Mystic Wood Primitives

A Trip to Riverside Mill Antiques & Art Weldon NC

2012-01-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

These are just a few pictures that I took on my trip to Riverside Mill last Saturday. This is one great shopping experience; antiques and collectables from every period not to mention beautiful displays by local artists and outlet stores too. They are located on 200 Mill St in Weldon NC. They are just 1.5 miles off exit 173 on I-95 or visit them on the web at http://www.riversidemill.net/Home.html.

Are you starting the car now?

I totaly fell in love with so many things that I saw; this stained glass window is straight from dream land.

Does anyone ever have enough blue?? You can find so much beautuful blue china here (and stained glass; I still can't get passed that window)

And primitives !! Is this not to die for?????

The booths here are like works of art, the staff is so friendly, the atmosphere is enchanting. Everything is here from elegance to quaint, soothing country. It's like a vacation just browsing in this old mill that the owners have beautifully restored. I'll be back with more pictures and some shots of the treasures I brought home.

Take care,

Sallie

Early American Life A Little Help From a Friend

2012-01-23T19:39:00.000-05:00

I must admit that I am a hoarder when it comes to my favorite decorating and craft magazines; I keep every copy and refer to them often for tips and inspiration. Early American Life has long been a favorite and this issue from couple of years back sure came in handy yesterday.

I was finally ready to get the rope bed I purchased several years ago out of storage and tackle the job or should I say joy of getting her set up. I had a rope bed and trundle when I lived in my old house but that was quite a while ago.

Early American Life not only had a wonderful article on rope beds but great instructions with pictures.

Before I knew it, there she was; all roped and made up with vintage textiles from my collection.

And Little Bear too. I have no idea where he came from; he's been around for years. When I was decorating one day in the old house he just appeared. He was sitting in a corner all dusty and dirty. I cleaned him up and decided he must stay. Now we know the old house was haunted (that's a story for another time) but I can always remember things what I buy and I've never known how he just came to show up that day.

He's quite happy here on linens from Grandmother's hope chest. She did the crochet on this sheet in the 1890's.

I also used the backing from an old quilt that I had. The colors don't show very well but it is soft green striped cotton that has faded to muted shades of green and brown.

This room is starting to come together; but I still have a long way to go.

Some things I'm putting together for the spinning corner.

Thank you EAL!

I'll be back later this week with some pictures I took on Sat. at the Riverside Mill Antiques and Art Market.

Have a wonderful week.

Yesterday Once More Wonderful Blog and a Giveaway

2012-01-23T10:28:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

If you get a chance hurry over to Yesterday Once More and visit with Dan, Jeff and the P's X 3. You will love Dan's blog and getting to see his beautiful home. It's one of those blogs where you feel like you are family after after your first visit and you will anxiously look forward to every post. He is also having a fantastic giveaway and registration ends today so be sure to visit and I know if you're not a follower you will become one; it's a wonderful place to visit.

Blessings,
Sallie

January Whites

2012-01-20T22:02:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the year again; I'm getting anxious for spring. I want to see my vintage linens glowing freshly laundered in the sunlight. I want to bring the fragrance of sunlight into my home.

Maybe I should plan a little road trip soon. January was the month for white sales when I was a child.

I wasn't interested in the pink and blue florals that mother and the aunts were adding to their linen closets; I was quite content to know that I had saved Grandmother's linens. I do now and again add a pair of pretty floral pillowcases to my collection but it is the antique, handmade beauties that I love. So January is time for me to maybe add just a couple of fancy goods to my collection. And spring will arrive; and they will gather sunshine.

Warmth

2012-01-13T13:29:00.000-05:00

Well winter blew in during the night. We don't have snow; it is actually a beautiful sunny day but it is windy and so cold. It is a good day to air the old quilts, this one is a crazy quilt; it is made of beautiful Victorian fabrics of velvet that shimmer in the sunlight. It has the most wonderful embroidery; some of the silk squares have shatered but I don't mind it is still quite lovely to display.

Even the backing is colorful.

The next quilt is a favorite of mine, it's made from hard working cotton. I love the many different patterns of the fabrics. It's heavily battened and all hand stitched. How many beds it has warmed I can't imagine but it makes me feel cozy just to touch it.

And I have no doubt that this little quilt was made for a little girls bed. It has neat, even rows of hand stitching on an all white background with Sue's of so many different colors hand appliqued in place.

I only use these for display now but I always remember longs days of quilting when I was younger and still enjoy snugging beneath newer made quilts and dreaming, safe and warm from the long bitter nights of winter.

Hurricane

2012-01-12T21:15:00.000-05:00

I know it's been months since Irene came through and I am ever so grateful that we came through safely. We were without power for nearly a week but it was cool and comfortable and so we were no worse for the wear. There was a great deal of damage in Eastern N.C. and so many homes were damaged not to mention so many beautiful old trees that were lost forever. A few days after the storm I took my favorite basket and began collecting the spoils. There so so many huge acorns and tulip poplar seed pods everywhere; seed pods that I didn't recognize and pecans that sailed in from I know not where as I haven't seen a pecan tree near here.

I began collecting them; leaving more than enough behind for our friends the deer and squirrels; I picked lichens and moss and even odd shaped twigs that caught my eye. Once it had all dried I added some dried orange slices, dried rosemary, sage and pineapple mint from my little herb garden and mixed it all together with cloves, nutmeg and other spices. It is so fragrant and pretty; I call it scents from the wood; a sweet reminder of how fortunate we are.

I hope to be posting again in the next few days. I came down with a terrible virus just two days after Christmas and boy did I get a beating from that. All of the trees are down and most of the decorations have been put away. I'm ready to start the new year with some new projects in mind.

Take Care,
Sallie

Merry Christmas From Mysticwood

2011-12-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

Have a Merry Christmas from Walter, Sallie and all of the furry brats at Mysticwood.
Be safe and warm my friends.

The First Tree Pictures

2011-12-21T21:29:00.000-05:00

These are a few pictures taken from the primitive bedroom, or at least it is primitive until Christmas. The tree below is decorated with vintage red Shiny Bright ornaments with a couple of elves and Santa's from the 1950's

This is my favorite Santa, he's probably about my age; I remember that it seemed that everyone had one like him when I was a small child.

For some reason blogger just isn't working for me tonight. It's taking forever to get this post like I want it; but anyway this larger tree shows my love for nature. It has pinecones, birds, and flowers. I fell in love with red and green decorating a few years ago but I really love a lot of glittery Christmas decorations as you will see in the next few days; that is if Blogger lets me post the pictures.

Have a warm cozy evening.

Internet Is Back

2011-12-17T12:02:00.000-05:00

Finally I have a wireless connection that is moving along like a charm. It is so good to be back online.
I found the new background at Cute and Cool Blog Stuff. I can't wait to get back into blogging and crafting again. These are some pictures I took at Christmas about 5 years back.

Molly and Orpheus are watching for Santa here. The brats can make decorating difficult at times but they are family; when my daughters tell me I spoil them too much I explain that they are my fictional children. I can spoil them and shelter them to my hearts desire because they will be my babies always; I don't have to prepare them to go out alone in the wide, wild world on their own. I'll be back tomorrow with picures of this years decorating. Enjoy the season my friends.

Sallie

News

2011-12-15T13:04:00.000-05:00

I finally have a new internet service that will be up and running Friday evening!!! I'm so excited, finally I can get back to posting again! Have a good week my friends.

Sallie

OLM's Special Meanings of the Seasons

2011-12-09T11:23:00.000-05:00

Goodmorning everyone; just popped in between decorating to remind you that there is a great give a way over at Primitives By Old Lady Morgan. Be sure to stop in and see the precious doll she's giving away and enjoy her fabulious blog; you can find her here http://primitivesbyoldeladymorgan.blogspot.com/.

I'm happy to talk about the many special reasons for the season but there is one that is very special to me.

Now I love the decorating, the gathering of friends and family, the shopping and the sharing of a special

meal with the ones you love.

But as I was taking my walk through the Aurelian Wood on Wednesday it occured to me that there was a very special meaning that I don't often talk about. The tree above is a miracle of nature; fallen years ago by a storm it held tight to the nurturing breast of the earth and three tiny branches burst through and now the one tree is three tall strong trees reaching ever upward toward the heavens.

There was a quiet and stillness in the forest; a silence that I could feel in every part of my being. No glitter, no bells, just now and then the tinkling of a fairy bell and the faint glimmer of a passing sprite. The earth herself was calmly waiting in reverence for the miracle of Christmas; the spirit of nature transformed to a mysterious half slumber awaiting the promise of rebirth and life enternal that began on this very holy day.

Bright Blessings,

December

2011-12-01T19:07:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that a year has passed so quickly. These are some pictures from last year. Tomorrow I will start decorating the trees for this year. It is quiet and calm here in the country; but now and then I miss the busy city sounds. I love the peace and beauty of the country, we had a most enchanting autumn here.

I do miss the visits of neighbors that I'd known from childhood. One wonders why a neighborhood becomes fragile and even dangerous as the years pass. As much as I love it here there is a great part of that old neighborhood that I will miss forever.

It appears that I will have some time off work now for a month or two and hopefully I can get back to blogging. Internet service is hit and miss out here but now that I have time I will be posting often and getting to browse all of my favorite blogs in the wonderful neighborhood of blogland.

Bright Blessings

Sallie

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T12:31:00.000-05:00

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving

Bright Blessings,

Sallie & the Brats

Wonderful News

2011-11-14T13:27:00.000-05:00

It seems like Halloween flew by way to quickly. We are enjoying some beautiful autumn colors and looking forward to Thanksgiving Day next week. I wanted to post an update; most of you that follow my blog know that my Brother was killed in July 2009. They have made an arrest now and please keep us in your prayers that the man responsible for my Brothers murder will not be allowed back on the streets again. I am very grateful to the R M P D and the wonderful detective that promised me on the day we lost Chuck that my brother would not be forgotten. Halloween was our favorite holiday and then there is Christmas and Thanksgiving without his cheerful presence. We love and miss you so much Chuck and this year we have a special reason to celebrate. You are expecting a grandson dear brother. A beautiful baby boy, just as sweet and enchanting as you were and as your son is. I wish you could be here with us but I know I will feel the softness of your presence all around us and this new wonderful miracle that will be born in March.

Yes the happiest days are when babies are born, and I will have held three generations of Creech boy's in my arms come March. Congratulations to Chuckie, Andrea and to you brother.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Bright Blessings,

Sallie

Pumpkin Magic

2011-10-05T13:30:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the season s much as I am, we are super busy at work so I haven't had the time that I would like to take for autumn fun and decorating but it's really nice to have our company thriving in this economy. Hedge is checking her weight in the picture above, the scale is a new addition and I didn't get time to clean it up really good because I just had to get pictures as quick as possible. It is now a favorite antique and is dated August 1911.

I love the glow of candles and autumn is the beginning of that special time of year when the soothing glow of candle light can bring soothing magical spells and dreams.

