Fresh Flora... and Blue Birds... Spring...

If you really look close... You can see the tiny vintage Blue Bird, earrings.... I thought they were sooo sweet, and needed to be soaring in the cute little cuttings.... SPRING!

I always think of Sarah...

When ever I get a glimpse of this huge stack of Ironstone Platters,{ that keeps fluctuating in size, as I sell a few, then add, a few...} I think of Sarah... She is the sweetest little girl... and loves this old stuff....

Gnarly Vintage Cherub Lamp....

I have had this little darling, since last June... I really should bring it up to the house... It's from the 30's or 40's, and is adjustable... But it looks so sweet, ever so softly, lending a glow, to the old, tarnished silver, that surrounds him.... He can stay, a little longer... maybe someone will love him, as much as I...

A Bowl Full of 'This and That'

Sometimes, it's the collections, of this and that, that are the most interesting...When grouped together, they create their own little personality...

Cool Off White Vintage String Collection...

I bought these, the other day, all in one group... I love them....

Ahhh... Gerber Daisy...

This is a fresh cut Daisy... It is just smiling, perched with all of the vintage silver... Spring, ahhh...Spring...

Early Iowa Cradle...

This Old Cradle, came rollin home, yesterday, too... Along with a HUGE Garden Gate... { the gate is on hold, til tomorrow} The Cradle is wonderful... It would be great on top of a cupboard, filled with Flora! Or, as a centerpiece, on a big harvest table... { speaking of which, I have one...} It has beautiful old blue paint, tho it looks gray, in this image...

Darling Little Tote...

Found this lil' cutie, yesterday too... It is so darned cute! It's fashioned out of an old Baker's Chocolate Box... I love the size... I put fresh, cut flowers throughout the Shop, yesterday... They just make me smile... Spring is here....

Gnarly Old Pin Cushions...

Picked these little treasures up, yesterday... along with the old wooden needle case, full of needles... I love the Big, Velvet Pin Cushion...It's soooo cool, when they are mounded with pins and needles!

Little bowl...

You can't tell it, by this image, but this little bowl, is all sepia toned, and brown... I love it when they get this way... I love the 'Brown Mouse' book, too... I, years ago, used to trap mice, to keep them out of the shop... but, no more... now I feed them... it's a much happier place...

A Beautiful Day!

I had intended on spring cleaning, at the Shop today... It started out well... but then had lots of folks, pop in! {they all stepped around my 'shop vac', unscathed!} What a fun group! It was sunny and warm, in the green house, and we all soaked it in! Lots of stuff went out the door, and some, I had intended to show you, but now have found other homes.... I finally got everything vacuumed up, around 6, this evening... then I snapped a few images, for you... I am gone tomorrow, on a buying trip, and hope to come home with a heavy load! I'll keep ya posted... I am pooped out, so, I'll see ya tomorrow! Barb C.

Grant Wood...

My new friend, Randy, and I are on the same page, when it comes to 'Grant Wood'... We had such a great time, sharing our thoughts, on the wonderful Artist... It was so fun, talking with someone, who shares the same interests, with such passion!

Busy, Busy!

I am sooo sorry, No pics yet! I was runnin' every which way, yesterday, had to get wax, for projects, in Marion, at Antiques of Marion, to be exact, then of course, in a rush, ran through Marion Mercantile, and Antiques Avenue... I ran out of time, so I missed, Park Place, and Remember When! Next trip! Had a great time, visiting with everyone, like I was on 'fast foreword', but had to get home... Dale popped in, and a wonderful new customer, Randy... He and I really hit it off! We love so many of the same things! {Thanks to 'Smokehouse' and Fern Hill, for sending him my way!} I had a wonderful treat, last night.... a date, with my favorite man.... Baby 'J'.... Justin called, and asked if I would sit, for the little man.... Oh my... He is so wonderful! The kids really need some together time, and Kate, needs to get out, and have a little fun, too! He is teething, so I didn't get a pic of him... I wanted to let him sleep, and was afraid the flash would wake him... Then when he woke up, he was pretty fussy, and wanted to just be held...{ and I loved every minute of it!} I told the kids, I'd be over this week, to get some pictures! He is growing, like a bad weed... What a sweetie....{ I told Liam, Steph's little boy, he is growing like a 'bad weed', Liam looked at me, and smiled, " like a 'good' weed", he said... So, yes, the boys are growing like "good weeds"... Gotta love 'em. Pics tonight! {promise!} Barb C... I have some neat stuff in, that I'm having lots of fun with! {you'll see!}

On the Go!

Seems like when things start rollin', it's like a steam roller! I'm working in the Shop, this afternoon, but have lots of running, and it's getting late! I'll have lots of images for you, this eve, but for now!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

Barb C.

Vernon... The "Cell Phone Man"

