#19 - Quilting and Porno*

Boy, it's been a long haul without dumpster diving into the vault.

Quilting and Porno. That's the favorite box label of them all. Soon as I can upload the photo (yes, the box really is marked that way), I'll let you know.

Much time has passed since the last posting. I think of the quilting because (with eternal gratitude to my friend Kristen), I actually did create and send off a quilt to my newly turned One Year Old nephew. It was really touching to me to know that some of those materials were from Mom's visit to Japan, and are also included in the 3 other quilts I've made for little ones (I regret that my grand-nephew who's turning 3 in a few days doesn't have any of my creations - that's part of the problem of sending anything to India via anything but a live human being, but that's another story).

Quilting seemed to generate a little creative springboard over the last 2 months. I had a stroke of genius in figuring out what to get my 2 young nieces, and finally decided on creating (or half-creating) treasure boxes. Two little items from the vault made it onto those boxes - 2 errant rhinestones which now adorn the little clasps that open the boxes. I think that's a nice little generational gift.

The creative bent has also included the 2nd annual wreath making gathering of my "homies in the hood," as well as the usual year end baking and making of gifts of food and hand decorated candles for co-workers. Today I wrapped up the box of goodies for the nieces and newphews back in the snow (including little treasure boxes I half-created).

I really do need to get back into the vault and start uploading more of the things hiding between stalagtites and stalagmites (which is up and which is down?).

All I know is, whether it's quilting or porno, it's important to keep on creating, especially if it can use some of the materials hidden along with the treasures in the vault.

More to come soon I hope.

#18 - The famous and the infamous

Spelunking in the vault for a specific item for the college freshman, instead of finding it, I came across this timely card.
In the usual "T-V" style, the card peeked out at me through a sea of old flotsom and jetsom (aka Mom's favorite ephermera known as "receipts, et al").

See, the infamous man listed on the card (some of us knew him as "dad") just shuffled off this mortal coil last Sunday.



Boy, timing is everything, isn't it?


But what was more remarkable to me was what I discovered when I flipped the card over.

Here's what's handwritten on the BACK of this card:

Yes, I'm assuming it's THAT Joey Ramone in his own handwriting; the one made famous with his band (one of my favs), The Ramones. How do I believe this? I'll explain.

The last piece of this puzzle relies on this photo I found within a few pieces of paper beyond this duplex card (a quick aside: I'm one of those people who have always adored the 4 frame b&w photo booth pictures. Glad to have found this one too.)


The one on the left was lucky enough to be a member of the cast of that cult classic, Rock and Roll High School, and so I'm guessing that's where Joey's contact information came from. Why it's on Stu's business card is another question entirely.

Oh, and the on one the right?

Well, suffice it to say he wasn't in Rock and Roll High School.

Strange what things from the wayback machine reappear.

#17 - R U ready?

Ok, I know - 3 months later, I finally get around to opening up the vault again, and let me tell you: it's awfully dusty in here now, and it's pretty darned quiet.

I'm spelunking for some good stuff for a bookmark for the youngest just off to college. Those who know me may remember I tend to put together collaged bookmarks which I then laminate. I want to make my boy one to use with all those books he'll be reading.

First box opened [Bedroom/Crafts] has these two boxes inside that I love. Here's a sample from each box:


I know it's hard to see but they're letters made from semi-opaque plastic, and they're just beautiful. One box is marked "R" in red marker and the other "B" in black marker. Smart move on whoever's part that was.

The boxes:



Not only do I love the contents, I adore the index separators for the contents.

I'm not sure where Mom managed to get these, but I'm so glad she had them. I've been fascinated with fonts since I was kid, and remember the first time we visited my Aunt Muriel in California, she had this little cabana out near her pool in Van Nuys. Inside she had all these sheets of "letraset" rub-on letters (probably for some P.R. stuff), and I do recall spending quite a bit of time pouring over them exploring delightfully. I may even have some of those leftovers in MY treasure vault (about 6 of my own left over from college boxes).

I have chosen to use one letter and collage on the back for his bookmark; it's sturdy enough that laminating isn't necessary.

Here's to my boy putting all his errant letters together in a way that makes them sing (he'll know what I mean...). I know he B ready.

#16 - I am sixteen going on . . .

Ok, WAAAAAY too much time between posts.

The graduation/college/work drama has been holding my treasure-vault space hostage, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel (so to speak).