Oh No! By this scale our little Hedge is worth 10 cents!

The scale is a perfect match for this old kitchen table that I bought a few years back.

I never could find anything that I really like on this table but the scale is perfect for it.

Over the weekend I got to visit two wonderful pumpkin farms and they just down the road from my home. I have a lot more pictures that I will share with you later but if you are traveling through N.C both farms are on highway 48 about 15 miles south of Roanoke Rapids and you can exit I 95 and take brief country drive to both farms.

I can't say that I have a favorite, I enjoyed both so much and I will also be posting pictures of my pumpkins soon and they have wonderful mums and gourds. Stop by and visit both farms for a wonderful fun filled autumn afternoon.

I fell in love with this but it wasn't for sale. It was a treat to see it. I've never seen a trencher so large.

Hedge and I will be back soon, bright blessings and enjoy the season.

Sallie

The Waiting Days

2011-09-26T08:25:00.001-04:00

It's nearly here; you can feel the change. It comes like a slow moving dream; the sun rising, appearing lazily through the morning misty clouds as if it is peering onto an unfamiliar landscape. All that was lush, dense forest green just weeks ago is now beginning to fade. Here and there a hint of yellow, red and brown. The forest will dress herself in brightness to rival the beauty of the sun herself.

Autumn is arriving, mornings are cooler and the day grows shorter.

The fields ripen to an orange carpet of plump pumpkins and Halloween waits like a shadow, a misty ghost that beckons us to follow. We cannot follow but merely wait in awe and anticipation.

Blessed Be my Friends

Autumn on the Air

2011-09-12T15:18:00.000-04:00


I hope everyone is enjoying the late days of summer as they slowly drift into the misty wilds of Autumn. Here are a few pictures from the past as the decorating slowly moves forward now in the country. I hope to have new pictures for you soon and perhaps some samplings of my craft.

Even the scents and sounds of the forest have changed in the past few weeks and here and there I see the softest hint of color.

The witches and pumpkins are emerging from their slumber and the brightness and the mystery of the season creeps slowly at first but before we know it the splendor will surround us.

Stay safe and ever vigilant, one does not wish to miss a fairy or an elf and to be sure I do believe I saw the first autumn witch in the shadow of the full moon just last evening.

Bright Blessings,

Sallie

2011-08-12T12:58:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone safe and happy weekend. Autumn is almost here; I'll be working on pumpkins and beautiful autumn decorating this weekend' if all goes well. I'll be back next week with some pictures, I always get so excited when autumn nears. It's a bit cooler here, and I am waiting not very patiently for frost on the pumpkins and witches in the trees. Take care my friends.

Sallie

Visitor from The Wood

2011-08-11T13:04:00.000-04:00

Hello, I just wanted to share some really wonderful news and to say welcome and thank you to my new followers. This enchanting creature was a recent visitor to my back door; I love magical visits from the wood

I was also very excited to have my youngest daughter and her family visit from South Dakota. We had a wonderful visit but boy do I miss them when they are gone.

Our precious Claire is sharing her iced tea with her American girl doll, Willow. Claire and Willow were wearing matching outfits and just so cute. The iced tea just hit the spot as we were enjoying N C barbecue on a day when the heat index was 117.

I'm not sure if this little video will work but this is our darling Evangaline, she has a bowl of milk but little diva that she is she just will not put her face in the bowl. She scoops up the milk in her little paw and so lady like sips it as if she had a spoon. On another note some very comforting news! The person of interest in my brothers murder has been charged. I felt such peace when the dectectives came to see me with the news. Keep us in your prayers please. I'll be back soon with some pictures of autumn decorating. Stay cool and be blessed.

In Memory

2011-07-14T10:26:00.000-04:00

                                                 Charlie Creech July 24 1962 - July 14 2009

                                                    I've seen fire and I've seen rain
                                                 I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
                                                    I've seen lonely days when I could not find a friend
                                                  But I always thought that I'd see you again.
   James Taylor

Dear Brother,

It couldn't have been two years; it seems like just yesterday we were in the old swing. I was 13 and you three and we were swinging I'm sure to high for safety but I held on to you securely. I protected my little charge with all of my love and all of my life. I remember your little head nestled against my chest and your golden curly locks shimmering in the sunlight. You seemed more a sprite than a baby brother to care for and I thought myself so blessed to have been given to my charge the pure joy of an enchanting Elfin Child. I miss you every day and love you more than even I knew was possible. If on your travels you venture back in time; meet me at the old swing if just for a minute or two. Let us be safe, and young and worry free once again.

God speed my Elfin Brother until we roam the banks of the river in the Mystic Wood again.

Followers

2011-07-12T12:43:00.000-04:00

Hi, I hope everyone is staying cool.

For some reason I cannot see my followers or follow any new blogs; if anyone is having this problem or knows a solution I'd sure appreciate some help. I'm wanting to update my blog and move on to some new things that are in the works but I can't seem to get Blogger to work for me.

Take care,
Sallie

Almost Summer Sunday

2011-06-19T17:23:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is having a great weekend; it sure feels like summer here. I'm still having internet woes but I wanted to pop in to visit my favorite blogs and make a quick post.

Around the house things are starting to appear from boxes and slowly it is beginning to look like home. From the very beginning Imma Bivis let me know that she would be the doll displayed in the old primitive high chair. I really can't say that I have ever seen a doll that is more precious.

Stay cool and Happy Father's Day! I have a really great area to sew and paint and work in this house; hopefully I will have things in place and pictures soon.

Aurelian Springs

2011-06-11T19:43:00.001-04:00

Hi, I hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Aurelian Springs? No; it's not a place where pigs fly. The flying pig is in front of a little resturant that we visited in Littleton N C this afternoon. It's called Grandpa's kitchen and they have some wonderful Eastern NC barbecue. We had their barbecued chicken and the homemade sauce was just right. Aurelian Springs is where we live and Littleton is about eleven miles away. The very patriotic flying pig welcomes you to the door of Grandpa's kitchen. There is a great collection of pigs there and I wanted to take more pictures but my camera was acting up. As we drive into Littleton we pass this beautiful restored tavern. It was restored by the Littleton Woman's Club and it is just enchanting. It is not open to the public but I really enjoyed stopping to take these pictures.

Well, I have lots to do and I do have the internet now. I've been visiting all of my favorite blogs but for some reason blogger will not let me leave comments. I see that some of you have also had that problem; if you know a fix please let me know. I should be back soon with some pictures of the decorating. It goes slow but it will get done.

Happy Sunday

2011-06-05T19:28:00.000-04:00

Well summer arrived early here in eastern NC, we've had days in the 90's. All around us here the roads are bursting with vibrant orange Day Lilies. This is the first one to open in our yard, it was open and waiting to greet me when I arrived home Friday afternoon. I should have the Internet issues all worked out next week. I've found that I can get a wireless service to the house and I am really looking forward to that. If all goes well I will be back to blogging very soon.

Do you see it back there hiding in the forest? It's the pump house, and it's a log pump house. I love the way it hides in the trees. We are surrounded with trees and there are so many beautiful birds here. We have humming birds that fight for the feeder so we're going to hang up a couple more to hopefully keep them happy. I've had a little sparrow visit me at my back sliding glass door. She perched on the rail and watched me a few minutes then flew away and returned with nesting material in her tiny beak as if to tell me that she too was busy setting up a home. One night a possum stopped by just out side the same door, and one evening a little white faced kitty peeked in to say hello. I even had a black snake slither by the door but thankfully he made his way back into the woods. We have a little sometimes creek here too and I will post some pictures of it soon. There are yellow finches, blue birds, blue jays, and even an Indigo Bunting that comes to this wood and he is beautiful.

The unpacking is going slow, my back and my work schedule just don't allow for me to work here as quickly as I would like too but hopefully things will come together soon. I'm working on the laundry room. Since people will enter through this door I'm trying to give it the look of an old primitive wash house. Well tomorrow is back to work, have great week and be blessed.

Sallie

The Move is Over at Last Sort Of

2011-05-23T20:40:00.000-04:00

Well we finally moved, this is a picture from my dining room window. Notice the trees? Internet is hit or miss out here and I'm hoping I can post this. I'd wanted to show you pictures from all around our new place but I guess I'm lucky to get this one to load. Anyway, we are tucked out in the country. We are surrounded by the most enchanting forest. I have a view equally as beautiful on all four sides of the house. It is so quiet here and so peaceful. We are no where near getting settled in, I have stacks of boxes to unpack but I will love every minute of it. It is quite a drive to my job but I really don't mind, a nice drive on a country road that is so colorful and rich with old houses and beautful farms kinda starts the day off just right. I will be back soon with more pictures as the unpacking begins. I love the country!!!

Take Care
Sallie

Country Days

2011-04-30T17:11:00.000-04:00

I've been way for a while but I'll be back soon with some pictures of a beautiful new place. I've popped in as often as possible to visit all of your blogs and enjoy so much seeing your great art, decorating and spring posts.

Now for the news! We are moving to the COUNTRY !! At last we have found the most enchanting place. It sits in a quiet clearing deep in the woods, surrounded by tall whispering trees. I'll be back soon with pictures.

Blessings,
Sallie

Taking a Break

2011-04-10T15:41:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm taking a break for a few weeks but I will be back soon with some exciting news. I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

Sallie

Warmth

2011-03-27T16:50:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday it was sunny and 84 and today it is cloudy, misty and 40. I'd planned to finish the spring cleaning and get all of the curtains washed and out to hang in the fresh air and sun. It's OK; there are sunny warm days to come. I'm blessed to have a fire and the comfort of a warm, quiet home.

When I was young we would gather round the wood stove, the past would unfold there as the old folks told stories of how life had been in their youth. Marriages were planned and babies were named as we stitched quilts years in advance of an engagement. It was hope and faith that we stitched in every thread long before these quilts would see a marriage bed. Each piece held a memory, a square stitched from a piece of Grandma's Sunday dress or from uncles old flannel work shirt or from feed sacks. Feed sacks had stories of their own, those ladies could still remember the names of hens well loved and long passed.

Pieces of North Carolina pottery reside on my hearth. Jugs made by skilled, wise hands to hold molasses or liquor. Yep N.C. has it's place in Moon Shine history. I can remember the stories told quietly of how many farms survived the depression on money earned from the sale of home made liquor.

A little cauldron rests here beside an old chalkware cat, at some time in history this little cauldron had it's place in daily life. It may have warmed soup or maybe there was medicine made here; again by wise and skilled hands. I learned many of life's. lessons by the wood stove, I'm glad it is cold today so I can be warmed by memories of those days sitting and stitching by the fire. It is good to remember the wisdom of the past, I'm thinking they need a woodstove and some quilters at the White House.

