I just signed up for independent film subscription!

I’m so excited.  After much surfing around I found this really cool site called Spiritual Cinema Circle (SCC).  There’s a link to it on my site and below.  Anyway, they feature only independent films that are interesting, award-winning and far-from the superficial stuff we are having to sift through.  OK, I do like some of the big box office hits too, but they are few and far between.  I have been a big Netflix subscriber but SCC handpicks 4 films a month to send you.   Give it a try — one month is free and you can click through right here.  Let me know how you like it!

I had my last Saturday Sale in Charlottesville last weekend.  Many of my special friends, who are also customers, came by — and it was a great day.  I’m excited about how the summer will unfold.  I’m working on my ebook “Antique & Treasure Hunting in Eastern Virginia” so keep watching my website for its release next month. 

I disconnected the phone in the Charlottesville store so you’ll have to reach me through email for now. 

Stay cool…..love and blessings, Penny

Where has the time gone?

Sorry.  Besides visiting my oldest son in Philadelphia over Mother’s Day AND seeing the FANTASTIC Frida Kahlo exhibit at the museum, I have been so glued to the most exciting political news of our time, besides the Kennedy years!

Thus, I have not had time to write.  This has done such wonderful things for our country, which sorely needs some positive energy! Regardless of your political views, you must admit it is an amazing thing to watch. 

My beautiful niece, Beth Harrison, just received 3 awards for her book , including         Check out her website via my Links page…….

needless to say I’m sooooo proud of this young lady.  Congratulations Beth.  (I think I have 2 more books in the store in Charlottesville.

OK, the store is officially closed in Charlottesville VA but I’ll be there Sat., June 7 serving Mimosa’s to the first dozen or so customers.  Come on out and help me by buying stuff that I won’t have to move!! 

I am putting final touches on my little, first ebook called “Antiquing & Treasure Hunting in Eastern VA” it will be packed with secret sources, tips and my leads for antiquing….watch my home page!

Send me a little pity — my youngest son Robert, 20, is home for…..a while.  He tried to make it in the Pacific NW but jobs are tight.  So “our plan” is for him to work here a few months and save his money to go back out there.  Boy is this an adjustment.  Any advice?  First, he has become a vegan, he sees aliens, he thinks every injustice is a government plot, doesn’t trust anyone with white hair, hates our music. And to think, we had just gotten used to having early, quiet dinners, controlling the remote, listening to the birds, oh well. Ya gotta love ‘em. 

Don’t forget to visit my friend Carol Olmstead at www.FengShuiforRealLife.com.  She is so awesome and knows her stuff.  Carol has a highly informative monthly e-zine….tune in.

Stay in touch!  Love Penny

 

Art & Soul was amazing!

I spent a glorious five-days in Hampton at the Art & Soul event, completely awed by the talent and stories of dozens of amazing women! I am “finding my voice” as they say in art.  I made a brown bag book, started two altered book journals in my Traci Bunkers class (she’s incredible) and learned about making your own “graffiti book” with Traci Bautista.  I also collaged a cute little birdhouse and it’s REALLY nice.

They have these wonderful retreats three times a year California, Italy and Virginia. 

More on that later……..

Yesterday I was in Tuesday Morning and saw COPIES of the beautiful angel sculpture that was in my yard at the store in Cville, VA for a season…..she is beautiful…..there were 3 left.  It’s the TM on Pantops.  $129 I think — that is below the wholesale price I paid!!!!!  You better run.

I’m rushing to pack for my trip to Philadelphia to see my son, Charles.  He works at UPenn and is a performing songwriter….we have always enjoyed each other’s company so we are having a “Mother Daughter Weekend”!  Isn’t that cute?  His girlfriend is in San Francisco at an art workshop and I’ll be able to spoil him lovingly.   I hope everyone has a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! See you soon.

 

New Chapter in my Book of Life

So I’m getting ready to go to a week-long ART & SOUL RETREAT…..I’m so excited.  Getting ready, I felt like a 5-year old shopping for school supplies in August — everything had to be new and I just could not wait to open that pack of pens! I won’t be in the store on Saturday, May 3.  My husband, Joe, will handle the store.  I hope he doesn’t try to multi-task, you know ring up a charge while he’s talking.  Hmmmmmm.  Interesting.  So go on over and try to bargain with him….

