Magpie & Mockingbird

Yeah Halloween!

2007-10-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

It's just around the corner! I made some cards last night to send out to the little people in my life.

Candyland

2007-09-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Mockingbird knows I love Black Licorice, vintage stuff and anything pink and surprised me today with 2 pounds of Black Taffy which is all three of those things wrapped into a candy! Love the flavor and super love the packaging.

Kettle or Cup?

2007-09-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

I filled the kettle for a cup of tea. Then I said to myself, "Self, it would be faster to heat your water in the microwave." While this is true, there is something comforting about the whistle of a tea kettle - brings to mind a warm hearth.

Wish I had a warm scone!

Fall Issues

2007-09-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

No, I don't have issues with Fall, I am talking about the September Fall fashion issues of all of the major fashion magazines! It is my favorite time of year! My second favorite is March, when the spring fashion issues come out. I am not a fashionable gal at all, I mainly go for comfort, price and what fits (um, hello, 3 year old cardigan and tank tops), but I love to look at the clothing. It is tres magnifique!

Strange...

2007-09-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is odd... I took this photo last week while driving (hence the lack of clarity). Even though I was driving, I couldn't resist because the sunset and sky have been really wonderful due to the not so wonderful fires. The interesting thing is the black spot that appeared in the middle of the sun.

Sleepy Sunday

2007-09-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

Oops!

2007-09-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

I pass this each day while driving to work and it kills me!

-Magpie

Etiquette of a Gentleman

2007-09-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

There are very few men in society who embody the politeness, etiquette and manners of gentlemen in days gone by. I know that alternatively, one could say the same for women today. However, I am focusing on men here and this is what I see:

A general lack of attention to appearance (grooming and dress).

Saying please and thank you.

Lack of Respect for the Elderly and Women.

Taking one's hat off while indoors, but especially when eating.

A lack of consideration and self control of bodily functions. This includes, passing gas, belching, nail biting, adjusting ones privates, chewing gum with the mouth open, not being discreet and quite when blowing the nose, spitting and not covering the mouth when coughing and/or sneezing.

Table Manners. Chewing with the mouth open, taking bites too large for one's mouth, talking with the mouth full of food, reaching across the table and a general lack of knowledge with regard to what utensils to use and how to use them.

"Chivalrous Favors." This is a fabulous term that Magpie introduced to me (and... being Mockingbird, I had to repeat). This includes, offering to help with bags, offering your seat on the bus to the elderly, getting up when a lady arrives and departs the table, opening/holding doors and allowing ladies to exit elevators first.

Yelling,Loosing One's Temper, Swearing, Interrupting, Staring - Ogling and a Lack of Introductions.

A lack of boundaries with respect to cell phones and PDA devices.

Bathroom Manners. Leaving the toilet seat up and urinating on the toilet seat and/or floor.

I know that some men feel that the women's movement flushed the idea of etiquette right down the toilet. After all, manners seem to change with societal changes. However, I do think the that women's liberation can co-exist with manners. After all in Peter Post's, The Essential Etiquette for Men, (yes the grandson of the queen of etiquette) says that, "The art of etiquette really comes down to being thoughtful of other people you encounter in your everyday life. We all tend to associate 'proper behavior' with formal social events - but true etiquette involves behaving with respect and consideration for others in everything that you do, from attending a high-society soiree to simply hanging out around the house." Which is to say, mutual respect and consideration has nothing to do with gender. If a gentleman pulls out my seat at the dinner table, I do not feel any less empowered. You may say I am old-fashioned and do not fully grasp the idea of "women's lib," but open a door for me and I say - "I love being a woman and appreicate a gentleman!"

SHRUTE there it is!

2007-09-05T12:56:00.001-07:00

Little Olive Soaps

2007-08-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Magpie LOVES Olives! These are so cute but WAY too expensive.

Magpie and the Giant Peach

2007-08-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Some peach Farmer must have asked God to "Super Size" it this year.

Magpie's Co-pilot

2007-08-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

I noticed yesterday morning I had a little green inch worm on my windshield wiper on my way to work. I thought he was dead until I moved the wipers and sprayed the cleaner and he hung on for dear life. Well, after that, I noticed him checking out my wiper blades during my drive to work. I parked as usual and when I came out at the end of the day (8 hours later), he was still there waiting for a lift home. He inched around the wiper on the way home never letting go. When I got home and parked he was no where to be found so I decided he just wanted to come to the East Bay for the day and that was it. Well, low and behold when I got in the car again this morning, sure as the sun rises, there he was inching his way around the wiper. I drove to work with him again but this time when I arrived I lifted him off and let him inch around a tree above where I parked my car. I figure if he needs a ride home, he will just appear again - I am parked right under him.