Be Blessed

Welcome Spring

2011-03-20T18:27:00.000-04:00

It's almost here, just another hour or so and it arrives officially; SPRING! And boy am I ready for her to arrive. After having had two days of sunny, warm,warm weather today is a little cool and cloudy but after the long cold winter we've had it is still a day to celebrate the season of rebirth. A time to open the windows and doors and welcome the fresh air and sweep away the darkenss of the winter season. A time for chicks and bunnies and flowers. A time to begin again in the freshness of nature awakening in a dazzling display of beauty.


                                                                                      I spent most of the weekend working but I did manage to get in a little bit of spring cleaning and now I plan a few hours of rest. We've been changing a few things, I like the baskets hanging from the beam in the living room.

I'm not sure I'm real pleased with this old architectural element hanging over the french doors but it's OK for now. I really hate this dark paneling but it will do until the right farmhouse comes along.

I found these two old frames at a sale on Friday. I really love these.

The one above has it's original glass and so much carved detail.

You can still see traces of the original paint on the carved flowers. My plan is to clean them up and wax them with some darkened bees wax. I love the character of them as they are, I think the bees wax will return the luster to the wood and prevent any more of the old paint from chipping away.

I wish you all a warm and wonderful first day of spring! Enjoy each day and be blessed.

Sallie

A Yard Of Chicks

2011-03-13T22:58:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has enjoyed a day as beautiful as the one we have had here. The picture above has to much glare from the flash but I had to post it as it is a favorite of mine. What better to way to welcome spring than A Yard of Chicks!

That is the title of the print and the memories it brings to mind are favorites of mine. Fluffy chicks scampering about chasing bees and butterflies; memories of days of simple joy when all seemed right with the world.

Old tables, dough bowls and lace doilies; these things bring memories too. Days of learning to bake and crochet. Listening to old tales from my Grandmother as I sat at her knee. Not knowing then that those simple days would fade into a world where there would be no time for chicks and doilies and the arts of cooking and sewing would would pale in the shadow of microwave quickness and plastic tablecloths that would be someday choking our streams and forests along side fast food and microwave food containers.

A precious bear made from a quilt. Yes; quilting, another art that I learned at my Grandmother's side.

A darling kitten, snug in wooden bowl. I wonder if she's dreaming of chicks and butterflies?

An old cupboard guarded by a wise and faithful friend. I am thankful for my memories, those of the past and wonderful moments of the present and dreams of the future. I am thankful for the many wonderful friends that I have met through blogging, friends connected to the precious old crafts of life. Friends that make beautiful art and keep the old days alive so that love of home and hearth will exist in this world for generations to come.

Blessed Be

Sallie

White

2011-03-05T15:38:00.001-05:00

I've been trying to find a way to lighten things up around here. This house is just naturally dark and my love of primitive antiques makes for some definite decorating challenges. Most of my favorite pieces seem to disappear into the dark walls. My plan was to get started on some spring cleaning around here this weekend and to try to lighten things up a bit. Well yesterday during my lunch hour we went to a garage sale, I found some things that I thought might work and as we were loading them into the van I decided to take one quick look inside at some furniture they had for sale. I wasn't really looking for anything that wasn't a primitive piece and only had a few minutes left to get back to work but there it was. A vintage down sofa slip covered in white. Well you know I thought it might be just what I needed.

Needless to say we managed to get it loaded into the van and I made it back to work on time too!

I've been going through my stash of vintage pillows to add to the fluffy down pillows on the back. I'll be playing with the pillow arrangement for days but this sofa is so comfortable, it's like sitting on a cloud. River likes it.

A while back I surprised the brats with these little doll beds. They really love them.

Sugar Bee and Evangaline AKA as Wonderful Baby, are usually on top of this one. They like the way it sinks down when they jump on top and they nap there like they are swinging in a hammock. Well I'm off to more cleaning and maybe a nap myself; that sofa is really comfortable.

In Memory

2011-02-23T19:10:00.001-05:00

                                                      Wallace Creech Overton

                                                    May 1997 - Feb. 21 2011

Sadly, we lost our precious Wallace on Monday. Mom and I rescued Wally from the WalMart parking lot in Spearfish S D in June 1997. He was thrown from a speeding pick up and I couldn't for my life see how a tiny kitten could survive such a horrible act but Mom ran to a line of parked cars calling and out he came. He was a tiny ball of fur with great big feet. We rushed him to the Vet. and found that he was fine; Mama named him Wallace and he became her best friend. When her house flooded in 1999 and she came to live with me Wallace and her other five babies came too. After Mom passed away Wallace was so full of grief and I worried so much about him but with me, Kirby and Brother there to spoil him he soon recovered. Then Brother passed away and Wallace once again began to grieve, he would always talk loudly when he heard Brothers voice and continue talking until Brother took him in is arms. Since the day Brother died I've never heard him speak again. After a few months passed he seemed to recover to some degree and he knew that Kirby and I adored him. I honestly think he grieved himself to death; he'd never been sick a day in his life and he was the center of attention in all of our lives. What do you say about a gentle spirit that has given all of his love and so much laughter and happiness to so many. I know that Mother and Brother are holding him in their arms and he's probably already bitten someone in heaven, and I'm sure he's probably broken something. I know they are happy to be together again and be a family again but this house is so empty. I miss you Wally.

Coverlets; Winter Warmth

2011-02-13T15:56:00.001-05:00

It's been sunny and windy here today, I can hear the clothes on the line snapping in the brisk air. It is warming up though and we are promised that we may be in the high 60's later in the week. I'm hoping the windy day is a certain sign that the March winds are here and spring will arrive early. It's almost time to get the coverlets and quilts out for their spring airing. The one above I found last year at an estate sale at an old log cabin. I've always loved the texture and color and I marvel at the time and expertise that it must have taken to make these warm comforting textiles.

This was the very first coverlet that I ever purchased, I found it at a yard sale many years ago. I was looking through a large table of newer and very stylish linens hoping there might be at least one vintage set of pillowcases or a sweet lace trimmed runner and this is what I found. It was priced 25 cents. I asked the young woman if this was the correct price and she quite sharply said YES! Who could possibly want that old thing and it is damaged! Well it does have a little bit of damage on the seam line but it was beautiful to me and I was worried that she had made a mistake in the pricing and was going to offer her more money for it but after her sharp attitude toward this wonderful old treasure I really felt more like I had rescued it and gave her the 25 cents and it has been well loved and enjoyed in my home since. I love the pattern and the many different colors used in this.

Brother and I found this at a sale about a year before he died, I so loved treasure hunting with him. He didn't know a great deal about antiques but he loved going along to the sales with me on the weekends. He used to say that I drove like an old Granny around town on weekdays but Saturday mornings I turned into a speeding witch and my driving scared the hell out of him. We would laugh through the entire morning and he loved having me explain the purpose of the things I'd bought and loved to see me decorate with them.

Have a warm and rosy Valentines Day.

Hold closely to the ones you love.

Blessings,

Sallie

Inspiration

2011-02-06T13:50:00.000-05:00

We have a beautiful day here today, I had to take a few moments to visit a favorite book and wanted to share it with you. All of these pictures are from American Farmhouses by Leah Rosch. What can be more inviting that the open gate of a white picket fence.

I am dreaming of beautiful hydrangeas in so many soothing shades of, pink, lavender, blue and white.

A pleasant primitive house is warmed by the softness of spring unfolding outside.

The sunlight displays enchanting shadows and weaves soft musings here.

A soft carpet of green welcomes you to this door or just to sit quietly and inhale the stillness of life in this shade on a hot summer day.

A place to sit and dream of the blue sea and the fresh salt air; do you hear the gulls, the crashing of the foaming sea against the ever changing shore and imagine the songs of the mermaids and and the laughter of the pirates?

A vision of a garden, a place to meditate, a haven where fairies and elves rustle in the midst of fragrant flowers.

Beautiful flowers in the kitchen that awaken the senses to the fruits and bounty of the sweet earth that will nourish us body and soul.

The calmness of old cherished homes awakening with the land again and again; year after year to shelter our bodies and bless us with memories that will pass through generations eternal.

Vintage chairs decked out like fine southern ladies on a hot summer day. A place for comfort and inspiration.

Only pleasant dreams here where the sweetness of life can drive away any sorrows among soft romantic linens made to soothe the soul.

Spring will come and summer and autumn to follow; it is the way of nature and even as I dream of the warm sun and sweet fragrance of spring I am happy to muse by the fire and be thankful for the beauty and comfort of home.

Thank you Leah for American Farmhouses.

A Cabin Of My Own a Memory Forever

2011-01-30T18:54:00.000-05:00

I am a collector of little houses, most of which are really little houses and fit snuggly tucked on a shelf somewhere and I'm fond of them because it was a treat to search for them and so they bring about a nice memory.

This is a huge cabin with a huge, warm, bittersweet memory that I will treasure as long as I live as will my daughter when it is passed to her. One of my child hood friends lived next door to me here. We played together when we were kids and when we were in our 20's we dated for quite awhile. We always remained friends and we always loved each other. George was my friend, my love, many, times my protector and always he could make me smile. He was a carpenter and a cabinet maker by trade and he made this cabin.

In the last few years George developed some health issues but always he would have a smile on his face and a spring in his step. He was going to spend Thanksgiving with us but sadly and too too suddenly he passed from us early in November 2010. His father still lives in the house next door and he was ever so kind as to gift me with this precious cabin. He told me that George would want only me to have it and I cannot tell you how precious this is to me. I am so honored to have this and to have always the memory of a friend for life and a love that began in childhood and will live long after we are both gone.

Bright Blessings,

Book Keeping

2011-01-29T18:57:00.000-05:00

Happy weekend everyone. This is my sweet beautiful Halo; he's book keeping today. I found this stack of old ledgers at a local flea market a couple of weeks ago and had to have them. They are from an old, long gone department store from Weldon in Halifax county N C. My old house wasn't too far away from Weldon and I just had to have these.

I also found two of these lovely glass, vintage bowls. I just love these. My Aunt had bowls like these and I am already dreaming of the potato salad and chicken salad that will fill these when the weather gets warmer.

Last Saturday I was sure that I heard a Robin sing and guess what; just a few days later there was a sweet Robin foraging in the back yard. I also heard the enchanting sound of the Tundra Swans flying over last week. They always flew over the old house in large singing flocks in mid to late February about the same time the Robins returned. They are arriving early this year----do they know something that we do not? Could it mean that spring will arrive earlier this year. Wild creatures have a wisdom that is far beyond our comprehension and I'm betting they do know.

Another find was this set of dainty white Pyrex bread plates. I love vintage Pyrex and use it daily.

I fell in love with this old white butter dish, It has a tiny crack and it's got to be cleaned up but I just love the way it is designed and it will fit right in with my slowly growing collection of white ironstone.

I can never turn down anything that is vintage and red for my kitchen and this set of salt and pepper shakers just fit the ticket.

This little box has a punched tin heart on top, I'm going to paint and prim it up.

More pictures of the ledgers, the oldest is from 1935 and I love reading the entries. You could buy a suit, a skirt, pay your insurance payment or purchase bloomers, girdles and stockings here. Who says Wal Mart has it all.