The baby's gonna turn 18 soon, and then he'll be off to become a mathematical performer!

I'm going to open a box later and see what emerges from the Vault.

Updates coming soon....

#15 - The one for the top

The whirlwind is over and I have two High School graduates now ("no more teachers, no more rules, no more secondary schools...").

Ok, I'm just too proud to not include a photograph of Jake's graduation cake (no, it didn't come out of the Vault, and I'm sure if I spelunk around enough, I may just unearth another cake topper).


I have to relate the funny story about this one though; our dear friend Abby, Dessert Engineer and Designer (who someday will be the new Queen of Cakes instead of the Ace), came up with the design. I emailed her the list of shows he was in for the signs, and then wrote,

"and the one for the top
Rent."

That's the next production you can come see him in: Rent. She took both of those to be show names and made an additional sign that read "The one for the top."

We've all decided that it's a great title for a play or movie.

Thanks, Abby - we LOVED it.

#14 - Resuming with resumés

Boy, what a whirlwind it's been over the past few weeks, but now graduation has finally come and gone (and boy, how wonderful was that!).

So, after the big "night" on Friday (5/28, Grad Nite), and the preparation day Saturday, and the big "Jake's Grad Party" day (and sleepover) Sunday, it was time to move on to:

Audition Day.

Yes, in spite of the many preparations for the end of the final high school year, and graduation, and Project Grad, and the big party and the family being in town, I went ahead and did something I haven't done in a year (and before that, it'd been,oh, about 28+ years). I signed up to audition (and to sing no less - Mom would have been proud of me though I wished I hadn't listened to my son and had gone ahead and gotten the music transposed about 2 notes lower; I would have been much more comfortable singing).

But I did it. Yeah for me.

Now, I've helped my son with his resumé, and re-did my own pathetic one, but I know somewhere in the boxes lurk resumés for Janice, Muriel and even Danny. Those who've been union members have much more impressive resumés. As soon as I unearth them, this blog post will be updated.

Speaking of resumés, I'm looking forwarding to seeing the ones for those we'll be watching next week in L.A. at an event I'm looking very forward to: my dear friend and mentor Miss A.'s show at the Hayworth.

We can now resume our regular blogging...

Lucky #13 - What to DO?

There's just been no time lately for searching through the Vault, but as I did find this timely example of Mom's popular "To Do List" category:



Now, I've only included one page of what was a three-page note fully spelling out all the tasks that needed to be completed. See how nicely it's outlined; Mom sure had a knack for neatly organizing her list of "what do to" in a beautiful format. You'll notice that the only single word on this list that's underlined (aside from the categories) is the word "out," as in throwing something out, which clearly (as we KNOW) was an issue for Mom. She had the intention, but not always the follow-through.

A side note: the last line on this page seems to say it all: "Continue Cleaning..."

We've been working away furiously on preparing for the big Graduation Party in 2 weeks, and now that the backyard and garden is almost completed, it's time for us to move to the inside of the house, so how lucky for me to come upon a list from Mom reminding me of all the things we to do in our home. Now I don't need to make my own list (though, if I did, I'd promptly toss it when complete).

How nice to have a Jewish mother around when you need her (even after she's gone...).

#12 - Something to write home about

Today, being Mother's Day, is a bittersweet one again.

I lament my inability to call my mom and wish her a Happy one (though I did get a pedicure today with purple polish in her honor), or hear from her (she's been noticeably absent from visiting in my dreams; I thought for sure she'd make herself more obvious, and constantly be giving me advice -- something she did so well and so often in life). I don't think we ever get "over" the loss of our moms.

So, I opened the Vault on this day of celebration of Mother, and lo and behold, here's a little present she's left for me and my brothers (circa late 1980-early 1981):

A peek through the window into our family history.

And as for the World history, well, the more things change, the more they stay the same, or so it seems...

Ghosh, Dan & Lar - enjoy. And a Happy Mother's Day to all.

#11 - Programs here, get your programs! (or, let's get with the program already...)

Boy, who knew one could get so lost in daily life?

Between the ever growing "backyard project" and my son's upcoming high school graduation and college drama (every pun intended), it's been near impossible to spend any time dumpster diving, er, I mean Vault prospecting.

Well, back to a quick stop in the Vault.

Today's find? One of Muriel's treasures:

(When I have more time, I'll scan some of the interior ads in this full 9" x 12" program; they're classics!)

