church, salvage, my sweater, more fiestaware, art journals

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Shanda

Parker the dog woofed and woofed to let us know that our annual visit from the mallard ducks happened this morning. I opened the door to admire the ducks floating gracefully on the pond. He was still barking at the waters edge and I understood what he was trying to say so I called down, “I SEE THEM, Parker, THANK YOU!!” Caleb, coughing at the end of the couch, also understood, “It’s a sign of spring.” The ground is covered in snow and the pond has a thin sheet of ice over half of it but this faithful visit from our old friends cheered our hearts. It’s currently 31 degrees. I will be leaving in about an hour to go pick up Caleb’s school work so he can do it this weekend and not get too far behind. Thankfully, he is feeling much better.

As promised, this is a photo- blog- journal report on SUNDAY the 18th of March. Grace and I had slept together in a hotel the night before and Joanna picked us up for church at 9:45. At church, we enjoyed singing hymns, listening to Scripture, and hearing a sermon before heading out for lunch at a popular diner. Joanna treated us to a very filling meal and we sat by a big window, talking and laughing as we ate.

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Grace had a steak. Joanna and I both had huge de-constructed gyro salads. (SO good) (could not finish)

With very full tummies we headed out for a few hours of shopping.

olde good things

Olde Good Things was a huge warehouse full of architectural salvage. We walked through the door and immediately became inspired by the smells of dust, old wood, paint, rust, and metal, and invigorated by the cold temperatures of the warehouse. The building was stacked floor to ceiling with everything imaginable coming out of old hotels, buildings, churches, and museums of the past.

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There was even a horse hanging from the ceiling.

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We explored to our hearts content.

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And as typical of her, Grace climbed into every upper level, no matter if the floors were uneven and stairs steep and deadly. I kept expecting her to fall or have things fall on her. 18 years old and she still awakens the “I must keep my child alive” nervousness in me. She has always loved climbing, so much so that one of her childhood nicknames (which she hated) was “Grace Goat”.

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Some of Olde Good Things’ salvage jobs have been The Plaza Hotel in NYC, the JFK International airport, and Rialto Theatre, Times Square NYC. Check their website for all the interesting details. Joanna has been following them and visiting their warehouse for years. I was once again impressed by her design sense, she has great instincts and ideas.

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a feast for the eyes

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We were upstairs in a “door section” (the stuff was all very informally organized) I arranged Grace (in my favorite sweater) in front of a white wooden door, I imagine it must have been a back kitchen door as someone resourcefully covered it in blue linoleum.

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This upstairs floor was loose sections of open iron grating, giving us a strange feeling of fear, we were up so high but knew we were safe enough because after all there were thousands of doors, wooden pillars and posts, and so on. But then to see, instead of “safe” steps, an unsecured little ladder leading up to yet another level and the words BE CAREFUL WATCH OUT. . . . .it was amazing.

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Everything about this place was inspiring to all three of us.

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a treasure trove of old metal

***

NEXT STOP WAS

on and on vintage, antiques, repurposed, handmade marketplace

in Scranton, PA.

This place was wonderful, not just because of the stuff they sold, but because the owners were so warm and cheerful and obviously liked each other, their shop, and their customers. They were due to close in five minutes but happily stayed open for us. (!)

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Right away Joanna asked if they had fiestaware and the lady led us straight to a few displays. I wanted the vintage green covered casserole quite badly but sadly there was a big chip on the lid. It was 25 dollars. I did find two place-setting bowls in retired colors, Seamist and Chartreuse, still shiny and perfect.

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We wondered why These Happy Golden Years wasn’t in the box. Laura Ingalls Wilder fans for life!

The combination of the chair and the quilt stopped Joanna in her tracks.

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Lastly, Joanna took us to two local Indian grocery stores where we had a great time buying some snacks, drinks, and treats to take home with us.

We went back to Joanna’s house feeling full in every way; physically, mentally, and spiritually. . . . .

We had just an hour or so to do the one remaining thing on Joanna’s list of things she wanted to do with me during our visit.

art journals

She set to work painting pages in my book while I looked through her art book, and Chloe’s, too. Grace did her homework across the table. Steve and the older boys were in the living room and the littles came in and out to see what we were doing. It was cozy with beautiful music that Joanna turned on for us, filling the air with hymns and praise songs. . . .

She was on her mom’s shoulder like this for a long time. . . .so dear.

Joanna’s art supplies purchase recommendations for the next time I go to AC Moore.

