Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

Okay…are you psychic, Tracy?? LOL I needed to read this, this morning as I am faced w/some major decisions. The problem is, I’m always scared to death to make major decisions in my life, because I’m always thinking “what if…?”
Then, what usually happens is I don’t make any decision at all…and just stay in limbo. I DO need to be true to myself and take a stand for what “I” want, not what everyone else wants! Thank you so much for some amazing Tracy Therapy! I may need to check in regularly for some sessions. Have a great weekend!
~Deborah

I am printing this message up. It will be put on my refrigerator door for everytime things seem to overwhelm me in life and I know a few friends who will love having this message. You always put into words many things I need to hear and I thank you and love coming to this blog for it. I know that I am going to be OK about my Sis’s condition and keep the laughter and love constant during her treatments because I know it helps her and myself be closer and share our memories and to live life as much as we can.

Tracy, I LOVE this message!!! What wonderful inspiration and encouragement on a Friday morning.

Thank you for encouraging to LIVE & ENJOY!!!!! Hope your weekend is wonderful as ever:)

CC… HEYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

OK……….is my second name……I am standing on the street corner of 24th and Vine….and have hundreds of these flyers TRACY ..just wrote..and I am passing them out…..LOLOO….these will be tacked to the walls of my RV……..Let it go girls……MMMMM…think I will make myself a white paper plate hat…….and drink vanilla all day……….love her words…..I have told you this before….but I am repeating…..thats also my middle name…..repeating it again….I want to fold HER (TRACY) UP AND PUT HER IN MY POCKET……just for a reminder of so many many things…..WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE…..FEELING GOOD IN YOUR OWN SKIN……and people loveing you for it……awwwweeeee it does not get any better than that!!!!!!!!!! Happy Cheeseburger Friday to all……….AND ON A PAPER PLATE!!!!!!!!!!LOLOLOLO…….sitting on my Turquoise Cloud!!!!!! and maybe latter standing on my SOAP BOX…..preaching……XOXOXOXO

HAPPY FRIDAY BIRDS!!!!!!!
This is DIVINE T!!!!!!
I Promise you my love, that I AM STANDING ON MY CHAIR EVERYDAY!!!!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo

Hi dearhearts! I so love reading you here each day…even if I have not been contributing…You make my heart sing. Tracy…your words today are tonic to the soul…truth to our hearts and puts all back into the focus of life and living…thank YOU..you are a divine soul…Cameo..valery ..you inspire and are the cat’s meow!! All of you girls are love and light….Have a blessed weekend…Cameo…38 babygirl chicks…so furry and fun…they are now six weeks old and transitioning out with the ‘big girls’ soon…will name one Cameo!! xoxoox

have to agree- this is just the kick in the ass I need these days….

Thank you for the vote of confidence.

My mother gave me a saying a few years ago… “have the courage to grow up and become who you really are”

i’m okay with nursing one handed and drinking coffee in the next….

i’m okay with trying to quilt even though i don’t know how (yet)…

but MOST IMPORTANTly…I’m OKAY with eating PIE for BREAKFAST!!!

can I get a ‘hoorah’ ??

p.s. strawberry-rhubarb from the garden

TRACY good words of wisdom today! Hey, are those cloth napkins with the paper plates? Ha, ha! Oh, I could go on and on with what my “letting” go of things should be…am battling some issues with our home that unfortunately must be addressed with builder/contractors long after the warranty period…..I am just a pro-active kind of person….so ever onward! (hey that is Tracy’s second to the last advice item) But I have really let go of “perfection” a while ago…but easy to slip back, right??? Happy Friday!

love you guys…..you are flower tonic to my soul!
xxx
T.

Tracy this is a wonderful and oh so poignant post!

As this is the last day for our Fabulous Giveaway on my site be sure to send everyone over!! We have had a super response!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

we love you too tracy!

Words of wisdom T!!!!…..Sometimes I stop myself and say to myself,….how would Tracy handle this…..what would Tracy do….makes me smile, throw back my head, tossle my long blonde hair about and sing Tra la la la….C’est La Vie………smell the lavender, have a glass of tea and SMILE…..
Love to all you rare birds and soul sisters! I salute you all!!
xoxoxoDesiree

Cameo …………I can see you standing on that chair……I just hope you have shoes on…..LOLOLOLOOL……MEOWWWWWWWWWW….thanks Beth!!!…Name one Valery toooooo!!!! Hey you had that boat out yet??????

Anne Marie…………..HURRAH!!!!!!!! to you!!!

TRACY………I WILL POLLINATE THAT Flower…..Baby!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOX Have a great week-end………..

Be ok…with not pleasing everyone all the time! It’s ok to say “No” some of the time!! Words of Wisdom!!
Blessings!!

Hi all! Tracy, thanks for this…it couldn’t come at a better time! You are always spot on and make us remember what is really important! Also, thanks for my little treat…just received a delicious little dress and a surprise! What fun and thanks for the lovely clothes, home decor…well everything to make life just a little richer.

Anne Marie…LOVE your blog…you inspire me…are you and tracy twins!? I love it…I sooooooooooooooo relate …you darling girl!! Rejoice and blessings to all…Tracy …have a flowering tonic weekend!!!xoox

I stumbled on your site looking for foyer idea’s for my in-laws and I had to comment. I watched your video, looked around and read the comments. You guy’s are really good people, living the dream and helping others to do the same. And I thought it was funny I lived as a child in oxnard, I had always wanted 4 boys, I have 3 great girls(21-24) (always drama) and a boy 9, and john looks like my little brother. Take Care
Bob

I’m okay with a little doghair on my furniture….it’s worth it to have those big beasties curl up next to me while I’m watching a movie.
I’m okay with not having perfectly white teeth….I love my wine and coffee.
Love your lists!

Next year I turn 60…how did that happen? I have 6 granddaughters…so glad that happened! All the adult family members and many of my friends keep saying I need a new hair style for my new decade. My hair is about the length of Tracy’s. BUT, I now say…
It’s ok to have long hair at 60, thank you!

Tracy – this is a keeper! Love it! (And, I must say, you make those plain ol’ white paper plates look quite glamorous!

Oh my, I do not like to eat off paper plates! I think deep down I have an issue with creating trash. However, if our extreme drought continues, perhaps I’ll have to get used to it. I shall adjust.
Now I have reached the age when I am more worried about losing my eyesight and not about losing the extra pound. No more fighting for trivial things, I might be dead before I win the battle. Having witnessed the destruction of hurricane Andrew, it does not bother me anymore if something breaks or gets lost. One day I will have to leave it all behind anyway.
So old age is liberating in a lot of ways. As long as I have my eyesight I can read, I can create, I can see the beauty of nature etc. In my mind being creative is one of the greatest gifts . One is always busy with ideas, with projects, with excitement. I am thankful for that. You, Tracy and your team give us the courage to step out even further, not to be afraid. We all appreciate that. You teach us also to share, to care and reach out. In the end we are all okay. Cheers to you!
I love the magazine WHERE WOMEN CREATE.

Great message Tracy….Too many pressures in the world to be perfect. Enjoy who you are and what you do everyday. I will share your words with others

Siegi………We are not dead yet….enjoy the day!!!!!

Talking about death…. a good foreign movie.
NORA’S WILL from Mexico. Eccentric drama, sometimes funny.
VALERY, no plans to leave yet. Too many projects to finish.

Is Tracy on vacation this week? No blog….

hello everyone, love this blog! Tracy,your clothes are spectacular….dusters always make me feel beautiful.Be list is great.Nancy,I hear you..why does everyone want you to cut hair as 60 comes? I am 58 & love hair& old ladies with buns!!!

Hey guys~
Summer is here….we are evaluating a bit of a blog break….to soak up the summer etc.
So we are here, but posts will be limited by real life happenings….
hope you are well, happy , healthy.
this post is a great one for life in general, so glad you appreciate it. thank you for being here, and for sharing your thoughts.
ever humbled….cheers and love! I have it printed out infront of my desk too!
xxx
T.

Aw! Well, i am going to miss my daily dose of inspiration. I look forward to drinking my morning coffee with you:) Have a great summer!

No worries! You amaze me to no end Tracy (“and Co.”, I know T wouldn’t have it any other way than to mention all of you behind her)…wishing you an absolutely gorgeous and memorable Summer! Hopefully this’ll give you some time to paint a canvas!!! It’s hard enough to find time to read our blog, I can’t imagine trying to write one daily! I really do appreciate all you put into what you do, and you do it all so well!!! Love you!!! Thank you, thank you…

I’m going to miss the daily dose as well! Awww…well, have a wonderful Summer and I’ll love reading what you post when you can…you are appreciated and you deserve some time off too!!

Ditto….and….BE OK “with not getting involved with every last thing that everyone needs you to do…especially if it means you are losing more of “you” along the way!” XXOO

Dearest Tracy….
have missed my visit to your blog and site…
missed too all the conversation…
so happy to see you are in Where Women Create
such a fun place to be.
love everything you make and create.
sigh….always such a treat to see
such divinely beautiful treasures!
sweet dreams pretty lady…xoxo Eden

Tracy…Good for you. I feel like you have a very good sense of yourself and can change your course to match your needs. We will enjoy whatever you generate as it is always full of optimism and creativity galore. Enjoy those boys!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~TO THE TRACY PORTER FAMILY AND

COMPANY~~~~~~~~~……..HAVE A GREAT

SUMMER…….SOAR

WITH THE EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD DEAL TP&CO!!!!!!!! This is your FIRST summer in CA,….. Get out there and soak it ALL in baybeeeeeeeee!!!!!! OXOX to the COWBOYS,…….and take lots of pics!!!!!! DEMI has a list a mile long of things she wants to do this summer,……LOLO,…..maybe DEMI and I will get a pedi together!!!!!! ~~~~
* LOLO wanted to suggest the tea party at the Grand Floridian in Disney for your grands. DEMI was 9 then, and loved it sooooo. They meet with the MADHATTER and ALICE for two hours to have tea, scones and sandwiches. It is truly a FANTASY!!!!! Parents are not invited. The kids dress up like their favorite Disney characters. DEMI was Ariel, the little MERMAID. You know with those red locks she looked so convincing,……kids were asking for her autograph!!!!!! Fun Fun!!!!!!
BETH love,….How’s that babygirl chick CAMEO??? Wish I could see!!!! *LOVE* YOU for that!!!!!!
HAPPY DAY RARE BIRDS!!!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo

Tracy, you deserve a break! Have a fun vacation!
DAWN, just saw the preview of the movie SNOWFLOWER and the SECRET FAN! Have to go and see it.
RACHEL, one of our fawns was hit by a car, mother stood helplessly next to it, so sad. Some animal got into our birds nest. The babies were only 3 days old.
However we have plenty of rabbits this year, perhaps the coyotes left the area, the river bed is getting dry. Don’t know, just guessing.
I have been checking some of your web sites, TAMMY, JAN, ANNE MARIE, you are all such creative souls. Thanks for sharing, I love to see other’s projects. I have been trying to take photos, nothing comes out the way I would like.
Good day to all!

Happy Summer Tracy and Ladies!! LOVE this and will print out to remind me this summer!
SEIGI…thank you for the heads up….I have not seen the preview!! Happy Day to all!

TRACY & CO: I totally get that some time in summer needs to be “freeing”. I am the queen of “once summer comes don’t tie me down”. On a selfish note, I was going to say when summer comes I have more time to be in here.. chatting….however I have been running, running for the past few days, and did not even feel like I had time to take advantage of the sale!! So today, need to do some serious shopping, could not make up my mind. Hope you and your company will have some ideas in here for the summer…we all love it so! VALERY: wanted to say I take high school students to DISNEY WORLD every few years and see those little princesses all dolled up….what fun! Happy day to all (hi RACHEL AND CAMEO)

WAY TO GO TP&CO!!!! Enjoy your summer, and make Beautiul Memories…and yes take tons of pictures….I am still checking in here every AM & PM….I have no choice I MUST, it is like second nature to me!!!!
LOVE YOU!!!! CARPE DIEM!!!! xoxox

“BE TRUE TO YOURSELF”…..we’re not going anywhere trace…..the boys and john come first. enjoy your adventures and new discoveries. think about us as we will you. i’m sure we’ll all have a lot to share. right durls?? xxx000 to all

VALERY…..we always stay at the BOARDWALK INN at epcot. we go every year with my daughter and grandson since my son-in-law passed. i don’t know if you intend to visit all the parks, but my grandson, who will be 8, loves epcot. he does the passports in every country and there is something like a treasure hunt within the countries called “kim possible” that we did for the first time this year and it was fun for all of us. soaring and energy with ellen are favs. on the adult side….my husband and i each night sample a wine (for me) and beer from a different country. the illuminations laser show at epcot is the best!! you would love it. i’m excited for you because i know how much we enjoy. xxx fanci

Happy summer love to tracy and co. …and to all of you lovley beings! HAve fun in Florida Valery..oh, what sweet memories! Cameo, dear…baby cami is doing well….one of these days I will take a pic of her and send it to you…she is grey and fluffy …banty with the feathery feet…she is a true rare bird…I think I will name her side kick Valery..(or LOL)!! TIME TO GO AND FEED THEM NOW…they are seven weeks old and so tiny still…they are true petites!! Good day to all you wonderful woman…

You know what is “ok”? – my new Mirella zip cardigan – I received it last night along with a lovely surprise (thank you! love it!) What is ok about the Mirella? It is just too perfect – love the short sleeves, love the double zip, love the pattern and the weather is cool here so I love the comfort. Happy Summer! Don’t forget to hang out your flags today!

Will miss your daily doses of everything Tracy!!! Have a lot of Summer fun out there in your new home State of California!!! Like Angela…I am in the habit of checking in everyday here.
Love to all you Summer Durls!!!

Girls!!!!!!!!!!Dear Tracy!!!!!!!!!!! I love you all! and I’m with MH…..my peasan, I will still have to check in here and get my fix!!!!It’s funny I always feel a connection in my own life to what goes on here….I think we all do, and I just made a phone call I hated to make…I had to say no to a summer job, as they are piling up quickly, and I need to “be Ok” with wanting to have a little time off this summer too! SEIGI….how sad, I can’t stand it…why did you tell me that?!LOL!!! We now see three babies out there, we named them all!!!!! Well ENJOY SUMMER, BIRDS!!!!!xoxoxoxo To you all!!!!!!!!!!Rach

Thank you Beth………I have to keep up with the Famous CAMEO……that girl actually got Tracy to sign her TP cowboy boots……she is as true as her name!!!!!!

Fanci, Ellen…..and CAMEO….THANKS FOR THE TIPS ON DISNEYWORLD…..we are stopping first on the gulf near Pensacola….right on the beach…..make sand castles….etc…doing the go cart rides, bumper cars….bungee jumping….not me but my son and grandson…..golfing…..but I love the bumper cars on water……so much to do….and then we are staying at the Disneyworld RV park……..my first time….and you would think I was a child!!!!!

Patty….Rachel…..XOXOXOX Rachel…take time off……….Patty….send me a horse!!! LOLLOL

Angie……MH……….Louise babyyyyyyyyy….You are my Angel……Love you BFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sharon………Queen of the Ball that you are…..get on here and chat!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Siegi………….send photos to v.hoops@att.net !!!!!

Oh RACHEL dear, I just wanted to write a note when I saw your blog and tell you the news: we have two new tiny fawns jumping around the yard. I am so sorry! I love the deer like you do, my only explanation why I mentioned it perhaps I wanted your sympathy. Forgive me!
VALERY, have fun! When we moved to Florida right before Christmas, we had no furniture, no tree , no friends, so we decided to go to Disneyland for Christmas. What fun that was. We made it a tradition while living close by.
Will try to mail photos!

SIEGE: sorry to hear about the one fawn, but so excited to hear of the new ones!! I have yet to see fawns here, only the big ladies and gentlemen deer. My wildlife report for the day is one turkey and a painted turtle back by the raised beds heading for the cattails! Tee hee not too thrilling! Out buying more plants and planting material…it sure adds up! Finally am going to check TRACY’s wonderful sale! Most of you probably beat me to it! Good evening ladies!

Tracy….oh….dear one…..yes, of course, you need and deserve a summer break, too. But, selfishly I will miss coming to my computer in my p.j’s and coffee to see what you have on your mind and the chatter….will miss it. Don’t be gone to long!!! Enjoy, and stir those creative juices for us so you can be back in action in the fall. Yes, we will be here!!!
Valery, We had such fun!!!!! I have been seriously bitten by the vintage clothing bug. I hope you noticed that I was wearing TP earrings with the colorful dress!! I hope Disney is amazing. Please keep us updated and send pics! How is the “baby?”
Rachel…..hydrangeas still look great! Thank Sparkle for me and thank you for reminding me what to do!! How is your summer going?
Patty!! How are the horses?
Cameo…..you are plowing right thought the summer studying..I think. Wow….keep it up!!
Love to all!!! Sharon

Hello ladies…The horses are like life, many up and down moments. Lost a foal due to sickness and it always tears at my heart strings because you are with them morning, noon and nite, thinking they will pull thru and they look like they will, and then they just are gone so quickly….Ahh, The trials and tribulations on a farm. The racing season is upon us and that has it’s and up and down moments along with some racing luck. We’ve been so busy this year, seems more than usual with the horses I haven’t had much time for myself. Got to find it, somehow.
Valery….I so envy your vacation plans…I have never done an RV trip and your’s sound so exciting. MY horse BTBank, is going thru a therapy called shock treatment on his tendon. From what I am gathering, it is supposed to help knit the tendon quicker at healing. It is done by the track vet, and I guess it has to do with sound waves. Time will tell if it is working, it’s too early to tell yet. The trainer informs us that he is coming along slowly.
It’s a gorgeous cool day in the Burgh, and am heading up to the farm.
Have a great day everyone!

Good Morning TP Ladies…..Yes will miss our TP….but if I know her she will do a sneak peak…at all the chatter…..she loves us…dont ever forget that!!!!!! Will check out “Where Women Create” to see if she does any more articles…….

Sharon…I will check out the picture again…thanks for telling me that…I am surprised I didnt notice right away!!!!

Patty……….always good hearing from YOU…..May I ask how many acres you have???? Doing the rug out side under the automatic awning….with just the old aluminum lawn chairs, with the webbing..(so light weight) found them on a site out of Georgia….got 7…4 for the adults and 3 smaller ones for the kids…..also a great folding table and a small cooker….I loaded the bath room full of the soaps, shampo’s, conditioners, lotions, etc… I have collected from hotels and now will use….My Son is in management…and much like his Mother…..he is doing all the planning…from car rental…tickets for the beach, (go cart rides, wet bumper rides, bungee jumping, sky flyer….etc)…..and Disneyworld tooo…..all my husband and I will do is just be ready……this is a first and I am really enjoying it….all I have to do is transfer clothes to the RV and get snacks, drinks, etc…..I can wait….come on July 2nd…and get here…lololo

Cameo………..I miss you Sweet Lady….I cant imagine you sitting down to long studying….you had so much energy….bet you really have to sike yourself up…..but you know the long term……and the end results….I am so proud of you…..XOXOXOXOX

Angie (THELMA……wax the convertable……we will be taking a ride soon)……LOVE MBFF

Good morning birds!!!!SIEGI, don’t worry I knew exactly what you meant!!! I was just kidding when I said why did you tell me, just a few minuets ago hubby and watched nervously as a deer crossed the street….can give you a heart attack right?!LOL!!!! Thanks always for sharing….those fawns….I just want to hug them!!!!Hi VALERY,CAMEO, PATTY, ELLE, and everyone! MISS SHARON, so glad it still works!!!! I’ve probably already said this but I’ve done it more than once to the same flowers too!!!SPARKEL says hi to all!!!!xoxoxoxoRach

Tracy, just got home to a wonderful treat of a package from your new collection, and WOW, it is better in person than on the website. I am wearing it to a show on Friday. Thank You for the beautiful gift, I never expected it, and I love the colors on the bag. Thank You for your thoughtfulness. It put a smile on my face from an otherwise hectic Day.
Valery… I have 4 farms in 4 different areas. They are not too far apart from each other and there are a total of about close to 400 acres. We are blessed with an underground River so there has never been a shortage of water issues. All our waterers are automatically refilled from this underground water. Have all the mineral rights too, and have had many offers for gas drilling which we are not interested in. The farms are a bowl shape and the hills really build up the cardio of the horse. Of course they are always at the top of the hill when you want to see them. Good work out for me too, but somedays….fatigue from a long day is not to much fun. I swear they know when to be up there when you need them. Never a dull moment here.

Greetings to all. This heat here is getting to me.
Some of our trees are turning brown, others are dying, can’t keep up with watering. We fill all the bowls for the deer twice a day.
PATTY, not too long ago I read a lot about gas drilling in PA. Our friend in PA has a farm and is greatly concerned.
With the drought in South Texas, water is getting to be precious if we do not get any rain. Fracking requires a lot of water.
TRACY, With the royal couple visiting Santa Barbara, perhaps they will stop by your store!

Good evening all! PATTY the description of your property is simply beautiful, it sounds like heaven on earth! SIEGI so sorry to hear about the drought, Texas has been really hit by some extremes in weather. VALERY your plans sound so like such fun! So WONDERFUL to have that family vacation to look forward to! HELLO RACHEL, glad you said “no” to more work this summer! GOOD FOR YOU! Ordered a little something today, look forward to receiving a package from TRACY P. COMPANY! Bought some more plants today. Am excited to plant some very nice sized spruce ( Black Hills and Colorado) and many other plants…that are not deer friendly! PURCHASED a LARCH! I love that tree/shrub…many other numerous flowers, shrubs….we have woods on both sides of our property, but want to have a bit of privacy on the entrance of our drive…have no experience in planting from scratch you know….but my perennial garden is coming after 2 years….looking great! Am I boring all of you? Have been really hitting the 2nd hand stores….ah, my children will have quite the collections to clean out !!!!! Oh, by then I will pare down…Saw the hummingbird today at Coral Bells…one was caught up in the cab of the snowblower sitting out back (waiting to be sold.)..poor thing, my husband gently scooped it out and released the little chirper….OK, enough today! Good Evening everyone!

PATTY,…Your property sounds like a Magical Paradise!!..I’ve got my fingers crossed for BTBANK!!!….and my prayers are with your Beautiful Sister….Luv Ya…Girlfriend!!! xox
VALERY,….Louise just pack that gun….
tops down and I’m just waitin’ for ya, Babeeeeee!!!!! xox
SIEGI,…So sorry to hear about that heat wave you are goin’ through….How’s about You, Val and Me doing a rain dance…I bet that’ll do it!!! xox
ELLE(ELLEN),…Love the Colorado Spruce….Good Luck with the planting….my perennial garden took a good three years before it finally came into full bloom…have a little patience, Love…if a city girl like me can plant a garden and have it look beautiful, than you ain’t got nothin’ to worry bout, Durl!!! xox
HEY PAESAN,…So how yu doin’!!!! xox
LOVE YOU RARE BIRDS!!!! XOXOXOXO

Requesting…….a note from MH!!!!

HEY, WHERE IS EVERYBODY??????!!!!!!!!
DON’T TELL ME I’M THE ONLY ONE WHO FOUND OUT HOW TO GET ON HERE….ME, THE MADHATTER, WITH ALMOST ZERO COMPUTER SKILLS, FOUND IT….WHO WOULDA THUNK!!!!…..SHERLOCK STEP DOWN, THERE’S A NEW HAT IN TOWN……ME!!!!….YOUR COMPUTER SAVVY MADHATTER!!!! WOW, GOTTA GIVE MYSELF AN ATTA GIRL FOR THIS ONE!!!! xoxoxoxo

I PIN A BADGE ON YOU………..CANT KEEP A GOOD GIRL DOWN……LETS SEE WHO ELSE COMES ON. Maybe they are having trouble with the site…..no jewelry….etc…..we will see….we will get to the bottom of this…Hey MH…………..you are one “Sherlocky…. Holmes….Thanks for keeping ME in the loop!!!!!!!

Hey Val you could be my Watson!!!…. Babeeeeee!!!! xox

Hello Valery and Angela! I have been checking in off and on today also! I kind of figured with the sale, this is how the powers that be wanted it, no blog, less items to clog the mind! So they may have simplified for the sale’s sake. So glad to see others here yet!

ANGELA, I felt the same way! (where is everybody) My day now begins at 4 AM and by 8 PM I am in la la land. You can’t do much during the day, just too hot. Have to be done by noon with the outside work. We need water in TX, not oil. I will pray for rain to ALL the Gods and spirits out there, one can’t be picky.
Just reminds me of a great movie I saw in the 80′s.
THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY. Check it out on the Internet.
Funny film. Go to WIKIPEDIA to get the story. I am talking about the first film with that title, not number 2 I believe they made several. Cute movie. A hit in Europe.
ELLE, I only can dream of a garden! So sad. Heat index today 107 ! The only plant that blooms is a little cactus. One lovely flower, but only for ONE day.
VALERY, I thought you are on the road by now. Good night!

SIEGI: I will hope and pray for rain for your region. I know what it is like to have those early days, take care. You must be exhausted. Hello and goodnight to any TP fans….and Tracy herself! (and co.)

hey loves…..i’m still here!!!! i know i’m one of the fledgling birds….but i’m here….always!!!!! you are my peeepps!!! my assumption here is that we have the durls that are in the tracy age group…..late 30′s….early 40′s.
we….val……cameo….siege….elle..teri….angela….etc….a little older. our lives bring us in different directions. i’m still here every morning with my coffee checking in. we are all made from the same creative cloth and will keep it going while tracy explores cali…..right?????? new for trace…..new for us! xxxxxfanci

wow…….i really do care for all of you! siegi…..

