Oh My Gosh....Carnage.....

I was going to put images on, of the shop... but... I couldn't reach the camera, through all of the rubble....I could see it...on the work surface, of the Farm House Cupboard... but, there were piles, and piles, of mounded stuff, between me, and it... so... No Images of the 'process', or carnage.... tonight...
 Peg called.... she's not going to be here 'til Wednesday.... Thank Goodness....I hired the Guys, to haul out the Wardrobe, and bring in the 2 mega Cupboards.... I have, nearly, single handedly...annihilated the shop...and...the back greenhouse... I....Truly....have never seen the back half, so completely destroyed.... It is an Ugly...Ugly.... Mess....Mountains, and Mountains, of debris...
Thanks to the Guys, I saved my lungs... I really don't know how I would have gotten the massive Giants moved, without them....Grrrrrr...I hate being sick!!!!! { on a 'healthy' day... I could have done it... pushed...pulled... shoved...and carefully balanced... but I could have done it...just...not today...grrrr....}
I'll be back at it, in the morn.... I have Grand Plans...it's gonna be very...very...cool...
Have a Great Tuesday!
Barb C.



Friends brought me these Old Concrete Darlings, last week.... They seem quite content, in the front greenhouse, peering through the old Church Window....and taking in, all of the Holiday Adornments!

 

Movin' and Shakin'!

Spent the day, Sunday....Flat on my back.... ever try breathing through a stir stick? I know, when my day comes.... I'll either die, falling through an old Barn's Hay Loft floor... or, gasping for air... Those are my two biggest weaknesses... digging in old Farm Houses...Barns... and dumps.... and my lungs....I'm back, on my feet... or, at least, standing.... I have got to get those cupboards moved...TODAY!!!! there is no 'tomorrow'.... So... I'll be working in the shop...and get as much done, as I can....I'll get John to help... {He won't like it.... but he will....} Busy...Busy week ahead!!!!
Images, tonight!
Barb C.

Heart of Country....Ya Hoo!!!!

Got loads of fliers in the mail today... so thought I'd share them with you.... Make those plans, to attend, all of the shows in Nashville! If you go to the website, they have added a program, where you can see a short documentary of 'Heart'.... it really got me energized! Don't be intimidated, about the antique prices, they are quoting... yes... there are some very amazing pieces there.... you definitely can learn a lot .... the trip is a Bargain, if you look at it as an Antiquing Seminar, alone....I have always been able to buy there...my friends, too... One of my friends bought a darling Pie Safe, at Heart, for under 300.00....They also have the 'Under 200.00 ' Booth.... everything is under 200.00.... I usually set up, very near to that.... it's always a busy place! There are 2 other shows, going on, the same time... one, just across the street...the other, at the Fairgrounds....
 I hope you will stay at the Opryland.... the rate is 184.00 a night...{there truly is no place like it....} and that rate is per room... not, per person! So...Gather a group...and Share! You won't regret it!
{www.heartofcountry.com}
Have a Beautiful Sunday!

Barb C.
{click on the images, to enlarge!} Be sure and get your ticket for the Wonderful, Preview Party.... It is SOOOO worth it....{ it includes the most amazing Buffet...and Champagne!}and, it includes a pass, for the next two days...Libby Kramer always told me, to bring enough, for three shows... The Heart Show, changes daily.... as things sell, the Vendors bring in new merchandise...They provide a 'storage area', for us... and that is so Great! We can keep pulling from the back! You miss a day... you miss a lot! This Show, will Blow You Away!!!

'Christmas Past' Mouse...

This was the Sweetest Little Mouse... I'd scratch the work surface of the 'Paul Bunnion' cupboard... and he'd make his way, from the 10 foot tall Cupboard top, to the work surface, where I had crushed biscotti, inside a turned upside down, broken tea cup... the break, was a perfect door, for the Little Mouse... He'd sit inside, and munch on the treats.... what a Darling.....Peg stood forever, before she snapped this, many years ago....  I sure miss that Little Mouse....

Shop Flips.....

Sweet Renate, from Cedar Falls, brought a friend, and her darling daughters to the shop, today... It was great seeing them... The girls, are into Gnarly Painted stuff... {and they both are under 15... who says young folks don't like Antiques! Cool Young Folks do!} We had a great visit... then, back to quilt duty.... The Big Beautiful Wardrobe, that holds many of them, has found a new, loving home... so I'm taring the entire back of the shop apart, as well as the back greenhouse....{remember... you move one tiny thing...you move a hundred... a thousand, when it comes to removing an entire wall...it had to be done, anyway... I have to get these cupboards in....} it all needs to be done, in less than a week.... I have one, Big Daddy Cupboard coming in, and another, good sized one, after that.... oh dear... A friend is bringing some newer Country Christmas Decor, to do the back greenhouse... it should be very cool... and very reasonable.... he wants to find a new home for it....I said I'd help him, any way I can.... I think I'm going to do a Quilt Table, in the back greenhouse... as well... I've been sorting and sorting.... Peg is coming in on Tuesday... probably a good thing.... I think I have bronchitis....It's getting more and more difficult to breathe... and not much seems to help...I feel like I have a knife, twisting in my back...I hate getting sick....I simply don't have time for it....
I'm hoping to get all the cupboards moved tomorrow, then, reset, Monday...Tare into the back greenhouse, Tuesday....{so much for getting my tree up, in the house, next week....oh well... I'll do it, the following week...I only have to deliver a cupboard, one day, the following week...oh dear....}
I'm headed to rest...
Hope everyone has a great Sunday...

