My Blog

We Are The Original Junk Gypsies!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:42:00 -0400

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

This morning, I ran across the most fabulous, fun website. It is a melange of funky relics for home and fashion. Peace symbols from the '60's, Boho beads, tibetan bells, old pearls and religious medallions.There's bold and colorful turquoise and coral, glass and resin beads, chunky brass charms and gunmetal chain. All of which, make up this Bohemian mix.

I remember all of these things. Many are symbols of my own youth. I remember the layered crinoline pettycoats my sister and I wore. At Gypsyville, there are colorful nylon petticoats in psychodelic colors to wear with cowgirl boots and printed T-shirts with wise sayings in gothic font, paired with wide leather belts and big silver or brass buckles. So cool. I love the entire look.

What I find so appealing is that it is so familiar, yet so new and fresh. They have pulled together a cross-section of worldly relics. Included in the mix are fabrics from India, leather goods from the great American West, silk brocades from China, colorfully painted flowers from Mexico and boldly embroidered fabrics from Guatamala. The colors are clear and rich, such as "Moulin Rouge Red", "Rockstar Black", "Jimmy Hendrix Tattoo Blue", "Calamity Cowgirl Turquoise".

I remember flying to San Diego, in the sixties, as a flight attendant. On a side trip to Tiajuana, I bought a very large, very heavy, painted clay candelabra. I had to lug that thing over the border, on and off the plane, through two layovers and two days, before getting it home. For years, I kept it, because I loved it so, although it went with nothing I had at the time.

What's funny is that some things have stood the test of time. I think it's because they're authentic, hand crafted, original pieces of art, just as Bob Dylan's music. Now, I would place that gaily painted candelabra in my livingroom and have candles burning at every opportunity. Too bad it went by the wayside years ago. A lesson learned: never discard something you truly love, especially if it is handcrafted and/or an original.

Visit this terrifically fun site at: www.gypsyville.com

Happy Trails!

Talia Murphy

Is It Fate Or Kismet?

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:12:00 -0400

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

Recently, I was out with friends at a party and saw a man across the room. He was talking to some other people when he looked up and our eyes locked. What intrigued me was that there was some undefinable recognition, a connection, if you will.

The place was noisy and crowded and there was a band playing. I did something I don't ordinarily do, I went up to him and coaxed him to dance with me, which he did willingly and he was a great dancer! When the music stopped, I walked back to be with my friends. Later, I glanced around the room to see where he was and he was gone. I was terribly disappointed, but pushed it out of my mind and wrote it off to fate.

No more than a half hour later, he tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a card with his telephone number on it and asked that I call him the next day so that he could take me out to lunch. After much deliberation, and a torrential downpour that morning, I did not call. It was a Friday and he stayed in my thoughts on and off all weekend. By Monday afternoon, I couldn't contain myself. I was on the telephone.

We met the next day for lunch and I found him even more appealing and far more interesting than I had anticipated that I would. We both admitted to feeling the same magnetic attraction. Is it fate or is it kismet? What are we supposed to teach each other? Whatever it is will surely be revealed in time, I'm sure. Do you believe in destiny? Stay tuned.

Talia

Is Chemistry The Most Important Thing Even Now?

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:51:00 -0400

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

Just how important is chemistry in a relationship? I know everyone says picking a mate should be a logical, pragmatic process that makes sense, but I think there's something that goes beyond the logical, rational when choosing a love match.

If you don't feel that edge and don't look forward to seeing him or seem to fall into a general malaise after being with him for an entire evening, it's just time to move on. That may sound shallow to many, but for me, it seems to be the only option. Why waste their time and yours? Their next match could be with the person of their dreams, so let them move on!

At this point, I know how to make myself happy and I can support myself. So, if I spend time with someone, there has to be that spark. Why settle for someone that just takes up your time? It is just far too precious to waste.

If you do happen to fall madly in love and at some point must be their caretaker, then I think it will be far easier. Not that the loss will be easier, but that you'll want to hold them close and keep them around longer and they'll know that in their heart of hearts as well.

Happy Hunting,

Talia

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:47:00 -0400

How Far Have We Drifted?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:23:00 -0500

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

My routine in the morning begins with at least 30 minutes of leisurely sipping coffee while watching CNBC. It's important to me to hear what Joe and Becky and Carl have to say and get their spin on what the market will do.

This morning, I watched the taped interview of Bill Clinton by Becky Quick. The economy was economically stable under his Presidency, but I find it appalling how far we've drifted from the attributes once held sacred by our forefathers. You remember them, don't you? You know, honesty, hard work?

This seems to be a generation with no regard for consequences. Frankly, I think that's because no one seems to have had to feel the pain of their own choices, until recently, when all of the quick fixes ran out. I find it sad that the waning number of responsible citizens will have to shoulder the burdens of the many. I find it even more sad that there has been such pervasive dishonesty. Dishonesty in business and with oneself.