OMG!!!….What an eerie feeling I got, for a while there I thought I lost you Rare Birds…I was afraid you had all flown off without ME!!!! I don’t know what is going on with our Tracy’s site but I’m sure glad we are all still connected….I couldn’t bring up the blog on the website so I checked my e-mail from TP and logged onto the blog from there…..I am SOOOOOO HAPPY you are ALL here….I sure do LUVS YA DURLS!!!!!
ELLE(ELLEN),…We die hards ain’t goin’ nowhere, like our Fanci said, “WE ARE ALL”, made from the same creative cloth and we will keep on keepin’ on!!!….We’re keepin’ it real till our Tracy returns!!! xox
SIEGI,…I’m chanting and dancing my feet off for Ya Babeeeeee!!!!!….but until that rain starts falling, gather those leaves and suck up those dew drops!!!! Yes, I checked out that movie on YouTube and your right on, it is funny….I never heard of it before, thanx for sharing!!! xox
FANCI,….You Rock, Fanci Girl!!!…Back at ya!!!! xox

Hi Ladies, I was perplexed about the blog not being up on TP’s website too, so I went and typed in TP Blog and got thru there. Loved seeing that you all are still here too. I got a little concerned about the other clothes, jewlery etc., not being on here and thought maybe they just wanted to limit the 70% sale to a few items. I got a feeling since they changed the cover page here, that maybe they didn’t want the blog to continue.
So glad you all perserverd…..
Siegi, we are very well aware of fracking methods here and that is one of the reasons we don’t drill, the water is definitly a great amout to be used by them and cannot take a chance of water contamination. They are not giving us good enough answers about contamination and some farms that have allowed it have had their drinking water compromised because of the fracking. I do hope you get the rain you need there.
Angela…, Fanci, Valery, Elle, a big shout out to you all……Have a nice weekend.

Hello all!! Tracy..happy summer to you and yours..will miss the daily blog but completely understand! Summer hasn’t quite hit here yet..next Wed for us..and after that it’ll be very limited computer time for this momma! Will check in to see you every now and then.
Fanci…just needed to say hi and thank you for your comments..on my blog and here too! Would love to drive up to your neck of the woods! We could share a nip of wine! Baseball is over for my little guy..(can you see me smiling! )…happy day to all..xoxo

not sure why you click on my name and it’s directing me to a bible study blog?? weird!

HELLO PAM, PATTY, ANGELA, FANCI, SIEGI, VALERY, RACHEL, CAMEO AND ALL! Yes, we are all still here! PATTY: your life, lifestyle, and work sounds so incredible! Just leaps and bounds away from anything I have known. I grew up in the city and now live in the country outside of some pretty small towns. I do so love to hear of your horses! Was up early today waiting for 6 yards of dark brown mulch….how is that for excitement? Tee-hee! I used to really enjoy TRACY’S gardening, cooking, and home decorating videos from Wisconsin…(STILL DO!) Still planting here….the bigger items will go in soon near the top of the hill where our driveway begins…I have to rip myself away from the sale…have purchased some goodies…but need to get outside and dig! Have a great weekend all!

Oh I so glad I figured out how to get to you all! I thought that the blog was gone…anyway, I know I don’t write in often, but I do so love to read all the chatter! You are all so lovely, fun, creative souls. elle(Ellen)…brown mulch sounds divine…as a country girl living in a big city I sure do miss that earthy smell…I have a wonderful garden but it’s not very big…however enough of respite from the hustle and bustle, Go dig girl dig!

Hey Birds!!!!!!! I thought we couldn’t blog anymore too, but Elle told me how to find it…Thanks!!!! Anyway just wanted to say hi to everyone! so glad I can still check in!!! Hey PEASAN…..how you doin?!!!!xoxoxoRach

i have tp blog bookmarked on my computer…..just a click and it brings me here. <3

“WE’RE KEEPIN’ THE HOME FIRES BURNIN”……
HOORAYYYYYYYYY!!!! xox

Hello All,
Elle, I was born in the suburbs and when I met my husband, we started out with 25% of 4 horses almost 30 yrs ago. We had good friends who were realtors and they found us our farms. We used to send out our growing broodmares to stay at other farms and then decided we needed to start one of our own so we could keep an eye on things, & keep expenses down. That was the best decision we ever made and we have grown so much since then. It all just kind of snowballed to the present day. I have been where you are many a time wating for mulch to arrive and I would get so excited about it because I planted so many trees and shrubs and perrennials and couldn’t wait to finish the yard off with the mulch. I know the excitement of not being able to say no to buying another plant. It’s a sickness for us gardeners.
Hello Rachel…..and Deborah in CA!!! Going to see a play tonight and will be wearing Tracy’s tops!!! I have tickets in 2 weeks to see Jesus Christ Superstar, and I cannot wait to wear Tracy’s Bohemian look. I am a teen from the 70′s!!!!

Girls………think I will settle this whole situation………I am calling TP site….or Robyn. Things are a mess…….something is wrong…….

Thanks Valery…hope you have some luck getting things straightened out. Hi Patty…I just received the Zelda poets blouse…WOW!!! I am loving it…the bohemian ’70′s vibe is alive and well…have fun at the play with your new garb.

Hi Loves!!! I am still checking in, too!!! Valery…any word? Went to an event last night, and hit the sale as soon as I got home. I have the blog book marked, so that is good.

Keep me updated. Must go to get ready for our vacation bible school finale.

Girls, check this out.
http://www.conbriobeads.com
Texas artist glass jewelry! I love the flower necklace!
More later!

Touched base with Cindy….in customer service….she assured me we could still blog….for the ones who can find it….and they are moving things around and it will be back to normal soon………..but with out our TRACY!!!! BOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

Hi all – I have been a faithful reader of this blog. I do so enjoy reading what all of you have to share. It is like reading a wonderful novel that never ends. So very delightful, and as some of you said, this blog is my morning go to place and my evening wind down place. Valery – thank you for calling and getting the scoop for us. Do you know if Tracy’s absence is for just the summer or for good? I hope it is just a summer vacation, like in the past. And Tracy & Co. if you are taking a peak in – thank you for the lovely, incredible sale. The new stuff is just fantabulous!

charity polo match july 9th at the santa barbara polo and raquet club. giada delaurantiis is one of the chefs (a fav of mine) and prince will and kate will be in attendance. so durls….what do you think? will our princess T also be in attendance? realllly…….in my rarebirdish…magpieish…durlish operatic mind….how can she not!!???!!! i believe she and john should hold court.

Sooooo nice of Tracy to keep this up and running…the chatter here just can’t be beat!
Sabbatical, I believe is what Tracy is on, and well deserved. Being the rare bird she is expect she will light at an unexpected occasion!

Shhhhhhhh…..bye golly it’s the Secret Society!!!!!! What the bloody hay???? ………darling TP is on summer vacation and left a crack in the door for US!!!!!
PS….Good snooping MH and LOLO!!!!!!!
PSS off to bed ~it’s almost midnight EST,…. in the books tomorrow. Need zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Cameoxoxoxoo
~ LOVE you BIRDS~

Come on in……………I hope you all are taking advantage of the sales……..Sharon is clothing Nashville…..

Patty…..You seem happy…..and just where you want to be….nothing like owning land…..God Bless!!

Fanci……..Prince Will and Kate….they are in CA……I hope T. is their!!!

Renee……….heres what Cindy said from customer service…

Hi Valery,

No worries. We are just doing some updating. Go ahead and blog if you can get in there. That’s ok.

Have a great weekend!

Robyn is vacationing in Wisconsin….and the store is still there….its summer and T. is always moving things around…..no wonder she doesnt have to dust!!!!!!

Good Morning! Yes, I have been taking advantage of the sale….missed a few items since I could not make up my mind! DARN! Thank you PATTY for telling us a bit of history of your property and business, it sounds wonderful, and I am certain years of hard work! Hope you enjoyed the play, and ooooo, Jesus Christ Superstar…love the music…I have the piano/vocal score from when it came out back in the 70s???? Don’t know where I have it packed, but it was falling apart from me playing it when I was I teen! VALERY you really know how to get to the bottom of things! THANK YOU! I did not used to comment but have read the blog for years. Hello to SUSAN B. AND RENEE and all of the wonderful “regulars” here. Now since ROBYN is vacationing in WISCONSIN I cannot believe she hasn’t called me! TEE HEE!

good evening birds……wonderful day with family to celebrate father’s day. good wishes to all the dads out there…happy father’s day john porter and love to our tp and the cowboys. xxx love to all…….fanci

Ok…the link is no longer on your main web page…and I panicked! I actually cried…thinking you might be gone!! Geez I knew I adored you and all you inspire, but had no idea just how much. This blog is like a mini vacation for me. Which I desperately need. So glad your still here…love you <3

There is a gentle rain falling this AM….watering all the flowers….and keeping things so wonderfully green. Fathers day….each year it is different….depending on the circumstances and events in each of our lives….Looking forward to seeing my Father again when I get to my Eternal Home……..My Son sent me an email…..showing me a copy of an email he received from his Father-in-law…..saying what a great Father to his Grandchildren and husband to his daughter that he was…..Made my Son proud…..that was a super Fathers day in deed………

Happy Monday to all you TP ladies…..enjoy what you have…..each moment and WE KNOW WE WILL LOVE SEEING TP COME BACK AGAIN…….after her well deserved vacation!!!!

GREEN! VALERY I am green with envy. ANGELA, keep on dancing, we might get some rain. But we had all these promises before and nothing happened. With the extreme fire danger these high winds make me very nervous . I took photos of the entire house, have a box ready to go with all the important papers and a couple other things dear to me. Not much actually. I also talked to the insurance and got a DISCOUNT on our homeowners insurance bill, due to renovations. My phone call paid off.
I cut a lot of old clothes apart. Things that had some spots etc. I washed everything and will bring it to our children museum, they need it for projects. Also some schools and old folks homes will take it.
Painted my cement foundation wall with deer, rabbits and other creatures, I love it! Nothing grows there.
Good day!

Thank you for the be ok check list I printed it and laminated for friends. I hope everyone’s summer is going well. Miss the videos and fun helpful hints on life.
What fun if Tracy and family were to attend the royal polo match.I am still going to check in read all the lovely stories evryone has to tell. Happy summer to all.

We too have been blessed with rain, but I know others have been having it so tough, I am still praying,,,maybe dancing a little too! Valery, such nice thoughts about your father, and isn’t nice to hear someone compliment our children? Lonely Father’s day here, no parents alive anymore, daughters will visit another weekend, no uncles, brothers close by….ah well….hubby was happy though, he got a new trailer for his lawn tractor!!! So cute! (him I mean…well the trailer is cute too, I guess!) Had to go into work today for a bit…but now to the house and cleaning, and planting! (took it easy yesterday!…still love Tracy’s videos and such, don’t you?)

Have a beautiful peony from the one one transplanted from my mother’s home in TRACY’S Shaghai vase…so pretty!

Hi all, I have only commented a few times, but I also come here to get my daily “fix”. Like elle, I love Tracy’s videos and miss getting new ones. Valery, my mother always said that when your child gets a compliment it is a direct reflection of you. So, congratulations on doing such a wonderful job on your son. It’s going to be a hot and rainy (sorry Siegi) week here near Philly. Hope all of you have a great day, thanks for letting me be part of this fantastic group of women.

Had a chance to visit the TP store in Santa Barbara over the weekend. It was so lovely! What fun to try on several things at once and see everything in person. I ended up getting a pair of cowboy boots I have been drooling over for months. It made my whole trip! Tracy…you are so inspiring and your store is divine! Stacie

Stacie………did you ask about Robyn????

Siegi…….tell me again Dear Heart…where exactly do you live???? I know Texas…but where??

Francine……..I didnt thing of the direct reflection on me………nice way to look at it…thanks!!

Ellen…..I would love a wagon or cart behind my mower…..I envy your husband!!!! I swear you sound like a newly wed….lololo

VALERY….too funny, newly weds of 33 years!!!!
Just received one of my packages from TP, love, love! Such a nice surprise tucked in too!!! Thank you…

Valery~ I did not ask about Robyn…There was a nice young lady who mentioned she moved from Wisconsin not too long ago but I didn’t ask anything about anything…afterwards I was kicking myself and wondering why I was so tongue tied. The only thing I could come up with is I was a little overwhelmed absorbing my surroundings and trying to notice every little detail. I decided I will go back. I LOVE Santa Barbara! When we do a weekend at the coast we usually don’t go there as it is a good hour further than where we ususlly stay but now I know it is well worth the drive. I am already trying to plan when to go back. Do you know if Robyn is usually in the store? Stacie

Stacie………that was Robyn…thats Tracy’s sister!!!!! Have you worn the boots yet??

Siegi……..you sound like a jack of all trades…..You need to transfer some of those pictures of your abode….and send to me….I pray you will be safe and rain comes your way!!!………..think Green!!…..you are a artist…..would love to see your wall.

ANGIE…….WHERE IN THE HECK AT YOU!!!!!!!!!

hey durls……checking in. just took advantage of the sale.
SEIGI…..like valery i do pray for your safety and rain. we’ve been getting a little too much here on long island. the ground doesn’t have a chance to dry before the next storm comes. we’re getting leaks everywhere for the first time ever. forget about the basement!!! ugh but…truly…how can i complain?! we are safe and well and that’s all that matters. overall our weather here (for the most part) is never unbearable in any way. so…you are on my mind.
VALERY….how are you holding up? TP withdrawal symptoms??? PUDDING SMILE from me to you. xxx

Better keep this going ladies! Before I forget, I baked the Tracy spinach pie, tastes so much better with puff pastry! You have to try it, delicious!
No rain yet, only clouds, but not so hot today. Would you believe we cut our grass only ONE time this year! Nothing grows. Some small towns west of Austin are in real trouble, their water source, the river, is running dry. I get upset when I walk in the morning and see how much water is going down these hills or into the road. People should check their sprinkler systems once in a while. I was brought up not to waste. I respect nature and its resources. I grew up in an area where it rained 300 days a year and we were not allowed to waste a drop.
PATTY, have you ever heard of the book COLLAPSE? Interesting to read, check the reviews on Amazon. I think perhaps you would like that book.
VALERY, I will mail some more pictures, I should really take computer lessons. I am not used to a Mac.
Well, lets hope it will rain, I’ll keep you posted, thank you ALL for caring, so sweet of you. Someone suggested to start building a pipeline from the Mississippi to Texas. Why not, would put a lot of people to work!

Hello All! I know someone from Tracy Porter Co. will read this, so I would like to say, I received my second shipment of items today, and everything was better than expected! I am so very pleased! Thank you! I know TP Co. is a business, but the blog here, videos, and ideas shared have contributed to the fun of it all! Have a good day any and all of you blogettes!

Thank you beautiful Tracy for giving us all permission…its crazy that this world makes us feel that we do! I have printed your musings and will post them in my office. I had to struggle with these very thoughts last week as I was planning my son’s graduation party. I was killing myself to get everything done but then the day before I just thought, “This party is happening no matter what; just enjoy the day with your family and friends”. My prayer became that it would be day where my son would feel special, loved and celebrated. I stopped worrying about the weeds in the flower beds and just rolled with it. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

Thank you, Tracy. Yesterday was a bad day – your list is exactly what I needed. I’m going to keep it handy from now on.
This is my first visit to your blog, but I’ll be back.

xo susan

I have to share the joy…..rain rain rain. We received one inch, some areas around here close to three. I opened the windows after the storm was over, just to listen to the sound of rain. Went out early to dig the soil, smells so good. Oh how cruel nature can be, fire and water, joy and destruction.
Only 73 degrees this morning, what a relief from 100 plus. Hopefully this rain will help to put out the fires north of Houston. FANCI, I book marked the site, thanks for pointing it out. SARAH, UPSCALE I always enjoy reading your quotes. Will make myself a chalkboard. I found a frame I could use. Endless ideas from all these creative souls. SUSAN, I hope things are looking up for you today. VALERY, where are you? ELLE, I believe you are in Wis. I heard on the news you had storms last night. Hope you are safe. Good day to all!

Good Day! SIEGI….so sweet, yes we are fine. Quite the storm! I am so happy you had some rain and cooler temps! Phew, what a relief….I prayed…and danced for you! I think Sarah Upscale is from Wisc….too??? Did not read her site today…but I thought I remembered that. Susan…hope all is well. I really want to see this blog continue, I must be able to get at those videos and recipes when I need ‘em!!!! Hello to all of the “regulars” where ever you are!?

Elle, I’m not one of the regulars, persay, but I check in several times a day to see what everyone is up to. So glad for Siegi that she got her rain. Now you’ll have to pray and dance for those of us here in New Mexico for rain. We have so many fires around us. On Saturday, a fire broke out just north of Santa Fe, which is just north of where I live. It’s so sad. That’s such a beautiful part of the country. We can see the smoke from our house. I checked the 10-day forecast, and there is no rain coming in. Argh!!! On another note, I sure hope this blog isn’t coming to an end. What concerns me is that no one from the company has come into the blog to give any reassurances. I did order several things last night. I’m loving this sale. But hopefully we’ll have news soon about the future of the blog. I, too, access the videos for recipes and other inspiration. Happy day to all!!

Gina……….I love New Mexico….lived in Las Cruces, Albuquerque, Silver City, Pino’s Altos……..I know about the fires….winds are always blowing, but they say it is 50% contained…and last year Tracy didnt blog…..during the summer and you can catch her videos on YOUTUBE…..we never know about these things…..I only wish I had the time to make a blog site….so we could all go there if and when this is over……

Susan……….WELCOME……where are you from?? Tracy always makes us smile on the inside!!

Siegi………God is in control…..is all issues of nature…..rmember its a long term plan………and he always knows what he is doing……who knows it may be the end times…..so be ready….thats just how I am….took me a long time to get here…..lololo.

Hi again! Ditto, I so agree Gina! I am going to pray and dance for you and New Mexico as well! Valery, hello! I really would like to email you or visa-versa… you have my email address, right? hello to Rachel. I have to fly…to work to await a delivery. Take care.

Hi Valery. I knew you had lived in NM, but I didn’t know you had lived all over. It is beautiful here. I especially love the mountains. When I first came here, almost 3 years ago now, from California (not too far from where Tracy is), I wasn’t sure I’d like it. It is SOOOO different from where I had lived all my life. But now, I’m a total convert. I adore it here. My cowboy boots fit right in as well as all of the cool Boho clothes I’ve collected from Tracy. I live on the other side of the Crest from ABQ, and if you lived in ABQ, I’m sure you are familiar with the Crest. My parents came to celebrate my 51st birthday with me last month, and we spent a good deal of time in Santa Fe. Now they are in love. But you are right about the winds. Sometimes I think we’re going to blow right off the mountain and land somewhere in Texas. But having lived in Southern California and the Santa Ana winds there, I’m used to it, really. It’s nice to chat with someone like you who knows about one of the beautiful parts of our country. Enjoy your trip to Florida!!

For those who may be worried and want to keep in touch…..my email is v.hoops@att.net. Always nice to hear from Positive Diva Ladies!!!!!

Gina, Yes I had a friend who lived up there. I also have relative in ABQ. The only place better is Sedona Arizona…..for me……I left my heart in New Mexico…….

Where are all of the other TP ladies….are they not computer savy???????

Hi all…Siegi, so glad to hear about your rain! What a relief…Gina, I too was wondering about the blog…hopefully, it won’t come to an end, but Valery is right all things end/change eventually! However, I just love coming hear (even if I don’t write in everyday)just to read the chatter and take away a bit of inspiration. Well, have a great day everyone!!

Hi loves!!! Just checking in to say hello!!! I check in everyday, and hope to hear something from Tracy or someone from the company. Would love to know what direction things are going in….I do so love the blog and all the chatter. Tracy…I miss your daily dose of inspiration. Got TONS of clothes coming. Valery…..you weren’t kidding. I can clothe myself for the next decade and never repeat an outfit. LOL!!! Sort of kidding…. Much love to all!!

good afternoon birds…..fanci here
SIEGI….so happy to hear the good news of rain. Big Man upstairs must really listen to us durls.
GINA…….we’ll add your neck of the woods to the chain. i’ve always been curious about NM. it sounds beautiful.
VALERY…..how about a diva durls dialogue?
i’m not going anywhere either and i do believe TP has much on her plate and needs a deserved rest with family and friends. my thinking is maybe tp & co are doing a total revamping because of all the sales ….or….. by fall surprise us with news of a special on hgtv??!!! how great would that be!!!! wishful thinking on my part. i do love the intimacy of this blog and the unique relationships we have developed with eachother and tracy….sarah & robyn. i would miss it terribly. soooo, just in case….drisc512@aol.com is my email.
xxxxoooo to all of you

we are like the sisterhood of the divine durls…..or…..where rarebirds nest…….or……magpie mademoiselles. my brain is on overdrive today….\;-} <3

Ok, Durls, count me in. This is my email address: ginazucchero@yahoo.com

I will be getting married later this year, and the address will change to a new name at that time. But for now, this is it.

Fanci, NM isn’t a very populated state, and most people have only been here because they’re passing through to go somewhere else. I always thought of it as a big, vast desert. But there are actually some very beautiful mountain areas, which are my favorite. Santa Fe is the capitol here, and it’s the highest of all the state capitols in altitude — about 7,000 ft. Our home is at 7,200 ft. So we get plenty of snow in winter. Up north is Taos and Angel Fire. Also mountainous, and just beautiful. There’s pretty much everything in NM except ocean. Valery, I’ve never been to Sedona, but it surely is on the list. I’ve seen pictures, and it does look amazing. Someday…..

GINA: your description is wonderful. I always thought that when I retire I would like to come to NM….for the BALLOON FESTIVAL…since I am teaching at that time of year, cannot really get away. I copied all of your emails to my address book….will email you at some point. I am hoping that it is just summer and ‘TRACY & CO” JUST needed some time to evaluate, recreate, and will be back in fall. I have ordered quite a bit, and I enjoy the clothes, but still am CRAZY for dishes, DECORATIVE ARTS etc. At some point this obsession will decrease for the sake of space alone!

Hello Durls….been a while for me, just busy with horses.
Siegi….So relieved you got your rain. I hope it was a good soaker. I will check on that book you told me about at amazon. I can download it to my Kindle. Thanks so much, I know I didn’t read it.
Gina…I have visited Santa Fe a couple of times, we fly into the small airport there and I just fell in LOVE with the place and drove over to Taos too. What a great artist community in both places. Congrats on your marriage to be.
fanci…I will go along with any of those clever names you came up with. I am wondering about Tracy’s stock on her website. There were many things I would have liked to have ordered and they have been taken off the site. I have alot of her outfits and have enjoyed the sales, but some of the jewlery I would have liked, just isn’t there for sale anymore. I guess we will have to stand by and see what she will do later on.
Valery, I have been to Sedona, AZ and you are right, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. My nephew wants to move out there, he fell in love with it and especially with the bike community there.
I just got my first cast iron pan and can’t wait to try the receipies. I waited too long to get one, but there are so many things I want to make. First will be Tracy’s Apricot pudding cake.
It has been hot and 100% humid here and rain every night. Not good breathing weather. I wish all who haven’t had rain to take some of ours if I could do that for you, but, alas, Mother Nature doesn’t listen to me.
Have a nice evening everyone!

Happy Summer TRACY, & Co., John, Cowboys, and DURLS!!!!…..Enjoy all of it and catch those fireflys…..or catch a wave and coast gently into the blissfull sea………….CHEERS and love to you!!!!

Hi durls,

I know I have been sporadic because of the new job, but am soooo worried as everything (but you delightful creatures!) seems sooo quiet! Any word?

If you go off line, take me with you Valery and co!

Wendy

Hello durls!
Had a “TP” box at the back door tonight when I got home. Yippee. “Loverlies” abound. Last week I asked Customer Service about the furniture (I was wanting a certain lamp) and I was told by Customer Service that at this time, items direct from a manufacturer were not available and that included furniture and jewelry. I am not a frequent contributer but a loyal reader and I am trying to keep the panic down about the blog. I, like all of you hope this is not the end of the blog – those of who have been regulars may remember in 2009, there was a break from what…July until October? I think. Anyhoo, I am sure this year has been a whirlwind of changes and new directions for TP & Co plus TP family. Many wishes for a splendiferous summer to Tracy and to all of you by the way. Valery, you were so successful in inspiring the SB/TP trip last fall, would you consider being our point person in case the blog disappears? If we gave you our email addresses, we could start an email “train” just to stay connected??? I don’t want to get left behind…:)

New Mexico, I love it ! We have been in Santa Fe almost every year since we live in TX. The golden aspen trees and the brilliant blue sky are just spectacular at the end of September. I love to lie under the trees and watch the leaves flutter down, like gold pieces in a German fairy tale.
I have been to every site in NM from Acoma village to to Bandelier etc etc. We hiked the forest near Santa Fe, along the beautiful alpine creeks. We always go to the flea market in Santa Fe, however, it changed a lot the last few years, not for the better. VALERY, have you seen the roadrunner on interstate 10 in Las Cruses, a giant artwork created out of garbage found along the highway, a must stop for everybody driving along this road. Lots of computer parts, tennis shoes, etc. the eye is an old hubcap. We have been to Sedona. I think the most stunning site in the US is Monument Valley in Arizona. In the fall the moonrise in the valley is something you will never forget. Oh, I wish I could take off right now. GINA, you are a lucky soul living in that beautiful state, the light is just so different, the wide open space is what impresses me and of course the sunsets. So much creativity all around and all these colors.By the way, I am getting the magazine, the Santa Fean. I will dream tonight of the Land of Enchantment. Maybe I should sell and move to NM and start a little inn for all the Tracy fans! I am a good tour guide!:)
Wish you rain, GINA! Good night y’all!

