simply iowa

a day of...loading...oh my...

2012-01-28T22:30:00.000-06:00

All the Guys....were wonderful...Steph came with curly willow...and helped too... Thank God...for Them!
I fell...on the ice...jammed my wrist...ripped the entire seat out of my pants....oh dear... Then...as I was standing at the end of the truck...up in the box......Josh...was next to me...we were struggling with a wheelbarrow........Justin was standing .......on the ground.... I turned....and said..."I'm falling..." as I was falling out of the truck...not scared...I just knew I was falling...backwards...then...face first...onto the ground...it was too late to grab anything...to try and catch myself....I was falling... Justin...ran and caught me...I went down...but not bad...If he hadn't been there...I really can't imagine...what would have happened to me...I wouldn't be going to Nashville....Thank God....for him...
I have tons to get done tonight....and tomorrow...I keep making lists...and adding more to the existing lists...
I wish the truck was twice as big as it is....I feel like I don't have nearly enough on...and it's pretty darned FULL! { I'm adding more...tomorrow...somehow...} still have bags to pack...laundry to do...and...I need a bath...too...oh my....
Love to ya...
Barb C.

This is why...I do...what...I do...

2012-01-27T21:23:00.001-06:00

This was left...for me...at the Entrance...to the Rabbit Hole...Angels...I have Angels...Hovering.....I am....Truly...Blessed...
Thanks...Diane....Love...to You....
{thanks...Liz...what would I do...without you...}

Correction... Both...Signs are Gone!

2012-01-27T20:53:00.005-06:00

I owe...this Pork Sign...to a Dear friend....when he said...he had an interest...that's all I needed to hear....It's His...he is such a Sweet Heart... {his Beautiful Wife...is even...Sweeter...}so...it stays...here...in Iowa!
{Gotta Love those South of 80 Boys!}
The second image...is of me...tonight...I titled it, ' loading...champagne'....in my files...I have images of the load....and me...after fixing supper...and opening a fine bottle of champagne...{I am actually...holding the glass...to my forehead...{it felt...great!}...you can't see that...but...trust me...Aleve...couldn't have brought me this much relief! {then...a friend called....and invited me, out for supper...but...I only had a few broasted potatoes...{she always forgets...I am a vegetarian....no worries...it's hard to find Boca...in an Iowa Restaurant...the Potatoes....were incredible...and the Olives...in the Martinis....oh my!}....and...a couple of Martinis....oh dear...} My hands...are covered in paint...and glue....I'm wearing the same clothes I wore, yesterday...oh my...I am...a Goddess! My Mother, would say...about this time..."oh...what the neighbors must think!"... all I can say is...Hope they are around tomorrow...to help Load...The HEAVY Stuff!
Love, to Ya!
Barb C.
I am...Blessed!
Love to Ya!
Barb C.
{I had to put this song...on lead... it has been with me...for the last week...it feels...right...where..my head is...Love...it...Trust Me...The Orange Blossom Special...is Blowing Through...but...there...is always...a soulful...place...in my heart...always....no matter...}

Pork Signs...and Pin Cushjons....

2012-01-27T07:34:00.000-06:00

I have only one...of these left...

This is a Big One....Love the Dust Covered Gnarly Pins...wonder...what was the last project...this Old Darling was used with...a Cute Skirt....a Jacket, button....maybe...a Baby Quilt...or putting a patch...on a pair of Bibs!

Pork Signs...and Gnarly Pin Cushions...!

I have Loads of Littles going to Heart....many...from the house....that I have enjoyed...over the years....I'll pull a few quilts.....and will be packing...all day today and tomorrow... Justin and John...unloaded cupboards, yesterday...and we are getting ready to start re-loading....It's going to snow...today...then get very windy....Loading the Massive window...may be a trick...but...that's nothing... John is going to have to take a portion of the greenhouse down, to get the pass through cupboard out the door.... it's 35 inches deep...and the door is only 32....Yippee! { : ( } he's not...a happy camper...

He has been working hard....finishing up the Beautiful Settee... a friend called, yesterday....and hopes...he'll have some things done, for Gold Rush....I would Love for her to have a piece of his....she has been such a dear customer....forever....

I have tons to get ready...the new arrivals...that need a good bath...Jo will be here Sunday...the house is a wreck....but...I know she won't care...her room is clean...

Liz reminded me how Blessed I am, to have her come with....she and I have a similar eye...and we work well together...and Wanda...is a Mover and Shaker! She is a Pure...Country Girl....but has vision....as well...even with my crazy style....a Dream Team....!

I talk with Peg....everyday... and so wish....she were coming....I'm going to miss that Girl...I truly am...If the show goes well...and I don't need to pick up another....I'm going to take some time off...when I get back...and go to the Mayo...and stay with her for a few days....

I have to get chuggin...and get the Freight Loaded!

Hope...you Have a Most Wonderful Day...

Filled with Fun...

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Get Outta My Way...I'm Comin' Through!!!!

2012-01-26T19:36:00.002-06:00

Whoooooo!!!!! Whoooooo!!!!

Steph and I Loaded this Big Dawg! It's 10 feet wide...and a foot deep... Heavy....That was after I had unloaded the Big Cupboards from the Truck...and delivered them...

I am on a Mission!!!!

Had a long talk with Daughter, Liz...today... she is amazing...she said...how God has blessed me... with the ability...to do, what I do......{ I tend to doubt....myself....and never think....I'm good enough...and stress...and stew....}I broke down...and said...my Blessing...was her....Liz...is my Blessing...and then...all the Angels...Pattie...Steph....Scarlett...Brenda... Mark....and sweet...Diane...who....I haven't seen...forever...made a point...to call me...and Sing my Praises...and...she brought me Chocolate!{she kept saying...no one does...what I do....."don't you know that....you really...don't know that????"...ahhh...nope...I guess...I really...don't ever think....I'm ever good enough....}

Oh My Gosh...

I am...humbled....that these folks...have faith...in me....I Truly...am....

I have always thought...I'm just the Junk Dealer...in Fairfax...

that coexists...with all of the other beloved misfit toys.....down The Rabbit Hole...

But...now...I am...focused...

The Orange Blossom Special...is on Full Throttle!

The Angels are Stokin' The Engine!

Liz reminded me...how Amazing this show is...I am headed to... and to think back...on the very first time, we did it....{with a fraction...of what we have now...driving an 81 Ford 1Ton Truck....with 200,000 miles...plus......loaded like The Hillbilly's Truck...and pulling a Packed to the Walls...Trailer...to The Top Show...in the Country....that I had never seen...let alone...showed at....oh my}....I am...Blessed....Blessed...to be a part of it... and...I'll give it my Very Best!

Thanks...to Everyone...

and...Love to Ya!

Barb C.

{My mind has been racing....So much.... I have wanted to purchase for Heart.......was out of reach....some of the coolest stuff...I had gathered...is gone...but...that is how...it's supposed to be... the things...that have come my way....at the very last moment....Amaze...The Booth...is going to Rock! All...affordable...and...Over the Top! oh my....

As I was driving home, this eve...thinking...of how Blessed...I am...with my Children...John...Grand Children...Mom...and...Devoted...True.....Friends...the phone rang...it was my farmer friend, Marv... I had helped him sell things....several years ago...I was shocked.... when he said... his Daughter was killed, two weeks ago...in a car accident....I had met her once.... she was a Lovely Girl....So Full of Life...she Loved to Sing...even went to Nashville... Marv said...she enjoyed working with him, side by side.......on the Farm, so much...they were close...he said...she was the 'Rock'....of the family....the Peacemaker.....and...inspired so many...

and he....wept.....

Marv asked for my help...with some of her things...

I was so taken back... we had a Long...Long...talk...about 'The Journey'...and...the Promise...we will all be together...and...I believe... our Loved Ones...are never...far from us...I also said, what a Blessing he was, to her...as well....a Father's Love...is a Most Precious Gift...to a Daughter....he was surprised...by something...I had told him...and....seemed a bit stunned...I had said, exactly...what his daughter, had said to him...about life....and 'Living it...to it's Fullest....always'....

My Prayers...go to Marv...and his Family...Please say a Prayer...for them....as well...and All those...who suffer...today...

I will be at his disposal...when I return....

I reminded Marv...as I am reminding myself... Life...is not measured by the Years... but...by the Moments...and...not by the Breaths...we take...but...by the Moments...that take our Breath....away....

so...hard to remember...while Spinning...

I guess.... I'll Embrace the Spinning...I kinda Like It!

I have had some...Amazing...Moments...Today....Filled with...Angels....and Blessings....}

Cattle Horns...Velvet Boxes...Industrial Stools...10 Foot Church Window... 13 and a half foot Table...Folk Art Tin Tables....Lace....Floral Oil Paintings...Old Cupboards...all Dancing...through my mind...

2012-01-26T09:32:00.001-06:00

These Horns are Gnarly....They are each about 2 feet long....will be great in the Booth...

I put this song on lead....because...this is where my head is... this morn...no time for anything...but...pulling this all together....I have a Freight Train Load of Obligations....breathing down my neck....

Worries...and Troubles...get off the tracks....

I'm Coming Through....

{looking 'up'...the whole time...}

I was awake early....and laid in bed...with all of the things I'm pulling together...dancing through my brain....wall coverings...the engineering...of hanging a Massive 10 foot wide... Church Window....every supply...I may...or may not need.... Chandeliers...curly willow...rugs...and what for wall coverings...smalls...I am packing everything from flower frogs...to cattle tags....Farm Signs...to Gnarly Floral Oil Paintings...

and...like a Sweet Barber Shop Quartet...

they will all Sing...in Perfect Harmony....

I have Miles to Go...today...better get the Starbucks...Stokin' This Old Girl...

Love to Ya....

Have an Amazing Day!

Barb C.

{I can't forget the shoe horn....to get it all...in the truck...then...layered into a 10x16 foot booth....oh my...}

Awesome Old.... Old....Walnut Pie Safe... all Pegged... It's an Easy 5 feet Tall... with Sweeeet Turned Feet...

This is the load I picked up, last night....There are some Great Industrial Stools...on rollers....that will be headed South...and some other fun stuff... : )

a long day...

2012-01-25T21:23:00.003-06:00

Seems...some days...I should just stay in bed...
Today...would have been one of those.... days....
I just got home...tonight.... been a couple hundred miles...Got a few things done...here... today...two steps forward...three...back.....
I gathered some treasures...good stuff.... but...ultimately...I wish...I would have just turned off the phone...this morning...and shut myself...in my room....
Hope....everyone else...had a Lovely day...
I'm having a glass of wine...then...shutting myself...and...Polly...in my room...
Love to you...
and...like Scarlett says....
'after all....Tomorrow...is...another day....'
Barb C.
{don't get me wrong...I am Thankful...no matter what comes my way......to have had this day......and...be healthy...enough...to take it in....I am...blessed...}

Empire Style...Round Top...Table....oh...my....

2012-01-24T17:41:00.000-06:00

Well...John has got another table done...What a Darling Thing! Incredible Detail! I'm hoping...he can get the Settee done, as well! He's been working Non Stop! I didn't take the Beautiful Drop Leaf, to Anamosa... so...I should have 2, and hopefully three pieces...for Heart! {I don't know....I'm diggin' them...here at Home!} I have to deliver the Big Round, when I get home...It looks Great...here! I'm going to miss it!

Spent the day with Mom....Dr. appointment...and it went well!

Peg sounds better...they are doing the radiation...and Chemo!Who Would have Thought... That first Dr. didn't give Peg much hope...{ I didn't give him...a second thought...}

He Doesn't know Peg...or...all of the Angels....

Keep those Wings Flappin'!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Amazing....Victorian...Quilt....

2012-01-23T10:31:00.001-06:00

I bought this quilt...at the Anamosa Show.... There is Something...about Worn Velvet....that always touches me... This is Beautifully pieced....and quilted...

The roads are Icy today...so I'm going to get house work done...Jo is going to stay with, next Sunday....so need to get things picked up....

I am trying to figure out how and where... to get the truck unloaded and reloaded.... and...what will be going with! oh my... Tic Toc!

I didn't mention John... helping out...over the weekend...whew! He put the windows together...and helped get things finished up...then....when I got home...he had cleaned up the Kitchen! It was soooo nice...walking in the house...to a clean kitchen!!!

I have to get rolling...

Hope you all have a Most...Wonderful Day!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

{while visiting with Diane S. yesterday... I said...how life is such a journey....unpredictable.... and...even tho...things can be so incredibly Hard...to take...

we do....

we learn...and grow...

and...when we stand back... we realize...ultimately...life is soooo short....

we must enjoy every moment....and not allow cancer...or any illness...or hell bent heart...steal any of those moments...they will never come back to us...

I'm thankful....for every moment...no matter...

The Bitter Ones...

Make the Sweet Ones...

all the Sweeter....

God Bless...all...who suffer today...Peg is at Mayo....starting radiation...and a new chemo...I hope...

She has not been feeling well...it's getting tough... keep her in your Positive Thoughts...and Prayers...Please

Thank You....}

Anamosa Show....History!

2012-01-22T18:27:00.009-06:00

It was Great Seeing Everyone....Bloggers... Followers....and...who...I follow! Antiquers....and New Folks...that have been Bitten... by the Antiques Bug!

Thanks to Justin and Josh...whew...we were loaded and out...in 2 hours... amazing...amazing....
The Show was very Good... Considering...the weather....I was pretty punchy.... kept saying hi...to folks...I had already said "Hi" to.... then...realizing...ahhh...I already said 'Hi'... to you...didn't I! {oh...my...}
This is going to be a Crazy...busy...week... I have to completely unload.... then...reload...but...have soooo much...much...much....to get done...seems...everything....I had planned to take to Heart....has sold....well....not...everything... I'm just going to have to dig....and work...harder... to get it all pulled together...
I'm warming up soup...and sipping a Cajun...Martini... I earned it...
I want to Thank...Lynn....and the Boys....once again....they truly...were my Weekend...Angels...oh my...
It was Great seeing Everyone...everyone...
I'm going to go find the Lazy Boy.... and crash...
Hope you all had a Wonderful Weekend!
Love....to ya....

The Roads...sucked rotten eggs...at 5....this morn....The Fuso...is short wheel based... it's like a Hog on Skis....yuk..

The booth...turned out...o.k... I got several thumbs up....but oh my.... I am...in a tight spot....and...getting....tighter...by the minute...but...I Trust...and know...It's...All....Good.... : )

Barb C.
It was Great seeing...Kenny...Julie... Gail... The Coin Silver Guy... The Book Guy...{who always says...what a Grrreat Booth it is....that means.....soooo much...when...I never...think...it's good enough...} Polly...Bob...Bob...Wanda...Terry...Dan...Jo...Colleen...Daryl...Amy...
Sarah.....her Wonderful...Parents...and Matt...and hearing...The Most Wonderful....wonderful...news... : ).... Carolyn...Mark... Don...and his Lovely Wife...
Sherri... Bill....Jeff...Sonia...
Roxie...and her sweet hubby...
Dave...Dixie...Sandy...Lee...Duane...and...really...All....of the Vendors... {Ginger...The Queen of Hearts......and Garth!}....Barb and Dan.... {Park Place...Marion, Iowa... {See Ya...In NASHVILLE!}{I should get the names...of all of the dealers...at this show....they are soooooo good...good people...Thanks...to Cecilia...and Jon....they do such a Great Job...Promoting.....}
I'm...moving on...to Nashville...{like it hasn't been on my Brain....for Months!!!!}
{missed...Connie.... but...so loved the folks... that set up in her place....Good Neighbors!}
{ I want to say...it meant so much...to see...Diane S.
While attending the Fall Harvest Sale...I saw...she was going through...chemo...I called her The Most Beautiful Baldy!!!...we had No Idea...Peg....was about...to take us...on another journey....
I saw...the Sparkle...in Diane's...eyes...today...as I see...in my Peg's....
I shared with her...the journey...of the last several months...{Peg...Mom...and...other...Uglies...almost...more...than...one can shoulder...} {I said..."Almost..."} it's amazing... how People...are Placed...in your life.... it truly...is...
Several things....hit me in the face.... this weekend... all... about 'The Journey'..... guess... all I can say.... is... God Bless Us.... Everyone....and... It's...All...Good...}
{ I was going to change the lead song...but..."Four that want to own me...two...that want to Stone me... and..one...she's.... a friend of mine... " just seemed to FIT!!! not to mention...I am...the Girl...in the Flat Bed Ford! ahhhh...yeah...enough...said...}and...it was Great...seeing Tommie...from Fuel...she...always....Grounds Me...somehow...