I'll introduce you, to my life line... My little cell... It has traveled thousands of miles, and been engaged in millions, of very important conversations.... I love it... I get teased, by everyone, at my old cell... It's 5 years old, and I dropped it in the bathroom sink, under hot water, the first day I had it... I have never replaced the battery, and is the only phone, I know of, that has a wonderful 'Rooster Crow', for a ring tone! Perfect for an Antiques dealer... People are amazed, that it is a camera phone... They say, " a phone that old, is a camera phone?" You betcha! It's kind of like everything I own... and me, myself...pretty primitive.... Well, as I was visiting with a friend, this morning, my life line totally shut down! All it said, was something about a 'sim' card, and went totally black! Oh no...oh no.... My heart sank... So I hopped in the truck, and went to visit Vernon... Vernon was referred to me, 5 years ago, by the phone store, my cell plan is through...{ when the phone they sold me, bit the dust, minutes after the short warranty had expired!} His store, is not in the wealthiest neighborhood, in Cedar Rapids, and is kind of off the beaten path... I walked in, and Vernon had a welcoming smile on his face... I told him the situation, and I didn't want a 2 or 3 hundred dollar.phone, just one I can talk on, and not too many gadgets! He grabbed this one, out of the case, and it was a match made in Heaven! Vernon assured me, he would stand behind it, but it was a really good phone, and I shouldn't have any problems... He was so right! I reached for my check book, to pay him, then saw the sign, "cash only" Our eyes met, and he said, "I'll take your check..." I was so thankful, it would have taken me an hour, to get back, with cash! About 3 years later, my phone wouldn't charge... I thought, this could be it... a new phone... So, I ran over to see Vernon... I explained the situation, then showed him the phone... He burst out laughing! "You still have that old phone?", I was hurt, for a second... and replied, " I haven't been back to buy a new one, have I???" He looked it over, grabbed a new charger, and it took right off! I asked, "how much...{ with glee}", he said, ah 5.00. Wow, what a bargain, John had repaired my old charger, a year earlier, with an extension cord end, and it must have given up, the fix! Well, today, when my lil' pal quit, I headed straight to see Vernon... As I was pulling up, to his store, I saw a cross, in front of his place, with Teddy Bears, and all sorts of flowers and notes... I walked up, closer, and saw the sign... Vernon had died...about a week ago... My heart just sank... He was such a kind, gentle man... He was African American, and reminded me of Louis Gosset Jr. The picture of health, always a smile, even when he was very busy... He always made you feel like, he would take care of things... He did... He was a year older than me, which surprised me... I would have thought him to be at least 10 years younger... I could see, by all the Memorials, he was a loved Man, in the community... I got in the truck, and said a prayer for him... I'm gonna miss him... I sent Vernon a lot of customers... He was a good, honest, fair Man... I knew he would treat people right... and he always did... I went on, to see about my phone, at the 'strip mall', as I walked in the door, I saw the same charger, Vernon had sold me, for 5.00, there for 20.00... There were some young kids, running the store... They were very nice, but not Vernon... I asked, if anyone knew him, and what had happened, a customer, waiting, said Vernon had a heart attack.... My phone, only required a battery... After 5 years, it deserves one... I will always keep this little phone, even when it bites the dust... in Memory, of my friend, Vernon... Barb C.

Ahhh... Old Cupboards....

I went down to John's shop, this afternoon, to work on projects... This Old Cupboard,{the lower one} was one, I really needed to get done... I just love cleaning them... I wonder... if they could only talk...what they might say.... I have said it before, and I'll say it again... I want to keep them all... These early cupboards, are all hand done, not mass produced, so, there is only one, just like it... you'll never see them in a row, looking just like it's neighbor... They all have their own little personalities, wounds, and scars... just like us... I love the old paint... with all of the beautiful character... And Blue, is coming back, hard... Hmmm... I don't have any 'Blue' in the house right now... Maybe if this Sweetie doesn't find a home, this Spring, I'll shove some things around, and make it a keeper! The Gnarly Old Cupboard, at the top of the page, was one I should have kept... It found a wonderful home, in a Bed and Breakfast, in Minnesota... That was a sad day... It was at it's last show, before finding a permanent home, in our house... Boo Hoo... Oh well... I'm sure it is singing, in it's new home.... Ahhh... the one, that got away...

'til next time,

Barb C.

'One' of the Boxful's, I found Yesterday!

I have posted the contents, of one box, I gathered yesterday... John is waiting for me, to come help... So, I don't have time to post, all of the sweet Iowa Treasures, gathered yesterday, in Iowa City! See Ya Soon! Barb C.

The Little Old Truck...

When I spied this Little Truck, I had to buy it... Yellow and Green { John Deere Colors!} With a Red Stock Rack!!!! { it's missing it's grill, just like most of the Old Trucks, I have owned and driven, over the years... Perfect!} I remember one, I sold at Gold Rush, to my Wisconsin Gals... I really miss it... It was perfect to use for all of the Holidays... Fall... fill the bed with straw, and tiny pumpkins... Christmas... load it up with tiny bottle brush trees, Spring... a four pack of Pansy's bedded in moss, Summer... a flower frog, holding tiny flags.... and perch it on the Harvest Table, as a centerpiece! { ooh, wouldn't it be cute, with salt and pepper shakers, and use it year around!!!! { or on top of a 'Favorite Cupboard!!!} Oh Yeah... I love Old Trucks.... Any size will do!

Butter Stamp!

I have been keeping an eye out, for old butter stamps and molds, for my Pal, Robin... { when someone asks me to hunt for them, I'm like an old Coon Hound!} I picked this one up, yesterday, and if she doesn't like it, it'll be at UNI. { then maybe my house...} {it has a heart, for Pete's Sake...}

A 1/2 Bushel Basket...

I fell in love with this old darling... I have never owned a 1/2 bushel basket, { only 9 inches tall, and 14 inches wide!} and it is so well made, with the sweetest bent wood handles.... Cute, Cute, Cute!!!

Old Tin, Painted White, Megaphone...

I'll have to say, I have never owned a Megaphone... I just couldn't walk away from it... It made me smile! {anything, 'old tin', makes me smile...} I thought it would make a cool 'riser', for the huge String, if no one wanted it, for it's real use... It's just Fun!

The 48 Star Flag

This is a wonderful old Flag... It is very sheer, and stiff... Almost like a starched gauze... It has a soft, muted red, white and blue, appearance, and a nice size, 33 inches by 19 1/2... Great for framing!

Young Violinist....

This book is beautiful... It touched my heart, I used to play Violin, as a child...{ not well, I might ad...} But, still, the words, " Young Violinist", I thought were very sweet... It's a large music book, and probably dates from the 1880's to early 1900's...

Huge Ball of String...