Early, early quilt... love the colors... it has wear around it's border... but...when I get as old, as this old Darling... I'm afraid I'm gonna look lots worse....

I have one Rooster Canister left....

Quilts and Quilts!

I picked these wonderful, old, old ...{1800's to early 1900's} etched goblets,{ with a few various etched designs...all lovely...} a couple of weeks ago... around 30 of them...I just brought them in, today... I use this style, in the house... they are very tuff, yet elegant...they look beautiful serving anything...from wine, to milk!....Like 'em!

Huge spool of cording... Like it!

Cast Iron Windmill Weight... as found...wonderful....

Barb C.

Quilt Sale!!!! December 4th and 5th!

It's time... I have gathered Vintage Quilts, from every corner of the State... and everyplace I have visited... I can't help myself.... There is just something about them.... They are so incredibly Soulful....Thought the Primitive Open House, would be a perfect time to find new homes for some of these dear, old friends!
Nothing warms up a room, better than textiles... even the roughest old Quilts and Comforters, make great throws, table covers, Tree Skirts, and are beautiful,  folded in a cupboard, or at the foot of a bed....They always seem to invite....  Some are quite fragile.... and, daughter Liz reminded me, some folks who buy these, may cut them....{ I have a real problem with that....} But... I told her..."These Old Quilts need to be seen... loved.... and if that means, trimming them, or fashioning them into something, that will bring joy to others... well... I think that's better than keeping them packed away, where they can never sing".... Most of the ones I have gathered are from the depression era, or earlier... most are hand stitched... and hand quilted... some are machine done... but... sewing machines have been around for more than a century... So... I started going through them, yesterday....pricing them, to sell...{ the majority, under 50.00... just to help them find homes...my loss, is their's and your gain...} I'll be posting images of them, later... I'll be going through them, all winter... so check in with me.... often... These Old Friends, need homes....

Barb C.

Thanksgiving.....

It was Great seeing the Kids.... and Baby 'J'.... We had much to eat.... and everything turned out pretty good.... The Squash Pie, I think was a little too sweet...{ I should have followed the directions....and not added more sugar... the kids liked it...} Justin Jr., liked the squash... and seemed to enjoy the meal.... He also was intrigued by the old grinder, that's attached to the cupboard, in the dining room.... He's going to be just like his male elders.... mechanical.... I gave him a little toy phone for his birthday, that makes all sorts of sounds... but, he liked the old grinder, much better....I got most everything cleaned up, and put away... and have a big day ahead...I'm still fighting the crud... and seems nothing slows down, even when you are sick...A computer Genius, fixed my old lap top... so, I will pick that up, this morning... I always lend the Bank, one of our chairs, for Santa, to sit in... They are getting all decorated, today, for Christmas... so, I'll run that up to them....I was thinking about putting the tree up, today, but a friend from Southern Iowa just called, and has a 6 legged store table, he thinks John could do something with...{it needs a little work} so, I think I'll work in the shop, this weekend...put the tree up, on Monday..{it's supposed to be very cold, the first of the week...and a good time to work in the house...} The Primitive Open House, is the 4th and 5th... I've been gathering some goodies, for that... Peg will be up.... Can't wait.... a very busy week ahead... Yeah!
Gotta Go!
Hope Everyone had the most Amazing Thanksgiving!

Barb C.

Pies..... Iowa Farmhouse Style... Check 'em out!

This is our Old Cook Stove... Wood/Gas Combination...{we just use the Gas side...} You have to light it with a match, or lighter... and it cooks beautifully... The kids even cooked on it... and had no problems... There isn't much to go wrong with an old stove, like this... It doesn't even have a thermostat... so I have a hanging one, inside the oven...and keep an eye on it... { we use the oven on the top, left.... the lower one is wood burning} Thanks to Cindy B. {Lady Bug Antiques} She had it at just the right time, when my other one, had hinges break, and there was no fixing... This stove is from the early 1900's... and, We Love It! 

Spent the afternoon Baking.... Check out Iowa Farmhouse Style... my other blog....{some folks are having a hard time getting there... just scroll down, to "view my complete profile" click on it, and it will show my 2 blogs, then, click on Iowa Farmhouse Style}
The house smells wonderful... I LOVE To Bake! I Love to Cook! {no time, it seems...} But, when the Holidays roll 'round... I make enough to feed an Army! I'll be posting the food, and home, on Iowa Farmhouse Style...I don't post daily, there... but, I enjoy sharing the projects I have here at home...
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

This is a Dutch Apple... I made 2 of them, today...They are Big Pies...{about 12 inches in diameter} I have made this recipe, since I was 15.... The other is a Squash Pie,{ made 3 of those...} I just found this recipe, in my 1892 cook book, along with the Crust recipe... These pies won't ever win a beauty contest...{neither will the cook, for that matter....} But.... I gotta tell ya... This Dutch Apple, will blow your mind....It was my Dad's Favorite... mine, too....

Barb C.

New Post on Iowa Farmhouse Style...Cranberry Relish...

I'll be posting Thanksgiving dishes, on my other blog...{iowa farmhouse style} Today... my version of Cranberry Relish....Mmmm...Mmmmm!

Cleaning....