Peg...Tommie....Gail...Amy...and...a handful...of others... ground...me...God...Bless.... Them...and...all the Strangers...{Angels} God...sends my way....}

Anamosa Show! Today!!!!!

2012-01-22T04:48:00.002-06:00

HOPE TO SEE YA THERE!!!!
Love to ya!
Barb C.

Running....

2012-01-21T22:26:00.000-06:00

Spent the day setting the Booth...at Anamosa...Thanks...John...Justin...Josh... Carolyn...Mark...and Kels... oh my....Thanks...to Lynn...My Auction Warrior! He stood in my place...at Duwa's... All...Day... and got me some Great Stuff!!!!

Got The Big White Amana Cupboard....a little top...a Wonderful...Primitive Cupboard...{the image is not good...} a Chimney Cupboard...and a Beautiful Gothic Stained Glass Window! and some Sweet Smalls! All from the Auction... The Booth is Looking Pretty Good... I'm going to Bed!

I tore out of the show...at 7, this eve...with the booth...75% done... to drive 90 miles...to pick up...the load...Carolyn...rode with... kept me awake.... Bud...{Renate's} waited for me to get there... and he and Dwight{Owner...Duwa's Auctions Wellman, Iowa} helped me load four cupboards....{ I feel so Blessed...to have such....Amazing....Friends....}One....Cupboard....I am Totally In Love With!{It's been Haunting me...for several days...and...all I could see of it....was the top third....and still...it whispered in my ear....} It will be at the show...in the morn!
I'll be up at four... think I'll sleep in my clothes.... oh my...
I told Mark... I may not look too good...but....I'm there to sell....not for a Beauty Contest!

2012-01-20T19:16:00.000-06:00

Waiting....Patiently... for Hands....
I'm finding...Such...Soulful..Old Pieces... in John's Shop... that have been forgotten...
It feels....good.... Breathing Life...into them....

Partial Show Listing....

2012-01-20T19:11:00.000-06:00

Old...old... {1880's...or 90's...} Mustard Farm Cupboard...

This Sweet Heart...consumed my day... It was Delightful... I Love... working on these Old Darlings...I Truly Do...

This Cupboard will be at the Anamosa Show, this Sunday... along with many more Iowa Farmhouse pieces...that have been tucked away... for years....

A Sweet Dry Sink...

An 8 Foot Two Board Top 1880's Harvest Table....

A Large White Stepback Cupboard...1880's {2 piece}

Civil War Era Chest of Drawers.... {Beautiful...}

Pre Civil War Era Chest of Drawers...{1840's}

Several Upholstered Pieces....

and...who knows...The Booth will Be Full!

Mark is Bringing some Cool Stuff...too!

Tons...of Smalls...

I'm still diggin'.... and may have a few surprises....for the Show!

The Windows...are Amazing....I will be selling some, here... and taking some, to Nashville... when the top and bottom are together...they are around 8 feet tall... I have 12 sets.... BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Sounds like the weather will be clear...Sunday...til, mid afternoon...{at this point} Come Early....and Bring a Truck!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

The Anamosa Show! Be There!

2012-01-19T19:00:00.002-06:00

Yes...I go On and On....about Heart of Country... It is...Huge...in my Life...
The Truth is...All of the Shows I do... are Important to me...
I could do a show a week...if I wanted to... but...each year...I carefully select the Shows...I Believe in... Big...or Little... Every Show I do... Is a Good Show... Great Promoters.... Super.....Versatile...{Eclectic}...Vendors...with...Something...for Everyone!
I feel Honored...to be included...in Each of them...
I Hope....You can come visit us...Sunday... The weather looks good...{check...before you travel....this is Iowa...after all... the weather changes...from minute to minute...}
If...you are my Blog Follower....Please, introduce yourself...
This is Such a Fun...and Laid Back Show....You can't help...but enjoy yourself...
I Hope...to See You!
Love to Ya!
Barb C.

Dizzy....

2012-01-19T09:24:00.002-06:00

The back...of the Booth...at Heart....The Amazing Alter...Flanked by these two windows.. these would have the Two bottom Panes of glass removed...Leaving the Arched Top... the window Frames...elevated...16 to 18 inches...from the floor...then...the empty openings.... layered with mirrors...of every shape...and size.... oh yes... The Alter...Layered...in Massive Pieces...of Tarnished Silver.... sprinkled....with fresh cut stems...of Spring Florals....Moss...tucked...throughout....I would construct a backdrop....14 feet tall...with Vintage Burgundy Velvet Stage Drapes...Flowing Over....and around the entire...back wall...drapey...swaggy... and.. Oh...Yes... hang the Massive Beaded Chandelier...just off to the Right Side....
Yes...Yes...Over the Frickin' TOP!!!! BEAUTIFUL...I can see it ALL...In My MIND!!!!
There is One Teeny...Tiny...little Problem....
All of it Sold.... Yesterday....{Thanks Sweet Pea...for the Referrals...}
I have a show this weekend... below zero temps...and 6 to 8 inches of snow on Friday...
Then...I leave...for Nashville.... one week from Monday....Truck...partially loaded... I have a load on the Ford... now...I have to unload... then...back on the road...
I'm not....worried... I Trust.... but...I know... there will be some hurdles.... this isn't a Show....I'm preparing for...It's...'THEE'.... show...I have Wonderful Treasures.... but...there is something about...Over the Top... That I Love! So.... I'm Running Hard...My Frozen Gears...are Spinning!!!!!!!!
I'm also getting everything Else ready...a little touch up...here, and there...all takes time...
I have Located some Amazing Windows... I have to go get them...and carry them... some distance... there are 50, or so... and...my lungs...shut down...in this frigid cold... that's my biggest fear... it's way below zero wind chill... but...I have to get them.... I'll be Building a House....in Nashville...with them....Won't be an Alter... but... I'm thinkin'... It Will Be...Over the Top! {and yes...they will all be for sale!}
So...I'm...Dizzy... Spinning... Daughter Liz, says this is when I'm at my Best....I Reckin' So....
Love to ya...
Barb C.
{Brandon {house things} asked me...Why....why would I sell this...now.... Wanda...{Gatherings}.is soooo disappointed...She and Jo Brantley, will be my Helpers, this year...at Heart....What a Dream Team! Wanda is an Amazing Worker...and has a Great Eye...Jo...is an Accomplished Designer...and has worked with Meredith Publishing....Counrty Homes....and Country Gardens Magazines...as well as a contributor, to many other periodicals....... Jo and I shared a booth...several years ago at Heart... I am Honored...to have them with....
All I can say is... I have bills to pay... and...I'm always behind the 8 ball....and...sounds...like these pieces...have found the Perfect Home... That....is what it's all about.... it truly is....!
So...I'm Runnin'! and...Trusting!
{Peg...is in my Dreams...for Next Year... she'll be with us...every step... and...many phone calls...Close!}

1930's Bridge Light's...From an Iowa City, Iowa Bridge!

2012-01-18T21:16:00.000-06:00

Travelled 300....plus...miles...today... whew...Hit 3 Auctions... oh my... I got these Amazing 1930's Bridge Lights....from an Iowa City, Iowa Bridge.... at the Last Auction... There are three of them.... This one...has a plaque, on the side that reads "Class of 1938"...I was too tired to bring in the others...they all have different Plaques...They are made of my Favorite Precious Metal....TIN!!!! PERFECT...Perfect....For Heart of Country....John will get 'em all wired...and spiffed....They Will Be...Amazing!

I have a bit of news...concerning Heart...the booth... has made an abrupt halt...

and a 90 degree turn around.... So....I'm FLYING!

I'll share all of that ... tomorrow...

I'm Hittin' It!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Ya Know It's COLD...when there is Frost...on the Inside of the Window...

2012-01-18T07:16:00.001-06:00

Oh My....! It's -4.... a Bit...Chilly....

It crossed my mind this morn...while looking at the kitchen window... about my 16th Winter... I was working at Target...and going to school...living on my own....and driving an Old 60 something...Chevy ...Dad had bought to junk.... but let me drive it...till it completely died...

The thermostat was stuck....so...it never got warm, in the car....when the Sun was out...it was o.k.....but working nights...not so much... I used rubbing alcohol, on the inside windshield, to attempt to keep a hole open, so I could see... {it doesn't work too great...but... I made it...}It also...had NO Brakes....I used the emergency brake to stop it....{this is the Absolute Truth...I kept plenty of distance...slipped in neutral...and GENTLY engaged it....when I had to} I drove that car for the month of January.... 1979

Some day....I'll write a book... Me and Tom Sawyer...would have been Great Pals...

I have hundreds of miles to cover today....

I sooo Love The Road....

Brakes...Heater...

Optional...

{but...very nice....when it's Cold...and Slippery...}

Have a Most Amazing Wednesday!

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

Why did I drive that car......cause...that's all I had...and no money to fix it....and...no where to get in, out of the cold...to fix it...if...I had any extra money....I sure am Thankful...to All of the Angels...that have sat beside me....bet they could write a book...too... : )

Sally...in the Snow...

2012-01-17T11:33:00.002-06:00

The Little Mustang... She is Hibernating....Dreaming...of the Hot July Day....when we can go Tooling down the Iowa Country Roads... with the Top Down... and

Chesney...Blaring...'No Shoes...No Shirt...No Problems'...

ahhh...yes.... but...

Today...

It's 20 degrees...and Snowing Like Crazy...!

I have been on the phone all morn... working on filling out my Show Load...I am sure blessed...to have such nice folks...in my life...and meeting...new ones...... everyday...

Good People....

I'm headed out the door...to Doctor Scout's eye...The Vet, sent some new meds, to try... I'm hoping this will work better....

I'll have images...from the shop...later....I may be working...late this eve...

a Long day...tomorrow...lots of miles...from North..to South...

The roads are Bad...today... lots of accidents...all over... a Very Good Day...to stay home...

Hope You Have a Most...Lovely...Tuesday...

Barb C.

'The'...Round Table....oh....my....

2012-01-16T10:33:00.002-06:00

This is an Amazing Table....
Very...Utilitarian...Yet... So Sculptural...
A Piece of Art....
Each piece of tin....cut by hand... with tin snips... and carefully pieced...then formed...to fit every angle...on the 100 year old...plus...Massive Beauty...then...glued...and nailed, by hand...in place....It took John several weeks, to complete this...and the Stand....below...
Every edge is sealed...so it has a Smooth...Warm...Feel....
The Tin itself, has Iowa Farm History...Retired Farmer, Mary S. had this tin rolled up, in huge rolls...years ago..when her grain bin was taken down.... she saved them... she knew...they were too good to scrap...they were massive rolls...10 feet tall...and 2 feet in diameter...The sheet rolled out...was 10 feet in diameter... she and I loaded them...ahhh...Farm Women...
John has truly found his calling... he did the Amazing Settee...last year...
I look high and low...for the Perfect form...to be covered...with his amazing Tin Work......
This table...had the Perfect base....I have never seen one exactly like it.... it could glide through many era's...and decorating styles... it's Simple... yet...Stately... It could be used to dine...or as a Centerpiece...in an Entry Hall....Dressed Up...with a Massive Urn...centered....or...pull some chairs up...and play a few hands of cards....
It's 54 inches in diameter....and...is Lovely...
John did an Outstanding Job....
This was headed for Nashville... but...it is Sold...
It's going to a Most Lovely Home.... and will be Very Happy There!

I'm hoping to have three smaller pieces going...if John can get them finished...

This will be in Nashville... It is Darling.... Empire Style Stand...around a hundred years old.... with working drop leaves...and two Sweet Drawers...Completely Tin Embellished.... Beautiful... I will also have it Next Sunday at The Anamosa Show! Come Check it Out!

This is the Alter Top...John is going to do a couple minor repairs...before it's loaded... the base, is loaded... This Alter could be used in two separate pieces... the base...as a Lovely Counter...and this piece...as a display...for soaps...and lotions....at Christmas...it would be Over the Top... and Beautiful...with Florals....in Spring!

Hope you all.....have a Most Lovely...Monday!
Barb C.

OPEN TODAY 12 - 4!!!!!

2012-01-15T08:09:00.000-06:00

Come Dig!

Whirlwind!!!!!

2012-01-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

It's Getting CRAZY!!!! Seems like things are slowly...simmering...then...All at Once! The Heat is Turned UP...to BOILING!
I'm at a high...simmer....but it's getting mighty warm....
Reservations... merchandise... lists...and lists...and more lists...to check...then...check...again...
I have some Great Pieces.... headed for Heart...but...two are on 'hold'... if...they sell..it will be a Mad Dash...to replace them....if they don't... I still need a few more pieces....
Seems everything I like at Auction...everyone else does too! Whew!
I've made some calls...to my Trusty Friends...who always seem to help me out...when it comes to Good...Old...Gnarly...Stuff! They are Diggin! Bless Their Hearts!
I'm on the road...this morn... then...in the shop...
Open Sunday! 12 - 4!!!
Love to Ya...
Barb C.

{I just found out...this morning...a Sweet Friend...lost her husband...two weeks ago....my Prayers...have been with you...and are still... God Bless You...and your Family... My Prayers...go to All of Those...who suffer today... Love to You...}

2012-01-13T10:57:00.000-06:00

Life Is Good Today!

2012-01-13T10:55:00.000-06:00

Whew! I have had Great Feedback...concerning my Plans...for the Travelling Bubble Bath Tub!

As some of my Closest...Friends Know... I am a Bubble Bath Girl!

Ahhh...

Polly and I walked outside....and snapped this image... oh my...it is Cold...but my Gears are Spinning! It's gonna be a Great Year...Filled to the Rim.... With Craziness...and Fun!

Don't expect all of it at once....it will take the entire year....and...maybe...if I'm Lucky....

The Rest of My Life!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Simply Iowa Bubble Bath!

2012-01-12T10:21:00.000-06:00

Oh Yeah... This is Perfect... I Love this Massive Tub....it doesn't look too big...until you get next to it... It Is Awesome.... Justin and Josh carried it to this location...yesterday... {Those Boys Amaze...} I'm setting it up...for a photo shoot... I have some grand plans for this Old Darling...it's going to be like the 'Travelling Tub'....Mad Hatter Style!
I hired the Boys, yesterday...for an hour...it was 50 degrees...and I had some Big Stuff... to Move... We Cranked! Got The Fuso...all ready to Go... Then...I checked out an Auction...apparently...I have exquisite taste! The things I wanted....Broke the Bank...{and...folks scratched their heads...when I left bids... oh well...} Things were Smokin'! I got 2 things...out of a dozen...I had wanted... but...the one thing...I needed the most out of all.... I'll be picking them up in a few days...the roads are a mess...wind blowing... and it's going to continue...throughout the day...
I have Plenty to do...today...here at home...
I Do Love The Snow!!! Beautiful!!!!
Have a Most Wonderful Day!
Barb C.

Sometimes....I can get...a little... Ruff... : )

2012-01-11T18:19:00.005-06:00

Hmmm.... I think...I know these Boys.... maybe... maybe.... in another Life...but....I Know...These Boys....When I spied this Old Tin Type... it touched me....

Oh...my.... Sometimes....I can...get a little Ruff....: )...
I tried to capture this image...last night...and my trusty little Kodak...said..."Lens Obstruction"....turns out...this is a common...and Fatal...problem...with little digital cameras... so...I tapped on it...then... pounded it...gently....in my hand... then...got the blow dryer out.... and...while hitting it...was blowing it...with a very..HOT...blow dryer... then.....{sense...it still wasn't responding...} beat it... against the bath tub... cushioned...by a towel.... ahhhh.... yeah....sometimes.... I tend...to get a little... Ruff...
but...guess what... it was in perfect working order...this morn....
What can I say.... some...like it Ruff...! : )
We'll see how long...the little Kodak...can take the strain... : )
It has had a pretty wild ride...with me... so...it owes me...nothing...
I'm just happy...it has given me...another day....
Love to Ya...
Barb C.
{Oh Yeah...I'm getting Pretty 'Jacked'...about Heart... in Nashville....Be There... You Will Love It!}
I'll have all sorts of updates...in the morn...
Thank You..Thank You....to My Boys.... Josh...and Son....Justin...Whew... We got the FUSO...Rockin! and...LOADED!!!! {before noon!} Those Boys... CRANK!!! Bless Their Hearts!!!!}

Fancy....Stemware... Mmmm....

