I Usually Can't Stand Exposure!

Exposure of televisions, that is. (Or exposure of the fireplace... isn't this little screen cute?  I got it recently at an Antique Mall).  But, I digress.  The television thing... it has bugged me for years, I've always used an armoire. My husband isn't wild about having the armoire in our current living room because it is a behemoth he thinks it takes up too much room and makes the living room look cramped and small. 

Well, I love my armoire, and he said I could have it in my workshop downstairs instead whenever I finally get my act together and get that place organized already! whenever I want to replace it with something to hold the television.

Hmmm, the wheels started turning...  "I DID just buy those cute vintage chicken coops from Joy" I thought to myself.  She had called me the day before telling me that she had them in her truck and would bring them right over to me!  (How is THAT for great customer service)?!  "Well, he is home today," I said.  (Which is code for Omigosh!  No, don't do that, he took the day off today and doesn't know yet that I have bought them).  Don't you love your friends who know your "code" language?  (Love you Joy)!  I was thinking about telling him, just couldn't figure out how to explain to him that I planned to "decorate" our home with 2 very old chicken coops (complete with old feathers)...  (Remember however, they are painted a very light chippy aqua)!  I mean seriously, how could I pass them up?  I had been looking for some for over a decade!

The DH has pretty much given up trying to have any input into decor decisions.  He says that he always likes how it turns out anyway, so why worry?  But chicken coops!  Did I ever mention that he is prone to allergies of all sorts and that he likes a very clean house?  I finally got up the nerve and spilled it to him.  He said, "sure, good idea!"  (I promise you, he really said that)!  He jumped in the truck and headed over to Joy's to get them.  No problem!  He even came home and cleaned them before he brought them in the house.  (Well, you know he would)! 

So even though it has taken me months to show you and to admit that my television is exposed to the world...  here it is in all it's gargantuan glory.  (It isn't yet properly fixed up with cute things right now, because I'm transitioning to Holiday).

I know, I know but Hey Debbie, finally here are my coops!  I'm just getting the nerve to show them!  (Debbie has a coop too)!  I'll get her to share a picture with us.  She's still in Denver, and I'm not, so I haven't even seen hers yet.  I bet it is gorge!!  (Maybe not as gorgeous as aqua, but very cool, nonetheless)!

What's that you ask? Where are the photos of the workroom with the armoire in it? People! You know I have a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder! I'm far too delicate to put things in tubs, label them and put them on shelves.... as you might imagine. (Ouch)! (Besides, most of you don't know that I have been "talking" about doing this project ad nauseum for years). Ok, I admit it, it's still a mess. I'm making a list of volunteer organizers/helpers, so you just let me know and I'll sign ya right up)! Darn, let this be a pathetic warning be a lesson to you... don't procrastinate! (You could tear or break something, then you'll really be stuck with your own mess)!  :)

Hugs,

More Pretty Things from Charlotte's Brocante

This is the last of the things I bought at Charlotte's Brocante a few weekends ago. They are a birthday present to Joy, but I didn't want to show you all before I gave them to her. They are porcelain pots from France (vintage 1800s). Aren't they cute? Perfect colors (well for girls like us)!

Speaking of Joy, I went to her house for a little crafting today.  It was so much fun!  Lisa from A Thing For Roses was there as well, and she is so cute and funny (she made yummy turkey, bacon, avocado wraps for us too)! 

We shared some vintage supplies with each other and whipped up a little Christmas!

I don't have anything to show you yet, as Joy sent me home when my arm started hurting.  I left all of my things (and my junk too) and just came home.  How nice is it to have a friend who lets you come play, make a mess, play with her toys and then leave with the mess still there?!  When I go finish, I can just show up, sit down and pick up right where I left off.

Oh yes, "the" arm (shoulder).  Well, it turns out that my rotator cuff is torn after all (ugh), so I start physical therapy this week, and I will be diligent, because I sure don't want to have surgery.  I hear it is a hard one.  Yikes.

Warm Hugs,

Sheila

Exciting News from My Friend Denise!