Magpie's New Mat

2007-08-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

SCORE! I have been looking at this mat at Williams-Sonoma for so long, but it was too expensive. Well, Mockingbird told me it was on sale and I got myself two of them for less than the original price of one! If there is one thing I love more than pink, it is finding something pink on sale. My feet are going to thank me later when they are standing in front of the sink on this cushy pink mat.

Cutest Cupcake

2007-08-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I LOVE cupcakes.

Today, when Martha emailed me, she sent me a link to her site and let me peak at the cutest cupcakes photo album.

Enjoy!

-Magpie

From the mouth of a baby bird...

2007-08-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Uncle (Name removed to protect pricvacey ;) ),
I think every thingin my life is pefect.I mean I have family and I have
friends and I have cat's and a
puppy.Do you know what relly,relly,relly makes me mad ?People who where fur
coats.
I mean people eat tofu so they won't kill pet's and make fur coats.I just
love pet's so much
you know what I mean if some body killed dassie and zous just to make a fur
coat wouidn't
you be mad?I mean animals are just so beautiful like dogs ,cats and horses
they are all
beautiful

Love (Name removed to protect this Baby Bird's privacy)

Mockingbird is Swimming in Figs!

2007-08-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Magpie's Fluffy Visitor

2007-08-21T11:08:00.001-07:00

Magpie's Energizer

2007-08-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

WOW! Nothing usually keeps me up, but I was up until 2:30 AM this morning shaking my leg because I had a lethal dose of iced Vietnamese Coffee last night. It has NEVER done this to me before. Maybe I need to start drinking it in the morning, what a concept!

I break for Lemonade stands...

2007-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

I know the scene, you are planning your escape route to circumvent the kids outside your local grocery store. They are selling raffle tickets, car wash credits and candy bars, but you don't want to be bothered; stop and think. Your dollars may not be saving a life in Darfur, but that raffle ticket might make it possible for a child to have a team jersey for their first soccer match, for a school to keep their music program, or for a young girl to march in a St. Patrick's Day Parade... in Ireland. In scene two you are driving by a lemonade stand thinking, "self, I how cute is that stand?" as the waving kids swish by you at 40 mph.

What to do? Make a difference in a kid's day. Paste an "I break for lemonade stands" bumper sticker over your "I break for garage sales" bumper sticker and make it a point to "break" at all lemonade stands. Take a minute to pull out your wallet and buy that $1 raffle ticket for the local swim team. Beyond the few dollars you spend for lip puckering lemonade or a raffle where the odds are against you, the kindness and interest you show a child gives them a little extra faith in humankind, in what must look like a very crazy adult world.

Martha's Craft Room

2007-08-17T10:39:00.001-07:00

Just got an email from Martha (click her name to check it out) - she was introducing her Dream Craft Room.

That would be a dream come true for me, for sure!

-Magpie

Giggle

2007-08-17T09:10:00.001-07:00

Emily took this photo while she was here and it makes me giggle.
-Magpie

Dreaming of Organization

2007-08-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Magpie's Dream Desk Drawer (honestly, I am going to try and copy this)
Magpie's Real Desk Drawer (so embarrassing, but maybe that will make me organize it better - I am a Magpie, collector of "things", it is hard for me...I am serious. I will give it a shot, but if it doesn't feel good, I am back to my old ways. I will keep you all updated on my progress. Keep in mind, this is INSIDE the desk where no one can really see except me. Most importantly, I know where everything is.)

Which Mrs. Astor?

2007-08-16T14:34:00.000-07:00

First, let me apologize for this lengthy post. I really like to post my observations and let the mind wander. However, this post requires the following narrative.

Mrs. Astor died on Monday at the age of 105. While this may have passed most people by, Mockingbird had to pause and reflect. Not only because of Brooke Astor's philanthropic heart, but because she reminds me of Rosebud. Rosebud was my grandmother who was indescribable! Beyond her untouchable creative spirit, she was know for saying outrageous things and used many funny maxims (some of which were hilarious malaprops). One of the things she used to say when she found someone snooty was, "Who does she thing she is, Mrs. Astor?" Which, brings me to the death of Brooke Astor and the reason for my post. There were actually two socialites named Mrs. Astor. Caroline reigned in the mid-1900's and Brooke reigned, well... until last Monday. Now I am wondering, to which Mrs. Astor was Rosebud referring? I am inclined to think it was Caroline because she was known as "The Mrs. Astor" and part of the Waldorf-Astoria dynasty, but I guess I will never know.

