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Monday, April 12, 2010

Blogazine Guest Shelly!

It's such a great way to start my week introducing a new friend out here in our world of blogging.
Shelly is someone you will feel an instant connection with and will enjoy her lovely site. So say hello to Shelly from Bungalow Bling!


So Maggie asked me to tell you a bit about Me. I've been blogging for a little over a year. But "Bungalow Bling" came to be about 9 months ago when I started crafting things for friends. It started with a Wedding Cake Topper, then a Birthday Cake Topper,,,a crown, and well a few things for the darling girlie "Frou frou" shop I work in called "Joyworks." More crowns, more crafts, more Toppers,,,,,,yadda yadda!

Joyworks is a big part of my life, even though I've only worked on and off there part time for the last 10 years. We're located in cute little Historic Downtown Snohomish Washington, right on the River. I work, truly with the best group of women ever. They are my co-workers, yes, but also my dear friends and I consider them all family! We're all different,,have different strengths and weaknesses, but get along well! Joyworks is the vision of my dear boss Clarice, now 73, who still works Full time! I could go on and on, but suffice it to say you SHOULD check out the Joyworks blog too, where Clarice's talented and wonderful daughter Jana posts regularly. ( http://Joyworks-shopgirl-blogspot.com )

I'm active in the Chamber of Commerce. My "Baby" is the Easter Parade and Bonnet Contest, which actually takes place tomorrow! I'm also involved in the Historic Society and my home was on the Parlour Tour this year for Christmas,,,,,all "done up" in it's finery for the masses to peruse! I had fun decorating,,,,for say,,,,6 weeks prior to the Event!

That said, I've lived in the Historical district of this little town on the Snohomish River for over 30 years now. I live in a little 90 something Craftsman Bungalow with my "fur babies."

I have a Golden Retriever (Kodi) my love and "flunkie" whom I purchased from a school that trains guide and companion dogs. Kodi's abit ADD,,,and didn't past muster their program,,,,,so I got my "Mark down dog" from them them around the age of two. He's a love,,,but bull headed! I also have a Black Lab Mix,,,,Shadow, the runt of 8 who thinks she is boss,,I actually acquired her from a rental tenant that was neglecting her. I also have two "Tuxedo" kitties, Holly, "my special needs kitty, who is a "case"-she was adopted and returned twice before I got her. Holly doesn't say "meow" she says "ME NOW!" And, my last critter, "Tuxie" is a small but mighty hunter I inherited about a year and a half ago, when my mother passed away. They are a constant source of love and entertainment.
I also own a little cottage directly behind me where my son and former Marine, Andrew, 25 lives with his roomie,,,aka my other son, Frank. They're all "buff and stuff" and help me with things like opening jars and releasing the ocassional "prey" that Tuxie catches! ackk!

I've been creating most of my life. In my teen years, I made all my clothes, costumes for plays, ski clothes, and eventually wedding gowns and nursery items. Then, I ended up raising two little boys by myself for 13 years. The creativity kind of took a dive.

In 1994, I created a wedding gown and remarried. Three months later, I was widowed unexpectedly to say the least. My husband, Karl, was a pilot and aerial photographer, ironically, he died as the result of a car accident. One doesn't expect to be widowed at 37. Lots of pain, lots of tears, but I'd like to think that the grief taught me a lot about what IS important in life. Like, don't sweat the small stuff, USE the good dishes/towels. If you help others, your grief becomes more meaningful AND less. And always, always, always, tell people you love them.

I'd worked in Mgmt and Buying at Nordstrom and left there to work in Adverstising and eventually had my own company. When Karl died, I just needed a new direction and went back to College and got a degree. I've never used my Psychology degree, but I'm glad that I took time to learn new things and I think the College "kids" helped me be the best I could be and think towards the future. I'm an avid reader, I read various genre, on the average about 18 books a month. I LOVE to learn new things! My Kindle is my best electronic friend!

I also love "old stuff," vintage, antiques, repurposing, creating, collecting. I don't buy things because of Names,,,,,I buy things because they make me happy! I collect Angels and Cherubs, LOVE old pottery and dishes! Vintage postcard, for their graphics, but also for the fun old messages on the back side!

I've kind of gotten in "the Zone" the last year. I cannot wait to get in my studio and glitter/glue, create! It's a hunger, as many of you know! My cake toppers,,,,my recent Gallery Exhibit, gifts for friends, swaps, Loving it all! But mostly? Truly? Is all the wonderful friends I've met through blogging! My family is small, and some of you that I have met in this Venue, I truly consider part of my family. Thank you!

Oh Shoot, Maggie Dear, I hope I didn't go on too long, or put anyone to sleep!
Thanks for allowing me to share! I have SO loved meeting the folks that you have posted on your blog! Feel free to edit/cut/paste if I went overboard!

Hugs and Love you to "Pieces,"
Shell

Thank you Shell for doing this story for all of us and No you did not go overboard! Your story is in no way boring and I hated to read the part about your husband and loosing him so soon and suddenly after your marriage.. I am so sorry honey.
 
I love the way everyone has supported the Blogazine post. Being able to bring you all these lovely people does Tinkle me Pink..lol
 
Tonight I finally got on to my gmail for Blogazine and was surprised how many friends have sent me their stories for posting or publication. After all it is a Blogazine. So in all fairness to everyone I am posting your stories by the order I receive them in my email box. Just remember when you send me your story include a picture of yourself or of something you want with your story. Please don't be shy and wait for a invitation to be on here just send me your story. grandmayellowhairsblogazine@gmail.com
 
Love to all
Maggie

29 comments:

Andrea said...

