What's The Story

I know I've mentioned many times that one of my favorite pastimes is driving the country side looking at old houses, abandoned places, and wondering over and over what the story is behind these places.  Did the family decide to move on to better things.  Were they old and no longer living and family didn't want the places.  Why were they abandoned, left to ruin in the elements.  So many questions and I just often wonder what's happened to the families that they didn't or couldn't keep the places going.

One house that I've often wondered about is located in downtown Anderson Texas.  If you ever been through Anderson you know if you blink you've missed it.  It's located near Navasota, and we've passed this town many times on our way to Warrenton for the shows.

Last Sunday when we were out that way, I stopped and asked a friend of mine what the story was behind this house:

 He said the house was owned by several family members and none of them wanted to do anything with the property, so it's slowing ruining.  At one time you could tell this was a prominent house.  It sits on the main street and even though it's almost in ruins, it still has such character.  I can just envision kids playing in the yard behind the once beautiful picket fence.

 See you can tell it was a two story farm house.  I wanted to go in so bad and explore it, but my friend said that if I even put one foot past the picket fence I'd be arrested.  He said so far about eight people have been arrested for exploring (or probably stealing things from the place).

 

 Look at the chimney that still sits beside the place.  I could see a fire coming out of it in the coolness of the day.

 

 The sun that was shining through was so pretty.

 

More of the top story that doesn't have much left to it.

 

 Here's a close up view of the porch.

Now the property sits on about 3 square blocks or more.  There's the abandoned house, the storage building next door, that was part of the store, which is also next to the storage building.

Here's what left of the store that's located on the corner of the property.  I could see it too had a chimney in it.

 You know I had to take a picture of the church located right around the corner from this place.

 

At least it hasn't been torn down or left to the elements.  I hope you enjoyed the tour and if you are ever in Anderson Tx check out this place.  There are several shops located downtown as well.  Happy Saturday to you all.  Wait until you see where we went this weekend, you are sssssssoooooooooo going to wish you had tagged along!  Can't wait to show you.

It's Friday and We are headed on the Junkin Trail!!

It's Friday and we are headed out of town on a shopping trip!!  I can't wait to hit the road in search of treasures.  We (yes my husband and I and even our son has decided to tag along and...we are meeting up with friends on our trip) are super excited because I know we are going to find treasures along the way and see people we know and find things we love.  We've never come back empty handed from this trip before and we go every year, so look out, we'll be on the prowl and super focused.  If you see me and I don't speak it's because I'm on a mission.

But before we hit the road, I wanted to show ya'll my office redo.  My vintage things in my office are what helps me sit there 8 hours, do my work, and gets me through the day.  Let me take you through the tour:

Don't you just love the bittersweet draped across the mirror.  I bought the mirror many years ago from a dealer in my town for $3.00, can you believe it, look at the patina on it.  The small mirror in front of the larger one was bought too for $3.00.  The green pumpkin and bittersweet are from Missouri.  The leather bound books, the tin container, mallard, and planter make the vignette. There's a wicker bottle in the back with coral and a shell too.

 

 I just bought the green crushed velvet pillow last weekend.  I just loved the look of it.  The wicker chair has a story too.  My husband works for our local college and found it sitting next to the trash.  Can you believe that someone would want to throw it away.  It has specks of pink paint peeking through.  I've had it for many years and another thing I just love.  Yes, even my husband will dumpster dive except in this case it was just waiting for him.

 

The hunting pic in the background was bought recently from Jill of Jill Suzanne in Warrenton.  I didn't mind that it had water stains, just added more character to it.

 

Here's a close up shot of the leather bound books.  The taller one is a ledger and the other is a dictionary.

 

 The Mallard duck was bought from Ms. Judy Hill during the last Marburger show.  Isn't it pretty!

 

 Here's another close up shot of the duck.

 

 The metal box was found this last weekend with Ms. Jo Harmon.  I loved the initials on the top and thought it would be great during the Holiday season filled with goodies.

 

Now take a look at this ledger book.  It's from 1927 and was used to record farm, garden, and other sales.  How cool was that.  I loved the worn look of it.  It too was found this past weekend in Canton.

 

Click on the picture to get a better look of the 1927 date.  Hope you enjoyed my office tour.  Check back in a few days for pictures of our trip, who we saw, what we bought, and for complete tales of our junkin adventure.

