The 'Happy' Scare Crow...

Liz just cracks me up! So 'spur of the moment'...dare I say, she flies by the seat of her pants... {wonder where she gets that from...}

The Scare Crow...

Rescued Mary...

Jeff and Nichole brought me out Mary, and 2 solid Marble Holy Water Founts, today... They came from a church in southern Iowa, that was torn down 25 years ago... They have been locked away, in a semi trailer, all those years... Mary's beautiful glass eyes, I am sure, were glad to see the light of day... Her paint is chipping, and almost gone, but She still has a lot of Soul...

A 'God' Thing...

You know, once you see things...you really do... I was so blessed, with a call today, from my friends Jeff and Nichole... They don't call often, we collect entirely different things, way different! The call was really cool, Jeff said, I saw these things at an auction today, and it was a 'God' thing... I knew I had to call you... hmmm. Then my daughter, Liz popped out, wanted me to do her 'face' and costume, tonight,{ Liz decided this, at 4:00 today...} she wanted to be a 'Scare Crow', like the one in the 'Wizard of Oz', {her favorite, all time movie... like me with'Gone With the Wind!} I couldn't remember what he looked like, so we got on the computer, and here is 'Over the Rainbow' playing.... Ya know, I had written earlier today, about 'Rainbows'... It truly is a 'God' Thing....

Barb C.

The Kids' House has Closed....

I know I have been kind of 'weird', for the past several months... Those that know me well, know I am just plain 'weird', all of the time... My life, it seems has been a Major 'roller coaster' ride, for really, the last 3 years... I attribute this, to my growing Faith... I know that seems strange.... But with every swoop, and dramatic, weightless drop...have also come blessings...immeasurable blessings... Now I could stand here, and list every hard blow, one by one, but what does it really matter... The point I am trying to make is this...With every hard knock, so comes a blessing... If you open your eyes, and look for them, even tho you may be hurting, or even crushed... Don't let those dark moments, steal your joy... You may suffer financial difficulties, betrayals, loss of a loved one, poor health and even loss of self.... Don't give up... I have learned, for everything, there truly is a season... When enduring raging storms, it is very difficult, to see the glimpse of a rainbow...It is there... {it may be in the opposite direction, that we have been focusing on, and come from a place you never would have dreamed... just as quickly as the disappointments, also attacked, in a split second, from places you never could have imagined...} We must have patience, and Faith...} The important thing to remember is, keep moving... I can not tell you, how many times, I wanted to do nothing more, than sit in the recliner, eat M&Ms, and channel surf, for my true friend, Sponge Bob... I made myself move...and every time I felt I was a my lowest point, I would receive a call from a friend, or receive an encouraging comment, on my blog, or even meet a stranger, who would give me the message I needed to hear... I swear by 'Streams in the Desert', it has carried me through, by teaching me to 'see' these blessings, more and more...everything truly happens for a reason... This 'house' journey, has been a real walk with God... I have struggled with so many emotions, this entire summer, well, it all seems like a blurr...I feel like a student, who has just graduated, after a long, long session. I believe I see many things more clearly, and have grown a lot. For a while, this summer, I felt as tho, my house was built on shifting sand... and the strong columns, I reached out to cling to, were crumbling at my feet... As I stood there patiently, and bewildered, the Lord truly opened my eyes... what a huge blessing... I now know which Column will stand, through it all. The Kids are moving into THEIR new home, today...Baby due, any minute... An old friend, once told me, " God is never late..." I knew this all along... When I turned it all over to God...He put everything into the correct hands, ones that are truly beyond reproach.... The Kids have started their own journey, now.... It's for them to make or break... We all have a road we must walk, and endure many painful situations. Without them, well, I'll say it again, "It's the weights on the Old Grandfather Clock, that make it go...", and the most beautiful roses, would never be as grand, without some pretty severe pruning... Life has some painful circumstances, but if you never endure them, you could not grow, into the best you can be... I thank God, for all the rocky roads he has sent my way. {my feet are getting pretty tuff} My mind's a little foggy, { life has truly been intense, for sometime...} I think the most baffling thing, has been the enlightenment... all I can say is WOW...Maybe all the 'hard knocks' were the blessings... { I don't belong to any organized religion, as you see, I believe in God, and speak to Him throughout the day... He has carried me... and continues to do so... I slip and fall, make lots of mistakes, smoke, drink too much wine, occasionally, and stand on my 'soap boxes' more than I should... I wish the best for all, and pray for those who are enduring a crooked path...and have faith, that they too will see the Rainbow...} Barb C.