I love this, because of it's size!!!! 9 inches tall, and almost a foot wide! It's vintage, and will look wonderful, with smaller versions surrounding it, in an Old Cupboard!

The 1869 Letter...

This is a wonderful old letter, tho faded, and difficult to read... not impossible... The penmanship, is stunning... I personally love it, for it's 'Iowa' roots... Burlington, is in Eastern Iowa, on the mighty Miss! It's a lovely old City, and has beautiful architecture... I need to go visit, again...

An Iowa City Run!

Took a run, into Iowa City, Yesterday! Found some fun Stuff!!! My last stop was at Artifacts, I sure do like the owner, Todd... He really knows his stuff, and is just fun to visit with! The Shop was full, of all sorts of treasures! It was a treat! Daughter, Liz, is re-doing her home, and was looking for a desk, she has gotten away from the '60's modern, and leaned more cottage... But the truth is, she loves a lot of different styles, and that's who Liz is... So while I was shopping, yesterday, I ran across an old '60's 'study desk', it's that 'blond' color, with 3 tall sides, has long square tapered legs... it had good form, and I thought it would be very cool, in her 'makeover'! I leaned over, to see the price... it was 2.00... I thought, for 2.00, if she didn't like it, we could use the legs, for something... I found her a super comfortable school chair, from the 40's, in excellent condition, for 3.00... It was a great set, for 5.00! I took it over, to her house, last night, and she and Nick, carried it in... It was perfect! Liz will have lots of images, on her blog, as she goes {liz lemon aid} { some folks have had a difficult time, finding her blog, if you do, go to who I'm following, and click on 'liz lemon aid'. Liz decorates with all sorts of things... art glass, vintage tarnished silver, 1/2 round oak table, with the most wonderful pedestal, she painted it an off white, and it is darling... she uses 2 upholstered boudoir chairs, from the 40's, for dining chairs... Liz has paper covered dress forms, she painted, and displays all sorts of stuff, on them, a mid 1800's black Jelly Cupboard, for storage, and lots of Nick's original art work...{ he is very talented... I love his work!!!} She has a huge vintage fiber glass grey hound, from a department store,{ from our coolest friend, Gail H.} perched up high, on the back of a wall she created, to make a divider, in her former bedroom, now living room! It is Sooo cool! She still has lots of painting, and decorating, to do...but it is really taking shape! Tho, her house is only 440 sq. feet on the main floor, { she has a full basement, that is now the bedroom, and shower room} she hasn't tried to use 'scaled down' furniture... If anything, it's all on the large size... It works! and makes the house seem bigger! The little house has very high ceilings, and that really helps! Her guy, Nick, has jumped right in, to help, and I think he is having fun, too! I will be helping John today, finish up some projects, I totally annihilated his shop, Sunday, when I brought in a huge load of primitives...{ sorta 'dumped' in...} EEEK!!!! { I'm always in trouble....} I'd better getta' goin'... 'til next time, Barb C.

Rose Marie...Happy 90th!!!

I spent the day, with my Mom, it is her 90th Birthday! We had a wonderful visit...I took in 72 cupcakes, plenty for all of the folks, and staff... A bunch of balloons, that everyone loved... but unfortunately, Mom is blind, and can't see anything, anymore... We laughed, and talked about her childhood... When she was born, on the Farm, in Garner, Iowa... The Doctor came out, and told my Grandmother, that Mom wouldn't survive... she was too small... So Grandma put her in a shoe box, set the wood burning stove's warming oven, so it would just stay warm, and she saved Mom's life... Mom barely weighed 3 pounds.... Amazing... Mom said, Grandma just wouldn't give up... She had already lost a Son, in childbirth, she was determined to save Mom...Wonder what that doctor would say, today, on Mom's 90th? I put the song on, for Mom, that I remember my Dad, singing to her, when I was a child... They had quite a 'Love Story'... They loved each other so... but couldn't get along, for too long... They divorced, when I was 5, but never dated anyone else... They would live together, and those days were wonderful, until they didn't... Those days, were the worst... and then, back together, again... They always loved each other, and we had a nice visit, about Dad, too... She misses him so... I assured her, we will all be together again... He and my Sister Chery, and all of our family, friends and critter's too, are just waiting for us... It was a good day... 'til next time, Barb C.

In June... I'll be "Gone with the Wind..."

I love this book.... I love the South... There is truly 'something' about the South... Scarlett loved it, and New Orleans... I've spent a little time there,{ but never seen New Orleans...} and savored every moment... I can't wait 'til June... Driving down the Mighty Miss... BBQ, in Memphis, Creole, in Louisiana... Strong Coffee, and Confections... Yeah, that's what I Love about the South.... Not to mention, Red Dirt, Boiled Peanuts, Plantations, Columns, Statues, Cemeteries, Sweet Potato Pie, Pecans, and MINT JULEPS!!!! And the Sweetest People, with True Blue { I mean Gray} Southern Hospitality!!!! Yee Haw!

The 'Big Easy'!!!!

