We Are in Natchez, Mississippi... Oh My....

We had quite the day... A wonderful day... The South is truly Amazing... We had a flat tire... well, not really flat, just getting there, and loosing air... so we stopped at a Truck Stop, and had it changed... Then we rolled on, and took a scenic route, only 50 mph., for a hundred miles... but, it was the most wonderful hundred miles, I have driven, in a long, long time... It was between Jackson, MS., and Natchez.... Amazing...{ Lynn, you would never make a farmer, here in Mississippi... The corn has ears on it, already, and it's stalks are about 3 feet tall... Not quite like home...{ maybe it's a miniature version... I don't know... It has tassels, I don't know what it is... But our farmers would cry, with a crop like that...}Thanks to Allyson's sister, Bethany, who jumped on her computer, back at home, we found the most Amazing BBQ, in Memphis.... "Jim Neeley's Interstate BBQ" It was something I will never forget... When we arrived in Natchez, it felt like home... I may have to stay... A cool Red Ford Truck, with a massive diesel, was impatiently waiting at a light... It was all jacked up, with lights, everywhere... I said to Allyson, if I didn't know better, that would be Justin.... {My son...} Yep, home... We travelled through this wonderful, historic town, as it was getting dark... We stumbled across this, most amazing hotel... It reminds me much, of the Opryland... Oh my! It's right on the Mississippi, and we have the most amazing view... We checked in, then headed up town... had some wonderful Gumbo, fried egg plant, and the best strawberry cake, we have ever eaten... I washed it down, with a glass of red wine, and.... all is right with the world... I intend to take lots of images, tomorrow, of all the sights... We are staying at a Plantation, B&B, near New Orleans, tomorrow, then, another Mansion, in New Orleans, for the rest of the week... If we turned, and went home, today, this would have been a perfect 'get away'... Getting to see Peg and Mike's Amazing home, and having a wonderful supper with them... Eating Fantastic BBQ, in Memphis, Staying in the Fantastic 'Natchez Grand Hotel', Eating at the fun and funky 'Cotton Alley Cafe', for supper... Wow... I'm on overload... We were told there are lots of great Antique Shops, in St. Francisville, it's on our way South... Can't wait!!! Wish You All Were Here!

I'll Keep Ya Posted!

Barb C.

First Day... Headed South...

Allyson is Dwarfed, by this gnarly old bowl... Love It!

Peg and Mikes Beautiful Home...I could have just stayed there...

This old wagon, is soooo cool.... Peg has filled it with gnarly old twisted branches, she finds on her timber walks...

Peg's cool stuff!

She has extremely tall ceilings... I could have spent a week, taking pictures of all of their wonderful treasures!

Peg has planted all sorts of wonderful things, all over, around the house... She has darling little vignettes, everywhere, nestled in the beautiful moss, that seems to blanket everything... Heaven... Heaven!

The 10 cent doll house... I can't wait to get it home, and play with it...

We left C.R. around 1:30, and headed for Peg's... I have never been there, and was dieing to see it... We ran across a 'sale' sign, along the way, and had to stop! I found a darling old doll house... for a dime... and 2 porcelain signs... { not, for a dime...} Allyson took a tour, of the lady's old, old stone house, as I was digging around! She loved it! We kept heading south, and drove past my pal, Charlie's... I told Allyson, he'd be at work, then I saw someone moving around, his barns... It was Charlie! I told her to lay on the horn! I called him, and said we had just driven by... He said, " were you in a silver thing...? and layin' on the horn...?" Yea, that's us! He wished us a safe trip, and I said I'd be down to see him, when we get back.... I just love that guy!!! Then we stopped in Palmyra, MO. at the Midwest Antique Company... We ran through fast, and I found a wonderful, huge round bowl... Don't know much about it, but it's hand done, huge, and gnarly! { My 3 major requirements...} Allyson found some cool retro Chinese prints, and we both bought some darling wire baskets! Yeah! Then, on to Peg's... Oh my... It was absolutely wonderful... She and Mike had prepared a fabulous supper for us, and we got the Grand Tour... She and Mike built their home, a few years ago, on a pond... The setting is amazing... Peg's landscaping is as beautiful as the Botanic Gardens... Wow... I could go on and on... But, it's 11, and I am pooped... We will be in Memphis, for lunch... Can't wait...

