Desert Rose...

Do you have a set of these dishes?

Chances are fairly good that you might have a set tucked away 

somewhere in your stash.

Yes, they are Franciscan's Desert Rose,

I've read that they are, and have been, the most popular pattern in America.

These particular dishes, the ones on my table, are actually from my maternal and paternal grandmothers.

This pattern was their pick when they were young (most likely when the pattern first came out.)

Or they could be from my mother's set when she and my father married in the 1950's.

It's obvious Desert Rose is a family favorite...

 but I wasn't even interested in joining the tradition.

Silly me...

because now, they are indeed a favorite.

They are a happy pattern...

perfect for spring time,
don't you think?

Thanks for dropping by!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her

Tablescape Thursday.

Be sure to visit there as well for loads of inspiration!

Fun facts about this pattern.

Franciscan Desert Rose hand-painted earthenware is an American classic that, according to Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen, authors of "Franciscan: an American Dinnerware Tradition," is one of the most popular china patterns in history.

1. Identification

   • Franciscan desert rose broad-rimmed plates feature scalloped edges. Pink roses and green leaves sit in relief upon a cream ground. Flowers are joined by briar-lined vines around the rim edge.

   Gladdings McBean

   • Franciscan's parent, Gladdings, McBean & Co. (GMcB) was founded as a Los Angeles clay building products manufacturer in 1875. GMcB developed malinite, the basis for its creamy-colored earthenware in 1928.

   Franciscan

   • With the acquisition of Tropico Pottery in 1922 and Catalina Pottery in 1937, GMcB entered the pottery business. The Franciscan pottery line premiered in 1934 and the FDR pattern was introduced in 1941 after Franciscan's 1940 "Apple."

   Changes

   • In 1984, FDR molds and production lines were moved to England by their new owners, Wedgewood Ltd. In 1987, the pattern was acquired by Johnson Brothers, who produced a limited line of 60th anniversary pattern pieces in 2001. All production moved to China by 2004.

   Considerations

   • The malinite formula or original Franciscan molds are not used in Chinese-produced FDR dinnerware. Antique stores and replacement clearinghouses offer many American and English pieces.

more: http://www.ehow.com/facts_7444523_history-franciscan-desert-rose.html#ixzz302CdzGxb

Lifelong learning...

True to my blog title..."a little bit of this and that"...

this post fits right in THAT category.

It's not a particular pretty post

with lovely flowers,

dishes,

stemware,

antiques,

or even linens.

Nope...

it's about lessons I learned this week 

of:

friendship, courage, and respect.

You see, every time my husband leaves for an extensive trip,

something happens here on the "home-front."

really

You can bet on it.

So, true to tradition, just a mere 5 hours into his trip,

this was outside my home.

shaky snap with my phone...

Now, to set the stage...I've been ALL over this property for approximately 3 years,

walking, digging, kneeling and never have I noticed anything slithering around.

NEVER.

Oh I knew there were probably critters like this around

since we're in a wooded subdivision.

But surely NOT where we are constantly moving about

OR 

where this little one likes to snoop around or do her business.

SURELY not in MY yard!

But the proof is here, right on my back sidewalk, leading straight into my garage.

It's a path I walk at least 1000 times a day,

sometimes with shoes on,

sometimes with shoes off,

sometimes during the day,

sometimes during the night.

So, when I was going about my routine and saw this in my path,

I ASSUMED it was a stick and was about to scoot it out of the way.

BUT then I noticed the markings...

AND this high shriek came out of my mouth 

while I did THE

that's.not.a.stick.that's.a.snake dance.

really

It wasn't a pretty sight.

 This I know for a fact...

I saw my debut on the security camera monitor.

ugh

So, being that I'm a smart city girl, 

I did the only thing I could think to do,

I used this product:

Yep, wasp spray (aka SNAKE repellent.)

And not only did I spray its head liberally 

but its body too,

just in case.

Well, this snake didn't really like the taste of my "magic potion" 

and slithered off to a little nearby boxwood.

I saw him take refuge 

but 

I wasn't thrilled that he didn't slither off into the wild blue yonder.

So I did the NEXT best thing,

went to Facebook.

yep

I wanted to put it out there for ALL the wide world...

Did any of my friends know what kind of snake was lounging at my house?

AND most importantly,

was it poisonous or not?

yikes

As I waited, I Googled, "brown snake with triangles" 

I'm such a smart city girl...

and guess what came up?

rattlesnake

Well, I knew that wasn't it,

I didn't see or hear any "rattles."

Meanwhile, I heard a little "ding" from my computer,

one of my super smart friends came to my rescue.

"It's a copperhead!"

And before I knew it, 

my computer was going crazy 

with all the replies of advice and mountains of knowledge.

I have such smart, amazing friends!

Then a local friend called and said she was sending her son and another 

over to my house to look around the invaded area.

At this point, the snake was gone, good riddance as far as I was concerned,

but she was adamant, the fearless snake hunters were on their way.

Luckily, within 30 minutes, my yard was investigated with NO sign of THE copperhead.

Good sign or bad?

I'm  not sure 

but after telling my tale to friend after friend,

and reaping more savvy advice...

I bought this product.

