Introducing VooDude Atomics Pinstriped purses

Hi! Been awhile hasnt it? Well I'm back, and so glad because I have an amazing company to share with you.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way for my review, I purchased both purses fair and square and have not received any favors in return for a review. In fact, this is an independent review of the process and products.

I'm a member of a vintage swap and sell community on Facebook, Ooh La La Vintage Swap and Sell and there is a wonderful member there, Cheryl Morris. Her main squeeze, Duke, is the man behind Voodude Atomics.

The concept is simple. Painting well known vintage china patterns on vintage purses and making them even more beautiful than before. Thats it. A simple business plan that works perfectly. I received the above purses from Voodude and I am beyond thrilled. 

The white box purse has a diamond pattern that was originally red, yellow, and blue on the china piece. They were kind enough to take a custom request and paint them in my favorite colors, pink, aqua, and black. Total cost: $35.

You read that right. A hand painted, signed vintage bag for $35. 

The black purse with the cherries went on an adventure before it came to me. I purchased it from another OLL user, and had it shipped to Cheryl. They will paint your design of choice on one of your own purses for a nominal fee. (About $30) 

I know I'm not very good at writing reviews, but this is a business I will return to again and again because not only is the work beautiful, Cheryl and Duke are a dream to work with.

Pieces are usually available in Cheryl's etsy shop (please note at the time of this writing, she is offline for a brief period but will be back) and range from $30 for a purse to $65 for a painted samsonite train case plus shipping.

Its a little weird

That I spent a portion of my commute this morning thinking about how awesome it would be to turn the Sinister Sweethearts name into a girls social club a la the Pink Ladies. We could have jackets and everything! With the heart logo, and slink around weekenders all slinky and cool.

 I think I need to belong to a girls social club. yes? c'mon matching jackets!

PS: I'm totally Rizzo in this day dream minus the sleeping around part.

Its not hoarding if you know where everything is

First though, have you entered the giveaway yet? Make sure youre posting a seperate entry for everything you do:

Follow my blog
Follow Debs blog, www.hellcat-vintage.com
Like us on facebook:
www.facebook.com/therockabillybowtique
www.facebook.com/hellcatvintage
favorite my etsy shop: sinistersweethearts.etsy.com
Share on your blog or facebook or wherever.

(Mari, go comment one more time that you follow my blog!)

Each entry must be a seperate comment!

http://hellcat-vintage.com/sinister-sweethearts-giveaway/

Now on to the next part of my post. I wanted to show off how I display some of my vintage purses in my bedroom.

I get to enjoy looking at them while keeping them corralled. 

Tippy top shelf holds an embroidered straw bucket bag, from ebay

The next shelf holds a laquer jewelry box that I brought home from Vietnam. Its actually broken, but too beautiful to throw away. Next is a repro straw purse with cherries from ebay, a leopard print frame purse from Bettie Page, and a Red vinyl frame purse that was thrifted

Next shelf holds my perfumes and sprays in a vintage vanity tray that was thrifted and then restored by be, tucked in the back is a vintage coconut purse from hawaii, in front of it is a pink atomic ashtray that used to hold earrings, but now just hangs out. A vintage tooled leather purse from mexico that needs some TLC when I have the time, and behind that, a vintage beaded and sequined tote, the designers name is escaping me at the moment.

Then we have a straw basket purse with strawberries on top that was sold to me as vintage but is actually repro. The berries may be vintage but the purse part is from nordstrom. I dont care too much because its so cute. Next to that is a stack of vintage beaded evening bags. I dont know how I want to store them just yet, so theyre just there. And of course my precious Lux de Ville.With a nick in the front from my dog. Thanks dog :(

This shot came out awfully dark, and it housing mostly black purses doesnt help. In the back is the restoration in progress black picker basket purse, in front of it is a navy blue structured evening purse with an embossed design, My tutti fruity carmen miranda inspired creation, and a black patent leather jackie o purse.

Down here on the bottom, these train cases pull triple duty. The cream one is vintage skyway that I actually paid too much for considering its condition, but I like the size and shape so I dont really care. It currently holds things like laundry bags, hanger clips, and hanging hooks, The pink Samsonite next to it is my baby. It travels with me holding makeup and jewelry. When its not traveling, it holds travel stuff. My mini blow dryer, my toiletry bag, etc. They look great, provide storage, and weight the shelf down for extra safety.

