A Few of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens... I think you know where I'm going with this. 

Of course, these were just a few of Julie Andrews'  favorite things in one of my all time favorite movies, The Sound of Music.   I could watch this movie a million times and I love this legendary song too. 

         

I got a chance to watch this wonderful 1965 movie again recently.  Don't you just love revisiting old favorites?   While my musical ear and prose are hardly on par with the the likes of Rodgers and Hammerstein, I thought it would still be fun to deviate from crafts and do something different this time around by sharing a few of my favorite things.

Now, my list would be far too long if I included family and friends, so I'm just sticking with "things".  So, here they are in no particular order, starting with my porky kitchen resident-Sir Piggy Chef.

        

When I was younger, I used to see this little green jewelry box sitting on my grandmother's dresser.  I always admired it and remember wishing I had a little china box like this to store my special things. 

My mom mailed me this beautiful box several years ago, not long after my grandmother passed away.  I cherish it and today and it's filled with my own tiny treasures.  Whenever I open it, I think of my grandmother.

I just love vintage finds and you can count this little beaded bag among my favorites.  While antique shopping one day, I came across this wonderful bag sitting on a bottom shelf covered with lots of other not-so-pretty bags. 

The beaded detail is beautiful.  When I initially picked the bag up to admire it, another shopper behind me said, "oh, that's so lovely, you don't want it do you?"   You can see how I answered that question.

OK, I'll admit it.  I have a weakness for fabric, patterned paper and MAGAZINES.  The picture below features some (but not all) of my favorites, which are always filled with tons of information and inspiration. 

I can't possibly be the only one out there who has a hard time purging magazines, right? 

I'm sure these two small wooden dressforms have an ultimate purpose.  I just haven't figured out exactly what that is yet.  Still this duo is on my list of favorites and at the very least I can always find a needle in a hurry if needed.

          

My mother made this Raggedy Ann doll for me when I was about 7-years old.  I've always loved it and this doll has seen her share of the world too because I've dragged her with me everywhere I've lived.

Perhaps it was this handmade doll that ultimately set me on the path to making my own Raggedy Anns with a jellybean-colored twist, which you can see if you click here.   

While this sweet doll in the photo below has obviously gone a little flat over time, that doesn't make her any less special to me.  Thanks Mom!

        

When it comes to old movies, you already know the Sound of Music is up there among my favorites.  Well, you can add these two movies too.   First up, The Parent Trap with Haley Mills.  It's one of those films you just never outgrow. 

I love that scene when Maureen O'hara comes downstairs to meet her ex-husband's new much younger fiance.  Of course, the fiance and her mother are expecting to see a dowdy old matron.  Instead they see a gorgeous, modern mom who deliberately "mistakes" the elder mother for the young fiance. 

That's the funniest scene in the movie and of course, who doesn't love Haley Mills?

Second up, check out Anne of the Thousand Days  for some fantastic Old World drama.  It's a great period film loaded with lavish and Oscar winning costumes.  The movie centers around King Henry XIII's fateful obsession with Anne Boleyn and the movie wonderfully dramatizes their stormy relationship. 

Richard Burton, portrays Henry.  I've always loved his voice.  You can see why Liz married him twice. 

     

You may remember first meeting the little kitty in the photo below when I shared my log cabin quilt project last year.  Her name is Clarice, and she gets a nod mostly because she's so cute and quiet and she never needs a litter box. 

While house guests always delight in how real she looks, my twin sister says this feline really "creeps" her out.  Sorry animal lovers, Clarice is made of rabbit fur.

Unabridged books on tape are a great way to "read" the book, while you're getting other things done.  Trust me, if you ever get stuck in Chicago rush hour traffic, books on tape really come in handy.   

Below are a few of my favorites including Shopgirl which is written and read by comedian Steve Martin.   Al Gore's, The Assault on Reason is intelligent and thought-provoking and a final favorite is the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.  I hated the movie version of the Da Vinci Code, but I love the audio book so much, I've listened to it several times. 

Yes, I do have a sweet tooth and these always hit the spot.  Yummy!  You've heard the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" right?  I think the picture below speaks for itself.

Speaking of sweet.  Aren't these the sweetest little birds?  You may have already noticed, I have an affinity for birds and birdhouses.  I bought these birds many years ago from a mail order catalog called Garden Gate.  Anyone else remember that catalog?  

         

 

I'm not much into worshiping golden idols, but I have to make an exception with this golden statuette in the photo below.  I won this Midwest Regional Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence for my television news reporting at NBC in Chicago. 

Hey, who needs Oscar-when you have Emmy?

         

Finally, how many of you have an item of clothing that you just can't part with, no matter how hard you try?  That's how I feel about this white linen sport shirt. Since there was no one else around to take a picture for me on this day, I just snapped this one myself in a mirror. 