Flowers Uncut

Have you seen TLC's New TV Show, Flower's Uncut with Jeff Leatham.  What brilliant works of art are created with flowers for special events.  I always thought how cool it would be to work with flowers day in and day out, this is still one of my dream jobs. 

 

Check out the show on Wednesday night's on TLC, I think it's going to become a fast favorite of mine.

White Wednesday at Angie's Home

I was going to feature a different set of homes for Kathleen's White Wednesday, but you will have to wait for another post to see these homes.  Instead, after seeing Angie's Home on LuAnn and Casey's blog, Patina Green, I just had to show you how absolutely gorgeous it is.  There are many more pictures on her home on their site, so be sure and check them out.  I hope you girls don't mind that I'm using your pics, they are just awesome.

Now look at all the creamy white, slipcovered things, and patina on the piano and mirror.  I probably could sit in that comfy chair looking for hours at a book and never move.

Ironstone galore, do we ever tire of it?  I know I don't, I can't seem to get enough and then I have a hard time parting with it.

This beautiful guest bedroom would make your guests not ever want to leave!

(all pics ~ Patina Green)

And the porch, so simple, so pretty, reminds me of how times were in the past.  That bird cage is just awesome and I still love wicker so.  Hope you are having a great Wednesday, be sure and check out Kathleen's other White Wednesday partipants on her blog.

November Events

November is a busy month in Texas.  I'd thought I'd go ahead and show you some of the events listed on my side bar so that if you're in the area you can be sure and check these out.

November 5-7: Warehouse Sale, Waco Tx, check out Troy's blog for details.

November 7:  The Junk Palace in Malakoff Tx is continuing their closing out sale.  See Lillie's blog for more details.  The town of Malakoff is also having a Community Wide Sale on Nov. 14 that you can check out here for more details.

November 8th: Urban Market, one day event in Houston Tx.  Here's a list of just a few of the vendors you can find here, Peg of French Vanilla, Joyce of Joyce Shillings Antiques, Linda of Willow's Nest, Carolyn of Carolyn Westbrook Home, and Melonie of The Seed Box Antiques.  Click on their site for more info.

(Peg's booth at Urban Market)

November 12-14: Carol Carroll's Holiday Open House and Sale, Temple Tx.  Carol had her first open house and sale last year and I was privileged to attend.  This year she's expanded with a few more vendors that will be setting up with her as well as everything in her home will be for sale.  As time gets closer, I'll do a post with more info. and who all you can expect to find here.  You can contact Carol for more info., which is listed on my side bar.

November 12-14: Open House at Bloom and Bee Swanky Antiques Shop in Waco.  See Amy's blog for more details.  She will also be at the Junior League show this coming up next weekend.

November 14-15: My friends Brandi and Micki are having a Barn Sale at their place in Driftwood  Texas.  This mother and daughter team comb the countryside looking for the unusual for your home and garden.  You can also find their booth at Uncommon Objects in Austin full of unusual and unique things.  Be sure and make plans to attend their Barn Sale and be the first to own some of their treasures.  Here's the info. on their barn sale:

(Click on the picture for more details)

November 19: Ann Perry, who owns The Tin Rabbit Antique Shop in Melrose Tx is having a Holiday Open House.  I've featured Ann several times and I can tell you this is one Open House you don't want to miss.  If you can't wait until then you can find her things at The Heritage Antiques Shop in Lufkin Texas.  I'll provide more details as time gets closer to her Open House.

 (Ann's beautiful home)

November 19: Holiday Open House at Gathering's Antique Shop in Georgetown Texas from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm.  Returning this holiday season they will have their famous Campagna Hot Pepper Jelly.  For those of you who joined them last year, remember the great cheesecake they served with crackers and the great Sparkling wine...all will be returning this year.  The jelly makes great gifts (it sold out last year!)!!  Here's their address: 1009 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX or you can call (512) 930-2600 for more details.

November 27-28: Holiday Open House at Winnie and Tulula's in Athens Tx.  This is a Christmas event not to be missed.  Check out their blog for more details.  The shop will be closed the week prior to the event and will not reopen until that Friday at 4:00 pm.  I'm really excited about the open house because I'll be decorating one of the windows; Lillie will be decorating the other window.  Please make plans to come out to this event and enjoy seeing all the Christmas displays as well as visiting and eating with friends.

(click on the picture for more details)

Hope to see you at least at one of the events.