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Behind me was the wall she started recently for the little ones. . .tiny art in tiny frames, carefully arranged way down low, eye level for toddlers. Just right for the small ones in the family. Mini-art gallery perfection.

Grace and I had to leave at 7:ish so that we could get her things from the hotel and take her back to college before 8. I took her to the grocery store quickly for some healthy snacks and drinks and some cash so that her Grandma and I could have peace of mind that she had everything she needed. I took her to school and helped her get her things back into her dorm room, taking away her Christmas tree. We hugged outside the building in the dark and even after all day of me saying “don’t forget you have to change out of my sweater before I drop you off” she somehow still got away with it. In leaving my beloved, I forgot my sweater. We had a good laugh about that the next day.

Thank you again for a great weekend, Joanna! I was touched by the time and thoughtfulness you put into making plans for us. It was truly appreciated way down deep.

And God bless you, Grace, as you finish up your first year of college.

my birthday {2018}

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Shanda

Yesterday was my birthday and Rich took the day off. We had such a nice day together. We took our books to the diner but never touched them. We had plenty of things to talk about. I had wanted him to try the homemade corned beef hash and we both ordered it with eggs and toast. He liked it so much that he took me back for lunch so he could order it again. Between breakfast and lunch he ate half a dozen eggs (over medium) and lots of hash.

He told me stories about his wrestling team and at one point we noticed one of the youth wrestlers across the room eating with his grandma and Rich went over to shake his hand and say hello. During our meal he told me about a freshman who began the season so soft that he couldn’t do a pull up. He couldn’t do a sit up. But on Friday as they did conditioning Rich noticed him from across the room and he was easily doing pull ups on his own. “Hey how many of those could you do when you first began the season?” he called. “Zero, Coach!” was the happy answer. He told me that wrestling is hard work, hard practices, but one of the boys answers when Rich asks, “How’re ya feeling?” “Like a million bucks, Coach!” We’re both so proud of the team captain who was so shy she cried when she first started having to speak publicly for the team a few years ago. “She’s something else, Shan, she’s going to be something someday. She’s brave in her own way.” and he told me a story about wrestling tape and singlets and how she got things done. They aren’t perfect kids by any means, but they’ve been a pleasure for Rich to work with this year. States are on Saturday!

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We left the diner and headed out to mail something to our son Jacob and then Rich said, “Where are we going? It’s your birthday we can do anything.” So I said, “Please please won’t you take me to the antique store in Sturbridge?” and he did. Happiness is going to an antique store that you haven’t visited in a very long time. We had plenty of time so I looked at every single thing in the store (two floors).

The first thing I studied (through the glass door) was stone fruit. I’ve noticed over the years that I always pause over fake fruit. How dumb. But I do not collect it. However, I was reading a magazine over Christmas and there was an article in it on “what is hot to collect next”‘. Stone fruit was on the list along with a picture. If you look at the fruit you would not think it was made of a solid stone, it looks lifelike, with bruises on the bananas and markings. I made the decision that I would keep my eyes open for stone fruit since now I know it’s not dumb—after all, the magazine said it was a hot collectors item for 2018! I didn’t buy any yesterday. I didn’t realize it was so pricey. But I believe I will come across it during some of my thrifting trips. . . . . . .

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Dawn, of course I thought of you, and my mom, too. Vintage paper valentines!!!

This display case is done so beautifully!

Makes me want a display case in my own house that I can play with!

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Rich walked over to me with a Valentine and told me to put it in our stack of purchases for the day. Inside it said:

Someday when I am older,
I think it would be fine
If you would be,
Sweetheart, to me
A loving Valentine

So many things brought tears to my eyes yesterday, I was deeply sentimental.

I went in for a hug about 7 times while we were browsing.

It was a love-connection day.

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I took pictures of things that I thought were interesting but not interesting enough to purchase. One of the reasons that I love antiquing and thrift store shopping is it’s educational in a way, you get a sense of times past. You can see the things that were in style 100 years ago…old photos, postcards, jewelry, art. I love history.

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69.00 Excellent Shape 🙂

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This Cast Iron Amish Family tickled my fancy

Baby photography from time gone by….I LOVE THIS LAUGHING BABY in a basket!!!!

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I collect HLC Fiestaware so I always always search for it. I found this little set of black fiesta which was interesting because you don’t really see black out in “the wild” much. The bowls were priced at 7 dollars each, the gravy boat was 14. The creamer was missing from the coffee set. I picked it up and looked it over but left it as I do have four small black fruit dishes already.

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“There really isn’t anything much to look at over here,” he teased.