As a final aside, I wanted to share a display tip for you. I personally dont wear necklaces very often. I dont like things feeling like theyre choking me. Instead I wear a lot of brooches and bracelets. Well, my little jewelry box is a little crowded with brooches, earrings, and charm bracelets, so after a lot of hunting, I finally found some old mug stands at the thrift shop. They still need a paint job, but they are perfect for keeping everything corraled and visible. I'm more likely to wear things I see a lot. So there you go! smart display tips!

Giveaway time is here! Extra extra read all about it! Giveaway time is here!

Thats right! My teamed up giveaway with Hellcat Vintage has officially begun! so what do you get if you win?

Bam!

Fifteen free dollars to spend in my etsy shop! 

Thats like 3 things or two things. My prices are hella reasonable.

So how do you enter? Like so! *snaps fingers and makes poof noise*

Like Sinister Sweethearts on Facebook

Like Hellcat Vintage on Facebook

Subscribe to Hellcat Vintage's blog (on the right side at the stop, subscribe via email)

Subscribe to my blog (or add me on google +)

Share on your blog,facebook,twitter, tumbler, whatever

Follow my shop on etsy

Contest runs through midnight on July 29 (PST), and the winner will be notified via email and announced on our blogs.

For each way you enter, be sure to make a separate post in the comments at http://hellcat-vintage.com/sinister-sweethearts-giveaway/

The fine print:

Blog is open worldwide, but if the winner does not live in the USA, they are responsible for shipping. If winner lives overseas and forfeits, we will redraw. 

Any amount over $15 is the responsibility of the winner

So get crackin! Like and share and enter enter enter!!!

Moving stuff around and making a mess

Hello hello hello hello!

I've been here and there and everywhere, mostly on facebook trying to drum up interest in my giveaway with Hellcat Vintage .

And working. A lot. I'm dead tired!

I thought I would show off two pics though, as I decided I wanted the shadow boxes in the bathroom and the bathroom cabinet in the bedroom.

Shadow boxes in their new home. I need to keep an eye out in the antique shops for some smalls for these shelves:

The embroidered bathroom pictures came from a thrift shop in Nevada City, which is next to Grass Valley on the way to Sac. I think I paid a buck a piece for them.

And the coup de grace:

What??? How did my collection get to three?? Well the gold basket weave is a new acquisition thanks to Facebook. There you can see my Joseph girl, and the pin money coin purse was my grandmothers and she gifted it to me! This shelf hangs out in my bedroom now. What you cant see in the photos are my poodle plaques . Once I get my room clean and put together, I'm going to do a video tour of all of my vintage!

I went thrifting today!

Just to savers, as I am wont to do when we go to Joann Fabrics on Kietzkie Lane. I found a few pretty sweaters and a cute top, and also this:

A Josef original with the sticker still intact! She will look so sweet on my curio shelf. 

A bit about Josef, from Josefdolls.com

Josef Originals Birthday Dolls first originated in the mid to late-1940's as Muriel Joseph George designed these creative dolls during the end of World War II. Muriel began designing these dolls to express her love for children, families, animals, and more. Her first designs were produced between 1945 and 1962 in California before moving the manufacture of the dolls to Japan for economic reasons.

In 1982, Muriel entered retirement and sold the company to then partner, George Good. Production of Joseph Dolls continued between 1982 and 1985 before the sale of the company to Southland Corporation (more recently known as Applause). In 2004, the company again changed ownership from Applause to Dakin who began to manufacture the dolls in Hong Kong. Today, these dolls continue to be produced out of this same overseas facility.

Although the original Josef line was hundreds of items, most recent production has centered on birthday dolls, birthstone dolls and some special occasion dolls such as first communion, confirmation, sweet 16, bride and groom, and a few musical pieces. 

Coming Soon: Giveaway time!

Hellcat Vintage  and I are going to be teaming up soon on a giveaway through my etsy shop, Sinister Sweethearts!

You'll be able to enter in a multitude of ways, through our facebook pages and our blogs. If you don't follow us on facebook, why not go over there now and click follow so you are already ahead of the game!

Sinister Sweethearts on Facebook

Hellcat Vintage on Facebook

My Liebster Responses

Mariela from A Girl of Many Interests sweetly nominated me for a Liebster award. Now, I know I'm supposed to nominate other bloggers, but I just dont know that many yet, so I'm going to hold my nominations in reserve for a future date.

Now onto the burning questions and fascinating answers!

