses and you can't help but go with its flow...and enjoy the ride...

I have been busy walking on our beaches, collecting special pieces of driftwood each telling their special story..weathered woods in grey, taupe and cream..some sun bleached..others dark with ragged crevices which once were homes for sea creatures...every piece is different..not one is alike just like fingerprints...individual and unique..with thier own story.

I never really looked at driftwood before until I started collecting and using it for my driftwood Mirrors....now they just fascinate me..I get excited as I search and gather each piece in my bag...and wonder just where they will fit in the puzzle... The Driftwood puzzle...which is what my mirrors have become... I have attached my 3rd mirror I have finished..... this one is large and bold and strong..unlike my other 2.. this one has the energy of a stormy sea...they each have thier own look and feel when I am done, thats the fun part of making these !...I never know what it will be.......it just evolves.

It took weeks to finish.......Now I start again....collecting and putting together my next Driftwood puzzle! Have a Great day!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

New slideshow of the Seaside Cottage...so much fun my first Summer at the Cottage
decorating and selling my Jewelry..its been very busy for me, adjusting to my new schedule..Looking for those great finds... painting furniture..and of course making my jewelry...Not alot of time for catching up on my blog...but I know it will all adjust itself as I learn to make time for all my interest.. and loves...Jujube and Toby miss me.. My husband has been great supporting me thru this..sooo much patience..Enjoy the slides!

This picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Saga of a Driftwood Mirror

Check it out!
at Sea Baubles and Gems

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I just created and wanted to share a slide show of the 3 shops at our Redwood Center
The Seaside Cottage, Antiques and collect ables with a Cottage and Nautical Flair..
The Hidden Gate, which has a collection of primitives and antiques ..like a trip back in time! and The Deer Run Unique collectibles and Art of the 20th and 21th century! Enjoy!!!!

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Monday, July 12, 2010

My Beautiful New Sign...by the fabulous Dore at Bulap Luxe!!

I am soooo behind on blogging and posting...SO many things have been going on ..I put everything on hold......... Jujube ( my crazy Jack Russell and namesake of this blog ) just had a surgery..which was very stressful for us.... so keeping him from jumping and running was a amazing feat in itself ..... on top of that working for 5 days straight in the shop ...because everyone at the shop was out of town..really sealed the deal ...

My poor husband was a amazing stay home dad while I went to work...though on the 4th day..he was ready to hand over the job!!! Then I got something wonderful in the Mail!!!!

Well.... ...Dore at Burlap Luxe made the most beautiful Sign for me with the name of the shop and added her beautiful bird!!! .......Seaside Cottage!

It is soooo beautiful... I fell in love with the pictures in her blog and her Etsy shop..Do stop by and check out her blog and her shop..she is really creative and inspiring The sign is even more beautiful when you receive it!! Thank you Dore !!! I will be showing it off in the shop...but later on it is going right over my bedroom bay window!!! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Amazing Sunset photo

I came across a group of amazing sunset photos taken by friend Patrick Gispert in San Diego on his facebook page.

What I loved about these pictures which are all sunset views, was the colors which rarely are captured as clear and sharp as these photos all show..Of course my love of blues and pastels also were a factor, but I think you will agree he captured something very special in this shot! enjoy!

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Thursday, June 3, 2010

My Beautiful June Blooms!

Yes... June has turned out to be beautiful this year in my garden. Even though I
have not given my garden the usual time and energy I did in the past..my pruning and feeding and weeding.... they had a good foundation early on..when I did have the time. They have been able to survive times of neglect.......I wonder about that as I walked thru my garden this morning, with my coffee smelling the roses and hearing the birds..just how much like plants we are..we always spring back up and shine.