Omigosh! You might know about one of my best blog friends in the whole universe... Denise of Bella Dreams.  She posted such wonderful news today!!   Her daughter Heather is one of the most talented furniture painting artists ever!  (Seriously, you must look at her Shutterfly photos).  Every time I see another one of her projects, I want to drive straight to Oklahoma to get it!  (Well, Oklahoma and Oregon are quite the distance apart, but Denise and I speak of flying to see one another and just go junking for the entire visit).  Anyway...  if I were rich I would buy every one of Heather's furniture pieces.  (Guess I'll need a huge house to enjoy it all too, because Heather is one productive young women!  Sheesh!  Again, I digress!!

What I'm trying to tell you in all of my bumbling excitement and goose bumping glory that Heather has won FIRST PLACE in the painted category in the "Oh la la" contest at Chez Fifi!  I don't want to steal her thunder, so please go to the links to see Heather's fabulous before and after winning entry!  Isn't it the most awesome thing you've ever seen?  Denise and Heather have a space at an Antique Market called "The Rink" and it is a former skating rink!  Doesn't that sound like fun???  You'll have to peruse their blog to check out all of the beautiful work they do!  I want to go to the Rink now (in person) don't you)?!

Also, Heather's design portfolio here is also on their blog.  (Lucky Peach, isn't that the cutest name)?



p.s. Denise is the friend whose blog button has been on my sidebar awhile... she is having a Holiday Blog and Decorating and Craft party December 5th!

Oh! More from Last Weekend!

I forgot to mention that during my flurry of show visits last weekend I also paid a visit to Charlotte's Brocante opening show in Canby, Oregon. Everything in her show was purchased by her in France!! Yes, she went on a 2 week French Flea Market shopping adventure! (Can you imagine)? Fun! Anyway, I got there on Saturday, and her opening night was Friday. Apparently, the anticipation was amazing, and the customers on Friday night "shopped her to the bare walls!" What a way to go though, huh? I was able to find a few very nice things. I'll show you a pic of one find soon, as it is a birthday present and I don't want to give the secret away.

As you know, my wonderful husband and visiting (ahem), photographer was with me on the fun outings on Saturday, so he took the pictures!

The top picture (of the vintage pharmacy box) is from (Amy) Charlotte's Brocante blog.  I actually got the last of these cute little boxes.

Thanks Amy, it was charming!!

"To Anthropologie or Not to Anthropologie"

"That is the question". (Well, more like "out of the question" if you're like me and not working). Just bear with me one more time, I have to show you a few more beautiful things.

"Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" (um, somehow I think I'd be okay with the outrageous fortune with a side of slings and arrows to go, thank you).  And in so doing, be able to afford this little number:

"To sleep: perchance to dream" of this: (do you not love it so much??  Can you stand how beautiful it is)?  I dream of it living on my dining room table forever!

"Must give us pause For who would bear the whips and scorns of time", without these, Anthro's absolutely gorgeous, and perfectly delightful tumblers:

For these glasses ARE the things dreams are made of.  Oh, my favorite color with the milk-ish green tops (which match the knobs of my white kitchen cabinets).  Ah yes, a full set of these would do nicely, and look fabulous in my dining room and kitchen!  How could they produce such lovely tableware if not to torture me?  -Sigh-  The most beautiful tumblers I've ever seen!  (Ever, sistas)!

And you know what else?  (I know it exists somewhere)... those dishes that are new-ish "faux" jadeite glass?  The plates, cups, saucers, bowls, the whole ensemble... (mixing bowls and cake pedestals too)... the whole enchilada  Of course I could never hope for an entire set of vintage ones, but where on earth are the fakes?  Nope, can't find them.  I've been looking in stores and doing internet searches for -years- to no avail.  Please let me know if you ever find them!  (Not that I can afford them, I'm just sayin').

Adieu, this is my last ode to Anthropologie for awhile (unless they keep torturing me with gorgeous and perfect merch)!

Love, (oh, and if you're a friend, you know I'm not materialistic), I just love looking at beautiful things!  Most of what I own are happily worn out, or shabbily showing age and love).  (I know, sounds like another "disclaimer")!  :)  BESIDES, sometimes I need a little humor.

Oh, and remember...  ix-nay on elling-tay my ad-day.  (He knows Hamlet's sollilloquy by heart)...

Oh Anthropologie, How I Love Thee...