To Lori {altered glass}

Sweet Lori 'Boo-ed' me on her blog... how sweet that talented little soul is...I love this blog...I have met soo many wonderful spirits here... They have listened, supported, encouraged, and fed my spirit. Lori has asked me to name some of my favorite blogger Buds... Just look at who I follow... I love them all, for so many reasons... If you go to their blogs, I think you will understand... Barb C.

Good Folks...

In the center, is my dear friend, John...on the left, his Mother, Jan, and right, his Darling Sister, Kay... The came for an afternoon stroll, through the disaster area,{my shop} and we had a nice visit... I have known John, for many years...and a kinder, gentler soul, you will never find... He used to own a wonderful Steakhouse, in Cedar Rapids, and was struck down, with a virus, that attacked his heart... We nearly lost him... He could no longer run the Steakhouse, it took him a long, long time to recover... He does woodworking, and carpentry, now... or did... When he jumped out of his pick up, I noticed he was wearing boots... ah, no, a boot... a walking cast... He was helping his Dad, early this spring, up high on a ladder, fell, his leg was caught in the ladder, he didn't know it, until he stood up, that the bones in his leg, went through his flesh, and straight into the ground... it was a horrific, compound fracture... He was sent to Iowa City, and they saved his leg... The doctors said, with this kind of a break, it usually calls for an amputation... Oh my.... Does John complain... Nope... Always a smile, on this kind Mans face...What a Guy... His Sister, Kay, is also in the restaurant business. I have got to get to one of them! Her specialty is Home Made Pies.... She has one restaurant, "Country Junction", in Dyersville, Iowa, and one in Independence, Iowa, "Homestead"... I can't wait! She decorates them with 'Family' Antiques, as well as fun treasures she finds, out and about! I don't get up that way much, these days, but I intend to take a 'road trip' soon, just to sample some pie! She says everything is 'home cooked', and that sounds wonderful to me... I spend so much time on the road, fast food, simply doesn't cut it... The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, their Mom, Jan seemed to have a good time diggin' around the Shop, and harvested one of my favorite 'potato mashers'. I use one just like it, at home, it's about 100 years old, and I have never found one that works better! It was really good to see them... John is so inspiring... I whine and complain, about a 'tweaked' back, and you would never hear a peep out of John...Priceless. 'til next time, Barb C.

Cool Stuff! {Gears are Turnin'!}

I was blessed with some fun, Gnarly stuff today! The Fountain arrived early this morning....Nope, it's not 100 years old, and not even concrete! But the look, oh yea... and it's about 30 years old, and is fiber glass, so it could be a wonderful mascot, at shows!!!! The cool Light Post, is also around 30 or so years old, and is joined by 2 others, so there are a set of 3, they came from a restaurant, in Cedar Rapids... Perfect for the Greenhouse! And Christmas! What fun all of these gatherings will be for the Holidays! The fountain would be AMAZING filled with greenery and Ornaments!!!! The Fun Never Ends!!! Barb C.

Oh, My Polly...Who Could Stay Mad...

My Polly, she is such a sweetie, but one big 80 pound ball of muscle! When she says 'Go!', you go...and so goes your back! {she thinks she's human, french, windsor, or wing back...they all belong to Polly...}

Oh, my aching back...