2012-01-10T17:47:00.002-06:00

I Have a 'Thing'...about Beautiful....Eating...and Drinking Pieces..... They don't have to match... they don't even have to be perfect... but...they Must be Beautiful...Feel....Good...in my hands... and, if they are Stemware...or Silverware...feel good on my Lips....
I Love.....paper thin Glassware....it's much tougher, than you may think....Everything...tastes Delicious...from them...even water...has a cleaner...taste to it.... Mmmmm....
I picked these beauties...up at the wonderful Victorian Auction, I attended, last week.... Love...Them...
If you think...to purchase these Vintage Darlings....it would Break The Bank... Think Again... These are 6. each....Not much more than one...Mega Latte...
I bought 20, to 30 wine glasses....that day... these 4 Etched Ruby Glasses...are my Fave's...
I entwined them, in some old wire plant hangers, by the door...of the shop... they are just waiting...for a spot of Merlot....
I had a great day....Lot's of Folks Visiting...some really cracked me up...{ I do get some Crazy Cats...down The Rabbit Hole...: ) } oh my... I didn't get done...what I wanted to...but... I'm getting there!
Hope You All...Enjoyed This Day...Every Single Moment of It!
Love, to Ya...
Barb C.
{Peg is Battling the Steroid Withdrawal...{been there...done that...years ago...and...now...on my chart...it reads..."Only at the Point of Death"... will I be administered... oral steroids... they are great...and work so well for some folks... but they nearly took me out... Peg needs them... but...they can be Ugly...coming off of.... Please...keep her in Your Prayers....Love to Ya... : )
{ She starts a New Chemo and Radiation... on the 23rd...The Tumor...has shrunk...nearly in half.... Amazing... Angels.... Keep Beating Those Wings!!!!}

Little Mother Hubbard....Oh My...

2012-01-09T16:56:00.000-06:00

Miss Scarlett...is a Chip off the Old...Block.... She totally Lit Up...when she saw this Little Old Cupboard....just her size! {her Birthday Present! a little early...March will be here soon...!}
It was delightful...to see Liz and Scarlett... So many Great Folks popped in...on Sunday...The Shop is Crazy...right now...single file... and things turned upside down....but...it's all good...

I made deliveries...today...and did a bit of sorting...in the Fuso... I'll be loading tomorrow.... It's gonna hit 50!!!! Yee Haw!!!
Hope You had a Lovely Day!
Barb C.

Three Little Words.... Life's A.....

2012-01-08T08:50:00.000-06:00

OPEN TODAY 12 - 4!!!!!

2012-01-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

The Gears...they are a Spinnin'!

2012-01-07T18:57:00.000-06:00

One of my Most Favorite Photographers....and her Sweet Husband, popped in, this afternoon... to find a few props...for Photo Shoots...Melody,{Image Nouveau Photography...Marion, Iowa} has done several shoots, here, and down the rabbit hole... she also did both of the Grand Children...here... I was Blown Away....
I Love Photographers...{my little pal, Aud {Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats} was my Photographer, in Nashville...several years ago...she has an...Amazing Eye....} and Sharon Roberts...has also...taken some Awesome Images here...as well as, several others... wow....}I always have everything wide open for them....here...I can't tell you...how many graduation photos...have been taken with the '49 Ford Panel Truck.... {Dozens...at least...}These Folks... are Amazing Artists... I love...watching them process... I do the same thing...but...in a different way...I see things...that many can't..... a good photographer....does the same thing... tho...slightly....different...seems...we run parallel....to each other.... I so understand their mind.... the excitement... of that...'Perfect'...shot... that no one else... could ever have... Capturing...'That'.... 'Moment'...amazing....
But...today.... The Photographer...and...The Hatter...collaborated...I have had a thought...on my brain...for a month or so...and...I think...it's gonna be Waaaaay Cooool! I am...a bit...theatrical....{ I have been told... : ) } I Love...Over the Top...and...this...will be....pure...Fun! We are Both...very excited... Melody is going to do a shoot for me.... for next years Cards...and...maybe...more.... we are going back and forth... with thoughts...and ideas....oh my...it's truly endless...!
I'll keep ya posted!
Love to Ya...
Barb C.

This is an image...that a sweet friend, snapped for me...in a big hurry...with my little Kodak...I can't wait to see what Melody does....and with the Prop...I am using...oh my... Fun!
The Hatter... what Fun....

I'm diggin' through John's Shop...wowza.... what Treasures...I have Found! : ) ...!

Gaudy...Welsh...

2012-01-06T23:09:00.000-06:00

Oh my.... I bought this early...to mid 1800's...Large.. pitcher...from friend, John... It is amazing.... Love...the Strawberries...it's handle...is long gone... if it were perfect...it would be several hundred dollars... but...as found... it will be under 100. Gaudy Dutch and Welsh...is extremely Rare....in any condition.... I'll be carefully packing this Sweet Heart...for Heart of Country....

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

Welcome...to My World.....

2012-01-06T04:36:00.001-06:00

I had to re post this...image...with "Welcome to My World"...as lead song.... I love...Jim Reeves... I Love...this song....and the Lyrics..they, fit the Rabbit Hole...to a 't'....

I have had an old chalk board, on the shop door...that says..."Welcome...to My World"...for years...

The little shop...truly touched my heart...yesterday...

It spoke volumes...

without saying a word....

sometimes...it just.....gently embraces me...

I needed that...

Love....to ya...

Barb C.

{I'm running hard...today...folks picking up...and Much...to get done..while the weather holds...}

Have....a Seat...a 'Gnarly'....seat!

2012-01-05T20:23:00.000-06:00

Vintage...Mohair Sofa.... forever...in Blue Jeans...babe...

2012-01-05T18:58:00.002-06:00

Bought this Lovely...Old...Louis Style... Sofa...{dare I say...'Gnarly'...Old...Louis Style... Sofa...and... Matching Chair...at the Auction...yesterday...I gotta tell ya... it Spoke to me... it...Truly...did....} {the old jean, pant legs...have done..a pretty good job...so far....}

Hmmm...one Never Knows... what Gifts... may await...

2012-01-05T18:23:00.004-06:00

These Great Chairs...were left...by the Rabbit Hole...Garden Gate! Hmmmmm....

It was an AMAZING DAY TODAY...It had to be close to 60 degrees! Two Cool Shop Owners, from Des Moines rolled through...and actually...sat on these chairs...while waiting for me...to get to them.... I found one guy......laying on the ground...with his feet resting...on the seat....basking...like a Turtle...on a Stump....in the Insanely Warm Sunshine...on January 5th....In IOWA!!!!! {I truly do...get some Cool Cats...visiting...down The Rabbit Hole...oh my....} {my camera was in the house...but..I gotta tell ya...they were Priceless!} { MY KINDA FOLK!}
They said they thought the Shop...was Very Cool.... {Bless their Hearts...}and...they meant it... bless...their hearts...
I had so many Great Folks...stop in....Today...Sweet Josephine....she always makes me feel so good...I just want to Squeeze Her! A nice girl...who needed some help...on an old clock... Peg and Mike... Peg looks soooo much better...than she sounded...yesterday... she didn't get out of the van...she said her knees are weak....but...her eyes...sparkled... and that says it all...
John helped me get the truck unloaded...and get a path, for the 13 and a half foot table...to make it's way out of the garage....and into the Fuso.... It's going to Nashville...it's Sister, sold....I deliver that, next week...
The Boys...carried in the Big Step Back Cupboard...in the back greenhouse...It's headed to the Anamosa Show...if it doesn't sell before...
Tho...I did a whole lotta visiting...today...I got a lot done..too...
I never think...I have the right stuff...for a show...but Peg...always reassures me... Thank God...for Her... She is so mad...she can't come to Nashville...but she assured me...she WILL BE HERE FOR THE SPRING SALE!!!! {sigh....} Like she says...we are truly joined at the hip....
The Mad Hatter...and The Mad...March Hare.....
Hope You All...had a Most Wonderful Day...
Love to You...
Barb C.
{I kind of thought about this day.... and...the Way Cool Cats... wouldn't have had such a relaxed time...if...The Mad Hatter...didn't Totally... Welcome Them...to Bask...in The January Sunshine....Ahhh...We are All Crazy.... and...ya know... All The Best People Are!}

The Rabbit Hole.... it is...a Very...Cool Place...

2012-01-05T17:53:00.001-06:00

I took this...as I closed the door...tonight...

as I glanced back...through the door...

I saw this...

What a Cool Place...

I am constantly beating myself up... I had some Great Folks...pop in today...all of them said...what an Amazing...and Cool Shop this is... all I could do...is say....."Oh no...no it's not.... it's a mess... but, this spring...I'll get it together...but...oh my gosh...it's such a disaster...."

I always do that...I go on and on... putting the little shop down...

I guess...I see...how I truly want it to be...

and...realize... I may never take it there....

Tonight...when I shut the door... and looked back....

It said to me...

"Look at Me...admit it.... I am a Cool Little Shop"....

I had to smile...

Yes...my Little Friend.... You are Cool....

The National Cattlemans Association Annual Convention will be Held at The Opryland....During Heart!!!!

2012-01-05T09:02:00.000-06:00

Yeee Haw!!! 4500 Cattlemen...Ranchers... Spouses...and Related Associates...will be having their convention...at the Opryland! It's going to be Great!!!!
Farmers...Ranchers...Cattlemen {women}...are my kind of Folk!!!! Always Fun People! Sounds like 'Heart' is going to have some very Interesting...Diverse...Dealers.... from North to South...and...I've heard there are a lot of folks coming to shop...from the West! I think... It's Gonna be a Really Big Show!
I will be set up, next to the Over the Top...'Under 200. Booth'.... I Love that spot! Love the Gals who put it all together.... they sell like Crazy!!! We all take enough, for 3 shows...and restock, everyday... so...get your Preview ticket....that gets you into the Fabulous Party...with Amazing Food...and Champagne! Live Music....and you have the opportunity to purchase, things...that will be long gone... on Friday....Your ticket, gets you in, Friday, when all sorts of new items will be added...and on Saturday....to make those last minute...decisions....
Be sure...and take in the Preview...it's so worth it!

It's going to be in the 50's today...I have Much...outside...to get done...a Truck...to unload...to start! {went to the auction...yesterday... oh my... : ) }

The Music...says it all.... Make Plans...to Be at Heart of Country!

2012-01-04T18:34:00.001-06:00

I have to Tease Ya'll..... just a little bit...about Nashville... Heart of Country....{ www.heartofcountry.com } All I can say...is... It's gonna be a Full House... in Nashville... and...I Really Think...Ya'll should make plans....now...to be there...and be part of it!!!! If you are a Dealer.......Show There....Heart of Country...is going to Rock! The other shows...will be wonderful...too...but...the Opryland....is going to be...a Very...Busy....Place!
I'll tell Ya'll about it... soon!
Love to Ya!
Come Join Us!!!
Barb C.
{It's not the 'Oil Baron's Ball'...or...much to do...physically...with 'Dallas'....but....it's BIG...Very...Big!!! : ) }

Hittin' the Road...Running!!!!!

2012-01-04T07:57:00.000-06:00

Back on the Road....again this morn! Lots of Miles to Cover!!! Hope Ya'll Have a Most Amazing Day!!!
Love to Ya!

Barb C.

A Day....at the Auction....!

2012-01-03T18:54:00.000-06:00

I waited all day...for this crazy mug....it has all sorts of carved animals.... I have no idea...what....it is...or how old.... all I know... it's wood...metal lined... has a wonderful carved wooden handle....and someone....worked hard...carving it....and...It's a Funky....Gnarly Thing! With Gun Totin' Critters!

" I Need Thee Every Hour"..... ahhh...yes...I do....{This is Berlin Work....from the 1880's.... I have had several, over the years..."God Bless this House"..."Simply to thy Cross I Cling"...."Home Sweet Home"...but....never this one....very sweet!}

This is a 21 inch wooden bowl... it has a Great Foot, on it.... and....a Nice...Warm Feel! Love these...and....I'm sold out of Large Bowls....so was Glad to get this one!

Got a Pair of these Queen Anne Style Chairs... Love Them! They are in Great Condition...and will set right up to a dining table...Exactly what I was looking for!

I hadn't planned on these little Victorians....they have been reupholstered.... and...surprisingly...I Love Them.....Fun...Fun....Fun!

Had a lot of Fun at the auction....got a cab full of smalls...More...Fun...Stuff! I could have bought...and bought...today....if my pocket book would have been a bit heavier! Dang! oh well....I'm Thankful...for what I got!
Hope you had a great day...!
Keep Peg in your Prayers....she's getting very weary.... the chemo...is really hitting her hard....but....it's doing it's job...her little soldiers...are kicking Butt!
Love to Ya!
Barb C.

Is This a Dream....or...Is It Real....

2012-01-02T22:21:00.000-06:00

Friend, Brandon sent this to me...tonight...he has spent some time...down The Rabbit Hole...and visited...in deep thought... with the Mad Hatter....

and....listened....

He thought I would enjoy this...

Yes...I do.... and...it says....

Muchness....

Love to You...

Oh my... The Title of My Booth...at Heart...."DIVERSE"...

2012-01-02T19:54:00.000-06:00

I have just received some Heart of Country Info... www.heartofcountry.com Just a Month away.... Make Plans....quickly... it's going to be Over The Top... and....the Hotel...is going to be Packed! {remember...there is a special Heart of Country Rate....and... it's priced per room...not per person...bring a Group...take in all of the Antique Shows, in Nashville....and...have a Wonderful Time...oh my....} I Can't wait! I have been sooooo on the fence...not knowing which way is up.... First it was going to be 'Farm'...then...'Garden'.... but...I have decided...it's going to be All of It! I'm taking every Gnarly....Early Iowa Treasure...I can lay my Hands on... That Screams...'Simply Iowa'.... and like a Whirlwind.... Pack it as Tight...as The Rabbit Hole...it's self!!!!

I have a Sweet Friend, flying in....and a Great Helper....riding with....and a few...'thinkin'.... I need to know, by the 10th...who will be bunking with! The More...The Merrier!

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

{Had a Great time...with the Illinois Gals...today.... sometimes...no...always....things happen...for a reason...Another Pair of Angels...Thanks...Gals... : ) }

It's....Over...

2012-01-01T21:35:00.000-06:00

I took this image...last night.... before midnight.... the last night...of the Holiday Season...2011....
sad....

Took this...tonight.... John and I took the afternoon...and put everything away.... for another year.... He's such a good sport.... this isn't his favorite job....by a long shot.... but...he knows how much it means to me...so I consider this a Huge Gift...from him....
I kept catching myself....wondering....what curves, and rubbish...may lay ahead...on this journey....between the Holidays.....where we will be...this time, next year...I get a sick....feeling...in my stomach....then... I get an overpowering feeling... that gives me optimism....
and....an understanding....that I can only take this....one day...at a time....
Maybe...it's my age....or the Battles...from the last year...{years}...that have left me wounded....and a bit...raw....as the wounds are healing...I feel...the scars...have left me....a bit tougher....
sad....yet....a good thing....I guess...
Happy New Year....
Barb C.

Wa Hooo! Happy New Year!!!!

2011-12-31T19:33:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year...and...Love to You...From Me...and my Polly....
Remember...to be Kind...to Yourself...and Others...in that order....
Barb C.
{please...rescue... I rescued my Polly...once....She...has rescued me.... ever since...}

Me...and Skeeter! My New Years Eve Date! He's 80 years Old...and says...he Loves telling his pals...he Knows...that Crazy Girl...that Drives the Hot Rod...through Town....{ahhhhh ....Jethro.....}
I told him...when ever he needs a lift....Ring Me! We'll Show 'em the Way Home!...
He is a Veteran... and has some Amazing Stories...to share...
I could listen to him...for hours....
an Amazing...Spirit...
What a Sweet Heart!
{ I had to laugh...Skeeter is a Gin and Tonic Man...as well as Martini Connoisseur...... Hmmm...I feel...we Must Have Known each other...in another Life!...oh my... }

I'm sitting around the tree...and reflecting...on the last year....and...so looking forward...to the New Year... {my knees...knocking....just a bit...but...for only a moment....and...that's all I will allow..}

I find... we can...allow...ourselves..to be manipulated... and...intimidated... but...we don't...have to allow it....