Oh, Siegi, what a nice note. You describe this area so much better than I ever could. And it is everything you have said. And thanks for the rain wishes. We need any help we can get. July is our rainy month, so fingers crossed. If we don’t get the rain, then we can forget the beautiful wildflowers that pop up in August – October. Patty, thanks for the well wishes. You’re so kind. Good night, Ladies!

Siegi……..have not seen the road runner…..I lived there from 1966-1978. Las Cruces is in a vallery….with Pecan groves and green chili ranches….I left my heart in New Mexico…..My Son was born there….have been back every year since.

Just wanted to say………Have Faith in Tracy…even if she has left for the summer…she is working on many other things….she is a business women….its in her blood….and sorry to say this blog is probably not her number one thing…..even tho she loves us all……she has got to keep the lights burning…….we have not heard the last of her………and she has not heard the last of me…..LOLILLO…that last part was a joke…….of course…..Life moves on no matter what….I am just anticipating all the wonderful things in store…..I am a devoted fan….and if things take anther turn…..I will wish her well. …..but I will track her down and send her a Christmas card forever!!!!

Happy Day to all you Positive JEWELS……….XOXOXOOX

One more thing…..in the beginning along time ago…..some other girls branched out and formed there own blogging site…..I dont have time to do this…..so we can at least email each other………until our TP Inspiration resumes!!………if something should happen to this blog.

Renee……….you betcha to your question…..anyone can email me at v.hoops@att.net ……We can keep the spirit alive……………..until The Queen Returns!!

VALERY…..in full agreement….as i mentioned yesterday…family first. i admire tracy for living what she preaches “be true to yourself” raising 4 young boys, two of whom are tweens, in today’s world is a full-time job all on its own!!!! it’s obvious she and john include their extended families in all. i will not lose faith and i hope tracy knows not to lose faith in her rarebirds. val….i, personally consider you the big sis to we durls. you always do put that “pudding smile” on my face. i will email my email to you and some info…..but also have no interest or time for my own blog.
love and a good day to all xxxxoooo fanci

Fanci…………..OH thank you I love being a big sister………and I have a big heart…..but watch out for Cameo …..were twins……lolololo….oh and Angela…..well triplets…….lololo….We are the TP Family indeed!!!! We got her back!!!!! and front…..and side……lolo…..XOXOXO

VALERY you are the Queen now. Please collect all the emails, addresses, phone numbers, just in case of a cyber attack. I watched a CNBC special the other day, about what could happen if such event took place, scary! Back to the good old days.
I go to an elderly lady every day who is in town for medical treatment. She is by her self during the day.
Yesterday she told me all about village life BEFORE electricity. I can’t even imagine. Cooking was done on an oil stove. No fan, no AC, no washer etc. Pregnant and these hot summers.
Coming from NM one time, we drove through Pecos, West Texas. In town we visited the museum. One of the little booths had a brand new antique stove. The previous owner of the stove happened to be there. We asked how come the stove is so new, he said his relatives could not afford the electricity. I wish I had written down the rates. They had a price chart posted on the wall, all I recall is that it was very expensive. I believe they charged by the light bulbs and appliances in the house.
GINA, you mentioned rainy season is summer? This is new to me, perhaps of all the hurricane remnants that move in from the pacific. I always thought they have the hot dry summers like us.
I always wonder how Tracy is able to do it all. Amazing!

Good Morning all you kind souls! SIEGI….such interesting tidbits today, loved hearing about the cookstoves and the and electricity and such. We have such a weird economy now, I hope we don’t have to go back to those days! Ok, the negative stuff first….just saw Minot, ND and the floods there, oh my…it is terrible…also a tornado ripped into Churchill Downs…no one (or the horses) were hurt. Patty, I thought of you. Now on a brighter more “wacky” note…I thought of all of you last night. I was changing the guest beds into some summer-type linens last night…getting ready for some summer weekend guests, and I had my laptop in the rooms with me playing some of Tracy and Sarah’s ‘INSPIRATION FACINATION (s)!!!!! OH What a groupie I am! As I have said before…I love the videos and the ideas! Cheers everyone! ‘HAPPY DAY”

Siegi, how kind of you to spend time with an elderly lady everyday. You have a big heart. And I agree with Elle, you do always have such interesting things to tell us. Yes, our rainiest months are July and August. However, last year, I remember we got a huge amount of rain in June, too. This year, not a drop so far. I think there may be different weather patterns in the more southern part of the state. But in the summer, traditionally every afternoon, the clouds gather and, Boom! All hell breaks loose with the rain, thunder and lightening. But, again, we are up in the mountains, so it may be a different weather pattern altogether. Albuquerque isn’t that far from here, and they don’t get as much rain and almost no snow at all anymore. We start getting snow at the end of October, and it doesn’t stop until early May. If you go to weather.com and look up Cedar Crest, NM (where I am), it will show you how crazy our weather is. Though we live closer to Albuquerque, our weather pattern here in East Mountains is almost identical to Santa Fe. Well, I’m off to an appointment and a couple of errands. It’s always rush rush rush around here. I hope you all have a lovely day!

hi again birds…..dark and dreary day here today. just picked my grandson up a the bus stop. his last day of second grade. i do so enjoy hearing everyones stories, tips, history etc. you all do inspire me daily. i thought i’d share what i’m doing tomorrow and fill you in when we return. a little nyc. i was born and bred on li, ny. i have never been to the empire state building. my grandson is obscessed with it and king kong. so, tomorrow my husband and i will be bringing our prince for the first time. what i am most excited about is afterwards. we’re going to EATALY! it is a huge marketplace on 5th ave in the old toy building. it’s fairly new and is run by lidia bastianich, her son joe and mario batali. i have all their cookbooks…. are any of you fans? lidia has a cooking school there and restaurants, shops, fishmongers, artisinal cheeses, wine, etc abound. as long as my grandson can have pizza and find a replica of the leaning tower of pisa we’re good to go.
xxxx fanci

Fanci…………..oh how wonderful for you……what a great time you will have….wowowowowow.

Siegi…….oh gee now I must buy a crown…..LOL:OLOLLL

in tracy’s absence we will crown you the DIVINE DUTCHESS OF DURLS!!!! mmmmmm….MANAGER OF MAGPIES AND THE ROYALIST OF RAREBIRDS. cameo and angela can be your ladies in waiting….your soulful sisters.

Oh Fanci pants…..please….I am just an ole gal who loves kindness….and good wonderful words….love listening to your tales….so off of me…..lets do this.

Lets…..count in our minds how many things we own of Tracy’s……from all of it….and what is your all time favorite.

OF COURSE I WILL START….LOLOL….I have so many favorites….but I love her big platters…..and I love her huge rings…..I am wearing two right now….and that honker of a bracelett with the red ruby in the middle….I do hope she gets back to her own designs………….who is next????

check out on google :

Las Cruses NM – Recycled Roadrunner.

Oh, Fanci, your day in NYC sounds like such fun. I’ve been to NYC once, and we did go up to the top of the Empire State Building. NYC is my very favorite city to spend time in. So much to do, so much culture. I love that it’s a walking city. I am a huge Lidia Bastianich fan, and Mario Batali knows his stuff, too. I am half Italian and grew up around the Italian side of my family, so I am right there with you in your choice of going to Eataly. Wow. What a neat day it will be. Can’t wait to hear about it. I was not able to get out to Long Island on that trip, but I am dying to go out there. Hopefully someday. It looks so beautiful in every picture I’ve ever seen.

Everyone – So glad you all keep blogging! I am a fan of everyone’s but rarely chime in. Valery, I sent you my email address in case of emergency and love your idea of sharing our TP favorites. I have collected so many wonderful things but will say that I wear the TP-designed Artisan Necklace almost every day and slip my readers through them (I have lots of cool readers – all colors – one for every TP outfit….). Also love the ceramic TP birds – I tuck them here and there in whatever colors I want to accent at the moment. Love her serving bowls, platters, mugs, shoes, tunics, sweaters….lion, tigers, bears, oh my!
Can’t wait to see the new stuff that must be in store for us!
XXXOOO to ALL and a bear hug to Valery!

OH DUTCHESS……;-) my fav of tracy’s are her handpainted trays and candlesticks. my original purchases many years ago and what drew me to her. i also have a handpainted candlestick lamp of hers. i love tracy’s artwork, so, of course, i have all her books. i do have mugs, bud vases and platters that so remind me of majolica. and by the way when i say i collect majolica…by no means is it antique or really expensive. i just love the look and trace has that style. i never owned any of the tp clothing or jewelry until i joined the blog. i’m waiting for another delivery now.
GINA…..that’s me…half italian/half irish! mama’s italian…..so you know the traditions will be followed. food is an expression of love. i can’t wait to tell you all about EATALY. you should google it.
MOLLY….i was a closet tp blogger for a long while. the first time i chimed in you’ll never guess who the first person was to welcome me to the fold….THE DUTCHESS.
i’m so happy to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies.
xxxxx 0000 xxxxx

Siegi…………oh my gosh it was awesome …..the roadrunner!!!! Thanks for telling me…….

Gina, what else did you order???

My favorite TP item…hmmm..I would have to go to the Autumn 2009 collection and my all time favorite would be the Jakarta Bazaar blouse – whenever I wear it – I get compliments. Not that I have the names of each piece of clothing memorized, I kept catalogs,(except my winter catalog with the plaid coat on it has grown legs and disappeared, it was a to die for cover) another favorite was more an experience than an item, back in the day I would drive through Princeton, WI on my way to and from college and I can still remember the first time I saw the windows of Stone House Farm Goods- magical – I just wanted to walk in and say I am home. Valery – do you think we should still collect emails? the blog is back – I don’t want to load you down.

Fanci, we could almost be sisters. It’s my dad who is Italian, and my mom is English and Irish. And you’re right, in an Italian home food is love. Sadly, I’ve had too much “love” in my life the last few years, so tomorrow morning I am going to my first spinning class. I haven’t worked out in quite a while, so I’m kind of nervous about it. I hope I don’t croak. I went out today and bought a few decent looking things to work out in. I have no business buying clothes right now in case I do lose weight. However, I can’t resist Tracy’s line, especially when they’re at such good prices. Valery, I am waiting for 5 items: Soulful Language Tunic, Shanghai Flourishes Tunic, Mirella Zip Cardi, Margherita Duster and Emerald Isle Blouse. You asked earlier what our favorite TP items are. I’d have to say that I adore the tunics and the jewelry. Many years ago, I bought the antler trophy mounts, and they will ALWAYS have a place in my heart. Decor-wise, I’m an Anglophile at heart and love the London Walls Tracy has done (I’ve done them, too). I love the rich plaids, tartans, tweeds, rich woods – the whole Ralph Lauren hunt scene look. I am so sad right now that Tracy pulled the Turkish jewelry from the site. I had my eye on so many of the pieces, but never got around to buying any. You must be so enjoying your bracelet, Valery. I’m kicking myself for not having ordered a few of the pieces. That line is just to die for. Siegi, I am really interested in seeing the roadrunner. I didn’t know anything about it until you mentioned it. After dinner when I have more time, I’ll Google it. Take care, Ladies. Hope your evening is peaceful.

renee……..the blog never left. it was just difficult to connect to from the main tp site for some of the durls. the concern is keeping it going while tracy is on hiatus. i have it bookmarked so it was never an issue. so to play it safe the durls are just gathering info so as not to lose touch. i have also been following tracy since stone house farm goods. i can’t believe you actually got to see it. i’m sure i would have felt the same way. i found tracy and john at the ny gift show. i’ve been hooked ever since.

gina….we must have been writing at the same time. we do have the same tastes. ralph….as i call him….is my man. love everything about his style. i forgot to mention earlier that i also have tracy’s antlers. i have always been drawn to that look, but am really not into the hunting, but looooooove the style. my grandson is an animal lover and when the antlers arrived he was upset until i told them they weren’t real. they’re hanging on his bedroom wall now!!!!
Good luck with the spinning class…..ugh! i’ll be eating pasta.

i ordered the emerald isle blouse also.

Gina – I am hopeful and almost certain that the lovely Turkish jewelry will show itself again. I suspect TP & Co. are deeply discounting current items to make room for new wonders and I truly CAN’T WAIT to see what they up their sleeves. TRACY! I have two important weddings to go to in just over a month and I am waiting to grab the latest….Just received the Charlotte Street Zip cardi today – soooo cute – kind of 50′s with pizzazz-y trim – trim much more showy than the website allows – woohoo! (I miss being able to make and read reviews – anyone else feel that way? Makes me feel even more connected to the devotees…)Off to a girls night out and a margherita. MWAAAA! (Two in one day – I am on a roll and not like a chorizo)
X, Molly

Something to smile about!
A woman was sipping a glass of wine, while sitting on the patio with her husband, and she say’s ” I love you so much, I don’t know how I could ever live without you”
Her husband asks ” Is that you, or the wine talking” She replies.” It’s me talking to the wine”
FANCI have fun tomorrow! Good night!

So chatty ladies, good to see! I am in the middle of some projects, just popping in for a minute. I have commented before I just love Tracy’s ceramics…Artesian Road with the Peacocks…still a favorite. I don’t remember the names of the clothing, but I just ordered quite a few pieces….However, in the past I have really enjoyed wearing any of my Asian type pieces…I have two, blouses/shirts one in the reds one in the greens gorgeous! I have quite a few coats…turquoise with embroidery, a unbelievable denim trench with embroidery…a misty green quilted trench…oooo I should look up the names. My favorite time was when Tracy offered all of her own designs: clothing, jewelry, furniture, bedding, ceramics, pillows, etc. I have gotten so many pieces for over the years, many on some great sales! Ok, gotta keep working here! Good Night!

Fanci…..you’re killing me! Enjoy your pasta.

Gina, I have been to the SB store and Robyn sells the turkish jewelry at the store. I am sure if you call her you will be able to find what you want. She had a nice display of it under that gorgeous counter top. Good luck!
PS: Stacie I do believe you may have spoken to Robyn, Tracy’s sister. She runs the store with George and they did just move from Wisconsin.

Hi you guys…Kj checking in…I’m so happy you are still here!!! I just caught up with you and enjoyed hearing from you sooo much! Seigi, I love reading your descriptions and experiences…I wish I could see your cement perimeter “critter” painting! I really liked all the chatter about New Mexico with Gina and Lolo,,,I have never been to New Mexico, it does sound enchanting! On to NYC with Fanci…Yay…sounds great! Okay, about my fav T item…so hard to say, but I love the silvered flared denim jeans with the sequined beige on beige tank tunic with the Art of Devotion necklace.. I need to start keeping track of the names of my Tracy Collection items, I am curious about which necklace is Molly’s Artesian necklace…Man, I didn’t realize how far away Wisconsin is from California until I looked at a states map recently! That was a huge move for Tracy…Hello Elle in Wi how is the garden coming along, Renee since college are you still in Wi sometimes? Sending out love…

Siegi- something to think about indeed – that was a good laugh this early morning. KJ – I still live in WI – when I go to visit my college roommate (really like a sister now after almost 25 years) drive through Ripon (have seen the studio – outside) and Princeton. That is how I discovered Stone House, I was driving that route so often that I felt like taking a different street and there was the store, then it was Georgie’s. (stopped in then – whoo hoo, that was fun!) Gina -you are going to love the Shanghai Flourishes Tunic and Mirella zip cardi! Have a lovely day all!

GOOD MORNING! So glad so many of you get commenting here! Such fun! We had a very rainy day yesterday in Wisc….in fact it has been a pretty rainy week. I did put a jacket on last night and went walking around in the rain to check out the garden, trees etc. The hummingbird did come out and feed in the rain, not much they like right now, but was at the “Red Riding Hood Bearded Tongue” (I have the tag in a binder…that is only how I remembered the name) anyone skimming this comment is going to think that is another name for one of TRACY’s designs! They will go whipping back to the clothing page trying to find it…tee-heee! KJ…thank you for asking, everything is doing quite well….we have some trees and shrubs to plant yet! THANK YOU…for asking! No matter how careful I think I am about spacing, we always seem to plant too closely! Now we have owned homes for 30 years….you think we would “get with the program”! Still make LOTS AND LOTS of mistakes, ah well! You are all such interesting souls here!

Ohhhhhhh Gina, I’ll bet your bottom half is sore to day from the spinning classes. I loved them when i was taking them and the first week was the tuffest with the soreness, but once you get used to them, wow, they are a great work out. I ended up getting padded bike shorts because of the soreness. I stopped them because of work but would love to get back into them again, if I could find a class to my schedule.
Lets see, TP designs have been adding up in my home, for the past 3 yres. I love the jewlery, and have many of the Turkish pieces, especially the cuffs, and the clothes have become my style around here too. I think I have bought a lot of her newest designs with this sale and I am needing a fix for newer ones. Have to have patience until she returns to us. I have her dinnerware, (Artesian Road), and every piece that compliments the table. Her handpainted trays are my weakness. they are around my home holding small antique Tiffany Lamps and small sculptures. I have received many compliments on them.
Seigi…thanks for the antidote you wrote about the lady and her husband. Brought a smile to my face this morning.
Renee…how wonderful to have a college room mate who is like a Sister. I wished I had kept in better touch with my roomates, so way back then.
fanci…you are making me so hungry for a great pasta dish. I want to come with you to this place. yum.
Well, got to get to the farms…have a great weekend all!

SIEGI……………..YOU MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD……I do leave the liquior alone…..cause I get like a wild indian…..bult that was so funny!!!!!!!

Molly, I too hook my readers thru necklaces…..that was a gorgeous piece!!

Fanci…….I will google Eataly……cant wait to see it….I love places!!!!!!!

Gina….go luck dieting….when you lose weight, thats when I use Tracys scarves as belts and gather in the tunics….great look!!

KJ………I AM WEARING ONE OR YOUR DESIGNS TODAY….WILL TAKE IT WITH ME TO FLORIDA……I also have your portrait of the Girl……in my napkin holder on the table in the RV………….its awesome…….love ya sister!!!!!!

elle…………have a great Cheeseburger day……..XOOX

Patty……..wish we could go riding today…..nothing like muscle under your butt….LOLOLOLO!!

Renee……….have not check my email at home….but will add you….the more the merrier……LADIES OF INSPIRATION YOU ROCK…..!!!!!!

What is everydody doing this week-end…besides fluffing our nest…..and dreaming of when TP comes back….GOSH I MISS HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah, Robyn……….I feel like crying buckets…..you are on my BUCKET LIST……and maybe next time you could give us more of a heads up……I dont want to know your personal life……but only wish you could have told us of the changes that have happened…..like no jewels……where is the furniture…..no videos…..oh my…..I know I am not the only one wondering…..BUT AS PRESIDENT OF THE TP CLUB…..LOLOLO….I should be aware…………………….now thats all a joke OK……..Miss YOU ALL!!XOXOOX and only wish you well!!

Hi Lolo and Durls,

Lolo – I think you have my email address right? If not let me know and I will resend!

I am like you – complete faith in all things Tracy!

I am missing you all buckets – the new job has been daunting but I am hanging in there! Not a steep learning curve, but a vertical wall! But I am taking care and delighting in your conversations and the awesome goodwill here!

HAPPY FRIDAY RARE BIRDS!!!!! SIEGI,…..I am wiping my computer screen off as I lost my java reading about the wine!!!!!!!lollolololol!!!!!!!!! LOLO, hold the fort down baybeeeeeeeeeee as I am fully involved with an affair I am having with research!!!!!
It is so delightful to see that everyone here is still keeping TPs SPIRIT alive!!!!! YOU BIRDS are the absolute bomb!!!!!! Hang in there my loves, the PEACOCK QUEEN will always be struttin her stuff!!!!!! She’s just preening her feathers right now!!!! OXOXOX to every eye that reads this!!!!! I am off today…. and plan on spending my day on the boat with a pod of grapes, a hunk of cheese, a baguette, and a bottle of vino that I love so much!!!!!!lolololo AHOY, MATEYS!!!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo
PS My favorite TP items???? Oh myyyyyyyyyyyy,…. now that is the toughest question I have been asked all week!!!!

Hi Girls! Well, I made it through the first spinning class. My legs are like noodles right now, but I enjoyed it so much, I bought a one-month unlimited pass. I will try to go as many days as I can every week. And if that goes well, I’ll buy the three-month unlimited pass. Siegi, keep the jokes coming. That was hilarious. I’m sure we have all felt that way about a glass of wine every once in a while. Cameo, you have my utmost respect in your endeavors. You enjoy your day on the boat with your vino. You have earned it! Patty, yes, my tush is a a little sore from the class. But so worth it. They had a sign in the class which said, “If you don’t take care of yourself, a caretaker will do it for you.” That was sobering. Makes the sore bottom not feel so bad afterall. Valery, hope you’re well. Thanks for the tip on the scarves. That’s a great idea. If you have a cheeseburger today, I hope it’s the best one you’ve ever had. So that’s it for now. I’m stuck here waiting for a delivery this afternoon. Sadly, it’s not a TP delivery. Like you all, I sure miss hearing from her. I hope she is having a wonderful summer. Bye for now.

Tracy,
Thanks for the wonderful sales! I hope you are having a lovely break and are off somewhere delicious with your men. I am on Day 2 of my visit to the area of Toulouse, France…so much gorgeousness! Tomorrow I meet the rest of my party and we are off for a week of Brocantes and flea marketing. Happy Summer Durls!! xoxo, Julie

Just thinking…pudding smile…a week from today our Valery is on the road for one of those trips of a lifetime! Lolo, not much could make me happier than knowing you’ll be bringing lil’ reminders of how much you mean to me/and all of us…I need to go back and look at the smilebox you made of your RV/decor project again, it’s fit for our Queen! If you haven’t seen it yet you guys, I think she’ll share…I mean, I know she will!…just like Tracy shares everything with us…and Julie, your trip sounds so fun, do tell us what you find! I restored a chandelier today and look forward to hanging it outside on my front porch tomorrow …

WendyM2…………got it!!

My Advice……..since I am full of wisdom…….LOLOLO…dont say or spin garbage here………WE WALK WITH TRACY NO MATTER WHAT…..GOSSIP IS A HORRIBLE THING….when you Admire and Love someone….these things are not necessary……Life in business has its ups and downs…..oh and by the way I hear Tracy bought a Corporate Jet…..and has a butler…OH John is running for President!!!!!! now…….lololololololololololol…..In other words PLEASE DONT HURT OR SAY ANYTHING UGLY HERE…..do your own private blog or emails….XOXOXOXOXOX

Hey birds!I’m still here,just been very busy,I miss you all,and miss you Tracy!!!!!!! Hope everyone is enjoying summer,I’ll try to catch up more later! Happy day!xoxoxo rach

Good morning, how is everybody? The heat is back, already did my morning walk. Need to lose weight.
GINA, let me know if the spinning classes help. I don’t even have a clue what it is.
VALERY, are you on the road by now?
WENDY, hang in there, you are a Capricorn, you will manage! You have the discipline, just like CAMEO.
ELLE, RENEE I have been in almost every state, but not in Wisconsin. My niece lived in Madison for a year as exchange student, but we never made it up there, it was the year we moved to TX. Too busy with house building etc.
FANCI, how was NY.?
PATTY, I read that fracking is done in 40 states! Long article from the NY Times yesterday in our paper.
I started to paint a little foot stool. I will use the pattern from the white heart cookie in the Tracy’s cookie collection, so European.
Yesterday I watched Lucia di Lammermoor on PBS while painting, it is one of my favorite operas, the music- not the story. Still humming the songs. Good day!

HAPPY MONDAY………WHERE IS EVERYBODY…..NEED INSPIRATION……I am having tea with Tracy this morning…..I dont know about you…….Just because the boss is away does not mean…..we should go crazy….or anything…..Remember she is on vacation…..when she comes back there will be all new things….so YOU HAD BETTER START SAVING UP………drop all you change into a Tracy Porter tray…..or one of her wonderful vases…..and waaaaa laaaaa, you will have money for a new outfit…..jewelry…..or new shoes……I could send you all a air plane ticket to visit TP’s store………….LOLOXOXOXOX Do not dispair……all is OK>>>>>>>!!!!!!! Just ask Cameo……..come on ask her!!!!!!!!

Just checking in to say good morning! Had a busy weekend. Weather was beautiful in Wisconsin. Received many of my Tracy Porter items, gorgeous! THANK YOU! So glad we can access all of the videos and ideas here! Brought some roses in….used a TP vase, yet again! Hope all is well with you all!

Hi Loves!! Tracy I just received yet another box!!! Oh such beauties. Can’t wait to play dress up tonight and try everything on!!! Thanks for the treat. It is beautiful, and I will enjoy it!! Love to you and your family

calling all durls, magpies and the rarest of birds…..where are you? DUTCHESS???? i want to tell you about EATALY and my first time at the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING with ZERO visiblity!

FANCI>>>>>>>>>>>>>tell us!!!!!!!!!

