Notes from A Cottage Industry

Have you heard?!

  I first got the news from Missy.Then, I heard from Carol. Wow, I am completely blown away. Victoria Magazine returns.  I am beyond thrilled. Ecstatic. Blissfully excited. Thanks for letting me know, girls!!
    You know, I subscribed to it originally, and tore pages out that I adored each and every month. After the magazine closed, I was so upset with myself for not saving each entire magazine issue. (What was I thinking?!)
    Then, time went by and thanks to eBay, I was able to re-purchase many, many (See them on the shelf in my bedroom wardrobe closet there? I am far too embarrassed to share just how many) issues.  I love to sit up in my cozy cottage bed at night, re-reading an issue or two. Ah, heavenly inspiration as only Victoria magazine can provide.
    Anticipation of the first new issue of this magazine ...oh, it is going to be fantastic. I just know it. If I could, I would send in my subscription right now.
    And on another note-- (Oh my! I can't believe I almost forgot to share this...) Yesterday was my Blogiversary (One whole year!)and I ended the year with 168 posts, and 1,185 comments from all of you lovely people! Thank you all so very much for reading my Blog, and writing when you feel the urge. *sigh*  I love you for that. Truly I do.
    One more last little thing. I have been told by the Maid-of-Honor that I must disclose the entire truth about yesterdays post regarding Camas, Washington (aka Stars Hollow- By the way, did you see Gilmore Girls last night?!) Actually what she said to me, with incredible forcefulness was, and I quote, "you owe it to your readers to share that there is a Paper Mill in charming little Camas, Washington." According to her, the smell can be....well...aromatic. (OK, she said quite offensive) There, I am disclosing it. Although, it wouldn't stop me from opening a Cupcakery on that dear little NE 4th avenue. I'm telling you, it's Stars Hollow, west coast edition.

Street of dreams

       We took a bit of a side trip late Sunday afternoon to browse through some shops on my getaway trip last weekend in Portland. Actually in Camas, WA; right next to Vancouver WA.
    There is one darling little street in the teeny tiny downtown with the dearest shops ever. It was truly a hidden hot spot.
    Next time I go I will take more pictures, but here are a few pictures I was able to snap in just the few minutes we were there (Sunday afternoon at 4:40 is not the time to start shopping.)

    For starters, take a look at this vintage looking bookcase.(So cute I had to take pictures from two angles)Now, is this not the most fabulous, and cheap idea? I love the yellowed pages decoupaged to the bookcase.
   There was an oh-so-cute shop that was closed on Sundays. It's called called "Fancies". Now, any shop named "Fancies" has got to be cute. (Oh, I just can't wait to go back when they are open!)
   This sweet little street in downtown Camas was just like something out of Mitford,or Stars Hollow I tell you. It had a quaint diner,darling clothes shops, and Antique shops too.
    Oh! And it even had an Automotive repair center named...are you ready for this?... Lemon-Aid Automotive. (Get it? Very Gilmore Girls...) The only thing missing was a Cupcake Bakery.
    *sigh* I mean it, I was ready to move, right then and there.