{I...Choose..NOT to allow....it.... }

Spent the day with Allyson... it was Grand...Had a Long Talk...with John W., he...is Amazing....and...throughly enjoyed the day...{gathered some Wonderful Treasures....to Boot!}

Took Allyson...for a Wild...Jethro Ride! : ) : ) : ) and....visited...with...Amazing Folk...this Eve....

Ahhh.... Yes...New Years Eve....

Friend, Ed...said...he hoped we would find our glasses half full....and not see them...half empty....

that touched me....

I say....let's find them...OVER FLOWING.....

With Happiness...Kindness... Love...for one, another...Hope.... and Pride...for Ourselves.... and Everyone....

It's Time.... we start...Reaching Out...To All Creatures... Great...and Small...

and...

Be Kind...

To Ourselves....

and

Others...

Love...to Each...and Everyone....

Happy New Year...

and...

God Bless Us....

Everyone....

Barb C.

Oh Boy!!!! Diggin' Through Buried Treasure!

2011-12-30T18:41:00.000-06:00

These are a few screens, that are left.... All of the windows, I posted are on hold, 'til Tuesday...

Well.... I'm on a Mission....Getting Things Organized! It may take me the entire year...but it has got to be done! I spend so much time running.... doing shows...making deliveries....buying... seems...all I do at home....it load...unload...stack.... shove....and bury stuff.....

I started in John's Office....I couldn't walk through it....we had stacked lumber...totes.... weed whips...horse meds...and tack.... car parts...REALLY! Enough! I started pitching...then...John came in....and attempted to rescue....some stuff...and...we did...but...he got the burn barrel going....and we got a lot done.... we have a long way to go....

I started going through the 'Lost Totes'....oh my gosh! Treasures! It was like Christmas!!! {and...some of it....had to go} Some will be on the Memorial Day Weekend Sale...some will go to Anamosa...some will go to Nashville! Some...I brought to the house...

I received a call from a gal... while I was working on it....she asked if I was 'simplifying'...ahhhh... NO...! I am getting organized... I really should have been a Victorian...I Love...a Full House...it feels warm...to me...Sparse...feels Cold....that's just me...

Everyone is different...I can't ever imagine myself... in a clean lined...stark...sterile... home.... I like... everything...in it's place... but...Lot's of it.... Kind of like...the food....at a restaurant...some folks...like 3 tiny pieces...of meat... with a chive...sliced like splinters....resting on top....and a drizzle...of sauce....forming an interesting....circular design...on the plate....

Me...I Like...a Beautiful Platter....Dressed with Two Big Pieces of Fried Chicken...Garlic and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes and Gravy....Corn...with a slice of Melting Butter...and Salt and Pepper...working it's way to the Corn...trough the melting Butter.... a few State Fair, Bread and Butter Pickles... and...on the side...some Soft Rolls...and a Nice Slice of Rhubarb Pie....with...French Vanilla Ice Cream.... See....That..is My House... Mmmm... Mmmmm... Good!

That is also why...I'll never be skinny!

I found all sorts of awesome treasures....in this tote! a Heart Shaped Pincushion... a darling sewing basket...some Flow Blue... a Sweet 'Dog' dish... cool stuff!

I Nearly Dropped...at the Contents of this tote!!!! OLD MOTHER HUBBARD NURSERY RHYME CHILDREN'S DISHES....from the 1880's.... oh my gosh!...Beautiful Lace Fragments.... Wow!

I brought this Old Tea Leaf Bowl...to the House...I Love this Shape.... John eats Ice Cream...every night...from this type of bowl... I use them...every day!

TEA BERRY!!! Oh my gosh...I unearthed this...from a cardboard box...filled with mid to late 1800's Tea Leaf Ironstone.... Teaberry...is soooo hard to find...Tea Leaf...is a bit slow...right now.... but I Love it... and Use it...Everyday.... Teaberry...very rare.... Merry Christmas...to Me! This one dated...from 1867 to 1880... Love...It!

This is the mark..on the back of the Teaberry.... These early marks...are as Beautiful, and, sometimes, more so...than the front!

Allyson and I are taking a short run...in the morn... she called, and asked if I'd like to go with her... earlier...in the week... I had to think...."Saturday...Saturday....hmmm...yeah....I'm not doing anything...Saturday....hey...isn't Saturday...New Years Eve...?....hmmm isn't it...???"
It's pretty sad...when New Years Eve...doesn't hold much weight.... I remember when I couldn't wait...to Turn it Loose..on New Years Eve.... ahhhh those days...are gone...gone....gone....
Love to Ya...
Barb C.

It's SHRINKING!!!!

2011-12-29T17:41:00.000-06:00

Peg called...from MAYO....The Tumor is SHRINKING!!!! She'll know Tuesday.... if it has shrunk enough to start radiation... if not...they'll keep shrinking it...with chemo... Her Doctor was Very Impressed! I Know...it's the Prayers...and...it isn't her time... I have said that...from the beginning..... I knew...when Chery was diagnosed...it was her time....I could see it... feel it...we just knew....
we all....have 'our time'....this...sure doesn't feel like Peg's time.... not to her...either...{she told her Doctor that...the first day they met...at MAYO... "Tell me what I need to do... to fight this...let's do it... 'cause...this isn't my time"....
The Prayers... Positive Thoughts...and Light...have kept her up...{remember...she wept, as she told me, while waiting to meet with her Doctor...months ago....she could feel all the Angel Wings...around her... Keep Flappin' those Wings!}along with her Loving Husband...and Family...and have been the Wind....Beneath her Wings....
Peg has had an Amazing Journey...these last few months.... we all have....
Thank You All...for Everything...and...my friends....Keep It Up!!! Keep Flappin' Those Wings!!!!
You Are Amazing!
Love to You!
Barb C.

Doors...Windows... Odds and Ends! from 5.00 to 35.00 !

2011-12-29T08:59:00.000-06:00

I'm sorting through....and letting go of some of my cool show props! CHEAP! Lot's of Great Old Treasures...Just waiting.....

Call me... or stop out....

(319) 241-1348

www.simplyiowa@yahoo.com

Show Dates.... are Set....

2011-12-28T12:54:00.001-06:00

Well....
I think I have the dates set for 2012...!
What a Diverse... Calendar..... From Fun Flea Markets... to The 'Big Daddy'...of All Antique Shows.......
Heart of Country!...and...even a couple trips...Down the Rabbit Hole!
Wow!
I Love This Old...Gnarly Stuff...! It crosses all boundaries... it's at Home...and fits right in... wherever....it is Loved....and Appreciated...
I'm looking forward...to the New Year!...full of Diversities...I Welcome Them...with Open Arms!
Make Plans...to Attend these Shows...{listed on the right} You will have a Wonderful Time...I Promise!
Love, to Ya!
Barb .

Sometimes....I Get a Good...Feeling....yeah.........

2011-12-27T17:42:00.008-06:00

I have been searching... for direction...this year...
I've been kicked down...beaten... chewed up....ahhh... and...yeah...Spit Out.... but...I gotta tell ya...
2012....I Gotta Feeling...a Goooood Feeling...
Yep...the Stars... they are Aligning....
and...
I Got A Feeling....
I'll keep ya Posted....
Love to Ya...
Barb C.
{this is...my 2012 Theme Song....It's All Frickin'........... Gooooood!!!!!!!}
: )
{ I can't wait....for the Show Season to Start! Oh My! my brain is goin' "click...click.... CLICK"!!!}
and...The Rabbit Hole.... well... it may take the entire year...but.... oh my.... it's gonna BLOW! : )
Oh...my.... I'm..Ready! {whew..don't get too close... and...in the Antiques World....who would'a thought?}
{oh yeah...Thanks..to God....and Pegadoo...}....{and...those....who...have held...my heart...: ) we are going to.... Frickin'...! ROCK!!!!!!} : ) {oh yeah...Those Broken Roads.... they are Blessings....as well... : ) }

Heart of Country...2011.... oh my...

2011-12-26T21:42:00.001-06:00

This was The Booth.... It was a Drapey...Swaggy...Mad Hatter.... Simply Iowa Style... Gnarly....Completely...Over the Top....Booth.... and Paul Bunyan... Loved It All!

Peg...Vikki...and Allyson...all in their PJ's....at the Cascades Bar... in the Fabulous...Opryland Hotel....{Allyson, is sporting my old jean jacket....over her Pj's.... oh yeah....} The Cascades...Loved Us.... no matter..what attire...we touted.... even dancing...stocking footed...on the inlaid marble... lobby floor....in the wee hours.... I don't call it my "Happy Place"...for nothin'! When you come to the show....plan to stay at the Opryland....when you call for reservations....tell them it's for Heart of Country...and get an Amazing 'Heart' Rate!

Paul Bunyan....Vacationing...at Heart of Country ....Nashville....

2011-12-26T20:54:00.001-06:00

Pegadoo...and Amy...What would I have done without them...at tare down....we were outta there! Peg...was by my side...the entire journey....This show....is Grueling....It's the Most Amazing Show...Most Beautiful....Set's the Tone...for the rest of the Year.... {my heart races....just thinking about it....} But....it's by Far...the Most Difficult...it's all about the Customer.... If you are there to See....and...Shop....and...Be Inspired...You Won't be Disappointed...

This is one of the nights...of set up.... before the show opened.... oh my gosh...Peg and I were Exhausted.... I remember, Steph...the first year, she and I shared a booth, at Heart.....after we checked in....she asked where the gym was....I looked at her...and said..."How would I know?"...."and you aren't going to need a gym....at this show...." she was Sure...she would....The first day....of 'set up'....we made our way back to our room...around...midnight...no food....most of the day...on concrete...carried....literally...tons of merchandise.... set walls.... walked for miles.... Steph....walked to her bed...threw her body on it....and said.." I Feel Like A Bag Of Bones".....I'm not sure, that we didn't sleep in our clothes...oh yeah...this is a tough one.....

The booth.... nearly naked....
If Peg is up to it...she may fly down...for a couple of days....Amy....is planning on flying down....opening night...thru Sunday Morn...I have a couple of friends, who are thinking about it as well....I may be looking for one or two....to share with....let me know... I need someone...for the entire week...and to help out on fuel....I may be able to haul purchases back to C.R. as well....The Faint of Heart...need not apply....: )
{You may ask....why do I keep going back.... because...it's the Most Amazing Show....I have ever Seen...in My Life....and...my Heart Races...oh my...}

Paul Bunyan.... Home.....

2011-12-26T16:26:00.000-06:00

Well....I gotta tell ya....
I was loaded for Bear...this morn....In a month...I'll be headed towards Nashville.... I have a Ton...to get done...before the Truck leaves the drive....{and another show...in Anamosa...before then..}
Paul Bunyan {10 foot tall Farm Cupboard, that I have Lovingly named "Paul Bunyan".... as he was built for a Giant...he is a one piece, stepback cupboard....from the mid 1800's...that looks like he was scaled...for someone 7 feet tall.... oh my...} was in the Fuso { Box Truck...I take to the shows...} Paul had enjoyed his second trip to Nashville, for 'display' only.... last February....and...said 'hello' to everyone...at my Sale....and Gold Rush...he was ready to come back to the Rabbit Hole....
I had sold the massive Wardrobe....and have to deliver it....one of these days....I thought...if I got on it.....I could move the Wardrobe out...and bring Paul in.... I wasn't asking anyone...for help....{ I get way too much grief...when I do... I can usually get it done, myself....quicker...} If I take my time...I can get it done....and...for the most part...unscathed... I knew it would take me all day...but...it was a job...that had to be done....
Then...Mike and Peg stopped by.... we visited.... and they wouldn't leave... without helping me....I reassured them...I Can Do This.... but...no....
Oh My... Mike never understood...what a big deal, it is to move things...in and out of the Rabbit Hole....Peg has shared a few stories with him...{he keeps saying I need a conveyor belt system....oh my...} Unless you have experienced it... well.... you'd never understand.... {I think he gets it...now...you have to be Crazy...to do this...}
We got everything torn apart....and moved.... Peg only ran for her life....once... Mike, took a few breaks...to get his mind, in focus.... and Paul....he's home....
I feel Great....because...I figured I'd be down there...'til 8:00....
It's All Good....
{tho...Peg says, Mike is going to have some intense therapy...after this ordeal....oh my....}
Thanks...So Much...for Their Help...It was Great Having Peg Back.... She goes to Mayo, tomorrow...they will be seeing how much her tumor has shrunk....then...if enough...they will start radiation...if not...more chemo...please keep her in your Prayers....along with all...who suffer, today...}

{this is Paul Bunyan....stuck on the ceiling... at an angle...we lifted...twisted....turned...cursed.... and broke a sweat.... but He's Home! That's Mike.... standing next to Paul.... Yeah....This is a Big One....}

Love to You...
Barb C.

Angels....

2011-12-26T08:59:00.000-06:00

An Angel...from...an Angel....
Sweet Friend...Gail H., gave me this...
I Love....It....and her....
An Amazing...Spirit...

Christmas Day....

2011-12-26T08:53:00.004-06:00

Justin 'J'.....and 'The Baby'...Cat.... Justin is so gentle...with all of the Animals...they all got along...Great!

The Kids.... oh my....Justin opened all of the gifts....for everyone.... Oh Boy! he didn't care what was in them....he just Loved getting that wrap off! I didn't one image of Scarlett.... or Nick... Next year....someone else in charge of the Camera....!

This images says a Thousand Words.... Nicky has been a Most Amazing Gift... To John.... He was rescued from the Animal Shelter.... a few years ago.... He and John have become inseparable.... Best Friends....

These 3 Huge Platters... were what was hiding in the Box.... from John and the Kids... Oh My! Love Them....! {and the Platters Too!}

Peg made this Bag for me....from an Old Seed Sack, in the shop.... She signed it...MMH { Mad March Hare}.....and stitched in, {Mad Hatter}...She insisted on leaving my price tag on it....for some reason....she has a 'thing' about my tags....and writing....? She demanded...that I use it... oh my.... Peg is...truly...The Tea Cup Hurling...Mad March Hare!....and What would The Mad Hatter be....without her.....
Simply...mad....

This was a Lovely Surprise...from my Little Canadian Pal, Bev.... Oh my.... Love It! Can't wait to see the Girls, this Spring!

It was Great Sharing The Day....With Everyone! If you didn't get a Christmas Card...E-Mail...or Call...this Christmas...Know...You are in my Thoughts.... Simply NOT enough Time.... Energy....or...Sanity....to pull it All Together!
So many walk through my mind....every day....Alma....Jim...Kari...Larry...Vikki... Wanda... Brooke... Ken and Brenda...Nancy...Dale...Mark....Linda...Colleen...Carolyn... Laura...Sandy... Dwight and Junell.... Cindy...Julie...Eudora...Jerri...Dad... Chery...Doreen...the Customers...{Friends...I see at Shows...and visit with...down the Rabbit Hole...oh my....}and the Critters...that have been the True Angels...of my Life...I could go on and on....
Some...here, some... not....some, from today....some...long ago....but...always...gentle...on my mind....with fond....memories....of... the happy......'Moments'...
Hope You Had...Lot's....of Happy Moments.... on Your Christmas Day...
Love, to You....
Barb C.

Christmas... Past...

2011-12-25T22:30:00.000-06:00

A Long day.... But...very nice.... Christmas...is truly Wonderful....watching it through a Child's....Eyes....
Justin 'J' was a Delight....He was Quite taken back...by The Tree....He is such a tender hearted....Child...
Scarlett...was a bit perplexed....by all the hubbub...but took it all in stride.... {she gets that from me...'perplexed'...and...'stride'...}{she can also climb the stairs...all by herself...oh boy!}
It was Great spending the Day with...Family...
I'll have images....in the morn...
Hope You All....Had a Most Beautiful Christmas Day....Filled With Love....

Barb C.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.... AND TO ALL.... A GOOD NIGHT!!!!

2011-12-24T22:37:00.000-06:00

Hope You all have the Most Wonderful Christmas....Filled With Love....
Love to You...

Barb C.

Retail Shopping....

