A couple of thrift shop finds, a FAB quilt book, and my vote for AI

Here in CA there is a big ol' pile of unclaimed money in our State Controller's Office. My sister and I each have a pretty large chunk there, dating back to the early 60's. Why is it still sitting there you ask? Because in order to claim it we have to show proof that we lived at 1742 Spring St, Mt. View, CA; via a piece of mail, for example. Even my sister, who's name hasn't changed twice due to marriage like mine and who would really like that money, hasn't been able to get at it in the three years since we first learned of it. I hear rumor that all unclaimed funds are being absorbed by the state this June. If I thought it would help I'd say, "have at it!" Getting to the point of my story, I recently bought this book at the thrift shop because the artwork just really spoke to my childhood memory.

 

Cute, huh? It wasn't surprising to see that it was written the same year as my birth. Well, the odd thing was, look at the address written just inside.

 

eerie! That town is 350 miles south of here and I haven't been there in 40 years. It's just a coincidence. Which, by the way; gets me no closer to that money. Anyone have experience with this kind of situation? I'd love to hear.

Here's my current favorite favorite quilt book.

 

Beginning with the cover, and continuing through almost every page that follows, OH this book just makes my eyes sing and my feet want to run out to the sewing machine. I want to make one of everything in this book. The way they've blended fun, funky and contemporary with traditional patterns and styles...it just fits me to a "T". If you google "Material Obsession" you'll get more pics and apparently100% agreement that it's an awesome book! And more good news; they're getting ready to release their second book!

Did you hear about Pimp This Bum on CNN today? Yeah, the address made me cringe, too. But that's exactly why they named it that. If you read up on what they're about, they state that if they'd called it HelpTheHomeless.com it would have been much more easily blown off. On CNN they showed a video of Tim's transformation--just from getting a haircut and putting on a nice shirt and tie, all of a sudden, right before our eyes, he seemed 'human' again. It's so easy to make such a big difference for others. I don't know why we aren't all doing more.

I'll close for today with this

 

I snapped this today for a few reasons. One; now that their hair is finally starting to grow back (they were shaved three weeks ago) I will admit publicly that I should never have been allowed to buy longhaired cats. People tried to warn me. Just like they tried to warn me about white carpet and a black car new off the lot (there's two warnings in the car, just so you know. New and Black. ) Do I ever listen? No. It gives me some solace to remember these things when getting frustrated because one of my children won't take my very best (unrequested) advice. :-) I also wanted to share that the thrift shop finally had a crocheted afghan that I felt like bringing home. Friends, I never go there without seeing a LOT of crocheted afghans. For $1.99. It makes me sad. People put a lot of time into those things! Just to get tossed in the give-away pile. Oh well, I can't save them all, but the patchwork pattern on this and the *lacey* border edge was unique enough to make me want to bring it home. Maybe now that I've adopted one I'll quit feeling guilty when I check through that rack for old fabric. Another thing worth bringing up is that I slipcovered that chair with a bedspread. You'd be surprised how easy it is to slipcover things. Well, the way I do it is easy anyway. Maybe some day I should do a little tutorial?

And OH MY GOD I have never bothered to claim an American Idol favorite but Adam Lambert is from a whole 'nother planet with his talent and professional performance skills. A couple weeks ago I said to John, "You know, if he'd ditch the Emo look, pull that hair out of his face, I think he'd be really handsome. Kinda reminds me of Dr Christian Troy on Nip/Tuck." Did you see him last night? I could watch that performance over and over. Honestly, in 8 seasons I haven't felt this strongly about a contestant. I'm not saying a couple others aren't good. That 16 year old redhead really rocked it. But Adam is the real deal!! And that's what I think about that. :-)

Back soon with a fun and funky new project that is taking longer than I thought it should but hopefully it'll be worth it!

Comments

[Nanette]

Your posts make me smile and laugh. The book looks very interesting. Of course the cover grabs me in my quilty heart!

