Buttons!

Last weekend I met an elderly gentleman at the flea market who has been collecting buttons for many years.  I fell in love with a tray of rhinestone buttons and was able  to negotiate a price that I felt was reasonable for both of us. 

If any one has suggestions for a good resource to learn more about my new collection or a way to display them, please comment.

Lucas

Last week I mentioned that I'd be introducing a new friend soon. I am a member of a Facebook group called Pem Pals and have met some wonderful corgi lovers all over the world.  One of these friends lives in Pennsylvania.  I've been following this sweet story for a couple weeks and have been so touched by Jenifer's love for this little guy.  I think you will be too!

Lucas

The following was written by his new mom, Jenifer:

Our first corgi, Cowboy, went to the bridge in January. I wanted to wait to get another dog, but my husband wanted to get one sooner rather than later. My friend  was having an online auction for Horizon Animal Heroes, the rescue that had Lucas, and that is where I saw a picture of him. At first I didn't even consider trying to adopt him because I wasn't sure I was ready and he was in Oklahoma. Then I thought, why not, people have dogs transported all the time, we can give him a great home and even though I wanted to wait I was really lonely being at home by myself all day long. I emailed the rescue and they said they would do an out of state adoption and before I knew it I was trying to figure out how to get Lucas to us. I filled out an application with one transport company and it was accepted, but then it was a waiting game to see if and when anyone would be available to take him. In the mean time I happened to see a "sponsored" post on FB for a transport company. I called them up on Sunday night and the following Thursday Lucas was on his long 1200+ mile journey home! I was nervous about getting a dog that I had never met, but there is an 8 year old boy, Michael, who helps out at the rescue and he had played with Lucas so I knew he would be okay with my two girls. Lucas was found as a stray with a leg that had been broken and it was not able to be fixed so he had to have it amputated. 

Lucas with his beautiful new sisters!

He arrived last Sunday and  looks so happy with his new family. What a sweet boy!  If you would like to follow his progress, he has his own Facebook page (search for Lucas).

Here's what is on my mind these days...

I'm counting the days until spring!   We only have about three and a half weeks left.  Yesterday when I was working in my yard, I noticed some of my daffodils have buds on them.  Snow showers are expected this week but daffodils seem able to withstand severe weather.

Over the weekend I made this arrangement for my front door.  I saw the idea online last year and loved it.  The clear umbrella was purchased online. I stuffed three bouquets of tulips and some silk ivy inside and added a plaid bow.  It was  quick and easy and not expensive if you get the flowers on sale.

I think I heard the high-pitched call of the spring peepers behind my house tonight.  I love that sound.  It seems early for them and I hope they can tolerate the cold weather we're going to have in the next few weeks.

 

spring peeper

Next week I want to introduce you to a new friend!  Be sure and stop by  the first of the week.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Several months ago, my friend offered me this lovely china cabinet to use in my shop  to display china.    The cabinet belonged to her grandmother and she estimated that it was a least 75 years old.  Her grandmother owned a boarding house in downtown Richmond and used it in her dining room where she served her boarders. When my friend and her son delivered it to me in December, I was so taken by the beauty of the old wavy glass and the charm of the chipped green paint.  My first thought was I'd love to use it in my dining room instead of the shop.  After a few minor repairs, it was so much fun arranging these dishes in this beautiful piece.  They've been tucked away in a cabinet for several years and now I get to enjoy them every day.

It is so special to know the history behind this piece and I'm grateful that my friend wanted to share this gorgeous heirloom with me!

Sand and Snow

A friend offered me the use of her timeshare on the ocean this week.   Not even ten inches of snow in the forecast will keep me from heading to the ocean!  My neighbor and I drove there Monday night so we'd have all day Tuesday to play before the snow started that evening.  We found two great antique malls and had lunch at a beautiful waterfront restaurant.

 

 

Bootsie is the resident kitty at the antique mall.

Eight inches of snow fell Tuesday night and Wednesday morning the beach was beautiful.  This was the view from our ninth floor window.  We stayed in all day and evening and watched movies and read.

 We did invite a few feathered friends over for lunch.

 

 

This was the view from my bedroom this morning. I loved hearing the ocean waves before I went to sleep at night and seeing the sun rise over the water in the morning.  However, all great things come to an end and we had to head home this afternoon.  My corgi girls were glad to see me and it's always nice to get home after a short, relaxing trip. 

 

Have a great weekend!

Sewing Cabinet

I am excited to share this with you! About a month ago I bought this pine cabinet at the flea market for $35.  It was covered with scratches and radio station stickers (obvious work of a bored teen).  I contacted my beautiful friend, Erica, at Tattered Elegance to see if she was available to paint it for me.  I suggested a few colors and the dress form graphics. I knew she would create something I'd love.

 

 

 

 

I am in awe of her talent!  I love everything about my cabinet and had fun putting my notions, etc. in it last night.

 

Have a great weekend.  I'll be visiting my sister and "thrifting" quite a bit.

Happy New Year!

I've spent most of today putting away my Christmas decorations. My house seems sparse and uninviting without all the color and twinkling lights.  

This past Sunday I had all of my extended family for a fun afternoon.  I thought you'd enjoy this picture of my crazy brother (no hair) and cousin (lots of hair) mingling with my carolers on the front porch.

This was a great holiday season for me.  I spent lots of time with my family just having fun.  Early in December my niece spent four days with me.  I spent three days in Williamsburg with friends around the middle of the month.  The Sunday before Christmas I went with my sister and her family on a train trip to New York City. We left on Sunday, saw the holiday show at RCMH that night and came back the next day.  It was a six hour ride to the city but the train was very clean and comfortable.  I can't wait to go back!
 

 

 

New Year's Eve was quiet at my house.  I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with one of my neighbors and then settled in with my corgi girls.  I tried to talk Miss Heidi into staying awake to watch the ball drop with me, but it didn't work!

 

 

My head is  full of thoughts about things I want to accomplish in this new year.  We'll see how that will work out for me. 

 

I hope you enjoyed your holiday and the corgi girls and I wish you a year of good health and fun adventures.