2011-12-24T10:04:00.000-06:00

Oh My Gosh....
I must have walked a hundred miles...yesterday afternoon...my feet...knees... and every joint of my body hurt! { I can go twice as far...load trucks....unload...concrete.....and not feel this miserable...oh my...}
I had sooo many things to get done, and Folks to see... in the Morn..
Bud popped over around Noon.......he was picking some things up...and he brought some sweets...that we tore into....while we visited... I ran across town... twice...
Got to see Peg...and Mike...and meet their Granddaughter, Delaney....{very Sweet!}Went to see Amy N., and Gail....to wish them a Merry Christmas...Gail and I had a Great Lunch.... all wonderful! I wanted Peg to come along....shopping...and seeing the girls.......but she was pretty worn out....so....I'll see her on Monday...
Delivered gifts...to friends...and got caught up in the insanity of 'Retail Shopping'.... oh my gosh....It was Great...seeing so much activity.... but...when strangers are warning you to drive safe... in the Holiday Traffic...ya know...it might be a bit....hairy....
The Clerks were all great...and I know...they are exhausted...mentally....and physically....I stood in line at several places...and listened to customer's grievances... oh my... but...I also heard people...laughing...and having Fun! and...that was great....
I got home... late... and...decided...it definitely was a Martini night...put my feet up.... and after having 2...I couldn't get up.... no supper... just to bed...they hit me like a Mack Truck....they went Straight to my Head....I feel the Entire Day... Everywhere...today....I'm on the Wagon....
John is heading out to visit Family....I'm wrapping gifts...
I couldn't find the pants...I wanted to get Mom...and...I had a very hard time finding things..for the kids.... I'm so far out of the loop....on what's in...and out...I had to ask Liz three times...."what was the name of that thing again...where do I go...for it...} I was in constant contact with her.... almost...{ I accidentally hit my 'ear wig'... button, in my pocket...for my hands free devise....so I kept calling her....but I couldn't hear it ringing on her end....I walked to different locations... had plenty of bars....then...I figured out what had happened....} I called her, when I turned the devise off....and asked her if I had just driven her Crazy!...She said, "Yeah.... I was yelling into the phone...hoping you could hear me....then...you'd hang up...grrrr....then...I thought....what if you were being robbed...or abducted?.... and were trying to reach me....I felt bad about getting mad..." {ahhh...those 'Mother' instincts....have found Liz!}
The good thing is...there were lot's of Great Sales going on.... That helped my budget....
I'm still...wiped out....thought about going back out...and getting a few more little things...but...I think I'm calling it Quits... and Good!
Still haven't taken images... I truly have been running Hard..... When I went to Peg's, just as I was starting out...on the shopping day... she stood in the door...looking at me...and said, "You look totally befuddled".... ahhhh...yeah...I was....in a nut shell...
Retail Shopping...oh my...
Love to Ya!
Happy Christmas Eve!
Barb C.

Large Hand Made Storage Jar....

2011-12-22T20:58:00.001-06:00

This is one of the treasures I picked up yesterday..... It's about 20 inches tall.... and beautifully done.... It looks a little pink in this image...but...it's very clear...with a slight...very slight pink cast.... it is a lovely piece...it's 20 inches tall....and makes whatever is in it.... Beautiful! I believe it to be...quite Old....

I didn't have a lot of time today.... getting things unpacked...Mom had a bad day...and... I had Customers...that needed attention, as well....

Then...grocery shopping...supper...and now...I have had enough...

Love, to you...

Barb C.

{The Bell Jar...is sold...}

Peg, Her Hubby...Mike....and John... What a Trio!

2011-12-22T09:56:00.001-06:00

Peg and Mike...took us to supper, last night... It was Lovely.....{You want to see True Love..... Look where Peg and Mike's hands are.... You can FEEL the Love...around them...They have been Sweethearts...since Middle School....}

Moments...I'm telling you...it's all about the 'Moments'.... John and I truly enjoyed our 'Moments' with them...

John rarely leaves the Fort.... so Peg was Shocked when he agreed to come dine out... First thing she asked John..." Well....I think you're SICK!...Have you checked yourself lately...with a rectal thermometer????"....John nearly LOST IT!!!! He was Rolling! The two of them sparred..all throughout supper... oh my....

All Mike and Peg have been doing is shopping.... Mike takes her out...Goodwill shopping...and clothes shopping... {not much else to do...in Rochester...after treatments...} I asked Mike, how he is holding up...hanging out in all of the stores...he said " Well... I'm growing Female Hormones...it's getting easier, and easier...."...Well... He had Me Rolling!!!

I feel soooo Blessed to have them...in our Lives...

and...

a moment...

to share...with them....

Love to You..

Barb C.

{I'm headed to go with Mom, again, today... rechecks...}

just received a call...that an old Friend...has passed away...and I missed the funeral...

My Prayers go to Don J. He Rests...

and...His Beautiful, Loving Wife...Elsie.... My Prayers are with You....

Barb C.

A Chair.... Day...

2011-12-21T16:46:00.001-06:00

Still haven't unpacked from yesterday.... and was on the road, today...gathering another load...I was supposed to go last week, to see these things...but with everything going on...we made it happen...at the last minute...this morn...
oh my ... I found...The Mad Hatter's Chair...!!!! I have been searching high and low for one...A Tall... slight winged....Wing Back...Voila'! Here it is! Tho, it doesn't look overly tall in this image....it is.... Love it! Love the Gothic Chair...and the one...with the Inlay... I gathered a pretty good load...Some sweet smalls... I sold the Lovely Yellow Cupboard, over the weekend... and was thankful.... I have now...reinvested...every dime of that sale.... I really needed the inventory...and this is all Very Cool Stuff.... that...if it doesn't sell right away...will be great for the upcoming shows!
I'll have lots of images, soon.... I simply had to get this Northern Iowa run done, today....so...couldn't post any sooner...
John and I are going to supper with Pegadoo and Mike.... ! So...gotta get the truck unloaded...and Fly!
Love to Ya!

Love the Chairs.... and the Old Concrete Urns are like none I have ever seen....They have some raised lettering on the side...I'll have to give them a good look in the morn....I also bought a Big... Tall.... Old... Birdbath... it's cool....!

I bought some lovely smalls from this Estate.... An extra Large... Vintage Bell Jar...{Cloche} was one of them... I'll be posting more...tomorrow!

Barb C.

The Chicago Run....

2011-12-20T19:40:00.003-06:00

Oh my...a long day.... got the car parts... on the truck and trailer...and managed a little Antiquing....
and...I got most of my cards done...on the way there...they look like chicken scratch...but... they are....what they are...!
John and I had a long talk....all the way home...I drove....
Once again....that other person, that I share my body with...stepped forward.... {wow...she's really got her crap together...!} She laid out plans, for the upcoming year... The Shows....and direction, she will be taking the business...along with his role....{ it was like a corporate meeting...flying down the interstate...in a Souped up Ford Truck...all Tricked out in Flames...and Fender Skirts...{yes...Fender Skirts...}pulling a trailer...loaded down...and weaving between Semis... oh yeah...that Chick...is a Mega Multi-Tasker!} God...let's keep her around...awhile!} I was pretty impressed with her ideas....think John was too...
I have some Grand Plans.... I think... all the stress...and turmoil...the last three years...{and...the last 3 months....}were a blessing....{like...the Northern Star...} it's made me stronger... and...more focused...
Times...they are a Changin'... and...so am I... along with the Rabbit Hole....{There will be Huge Transformations...this upcoming Year...!}
I'll be taking You With Me....
It's Gonna Be...Good....
God Bless The Broken Road...that Led me Straight to...Home...
Love to Ya...
Barb C.

{Be sure and make plans to come visit the shows I'll be doing this year... I have Big Changes in Mind...with them! ....and...I'll be adding some...that will be Pure Fun!... I'll be posting all of the 2012 Dates... at the first of the New Year!!!} {Make Plans to Attend Heart of Country... first weekend in February.... oh my...I have heard...once again...it's gonna be...Over The Top! { I have some Major Surprises....in mind... in my Little Corner of It!}

A Lovely Gift....

2011-12-19T19:18:00.001-06:00

This one....oh yes...this one touched my Heart.... Thanks.... Sweet, Lorraine....

What a Lovely Package...The Bath Salt Bottle...will find a Perfect Place...in the Bedroom...Love It!

For some reason...I was exhausted...today....Had a lovely day, yesterday...Allyson popped out...and we had a wonderful visit... she thoroughly enjoyed her trip, to Germany...and visiting the Christmas Markets... she brought me back some sweet treasures...and a hand decorated egg... that is lovely.... I fixed some snacks... and we hung out.... around the Tree...
But...today.... I couldn't hardly move.... {except...I ate about five pounds of chocolate....I can't have that stuff NEAR ME!!!{or within walking distance....this time of year....I ate half of the Rum Balls....Allyson made...oh my..she warned me, to let them set...for a week...they get better with time...{whatever...}
When John came in tonight...he had a box full of treasures, our friend, Lorraine, had sent out... Oh my...who needs Santa?
I dug through the box... that was Full Of Tea Leaf Ironstone...{ I am so fond of Tea Leaf.... it was made in England, beginning in the mid 1800's, for export, to America....At first, it was plain Ironstone......but the English Potters figured out, when they added the gold, or copper type hand painted luster....the Farm Women went crazy over it....they dubbed it "Farmer's China"....of course...with that kind of history... it's right up my alley! I Love Ironstone...Tea Leaf...Transferware...Staffordshire....from the late 1700's, to the late 1800's...we use it everyday...It goes in the micro...and oven...{the Ironstone.... the Staffordshire...I don't }
What a Lovely Surprise... my favorite....in the box...is the Eight Sided Platter... I Love that shape... and the beautiful wear.....Thank You...Lorraine.... they will all be loved!
John and I are headed to Illinois, in the morn...early...he has to get some parts for 'Old Yeller'....he showed me images of it, in progress.... oh dear....It's come a long way...from when they hauled it in...but....they have many miles to go!
I still haven't gotten my Christmas cards done... I really can't figure out...what is wrong with me.... seems... I just can't get them started... I keep walking past them....waiting...so patiently for me...on the end, of the old harvest table... along with my list...of people to send them to.... but....my heart...just doesn't want to do them....I bought some lovely cards... even, a new pen...that writes so beautifully...still....no good... Well.... I'm going to eat some supper...
Hope Everyone has a Lovely Tuesday...
Barb C.

Open Today...12 - 4 !

2011-12-18T10:23:00.000-06:00

I'll be shuffling around...the Rabbit Hole....this afternoon....
If you have a minute...stop in!

Barb C.

Hmmm...Look what I Just Found....Under the Tree....

2011-12-17T22:28:00.000-06:00

As I was cleaning house, tonight... I spied this Massive Box.....under the Tree... In John's Wrapping Paper... from John....and all of The Kids....oh my...I Really....didn't Expect...This...... Hmmm...

Christmas....

Full of Surprises....

A Great Day...in The Shop!

2011-12-17T20:44:00.001-06:00

Had a Lovely Day... Kathy, from Plaza Antique Mall, in Dyersville, popped in, to visit... She brought Her Wonderful Mom...as well.... What Soulful Folk.... What a Treat!!!! {and...some darling bottle brush trees!!!}
I snuck out, put a sign on the door... to ring me....and we had Lunch, together! {Kathy bought me lunch....what a stinker!!! no...she is a Doll...she went home...with some Great Old Salt Glazed Stoneware! Merry Christmas Girls!}}
We had a long over due visit.... The Plaza Mall...has never looked better.... Kathy works so hard.... and, it shows....
Thanks, to the Sweet Sisters... who rang me...and shopped, unchaperoned...'til I finished lunch.... what Sweet Hearts.... I truly do...have the Nicest People, wonder through the Rabbit Hole....
It was nice seeing, and meeting everyone...One Gal, came in with her parents.... as she was heading out...with her purchases...I asked her, where she is living now...{she's visiting, for Christmas}... she said, L.A.... I asked her what she does there..."Set Displays"...I said..."Oh....I want Your Job"...{as I said it...I rethought it....soooo many people want my job....I gotta tell ya...most that go with...go once... to a show... it is grueling...and...being on the road...every day...tho, I love it so...is exhausting...and things don't get done, when I'm always gone...} The Gal, said exactly what I was thinking...We understood each other...
It goes back to my favorite story, in Streams...about a woman wanting someone else's cross... and the Lord said, "go ahead.... you may have the Big Beautiful one... with the Jewels dripping from it....you are so attracted to"... when the woman went to pick it up...it was so heavy, she could barely lift it.... then... she spied one, with Beautiful Flowers...and Vines.... that...was the one for her.... but, when she grabbed ahold of it... she quickly let go... tho...it was Stunningly Beautiful... it was full of thorns... and she couldn't hold onto it.... she then, decided...her, little, simple cross...that the Lord had Blesed her with...was indeed... the very best...
It was a good day....Allyson is coming to visit, tomorrow eve....to sit around the Tree...and I get to hear all about her trip to Germany! {Mmmmm....I Smell Rum Balls!....}...{Spiked Egg Nog...and Rum Balls...Life is Good...!}
Peg shared the day, with her Family, in MO... Please keep her in your Prayers... and Positive Thoughts...and...Light!
I took a video of the shop, today...and am loading it... I don't know if it's going to work...but after watching it.... I see MUCH...I need to get busy doing...oh my.... oh my... oh...my....It was a Real Eye Opener... The Rabbit Hole...Truly is a Reflection...of Me.... and...it's worrisome.... I gotta get On It...and...I Will...
A Real...Eye Opener...
Love to Ya...
Barb C.

In The Shop...Today! 11 - 5!

2011-12-17T10:38:00.000-06:00

I'm headed down to the Rabbit Hole! Nope...I didn't get my cards done...but...I will... {they may not arrive at their destination...'til the first thaw.... but...I'll get 'em done!}
I have got to get some stuff sold...or Christmas is going to be mighty slim...and...if it is...it is...We have Much...to be Thankful for! A roof over our head... Great Children...and Grandchildren... Loved Ones... that are So Amazing...our Beloved Critters...{soul mates....} and...we are Breathing...
When I say...I always have to keep the 'Pins in the Air'.... I'm not kidding....with all that has transpired this Fall...{few folks know all of it...} my pins have been totally out of sync...
But... I think Finally...I have found my Legs! {with a little help...from The Man Upstairs... and a whisper..in my ear.... {the Angels....Angels...} so...
I'm getting back on track!
Sooo Much To Get Caught Up On!!!!
and...The Shows Start...in January.... Yikes!
{I'll have the entire Show Season Posted, soon!}
Have a Great Day!

The Tree Top... I put about 20 toppers on it... I keep adding more, every year.... I sold a few of them, yesterday...One...was one of my very Favorites...{ I don't have anymore like 'That'...one....} but...it's headed to a Most Wonderful Home...how Great is That!

Barb C.

Back To Work!!!!

2011-12-16T10:10:00.001-06:00

I'm working, here at Home...Today...
Shop, tomorrow! {and Sunday!}
Oh My! Soooo Much to do....

This is a Little Tree....my friend, Charlie gave me...a few years ago.... somehow...it had been left outside.... for a long time... he ran across it....in a box of stuff...or...maybe, on the ground...at a Farm Auction... knowing how much I Love...worn, and Once Loved...Survivors... {not to mention..Charlie Knows....my Love for Old Christmas...} he saved it for me... a few years ago..... It may be.... my very Favorite.... I think.... it needs someone, to 'love'...it... more than the rest....

I found a spot on the Tree... for Miss Scarlett's First Ornament..... I picked one up, for 'J'.... I'm going to let him hang it.... oh my.....

This is a tiny vintage wreath, I have plopped on the top of an old silverplated spooner... that still had some of Liz's Babyshower Flowers in it.....that...I couldn't bare, to pitch.... They seem Happy, to Adorn...the tiny Wreath....Glad I didn't pitch 'em.... They make me smile... ahhhh ... Yellow!

Sooooo....Little Time!
I'm doing Christmas Cards...TODAY!!!!
Love, to You...
Barb C.

Still....Dizzy....