“Oh look! Gray! I hardly ever see gray!”

“Who on earth would want GRAY FIESTAWARE?”

“Take my picture!”

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The mug and two bread plates were new, but the dinner plates were vintage gray so I bought one of them. I’ve always liked gray in combination with pink and I have lots of Rose fiesta.

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The very bottom plate was a vintage Ivory chop plate in very good condition. I LOVE chop plates they are so big and make lovely platters.

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**the most cheerful teacups** only 3 dollars said the sticker

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Not fiesta ~ ~ and yet I took a photo because Springtime! Roses! Pink! Valentine’s Day!

One last picture before getting our totals added and seeing how much we spent!

It really wasn’t too bad.

And then……time to drive down the road to pick out my birthday cakes.

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At my favorite bakery. . . .

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I got a chocolate peanut butter and a carrot cake.

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And then…..lunch. As we got out of the truck to walk in the diner I noticed some people looking at me through the window. “They must think I’m pretty or they can tell it’s my birthday”, I thought to myself. But when we went in and walked to an empty table the man called out to Rich, “Hey, we were just admiring your truck! That is one nice truck!” It was awesome. I simply love being humbled.

Generously buttered sour dough toast dipped in homemade clam chowder? Comfort food. Across the table from my very own husband of more than 20 years? Soul-comfort.

WHEN I GOT HOME THERE WAS A LITTLE PACKAGE and it was from my parents….a birthday check AND a homemade glorified dishcloth from MOM. She made it up as she went along with an idea she had in mind. I placed it on a scarlet cake plate to take a picture.

I love it.

When I asked him to take a picture of me with the dishcloth so I could send it to mom, he took this first.

My husband and my fiestaware. All very important to me. 🙂 I choose the middle.

My birthday gifts from the antique store:

kitchen towel made from a flour sack with embroidery and three red and white doilies (MUCH less expensive than anthropologie!)
betty crocker kitchen toy set (I LOVE)
blue ceramic spoon (fiesta kitchen craft–a great find at 5 dollars!!!)
snake book for Caleb
Abe Lincoln book to read to the children
and a Stereoscope viewer–Rich’s find, along with a stack of photos (very cool!)

The next time I bake Sarah and I will do some miniature baking. There are 2 cake pans, a muffin tin, a pie tin, a tiny cookie sheet, and mini cookie cutters. So darling.

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Rich had a meeting at 5 and I spent time doing a puzzle and guess what? Another gift from God—SUNSHINE after days of gloom and rain. The cat agrees–sunshine is wonderful.

MY FRIEND HANNAH who is on vacation in Hawaii, sent me this photo!!

And Joanna called to sing Happy Birthday. We had the best little chat on the phone.

So many gratitude tears!

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The other day this package came from brother Dave. He always remembers and he knows me so well. Thank you Dave! I got loving texts from my other 2 brothers and my sister and other family members throughout the day. And of course Facebook makes birthdays extra fun and I heard from so many people I love. So thankful to be on earth with all of you at this time.

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Rich took the video but when he stopped it he said, “I’m so sorry but that was like the worse singing of happy birthday we’ve ever had.” I was thinking the same thing which is why I blew out the candles before the last note was finished. LOL

sixty years ago and more

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Shanda

My mom read the last blog post and said maybe Jean’s recipes were still at the Thrift store so naturally I went down there this morning to see if they were. I said to myself, “Also, if there are anymore of those scrapbooks I will buy them.” There were no recipes anywhere and I came away with 20 or so scrapbooks and two books for 3 dollars. I felt rather like I was getting away with something. These books are a treasure trove of history.

I sat on the porch for a long time this morning, quietly turning the pages and only getting through two of them. They are delightfully engrossing.

“Afghans watch television at an American exhibit in Kabul.”

Look at their eyes.

Jean was a teacher. And as of the scrapbooks that I have, she was not married. There aren’t any personal things about her in the books but some cards and little notes given to her by friends and/or acquaintances, and a couple small certificates. There are no personal opinions or notes. The only key to her personality are the clipping she saved. Things like politics, weather, historical sights, antique furniture, poems, quotes, comics, bible verses or prayers, and animal photos. “You can know a lot about a person by the things they collect.”

“the information that he had been stricken by what is commonly called a stroke was camouflaged in medical double talk.”

“Grant us the grace of perspective as we listen to the centuries rather than to the hours.”

He’s so cute, he’s the same age as my Seth!!! So adorable.

“Photographing Animals is a Fascinating Hobby” I can agree to that.