This one is her 1965 run in the "The Pajama Game" where she managed to get 5th billing:

Looks like this was when Barbara Eden was just about to explode onto the TV screen, and John Raitt was reeling them in with his dulcet-toned voice. Muriel got 5th billing - pretty darned good.

Gaining notoriety is a funny thing; I know my kid's been going through this with his college stuff. We're awaiting the "official" notification from one of the top theatre programs, but unless there's financial aid involved (or one of you has a rich uncle willing to help cover the exorbitant cost), it's going to be interesting. Of course, it's very helpful that his back-up is also one of the top theatre programs (gee, Boston or UCLA? - that's a great conundrum to have...).

On a wonderful exciting side note: my husband and I have created the programs for the high school drama production department for 2 years (and we've pledged to do 2 more years for free tickets - after all, some of my other kids will be there for 2 more years!).

It's a fantastic performing arts program at MHS (you can see what a great training ground it's been for my son in both music and theatre), and we just found out the drama department has been chosen as one of the U.S. high schools invited to participate in the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2011. Pretty darned exciting. Congratulations to Elke Matzen and Susane Byrne. I can't imagine two more dedicated or deserving educators!

Ok, I have to get with the program and get back to daily life. Here's hoping for top billing, and soon.

#10 - Join me on the terrace, won't you?

The Vault spelunking has taken a back seat this week to the flagstone patio project (small, with someone else's leftovers that will bridge a path between our deck and a stone planting bed).

So I turned to the Oracle Of Mom and opened the first box I reached into and here's what came out:



Now, this is a classic American decorating toolbox of information.

I found pages 42 and 43 most helpful as we're trying to figure out what to do out there in the back (and doesn't that watermelon look delish?):

Who knew there were so many options for re-doing your directors chairs?

Now, I'm not sure we're going to take on any of these projects, but oh, isn't it good to know we'd have this great blueprint to use if we did...

I think Mom had this page corner-folded for a good reason:

I remember when we moved to the "big" house from the "little" one, she totally decorated the whole place herself, and for their master bedroom she even made those "Roman" shades (the ones on the upper right corner of the photo above) out of sheets she'd bought. I remember being impressed even at 8 years old. Though she wasn't as talented a seamstress (or knitter, crocheter, beader, or quilter) as my grandmother, she was a creative being, that's for sure.

I swear, every time I un-earth something else from the Vault, it IS like opening a time capsule.

(Thanks, Mom. Oh, and happy belated birthday too).

#9- But wait, there's MORE!

Spring is in full swing now that another Posey has climbed to the top of a Vault box. I wonder how many more of these are buried in the boxes:



Of course, they do come in a myriad of colors and styles it seems.

For now, they just remind me that I need to get back into the garden and the never ending weeding before blooming.

If I find any more, perhaps it'll be time to open that vintage ETSY shop once and for all.

#8 - Why, I'm practically writing NOW.

A brief respite from Vault spelunking was welcome (it was an amazing trip to Ashland to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival - if you've never been, GO!).

Upon my return, this was immediately inside the first box I opened. Sometimes I think it's the Oracle of Mom each time I open a box.

Knickbocker Publishing, 1945, (New York, 6, NY), edited by Jack Lait (google him - he sounds like quite the writer):



The inside of the book jacket flap reads:

"If you have the urge to write, don't hold back."

And it's chock full of interesting contributors, each is "An Expert" according to the back of the book jacket. Zoom in on this picture and see all the practical advice contained in this book:



This reminds me of those ads in the backs of old magazines. My favorite is the title "An Analysis of Screen Play Writing." Guess that was back when it was two words -- Screen and Play.

Another timely treasure, that's for sure.

Mom was all about the writing. I have stumbled upon several biographical variations of her life story; well, at least the beginnings of her life story. I have to start compiling them. In the meantime, I wonder if any of the parts of the book will help me with "successful blogging..."

#7 - Ring Around the Rosey, a Pocket Full of Hosey Poseys

You know Spring has arrived when the Posey's make their way to the surface, just like this one did from the Bedroom Desk box.

What do you call that when the price of something is probably the same as the year of manufacture? Now, I'm not sure if that's true or not (this cost all of 69¢), but it's just like Mom to have not just bought this, but held onto it (though I'm sure she must have purchased more than one and actually USED them herself - she was stylish). You'll see from the back of the package how cool these would look on some of my friends and nieces (and you know who you are).