2011-12-15T18:42:00.013-06:00

Whew... another whirlwind...day! {yes...I had to put...'What's Your Name' on as lead....for a while...sooooo sorry...{now removed....}The Special 'K' bus....to pick up Mama...had to wait a few minutes, on me...this morn...I was running 90 miles an hour....down a dead end street!{ and a few minutes Late...} {from the lyrics, of a country song...I wasn't Really running 90 miles an hour....tho...I suppose...I could...if...it wasn't against the law...of course... : ) } ahhh...yeah.....that 'dizzy'...thing....Me and Jethro...spun a 'U' turn in the Nursing Home Parking Lot...and I was on a dead run....across the lot...and through the doors....Got Mom's coat and hat on....and away we went! and...made it...in Plenty...of time!
I So Wish...Mom could take a ride with me, in Jethro... we would Rock! {'What's Your Name'... Lynyrd Skynyrd...oh yeah....blaring from the Muscle Car Speakers...oh yeah... {I know this sounds...crazy...but...I know my Mama... and...she's a pretty tuff bird...oh my...{the Book... I'm tellin' ya...it will be a 'Best Seller!'...}
I'm trying to soak in the Fragments of Holiday Spirit.... but...my mind keeps heading to Nashville.... Heart of Country.... {well...the massive Church Alter,{It's going with, to Heart...in little more, than a month...}..is Like a White Elephant...in the room....kind of takes me there...as I sit...gazing at the Tree...oh my...}
I have been gathering...wonderful...Farm Primitives.... my first choice...on the Gallery, style Booth... I will construct.... but... when the Alter arrived... everything changed....I had to go 'Garden'... I was headed down a 'Garden' path... But... tho... it may seem Crazy....and maybe...a bit 'Dizzy'... I'm gonna go for it....I'm going to Pull...All of It...Together! This' Heart of Country' Booth...won't be Farm...and...it won't be...Garden...it will be...
"Simply Iowa'....

That...is exactly...what I know.... Hard Core Country...As Found... Primitives...Farm...Architectural... Beautiful Glassware... Romantic Staffordshire.....Moss Covered Concrete Statuary...and...The Most Soulful Treasures...I can Lay My Hands On!

Whew! I have Found My Legs!

as Sponge Bob would say...

I'M READY!!!!

See Ya There!

Love, to Ya!

Barb C.

{Mama...had a Great Appointment, with the Surgeon....He said the Graft was 100%...unheard of...and with skin...that was 91 years old...He was blown away! He said she has Amazing Skin....{that's my Mama!}Peg...is spending a few days...At Her Home!!! It's all Good!...and...I got some news today.... that answered a lot of questions...{The Book....it'll be in the Book!} as...I knew...it would all fall together.... God works, that way... I have put it all...in His Hands...He has shown me...the Way...{as..I always knew He would...} and...I feel...Soooo Good...I'm Movin' On!}

{Oh yeah...I also...was blessed...with My Sweet Scarlett's Company.... and...Daughter, Liz's company...this afternoon.......Tell me...what could be better... ?

I gotta tell ya... when the puzzle pieces..fall in place... they...truly do...

God Bless Us...

everyone.....}

North...and...South...

2011-12-14T23:03:00.001-06:00

Seems the day started out...all backwards....Breakfast was scrambled...unintentionally.... I was getting bookwork done....could not process...and realised...I hadn't had any coffee, yet... so...was grinding the beans... and watching my breakfast catch of fire.... got that taken care of...realised...I don't know when I need to meet at Mom's for her appointment...no one had called, to confirm...for Thursday...so...I called the Nursing Home... they hadn't made the appointment.... or scheduled the bus.... hmmm...I turn, to get a cup of coffee....and see, clear, hot water brewing....and the grounds....sitting on the counter.... I told the nurse, from Mom's.... "no worries".... see what she can do.... my day wasn't going any better than hers....She called back....and had everything together.... I was going to hit the shower...then...the phone rang...it was Pegadoo...she and Mike, were on their way.... So... I got my hair and teeth brushed....scraped the dried food particles, off of my old sweat shirt...and ran out the door.... Peg doesn't care...what I look like{or smell like....}...and Mike...well... he'll get over it!
It was Great Seeing Them... Peg was given some high powered antibiotics, in the hospital, over the weekend... and has a bad case of thrush...and canker sores, in her mouth.... as she was showing me, her new way of speaking...in her...exaggerated style...she had me rolling....Oh...My.... Only Peg.... She is...Priceless.... Carol Burnett has Nothing...on Peg......
I had to pick up some things I had left bids on, at Duwa's Auction....before 5... as I was thinking about it...something clicked... I had also ...maybe... left a bid, last week, in northern Iowa...at Hoges... did I? did I?.... I called Marvel...and Yes... I had... she wasn't worried...she knew I'd be around.... Oh My Gosh! I was worried...I had Forgotten!!! And... I had to beat feet! To get to Southern Iowa...then...Bounce...up North.... No Shower....I jumped in Jethro....and Flew South..{I got Smalls, in Wellman...}...Then...came home, switched vehicles....and headed north...., to Coggon...another auction was going on, at Hoges......I ran through...said 'hello's'...and didn't get too close to anyone...{whew}.... Loaded up....then...headed home...it was 8, before I got done....a long day....I spent nearly as much on fuel...as I did on merchandise....oh my...
Tomorrow...I'll be with Mom, most of the day...
Then...I'll be getting the shop pulled together...and be Open... Both...Saturday...and Sunday...

This is a Christmas Gift...from Peg... {I so wish she wouldn't get me anything!}It was at the gift shop, at the Cemetery, where her Mother is....she said.."It's a HEART.... I had to get it for you...." {sigh...} that Peg....I do...Love her So....

I hope to get my Christmas Cards Done...Friday.... oh...my...where has the time gone???
Have a Great Thursday....
Barb C.
{ I am...sooooo Dizzy...my Head Is Spinnin'!}

The Time to Buy an Antique...Is When You See It....

2011-12-14T09:31:00.000-06:00

I have, as of this morning...had five people wanting to buy the little Chimney Cupboard...They all had inquired about it...the last few weeks....then, once it was sold...yesterday afternoon... it could have been sold, 5 times... I actually had to go through the facebook times, and email times, to figure out who was first...
I am baffled... that Cupboard...should have been sold...before it was unloaded, from the truck.... it is Awesome.... the price was a steal.... I priced it, by what I paid... if I can make a little...I pass the good deal on...{hoping, that the folks I bought it from, also, makes a little....}
Most everything I post, is for sale....{unless, I say it's in the house... then, it may not be.... but...if I'm in a bind... everything is on the block... {most} I have people's names on things... I will call... when I have to let go...}
The BEST way to secure something...is a phone call... {319-241-1348} I am on the computer...a couple times a day.... at best...but...I will see it in the eve...
I don't like text messages... I like to hear a voice....
I am happy to hold things...for a short length of time... and send images...
The Best thing to do...is come visit....I can be here...most anytime... and...who knows, what may be waiting for you, down....The Rabbit Hole....
I feel so sorry, for those, who missed out...
Hopefully...there's a Better One...around the Corner!
{tho...this one... is pretty good....}
Love, to Ya!
Barb C.

Hmmm...did I say....Soulful....oh my...

2011-12-13T20:52:00.000-06:00

As I was putting things away....and off the Table... I opened this 1880 Cookbook....to see this Tiny Baby's Hand...{Ruth}...Everything I buy...whether it be for me...or the Rabbit Hole.... has something.... about it...some little voice.... like this.... It's The Soulful Objects...that whisper, in my ear... I had forgotten, about this... priceless... priceless...

Stuck...in the '80's... 1880's...that is... Sifting Through...letting go....

2011-12-13T20:09:00.000-06:00

I took the day off... and...rested.... towards evening...I started going through the Old Cupboards....{two shelves...of an Old Cupboard...} getting Christmas cards out.... I hope to get them sent, this week... we'll see...

It was calming... going through my gatherings... from years passed.... I'm going to be selling some of my treasures.... I hate, to part with them... but....sometimes, one must do...what one must do...

I ran across a Dickens Illustration Book....from, the 1880's....it's beautiful.... they are all loose...and could be framed.... I see so many people I know...in these Characters... oh my...

The Staffordshire Sale Book.... is, I would guess...from the late 1800's or early 1900's... it's offering an 18th and 19th century Staffordshire Collection, for sale...I LOVE....they price the broken pieces...and make little excuses for them...hmmm.... back in the day... folks knew a good thing...no matter!

The Cookbooks, are from 1880, and 85... I have several, from that era...so hard to find, anymore....

I don't know...yet what I'll be letting go of.... I told Mark, today...I should just open the house....and price everything...what stays...stays... and is meant to...what goes... well... guess it needed a new home.... He thought it would be one heck of a sale...

after just digging trough, a couple of shelves...I have to agree.... there is some pretty cool stuff, here....Diary's... Ledgers...Photo Albums... Early 1800's Scrap Books...oh my....Soulful...Soulful...Stuff...

I told Mark... I wasn't sure if I could let go of any Cupboards...yet... but...who knows...

I may Just Have an Amazing Heart of Country Booth!

or...maybe...just keep filtering into the Rabbit Hole...

Hmmm...

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

I'm Setting Sail... With Captain Morgan....

2011-12-12T22:20:00.003-06:00

I wrote a Scathing Blog...about Mom's and My Journey...today....
But...Thought it over... as Broken...as I was today..witnessing it.... I am Thankful...to Live in The United States of America... Tho....things are far from perfect...Mom...got her needs met... {A Blistering Trial...} none the less... her surgery went well.... and everyone was kind...and I am...So Thankful...
Just got Mom's Supper...for her... and...she downed it all... A Huge Blessing....
I am home....and...Setting Sail....with Captain Morgan...and Egg Nog... my food...for the day...
It's been grueling... today.... I am concerned, about our health care.... and...we all should be...we will all be, in the place of our elderly...sooner than we think.... Those who think we don't need a health care program....visit a nursing home...or hospital.... it's a real.... eye opener...
I can't afford health insurance... if I have, what Mom...or Peg has...I don't want to know... I say...just shoot me...and bury me, with my Beloved Thoroughbred, Admiral...out in the field....
It's scary times...folks...
God Bless Us...
Everyone....
Barb C.
( ahhhh...I'm sleeping in...in the Morn...so...if I don't answer... leave a message... with the Captain... Love...to ya... : ) I'll be back to Christmas...Music... in a day....or so...for tonight...Johnny...and Garth...pretty much catch it....} : )

One of Santa's Little Elves....Stopped By The Rabbit Hole....a Sweet Surprise!

2011-12-11T17:49:00.000-06:00

Had a Lovely Surprise...today... One of my Sweetest Friends, stopped by.... with Treasures, in tow... {Santa's Elf...I am sure...} She left all sorts of Gifts...{a Book for Scarlett...Christmas Ornaments... little Figurines..} after she left...I started going through them.... oh my.....the little Bisque, Rabbit Match Safe... nearly dropped me....it reminded me, of the Rabbit Hole, and... The Mad March Hare...Pegadoo... {she was taken to the hospital, last night.... spiked a fever... they are keeping her, until tomorrow...at least...she'll be fine...}

The Little Elf, handed me a Gift Bag...and said..."Merry Christmas!"... inside...was this Amazing Pudding Mould... with, what looks like a Poinsettia... embossed.... oh my....

Then...to make things...even More...Amazing... she harvested this OVER THE TOP!!!!! Early 1900's Fringed...and Beaded!!!! Lamp Shade.... at an Auction for me....{to sell} I have the base.... but... I gotta tell ya...the Shade..is already in the house.... {oh my...I'm running on fumes... financially....have no business keeping anything...{I will be selling things, from the house...in the next week, or so...} but...this shade... well... I'll be like Steve Martin in 'The Jerk'.... as they throw me to the curb...} "all I need is this chair...that's all I need.... and this lamp...{shade} that's all I need... this chair...and this lamp...{shade}" oh my...

My Little Elf, friend.... is really..an Angel...and...like with my Peg.... I feel so inadequate... how, does one....ever repay such kindness.... This isn't the first time, this Angel....has come my way.... I truly feel Blessed... I Truly..do.....

I take Mom, in for her surgery, tomorrow... it will be a Long Day...but...a Good Day...

Love to You...and Yours...

Barb C.

The Shop is Open Today...12 - 4!

2011-12-11T10:43:00.002-06:00

Chimney Cupboard...Old, Old...Pearl Buttons... Vintage Sewing Objects.. and... a Mid 1800's Hanging Cupboard...filled...with Vintage Livestock... Happy Holidays...from Victoria's Secrect....{oh my....what one may find....down...The Rabbit Hole...}

2011-12-11T10:42:00.001-06:00

I found this Large Moulded Plastic Piece, that is embellished with Angels.....a while back...I am almost positive, it is an old Victoria's Secret Display piece....I think there was a reflecting mirror on it, originally..{I Love 'Victoria's Secret'!} what ever was there, is gone, so I painted it with chalkboard paint....and it has been Great....down The Rabbit Hole! it's for sale...but until it leaves...I'll enjoy it!

Old..Old...Old.... Shell Buttons....I have a huge amount of them...in the Shop... very...cool!

The Sewing Niche'... Vintage Thread...buttons...scissors...lace...Pin Cushions...{my personal weakness...}

1880's, or so, Chimney Cupboard... a 'Real'...Chimney Cupboard.... Thick Sides...to support the weight.... It's a real Sweet Heart...

The Livestock...in the Old Hanging Cupboard... This is a super set, of Cardboard Animals...very old...in great condition...

Open Today! 11 - 4 and Bringing in Armloads!

2011-12-10T09:53:00.000-06:00

I'm Dreaming....of a White...Christmas....

Think...as I am working in the shop...I'll be concentrating, on all that's 'White'...I have gathered some interesting Concrete, Furniture and Ironstone.... as well as Architectural Fragments... it should be fun, to Play With!

Have a Wonderful Day...

Barb C.

Santa's Chair...

2011-12-09T17:06:00.001-06:00

Got Santa's Chair delivered to the Bank....safe, and sound...for Old St. Nick! Our Bank...is So Amazing....What Great Folks... What a Great....Community...

{It was Wonderful seeing Peg...and Michael... we had lunch, and a lovely visit... she looks so Good...Thanks...to all who are sending kind, healing thoughts, and prayers.... I Hope...you all know...how very Much they are Appreciated....}

Love, to You....

and Prayers, to all...who are suffering...

Barb C.

It 'Looked' Like Christmas....?

2011-12-09T08:17:00.004-06:00

While Liz, Miss Scarlett and I, were shopping, the other day... I spied this Old Oil Painting...{1870's or 80's} it was way up high...on a cupboard...I love Old Floral Paintings....this one had a 'Christmas' feel to it....so...I asked the nice Lady, in charge, if she could get it down, so I could get a better look...I asked the Lady, if she knew what flower it was....she didn't...
It's in Great condition... but the flowers..had me puzzled....Liz was taking the treasures, to the van...and, when she returned, I had decided to pass....on the old painting... but...I had her take a peek at it.... and I asked her, what she thought of it.... she said, "hmmm....I don't know... it's a Cactus....and I'm not crazy about Cactus...."
When she said that... I about fell over... The Lady and I had concentrated, on the flower, itself...and didn't see the rest of it.... OF COURSE... IT'S A CACTUS! OF COURSE... IT 'LOOKED LIKE CHRISTMAS'.... IT'S A CHRISTMAS CACTUS!!!!!!!
Oh my.... I see it so plainly, now...and especially, in this image...
Well....I had to have it...then...I have never seen a Christmas Cactus...in an Oil Painting...whoever did it...must have loved Christmas, as much as I do...
It's for sale... has to be... but... for today...it smiles, in our house.... It measures 29 1/2 by 20 1/2 inches... and it's...Lovely... I'll take it to the shop...this weekend...along with other little gatherings...
Have a Lovely Day...
I'm headed to the Bank, to take Santa's Chair in... Oh Boy! Santa!
Love to Ya...

Barb C.
( as I reread this...it dawned on me...what a lesson this Old Painting has taught me... I tend to focus, on the flower....and not see the thorns... a Sweet Friend, just said the same thing to me.... only, in other words... I do tend to wear 'Rose Colored Glasses'.... thanks...to Liz....for helping me, take them off.... and the Good Lord... for showing me... in such, a lovely way....
Pegadoo, is coming today...just home from Mayo...she wants me to see her 'Moon Face'... oh dear...steroids..... they can be a life saver...but they can be a Mess! I can't wait to see her....and pick on Michael!}
Keep Smiling!

2011-12-08T11:13:00.000-06:00

Miss Scarlett...and her Plume!
A Great Day Second Hand Shopping!

