Saturday, October 17, 2009

Signs for the Times

Have you ever seen a sign that you knew you had to have even if it meant creating it yourself? Remember my flea market buy for 50 cents (that I would gladly have paid up to 3 bucks for) "Raising Children is like being pecked to death by chickens"? On a piece of old lumber, painted white (sort of) with green edging (it could have been mold) and writing in black that you knew was done in a hospital for the mentally over the edge, I offered fifty cents to the irritated man standing on the other side of the table. He turned the little wall hanging over in his hands, handed it back to me (it was at that point that I got the splinter from hell jabbed in my finger) and called out to the harried looking lady still unloading the car, "hey hon...lady here says she'll give you 50 cents for the board." "TAKEIT" she screeched back. "May be the only sell we make today!" I think it was the blood on the board that made her agree so fast. Possibly afraid I had a lawyer in my pocket.

Well, its signs like that which catch my attention and put a glitter in my eyes (Mac calls it mania) that can make me smile all day. My mother once saw a cross stitch wall hanging in a friend's house that she talked about for ages. It was a screw standing on it's head, done in gold thread. Under it said "The Golden Years". So, Screw the Golden Years became her motto for life! I guess I got the bug of sign love from her. Some folks love tee shirt mottoes (my favorite is Maxine: if a man complains that you are smothering him you're not holding the pillow down hard enough) , and I do, too. But a hanging sign is there to remind you of what tickles your fancy all the time. My niece Sissy sent me a sign that hangs on my wall in the dining area. It reads Fresh Coffee (cup of steaming coffee pictured in the center) Only the Finest Served Here. What I love about this sign is that the words could refer to the fine coffee which I brew (you will never find instant coffee in your cup here) or the fine people to which it is served.

Okay, okay I do have a point which I am getting around to. I have seen a sign which I know that I must have and I may have to make it myself but I laughed so hard when it was first put before my eyes that I knew it was made for me. Or it will be. The wood panel is oval and about 10 inches in length by 7 inches in height. It has a separate round of plank about three inches in diameter. On one side is the word IN and on the other side the word OUT. Okay, so picture this in your mind. The oval plank is weathered (or stained to look that way) and the background is a witch on her broom...on the lower right hand corner is where you would hang the in or out medallion. So, visually you would see the witch on her broom then the medallion hanging to indicate that the witch is in (or the witch is out). I want this sign. No, I must have this sign. It will go perfectly with the one on the porch that reads "Siamese Cats mesmerize but Black Cats Rule".

60 comments:

larkswing said...

Oh that sign sounds wonderful! I think I too need one. It might let my stepkids know ahead of time my mood, that might help! hehe

Jinksy said...

Okay -- As long as a witch doesn't fly by and think you've signposted the way in for her...

Anonymous said...

You are a strange lady, but very necessary.

With me it isn't signs but Epitaphs. My favourite is one on a gravestone in Somerset that I read when I was quite young, set me on the path of headstone reading.
'Where ere you be let your wind blow free.
For it were the wind that killeth me.

Shadow said...

i pictured it.... and i WANT ONE TOO!!!!!!! heee heee heee, that is just perfect.

jabblog said...

I hope you get your wish - if not, cast a spell.

Jeni said...

I love those signs and sayings too on tee shirts and such. I had a tee shirt years ago with a little old lady standing in front of one of those hot air hand dryers and she is holding her skirt up while lifting her leg in front of the dryer. The saying underneath is "Save Paper!" I also had a tee shirt that said "Live long enough to be an irritation to your children." My older daughter hated that one but I loved it -thought it quite appropriate, ya know!

Shrinky said...

Oh, yours is the type of house I would just love to have a meander through - lots and lots of interesting tit-bits, pieces of wisdom and wry, sweet humour, that innocently deacks out the place; a whole hotch-potch of lovingly gathered hangings and conversation pieces that makes your house uniquely your home.

Er, thing is, I only drink instant.. can I, um, bring my own?

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Now I know what I always suspected. You are totally barking mad. Welcome to my world.

Nessa said...