I am on the 'gimpy' side today... I let Polly out, yesterday morning, put her on a leash, for a walk, and she was soo excited, she spun me around, and I really wrenched by back... It wasn't too bad, til I attempted to get up this morning.... I popped the 'Antiquer's Dream Pill' {Aleve} right away, and hope it will take hold soon....{ I can't go up and down stairs, or hardly walk....} I can't believe, after all the concrete, and massive furniture, I lug around, all it takes is a twist, to bring me to my knees! I had John put the coverlets up, to get pics, this morning...{He was overjoyed...} A gal from Michigan called, and inquired about them... hope this answers her question. I went to Amana, yesterday, and looked at one dated 1835, in Mustard, Red and Blue... I'm waiting on a price. I received a call, from Steve, who has 'Urban Country', in CA. I was in Iowa City, so they are going to pop in today, on their way to Chicago... These Guys are the Coolest Cats! They set up in Nashville, too, and are a riot! They have some very 'Funky' stuff! I can't wait to see them! {if I can make it to the shop...} I'm going to go soak in the tub, and see if I can get loosened up... 'til next time, Barb C.

Beautiful 'Blue and White' Coverlet {click on image, to enlarge}

This Coverlet is quite old, but not dated. It is seamed down the middle, and condition is very good.... It has good weight to it, and comes from this area. I bought it a while back, from my friend, Carolyn A., she had picked it up at a Sale, in Cedar Rapids. The Coverlet is nicely done, and the seam is almost invisible. It has a little fringe wear, but over all, the Coverlet is very nice!

1845 Blue and White Coverlet...

I purchased this Old Darling, from my friend, Lois, at the Midwest Show. It grabbed me by the arm, as I was visiting Chery and Lois... It truly has a lot of 'soul', and has been used much, it has seen a lot of life, in it's 164 years... It is quite worn, and even has a few holes. { I don't want to know what I will look like, when I reach 164...} I have written, how some things just 'speak' to me... well this Old Coverlet truly whispered in my ear...

1868 'Hail Columbia' Coverlet...

This coverlet is quite dramatic... It has 'Columbia' herself, in every inner corner, with a banner, that reads "Hail Columbia", with the date 1868, just under the building... It has a few dark spots, on the 'red' side, that is only in the red wool, and doesn't blend into the white wool... so it must have been in the red, from day one, not a later stain... It must be seamed, because it has a mirror immage... I can not see a seam. I thought it could be connected with the Columbia Worlds Fair, but is about 30 years too early... I believe it to be American, and all the flags look like ours... I love it, and it is in very good condition.

Thankful...for the things, that didn't sell...

The booth sold like crazy... I am so very thankful, however for what did not. I put many personal things, on the altar... to be sacrificed, for the sake of helping others, and feeding my family...For the moment, I'll get to enjoy them, a little longer. Blessings....

The 'Midwest Show' Story...