Sweet Dreams...

Barb C.

Leaving Today... Headed for New Orleans...

Friends, Stanley and Klarika, helped me hang the massive chandelier, in the shop, on Tuesday... I love it... I promised Tommie, { my friend I bought it from, I'd let it hang around, for a while... my pleasure...}

I'm feeling a bit melancholy, today... Leaving for New Orleans... I think I always do this... As much as I run, 'home' is where I love to come to roost....It's like Rhett said to Scarlet... "You get your strength, from the red earth of 'Tara'..." I get mine, from the black dirt, and from my circle of friends and family{ two and four legged members...} I went to the Doc, yesterday, about my leg....{ It's still, half again the size of my right leg... It's pretty nasty... I thought it should be better, it's been almost a week... one of my friends had me shook, about blood clots....and I didn't want to worry, all the time, so went in....} She wanted to do some tests, but, no insurance, no way... So, I have strict orders... blood thinners.... and leggings... I keep watching the news about the oil spill... If they have anything for me to do, to help those poor animals, I'm all over it... I have doctored critters, since I was young, and they don't scare me a bit... I just want to cry, when I see it.... Folks are talking about boycotting B.P..... B.P. didn't want this to happen... if it's all about money and oil, they certainly don't want this... This is a horrible mess, if anyone should be brought up, it should be the ones who installed this line... Just think... How many shut off's do you have in your home, for natural gas... how many, for your water line? Lots...Who ever installed this, was reckless... B.P. will pay... Cash... But the environment, may never recover.... and those poor creatures, that have no idea, what they are exposing themselves to, will suffer with their lives...

I know everything happens for a reason.... I have wanted to go to New Orleans, since I was 17... Turn it loose, get crazy, and wild.... Allyson asked me to go with her back in February, long before this tragedy... I must need to go, for a reason... see something, be touched, or touch someone... I know this isn't a {just} vacation... I feel it in my bones... It's some sort of a mission... I read my Streams, just now, oh my... I glanced through the pages, nothing seemed to fit... So, I asked the Lord, to show me...Show me what would be the perfect words, for today....my eyes went to a little poem, at the bottom of page 353. It reads...

"Give me a new idea," I said,

while thinking on a sleepless bed;

"A new idea that'll bring to Earth

A balm for souls of priceless worth;

That'll bring men thoughts of things above,

And teach them how to serve and love,

That'll banish every selfish thought,

and rid men of the sins they fought."

Oh my... Once again, just what I needed to see...

I want to send apologies out, to the three people who popped in, yesterday....Whoever you are....

I was interrupted, yesterday, while getting my stuff ready to go... I was running around, gimping, with a bad leg, packing, coloring my hair, taking a shower, washing clothes, and bedding, the washer motor, burned up, before my eyes,{thank God I bought a back up, at a garage sale, a couple of weeks ago! It works Great!} all my bra's were in there { I don't own many} { sorry to those, who don't want to know this} so, when a guy knocked at the door, to go see the shop, I was wet headed, bra less, in an old 't' shirt, and men's pajama bottoms... now, this would be great, for my daughter, Liz... Me, ah, not so much....I asked him, what he collected,what type of stuff he was looking for...{ I just knew I didn't have a thing for him... } and we went round and round....finally, he said everything.... He was insistent... I told him to go on down, I'd be there in a minute... { I'm really not usually this short, with folks... But, I'm tired, hurting, bra less, and a MESS!} So, I gimped down, and a couple of women pulled up.... I said hello, they followed me, and I made my way to the man... I said, "why didn't you just go on in...the door is open?" He said, "well, it was stuck, and I didn't want to push it..." { He didn't seem to have a 'pushing' problem, to me...{ sorry, that wasn't nice...} So I walked up to the door, and gave it a kick.... The women ran for their lives... I felt so bad... The guy, well, he wasn't fazed... much... I guess I need to get away... So, sorry, to the gals...didn't mean to scare ya... Just then, the phone rang... It was the Doc, they had a cancellation, and if I could be there in 20 minutes, I could get in... Oh Joy.. They got to see the 'Goddess', too..