Awesome!
Blessings, hugs,
and prayers,
andrea

Jane Carlstrom said...

It always seems such a privilege to read these blogazine articles - each one is so honest, open, so caring, so sharing. Shelly, thanks for sharing your story. Hugs, Jane

Unknown said...

What a lovely story of Shell ... it is so fun to learn more of our 'family'.

And, how are you doing, sweetie.
Have a wonderful day.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Andrea said...

Maggie,
Thanks for your comment on arise 2 write. I will be praying for you as you face the mess. May GOD give you peace and work miracles in this process.
Hugs, andrea

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, Maggie...she sounds like such a lovely lady...and so creative! Thank you for these Blogazine posts...it is a wonderful way to "meet" some extraordinary bloggers! Love, Janine XO

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

What a beautiful story. She is a strong woman.

Auntie Cake said...

Hey Maggie,
I will tell my dad your comment! And I should maybe add, he got this treasure from across the street at his neighbors house. Not so far to walk home with that baby! But I love it. Dan hung it for me right away. It looks great hanging in our room! I first typed my room, but I guess I will share it with hubby!

Have a wonderful day!
Kate
PS- so, when exactly are you coming to Minneapolis?

Melissa Miller said...

Maggie thank you very much for you sweet comment last evening. You really made me feel better reading your encouragement. I'm just in a bit of a blog rut these past few weeks. I'm sure I will snap out of it soon. I have lost so many followers in the last few months and that didn't help to motivate my blogging ideas. You asked me how many and I believe around 25. Sigh. I do understand people move on and that's okay.

I am thankful to have met you in this big ole' blog world. I really appreciate our friendship.

Have a blessed week. ~Melissa :)

Lisalulu said...

I love hearing from all your friends... then they can become my friends too!!

Bunnym said...

A very inspirational story Shelly and I'm kinda jealous of where you live. It sounds very quaint. Again Maggie...a big thank you and a cyber ((HUG)) to you...

tootles,
bunny

LuLu Kellogg said...

Shell is amazing, isn't she? I love her to pieces and I am so happy that she and I are going to Silver Bella together this year and we will get to spend time chattering away!! I have a feeling we will NOT be sleeping much...we will spend our time after classes shopping and chattering!

Thanks Maggie for bringing us all these lovely people! It's really great to get to know more about everyone.

Love ya Ms. Pearl!!
LuLu♥

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Thank you for allowing us to learn more about our fellow blogsisters. I will be sure to go check out this amazing gals blog. Sounds completely charming.

God bless ya and have yourself a terrific Tuesday!!!

Anonymous said...

Maggie, I love reading about all the wonderful bloggers in your Blogazine. From all the stories I am reading here I have to say that the sweetest, nicest and most talented people anywhere are right here at Blogger.

Hugs!

Kissed by an Angel said...

Thank you again Maggie for this new blogazine installment!!! Thank you Shelly for sharing your lovely story with us!!
Blessings.
xxxx

Debby said...

Beautiful story. Life has a way of throwing us curves but we have to go on. Very inspirational, thanks.

Linda said...

Thank you for allowing these women to share their stories. We all have different ones to tell, don't we?

Dan said...

Another wonderful article! It was so nice to get to know Shelly! Thank you, Maggie for bringing her to us! I hope you have a great day!

~Dan~

Kelly said...

I just love reading these stories!!!

Diane at Crafty Passions said...

I love reading these stories too!!
Diane

Meghan said...

Your are so sweet to feature so many amazing ladies, Maggie!

Carole Burant said...

Hello dear Maggie:-) I'm way behind visiting once again...sigh! I need more hours in a day to do everything I love doing! lol I so enjoyed reading Shelly's story. Such a busy lady but one can tell how she obviously loves doing everything that keeps her busy. Very sad about losing her husband in a car accident but such a wonderful attitude she has even though life hasn't always treated her kindly. I still intend on sending you my story, I haven't forgotten! Much love to you xoxoxox

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I really enjoyed this interview! Thank you so much for pouring your heart out to us...and to Maggie for hosting! It's so interesting to meet new people that share so many of the same interests! Women can become friends so easily! ♥

Nola said...

What an awesome story; I love reading about people who love animals! I'll pop over and peek at her blog.

Anonymous said...

Fascinating story. Fascinating woman of strength and courage. Thank you for sharing.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Good morning ladies
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello and leaving such sweet comments. I love sharing these stories and everyone does such a great job of writing them for all of us to enjoy.
Shell we appreciate you and loved having you on here.
I will do a post tonight when I get home
Love
Maggie

Cherrie said...

Wow another great Lady! My goal is 100 books in a year, she has me beat!

sjmcdowell said...

Dear Maggie!!

Another great story about a fellow blogger!
Shell is lovely and found her story very interesting.
Love you Maggie and thinking of you and always praying for you too my dear friend.

Smiles, Sushine and lots of Hugs,

Susan

My Grama's Soul said...

Dear Maggie.....I so loved this post about Shell. I didn't know you interviewed other bloggers. I just might be up to the challenge of sending you my story one of these days. Keep your eyes open....girlfriend.

Blessings,

Jo

VM Creation Atelier said...

Hello,dear Maggie!-)*

I was SO glad to reading you comment by me,SO thank you for you sweet,kind words!

Much Love,

***Violetta***