Oh, I want the sign too. I will be stealing the idea.

Come Visit Silly Saturday

granny grimble said...

Hi Sandi,
Sorry I haven't been around. All is explained in my new blog.
I have missed so many of yours that I can't leave comment on them all now, it's all too late. I have just backtracked and read them though and was so sad to read about your dog. It is so painful when pets leave us. I have
lost two of my cats in under a year and now only have one left. I watch him like a hawk, just in case!

i beati said...

Everytime this sign rots in the weather I make another"Weeds for sale 50 cents a bunch- you pull your own"

Rosaria Williams said...

How long are you keep that sign visible? Go ahead, it's a keeper for all seasons.

Sally said...

Oh how cute. I love signs also, and have one a friend made for my mother that reads:

Take care of your garden
Keep out the weeds
Fill it with sunshine
Kinds words and kind deeds

:)

Love Bears All Things said...

Sounds like a winner to me. And I loved all the story leading up to it.

My black cat is currently under his blanket in the middle of the sofa between Honey Bear and me. He thinks he owns us and the house.
Mama Bear

Lee said...

LOL That sign would indeed get lots of chuckles and notice. Go for it, Sister! I've got one on my wall that says, "This house is protected by ferocious fur balls."

Hugs!
Lee

Maggie May said...

For you its signs...... for me it is fridge magnets that have little quotes on them.
My latest says.....*We made this house childproof, but they're still getting in*!

I think your IN -OUT sign would be good and I love the fur balls on Lee's comment!

Nuts in May

Terri Steffes said...

Here is my most recent favorite sign:

Don't make me use my broom.

Cathy said...

Hello Sandi
"Dull women have immaculate houses" and "My idea of house work is to sweep the room with a glance"
Both hang near the back dooor where I can see them on my way out lol
Take care
Cathy

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Oh, yes, yes, yes!!! Love your love of signs! And your great idea!!! ♥

Jeanne said...

I love all of those!

SandyCarlson said...

I love that sign. I can't wait until you get it!

Anonymous said...

You must get that sign! Why not?

Anonymous said...

I loved your blog and all the comments. I have a sign in my kitchen that says "I believe in Miracles." and I have a stone jar right below it that says "Miracles". We have had it a while. When my children were younger I filled the jar with little jobs, 'sweep the floor, set the table, fill the dishwasher, etc. and I made them choose one each day. They said that is no miracle and I said if you do it it is.
QMM

Anonymous said...

oops I forgot the "I believe in Miracles", plaque was given to me by my best friend many years ago who's last name was Miracle. She is in heaven now.
QMM

Zuzana said...

My mother has always believed in signs and I try to always pay attention to them around me:)
I love the sign you describe, it made me laugh.;) It has a sort of an unusual humour; I hope you will get it.;) xo

NitWit1 said...

I have a friend who would love such a sign....Hmmm, so might my husband!

Donna said...

Ger er Done Girl and then get a snap of it!! Sounds FUN!!hughugs

Hilary said...

Very cute. I sure hope you find your sign. Try a Google Image search for..
"the witch is in" sign

Janice said...

I have that sign!!! A few years ago we were at a flea market and saw a sign that said "the witch is in and she's casting spells". My husband commented that the witch comes to his house once a month (talking about my PMS). Well its been a big joke ever since and my friends found a sign
like you are talking about and give it to me! They also give me a sign that says "If the Broom Fits"!!!

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I love it. I wish you a great week my friend...m..

CatHerder said...

Love it! Especially the last one...I dont know how true it is, i have to ask my boss, but i was told that all black cats carry a Siamese gene. I know Salem is definately a black siamese..i find myself scoping out all the black cats that come into work now lol..i keep forgetting to ask the doc, but a woman from one of the rescues told me that once.

Candy said...

I have stitched the first one about chickens...to funny in deed. Great story to go along with it. That's the way it is sometimes...painful events make for funny stories after the healing.
You are so funny ;-)and great idea for the garden chairs. Seen um but haven't made one...yet.
Blessings!

Akelamalu said...