God's Peace Mrs. Brook Astor, Mrs. Caroline Astor and my beloved Rosebud.

Magpie an Addict?

2007-08-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

68%

Mingle² - Dating Site

Big Dog

2007-08-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Just found this photo while cleaning off an old CD, it used to be my wallpaper on my computer at my last job.

-Magpie

No More Sniffles!

2007-08-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Magpie's familiar (BayLee) has been healed!

Love this Color!

2007-08-14T15:48:00.001-07:00

I took this photo last week at a store in Half Moon Bay, I love the color!
It reminds me of the sea.
-Magpie

Funny!

2007-08-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

This photo makes me laugh!

-Magpie

Magpie Gets Tropical

2007-08-11T23:48:00.000-07:00

From Beneath the Weeds

2007-08-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

After 2 summers of total neglect in my backyard these beauty's have popped through the weeds. Good thing I got a photo before my landlord ripped them out!
-Magpie

"Mame"

2007-08-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

I very much want an occasion to wear this outfit - down to the anthuriums in the hair. I love everything about it... it is exotic, it is different, AND it is PINK and GREEN. Okay, I am no Gemma Ward... but I think I could pull it off. It would be my first Auntie Mame outfit.

Mockingbird's Got a Brand New Bag!

2007-08-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Yep - from an angel in the Northeast!

Fabric Covered Boxes

2007-08-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

As the Magpie, I have to take a stab at making these, they are so cute and can be reused over and over and over again. I would love to make some storage boxes like this.

Magpie's New Bowl

2007-08-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

I got this bowl from Robin and I absolutely LOVE it! Plus, it is made in Vietnam! Even better.

Thanks Robin!

PS - The lemons are made in Haiti, got them from At West End.

Rusted Old Friend

2007-08-07T10:34:00.001-07:00

I saw this along the road on the Sonoma coast and had to take a photo for my rooster loving friend, Mocking Bird.

-Magpie

Get Wiggy With It!

2007-08-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

In the words of Magpie, "If that isn't a serendipity, I don't know what is."

Just incase you would like purchasing informaton for your little one - http://www.babytoupee.com/

Magpie's Sister Arrives Today!

2007-08-02T09:47:00.001-07:00

Bad Hair Day?

2007-08-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

Magpie would love to wear her hair pinned up in this hat on a bad hair day. Sort of like an impermanent Bernice Bobs Her Hair, Bob for a Day, Little LuLu, etc. However, I do not agree with the ponytail hanging out of the back, it makes it look like a mullet in a pony - a no no for this gal!

Magpie's Dream Nest #2

2007-07-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

This has my name written ALL over it.

Anyone have $25,000 I can borrow?

Magpie Flys Above the Fog

2007-07-27T19:29:00.001-07:00

Magpie's Brother is in Town!

2007-07-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

He is literally, one of my favorite people in the world! I am lucky he was sent here for work and we get to have tonight and tomorrow together! I am so excited to pick him up today after work!

Oh to be 10 again...

2007-07-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Just received the Mini Boden catalogue and I wish my nearly 40 year old persona could sport these happy clothes. Too bad these fun frocks don't come in big girl sizes. Though I am not so sure I could pull off these looks in the office, or in public for that matter! I also love the photos in this catalogue. A few of my favs...

Mockingbird's Birdy Purchase...

2007-07-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

While these are neither serendipities or curiosities, they were a very good purchase. $10.50 for the three and made in Portugal. Yea for Portuguese birdies. Jolly Good Clu.

Magpie Feeling Small

2007-07-21T22:32:00.001-07:00

It's hard to tell, but I am sticking my tongue out like Lily Tomlin used to do in the over sized rocking chair.

What Magpie Feels Like Today

2007-07-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yinka Shonibare, Lady On Unicycle, 2005; metal, fabric, resin, leather; 86" x 53" x 47 1/2". Courtesy of James Cohan Gallery, New York.

Cute Postcard

2007-07-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Magpie Loves Nectarines!

2007-07-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

All the rage...

2007-07-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

Imagine queuing for this bag only to hear they are sold out! It is true. These bags are all the rage in the U.K. Personally, I prefer the U.S. version in navy blue. Whichever the color... great bag - great cause. Mockingbird is trying to her hands on one without queuing!

Inka Binka Bottle of Ink

2007-07-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the ink well Mockingbird!

Amore di Mockingbird...

2007-07-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Vintage Travel Posters and ITALY!