Oh my.... where do I begin.... I don't know where to start... On Saturday, well my fire just wasn't burnin'...I have done so many shows, lately, that I think I'm just a little burned out...I had commented, to my friend Bud, I just didn't have any more to give... I received a call, around 9:30 Saturday morning, that my cool green table, the anchor for the booth, was sold... {set up at noon} I didn't have anything else ready to go, didn't have twigs cut for the Amana trees, didn't have totes packed...didn't have....didn't have.... didn't have.... I recalled a wonderful primitive 10 and a half foot table, that my friend Cindy B. had at her store "Smokehouse Square Antique Mall" in Amana, got her on the phone, she let me take it, and had it ready, and waiting, outside when I landed the truck, at her store! What a Gal! I spied some evergreens, along the highway, on the way back home, gave them a quick trim, {bare handed, my hands will never be the same!}{ in 'Gone with the Wind', they say you can always tell a lady by her hands... I guess I'm out of the running!} All last week, I was positively sure, that I didn't have one cool thing left, to sell at this Amazing Show... Shame on me... I was lacking confidence, and you know where that comes from... As I was cleaning and getting things prepared for the show, it was like reuniting with a dear, old friend... And the friend was asking, "Don't you believe in me anymore? You aren't really buying into what other people say, are you?" So as I was struggling with my own inadequacies, I was pushing as hard as I could, to get everything done, and loaded... I normally take 12 to 20 totes of smalls, to a show...I took 3.... As everyone tells you, furniture is not selling, load heavy on smalls... My load consisted or primarily 'bigs'...{ I sold 70% of what I took...} The booth was thrown together, I overslept, Sunday morning, Mark had to double back, to pick me up....Oh yea, I was running with 3 legs, and tripping over them all... But the Show was Awesome..... I saw soo many friends, I hardly had time to write tickets! It was hugs and kisses from everyone! Our booth was over run, and soooo many people absolutely loved it... Mark and I were in shock... I have never done this show, but people I didn't know, knew me, or should I say the booth... " Do you set up in Minnesota???" Yes, We do... " I knew it, I would know this look anywhere!", I love your booth at 'Gold Rush'! Again and again, we heard this... Several folks were disappointed, something they had wanted earlier, was now gone, not because they had to think about it, they couldn't get in our booth, it was full of people! Amazing... We had many, many folks say, this was the Best 'Midwest Show', they have ever attended...The Show was absolutely Stunning. It was every bit as good as 'Heart of Country', in Nashville... {and if you don't know that show...I will tell you, I do... I have done it 12 times, and that is a Huge Feather, in any Show Promoter's Cap...} { I just visited with Tom Van Deest, one of the promoters, to find out what the attendance was, he said it was over a 1000, and people flew in from all over the country, and many that drove, came from long distances... He was very appreciative of all the vendors, and agreed with the customers, this was one Amazing Show!} The phone has been ringing off the hook, with 'well wishers', wanting to know how it went. It went perfectly.... {and no one is more in shock, than me....} I stood there...in total disbelief... I even had folks telling me, all day, that 'I' looked great, and that I clean up pretty well, one of my favorite customers, Gloria, even called this morning, to tell me her husband said, my husband, John had better not let me out of his sight...I'm looking pretty good} O.K. Now I get it...There was Truly a Hand of God, in all of this... but I always thought He made the Blind Man 'See', not the other way around.... I can not tell you, what a wonderful experience the Midwest Show was... All the Promoters were wonderful, all the vendors were wonderful, all of our neighbors were great, and the customers... well, they were all Angels... I tear up, as I'm writing this...really... I put this show, in Gods hands... He knows the trials of this year... With all of my stumbling, and fumbling, He carried me...{and I'm not a little girl....} My 'blessings' came from every angle, just as the 'trials', have also come, from every direction...Where would I be, without my Faith... I admit, I wavered a lot, this past year... but still held on...When I read, today, in my 'Streams in the Desert', " Afflictions are often the dark settings, God uses to mount the jewels of His children's gifts, causing them to shine even brighter." It rang true... It's just having the Faith, to totally understand that, when we endure the Mountains, that lay ahead.... Was this the best show I have ever done...Yes and no... Monetarily, No.{ I brought very little..} Spiritually, Yes.... and how do you put a price on that... If I put a tag on it, it would read...Priceless.... Thank You, to all my friends, and many blog readers, who attended the show. Thank You for the kind words, hugs and kisses, for your purchases, and encouragement. You are all 'Priceless'... 'til next time, Barb C.

Our Booth...

I will be writing a detailed account of the show, later today!

Beautiful Doves and Stand Sold!

Amana Christmas Tree...1 left!

Our Booth...

We had an Amazing Show!

A Beautiful Show...Midwest and Collectors Eye....

Well...The Booth is Set...

It was like 'Old Home Week'! I didn't realize how many folks I know, that set up at the Midwest Show! Wow! And is it ever Amazing! SSSSooooo Many Wonderful Things.... I'll try and get images in the morn! My little Trees are all done, very sweet! The booth is quite sparse, for me, but everyone seemed to really like it! Liz and John, were a mighty big help, and Mark's Dad, also helped out a lot! I have to price things, in the morn. I'm hitting the sack early, Hope to see ya! Barb C.

Amazing Log Cabin Quilt, from my private collection...

I have all of the documentation on this quilt... It was registered with the Iowa State Historical Museum, in 1988. It is documented that it was made by Sophia Barnhart Arnold, around 1840.{ wife of Captain Edward Arnold {Civil War} related to Benedict} It hails from the same county in Southern Iowa, where my Dad was born and raised, 'Lucas', this is why I have kept it... This was sold by one of her family members. I will have all the documents, furnished me, with... This quilt is wonderful... in the top corner, it has a 15 patch... the backing will knock your socks off. I decided to pull this wonderful, old friend, just this morning, from my and Ed's Favorite cupboard, I haven't priced this piece yet, it will not be cheap.... It will be Fair.... A Quilt with this much documentation, is Rare.... It has complete history of every home it has lived in, since it's birth... Amazing...