The reviews were mixed...but I believe somewhere on the package 

it states, "...gives peace of mind to damsels in distress."

ugh

country living

So today I learned :

friends - what would I ever do with out them...once again!

courage - living in the "country" takes a different kind of courage than "city" living

respect - for all of God's creatures, even slithering ones 

Seriously,

we're taking all precautions (for our family and pets)

with this critter, and any of his friends.

After all, we built in HIS territory...

I just don't want him in MY territory!

ugh

*no "critters" were injured in the writing of this post

*i received no compensation for the products in this post

Mimi's on Main - Spring 2014 Update

Just letting you know that Mimi's on Main in Conroe, Texas

 is ready for S.P.R.I.N.G!

Step in and take a look!

There's been a sighting of Peter Rabbit and all his bunny friends waiting just for you!

There are tons of vintage items for serious collectors...

as well as one of a kind clothing items and jewelry.

What about adding a piece of Fitz and Floyd to your collection?

This is just a sampling!

If you're having a special dinner, what about adding to your table?

There are gorgeous dishes in just about everyone's booth...

and the best thing...there's plenty of variety!

For instance, this vintage set would be just lovely for a new bride...

or for anyone wanting special pieces.

Just take a look at those gorgeous wedding pictures!

Or how about a treasure from the sea?

 Our booths (Sharlotte's Reflections) are stocked with Etsy type items...handmade and vintage.

Mimi's on Main,

on historic Main Street in Downtown Conroe,

 has about 30 different vendors, each with their own style. 

Come in for a visit, 

we'd love to meet you!

We guarantee you will have a great time browsing and shopping!

If you missed the first post about Mimi's on Main, click here.

Pink Depression Glass

Glassware is addicting.

There are so many patterns, so many colors.

So how does one choose?

For me?...Very carefully.

Then there's the age factor...new, vintage?

And, I won't get into all the beautiful linens - they're addicting too!

So, today's table is about one particular color, pink.

Perfectly pink for springtime.

These pieces have been picked up here and there,

and, when placed alongside each other,

they make a nice setting.

Thanks so much for dropping by, I truly appreciate your visit!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

Drop by there as well for loads of inspiration!

In case you are interested:

white table cloth/napkins - wedding gifts

pink napkins/napkin rings/flatware - antique gift shop

vintage table runner in basket/dinner plates - estate sale

stemware - consignment shop

cups/saucers, sugar/creamer, basket - thrifted

glassware in basket (bisquit jar, pitcher, candy dish) - gifted

Texas Bluebonnets...

Our state flower is the bluebonnet

and it's at this time of year they are in their full glory. 

They pop up along the roadsides, sometimes in small patches, 

other times in fields of blue. 

It's a tradition that pictures of family members (mainly little ones) are taken each year in these fields.

So be very watchful of cars parked along the side of the road

as little ones (and their parents) might be darting to and fro 

excited from all the beautiful sights!

Now, as you have probably guessed, 

these bluebonnets are the inspiration for today's table.

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday!

 I decided to use their color for today's table.

Enjoy!

Keeping things simple is a favorite way to decorate.

Adding in a few textures here and there always adds interest,

and keeps things from being too boring.

This brace and bit tool caddy has been a work-horse for me. 

(see below for credits and tutorial)

Using "vintage-looking" stemware reminds me of simpler days...

especially thinking of my grandmother and all her lovely meals.

In fact, this oak table was hers. 

I'm so very proud to have it my home, it's truly a focal point in my kitchen, 

just like it was in her kitchen, so many years ago.

If you are planning to travel through Texas during the next few weeks,

be sure to stop and enjoy our bluebonnets!

I'm joining Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

Be sure to drop by for loads of inspiration!

In case you're interested:

chargers - Pier 1

square dishes - gifted

blue dishes - Johnson Brothers - Old Britian Blue Castles - My Tableware

flatware - Oneida (Michelangelo) -wedding gifts

stemware - Dollar Store

napkins/rings - handmade

centerpiece - brace and bit tool box (credit/tutorial here)

**A reader stated that picking bluebonnets is lawful...she was indeed correct! Please see this article by SNOPES.

 This is a widely known myth and it is probably the most-asked question this time of year. It is perfectly legal to pick wildflowers in Texas, including our state flower, the bluebonnet. The question is asked so often of the State Highway Patrol, which has a standardized statement that it faxes to people advising that it is perfectly legal to pick bluebonnets. 

There are some ways, however, that you can get into trouble and even break the law while you're picking them. First of all, you cannot trespass onto people's property to get to the flowers. That means that you cannot crawl over fences or go through gates to get into the fields where the flowers are. Secondly, you cannot block traffic with your vehicle when you stop to pick the flowers. And, in Texas, it is illegal to walk along the freeways or the shoulder of the freeways. It is also illegal to damage anyone's property, including the state's property, while you're picking the wildflowers. That includes making ruts in the grass or causing any type of damage to the landscape. 

There are some areas where the state has actually planted bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Those are clearly marked. These are considered to be gardens, and gathering flowers in these areas is not allowed. If you are caught picking flowers in those areas, you will be asked to stop, but you will not be arrested or issued a ticket. So, there are certainly ways to get into trouble while picking wildflowers and some folks have actually broken some laws while doing so. However, picking wildflowers — even bluebonnets — is not illegal and never has been. Just be careful how and where you do it.
Read more at http://www.snopes.com/legal/bluebonnets.asp#CLCPYvWzBr4Eo386.99