{this is one of the images, on a mid 1800's Clock, door glass... It's one of my favorites... I bought it from my friend, Ray, several years ago... It's so perfect, for this time of year... it, always makes me smile...}

I try and get the house, halfway cleaned, before the Holidays... I've come down with the crud.... not horrible... but, I hate being sick...I took a healthy swig of NyQuil, last night... and tried a breathe right nasal strip, {they say it works, when you have a stuffy nose, in the night...} When I woke up, this morning, and let Polly out.... the snap must have been a bit frozen.... when I went to let her in, a few minutes later, she was gone.... just a cable on the ground.... I grabbed my coat... called John,{so he'd help me look for her} couldn't find my shoes...{still groggy, from the NyQuil}...ran out the door...{17 degrees}...barefooted... to meet Polly...and John...headed for the door... she had run to his shop, and John put her on the run, back to the house... oh dear.... John looked at me kind of funny... I just walked back in the house.... very relieved....{ I felt dazed... I couldn't even manage, 'thank you'... it took the last bit of adrenaline, to run out the door...} Then.. I walked into the bathroom... to wash my face... to see myself in the mirror, for the first time, today..... Glasses crooked...because the nose strip was stuck to them, and half stuck on my nose... my hair looked like a shredded mop, half down, half ratted in a rubber band on the top of my head.... Oh dear... John's going to have nightmares, for months... all I can say, is thank God, he found Polly so quick.... I would have been running all over the neighborhood, yelling for Polly... barefooted, with a nasal strip hanging off my face....and a bush, on my head...

I'm goin' to get cleaning...Get the Turkey thawing... make the cranberry relish... I really love this time of year... I love to clean the house.... get reacquainted with it... stroll down memory lane, with all of the treasures... gifts, from friends....old, soulful things, I have rescued, over the years....I wind all of the 30 hour clocks, that John doesn't like to wind...and let them sing.... I'll have images on, later.... I need to get rollin'...

Have a Great Day....

Barb C.

Girl's Night Out!

Had a Wonderful Evening with the Girls...Saturday... {left to right...me, Gail, Amy, Liz and Polly...{we are all Antiquers....} We all seem to have been climbing Mountains, this last year or two... but...we always seem to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off... and move forward... there were several more, I wish, could have joined us... but, this won't be our last venture! The Light House Supper Club, is located on Mt.Vernon Road, in Cedar Rapids.... They have Live Jazz, on Friday and Saturday Nights.... I don't go often... so, when I do, it's a real treat.... The food is wonderful, and the atmosphere, is perfect, for a little get away.... The cost, is no more, than a chain, steak house.....but, this is a truly, one of a kind experience...{they have been independently owned, for almost a 100 years...I love to watch folks dance, and love the feel... I'm sure it was really something, back in the day... 40's, 50's and 60's... Liz said she read on the web, it had quite a following...and even a few seedy characters, enjoyed the place...Sinatra, would probably enjoyed it...} I'm working around the house, and gathering things for Thanksgiving... It's just going to be us... and... That's o.k. {the kids are coming over... and that will be great...I'll make plenty, so they can dine on leftovers, for a while!} Hope Everyone Has the Most Amazing Monday! Barb C.

Mid 1800's Walnut Cupboard....

Got delivery done, and this old Darling, picked up, this morning... I'm scratching my head, trying to figure out, where it's going to go.... Mark popped in, and we walked through the shop... I'm at a loss... I'm happy with the shop, just the way it is... In that little shop...you move one little piece...you move a hundred... no kidding... ask Peg...or anyone, who has ever tried to help.... yeeesssh... {The shop is only 768 square feet... but, you'd never know it... people say, from the outside it looks so small... but when you walk in, it seems very big...hence..." Falling down the Rabbit Hole"... it is quite an optical illusion...} It takes a lot of engineering, and planning, to make all of the puzzle pieces fit...but...they do...eventually.... Barb C. {this Old Cupboard is very unusual.... it was from a Law Office... The 87 year old Attorney's Grandfather made it, back in the day... It has cast iron handles, on the sides, and in the center door of the base are beautiful hand carved file slots... It's very interesting... It's quite tall... nearly 90 inches.... the base is short...Thankfully, it's 2 pieces... primitive, yet very refined... like it... I love the wavy old glass... with all of it's wonderful imperfections... it's a neat old piece... can't wait to fill it up!}

Whew! What a Day! Sisters' Garden's Open House... Amazing!

Took off, bright and early... headed to Illinois.... The table was very nice, but not what I needed....{I am so thankful, for the call....} Found some fun stuff... Stopped at the Junk Asylum,{ it was packed full of great stuff!} and found the most amazing quilt...{that found a wonderful home, already....} made some deliveries... then... Headed to Sisters' Garden's Open House! It was BLOW YOUR MIND AMAZINGGGGG! {I had battled a flippin' headache, all day... Sweet Amy, offered to drive to Sisters', so I said, you drive, I'll get supper!} She picked me up... and we flew, to Sisters'.... the thing is... I forgot my camera, in my Truck.... So... go to Sisters' Garden, and check out their blog.... I felt so bad.... I could have shared so much... It was so beautiful... as always... the food, and people...the lights... the cool stuff... the place was packed... We had the most amazing time... The Open House runs through tomorrow.... {it truly is, a 'Must See'....} Then...we went to Oxford, Iowa{ a small town, 20 minutes north of Sisters'} to a wonderful Restaurant, "Augusta's"...not realizing, we needed reservations... so, we sat at the bar, hoping to get seated...{The place was totally packed!} a very nice couple, offered to share their table with us... We had a Great Time...The restaurant is New Orleans Style... so, it was fun visiting with the folks, {that happened to be related to Barb H. from Sisters'.... small world!} about the trip I took with Allyson, this Summer, to New Orleans! I even had a couple of Cajun Martinis... they were good... but.... the one I managed to drink, over several hours, this Summer, from "K-Paul's", in New Orleans...... well... that was a Frickin Martini....oh dear...pretty hard to beat! I'm on the road, bright and early.... Have a delivery to make, 20 miles south, by 7 a.m.... then a pick up, north, by 9 a.m.... Then getting everything situated, in the shop.... I'll have the camera... and... hopefully... no headache....{my head is still thumpin'...dang...} Amy and I had the most wonderful time...We'll have to do it again, soon! See ya, Barb C.