I'm taking the lap top... I'll keep you posted... I know we are going to have a great time... And let God, be our guide... { He knows I like to have fun, I'm sure we'll find some! But, I think there is more to this trip... We'll see...}

Barb C.}

Peg and Chloe, have found their way home, to MO. I don't think the sale would have been near as grand, without that litlle energizer bunny.... Allyson and I are stopping at her house, on the way to New Orleans, today... I know, Iwill be blown away... The images of her gardens, look like the Botanic Gardens... She always 'poo-poo's' when I start going on about them... I can't wait to see them in person!

The Princess turns 23.....

Here is Liz, around 9 years old, when we had our chickens... Our eggs were off the charts... It was Liz's job, to gather the eggs... But, we had a mean rooster, and brother, he had us all on the run... Those were the days...

My, my... 23 years ago, today, the caboose, to our family was brought to us.... My Sister, Merry Jo, flew in from Washington State, to keep an eye on 2 year old, and extremely active, Justin, while I was in the hospital... Back then, they kept us for 5 days... {scheduled C-section} She weighed 9 pounds, 6 and a half ounces, and was 23 inches long... { Just a little smaller than her brother, Justin} Merry Jo, my other sis', Chery, and Mom brought in all sorts of darling little dresses, to the hospital... I couldn't wait to play 'dress up', with my new dolly... She slept on my chest, in the hospital, almost every minute... She was a cuddler, since day one... She always wanted to be held, and was a wonderful baby... Slept through the night, soon, after we brought her home... She remained my 'side kick', until she was around 12... Then, the war was on... Me wanting to keep her my baby, and hold on tight, and Liz, pulling away, as hard as she could... We are so much alike, it's scary... I did the same thing... when I was 12.... I was scared to death, but my friends kept saying..."She'll come back to you"... I didn't believe it... but, they were so very right... She's my side kick, again, and I love it... and her... Liz has been part of the Antiquing, since it began... She's travelled all over the country, with me, and I visited with the school, and told them, {like my Dad told my school} She would learn a lot more, interacting, and helping with the business, than she could ever learn at school, during the same period... They agreed... Everyone loved her, at the shows... they couldn't believe, how hard she worked... Liz has truly been a blessing to us... She will always be our Princess...

Happy Birthday... Love Mom...

This blurry version, is Liz, at 18... Come to think of

it...

Those years, were a blur!

Here she is, today, in her little house, with her big dog, Maggie, and the cool piece she bought from Lynn, at my Sale... We got it to fit... She's a lot happier, now, than she was earlier... when she thought it wouldn't fit... My, my... Sooo much like her mother...

Oh dear...

1940's Table and Chairs....

I'm posting this set, for our elderly neighbor.... Wanted Pal, Polly to see... She could make it beautiful....

The Final Day of the Sale....

It was wonderful.... I truly am blessed... Great friends, bringing great stuff... Great customers, providing happy, appreciative homes, for the fun stuff, beautiful weather, ahhhh... what more could we ask for.... I was thrilled to see so many familiar faces... I have missed a few, and hope all is well.. after things slow up, I'll give them a holler...{ funny, how you worry about folks....} I have had a super long day, and am exhausted... Took a bad fall, yesterday, and think I may have bruised a bone... If it doesn't get better, I may not go to New Orleans, on Friday... I was on my feet, a lot today, and my knee is so swollen, I can hardly bend it... So, this will be short...

THANK YOU!!!! EVERYONE.... YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!

Barb C.

