Simply....Iowa

Love the Darling Concrete Block...My Pal...and Sweetest Neighbor, Cathy B. presented to me, this afternoon...That She MADE! I am soooo Surrounded by the Most Creative Goddess's! {Cathy IS Amazing....}

As I was walking into the house tonight....through the sweltering heat....that I had been working in...all flippin' day.... I was suddenly struck by the name, I have called this business, for 11 years...{along with Cross Creek}.... "Simply Iowa"... {I've watched the word 'simply' be tacked onto everything, since the first year, Julie and I used it, at Heart of Country, in 2000....Simply Orange...Simply Shabby...Simply Elegant...Simply Divine...Real Simple...and, be the Headline Banner, on countless magazines...I could go on and on....} But....I thought....as I was melting through the door....There is Nothing 'Simple'...about what I create....Nothing...sparse....or streamlined...minimal...in what I do...or...who I am...or...how I think....or envision things ....NOTHING...not one thing...in fact...it's 100% opposite...It's...Over the Top...Filled to the Brim...Gnarled Up...Twisted....a bit Gaudy......

Flamboyant...to say the very least...and usually...Simply....Frickin'....BIG....

Well, now.... That, makes sense, why I would choose...'Simply Iowa'...

It goes back to the Mad Hatter...and The Rabbit Hole...where Nothing is Quite, what it Seems....

These are a couple of the old Cupboards, I bought at Bloomington, on Saturday.... The Black Pie Safe...is very interesting...in many ways....It's been in one family...for well over a hundred years....it belonged to the Uncle, of the Woman I purchased it from... He was a Bee Keeper...and made his living, his entire life, with them....he was a frugal man, she said...never through anything away.... I see where he has many times over, patched, and painted the Old Pie Safe...I gotta tell ya... It grabbed me, as I was walking by the booth....and it wouldn't let go! If anything...has ever had Soul...here it is...oh my...

The Green Pie Safe...is Old..Old...Old....Three...huge boards, create the back...and it's all square nailed... It's also, straight off the Farm...I Love It!

And the Table... well...One can never have, too many Harvest Tables!!! This one is Walnut, with a two Board, Pine Top....I'm having John extend the legs...it's a bit too short, for folks our size...John does an Amazing Job, on Table legs...

His Birthday is Tomorrow... I will have to show you, what he has been working on...John is truly an Artist...I asked him to do this piece, three years ago...he pulled it out, a few months ago... and it's finally done...It Will Blow Your Mind....This Piece, should be in a Gallery...Wanda and Brandon got a sneak peak, yesterday... I wish I would have had a camera, and got a picture of their expressions....

It Was Priceless...

All I can say is....

Tune in Tomorrow...

WOWZA!

Love to ya...

Barb C.

{The reason I created 'Simply Iowa', so many years ago, was .... we were doing Heart, in Nashville...I knew the customers wouldn't remember, my shop's name...or Julie's for that matter....but, I thought if we combined our shops, under that heading, we, would be the 'Simply Iowa' booth...I just wanted to get folks to Iowa, and Shop....whether it be with us, or any other Iowa Antiquers...we just needed to get 'em here... Iowa Is an Amazing Antiquing Area! Funny...not many call me by my name, out and about...they call me "Simply Iowa"...and...that's o.k. with me....}

{I just looked up the definition of Simply...

"easily understood, or done; presenting no difficulty."}

interesting....that describes Simply Iowa...{if your listening to the Mad Hatter!}

I liked the definition of Flamboyant...and Gaudy....

Now That's What I'm Talkin' About....

That's...Simply Iowa!

I Was Open...Noon 'til 4...on Sunday!