1. What type of weather to you like?

Anything not Summer. I love the fall for its warm days and chilly nights. Winter snow (unless I have to drive to Carson City in it) and fresh spring air. Summer can suck it.

2. What's one of your hidden talents?

Does being able to stick my tongue up my nose count? ( I really can do that). I'd say being able to deal with difficult people has been a talent that has come in handy throughout my working career. I have a knack for being able to talk people off the ledge.

3. Is there a go to outfit you love to wear when you dont know what to wear?

Depending on the occasion, I seem to gravitate towards black velvet lounge pants and a bright geometric print top. It works for work situations or even a little more formal.

4. Do you have any pets? How many?

I have two nerds. Pugs. Pains in the ass. But I couldnt imagine my life without them

5. Do you still write handwritten letters?

Absolutely. I feel like written correspondence is becoming a dying art. I always send thank you cards, and I even have calling cards with my contact info on them.

6. What is one of your proudest moments/achievements?

Graduating high school. It sounds trivial, but I had a lot of struggles in my teens and almost didnt make it. It took a lot of time to get to where I am today, healthy, mostly well adjusted, and successful

7. If given infinite money, where would you travel and what would you do?

I'd fly to LA, rent a 57 chevy bel air and drive route 66

8. Have you ever had any supernatural experiences?

No, but I love paranormal investigation shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures

9. Can you drive a car?

Yes, I got my learners permit at 16, and my license at 18. My mom wouldnt allow my sister and I to get our licenses without proving we could drive in different conditions like rain, snow, fog, LA traffic, and San Francisco.

10. What's one thing on your bucket list?

Go to Graceland

11. What's your favorite book?

Anything by Ann Rule, a crime writer from Seattle. I'm fascinated by mysteries and why people do what they do

A couple of restorations in progress

I havent posted any restorations since the bathroom shelf, so I thought to lighten the mood around here after my rant posts, I would show off two purse restorations in progress.

When I first acquired this white vintage wicker purse, it was nasty. It really shouldve gone to the dump. The lining was trashed and stained, the hardware was rusted, the paint job was faded. But underneath that mess, the structure was still sound and the price was good ($5) so I thought i would give it a chance. First thing I did was get that lining out. I tried to salvage it but some of the stains are just too set. Eventually I will use it as a pattern to put a new lining in.

Lots of cleaning and getting the rust out was next, then priming and painting. Keeping it white was out of the question. There was too much damage to the white paint. I primed it and gave it a glossy black coat. It still needs a lining and painting some of the hardware back to gold, but its a marked improvement, and will be a good addition to my collection.

Before:

 

After:

I have a tendency to rescue the things from the thrift shop that need love and nobody else is going to buy. Case in point, this purse. I'm pretty sure a kid sat or stepped on it, with its concave top. That concave top actually works for me! I wanted to turn it into a carmen miranda purse, and with the dip in the center, it creates a perfect spot for the fruit to sit without sitting so high.

Before:

After:

So there you have it! I still want to add a little more to the top in terms of some greenery of some sort. but its got a new life!

I hope I dont become a hipster

My heart has sunk a little, reading some blogs about peoples Viva experiences. How it was so much better when it was at the Gold Coast, etc etc. I suppose when you've been going to an event for so long, and you watch it evolve and grow, it can get a little sour when changes are made that you dont like.

As I've evolved and developed my vintage and rockabilly style, especially over the last 6 months, I've come to terms with several things:

1. You dont have to wear all vintage to fit in.
2. You dont have to know every obsure band
3. You dont have to conform to ANY "rule" in terms of fashion or taste.

So here is my revised guide to "Be Rockabilly"

1. Wear what you love and what makes you feel good. Even if it's capri pants from walmart and a boy beater tank. Rock it. Own it. Let your amazing personality shine through.

2. Its ok if you dont know who a band is. I didnt know much beyond Bryan Setzer for a very long time. Thanks to recommendations from blogs and poking around on the internet have I discovered my beloved Deke, and other amazing artists like Nikki Hill, the Straight 8's, Roy Rapid, etc. When you have the opportunity, share your love of a great band, dont judge me for not knowing (and often caring) who they are.

Thats really it. If Viva was a bad time for you, dont go. Give me your room at the Orleans and stay the hell home. Drama will be everywhere. I shamelessly admit to loving drama. Not mine, but watching other peoples explode. Its free entertainment. But if at all possible, leave it at home, if it tries to follow you, walk away.

I hope 10 years from now, at Riot 13, I'm not posting a blog entry whining about how it was sooo much cooler back in 2013.