"Let me count the ways..."

"I love thee to the depth and breadth and height" of this darling ruffled coat!  (Luckily for my husband, you don't make it in real "womens" sizes).

"I love thee to the level of everyday's most quiet need"...  (like the need of a warm and especially lovely scarf you have created here.  Even the name has me in love with this scarf...  "petticoat scarf"!  (Biting my lip, fighting  the tears of joy at it's sight)...

"I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet need" (like the need of having this gorgeous journal in which to write and dream ). 

I love thee "by sun and candlelight" (as with these most precious candle holders casting their lacy glow upon my hearth)...

"I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life!"  (At least my life of decorating and making my house pretty and coveting all of thy goods)....

I know, I know.  You need a moment.  Whew, cleansing breath... in through the nose and out through your mouth, no smelling salts needed yet!  Why oh why do they torture us with all of their creative and wonderful goods and catalogs and stylishness?

I hope that Elizabeth Barrett Browning isn't rolling over in her grave about now, but you know... somehow I'm betting that "Liz" would understand.

(Please don't print this out and send it to my father), he is a retired professor (Ph.d) in English and Journalism, and while "Liz" may "get it" my Dad would have an absolute fit if he saw the desecration of such a beautiful sonnet!

With the Deepest and most covetous Anthropoligie love, I remain Yours,

Hurray... Bulletin... This just In!!

Regarding the Queen of Tarte show... (the post below)>... I just noticed that on the blog of Annie, Fannie and Abigail (the sweet sisters who participated in the show with Cindy) are all beautiful pictures of the show! Please, go look! Then you'll see what I mean about the glory of it all!!

Thanks girls, the photos are awesome and so are you!

Basking in the Afterglow of the Holiday Show at Tarte!

It was so amazing! It was elegant and classy and just the shabbily worn things we all covet LOVE! The atmosphere was amazing, there was room to move around, and everyone I saw was just taking it all in walking while looking and singing along with the great music Cindy (the most royal of all Queens) always has playing! It was perfect and new, and old, just well... perfect. See the cool entrance to the barn with the lovely curtains and all the pretty lights inside?? Ahhh, that's what I'm talkin' about!! Love it!

Ahem... I interrupt this beautiful story by giving you a disclaimer of sorts.  Remember how excited I was about my husband coming along with me to the shows yesterday?  I still am!  Especially the part that it was his idea, and that Cindy's show (together with the Barn House Boys and Annie, Fannie and Abigail, and pretty things from Karen at A'musements) was awesome, even to my husband!  Hurray!  Great way to start the season.  I was just floating along all day.  It was perfect!!  He even offered to be the photographer and carry my treasures as I shopped!!  (Are you jealous yet?  I know you are)!  Ok, here it is.  Errrrrrt, back up!  Slam on the brakes right now!  Yes, I said he was the photographer too.  Of course I thought the pictures I'd be sharing with you today would look just like my pictures do.  (I'm not that great, but I try to capture the "essence" of the show... you know... evoke a feeling in my readers. ). Um, yeah.  Not so much.  He tried, bless his heart, that's a great picture above of the entrance, right?  (Ok, I'll carry on).

Here we have... um, I'm not quite sure.  (Nervous giggle).

 

Here is a picture I asked him to take of the Blessed Mother, et al.  Pretty good!  After that, I just cut him loose and let him trail behind me... taking artful pics, carrying my treasures and soaking up the wonderful ambiance.  Heaven it was, I tell you!

Below?  Well, not the best angle, and the tops were cut off the trees, but you can kind of get the idea.  (If you read their blog, you know the sisters spent hundreds of hours glittering hundreds of trees!  Bless their hearts)

And here are well... I'd d say about five of the several hundred.   You'll have to use your imagination to view them "en masse" which they were, and they were gorgeous! 

For this one, I was hoping he'd capture the mood of the ceilings and displays...  ok, those cute ladies can be included.  Ok nice job, Honey.  I'm glad you're the photographer today!  (yikes).
(Well, the ladies are cute, and some of the lights showed up).

In this photo below, we have exactly one tree. 

Hmmm, ok.  Cute silver cherubs! (Ambiance not included).  I still SO appreciate my husband!  He is the greatest (um, husband that is)!

