Come See My Tearsures

As if starting a blog isn't challenging enough, I decided to open a booth in one of my favorite antique shops, Pure Potential, located in a small town north of where I live here in Michigan.  So of course, I've been hitting a few auctions and, this morning, an early visit to the flea market.  This afternoon we (hubby Bruce and I) sorted, cleaned and photographed some of the treasures.  We'll take it to the shop tomorrow; we already have our display pieces in place.  I still have a lot to do tonight before I can rest, so I'll leave you with some photos to give you a glimps of what we'll have for sale.  I'll have photos of everything in place at the booth tomorrow.  Goodnight sweet friends, I hope you enjoy my treasures.

Pretty botanicals, baskets, copper with fabulous patina,

crockery and vintage table clothes.

I love the wheelbarrow and garden theme on this table cloth.

A couple of great quilts.  Don't you just love those colors.

I don't know a lot about quilts, but I think the fabrics in this

 one look to be from the 1930's.  Maybe feed sacks?

I can't decide which side of this whole cloth quilt I like better.

I'm pretty sure this has wool batting.

My pretties. 

 I love this print; the frame has a little roughness -- 

(do think I should fix it?) the print is in perfect condition.

Lovely Silver.

I absolutely could NOT resist this print.  My most expensive

purchase at $30.  Don't you L-O-V-E it!

(Approx. 8" X 15")

And last but not least, a little pink, black and cream.

I think the pink bullet shaped vase is fiberglass and the black lazy-susan

has six bowls made out of a heavy, smooth plastic with white and grey speckles. 

I'm guessing late 1950' or early 1960's maybe.

These two are the reason some of the photos are a little blurry.

Don't let the innocent looks fool you!

Boy-Dog (left) and Hollyberry (right)  Holly-B's even flashing a

toothy grin to try to get out trouble. 

In the Land of Dreamy Dreams

This title is actually from a book of short stories that I read a long time ago; I think the author's name is Ellen Gilchrist, but I could be wrong -- it was such a long time ago.  Anyway, it seemed the appropriate title for this entry as I contemplate all the sweet women I've met in just one day of posting.  It's funny how you read other peoples' stories and you know many have had this experience before you.  But until you sit down and look at the names and read their blogs and take a quick peek into their lives, you don't really understand how profound an experience it is.  I'm usually not overly sentimental, but as I sit here tonight my heart is full of gratitude and a warm sense of belonging to a community nestled deep within the land of dreamy dreams.  Thank you all.  I look forward to sharing art and beauty and joy with each of you.

P.S.  I'm not sure where I got this photo. 

I may have even downloaded it from one of your blogs, if so, Thank You!

Here Goes Nothin'

Do you know those people out there who lurk in the shadows, watching, waiting, trying to size things up before stepping into the light so that they can be seen and heard?  Well, I've got a confession.  For the past year or so, I've been one of those people!  Not, of course, because I enjoy being a Peeping Tammy.  But rather, because I'm a bit of a profectionist with a touch of OCD and a mild fear of failure.  I'm also incredibly BAD at anything to do with my computer.

But, after scouting the neighborhood, reading some really good books (Tara Frey's Blogging for Bliss was particularly helpful) and pouring over every issue of Artful Blogging, I'm ready to take a chance.  I'm ready to step out of the shadows, introduce myself and invite you in for a chat.  And next time I'm in your neighborhood, I'll be sure to leave a little note letting you know I've been there and how much I liked your artwork, or gardens, or your thoughts for the day.

So now the last thing to do is pick a photo or two to include with this maiden post.  It's been a long winter here in Michigan, with snow still on the ground, so no photos of the current landscape please.  Maybe one from last summer.  I know just that one!  And maybe one or two that will tell you a little about the things I cherish as objects of my affection.

My cat Autumn in the Garden

Bathing Beauties - I love the old suits!

Country primatives

Victorian Trade Cards