Notes from A Cottage Industry

All Things Cottage.

I was very flattered this morning to open an email from Jack Mitchel, the publisher of All Things Cottage and discover that I had been chosen as a featured blog for the month! If you have never been to the All Things Cottage site, stop on over and check it out. There are so many great ideas, as well as many wonderful featured blogs to inspire us all. (I was even more flattered when I looked at the other blogs being featured on the site!)

Thank you, All Things Cottage, and Jack!

Remembering how to relax.

I'm a little (okay, a lot) tardy in publishing today's post, I know. I spent today in a slight state of slow motion, savoring the residue of the most relaxing weekend I can remember in a very long time. I realized at some point this weekend, that I actually could not remember the last weekend (or weeknight for that matter) when I simply relaxed at home, flopping on the sofa, watching television, or just vegging. I have been in a constant state of motion, and projects, and problem solving, and stress, for a pretty long stretch of time. For such a long time in fact, that it became habit, to not just relax. Ever.)

Anyway.

We were hit with a nice, heavy rainstorm on Saturday, complete with high winds and thunder. I realize that this might not thrill anyone but me, but I have been longing for a nice heavy rainstorm ever since I arrived here a little over a month ago. I was in heaven. Perfect weather for staying in, cozying up on the sofa, and just enjoying being home. (Yes, I am an incurable romantic, so, if you live in the pacific northwest, don't even try to convince me that I will eventually tire of this weather.)

And....What could be better than staying in and enjoying this fabulous weather, than a meal of the most fabulous comfort food I've ever had? (and that I didn't have to cook, I might add) Mmm hmm. You got it. The boyfriend (I love saying that, even if it does cause him to roll his eyes at me) braved the storm, and the thunder, and arrived with all of the fixings for the perfect rainy night meal. It was a pork fennel stew, and what made it extra yummy, was that there were two kinds of olives in it. (He shared the recipe on his blog today, so you can simply click here for it.) Sooo good...and even better by candlelight, and shared with someone special. (Oh, and just so you know, this stew was even better two nights later, when I reheated the leftovers for my dinner tonight.)

Suffice to say, the yummy stew set the entire tone for the rest of my weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I still remembered how to relax and enjoy a day at home, simply hanging out and doing nothing.

I hope your weekend was equally fabulous.

10 things.

Sheila, over at Tattered Goods left me an award. (Thank you so very much, Sheila!) I am supposed to share 10 things about myself, which might sound easy, but when I sat down to create the list, I struggled, went blank, struggled some more, and finally, managed it.

Actually, I did a post with something similar a long while ago (when I still worked in my Monday through Friday 8-5 career job) here. Other than the fact that I have moved past my crush on Donny D, (sorry Donny) my old list still pretty much stands, but, when I remembered I had that old list, I had already created the new one. (It figures. That's just how my life goes.)

Anyway.

Now, here is the new "10 things about me" list for you :

1. I have no sense of direction. (It appears that I was born without the chromosome that does that.) Just ask anyone that has ridden in a car with me someplace.

2. My dream vacation would be to just stay home for an entire week, sleeping in, having breakfast on my balcony (Yes, my new place has a balcony off the master bedroom!) reading, and nesting.

3. Although I am a complete and total shoe nut, I am very nearly always barefoot when I am at home.

4. I misplace my car keys and my cell phone in my home at least once a week, and every single time it happens I swear to myself that it will be the last I let it happen.

5. I love to go for long car rides or road trips...if I am not the one driving. (It goes back to that no sense of direction thing, I think, and my amazing ability to chat and ask questions for up to 12 hours nonstop)

6. I have a toaster, but never make toast, a waffle iron, but never make waffles, and a coffee maker, even though I do not drink coffee.

7. I am a "more is more" person. Especially when it comes to dishes. And shoes. And coats. And grandbabies.

8. I had a very short side career as a fully-trained-balloon-animal-making party clown a long, long time ago, when my own children were young.

9. I have a pretty substantial crush on Jason Mraz .

10. Given the altered path my life has taken these past 38 months, I find myself surprised to have discovered that I remain desperately romantic, am quite naive, and continue believe in happily ever after.

I can't possibly pass the award to only 10 more blog friends, so..how about this- consider yourself tagged, and if you're inclined to share your list on your blog, please say so in the comment section, so people can click over and read yours, okay? I know I'd enjoy reading them from everyone.

Never had it so good.