I just opened a new booth for my antiques at Willow Place Antiques in Richmond (West Main Street) and Kilmarnock Antique Gallery in Kilmarnock, Va.  Both are detailed on my Links page. 

Don’t forget to be grateful today.  I’m trying to remember to be grateful each day for whatever comes up for me.  One thing I’m grateful for is meeting such cool customers in Charlottesville, VA.  What a great town.

Wish me well.  I’m off to play with other grownups making art!

My friend Ian

I have a friend.  His name is Ian and he is about 12 years old.  Ian is full of energy, life, curiosity,  & he likes to connect with people.  He is comfortable in any age group, I think, and he is INTERESTING.  Ian is my friend. 
 

I am HAPPY that I can have friends from ages 12 to 100 — that my life is not confined to my so-called age group.  Ian loves to come into my shop, and his honest innocence is refreshing as he comments on all sorts of things he sees here.  He is an easy prompt to get any conversation going.  We talk about everything that crosses his mind, and sometimes mine.  His young mind is ready, willing and able to absorb anything you have to say….so you can see why Ian is one of my favorite people. 

Ian, you are a gift.  Thank you.  

As a mom of adult boys, I am deeply thankful that I have created two very good humans myself.  Charles and Robert.  I love their differences and how their individual spirits have been shaped.  Sharing thoughts and opinions is a changing role that I was not sure I would like.  But, it really is a cool thing!

As Mother’s Day approaches, I usually don’t make a big fuss.  But, this year I’m celebrating being a Mother.  To all the mother’s out there — enjoy your children at any age.  Maybe we should give them a Mother’s Day gift? What do you think? 

For those of you who want something memorable to give mom or kids on Mother’s Day give the most meaningful gift there is…..

The Blessings Bowl is a great gift for anyone who has ever touched your life.  Are you ready to make gratitude part of the gifts you give?

The Blessings Bowl is a way to acknowledge those who have shared of themselves with you, this unique gift emphasizes personal blessings and gratitude for those who share their personal blessings with others. 

The Blessings Bowl comes with elegant paper and pen, rich ribbon and poetry, a handmade bowl, a distinguished box with ribbon closure, and the opportunity to personalize how the recipient has touched your life. 

We have a selection of Kids Bowls, Blessings Bowl for Home, Mom, and a Petite Blessings Bowl.  Go to www.pennylaneshops.com  and order yours or come in and pick one up. 

And, with PROMS and GRADUATION on the horizon, stop at Penny Lane in Charlottesville to see the variety of great gifts and jewelry!  Grandmother’s Buttons (C)

Key chains, money clips, Casauri computer bags and so much more!

A Sacred Space

Do you believe in the art of placement and harmony? Also known as Feng Shui?  It’s really easier than you think.  You can and should use the bagua map for authentic feng shui arranging, but one quick way to scan a room is to to go deep inside your body and feel or senseyour surroundings.  As part of my “Spirit of the Home” commentary I want to talk about placement.  I moved my bed the other day…I just could not get a good night’s sleep.  The bed was angled and seemed to follow the feng shui principles.  But I thought, why not?  I started moving the bed until it felt right.  I would never have put the bed under a window but I did it.  Since then the room feels clearer, I sleep better and the energy feels right. 

Peace Sign Turns 50!

This year our beloved peace sign turns 50.  Go to www.inspiremethursday.com to upload a template and you can design your own peace sign.  Here are a few of my favorites….

Go to www.stampandshout.com to get your 50th anniversary peace sign.  Peace Out!

My very first blog! I’m a blog-virgin….

They say that the best way to start anything… is to JUMP IN.

Which makes me think of W E A T H E R and spring… flowers… fresh air… and, of course, spring cleaning. I got to thinking about home and spirit. It’s where we nest,

Welcome to the new Penny Lane blog!

I’m excited to have you here, and look forward to sharing some awesome ideas. Stay tuned….