I have five of these all from the same store. I'm going to photo copy the pages and use them for some craft projects. I'm sure just yet if I will keep all five but I really would like to keep them.

I'm going to be listing the coverlet below on Etsy. It is so beautiful but I am running out of space. There may be a new job and a place in the country coming up. That's a may-be I'll keep you posted, I hadn't planned on moving so soon but starting spring nestled deep in the woods sure sounds like a plan. Anyway there is much to be considered before making that decision.

Be Blessed,
Sallie

Warm Wednesday

2011-01-19T16:15:00.000-05:00

It's been another beautiful, mild, sunny day here.It's really been a long, cold dark winter so far so I try to enjoy the few mild days that we have had. I have more laundry on the line so I can smell the sunshine and fresh air long after I bring them in. These pictures are of some chalkware that I found quite a while ago. They are very old and so prim. I'm trying to find a place to display them but I'm not quite sure if I should keep them or put them in my Etsy shop. I do have the shop open now and I'll add a link to my sidebar as soon as I can figure it out.

I'm busy trying to find a place to store all of the Christmas decorations, I have every little storage space here and I'm really needing to get the boxes out of my way so I can think about spring decorating. Spring, there I said it! Yes I am ready for spring.

Stay Warm!
Sallie

Oh What a Beautiful Day

2011-01-15T15:34:00.000-05:00

It has been such a beautiful, sunny day! It’s still a bit cool but much better than some of the bitter cold days we have had. I will be opening my vintage Etsy Shop tomorrow and I’m really excited. This will be a new adventure for me and I hope to follow the vintage shop shortly by adding some of my hand made items. This is also my first blog post using windows live writer. Well we’ll see how that goes.

This old quilt top with several others will be listed on Etsy tomorrow. I love old textiles and I have so loved watching them dance in the fresh air and sunlight today.

The last two of the trees will be down today; this is my kitchen tree. It’s the only one that I use colored lights on. It holds some of my slowly growing collection of vintage ornaments including a few Shiney Brights.

This house tends to be way too dark for me, since it’s a rental I can only paint the kitchen. It’s cozy and warm and quite here and I do love that but I’m still searching for that country place and the Christmas trees this year surely brightened up the place.

Well I’m off to work on my Etsy pictures and get out in the fresh air at least one more time before it gets to dark. I’m also anxious to see how this post turns out. Enjoy the weekend!

Winter White

2011-01-04T17:34:00.001-05:00

As I remember it was New Years Day when I was about seven years old; that would have been in 1959. Mother and I were still living with Aunt and Uncle and my aunt Mable and her daughter Francis had come to share the standard black eyed peas with country ham and collard greens; always served to celebrate the New Year. After we enjoyed the noon meal the women all went to the parlor while Uncle George and Uncle Paul stayed in the sitting room to watch TV and discuss whatever it was the men-folk discussed at that time. Now the ladies were laying out a plan; you see it was January and they were planning the Saturday that they would have Uncle Paul drive them to the January white sale. My there was some excitement in that room. My mother would be getting married again in just over a year and my cousin 11 years older than I was filling the cedar chest that she had gotten on her 16th birthday; she would be getting married in the next year or so as well and this white sale had them all in such an excited state that I thought that Santa might be coming again! When Aunt Estelle stopped talking long enough to catch her breath I asked WHAT IS A WHITE SALE??? She explained that all the best department stores would have a January white sale which meant that all of the bed and bath linens would be half priced. A white sale I thought??? No one in our family had white bed and bath linens except Granny Selma. Everyone one had sheets with pink roses or blue roses and matching pillowcases and the towels were blue or green or yellow. I just didn't understand this white sale business but what I did know was that Granny Selma had the best sheets. They were heavier than the floral sheets and so much softer and they were trimmed with white crochet lace. They always smelled like sunshine and falling into her feather mattress between two of these soft cotton sheets was like crawling into a cloud. Granny had taught me to crochet and embroider and when she passed away from us some years later I would inherit most of her linens as the Aunts were now using striped sheets and blue sheets and thought that the ironing and washing white sheets with all of that trim was just too much trouble. Well I still have those linens and I still remember Granny explaining that the cedar chest that Francis was filling was her hope chest and some day I would have one too. She went on to tell me how she had filled a blanket chest before she was sixteen and how every young woman had learned when they were very young to weave and trim linen and pure white cotton with beautiful lace and embroidery so they would have the necessary linens to begin house keeping. My hope chest was filled with Grannies white linens that she had made for her wedding, and with white pillowcases that I had trimmed with white crochet lace. To this day I only buy white sheets; I do find the floral sheets to be quite pretty but somehow I just love the white. The kitties get pink and blue for their cribs but me I'll always use white. I'm looking forward to spring, when the days are longer and all of my vintage linens will get laundered and I will lay them on the fresh, new green grass and watch as they gleam in the sun. I will then iron them and tie them in bundles with ribbon. And guess what; as I was pulling a few things from the shelf this afternoon to take pictures I realized I still have a spool of old chintz binding.

Blessings Sallie

Bows

2011-01-02T18:17:00.000-05:00

When I was very young my Aunt used to make all of the bows that we used for Christmas. She never taught me to make bows but I remember sitting at her feet and watching the way she moved her fingers and her wrists. No matter what size bow she was making her hands moved in a rhythm like music. I watched amazed at how the yards of silk or satin ribbon would be transformed into the most enchanting bows. I remember one year she was going to surprise some of her coworkers at the textile factory where she worked. She bought rolls of left over chintz binding and left over fabric from the resale store at the factory and at Christmas she made each of her friends an apron. The packages were all wrapped in plain white paper but they were adorned with the most beautiful, huge bow made from binding that matched the apron inside.

As the years past the hand made bows went out of fashion; it was easier and way less expensive to purchase the ready made bows that just snapped into the box or were stuck on with tape. I hated those bows and when I grew up I searched for old spools of vintage velvet, organza and satin to make my own bows. I even loved to use the rolls of curling ribbon since it was getting very hard to find the beautiful vintage ones.
It would be many years later when my youngest daughter would come to me and ask me to make a bow for her. I was surprised ! Shocked ! But she said that no one in the family could make a bow like I could. Now ribbons are available in so many patterns and the sides are wired so it is quite easy to make a pretty bow; why just days ago I stood at Michael's ribbon display and thought that I might buy dozens of the lovely ribbons on the after Christmas sale. But then I remembered and I thought and I smiled because this year I will be scouting high and low for more vintage ribbons and if I am very lucky....I'm might find a roll or two of old chintz binding.

Bright Blessings,
Sallie

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone; I hope you are having a beautiful and pleasant New Years Day. The picture above is the scene that I awoke to find last Sunday morning. We almost had a white Christmas but it was beautiful to have it the day after and since we never have a white Christmas here I was so excited to see it!

Today it has been in the low 60's and I have to admit I was very happy to enjoy the warm up. We took a little drive up to Weldon NC to visit the Riverside Mill antique mall. It is just amazing and so great to have such a shop just a short drive away. The mall is inside a restored mill; I can't think of a better way to bring life back to our local economy than by bringing back to life the old buildings that have so much character and history. The mall features arts and crafts as well as antiques and they are also going to have antiques auctions as well. I forgot to take my camera but I'll be sure to take it on my next visit and you can be sure there will be many more visits to come.

So now it's time to put away the glitz and glitter and focus on the new year and get back to my primitive side. I do afford myself the beautiful sparkling decorations at Christmas but mostly I prefer the handmade, make-do primitive style for the rest of the year and while I am looking forward to spring and summer I'm already thinking about autumn, my favorite season. I've been trying to change the look of my blog, a while back I changed to the new template designer and tried to change back but when I did I could no longer get a layout tab. I lost everything in my sidebar except my profile. Well tonight I went back to the new template designer and thankfully I was able to get my sidebar back but I'm not happy with this design. Anyway; I'll be working on this and also I will be adding some new things soon.

If you get the chance visit the website for the Riverside Mill at www.riversidemill.net and better yet if you are in the area stop in you won't be disappointed.

Happy New Year

Happy Holidays

2010-12-25T13:05:00.000-05:00

Things have been a little crazy here the last few weeks. A nasty virus but me under the weather for two weeks but all is well now and I hope to be catching up on all of the wonderful posts that I've missed.

I

Just a couple of pictures of two of the trees, decorating was slow but fun this year.

I had lots of helpers as you can see here; they were more than willing to pitch in and help. They even rearranged the ornaments on the trees more than once. Have a warm, safe and very Happy Holiday!

Brightest blessings,
From Sallie and the Brats!!

A Thanksgiving Miracle

2010-11-28T17:03:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving; I can't believe it's over and back to the office tomorrow. This is my sweet little feral baby Evangeline. She hasn't been with us long and let me tell you she was one little wild child. The week before Thanksgiving she came down with URI which rapidly turned to pneumonia. My heart was breaking but with some help from a dear friend of mine and a stronger antibiotic she took a major turn for the good and she is now doing fantastic. She's working on some garland in the picture above and helping with the decorating in the next two pictures. This has been a true Thanksgiving blessing.

I ventured out to one sale yesterday, I was on a very limited budget so when I spotted a coffee table made from an old wagon seat on the porch on my way in I didn't even stop to look at the price. I hoped to pick up a couple of smalls on the inside and be on my way.

This is a picture of the old beater that I found a week or so ago. I love it.

I found this great masher at that same sale. Now back to yesterday; inside I found some great bargains including the wicker rocker and chair below. They are on my porch now.

Then to the primitives, I found this old chopper. I wish I knew more about it. It is hand forged and the lady that I purchased it from said it was used for chopping food in the old wooden trenchers.

Next I found this old Griswold grinder; I got this for Kirby. He had disappeared somewhere in the madness of the sale.

Then there was this antique ironstone pitcher and bowl, I'd been looking for one of these but they were never in my budget until this one.

I had to have this rolling pin to add to my ever growing collection.

And this old grinder with the wonderful red top and handle.

And this is a lead weight, now why would I want this thing????

Because it came with this old scale. The lady said it was an antique Greek scale? It's definitely an antique and I was thrilled to find it.

I also found this old seeder.

I'm saving the best for last here can you tell ??

I've started on the decorating.

Remember I said Kirby disappeared; well he showed up in time to load up the goodies. Unfortunately the buggy seat table had been sold. Oh well I had to be happy with the many treasures I'd found. Until Kirby opened the back door of the van to load in the chairs and there was that wonderful, beautiful, buggy seat table. What a fantastic surprise!

We'll be painting the kitchen soon, before Christmas if all goes well but in the mean time things are slowly coming together and I'm having fun just working it all out. Have a great week everyone.

From Our Hearth & Home

2010-11-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

From our hearth and home and from our hearts;

We wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Bright Blessings to all.