Oh Sharon…….me too………have anther one coming for my daughter-in-law, Jana…..can’t wait to give it to her….for the First Day at Disneyworld…..TP will be shinning as we enter….MAJIC KINGDOM….

ENJOY THE DAY TRACY…….I hope the boys are at camp….or back with Grandma and Grandpa and you and John…..are skinny dipping……and planning new ventures!!!!!!!!!

Hi All You Beautiful Souls….Boo Hoo, I am sooooo missing our Tracy also….but am sooooo very happy and grateful we can still all gather here…..It is so very typical of our Beautiful and Thoughtful Tracy to allow us to still come together…Sure do LOVE Her!!!! xox
FANCI….So what is your take on EATALY…Pleaseeee do share with us!!! xox
JULIE,….France, Wow how Simply Divine, i am so elated for you, Girlfriend!!!…Can’t wait to hear all about your beautiful moments and try to capture all your eyes have seen (I do hope you will share with us)….Take lots of pictures….and ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY…..You sure Do deserve this Wonderful moment in time, Love!!! xox
PATTY,….Love and Big warm hugs to your Sister!!! xox
Loves you ALL Durls!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

thank the good Lord……i thought i lost you all. when i posted earlier none of your posts were on here!!! i’ve been checking and checking. julie’s was the last post before mine. i didn’t want to tell all if u weren’t listening. doesn’t matter….as long as we’re back in business!!!
buuttt….i have to get to an appointment now….soooo i’ll fill you in when i get back xxxxx

Hello all durls! My daily calendar says today that the best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others. However, I believe that I get some of the best advice on how to embrace everything about life (the good, the bad) from all of you! So if I just spread what I learn here, then I too will succeed, yes? Yesterday we went to Strawberry Fest in Cedarburg, WI. What fun! Food (ever have a strawberry brat?), strawberry wine, strawberry shortcake, all kinds of vendors, musicians, beautiful weather. Instead of a pudding smile today, I have a strawberry smile. I hope everyone is having a lovely Monday.

Wow! Alot of action over the weekend…at least they took off all the yucky posts! I was so sad last night reading some of them….anyway, so glad everyone is busy and enjoying the summer! My little boy turned four on Saturday and we had a great party…our local fire department brought the truck over…the kids were thrilled…heck I was thrilled! I just received some lovelies (zelda poets blouse and a gorgeous hoodie)…love, love them! I’m taking Valery’s advise and am going to save up my pennies (in a TP tray, of course!) for her next magnificent act! SIEGI, just googled Lucia de Lammimor and listened to some of the music…GORGEOUS!! I’m going to go to Amazon and order a CD. Happy Monday!

Hi Ladies,

Siegi, spin classes are done on a type of stationary bike. I do it because it’s non-impact and doesn’t seem to affect my back. There is an instructor and you spin to the music that is played. You raise and lower the tension, and some of the cycling is done standing up. It’s challenging! I just returned from my third class. I’m wiped out, but in a good way, if that makes sense. I’ll let you know if I drop pounds from this. I love your idea of painting a stool using Tracy’s cookies as inspiration. Those cookies were so beautiful. Did anybody order them? Were they good? Fanci, I can’t wait to hear about Eataly and the rest of your trip. KJ, a chandelier on the front porch is so neat. I have a “thing” for chandeliers. I sold my house in Calif. last year, and the buyers insisted I leave all the chandeliers. I never would have agreed to that if the market wasn’t so bad. But I didn’t want to ruin a good sale over some chandeliers, so I agreed to leave them. That was hard for me. Elle, many years ago my mother lived in Wisconsin. She didn’t live there too long, as she missed Calif. so much. But I got to go visit her for 2 weeks while she was there. It was so beautiful. I went in October. She lived in a little town called Watertown. It was on a small river. Such a quaint town. I also spent time in Madison, and I remember we went to Lake Geneva, I think in Illinois, also. Is Watertown near where you live? Is it near wherever Tracy lived? I would love to go back someday. Well, back to my chores. Love to you all!

Renee………STRAWBERRY SMILE TO YOU TOOOOOO !!!!

Siegi……dont leave till…this Friday….

Got more stuff for the RV today….and will finish up tomorrow….and GUESS WHAT…..lots of paper plates……started making ice….in trays….love to have ice in my drink…lots of water and diet pop….hamburger, hot dogs, lots of chips and veggies…..snack, snacks, and more snacks…..thank God the RV has a basement!!….My Son came over and has all the electronic things working….DVD, CD player, XBox3 and all that stuff……not towing a car, so have one rented when we get their….My Grandson is going to bungee jump and skyfly…(like parachuting)…will get that on video……

KJ…………how divine that chandy will be…..I put one up in the RV…..but its a chandy decal…..and it’s darling!!!!! I wish you would send me a picture….did you read my post where I am wearing your necklace to FLorida????

Can’t wait to hear about Fanci’s trip in NYC!!
Renee…My favorite food of all time is Strawberries made with anything!! I am so jealous. Sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Angela…Back at you my friend, you are so thoughtful! My Sis will be in for her next treatment next week.
Valery…I wish I was going with you to Disney World, it sounds like you will be stylin there in TP’s clothes! How’s your little Yorkie doing, Spicecy?
Ladies I have been hunting down exterminators today, we seem to have carpenter bees invading my home outside. I had never heard of them until I had the guy here today showing me the perfectly round little holes they dig into the soft wood over the awnings. They are big black bees and look like bumble bees but have a very shiney black coat on them. They lay their eggs inside the hole and now I have wood peckers trying to get into the holes to get the eggs. It sounds like someone is pounding a hammer around my house. I shoo them away but they are patient creatures and come back after a few hours. Unbelieveable.
Let you know what happens.
Hello Siegi, Fracking is a very sore subject in Pennsylvania. They have contaminated some drinking water in some areas and I know quite a few farmers who had to get water trucked in because of their land being compromised. It is unbelievable to me where the DER droped the ball monitoring this in our State. Your foot stool sounds like it’s going to be so pretty.
A big hello to Rachel and Sharon, I too have received my goodies from Tracy and can’t wait to see what she comes out with next.
Have a great Monday everyone!

PATTY……….have you ever heard a grown man….retired man…talk baby talk….????? Its a hoot….he is up with her before dawn….training her to pee on her pads……plays with her constantly…..she is Darling……I have a pink collar on her and and pinch diamond barrett…..she is the cats meow…… My Grandaughters will wear her out…..changing clothes on her….LOLOLOL…

Sorry to hear about the bees…..how will you treat them????? Spray the wood with something??

Angie…….turn you pillow over and get in here and rap!!!!!!!!!

Cameo….sorry Darling I posed such a hard question….for the week…….I will watch myself on this issue from now on…..LOLOOL…XOXOXO

Glad I missed the icky posts! I hate that stuff – this is the place for goodness and light and lightening of the soul!

It is finally sunny here! YOu do not know what a miserable spring we have had, weather-wise! Just awful, cold and rainy!

Gearing up for this weekend – it is my dad’s 80th birthday. Many of you know he is not well and in a nursing home, but we are bringing him here for the celebration and I am going to buy real champagne and to heck with medication-alcohol interaction for one moment (well I honestly won’t give him more than a smidgen, I promise!) because frankly, when he is gone, we need to remember that we toasted him with french champagne and had a wonderful lunch and did it right!

Lolo – God Bless you for keeping us all in line! God knew what he was about when he made you!

How are you Miss Madhatter?

Wendym2, what a wonderful treat you have planned for your father. Sorry to hear he is not well, but it sounds like you have the right spirit and know what’s important in life! Have a great time and enjoy!!!

Hello all you sweet souls! I caught only a snippet of the bad comments, and I had no idea what was going on! Well “SPINA-GINA” (I think that is cute for you!) Watertown is a about 2 hours away. You are so kind, but I am certain California is much more beautiful, but ah, this is home! Bugs and snowstorms, and humidity and all! I am sad to hear you had to leave your beautiful chandeliers, but we got similar advice from our attorney when we sold our house! So good for you, ever-onward! I know someone else mentioned something about me, or Wisconsin, but I am not going to go back and read again…WE ARE STILL PLANTING!!!!!!!!!!!! We are TOO OLD for this. So I must get back outdoors. PATTY black bees, carpenter bees, yikes! I cannot stand carpenter ants, NOW BEES! Good luck with that. HELLO TO VALERY, DEBORAH, RENEE (MY FELLOW WISCONSINITE..DID NOT KNOW ABOUT CEDARBURG’S Strawberry Festival…darn! HELLO ANGELA. Also, so sweet to hear about you celebrating your father’s 80th, Wendy…my husband and I know what it is like to have parents in nursing homes….my thoughts are with you my dear. Ok, must go….it is so nice to read that you are all still here! I must say I enjoyed all of my lovely latest TRACY clothes. Hello to Tracy and Robyn…remember I sad I don’t comment on the blog…look at me now! Good night for now…out to the mosquitoes…they miss me!

Good evening all – taking a spin down the posts – I must have missed something – did I read there were negative posts? I hope not.
Valery – you are setting the RV for Florida this coming weekend, correct? Happy Trails – “the firefly only shines when on the wing” – shine on Lady LOLOXOXO! We will be waiting for the stories!
Gina – Watertown is a lovely town. If you had jumped onto Hwy 151 (due west of Watertown via a highway or two and perhaps a few backroads ) you would have come up into Fond du Lac and then Hwy 23 West takes you from FDL to Ripon and Princeton.(I am guessing about 120 miles or a little more Lake Geneva is in WI – towards the southeast border of WI & IL. Beautiful lake.
Siegi – WI – beautiful state with deep roots in conservation(Aldo Leopold called it home), lots of rivers, lakes and if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute or two, it will change.

Valery, I know exactly how your husband is speaking to his little sweetie pie. My husband went crazy every time I spoke to my kitty about being her Mama. I love how much this precious little dog has made a wonderful difference in your’s and his life.
I have bids out with 2 different exterminators and I guess they will spray into the holes and around the soft woodwork. This is my first time dealing with carpenter bees. They bore into the wood very deeply and you can see sawdust on the ground, it is very fine, and at first i thought termites, then he enlightened me about the bee. He put a flashlight on the hole and you could see the bee nesting in there. Of course it’s going to cost us alot I’m betting. Just need to get this cleared up quickly.
I never saw the negative posts here, so I am glad they are monitoring that for us on TP’s site. I’m glad I didn’t see them.
Wendym2…a taost to your Dad’s 80th! Have a great time!
elle, keep those plants coming girlfriend…love planting one more flower, shrub, tree, etc..,never can stop myself!!!
Goodnight all!

elle(Ellen)-I hardly ever comment either but love to read and here I am – chatting away! Must be the warm weather that is affecting us! And never fear, Cedarburg has a Wine and Harvet Festival, this year it is September 17 & 18. These fests are wonderful treats – summer or fall. Cannot miss the award winning wines from there! I don’t know if I can mention the winery here but do check out Cedarburg’s website.

WENDYM2,…Hey Girlfriend soooo good to hear your voice…(I didn’t get to read those “icky posts’ either and I ditto everything you said about them)…..I’ve missed you…how’s Billy doin’ hope he’s takin’ you to lots of fun places HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your DAD….Hug him real tight and make his day Beautiful as I know you will!!!! xox
RENEE,…Hey, Renee Happy Strawberry Smiles…I never had a Strawberry Brat, but I am sure gonna try one!!! xox
DEBORAHinCA,….HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your little man….Hugs and Kisses to him from me!!!! xox
SIEGI,…Lucia de Lammermoor….I’m gonna check it out….thanx for sharing!!! xox
GINA,…You Rock Girl or should I say, You Spin Girl (tee hee)….I’ve tried spinning BUTTTT!!!…Well, like I said, I’ve tried spinning…… xox
VALERY,…Hey Louise, Ya betta be plannin’ on pickin’ me up….Ya ain’t seein’ Mickey without me….besides I’m all packed and raring to go!!!….so get your groove on Louise….I’ll bring the wine xox
KJ,…Bet that chandy looks grandy!!!(that came out pretty corny I know, but I just couldn’t resist, tee hee)….Bet it looks GORGEOUS, Girlfriend!!! xox
PATTY,…Darn those Carpenter bees, yuckeeee hope you are rid of them soon, Love!!! xox
ELLE(ELLEN),….Hey Girlfriend, always love to hear your voice….How is that front yard coming along…..FAB-U-LOUS-LY, I bet….wish I could see it!!!…(just don’t plant anything our Valery can dig up….ask her about it….you see, Louise not only packs a gun she also packs a shovel) xox
CAMEO,….Miss You, Love!!! xox
PAESAN,…Luv Ya!!! xox
MARGIE,….WHERE ARE YOU!!! xox
SIMPLY, LOVE ALL OF YOU RARE BIRDS!!! xoxoxox

TO ALL THE WONDERFUL, GOOD SPIRIT FILLED LADIES OF TP INSPIRATION…..LOVE YOU ALL….

Happy 80th to your FATHER, Wendym2…..make it real special….I love making memories for everyone else…..!!

RENEE AND ELLE……..I love your words….dont sit back, take a front row seat….we are all equal…..God didnt make any mistakes……dont you know?? XOXOXOXO He gave us all gifts……some he gave wonderful talent to….LIKE OUT TRACY…..some he gave the GIFT OF SERVICE….toooo….some the GIFT of laughter…….some the GIFT OF SILENCE…….Some the GIFT OF RMEMBERANCE…….ETC……its all good…find you gift and let it shine…….XOXOXOXOXO

Love hearing about the cute towns in Wisconsin( I am from that beautiful state) I did not read the negative posts but, appreciate everyone stories about their summer. Keep blogging . Hope everyone has a Great Fourth of JULY. Love that holiday all the fireworks – yeah . *****

Can anyone help me by describing the fit of the shanghi florishes tunic?? I usually wear a L but sadly they flew away too soooo I ordered xl since it is cotton. Now I hope i didn’t blow it cause no return…please let me know what you think as it is on back order so I could change my mind still…I love the look of it so much.Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

elle(Ellen) and Renee…I’m not one to usually comment either, but here I am! All of those WI festivals sound marvelous! We are going to check out the Clairmont Lavender Farm this weekend (per Tracy’s post a while back)…supposed to be peak season for lavender here…we’ll picnic and pick the fragrant flowers…can’t wait! Valery, can’t wait to hear about all the fun that you will have on your trip! What a fun Grandma you must be!

With vacation time upon us, I must tell you a story.
As you know by now I love to travel, small outings, big trips etc. Several years ago we went to visit Central America. We rented a car and took off. We decided to take a rest for a couple of days in a small town on the Pacific side. Every evening we ate freshly caught fish at the local beach shack with the natives. One evening a man came to our table and asked us if we were from Germany. We invited him to sit with us. We talked to him, me asking probing questions, curious as to how he survived, it was obvious that he didn’t work and I ASSUMED, he was stuck and had no cash to go back home to Europe. One evening he invited us to his home. I was hesitant, knowing one has to be careful in foreign places etc. But we figured all the kids at the beach knew him ( Me thinking perhaps some are his) it should be safe. When we finally went, I was in for shock of a lifetime. A villa overlooking the Pacific, a guesthouse , pool etc. furnished with European antiques. He invited us to stay as long as we wanted in the guest house, but we had to move on . The message I am trying to get across: be nice to everybody on the road, you never know, you might end up in a castle! My inspiration for the day! Happy trails!

Amen to that story. That memory will last you lifetime. How FUN.

Good afternoon! Dorina – I have the tunic – if you are a L you might find the XL too much but it really will depend on body type. It is a beauty! If it is too big, I would think a seamstress would be able to make adjustments for you! My calendar thought for the day is “delight yourself in the surprises of today!” I would just be delighted is somebody surprised me with a cheeseburger (or am I just wishing it was Friday?) Have a good day all!

I just received a box full of Tracy’s treasures that I ordered. I am over the moon for everything in there. And, thanks Tracy, for the cute little surprise tucked in. I haven’t been able to try everything on, as I have to go out the door soon. But I thought I’d check in to the blog to tell you all that her pieces will not be disappointing at all if you’re waiting for something. Dorina, I had to do the same thing with the Shanghai Flourishes tunic. My size wasn’t available so I went one size larger. I did throw that on over what I’m wearing just to check. I’m not wearing anything bulky, and it seems like it is going to be just fine. And…..you are going to love it. It is so cute in person.

Thanks Angela for the support. I know spinning isn’t for everyone. I’m in a trial period myself, so we’ll see how it goes. And, Siegi, you really should write a book. You are, without a doubt, one of the most interesting people I’ve come across. I love your stories. Your family and friends are truly blessed to have you in their lives. Deborah, your lavender excursion sounds divine. I loved Tracy’s pics of it. Ok, gotta fly. Much love to all of you!

I don’t know what is going on, didn’t see a lot of posts this morning until now, same thing happened yesterday! GINA, the fires in NM are scary. We will have no fireworks on July 4. Too dangerous.
RENEE, Strawberry Brats? Only in America!
KJ, chandelier on the porch, oh my, not here, too many wind gusts. I am curious about your artwork, painting?
ANGELA, I believe you are of Italian descent, you should love the opera, especially the love duet. I was singing all day yesterday after listing on U Tube. Even my husband was wondering.
PATTY, I am not an environmental fanatic, but one has to keep up with things, before it happens in one’s own backyard.
WENDY have a wonderful party! VALERY, are your ready!

Good Afternoon Dear Hearts! Oh, I must come back later and comment to all of you…so many kind words here today. I must share some sad news, OK? My brother called me today, he is very VERY private and he and his wife are very close to her family. His wife has been sick for a very long time (breast and bone cancer). He called for an unrelated topic but I did ask how she was doing and if we could come for a visit. He said she is going downhill and we should not wait very long to come. So sad, no children but many of her relatives live very close to them, and they are a “close knit” family. My family and I are not as close as we would like, and it was such an “empty” feeling. Ah, those life changes. I hope you all don’t mind that I shared a little bitter with the sweet? I will write again on the topics of Tracy, gardens, and travels, must go for now.

Siegi….great story!! Yes…..always treat everyone in the nicest possible way. I don’t have a story like that, but have found people to be fun, engaging and interesting when traveling. We met a couple in Paris about 5 years ago, and make it a point to see them at least once a year. People and their stories make the tapestry of life so beautiful. The mean people……I just leave them alone……they end up flocking together. HA!!!
Cheers and a happy day to all!!

Siegi……….last minute shopping this evening…..mow on Thursday…work Friday…..then off to pick up family….I can hardly concentrate this week…….have not had a vacation since I went to see TP last year in Oct…….I really need to get away from this office….MMMMMMMMMMMMMM. Loved your story………what a thrill that must have been……Wow!!!! Wish that would happen to me……………….LOLOLO….

About the post….its looks like it was in the old days…..all blogs are screened first before entering this site………..alot of extra work because of undesirable people. I find it sad……………………..

Elle………my heart is heavy hearing your sad news….so so sorry………………..you write what is on your heart…..XOXOXOXOX

Same thing with the posts coming through for me Seigi…and yes, I love painting painting painting, any and all painting…click on “KJ”, I’ll put up my link today, I don’t always do that, I just want to chat with you rare and beautiful birds! I do need to be a better “marketer” of my art…someday. I still work way too much…but I do teach painting here at Mendocino College and at our local museum…and oh yeah!, I recently found out I was accepted into an art show I respect very much…
But about the chandy…it’s on the porch table still waiting to be hung…logistics! I’ll send photos…it was black wrought iron, I spray primed and painted it ivory, it has lighted candlabras and I will drip crystals from it…I have fun adding glamour to this old ranch house…it’s a green acres kind of thing going on here….

Oh Elle, I wish I saw your post before I sent out mine…life is so precious…definitely our priorities need to be to love, care and support each other…like we do here…I totally relate to the feeling of wanting to be closer to someone…God bless you!

Oh, ELLE. I’m so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Elle, so sorry for you and your family! My thoughts are with you…Siegi, loved your post today…what a wonderful story and one we need to always keep in mind.

Elle, So sorry about your sister in law. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Everything in this life can be replaced – except people. Let’s not take our health and our time on this earth for granted for one second. xoxo

Elle…my deepest sorrows to you and your Brother’ wife. I know what a cruel disease this cancer can be, and I wish in our lifetime, we can get this thing cured. So much change in our lives and you just don’t want it. My hugs and comfort to you and your family.

Good evening all you sweet soul sisters! SIEGI, A wonderful story! RENEE AND EILEEN, so glad to see others in here from WISCONSIN!!! ANGELA, PATTY, SO wonderful to have your lives shared with us here. KJ, oh so glad to hear there is another teacher in the arts here! VALERY, KJ, JENIFER, DEBORAH, GINA, AND ANYONE else I missed (DORINA TOO!) I want to thank you all for your kind words, you are all so appreciated, truly! I am underserving really of such kindness, you see, my sister-in-law and I have drifted apart and now I see I should have made more of an attempt. OK, enough of me, you all have a good evening, lets get some summer in now, you hear? VALERY, MY SWEET ADVENTUROUS TRACY FRIEND, you have a wonderful vacation…MAKE THOSE MEMORIES! Again, thank you so much everyone. Now, about those TRACY PORTER clothes, I ordered quite a few items from the ‘FINAL SALE” ( I ordered in 3 different shipments, because I had to keep thinking about it!!!) That cute little sleeveless yellow number with the crochet edge, looks like edelweiss, there is a brown hoodie with lots of circles, cute velvet trim,,,adorable!! So many of the items were better than pictured, TRACY’S old way of telling us about each item really helped, yes? But, oh, the prices have been just so good! One of my daughter’s is coming in for the July 4th weekend! We planted 2 Black Hills Spruce, 2 Blue Spruce, a larch, 3 barberry, a tamarisk, JUST TODAY! Remember we live in the country on a long drive, so these items are on a top of the hill near the start of our drive….we have much more of a “perennial” garden near the house…”like in DOOR COUNTY” YOU WISCONSIN girls! (got quite the welt from a deer fly bite!) Ok, I think I have chattered on enough here.. good night, and thank you again all!!

ELLE,…My heart goes out to You, Your Brother and your Sister-in-law, you are in my prayers….Always remember we are All here for each other…not just through the laughter but also through the tears….we have a bond Soooo Strong that it CANNOT be broken by Anyone or Anything….our Hearts are connected and ALWAYS will be….those of us that gather here have one very special thing in common….WE ARE ALL GIVERS AND WE THINK WITH OUR HEARTS!!! xox

GOOOOOOOODDDDDD MORNING>>>>>>>>TP LADIES…..ITS WORTH SKIPPING LUNCH FOR……Considered it your dessert……80% off…………..and unless you have a perfect shape…..in my opinion….order one size larger…….on things…….XOXOXOXOXOX…..oh by shop till you drop…..then sit down and see if their are any shoes left…………..LOLOLOLO

Angela…………….Give me all you got….Sister Sue…..Thelma in disguise…….lololo…….But you are so right on………WE ARE ALL GIVERS HERE……..I have often wonder what it would be like to be a taker…..until I think of a few people I know that are takers…….Oh my gosh….what miserable people they are….gripers, etc……..I love being a giver….dont YOU????????

Valery!! I love your spirit. Still checking in twice a day to read the chatter. Love you ladies!!

elle(Ellen), your yard sounds wonderful! What fun to have that much space to plant…have a great 4th! Valery, take care and have a super time…those trips are so fun and you’ll make lots of great memories. I’m out for a bit…family gatherings etc. I’ll check in next week! Happy 4th of July to all!

SO HERE YOU ARE!!!! I just caught up with what’s going on. SO COOL that everyone is hanging in here waiting for Tracy and carrying on. She must be on vacation…. Did anyone tell us when she will return? There was no blog for awhile…I am just so happy you are all still blogging. I love ALL the rare birds.

Good morning, I missed yesterday’s Sharon blog. Sometimes earlier entries are inserted later. Glad I went back to check. VALERY, you are soon starting the engines, I wish you a wonderful, safe trip, keep us posted. ELLE, so sorry to hear the news about your sister in law, all I can hope is that she does not have to suffer a lot. Your brother needs you now.
KJ, checked out your web site. Beautiful, delicate colorful paintings. I think I am too messy for water colors, never tried it. I only use acrylic paint. Nice photo! Sailboat! How fun. We used to have catamaran when we lived on the beach. One time we sailed with a Windjammer all the way down the Lesser Antilles. Started out in Antiqua. I was so sick the first day, but with all the calypso music playing along the way I had to be back in shape fast, otherwise no dancing. Oh, I am so glad we did all these things, now all the cash goes to the doctors. I need to win the lottery! Good day!

Tracy……..I miss you…..I dreamed of you last night…..I was in this green wooded area and there were paths…and on each side of the path were….chest, dressers, armoires, many many of them with clothes in them galore….draped and hung everywhere….You were with me and everything was to small….dont know where John was but would you believe……now its just a dream and I cant help it…..Tim Mcgraw…..(dont know why??) I finally came upon a large sewing table filled with fabric, trim, etc….and there on a roller like chair was a fabric that covered the back of the chair…..thrown.. and tucked around it…..and I loved it and was pulling it off of the chair….and it was my size and Tracy was laughing…….as it was one of her maturnity tops from the boys……..and then I woke up…………It was wonderful seeing all of it……but frustrating not to be able to fit into anything…….but MATURNITY,…….so guess what girls……in my mind and hopefully will try at least 50%……….to DIET ON MY VACATION…….LOLOLOLOLOOLOLO…….XOXOXOXOX

Deborah in Ca…….You have a nice 4th of July also……..