Below we have a shelf of pretty things...

This is so sweet of him to do!!  (Seriously, I mean this).

Below is a beautiful Santa with clothing made of vintage materials.  It is in a beautifully set area too.  I don't know how he got this angle? 

Ok, maybe I had better give this "hubby as photographer" thing a second thought...  (Still sweet...)

Above we have... um, not sure!  I do see the snacks on the left, that's it he was needing food.  Yeah, that's the ticket!  Hypoglycemia.

And, what's this below??  Hmm he said it was a fireplace or something?  Don't think so.  What I see, is the partial photo of a lady's tushy.  Ok, that's it!  I've been patient long enough!  No more photos for you, buddy!! 

But, thanks for coming, because it really was a great show and a fun day!  (Sorry Cindy)!

To my peeps...  I will go searching other blogs and swipe borrow their pics and show you the way it really looked at the Palace of Queen of Tarte!

Love,

Molly Mo's Holiday Show... a Winter Wonderland!

It was just a little rainy outside, but inside Diane's magical barn, was the show of Diane (Molly Mo) and Martha of Vintage Trifles it was definitely a Wonderland!  Everything snowy and glittery and well...  Christmas-ey!  It was absolutely gorgeous and packed with people!

Besides all of the shoppers, and friend Martha, Diane had her daughter Molly outside in front, and helpers behind the counter. Diane is the cute blonde on the left, then helper "Elf" Patty, and sweet Joy on the right! 

You know how I'm always raving about Joy being a dynamo?  Well, that's because it's true!  She worked on her own booth at Christmas in Historic Silverton all day today, and then drove out to help Diane!  I swear I need to go through her medicine chest ask her what brand of Vitamin she takes.  I want that kind!

Don't worry, if you didn't get out to Diane and Martha's show tonight, their show goes through tomorrow!

Aren't these things dreamy? 

Martha made these enchanting decorations above!  She has an Artist's Class available on her blog for the cute vintage book "cakes" on the right!  Aren't they beautiful?

And what about these cuties next to the tree above?  Sorry, you can't have them, they are Beth and Owen my cute boyfriend and his Mommy from next door.  We love them! 

Can you imagine how long these girls must have been busy putting this show together?

Seriously, I bet they've been covered in glitter and glue for weeks now!

Aren't they talented??  They also had yummy looking home made candies and truffles for sale.

Thank you Di and Martha!  Your show was a wonderful way to start the Holiday Season!

Tomorrow it's off to Cindy's (she's the Queen of Tarte, you know)!  The Barn House Boys will be there too and believe it or not the Hubster is going with me!  (Will Christmas wonders never cease)? 

Some Projects from the Beach Art Retreat by Terri Brush.

You've all heard my sad songs about my shoulder injury, yada yada yada. I was able to complete a few projects there, and I made a paper clay doll who I need to finish dressing and then I'll show her to you.

Hear are 2 of the things I did at Terri's Retreat in Manzanita.  I'm no stranger to soldering, so I pushed through to finish these.  I'm happy with them, especially considering....

The one on the left has vintage faux pearls inside (hey... maybe they are real!) and a chandelier crystal for the top.  The one on the right has a cross on top (I made a little crown for the cross to sit on).  Inside are mica pieces (thanks, Lonnie) a few tiny seashells, and vintage text curled up which says "she always had a kind smile for us." sealed inside.

We all made little gifts to exchange with everyone there (what fun)! Here is what Natalie did! Isn't she so clever!?

It is chocolate treats (all 3 kinds of m&ms sewn between 2 vintage book pieces, a piece of vintage seam binding and the words "Emergency Chocolate" stamped on with ink!  So much fun! 

More soon!

Love,

Can I Possibly be 2 Places at Once?

How in the world do I make myself appear in three places at once? Here is the dilemma.  Three friends both having special show openers at their shows this Friday night! I don't want to miss either one! There is Cindy's "The Magic of Christmas" Tarte Show:

The details are:  Sale Saturday November 7th. The Magic of Christmas 9am-2pm. 20131 South End Road, Oregon City  (Special early buying $10.00 on Friday from 5-8 p.m.)  It will be magical at night and she's having wine and hors'doeuvers too, which is cool, but the EARLY BUYING!  Oh my goodness!  Have you EVER?????  If not, you really must go!  There is no place on earth like Tarte at the Barn in Oregon City!