Soul...

This Old Shoe, has been in the shop, for years... It's not for sale, anymore...it's just....well... part of the place... It almost brings tears to my eyes, when I look at it... a hole worn through the leather sole... so tattered, and worn... I wonder... who was the woman, that wore it... where she was from...what her life was like... day to day... It reminds me of the Movie, {my favorite movie, of all times} Gone With the Wind.... when Scarlett is back at Tara, during the war... they have nothing...{Pork, one of the House Slaves, just had the horse shod... She said to him..."It's a fine day, when a horse can have shoes, and people can't!"} they are all skin and bones, picking cotton, trying to hold on... later, a Yankee comes into the House... to rob them, of what little they have left... Scarlett tries to get up the squeaky old staircase, to the table on the landing, where a revolver is hidden, in the drawer... she slips her shoes off, to be quiet...her shoes, look exactly like this... oh..my.... We think we have things tuff... ah... not so much... We have Blessings... many...Blessings...{if you have never seen the movie... she gets the revolver... and the Yankee... well...he gets a very close look at the revolver...} I'm on the road, in the morn, heading, quickly, to Illinois... a friend called on a Harvest, or Farm table... I really appreciate the call... and hope it's something I can use... Have a Wonderful Friday... Barb C.

Stuff...

Old Pal, Bruce, dropped off these tables, and Bart, dropped off primitives, last weekend... They are still parked in the front Green House... The tables are very cool... a bit industrial... and the boxes and totes, will be perfect for the Primitive Open House.... I Love the old pitcher pump...I have never seen one like it... it has a porcelain drainboard, attached... I can only imagine, the wonderful Farm Kitchen, it came from... and the woman, who drew gallons of water from it...

Smokehouse Square Antiques...Oh My....

While I was waiting for Steph... in Amana, I popped in at Smokehouse.... {Cindy is probably still mopping up my drool...} That antiques shop, is to die for... I can see why it has been in business for so many years... It has the most amazing treasures, I have ever seen in one Store... The extremely hard to find stuff... I only had a few minutes, to run through, but found this wonderful, dry, old bowl, and this Amazing Tree... Cindy has gathered the best dealers in the area, to her shop... they all work incredibly hard, to find the best stuff...{this is where my son, Justin, does Christmas shopping, for his Mother, when he draws my name! I jump up and down, when he gets my name... Colleen and Cindy always 'help' him pick something out...Oh Boy!!!} Be Sure and visit them, over Prelude, the first weekend in December...You will be blown away! Located on 'F' Street, Amana...319-622-3539...{be sure and visit all of the Wonderful Stores, throughout the Villages... Oh My!}

Busy, Busy! but...I'VE GOT JOY!

Had a sweet comment, this morn, about my song.."'I've Got Joy"... I know. I put some crazy music on, from time to time... but..I gotta tell ya.... This song gets me goin'! I'm on my feet, dancin'...and, my friends... I need to be... absolutely no time to have one single, monotone, or discouraging thought.... I have to keep these feet headed straight forward.... and what better way, than start the day out Dancin', and hearing that Jesus is the Rock, I'm standing on Today...I've Got Joy! I will be getting some business done, early, then have plans to help Steph, set the Beautiful Christmas display, at the Festhalle Barn, in Amana, for 'Prelude to Christmas'.... I'll have images, today,or tomorrow! Keep on a Dancin'! Barb C. { I wonder if people have seen me scooting across the floor...? oh well... if they are peeking in the windows... guess they should expect to get an eye full... They will have a little laugh, and Joy, too...or...call the guys in the white suits!}

Cooooool Cupboard....it's an Angel thing...I've Got JOY!

