Those Blasted Condensed Books

My grandmother was famous for collecting things: good, bad, collectible, pretty, weird and awful alike.  Among the things she collected were the two my mother disliked getting sent in the mail the most:  egg cartons for dad's eventual soundproof room in the basement, and Reader's Digest Condensed Books.

Did you know that about 500 Reader's Digest items, whether in book, atlas or mini-digest paperback form, are published every second? Yeah, they're that ubiquitous, and annoying, and so damn addictive.  They are everywhere but you can't stop reading them...particularly the mini-digests.  My favorite stories are always the "Drama in Real Life" ones--though of recent they have changed the name I believe.  You just can't put it down; it's like a blog in which you just can't stop hitting the "Older Posts" link.  They pile up everywhere, in bookstores, in libraries, on Amazon and eBay...you get the point.  However, one place my mom did NOT want them piling up was in her bookshelves.

I just came across a blog post that discovers new ways to recycle, reuse and repurpose these old Reader's Digest books.  Who knows....one day, these snippets of history might be all we have left of physical books with all the eReaders coming out; but now maybe we can see them in a new light.  Visit Sharon's blog post to check out what ideas she has for culling those old pieces of history and putting them to better use.

DIY and Project Inspiration

I've come across Pinterest on many occasions and heard of it when it came out last year.  I never had any inclination to browse too much or join, as I felt it was just one more account to add to my online identity, which is already extensive enough.  Recently though it's become more popular and EVERYONE is talking about it.  I decided to head over and see if I could find some inspiration for some home decor or jewelry.  I was pleasantly surprised!

Homemade twine lamps. Could see these spray painted black and hung in our living room.

Bracelet idea.  Now where to get the giant chain from....

Possible ornamentation for jewelry--might try this with fabric!

Finally, something I can do with all those extra keys lying around the house :)

Pretty neat idea for some leftover costume jewelry

Actually "pinned" from Urban Outfitters, but there might actually be a neat design right here!

Just a few little bits and pieces.  Not bad for my first trawl.  I don't think I'll be back on a regular basis, but maybe whenever my muse decides she's on strike!

A Marine's Retribution

A friend posted this on her wall on her Facebook, and I couldn't resist sharing.  Granted the credit card use and destroying of the pimp mobile was a little too vigilante, I think it's hilarious.

An actual Craigslist personals ad:

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m. E.S.T.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with crap in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].


After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!

I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ..... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.

The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!

Cyber Monday Deal FREE Shipping

Hello friends, family and fellow bloggers!

Today marks the start of the Cyber Monday campaign.  Unlike Black Friday which is in-store, you can purchase deep discounts online from many retailers, resellers, small shops and from people like me.

From now until the end of the year I'm introducing my longest-lasting discount: FREE shipping on any item in my Etsy shop!  Please visit the "My Shoppette" page on my blog to follow any link to my Etsy shop; or, if you're having difficulty, click here:

Happy shopping!

Thanksgiving & New Years Restoration

This year, Dave & I drove to Tallahassee to spend time with the Wheeler side of the family for Thanksgiving.  We made the trip last year and had tons of fun--Dave & Uncle Jon even went Black Friday shopping at Costco and Uncle Jon bought a new computer since family guests kept trying to get him to upgrade his electronics.  (This year, the computer still sits in its just-opened state and is not upgraded with Uncle Jon's company software.  The entire family was in giggles over it!)  We had a fabulous two days with peppercorned filet mignon and brined turkey, but unfortunately we had to drive back to Niceville since I worked the next day.  We are hoping to visit again soon though!

After all the holidays are over, I think I've found my next to-do project.  It's actually a restoration, which I've never done, but I'd love to bring this album back to life.

It's a stamp album from my grandma's collection.  The book actually has a lot of character in it as is; but the major problem is that prior to Grandma Al purchasing it, the album sustained some severe water damage, leaving pages warped and stamps sticking to each other, backwards, together, and basically everywhere you DON'T want a collected stamp to stick.  Unfortunately the water damage devalues the stamps, but for me it's a sentimental project to restore this beautiful leather-bound book to even a partial glimpse of its previous glory.  I might actually get to see what's on the stamps if I'm careful in their separation!

Food for thought:  What's your favorite thing to collect?  Have you ever purchased a distressed or abused collectible item that you planned to restore?