As I was watching the snow fall, yesterday, and dreaming of Nashville, {Heart of Country is going on now...} and thinking how good it was, for my soul, to head South, and even tho, it was the hardest Show to do, just being in the Opryland Hotel, for a week, during the Show, bridged my spirit, so these old Iowa winter's didn't seem quite so long.. The phone rang... It was my Pal, Allyson... We visited for a while, and talked about the trip, she invited me on, last summer, to North Carolina... {she's getting pretty tired of winter, too} She said, " How would you like to go with me, this summer, to New Orleans?" she said, "we'll take the Mississippi, all the way, and Antique, on the river... stop in Memphis, eat some great BBQ, and have some fun!" I couldn't believe it.... As my pal 'Sponge Bob' would say, I'M READY!!! I have always wanted to go to New Orleans... Always... I was hoping, 5 years ago, John and I could go... I was saving my pennies, we have never had a vacation, all we do is work... I was going to surprise him... Liz graduated, that year, and I thought, she could take care of the critters, and we'll go! I didn't tell anyone, about the surprise, and kept working, and saving... Then, in May, of that year, Liz came rushing through the door, she said 3 of her friends, that were graduating too, wanted to take a trip, just the 4 of them, to New Orleans... And could she borrow some money, so she could go... So, of course, I gave her the money, and would gladly do it all over again... I can't think of a better age, to see New Orleans, than 18... Liz got to see it, before Katrina.... She'll have those memories, forever...And I got to see it, through her eyes... I can't thank Allyson, enough, for this gift... I could never have managed this, myself... Work, work, work...I'll still be working my tail off, just to be able to leave, for a week, in June... But I can start dreaming about our trip, now! Snow schmow! June will be here soon, and I can't wait, to see the South... I love the South! If anyone has any great ideas, for us to go, or great places to eat, and Antique, let me know! Barb C. { I did discuss this with John... I think he was relieved....Happy to see me go... I always wanted us to see New Orleans together... When I told him this, he was pretty o.k., with staying home...{ and me not torturing him, to see all the sites...He's not much, into travelling... never has.... I am so blessed, to be with someone, who will let me fly... He's a good Man...}

Mine, and Ed's Cupboard...

I realized, yesterday, that I refer to this Old Cupboard a lot, in my blog... So, I thought I'd put 'a face' to our old friend... and why, I refer to it, as mine, and Ed's.... In our house, it holds the most precious things... old Christmas cards, beautiful gifts, from my friends, favorite quilts, and really, my most sentimental pieces... The first time I met this Cupboard, a dear friend of mine, Gary, owned it... I fell deeply in love with it... It is so very old, and unusual... Has old, dry, red paint, 'single board doors' with rectangle 'cut outs' that have wire cloth, as it was called in it's day, now we refer to it as screen, covering them, a door on the bottom, that drops open, single board sides, and is all square nailed... I love the wonderful front leg cut outs.... I just love everything about it.... When Gary had it, I flipped the price tag, and my heart dropped... No way... No way could I ever own this old beauty... Gary, his wife, Jenny, and I went to Nashville, that year, { about 8 years ago...} and I helped him set the booth... He took this old Cupboard... It was the talk of the walking tour, before the show opened... I stood back and listened to the 'expert', dissect this wonderful piece... It was amazing... The Old Cupboard, never looked more proud...Gary had around 4500.00 on this cupboard... And, it sold... well, for a moment... The back legs, had been repaired, and Gary didn't disclose it, to the buyer... she was a purist, and tore up her check... THANK YOU!{ Gary would have, disclosed this, and did, but while she was writing the check, his mistake... I would have shared that with her right away...} It's a great repair... but, she wanted perfect... and that's o.k.} During the show, I saw a man looking at it, I mean really looking at it... inside and out... He visited with Gary, then he flipped the tag, and walked on... I was just walking into the booth, as he was leaving...Gary had a good show, but didn't sell the Old Cupboard... About a year later, Gary decided to get out of the Antiques Business, he knew how much I dearly loved the Cupboard, and shot me a sweet deal, and we did a little antique trading, and I was the proud owner, of the Old Cupboard... I always have to try and sell, even tho, I would have loved to keep it, but put it in the shop, and thought, if it doesn't sell, I will keep it...{ always bills to pay...} So about a month after I put it in the shop, some folks{ dealers} came through, and wanted my very best price, on the Old Cupboard, as difficult as it was, I dealt with them, but they didn't buy it... The husband called me back, and wanted to know if I would consider a trade... I said I might, but, it would have to be a pretty cool piece, I love this cupboard... I asked him to send me a picture... { he's from another state} Instead, thinking I would surely love his cupboard, he brought it... Well, I didn't... It was wonderful, but, not something I would keep for myself, and not what my customers were looking for... He was furious... I felt so bad... I reminded him, I only asked for a picture... not for him to bring it... His wife would be so disappointed, she wanted it, for their home... I shot him the best price I could... but, no deal... I felt so bad, I decided, enough... the Old Cupboard is going in the house... So, here it is... But, the story doesn't end here... A couple of years later, a couple of men, stopped at my store... I was heading out, on a 'Barn Call', I had been waiting weeks, for this call, and asked John, if he would mind the Shop, for a few hours... as I was trotting to the truck, John yelled at me, the Guy's needed help, with prices... I was backing to the truck, {nothing was going to stop me, from heading down the road... I had to GO!} but.... I begrudgingly, walked over to them, where they had a pile of stuff, and helped them...This is the day, I met Ed... It was the best thing, that could have ever happened... We became fast friends, and our area became one of their regular stops...{they are from over 800 miles away} Every time they came rolling through the area, we'd go out to dinner, I'd take them to all my favorite haunts... and we had a great time... On one of our road trips, Ed asked me, what Cupboard is my favorite... I had to think... I love them all, it's like picking my favorite pet... But after carefully thinking about it... I told him, the Big Old Food Cupboard... and started describing it to him... He was pretty quiet... He said, "that was my cupboard"... I really thought he was pulling my leg... I made him tell me all of the details, about this cupboard...{ to confirm, he wasn't 'pulling my leg...} I still couldn't believe it... It had been, his personal cupboard...In his home....{ Ed and I put the Cupboards entire journey together, from his hands, to mine...} He had been the man in Nashville, that was visiting with Gary, and looking it all over, so carefully...Ed had been in my home, several times, but, I had it at the foot of my bed, and no one gets in my bedroom...{ it was a mess... I've got it picked up now... but then, ah, not so much! I'm way too busy to keep that room clean! It was a catch all!}{ Just think, he had been within 10 feet, of his old friend, and he never knew it...} I shoved it out, into the dining room, so Ed could see his old friend, and it looked so great, with our old harvest table, I left it there! So, I promised Ed, should I ever have to sell it, he gets first chance...He loves it, as much as I do... And it just needs to be with one of us, always...{ it's willed to Ed...} It's a small, small world... and great minds, really do, think a like... Barb C. { I managed to get to the 'barn full' of stuff that day, and came home, with the 'mother load', so all was right with the world... I'm so thankful, I waited, and met these Guys... life is quite the journey....for Old Cupboards, as well as the folks who love them....}

An Iowa Treasure...