Oh my..... Seems since I jumped off the cliff, and committed to Heart of Country... My gears are in 'fast forward'... I always procrastinate so... Never decide, on the Heart, 'til the very last moment...{usually early January} as you all know, if you have followed me, for more than a day, I am always struggling... always...Barely keeping the boat a float... but, I know, with God's hand, at the Helm... I may have to do a lot of bailing, but, will keep the little boat upright....and sometimes, even sailing....{Dear God... I Love those days!} If I were a wealthy woman... so many decisions would be a 'no brainer'... But, that's not my journey... And...that's o.k. It is very uncharacteristic, for me to jump, at this... but... in my heart, I just know, it's the right thing to do.... {I have no show partner... money is tight...Winter is looming... I don't have 'Heart' stuff...{It takes the right stuff} but... in my soul... I know I will... I have no doubt.... Confidence is high... I so hope, some of you, will join me... in Nashville... It truly is the most Amazing Show, and Place, I have ever been...You can come, and take in everything... I can only take in a thimble full...and work myself, into the ground...and still.... LOVE EVERY SINGLE MOMENT OF IT! It's Magic... Don't 'wish' you could come.... Eleanor Roosevelt said, "It takes as much energy to wish, as it does to plan."... Get Plannin' Ya'll! Picked this amazing, old Primitive Cupboard up today..It took my breath away... Only 2 feet, or little more, wide...7 feet tall...all hand made, from scraps, back in the early 1900's... wearing a coat, of old, dry, Dove Grey paint... arched panels, on the front, and sides... gnarly fragments, of old wallpaper, on it's rough sawn back...and, the most amazing Crown... oh my... Pals, Jeff and Nichole told me about it.... {Thank You, my Angels...Thank You...} My friend who had it{another Angel}, said everyone who saw it, picked it apart,{ Bless their Hearts!} so she didn't think I'd like it, either...{normally she rings me...} {I told her how much I loved it... and gave her a big bear hug, that took her breath away!} See... this is an Angel thing... This Cupboard should have been long gone... but... it was waiting, patiently... Speaking of Angels... I popped in at Sisters' Garden... Their Open House begins Friday, at 5. I will be there...{With Bells On!!!} PLEASE.... don't miss it... It will be Amazing...{be sure and get some of the Pine Sachets... they will blow your mind!} Barb C. {p.s. If you are considering staying anywhere, except, the Opryland Hotel.... Don't...} http://www.heartofcountry.com/.} {wait 'til you see the other Angel Blessings... I'm tellin' ya... It's truly a 'God Thing'... and... don't think God, is doing this, just for me... When you help one person... you have no idea, how many you reach... it also works the other way... when you hurt one person... you also..... hurt many... please... think about it...} {I love the commercial, about being responsible... When people go a little out of their way, to help someone... others observe that, and then go a little out of their way, to help another...it doesn't get better than that....}

Big News! Nashville Bound!!!! February! Heart of Country!!!!

First....I want to Thank everyone who stopped in, for the Open House...I can't tell you, how much it meant to me...Tho... I'm always scrapping pennies together...this is never about the money... If it were, I wouldn't be doing this... It's about the people...and the great old junk...{The Amazing Antiques, and Soulful Fragments} Cesare Pavese said "We do not remember the Days...We remember the Moments." This is so true...and I enjoyed so many wonderful 'moments', over the weekend... I think others enjoyed a few, as well.... I hope I inspired a few, to get goin', on their Holiday Plans... if for no one else, for the Child within themselves....they deserve it... I want to especially Thank Peg.... What would I do without that girl.... I'm always stumbling, and fumbling...she's always picking up the pieces... She wasn't feeling well, all weekend, and worked her little heart out...I kept telling her, to go rest... but, no... She is something else. She is so much, like my Sister, Chery...I wish they could have met... They would have been the best of friends...When the world is spinning, round and round... Peg, always seems to grab ahold, and stabilize.... {we are truly like the Mad Hatter, and the March Hare.... {occasionally, that little March Hare, will hurl a tea cup, through the air... but.... the Mad Hatter, always ducks, in the nick of time... I think we both expect a few explosions, now and again... I tend to hurl a few tea cups, myself...} Thank You, Peg....From the Bottom of my Heart... Speaking of 'Heart'... We're Goin' to NASHVILLE!!!! HEART OF COUNTRY!!!! IN FEBRUARY!!!! MAKE PLANS TO JOIN US!!!! Oh my Gosh!!!! I found out, last week... but wanted to get through the Open House, before I Shared the Huge Surprise!!!!! I visited with Susan, the Promoter...and she was hoping I could make it this year.... For the 30th Anniversary... and I said...YES!!!! {don't know how...yet...but YES!!! I'm 'handing it over'... He always seems to get me where I need to be...} I can't begin to tell you, how wonderful this show is.... and Nashville is... and the OPRYLAND HOTEL....my HAPPY PLACE!!!! YOUR HAPPY PLACE!!!! It's Food for the Soul! I'm hoping Peg can go... Gail H. is penciled in... Allyson is penciled in... START MAKING PLANS!!!! NOW!!!! Get a group together... The Hotel has a special rate, for Heart of Country.... Share with friends... It wouldn't cost much.... MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!! Eleanore Roosevelt said..."Do something each day, that scares you..." Come on! There will be 3 Amazing Shows, going on, over that week.... Don't miss out, on the Preview Party, at Heart... It's worth every penny!!!!! Just Do It!!!!! I'll have more info, later.... Google Heart of Country... and you'll get some great inspiration! I have to run...Peg is on her way out... but I had to tell ya! Start Making Plans TODAY!!!! Barb C.

Christmas Images...

This is a Concrete Santa, that is only about a foot tall... but, his detail is great, and he would make a darling door stop! I think everyone missed him, yesterday... I have him tucked in an urn, outside...

This Statue, is perhaps, my favorite... It's not for sale... it's a Memorial, to the Geese, that used to be here, at the shop...

The little Boys, are hiding in the evergreen... I love vintage concrete....

Bottle Brush trees...I have even bought some cool modern ones...they look so neat, in a Village...

I love this old oil painting...friend, Jean, had it... and I'm kinda glad, she couldn't find the perfect spot!

This is a Memory Tree, I have been working on.... I leave it out, and as I run across damaged ornaments, or, fun jewelry fragments, I stick it on... I have several folks wanting one, when I get 'em done.... I just need another 24 hours, in each day....{or, organization, and structure...oh dear...}

Peg's Beautiful Gourds.... They are going to make many folks happy, Christmas Morn! And many years after!

This is one, of two Vintage Bells, from the Red Wing Stoneware Factory, in Minnesota!

