Fiddlin' Around...{ the columns are all headed to Jo's!}....

I think, between the 2 sets of columns... these should do both of her buildings... Hope she likes 'em! { I LOVE THESE TOPS!!!!}

Spent the afternoon, getting things ready, for Gold Rush... John had unloaded, a lot of the stuff, in the truck, and repaired a leak in the roof, of the FUSO... Many things were ruined....{the fun never ends...} I always take orders, and have an ongoing 'Want List', for friends, and customers.... My dear friend, Jo, {Jo's Brantiques... Carlisle, Iowa} has asked me to do a little hunting, for her.... She gave me quite a compliment... {Jo does interior design, and has helped Meredith Publishing, {Country Home, Country Gardens...over the years... She and I also shared a booth at Heart of Country, in Nashville, several years ago... She does several shows, in the

Des Moines area, and has 2 wonderful sales a year, at her home! They are Amazing...{I'll let ya know, when she gets moved, to her new location!} I Love her....} I called her about some things I thought would work, in her new building projects... New house, and Store... I gave her my opinion, on the Architectural pieces, her reply..." If you say they will work, that's good enough for me... I trust your judgement"...{ That made me feel so good... coming from such a talented person....} Actually, I have several people, who respect my 'eye'... I have never really thought about it, seriously... I know my customers, intimately... I know what they love... I am also, very blessed, to have a few 'seekers', that know all too well, what I love... and call me, when it comes in... This happened, yesterday... A friend told me about some columns he had purchased, and, they sounded like something Jo could use... So, yesterday evening, I ran South, to get some images... I loved them... and bought them... Called Jo, and if she doesn't like them, I have another friend, on deck... sight unseen...{ he called, last night...he had driven by my house... the little Ford was gone... he said, he thought...." I'll bet she's out 'Junkin!' "... and wanted to know, where the heck I was 'Junkin', at 9:00 at night... he was very Jealous!} What a crazy world...I bought several cool things, I just don't know how the heck, I'm going to fit a 40 foot load, in a 20 foot box.... Liz isn't going to be there to help...{ so, the little Ford has no driver...you'd think that little truck could find it's way up there, all by it's self, by now!} oh my.... what a mess... I think back, when my old Pal, Julie, and I, did all of those grueling shows... she and I built houses... Just to tear them down, in 2 days... I miss her... Mark is great, but... he's so busy doing his own thing, he gets a little annoyed, at all of the details { hoops, I make my show partner jump through... yeah, sometimes 'flaming hoops'...} Julie was a Saint...

Well... onward, and upward! I know I can make it happen! Give me my cordless drill, a box of sheet rock screws, a sturdy ladder, tons of fabric, old, gnarly doors, some gnarly room sized rugs, lots of moss, and shredded coconut, and of course, masses of the Coolest, most Soulful Junk around...{ Not to mention... the heaviest...}{ and several rolls of wire} and... Voila!

I'm headed to the truck! I'm all Pumped up! YES I CAN!

Barb C.

Sweetie's Home! God Bless the Animal Shelter....

Our Sweetie....

{this is part of the staff... the Man Holding Sweetie, {the kids call her Tequila.... She'll always be 'Sweetie', to me...} Is the one who found her... Bless his heart... The lady with the tan pants, and black shirt, is Marie... If you ever wondered what an Angel looks like... here ya go...Sweetie even loved them!}

Oh my....I have been Heart Sick...all I could think of was her suffering, somewhere...I had left messages, with the Shelters over the weekend, and, while I was in the shower, the Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter called, and said they picked up a female, black Pit Bull, that matches my description, near where my Son, Justin, and Kate live.... She wanted me to come see... Oh my... I have such a hard time, going to these facilities... I am so grateful, for what they do... but it breaks my heart, to see all of these wonderful, 'Man's Best Friends', in such a lonely place... I stopped and picked up a bouquet of flowers, and a bunch of candy bars, for the employees, at the

shelter... {and some dog treats}I walked in, and burst into tears, when Marie, {the lady who called me, this morning} came through the door... They were so surprised, that I brought flowers... Marie said, "I don't know if this is your dog... I would feel so bad, if it isn't"... I said... If it isn't Sweetie... I just want you to know, how much it means to me, that you go out and rescue these dogs... I can't thank you, enough."

She walked me back, through the kennels... {tears... and more tears...} The majority of the dogs, were Pit Bulls... Marie said she was happy, I called... She said, most owners of the Pit Bulls, never come and get them... {More tears..} What is wrong with people! These dogs are amazing.. So Smart... so Gentle...The dog on the Little Rascal's is a Pit...Rachel Ray's beloved dogs, are Pit's...Cesar's 'Daddy', {The Dog Whisper}is a Pit...He has many...