Second Hand Shopping....

2011-12-08T11:09:00.000-06:00

more flannel! and...a great pair of mittens!

more bottle brush trees! and....a sweet ornament...for Miss Scarlett!

Liz and Miss Scarlett, came and picked me up, yesterday...they took me bill paying....then, we went Second Hand Shopping....Money is tight, for us, now...{well...is most always...} We rarely buy our clothes, 'retail'... Since Flannel Shirts, have become popular...they have gotten expensive.... { around the 20.00 range...yeeesh!} and, as fast as Miss Scarlett is growing...there is no way Liz and Nick, can be buying new.... and, honestly...none of us would, anyway.... {if we were wealthy folk} Mom, and sister, Chery, were the Best Second Hand Shoppers! {Peg is a 'Quarter Day' Girl! Liz, is up and coming... wow...!} Mom and Chery, would dress, beautifully.... they looked like they spent a million bucks, on their wardrobe! and, you can...if you are a together, and stylish person....{Friend, Jo B., really can put a wardrobe together, at Second Hand Shops! Whew!} me...ahhh...not so much.... {I picked a man up, the other day, to look at a house full of stuff.... he took one look at me and said..."Good...your wearing your 'Work Clothes'....ready to Work!".... ahhh....my reply...... "these are my, good... everyday...clothes...." oh my...}

We had a lovely day.... When I told Peg, we had went shopping....she asked what I got.....I told her... Flannel Shirts! {then...under my breath...I also said I got the very last thing I needed....} "MORE CHRISTMAS!!!!?" She yelled through the phone.......

Hey....what can I say...I am a sick person...and...I didn't have any...like Most of them!

Have a Lovely...Day...

Barb C.

On the Road...today...

2011-12-07T10:13:00.001-06:00

I was snapping images, yesterday morning... and these old Ornaments...resting in a, badly broken, Staffordshire, compote..{ I can't bare to pitch it.... some day...I'll get the glue out....}they were calling out, to me...they were a gift...years ago...as I looked closer, at this image... I realised, my reflection, is in one of them...I almost deleted it... but then, It made me see.....how old...and drawn, I have become...I see why those images of people, back in the day...always looked so much older, than they were.... It truly isn't the Years...it's the Miles....and...this Old Gal...has got a lot of 'Miles'...on this Old Frame....

Bills to pay... I figure...by the time we are caught up...I'll be just about broke....

I am thankful...we are getting caught up...

Today, reminds me of a letter that came along with...one of my most Favorite Cupboards....ever...

I was talked into selling...several years ago....It was from deep, Southern Iowa... A Big...Walnut Straight front Cupboard... with Ox blood paint...

I had all of the history on it...it had started out, in a Sod House.... then...moved to the 'New' House...that was built in the later part of the 1800's.... then...that house was boarded up.... in the mid 1900's....and was going to be dozed down....in the 1990's....full... a woman stopped in my shop, wanting to know, if I was interested in anything, out of that house...she had begged them, to let her go inside, and rescue, before they dozed....{she was a friend of the family, and convinced them, that there was value in there, and the elderly owner, could use the money...}

There is a LONG story...on how, I wound up with that Old Cupboard... but, that's another day.... {Susie, the girl who rescued everything...and I... were left speechless.... it was a 'meant to be'...thing......}

Susie had saved all sorts of letters...from the 1800's...and one of them, I saved, with the 'Sod House Cupboard'... A young woman, had moved from the Southern Iowa Farm...and the only family she knew, and settled with her husband, and, then children in the Red River Valley.... she wrote, in that letter...about the little critters, she loved...the cold Spring...late Snow... and her children... then...she said.."Yes Mama, the land here is beautiful... I just wish the weather was more predictable, and the crops...more sure.".... she was worried about the uncertainty, in her life...{I know I'm not quoting it word for word, it's been years since I read that old letter....and, when I let the Cupboard go...I sent the Letter with it...} but...I sighed...as I began to write this, and, I can tell you...in a hundred and forty years....nothing has changed.... Life is so Uncertain....

Have a Wonderful Day...

Barb C.

{I just reread this... and noticed the title...I titled this...before I wrote it...or had picked the image....ah...yes...on the road...again....and...adding a few more miles.... oh my....}

Winter's Morn...

2011-12-06T09:36:00.000-06:00

We are getting a bit...of Snow, this morn... it's Cold... but....so Beautiful...

I grabbed the camera..as Polly dragged me out the door, for her morning walk....

Nature...is so incredible...what She can do...with just a Dusting of Snow... She gives everything...another dimension...one...that it will only have... for this very instant... with a whiff...of a Winter Wind...it could all be changed...

Hmmm....kind of like...Life....

Have a Glorious Day...and...Enjoy...the Moments....

Barb C.

Bits of Christmas...

2011-12-05T22:19:00.000-06:00

I snapped these images...as I was leaving the shop...last night... I love the Old Silver Medicine Cabinet... It has a thick Plate Glass Mirror, in it...that has a gnarly crack...that I had to leave.... it's stable...and isn't going anywhere... and...it seems perfect...for the old piece... I think a new one...would just be...wrong....

It's been good... spending time there...I'm getting things done...and hauling, armloads, from the house, daily,,, the shop is full... I need to start thinking about Heart of Country....less than 2 months away....it doesn't seem possible....

Oh My....

I'm not...going to rush...thinking too far ahead...I don't want to lose This...Holiday Season...

Love, to You...

Barb C.

Ya'll Would have Been Proud...of me...

2011-12-05T17:15:00.000-06:00

This is the ceiling...in the Big Room...where the Christmas Tree is... I sat there...last night...looking up...at the Christmas Bell....wondering...how...I was going to get through this...today...with Mom... I so... did not want to give her this news.... but...that other, person, who lives in my body...took over...and...totally handled it...just like...she always has.... she needs to hang around, more often... The one...that is always..boo hooing... needs to go away...}

I know...most of you...don't know me...and those that do...probably don't....as well as they may think....

Some folks...think I'm tuff...some...think...I'm weak....and the truth is...they are both right.... the one thing...I will say... is if I am in charge, of your care.... I'm the Best Body Guard...you could ever have... I have taken care of my folks, since I was a young girl....and this weekend...was a tuff one... I was blindsided... dropped to my knees... and...was lost....I simply didn't see this one coming..{neither did the surgeon...}

But....funny... I was such a marshmallow...all weekend....up to the moment, I walked up to her, this morning....

then...when I faced my Mom

...to break the news to her...about the cancer... I laid it on her, with so much spin...she was almost happy to have it! don't ask me, how I do it...because...I even surprise myself....{and...I do not lie.... I always....tell the truth....}

We went to see the surgeon...his nurse almost spoiled it all...by sounding so sad... about the findings....Mom wasn't fazed a bit, by her tone... and said, "Yes... Barbie told me...all about it..."

The nurse turned to me, and said, " You have talked to her?"....my reply..."Yes I have! and we know how Lucky she is....to have found this! and the Margins...are Clean...around the biopsy!...Lucky.. Lucky... Lucky!!!!" and...I also...told her how fortunate she is, to have had this cancer happen...While getting ready for her surgery, to remove it, a couple of weeks ago....and as I helped her, into the hospital gown... I noticed a few spots, on her back...that I had the surgeon look at today....well... the ones that I thought were ugly...were fine! but...two cute little moles...were not...! So... when she has a skin graft, next week, on her leg...they will remove those..as well..Lucky!!! If she wouldn't have had that cancer, on her leg...I wouldn't have seen the cancer, on her back! oh my...

It's all good...

but...

I Gotta Tell Ya...

I Am Drained....

{I am Smiling!}

But...

I Am...Drained...

Love, to You...

Barb C.

{there is Always...a Silver Lining...if you look for it....I just hate...digging for that magnifying glass...sometimes...it's mighty hard, to see...}

Mom and I will have lots of appointments...in the next couple of weeks... I so wish... travelling wasn't so hard on her...that worries me more...than the procedures...oh my...

This...is What I Saw....

2011-12-04T18:50:00.000-06:00

I walked down the stairs...tonight...after fixing myself...a spiked Egg Nog.... sat, and gazed....at the Tree...and...simply....Reflected....

It was a Cold day... good to be inside...had a few, folks pop in... all...a welcomed, sight...

But...I had this Egg Nog...and, quiet time, with the Tree... on my mind...since I woke, this Morn...

I keep thinking...about, this last year... oh my....

Then... I think...about what lay ahead....oh my....

Think...I'll go back...to the Tree...

and

The Rabbit Hole...

Happy Holidays...

Love, to Ya...

Barb C.

A Lovely Day....

2011-12-04T09:17:00.000-06:00

Tho....I expected to see no one... The shop was busy, all morning, 'til around 3:00...A big surprise...

It was Great seeing everyone...Lynn and Lea, from Southern Iowa...They were a sight....for sore eyes....{literally} Good....Good.....Folks....

Kerry, and her darling Family, stopped in, on their way to the Polar Express Train Ride...and harvested some Old Bottle Brush Trees, for her collection...

Then, some Gals, from Northern Iowa, popped in.... they had found the 'Rabbit Hole', through the Iowa Blogs... cool... I was apologising...all over the place.. for the Messes.... then...Dan, {Jo-Dan's} chimed in....and said...it looked pretty normal to him....about then, Lynn, said something else...to that effect.... and I realized... it was a losing battle....those Boys...Love to Pick!

The Gals, were very kind...and I asked them, to please come back, during Sale Time, in the Spring...when things are kind of.... on their feet....

Thankfully, they had visited Sisters' Garden, earlier, and could see... some folks...actually have everything 'together'! They loved it! Sisters' is an Amazing Store... They also know Brenda, from J.B. Knacker.... Brenda had put them up, for a night....on one of the Girls other excursions!! That Brenda...she is So Over the Top...Kind..! Love Her! I sent them on to Fern Hill, in South Amana...to sample some Home Made Fudge....{'Prelude', in the Amana Colonies...Lovely...}

Katie, Liz, Justin 'J' and Miss. Scarlett popped in...brought lunch...and visited... that was Grand!

Pegadoo, and daughter, Sarah, stopped by...we had a great visit...

Then...Brandon..{House Things} popped in... and brought me some Great Vintage Tree Toppers! and Wreaths! It's always good to see Brandon...he is such a Gentle, Creative Spirit...

For everything, being...so.... inside out....upside down... it was a very good day...

At 6, I took off, in Sally.... to meet Sweet Amy, and Pegadoo...for Supper.... Peg is going back, to Mayo, today....She has another treatment, Monday...

Amy's Grandma, is making Peg, all sorts of cook hats! In all sorts of Crazy Colors! Peg looks Great in Hats...

It was so much fun....with the Girls, last night....We are hoping....we can all go to Nashville, in February...like we did, this year....

The Prayers are working.... I can see it.... Peg says, she can feel them...we are so Thankful, to Everyone.... and speak of you all....with every visit.... whether, we know you...or just know you, through the breeze, that blows, through the waving of your wings... we feel you...Thank You....

I'm Open Today... 10 - 6...

Gotta Go...

Love to You...

Barb C.

Yellow... such a happy color.....

2011-12-03T09:01:00.011-06:00

I could have described this old Cupboard's Surface...as Butter Cream... or... Daffodil... or, some other ...embellished, twist of vocabulary.... but...as I stood back...and looked at it, in the shop...I said, to myself... ahhh...Yellow.... such a Happy Color....I need 'Happy'...we all need..'Happy'...and this Color....made me smile...we need smiles...too...
John did a beautiful job, on this Old Beauty.... from the 1870's... We moved the Walnut Wardrobe out, and to it's new home....I ripped the shop up, with that move...and, continued the the carnage, moving the Old Yellow Cupboard in....so....come dig...but, don't expect splendor... just a work in progress... ah, yes...once again..."it is...what it is"...

I will be Open Today...10 - 6, and tomorrow...as well... stop in, if you have a chance...

I was planning a relaxing....Mad Hatter's Open House.... but... once again....I have had the rug pulled from beneath me... I can physically work through, most anything.... but...when it comes to the ones I love..so very much.... yes...they are my weakness... I finally got the results...yesterday morning... for my Mom's mass that was removed from her leg... I had called...and called... was reassured... by the surgeon, it was nothing.... so...I really wasn't worried... guess... I was wrong.... and...so was he...it is cancer...
This...is almost...almost...too much...for the Hatter...Twice...in a little over a month...I have been faced with telling....two of the most Dear Souls... in my life...they have cancer.... I don't want to do this....anymore....
I will be working... today... and visiting Peg...tonight... I haven't told my Mom, yet... we see the surgeon, Monday....I'll figure out a way...before we meet with him...I really can't talk about it...at all...without falling apart...and...I can't fall apart...when I talk to my Mom... I have to have options... and a strategy...just like with my Peg....
Thanks, to Bud, for calling, yesterday...he asked if there is anything he could do, to help me.... I said, he just did...he called...he listened... he is... truly...an Angel....
Please put Mama...in your Prayers... no pain...no pain...she is suffering so, after the surgery.... and, Peg told me, to tell you, every night, when she lays down...she Thanks God...for all of You...and the Prayers...You are sending her way...She Can Feel Them!
Love, to You...
Barb C.
I keep thinking about the song..."What do You Say"..."What do you say, in a moment like this, when you can't find the words, to tell it like it is.... you bite your tongue, and let your heart, lead the way"....Seems...I'm the chosen one, always.... I don't want to do this...anymore....{ I thought, I'd like to hand this job over, to someone else... but, I wouldn't wish this... on anyone....} Liz sent a song to me, this morning...she was thinking about me... one of the lines is..."running 90 miles an hour down a dead end road" in an old pick up truck....
I now understand why...I always have...

I will be Open...Saturday...and Sunday....10 - 6...but...no Open House....

2011-12-02T11:06:00.000-06:00

I will be here...Saturday...and Sunday...10 - 6....
But....I will not be having an Open House...
There will be lots of new stuff, in....and, I'd love to have you stop by...
Love, to you...
Barb C.

2011-12-01T21:48:00.001-06:00

The Sweet Old Truck...and The Load of Vintage Bottle Brush Trees...all were Harvested at The Plaza Antique Mall!

Plaza Antique Mall.... what a Treat!

2011-12-01T21:42:00.001-06:00

Plaza Antique Mall, in Dyersville, Iowa...{Yep...where 'Field of Dreams' was made...} Is Always...always....a Treat.to visit...and shop....
I have known Kathy...the Store's Manager...for ever.... she is a Wonderful Soul...her entire Family is....I so enjoy, visiting with her.... she and I discussed Peg...and...to my surprise... she is a Huge Volunteer, with the Cancer Society.... what am I saying...I shouldn't be a bit surprised... she is such an Angel.... She, too...is keeping Peg in her Prayers... and is such an optimistic Soul... Love Her...
The Mall was Incredible...I found Treasures, as soon as I hit the Door! I had deliveries to make, this morn, then had to pick up, at an Auction...then...on to friend, Vi's, in Manchester...and...well... Dyersville...is only 17 miles east of Manchester....right on hiway 20... oh my.... What a wonderful day...the road...always soothes my soul...
Tho...I really should have come home, and worked in the shop... I truly enjoyed Everyone, today...and...I found some Great Stuff! A Truck Load of Vintage Bottle Brush Trees!!! The Most Darling Truck...to Haul them in! Ironstone...old tin cookie cutters... silver goblets...old books... a Massive,Velvet Pincushion... and...just...'fun'...stuff... it's all good... but....The Folks Today...were the Real Treasures...
Hope You had a Great Day...
Barb C.

Kathy {far left} and the Great Plaza Crew!...what Super Folks....The Mall is Amazing...
They are located at 1235 16th ave. Court S.E., Dyersville, Iowa 52040 {563} 875-8945
you can see it, from hi way 20...and be sure and eat, at Country Junction Restaurant, just a block away...whew...Good Eats!}

{had to unload...the bath tub...this morn...and...the image of it...in the truck... and...even standing next to it, while it was in the truck... one might think...{like John did}...well...that's not a very big tub.... when I say...it's 'oversized'...I mean it....it's about 6 feet long...and...about 3 feet wide...or...maybe...40 inches......{oval shaped...very...cool...} and... Heavy... we had Josh, come help us...lower it off the truck.... I'll have images of it down the road... it's a Cool Tub!}

Demolition...