Magpie's Office Mates

2007-07-17T10:04:00.001-07:00

These guys make me smile each day!

Thanks cowboy glue stick and paperclip hedgehog!

Now...if I could only train them to clean my office each night.

Monday...

2007-07-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

Why can't Monday be the new Friday?

Birds Lunch at Bucci's

2007-07-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Maybe one day I will get a shot of the food BEFORE we start to eat!

Organization

2007-07-16T09:58:00.001-07:00

I found this great ribbon box at Target this weekend. I should have bought two, I didn't realize the magnatiude of my ribbon collection until I started loading it up.
-Magpie

Hammonds Candy

2007-07-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

Good any time of the year if you ask me.
-Magpie

http://www.hammondscandies.com/

Magpie's Kitty

2007-07-14T11:37:00.001-07:00

Get well soon little BayLee (he has bad congestion)

Birds Eat Breakfast!

2007-07-13T09:26:00.001-07:00

Mockingbird's Pancakes

Magpie's Egg White Biscuit Sandwich and Hash Browns

Magpie's Birthday Week Concludes

2007-07-13T09:21:00.002-07:00

The last and final gift of my Birthday week. A large turquoise crackle glazed platter and two really cute kitchen towels. I didn't get to photograph it since I got it over Breakfast this morning. Thanks Mockingbird for the best Birthday week ever!

Magpie's Birthday Week Continues

2007-07-12T11:46:00.001-07:00

Wednesday and Thursday's gifts photographed together:

Scroll = subscription to Adorn magazine
Box of very sweet lables
Large tea pot ballerina rubber stamp

Ode to Lady Bird Johnson

2007-07-12T11:31:00.001-07:00

You will be missed, fly away home.

Feel Better Magpie...

2007-07-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Magpie's Dream Nest

2007-07-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

Morning Gus Gus

2007-07-11T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy BIRDday Magpie!

2007-07-10T16:01:00.001-07:00

SO GLAD YOU WERE BORN!

Magpie's Birthday

2007-07-10T11:38:00.003-07:00

Today is Magpie's Birthday!

Here is what I got from Mocking Bird today...

Pink Jewelry Box

Mexican Swallow Earrings were inside!

A Pink Cupcake to enjoy later tonight!

Magpie's Birthday Week!

2007-07-09T12:57:00.003-07:00

The Mocking Bird decided to treat me to a fabulous Birthday week and surprise me with a gift each day!
Here is todays...

The Birds Visit Baby Frankie

2007-07-09T12:55:00.001-07:00

Birds Crafting in the Valley

2007-07-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Donut or Doughnut?

2007-07-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

both kinds make me smile!

The Mind Reels...

2007-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Friday with Magpie

2007-07-06T09:46:00.001-07:00

Yeah, payday! I got to buy a Green Tea Latte and a Lemon Scone!

Red, White, Ribbon and Rosebud

2007-07-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!
Below are two of Magpie's favorite red, white and blue items.

Festive Ribbon Garland (Martha Stewart at Michael's)

Rosebud Salve

Mockingbird says...

2007-07-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

"Wishbone" cherries are good luck!

Magpie's New Love

2007-07-03T09:53:00.001-07:00

Mockingbird's Pig Won the Race!

2007-07-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Magpie & Mockingbird at the Napa County Fair

2007-07-01T21:43:00.001-07:00

Saturday with Magpie

2007-06-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Magpie's Friday Night

2007-06-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

It's nice when you make something up and it works, taste test tomorrow morning.

Happy Rat

2007-06-29T15:19:00.001-07:00

This little fella sits on my desk. He was a gift from a dear friend on a dark day and what a wonderful gift he has been to me. His name is Ralph and he can always make me smile. Hurrah for friends with big hearts... and rats with big hearts too.

New Shoes for Magpie!

2007-06-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Nest Down, Bird Overboard!

2007-06-28T16:22:00.001-07:00

Mocking Bird's Day - The Horror!

The Culprit...

2007-06-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

Things that make a Magpie sing!

2007-06-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Breakfast for Dinner

A Kitty that smiles

Magpie's Breakfast

2007-06-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Catbird

2007-06-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

This is my first photo journal entry. While it is not actually a photo from my day... it is non-the-less, a serendipity. Don't you agree?

- Mocking Bird

Welcome

2007-06-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this, then yes, you have found us.
Please enjoy this blog-like gallery of sorts where we paste our photos of things that make us emote throughout our days. You can consider it a photo journal of sorts if you will. There are two contributors with two different views so this should be interesting and exciting for all of us to watch unfold.
Enjoy!