...or at least I hope so. My gosh, I came back from my trip to PTown and the Willows Nest Barn Sale so inspired I couldn't even sleep last night. (I couldn't even decide what category to put this post under, so I listed all that even remotely applied.)And I took so many pictures I think it will take at least two days of posts to share them all! Where do I begin...?
The weather was fabulous Saturday. Not a rain cloud in the sky. (Please note the fabulous sky in the above photo as proof.)The crowd size at the Willows Nest Barn Sale was good. Crowded, but not overly so, (just enough to add that adrenaline rush that someone might beat you to something, right after you spot it, but before you can get to it)and everyone was so friendly. I mean, just the absolute nicest folks (which I have found seems to be the case all over Oregon and Washington) Nicest of all was the moment I got to meet up with my fellow Bliss Sisters. I was afraid I might not find them in the crowd, or that I wouldn't recognize them, but no, I picked them out of the crowd right away. Kindred spirits, one and all. It was a wonderful time meeting them in person. We laughed and chatted like we were old friends from school. (*sigh* it's actually too hard for me to describe in words just how good it felt to really meet them in person)
I absolutely hate having my picture taken worse than anything, but for this occasion I am going to share one.I have a terrible habit of scrutinizing my appearance in any and all photos, which is why I am rarely in one. Anyway, I'll leave it to you to guess which one I am! I will tell you this much- I really truly didn't know I had such a furrowed brown, and now I see firsthand that I simply must stop with that God-awful squinting, since it makes me appear constipated concerned,and exactly what is up with my hair?!(Hint: Really, I look so, so much younger and lovelier in person, tee hee.....I've had a tough year, allow me this one fantasy please.) Now back to the fabulous event....
The property was amazing. (Yes, this is the view they enjoy from the back of the house...it's God's country for sure.)
As you can see, it's a big 'ol sprawl of land with an incredible view of the Columbia River and plenty of room for the booths to be spread out, not jammed up on one another.Here's the barn from outside, and some of the wonderful booths (Look at that umbrella!)
The cutest hand made signs, telling where the restrooms were, exit, etc... Oh,and the products and displays, aaa-mazing.
The whole event was simply off the hook with creativity and imagination. Sure, some darling antiques, but so much more than that. Quaint painted furniture pieces, hand made jewelry, and charming papercrafts.
(who knew tying jute around a stack of books could look so fabulous? I know now.)
Heck, even their price tags were so cute I had to take pictures. (Now that you see them, you see why I had to photograph them.)
Here are more Booth shots....
We came, we met, we shopped. It was a good thing, for sure. But it didn't end there.
Oh no, we all caravaned from the Willows Nest Barn Sale to a nearby estate sale, (and got some more fabulous finds there!)and then to the ever so lovely 4th Street in Camas, where we had lunch and shopped some more. My Bliss Sisters were as enthralled with dear sweet Camas as I am. Once again we hit Camas Antiques, followed by a trip to "Fancies" which carries some of Linda from the Willows Nest's things. Such a treat!
*sigh* this was such a wonderful trip, and it is a memory I will treasure always.
**Note: I forgot the Bliss Banners at the bride-to-be's home that I made for my friends, so those will now be going out to all three of them later today.
Ooohhh, I wish I was you! That looks like so much fun. Thanks for showing us all of those inspirational pictures. I have been in a creative slump, and I think that is just what I need to get me out of it. If I could pick my dream job, it would be Willow Nest.
And you are much too critical of yourself!!! You are beautiful and adorable, inside and out, and it is nice to finally see a picture of you (the one that was on your blog was too small to see you). ;-)
Posted by: Heather J | June 25, 2007 at 06:46 AM
Oh my goodness. I might pass out if I ever went to something like this. Thanks for the gorgeous pictures.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 25, 2007 at 07:17 AM
Oh, this looks wonderful. I can't wait to see what you purchased.
And, you do not look constipated! You look as adorable as you sound.
Posted by: Kim | June 25, 2007 at 07:21 AM
Thank you for posting the pictures- I had to miss Saturday's final sale because my son had a baseball game.... needless to say my 9-year-old daughter and I had a major case of yearning for Willow Nest all day!
I find it so inspiring that you and your girls are such good friends- I hope that Anna and I have that type of relationship when she grows up.
Glad you had a good trip, and hope your NV daughter's home is not threatened by the terrible fires this morning.
Posted by: Debi | June 25, 2007 at 07:35 AM
I knew you would have fun...and oh my, all those goodies...I think I would have been on eye candy overload!
You look fahbyoulous dahling, don't you nevah mind that voice in your head...it's a liar LOL.