2011-11-30T18:49:00.003-06:00

Received a call...from some folks, I had dealt with, several years ago... their old house, had been bought, for a parking lot...{this is....always...a heart breaker, for me...} and is scheduled for demolition... in the next two weeks...They asked me, to come over...and make an offer, on what ever I wanted...

The Old House...has been a rental...the last few years.... and I have to say... my heart...ached...for all... who lived here...the people...and critters.... as well...as the Wonderful...Old House....

The owners...kept apologising...for the house's condition... {I have seen much worse.... they wouldn't believe that, if I told them.... I don't judge...ever... who ever lived there, last...were very, broken people...

Bless Their Hearts...}

A Doctor, was the Proud Owner...back in the day... {1890's}...and it was Beautiful...inside... I fell in Love....with the Amazing Old Bath Tub! It's over sized...Oval... and is fitted for faucets, on the side...oh my...{ I am a 'Bath' girl.... I could Soak...for Hours...and this Tub...is...To Die For! {I nearly did!}Unfortunately...it was on a second floor... and...I was underneath it... coming down the staircase...but...no worries... the Old Tub was kind...and didn't crush me! {one step...at a time... letting the fragile, cast, claw and ball foot...gently...walk down...one...step at a time....{lift...pull...rest...{yet...pushing it...ever so gently...upwards...so it wouldn't drop, too fast...I gotta tell ya...it did cross my mind...the thought...of me...and the Beautiful Old Tub...breaking through the Old Staircase...falling to my Death...15 feet below...and the Headlines reading..."Old Woman...Crushed by Beautiful Old Bath Tub".... } Oh...My!

{I wasn't going to mention this... but...it really was quite scarry...the guy...holding the tub....at the top...had already had a few beers...{ it was noon...and...he also said...he had a really bad back...oh my... and yet...I stood...under it... {sigh...} I am...an Idiot...}

The Gigantic Pocket Doors...and Over Sized French Doors......well they had to be rescued...as well... Then...I saw...the Cherry Fireplace Mantle... it's Lovely, Old.... Intricate Columns... ahhh...yes...it needed to be saved....

The Family was concerned about it surviving...as well...

Finding new Homes...

I assured them...all of it would....

The Ford was Squatting...when I pulled off of the curb...

{the guys helping, didn't think the Ford, could handle this load...{oh my... these poor Chevy owners...what can I say....Bless Their Hearts...! they simply don't understand...the concept of a 'REAL'...load..... : ) }

{ahhh...they didn't think I could handle the Tub...either... {I heard one guy say..." Obviously..this isn't her first rodeo..."}...{oh...dear... that's an understatement!}

Oh My...They don't make things...like they used to....

Beautiful.... Heavy.... Craftsmanship!

I'm working on finding new homes...for everything...sure wish I had a place...for that Tub! I could sure use it Right Now!

{I can hear Lawrence Welk...and see all of those Bubbles!}

Love, to Ya!

Barb C.

{the song 'Tijuana Taxi'......is my day...in a nutshell...oh my... : ) it's all...good...}

The Alter...

2011-11-29T18:42:00.000-06:00

This piece...has had me scratching my head... on what to do with it...for Christmas... In a store setting...it's a 'no brainer'...an Amazing Store display....can be used in separate pieces...the base, for a counter...the top...for display...for anything...from soaps and lotions... to Garden Pieces....

But....this...is my house...

I bought this Alter, this Fall...from a friend, who simply had to rescue it...but had no home for it... so...it landed here....

I attempted to sell it...to no avail... the top portion, is almost, exactly 10 feet tall...the base... nearly 4....I could have....maybe, got them in the shop...separately {I have 10 foot ceilings there} but...it could have been ugly.... sooooo the only place with tall enough ceilings....was our house....

I Love it... If..it doesn't sell, before... It's going to Heart of Country....in February...

But...for today...it needs to blend in...with our home....

I think... it has...

I used all fresh greenery...and, a few vintage ornaments...and bottle brush trees....

The Old Motto, print, I used... in the Gothic center... says "Remember Me"...

I think...at Christmas...it's easy to forget...... what it's all about...

I kept things...pretty simple...this year.... I'm sure...I'll keep picking at it.... when the Spirit moves me...

It was Great having lunch with Peg, and Mike... they headed home to MO., to gather some things...and rest... before the next treatment...

I want to Thank Everyone...for their Prayers...and Positive Thoughts... I KNOW...{ I can see it...Feel it...and so can Peg...}they are making a difference.... Thank You...Thank You...Please...Continue....

and...Thanks...for the kind...e-mail...and calls...I even ran into a man today...who knew Peg, through the blog... and was wishing her the Very Best.... as we parted...I told him...I Loved him.... Bless his Heart...

Love to You...and My Prayers...go to All..who are Suffering...

Barb C.

{ I just thought....seems as we built this addition...many years ago...99% of it was directly...or, indirectly...from a Church...seems fitting...this Old Alter, would seek Shelter, here...}

oh my...

of course...we have taken in teenagers... wounded Doves...Robins...and Many.. stray Critters..too...

What's an Alter... : )

Finishing Up... The Tree...

2011-11-29T11:34:00.000-06:00

My Heart....simply has not been in this...this year....
I have moments... of The Holiday Spirit...but then, hours of Melancholy...
Very...very....difficult...to get it all done... but...I keep moving forward...tho, it may be at a snails pace...I really have stayed down The Rabbit Hole... my quiet...safe...place...
I'll have lots of images...tonight...
I'm cleaning up all the boxes... and debris, this morning.... trying to find places for everything that has to be moved, for 'Christmas'...to Make a Grand Entrance...
Peg and Mike are stopping by, this morn... It will be so good....to see them...
I just opened my 'Streams'...to see this...once again...perfect...

God sometimes shuts the door and shuts us in...
That He may speak, perhaps through our grief or pain,
And softly, heart to heart, above the din...
May tell some precious thought to us again....

I have been feeling guilty...for not getting more done...and sitting in a world, of chaos...but... I'm letting that guilt go...It Is....What It Is... and, for today...this truly is...the very best, I can do....What Will Be...Will Be....

Hope You...have a Most...Enlightening Day!

this is a little, vintage tree I put up, last night....no lights...just old beaded garland...and some of my favorite old ornaments.... a happy little tree....

Barb C.

Open Today... 12 - 4....!

2011-11-27T09:13:00.000-06:00

Still working on the Tree...I'm, kind of...taking my time... The Old Tree... holds...lots of ornaments... Rudy, is loving his place in the sun!

I was showing John....some of the ornaments, that had a story...with them...as I was hanging them... the ones, we bought, when we got this tree...so many years ago.. The ones, Liz, always loved best.... The ones... that came from friends...the ones...I tied ribbons on, the year, Chery passed... {funny...how a mind works...} the ones...that seem so weird...to look at...but sing Beautifully, on the tree....

I'll work on it, when I am done at the Shop...this Evening...

I'll be taking some Gatherings down, to the Shop... this morn...: )

Stop In!

Have a Most Lovely....Day!

Barb C.

The Tree Is Up!

2011-11-26T08:01:00.002-06:00

Decorated....not so much.... It's a 12 footer... and takes a while to get up...and lit...
Rudolf has found his place...on the tree.... and the Giant Ornaments...
Lights are on....John didn't put near as many on, this year....maybe 1200...and...that's o.k..... it looks a little more old fashioned.... I stood back....and looked at the tree...and realized...I do it...like one of my 'Memory Trees'.... just...in Giant Form! All the Tree Toppers...strewn about the top... hundreds of Ornaments...Angels....and who knows...what I'll find...digging through the totes!
I do Love...decorating the Tree...
I don't know where that comes from.... I never really had, this kind of Christmas...growing up.... it wasn't until I moved out, on my own...I was 16 that Christmas...., that I bought my first tree...It was actually...already decorated...I had spied it at Target... {I was working there...I kept a close eye, on that little tree...it had little Horses on it...that looked like stained glass... I was so afraid it was going to sell....{after all...it was the Most Beautiful Little Tree...Ever!} but....I didn't have enough money, to pay full price.... so....when they discounted it... and...I got my Employee discount... I could scrape enough together...{16.00, I think...}to buy it... my Dane, Dolsey, and I sat and looked at it every night....through New Years Day! I thought it was the Most Beautiful Tree... Ever!
I don't think...there were any gifts under the Tree, that year...but...it didn't matter...I felt so Blessed...I had a roof over my head....a furnace that worked.... pipes under the sink....that drained....hot water...and a real door, not a screen door, covered in plywood... all things, I didn't have the Winter, before....
Ahhh yes...and...The Most Beautiful Christmas Tree...Ever! {and...Dolsey...to sit by my side....enjoying it!} All was truly 'right'....with the World....
Hope You Have a Most...Wonderful Day...doing....what You Love...Best!

This is a Little Horse.... from my first Christmas...on my own.... Beautiful... : )

Barb C.
{Funny... how, to this day...at this time of year.... I, sometimes still feel...a warm...and fuzzy feeling...walking into the Warm House....if you have never had to come home...to a cold house... knowing it would be cold...{see your breath, cold...} in December... and praying, you could get the old furnace going... for just one more night...but never knowing...for sure...til it kicked on... You have no idea...what a Blessing it is.... {we take Much...for granted...}
{after rereading this.... I also...felt, so very blessed...the year before....in that old trailer...with no pipes...hot water...and..the screen door...covered with plywood.... and...that old furnace...never let me down...after I got it going...everyday... Dolsey and I never spent one cold night there...it was all mine...all paid for...
Home...}

" The Resurrection of 'Old Yeller'....

2011-11-25T09:14:00.000-06:00

Well....if you can't tell...this is a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass....Been laying in a field...for years... The Boys...are taking it on....Head On... {see...they don't run away...from a Challenge...}

Oh my... John will be overseeing the work...but can't go near the chems.... So...Justin, will will be co-pilot...on this Journey...John calls it " The Resurrection of 'Old Yeller'...

I have no doubt... 'Old Yeller' will be Howling...in No Time! I'll keep you posted...on their journey...

Lot's to be Thankful For!

2011-11-25T08:35:00.000-06:00

Spent Thanksgiving cookin', and hanging out....with the Family....It was Lovely...soaking in...how very much...we have to be Thankful, for! Most of all......The Moments..
'Time'....
a Most Precious gift...
Hope You All had a Lovely Day....and...Thank You...To all of those, who worked yesterday...taking care of others...
Love, to You...
Barb C.

Katie...and Miss Scarlett....Blessings...

Liz, and a Very Proud...Justin 'J'...feeding Miss Scarlett... Seems..it was only Yesterday...Justin was being a 'helpful' Big Brother...feeding Lizzy....{hmm... maybe...it was day before, yesterday....}

Platters...Go 'Round...

2011-11-23T20:09:00.003-06:00

I decided to dig out all the platters...in the 'Big' Cupboard...in the Dining Room...tonight... I call it my 'Huge Trinket Box'....nestled behind, 4x8 feet, glass, sliding doors......are the kid's school projects... pictures...Chery's Obituary, and a loch of her hair...I clipped, before they took her away... along with many other Obituaries...of those... that I have loved dearly... a loch of Admiral's Mane, I clipped just before they buried him...and his picture...The Huge Ironstone Platter, the Boys gave me, in Texas.... { that I swear I heard the fuselage bow out, in the airplane...as I was trying desperately, to put in the overhead, in Chicago....the Steward said it wouldn't fit....and I'd have to check it....{I was blocking people in the isle....I was hurrying...hurrying...}I assured him...it would....it did... : ) } Bird's Nests... letters...or, envelopes...with the handwriting...of Loved ones...{sometimes..I love the envelopes...more than the card...}
Many...many, gifts from friends...over the years... From 'Make Do' Pincushions...to, lovely Christmas Pieces...
I thought it was time...I take stock...of the Old Platters... My friend, Rick and I...had been discussing...Old Staffordshire....and I knew I had quite a few...pieces... but...oh dear....
I kept piling them, on the Old Harvest Table.... They are from about 2 feet....{most of them, are in the 22 inch range...}down to the smallest...{ in the Big Cupboard...} 14 inches...
I wanted to choose three... I always lean to the Oldest... but...I picked three...that seemed fitting...for this year...Simple... The one on the far end, John gave me, for my Birthday this year......friend, Colleen, had sold it to him...last minute...made a special trip home..to get it... and wrapped it, for me....{ I took one look at it...with the Big Bow....and said...you got this from Colleen, didn't you!} Love it...
The center one, I found in McGregor, this Fall...for 8.00...it's amazing...huge... and was so happy...to be found...
The last...is an Old Tea Leaf...the Largest one, I have ever owned...I bought it, on a Hot Day...at a Flea Market... in Amana... about 15 years ago...it was on the ground...with dust all over it... in a row...with, all sorts of...other stuff....{car parts...kids toys...} it was priced with old, dried up masking tape... at 5.00...Yes...it has some chips...but they are Old...and Sound... I will be Proud to Serve on it...this Thanksgiving....

The Pie Plates... I gathered a few years back...on my way to Liz's.... I spotted an 'Estate Sale' sign...it was the last day... the family was conducting it.... I saw the old Laughlin Pie Plates...first thing...in the Garage... { I am a Pie Baker...but I use Old Pie Plates...{only} Big...Pie Plates....These are Huge! The ladies said, they remembered their Mother always baking pies in them...they were her Favorite Pie Plates....{ my Heart sank...I couldn't imagine selling them....if they were my Mom's Favorite...{ I encouraged them to each keep one....} but...they didn't seem to care...and charged me 1.00, or little more, each.... oh my...

The Old Cook Stove, I use...is from the early 1900's...as I am writing...I keep checking the thermometer, I have hanging inside the oven.... as the pies are baking... there are no settings on the oven... It's a Wood/Gas combination...we only use the gas side... It has no pilot lights, either...you light everything with a match...The kids all learned how to use it... Katie, Justin's Wife...wasn't fond of it...when she lived here with us...but...she learned pretty quick...{she Loves to Cook!} .... The Best Things... about this Old Beauty...is...It's Beautiful...and..There Is Nothing to go Wrong with It! SIMPLE!{and I bought it from a dear 'Lady Bug!'}

The Oven..is Small...so I cook the Turkey in a Roaster.... it frees up my stove...
I went and visited Peg, today.... She is Amazing...Her entire Family is.... I Love Her So....
and... Better than That...She Loves Me....!
Please...keep Peg...and her Family..in Your Most Positive Thoughts....and Prayers....
They are Working, You Know...

Sometimes...the Maker's Mark...is as Lovely...as the Piece...

Oh My... and...they All Needed a BATH!!!

Love these old Pie Plates...I have 2 huge Enamelware ones, I love, as well... those are for my Apple Pies!

That is my Favorite Bowl...sitting on the left side, of the old Stove..it has some chips...but...it's a hundred and fifty years old...or better...I have my Pumpkin Pie, mixed in it here...{bread crumbs are drying in it, now...with a towel over them...for stuffing...in the morn...} I don't use a mixer...just spoons...and whisks... With this recipe, I have to add sweet potaoes... {fresh, cooked} because the pie plates are so large... I add them...usually about 4, and mash them with the Pumpkin...I always put way more spices..and sugar, and, an extra egg or two..depending on the egg size...than the recipe calls for, too...I gotta tell ya...My Pies ROCK!!!!

I can see it... Peg's Beautiful Blue eyes just Twinkle...with Angel Dust!
We All Have Sooooo Much...to Be Thankful For!
Happy Thanksgiving...To You...and Yours...

Barb C.
{ I'll explain the sweater...later....} {oh...my...The March Hare!}

{As I finished last minute grocery shopping.... I grabbed some lunch...Three Highway Patrol Officers, sat at the table, next to me... I sat there...and thought...how much, they sacrifice...everyday...for us...and this Crazy World we live in...isn't Mayberry....what they must see...on their travels.... oh my.... I thought about saying something to them... but...went on my way.....
As I was leaving....the store...I saw, they were just finishing up....I walked up to them, and said..." I have to tell you guys something...that I know, you won't believe, when you have me pulled over...some day.... {and I...may not be in the mood to say....while getting a ticket...{or...'warning' : ) }
But...Thank You...Thank You...for Everything You Do For Us...Every Day..."
The one Officer...Blushed...I think, sadly...it surprised them...., they all Beamed!... Bless their Hearts...}