It's taking Forever

2010-11-14T17:40:00.000-05:00

I'm beginning to think that I'm never going to get this place unpacked. The little cupboard above is a favorite of mine. We will be painting the kitchen after Thanksgiving. I'd decided on creamy white walls with gray for the cabinets and trim but it seems like the decor is taking on a blue theme so my color choice for the cabinets and trim may change.

I was able to get out to a couple of early morning sales yesterday and came home with a great antique wooden masher, a draw knife, an old stoneware whiskey jug and a few other things. My battery was low on my camera so I didn't get pictures but I'll be posting some soon.

I have a rule about not decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving but this year I'm bending that rule a bit. Since the boxes are already out I've decided to start decorating. The red tree is going up in the primitive bedroom and I've put one of the tall skinny trees in the kitchen. The primitive room will also be where I craft so it is really taking some time to get this arrangement figured out.

I'll have more pictures soon and hopefully some handmades will be appearing soon too. I'm ready to get to the sewing machine. I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,

Sallie

Home

2010-10-26T17:47:00.000-04:00

I don't think I will ever get unpacked and settled in, but here and there little visions of Halloween and autumn are starting to appear.

A little witchey candle softly glows in front of a favorite red ware plate.

A vintage witch and pumpkin candle peek from the garland of autumn leaves.

Favorite collectibles begin to emerge from boxes to be arranged and rearranged and tweaked. Well you know what I mean.

And Gabe and Abadia start to settle in with their friends. It is getting better each day but please take my advise, NEVER move during a favorite season or holiday!!

Magic at The Pumpkin Farm

2010-10-17T18:20:00.000-04:00

If you happen to find yourself traveling down I- 95 through N.C. be sure to take the Red Oak exit and head for Fisher Pumpkin Farm. It was just what I needed to bring me out of the blues.

The story goes that the lovely old primitive house was once attached to a huge farm house that was being moved many years ago. As the large old two story house was being moved across the pasture and the rear addition fell off and was left behind. Well they say there is a reason in everything and the old addition is now the heart of the pumpkin farm.

The exterior is painted barn red which makes it quite the proper background for beautiful pumpkins and gourds.

Beautiful, magical gourds are displayed inside. It was a busy afternoon and I didn't get the name of the artist but hopefully I'll get back for another visit before the season ends.

I fell in love with this fluffy feathered chick.

The old log building below isn't part of the farm but I had to stop and take a picture of it on the way home. I always look for it when I'm out in the area. Isn't it beautiful; just think of the stories it could tell.

Pumpkins and more pumpkins.

The front porch; I could spend some time here. It is just so calm and peaceful; it makes me wonder how there can be highways, apartment complexes and housing developments just minutes away. I guess growth is good but maybe for me I'd be happy if rural America wasn't disappearing at such an alarming pace.

And finally my favorite gourd; they were all beautiful but this one I will dream about.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful autumn; and if you are feeling a bit out of sorts go to the country. It's a timeless cure for stress, sorrow and especially for the urban blues.

Blessings to all!

Witches & Pumpkins afraid to come out!!!

2010-10-14T16:25:00.000-04:00

Last Friday was our very first night in this house. I had only a few things moved in and I've been so wanting to decorate for autumn that I quickly unpacked two of my favorite ceramic pumpkins and placed them on the porch; only to wake up and find that I only had one pumpkin as someone had taken my favorite jack in the middle of the night. So slowly I've been putting a few decorations here and there in the house as I've found time between working and moving and working and moving.

Anyway I had more pictures to add but again they have disappeared so I'll leave at this and finish cleaning the fireplace.

Blessings from the mad house!!!

The Massey Ferguson

2010-10-14T16:15:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone; well we began moving early one morning almost two weeks ago, with a somewhat organized plan. We took several of our furbabies to the new house first only to find out that all of the water lines were not working and had to be replaced. From that point things went down hill real fast, let me tell you that just about everything that could go wrong has gone wrong and just when I thought it couldn't get much worse well then the tax man cometh No kidding, it seems they have determined that they over paid me on a refund 4 years ago what better time to swoop in than now. Well the van broke down, all hell broke lose at work, the TV just quit, our hours got cut and my schedule has changed and two of my precious babies got out and disappeared in the mist of the madness. I thought about running away too but unfortunately I'm afraid of creepy crawlies and decided that instead of hiding out under the old house with Gabe and Ophelia I might as well plunge forward and try to get through it all. That's when I realized that my Imma and Sugar Bee had disappeared from the new house, they were hiding in the attic and I thought about joining them. Anyway we got the girls safely out of the attic and Gabe and Ophelia safely home to the new house and slowly began this move. The water is all fixed but we did end up having to delay many days of moving. We're almost finished but nothing went according to the some what organized plan so there is much to be unpacked and arranged and mostly I just don't know where anything is. I'm still thinking about running away.

The old plow up in the picture is a favorite of mine; my brother called it my Massey Ferguson. Since we moved only a block from the house we were in I got tired of waiting to get this thing loaded and pushed it right down the street with the lantern hanging on the side and a white pumpkin under my arm. Brother would have been proud of me.  I'll try and get back later with some pictures, for some reason blogger isn't letting me load them. I hope everyone is well and enjoying this beautiful autumn weather.

The Day is nearly here.

2010-10-02T18:28:00.001-04:00

Autumn has finally arrived and moving day is hovering. This time of year I usually find myself gazing into the evening sky to catch a fleeting glimpse of shadowy witches with their mystic familiars; cats and bats zipping about in glee. Tonight I may see if I can flag them down to help with the packing and sorting. I'm sure they would remind me that if I hadn't gone out to the sales this morning I would have had a few less boxes to pack today. I ONLY WENT TO THREE SALES!!! Well maybe one of the sales was a local church autumn sale with 50 vendors but I only bought a few things there.

I found this fantastic old rug beater for under $5.00. I love the old faded red handle; I also bought an old stoneware canning jar that is packed already but I'll have pictures soon of it displayed in the new house. The garden club was also having their annual sale and I was there before daylight; the witches must have been on my side as even in the dark they guided me to an antique blue & white chamber pot, a neat vintage tablecloth, a white trellis, and a white stoneware pitcher. Kirby found a great candle box, he says he doesn't see witches and fairies but I think he does.

The last sale was an estate sale and we were the first people there; we had to wait in line for 30 minutes and by the time the doors were open there was a long line behind us.

My first purchase was this antique trestle table, it has a one board top and it is pegged, I love it and it was $10.00.

I just love the legs on this table; I also found a very nice old Hitchcock chair, actually it was a pair but the seat has to be replaced on one of them so I got the pair for $10.00; I was amazed; there were sales everywhere this morning but I'm quite happy with the three that I went too and very lucky to find these great primitives pieces. It's a good thing to get out and fly around before daybreak with the witches. Now I have so many pumpkins, garlands, and witches clamoring around in boxes demanding to be set free for the season so I guess I'd better get on with the moving. I hope everyone is well and enjoying the season.

Some Favorites

2010-09-26T18:01:00.002-04:00

It's been another hot miserable, dry week here. Even cooler air and rain finally moved in about an hour ago. I can't even remember the last time it rained and even with the house in much disarray due to the moving process I found it so cozy and comforting to see the room begin to darken and hear the sound of the swishing wind that brought the promise that surely Autumn is coming. I still have so much to pack and there is still a great deal to be done in the new house but things are moving along and hopefully I'll be unpacking and decorating next weekend. We are painting the trim there Colonial White and it is really making the rooms much lighter. I have a plan for the kitchen if I can get approval from the landlord. I'm going to see if he will let me paint over the dark paneling in there with the colonial white and paint the cabinets Dove Gray. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

This is one of the bowls that I purchased at auction last weekend. I love yelloware and I was thrilled to find this old beauty with the rockingham glaze.

I also found this great white bowl, I unpacked them this afternoon to get them cleaned up so I can repack them; does that make sense? Well at least they will have the dust cleaned off and be ready to display in the new house.

I found this old magazine stand at a garage sale yesterday; I couldn't pass it up. It will be cleaned up and painted; it's just the perfect size to hold an old wash board or two and be displayed with my old wooden ironing board.

I found this old crock a while back. I know it has chips but that doesn't bother me. It just somehow makes me love it all the more and I can never find enough old blue canning jars. I took the pictures of these things sitting on top of an old chest found discarded by the road. I scrubbed away layers of grime to get to the old crackled finish. It's another favorite of mine. I'm looking forward to the cooler days and hoping that my energy will find me again now that it isn't going to be so hot. I wish you all a wonderful week and maybe my next post will be from the new house.
Take care everyone.

What would you do??

2010-09-21T15:58:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning before last I opened my front door to a beautiful autumn morning and found this little guy on my door mat. Well I picked him up and brought him in and his name is Abadia. I really don't need another pet but my heart just breaks when I see a helpless, homeless little soul. I'm just not one that can walk away.

The traffic and the neighbors here do not allow for outdoor kitties, and he is already spoiled terribly bad.

OK, now the other news. I found some great treasures this weekend but no pictures as I haven't unpacked anything yet. It looks like we will be moving, and while I had so hoped to buy and restore this place it just hasn't worked out and the repairs needed are way too costly for me to make to someone else's property.

I'm busy trying to get packed and we are starting some painting on the house that we will be moving into. It has it's good things and it's not so good features but it is quite roomy and I love the layout.

It has nice windows in every room and a huge front porch and a nice private fenced back yard. I've known almost everyone on the block since I was very young.

I really love the interior french doors that open from the huge living room into the hall way. I don't like the dark paneling but we are painting all of the trim colonial white which will brighten things up quite a bit.

I am looking forward to decorating this mantle, there are several great mantles in this house.

I will be back to post pictures as things progress, I'm really not a patient person and my soul clock is telling me that I an way behind on Autumn decorating so I'm off to sort and pack more boxes. I will be making sure that all of the Autumn things get unpacked first; even before the dishes!!!

I'll also be posting some before and after pictures of the kitchen and bath as these two rooms will get the lions share of the redoing

Take everyone and have a wonderful week.

Autumn Beautiful Autumn

2010-09-12T17:24:00.000-04:00

The weather has finally cooled down and I'm starting to see little hints of Autumn here and there.

My computer has been dragging along terribly slow so I've haven't been posting as much as I would like too. The same goes with the decorating. We've looked at another house; no decisions made yet but it is awfully inviting. I'll know more in a few days and we are computer shopping so hopefully I will be back soon with some updated pictures of this years decorating. For now I'm posting some pictures from last year. I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful change of seasons.

Cool Finally Cool

2010-09-04T15:36:00.000-04:00

Well we've finally had a much needed cool down here and I am trying to get caught up on a million things. Needless to say I am in the mood for Autumn my favorite season. This morning I managed to get to a few sales and I found this neat baby bassinet; I thought it might make a cozy, comforting bed for the little ferals that I've taken in but would you believe they have no interest at all. It does seem that my Brother's best friend Wallace who is now 13 1/2 likes it just fine. Wallace was rescued by my mother and then came to live with me when her home flooded. He has outlived my Mom and Brother and he misses them so much, he is so sweet so dear to my heart.