I have had many dogs throughout my life... I have loved everyone of them... But the Pit Bulls, are at the top of the list...

Marie thought I should be a volunteer... I couldn't take it... I'd want to take them all home, and lock up, all the abusive pet owners.... Marie said, they do not euthanize, unless the dog is vicious, very sick, or very old... She, herself, rescued an elderly dog, recently... One of my neighbors, at Gold Rush, said one of his friends, only adopts elderly dogs, from the shelter, and gives them, the best, last years of their life.... These are the TRUE ANGELS...

I gave them a donation, and left them, with lots of tears... Sweetie was glad to be home... John was thrilled, and called Justin, right away... what a relief... I couldn't concentrate on loading the truck... Now... It's Show Time...

God Bless all of the Dear Souls, who work so hard, for the Animals, and are subjected to such grief, everyday...

Maybe I should volunteer... I have always said, if we would volunteer, at homeless shelters, nursing homes, and animal Shelters, this would be a much more compassionate world...

All I can say, is... whew....

and... Thank You God.... for all of Your Angels...

Barb C.

Still Searching...

Called all of the shelters, drove and walked...Talked to folks....I'll put an ad in the paper...and...wait.... I hate this... I love that little girl....She would jump in a car with anyone... she is very friendly.... I don't have a picture of her, so I'm going to see if Kate does... Barb C.

Saturday....

{This is one of the tables, that is headed for Gold Rush... John extended the legs...It has a great look...He's working on at least 2 more...}

I spent the day, at home... Worked in the shop, had nice surprise visits from some of my favorite customers, from Northern Iowa...and have more folks, coming to visit, today... Daughter, Liz, came out, and borrowed Sally... They had a good time... and, I'm running out the door... Sun's up.... Justin called, last night, Sweetie is missing... their little black dog.... John and I took trucks out, til last night, and drove and drove... So, I'm headed back out, this morning, and see if I can find her...

Barb C.

A Few More Patches... on the 'Coat'...

My Friend, Charlie, ran up to his house, and retrieved this little 'tea pot' Christmas ornament, he had saved for me... Charlie said, it was in a box of stuff, he had bought at an auction.... It had just been thrown in... It is paper thin, with the most fragile, hand blown spout, and and handle... it was perfect... amazing... a survivor... Charlie always saves me nests.... and all sorts of little trinkets, he knows I will love... He is an Angel...

Had a pretty good load, coming home... a 12 foot table, from the church, in West Point, a 6 foot harvest table... a small wind mill, a galvanized tub, on stand... lots of buckets ... and... all sorts of interesting things... More Patches....For my Little Shop....

This book is great... click on the images... You'll see what I mean....

Charlie, sent me on, to West Point, Iowa... To his friend, Cathy's new store... It was very sweet...and so was Cathy... I found some fun treasures... and... a wonderful book, about all of you... "The Angel Book"...

This is Iris City Antique Mall, in Mt.Pleasant, Iowa... Go see Linda... she's a real sweetheart...

I need to finish my post, from yesterday... Thanks... all of you, Angels.... for all of the lovely comments, and e-mail... I have given this situation, great thought... and realized, I must be pretty vulnerable, to let someones remarks, be so hurtful...When these things are said... I take it, very personally... The things I gather, well, are things that have spoken, to me...I see my Dad, and Charlie, Ed, Gary, Robin, Wanda, and so many others, that are in tune, to the aura... and so appreciate the worn and well love things... So, when off colored remarks are made... it's sad, for all of us....I have fought for these beloved treasures, my entire life...These comments, were like a spit in the face....

So many thoughts have went through my mind.... Quitting... Throwing myself into the shop, and work harder... I don't know... I know I love this gnarly, old stuff... and nobody will ever change that...No matter, how much they laugh...

When I went to see Charlie, yesterday, I stopped at Iris City Antique Mall, in Mt. Pleasant... Linda was working... She is a very lovely person... I gathered several treasures... as I was leaving, I recalled the time I was there, a few years ago... I was be-bopping through the Mall, chatting with Linda, gathering up all sorts of cool stuff, from every corner of the Mall...... After I had set several items on her counter, she got very quiet.... I asked her if the cat had her tongue.... She said, "no... it's just all of these things you have brought up here"... I said, "yeah, I know... pretty primitive, gnarly old stuff!".... "No", she said... " It's not that... every single piece, you have gathered, from throughout the Mall, just came in... from an auction, just a few miles away... all of the dealers were there... It was like a time capsule...Old, old family"...

I wasn't surprised... They all had a wonderful aura, about them...Tattered old textiles... quilts and rugs... They are all, long gone... They had a feeling, that others, like myself, connected with...