As Stacey and I were visiting, last evening, I described to her, this amazing quilt, that I have in the house, gently stored away, in mine, and Ed's old Cupboard.... It has documented, Southern Iowa roots... and I love it... It is for sale.... { I'm wincing as I'm typing...} but proper adoption papers, would have to be filed, before it leaves my clutches...

A Late Night....

The day flew by, and mine really didn't get going, til late in the day... Had a darling couple call, and ask if I could be here, after hours... Sure! I mean it, when I say, I never mind being open late... I live here.... That little shop, really is an extension, of my home, I've come to realize... My customers, knew it , before I did... More and more, over the last few years, and especially during 'Sale' time, people would describe things to me, while I was running back and forth, that is in my "little house", I would stop, and think...'little house'? what, where, "oh, you mean the shop..." Guess I never really thought about it, that way... I just subconsciously, 'made' it, that way... I guess it really is, like a little house... And what is your home, a reflection of your own personality....now, knowing that... I really need therapy ....oh my.... While the cute couple was shopping, I continued taking 'Christmas' down... leaving all sorts of empty holes... I can't wait to fill 'em up! I really enjoyed the couple... They are young, and just bought a big old house, and are filling it up, with antiques... They truly have a vision...I could feel, they have old souls, just like mine... As we were going through quilts, I just got lost in them... Stacey saw this... I just slip into another world... while running my hands over the beautiful stitching... and fabrics... She said, "you act like you really would be sad to sell it", "no", I said.... The thing is, I only buy what I love... what I would gladly keep, myself....and quilts, really touch my soul... Stacey bought the wonderful old Crazy Quilt, she, like myself, fell in love with it... Now it will have a wonderful new home, and be proudly displayed, on her wall.... They are truly works of art... I have a busy day today, so I better get goin'... Have a GREAT DAY! Barb C.

For Janet...

I had a wonderful visit, yesterday, with my Pal, Janet... She encouraged me, to put my own image on the blog, instead of the gnarly statue, I have at the store... I always torture people, about putting their photo on, and always get them captured, one way, or the other... And, I think they are all beautiful... But... When it comes time, to put my own on...forget it.... Well, here I am... what you see, is what you get! I'm hoping, and trying, for a much slimmer version... Don't hold your breath...What you see, may be the best I can be...

I love Janet... she calls it, just the way she see's it... and I respect her, for her honesty... Another reason, I love this business so... If I didn't do Gold Rush, in Rochester, MN. our paths may have never crossed...

See ya soon, Janet... May will be here, before we know it! { hope we can hook up, before!}

Barb C.

{ I have added all of our show dates, to the calender of events, it's not too pretty, everything is double spacing... I even called my pal Sharon, {sweet repose} for help, we both scratched our heads... Well, it's in black and white, and you'll get the info, no matter how it looks!}

{ I had a better pic, but there was a roll of shredded up t.p. on the stove,behind me, that the cat destroyed... grrr....} {don't ask why it was on the stove....}

Early Pie Safe... Can You Tell?

{don't look at all of the dog and cat hair, and dust...all of my furniture, in the house has 'hairy paw feet', a perfectionist I am, on some things, house keeping, well used to be, today, ah, not so much....} I bought this old pie safe, last year... from a wonderful home, near Davenport, Iowa... My friend Dale, scratched his head when I paid 60.00 for it... and I know, he thought I was crazy... It has wonderful hand punched tins, and is from the mid 1800's... Why do you think, he thought 60.00, was way too much? Well, it had no doors, or drawer... It was just a case.... I brought it home, and John built the drawer, and found two, wonderful mid 1800's, hand champhored doors, in storage, {that I get yelled at, all the time for dragging these old parts home, and they lay around for years, in the way... until you need them... Try going to the lumber yard, and buying 1840's, hand champhored, pegged doors... or having them built... $$$$}, John took the doors apart, trimmed them to fit, re-champhored, and re-pegged, to fit the old pie safe, and then matched the original paint... I was going to take it to a show... but I had to keep it... All the lumber he used, was from the same time period, as the old pie safe... I love it... When John repairs pieces like this, and I have them for sale, I always disclose all of the repairs... Most people wouldn't ever know... I don't apologise for them, at all... These pieces have been saved... Like the Phoenix Bird, brought back from the ashes... John has many hours, in this piece... Not bad work, for a Guy, who couldn't build our kids a toy box, years ago... He's a talented Man...

It's Coming Together....

I ran down to John's shop, yesterday, and we worked on a couple of projects... They are looking pretty darned cool! He is getting so good at repairs.... The problem is... I want to keep everything he is working on... Dang! John did auto body work, for years... and has the patience of Job... Me, ah, not so much... I have vision... I see things, in my mind, that most folks don't see any hope for, and know how it will be, when done... I can tell you how to get it there, and, sometimes, like when setting a booth, or doing displays, I can do it myself... But when building, or doing major repairs... I can tell you how to get there, relay my vision, but have no patience... Thank God, John does.... I have many images I'll be sharing with you... And singing John's praises... 'til next time, Barb C.