Last night the boyfriend cooked me dinner again, and this time I made sure to take pictures of most incredible (and so easy!) brussels sprouts he roasted to go with our ribs and polenta. I must tell you, that up until I tasted Bob's roasted brussels sprouts, I hated them so much that I never, ever cooked them. (Ask my children. I do not know if they have ever even tasted a brussels sprout!)

Anyway.

Where was I? Oh yes. Dee-lish. That's what these little babies are. Kind of salty and...well, just yummy, and not at all the strong, kind of disgusting smell I recall from my days of trying to steam a batch of them for a dinner side dish. (Check out Bob's blog for the actual recipe.)

I think another great tip about the way he cooks them, as opposed to the way the rest of us are used to cooking them, is that he peels off the outer tougher leaf layer, then cuts each one in half before roasting them in a pyrex pan.

I'm telling you, they are to. die. for.

Change of heart.

One of my dearest friends from Reno called me early this morning to talk. (What a fabulous way to start my day!) I first met her at my former career job, and we became friends outside of work as well. We used to go on double dates when I was married, and she was there for me when my life disintegrated, as well as being a major cheerleader as my life has come around full circle. She and I have always been kindred spirits. And I cannot imagine it any other way.

She is at a crossroad in her own life right now, and was looking for a bit of clarity, and some encouragement. The bottom line is that she has been struggling for a few years now with what she really should, or could be doing with her life, and more exactly, her career. She wants something that is more fulfilling, more meaningful in her life regarding work. Something to be passionate about, really. I can tell you firsthand, that is stressful, and exhausting, doing something you do not love. It occurred to me while we talked, that we all go through that feeling at some point in time, on some level. It may be realizing you don't like what you do for a living, or you need to work on things at home, or you have your priorities all out of whack - whatever.

When that happens, we need to listen to our heart, and then decide if we actually have the nerve to do anything about it. My friend is at that very point. She has decided she wants to follow her desires, even though it may mean a big life change for she and her sweet hubbs. She wants more time with her growing family, and...well, she wants it all.

You know, it's okay to change your mind. It's okay to have a change of heart. What you once loved doing for a living may get old and not be the best fit for you any longer. Sometimes the rat race catches up with us. We are supposed to run our lives, not have our lives run us. I told her to pray about it first. Then I said to go with it and run like the wind. Follow your heart.

I know firsthand that life is just too short to not go for the golden ticket of happiness. To not love what we do, to not love every aspect of our lives.

Gravy.

Last Sunday, before going to the show at the Expo, we went out to breakfast. I wanted to share the curtains that were hanging in the window at the breakfast place. Are these the most creative use of old ties you've ever seen? Simple burlap and neckties used as tabs, I could see these in a den or a boys room...just so danged cute that I had to share.
The restaurant is named Gravy, (and, although none of us ordered it, you should have seen the size of their biscuits and gravy!) over in north Portland and the food was pretty fabulous, which explained the more than an hour wait for a table. I split a meal with my daughter, and I was really glad I did. My son-in-law ordered a ridiculously giant omelet that came with equally giant hash browns and we all were so stunned at it's size that I took a picture of it as well. Mmmmm, yummy.

I am thinking it will take a lifetime of Sundays to get through all of the incredible restaurants here in Portland. And just yet another reason I am beyond thrilled to be living up here, in one of the coolest cities on the planet.

An afternoon at Expo in Portland.

Wow. Thank you all so very, very much for the wonderful comments on yesterday's post! I loved reading all of them, and Bob got a big kick out of it too. I'd say he's figured out that I have a pretty vocal and supportive large band of friends out here in blogland!
I actually wasn't quite sure when I was going to share my boyfriend news with everyone, but this past Sunday afternoon Bob and I went to the Expo Center in Portland for the Antiques and Collectibles show, (which I knew was not going to be his kind of thing, but he was such a good sport about it anyway.) where we visited with Isabel and Joy. Once they had met Bob, I figured the cat was out of the bag, so to speak, and the time had finally arrived to share my happy news.
Next door to Isabel was a new friend named Maryann (sorry, she doesn't have a blog!) and her things were fabulous as well, all vintage flatware and mirror topped dressers and such! I couldn't wait to get a look at the amazing things Joy and Isabel had done with their booths. They did not disappoint. (More pictures from Expo on their blogs) So much inspiration! I am really excited now to get my booth at Camas Antiques all ready for the holidays this week.  Thank you all once again for the warm comments from yesterday, and for checking in to read my blog, even though I've been a bit...um..preoccupied and sporadic... with posts lately!