Holiday Open House....

It truly has been a wonderful day.... full of blessings... {it started out, a bit rocky... someone always seems to want to steal your joy... but... I smiled...and handed it over to God....it's funny... Joy Stealer's, always try and cloak themselves, in anonymity... but, God always has a way of shining the spotlight right on them....painful to learn... but huge blessings, for the future....} That being said.... It was great seeing so many followers, from the Blog.... I sent folks to Fern Hill, in South Amana, to take in their Open House, today... and reminded everyone about Sisters'Garden's Open House, next weekend! A darling Mother and Daughter, started the day off, wonderful.... They truly made my day... and I told them so... Sweet Brandon was in, {House Things} he scoured the Little Shop, and winced, when I shared all the Pet Mouse Stories....I usually have one little mouse tamed, by the end of the season... Can't help it.... Lynn and Lea were a sight for sore eyes... Peg and I both agreed... they are the nicest couple... Pals, Gail H., Allyson and Dale.... popped in...Jeff and Nichole... they are Sweet Hearts... I really enjoyed the visit from the folks from Fry Town... We share a common love, of Vintage Christmas.... Everyone is excited to stop back, in December, for the Primitive Open House... During the wonderful Prelude to Christmas, in the Amana Colonies... {a 'Must See' the first weekend in December...many new shops, and great, established ones... it's always so beautiful... in all of the Villages...} I popped over, this evening, to a dear friend's house...{a very good listener} he had some great stuff, perfect for the Primitive Open House... I'm so glad he called me...and truly appreciate his friendship...yep.... another Angel... The news I got this morning, could have easily taken me down...I trust my friends...and when they hurt me, well, I guess I'm naive...I never see it coming... But... I'd rather be shocked, when hurt, than not trust people... this person, is in my prayers...and... the Parade of Angels that stepped through the door, today...well... dare I say... They were Heaven Sent.... I am so thankful.... for everything.... Everything.... I look forward to tomorrow... Peg and I are soaking up, all the Christmas Cheer.... What a Wonderful Life... {the batteries died on the camera... I'll have images, tomorrow...or, better yet..stop in...!} Barb C. Thanks, Sweet Angel, Amy N., for the wonderful jolt of Caffeine, last night! You always seem to come to the Rescue...Bless You!!!! And, Jan,{ Summer Sundays}... Thanks, for visiting the blog...and all of your kind wishes, and comments... You, too, are an Angel.... When things slow down... I'll be visiting all of you.... My Love to You... Barb C.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE.... TODAY!

Peg and I worked 'til after 11, last night... getting loads of Christmas out!{Much more arriving, throughout the Season!} It looks like Christmas has EXPLODED! I'm headed to town, this morning, to pick up last minute stuff! Hope to See Ya! {Open House, 11-6, Today and Tomorrow!}

Jr.'s First Birthday!

Oh My.... Baby 'J' is One. today.... Where do the years go? One, going on Twenty.... I keep telling the Kids..."Don't Blink"....I'll miss the party... But we are going to have a little party, {get together} with the Kids, next week... Audrey, {Sweet Cheeks} Baked some amazing treats, I'm sending with the kids...{And Mighty Tasty Too!} I'm sure it will be a Wonderful Day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY 'J'!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Why is it... when we almost have things, all put together... I always, at the last hour...flip everything around...and create a huge, monster mess.... Oh Dear.... Peg says I do this... every time... She's right... The furnace, quit, and wouldn't start, again... Peg was freezing... John was cussing... I.... was... calm....after taring the furnace apart... calling around, for advise... He got it figured out...{ this is a good story, about helping people.... John got a call last week, from a man, who needed his truck door adjusted... {John used to work on cars..} John drove to the man's home, and fixed his door... he didn't want any pay... said to forget it... But, the man insisted on sending some of his Farm Raised Beef, home with John...today, as John was trying to find someone who might know the furnace's problem, he ran across the man's name, in heating repair{he had no idea what the man did for a living...} John called him, and thanks to his advise, John got the furnace fixed... and the little shop, is warm... Angels... oh my...} This is one of the Primitive areas, in the little Shop... Peg and I ate supper, around 7, then we tore into this area.... I Love it! The Victorian Lap Robe, made of wool, and used to keep you warm, while Sleigh Riding... is darling... Very Worn... But the subject is perfect, for the Holiday Season...

I ran across some of the gnarliest, grungiest...old, old ornaments, today... oh dear... Love 'em!

Ahhh... Peg's Christmas Egg Gourd Ornaments... They are, blow your mind, wonderful.... Great Christmas Gifts.... Truly One of a Kind....Amazing Artwork....and... will be here, for the Open House, Saturday and Sunday, 11-6!

So Small...

I had to put this song on this morning... Peg and I have been working hard..and things are moving forward... Seems like if things can go wrong...they do...{from every side}Peg told me to get out from under what ever star, that is raining garbage all over me... She said," It's never one thing...with you.... it's several..all at once"...oh yeah... I was visiting with one of my dear friends, yesterday... she asked where that girl is, that always tells her, to pull out her 'Streams in the Desert'....and reflect... {I haven't been doing that myself...too busy... I opened it, just now to read this...} "Use the cross you bear as a crutch to help you on your way, not as a stumbling block that causes you to fall.... You may others from sadness to gladness beguile, If you carry your cross with a smile." What a wonderful message to see, while being attacked... I'm so thankful, for the reminder... Images tonight... Have a Glorious Day.... and...Keep Smiling... Barb C.