Liz's House...{Liz-Lemon-Aid }

I just looked at my daughter, Liz's little house...{on her blog, {liz-lemon-aid} She is doing so much, with it!!!! She bought it, 3 years ago... and it is darling. It's a tiny little stucco house, 440 sq. feet... Situated on a huge corner lot, in a wonderful neighborhood... The little house was built in 1920, and has darling little dormers.... It looks like a Gingerbread House... On the main floor, it has 4 equal sized rooms... a kitchen, living room{now dining room} bedroom { now living room} and bathroom, with a darling little staircase, off the bathroom, leading to the attic! It also has a full basement, with a shower... She is in the middle of re-doing the basement, for a large bedroom...She is re-doing the wood floors, and repainting... Liz has transformed this little house, several times, since she bought it...I think, searching for her style, and the little house's style... She always asks for my help... but... I know, she has to make it her way... Liz has a great eye, and she has learned so much, by all of the re-do's! I have given her things, that she likes, she works all the time, and is on a budget, so I'll help her, that way... but this is her journey...and I am loving it!!! I hope she keeps taking pics, as she goes... She posted, and didn't really intend on showing the house.... but I want to see what she does!!!! I am so excited!{ check it out!} Barb C.

Gnarly Volunteer!

Here is a morning glory, from last year... He just gnarled around the old watering can and wash tub, he looked like he was trying to peek inside the spout, of the old sprinkling can, and see what was inside... I plant them every year, all around the shop, along the picket fences, and let 'em go... where ever their little 'feelers' want to cling onto, it's theirs...they drop seeds, in the fall and winter, so I have some volunteers here and there... They make me so happy, watching them grow... and boy, when they get goin' get out of the way, they really can shoot up! I have had some, 30 feet long, or more! They are wonderful... {The farmers don't think so... they give them all kinds of grief...} But they are safe, here with me... Barb C.

Hope...for Spring...

These are the morning glories, I picked up, last week... I love morning glories... They have a 'my way', of growing...They are wild, and unruly, wispy, can even get pretty gnarly...and are always reaching for the sun... I plant them all over... I mentioned, I could already see them, growing... Ah, only in my mind... I'll start them, mid to late March, inside, then put them out, when frost is no longer a worry...Sometime in April... The moon flowers are great... as the morning glories, shut their little petals, in the evening, the moon flowers, wake up, and smile... I don't have a green thumb, but the morning glories are so forgiving... They love the hot sun, and don't beg for water, all the time...We get along great... they always make me smile.... I heard a "Spring Bird', yesterday... I don't know what kind it is, I just know it's song... And I know, when he sings, spring is around the corner... It doesn't look like spring, it doesn't feel like spring, the weather man, says nothing about spring... but I know it's close.... The "Spring Bird" is promising it...

A New Day...

Whew.... Spent the weekend, in a basket.... I have no tears left, and my eyes feel like they are full of sand.... Dad wouldn't want me to feel this way... It would break his heart, so I'm up, brushing myself off, and moving foreword... I don't know why, things were so hard, this year... I think, for the last 10 years, during this Valentines time, I have either been in Nashville, doing Heart of Country, or scrambling, getting ready to go... No time to think, or be sad...Guess my heart was making up, for lost time... I called my friend, Patty,{fern hill} on Friday, we both needed an escape, and my pal, Barb H., had mentioned a 'Garden Show', in Des Moines, so I asked Patty if she would like to make a day of it, and she was game! We had a wonderful day. Ran into Barb H. {sisters garden} Had a great visit, but the Garden Show, left a lot to be desired... at least for us... It was more of a 'Home Builder's' show... We wanted to see flowers, and antique garden junk! We had a great time, tho... A wonderful lunch, and some antiquing! Lot's of good conversation.... Steph is re-working 'Fern Hill', and I can't wait to see what it looks like! I have been gathering lots of stuff, but, still need more... Lots of shows, on the horizon, and I need to find some cool stuff, to get me excited! Well, better take on the day! Hope you have a Great Day, too.... Barb C.

My Valentine....

John, for the last several years, has made me a card, for Valentines Day... This year, he even made the envelope... What a guy.... We don't get too mushy, after all the years, we just Love each other... Good, bad and yeah, ugly... I had to put this crazy song on... I was going to put something mushy on, but, oh well... And by the way... our kids are beautiful...{ after John read this, he said I need to ad they are ornery, though.... they get that, from his side of the family...}

Marion Conner...My Dad...