All the color and fragrance where once was a cement slab and 2 trees..with hard work a vision and a much younger back ( 9 years ago!) I slowly created my own little hideaway for me to enjoy mornings just like this. Here is hoping you too have a great morning!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Seaside Cottage in Cambria

I know a special shop in Cambria that I just love to stop by and browse..It has the most wonderful light airy feel to it..and you never want to leave....Mark the owner decorates it beautifully himself and has the same taste as I in light airy decor inspired by the seaside..I was asked to work there part time..and I quickly agreed..I had the opportunity to put some of my sea inspired jewelry I make there ..well.... I was pleasantly surprised! I sold 5 pieces in just a short week..! I enjoy making these "Gems and Baubles" as I call them..they are a mixture of old vintage found pieces, with new glass and shell and pearl beads.. old and new and reclaimed parts of years past..Kind of like my home..! I am always scouring the sales for any jewelry pieces..so it was inevitable that I started doing these since I love re purposing things..... here are a few pictures.....
I also have started a new blog..one for the shop "Seaside Cottage" we are in the starting stage and will be adding new items as they come in to the blog..and also want to show different parts of our beautiful Cambria there ..so please be sure to stop by often.
The other blog I have ( which I "finally" posted some of my jewelry)
is "Chole and Lace" this one I started with my business name for my purses..and other creations and also my garage and estate sale finds....Well here is to new beginnings! and new opportunities wherever they may take us! Have a Great day!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

"What befall the Earth "Something to Remember

This bears repeating again... Linda from "World of Spirit: Population Unknown"
posted this and I just had to pass this along..Its a lesson for all of us to remember
it should be part of our Constitution..Part of all laws man has written..
All men are created equal and the earth does not belong to man..What befalls the earth befalls to all...this bears passing on...

"What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth.
This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth.
All things are connected like the blood that unites us all.
Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it.
Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself."
-Chief Seattle (1786-1866)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Mid Week Seaside Therapy

Click to enlarge pictures!

Sometimes life throws you a loop.. an unexpected loop so to speak..

.I recently had to leave town unexpectedly to stay with my parents in the Bay Area for a couple days, my father was scheduled for surgery and I needed to be there to help and support my mother..Of course it happened at the worse possible time...when all these things were going on here at home that needed urgent attention...but of course things were set aside and off I went!

I ended staying there 4 days..sleeping on a lumpy sofa bed ( who invented sofa beds anyway?)

and the rest of the time was spent sitting in the hospital waiting or driving my mother doing errands..I was able to get alot done while there and help them organize some of their financial paperwork..(first time they let me) and even do some housework..( My mother is very territorial about her house she knows how to clean best) Both my parents are getting older...and slowing down due to poor health...

It is very hard when roles start reversing and they still feel like they should be taking care of you. I watched them this weekend...and wondered what is in store for me when I am their age??? How will I be with my daughter...will I not know when I need help..or will I gladly accept it...? will I want to drive until someone takes my license by force? OR will I know when its time to hand over my keys... You can't help but wonder ...Which brings me to my " Mid-Week Seaside therapy" These pictures were during my walk...Nothing puts things in perspective like the Ocean.. the fresh salty air.. the birds.. and the sounds of the water and your breathing as you hike the trails...I felt better instantly and I found my answers! I wish for you all some quiet time to yourself..to find your answers! Enjoy!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

New Giveaway! Gwynnie B Designs!

Just a heads up to let you know Gwynnie B Designs is having a new Giveaway!
A beautiful Silver key chain handmade by the talented Ms Gwynnie! Please stop by and sign up..I personally have this very same key chain and I love it!

When your there check out some of her posts "Women are Here" is a very interesting perspective and thought provoking post on women's role in our history!

......and of course!! .........Look through her fabulous jewelry which she makes herself and sells here in several boutiques here on the Central Coast! Enjoy!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Windy Mayhem!

We had rain..yet again..and now 3 days of windy weather even though the sun it out...pollen is being blown everywhere and my allergies are in FULL force! I went out this morning to have my morning coffee as I usually do when the sun it out..
and me and the dogs literally sneezed in unison!! I found my Cecile B. Roses that are
trained over the french doors of my sun room ripped from their supports and hanging order the doorway...the trialing Jasmine that have now entwined with these roses with my help over the years were somehow ripped also from their support...!! ( my poor husband will need to put these back up when the wind dies down ) Alot of my tall plants like my snowball bush are now leaning from the wind..The only part of my garden not effected was the Greenhouse...and of course all my vegi's inside...
3 days of this wind they said on the news !!! ALOT of work ahead for me !