Posted by: Francie | June 25, 2007 at 07:46 AM
Yeah Tracey, now I can put a face to you. And I agree you are much to critical, you are beautiful !!!! I am drooling over my laptop. That sale is amazing, what fun !!!! xoxoxo Clarice
Posted by: clarice | June 25, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Tracey...WOW I did not know you live in Washington! My favorite blog writer! I have done a couple of shows with Linda and Ludmill. One show you might want to venture over to check out,is on August 11th (9-4) ...American Primitive's Show at Clayson Farm by Leslee Mobley. Very similar to the Willow Nest sale. Linda has been to this one several times too. The adress is 221 Hall Road, Yakima, WA. I guarantee you will not be disappointed! Have a wonderful week.
Helen....
PS You look marvelous!
Posted by: Helen | June 25, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Tracey, you are much much too self-critical (I know this because I am too -- I HATE having my picture taken. I always look like a mental patient.)
I am so happy you all had such a grand time -- and how could not? Fabulous blissful friends, a lovely setting... what could be better. I hope you were all chatterbox magpies just going on and on and having the best of times.
Posted by: Jenny | June 25, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Ooooh, it all looks so wonderful! And you're adorable -- thanks for peeking out!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | June 25, 2007 at 09:34 AM
Oh, oh... oh!!!!!!!!!! That looks like soooooooo much fun! I kept checking for pictures all weekend, and as always, you never disappoint! What a cool place! I cannot wait to see what you purchased. And you are SO CUTE!!!!! I am so glad to be able to think of you with your posts and just "See" you working away on all your projects! Your group of bliss sisters looked like such fun. AND on a personal note, Thanks so much for adding me to your lists of blogs to visit! It is the first time I've seen my blog on anyone's favorites, and I got soooooooo excited! Thanks!
Posted by: Gayla | June 25, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Oh Tracey I feel the same way about photos of me. My photo on my blog is from my 25 year high school reunion which was about 4 years ago. You look great! My eyes went right to your necklace...I have one very similar, your is beautiful.
Thanks for sharing those beautiful photos. Seeing that adorable lined shopping basket makes me want to make a liner for the old one I have which belonged to my grandmother.
I hope you aren't getting too much smoke from the S. Tahoe fire!
Posted by: Cindy | June 25, 2007 at 10:38 AM
why do we do that to ourselves? we beat ourselves up way to much...I am the same way about pictures. Thank you for sharing your day! What did you buy??? take care. Gail
Posted by: Gail | June 25, 2007 at 10:47 AM
It's hard to imagine a lovelier way to spend a day. You just have no idea how jealous I am. I want some Bliss Sisters!
Posted by: Jen | June 25, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Tracey,
It sounds like you had an absolutely Lovely time. I'm so happy for you.
I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures.
I hope the fire in Tahoe, isn't near your daughter.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine | June 25, 2007 at 02:24 PM
Tracey, I have been looking forward to the pictures all weekend.I know ya'll had a great time and the sale looks like the kind to die for!That is such a cute picture of all 4 of you! You are too cute!!Thanks so much for sharing with those of us that will never get there, way tooo far away!
Carol
Posted by: Carol | June 25, 2007 at 05:08 PM
Good heavens, this looks like toooo much fun! I'm sure I've never seen such a lovely sale!
Posted by: joyce | June 25, 2007 at 05:57 PM
Tracey!! How in the world did you ever contain yourself?! What an amazing collection of treasures!! Thank you so much for posting the beautiful photos, at least we can look and enjoy ~ you're right, very neat ideas all around, too.
xxoo, Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | June 25, 2007 at 07:47 PM
Oh wow...a stunning day, fabulous place and a great outing...I can see and hear that it was fabulous!!!!
Posted by: Gypsy Purple-Chamara | June 25, 2007 at 08:52 PM
Simply beautiful and marvelous!! Thank you for posting so many pictures - I love all of it!!
Posted by: Lorraine | June 26, 2007 at 04:55 AM
Wow girl, you got some great photos. I like the one of Lindsey high-tailing it over to the blue armoire (which shall never be mentioned again....)
Oh, I will never forget the sound of us all laughing together and making people turn to see what all the commotion was about! What lucky friends we are to have had this perfect day....thank you so much for making the effort to come all the way up here, Tracey.
I can't wait until we hatch our next plan for an outing!
Posted by: DivaDeb | June 26, 2007 at 06:23 AM
Oh how I want to go there!! Blessings... Polly
Posted by: Counting Your Blessings | July 06, 2007 at 05:28 PM