How do we reinvigorate a large part of this nation into becoming honest, responsible citizens? Maybe the downturn will be what saves us all. Without pain, do we really learn from our mistakes?

Talia

Let's Hang On To What We've Got...hey, wasn't that a song?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:47:00 -0500

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

Now is the time to savor and appreciate the many blessings we have. Whether it's family, a home, friends, a job, good health, good fortune, some money in the bank, whatever it may be for you. Be thankful and pull together with family and friends and celebrate the good times together. Make some memories! Good memories. Those have nothing to do with wealth or extravagance. Laugh and share.

We certainly have seen many changes in the world over the last few months and times are questionable as to what the future will bring. All we can do is keep our optimism and look to the future. Set some positive goals and stay connected with loved ones. Make the lives of those around us as pleasant as possible and help those who don't have as much.

Over the coming weeks, share your love and attention and time. It's a free gift to those we love, but invaluable.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Talia

What Will You Focus On In The New Year?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:49:00 -0500

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

The New Year is right around the corner. Lately, I've been wondering (with a little trepidation given the state of the economy) what is in store for me in the coming year. When I think about the changes in my life over the last year, I realize there were many. Funny how we take for granted the good as well as the bad and these events become a blur as they're woven into the fabric of our lives.

When I stop to take stock, I realize that I haven't properly expressed my gratitude for the abundance and good fortune that has been showered on me this year. My father, who was diagnosed with stomach lymphoma, was told he now shows no signs and has been restored to good health at 93. I will be a grandmother any day now and get to experience having a little girl after having raised only boys.

My family is all well as are my friends. I work with people I like and I have more time to express my creativity. This year, my plan is to take up photography and to learn Photoshop. It's a great way to train my eye to see the many wonders of nature and be able to share what I see.

We now have new leadership and I'm optimistic that our economy will stabilize and some of the systems that are broken will be scrutinized and repaired. I pray for peace throughout the world. What have been the significant milestones for you over the last year? Maybe you'll find there are more than you realized, as I did.

Happy New Year!

Talia

Buyer Beware, Especially This Christmas!

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:38:00 -0500

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

If you're like me, you love a bargain. This season should be a bargain hunter's delight, however, let me bring a few things into focus for you. Our economy has plummeted by historical numbers and there may well be a number of retail businesses going out of business after this holiday season.

Lately, my favorite gifting has been by gift cards. This year I don't plan to use that method as I don't know who is solvent and who isn't. If you want to be prudent, give cash this year or pass on lavish gifts altogether and give an I.O.U. of Time, Love, Laughter, A Specific Service.

For older family members, what about a gift of taking them to the movies, fixing something they can't do on their own or take them shopping at the supermarket and buy them groceries. With food costs skyrocketing, their fixed income isn't going as far as it once did.

For others, give the gift of time and attention and love. Have a party and celebrate by having good times together. Make some memories!

Talia Murphy

Going On An Inner Expedition

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:49:00 -0500

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Friends,

Are you an artist or did you ever aspire to become one? We're each artists of our own lives. The look we project shows others who we are. Our palette consists of the clothes we wear, how we adorn our homes and live our lives. All of these things express who we are and what we value.

In the creation of art, we choose how we wish to present our subject. We can bring the subject into focus or give it more drama by using a different angle. Why not experience that across the board? You can change your look, your style, even your inner landscape.

For the second half, I aspire to be more authentic in expressing myself and my art. Being authentic requires going on an inner expedition. Perhaps it requires changing my perspective and letting go of outdated attitudes. It's a lifelong journey of refocusing.

Talia Murphy

What We Must Do To Protect Our Family's Health

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:47:00 -0400

From the Desk of Talia Murphy

Dear Boomer Babes and Real Cougars,

I mourn for the children and families in China. How can a company knowingly put harmful ingredients in milk to save money? There have been more than 54,000 children that have become ill because melamine was added by suppliers. They did this to disguise the protein levels of watered down cow's milk causing kidney stones and other fatal complications.

As mothers and grandmothers, we must be vigilant when it comes to our children. We must demand that companies be honest and those that aren't must be exposed and prosecuted. Today with food costs accelerating, all families are trying to cut costs, but at a high price to our children and to ourselves. Costco will soon be carrying products produced by Naturally Iowa, Inc.

This company produces organic milk, drinkable yogurt and frozen yogurt. They have successfully found a process to sustain important probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Acidophilus (LA) and Bificobacterium and have found a way to keep these probiotics active for up to 60 days giving you and your children a healthier product.

Recently, they bought a company that produces biodegradible, environmentally friendly and sustainable bottles and packaging made from corn. What is so significant about this is that it will reduce the need for fossil fuels and reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. We need to speak out and demand more companies do the same by voting with our dollars in the stores.

Talia