It was Great...Not super busy...perfect...it was a scorcher....so I'm surprised....anyone came out....Wanda and Terry...Brandon popped out...Kerri, and her Sweet Mom...Steph...Rick and Karen...Ed, from C.R..... It was Great! Laid back....well...sort of...Dale popped in...and we got the van unloaded...{thanks Brandon!}
At 4:01....I collapsed.... Being out in the heat...working...whew... I was ready for a Tall Glass of Water...Lot's of them...
I didn't even take any pictures...
I would like to thank all of the Folks who stopped by, this last week... Laurie, from the Twin Cities...and Renee, from Wisconsin...Thank You....Laurie sent a very Sweet E-Mail, this Morn, about the Rabbit Hole... and It Made My Day!!!
I talked to Brandon {house things} a bit, about how critical, some of us are, on ourselves...God has given each of us a Gift...Brandon's...mine, and so many of our friends, are artists... I used to think, anyone could do what we do...it's nothing...
No More of That... We are Gifted...tho, some may not appreciate what we do....a lot of Very Cool People...do....{I'm sure thankful, for that e-mail, Laurie...another God Wink!}
One of my friends, that stopped by...said he was so happy, I am taking the time, to be in the shop.... he said...."for you"....He thinks I can use the rest...I guess... {we laughed....working, here, down the Rabbit Hole...is rest, for me...} He said I deserve a little 'slow down'...He's right...I really enjoyed the afternoon...and knowing...were I was going to be...for 4 hours...for sure... kind of grounding....ahhhhh....
I'm making deliveries, today.... I have to finish loading the truck, then get goin'...It's going to be hot.... well over 100, with the heat index...they say....That's what makes the Corn Grow!
Hope you have a Great Day!
Barb C.

{this is a Wonderful mid 1880's Farm Ledger, I bought from Lynn and Lea...last week...I Love reading them... they really make you think...}

{stay cool...and bring your Pets inside...or at the very least....keep them cool...with Plenty of Shade...and Fresh Water!!! {a shallow pan of water, for critters is a kind thing to do.....{wild ones...} I found a dieing baby opossum, in one of my crocks, outside..many years ago.....it was hot...and he climbed in, to get a drink, then couldn't get out..... I was heart broken....he didn't make it.... so, now, I keep a concrete pig feeder, filled with water... for ground critters....and try and be more careful about things that can  trap.....}

A Lovely Trip to Bloomington, Third Sunday Market....

Sorry....No images...from the show...When I walked to the van, to put a load of smalls in...I found the van Locked Tight! {along with my camera...inside...and..Dale had accidently turned off  his cell....so...I was camera-less...all day....} I dragged everything to Roger and Linda's booth, just inside the gate... they were kind enough to store stuff for me!
The show was Great! We all found fun stuff....Eastern Iowa was Well represented!!! Lots of us Shopping the Show....{and Chris, from C.R. was even set up there! It was Great seeing her...she has such Darling Stuff! it was her first time there...I hope the Show is Great for Her...and All!!!}{Chris was still setting up, as we were leaving...Billy B., told me he had seen her...so we found her, before we headed home....I gathered these darling little pin cushions, from her...SWEET!} Love the Gnarly Old Shaving Mirror, and Reed and Barton Silver plate....

{I grabbed this sack, from between the seats, last night...That was all I fished out, of Dale's van....we were all BEAT....Allyson dozed....almost as soon as we left Bloomington, after supper...I caught myself doing the same, as we approached Iowa...I looked up once...and saw tail lights, coming straight for us...I thought I yelled....but...I think I dreamt that...it came out, pretty soft...."Dale!"....neither Allyson, or Dale, seemed to hear me...that was weird...

I kept asking Dale, if he wanted me to drive....{no worries...when I drive...I can stay awake...} but...he said he was fine...I know he was exhausted, too....8 hours, driving...and nearly that, running circles...{as the dealers were putting things out, all day....}hunting...and gathering...making decisions...{quickly....there was always someone at my heals, ready to buy....at least three times, that I was aware of.... I was just ahead, and bought...if I had been a minute slower...I would have missed...whew...} then...loading...plus...it was a pretty warm day...whew...

Dale is coming here, today, so I can unload, from his van....it's loaded pretty Tight....4 cupboards...an 8 foot harvest table...a darling Iron Ice Cream set...I bought for a friend's Tea Room...{she's gonna Love it!} some gnarly...cool ...screens....3, 1940's Windsor Captains Chairs....a Wonderful Amish Room sized Woven Rug....in Yellows...and Robin's Egg Blues...{very Happy...}and a Huge Collection of Victorian Castor Sets!!! around 10 of them! What's up with this Castor Set Binge I'm on???? One man, had them all... they aren't all perfect...but when mine, and these are put together, they will make a Real Impact!
It's gonna be a Hot One, today... so...I'll be movin' slow....I'm OPEN, from 12 to 4...and get to play with the new Arrivals!
Love to Ya!
Barb C.

Headed for Bloomington, IL.!

Allyson, Dale and I are headed for Bloomington, IL. for Third Sunday Market, Early Bird Shopping...{and a few other places!}
I hate the 4 hour drive... all Interstate....
Hope to See Ya There!
It's always a Fun Show!
Love to Ya!

Barb C.