I have pulled Great Musical Trees, from my own Collection!

One of these is 18 inches tall... hard to find...

Small Stack, the Bigg'ins, are at the Store, I will have them from 7 to 20 inches

Up Early!

I have got a million things to do this morning...I was sluff'in off too much this week... We have most of the Amana furniture ready to roll, and it is beautiful... I Love the simple way they created things... yet with wonderful craftmanship, that has withstood 100 plus years, and will go another 100... It has been my pleasure, bathing and spiffin' it up! I will be gathering smalls, and getting everything loaded this morning...{too wet to load yesterday!} Hope to see you at the show! Barb C.

Green Table...Ready to Go!

Amana Wooden Wash Tub....Ready to Go!

The Old Dog...

I bought this old painting, at an estate sale, in Mt.Vernon, Iowa, last year. It hangs on my, and Ed's favorite cupboard, in my house. This painting reminds me of the 2 nights, I slept outside, one night in my little Ford, and the next on the porch, of the Grand Victorian Home, with friends, laughing and carrying on...{ I'm surprised we weren't all arrested!} {I was number one...don't dare me, if you don't want it done...} Every time I look at it, fond memories fill my soul...But the real meaning, of this painting, reminds me of all the wonderful Hounds that have shared my life... It is a Grand Memorial, to the Unconditional Love, I have been so very Blessed with... I see them in Heaven, resting, waiting, at my Fathers feet, surrounded by a warm, glowing fireplace, until I may come join them. Barb C.

A Masterpiece...

I spent the day yesterday, from pillar to post. Carolyn A. brought me out a beautiful, huge Ironstone Platter, to add to the stack I am building. I worked on a few pieces, got wet, and cold... Came in for a bowl of soup, sat down in the recliner, for a minute....and fell fast a sleep... I don't nap... but I did for a little while...must have needed it... I am going to get the truck loaded today, we set up tomorrow afternoon. I will pack smalls, and might pull some Staffordshire out of the house... I don't want to, but those darned bills keep rollin' in! I can't wait to see the 'Amana Christmas Trees', all displayed out...I am keeping one for myself, I can't help it! I am going to dig, and find the absolute perfect, teeny, tiny ornaments for them...I'll keep it simple, yet elegant. I have quite a few smalls, and am not sure, yet, how I will be displaying them. I'm sure it will come to me. It seems like, when all of my favorite things are all gathered together, they kind of just fall into the perfect place... People say I have a knack, for display...they give me way too much credit...it's all about the 'stuff'.... When it's given the opportunity to dance, it puts on a pretty good show! I read Lori's post today {altered glass} and it really brought me out of my slump...if you have a minute, watch her u-tube piece... It got me thinkin' about the word 'junk', God doesn't make 'junk'... I refer to my stuff as junk, sometimes, but there's a story with that...Do I think it's 'junk'...oh no... in fact, it's the total opposite. I love the things, most people consider 'junk', { animals, and people too} Remember, when I said, my Father gave me the wonderful gift of seeing good in things, like the sickliest day old calf, or the 'once loved' old pony, or the gray muzzled, old dog, and the rusty old truck, that the farmer, long ago gave up on, and parked out in the field, to let rust away...Until my Dad walked out, into the field, with a battery, and some rusty wire, got'er goin', and we drove'r home... You see, there is no 'junk', if we learn to see the good in all... It's glorious beauty is there, and more beautiful than words could ever express. I try and show people that, when I bring this 'junk' home... What I gather, are the pieces with real soul, the survivors, that express warmth, with all the years of experience, and endurance that have withstood, in pride, the crooked journeys that life has dealt... You see, God doesn't make 'junk'... We are all a Masterpiece.... and without the journey, the canvas would remain blank... 'til next time, Barb C.

Cool Vintage Paper Fold Out Nativity from an East Amana Home

A Partial Listing of Gatherings...

