Good Morning

When I say Good Morning, not only am I greeting you -- it is a good morning! The sun is out, I can have my coffee on the patio, my hubby is home -- it is a good morning! Doesn't get much better than that! I've been working on things to take to my first antique show of the year on July 4th. It doesn't seem possible that it is a little over a week away. We have been a little stunted here in the northwest because we didn't really get a "spring" and now it's summer! I will try to take some pictures of the things I've been making to share with you. I'm still fighting the virus I caught a couple of weeks ago. The antibiotics seem to be taking their sweet time. Most of the symptoms are much better, but I can't seem to loose the tiredness. That is really frustrating to me. I have so much going on: antiques shows and events at work. I'm trying to pace myself and not push. I'm not very patient with myself, so you know how that goes! I'm trying to remind myself of all the things I have to be thankful for - waaayyy too many to list - and consider myself very blessed. Everything will get done in time. I will keep you posted (excuse the pun) and in the mean time, I will share some pictures I took this morning of my favorite things in the backyard.

Hosta blooms,

foxglove,

a bloom from my first hydrangea bush ...

and the first ever bird's nest from one of our trees! I have been waiting patiently for its family to vacate. My husband began pruning things yesterday and retrieved it for me. It is very fragile and not very tightly woven, but it is my first from our yard. It's a keeper! M.

Happy Summer !

What a beautiful start to a Northwest summer! I got to do one of my favorite things this morning - have coffee on the patio. Miss Zoe lounged in the cool grass while sipped and worked the morning crossword. Perfect start to a perfect day.

I've been working on a new little creation. I'm still refining and altering, but this is my first attempt. It was great fun and I'm going to try to get a few more made before my first summer antique show!

I'm working on things to take to Silverton on July 4th. It's been fun to find all the stuff that I've been storing through the winter: old gauzy curtains, a mail b0x, stacks of old suitcases, wire baskets, cigar boxes ... I think I will have more than I realized. I'm trying to clean out before going treasure hunting again. Need to get back to work. Have a wonderful, summery weekend. M.

Better Late Than Never

Last week I promised to show you my purchases at Farm Chicks. I took the pictures, then got sick - again! This is the last time this year. It has to be -- it will be summer next week for Pete's sake. Anyway, I think I'm on the upswing. I have to be -- I'm almost out of "good" cough syrup.

Back to the goodies. I bought wonderful millinery flowers, architectural pieces, an assortment of laces, old photo mounting corners, a cigar box in the softest shade of aqua that matches the linen tablecloth, interesting metal numbers and white letters, wonderful clock faces and an old suitcase and clipboard. All perfect for future projects!

I've enjoyed reading everyone's blog and their Farm Chicks experiences. Thank you to Heather (Presentpast) for the sweet comment! My cart was a hit - at least I know I accidently hit a few people with it - OOPs! Hope your week is sunny! M.

Birthday Boy!

Today, we will be celebrating my son's 24th birthday !!! It doesn't seem possible. Where did the time go? It just seems like yesterday that he was zipping down the hall into the kitchen - pulling out his drawer - rummaging around - finding something - slamming the drawer - and off with whatever treasure he was looking for! Busy, busy.

He is still busy, busy: professional photographer, rock climber, kind soul and all around good guy. He has always been the best and we are very proud of his accomplishments. We are, however, most proud of the type of man he has become: considerate, caring, thoughtful, and honest. We couldn't have been given a better gift 24 years ago today! Happy Birthday, Jacob!

The Road to Farm Chicks

Wow! What a weekend and trip to Spokane to attend the Farm Chicks Antique Faire. My friend Diane, her daughter Kara and I left about 7 a.m. on Friday morning. We made several stops at little antique shops along the way and arrived in Spokane about 4:30 p.m. Kara graduated from college in eastern Washington, so she was our travel guide and destination-finder! She was invaluable and so much fun. After checking in and having a little rest, we went to a facinating restaurant called the Steam Plant. It was an old steam plant that has been made into a unusual restaurant venue. We had a great dinner then back to the hotel to get some shut-eye and recharge before Saturday's marathon shopping spree.

