Ode to the New Year

Happiness is when

what you think, 

what you say, 

and what you do

are in harmony.

- Mahatma Gandhi, 1869-1948, Indian Spiritual Leader

All the best in 2013....!

Merry Christmas Wish

At Christmas, 

all roads lead home.

                                                                                    - Marjorie Holmes, 1911-2002, American Columnist 

Gratitude

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it

is like wrapping a present

and not giving it.

                                                                             -William Arthur Ward, 1921-1994, American Writer

First Christmas Resting in Peace

Amidst all the hustle and bustle may you find that special peace in the reason for the season. 

F is for Fulper Pottery

Fulper Pottery was begun in Flemington NJ as Hill Pottery in 1814.  It was  potter Samuel Hill who created lines of storage crocks and jars from the red clay of the region. Upon his death in 1858 Abcan Fulper purchased the plant and expanded production to include earthenware stoneware and tile.  During the 1880's, the company was known as Fulper Brothers becoming incorporated in 1899 as the Fulper Pottery Company.  In 1900 William H. Fulper II created the art pottery line of beautifully glazed pots executed by master potter John Kinsman.  The turn of the 20th C was a time of great interest in craftsmanship and artistic expression in response to mass production during the industrial era.  Fulper capitalized on the trend of collecting by hiring Dr. Cullen Parmelee, a chemist who developed gorgeous Chinese-inspired glazes which were authentic recreations of Famille Rose, Chinese Blue, Seladon, Rouge Flambe, and Claire de Lune.  Over 100 unique glazes made up the backbone of Fulper Pottery's renowned VaseKraft art pottery line which was introduced in 1909 by ceramicist Martin Stangl.  

It was Stangl Pottery that acquired Fulper in 1929 and continued to produce art pottery until 1935.  These pieces are unquestionably beautiful to behold and display.  They make unique gifts which will grace a home for years to come in vintage - albeit modern - style.  Happy Hunting!

Favorite Things

My favorite things:

recalling the giggles of my children

rolling over in a cozy bed

the aroma of coffee in the morning... and drinking it from my bowl

soft kisses

hugging - a lot

snuggling up by the fire on a cold winters night

falling asleep after a busy day

telling and showing someone I love them

smiling 

boisterous hearty laughter

savoring delicious food prepared by me

stargazing

strolling a desolate beach... especially in winter

dancing with reckless abandon 

singing out loud... while cleaning the house 

long chats on the phone with those I love

creative people, beautiful homes, lovely landscapes

really really fabulous shoes

living always with integrity... and knowing my actions are consistent with my beliefs

making good choices the key to a happy and fulfilled life

 
           A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

friends and family that mean the world to me... especially on this eve of my Birthday*

Born 4 December, 1956 with 56 years of living behind me;
grateful for my health and the trials that helped me grow.
The gift to myself is to take life into my own hands now,
creating those feelings of security... love... happiness
as I trust my God, my wisdom and my heart. 

Happy Birth year to me!  

*My gift to you: receive a 10% discount at simplycoolstuff through the month of December.  Code: 
BIRTHDAY1956