Cool old Chest! I don't normally purchase 1920's furniture, but when I spied this unusual piece, at a sale a while back, I had to buy it! It is sooo cool, with the curved top, and after John worked is Magic, on the surface, Wow! It is a Sweetie! I will put this in the store, next week! I had a minor 'melt down', yesterday, but am now moving foreword... I am excited about the Midwest Show, and have been polishing up all the treasures I will be taking! Here's a short list: 1830's Cherry Chest of Drawers 1890's Pine Amana Standing Desk, with original Red Surface {From an Amana Store} 1880's Pine Amana Bench {constructed with 18 inch pine boards and Original Red Surface} 1890's Pine Amana Cupboard, Single Door, with Homestead, Iowa, written on the inside { Brown Paint, 50 inches tall, 30 inches wide, 20 inches deep} 1880's Pine Amana Cupboard, Jelly Cupboard size, with original Black Wash, 2 doors over 2 drawers...{ this is an unusual cupboard, nice petite size} 1890's Pine 2 board top 10 foot long, 24 inches wide, 6 legged Store Table,{painted old Green, petite tapered legs, top has a gallery} from Monticello, Iowa Estate. 2, 1870's Amana Christmas Trees { these are constructed from Amana Quilt Stands, and You put Live Evergreen in them} 2 1870's Multi-Paned Arched Windows Several Victorian Crazy Quilts { gathered recently} Taxidermied Pheasant Late 1700's to Early 1800's Tea Caddy Pine Dovetailed Candle Box Late 1800's concrete urns {with Gnarly surface} Red and Green Folk Art House 5 foot Tall, Painted White, Octagon, Footed Pedestal 1860's Pennsylvania 12 Tin Pie Safe { as found, very Gnarly and wonderful! This will be it's last show...} Note: If you are not familiar with 'Amana Colonies',{ a German Settlement} I like to say they were somewhat like the Shakers, they settled here in the mid 1800's, in seven villages, they lived a 'communal life'. Ate together daily, at the Communal Kitchen, at each village, and every family had their own duties for the community, it all ended in the 1930's. These wonderful old pieces are getting few and far between... When they are gone, they are gone... I have kept a few things for myself, and I know they are a great investment. { and wonderful fragments of our Early Iowa Heritage!} This is what I can pull from the top of my head... I will also be gathering up some Christmas pieces, textiles, paper items, and whatever sticks to me, as I am walking out the door! There will be nothing priced over 600.00, that belongs to me. The Store Will be open, and I can always be reached on my cell. I am excited to be a part of this show, and am looking foreword to seeing everyone! The booth will be facing the Back Wall, and listed under Mark Nutt, 'Nutt's about Antiques'. Mark is bringing mainly smalls, but is fronting the booth with a fabulous Arched Entry Way, it will be Beautiful! I know we will do the best we can! Hope to see ya! Barb C.

A Pair of Cool Curved Top Windows...And a Great Day!