Now here comes my 6 year old Halo, he seems to like the new bed too. Anyone know where I can find more of these???????? I may need one for each kitty except C C, she likes any spot as long as she can stretch out in her favorite position.

                                                                     She is so Lady like.



I hope to be blogging regularly again soon. My computer is really dragging and at times I can't get online at all so we are doing some window shopping for a new machine soon. I hope everyone has a fun filled safe Labor Day Weekend.

Oh My Gourd!

2010-08-15T16:15:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is having a great summer; it's been terribly hot, humid, and we need rain here.

This is a stash of gourds that I picked up at a garage sale last week, they were free and I can never pass up a gourd. I'm hoping for a cool afternoon to soak and clean these; can you tell I'm anxious for autumn to arrive?

I also picked up a pair of these rockers, I'm not sure if I will paint or stain them. They are in excellent condition and I sort of like the weathered look that they have now; maybe I can just put a clear coat on them.

Well summer is still here so I thought I'd add a picture of some of the linens that I collect. I love cool, white, vintage and antique linens. They add such a freshness and coolness to hot summer days.

I found these little pumpkin people at the same sale with the chairs and I just had to bring them home. I'm ready to start decorating for autumn and Halloween but I 've got to get into the craft room; I've lots of things to finish. The last few weeks I've barely gotten anything done between the high blood pressure problem and this heat so it's catch up time now and housework has to come first.

This little witch met me at the first sale that I went to, she was waiting for me I'm sure.

She's not the usual primitive style that I prefer but that little twinkle in her eye reminds me that I can forge ahead and be back on track in no time.

Blessings everyone.

Late Summer Art

2010-08-01T12:02:00.000-04:00

This is a little table that Kirby found at a garage sale yesterday; it needs a redo and will take it's place in line with other projects that will be moving forward as the weather cools and time allows. He has a good eye and this little primitive beauty will find a place with us for many years. I love the little drawer with it's hand cut dovetails; it just has that good feeling about it and with a little bit of work it will come alive again and it begin life again with us in our home.

And that brings me to this----

It is a most beautiful day, overcast and so wonderfully cool. Summer has been furious this year and the forecast promises that she will return in all her hot, humid, glory in just a day or two but for today Mother Nature has given us a sweet reminder that Autumn awaits.

The art of each season amazes me and has so all of my life. In the fury of the coldest winter day I am amazed; and the precious spring when the birds are nesting amid the foliage of fresh new life can bring the

the greatest joy to my life. I wait anxiously through the flaming beauty of summer, amid the dazzling beauty and scent of flora and fauna for the cool quiet of autumn in all it's splendor to arrive.

The Crepe Myrtle is in her glory now but long after her blooms and leaves have faded she will remain a sculptural beauty even through the long dark days of winter.

The sacred Holly is robust and heavy laden with berries; she shares these with the mocking birds and squirrels so they may be fed through the winter.

When autumn arrives these berries will change to to orange and then red and through the winter they will linger to give color and hope to the promise of a new beginning. In summer the Robin's will feast on these red berries; there is nothing quite like watching a mother robin feeding her fledgling; (still a bit timid from the glory of it's first flight) beneath this old holly.

I am so fortunate to see these miracles and to feel the spiritual energy that binds all living things together. It gives me peace and promise.

Heat Index 107

2010-07-25T12:31:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is staying cool, it has been just miserable here. Just a short post, I spent 7 hours in the ER on Friday; my blood pressure zoomed to 180 over 120 and my potassium level drooped way low. I'm feeling better now if it would just get cooler. Anyway as you can see we use window AC's here in the old house and the brats are finding a way to take full advantage of the one in the living room. My Orpheus isn't a small child and as you can see she's figured out how to get the lions share of the cool.

ORPHEUS!! SHARE PLEASE!!!

Well; black cats; you just gotta love them.

Blessings to all.

Sallie

Short Weekend

2010-07-18T17:15:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer months. The truth is I used to enjoy them much more than I do now. Just a few years ago summer meant spending hours laying out in the sun to get a tan; not to mention picking butter beans, peas and pulling corn no mater how hot it was. Mother nature doesn't wait and you can't let fresh ripe vegetables get over ripe in the hot July sun. I loved every minute of it; my favorite days of summer were hanging vintage linens on the line and watching as they became bright and white as a new star in the hot summer sunlight. Well I can't do much of that anymore; I'm OK until the temperatures soar into the 90's and then I have a problem; it seems the medication that I take for my blood pressure doesn't mix well with sun and high temperatures. Anyway, yesterday my company had it's monthly seminar; several hours of this time is spent in the non- air conditioned mill and then outside and it was steaming yesterday. Well that not only means that I have a short weekend but I also have to recover from the heat exposure in time to be back in the office on Monday. That's OK; Autumn is coming.

I haven't had time for crafting or treasure hunting the last couple of weeks but I thought I'd post some pictures of a few things that I found in trips past that are on the project list or at least on one my lists. I found this green repro bitters bottle; I can sure work that into my Halloween decorating and maybe find a spot for it year round. I also found this old glass that may have been a jelly jar; I love using old glass Pyrex and Fire king in my kitchen.

This stash of fabric was purchased together at one sale, I love ticking stripes and one rather large piece of this is antique ticking from an old mattress.

You might remember that I fell in love with the crimson velvet pine cone ornaments at Christmas last year; well I found this at another sale for $1.00 and couldn't pass it up. It's never been used or taken out of the box. The picture shows it much brighter than it is; it is the same deep crimson velvet that I love and I will find a special place for this near the tree with the pine cone ornaments.

In the top picture the little Confederate Flag was found quite a while ago, they were used during the towns centennial celebration over 40 years ago and I wouldn't have thought there was one left anywhere. Please understand that there is no offense meant by this little flag, when I was young they were used to honor the Confederate dead and it takes it's place here just as all things do; because it touches a memory and because it had it's place in time. When I was in grammar school on May 10th each year every child at my school brought a bouquet of fresh flowers and every mother brought fresh baked cupcakes and cookies and home made lemonade. After lunch we would form a long line;our little journey began with a prayer and a group of young men in uniform lead the march playing music on drum and flute. Each child carried fresh flowers and a little flag and we marched around the great mound at the entrance to the cemetery. This mound is final resting place of many unknown soldiers; both Union and Confederate that lost their lives in the Civil War. We tossed the flowers has high as we could so that by the time the march was ended the entire mound was covered with the flowers. Afterward we bought the cupcakes and lemonade with our nickles that we had saved just for that occasion. The money went to the keeping of the memorial so that these soldiers would not be forgotten. This little ceremony was stopped many years ago and I'm sorry that it was stopped. It was here that I learned how very blessed we are to have freedom,and how blessed we are that we all can now live together in peace on our own soil.

Blessings, Sallie

Charlie Clarence Creech July 24 1962 - July 14 2009

2010-07-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

It's hard to imagine that you have been gone for a year.

I know; you came to me and told me you were free and well. I saw you; young and strong again. You asked me not to grieve. You are my only brother; my baby brother; and most times you seemed more like my own child than my only sibling. It's only right that I should grieve for you; and I imagine that you walk among the wise and listen and I know that you walk among the forgotten and bring comfort to them. I know that the light that you brought to life is stronger and brighter among the spirits now. But your "Who" misses you - your "Who" loves you.

God speed my only brother; I will never forget the joy of loving you.

In the Good Ole Summertime

2010-07-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

It is indeed summer; in fact the hot, steamy, dog days arrived before the end of spring. My little garden has managed to survive the hot dry days. We made sure the flowers and herbs had plenty to drink; along with the birds and little wild kittens that have taken to visiting our porch.

The artimisia that was planted two years ago has grown fat and plump showing off it's lacy, feathery foliage in a way that is cooling just to be near it.

The zinnias are blooming steadily and visited by hummingbirds and yesterday a dazzling little Gold Finch.

I find it's nice to cool off in the keeping room; the snowy landscape in the picture over the fireplace and the softness of candle light can easily conjure images of cooling autumn days and frosty winter mornings.

Autumn colors and old keys and books can take me away. The keys, reminders of the treasures of life, and books that carry me through time all in one quiet cool afternoon.

Blessed Be.

Another redo and a Log Cabin Adventure

2010-06-27T15:02:00.001-04:00

Before

Can you believe I'm posting twice in one weekend? Well there are some things that I wanted to share with you and an experience that I had yesterday that some how lightened my heart and reminded me of how much I love life and how wonderful it is to be with the people I love and to be

healthy and able to craft and create.

I hadn't planned to decorate much for the 4th of July. Brother helped me put up the banners last year and decorate the porch and I just didn't have it in me to do it without him this year.

I found this box just before the Holiday last year and I liked the painting but it was just to bright for me. I distressed it his morning and I will display it with my other decorating. I like it better this way.

I went to an estate sale yesterday; I was amazed to find my self traveling down a wooded path to an old two story log home. It had stone fireplaces and and a stone smoke house. It was nestled in a cool enchanted forest that wrapped me in an aura of peace and tranquility. This house was full of some of the most beautiful primitive antiques that I have ever seen. Each table, bench and stepback cupboard sat in it's proper place in time, magically arranged as it would have been too hundred years ago. The opened casement windows brought in the freshness of the cool quiet forest and and the essence of the mysteries of nature.

Everything was for sale and and I cannot describe the many, many beautiful pieces that were there and I cannot deny that more than once I felt the threat of tears as I thought of anything being disturbed in this place. It is the home Roy Wilder, a very colorful gentleman in N.C. history. I will write more about him in a later post.

I purchased this flag at the sale and later found that it dates to the first world war. These flags were displayed in homes in honor of family members that were fighting in the war and the tradition has continued since. A blue star was added for each soldier in the family and if a loved one was lost the star was outlined in gold embroidery. Thankfully this flag has only blue stars. I noticed how some of the stars were so neatly appliqued.

While other stars were just more or less tacked in place.

Then I realized that this flag most likely has been used for generations. It has 16 stars and the lady that so neatly appliqued the stars at the top of the flag may have no longer been living in WWII and later wars but just the same someone kept the tradition and added a star each time a family member went to war.

Then I knew that I would decorate for the 4th of July, and I would remember Brother joking about how he had to hurry with the decorating because he had to get out and about to let everyone in town know that if they wanted pumpkins to display for Halloween they'd better start getting them right away or else between myself and my neighbor Mrs. R there would be none to be found as we two would use them all.

It's right that I should celebrate and be thankful for the bravery of our armed forces. I have been so fortunate that all of our family members came home safely to their families.

I will always remember that Brother's birthday was July 24th and that he died in the month of July but I am so thankful for the years and the love that we shared.