Antique Gypsy

The Antique Gypsy shop is located in downtown Brenham Tx.  If you are driving down the main street you can't miss this shop.  The owner always decorates her windows so cute for each season, which I just love that they are constantly changing.  She has even acquired more space next door and expanded her shop.  I remember the first time I discovered her shop many years ago, it was just decorated to the max with the most unique things.  It seems through the years her shop has changed and she seemed to have more vendors back then.  She's also carrying more new things and her look is just different now.  I mainly took pictures of white things, but she has a lot more rooms that I didn't include and she's now carrying shoes.

 

 Loved this cute medical cabinet.

 

Can you see all the doll parts in the glass containter.

 

 I really liked this chippy white table.

 

 This was a cute cabinet.

 

 This cabinet was filled with pretty Christmas houses.

Tell me what you think or better yet the next time you are in her area, stop by and check it out for yourself. Antique Gypsy is located at 204 W Alamo St, Brenham.

It was a Beautiful Sunday

in Warrenton and Carmine Texas.  I love driving the countryside on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and exploring it.  Seeing the historic homes is probably one of my favorite things to do, besides antiquing of course.  Here are beautiful homes we saw in Carmine:

Beautiful porch to sit on and have a relaxing day.

 

I loved the tallness of this house.  It seemed to command attention.

 

Of course picket fences always catch my eye.

 

Flags flying in the breeze.

 

Now, this home has caught my eye many times.  Probably because it's white and just seems so inviting.

 

Here's another side view of it.  There appears to be guest quarters in the back.  Maybe it's a B&B, I'm not sure, just really like it.

 

Of course I love churches equally as much as historic homes.  This one is at the end of the street.  Tomorrow I'll post a shop that we stopped at.  Then, on Wednesday, wait until you see these homes! You'll be shocked.  How was your weekend?

The Winner Is...

Charlene from My Hearts Ease.  She won the $50 gift certificate and Starbucks Gift Card!!  What a great Halloween surprise!!  Enjoy Charlene and congrats!!

 (this is a picture of her house~isn't it gorgeous)

Be sure and check out her blog.  She's a Texas girl.  Thanks to all who entered and left comments.

A Lot of Sales

We just got back from Canton, what a day.  Found lots of cool things that I'll show tomorrow.  I want to tell you about a few things going on this weekend.

First, don't forget that the girls at The Red Shed are having their sale tomorrow, bright and early tomorrow morning at 8:00 am.  You don't want to miss it if you are in the Grapevine area.  Here's their blog, so check it out for more details.  Also, Michelle was in the Dallas News last weekend and they did a fabulous article on her.  Go here to read it.  I didn't realize she had battled cancer, you go girl, great job on the article and beating this horrible disease.

Secondly, I'm having a PINK TAG sale at Winnie and Tulula's in Athen's Tx.  A friend of mine is battling cancer and I wanted to do something special to help her in a small way with her expenses.  Part of my sale proceeds will go to her to offset her expenses.  If you are in Athens, please stop by and check out my sale there.  It's for a good cause.  If you see something you really like and it's not on sale, have them call me.  I'll do another post on this later next week to give you more info. on her.

Lastly, if you are in Quinlan, you have to stop by and see Jo at the Hunt Co. Trade Days.  She just brought in a new load today and I was so excited to be one of the first to see it.  She's has tons of things that can be used in your home or garden, lots of garden concrete status, chairs, tables, ironstone, angels ~ there were angel statues everywhere.  Jo is located at Hunt County Trade Center, Hwy. 751, Shop #18 & 19, Quinlan Tx., or call her at 903/456-4129

Here's pics of what you'll find at her place this weekend:

 

 

 

 

Don't forgot about my Anniversary giveaway, it's not too late to enter if you haven't done so already. Happy Weekend to all!!

White Wednesday at Homestead

When we were in Hico this past weekend, we were told that the Homestead Store has a "White Store" and that we should check it out, so we did.  It was creamy and just the right shades of white in just the right building:

 Look at the whites on this bed and burlap bags in the background could have so many uses.

 

  You know I love gardening things and this statue was sure calling my name.

 

  Cute cones, ready to give as a gift.

 

 The large cinnamon sticks were a big hit with customers.

 

 

 Can you see the limestone on the building.

 

 Another gardening statue, too pretty.

 A wall of pictures, great idea. I probably will have to steal, I mean borrow this idea.

 

Vintage pages with dried botanicals.  What a great collection they had.

Next time you are in Hico, check out The Homesteads White Store.  It's located right around the corner from their main store.

