It seems like we are bombarded with bad news.  I have decided to stop watching the news for awhile.  I get the headlines anyway from the internet.  I think that if we keep creating negative consciousness we will get what we THINK!  I joined the online group The Intention Experiment (www.TheIntentionExperiment.com).  It’s kind of an experiment to join with others around the globe in sending positive thoughts and messages to end things like drought, war, fires, stuff like that.  Some intentions are personal.  Check it out. 

What have I been doing?  We got a chocolate lab girl puppy called Indie.  She’s 8 weeks old and is very much like having kids again.  Napping, eating, pooping…..whew!  She’s a handful.  Tons of energy.  But she makes me smile so much with her curiosity, fearlessness and silly antics….I’m in love.

I hope you will stay tuned for some cool news this summer.  I’m going (I hope I can make it) to ArtUnraveled in Phoenix…..wish me luck.  (better than that, send me good intentions). 

We’re still trying to rent out the Charlottesville house at 214 Ridge.  Oh, how I would love to have a group of artists occupy it! What fun!  Check it out on my website (www.PennyLaneShops.com). 

OK, send me emails and let me know how you are doing…..we’re running Saturday Yard Sales in White Stone, VA…..my e-book should be done very, very soon.

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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. 

Joseph Campbell wrote of the need for your own space, a place for inner listening and self discovery.  “You must have a room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what is in the morning paper.  A place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be.  At first you might think nothing is happening.  But if you have a sacred space and take advantage of it and use it everyday, something will happen.”

Children have their rooms.  Adults share their private space.  But by making your own place, and giving them importance in our lives, we can give ourselves the gift of connection to the greater universe and learn to hear the voice of the true Self. 

Do you have your own space?  It doesn’t matter how big or small your home, you can create this wonderful retreat within your home with just a few changes.  It can be an alcove off a bedroom, an unused corner of the basement or attic.  Take time to make it beautiful, make it an expression of who you are, whether simple and unadorned, or filled with treasures collected over a lifetime.  And make it a pattern of your daily routine to spend time there each day, in meditation, in contemplation, or in creative exploration.  There is a great site called www.notsobighouse.com.  Click on sacred places.    Susan Susanka talks about living in smaller houses and many other heartfelt ideas.   

My political statement for the day:  a friend just emailed me and rightfully ranted about soaring gas prices, and staggering profits made by oil companies,which adds insult to injury.  Do you understand it? I don’t.   If we could get a statewide movement going to NOT DRIVE for one or two days, perhaps the oil companies would get a message, maybe other states would do the same.  Is this a boycott?  Maybe.  Unfortunately we all must use gas and oil so we are at the mercy of these companies.  Or are we?

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!

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, dream, love, cook, rest and create. It’s more than furniture and what looks good. So, I am starting a series called “Spirit of the Home” and each time I blog I’ll pass along more info and tidbits to those of you who WANT your home to be filled with spirit and good energy. Here’s some “Spirit of the Home” advice:

It’s obviously SPRING so it’s time to clear out. Open all the windows and let the fresh air of spring dance through your home. Clean, clean, clean. Not with harsh chemicals but use some earth-friendly products. Even your clothes should be hung outside to air out after all of the months indoors. You’ll be amazed at how this helps. Did you know that the Chinese often boil plain vinegar in their kitchens and let it sit all day ? It cleanses the air and reduces colds. We do it and it seems to work — anyway the vinegar smell, while a little pungent, fades quickly. (Please don’t burn those fragrant candles in your house.)

T I P S

Feng Shui experts speak a lot about color, mirrors, lighting. It’s not that hard to understand, most principles of Feng Shui are natural to your spirit. Drape a few of those wedding twinkle lights on the fireplace mantle.

Decorate a mirror with them.

Find and place mirrors in auspicious places like at the entry to your home, at the end of a long hallway, over your stove! Yep, that’s right over the stove — you need to see what’s behind you!

OK now on to other stuff - MOVIES

……I just saw a few great movies you might love because they are sweet and about love, AND they are not just girlie movies. Snow Cake and My Life Without Me. Anyway, my dear, sweet friend Myra got me started on Netflix so I find myself lost in the cyber movie world. It beats standing in Blockbuster. So from time to time I’ll share these gems with you. Remind me to tell you how Myra and I met and have stayed friends for more than 25 years!

News about our kids

The same girlfriend is beside herself with joy to see her beautiful daughter, Anna, in a play in NYC. We Call Her Benny at the John Montgomery Theatre Co. 311 W. 43^rdSt. 212-758-3820. So if you are in NYC for the month of April, go see Anna Bridgforth (www.annabridgforth.com). She’s another Scarlett Johanson… even better! 

Speaking of bragging:

My niece, Beth Harrison,  just released her first book called, “Shedding Light on Genetically Engineered Food”. You MUST READ THIS. Go to my Links page and click on her book. I hope you will buy it.

My baby boy…

… Charles, age 26, is now living in Philadelphia and (I’m proud to say) he’s campaigning for one of our candidates. Many of you know who that is. Charles is also a kick-butt songwriter and plays frequently at the Sidewalk Café in the East Village of NYC! Ain’t too proud am I? (Charles, honey, can you not use bad words or sexual references in your songs when I come to hear you play?) Robert, age 20, is living a sort of “Into the Wild” life in Northern California, searching for his bliss. His idea of camping is hot and cold running water though. No worries there. Way to go Robert! Also a singer/songwriter.

Does the news lately bring you down?

Do you believe in collective energy? I do. I think that the more we think negatively about the war, economy, elections and all of the things that f r e a k US OUT on TV, the more we send those bad vibrations out to the universe. Let’s make a promise to stop and remind ourselves that we are in charge of our thoughts. Read “Miracles of Your Mind” by Dr. Joseph Murphy written in 1956 and still in print through Hay House. And turn off the news!

My new heroes are the 13 Grandmothers. Have you heard of them? You must go to their website. They are 13 women, grandmothers, representing all the continents who have gathered at various times to try to heal the earth. It’s beautiful. I want to be one!! go to www.grandmotherscouncil.com.  (Speaking of Grandmother’s — Mother’s Day is next month, and I have some really beautiful Blessings Bowls for Mom’s and Grandmothers!  See my webpage or next blog.)

The Next Chapter of My Life

Baby Boomers indeed are redefining career and work. I am about to change — yet again! Stop by and see me while I’m still in one place. I’m planning a few trips this year. Finally. After about 7 years of non-stop retailing, schlepping (I’m not complaining) and waving my magic wand in the store, I’m cutting back a little. I’ll have more time to find those great deals for you — so be sure you come out to our Charlottesville location for the monthly sales starting in June. Until then, stop on by the shop in Charlottesville Fridays and Saturdays in April. I will miss my customers who have become my friends. I love to hear about the children, grandchildren, pets, husbands, fiancés and just plain fun gossip. We all try to help each other…. some of the conversations get wild though. Let’s stay in touch!

Finally and in closing for now

I’m reading Create Your Personal Sacred Text: Develop and Celebrate Your Spiritual Life by Bobbi Parish and it’s wonderful. It’s the ultimate Baby-Boomer idea. We are such a creative bunch! I have sampled many religions and reexamined my spiritual side just as the author did, but I could never find anything this specific to address non-denominational spirituality. It’s perfect for me and will be fun to express my spirituality into my altered art books and journals. I also urge you to sign up for daily email reminders from www.soulfulliving.com. It is a nice pause in the midst of a hectic day… a mini-retreat.

I’ll see you next time… sweet dreams.

Love and Gratefulness,

Penny

(That wasn’t so hard was it? I kind of like this blog thing!)

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