LADIES OF TP INSPIRATION HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY…..AND DO PUT FIREWORKS OF SOME KIND IN YOUR LIFE…….Please dont start any fires…..be safe and know you are LOVED!!!!!

LADYDI………….I HAVE MISSED YOU…..HAVE YOU TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF 80% OFF????????

SHARON…..SAW YOU ON FACEBOOK……You have a face that no one can forget!!!!!!!!! XOXOXOX

KJ……….we must find Laura……..!!!!!!!! I will email her and let her know we are still here………….

I WROTE TRACY CAUSE I JUST KNOW SHE POPS IN…..JUST A FEELING!!!

I like how the last 3 posts have got the red/White/Blue covered.

Trying to print this out but my computer is taking vacation early and not speaking to printer, or is it the printer gone rogue?

Would share via FB but they don’t seem to like me today either. I may as well do housework!
Hush. Not that desperate.

It is a beautiful summery day in Wisconsin.

A jolly good afternoon RARE BIRDS!!!!!!! LOLO, just wanted to pop in and wish YOU and your FAMILY a SAFE and GLORIOUS time in DW!!! Give MARY POPPINS my love!!!!! Happy Trails~ stay hydrated!!!!! MADHATTER, your heart is sooooo big, I worry about you. Keep your heart healthy my love, we need you here!!!!!! ELLE, What despairing news, I am so very sorry. PATTY, how are the horses at the farm dealing with this heat???? KJ love, I see you dancing around in your heels and feather boa on the green acres farm!!!!!ololo Hope you have a pond for your jet ski!!!!! Hi DEBORAH in CA~ party safe, SHARON OXOX to you blue eyes!!!! GINA~ I have a thing for chandy’s too!!! LADY DI~ I love you back DURL!!!! SIEGI~ you are accurate,..you just never know WHO you may befriend!!!! JENIFER~ loved your words!!!!
BE SAFE RARE BIRDS,…but above all~*~*~* be INDEPENDENT baybeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo

Oh my. Finally I found some familiar voices. Even though I do not comment every day I still like to chime in every now and then and see what’s going on. I have been trying to figure out why we have no lovely words of inspiration – quite addictive don’t you think. Anyhoo, I’ve been checking every day to see if TP has posted. I finally email her team on contact us and discover she’s taking a much needed break. Completely understand. We all need a respite to recharge. Certainly looking forward to her return and looking forward to hearing more from all of you.
Laura

VALERY,….RIGHT ON!!!!……HAVE A SAFE TRIP, MAKE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES, TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES, HAVE TONS OF FUN, AND TRY TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!!!!!!!!!!!(now I know the trouble thing might be a little difficult for you, BUT TRYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!, WILL YA PLEASEEEEE LOUISE!!!! SOOOO LUV YA BABEEEEE!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO
LADYDI,…..WOWWWWW!!!!….I was just thinking about YOU, LAST NIGHT!!!,……..SOOOOOOO HAPPY YOU found the blog!!!!……Missed the sound of your voice, Girlfriend!!!!! xox
Love You All!!!! xoxoxoxoxox

oh and it’s nice to see so many of you are from Wisconsin. I love Wisconsin. We’ll be headed there this holiday weekend in fact.

Will any of the items sold out be restocked? I want to buy the shanghai flourishes sleeveless tunic in medium and it is gone! HELP!!!!

it looks like our posts are a little delayed…..cuz i can’t imagine not one of the birds has posted today. i want to wish our dutchess valery a safe and wonderful journey to the magic kingdom with her family. mickey will never be the same after meeting our durl.
cameo…..i think your in charge in the dutchess absense?

elle…..my thoughts and prayers are with you.
tracy……miss you….not going anywhere

DURLS…….what can i say……i want to name each one of you individually…but, i know i’ll miss someone. your words inspire me daily and i feel blessed to be in your company.
EATALY WAS WONDERFUL!! i will give details tomorrow….finally

xxxxx fanci

Hi everybody – I just popped in to say thank you to everyone for blogging. I love it here and you are all WONDERFUL. I want to wish you all a festive and safe fourth – light a sparkler!

good morning ladies……are you here? tried to post a few times last night but it wouldn’t go through.
elle…..so sorry to hear your news. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
valery…….safe journey to the magic kingdom. the mouse will never be the same after meeting the “dutchess of durls”
tracy……miss you
birds……want to name each one of you…but know i’ll miss someone. feel so blessed to know you.
i know i haven’t posted re EATALY yet. it was wonderful! let’s see if this goes through before i continue…..you know how i can go on.

Happy 4th of July You lovely ladies!!!!Have a lot of out of town guests in for the long weekend. Then VACAY!!!!! Will be back in about 2 weeks.

Hi all,

Elle – so sorry about your sister-in-law – others sentiments are right in – life is precious and people are the only thing..

It is Canada Day here, so off to listen to concerts in the park and then fireworks! Yay!

Hi birds!!!! incase I don’t get a chance to pop in again soon, I wanted to wish everyone a fun and safe holiday weekend!!!!!!!!! Miss you guys and think of you all, all the time!!!!xoxoxoxoxRach

ok….i’m not seeing anyone’s posts but my own after lady di…..but….just in case. ENJOY A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY WEEDEND BIRDS!!!! love you all.

tracy and family…..i hope you’re having a blast exploring california and all it has to offer. stay well and God bless.

i’ll check in later. xxxxxxooooo fanci

Thinking of all of you lovely people and hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend.Keep up the chatter.

Just a quick check in. Hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday weekend. Keep up the lovely chatter.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY ALL!!!! i know you birds are there somewhere…. all behind the scenes and the posts just are not appearing until they are approved after the holiday.
we’re off to sagamore hill…..teddy roosevelt’s home on long island for a reenactment. my grandson is over the top excited. then hot dogs…burgers… and hot potato salad! miss you all……..xxxxooooo fanci

I love this site.I also have several of your books.All wonderful!

ANGIE,…i’m here!!!…wow, there is so much to catch up on…hope everyone is enjoying summer!!!Cheers to ALL and to TP&Co.,…Margie

Hi durls,

feels like a ghost town… I was away all weekend and arrive back with nary a peep! Hope you all had wonderful 4ths of July!

wendy

Is this still working?

i am so happy to have found this wonderful and uplifting blog. I was 62 the other day and I hope that I can still have some time to flow my dream! it is never too late.

Hi,

It does feel like a ghost town…I agree wendym2! Anyway, wonderful 4th and off to Montana on Sunday…my Dad lives there in the summer and the kids have never been…visits to Glacier Park and boating/swimming on the lake. Hope all of you are enjoying your summer and will check in before we leave.

Oh Fanci, I missed your post…what a great way to spend the 4th! Well, not the potato salad part…:)

So glad the blog is up and running again. FANCI, I want your life!! You always seem to have such neat excursions planned. I love hearing about them all. MARSHA, this is a very uplifting blog, and no, it’s never too late. Everyone is so kind and supportive. Welcome!! TRACY, we miss you!! Hope you and your family are well. xoxo

Good Evening all you sweet souls! So glad to see there have been some posts over the past few days. I did check in, but nothing was posted, so I did not comment. Thank you all for your wonderful comments about my family. I did go to visit my sister-in-law and brother. We had a very nice visit, however, the doctors have given her a matter of weeks, so it is just so sad. I have been obsessing over all of this, I have known for several years that this day would come, but it is the first one of “my generation” in our family (brothers, sisters, in-laws, cousins, etc.) for this to happen to, and just oh so many memories. So many things remind me of her and things she enjoyed. You all have been so very kind, thank you….I am undeserving of such kindness. So many of you commented, please forgive me tonight for not mentioning you all by name. I wore one of Tracy’s tops today and went “bumming” around to some second hand stores….I just had to get out and get my mind on something else. You are all so special!

Wow…that was tough, I missed all of you so much…they say you never know what you’ve got until it’s gone…but I know what we have here, and I don’t want us to lose contact with eachother (thank you TP&Co.)! Marsha, I’m so glad you’re here with us, it’s never too late to “flow” your dreams, just please share your dreams with us here!…How about Lolo’s dream!?* that was sooo cool!…green wooded area with paths lined with TP things…Tracy laughing etc…Madhatter what are you up to?..do share! You always ask about us, I’d like to know YOU more! Here’s a newsflash- Seigi is HOT, in more ways than one, let me tell you!!! Valery mentioned finding Laura, our Minne(sota) Laura, are you here? seems we have a few precious Lauras…calling all Lauras!!1, please check in! Sending love! XOXO

Hey Girls!!!!!!!!! I miss you guys sooooo much! working a lot and trying to enjoy my pool as much as possible, one of these days I’m going to take the lap top outside and catch up reading on everyone, I really want to know what’s going on with all of you, I just feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day. Anyway my love to all of you!!!!!!!!!!xxxxxxxxRach

kj………you are soooooooooo right……who knew?….on a blog……..we would find such friendship….soulsisters….from sooooo many walks of life…ages…but a kinship of creativity…inspiration…spirituality (no matter the faith)…i, too, love you all. how strange is that. i’m coming to the next assembly of the durls no matter where it is.
i have posted my email and welcome a note from any of you.
deborah/ca….no…hot potato salad is a good thing…it’s delish!!!
Gina….we share much…my italian/irish etc friend. my life is simple and blessed. i don’t recall when you started posting…i’m on here less than a yr… and i don’t know if you know my family story, but 6yrs ago we lost our beloved son-in-law very suddenly leaving behind my 29yr old daughter and 18 mos old grandson. our lives have changed forever. we don’t take any day for granted. discovering new things has been very theraputic and healing. when i first started posting after peeking in for quite sometime….i never intended to share…i was here because i love design and everything tracy porter. again…WHO KNEW????. i have a close family and wonderful friends who have always supported me in all things…but….WHO KNEW?….we birds were meant to find eachother and share our UNIQUE journies in life.
oooooooooooo…i’m sorry….i did ramble. i’ve been in tp withdrawal.
elle…i get it
marsha…welcome
rachel….i’ve missed you…
tp…miss you
DURLS………xxxxoooo to all of you

The blog is alive….. can you hear me sing? Yes WENDY, it felt like a ghost town. Yes KJ, you never know what you have until it is gone. Tracy contributes to the happiness of this nation! We all are thankful to her and the team.

Ok you guys, KJ is referring to my body temperature not my curves. This heat is sucking the life out of me and is starting to shrivel my brain. All these Texans who love this state so much must have a chalet in Colorado or a ranch in Montana they can escape to, I am sure they also employ a gardener.
Fourth of July was dead, no fireworks in this town, too dangerous. I just hope we make it safely through the summer.
I wrote VALERY that the blog is back up and running, but she must have fallen off a roller coaster into Donald Duck’s arm. Not a word from her yet. Thanks GINA for alerting me! Missed you all!

Hello everyone. I have been off for a few weeks. I had no idea the blog was still going strong. Just finished hosting the 4th of July family reunion at my home with 15 guests. So much fun but lots of work. I thought of Tracy’s advice about not stressing and everyone commented on my posting of the last blog and how thoughtful it was. We had a great time and my table settings were sometimes comical but no one cared and we had a great time!! Haven’t read all the posts but everyone seems like they are doing well and equally missing our daily dose of Tracy. I am sure she is busy with family and business. Can’t wait to see her new creations. Wishing all a great summer!

OMG!!!!….It felt like I was in the twilight zone, very eeeeerie, none of you were here and I was panicing…..WHEW!!! SOOOOOO HAPPY YOU ARE ALL HERE!!! Just want you all to know I heard from our VALERY and she told me to tell you SHE HAS MICKEY MOUSE EARS!!! She is on her way back and should be home by this evening!!!
MARGIE,….FINALLY!!!, we get to hear your voice…missed ya, Girlfriend!!! xox
ELLE,…Eyes up, Love!!!….I’m praying for you and sending you warm hugs, unfortunately I know what you are feeling, but always remember you are not alone WE are ALL here for YOU!!! xox
KJ,…Your A Doll!!!…I’ve gotten back to my writing and I have decided to try and complete the cookbook my Prince and I were working on, I have also been busy working on the Fall Designer Showcase….I am taking it one day at a time and taking my spoonful of medicine by checking in and hearing ALL your sweet voices….I am so very grateful to our Beautiful Tracy for allowing us to still keep in touch while she is away, God Bless Her!!! xox
Sure Do Love You Durls!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

CAMEO,…..YOU ARE THE “WIND BENEATH MY WINGS”!!!….LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO!!! XOX

Hello Tracy and All,
Thank you for the fabulous summer sale!! I was able to get a couple of your wonderful designs and I am just in love with them.
I’m glad to see some chatter on your blog, but really hoping your absence means you’re busy with your creations and just plain enjoying life. I can understand your break from the blog world as it is so hard to keep it up…all the time. My own blog hasn’t had a posting since May, but looking forward to getting back to it. I has been a wonderful summer so far, between kayaking on the Russian river, fireworks, bbq’s and daily life and work. Whew! No wonder I’m a little sleep deprived. Anyway…to all enjoy the beauty and remember as Tracy says “Be Ok”. Looking forward to your return to the blog world soon. Thank you for everything you do Tracy and John and Co…your the best!

Oh – I hope Valery shared photos of herself with the mickey mouse ears! I believe they are tres chic!!!!

Well summer is finally here! Thank goodness – I was freezing until last weekend! All is well now, though!

So glad you are all here! Was feeling a little sad last weekend when it was so quiet – you are my little cul-de-sac of peace and joy on the internet!

I MISS Tracy’s blog and videos.Glad everyone is having a nice summer.

FANCI…I have looked in on this blog for at least a year, and started to blog around Sept. of last year. Everyone seemed so nice and supportive, and I was going through a difficult time. My grandmother was ill and not expected to make it. She passed last October. I blogged because I just had a need to express myself a little. I guess it was a release. The well wishes came pouring in from everyone, and I felt blessed. Her 91st birthday would have been yesterday. I blogged pretty regularly, I think, until around February. And then, as happens, I got busy with things and wasn’t blogging as often. But I never missed a day checking in. I’m back in more regularly these days. I just wish I could meet each of you in person. Fanci, I didn’t know your story about your son-in-law. It still has to be very painful for you and your family. It’s a reminder of just how precious each day is and that we should treat each one like it’s our last. I am middle-aged, and am starting my life over again, basically. I will be married later this year to Patrick, my high school sweetheart from 36 years ago. He had been married years ago. They had a daughter whom I never had the opportunity to meet. She was killed in a car accident about 8 months before I had reconnected with him. She was 18 yrs. old. He is doing well, but those sad feelings pop up every so often. So I understand the pain you must feel about your son-in-law. We do have a lot of similarities, and I’m glad you are here. Your notes are fun to read. I have a new friend in Siegi. When the blog was down, we started emailing each other. She is a dear, and I’m enjoying getting to know her. Thanks, Siegi! Well, we are just hanging out at home tonight. Patrick hasn’t been feeling well. He got a case of food poisoning a couple days ago while in San Diego. Yuck! I hope everyone’s weekend of wonderful!

Oh, my you are here! FANCIi, thank you for sharing your story, yes, I can imagine how your lives must have changed. Hello to GINA,EILEEN,WENDYM2,MADHATTER, JEANNIE, RACHEL (My new soul sister!), KEHAULANI,SIEGI, DEBORAH, GINI, CAMEO, VALERY, AND ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE!!!! Thank you so much for all of your kind words. It is getting hot and humid here in Wisconsin. Husband and brother are at a car show….a well-deserved get away. My sister is staying with my sister-in-law, so he could go….I AM going on a quick trip to our lovely Door County. Very busy up there this time of year, but beautiful. Glad to see someone is TRACYPORTERLAND, is posting our comments, THANKS! Gotta fly, you are all so great!

just a quick peek…..
gina….i’m 57 and married to my “high school sweetheart” for the past 37yrs. soooo kiddo….it’s a good thing!!!! we all do have a story to share when the time is right….thank you for your words and i’m so sorry for patrick’s loss. one second at a time. i think we all add a little bit of our lives when we feel a bird is in need or can benefit in some way from our experiences.
elle….in my thoughts….ty
and to all the rest of you durls……xxxxx00000xxxxx
you are the best!!!

Back from Wisconsin’s beautiful Door County….had to go to a special sale to buy one of my daughter’s something for her “golden” birthday coming up….a wonderful day. Gina…your story about marrying your high school sweetheart is so great, so sorry to hear about your fiance’s daughter…heart wrenching. Every story here is special. My brother is trying to arrange a special visit for his wife with my other brother and his spouse, and asked if I would like to come again. I so wanted to visit again, but know that his wife is not feeling accepting of visitors any longer. So hopefully on Monday we will all be there for them. Am going to pick up something for a dinner to take for them and all of us…I am so grateful he wants us there. Anyone out there running this blog…maybe we could start a new topic, instead of the “paper plates”….even if it is just a label…..we are up to comment #250 here!!! ????? What do you think? Good Night to all.

this probably won’t appear for a day or so, but i have to welcome back our DUTCHESS OF DURLS….THE DURL OF DISNEY from her fantasy rv vacation. i see on facebook that she has returned safely.
can’t wait to hear the details as i am a big fan of the mouse and his house.

Hello GORGEOUS RARE BIRDS!!!!! LOVE and MISS you ALL………It’s Sunday eve, and I am closing the books for a jam jar of vino…… LOLO, do you need me…. to jet up there and hang a bag of lactated ringers for you????? I bet you are as skinny as MINNIE!!!!lolololo do tell ALL!!!!
Hello ELLE, FANCI, RACH, SIEGI, GINA, EILEEN, KJ, MARSHA, DEB in CA…. every BIRD that reads this!!!
MADHATTER love,….”Thank you, thank you, thank GOD for YOU…..~YOU~ are the wind beneath ~ MY~ wings”………. ~fly~ ~fly~ my love i will give you the strength you need to lift your wings and soar. I am blessed to have enough strength and spirit for the both of us……….. and I will share……… OXOX
For you my love-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9ZMDPf9hZw
PS…… LOVE YOU TP & CO. and RARE BIRDS…….may your summer be filled with pigmy bunnies, butterflies, fireflies in mason jars, hummingbirds, fancy broods of chickens, lots of birds nests filled with babies, peacock feathers, fairies in flight, fawns, green lawns, the spray of a water sprinkler, fresh peach pie, churned ice cream, homegrown tomato and mayo sandwiches, iced tea, beach sand and pea gravel on the floors, fuzz bunnies in the corners, wasp nest hair until noon, unmade beds, lots of white linen and sunscreen, big floppy hats, vintage wicker tea stands stocked with world market limoncellino served in champagne flutes, doggie licks on your toes, skinny dipping in the pool, flip flops, big sunshades, jam jars of vino and Arabian nights baybeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo

HELLO LADIES………..COULD NOT WAIT TO LEAVE HOME AND LOVE GETTING BACK HOME…..`.`.`.`.`!!

Disney world is FANTASY…..It is built to last the test of time…….Walt Disney should have been my Father………It was magical……I melted in the heat…..had blisters on 2 toes of each foot……but will never forget it…….the show at Enchanted Kingdom was like being inside the TV……Characters all so wonderful and friendly…….but more later.

Fanci……….are we on facebook together….must know!!!!!!

Will chat more later….back at work and it is catch up time……XOXOXOOXOX

elle…..i think the new topic is a great idea. we’ve always inspired eachother’s creativity through tracy. why don’t we durls pick a topic to discuss. vacation memories….our gardens….favorite recipe etc. unless, of course, whomever runs tp blog decides to choose…..i’m in.

Hi girls, will write later.
DAWN, did you read Arianna HUFFINGTON Post blog from 7.10.2011 on SNOW FLOWER, FEMALE FRIENDSHIP and the MADNESS of HIGH HEELS? ( modern foot binding!)
Movie SNOWFLOWER will come out 15. July.

NEW TOPIC:

1. When do you think TP will be back….and when she does come…..what are you looking for in clothes??

2. Can you say NO……….when needed??

3. Since coming back from Disneyworld…..I would like to know what your fantasy……would be?????

Please answer at least one….or all three….just to get to know you!!

Hey Birds!!!!!! Tracy I miss you so!!!!!!My girl Elle, and Mad hatter, Cameo and Siegi, how I love you guys, It’s amazing to not be around for a while and return and feel as though I never left….you are all the best!!!!!Fanci…I missed you too!!!!Valery, you were in my favorite place….Disney….how magical, and theatrical….right up my alley!!!!Miss KJ, miss you! hey ya where’s Laura?!Hey miss Sharon, and everyone else, hope your listening to our Cameo…..how can anyone put it any better?!xoxoxoxoxoRach

Love the questions Valery – I think Tracy will be back September (mid to late), clothes – looking for things to wear to the office or similiar to the feel of her 2009 line; yes, I can say no (but then feel really bad afterward); fantasy…hmm..time in the TP store with a really big gift card? or a full day with all access to explore the grounds and house of the White House with my own tour guide – the history of it gives me goosebumps!

HEY DURLS!!!!! Happy summer and love to all!!!!….Now, LOLO…Victorious Valery….. I’m nervous and feeling ill just thinking about saying No!!! I never want to let someone down,…ready to help when needed…… but then,… I have to learn to discern if what is being asked of me is a help or a hindrance to my health and the health and needs of my family…… gets complicated,….so…..anyhoo….. I think Tracy will return when her boys are back in school and settled into a routine….sometime in Sept…. And, my fantasy…..well, I’m living it!!! I’m down in the Sunshine State enjoying the coral reef in Key Largo… nibbling on spongecake (with strawberries)and watching the sunsets… with my boys!!!!
Cheers and love to all you rare birds!!!xoxoxoxoxoxoDesi

Hello everyone. RACHEL, my dear new theatrical friend, so good to read what you wrote. Greetings VALERIE, I do love Disneyworld, the grounds, buildings, so well done, yes? MADHATTER, I read what you posted a little while back, you are the sweetest! GOOD MORNING TO ALL..you are all so chatty yet, so great! I could not guess when Tracy will be back, but I would like some sweaters/sweatshirt type cardigans like the WOODLAND” cardy…missed that one. EXCEPT…..MY CLOSET RUNNETH OVER! mmmm SAYING NO, I was just asked about doing something at work by a boss, and I do have the option of saying no, but it could set me into a downward spiral and then out, I WANT TO SAY NO…..if I do could be out the door, oh the stress. My fantasy would be THE MOST peaceful vacation ever viewing the waters and gardens of the world. No traffic, no crowds, just peacefulness! Have a wonderful day all! (Good to Desiree back!)

My fantasy? Building a little gnome house, a darling little cottage with an overhanging roof, a little tower, rounded doors, flower boxes. Like the little fairy tale houses in Carmel, CA. I would paint little gnomes every where, some sitting on top of the door frame, some peaking around the corner, little mice along the base boards etc. etc. and live happily after!

Here is a story. Disney-Bavaria-Texas.
The Bavarian Castle Neuschwanstein served as one of the models for Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle. It was built by King Ludwig ll of Bavaria. Castles are King Ludwig’s legacy. He built three of them. He spent so much money building castles that his court declared him unfit to rule. One day he took a walk with his doctor along a lake and both men drowned mysteriously.

Now what does it have to do with Texas? In Austin we have a museum, the Elisabet Ney Museum. Elisabet Ney (born 1833) was a very close friend of King Ludwig ll. Ney created a marble statue of King Ludwig, the only one ever made. A replica of the statue can be seen here in Austin, along with all the famous men of Europe. Sculpture was exclusively a man’s field, she fought her way to be the first female student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. The museum here used to be her studio and she financed it with the cash she received selling her house in Munich.The house in Munich was a gift to her from the King Ludwig ll.
If there ever was a rare bird it was her. She kept her maiden name after she got married, she called her husband “my best friend”, slept in a hammock so she didn’t have to make her bed. She dressed in pants and was rebellious as a child, never liked the clothes her mother wanted her to wear.

Read her story. Google Elisabet Ney.

I do hope Tracy will come back some day!

I was wondering………..Sharon from Nashville sent me an email…..and says her blogs are not showing up……anyone else having a problem??

Ellen……..I want your fantasy also…..that will be how our eternal home will be dont Ya know!!!!!!

Desiree………..Say No just once…..just so you can get that good feeling…..Thats what Dr. Phil told Duchess of York…Fergie…..she needs to start saying NO……..because she cant and didnt….. its got her in a financial bind…..even helps friends and does not have the means……I love saying No where No is needed…..instead of freaking myself out with nerves and etc…….Its such a good feeling.

Now on a job I really dont like to say No……its always a feather in my cap to be as good as I can be……..thats why I make pretty good money after all these years of trying and trying to be the best that I could………Even as an example……I could never tell my husband no….when it came to sex…..but after many years…..I finally said no……I have a right……didnt think I could………now the saying goes….my husband says I am his sex object…..he ask for sex and I object…..we laugh about it. Women are the nuturers in most familys…..I am important and this is my life as well as it is anyone elses…..I am being true to myself……I give and give and give and give some more……and little by little I am taking……all the gust I can get……I am in my last days…..and I want to relish it…..with a smile on my face….XOXOXOX

Sharon from Nashville wants a chef in her kitchen…..teaching her and her friends to cook….sounds good to me!!!!

Angie………..send blood……..LOLOLOLOLO!!!!! I need an IV……after this vacation and all that happened…..more later!!

durls….i couldn’t decide on a fantasy…my head was hurting. soooooooooo, i decided to live with all of you in your fantasys. come on…a gnome house in carmel!!!! who can beat that….i’m there in a heartbeat!