A Day, Full of 'Muchness'

Sweet Lydia... and Sweet Liz... Oh my gosh... Lydia, is Amy's daughter, from The Nest... and of course, Liz, is my daughter, and the creator, of my wonderful, Mad Hatter Hats... Lydia and I were inseparable, the other day... she stuck to me, like glue... we had such fun... she loves me... and I love her... But... then, today, she met Liz... and was totally taken by her... She wanted to be hanging with her... I was sooo deflated... Until, it was time for them to go.... Lydia came up to me, threw her arms wide open, and gave me the biggest hug ever... I Love That Child... She is absolutely Amazing... I would love to keep her forever... She reminds me of Liz... 5 years old... what a great age... This is Gary and Sheri... They are business partners, and really fun to listen to... They are both fun, and crazy... They spar back and fourth, like Dale and I... All in fun! Good Folk...

Now, here are two Cool Cats... Taking on the Antique World... Gary S. and Tom V. One could learn a lot, just taking in their conversations... Fun, fun!

The cute Mustard Cupboard sold... and went to a great home... The little walnut stand next to it, stays with me.... It's from the 1840's... sweet little turned legs... fragments of old oil cloth, on the single board top's edge...{ that is now, 2 boards... it has a big, crooked split down the center, from age, and shrinkage} and has a darling, hand dovetailed drawer... And it wreaks of mouse... It has since the day I found it... Oh my gosh... I dearly Love, this little stand...Stink, and all... Talk about 'soul'... I hope it never sells... some day, a bath....

This is a sweet Chimney Cupboard, Tom brought out... Dale is thrilled, as you can see,to play 'Vanna'.... It's a darling piece... I couldn't decide if I wanted to buy it, or the Gnarly old Pie Safe, he brought to the sale... I bought the Pie Safe... {gnarliness always wins....} This is still available, at a very sweet price!

A Hoofless, and bob tailed Horse Wind Mill Weight... I just love him... He didn't sell... Maybe he needs to stay in my house, for a while... I have never owned one... This Pony, I could afford... He's amazing...

Another, Mad Hatter... I had no idea, their are so many! This little Gal, came especially to see the Mad Hatter's Table... She was a Doll...

The Mad Hatter...

Life can be so crazy... Or, dare I say mad... It was great today... Tons of folks through... Kids, and babies, older folk... One gentleman, made it out, first thing this morn... He had called last night... had seen the sale ad, but all he was looking for, was a glass shade, for an old floor lamp... He was a bit difficult to understand, but, I told him, I was sure, we would have one here... He pulled in, bright and early... He told me, he had broken his wife's lamp, the day before yesterday... and if he didn't find a shade, before she had seen what he had done, he'd be in hot water... This man, was quite up there in years... He was precious... he didn't want to upset his wife.... I found him one, that fit perfectly.... I charged him 3.00... I didn't want to charge him anything... but... I knew that wouldn't wash with him... So, 3.00 was perfect.... He left, a very happy man... He made me happy too... Just seeing how much he cared about his wife's feelings... It was a very good day... We wind it up, tomorrow... I think it's going to be a Great Day... I can just feel it! Hope to see you! Barb C.

Sisters, and friends... what could be better...

This Young Lady, and Fellow Mad Hatter, bought my absolutely perfect, Mad Hatter Chair... I was totally broken hearted... I bought it from Tommi, and wanted to use it, the rest of the year, for display... but, I always have to price things... remember... bills... bills..... This Sweet Gal, had bought a Mad Hatter Hat, that Liz had created, recently.... so, I guess, it was fitting for her to have his chair...I'll have to go visit it in St.Louis, I guess...

Day Three.... It Is.... All About the Journey...