These treasures, are what makes a house, a home.... I have little space, to show things... so, the shop isn't the easiest, to get through... but... I had it built, the size of my pocketbook... and that's all I could afford... It's not fancy... Just a box... to hold all of the things I hold dear...That little 'box', has kept this family alive, the last few years... So... I'm sorry, if some people don't like it... It takes a creative, artistic, soulful person, to understand it... They must be lacking in those areas... Bless their hearts...

I'm not much into middle school drama... I didn't like it, when I was in middle school... I guess I never fit in there, either... I wasn't a preppy, or a jock, or a hood, or a nerd... I was the girl, who had long, tangled lochs of auburn hair, lived in a flannel shirt, and blue jeans, and was first to hit the door, when the last bell rang... to jump on the city bus, and go see the Horses...

I am a huge animal lover... I won't kill a spider... I even like snakes... but... when I see one... I don't befriend it... I walk the other way...So, think I'll stay clear of this gal...no hard feelings...

As far as my plans... I've put them in God's hands... I know everything happens, for a reason... Patience....an answer will come....

As always... this encounter has been put before me, for a reason...Maybe, just making me more aware, or, sending me, in a totally different direction...

I do, thank all of you...The Angels....

My Love to You...

Barb C.

My Coat of Many Colors...

{This image, is of an Angel... in a cemetery, in California.... An old friend took this image... The Beautiful Marble Angel, has thrown her body, over a stone, and is weeping... I connected with her, immediately...My friend, gave me this image... and I'll always cherish it... and understand it... I know this place...all too well...} My friend, Stan, stopped out, this morning, to borrow the Gnarly Chandelier, for his 'Light Show'.... I didn't get all of the details, yet... as you know, I wasn't in the most talkative mood this morning... and, we were both drenched in sweat, after taking down, and loading the massive piece...{ that was at 9:30 a.m.} I am so happy for him, tho... He is so excited, about this show... Stan does lighting, all over the world, for the Major Music Industry... But, this display, is his work of art...He was beaming, as he shared his vision... This brings me, to today's Journey... After Stan left... I bailed in the Truck... called my dear friend, Charlie...Why Charlie? He's a very wise, and non judgmental soul... He doesn't fall for 'clicks', or care what you drive...or wear...he's incredibly smart... and calls a 'spade a spade'...he's a very gentle spirit... I asked him, if he would be home, as I was heading South... he said, "yeah"... I told him, I just had to get away... and... I'm on my way... When I arrived, he was sitting under the shade tree, at his wonderful, peaceful home... then, walked over to greet me... as I got out of the truck... I told him, I just needed a non judgemental friend... he walked up, and gave me a big hug...We spent the next several hours, digging through his wonderful Barn... It was 106 degrees, with the heat index... but, it was the best therapy I could ever have... We didn't talk much... just about the great old stuff... the Soulful stuff, he gathers... The stuff, Charlie and I truly love... and so few understand... The tears I shed, today, aren't for me... I couldn't care less, what people think of me... It was about the shop... I guess it really is a part of me... Like Stan, beaming, over his artistic 'Light Show'... That little Shop, is my piece of art...My, 'Coat of Many Colors'...letting it's soulfulness, shine... I fight for the acceptance, of it... to no avail... It's like the 'Coat of Many Colors'... Dolly Parton wrote, and sang about... I too, felt I was rich... then, to hear the others laughing, and making fun of me.... well... It's been a bit painful... I'll have to finish, tomorrow... Barb C.

Just a Closer Walk... I'm Headed South...

It's funny... When Angels with 2x4's start swingin', one can only duck, for so long... I ran into another dealer, the other day... She went on and on, about my little shop... How many she sends my way... "Some, well, they really don't like your store...Oh... but I do"... Then I get to thinkin about, how many, probably say the same thing...{ very hollow} The lady I visited with, kept saying all sorts of things, then, sugar coated them...very sweet... I guess I am naive... I look for the good in folks... I admire what they do... especially, when their work represents, who they are...I always try and help other folk, in the business... Maybe, I'm just too thin skinned... Maybe, well, I need to be... I am, who I am... and the little shop... well.. it is, what it is... I need to find comfort... from someone, who loves me, just the way I am...Never judges... So... I'm jumpin' in the truck... headed South... Talk with the Lord, and have a closer walk, with Thee...I have found out, in recent years... people, are rarely what they seem...How sad... You never know, who has the knife, and who has your back...{ and... you will be surprised, by some... you really thought, had your back...}God Bless, the True at Heart....And... my prayers are with the Hollow Souled Ones... I'll sort this out... Yes... I'm smilin'...Pressed on all sides... but not crushed... Barb C. {Isn't Patsy Great... I love singing her songs...}

Prop Me Up...