Valery….Thank you for the topic. Yes Tracy will be back . She is doing her thing like no one else. Staying true to yourself takes work and she is busy designing and spending time with her family. Can’t wait to see her new designs and jewelry. As for saying no I have always been one that had no problem with no. In my line of work we are always telling people to make appropriate choices fo yourself and often setting limits on yourself and others is very healthy!….But I must admit saying no to Tracy sales is indeed a challenge……As for fantasy I would love to have enough time and money to travel around the world. Travel fills me with awe and wonder to the beauty that exits in this world. Hope everyone is having some fun this summer!!!!

Fanci…sorry your head hurts…and you are so right, Seigi…can I come stay with you……..and keep the stories coming……I love them…..XXOXOXOXO

TRACY….WHERE EVER YOU ARE I SEND YOU BIG HUGS AND MORE BIG HUGS……I KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO BLOW OUR SOCKS OFF WHEN YOU RETURN….NO PRESSURE HERE……ITS JUST THE WAY YOU ARE…..You may be taking time off the blog, but I know you are working….its you…..and I wish you well!!!!!!XOXOXOXOX

Hello Ladies of TP Inspiration…..live in the moment and enjoy just today……We are Women of energy and positive encouragement and Diva Design…..in other words WE ROCK!!!!!

Cameo, Rachel, Angie, Laura, KJ…..I am having coffee with you today in my thoughts and head….heres to you!!

Siegi…..by your words I have read about Elisabet Ney…..She had a drive…a goal….and she knew what she wanted…I admire women like that….very interesting….have you been to the museum???…so to you Siegi…in latin….”Sursum”….meaning uplift your heart!!!! XOXOXOX

I wrote to everyone a sentence…and now I know what Sharon meant…one minute it was there the next it was gone…..So hello to everyone……and hope you are all well….stay stong…..

Hugs to you TRACY…..in what ever you are doing I MISS YOU…….

ROBYN….Sarah…..my thoughts go out to you!!

morning all….still no new posts since last night when i chose to live with all of you in your fantasies. does that mean you won’t share? i was really looking forward to my time in siegi’s gnome cottage!!

i slept on the “when will tracy return?” question. my thought is when the boys are all settled in school and the new season begins. i can’t imagine she’s not peeking in on occasion to view our chatter. i’m wondering if tracy is going to get away from the clothing somewhat…i said “somewhat” and concentrate on homegoods…where she started. just my feeling.

on saying “no”….i do have a hard time saying no. of course, never when it comes to compromising my principles or beliefs.

very..very hot here on long island. too hot to even beach it. staying inside with the ac cranking. stomach bugs going around. hope you are all well. xxxx fanci

valery…thank you for your concern for my head….but, it was only due to too many fantasies swirling about my head and the indecision. lol

i,also, was having trouble posting on occasion. same thing…i’d write and then it would disappear.
talk about making my head hurt.

Hello Ladies,
ANGELA darling, I love your spirit, inspiring all these lovely ladies to get back and write on the blog. SO I’VE READ A BUNCH AND NOW I’M WRITING.
The sales were incredible. Favorite piece is the Mirella Zip Cardigan. I love reading what you all have acquired from TP. I think I own enough of her clothing that I wear one piece a day.
We have had such a cool summer albeit the few hot days around the 4th, that sweaters are required mornings and evenings. NO COMPLAINTS about our weather in Northern CA. Love the natural Air Conditioning aka FOG…
Hi to everyone and thanks for keeping the spirit of the blog going.
Sending you all good weather and happy summer thoughts. XXOO Helen

Hello Helen……..thanks for the good weather!!! XOXOXO

Sitting here in my TP ourfit and jewelry…..Waiting for Labor day…..when I hope TP is back…….but for today…..I am going to encourage everyone I see……..people are so down….and cross…..and I will not be that way……My path in life is to bring forth the good…..so right off the bat…..I am telling the mailman that I enjoy his smile each day…….spread happiness……..love to you all!!!! XOXOXOXO

So, as I quietly sit here by the water,…in my head I have VALERY marching next to me flying the NO sign and chanting BE TRUE TO YOURSELF while carrying the TRACY doll in her pocket! (love ya Val!) CAMEO is flying by on her waverunner, ELLEN is thinking of a savy way to say NO…. SHARON is cooking up a storm, HELEN is sending out happy thoughts (thanks!)and the rest of you gorgeous rare birds are having icy cold sweet tea with me!!!………All trying to keep cool in this heat! Sending out big hugs!!!
xoxoxoDesiree
WE MISS YOU TRACY!!

Hi girls………..happy summer…enjoy all the readings these days….happy summer to Ms. Tracy and Co. And, all you lovely souls! Have a sparkly day….keeping in touch through all the fun reading here..summer is in full motion!!!!!

was hoping to end the day with some chatter. i guess it’s not to be…..so have a good night birds and pleasant dreams. i’ll be in the tower bedroom at my cottage in carmel.. the gnomes are standing guard. they are wearing the feather headdresses i had sent from tony duquette. they really don’t seem to mind…especially since i told them tracy also ordered them for john and the boys.

valery….my head doesn’t hurt anymore!!!

desiree….pudding smile…..your description is now a permanent polaroid in my head! but….if you don’t mind….may i have a nip of wine instead of sweet tea? xxxxoooo

Happy weekend to all !

FANCI. check out on the Internet:

Once upon a time…. a set on Flickr
or
Daisy Pink Cupcake: The Fairytales of Carmel Cottages.

VALERY I have been many times to the E. Ney museum.

Desiree……….you are a Darling…..I melt in your words for everyone…..wonderful you are!!!! Fanci….I will give you a fantasy…..I will join you in Carmel and serve you tea…..as little gnomes message your head….lolo….and Seigi tells us a story…..and lets our mind wonder. Happy Cheeseburger Friday to all……..not many blogs as they have to await moderation……and ya know when the cats away the mice will play……its a fact!!!! LOLOLOOLOOLO

Beth…….so glad you are here!!!!

Happy day all…company here…warm beautiful weather and hugs to all…laughter and love…ice cream kisses…xoxo

dutchess of durls……you would serve me tea? and join me in carmel? i am humbled and love you even more. as far as the gnomes….i think they’ve been messaging me for years!!!! lol

just a little fyi for you harry potter durls….saw it today with my daughter. (she’s 36 and a teacher)
she’s read every book (more than once)…i have not, but i have seen all the movies. forget the poor reviews….i think it was the best of them all.

siegi…..going to search once upon a time and the cupcake thingy. thank you. i too soooo enjoy your tales. history lessons…fantasy…..love it all….please continue. i’ve been to carmel twice over the years on a visit to family who lived in san francisco for a short time. we did the beach…the 17mi drive…town, but no carmel cottages!!! i’ve always wanted to go back…..now all the more reason.

i’m off to the patio with my hubby. margaritas await. our local park does music under the stars a few times a week during the summer months. it’s right across the canal and we can listen to it while lounging in our adirondacks with the chiminea crackling. love it.

enjoy your night birds…..God bless

xxxxx fanci

I am with Fanci – Harry Potter was excellent! It is gorgeous and sunny and heading to the deck for a glass of wine before some BBQ’d chicken – hope you are all well!

hope you are al enjoying a wonderful weekend.

siegi….i just had to peek in to tell you i visited the sites you mentioned. the carmel cottages are to die for!!! i think there are enough to go around……….we can all have one.

Ok MY DARLING DURLS…. I have been checking in on the blog regularly to see if there was anything new from our dear Tracy. Nothing. Everybody just carrying on and waiting for her return… and I love you all. This morning My hub, Lollipop and I went for a walk down State Street. My darlings I must report (and forgive me Tracy but I’ve got to tell these durls) the store is closed. It is empty. I am so concerned about Tracy. I just hope she is OK. I miss her as I know all of you do… I just needed to let you know this. The store is empty. Everything is gone. Please let us know you are Ok Tracy. You know we love you.

Such inspiration found here! Great reading (and viewing) to start me week.

Thanks so much!

Hi all…back from vacation. Wonderful time with the kids and family. Glad to see you are all going strong! Fanci, I must have missed it, but where do you live? Your description of the canal and listening to music in the evening sounds divine! Siegi, those cottages are terrific…I printed some pages off and put it in my “someday” travel file. Have a beautiful day ladies.

Hi everybody, I started reading the blogs beginning in 2007. Every day a little, if possible. I found out our Ersatz Queen Valery is a Julio Jglesias fan. Dear Valery I grew up with his music. He was a star in Europe 50 years ago. I saw him once in concert in Miami.

As for the cottages, aren’t they darling? Can you believe I went to Carmel twice and had no idea they existed. I found out about these charming houses in a magazine. When we traveled to Alaska I asked everybody along the way what to see, etc. I can’t believe nobody mentioned these cute little houses. We even made fun along the way that this is going to be a gnome trip. Everywhere we went gnomes were waiting for me, on the checkout of the stores, in the gardens where we parked the car etc. I remember when we drove through the area near the big redwood trees we passed by a store that had a giant gnome sitting outside. The sun was setting and a sun ray fell directly on that gnome’s face. We were going rather fast and I screamed when I saw the gnome. My husband hit the brakes and we almost had an accident. Luckily for me this place was closed. But the owner let me walk around. It was magical, all these gnomes everywhere in the woods in the twilight. I wonder if anyone on this blog knows about that store, it can’t be missed. We traveled up the coast.
For 40 years I have been collecting ideas about fairy tale houses. But every time we moved we bought places that only allowed a certain design. So all my life I spent in the wrong houses. I don’t know if I have the energy to build a gnome house and where? Now FANCI is feeding my dream again. Maybe this would be a new job creation for me. A gnome house and me sitting in front of it, telling stories and selling gnomes. I am dreaming!

FANCI, the email address you posted didn’t work!

Oh Seigi there you go again….using those big words……and calling me Queen……the only thing I am Queen of is the dust rag….or Queen of the vacumn cleaner…..and yes my favorite song is one he and Willie Nelson sing….”To all the girls I’ve loved before” and when I sing it I can the words….To All the men I’ve loved before…..lololo….just a Valery thing……But put me in for Queen of the Day….and I will grant your little cottage by the sea…..gnomes and all. Been to Carmel twice…..and didnt see them….to busy sipping wine a Clint Eastwoods Restaurant!!!!!!

Wonderful day to all………..I am so depressed I miss Tracy so…!!!!!!! Slowly going manic!!!!!! (Just Kidding)

SIEGI….love…love…love your words. you truly are a dreamer like me. as far as i’m concerned if you don’t have an imagination and dream…YOU’RE DEAD!!!! my email address is drisc512@aol.com the 5 on my keyboard sticks on occasion and i never do look back to check.
i welcome an email from any of my durls.

VALERY….stop…stop….you ARE the QUEEN. you, my dear, have a heart of gold and PRAY the the best for all of us. your sincerity is clear. i have absolutely no doubt that our tracy feels that love and support with every post.
DEBORAH/CA…..i live on the south shore of long island, ny. on a good day…a 45min drive to manhattan. we don’t live waterfront, but canals weave in and out of our neighborhood leading to the great south bay. the ocean and beaches are just a short boat or car ride away. all of our local parks do this music under the stars. we are fortunate enough to hear it from our yard. unfortuantely, duwop was the theme the other night and i am not a fan. so the margaritas were the highlight. but…my hubby and i are in our 50′s…. the grass roots and turtles are coming…stix (a fav) even tony orlando…my grandmother’s fav. it’s really very nice. where do you live in cali. family & friends over the years have lived in danville…tiburon…encinitas…lajolla (love)…napa (wedding at cia at greystone!!! love)…we’ve been to a wedding in san juan capistrano and laguna niguel!!! i want to see more and i do hear santa barbara is wonderful. my parents have been and it was a fav of theirs.
love to all you birds….tracy, sarah, robyn too. fanci xxxx00000

WENDY 2……..sorry i missed u….i was getting carried away with my words. nice to know another harry fan. to be quite honest, i never thought i’d enjoy them as much as i do. teri…another durl…recommends “midnight in paris”…a woody allen film. limited run….i’m going to check it out. i’ll let you know xxxx

Good morning, soon this will be a secret society as Cameo predicted. Where is everybody? I have no problem posting, unless I make a mistake typing in my email address.
VALERY , I have a book for you to read. A biography by
Peggy Guggenheim CONFESSION OF AN ART ADDICT.
Her life, her passion for the art and collecting of art, her stormy love affairs with the famous painters and writers. She writes spritzig-racy-spirited. Check it out on Amazon.

Siegi…….Peggy Guggenheim……read it……loved art and sex………I only wish I had her money and art!!!!!! Just order the book on Iris Apfel……..cant wait to get it….she reminds me of ME!!!!!!!!!……I have toned it down a little……it disturbs other people…..or I would be wearing lace socks with high heels……LOLOLOLL……Also reading Oprah…….and Elizabeth Taylor, “Love Affair With Jewelry”…….

LOVE YOU FANCI!!!!!!!!!!!!

Found some leopard curtains from Touch of Class, catalogue and mixed them with a light purple sheer also….for hubbys bed room……it just me smile!!!!!….then the lace ones with fringe that I had hanging in the middle before I put those in the laundry room……..decorating…..I can get lost in it….and even work of a sweat!!!!!!!

Hello to all……..what is on your agenda this week????

Hi everyone! Love the book selections…have read one on Iris Apfel (Valery, from what I can gather…it reminds me of you too! Also, love the curtain ideas…fun)Fanci, I live in L.A. I know not exactly Laguna Niguel or Santa Barbara, but we live tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains…it’s quiet and we have a hiking trail right across the street (which is great for me and my three kids…hubby too!). We are only a few minutes from a Ventura Blvd. and Laurel Canyon Blvds (people tend to know these streets so, just throwing them out there…if not, it’s a VERY busy place…lots of cars). So, the good thing is we have quiet and we are very close to lots of shopping etc. It really is like a little village within this big city…and, about 20 minutes from the beach. Never thought I’d live in LA, but all in all it’s pretty good. Also, I’m going to see “Midnight in Paris” this weekend with a girlfriend…it looks good. Happy day to you all.

Hello Ladies, hoping all you mid-west birds are finding ways to stay cool.
FANCI!!! I grew up in Alamo. Hung out and worked in Danville. My parents still live in sleepy little Alamo.
Valery, leopard curtains, chic, tres chic!!!
Counting down in weeks my son going off to college, weeeeks! yikes not sure i’m ready, the time is flying by and our grand baby is due to arrive around the same time. Hosted a shower at the house for all the friends on Saturday, my stepdaughters best friends brought the food and drink, I just cleaned and made sure the garden looked lovely for them. Fabulous day. My poor dear hubby is traveling again, has been in Europe for the last week and is hoping to be home by Friday only to turn around and go to Wisconsin on Monday. Then I demand, like they listen, that he stays home till his grandson is born.
Must get back to work more fun to read what has been going on in your lives. xxoo Helen

LOLO – You are at Clint’s restaurant? Does he ever go there? Oh I do love him…

I thought of our Miss Tracy a lot during the royal visit and wondered if she went to see the future Queen, who seems as down to earth as Queen Tracy?

Lolo and Fanci – no need to fight over titles – you all and Siegi are keeping the home fires burning for those of us popping in and out and we are all grateful for you!

And leopard curtains! Oh my! GoGirl!

Well, it’s the end of the day here and before I put the kids to bed just wanted to check in…I agree with Wendy2…thanks to Valery, Siegi and Fanci for keeping things rolling so that all of us can pop in and still stay connected…THANKS!! I love reading your posts!!

Tracy………..just wanted you to know…missing you is like missing a dear friend…and you can not get ahold of her….you dont know if she is sick, flown the coop or jet settng……I MISS YOU…..FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART…..!!!!!

TP LADIES…..to all of you…..Deborah…cant wait to see Midnight in Paris, saw the trailer on utube….thanks for the tip…..

Helenb……so much going on with you…wow, son leaving new baby….hubby out of town…..(What does he do to travel so much)…..do you have other children at home??………by the way I listen>>>>>>LOLOLO

Wendym2…..I have been to the Hogs Breath, his first restaurant….then he sold it and opened anther one…..waited for hours to see him, but he was a no show…..was there in 2004 and 2007………..Its called Mission Ranch Restaurant and hotel….google it….he saved it from being turned into condos……..
http://www.missionranchcarmel.com and http://www.hogsbreathinn.net both were neat…..just walking where he walked was toooo cool for me…..I am that way about celebrites…you would think I knew them after I have been to there establishments…etc….lololo…

Happy Hump Day……….to all!!!!!

It is hot so outside all over this nation, stay inside and rent a movie. Here are my all time favorite movies. I love foreign films.
CAMILLE CLAUDEL…….check out Wikipedia
She became Rodin’s confidante and lover.
The other movie.
BABETTE’S FEAST. I know Tracy would love this film.
Great day to all!

Just had to pop in and say…Camille Claudel is one of my favorite movies, it was probably one of the first foreign films that I ever saw and WOW it has stayed with me forever…my sis-in-law gave me my own copy a few birthdays ago…so now anytime I can put it on! Siegi, you are on it…and do try to stay cool…all of you!

Tracy I miss you! I’m not even getting daily emails anymore? Hoping all is well and that you’ll be back with a bang! Happy summering everyone! xoxo

Siegi……….was it the madness or the mud? Good movie indeed…….Will see if I can get Babette’s Feast……..looks good, keep them coming Dear One!!!! XOXOXOX Sit on a ice cube and smile!!!!….Have you ever seen Frida????? Also Modigliani….neither are foreign.

Where are the Tracy supporters…….get on here are rave!!!!!……say what you miss about our INSPIRATIONAL QUEEN LADY!!!!!!

I am watching the comments and thinking we need to exceed 300! Yes? It sure is quiet on the TP front isn’t it? I think the entire company is sitting in a giant restaurant refrigerator, waiting for the heat to pass – (oh doesn’t that sound nice?) I am not sure if we are crazy or not but we are planning on going to Festa Italiana (Madhatter! are you coming?) on Saturday. The country’s largest Italian-American festival – held annually in Milwaukee at the Lakefront Festival Park. It is supposed to still be so humid, 85 degrees. What is everyone else doing this weekend? Anyone else wanting to sit in a restaurant refrigerator (not only cool, but think of all the yummy food!) Which restaurant refrigerator would you want to sit in?

Tracy, please check in and let us know you are o.k. We miss you and love you!

Hello All of you ladies who blog here! I am missing Tracy enormously too. Everyday I check and read your posts in hope there is news. You are all so amazing. Thanks for all your positive chatter. I don’t usually comment, but just wanted to let you know I appreciate your contributions.

dear tracy…john….sarah….robyn…and tp co
i, as have many of your devoted durls, just become privey to news regarding the santa barbara store. we do not want to intrude on your privacy. i, for one, am a member of the blog for under a year, but a follower since your beginnings. your birds have emailed one another….seeking eachother out because of our concern. you don’t know us….but, you have brought us together through your sincere and humble postings of life as wife, mom, artist, entrepeneur. you’ve let us in and i hope you’re not sorry. whatever it is that’s going on…..we have your back….you’re in our thoughts and prayers. when and if you are ever ready to share….i know i speak for all….we are here. xxxx0000 i remain fanci

Dear Tracy, I hope you read this at some point. Just wanted to let you know that you helped changed my world for the better almost 3 years ago. I met the most wonderful friends here on your blog and enjoyed every minute of your amazing life that you shared with us over the years. I know you are a survivor and that you and John have something more up your sleeve. I traveled to SB to see your fabulous store with a dear friend and loved meeting your sister and brother in law. I am so sorry to see it has closed. All the best to you and your family. xoxo

Hi, is there anyone there? Just checking in….

I have heard of Camille Claudel, but never seen it – I will dig it up!

I am missing Tracy, too. And Sarah and Robyn! But Tracy is our girl and believe she will be back!

Pam, I second your feelings missing Tracy. I ordered one of Tracy’s books and are anxiously awaiting it’s arrival.Happy summer time FUN to all.

rereading plain white paper plates for the gazillionth time…..so telling now. be okay tracy with whatever you choose. i believe as long as the birds know you’re okay….we are too!

Hello all,

Just checking in. Good to read all your lovely posts and suggestions for movies, books and more.

Awaiting Tracy’s return with much anticipation!

Laura

Where or where is Tracy? I’m happy to re-read the old blog stuff and thoroughly enjoy what everyone has to say here (you are are so creative) but I’m worried – is she simply taking a much needed break?

Please regroup!!!!

hi all….sitting here in carmel valley..reading Valery’s blog about mission ranch and hog’s breath…been to both lots of times…clint doesn’t own hog’s breath anymore…walked by it today…but, mission ranch is old and fun..charming…daughter got engaged right after dinner there one Christmas Eve…great memories…hoping all you lovely gals are well and happy. And, soaking in the last of summers month coming up….enjoy…sweet ocean kisses

Hello Ladies!!! It’s me..Meghan’s mamma..
We have missed you all and Tracy too!
My prince bought himself a NEW RIDE for Father’s Day..a FAB MOTORCYCLE not a HARLEY…YET…but FUN just the same, We have been taking off and FLYING with the WIND BAABY!! Got my BOOTS ON! Head scarf too…just might get a TATOO, HA! just kidding.
Hugs to ALL!!
Laura and Meg.

Be Okay with not doing everything on that ridiculous crazy to do list.

I was just checking in to see if there’s been any bantar and I’m surprised there hasn’t been. Perhaps it’s the heat in the midwest or eveyone just needs a little break. Whatever it is I’m awaiting the return of TP. Will be nice to hear the chatter again. Have a lovely weekend all.

SOOOOOO HAPPY!!!! just emailed some of your birds to let them know the blog is open. we’ve missed you terribly. our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with you and yours. i think i’m speechless….xxx000 fanci

Be ok with not knowing and just being in this day and rejoicing in the present moment….tomorrow will take care of itself on some levels…release and rejoice!!!

Never give up……….be more determined…..I have lost many business…….just regrouped and came back…….its my life and I am good at it…..dont worry…….I will be waiting for you!!!!!! XXOXOXOX…..and for GOD sake dont listen to the garbage!!!!!

Nice to see the comments coming in…glad everyone is well and yes, I too miss Tracy! Ah well, the blog is back and that is good. Happy weekend to all!

I love that about you Tracy – you are real! Phew that’s stretching my thinking – paper plates hey! Sending love and healing energy – to you all!

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.”
~ Richard Bach

Hello TP Ladies…………How is everyone……Missing our Prized Guest of Honor…..???? Me tooooooo……

Laura………a motor cycle….good for you….but not tatoo!!! LOLOLO

So glad to see the blog up. So much always here to enjoy. Still watch the videos, and enjoy the ideas. My dear sister -in -law passed, so many life changes. I was grateful to be with family. On a lighter note… Just saw a mama deer and her fawn outside. (Rachel I finally have seen fawns on our property). Liked the quote by Richard Bach. Take care all!

Laura – a motorcycle – oh my! I am scared of them personally but I bet your husband is having fun!

Glad you are all here! Has been a great last week on vacation – went to see U2′s final concert of this tour on Sat night – so much fun!

Just finished painting the front door and am thinking of painting the kitchen… But there is a good book waiting for me…

Valery – can you email me offside – I can’t seem to find your email?

Glad the blog is open again. I check every, single, day for an update. I don’t always comment, but love you rare birds!
Beth…thanks for the post… I NEEDED to read that today

Wendym2………..v.hoops@att.net ……good to hear from you…….U2….wow…..

elle……..I am sorry to hear of your sister-in-law……….so very sorry…..XOXOXOX

Tracy…..why not charge for all your inspiration……and the blog…..I would pay…..just an idea?????? XOXOXOX Hope you and your family are feeling better…..pneumonia is no fun…..its just awful to be sick…….!!!

Elle – so sorry to hear about your sister-in-law – I am really sorry for your loss!

ellen…so sorry about your sister-in-law passing away and the sorrow of all….may your memories comfort you…blessings and toodles..beth

Elle, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know it was expected, but it’s still hard. And on a lighter note, we, too, have had a family of deer hanging around on our property for about the last 5 days. Today, I only saw the baby, and he’s (she’s) so adorable. We have one of those motion sensors on our driveway, and it has been “ding-donging” like crazy. They warm my heart.

For ALL our married years together(almost20)I have asked my PRINCE not to think about a motorcycle…MY CHILDREN NEED A FATHER!! I would say..they still DO…he is an AMAZING DAD and HUSBAND!…”ALWAYS striving to be the husband/father/sandwich maker/hunter than GOD wants him to be”,he says.:) HE LOVES the wind…as this young lady does..,http://esther-fromthesticks.blogspot.com/
We are forty now and TRUST GOD WITH OUR DAYS.

I just wanted to write in and say to Elle that I’m so sorry for your loss…take care of yourself and I’m glad you are seeing a bit of the lighter side of life…nature has a way of lifting our spirits even when times are tough.