This coverlet also came from the Wilder estate, it was one of many in his collection. It has some damage mostly along the edges which can be taken care of by adding a hem. I love the colors and I will cherish this always. I also left with a rocker and an old walker spinning wheel. I'll post pictures of these later as I have to find a place to display it. The visit to the Wilder estate was like stepping back in time and it was indeed a joyful healing experience.

Blessed Be Friends.

Before and After

2010-06-25T20:55:00.000-04:00

Well it is finally Friday and boy am I ever looking forward to the weekend. It has been one long week at work and it has been steaming hot here. We had a cool down today; it actually got down to 97!

The picture above is the shaker box I purchased at the GW a while back.

This is the way it looked when I bought it, I painted it robin's egg blue and then I distressed and aged it. I really like the way it turned out. I'd planned to post the picture last week but it took days for the finish to dry enough so I could put the top on it; good old N.C. humidity.

I found this repro tilt top table bench at a yard sale a couple of weeks ago and it is on the redo list. I've wanted an antique one for a long time but I can love this little table.

It's coffee table size but I'm thinking it will be just right to use with the top back in front of one of the fireplaces. I'm not sure yet if it will be mustard or red; but I hope to get it done and post some pictures soon but probably after it cools down here a little more.

Have a great weekend!

My Girls Lily

2010-06-20T18:23:00.000-04:00

Isn't this the most beautiful Lily ever? It's almost as sweet and beautiful as the little girls that planted it but not quite. My darling grand daughters, Kasey & Megan picked this for their special flower to plant this spring, it's a Stargazer and they have nurtured it well.

They aren't little girls anymore, they are growing so fast and have so quickly become precious young ladies. My daughter Lisa has done a wonderful job and she has mastered the art of teaching her daughters to be well behaved charming young ladies and at the same time bending just enough so that they can grow into themselves, she has let their imaginations and dreams thrive while teaching them to temper their actions with good judgement and daily we watch and are amazed as they move closer to becoming magical and brilliant young women. The years pass to quickly but the journey is a jewel indeed.

I also want to wish a Happy Father's day to all.

I've tried to spend some quiet time today. It is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

To the ancients it was a magical day; and it is still a wondrous day; all is green and the earth is yielding forth food and plenty. There are flowers blooming and even the night air is full with the fragrance of gardenia and magnolia.

I had planned to take a walk through the mill village today; I wanted to take some pictures of doors. Instead I stayed at home and borrowed some pictures from another favorite book American Farm Houses.

The early houses had heavy plain wooden doors to keep out the cold winds and Indians, I love this picture with the open door.

What happened to screened doors? I loved the first warm day of spring when the wooden doors were thrown open and the windows opened wide and the cool fresh breezes would flood through the screens.

Screened doors had a special sound they made when they closed, a gentle sort of slap. It was a happy sound, it meant mama was home or uncle was home from work. It was a sound that I cherished as a child and that I miss as an adult. I must get screened doors for this house.

Have a wonderful summer everyone.

Treasure Hunting Again

2010-06-12T18:51:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I was up at 5:00 AM this morning to do just a little bit of treasure hunting. I've cut back a bit on going to garage sales and GW because I'm trying to get my space organized to display my collections better and I do have to decorate around the kitty's so it is taking some time to figure all of this out. Anyway when I decide to go in search of favorite things I just tell myself what I have in mind. Last night I was thinking I would like another yelloware bowl to add to my collection.

                                                               It showed up at my second stop.

                                           I'd been thinking about dolls a lot lately and well at that same second stop I found this wooden carved Ma and Pa set. This isn't a very good picture and while they are carved with movable arms and legs, well they kinda look just a bit creepy.

The little girl in the top picture was also at this second stop. She is still in her original box and looks like she has never been taken out.

It says she is a replica of a doll in an early American museum; I don't know about that but she is a caved doll as well and I love the way she is dressed.

At my third sale the lady had 100's of dolls. There were so many dolls I was completely overwhelmed. They were from the 1950's right through yesterday I think. I found this one that I loved and she came home with me. Her little tag says she is a 1959 Horseman and she is wearing the sweetest little string of peals around her neck.

I also found another favorite, a wonderful old wooden tole tray.

At my last sale I found some old and newer pewter candlesticks. I can never pass these up.

Now I haven't mentioned my first sale; well I found this old glass jar. I always buy old glass jars and this great old decanter.

Kirby found the little laboratory glass thingy a few weeks back and surprised me with a this little

sweet pea vine that just wondered over our fence. He is so thoughtful that way and these little surprises make me so happy.

And this old lamp; old lamps are also favorites. I haven't had time to clean anything up yet; I'll get to that tomorrow and I will surely try to get a picture of my first buy at the first sale. It's a reproduction fireside table. The lady said her mother bought it in the 60's; I've always wanted an antique one but this one will do fine. I will get pictures posted of it tomorrow along with a couple of finished projects.

I also wanted to update you all on little River, he is a bouncing, playing loving sweet little boy and he no longer growls at anything. We are so lucky to have him in our home. I hope you all a blessed week and please stay cool; it's steaming here!

Wonderful Weekend

2010-05-31T17:16:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has had a safe and wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. It's hard to believe that it is almost over and tomorrow morning I'll be back in the office wondering where the time went and looking forward to the next weekend.

The picture above didn't turn out very well and I promise I will post more pictures of this

fantastic project later. This isn't my project, this is a large primitive dining table in the (still a work in progress) keeping room. Kirby crafted this table for me; we were looking at a house in the country a while back and they had torn down an old barn and were planning to burn all of the wood. These boards are 14 inches wide and he loaded them up and brought them home. He's done a fantastic job on the table but needless to say this is barn wood that he's working with. We are in love with every knot and wormhole and you can see the marks from the huge saw that cut this magnificent tree; we know that we are going to have to do some scrubbing and possibly some sanding but I guess the question is; what is the best way to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of this wood and at the same time make it a cleanable surface for dining?

We would greatly appreciate any suggestions. He's put so much love and work into this beauty and I can hardly wait to start using it. AND NOW that I know how talented he is I'm wondering what his next project might be!

Did I say I love this table? Now I need a larger room, maybe in an old country house.

I also want to say Happy Birthday to our dear not so little now Sugar Bee. She's been with us almost a year now and see how tiny she was. I figured her to be maybe 4-5 weeks old when she came to us and what a joy she has been. I'll have to get another picture of her to post soon so you can see how she has grown; and I should tell you she is still quite this mischief.

With that being said I'd like to introduce you to River, well at least that is what we are calling him today. Last week a neighbor child asked us if we could take his kitten. I immediately said no but I was a little concerned because he said a lady around the corner had found it and he couldn't keep it. Well there had been a mama kittie and three babies in a yard the day before and we wondered if it might be a baby separated from it's mom. Well Kirby went over to the neighbors house and sure enough it looked just like one of the babies in that litter and he brought it home to see if we could reunite it with it's family. Well the mama and her babies were no where to be found. I later talked with the little boy's mom and she said they had the kitty for two weeks and didn't want it because their landlord did not allow them to have pets. Well what to do?? This little guy was so scared, he doesn't bite and he isn't wild but for three days he has growled at me, Kirby and the other kitties, he growls at his food, he growls at his toys and he growls at his water. Every waking moment he has spent growling. He has a grand appetite and we have already gotten him wormed, flea treated and his first shot. He loves to play and loves to snuggle and to be petted but growls constantly. This morning I woke up with him crawling around my neck and so sweetly purring and today he hasn't growled so much. I guess his little young life has been tough and it is so good to see him feeling loved.

It was really hard to get the pictures, he's only still when he's sleeping but at least I know that he's healthy and happy. Now if he had only brought his own house keeper with him.....

Have a great week

Blessings, Sallie

A Curoius Little Cauldron and Memories

2010-05-23T17:33:00.000-04:00

                                                                             I guess this post is about memories and dreams for the future. Do you ever wonder just where you are headed? The house pictured above was my old home that I bought many years ago. There is a long story to this house; I first saw her when my children were quite young. We were on the way to Historic Halifax to tour the old houses there and detoured through another small town in Halifax county to look at the homes there. This house sat on a corner and my kids begged me to stop. They loved this place and we played pretend all the way back home. We talked about how many
rooms might be there and where their rooms would be. Now being a single Mom it wasn't likely that any of those dreams would come true BUT many years later when I was looking for an old house to buy I contacted several realtor's in different small towns and asked about their listings. They very next day one of them sent me a package with the description of a house that had just come on the market. There was no picture but I remembered the town and the pretend day with my kids and I knew it was the same house and the price was to the dime the amount that I had to purchase a house with. Needless to say I made an offer the next day.

I did so love this place and enjoyed many years there. I found out that the oldest part of the house dated to the early 1800's with a later addition in the 1860's. It was full of spirits that actually spoke to me often and many friends and relatives experienced this during the years I was there. Eventually I had to sell it. I just couldn't keep up with the constant repairs needed but I had many years of pure bliss painting and decorating and I miss her with my soul.

Now I find myself thinking about the future. I was much younger when I bought that home but I'm heading somewhere; I can feel it. I just don't know if I'm brave or strong enough to follow my instincts. I hope I am.

I've been working on getting an Etsy shop opened and trying to get myself back to me. Back to my crafting and the joy of home and hearth. It seems that my day job has drained a lot from me but I'm determined to get back to my old self.

I found this little 3 legged cauldron a few weeks ago. At first I thought it was a newer pot until I saw all of the pitting inside. I'm thinking it hung by 3 chains over a fire. I love the way it feels in my hand. That's the way I shop; I can feel the sweetness and the sorrows of the things that I touch and they in turn touch my heart.

I'll be working on the shaker box this week. It is a reproduction but when I finish it can pretend that it has had life for many years.

I also have a plan for these old quilt blocks. I'll share this with you when I finish it.

And this is CC a 9 year old I rescued 2 years ago; I'll share her story with you another day.

And My dear Orpheus, she's been with my many years. She remembers the old house and both of these babies bring so much light into my life. Thank you all for listening to my ramblings and for sharing your wonderful blogs with me. You give me hope!

Blessings Sallie

My Mom Hillary Constance Pittman Creech

2010-05-09T13:38:00.000-04:00

First of all I want to wish a happy Mother's Day to everyone.

I'd also like to share a bit about my own Mom.

I lost my mother some years back; she had lived with me after her own home flooded during hurricane Floyd in 1999 and if life growing up with my mom wasn't an adventure on it's own, having her live with me for six years was the makings for a mini series.

In truth she had seemed more like a sister, she was young when I was born and after she and my father separated when I was still an infant we went to live with her sister.

Mom remarried when I was eight years old I stayed on in the country with my aunt and uncle and mom and my step Father visited on Sunday and on a few occasions I would visit them.

I remember the years when mom and my stepfather dated. I always thought Mom was so beautiful. She was a petite woman with a sense of humor that could bring any one to their knees laughing and she barred no words. I wish I could share some of her humor but it's best kept between family and friends that knew her!

I still have the lacy crinoline petticoat that she wore under her full skirts, and she knew exactly how to step so lady like that everyone was sure that the brief showing of this lacy unmentionable was certainly by accident.