Of course, it's also possible this was one of Mom's garagesaleaholic purchases (see the diminishing prices on the backside near the upper right corner).

Again, what a timely find. My son and husband just saw "Hair" on Broadway a week ago.

Should we keep 'em? I think these might come back into style soon...

#6 - Scratching around

"Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident; the only earthly certainty is oblivion." - Mark Twain

I found this quote on a printed e-mail from September 13, 2001, which Mom had highlighted and included in the folder titled "Scratch Paper."

I'm particularly fond of these representative samplings of what was inside the folder:


There's 20 pages of the blue paper, which has an embossed gold scroll design and bonus onion skin tissues between them (I'm guessing '50s). The "memos" pad is elegant in its simplicity; only room for "Date_______" and "Urgent..." on this one (probably '60s). And the "Message Slip?" It's a pad Mom swiped from the hotel I'm assuming she stayed in during her short visit to Nepal in 1999.

There's lots of scratch paper in the boxes (and I do mean LOTS of scratch paper), not to mention lots of handwritten notes. And by Notes, I speak of the fondness Mom had for "Notes To Self, "sometimes on a daily basis. Not, of course, to be confused by her fondness for the other best sellers in the Vault which include "Shopping List" or the ever popular "To Do List."

It's remarkable finding these lists and notes, and lots of blank memo pads tucked away in many little corners of the Vault.

Stay tuned. More best sellers to be unearthed for sure.

#5 - Timing is everything

Well, I'm still trying to "rearrange" these boxes to make it easier to sort through them. As I'm prying through the one marked "Office To Sort" I spied this timely treasure (sorry for the camera phone resolution):



This is, of course, what every good Jewish mother not only HAS but HANGS ON TO just in case she'd need it again. I wonder why the Purple and Rose Shade tabs of color never got used (especially since Mom's favorite color WAS purple). And why is "Rose" the only "shade" in the bunch?

What year are these from? Let's see, 25 cents, full 5 digit zip code, and the fonts? I'm guessing from the '70's, but not much earlier. What with tomorrow being that day, what an "egg-cellent" discovery.

If only I was into Twitter... How many folks Tweet about Tweety?

#4 - Blast from the Past

There's nothing like finding something from your younger self. Amusing and enlightening.

My son just returned from a whirlwind college tour trip which included his first visit to New York City. How fitting that I stumbled upon this postcard from me at about the same age in time.

I had gone on my high school's senior drama class trip, and remember doing ridiculous things in NYC as a 16 year old at the time -- like walking down Broadway with two other students and no chaperone at 3 a.m., or, as I wrote home about on this postcard, "getting lost on the subway in the village at 10 p.m. Having fun."

Fun indeed.

#3 - Who Dat?

Here's another photo pried out of the Vault from one of the Muriel boxes.

I recognize the man on the left - it's my grandpa Harry. He was one of 14 kids, but my brothers and I never knew any of those relatives AT ALL (except for his sister, our Aunt Leona - she was the kissing aunt; everytime we saw her, she'd grab our face between her hands and kiss it repeatedly at least 5-10 times. We loved her).

Looking at this great old posed photo, I'm wondering "Who Dat?"

Who is this other guy with the smug look on his face sitting down on the chair? I'm guessing it's one of Harry's brothers, but I can't be sure and I have no idea which one.

I posed this question to the legions of cousins who are now connected on Geni.com (none of whom we ever knew about growing up). One of them replied he didn't know but he recognized the chair and believes he still has it in the family.

Funny how these things work.

#2 - How many degrees of separation are there?

Ok, here's the first Treasure unearthed yesterday. My Aunt Muriel - what a remarkable woman. In one of the Muriel boxes, there's a plethora of telegrams; REAL telegrams. I discovered this little Treasure and just about fell over. I mean, I know she worked with most of the Rat Packers, but who knew?

Glad this one made it into the Vault.

#1 - The Longest Journey Begins With A Single Step

Ok, I've thought about this often. Having become the caretaker of the Treasure-Vault of my Mom's things, I started the process many times. After Mom passed away (overseas, mind you) in January 2008, my siblings and I whittled her things down to 60 boxes. They've been in storage in my garage ever since.

Mom was a pack rat (not the newspapers up to the ceiling kind, but the dumpster diving garagesaleaholic kind). When I started going through some of these things, it was like opening a time capsule.

What makes us keep the ephemera we do?

Let's see if we can find out together.