ELLE, my sympathy to you for the loss of your sister in law.
LAURA, I wish my husband would sell his bike, he is 75 years old, stroke and heart attack behind him and he still ventures out. Side roads only, but I am always worried when he is gone too long. I think bikes are dangerous.
SHIRLEY, I liked the R. Bach quote.
The heat is not news anymore, one can’t do much, it is like deep winter up north. I stay inside after noon . Yesterday we watched a movie, the ILLUSIONIST. I liked it. By the way, Snowflower and Secret Fan film had bad reviews. The book was great.
I am done with some of my projects and now focusing on my pillow project. I am hunting for old pillows. I think I have enough now for my couch, found them on Ebay, flea markets, and estate sales. Can’t believe how many pillows are listed on Ebay.
We used to have 13 deer, now only 3 come by and 2 fawns. I wonder what happened to the others. This drought is taking its toll. I think 6 more weeks suffering, usually by middle to end of Sept. it cools down. Here are some more good movies.
MY NEW PARTNER…….French comedy…. 1985
CINEMA PARADISO ….. Italian 1989
CAMILA……………….Argentina 1984.
Valery, I will check out the Frida K. movie.
We miss you Tracy!

Thank you to TRACY PORTER COMPANY, FOR continuation of this blog!!! Oh all of you dear hearts here. Thank you for your kind words…VALERY, WENDYM2 , BETH, GINA, LAURA, DEBORAH IN CA, & SIEGI AND anyone else I missed. I read all that is written here, and so many of you are just so very sweet. Took my brother out to eat, and he is doing well. He is very close to his wife’s family, and has indicated he will continue to vacation with them, and spend holidays with them, and we should not “expect” him necessarily for Thanksgiving or Christmas…so that was a bit sad for me, but he has many years of history with them….such is life…very bittersweet, trying to come to terms with all of this. We thought we would see more of our brother, but he already has set the ground rules. Let me change the subject…wanted to say I enjoy hearing about the deer, so sad about the heat you are experiencing, fun to hear about the motorcycles…I need to get some more fun in my life, but that will not be for me (tee hee). Thank you for the movie suggestions, SIEGI.

Hello my Lovely ladies…it’s been a while. I do check in when I can but we have had alot of horse racing to watch and many ups and downs that go along with the business.
Elle…my deepest sympathies on the loss of your Sister-In-Law. Your Brother needs this time to adjust and grief takes a long time to work out of. A big hug to comfort you.
Siegie…your pillow project sounds interesting. I just got done reading a great book called “The Last Letter”, by Kathleen Shoop. It is based on letters her great great GrandMother who was starting out in life very wealthy and then lost everything in the 1800′s, had several children, and they moved the family to the Prarie Territories to settle the land and the hardships they endured. I have a new respect and admiration for these women from reading this book and it is full of the many emotions a woman goes thru her marriage and love of family. I highly reccomend it.
Hope everyone is staying cool this summer, I have been doing a lot of work this year and am exhausted at the end of the day from the heat at the farms. I keep looking for our Tracy announcements, and hopefully when Sept. comes we will know what is going on. I miss her and her partnership with Robyn and Sarah.

AS TRACY STARTED A LONG TIME AGO…..HAPPY CHEESEBURGER DAY TO ALL!!!!!

Hubby is gone to KY for the National Car Show….and I am home alone….and loving it…..Me and My little dog Spicey….and just laying back…watching the boob tube…..Going to block buster video tonight and pick ups some good movies….(still waiting for my Babettes Feast to come in) but will get Camila and hopefully Cnema Paradiso……curtains drawn, no lights on…..pop corn in lap…..MMMMMM….for a Good Friday Night….Happy Day to ALL!!!

oh elle….i am sooo sorry for your loss. don’t give up on your brother. nothing is written in stone. take each day as it comes and continue to reach out. his life has now changed forever, so to alter what he has known and has shared with his wife may be too much to even think about for him right now. as you said, he has a history with them that included his wife. i’m sure there is more involved only… you know…but maybe he’ll let you in a little bit at a time. you’re in my thoughts and prayers. xxxx
so happy to see all the birds chatter again….keep it coming….i’m sure it’s a pick me up for tracy to know we won’t give up. miss her presence on here, but have faith she’ll be back.
val….who has pneumonia? did i misread something?
xxxxxx000000xxxxx

FANCI: You are so wise, that is excellent advice and observation! I will take heed to your words, thank you so very much! So glad to read everyone’s comments again! Take care everyone, I hope those of you experiencing the heat will have some relief. Let us take time to enjoy some days of summer that are left….. tra-laaaaaaa!!!!!!

by the way….ordered our durl anne marie’s honey from na-da farm. check it out birds.

Greetings, PATTY, I made a note of the book. Not until we drove the endless roads of the West did I get interested in pioneer stories. One day we got lost while looking for the Oregon Trail ruts near Ft. Laramie. We tried to take a shortcut and left the major road. When our compass in the car pointed south, I knew something was not right. Grass as far one could see, no trees, nothing to go by, not even the sun, endless prairie, absolutely no sense of direction. We stopped to study the map. This was before GPS. Finally some hispanic farm workers came by. We were able to communicate enough to tell them we were lost. We followed them on a dirt road. Suddenly, behind a little hill, we were back at Ft. Laramie again. The landscape barely changed all day long, we drove 70 miles AN HOUR . The pioneers traveled 70 miles A WEEK. I think I would have gone crazy with that endless scenery never changing all week long. I believe these people had no conception how far Oregon really was. I remember how distances shrank for me after we started to travel the west. The wide open spaces of the west are hard to visualize until you see it yourself. All pioneer stories impress me, from the Spaniards who crossed the West in 1500 to the Germans who came here in 1850.
One book I liked is GOOD TIME GIRLS of the Alaska Yukon Gold Rush. by Lael Morgan. Some of them ended up in high society. Real stories! GIANTS IN THE EARTH is also a favorite of mine.
Well, with this heat, one can’t do much except read and watch movies. Happy weekend!

Good Evening All! Just got home from a wonderful 60th Anniversary party for my Uncle and Aunt…(my mother’s brother) He is one of only 2 siblings left out of 10….so it was so special to celebrate with them and many of my cousins, what a wonderful day! PATTY, I missed your comments! Also PATTY, I did not see what you recently had written, thank you so very much. You seem like such a wonderful person, and such a very hard worker! In all of the heat, I cannot imagine! I too am trying to be patient awaiting how all of the TP company will land and an announcement, I agree, I miss them but am grateful to be able to comment.VALERY: I HOPE you are enjoying your weekend! So sweet, sounds like a nice relaxing time! Good night, hope to see more comments here, it is so very nice.

Eyes up, Tracy.
Sending positive thoughts to all at the TP co.

Hi all,

Just got back from a lovely weekend in Maine – very relaxing and lots of good eating. Even played some miniature golf with my teens, which has been a while! Also took in Boston for a day trip, which was wonderful – we did the Science Museum and Harvard, which I had never been to (and likely will never attend!)

Valery – your weekend sounds divine!

goodmorning birds…..always makes me happy to see the new posts. can’t wait for the one day when it will be tracy.

wendy….are you from the northeast? reading about harvard brought back a memory of when my son was in college. my one and only time at harvard. his baseball team was playing against them and we, of course, took the ride up from long island. we got to cambridge but could not get to the ballfield. we could see it, but no matter what turn we took.. we could not get to it. it was like the twilight zone! my husband saw a bicycle cop riding through one of the streets and he followed him with the car and into a restaurant!!! (oh..he got out of the car before entering the restaurant..lol) the cop walked out with my husband and we followed him on the bike to the field. he even stayed to watch awhile. not a siegi story…but a funny memory. your weekend sounds like one i would thoroughly enjoy.

enjoy your day durls…..expecting rain here today. i pray rain comes to those of you that need it.
xxxxooo

Happy Monday Ladies of TP Inspiration……Well Ladies….pop corn is gone…shades replaced to open…..and the movies returned…..had a good week-end…my Brother and Wife, came over and put in the new formatted desk-top and my lap top…..I am good to good with windows 7…..He is a genious and so good to do it all for me….we had a wonderful breakfast of spinch, artichok bacon quiches…with bread pudding and a pot of coffee………lunch consisted of take out at Famous Daves barbaque………great day….Hubby home safe and sound…….and starting a new week……..yeah!!!!!

In truth…….it seems the Porter family had pneumonia…….Tracy the worst……I fear they are pushing themselves to hard……I know it is their passion……and they are responsible for many people…….SO LADIES SEND OUT YOUR PRAYERS TO ALL OF THEM…..Lets give them the answer they are looking for…..XOXOXOXOX

Wendymw……Sorry to say, but….I would have preferred your week-end!!!!!!!

Prayers, love, and light to all the Porters…We are here…cheering you all on…feel better…xoxoox
Ladies…enjoy a promising day of hope…sounds like a lot of you have been having a lot of fun …great weekends…!!

Hi my Ladies….I am getting ready to pick up my Sis at the airport for her chemo tomorow morning, and so far she is progressing very well. My weekend was busy with visitors and this morning full of cleaning for my Sis to stay. I am excited she is coming in this week because it will be the first time since we were kids that she will help me celebrate my Birthday on Wed. It will start with a visit to the Carneige Museum, and end up at a small tavern that serves German food with the rest of my husband’s family. My all time favorite place to dine.
Valery…your weekend sounded like a weekend I could use. A good movie and being a couch potatoe for the time I need to unwind and recharge the batteries….someday. I hope Tracy and family are getting better from their bout of sickness because it sounds serious. My good thoughts and prayers are with them.
Wendym2…never been to Harvard or Boston for that matter. It was always on one of my to do lists. Like fanci’s experience, I have heard it isn’t that easy to get around. I am so glad you had a wonderful time.
My horse Break the Bank has a serious tendon injury and he is still being treated, but I think his racing is not going to happen this year, maybe next year. The babies at the farm are growing like weeds these past few weeks and the yearlings have really had a growth spurt. Soon in the fall, they will be off to learn how to become a racehorse, but for now, they are having so much fun out in the fields.
Well, got to run to the airport, check in with you all later.

Hi Fanci,

Yes – I am from Atlantic Canada and only a few hours from Boston.

Valery – so sorry to hear about Tracy and John and the family re: pneumonia – it is the worst – we have had it run through here before and it just takes it all out of you and I am sure getting things back on track has been taking a toll physically and otherwise… Love to you wonderful Porters and everyone else associated with TP!

Hi you guys…I miss Tracy so much…I’m telling you, she changed my life, she gave me back my energy, excitement and confidence…getting a little older, those things could start to wane, she gave me fresh eyes in so many ways, just getting dressed for work is fun again! I’m so glad I could wear her clothes in my profession(s) as an art instructor and librarian…and all of you have inspired me too, Tracy even shares her friends…sending my love to—each and—every—one—of—you!!! Life has been crazee bizzy…but good. A nieces wedding, company from out of state, prince’s bday party, and my art show…yesterday was the first day, it seems forever, that I didn’t have something I “had” to do…except filet and vacuum pack two gorgeous salmon Rick caught, how good is that?…I was thinking “how nice is this?*!”, I’m such a lady of leisure today”…then I picked up a book of reflections on faith and art(Madeleine L’engle)…back at work today, and that’s okay! I do want my/our Tracy back …

Just checking in to see if Tracy is back yet. Love to see everyone carrying on and waiting for Tracy together.Sweeeeet!

Good Morning ladies! Good to see all of the chatter here again/still! PATTY, WENDYM2, BETH, LADYDI,KJ, VALERY, AND ALL! Some of you sound so busy, and yet so full of life “goings on”! Good for you! Patty, love to hear about your “babies”! TRACY PORTER FAMILY: my heart goes out to you and yours, sick in the summer? How awful….I do hope and pray that you are well on the road to recovery! Windows open here in Wisconsin today…very breezy, saw 2 mama deer, one with two fawns, the other with one! The mama with 2 is a “frolicker” looks like she plays tag and “eggs’ them on! So cute! Seems like the AC was on all summer…so good to hear the birds this morning. I agree with KJ, TRACY AND CO. has been a lift and an inspiration, and I do hope in some way, this will keep going! Off to pick up our new “Gingko” tree today and plant it! Have wanted one for years! Have a glorious day…prayers and thoughts out to the PORTERS!

Happy birthday, dear Patty…have a wonderful, sweet time with your sissy…love to all of you beautiful ladies. May your day be full of creative choices and peace of heart! My Quote for the day! Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss….Ralph Waldo Emerson

KJ – I hear you sister – Tracy has been the #1 cheerleader of all the durls here and they in turn have become each other’s cheerleaders!

I also love Madeleine L’engle – she is my favourite author of all time!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTY ON WEDNESDAY!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATTY! enjoy every moment xxxx

i’ve been checking in weekly to see what is what….busy summer. so sorry to hear of the porter illness….hoping for good health quickly. best to each of you tracy porter ladies and waiting for cool breezes to return with sept….love.

Happy Birthday Patty! Have a wonderful day! Enjoy every moment with your sister. So glad to hear she is feeling better.
KJ, good luck with your art show.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Tracy and family.
Joy and happiness to all of you.

REMEMBERING EACH DAY WITH OUT TRACY……Life is not easy….each day brings a change….some changes are big, some are little….(like a new wrinkle) ….lolol…..But we need to surround ourselves with good words and kindness….AND THE TP LADIES STILL HAVE IT…….XOXOXOXOX

PATTY….horsey kisses coming your way…..reveal in the moment…….XOXOXOXOX

KJ…….I so love knowing you…..Artists are so deep and gifted……so I tip my hat to you and hope everyone enjoys your gift as much as I do!!!!!

Siegi……….I am so used to ungiving people, that when its put out their for me….I dont know how to accept. You are rare!!!! XOXOXOX

Where is our Cameo………..Angie………..Artist………..Desiree………..I miss you all…..but

Thank God for all that are here STILL!!!!!!

missing T and Company!

I keep old magazines – can’t help myself, my favorites – Victoria, Mary Engelbreit, Cottage Living etc. This past weekend, wanting some inspiration, I grabbed some old Victoria magazines- and there was Tracy and John and their “Stonehouse Farm” in WI. While change is inevitable, while the world moves and changes with every new computer “gadget” – I am so glad that I still have my old magazines -something about holding inspiration in ones hand, gives me a thrill. Hello to everyone who continues to visit! It is good to read what everyone is up to. Best wishes to all especially Tracy and John & family.

Happy Birthday Patty!

Can’t wait till the other durls join us when the summer heat ends!

Patty: glad you are enjoying a day with your sister. KJ, an art show! Good for you.

Busy day today, glad so many are chattering away yet!

Take care Porters!
Love,
Mary Ann

Happy Day to all……….weather is divine here…..in Central Illinois…..

Still dressing to the hilt……..and have one more Tracy outfit I have not worn…..first of fall it will adorn my body…..

Taking my new baby dog Spicey….in tomorrow for her first vacines…..and will get her spade next week…..shes only 3 lbs….and toooo little for me…..to breed…..she is a live wire……and we adore her.

Happy day to all………whats new on your end???

Good Morning all! RENEE…so cute about the magazines…I totally agree! Going to dinner at my boss’s home tonight with the whole staff, such a good guy! Then my husband and I are off on an adventure to get a “little more summer” in. It is also a beautiful day in Wisconsin Valery! Gorgeous yesterday as well. Mid August already! Soon we will all be putting pumpkins about! Hello to all you lovely Tracy Porter followers and to Tracy Porter, family, and her company staff. I hope everyone here knows what fun and inspiration it is here! Have a wonderful day!

Ok girls… I just need to say something…straight up… no lie… want to get it off my chest… I’m not a stalker, but… I MISS TRACY!!!
Ok… I feel better…sort of

Hi Ladies,
Patty, happy belated birthday to you! Have a wonderful time with your sister and family.
Siegi, I read your post from a few days ago and I too love books about the old west. I read one that doesn’t take place in the old west per se, but does tell the story of Edward S. Curtis (he took all those photos of Native Americans that we are all familiar with)…it’s called “The Shadow Catcher” very well written and captivating.
Valery, your little one sounds sooo cute…what fun to take care of a sweet little creature like that!
Hello to Fanci, Gina and all the ladies! I miss Tracy too…good thoughts to the Porters and hope you a speedy recovery.

Oh one more thing…Valery, what TP outfit are you saving for Fall?…just curious….

Teri……..Darling Dear Person….We ladies at TP blog understand what you are saying….SO I WILL LET YOU KNOW I AM A STALKER ……in the best form…..I LOVE THIS DIVINE LADY…….SHE HAS BEEN MY MUSE…….who lights the spark and gets me moving…….I am around numerous people each day….NO BODY HAS WHAT SHE HAS…..that I have come in contact with…….SO I…….WE ALL MISS HER……………………………………!!!!

Thank You for the Birthday Wishes everyone. It was a marvelous day for me. Everyone is gone and it’s back to work time. They are shooting the next Batman Movie in our City and you know I had to drive along the route to take my Sis to the Hospital for Chemo and it was empty (thank Goodness), no shut down of streets where they filmed so we lucked out. Just amazing to see the equipment that was outside on the street of what they use to make a film. They turned one beautiful building into Gotham City Police Dept. Every night on the news there is an update. Everyone is so excited to have this here.
I’m with Teri….I am obssessed getting my Tracy fix by watching her past videos. I hope the family is doing well health wise and had made a Birthday wish that she will return to us soon.
Valery….Spicey sounds too cute for such a little pint.

Good evening all! Back from dinner at my boss’s home. Such a wonderful couple, they are over 10 years younger than I, and so successful and wonderful! Great cooks, he and his wife….a fun evening. Patty….so good to hear you had a wonderful birthday! Glad things worked out with traffic and “Gotham City!” So nice you could be with your sister! Valery, “Spicey” sounds adorable, all 3 pounds of her! I am thinking positive thoughts for Tracy and all! Good night.

HAPPY CHEESEBURGER FRIDAY…..licking the drippings of life………whitle Spicey is licking my feet……doesnt get any better than this!!!!!!!!!! Just got the foreign movie…Siegi….turned me on too….I am so happy…….Babettes Feast…..read everything on it….and the religous concept…..so much to absorb…..the gift of giving….forgiving….on and on I could go….so remember Gals….what comes out of you is what is in you…..walk in sunshine and baske in the glorys of this wonderful world God gave us.

Patty……….Love you sister and YOU!!!!!

elle………so glad you enjoyed yourself at dinner!!!!!!

Deborah in Ca……..I am wearing the “twist of Fate Jersey Dress and the Soulful Exchange Long Cardigan…..love the look…..and me in it…..lolololo

TRACY………….HEAD TO CHURCH WITH YOUR FAMILY….AND enjoy the end of summer!!!!

JACQUELINE DE RIBES…..labeled as #1 of the top dressed ladies in the world……..can you imagine………..how fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

Valery, so well said – nobody has what Tracy has! Tracy, i hope you are reading the blog and taking in all this love. I hope you are taking care of yourself and your sweet family. WE MISS YOU!! Blessings to you and yours….

Ohh Valery…want a great outfit combo…tre magnifique! Happy weekend everyone…enjoy the few weeks left of summer!

Great sounding outfit VALERY and good advice at the end of your post. Am going to have to check out that movie! Spicey sounds so adorable! Have a great weekend all!

Today, 50 years ago during the night of 12-13 August the Berlin Wall went up. Here is my story. Losing it all.

I had relatives living in East Berlin. After the war they worked very hard to get back on their feet. By the end of the 50′s they had a good business with several employees, but one day all private property was confiscated by the government and belonged to the state, they lost it all. West Berlin under capitalism thrived while East Berlin under communism struggled. Soon people began to leave the East. All together 3.5 million. Berlin was the only place people still could get out, the border between East and West Germany was already fortified and impossible to cross. Mines, fences, watch towers, no way to escape. The East German government had to do something and so in the middle of the night on August 12 they started to barricade the roads, put up fences and started building the wall.
My family in the West guessed that our relatives in East Berlin were perhaps planning to escape. For some time we received birthday presents (although nobody had a birthday) mailed from different post offices in the East. The packages had photos and personal belongings in them. It was impossible to write or call and ask what they were up to, letters were opened, phone calls tapped. We and all the other relatives just had to wait. My aunt had to mail all the packages from different post offices so that nobody would get suspicious. Just two weeks before the wall went up she and her husband left. By that time 4000 people were fleeing each day. My relatives told their employees it was their wedding anniversary and they were going to West Berlin for the day and would be back in the evening. All she could take along was her handbag. Later that day her adult children crossed over at a different border crossing. By night the entire family was in the West with all their belongings left behind. The West German economy was booming – they all found jobs right away. They had to save hard to buy land and raise their own food. My aunt was already in her 50′s. After a couple of years they were able to build a house. What I remember the most is my aunt, after she lived in the West, always had time to sit down with a glass of wine to talk; she dined every day with her best china. She always had an adventurous spirit, never complained, never said “why me”, she was always happy and she was never overly attached to anything. I envied her. Their house turned out to be a good investment, among the most expensive real estate in Germany. After the wall came down people who fled the East got their property back.

Check out” NIGHT CROSSING” Jurgen Petschull
A true story.

Siegi! What a story! Thank you so much for sharing! I was on the edge of my seat whilst reading that! Wow! So happy it all turned out in the end – I am sure for many it did not…

Valery – as our #1 TP cheerleader, you keep it all going – god bless! And I miss her, too, Tery – all that spunk and sparkle! She will be back – I believe, I believe! (I am channelling my inner Natalie Wood from “Miracle on 34th Street!”

sieg…..i’m sitting with a glass of vino in my pj’s at my carmel cottage….gnomes are on alert…. please continue…tell us more. love you soooooooo much.xxxx
wendym2……our dutchess of durls does keep the flames alive. xxxx
teri…..meant to be my friend….xxxx food and wine?xxxx
tracy…tracy….tracy…..love and prayers for a speedy recovery to you and yours. birds are waiting for you to soar. we’ll be flocking right behind…do magpies flock???
they do now!!! love to all the porters…sarah….and robyn
xxxxooo to all….gina….deborah….elle…rachel…patty…etc.

such terrible use of the english language. my glass of vino was not in my pj’s!!! i was wearing pj’s with a glass of vino in hand. you think the gnomes would have given me a heads up!!!

Hello All You Beautiful Souls……Been checking in every chance I get…My life has been a bit hectic lately, working, writing, family stuff, etc…..So happy to hear all your beautiful voices and so Grateful we still have our home base….I hope I NEVER lose touch with any of you…..
RENEE,…Oh darn, I missed that Fiesta Italiana, sure hope you all wore your stretch pants Thanks for the invite my sweet friend….Luvs Ya!!! xox
ELLE,…I am so very sorry about the passing of your sister-in-law….give your brother time….as our Fanci said so eloquently, his life has now changed forever, and change can be very hard to accept especially when it is life altering…..one day at at time, love…..You are in my prayers my dear friend. xox
LAURA,….Ride Baby Ride!!!!!…..How IS your Precious Meghan!!!! xox
PATTY,….HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, DEAR HEART!!!!…..Sooooo Happy you got to spend it with your AMAZING SISTER and I am so Elated to hear she is doing well….Now that’s Beautiful Music to my ears……Missed you Durlfriend!!!!….I watch and re-watch our Tracy’s videos also….like you, it makes me feel close to her. xox
KJ,…Ditto your words about our Tracy….I feel the same way…..BTW how did your art show turn out??? xox
TERI,….You are So Right On, I second that emotion!!!! xox
SIEGI,….Great Story…..with a Beautiful ending…..Thank You for sharing!!!! xox
FANCI,….Yes, Yes, I’m with you….Magpies Do Most Definitely Flock….. xox
WENDYM2,…So tell me Girlfriend, did you ever get around to painting your kitchen??….if so what color did you pick??…bet your front door turned out great. xox
VALERY,…YOU ROCK, LOUISE!!!
Hugs and Kisses to ALL….We ARE Family!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Good Morning and Happy Peaceful Monday….hope your week-end was good……resting, or working…..Went to church on Sunday just to get plugged into Gods good word……His promise to keep me sane…..and filled with love and forgiveness to all…..Share you week-end…..love hearing it…as I type away wearing my TP red dress….with a pink sweater….Tracy taught me to take it to anther step….now I dont need much nugging….LOLOLO>>>>>>>

Fanci pants…we knew what you meant…..you are our Fanci and we love you!!

Angie….wish you would drop in more often…..you do so encourage…even in your difficult days!!! XOXOX

WENDYM2…..keep channeling….I feel her ever day and hope she knows we need her in what ever direction she goes….lets hope for the best….I need some new digs!!!

Siegi……..you stir up my senses….love crying at a good movie….its a great release!!!

dessary…….so good to hear your voice….please know you are thought about toooooo!!!

PATTY HOW WAS THE BIRTHDAY?????????????????

PUDDING SMILES TO ALL THE REST OF YOU WONDERFUL TP LADIES!!!!!

love you too dutchess!! hope i add a little comic relief for the birds while we await the return of our tracy.

pudding smile right back at ya….and to all the durls. we are blessed.

xxx fanci

Hi everybody,
With the story of my aunt I wanted to inspire you. Some of you might face a difficult time right now with your job, others worry about savings taking a nosedive, etc. but life goes on. Everyday around the world people have to leave all their belonging behind, because of war, natural disaster, oppressive governments etc. The unknown is always scary. I have several friends who lost it all and they all bounced back. As a matter of fact, having experienced loss, they all took bigger risks without being afraid.
RENEE I kept all my Mary Engelbreit magazines, I have a folder full of ideas from other magazine that I ripped apart, too much storage otherwise.
DEBORAH, I have so many American Indian post cards photographed by Edward Curtis. I never paid attention to who took these pictures. I sent post cards to the children of my relatives in Germany. They love to get these photos with the real Indians. Thanks for pointing it out. I will check out the book.
I could not find the book NIGHT CROSSING, but Disney turned the story into a movie, you find it cheap on Amazon. It is a true story.
The heat is still on. Nobody wants to wear anything in this climate. VALERY! – Glad you liked the movie.
TRACY we miss you! Hope you are feeling better.