Beat me with my lucite purses if I ever do.

Recent purchase!

Its amazing what you can find on ebay when you DONT search the typical vintage keywords like vintage,retro,rockabilly, etc. I simply searched "Pink Circle Skirt" and LOOK! Look what I found!

It was $25 dollars, shown here with a cardi from savers (see the bow detail?) and puffed out with my vintage Malco petti. It doesnt fit me right now, but it was too beautiful to pass up, and its in a size that I can realisticly get into (12/14), not a fantasy size like a 6 which I guarantee is never going to happen.

I cant wait to wear this someday soon!

Happy fourth of July!

We interrupt this program for a bitch fest

I have a bone to pick. I primarily want to jab it into a few select ladies eyes. Its time to rehash that vintage vs repro vs inspired argument.

There is a debate going on in a vintage clothing group I belong to about how things are tagged and described. Mostly the over use of the term "Atomic", and using terms like Mad Men and Retro to get traffic to a sales listing.

WHO CARES?

First off, who made you the authority on what is or isn't something?
Secondly, if you don't like a listing, don't buy it.
Thirdly, if you only want to wear true vintage all the time, that's fine. Nobody is pissing in your cornflakes over it. How dare you look down your nose at someone that doesn't?

I really hate these snotty snobby bitches that think polka dots and cherries are played out, and you're not doing it right if you don't wear vintage.

I don't swear often on this blog, but let me take a moment to give a grandiose FUCK YOU to you people.

The point of being in the Rockabilly community is that we share a common interest. Rockabilly. THAT is the glue that binds us, not the clothes we wear or the size of our bodies. I appreciate the girl in the head to toe vintage with her game on point as much as I appreciate the girl in the denim Capri pants and top from forever 21. Each person brings their own unique beauty to the table. If you cant appreciate that, I don't want you anywhere near my circle of friends.

Its here!

You may have noticed a new addition to the blog in the form of an etsy banner over there
<-------------------------

I'm pleased to finally announce that this etsy venture is open and slowly growing!

I initially started with the name "Rockabilly Bowtique" but there were so many other facebook pages and web urls that included that. While I was sitting at work today, I was mulling different site names and this popped into my head! So Established 2013, I present Sinister Sweethearts. 

I've been producing bows and flowers and such like crazy and hope to keep updating the shop. This is where you, my lovely readers come in to play. If you are interested in helping me generate some publicity in the form of a review in exchange for free swag, please let me know!

Things I learned from Reno Rockabilly Riot

Warning, this is long. I kept adding to it and editing it at work throughout a 10 hr day.

Finally it’s Wednesday. 4 days post Riot and my hearing is finally returning to normal. I had such a good time on Saturday, I’m already mentally preparing for Viva. I’m hooked on Weekenders! I want to add Sacramento Swing time and Rock around the Park (Disneyland) to my list of events to attend!

The following is a list I've been compiling of must haves to keep on my person at all times, mostly for reminding myself for whatever event I attend next.

• Chap Stick: It was sunny and windy, and once my lipstick was gone, my lips got thrashed. I’m still recovering from the chapped lips.

•  Parasol: The sun was harsh! I was jealous of those ladies with parasols, and kicking myself that I had left mine at home. Mine is paper, and I think I want to invest in a proper fabric one soon

•  Sunglasses: I usually have them by default, but having a backup pair in my kit is going to be a lifesaver, plus possibly make me someone in my group’s new best friend.

•  Tylenol: or Aleve, or Advil. SOMETHING! The sun gave my friend and I wicked headaches, and neither of us was smart enough to bring anything. Derp :/

•  Earplugs: I’m already sensitive to loud noises, so you would think I would’ve thought ahead and had ear plugs for the drag racing. Nope! What a dummy. I will definitely have several pairs in my bag so my poor ears don’t hate me. (This will also probably make me lots of new friends, having extras).

•  Band-Aids: because cute shoes and walking means blistering.

•  Kleenex: The dust and exhaust from the drag racing was hard on the allergies and asthma

•  Hair Pins or clips: By the end of the day, my hair was dead. Curls were thrashed and tangled, and it was not pretty. I need to be prepared with outfit appropriate hair accessories to pin it out of the way if it gets messy.

