The Party Crashers

Dear Tracy,

Thank you for inviting us to your infamous "cul-de-sac" party - wait - I invited myself  and my four kids. ;) It was a blast! Hot dogs, barbecue, kegs of beer, sangria and summer salads. Badminton, volleyball, horseshoes, and basketball. Whipped cream eating contest anyone? Honestly, it was just the dose of summer memories I was looking for as we hit mid-August. I can't wait to join the par-tay again next year..if I'm invited that is.

With love,

Tricia :)

Photo Friday No. 77

At the Beach in

New Jersey

Bumped into an Elephant in

Pennsylvania

THINGS

You got me thinking sister.  I think I am more hoarder than collector.  Hmm. But I'm trying my best to not end up on a reality show.  I suppose I do have some small collections:

1. Wood letterpress letters.  Remember when we were at the Brooklyn Flea and that crazy lady was all over the vendor with the wood letters.  We raised an eyebrow thinking we have a ton of these at home.

2.  Vintage jewelry.  Recently organized my collection so it looks well curated as opposed to a pile of $1 junk jewelry at a garage sale.

3. Inexpensive art.  I always go for the cheap piece that nobody else grabs because of a damaged or quirky frame.  I have a small pile of "art" that still hasn't made it to the walls.

4. Bags.  Purses, tote bags, clutches, vintage handbags, you name it.  Also recently organized this stash and had a hard time thinning the pile.

5. Signs.  I love signs, preferably an old sign.  My collection is speckled throughout my house.  I remember where I bought each one, who I was with when purchased and how much I paid.  

Tracy

Crazy about Collecting

Nothing to do with summer, but...

Recently, I read that collecting assists the soul. Are you a collector? I am. Hook, line and sinker. I collect boxes of all shapes and sizes - sterling silver is a favorite. There are paperweights tucked here, there and everywhere - mostly vintage and one with a photo of this t as baby with mom and dad. :) I adore glass inkwells and vessels. And, all around me, there are growing piles of books in all shapes and sizes. What do you collect?

Tricia

SLIDE

Like it or not the summer is winding down.  I was outside this weekend doing some yard work and off in the distance was the sound of a marching band.  I love that sound.  It reminds me of growing up next to a park and hearing the marching bands practice every fall, every year.  Ready or not football games, cheerleaders, marching bands and yes, school, are right around the corner.

Tracy

Slip 'n Slide --- Classic Summertime Fun!

This & That

Does your calendar say August too? Yikes ~ mine does. Where in the world did July go? With a finite number of days left in summer, it is crunch time for this t. Only a few precious weeks to squeeze in more summer memories. Plenty of time. No problem. In the meantime --> 


1. A big summer memory: the pirate cruise. On almost any given day, William is decked out in pirate gear. The hat, an eye patch, a few tats, you get the idea. Needless to say, he was "all in" when we went on a pirate adventure this past weekend.  (and, when the twenty "pirates" were  searching the ship for the treasure map, one of the dads  told his pirate daughter where the map was hidden. No joke.)


2. Grace is getting ready to head off for a week of sleep away camp. She is over-the-moon with anticipation and excitement. Open water swimming? Sailing? Archery? Freedom from three younger sibling and two old parents. (I suppose she will miss Tripp) I can't imagine not being in contact with her for almost seven days. Our family will feel off kilter without Grace being in our mix. Sigh. I know she will love it and, in my heart, I know I won't.


3. Tough time for the closet..the summer sales are tempting, but I am tired of summer fashion and fall (my favorite!) is on the horizon. On my radar are summer sale items that can be transitioned into fall. A cashmere sweater with short sleeves? I keep saying "no" because if it's cold enough for cashmere, I want long sleeves - but I may say "yes" this time. A little top to layer under a blazer and maybe a solid skirt. We'll see..


Tricia

Photo Friday No. 76

Bright Nails in

New Jersey

Fresh Sangria in

Pennsylvania