Mondays are so fine….Weekend was spent getting myself hydrated Ladies. I got so dehydrated this past week that My Blood pressure went down too low. It all started after dinner on my B-Day. I just have to pay more attentiong to things I need to do to take care of myself. Ate too much German food, but loved every bite. This heat didn’t help too much either. I am so much better and feeling back to my old self now.
Fanci..you made me laugh…I knew all along where you had that wine. LOL.
Angela…so good to hear from you my friend and I never realize until you write how much I enjoy your writing. Hope life is being kind to you.
Seigi…you are an amazing woman…I enjoyed your Berlin story. I always said I would enjoy you as a dinner guest at my table. Heck, I would enjoy all of you as a dinner guest because you are all such interesting ladies.
Always missing our Tracy and family and friends, hope they are having a good summer. It’s raining and Thundering here, and it has gotten cooler, I think Fall is coming. The Halloween decor is all ready out in the stores. Still enjoying the bounty of veggies from the garden and the wonderful flowers with the butterflies and hummingbirds. I can wait for Fall for a while. Have a great one all!

Ah Miss Madhatter – my kitchen is now painted “calming cream” – this was a dramatic change for me as I endorse all colour, all the time, but it looks lovely and calming. Of course, I promptly went “junking” and found the perfect cupboard for my kitchen to replace an awful old metal thing (during my ill-fated stainless steel phase – well I kept the appliances, but for me s.s. is too cold) and now I am feeling quite swell! And my front door is looking pretty good! Sounds like you are busy and that is a good way to be – I always think I can rest when I die!

Valery – I went to funeral of a beloved uncle yesterday and it was just wonderful to be in church and listen to nice music and wonderful prayers and think how lucky to be 85 years old and have so many people sad that you passed! That is a life well-lived!

Fanci – hope you are well!

Have a great evening durls – enjoy the dog days of summer whilst we can!

Tuesday……………wonderful Tuesday….second day of the working week…..took Spicey to get her cut and toesnails cut…..that Lady has her hands full…..she is wired for 220….all of the time…I dont know if I can keep up. She will be at my feet and by the time I blink my eyes she is gone…………makes ya know you are old…..and the clock is ticking…….You mind starts to change…..oh well enough of that….Hello to all…….Patty you are so right we know our bodys and dont pay attention….till it hits us….like I ate tooooo much sugar yesterday….I block it from my mind at the time I am chewing and enjoying and then a couple hours later it zaps me……so today I am watching it and will drink more water!!!! Hugs and Kisses to all…..

Siegi I have lost it all many times…..never been down to living out of my car……cause I would regroup and work 2 jobs…..and we always bounce back….its just taking it one day at a time…..and soon…..yeah to soon the years go by……and we do survive…….

Hi birds! I miss you all so much, and T.,what can I say, I think of you everyday! The last time I tried to write it didn’t go through, I thought we couldn’t blog anymore, so sorry I am very behind in reading everyone’s comments. I hope you are all well, and enjoying the summer! well kisses to you all, I’ll check in again soon! xoxoxoxoRach

Dearest Tracy and family,
I will forever treasure all of the creative, beautiful and original designs hanging in my closet that you delightfully made.
I pray that this time will be a time of joyful family time for you. These children don’t remain small for long…treasure every moment.
I wish you love, joy, peace and patience. I miss you and will miss you for this time. But know that you have made so many people smile.
Keep on smiling that beautiful smile. Know this girl of the South is smiling right back.
We’ll see you soon!
Much love and understanding,
Julie Cottrell
Franklin, TN

Dear Tracy, I miss you so much and hope for you and your family that you are all well. Looking forward to your return on the blog. Love…..

One can tell, Tracy and Co. is certainly missed by all of us. We all hope she will return soon.
Every time I look at my pillow project I think of Sarah. I believe the colors remind me of Sarah’s photos.
WENDY, I am glad to know I am not the only one that isn’t crazy about stainless steel!
PATTY, years ago I visited a friend of mine in PA and we went to the SHAKER WOOD FAIR in COLUMBIANA, OHIO.
A very enchanting event in the woods. I bought some very unusual items. That was a long time ago and I don’t know if the event has changed, but from all I remember it was one of the best art shows I ever visited. It is going on right now. Check it out, all of you who live near by. The town is near Youngstown, Ohio.

The other night “our blog” screen was open on my computer, it was so funny…I’m in the other room and my prince yells out “THE BLOG IS BACK ON?!#*!…HEY, THIS LADY IS AT HER CARMEL COTTAGE DRINKING WINE IN HER PAJAMAS WITH GNOMES!”….I laughed, and hated to burst his bubble…”that’s a fantasy Rick”…not a thing wrong with that!! Good job Fanci!!! Rick was sucked in…kept reading and loooovved Seigi’s Berlin story, wow, me too, amazing Seigi, appreciate you so much!
Angie baby is there anywhere we can see the Fall Designer Showcase you’ve been working on?! It sounds like a “must see”…was it a show/is there video? I read somewhere that the most interesting people take what the designers give them and make it their own…love that! My art show was FUN you guys…can’t retire yet though thanks for asking, it was “Art in the Gardens”, 42 acres of gardens/paths out to the ocean, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, just gorgeous… art, wine, music, picnics, gardens and ocean…
Oh, to hear words from Tracy again…just love that girl…

Guess not many want to talk to us……….They are waiting for TRACY……WELL GUESS WHAT………SO ARE WE………LOLOLO……

KJ………..I bet you had a wonderful time……sounds great…….(Did you happen to go down by the ocean when you were in Santa Barbara…..they were having a art show the day after TP’s opening…….??)

ANGIE………..BABY…….WHERE ARE YOU…..DESIGNING YOUR BRAINS OUT!!!!! lololo

Fanci Pants…………….Patty………..Cameo…….its so quiet in here…..everybody on pins and needles……??????

Good evening all! What wonderful kind words here lately! My husband and I have been off on a vacation, so am just popping in (since we are back) to see what is happening! Must get outside and water my garden(s), but wanted to say I must bet out to the Mendocino Coast Gardens, KJ, it sounds just beautiful. Hasn’t TRACY inspired so many of us? Such a “uncertain” time in our country with the economy. So many things are so difficult for so many, I do so hope all of our TRACY PORTER fans are doing well, and that Tracy and Co. will all land on their feet! Must go, take care all!

Oh Kj – You made me laugh out loud! Siegi will love that story!!!

It has been a long hot summer and I have missed my Tracy fix!! Her positive energy and ideas and recipes get me up and going and breath new life into the same old same old everday. I was hoping she was just taking a much needed summer break and that I would get into her blog and see that she is back. When i began reading the blogs from all you wonderful ladies and found out that she and her family are not well Oh My Goodness. Positive thoughts and prayers sent out to the Porter family wishing you all well soon and Tracy you and your inspiration are very missed!!!

TRACY…….wondering if you have the boys in school……..and if you are still in CA……or back in WI………oh let the Sunshine fill you heart and let God lead you in all that you do……..XOXOXOXOX

LADIES…….OF TP INSPIRATION…..NO CHEESEBURGER TODAY…..They just opened a Coney dog…….restaurant……..and I am having one with everything on it….lets see…mustard, onion, cheese, chili with beans…..relish……..and a root beer to go with it!!!!!!!!…..Happy Day to all…..

Always working on my jewelry….had a pearl necklace and ran it through a wonderful lepoard choker drop…….(cant think of the real name for the choker drop….lololo) Also add a great container beside my bed with glasses in it, pens and a pad of paper…….and beside it I took a beautiful old salt shaker with a silver top and put powder in it……….to sprinkle on my bed at night……..I love fun things that make me happy…..tonight going to the movie….”The Help”……..and gardening tomorrow…just bought a new dyson….for the RV….going to check out how good it is..have always been a Kirby Girl………but a Niece of mine who has a Cleaning Service……..recommended this….we will see………church and brunch with the ladies on Sunday…..oh forgot I need to mow…………LOLOLO>…love to you all!!!

Happy Cheeseburger FRIDAY BAYBEEEEEEES!!!!! Just popping in to say HELLO loves!!!!! Summer is winding down here as DEMI started back to school this week. There are no words to describe this summer except maybe,…… ROLLERCOASTER!!!!!! However, we have enjoyed the ride and learned a great deal while on the rail!!!!!! I will say that I have an amazing weekend ahead loves…………no patients to see…………no research papers to write,…………just my family and I!!! …..Sooooooo what have I done?????? ……..I have invited a huge crowd over to swim, ski, eat, drink, and be merry!!!! (Notice that drink is AFTER swim and ski ~thank you very much!!!!) It is my Woodstock before starting a new class next week!!!!! Just wanted to extend my invitation~~~ please come and join us~~~~RSVP required!!!! It’s grandiose to see everyone of you GORGEOUS RAREBIRDS still perching here………..I have missed you ALL, ALL, and ALL…. sooooooooooo!!!!! L*O*V*E reading your stories and thoughts!!!! I hope our dear T has enveloped her mind and soul in CA with her family and comes back “standing in her chair”…….!!!!!! I must say that I will dance a JIG when I read her beautiful fresh spoken words again……….OK DURLS,……….off to plan a party………and enjoy what’s left of Summer!!! OXOX to every eye that reads this!!!!!!!! LOVE U!!!!
Cameoxoxoxo
PS …… LOLO how is SPICEY?????
PSS …..T darling, hope you and the family are back in good health!!!!!

ITS CALLED A SLIDE………………LOLOLO

Loving things that make us happy..oh valery..words spoken from and to my heart today…I needed that!!!!!!!!!!!! You all go girls!!!!!!!!! You all make me happy to read each and every word….Weekend blessings, fun and JOYS to all…happy cleaning, happy partying, happy BEING!!
Let’s trust and be happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cameo…the beautiful chick, cameo, is doing well..she is soooooooooooo lovely (like you)!!!!!!

i just love you durls!

Hello my ladies!!! Rachel…so good to hear your voice, it’s been too long since you’ve written.
Cameo…you little hippie chick…just love your attitude of life, and have missed you!! Glad to see you pop in.
Siegi…I have never heard of that festival..but you can bet I will check it out, thanks for the heads up!!
Valery…I own the Dyson and I would never go to any other brand. I love it!! I bought the animal dyson when I had a cat, and you can’t believe the hair it picks up. I know you will love it.
My horse BTB is still out of commission, and I am not sure when he’ll be back at the track. Progress is slow. We have been having our fair share of racing injuries with most of them this year. This is very common in the racing business. We race them as 2 and 3 year olds only becasue that is where the most purse money is made. If I had my choice, it would be to race them as 4 yr olds. 2 & 3 yr olds, they are still so young and equivilent to a 12 yr old at 2, and 16 yr old at 3., and their bones and tendens are not fully developed or closed. It’s a great horse that beats these odds to win it all as a 2 or 3 yr old. Sometimes 2 yr olds willl have a successful year and then injuries will haunt him as a 3 yr old. So you can see how it is an up and down business to be in. I just got done naming 85 babies this year and now we have got to tag them so we know who is whom. I always know my favorites right away, but with so many you can forget who is whom. We are getting ready to wean the early foals while getting the 2 yr olds shipped out to be broken to the cart and harness and understanding what is required of them. Some take onto it right away and some just get stubborn and will sit down on the track and not do a thing. We have some pretty patient hands with them. You just have to go slower.
Well, I cannot believe it is Aug 20th already. I hope we get to hear from our Tracy and family after Labor Day. I truly miss her magic. Have a good weekend all!

Hi Tracy…miss you! Keep your mantras close to your heart and BE FEARLESS! Can’t wait to hear from you again.

I am at a loss without Tracy and hope for good news soon. It is heartening to see the continued activity on this blog!

Sending you all Love today………..hugs around the neck and kisses on the check…..ESPECIALLY…..TO BETH…….AND FANCI PANTS…….xoxoxoxXOXOXOX

Cameo…………you must come back more often and get these girls to come alive……Angie toooooooo…..Desiree……..Dawn……..Margie……Jodi….Laureen from Vermont…..Kat in Texas……Artist, Ann Marie Lynn, TinaP….Jolene in IL, Jeanie in Florida, Lini…in Santa Barbara…..Jenny K……Wendy…….Where have all the girls gone……Denise in Texas…………Rita in Galesburg……….LETS HAS HAVE A PARTY……….LETS INVITE TRACY!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND SARAH Willet…………COME ON GIRLS……..!!!!!!!…Rachel…..get Sparkle……….Spread the word…….Patty…..Siegi……KJ, Laura……..Women of Courage and Inspiration…….where are you?????

Today school starts in our part of the country. In Germany it is a tradition that children on the First Day of school receive a special gift from their parents. It is called a Zuckertuete- sugar bag. It is actually a large colorful paper cone filled with candy and toys, perhaps these days with school supplies. This tradition goes back to 1810.
I have a little neighbor boy who starts his first day of school today. I made a cone for him. He is very excited; I showed him a photo of me holding my Zuckertuete so that he has an idea what I am talking about. Well, tonight I will bring it to him.

Patty I saw on the news flush flood in Pittsburgh hope your are not affected by it. Here there is no rain in sight. It is brutal. Great day to all !

Hi everyone.It has been awhile. Like everyone else I am missing all things Tracy. CAMEO it sounds Like a wonderful get together. Wish I could come. Sounds like you are well into your nursing program. How long before you finish? VALERY you amaze me with your energy. I wish I could bottle some of it. PATTY you sound so positive about your sister. Hope she continues to do well! I wonder if Tracy is still planning to post pictures of peoples homes and design ideas. She had asked people to submit pictures several months ago. Hope she is getting much needed rest. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Another lovely day – yesterday, though we are 800 miles from Virginia, all of our downtown buildings shook in the earthquake – it was quite something! I thought of Tracy and JOhn worrying about the glasses if there was an earthquake in CA!

Summer is really and truly winding down… sad, sad, sad for me, as I do love it so…. Cameo love – wonderful to hear from you – I hope the party went well!

I notice that comments have not been posted since Aug. 19th, but thought I would comment anyways. I hope everyone is enjoying the rest of their summer. I do so hope that we will be able to continue this blog. You all know how much I appreciate Tracy’s videos. Here is hoping that everything is falling into place for the Tracy Porter company and family. I have been putting a few “pre-hours” in at work before the school year begins. Back to work next week! Some private schools begin soon, public cannot begin until Sept. 1. Take care all!

Thank you again Tracy, for the message that it is okay. Here’s hoping you are okay too. Best wishes for a full recovery. You rock.

oh please come back tracy…..we miss you so

We love you Tracy!
Oh, YES we do!!!
We love you Tracy!
And we’ll be true!
When you’re not near us,
We’re blue!
Oh Tracy WE LOVE YOU!!!

Hi Durls…have been on vacation and just checked in…you all are so wonderful and I love to hear your stories! Patty, wow 85 horses to name…you are one busy lady! Cameo, thanks for the update…you have been missed! Siegi, your comments, as always, are fun and have just the most wonderful twist of history…I want to make a cone for my kids first day of school too! Valery, Fanci, elle(Ellen), Gina…hope you are all well and take care all of you “East Coasters” with this storm! Tracy…miss you love!

So nice to see and hear from all these gals…just love the inspiration and hope to carry on in our daily lives…life has been tough for us and for soooooooo many as of late…I hope and pray it is smoother sailing..here is to lifting our hearts and our minds and souls to all things creative and hopeful!!!!!!!!!!!! May our journey’s be blessed with small changes that turn into larger,hopeful new ways. I hope you all have a lovely, end of summery kind of week….we miss our Tracy…I am thankful for the blog as we are all kindred spirits..one can tell…blessings and hope and all things beautiful!

Happy for the updates – Patty you are quite a heroine to me! I do not ride at all, but always wanted to, as when I was a kid I used to read these British children books “Jill’s Gymkhana” – what the heck is that anyway, and loved all of the stories and frankly, think the fashion around horses is divine (does that make me shallow??)

Hang in there everyone, labour day is coming and I suspect Tracy may have some news for us soon, or at least I hope she does!! WHat heartens me most is that we are all here for each other!

I’m checking in to see if Tracy’s back yet…I’d love to see a new video!!! But now I’m all caught up on the blog. Awesome to see that it is still going on…. We’re just keeping on so we are here when she returns….
Love the stories and good vibes all around. Thank you all.

Jeanie…………sending you energy……lots of it….more of it…..skiddles of it…..NOW IF THIS DOES NOT HELP……GO GET YOUR FAVORITE CANDY BAR…..put your feet up and savor each bite….oh with your favorite beaverage to wash it down….then think of TP COMEING BACK…………………………………………GOT THE ENERGY YET??????

Hey Patty girl………I want to stay a month with you…….HORSE’S ARE A FANTASY FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!

CAMEO………….I was so disappointed that I couldnt make it to the party……..My pilot got sick at the last moment and I couldnt find my David Yurman……bracelet and ring……just threw me into a dither…….got a migrane……and just couldnt make it……I know you left a empty chair for me……………I know you!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXO LOLOLOLO

OK………..Tracy is winding up…….the face page of TP is not coming up………I just know she is redoing it……….Faith, hope and Charity…..thats the way to live successfully………..HOW DO I KNOW??…..THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO………XOXOXOXOXO.

Just got back from a short week-end out of state……….car show….and yes I took SPICEY……she was so good!!………Stayed at my Sister-in-laws……….we love each other so you can imagine the fun we had!!!!!!!! Shes 80……….and going stong!!!!! HEADS UP LADIES…………..!!!

SIEGI……….I wish I could see that picture……..WHAT A DIVINE IDEA AND WONDERFUL THING TO DO……..Like you……he will never forget that……..!!!!!! I wish You lived right beside me……..XOXOXO

LADIES OF TP INSPIRATION…….REMEMBER THIS….THE ONE WHO ROCKS THE CRADLE RULES THE WORLD……….I am a living Testimony………..and so are all of YOU!!!!!

Like you Lady Di, I keep checking too to see if our Tracy is back yet….wishing and hoping it will be soon. I do miss her energy and creative ideas.
Wendym2…not shallow at all about the riding gear for horses…I love it too. Due to a back that is getting worse, I think my riding days are numbered. Sigh…that’s life I guess.. I never read those books you speak of but maybe I’ll check them out. I didn’t come into the horse business until I was 27 yrs. old.
To any of you caught in that hurricane…my good thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy back to normal life. My Sister got hit in Virginia Beach…I still haven’t heard too much from her. Many fallen trees and her greenhouse took a punishment.
Many firsts for me this past week when we experienced that minor earthquake. I thought it was one at first and then thought, No.. this is Pittsburgh…low and behold the quake was all over our news. It was like a gentle swaying of everything in the house. Then the flash flood in Highland Park area that killed those 4 people. I go that way whenever my Sis comes in for her chemo. So grateful it wasn’t that week. The familes were such nice people that lost their lives. It has been a very active Summer to say the least.

Tracy, I seriously feel like you are a friend who is having problems and won’t call me back. I am concerned about you and yours. Please have someone post and let us know what is going on. I have all sorts of horrible worries. (typical when I worry about a friend). All the best. Tracey

Tracy, sure am missing you and all of your goodness! Blessings to you and your family and to all the girls that have kept your inspiration alive!!!

Hello everyone. I miss you all and Tracy too. Anxiously checking every day to see if she has posted anything.

Thinking of/loving you all…man…last night I was asking Lauren if she hung her Catalina Island painting yet…”No, Mom, I’ve been way too busy for that stuff…” Come ON!!! I told her, “Just SLAM it up!!!”…It hit me again like a ton of bricks…I REALLY REALLY MISS TRACY!!!! Lauren called me back a few minutes later…”Mom, I put the painting up and it looks really good!”…

So nice to see some of you here! Valery, LadyDi, wendym2, beth, Deborah in Ca, Patty, jeannie, siegi, jeannie, lynn, fanci, and ALL! So glad the blog is still accessible…Patty so good to hear about your horses. I just want to come and live there and start “anew”! Since that is not possible, I am going to do the best with the life our dear Lord has granted me, and continue with best attitude and bless everyone around me. Now that is really saying something since fun and “sarcasm” comes easily to me!!! Tee hee. I do so hope the blog and videos will continue to be available. I know you all agree! Take care everyone!

<3<2=3<3

oh dear lord….that was supposed to come out as 4 hearts…. you get the message durls…..
tracy…..the candle is lit…..we miss u!!!

Hi Everyone,
Would someone please fill me in on what has happened to our dear Tracy? My fear is something terrible has happened to her or her family. Do any of you know? Thank you and enjoy your day!
Kellie

happy september to you all…checking in to see if tracy has returned…missing the inspiration but loving that my power is back on after irene, and loving that we only lost one chimney in the earthquake….we have a farm in louisa. love reading all the tracy-girl news from you lovely ladies….here’s to more of that all around!

Birds!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you are all ok after the storm,we got hit,but nothing too terrible……we are blessed,and I am grateful,I won’t lie though…..I am sick of vacuming up water in my basement! Haha! I miss you all…….hi patty!!!! Wendy…..did you enjoy the hummers this summer? Nice to see you ladydi! Hi to Beth,seigi,fanci, peasan,cameo,and Val……you really do keep it all going here! Miss you kj,and Sharon,and where is our Laura? Hi elle and everyone I missed….I really enjoyed catching up on all you had to say,of course it’s not the same without Tracy,but I am so grateful for the friends I’ve made because of her,I just want you all to know that! Love you guys!!!!!!! Rach

Take care Porter family. Thank you for checking in.

Dear Tracy ,John and Team;
All my best to you all! God Bless each and every one of you! Stay focused ,keep your eyes on the future and we will all be awaiting the goodness to come! Have a beautiful weekend and thank you for your note- we all miss you so much!! Lots of Love Jean

TRACY! It was very good to hear from you here on the blog. I have been through many challenges in life, and can only imagine the changes, challenges, and decisions you have been through and have had to make. Thank you for bringing yourself to comment here. I am certain it was not easy. Business right now is not good for so many, but when it is a business you have poured your life, heart and soul into, is so much a part of you. My sympathy and my support are with you! I have enjoyed your dinnerware, clothes, and jewelry. But more than that, I enjoy your home, cooking, and life videos! (oooh, and your books too). There are many life lessons here to learn from I am certain, but you will and you will come through this! Thank you again! Hello to all of the ladies here, I know so many were anxious to hear from you.

i don’t know about you durls, and i’ve certainly gone through some difficult times, but in my lifetime. i’ve never owned an internationally renowned company…. you????
have patience….have faith….have trust in the tracy and john we have come to know on this blog. they have shared their family with us. what is more precious to you than your family? do you really think these are people who would in any way, shape or form try to pull one over on us? i don’t!!!! wait….keep the candle lit….rarebirds, magpies, durls…..pray our girl tracy. xxxxxoooo fanci

Hi again girls! Tracy….we must have been writing at the same time earlier!!!!! How I miss you girlfriend!!!!!! I am trying to be patient….waiting to see your next venture…but that’s just because I love your work and always have…but whatever happens or whatever you choose to do I support you 100%!!!!! I know we all do here!LOVE YOU T.xoxoxoxoxoxoRach

Well, sorry to hear that… though I think everyone sort of knew by now.
I remember not too long ago you mentioned you wanted to farm lavender and grow olive trees.
When Rachel Ashwell got into financial trouble, she downsized her operations a lot and then a while later opened up a bed and breakfast in Texas because she apparently always found something about the Texas mystique to be very romantic. (I suppose if one was British…I can see it.) Anyway, she blogged a little bit about the year of challenges and how difficult it was and that was interesting.
Anyway, thank you for the decorating ideas and the recipes, the inspiration and so forth. Sorry I couldn’t buy more from your site. I just couldn’t afford much so for me it was more a vicarious thrill.
Best wishes to you and yours. Of course you will come out of this and find a new place to settle. As someone said, problems are just opportunities in disguise.

Tracy! I want to take this opportunity to say thank you and tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog! I had been in a funk— and then I found the decorating blogs, and suddenly I had the motivation and inspiration to get off the couch and take an interest in my home again. YOUR blog and especially all the fantastic videos– has been one of my very FAVORITE places to visit and I have a huge blog roll. I have, in fact, redecorated (and continue to, it never ends) my house, and opened my very own booth in a local antiques mall, which has been a life long passion and goal of mine. Thank YOU, again, for everything!
I wish you and yours the very best of everything in the present and the future. You have a gift, a talent that should be shared and celebrated and I hope to see you again very very soon! <3
xoxoxox, mary

Dear Tracy,
On a whim I thought I’d check back in to see if you had a chance to post anything new and saw your note about your ecommerce site.
First of all thank you for letting your fan base know what the current situation is. I know this was difficult to do and I want you to know how much we all love your things and will miss seeing your lovely words every day. I’ve been following your blog and site for quite some time and feel a loss in my heart that there won’t be more – for now anyway.
Recently we’ve had some set backs of our own (who hasn’t) and we too are trying to figure out how to move forward.
Thank you for all you have shared over the past few years. You truthfully are an inspiration and I love your optimistic positive attitude. I’m certain good things will come your way. Happiness follows happiness.
Please take care and I will check back in from time to time to see what your next venture may be. For now I will cherish the items I have and wait for more.
Laura D.

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