I'm Playing Taps... for the Old H.P.

Well... the cats, killed my laptop..... yes... my diary... my therapy.... they killed it... but... I am up and running... so... I broke my Piggy Bank... and scraped enough together, to get a good, no frills, work horse, of a laptop....I have replaced the old girl.... I don't have much time, to get everything on this computer.... Peg is here, helping me... and we are trying to get things pulled together... Scout's{our horse} eye, is all inflamed, so the vet was out this morning...he's gonna be fine... she said in the old days, they called it Moon Blindness...he's not blind... but, for some reason, this inflammation comes and goes... they used to think it was with the moon changing... Marv called {Clock repair service} the beautiful Store Regulator, is up and going.... Just in time for the Open House...I got that picked up... Hit several stores, scouting out the best deal...computer wise...{after 2 different places checked out the old one... booo hooo. with the sad..sad news...} I'm off, and running... mostly...just... off... Barb C.

COMPUTER DOWN!!!

Cat dumped coffee. Laptop soaked! Blogging on hold. I'll keep in touch. GRRRR! -Barb C.

Open House Fast Lane!

Whew....I'm rollin' today! I took the entire day off, yesterday... Knew I'd be slammin' hard, all week! I'm working on the yard, and shovin' piles of new stuff, in the Shop! I'm on the road, tomorrow..looking at all sorts of Country Stuff...and picking up greenery... Then, the phone gets turned off, and I'm locking myself in the Shop, 'til I'm done... Whew!

Have a Great Monday!

Barb C.

{hear this song?... try listening to this Auctioneer... and, the Auctioneer, in the adjoining room... straddling a doorway... bidding in both rings... and... taking phone bids...see... one ear, for the Auctioneer on the left...one ear, for the Auctioneer, on the right ... and...one ear...on the phone...taking bids... hmmm.... I guess I'm blessed, with three ears... } {I've always thought, I should have worked in the Stock Market...on the Floor.... It would be a piece of cake....}

A Day at Duwa'a Auction...

This is a large, folk art oil painting... it is pretty cool... I bought another, even larger, oil, that is done by the same artist, in 1952...like 'em... I love this pair of early portraits... They are nicely done... and the frames are very nice... they date, I would say, from the 1860's or 70's... like 'em...

There is some pretty fun stuff buried in this cab, of the little Ford... a Lovely, large, Home Sweet Home, print... an early basket, with a swing handle... neat old books... oh my... Fun Stuff! Love the Old Store Table... it has two massive drawers...grungy, old blue-gray paint and is paneled on three sides... There's a lovely Lincoln's Drape Cement Urn... a cute, rusty, rusty peddle car...{but fun!}

A large hand dovetailed chest...and... all sorts of littles... like 'em! Oh dear... What a day... I was running late, even tho, I was up at 5... I arrived at the Auction, about 30 minutes late... Dale and I previewed it, last night... there was a Gnarly, Store Table, I really wanted... and... some even Gnarlier Folk Art Oil Paintings...and... of course.. lots of stuff, I didn't see, 'til they were selling it... and... two things, I asked Dale to watch for me... {he sat 2 feet away from them...and they sold for 2 dollars... to someone else.... GRRRRR}....{ I was trying to watch both rings, and running from one side to the other} to say the least... I was storming....I didn't say anything... I think my eyes must roll back in my head... and steam spew out my ears... folks just seem to know when I see red...}

{ we hashed it out...he helped me load... and I bought him supper.... but, I will say...I did snap...it was a major, Mad Hatter Moment...{internally... and within a 10 feet radius of my body...} well... several moments... I don't miss many bids... and... I NEVER miss a bid, someone leaves with me.... ever....}

Mark did this to me, once, at this same auction house... I had been running, from one ring, to the other, for hours... before Mark arrived... I was bidding, and getting all sorts of stuff, for him...{taking phone bids, for him...} I was so relieved, when he finally arrived, so he could watch one ring, and bid on my stuff, and his... I'd watch the other ring, and do the same... In the ring, he was watching, I asked him to bid on a pile of Coin Silver Flatware..{that was the only thing, I asked him to watch...} and left a substantial bid with him...stressed how important it was, to keep watch... I collect it...after about 15 minutes, I walked towards his ring{checking on the progress}... saw him, digging through a box of old drawer pulls... and the Coin Silver, was being carried to someone else... it had just sold... all of it... for 15.00... Each piece was worth that.... and their must have been at least, 30 pieces in the box....Yes... I was storming...

Oh well.... I bought a lot of fun stuff... all in all... it was a great day... It's always nice seeing everyone... Barb and Dan, {Park Place Antiques... Marion, Iowa} Dwight and Junelle...{Duwa's Auctions, Wellman, Iowa} Barb H's Dad, from Sisters' Garden....John and Norma, from Cats and Dogs, in West Branch, Iowa....It was all good... I'll have lots of images...tomorrow...

and... The Holiday Open House... Oh My... There will be some Amazing stuff... {The Shop is going to be very... very... full...} Peg is coming up... oh dear... I have got to stay home... and get something done...Oh Dear....

Have a Restful Sunday...

Barb C.

The Best Customers {friends}... I am Blessed...