“The duck has established an imaginary boundary line and every time Frank crosses it, the duck jumps in front of him and quacks loudly until the child turns back.”

“There is nothing too little for so little a creature as man. It is by studying little things that we attain the great knowledge of having as little misery and as much happiness as possible.”

“Mrs. John F Kennedy moving from the White House with her two children today.”

“We are tired of television and of staring stupidly into the screen.”

“We aim to get together and have some fun instead.”

******

I stared at the date on the calendar when I came back inside. To my surprise, it was 2016.

Have you ever had that feeling before?

vacation day 1

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Shanda

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Rich drove me to the airport when the stars were still out and the moon was bright and beautiful. It was 15 degrees. My love and I shivered until the heat warmed up the vehicle……he left me with kisses and a wave at the airport and I was on my way.

The first flight into Atlanta, GA was uneventful. I was in the very last seat in the back of the plane, without even a window. A young woman sat beside me and promptly fell asleep. I read from the book Beth recommended to me, The Deed of Paksenarrion, by Elizabeth Moon. I also read As a Man Thinketh (an old purchase on my kindle). I had forgotten my Bible and needed something for my soul and if you are interested in a good application of Phillipians 4:8, this is highly worth reading. I jotted down quotes in my journal. Here is one:

There is no physician
like cheerful thought
for dissipating
the ills of the body.

James Allen

At the Atlanta airport, I scurried to gate 26D to catch my next flight to Bruswick, GA. This was an “up and down flight” meaning, just as soon as we were up, we were coming down. A nice, short flight in a little plane. I worked on my crochet and did some more reading.

The view from my window~pretty fluff clouds~

By 11:30 in the morning, I had arrived safely to spend the week (until Friday) with my parents on Jekyll Island. I gave Dad a quick call and they came to pick me up at the airport. I was ready, standing outside, to get a picture as they drove up. I love Mom’s happy smile.

I am so blessed by healthy, active, Christian parents.

They had scoped out Brunswick that morning, and found a few antique shops to take me to. But first, we enjoyed lunch at the Golden Corral and then picked up rejuvinating coffees from Mickie D’s.

ANTIQUING IN GEORGIA

Can you believe it, fiesta lovers? The first place we visited had a mess of vintage fiestaware. It was lovely to see, upstairs, tucked away and scattered about a small room.

I bought a forest green saucer, shiny and small, easy to take home. It will be a nice addition to my display of green in the dining room.

for my boys to see

a page from a handmade cookbook with a wallpaper cover

“Friendship consists in forgetting what one gives, and remembering what one receives.”

I bought this book, all about African Violets. It is filled with line illustrations and it makes me smile. I admire the art of houseplants and this book does a good job at instilling a respect for learning about plants….a whole book all about the humble African Violet!

“Through the neighborly exchange of leaves
or the reciprocal mailing of them
to unmet but not unknown distant “violet friends”
almost every desired variety may be acquired
and the windows of a house soon filled
with oncoming youngsters.”

Helen Van Pelt Wilson

Isn’t that a great quote? I love it. I copied it into my journal along with a sketch of the flowers..

At the last place I found Kangaroos that reminded me of my dear friend Christie, who is about to move back to the USA after living in Australia for three years.

A kangaroo collection? How fun!

AND……

I didn’t buy them but I probably should have: A Millie and a Willie penguin!

Rich’s DAD’s name is Willie, and Willie has a sister named Millie!!!!!! It’s Dad and Aunt Millie as penguins!

Sitting in the same glass case as Millie and Willie were these beautiful fiesta serving utensils, I think they were 168.00, and a vintage tumbler.

Done with our afternoon of antiquing we drove over the bridge and got settled into the hotel room.

Mom and I then went for a Very Windy Walk…it was about 54 degrees and perhaps about 40 with the wind.

shells in our hand, sand on our feet, brought back to the room.

For dinner we went to the Driftwood Bistro where Dad got to laughing (a laughing fit) as we waited half an hour for a table.

I had a grilled chicken tenderloin dinner with sweet potato soufflé and green beans, with peach cobbler for dessert.

Indeed, I went to bed with a full stomach and slept so good after a wonderful vacation day 1.

****

Day 2 is beginning by yours truly tip tapping out a blog post from the hotel pull out sofa bed in my PJ’s next to a view of the ocean. Mom and Dad are out walking, and we look forward to warmer temperatures today.

Mom gave me a cup of coffee before they left and when the get back we shall have breakfast.

****

(((much love)))) to you, my friends, and God bless you.

Shanda

PS, my side of the suite