Saturday was chilly, windy, and rainy. We didn't let it dampen our spirits. We made a quick decision to go ahead and get in the ticket line 45 minutes early. It was a good thing because the line quickly grew the length of the fairground parking lot! Of course it was cold and wet and windy. I never dreamed that I would be wearing my down jacket in June. We huddled under our umbrellas and got to know our neighbors in line. That's part of the fun - right? You meet such nice people that way and figure out ways to stay warm. Finally, the gates opened at 10 a.m. and we hurried to get inside the building and thaw out. We were welcomed by a large tree that had been covered in patchwork fabric. It made a perfect "meeting" place. Then off we went. We knew about 8 vendors and set out to say hello and find new treasures. The crowd quickly grew -- and grew -- and grew. It got to the point that you had a difficult time getting through the crowd and even a more difficult time actually being able to see what the vendors had to sell. So, about 12:30 we decided we would leave, find some lunch, check out some of the many antique shops in downtown Spokane -- then return later in the afternoon.

We found an old burger joint - "Dick's - Buy them by the bag!" Just a good, old-fashioned burger and fries. The kind you could get before all the Mc D's and Wendy's hit the streets. The most expensive burger was $1.69! Very fresh and what a deal. It became our landmark to find our way back to our hotel and the freeway. A big sign with a panda on it. We still don't know the significance of panda. Wished I could have gotten a picture, but I would have had to stand on the opposite side of the freeway to take a picture that would have done it justice.

After perusing the local shops and fueling up on coffee, we headed back to Farm Chicks. The crowds had thinned considerably, making shopping much easier. The vendors actually had some time to chat. I never got to visit much with my friends from Flutterby, but I did get to meet Heather Bullard of the PresentPast Collection! I found some things to make into other things. Little bits and pieces that I will picture later this week. Feeling like we had seen everything, we headed to PF Changs for a cocktail and dinner. Then, it was back to the hotel for much needed rest. Sunday was the long drive home. It was a great experience and I met so many nice people. Diane and Kara were the best traveling partners and roommates.

I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked. The crowds made it difficult. I did get lots of pictures with someone's head or back as they stepped in front of me - ha! So here are the ones did get. Most are of our friends who worked really hard - and put in many, many hours to have the Farm Chicks experience. You guys did GREAT!

I will try to take some pictures of my purchases and post them later this week. It will be a busy week. Tonight we will attend my niece's graduation in Eugene, then go back on Wednesday night to celebrate my son's 24th birthday. How did that happen? He can't really be 24!! Then next Sunday is Father's Day - and that means I have a little over 2 weeks to prepare for my next show on July 4th!!! Yikes! Anyway, enjoy the pictures and check back for more! M.

Getting Ready For Farm Chicks

Many of my friends are getting ready to hit the road to attend the Farm Chicks Antique Show in Spokane, Washington this weekend. Most of them are vendors and the rest of us are shopping!!!

In preparation for the trip, I made a liner for my little shopping cart. It was really fun and there were so many possibilities to consider. I knew I wanted something that reflects my work and it had to have a pocket for my water bottle. I think I managed to nail it. I used a brown and ecru ticking and lined it with a little ecru and cream print cotton. I added a floral linen panel down the front and edged it with brown tatting. The top edge is an old tablecloth with crocheted lace.

I made an over-sized tag with my business name and embellished it with scraps of fabric, ribbon, lace, tulle, etc. It is definitely "me"!

I will take many, many pictures to share with you next week. In addition to shopping, we will celebrate Diane's (Molly Mo's) birthday! WOO HOO! Once we return, I will need to get serious and start making things for the July 4th antique show in Silverton. I have lots of ideas and need to get busy. Take care and have a great week. M.