Yesterday, I was running full throttle... A gal stopped in, before I was open, so I told her to go ahead, and look around, I'd be down... I'm really not open, 'til the Holiday Open House, next weekend... The shop is in transition...and if you are brave, you are welcome... The poor gal, was brave, but about frozen.... for some reason my furnace wasn't working... and she was like an Icicle! She was very particular, at what she was hunting for... and, I remembered seeing some of the things she wanted, at the Estate Sale I was at, the day before...She was from Colorado, and I knew she could never find her way there... and... my bid was accepted, at the sale, for a wonderful butter mold.... and.... there are many shops in Marion, she would enjoy.... so, I led her, across town, to the sale, and shops! Just as we were pulling away, Sarah and Brittany, from Mt.Vernon pulled in... They must have known, the furnace wasn't working... they were all bundled up, and had their own Hot Tea....! I had to leave... so gave them instructions... begged their forgiveness... and let them mind the store! They are Darlings! I so wanted to visit with them... it's been soooo long... I told them to be sure and stop back, next weekend... we'd have a nice long chat!!!

What Sweeties!

Treasures...

{Don't forget about 'Gatherings' {www.gatheringsiowa.blogspot.com} Open House... I'm going to try and get there, sometime this weekend! 'Tis the Season!}

This is an 1868 Hymnal... It's surprisingly small... not much bigger, cover size, than a post card.... It came from the Estate Sale, in Marion, yesterday...very sweet... This old folding wire hanger, fascinated me... and I found some cool, muted white treasures... Love the cording spools... They are the 'Cat's Meow!'.... and... of course... teeny, tiny ornaments... For a Feather Tree, I suppose... Gotta Love 'em!

Cupboard... Big...Cupboard...

Friend, Wanda, called today, letting me know she had referred a woman to me, that had a Big Cupboard...{7 feet x 7 feet} in her...Basement...{Wanda is preparing for her Holiday Open House, beginning tomorrow....{Don't miss it! Check out her blog...'Gatherings'...I follow her, so, you can get there, from here!} I ran over to Marion, to look at the Old Cupboard... and it was pretty cool... and... pretty Big... and...in the basement....and... the basement stairs were pretty steep... oh dear... I was figuring, and plotting, how I was going to get that Cupboard...up those steep stairs...{and the Retro, double Sofa... and the Massive Iron Cauldron....} Then... I got to thinkin'...Son... Justin didn't work today...so John...Justin's friend, Josh, and Justin, met me at the Cupboard's home... YEAH!!!! This Never happens... They had that Cupboard, and everything else loaded, and heading home, in fast order! WOW!!!{Whew...I could get sooooo, used to this!}{I paid them well... it was worth MUCH to me...}

Turned out to be quite a coincidence...there just happened to be an Estate Sale, in Marion.... My pal, Gail called, while I was there, looking at the Cupboard... so... while I was waiting for the Men... I slipped over to the Tag Sale, and did a little damage! Oh Boy! The Fun Never Ends! I'll have images of all the 'Littles' in the morning... {Robin... I have something for you... hoo!}

Barb C.

{Better images, in the morn...}

Christmas Past...at Home...

This Bell, is so cool... I bought it at Hoge's Auction, last year... It's from a Small Town, Street Light... John fashioned a hook, out of a very ornate old table spoon, and, made a permanent hook, for the Bell! {The hook is so pretty, that when the Bell is put away, the hook looks like it's part of the old Gasalier!}{and the cob webs... make it look like it's always been there...yeeesh...} I strung a mass of vintage ornaments, to form a 'clapper', for the old Bell... It was pretty cool...

I just got in, 2 wonderful, Vintage Bells, and Brackets... The Bells are Red and White... They originally came from the Red Wing Stoneware Factory, in Red Wing, Minnesota... They will be Perfect, for the Open Houses!

This is last year... Christmas Eve... I wasn't going to put the tree up... in the house... Too tired...But... John surprised me, and started dragging the 12 foot Wonder out, and put it up...{it's quite a production...} then... left... {Oh, he did scale up about 12 feet, to put a hook on the Chandelier, to hold the enormous Street Light, Christmas Bell...then, he left...} I spent the entire day, and evening, with Christmas Music rattling the windows... I strung well over a thousand lights...went through dozens of boxes... and more boxes of tinsel... hundreds and hundreds of ornaments...and... with help of yards of electric fencing wire,{I buy it by the rolls... oh my... Dad taught me early... you can fix most anything, with a little wire!} I secured the vintage store display, Rudolph, in the tree...{I think when I told John, I was going to attempt this, early in the day... that's when he found the door... he wanted no part of it...} {Hey... I wired the tree back to the landing.... and I wired Rudy... no worries!} The mass of ornaments, I have strung together, with ribbon... then draped them around the newel post... I love it...I add more to the string, every year...

It was sad.... We put it up on Christmas Eve... and took it down, New Years Day... Used to be... we'd put it up, the day after Thanksgiving...and take it down, New Years Day... Don't know when I'll get it done, this year... Two Open Houses...Thanksgiving, in between... and much to do... I would so love, to have an Open House, here, at the house... Invite the ones, that have been so kind to me... and... there have been many... but... that means I'd have to get the house clean...oh dear... I spent hours, Sunday, just scrubbing the kitchen floor, and cook stove... oh my gosh.... What A Mess!!!!! With the Cats...Dogs... and us...{oink, oink...} I may as well invite Scout in, too {our horse} He may balk, tho... I think his stall is cleaner... I'll have to see how much ambition I have... Today... well... not too much...

Have a Great Thursday!

Barb C.

{I Love this song... Pachabel...'Canon in D'.... I love to listen to Jazz...and...Blues... while I'm decorating the Tree... But, Pachabel... lets my mind rest...even with the windows rattling!}