It was a beautiful, sunny, warm day.... My mind is racing, as I try and relay, all of the lessons, life taught me, today... { here is a 'droplet'...} 1. If you want a better price on something... don't pick it apart... say how much you really like it... then ask, for the best price... Chances are, you'll go home with it... happily... The other way, well, I'll send ya down the road, for a much nicer version, in much better condition...for a lot more money... but... it will be... 'perfect'.... Mine, well, it needs to stay here, after all, it really isn't good enough for ya, anyway... 2. I have a dear Customer, who is a Clergy...{ I don't belong to an organized religion, but I can recognize people who love God... and he's one of 'em...} I love him so... God sent him, my way, and now is sending him, to another location...{ he popped in, yesterday, and shared this new journey, with me...} It's funny... In total...over the last few years, I have spent less than a half hour with this amazing man... I am going to miss him so... It's a 'God' thing... I gave him, a treasured little Cross, I have had in the shop, for many years... Just wanted him to have a little remembrance... He popped in, again today, and as I walked him to his car, he showed me where he put it...it hangs, on his rear view mirror... I'll never forget him.... 3. I love this business... Love the people... After we all ran around, covering up stuff{ rain tonight...} We all sat around, visiting, in the sultry air, that makes the corn grow... sipping Margarita's that Tom and Paula brought, and discussing today's events... I realized, these are, 'the good old days'... How blessed we all are, to experience, another day, another breath, another conversation...and... be surrounded by friends...{ old and new} I guess, I really am, like the Mad Hatter... I wear my emotions, very, very close to the surface... I feel very blessed, today... Barb C.

Day Two... GRRREAT!

This Fella, was a real character.... He and his wife, came rollin' in, late in the evening... Found an old tractor seat, and we haggled for a bit... He said if I'd share my beverage, he'd take the seat...I'd do most anything, to make a deal... and keep the customer happy... So, I'm seatless...and, he has a new office chair... Now... how cool is that????

We had loads of fun... Lots of great folks, basking in the beautiful, Iowa, Spring day.... Started off, without Peg... I was tempted to call her, this morn, 'round 5, and say, "Hey... Where are ya! Your not still sleepin' are ya?... You were supposed to be here an hour ago!".... But... I didn't have the heart... Yes, yes... it would have been funny, when she realized, it was her family day... and not Sale day, for her.... Tee Hee! Sweet Vicky surprised us, with the very Best cinnamon rolls, ever! Oh my gosh! They were HUGE... But, somehow.... they all got devoured! Thanks sooo much! You are an Angel!!!! Peg and her daughter, Mel, and their friend, Monica, popped out to see the place... and witness the location, where Peg endures her torture.... They were so dang sweet... Mel, is just Exactly like Peg.... I know Peg was really enjoying their time, together... { Mel lives in Florida... Peg sure misses her...} Had lots of friends pop in... Vivian and Fred, from Williamsburg, Iowa... Joyce, and Rob, from Marengo, Mary Zeran, with hubby... Mary Ellyn, from Dubuque, Carole and Jerry, Kathy, Dave and Kelly, from Vinton... Julie Mc., Amy...I am so tired, I can't think... If I have left a dear one out... Please, forgive... { and tell me! I love you all!} I really need to hit the sack... No supper... John didn't pick up anything, and I'm too tired.... We are out of everything... but, maybe a can of beans... John had cereal... yuk... Ahhh... the glamorous life, of an Antique Dealer... Folks are bringing lots of new arrivals, in the morn... Come see! Sweet Dreams... Barb C. I loved this Gal's stroller... it was covered with all sorts of rusty, gnarly purchases.... and she even squeezed the baby on board! What a woman...

The kids, bailed right in Lynn's neat old wash tub... they played for a long time.... Cute, cute, cute! Here's Pal Deb... She tried on John's 'Hulk' fists! I put them on, too... I just wanted to punch someone.... We all agreed, we could have lots of fun, with a pile of them! Deb brought out some really fun stuff... She has a great eye... and always..... I mean always..... Cracks Me Up !!!! I Love Her!!!! Here's the Gals... Peg, Daughter, Mel, and dear friend, Monica! We all decided, Peg should be titled, "The Gourd Lady", and she Must get a lap top!!!! We are gonna keep working on her!!!! Peg has had great success, selling them, and for good reason...THEY ARE AMAZING!!!!! Here's half, of one of the beautiful rolls, Vicky brought us, this morn... Oh my... They were wonderful... Mark had no problem, scarfing this one down! Thanks again, Vicky!

Ahhh... The Love Birds.... Sarah, and Matt... They are always so much fun to be around... They really are getting their beautiful home, furnished nicely, with Antiques... They are way ahead of the game... Most younger folks, don't start collecting, til much later! They have much fun, and truly enjoy each other... And, we all enjoy them...