•  Foldable fabric shopping bag: It tucks down to a manageable size so you don’t have to lug around a big purse (like I did). Vendors don’t always have shopping bags. Case in point, I made a large purchase from a friendly bow vendor and she had AMAZING packaging, but I had such a large quantity of her boxes, I really needed a bag to put them all in. My purse came in handy, but by the end of the day, it was an albatross.

 This sounds like a lot of crap to carry, but as you can see, it all tucks nicely (what I had immediately on hand) into this little makeup bag (except a parasol of course) 

Other things to remember,

 Camera with charged batteries

Cell phone

Business/calling cards. Something with your contact info on it to share with your new friends!

 If you’re not staying on site, planning to get your drink on, and don’t have a designated driver, have money set aside specifically for cab fare. Or call a friend. Just don’t drive. Nevada Highway Patrol, Reno PD, and Sparks PD do not screw around.

 Things I would (and will) suggest to Riot organizers:

•  More advertising! Especially in markets with large subculture communities.
• Non ugly event shirts. The gray was bad. Also no girly cut shirts? Why you hatin? Advertise that they are Riot shirts. I almost missed that booth because it looked like a random screen printing company.
• More detail on the website. “Bands play” is fine while the event is 6 months out, but it was that way until about a week before. Less money on graphics, more time on informing your attendees. 
• More partnering with the casino. I had no idea where the indoor events were. Nevada room? Where is that? Where are the directions making me want to go find it and what is going to be there when I find that room?
• The vendor layout was awkward. Having them in a better cluster would be smarter, and away from the cars lined up. It was hard to talk to Heather the bow vendor when 15 feet away, someone is revving their car engine.
• GSR has a “beach”. Use it! Viva has a pool party, throw a beach party! Perfect Sunday wind down activity, or Friday night kickoff party. Get people there on your slower days! A $5 cover (or slightly raising ticket prices) will offset the cost of lifeguards, etc.

An indirectly Riot related complaint. Starbucks in GSR KNOWS it’s going to be hot and knows it’s going to be crowded with people, and they don’t have any of their hibiscus tea or cool lime whatever drink? Who is in charge of planning?? Demoted! The girls behind the counter get extra points for victory rolls and being very friendly though.

My favorite vendor of the day was Heather from Whimsically Wicked. She was knowledgeable about other weekenders and rockabilly, engaging, and really fun to talk to. Her mom was the best! She rocked the hell out of that feather fascinator. Another vendor (name withheld) was friendly, but she had a group of friends sitting in her booth behind her table staring sullenly at people. It was a huge turn off. I bought a few mini bows from her and got the hell out of there.  It’s really off putting to try to look at someone’s booth and have 6 sets of eyes staring at you. No good!

Obviously my favorite part of the day was the Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics set.  I know I expound a lot on this subject, but I LOVE Deke. He has such a great sound and stage presence. With the smaller venue, we were able to get up close to the stage and really enjoy.

The pic is blurry, but heres Deke. I need to figure out a better way to take night photos soon.

 Next year I plan on getting a room, even though I’m a local. I think it would be nice to have somewhere to relax when it’s the hottest part of the day, plus I’m more likely to have a few drinks and want to stay into the wee hours for the evening activities. Room rates are reasonable, and I’d be splitting it with my girl Leanne.

Overall, the event was so fun, and I was glad to meet the adorable Deborah from Hellcat-Vintage and her equally awesome husband. I’m glad I can be a Riot Hipster and say “I was coming here before it got sooo big” *affectations of boredom* It has a lot of potential to grow into a really awesome event. Not an alternative to Viva, but a great reason to come to Reno on father’s day weekend.

 As a side note on Viva, apparently my boss is a “Billy” (who knew??) and wants to go as well. Don’t we go on vacation to get away from our bosses?? Good thing he is so super awesome, I wouldn’t feel weird running in to him.

My hair yesterday, before the wind killed it. Also pre- red lipstick.

Riot Recovery

I'll do a more detailed post about my day at Reno Rockabilly Riot soon, but I wanted to check in briefly tonight before I pass out from exhaustion.

To sum it up, I had a ton of fun. The event is still young and needs a lot of smoothing out of scheduling and promotion, but it was really great. I only encountered one snobby girl, a vendor selling purses that just did not give off a good vibe. I met Heather, an amazingly sweet hair bow maker who I left a good chunk of my casino winnings with (WELL WORTH IT!!!)

I'll do a more in depth post soon. Now its bedtime for me before I get keyboard face from falling asleep

ITS RIOT TIME!!!

Riot is here! Riot is here! Its FINALLY fathers day weekend and Reno Rockabilly Riot is really here!