I Got The Push Mowing....Done.....Whew...!

Well....the dreaded mowing is D O N E...

for this week....

Yep...that's Captain Morgan, you see in the distance...and...my Clean Dishes...

all taken care of....

I have to be up Early...Alyson, Dale and I are headed for another Show....early in the morn....{far...far...away...}I had a wonderful day in the Shop! so...I'll be Shoppin' Hard...and Fast....Tomorrow! {I sure look like a Ball of Fire....in this image...don't I?....} well...don't let this "after Mowing" Image fool ya...

I've had folks...arm wrestle me...try... and out drink....and...out run me...at a 30 hour Estate Sale....cause I look...well... a bit.... weak...

 Looks...

My Friends......they can Deceive...

 I always bet, on a 'Long Shot'....

'cause...I am...a 'Long Shot'....

guess...it takes one...to know one....

 I can.... 'Rise to The Occasion'...

Trust Me....

Hope Ya'll Have an Amazing Saturday!

{and...Rise to the Occasion...

Every Chance You Get!}

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

{I forgot to mention, Linda...on the 4th.... so Linda...if you are reading this....It was GREAT To See Ya!!! Love Ya...{my little Corn Cob Girl!} {what makes me think of these things...weeks later.... oh my....}

{after reading this.....I realized....My Life...is Full of 'Long Shots'...

The Dearest Ones... to my Heart...have been 'Long Shot's'...from my most precious Critters...To My...'The One's I Love'...{and respect...the most} oh my....This is why...I call this Blog...my Therapy...}

Cool Stuff....From Last Night's Run!

Finally found a little corner...for the Little Angel...He seems at home, next to the Massive urn, in the Greenhouse....{he's a Sweet Little Mascot!}

Love....This Set...It's Old...Old...Old...and Covered with Moss.....

This 1870's Stepback, that Lynn found...Is Wonderful....It spent many years, in an old Farm Cellar... so it's feet got soft.....someone put these extensions on... They Will HAVE to GO!!!!John will restore the feet, by angle cutting, 100, plus, years old, pine, then doweling and gluing the new fragments in, then matching the surface, with handmade Milk Paint....{and other secret techniques!}Wait 'til you see it done... It will Smile!

{Thanks, Lynn...for the Call!}

{I have been very busy, today...and haven't unloaded Littles, yet.... and am waiting for it to cool off, to mow....}

Still Dancin....

This is why...set hours are so incredibly difficult....and why...even being open, noon to 4, one day a week... may be a hard promise to keep...{I may have to turn the phone off  on Sundays...}
I was going to get the lawn mowed....the shop's back corner done....{I grumble...every time I come through the back door....I Hate where I had to put the Big White Cupboard....Grrrrr...}
The phone was crazy, yesterday....One call was from my Sweet Southern Iowa Friends... They had spotted an Old Cupboard, in a House, they thought I may like....so...
The question is...
Do I unload the Ford...and run to Southern Iowa, and pick up an Old...Gnarly...Farm Cupboard... ?
or....
Do I Mow the Grass....?
hmmmm....
The grass is looking like a Hay Field...
Hmmmmm....
Tho...it was a difficult decision....I  tore myself away from the mower...unloaded the Ford....and Flew to Southern Iowa!!!
Driving is one of my most favorite pass times...Especially in Rural Iowa... It feeds my Spirit.....It was nearly 10, by the time I got home, last night.... and it's going to be hot, today...{that's why...I've been attempting to get the mowing done...earlier, this week...} I'm on the road, tomorrow...Then..OPEN SUNDAY!!!! NOON 'til 4!!!! {it's gonna be a HOT SUNDAY...{perfect...the shop will be an oven....when you stop by....you'll find me, under a Shade Tree....somewhere...among the Tall Grass....}
I have someone popping in, this morn...so I'd better run!
It was Wonderful seeing Lynn and Lea, yesterday....LOVE EVERYTHING!!!! {oh my...very...very....cool stuff!}
Images...of the Load...this afternoon!
Love to Ya...
Barb C.

Those Dancing Days are Gone...

Spent the day, getting things done, away from home...yesterday....didn't get the mowing done...so...today, I will...
I'll finish up the back corner of the shop...get the truck unloaded...and things set...I'm on the road, Saturday...and OPEN SUNDAY!!!! NOON 'til 4!!!!!
Come Visit!

Ahhh...Charlie....