I have to laugh, when I see this picture of my Dad... He would NEVER wear glasses... He had this taken, for his chauffeurs license, he drove semi, among many other things....and had to wear them to pass the test... Tho, you can't see them, he had shocking blue eyes, and almost black hair...6 feet tall, 190 pounds, and made of iron...{ he reminded me of Andy Griffith...He walked, and talked just like him, and had the same way of thinking, as the character} He was hardest working man, I have ever know...{ John, is the second...} He worked every day of his life, except Sundays... Holidays didn't mean much to him, and he'd, as my Mother would say, "conveniently disappear', and come rolling in, after everyone had dispersed... Oh well, that was Dad...And I always pretty much knew where I could find him...{ usually out working on an old tractor, or truck, or with the livestock... I know I would have much rather been with him, and not at the gatherings too, but, I think if he would have taken me, on those days, Mom would have skinned him alive!} If Dad said he'd be back on 'Thursday', you had better find out what Thursday, of what week, of what month, and maybe, of what year... He probably wasn't the best 'husband' material, and had 2 failed marriages, but neither my Mom or Dad remarried, after their divorce, when I was 5. They lived on and off together, until he died, and they loved each other, very much... My Dad didn't always put his family first { not good, in my Mother's eyes} and would give his last dime, to a friend who was down and out... Money, didn't mean much to him... People did....}His heart was always in the right place, but...he kind of flew, by the seat of his pants... Literally... He taught himself, back in the 40's, how to fly... He had a little 2 seater airplane, and would take friends and elderly neighbors for rides... He lost his pilots license, when he took a man for a ride, that was his boss, and a real jerk... The man was mean, to all the men, and was always belittling them, but begged Dad to take him for a ride... So... Dad took him for a ride... He flew between the river, and a bridge... and scared the man so bad, I think he had to change clothes, when they landed... oops... Dad was seen, doing this, and lost his license... He was a dare devil, and nothing was impossible, in his eyes... He could look at something, that everyone said couldn't be done, and he'd getter done... "Can't' wasn't in his vocabulary.... He was sharp as a tack,{ with only an 8th grade education, but could out wit, any scholar, I have ever known...} and never knew a stranger... He was loved by all, who knew him...Rich, and poor, alike... He had friends, that were worth millions, and some that were homeless... and loved them all the same... He loved children, and always took time for them...The neighbor kids, always hung around, he'd teach the neighbor boys how to shoot, and work on cars and tractors, and take us girls skating, or help bridle up the horses for us, then stay and watch, and cheer us on.... and I'll never forget my friends telling me, how much they loved my Dad...He put us all first... and spent time with us...Most of my friends parents, had much more money than us...but in all honesty, we had so much more, than they did... and I think all the kids knew it... I never knew any different, and never truly knew, how very blessed I was... I loved being with him... I remember him taking me, to the old farms, where he would be cutting up iron, and I'd sit in the car, all day... It would sometimes be too cold for me to play outside.... He'd show me how to start the car, if I got cold... I didn't care, I was with my Dad... He was long winded, and I'd hear him tell the same story, over and over...But they were always so fun to hear again and again... I never got tired of hearing them... I'd sure love to hear him tell them one more time... Sometimes, he would laugh 'til he cried, and couldn't hardly finish... we'd all be laughing... because he was such a wonderful 'story teller'... We'd all be hanging on every word....He was a good, honest, loving, hardworking man... I sure miss him....

Me and My Dad...

This is one, of only two, images, I have of my Dad, and I.... I was his Pumpkin, and Caboose... Dad called me that, because, he was 50, when I was born, and I was the end of the line, for kid's... He took me with him, everywhere...even when I was in diapers...{ His friends would rib him, about changing diapers, in those days, Dad's didn't do that sort of thing...} He taught me how to drive, when I was 7... and was perched on the top of phone books, driving down the gravel roads... He had me riding ponies, before I could walk, and said one of the saddest days of his life, was when he took me rollerskating, and I had found 'my legs', and didn't need to cling to his arm, any longer... He thought I hung the Moon, and let me know, there was nothing I couldn't do, if I set my mind to it... I heard a saying, the other day, about Fathers... It's not who they were, it's who you remember they were... Nothing could be more true...

A Tribute to my Dad....

It was 23 years ago today, I lost my Dad.... I had seen him, the afternoon before he passed away, and brought him his lunch... We had a quick visit, and as I was backing away, and he, walking away, with the Valentines cake, I had made for him, he turned around, and looked at me... Just stood there for a moment... I looked at him, and said to my Mom, " I wonder, does he want me to go back?", but then he turned away, and started walking down the hill... That was the last time, I saw him alive... He died, at 7:30, the next morning.... Alone... He was involved in a fire, in the night, and worked so hard, to get it out, He collapsed on the ground, when they found him, he was alive, but had hypothermia... I wasn't notified, until 7:00 a.m., when his doctor called, and assured me he was fine, and was laughing and talking to her, and for once, his blood pressure was normal... I told her, I was on my way, and began getting the baby ready, so I could get to the hospital, as I was walking out the door, at 7:30, the phone rang... It was his doctor... She said things had changed drastically for the worse... I thought, in an instant, if I ask the very worst..." Is he dead?", she would say, " no, he's had a stroke"...{ Dad had unbelievably high blood pressure} So I asked her the worst, her reply was, "Yes, he is".... With Justin in his carrier, by my feet, I dropped to my knees... Inconsolable, would put it mildly... I had just lost my best friend in the World...The one who loved me, totally, unconditionally... And, he had been all alone... My heart was broken...shattered.... I drove to my Mom's house, and broke the news to her... We were lost souls...In a debilitating shock... Then I called all of the family... and went to my Dad's side... I sat down, next to his body, looked at his face, still covered in soot, from the fire, he looked so peaceful...Like he was sleeping... I ran my fingers through his hair... and at that very instant, could feel, he was really gone... and wept... And told him how very sorry I was, for not being there for him... Just to hold his hand... I was first on the emergency list, at the hospital... but they never called...{ Dad had been there for 5 hours} God must have known, I couldn't have taken, watching him slip away... I am the youngest, by many, many years, but I handled all the services... I was 22... Dad and I talked about everything... I remember how much he loved the movie, "Once Upon a Time in the West" and "Doctor Zhivago" The music, he said was the most beautiful music, he had ever heard... I couldn't find the music for "Once upon a Time in the West", but I had the pianist play Some Where My Love 'Lara's Theme', from Doctor Zhivago, over and over....{ nobody said a word} This song is so fitting... someday, we'll meet again, some day, whenever the spring breaks through... In those days, you couldn't do all of the 'special' things you can do today... I remember the song, that was going through my clouded mind, for weeks after he passed away... The Skeeter Davis song... " The End of the World".... I truly couldn't understand, why does the sun go on shining, why does the sea, rush to shore...don't they know, it's the end of the world, 'cause you don't love me, anymore... Don't they know it's the end of the World... It ended when you said.... Good bye... I, to this day, don't know how I made through, those dark, dark days... When Dad died, I thought the whole World should stop turning...And I was angry, that it didn't... I asked John, go to the scene of the fire, and salvage what he could... I just couldn't bear to go, and for years, after, couldn't go near, where the fire had been... John said there was nothing left, but the weirdest thing... Half of a heart shaped cake... It was sitting in the middle of the burned out building, untouched.... just sitting there... John didn't know, I had baked that for Dad, and taken it to him, the day before.... I miss my Dad, everyday of my life... Sometimes, I am sure, he is right here with me... The 13th of February, and especially,when it's a Friday the 13th, is very hard for me...I am so thankful, I have my faith, and God's promises... I don't know how I could have moved foreword, without Him... I know we will be together again... Barb C.