Angélique's Giveaway

Angélique at Six in One Hand is having a giveaway  and you have to check it out here.  With it being so close to Christmas, you could possibly get your shopping started early by winning a $50 gift card from her.  What are you waiting for, go on over and enter:

With all the giveaways going on, you have just increased your chances in possibly winning something.  All you have to do is enter on Angélique's blog and let her know you're interested and don't forget about my Anniversary giveaway as well as Anne's!

Golightly's Antiques

We had to make a final stop after we left Lonestars at Golightly's to see Lynn's booth of course.  It was fabulous, as I knew it would be.  Here's what we saw here:

I love the way Lynn decorates her room, especially the vintage linens that she uses.  Of course the ones I wanted all said display on them; they were gorgeous.  Lynn does have a blog, White Washed, I so wish she'd get it going. She could inspire us each week just posting from her booth.

 

More white inspiration here.

 

 

 Lynn also sells candles, sprays, and sachet bags.

 

 I'm not sure who the dealer was in this blue room, it just caught my eye.

 

 They were all ready for Christmas here too.

If you are in the North Richland Hills area be sure and look up Golightly's.  They have a tea room here and check out their blog.

Lonestar's Antiques

is so huge and there are so many booths to see, that it will take you a while to see it all.  Here's what caught my eye:

 Felicia Blair's booth-Bountiful.  She is such a talented vendor and finds some of the coolest things.  I'm told she has quite a following and if you aren't there when she unloads you can forget about coming back to get something.  She said she'd sold several big pieces and her booth was pretty empty.  What a great problem to have.

 

Love all creamy white color and that bird cage was very tempting.

 

 Her pillows are hot sellers and the decopauged door was too cute too.

 

 Another view of the bird cage.

 

 Romantic lighting can be found in Felicia's booth.

 

 Here's Denis and Mary of Ruby Grace's booth.  Loved all the pink and retro things here.

 

 That pink awning is a keeper.

 

 Denis said that things keep selling off this wall.  He puts it together and it sells.  Denis, come and help me rearrange my things!

 

All shades of blue just work together.

 

This is Dorthy of the Shabby Y's booth.

 

Cute Vignette.

  

 More Shabby Y.

Here's Tiina of Dream in Cream's booth.

 

 

Loved the walls, great job Tina.

And look who we ran into, Denis of Ruby Grace:

Okay , I won't say anything to embarrass him!  Great pic Denis. 

I hope you will want to visit Lonestars and check out some of the awesome vendors here.  This is only a very small portion of what you can find here.  If you are in the Fort Worth area be sure and check out this Mall.  Stay tuned, we are headed to Golightly's Antiques Shop next.

My Anniversary Giveaway

Okay my blog friends I've given it some serious thought as to what my giveaway will be, so here goes.  If you are the lucky winner you will win a $50 gift certificate

to either shop online at my Blog Shop or if you see something at one of my booths at Winnie or Tulula's or Heritage Antiques either in person or on my blog from my posts you can choose an item AND you all know how much I love coffee, so you will also a win a bag of your choice of either Starbucks Coffee, Hot Chocolate or Tea - it's your choice!

So hurry, enter my Blog Anniversary drawing, you still have time.  You can leave me a comment here or see my Anniversary Post here.  The drawing will be held on Halloween, October 31st at 7:00 PM.

Saturday's Birthday Trip

Yesterday we loaded up and headed down the road very early to celebrate Junkin Buddy's Birthday.  She had no idea where we were headed (well maybe a hint or two) and our first destination was Hico Tx to see the Homestead Store and to check out the Tent Sale and Antique Fair that was set up next to the store.

The first person I found was Felicia Blair of Bountiful, whose booth I have visited several times at The Lonestar Antique Mall in Fort Worth.  She said this was her first show ever to do.  I think she did a really great job, here's what's left of her booth.  I understand it was hit pretty hard on Friday, I can imagine why, she finds the best things:

 

 

 

 

Here we all are posing for the camera (her sister-in-law so kindly took the photo, she too has a blog, a la parisienne, that you have to check out here):

 

(Myself, Linda, Felicia and Marion in front)

The next person we saw was Linda of Willow's Nest booth.  It was so pretty, all in pink and ready for Christmas:

Look at the pretty pink columns, Linda's signature color.

Love the pink ruffled stocking, ready to put on your mantle and have Santa fill it up.

 Another pink setting.

 

  Now this blue peely cabinet was my favorite as it is hers.  Just loved the look of it.

Cute vintage wall paper in the back ground that lines this shelf.

