An Elegant, Vintage Solution...

After much deliberation, I finally decided that this would be the best place for my sewing machine to travel when we're moving our "cottage" down the road...in the space between the foot of my bed and the wall of our bedroom at the front of the Flying Cloud.

When I purchased Sofie, she arrived in a beautiful, wheeled case...that was just too wide to fit into this space. I couldn't make it work any way I tried. I had was forced to find another way to keep my Sofie - and her accessories - safe during transport.
I went into our tiny attic space to see if one of the suitcases (we won't need to use to travel now) might work.

Look what I found! Handsome scored this at an estate sale we attended when we still lived in Wisconsin. It's one of those gorgeous, vintage suitcases that you use for car travel, but would never trust in the hands of any airline on earth. It's mahogany leather, tooled with the most beautiful designs - and after taking a few measurements -
I found that Sofie and all her accessories fit perfectly inside! The little 14 pound sweetheart, her embroidery attachment, hoop, plastic box with interchangeable presser feet, and instruction manuals all snuggled safely within the padded interior.
I'll need to make a proper padded cover for the embroidery attachment and hoop, but otherwise, it's already road-worthy.
After I asked if it was alright for me to use it, I loaded up "our" vintage suitcase and found that it fit into its new travel spot with room to spare. Guess that means I'll have room for the vintage train case I'm going to use to hold some of my other craft projects for our trip!

I can't think of a better solution to my modern dilemma than a vintage suitcase. I'm so happy that Handsome was willing to share! Yup. It's confirmed once again. I'm one Lucky Girl!

I'm inspired to find more vintage accessories for our cottage now. (Thanks, Rett! Your links to Sisters On The Fly started me down this path. I don't think I'll carry it as far as the Sisters did, but more vintage is definitely a good thing.)

Rainy Days And Mondays...

Nothing quite like the sunlight coming in on our
pool deck in the morning...

Unless it rained the night before, and the raindrops are

still clinging to the screens on the roof of the screen enclosure.

God's little diamonds, greeting us as we sip our morning coffee.

This is indeed a fleeting sight.
Within a short period of time, the breeze and sun had
dried up all the raindrops.
Lucky Girl...I caught a few frames before this gift disappeared.

Lucky Girl...

This is one photograph from a series taken while where we were posing for our annual Christmas card a couple of years ago. Our friend, Richard, just kept the shutter going while we descended into unbridled mirth. The whole series hangs, framed, above our bed. (You can click here to see them.)

I just want to tell you a cute little story today. When Handsome and I were at a car show quite a while ago, I came upon a booth with a t-shirt printer.

There were lots of pre-made shirts, like "I'm with Stupid" and "Stupid" (yeah, right); and "Baby on Board", or "Your Village Called...Their Idiot Is Missing". You know. You've seen them, too. But what was different about this booth was that the vendor also did custom shirts while you waited.

So, in keeping with a sweet joke between the two of us for years, I had two shirts made for Handsome and me. His says "What a guy!" and mine reads "Lucky Girl". He laughed out loud when I took the shirts to him.

I know I'm not alone when I write about my husband. I've read many posts from those of you who have your own blogs and share stories about yours. Handsome and I share a joyful life together. One of the most important aspects to me is that shared sense of humor. It carries a couple a long way when times are a little rough. And it sure adds a wonderful facet to daily life.

My wish for all of you is that you have someone with whom you can share an inside joke, a knowing smile, or a downright raucous laugh. We all need that. We all deserve that. I always remember that I really am a Lucky Girl.