That's Life...

I like Sinatra... I Love this song... I can relate, whole heartedly! Made my apologies, to John, yesterday, for shaking my finger at him, and the truck dealer... I fixed him a nice supper,{ John, not the dealer... if he never sees me again, it'll be too soon...} and there is peace in the house... I have folks coming, early this morn, I am up early, so I can go down and shovel... Yep, more snow... I think we are getting pretty used to it.... I bought some morning glory seeds, yesterday, and can already see them, climbing the old iron Cemetery Entrance, I have at the shop... One is called 'Scarlett O'Hara', and it will be stunning.... I have to get a new memory card, I'll have images later! Barb C.

My Gifts from Charlie...

Charlie, I think, knows what I like better than I do, sometimes... What a dear, dear man....

Common Prayer...

I thought of Debra, from { common ground} when I saw little prayer book... It is wonderful...

Park & Tilford Cigar display?

I don't know for sure, this is for cigars, but it stands up, on a wire stand, and I can't imagine what else it would be for... I thought it would be a cool jewelry display case, on a dresser...It's made from tin, and isn't very big...I love the gold lettering... Something different!

Keokuk Transferware...

I know this little plate has a chip... but, it is wonderful... It was priced fair, and it is one I have never seen before... Very sweet!

A Crazy Day!

Had lots of business to attend to, yesterday... Some very frustrating... I was a 'thorn' to a couple of guys, my hubby, being one of them... A truck dealer, the other... I left both of them scratching their heads....literally... When I do business, I have fun, laugh and visit... But business, is business. I believe in a straight foreword, honest stance...If I love it, I love it... If it's too much, no matter how much I love it, I walk... Period. Not that the piece may be worth it... I would never insult someone, by saying they are asking too much, or what they have to offer isn't worth it... I know what the bottom line is for me...{ no matter how much I may want it} Ultimately, the truck was purchased, for the amount we are limited to... The dealer, I am sure, thought I was a real snot... My husband, after I left, probably made it clear, his opinion was well founded...Oh well... I hate it, when it comes down to the wire... In my life, I have heard every 'sales tactic' imaginable... let it go... Just the facts... Just the facts... That's all we need. You either can, or can't... { in almost 30 years, I have never gotten involved in John's deals... I just couldn't step aside, on this one...Fair is fair....} I was pretty hot, by the time we were done, so headed down to see Charlie, in southern Iowa... Fumed and vented, and he whole heartedly agreed with me...{ about buying what you can afford, and not being in a big rush!} See, that's what friends are for! Peg is sick, so she won't be coming up this weekend! Yeah! She would have had a fit, that some of the Christmas is still up! Charlie and I headed further south, and did some antiquing, then had a great dinner... By the time we had finished shopping, I was cooled off... Antiquing is truly the best therapy! I found some fun stuff, a big bunch of very gnarly old, old umbrellas, a wonderful transferware plate, from Keokuk, Iowa, and all sorts of dibby dabby's! Charlie had some fun stuff, at his place too... As I was dropping him off, he handed me the coolest old pail, and said he thought of me, when he found it, digging in an old barn! I love it, and will keep it, with the birds nests, he always saves for me.... I didn't even hardly talk to John, last night, so I am going to now... I didn't mean to step on his toes, however, I couldn't take one more minute of the haggling... The price was escalating, and the dealer wasn't budging... Bottom line, is the bottom line... business, is business... I guess I really am, like the girl, in "True Grit"... Barb C.

Tweet...

Twitter-ing...

I am now a twitter-er... I don't quite get it, but kind of... I am following some interesting people, and shops...another world.. I have lots of errands to run today, and can maybe squeeze in a little fun! Hope I can get out of the drive... We have had several inches of snow, and the truck is covered...{even tho, I went out yesterday afternoon, and cleaned it all off...} Peg is coming up, at the end of the week, and I must get all the Christmas out, before she gets here... {she will have a fit!} I have a lot of it packed in totes, but the days I have had set aside, for taking it down, I have had customers, too... It's hard to work, and re-do, when folks need my attention... I could go down, and have it done, in one evening, but, my energy isn't flowing, yet... I'll be like Scarlett, and work on it tomorrow, after all, tomorrow is, another day....Peg's right... February is a tuff month... Happy Trails!

Barb C.

Hand Made Butter Stamps

Both of these stamps are hand carved. Both of them have damage... The Eagle, is not missing a piece, it had a crack, and over the years has separated... This one and the Strawberry, are my personal favorites...{ well, the one with the Heart, and hand dovetailed box, has to be in, with this group...} The other, that is shown here, is also, in my opinion, wonderful... It has been repaired, and it must have meant a great deal, to someone... If the Eagle was perfect, it would command the most, out of all of them... Probably, in this area, around the 200.00 mark. I would guess these date from the mid 1800's, and I love them all!

Butter Mold

These are butter molds... They are 2 pieced, the round outside form, would mold the butter, while setting the design, on the top of the butter. The plunger, would be gently pushed, to release the butter from the mold... A little tricky, I have tried it... I'm sure it has a lot to do with the butter's temperature. The 'Strawberry' mold, is unusual, to me... I don't see them. I bought it locally, for very little... It is missing it's plunger, but I really don't care... I thought the stamp was so beautiful, I overlooked the missing piece!