July 4th

As always, it's a joy when July 4th rolls along. Here in the land of blogs, Merryville is always the hottest spot of all. I think we all look forward to any holiday in Merryville; but there is just something about celebrating our Independence Day with the dear Staggs family.


In years' past, I have used every type of transportation imaginable--some memorable, some not so. My favorite memory is that of Ulla picking me up on her way in an old gypsy wagon. Now, let me tell you, we arrived in style. Even the most demure ladies were woo-hooing as we pulled into town. This year, I'm taking the mid-day Merryville Express straight to the festivities. I have no time to waste (being behind because of my indecision in this year's outfit) . Since this train is an express, I'll be in Merryville before you can spell I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-C-E!

As tradition goes, I've pulled some old photos out from last year. They sure do bring back some fun memories.

While the "Float Committee" was posing for this photo, the wives all jumped into the
Carnation Wagon and lined up for the parade. We spent all night long decorating this beauty! Mrs. Staggs is always in charge of driving as Mr. Staggs doesn't trust anyone else driving his prized possession. I'm surprised he allows us to decorate it each year. All I can say is, he must truly love that Mrs. Staggs!

Here, the freshly betrothed Maggy Flue and Wilbur Flannigan are taking their engagement spin through town.
We were fortunate enough to NOT be stuck behind the old vinegar wagon last year! Lordy. Almost did us in two year's ago--peeee-yew!

Last year, the Swetman family were the Grand Marshalls and lead the parade through town. That little Swetman boy sure was a pain. As we were all following behind, he was throwing firecrackers out the back. I'm sure glad there were no horses directly behind them; we could have had quite a runaway parade if that had been the case!

Well, I best be getting down to the train station if I'm going to make it! Wishing all a wonderful fourth!

May Day in Merryville

The Children of Merryville at the Maypole

What better place to celebrate the arrival of the merry month of May than in Merryville. The Staggs family always does their lion's share of the May Day festivities there. Unfortunately today, Mrs. Staggs has informed us, it is raining in Merryville and most celebrations will be held indoors. To that I say, yippee! It is always an honor to get invited into the lovely home of the Staggs' family. There, you will find joyous music to fill your soul, delicious foods to fill your belly and always the best company you will find anywhere in this fine land.

I dug up some pictures of May Days past and look what I came upon. Here is the young pre-Mrs. Staggs being crowned Miss May Day. Oh my, is that a young Mr. Staggs crowning her? Could this have been the beginning of a courtship? Let's ask, shall we?

I don't remember the ladies here, but I do remember the skit "A Midsummer Night's Dream" being performed some years back. I'm sure Mrs. Staggs will be able to put a name to the faces. I have to giggle. I do, however, distinctly remember that silly donkey head getting stuck on that poor woman's head until a sweet gentleman had to cut her out. I remember it being a very hot May Day; and when the head was finally removed, the poor young lady was as red as a fire bucket. I think she quickly recovered when the young man patted her with his cool hankie. Aw yes, love is always in the air on May Day in Merryville.


And who is this? Could this be Mrs. Staggs and myself? No telling what we were up to with those sheepish grins on our faces! I'll never tell.

What wonderful memories. I'm off and on my way to Merryville. See you there!

A Christmas Story in the Making

Everyone must go and visit dear Mrs. Staggs in Merryville. She has the most delightful interactive post going. Leave it to her to bring the magic back to the Season! Thank you, dear Lena!

ATC Group's "Southern Chapter" Meets with COO

Miss Jane has been visiting from New York this week. I think it must have been secretary Lottie who called a meeting of the Southern Chapter of this group to be held in a Tennessee locale. In attendance were Miss Jane, COO; Miss Lottie (granny), secretary; Miss Beth, local Tennesseean spokesperson; Miss Jill, Alabama spokesperson and myself, general wannabe. We'll have to check with Miss Lottie to get the specific notes taken at this meeting . . . .

We all met over at the Franklin Michael's, since Jane's NY store seems to be a tiny one and ours is huge. (In actuality, it was Hobby Lobby, for sure. My bad!) A little shopping was done and then we drove over to a little sandwich shop--The Franklin Mercantile--in old town Franklin to have lunch. It was a lot of fun meeting Jane and Jill (I'm just dying to call Jane "Jack so I can say Jack & Jill!). We were then off to my house, a short distance away so Jane could teach us all the art of quilling. I had purchased supplies when I first met up with Beth and Lottie at a paper show in Nashville last month; but I hadn't taken to it. I always do much better when shown something in person.

After sitting and chatting over mulled cider (chilled because it was so hot here today!), we swapped some ATCs (wooohoo!). Jane even gave Jill and I this special little what-not box (above) that she had made for us. Lottie's three ATCs are on the left. Aren't they the sweetest things? Jill's are on the right. She used the laminate chips you pick up at Lowes! How creative is that? Jane's ATC's are below. Look at the one that opens to a 3-D Christmas tree. I think I would have driven myself crazy trying to figure that one out with scissors!!










We set up "shop" in the dining room. Jane was so sweet and brought us each a little kit. Mine and Jill's contained Christmas patterns, Beth's and Lottie's were flowers. After Jane showed us how to quill, we all made one little ATC. Somehow, I missed Jane's after it was finished. How cute are these??




After we finished our "assignment," we all had a piece (or two!) of Mrs. Stagg's wonderful Merryville Chocolates and some French shortbread cookies. Oh, the chocolates were delectable. We all savored each bite. A big ol' thank you goes out to Mrs. Staggs!!