I've had this shirt for at least a decade.  Yes, a decade.  Every time I wear it, my husband just shakes his head and suggests the shirt will soon suffer a mysterious demise.  So far, he has yet to make good on that innuendo.

When the dog bites,  when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad-I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad. 

Here's hoping your world is filled with plenty of your favorite things.

MUSIC UP/SLOW DISSOLVE/FADE TO BLACK.

Comments

Thanks for one's marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and will often come back later on. I want to encourage you continue your great posts, have a nice morning!

Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will come back later in life. I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice morning!

[Sherry]

Wow! I love your blog. I love the quilt, the pear, and I can't believe you still have the Raggedy Ann doll your mother made you. How special. And I love your version of the doll, too.

[stephanie]

i love the parent trap and i love the sound of music. favorites from my childhood that my family always watched and enjoyed!

[Tina]

I love your list. You may just have inspired me to do a "Favorite Things" post of my own.

We're a lot alike, us two!

[Lovlee Tang]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your favorite things!! :-) I love reading blogs and learning about people and the things that inspire them!
Take Care, and Keep on Creating!

www.simplylovlee.blogspot.com
www.wifeworkingmommyartist.blogspot.com

[Laura]

Your posts are always so enjoyable. I miss you on the news!

You're so darn creative! Thanks for sharing your favorite things. The dress forms are beautiful. Love the little green box too.

[gena]

What a wonderful post, Lisa! We share an affinity for similar things. And the magazine purge is so painful - mine have been sitting at the front door awaiting their exit for days! Favorite clothing as well. I love the way you tell a story and your photographs are always beautiful. I hope you're having a great three day Chicago weekend. ta ta.

[Toni from NC]

Great post, Lisa. Love the beaded purse...and, especially, the jelly-bean dolls.

[britt-sparkledvintagecharm]

great post! I hope you have a fantastic weekend!! big hugs!! xo Britt :-)

[Sheree]

Hey!!!

Oh, I am finally getting chance to stop by...it has been a while. Loved this post..we share so many favorite things.

Off to read more!
Sheree

[Violet]

What a fun post, thank you for all of the delights! I loved seeing some of your favorite things. Items that have such meaning and that are cherished hold so many memories...

[Missy Severson]

Love the pig!! And I, too, LOVE The Parent Trap!
Missy

[Sarah Keith]

cute blog! I love butterfingers and "these are a few of my favorite things" song!

[alison]

De-lurking to say thank you for such a gorgeous, happy post!x

[Barb]

Wow -

Those were more than a FEW of your favorite things, Lisa - rotfl! You kept me scrolling and scrolling and SCROLLING. And all your things are unique and awesome. Hmmm - you've got me thinking!

One of my favorite things is a doll my Gramma made. See, she made these clown like dolls for a long time, over a thousand of them before she passed away. They had little vinyl booties with elastic sewn in, and the hands had mitts on with velcro, so kids could slip the elastic on their shoes, and put the hands together, loop the arms around their necks and DANCE. However, I got one of Gramma's Red Riding Hood dolls. Looks like red riding hood, with long dress and cape on. Turn her upside down, pull the dress down, there's GRANNY - complete with apron and glasses and a bonnet - then pull up the back of the bonnet and there's the furry face of the BIG BAD WOLF! truly.

Thanks for making me think of this - its such a happy memory. Gramma's dolls were sold all over the world {one by one, word of mouth from her home here in Canada and all the money went to charity!}

~ Barb

PS - LOVE your blog!

[SewDelish]

Lisa, You have definitely brought back a ton of memories with this post! I love the sound of music, and I was just telling my DD about Parent Trap the other day!
Well done on your Emmy, I had no idea you were a reporter!

That beaded handbag is gorgeous! If you ever need someone to look after it for you I would be more than happy to volunteer! :)

xx

[malphi]

Lisa,
I loved reading through your favourite things...especially because I adore The Sound of Music! must have watched it about twenty thousand times, life would be perfect if we all lived like that. The mini dress forms also caught my eye and well done you with that award. Lovely blog as always,
Susannah

[Spotted Sparrow]

Oh, that box and the doll forms are wonderful! The fact that the box has such a special meaning for you makes it even more beautiful. I must admit, the cat creeps me out also (I thought it was real!).