As I was shopping, Kalona...the phone rang....ahhh...it was Charlie...I Love Charlie...
What's that old saying..."He Understands Me..."
It's true, we can't choose our Family...if I could....Charlie would be one of my Brothers.... We Think so much alike....With his call...I made a bee line, for his Farm....and Gathered all sort's of 'My Kinda Stuff!"... as I was putting some of my purchases in the cab of the Ford, I told Charlie, I had just cleaned it out, but, it sure looks a mess again....Charlie looked me in the eye, and said..."A Clean Truck, ain't makin' no Money"....I paused, for a moment....then smiled... Charlie was Right On! A Neat and Clean Shop....ain't either!!!! {I have always said that....when the shop is too organized...and tidy....well...It's not Crankin'....Thank God for Messes!}
Charlie was Just what I needed, today... A small dose, of my Dad...He's a Scrapper....like Dad... We speak the same language... " Junkman's Lingo"...so rare...these days....
I told Charlie, about a conversation, with a woman, I had, very recently.....She dropped me, to my knees...{tho, I didn't let her know she hit a nerve...bless her heart...} She said she simply could not understand, why people, would buy the 'garbage', I buy.....{you truly could have blown me over with a feather...ahh...but...the Mad Hatter...not...so...much....} actually... I considered the source...and thanked her, for continuing to buy the trash, to resell, to folks, like me.... Thank You....soooo Much....The "Soulful Treasures"....{She scoffed..."is THAT what You call that Junk?"} Oh My... BLESS HER HEART!!!
Oh Well....Charlie just laughed...He and I both know... Junk...is a mighty Good Thing.... and We Love It!!!! Every....dirty...grungy....rusty....faded...tattered...chipped...tarnished....ounce of it....
And....God Bless...Those Who Stand with Us....
And....
God Bless Those....who don't.....
Charlie...was Exactly...the Medicine I needed, after the Poison, I had consumed...
Bless His Heart....He...Understands... Our Coat, of Many Colors....
Barb C.

Here are some of the Wonderful Gatherings, from Charlie!

I Have NEVER seen such a teeny...tiny....Trough!!!! Oh My Gosh....{it's Old...Old ...Old.... I asked Charlie, if he sees these around....{I haven't!}....Nope, he said....He thought it might be for Lambs....I So Agree!!!! What a Doll Baby! {Charlie saved it for me....he knew I'd LOVE IT!!!! He always Knows!}

The Old Concrete Dogs....are wayyyyyyy cooler in person....Wowza! Oh My... I LOVE The Urns!!!! PERFECT!!!!!

{I'm sure, I was being tested, by the person, above, mentioned.......This old...soulful stuff... well...it's pretty dear to me...I only buy things, that touch my heart....

Another time....another place.... well... it wouldn't have been me....dropped to my knees....It would have been someone else....literally....

I was hurt, yes....and what was said...was meant, to hurt....all I can say...is...truly....Bless Her Heart....I am sad, she can't see the Beauty, in these old...well loved....treasures...

That....truly....makes my Heart Ache......} {guess...she never had a Coat of Many Colors....how sad...for her...}

{Ahhh...and if you had any doubt, about Angels...Charlie's call was Like Streams in The Desert.... Thank You! my little Guardian!}
I just opened my streams....The first thing I read...Genesis 4:9..."Where is your brother, Abel?"
Then, the next thing...
When I cannot understand my Father's Leading...
And it seems to be hard and cruel fate...
Still I hear that Gentle Whisper...ever Pleading...
God is Working...God is Faithful...only...Wait....
Oh Yes...another "God Wink"...all the more reason...to be Thankful....for Everything....
I also...want to Thank All Those...and...Their Families...who Sacrifice...for our Freedom....
as I was driving home, from Southern Iowa...Late, this evening....I saw many Flags....Lighted...at Half Staff.... God Bless...Those Who Have Given...Their All....

Kalona Antique Co....

I strolled to Kalona, today.... Visited with Brenda, yesterday...{Proprietor}about some Cool Stuff, that had just come into the Shop....I had to go see! She said much new had been coming in the door...and, my goodness...I found some sweet stuff! It had been way too long! It was Great visiting with her Husband, Ken, at their Warehouse... {more, Cool Stuff!} sorry I missed Brenda...but...so enjoyed the Shop!

There is wonderful Antiquing, throughout the Kalona...Frytown, area... .and Great Amish Food, EVERYWHERE!

{oh dear}

Kalona Antique Co, is located on the corner of 4th and 'C', in Kalona, Iowa

Ph. {319}656-4489