The day ended too quickly and all my new friends had to leave, pout. It was such a wonderful day sharing creativities with one another. I look forward to our next "meeting."

Off to Merryville

Miss Bev and I are ready to head out to Merryville. I sure hope to see you there. There is nothing like the Fourth of July in the good ol' U.S. of A! Picnics, parades, camaraderie with our fellow man and a grand finale of fireworks and patriotic music. Joy!

Before we left, we snapped some shots of the flags flying in all their glory--inside and out. Flags by the mailbox, and flags in the flowers. (I even found some Cracker Jacks for the boys to enjoy tonight!)


I put these little patriotic birds on my topiaries on the porch (along with a half chewed wooden flag--wonder which kitty got that!).


Ok, the wagon is hitched and we're off to Merryville with glee in the heart! Miss Bev has her tap dance outfit on and is glad to be feeling up to par! (Have you ever seen a cat tap dance before? Only in Merryville! Wait 'til you see Miss Luna's act!) We'll see you there!! May God Bless America!!

(Wagon shot borrowed from here.)

Let's Get It Started in Here!

I'm sure Mrs. Staggs is listening to the Merryville Orchestra rehearsing for our big holiday weekend over in Merryville. I thought I'd give you a little taste of things to come! Oooh, I think I can already hear those cymbals crashing together! Oh, and I wonder if Ulla's husband will be conducting this year. I sure hope so! He's the best, or so I've heard through the blogvine.

I've pulled out my finest summer dress, shoes, hat and parasol for the upcoming festivities. (I've even hidden my lace fan in my bag in case I get too warm in that summer heat. (Don't want anyone to see me perspire, now do I?) And don't you forget yours either! I hear it's going to pretty warm in Merryville on the Fourth!


I found this from last year when us "girls" snuck off to cool down for a bit. We left all the menfolk in town in their suits and ties to wilt through the day! Shhh, don't tell them, please! We may have to do it again this year! Wouldn't want them to have to tag along and ruin the fun. So, mum's the word!

I wonder what the parade will hold for us. Who doesn't love a parade? Ooooh, so exciting.


I'm not quite sure what I'm doing here, but this is what I concocted to get you in the patriotic mood! Click here: Stars & Stripes Forever! (er, I hope!)

Blessings

I am truly blessed by my family and friends. I received another box today. (It's like Christmas around here!) It is from my sweet friend Mrs. Staggs over in Merryville. Ooooh, I couldn't wait to open it! Look at the label!! A piece of art in itself (and I admit, I carefully cut it off the box so I can save it). P.S. Ivey is my maiden name; and look at the ivy draping the corner. You are too wise, Mrs. Staggs! See how pretty it's packaged? Not a movement in shipping. This is exactly how I found it when I opened the box. Beautiful, just beautiful!

Now, take a look at what sweet Lena sent me! She wrote that her and Miss Luna (her kitty) were sending well wishes to Miss Bev along with this adorable stuffed cat. Can you see the hand embroidered vintage (I'm sure) nappy it is made from? She's already on my bed waiting for me and the cats to crawl in next to her. I think she shall be named Miss Merry in honor of Mrs. Staggs and Miss Luna of Merryville.

Then, there were the lovely Cath Kitsdon (yes, CATH!) napkins. Where on earth in the U.S. did you find these, Lena? Or did you simply take a jaunt abroad while no one was looking? That Merryville sure is special place. Who doesn't LOVE Cath?? Lovely. I will save them for a pretty day with friends.


Lena also found a pretty bar of soap that was made just for me! It has my name on it and everything. Is that not the bestest? Yes, it's already in my bath waiting to be used. (Bad pic, I know, but nice soap, I know!) Look at the vintage postcard she turned into a card with just the use of photo corners. Oh, dear Mrs. Staggs, not only are you wise but oh-so creative too. How envious I am!


And so in return, I send to the lovely Mrs. Staggs in Merryville, via blog, this lovely bouquet of hydrangea straight from my garden. A lovely bouquet for a lovely person. Thank you, my dear friend. Thank you so very much for making my day so special.

Let Us Always Meet Each Other With a Smile

. . . for the smile is the beginning of love. --Mother Teresa

I am inspired each day by visiting Mrs. Staggs over in Merryville. You see, Merryville is that special place in everyone's heart where we can all meet and enjoy each other's company. We are free to frolic around with not a care in the world. Mrs. Staggs brings so much enjoyment to me by her words, her pictures and her creation of Merryville.

Today she wrote a post about an elderly gentlemen she had once met. She told us about the wisdom of one simple phrase he spoke: "Whom may I delight today?" I kept that phrase with me all day, and I hope to always carry it with me.

It was a dreary day outside--cold and damp--so I decided to finish some boxes I had been working on. I never know what I'm going to put on them until I sit down with the painted set in front of me. I pulled out all my snippets of this and snippets of that to see what would capture my eye and my heart. I immediately went to this delightful calendar with pictures and illustrations of children. Each page has a quaint saying next to adorable artwork. After looking through several pages, I came upon a caption that recaptured the same feeling I felt when I had read Mrs. Staggs' early-morning post. It was a quote from Mother Teresa, the one I wrote above, "Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." Simple words, simple meaning. And so, this was the theme of my three boxes.

I later found this photo in my mom's childhood album. It is of her (Sue), her sister (Nita) and their two friends. The smiles on their faces say it all.

May we always have a smile for one another to pass along.