My aunt saw to hand washing and lightly starching this garment and ironing it so that every tiny stitch of embroidery and lace came to life in a billowing cloud like confection.

When I was 10 my only sibling was born. I was the happiest child in the world. I would watch him through the nursery window in the hospital. I couldn't wait to hold him. On the day they left the hospital I was there and finally got to see him without a window between us. Mom was in a wheel chair wearing a blue lace gown and jacket. It was short and with the flaring A line that was the style then ( very Jackie O ). She was holding brother in her arms in a white lace trimmed dress and bonnet wrapped in a shear white lace shawl.

It took my breath away, They looked like angels. I'm sure they were angels.

When her home flooded all of her things were pulled to the curb, smelling awful and covered in layers of slime and muck to be hauled away. I saw a glimpse of a brown muddy mess that might of been anything but my child's eye awoke instantly and I was digging through the muck. It took many hours of soaking and to be sure, the pretty pale blue still has some stains and the petticoat will not shimmer again but they are safe and when I see them it is with my child's eye, and they are perfect and heavenly. I love you mom.

Bright Blessings to everyone.

Needfuls

2010-05-07T19:46:00.001-04:00

Hello and Happy Weekend Everyone!

I often spend the day thinking about the country. As most most of you know I am a city dweller these days but you never know; I've been looking and thinking and wanting a peaceful place outside the city for some time now. We'll see what the future holds but for now I'll just daydream. I've been working on my keeping room for some time now as time allows. I love the things that I collect and enjoy the sweetness of thinking how these things, in times past would have been necessary items in the country home. I enjoy candle light and love the aroma of the gently scented breezes they create in my home.

I've posted one of my favorite collectibles above. I certainly can't have a curly white sheep if my own in the city or maybe I can pretend and dream.

Oh yes, tranquility at last. Sheep grazing on a green hillside with a crystal brook for their drinking.

Yes these are needful.

A pitcher for bringing water from the spring. There is nothing like cold, pure water from a natural spring. It quenches the thirst and fills the soul. Yes this is needful.

And this would be a very necessary needful, I guess there are some things from the country life that I'd as soon not have to use but lets remember that this little pot must have seemed a great blessing in it's day. I'm not sure how pottie training went in a privy but I can see where this little needful would have been a treasure indeed. Now I'm off to think again on how wonderful life is, how preserving the past makes us thankful for the comforts we have today and how very lovely it would be to gaze from my window into the hillside while sipping a cool glass of crystal spring water.

Wool and Bees and Eggs OH MY!!!

2010-04-25T12:46:00.002-04:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted for two weeks but last weekend we had our Saturday seminar at work and on Sunday morning I realized our modem had died. Anyway I'm back online and I have so much to share with you. Yesterday I was up before dawn to do a little treasure hunting but I will get to that later. As most of you know I live in the city but the good thing is that I am just blocks from the Farmers Market. Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful young family. The wool and divine bonnets that you see above are the handiwork and craft of Sherryl King-Wilds. Sherryl and her husband and son Andrew and Forest are the owners of Dairy Orchard Farm just 20 miles away in Spring Hope N.C. I can't tell you how excited I was to visit their booth and how wonderful it was to know that this young family is bringing back to our community the much needed and long missed art of organic farming. Please visit their website at http://dairyorchardfarm.com/.

Sherryl is also an accomplished writer. On my first visit I bought her first book; Daughter of Air and Storm. I was captivated from the very first page. I won't give the story away as you must read it yourself but I will tell you it is a magical story that sends us on a journey not just through the enchanting lives of the women she writes about but also sends deep into our own hearts to to grasp the sorrows of prejudice and misunderstanding that we as humans see too often and to hold tightly to the knowledge that we each hold within ourselves gifts to be treasures and shared.

Sherryl gifted me with her second book in the trilogy Daughter of Earth and Tree and I can't wait to start reading it. I also bought a dozen of their free range eggs. Kirby is making Sunday brunch as I am posting this morning. I am looking forward to fresh eggs again. Thank you Sherryl and your family for sharing your wonderful talents and for your devotion to bringing back the goodness of preserving a natural way of life.

Yesterday was also Bee Day at the market. Bees are so important to our environment and again this is another art that is disappearing from our lives. I not only came home with some sweet local honey but got to see an actual hive and demonstration on how the bees are kept and the honey and wax are harvested. I also now have a local source for beeswax. I haven't made candles in ages but I'm so looking forward to the fragrance of melting beeswax in my home.

There was a group of young boys dipping candles the old way. I remember this from the farm when I was a child.

There was even a solar wax melter.

I also came home with these! Fresh local grown strawberries.

There will strawberry shortcake tonight and next week is the strawberry jazz at the farmers market so I expect to making jam after I enjoy another visit to the market.

If you are in the area don't forget to stop by and visit their website at http://www.rockymountfarmersmarket.com/

Now back to my treasure hunting; there were only a few sales yesterday but I must have been in the right place at the right time. I found this fantastic antique table.

It is just my primitive style. I guess the magic was just high yesterday. I also was lucky to find a couple more rolling pins for my collection. I love rolling pins and great set of green canisters. The canisters are showing some wear but that's the way I like them, well used and loved and I just love the color.

I ended the day with a visit to my neighbors to feed and check on her new babies while she is out of town. She recently rescued a mama and her newborn litter of kittens. I didn't get a picture but we spent some time playing with five rolly polly kittens about six weeks old. They had us laughing so hard. As you know I have my own furbabies that I adore and it was so nice to visit with these little scamps. Please remember to adopt a pet from your local shelter and please, please spay and neuter. I was in rescue for a number of years myself and all of my brats are rescues, some were ferals but believe me they give back more than I can ever give to them.

I wish you all a week of happiness and joy. Reach out and embrace the magic around you.

Blessings Sallie

Saturday Treasures And a Fraktur to Share

2010-04-11T17:33:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone is having a warm and beautiful spring weekend. I started out early yesterday and went to a couple of local garage sales. We had a cool down Thursday and Friday after having temps in the 80's and it was cool and crisp Saturday morning at 6:00 AM but it was just the perfect morning. It was so refreshing and getting started early and being out in the cool spring morning air was just what I needed after a long week of being stuck in the office each day. I found some great treasures that I want to share with you along with my first ever Fraktur type drawing. I've done folk art painting quite a bit but I've never tried to draw. I know it seems strange that a soul could paint and not draw but that is the truth. Anyway a while back I decided I'd try my hand at drawing. I ended up with this little fellow.

I honestly didn't know what to do with him after I sketched him but then I decided to try some water color and ink and this what I ended up with.

I drew him on parchment and then stained it all up after I painted it.

I had this old frame which is a favorite of mine because I love the carving on it so here he is. The frame shows better in the next picture.

I've been really hooked on drawing since I tried it and I have some others in the making. It is just a comfort for the soul. I love sewing and crafting but with the time that I spend at work each week and the never ending work required here in this old house I don't get much time to do the things I enjoy most but I'm starting to get back in the swing of it now and hopefully I will be posting more of my craft as the weeks pass.

Now back to the treasure hunting! As most of you know I am a primitive lover but my Saturday finds were to please my primitive and my chic side. I found some lovely hankies, and a pair of beautiful Madeira towels embroidered in the shades of spring. (I told you it was a magical morning)

And then there was lavendar! Yep, a never opened box of lavendar soaps by Laura Ashley and at another sale I found two bars of the sweetest homemade lavendar soap.

I took the plastic cover off the Laura Ashley soaps and sat them on the table in the keeping room and everytime I go in there the room is just so fresh and sweet with the scent. I will enjoy these. I found a pretty vintage wicker dressing table last week that I didn't get a picture of but these soaps will be finding a home on that table soon.

Next I found for my primitive side two fantastic wash boards. These are made of glass instead of metal and were made for washing your unmentionables. I guess that would be your petticoats, chemies and step-ins as my grandmother would have called them.

I also found two great vintage baskets.

These are a few of my finds and at my last stop I bought a set of Pfaltzgraff stoneware. There were eight place settings and a set of blue glass anchor hocking bowls. As I said it was a great morning and I was only gone an hour and a half so with so much excitement and being totaly refreshed I had a quite productive day. I managed to get lots done in the old house and some gardening done. That being said since my collections are running over and I'm constantly changing things around in the old house I've been thinking about opening an Etsey shop. I'm often finding glassware and sweet chic dishes and linens that I sometimes pass up because I don't have any space for them. I'm really needing to pass along somethings from my own collections as well and since I'm back to crafting maybe I could add a few of my own designs. Let me know what you think.

Oh! I also had a great visit to the farmers market. I'll post about that on another day. I hope you all are having a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Now I'm off to blogland to visit all my favorites. Take care and bright blessings to all.

A Beautiful Surprize

2010-04-01T18:46:00.001-04:00

What could be a better ending to a long dark work day????

Well I can tell you !!!

Finding a box from Lori at Notforgotten Farms!!!

I was the very lucky person to win Lori's necklace give a way and I can tell you it is just perfect in every way. I love it!!!

Thank you so much Lori!

If you haven't visited Lori's blog at http://farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/ please by all means go NOW!!

Lori is an artist for all seasons, she has so much talent. She does the most beautiful needlework and paintings, you just never know what she will be crafting next. She opens her heart and home to us and I know you will feel just as I do. It's like a visit to your best friends home.

I always look forward to Lori's posts. Notforgotten Farm was the first blog that I started following and I am always amazed by Lori's many talents as an artist and her very inspiring love for home and family.

It's been a long busy week at work and I can tell you this beautiful gift just lightened my heart. It is perfect for me and I will be wearing to work tomorrow. I know that when the day gets stressful I will touch this beautiful necklace and smile. What a wonderful gift.

Welcome Spring !!!

2010-03-19T14:11:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Well tomorrow is the big day! Over the past year many times I've seen postings of pictures from my all time favorite book Seasons At Seven Gates Farm. I ordered my copy way back when it was first published and you can tell how I have enjoyed it if you see the wear to the cover. I thought there would be no better way to welcome in the first day of Spring than by posting some pictures of the greenhouse and gardens from the book.

I just adore the wash house.

Just the spot for brunch!

All of the pictures above are from Seasons at Seven Gates Farm, the best decorating book ever!

Now I did get to stop at a garage sale today and found just a few treasures. My pictures didn't turn out well but I'll be posting again early next week and try to get some better ones.

I never can turn down a bench for any reason, even a small one. I also found a couple pieces of vintage rhinestone jewelry. I love vintage jewelry.

This is a huge starfish; I'll find a spot for him!!

A great vintage necklace!

                                                    And a pair of my favorite linens, sweet vintage embroidered pillowcases.

I have to work tomorrow which makes me sad because I look forward to spring cleaning this dark old house and bringing in some fresh, pleasant spring air. I'll get a start this afternoon and finish next week. I hope you all have a warm sunny day. Welcome Spring!