Next on our list of people to see here was Dorthy of the Shabby Y.  She too has a space in Lonestar Antiques:

 

 

 She takes things and repurposes them.  Loved the corset here.

Our last booth to see was Amy of Bloom and Bee Swanky.  I can't wait to see her shop in Waco since it's been so long since we last visited.  We'll see you in a couple of weeks Amy:

 

 

 

This dress made of gloves is so pretty close up.  What a great idea Amy!

Our last stop was to visit The Homestead:

 

 

 

Wait until you see The Homestead's "White Store" that is located around the corner from this store.  I'm saving that post for White Wednesday.  Check back tomorrow when I show you what caught our eye in Fort Worth.  Happy Sunday to you all!

October 17, 2006

was the day I started my blog and it has taken me places and to people that I could have never imagined I'd go or meet.  And, of all things, to miss my Blog Anniversary date.  So, you wonder how I missed this very important date, well I'm sure life and work and all that life brings.

Speaking of life, I am so loving Debra's new blog, A Day In The Life.  If you are missing something in your life and have doubts and a million questions about life, check out her posts. You will not leave the same once you read them, she's so full of wisdom from God and with today's hectic life we all need reminders who we serve and who our provider is and who blesses us daily with all things, the Almighty God.  Thanks Debra for listening to God and starting this new blog.

Okay, I know you are wondering, well what will I do to celebrate my Blog Anniversary.  Well I have no clue, but it has to be super super good, right, to make up for missing it.  First, let me tell you what led me down this road.  I had discovered several blogs, like Debbie Dusenbury's and Elizabeth Maxson's and I was hooked.  But I wondered what exactly is a blog and could I create one?  I am pretty good with a computer but had a lot to learn from my very first post, which you can read here.

Now, on to the celebration.  There has to be fireworks to celebrate, don't you think:

If I invite you to my Blog Anniversary Party, will you come?  You don't have to dress up unless you want to, you can come as you are.  So, you ask what are the details of the party and you want to win a prize too!!  I don't blame you, sounds good doesn't it.  Well here are the rules:

**Leave a comment on this post and if you aren't a follower here's your chance to become one.

**If you leave a comment and tell me you are a follower or that you've just signed up to be one, I'll enter your name twice.

**If you do a post on my Anniversary I'll enter your name three times (now here's upping your chance to win)!

**If you just leave me a comment, you'll at least get one chance.  Or as many as you want depending on how many comments you leave me.

Of course there will be refreshments, if you've ever attended any party I've had there's always refreshments, here's proof from the last one I had:

 Blog Party during the Fall Antique Show

 

(Photo: Sweet Pea)

I know you want to know what the prize is, well I'll come up with something good and I promise you you won't want to miss out on winning it.  I'll do a post this weekend on the prize and to up your chance of throwing your name in the hat to win.

So in the mean time, tell me why you started blogging, or what has led you to blogs or are you just a lurker?  I'd really like to know.

And...I'd like to know what you collect?  Here are a few things I like:  tarnished silver, wasp nests, ironston, vintage christmas ornaments, seam binding, globes, flower frogs, trophys, chandeliars, anything with vintage flags on them, pictures of lambs or dogs with children, fish tanks, mirrors with the silver missing, cement urns, apothcary bottles, rosaries and vintage crosses, butter pats, oh the list could go on and on....

Who is talking about this...:
Jill at Gypsy Brocante
Anne at Fiona & Twig
Bibby's Rocket
Debra at Common Ground
Deb at Talking Trash
Shelley at Sweet Pea
Gale at Wizard of Once Was 
Heidi at Dreams Intertwined
Mary Ellen at Mary's Meanderings
Angelique at Six In One Hand
Connie at She Dreams Big
Dawn at  The Feathered Nest
Susie at From My Home to Yours
Sheila at Tattered Goods
Auntie Cakes
Candy at Rock Hard Candy
Dolls Etc.
Charlene at My Hearts Ease
Cat at Writing Out Loud
Adrienne at The Flying Bee

Bargains This Saturday

If you live in Texas you have to head to Malakoff Texas and check out Lille of The Junk Palace's sale this Saturday.  She is closing her shop and is offering deals to all.  You don't want to miss visiting her shop for BARGAINS GALORE.  Check out her blog or contact her for more info.

I hate to hear that she is closing her shop, she finds some of the best things, but you can still find her at Winnie and Tulula's in Athens.  Let me know if you go and what you find.