Gracie's Cottage just commented, about this all time, Juke Box Tune...Daughter, Liz, was about 5, when this song came out... she would sing it at the grocery store...at auctions... "Plop me up, b'side the juke box if I die...."..."fill my boots, up with sand... put a stiff drink, in my hand".... Something, well, just didn't seem right, when a darling, big brown eyed, long haired, little Angel, sang this song, without missing a note... I got a few looks, as well... Ahhh... Liz... A chip off the old block... My tune of choice, when I was 3... 'These Boots are made for Walkin'... Oh boy... Barb C.

Juke Box Blues!

My Creative Pals, Deb and Tom, from the 'Old Creamery Theater', were cleaning out their props, and called, to see if I wanted anything! Of course! I LOVE CREATIVE PEOPLE! Decorators, Actors, Stylist, Artists, Musicians.... They are the Coolest Cats! The Energy, that these folks have, is overwhelmingly contagious! I love just being near them! Anyway... They had the old Juke Box, I had sold them, years ago, for the 'Patsy Cline' play, and I knew I could sell it for them... And, I did! Almost everything I picked up, from them, had found new homes, in a matter of a few hours! I'm keeping the Massive Wreaths, they'll be fun, for the Holidays!

I have another Creative Friend, coming in the morn... He is just back from London, and wants to borrow the Gnarly Chandelier, I bought from Tommie{Fuel} that is NOT for sale, in the shop... He's doing a 'Light Show'... I'll have the entire scoop, tomorrow...

My Love to Ya!

Barb C.

{ here are a few answers, to questions...}

Janet... The tiny sink, is going in my house... if it doesn't work, you are 2nd on the list...Can't wait to see ya, and the 'Gang', at Gold Rush!

Kim... Sorry about the Cat damages...Ohhh... Those Cats!

WW... I have been to 'Winds Reach'... I love those Boys, from Urbana... I have got to get to their shop, and take some pics!

Wanda {gatherings} You never 'win' with cats... they will always get even... The Crazy, 'Pussy Cat Rag', song... well, I had to do a little diggin... but... it was worth it... Love It!

Betty G. ... What can I say... I Love You...

To Everyone, who has inquired about the Darling little Bins... They are all Sold... Thanks for all the interest... Keep watching... there may be more surprises coming!

It's War...Me, and the Cats....

The house, has been, well, a mess, of late... not a horrible, 'hoarder' type mess... just... I haven't been able to see the top of the table, for weeks... bills... new stuff, headed for the shop, more bills... yeesh... So, it was too hot to work outside, late, this afternoon..... it took me all of 20 minutes to get things put away, and the table put back in order...{ why do I always procrastinate...} Now... as you know... I am a huge animal lover... however... I really don't like cats in the house... we have 4... Mama... Phil, Lil, and Baby... Mama was brought in, by son, Justin... about 12 years ago... Phil and Lil, are her babies, and Baby, is the last to arrive... I would have them indoor, outdoor, but, we live on a major hi way, and they would never survive...They worship John... Follow him around, like pet lambs... me... well let me tell ya... I am their slave... They break everything I love the most... My favorite Ironstone pitcher, was the last casualty... I saved one shard, to remember it by... My shoes were under the table, a few mornings ago... when I went to put them on, one shoe had a massive hairball, spit up in it...{ They must have saved up for weeks... it was stuck like glue...} I am the official litter box cleaner... I don't allow them on the counters, or table...{they Never attempt it, while I'm around...I'm sure they party, all over the counters, when I'm gone...I always clean everything, over and over, just in case... I have left my lap top open, and they walk all over it... who knows what they have sent out, over the web...} Tonight, as I was walking through the dining room, to go downstairs, to eat supper, I was completely surprised by Phil....he had his huge body, sprawled out, on the nice clean, freshly scrubbed, table...and not just any place, on the table... oh nooooo.... at MY coffee sippin', phone talkin', bloggin', favorite place, in the entire house, end of the table...... He just glared at me... I let him stay... Polly was right beside me... she never leaves my side, when food is involved... if I had swished him off, Polly would have chased him, and there goes another piece of ironstone...... I have shared many of the stories, of the 'Cat Trials',{some, are very, very ugly...} with Peg... Her advise... lock John, and the cats in one room of the house... or, have them all move to his shop... He truly is, the 'Cat Man'... They all sleep with him... when he walks from one room to the next, they all follow... My Old Pal, Julie, and I did a survey... as women would talk about their boyfriends, and husbands... complaining, about this, and that... we asked them, "Does your better half like cats?"... We found, men that like, or well tolerate cats, make excellent partners.... why? Well... women are a lot like cats... Independent, moody, loving, {on her terms} and will cough up a hairball on your shoe, if you don't give them the attention they want! Happy Trails... Barb C. {Don't worry, Mary...{a.k.a. Cat Woman}{Dark Horse Antiques} You know how much I love animals....Grrrr...They are safe... Grrr...}