Wonderful right?????  Well... there is a conflict!!!  Two other friends are having their show Friday night and Saturday night too:

What's a girl to do??   Here are the details for Di and Martha's show:

Nov 6th, 5pm - 8pm Early shopping w/ nibbles, $5 admission

Nov 7th, 8am - 4pm Free admission, light refreshments

440 NE Cherry St, Sublimity,  OR 97385
call for more info: 503 769-4041

I love early buying!  Even with admission.  It is soooooooooo exciting!

And my sweet friend Joy (usually she's Lucy and I'm Ethel)  will be showing and selling her beautiful wares those days too!!!   She will be at Christmas in Historic Silverton both Friday and Saturday from 9-5.  Ok, that takes care of part of my dilemma, I can go during the day on Friday or Saturday.  I want to be first though!  So, whew that takes care of that one!

Joy is soooooooooooo cute, and a most precious friend!  Here she is below with a wild hair ahem, I mean as the March Hare at the Mad Hatter Show last month!  Isn't she the cutest??

Christmas in Historical Silverton will be throughout the town, (it will be beautiful everywhere in town, and Joy's booth will be at the First Christian Church (402 S. First Street).


Maybe I'll see you at one of these fun places!!


Happy beginning to your Holidays!


Love,

Here's where I wanted to go today!

I wanted to go to the Holiday Open House of Jen and her sister in Lyons, Oregon. Good luck today, girls, it looks like fun with the "make and takes" and everything!  Although I've never been there, I know it can't be TOO far.  Yes, the shoulder.  I have propped it up and put heat on it (for the jillionth time) and it better cooperate!  I know I can't solder or do any art right now, but seriously I'd like to be able to drive more than 4 miles at a time!  It's getting to be that time of year, with all of the cool shows coming up!  If I can't be in them, I at least want to see them!  I'll give you a round up of all the ones I know about tomorrow. 

Love,

Last Cute Punkin' Picture, I promise!

Hi!  Just indulge me with one more "punkin" photo, and that's it (for sure)!
Here is Brock this year at Halloween (well, a few weeks ago).  We don't live close enough to see him on the actual "day" so we always make do with our celebrations around the date/s seasons and Holidays.  Hasn't he grown a lot from the Lion costume in 2003?  

He is in first grade now and played t-ball over the summer.  NOW he is playing basketball.  You know, this "school" and "activity" business has seriously cut into my Grandparent time!  It used to be so easy to go pick him up and bring him  home for a few days.  I'm happy about what he is doing and that he is having so much fun, but seriously, what harm would it do to have a few more "overnight"   field trips to Mimi and Papa's house?  We'd teach him a lot, I promise.  I know, I know.  We have to make do.  We'll go to see his basketball game next weekend and take him to lunch or something, but unless we inherit some stock in a hotel chain, we'll have to continue coming home without him during sports seasons.  Anyway, he wanted his picture taken with the pumpkin "guts" so here he is in all of his glory.  (Oh, and he's holding the sample picture he drew before we carved)...

We love you, Brock!

Mimi and Papa

One More Cute Little Punkin'!

Here's my little boyfriend Owen from next door.  I used to watch him 2 mornings a week until I hurt my shoulder.  Ugh.  I sure miss him!  His Mama Beth brought him over tonight (while my DH was home) so we could watch him for awhile.  I was afraid he'd forget me!  Nope, he still loves me!

He is 6 months old now and isn't he cute with the pumpkins?  He is SO precious!! 

Love,

One of the Cutest Punkin's Ever!

He's actually dressed up like a Lion if you look at the top of his hood.  Isn't he precious?  I know, ever the proud Grandma (Mimi)!  This little punkin' is now 6 1/2 years old!  How does it happen so quickly?  When I took this pic in 2003 I had no idea that Grandkids seem to grow even more quickly than our children do.  I remember this day, it was beautiful and Brock was such a happy baby.  I was afraid to prop him up and run to take the picture, but it worked!  The rest is Mimi & Brock history!

Love,