[Sarah]

Hi Jenny,

thanks for the book love! So great to hear that everyone is enjoying it. Book 2 is out in the USA in 2010, but if you can't wait that long you can pre-order it from me. Have you seen my new blog yet? Make sure and say hi if you stop by!

[Sue]

I don't know if things are the same there, but the local library in my hometown has phone books going back many years.
Also, the country clerk in your hometown might have a few different ways to help, maybe land records or tax records. I would just stop in there and ask what records might exist to prove your address at that time, I'll bet they'll have something.

[Nicky]

I just had a entry in my own blog about cats and quilters...I have 10 of witch 7 Maine Coons and the odd kitten now and then. I can't keep up with the hairs. I am always brushing hairs of everything. My quilts are piled up somewhere and I can't quilt anymore because of the cats. Lay one tiny scrap of fabric down and a cat sits on it. You try to quilt and the curl up under your work. You try to patch and they wil pinch your needles or the bobbin or something else...But would I want to miss them....That is the real question.

[Jen]

I'm with you, girl, Adam's the real deal! I like your new banner :)

[Kathi D]

Super cool about the address in the book!

Yes, please on the slipcover tut!

[jenny b harris]

I must confess to watching AI, too. I haven't committed to any of them yet, though. So far I'm just blown away by the number of really talented performers they have this season. Usually there are maybe one or two you can predict will be in the final, but it is impossible to tell this year. Adam is crazy-talented for sure, Alison is amazing, Lil, Danny, Anoop and Kris are great, too. Who am I forgetting... Matt is talented but he leaves me a little cold for some reason, especially when he moves away from his piano, its like his personality changes. The others will probably drop off one by one and it will be interesting to see where it goes!

[Des]

Um, Um, Um....my heart is beating fast. I have so much to say!! FIRST, I can't believe I don't have that material obsession's book in my hands yet. I've been eyeing it on their blog for months now waiting for the US release. I, too, just want to make every single thing in there and on their blog. Love them.

I can't believe you have long haired cats, white carpet AND a black car. You have some serious adult oppositional defiance going on. :)

YES, when can we expect that upolstry tutorial???? tomorrow? i have furniture that needs attention. I even have a marvelous green bedspread that would work perfectly. Now, just need to know the how-to.

i think i'm done now. OH, love the flying book and twilight zone experience.
now, i'm done again.

Oh I forgot....the afghan. You're a good person. Dang it, i don't get the Fox channel and I'm missing this whole awesome season of AI. sad. But I'm right up to date on celebrity apprentice. :D

[black eyed susans kitchen]

The universe is trying to tell you something. How about school records, a doctor who still has a practice in the area, or hospital records. See if they have record of you at that address. Love the front cover of the book. I also agree with you about the afghan. I never understand how people can donate such personal things. We have a closet full of quilts and afghans made by family members. Have a wonderful weekend.
♥, Susan

[Barbara]

That is just freaky coincidental on the book!!! Love the slipcover and afghan! I also have a black car. I am so bad...it needs to be washed in the worst way. Love the cool quilt too. I have a few favorites on AI. Love Allison (red-head), Adam, and Danny. I think they are the most talented and will do well even if they don't win. I thought Adam's Ring of Fire was eerie, but so cool. Loved his performace and clean looks this week too.

[Sarah]

I just added that book to my amazon wishlist last week. I am glad to hear you liked it.

I have no clue about the unclaimed money thing. I think here in MO you just fill out a form with your SSN and they give you the cash. It was easy for my dad to get his. Were you a kid when you lived there? If so maybe there is a public school record of some sort with that address and your names on it?

[Diane Duda]

Holy Crap! That address thing! I love things like that. :)

[Lotta]

Wild! Maybe it's a sign you shouldn't give up? You are cracking me up with your emails by the way. When can you move to the Midwest?

[Jane]

OK that is so freaky!!! I also must check out the quilt book! and I hope you get your $$$. Loved the swap pictures you added today!!