If I would have written this around 3:00 today, it would have been an interesting story, about my travels to Amana, and a great time with my pal Bud, from Renate's. He had just gotten in some early 'Amana' furniture, and invited me down to take a peek! I had a great time, and harvested a wonderful load, for the Midwest Show! What transpired after 3, that was amazing... I called a man, that had these cool windows for sale, he is from Fairfield, Iowa, and was coming to Iowa City, and we hooked up at a gas station, around 4:00, so I could see them... three and a half hours later, we finally looked at the windows that were in the back of his truck... We stood in the cold, just talking... about what you ask... Everything... Everything from antiques, religion,ghosts, politics, people, attitudes, women's lib, cars, relationships,.... When I say everything, I mean Everything.... The philosophy that was flowing, was amazing... What a Cool Cat... Oh yea, we talked about cats and dogs, horses, men and women, and how we relate.... oh my... He is into Transcendental Meditation, and has practiced this for 30 years... I have never had the opportunity to visit with someone who practices this, concerning this. It was very enlightening. He said I should try and meditate, I laughed, I said o.k., in those spare 3 seconds I have each day, I'll give it a whirl... He was an amazing man. I have studied with many religions, over the last 40 years, when I was a child, I took myself to church, the Oakland Church of the Nazarene, in Cedar Rapids, I have set in with the Baptists, Catholics, and Jehovah's Witnesses. I have visited with Muslims, have friends that are Amish, and Mennonite, in fact, I have friends who are Atheists... I have seen people speak in tongues, and witnessed some very interesting activities. I have never joined any organized religion, however, I respect and appreciate them all. I do my visiting with God, many times a day, He has helped me through this journey, called life... Is there a right or wrong...not for me to say, or judge. I walk a path, doing the best I can, and stumbling a lot... The first stone... I'll leave that to someone else...I am just so thankful to have the opportunity to share thoughts with others, and have one more day to do it... and just breathe... This kind, gentle, and extremely intelligent man, left me with the feeling, that we are not very different in our beliefs, it truly is all about doing the right thing... Remember those Ten Commandments... oh yea, they speak loud and clear, across religions...{ maybe phrased a little different, but still shining through} We are all truly on a journey, and we all learn at our own pace, everything has it's season, there are no coincidences on this journey, we just need to put the 'dot's' together... Make sense? Well it did while we were standing in the cold.... Enough... I loved the windows...{ that decision took me all of a second...} and made a new friend... Barb C.

Amana Cupboard, and Desk, and a Gnarly Old Amana Bench!

Wonderful, Old, Old Wooden, 'Amana' Wash Tub {with Great Old Paint!}

Huge 'Amana' Dough Board...

A Very Cool Load!

What an interesting day... Started out with calling a friend, Pam, who is closing her wonderful store, in Monticello, Iowa, and starting a new venture, in the Music Industry... How cool is that... We will all miss her store, but I can't wait to come 'Jam' with them! She needed some gnarly old chairs, I needed some cool junk... So I threw a bunch of chairs on the truck, and away I went... Ah, about 20 miles...until... my left front wheel decided it was time for a rest... It sounded like I had a bunch of wire wrapped around the axle, and lots of clunking and grinding....not good... I pulled over, climbed underneath, couldn't see anything out of place, backed it up, cut the wheels, to the right, and then left, climbing under, and checking axle joints, nothing....Called John, no answer, called my son, he said he would come, but I Really want him to get his hours in... with sooo much rain, his paycheck has been mighty slim... called John, again, no answer, I was getting pretty perturbed, that I couldn't get a hold of John, { he can be right next to the phone, and let it ring... GRRRR} I had no phone book, so I called my wonderful friends at the Bank, in Fairfax, and they gave me our friend, Marks number, who does all of our major mechanical work... I explained what had happened, my fears, that this could be a gear, in the transfer case, or something to do with the 4 wheel drive unit, or axle joint, his reply was, Hmmmm. Well, any damage that has been done, is done, I'd limp it on home... So with emergency flashers goin, I started creeping back home... I drove about 7 miles, and my wheel was wobbling, and I could here internal noises, like I have never heard before in my life, {I have a lot of experience with noises on vehicles....}{ called John, no answer} I was getting pretty nervous, that I may loose that wheel... So I called Mark back, 'Hey, you don't think I could loose this wheel, do ya?", "Well, I suppose it's possible...The bolt on the axle should keep it in place..." Not much reassurance... I told him, if he would happen to see my husband.... well, tell him to call.... Just then he said, "Speak of the devil..." I asked him to please put him on... He headed my way, I kept rollin, easy, and missed him en-route, we met up at home...{ I swear when these little Ford's have issues, some how, they always get you home...} John said, " Now don't be mad at the Truck, it's our fault, for not fixing that wheel bearing when it started making noise..." I am not mad at the Truck, it got me home, and I truly hope it is only a wheel bearing...{ it sounds a lot more serious than a bearing...} But, Old Faithful,{the baby truck} was ready to go! The Little Ford was more than happy to carry the load of chairs to Pam, and I loved taking it for a trip! What is it about old reliable four wheeled friends? I stopped to fill'er up, grabbed my favorite lunch, a Snowball, and Snickers, with a Coke, and away we went! I turned on the radio, to hear my favorite new song, "I'm Alive", by Kenny Chesney, and a big smile came over my whole body.... I'm alive, and well... Made my 120 mile trip, in no time flat, the Little Ford seemed to be singin'! Spent several hours with Pam, and harvested some COOL STUFF! { a 10 foot, 6 legged, Country Store table, with great, old green paint, and a cool, trim moulding around the 2 board top, from the early 1900's, a huge floor grate, a tin dough bowl, some beautiful silver plate pieces, a lightning rod ball, and stand, some old tin coving pieces, some sweet little stools, and a bunch more! It was a great day, considering how it started out! I am alive, and well... I just hope the Ford will be o.k. I visited with Steph and Patty, {Fern Hill} they did a quilt show in Houston, Texas, and stayed the night with my friend, Ed, on their way home, in Brenham, Texas... They were blown away by their store, Leftovers, and had a wonderful visit! They blew the Doors off of the Houston Show, and are really pumped, with all of the new clients they attracted, from all over the world! I am supposed to be on the road, again today, but it was going to be a long haul, and I don't know if I'll go...I'll see which way the wind is blowin' when I stepout the door... See Ya, Barb C.