I love all the signs you mention.

I have this vision of your house now - signs everywhere! LOL

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Sandi: What a neat post on the signs you have.

Merisi said...

May I place my order right now,
in case you start painting more than one? ;-)

Thank you for the chuckle, Sandi!

I hope the cold spell in your parts was only a momentary laps by the weather gods!

Dr.John said...

Canh I get one that says Wizard instead of witch?

Maude Lynn said...

I've seen that! But, I can't remember where!

Carver said...

Fun post about signs. Another blogger shot one that said, "forget the dog, beware the human", that's the one I want. Cheers!

SandyCarlson said...

I saw one yesterday: Three out of every four people make up 75% of the population.

This was very funny painted on scrap metal as if it were wisdom.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I enjoyed reading about all the signs you mentioned Sandi. :-)

I have a couple of signs in my home ....one is the shape of a chicken and says "Kitchen closed - this chick has had it!" and my avorite sign is one tnat says "Do something every day that makes you happy"

Beth P. said...

You may have your retirement funding planned out here...

Can you make me one too?

This made me grin. Thanks!

♥ Braja said...

I like the smothering one :)))

Lynne said...

Hope to see it when you get it/make it.

Country Cottage Chic said...

One of my favourites is "Dull women have immaculate homes"....so, I'm defintely not dull then!

;-)
Jayne

cheshire wife said...

Belated Happy Anniversary!

That witch sign sounds very appropriate for the time of year with Halloween around the corner. When you get it perhaps you could let us see it.

Suldog said...

Pretty cool. My favorite was given me years back - and I wish I still had it. It read, "Horse sense is what a horse has that keeps him from betting on people."

Pseudo said...

My favorite sign is in my favorite coffee shop on the North Shore.

"Any children left unattended will be given a free puppy and a shot of espresso."

Jinksy said...

Just came back to see if there was another post...but not yet, eh? However, I suddenly remembered a sign that used to hang on the wall in our toilet in the 1940's long before the words altered in meaning... It read 'All the world's queer, save me and thee...and even thee's a little queer'. Probably wouldn't be allowed to have such a sign on display, these days! :)

Diva's Thoughts said...

I love signs too!!! Thoses are some pretty good ones my dear! lol

Cheffie-Mom said...

LOL!! One of my favorite signs is DESSERTS spelled backwards is STRESSED!!

Unknown said...

Hi there :) Just wanted to drop by and say thanks for thinking of me. I actually posted a big long blog and then something happened and I lost it. Do you have a Facebook?
All is well.. kids are growing!! How are you and your family doing?

Denise said...

I love love love this post.. Just what I needed tonight.. It seems that the Lord always takes me to the places that brings joy to my aching heart.. I laughed out loud tonight and I thank you for that..... I love the sign!!!!!

Pondside said...

I hope you get that witch sign! I have a thing for signs too - but the sort of collection that is all in my memory bank, especially those signs translated to English in other countries.

Anya said...

You deserved your wish :))))
Lovely post
(@^.^@)

Anonymous said...

I have a kitchen wall full of silly signs. Yours sounds great.

CJ xx

Trubes said...

I like the last one about the Siamese Cats.
Another hillarious article Sandi!

Di.x

P.S. Hope you're keeping well, I've a new postup on my site which i think you may enjoy.Dx

Merisi said...

Hello, girl!
I hope sunny weather and warmer temperatures are back and your tomatoes still thriving!
Cheers,
M.

Mockingbird Hill said...

Dearest Sandi...
I did a post on exactly this same topic! I love signs and always think a small piece of unexpected whimsy is a good thing. :)

My favorite sign? Actually I have 2: "No Brain, No Headache" and "Wonder Kitchen: If Anything's Cooking, It's A Wonder".

Cassie

Anonymous said...

you saw my "The Witch is Out" sign hanging on my front porch didn't you? Haha... I love that sign. Found at a garage sale for 50 cent. I slammed the front door the other day and it fell and broke...darn it, but I will use it anyway...unless you want it. xo

Anonymous said...

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