This will be my first rockabilly event, and I'm using it as a warm up to Viva. This year I'm only attending tomorrows events. I want to get a feel for it and see if I want to spend money on the other two days.

I'm planning to meet up with Deborah of Hellcat Vintage and hopefully Mari as well. (I emailed you my number, girl! Text me!). My outfit isnt going to be very retro, though I plan on going full face and hair. Next year I'll have a better idea of logistics for sure.

I dont have instagram :/ but I plan on taking lots of photos tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled!

South of the Border, shall we?

I'm going to be doing a slew of recent purchase type posts because Ive been woefully behind on bragging about my finds.

Today in the mail I received this UH MAY ZING mexican resort wear cotton skirt, and its plus sized which is so rare for vintage. did I mention its UH MAY ZING??

If I can find the right top in time, I MAY wear it to Riot. Its supposed to be mid 80s next weekend, but here in Nevada, we say dont like the weather? Wait 15 mins. 

I must confess

I try to avoid buying things from China for many reasons. Primarily because I prefer to support local businesses, made in the USA, and I dont really approve of the working conditions for many chinese factories. But sometimes I make exceptions

This Purse was $11

Riot is next weekend! I'm only attending on Saturday, with a girlfriend of mine. I'm not "dressing" this year, as its my first time at Riot, its going to be hot as, and I'm just not in the mood. I want to be comfortable and enjoy the day without sweating my you knows off.

Ive been saving my money and I'm ready to pillage the vendors. Hopefully there are vendors... I NEED TO ACQUIRE ALL THE THINGS!!!

Restoration time!

Its been a long time since I have done any restoration posts, so here we go!

I found this rather ugly over toilet cabinet at a thrift shop on Sutro St in Reno. I honestly cannot remember what the place is called, but its very hit and miss in terms of what you can find there. I think this thing is 70's, MAYBE very late 60s but probably 70's or 80's and it was a really ugly tan color. Before that it was yellow. I can tell because whoever painted it tan didnt do a very good job.

I considered painting it gold, like everything else lately, but I dont want to overkill on the gold to the point that its tacky, so I knew I had some baby pink left over from another project.

Total cost for the project:

Cabinet: $6
Spray Paint: already had it (but its $3 at home depot)
Spray time: 25 mins total
Dry time: 24 hrs total
Toes accidentally painted baby pink: 4
Pairs of flip flops ruined: 1

Don't spray paint in flip flops. Moral of the story

Coming soon, I redo a wicker purse that was really busted, rusted, and in need of a make over

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Mr. & Mrs...

Not me! Haha, no I'm not getting married, I'm not even dating anyone.

A few weeks ago in an effort to lift my spirits and bring myself out of my seriously debilitating case of the blues, I spent a Saturday in my favorite place in the world, Tahoe City, North Shore Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe City is on the California side of the lake, so I left the house here in Sparks, drove through Reno, crossed the state line and headed south to the lake via Truckee.

About 15 miles from Truckee, one finds themselves in Tahoe City:

The main drag is lined with cafe's, ski shops, galleries, swank boutiques, and one lonely little thrift shop tucked in a small strip mall with a cafe and a liquor store. This was my destination. The owners of the shop have a great eye for vintage, and the store seems to be carefully curated to reflect a vintage flair. I've found pyrex, kromex, a beautiful lurex dress, and the object of todays post:

This photo album was tucked among some odds and ends on the dollar table. I opened it up and just about gasped aloud when I saw what was inside. Lets go to the chapel,  shall we? (I apologize for the quality of the pictures, I don't know where my scanner is)

Judging by the cut of the brides dress and the glasses on the groom, I'm going to date these photos to the late 50's, early 60's. I'm not sure why or how they ended up in a thrift shop, and there are no names or identifying details on the photographs to tell me who these people are. You can tell they had a formal beautiful Catholic wedding, and bride and groom are adorable.

I brought this home with me, happily paying the dollar they were asking for the book. These people will have a safe place in my collection, and I can be their wedding guest any time I want.

On a more serious note, I'd like to thank you readers for putting up with me during my period of acting a little crazy. I feel much lighter of late, and my fascination/crush on my coworker has subsided. I can be easily swayed by good looking country boys and got away from myself for a bit there. I can happily report that I can be in the same room with him and not act the fool. 

I'm looking forward to Riot in a few weeks. I'll only be attending on Saturday, (benefit of being a local). Hope to see some of you there!