Fun Stuff from Pam, in Monticello!

Lovely Remembrance Immage...

A Ray of Sunshine...

As I was sippin' my brew this morning, I looked up, at the Old Martin House, that sits precariously on a cream separator stand, in my dining room window...It truly is my 'dream house'. I have driven past many old farm houses, that are falling into disrepair, and wish I could take them home with me. This one was the size I could manage. Sometimes, I just sit and dream, gazing at the old house, what I might do with it, if it were my size, and not a cool old house for very lucky birds... It has 21 rooms, with a summer kitchen, on the south side...I wonder if this old house was modeled after a real house...I have had doll houses, that were replica's of the home they were constructed in... Wonder if it is still standing, somewhere, here in Iowa? Oh, what fun it would be decorating this Old Gem... Rope Beds, Primitive, old painted Cupboards, Braided Rugs, Gnarly Fireplace Mantels, a Wonderful old Harvest Table, surrounded by a group of miss matched old Plank Seat Chairs, and a Gnarly Huge Wooden Bowl, in the center, filled with whatever was picked out of the garden....Oh my... Well, enough of that... I don't know what my plans are for today, I need to go visit Mark, and decide what to take to the Midwest Show, next Sunday. If you haven't checked out their web site, do. It's very cool! {midwestantiqueshow.com} I am plugging away on the South Green House... It's coming along... I'll have images, of before and after, when I get'er done! Barb C.

This is my 'dreamhouse'....

Grace...

I know I should keep the blog, light and warm and fuzzy. But that isn't really honest... Life isn't always 'warm and fuzzy', and after thinking about it, I am thankful, for those very difficult times. God's most beautiful jewels are often delivered in rough packages, by very difficult people, and circumstances. We must trust in the Lord through the darkness, and honor Him with unwavering confidence even in the midst of difficult situations. The reward of this kind of faith will be like that of an eagle shedding its feathers is said to receive- a renewed sense of youth and strength. I read parts of this, this morning, after visiting with a friend, who is enduring some rather immense difficulties, yet be overwhelmingly blessed at the same time... I went straight to my Streams in the Desert, and read this.{ the above paragraph} When I look back on my life, it is so true. When you are brought down to your knees, maybe that is exactly where you need to be. It is important to recognize these situations, and handle them with Grace...then hand them over to God...{something I am still working on...}I always refer to the Old Grandfather Clock, without the heavy weights, it would be nothing, but a useless piece of furniture, and never be able to do the important job, it was created for... Keep forging ahead, you are never alone, those weights are there to make you strong, and you wouldn't have been blessed with them, if you were not worthy of them... Barb C.

The Lone Daisy...

As I was walking into the house, this morning, I saw this Lone Daisy, leaning over the side of an urn...We have had unseasonably cold weather, this Fall, and several frosts. The Daisy is holding on, she looks a little tuff, but I can still see a little hint of summer, in her bright yellow face... An image I'm sure I'll reflect on, when the snow falls... Hang in there Baby...

What a Mess...poor old clematis...