BTW, I listen to audio books when going to bed. It's like having someone read you a bedtime story. :)

[beth]

oh i just loved your post , so funny my favorite movie of all time is PARENT TRAP !! I just adore that movie !!! and of course Sound of Music too - i even have my son singing some of the songs !!
thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a sweet comment on my work !!!
I love your blog !!!
xo,
beth

[kelly henderson]

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Lisa. I just love yours. I'm smiling at the table runner-- I have the exact same one! Big Julia Andrews fan here too-- we watch the princess Diaries over and over. I think they'll be a classic one day too. Your Raggedy Ann is priceless-- especially since your Mom made it for you. Lovely. My old Raggedy Ann sits in my studio. And an Emmy, Wow!
Thanks so much for sharing a part of your life.
Take care,
Kelly

[Tiff@Three Peas]

WOW Love this post. You and I are cut from the same cloth i think. I love the Parent Trap, Sound of Music too. My other favorite is Jane Eyre. Love that movie! I'm going to have to see if i can find the other one you were talking about. That will be a nice one to watch when the boys are in bed and hubby is out with his friends.

[Lisa D.]

Wow, I loved this post...however, it wasn't until I read your mother's words that touched me the most...thank you for sharing a part of you with the world...and I too have some of my grandmother's treasures. Luv, luv, luv your doll :-)

[jeannette]

Hi there! I enjoyed your favorite things and I too am a magazine junkie! I shudder to think how much I've spent over the years! I have 3 scrapbooks with just my very favorite pictures I've torn! Anyway, Congratulations on your Award. That isn't something all of us can post!lol I always enjoy your blog. Have a great week - Sincerely, Jeannette

[Ravenhill]

I love butterfingers too! (I can't eat them though- I gave up sugar a few years ago.) :)Your favorite things are all so lovely. I adore magazines too and buy more than I have time to read... Very bad....

[frenchgardenhouse]

What a fun post. Lots of great favorites. :)
Many are mine too (Sound of Music, Butterfingers,Raggedy Anns, etc. The cat? Not so much, I'm with your sister on that one)

Tell your husband the shirt is a "classic" and an "investment piece"...:)You can still wear it for a few more decades.
xo Lidy

[Abbie]

I love the Sound of Music and Parent Trap as well. Oldies but goodies!

[Joni Webb]

hi - Parent Trap!!! My favorite - I saw the original when I was a little girl in the theatre. My idol was Haley Mills for years and years!

Thanks for your support for Donors Choose!

Much appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Joni

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Such a fun post, Lisa! My kids watched the Parent Trap too (both the old and new version). Fun when you can pass on some favorites to your kids too.

Congrats on that Emmy, wow, I had no idea I was friends with an Emmy award winner! Not surprised though, you are a talent!

Happy day,
Melissa

[Glenda]

Thought I'd come over and see what you've been up to and found a lot of things you love I love. I watch TCM all the time and I just love older movies far more than the newer ones.

I'll have to come back again and explore some more.

Ciao

[traci]

hi lisa. great post. love finding out peoples favorite things - it's such and insight into a person's heart. first of all, i hate to admit that i have never seen Sound of Music. that's just wrong huh? i think i need to rent that. love the little trinket box of your grandma's. how special. and the mini dress forms are great. i too love butterfinger - those and mounds bars - yum!! how exciting is that emmy. i am an nbc 5 girl - always have been - and i use to watch you on tv. so it's pretty fun to be blogging with you now. thanks for the peek into the heart of lisa - it was wonderful!

[Bunny Cates]

I just wanted to say thank you. I love your blog, and have so many of your older posted "favorited" so I can try them myself. So, THANK YOU. Keep up the great projects and taking the time to share them with us.

[Sasha]

I love that movie ... nice finds

[maryann]

wow! I love ur favorite things : ) you just made my friday a happy one , have a great weekend.

maryann

[Julie]

I remember watching The Parent Trap at the theater when I was a kid. I still love that movie and like to sing-a-long when the girls do, "Let's Get Together". :) I get so nostalgic when I watch Sound of Music. Sometimes it's hard to see, but it's one of the best movies ever made...I love the Raggedy Ann your mom made you. I have a handmade fabric doll made in the 60's by my mum. She's precious to me, too! This was a fun list to read with great pics!

[Gabriela Delworth]

Hello, I am back!

Every time I visit I find your blog more and more beautiful. Look at your awesome banner! Love it!
And this music is lovely...

~ Gabriela ~

[Stephanie Dunphy]

My two very favorite treasures you shared are the beautiful green treasure box from your grandmother and your beloved Mom-made raggedy ann doll. How special. OK...I can't seem to throw away flannel pj bottoms. It takes a few years to break them in and eventually I have to cave in and sadly get rid of them when they're so thin they only have one side! I couldn't put the DaVinci Code down and opted not to watch the movie at all. Love Parent Trap and many old movies...especially Pillow Talk with Doris Day. I love old things and lolling around flea markets and antique stores. Lots of discoveries waiting to be made.

[Bobbi]

Couldn't agree more on The Sound of Music. So much so that our 16 year old daughter is named Liesl!

[Christine]

And congrats on your award :)

[Christine]

This is one of my favorite movies and now one of my son's favorites! We sing this song and he loves the"Cuckoo song" Andres sings "you are sixteen going on seventeen " to me which cracks me up. My mother had the record and I use to listen to it as a kid. I always looked forward to the movie when it was on the television~although I was surprised to learn that the movie didn't end when they got married . Our parents sent us to bed after that, so for years I assumed that's when the movie ended..lol
OK. I'm babbling..oh and Parent trap was another favorite! That green box of your is so beautiful as is the doll your mom made for you:) The butterfingers,Da Vinci code..favs of mine too.
What a fun post, Lisa~

[Angela (Cottage Magpie)]

OMG, I'm totally impressed with your Emmy. In my other (non-blog) life, I'm an aspiring screenwriter! Funny how worlds collide.

Meanwhile, though, I'm a HUGE fan of the Parent Trap and many of the Disney movies of that vintage. And I love your dressforms. I just love how certain things really speak to you no matter what. Thanks for sharing!
Best,
~Angela :-)

[nance]

Ohhh, that jewelry box from your grandma is so precious! I never get tired of the Parent Trap and Sound of Music too, they are classic! We have a video of those two.

[Kristi]

Oh, Lisa, you might know my friend I mentioned in my last comment, she worked at NBC 5 in Chicago from 1997-2000 as a producer. Her first name is Janye. Unusual spelling, so you may catch on from that "clue." LOL! Do you know her? She is the sweetest person. And I confirmed that she did win Emmys in 07 and 08. Couldn't happen to a nicer person.

[Kristi]

OK, how lucky am I? This is my second "brush" with someone who has won an Emmy. I recently found a dear friend I went to grade school through high school with (in a Chicago suburb) on Facebook. When I "found" her, she was a (two time I think) Emmy award winning Executive Producer at NBC Universal in San Diego. She is currently working at CNN in Atlanta.

Anyway, the item you listed that touched me the most was the little box of your grandma's. I have a rocking chair of my grandpa's that I will treasure forever. I know how it feels to have such a treasure!

[Missy]

Loved seeing your favorite things...my daughter sang this song once for a beauty pagent. I too have a HUGH stash of magazines that I can't part with. E.very now and then I pass a few on, but only after I copy the pages that I can't live without.

[speckled egg]

What a coincidence! I just did a "Sound of Music" inspired post on my blog also! LOVE your work!

[Nikki Brey]

I always knew you were great and that you were a special person and you won an Emmy! What the heck? I love it!

[Debbie]

Your Mom's comment was so sweet. Thanks for sharing your favorite things. And an Emmy? WOW! Your talents never cease.

[berta]

Great post! Some of your favorites are mine too. I have a collection of tiny boxes, sadly none were my G-ma's. I am also glad to see some one else has as many and as much trouble parting with magazines =) I still have the raggady ann I made in 7th grade sewing and a little crocheted doggy a great aunt made over 50 years ago. And parent trap is one of my all time fav's too! Congrats on the Emmy too!

[Karla]

You have some wonderful favorites Lisa! The little jewel box is wonderful even more so because of the special memories it holds. I feel this way about many of my grandmother's things and as she advances in age I realize how these items will take an even more special meaning one day.

Congrats on the Emmy! I work at a university and one of our employees recently won one for some documentary work - it was exciting to get to hold it and see it in person!

Karla

[Elaine Tutman]

This post made me cry. I did not know you still had that old Raggedy Anne doll that I made so many years ago. It in no way compares to the lovely dolls that you create. And to see my mother's little china jewelry box cherished - well, thanks for a memorable post. Love, Your Mother Woman

[Amy @ parkcitygirl]

I love this post! It's so fun to have a glimpse into others lives via favorite things :) I too love The Sound of Music and Parent Trap - I have managed to pass these movie fav's to my girls too - woohoo!

[Kim]

What a fun post and wow- an Emmy!?! How cool is that?

[Jen Davis]

This is my absolute FAVORITE post...so fun and just simply lovely! Thanks for the smile and all the little delights that you threw in, I'm thinking that I'm going to have to do a post on my "favorite things" now.

Thanks again! =)

[adrienne]

What a great post! I too LOVE magazines and have a very hard time getting rid of them!!

[Kaja]

Who doesn't love "Sound of music". One of my favorite films that always makes me happy is "Much ado about nothing" (sing hey nonny nonny!)

So nice to see your favorite things. I might consider doing something like this in my blog one day too...

//Kaja

[Jen R Sanctuary arts at home]

Hey, you're on the news??!!! Holy cow! When are you on?!! I'll watch it. I had no idea. Very cool. Congrats on your regional Emmy! You are busy! I loved the Parent Trap too. I always watch it when it comes on and my favorite part is when they go camping. That and the Original Freaky Friday. I used to love to watch all of those family classics and wonderful world of Disney's. I kind of wish they had it on now so i could share it with my kids. :)