NEVER say never.

Famous last words. (Oh, you might want to get yourself a cuppa something. This post is a little long)

Those of you who have been reading my blog for a long time, or know me in person, you know I have spent most of the last three plus years restarting my life and... well, basically, the whole thing has been a pretty big work in progress. Sometime back, oh, more than a year ago, friends and family began to tell me I should get back out there, and try dating. They hinted. They suggested. They urged. They pleaded.

"Absolutely not. No way. Nada. Not going there. Are you kidding?" were my usual replies, followed with an eye-roll and an exasperated sigh. I was especially put off by my well meaning gal-pals suggesting the online dating thing, because it seemed (to them, not me) a natural fit. Even though I have plenty of online girlfriends from blogging, and many of which I have even ventured out to meet in person, this seemed an atrocious way to attempt meeting a potential suitor. I pretty much figured the odds of finding an oddball, guy with a bad comb-over, or potential serial killer were a good 1/2 ratio and I was not looking to add any further drama to my little life.

That brings me to a little story I'd like to share with you today. One evening, in early September, I was commiserating on the phone  with another suddenly single friend about the odds of either of us being known around the town as "the old spinster with house full of cats" or some equally sad title, and I was suddenly struck with the idea that, since I was moving to the Portland area, it might be prudent to take  a peek online at what there were out there, in the shape of "dating material". (I should share with you at this point in time, that while I am not a big drinker, I was having a glass of wine, and when I do have a  glass of wine, I very nearly always suddenly think I am brilliant and quite often, do things that I later regret.) I told my friend that we should go ahead and try it together, with her checking out the options in Reno, while I would check out the pacific northwest. (sounds not too half baked just yet, but just you wait.)

As I got into the online website, I realized I needed to create a "profile" for myself. Hmmm, so much easier said than done, especially after I had had a glass of wine. Well, I took  a stab at it, and read my little biography to my friend over the phone. She was aghast. She told me it sounded like I was auditioning for the Martha Stewart Show. Too many cupcake baking mentions and nothing letting anyone know I was a single woman interested in dating. (here's where you'll begin to notice that I was thinking I was brilliant)

I suddenly had the seemingly (to me anyway) brilliant idea to read some of the men's biographies. I clicked on the website. I went to "Page one" of about 100 pages of men allegedly matched for me. (I never went past page one, by the way) Within seconds, I landed upon a guy's bio that had me in stitches. Witty, smart as all get out, and pretty much all the same interests as me. Before I knew it, I rewrote my own bio,  mirroring everything he said, nearly verbatim, down to the restaurants he liked in Portland. ("And why not, I thought?" in all of my brilliance. I had been to them, after all)  a quick prrof-read, and I published "my bio" and went to bed.

End of story? Oh no. Not by a long shot.

The next day I logged on the check my email and there were lots of emails waiting for me.  And only not from blog readers. From online men.

Grooooan. It suddenly came back to me. The biography I had so flippantly and shamelessly plagiarized. I glanced up and down the email list. Sure enough, there, smack dab in the middle of the list of unread emails, was one from...you guessed it...the guy that wrote the witty bio.

Uh oh.

I took a breath and kind of cringed. I opened the email and turned about ...oh, 16 shades of crimson as I read these words.."We could have written each others bio's."  Sweet Jesus. What was I to do now? !

Well, after a moment (or ten) I wrote a semi-witty response to him, not sharing my blatant plagiarism (Good grief no! What good could ever come of that?!) and before I knew it, we were online dating, long distance. Romantic Pen pals, if you will.

After a short time, I confessed my act of scandalous biography theft. He laughed. He was flattered. A little more time passed, and I made the big, long move to the Portland area. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally met in person. We have talked. We have laughed. We...have gone on dates.

So.

The moral of my story is...Another life lesson learned. (Just as I learned that the very moment I announced to a roomful of preschoolers mom's that none of my children would ever act up in a restaurant, I had a kid throw a ginormous temper tantrum at the local Italian restaurant.) I have now come to know, once and for all, to... never say never.

After telling friends and family for the past year and a half that I would never, ever make flirty small talk with a any man, attempt to "find myself a boyfriend", or heaven forbid, go online looking for a date....  I today stumbled upon this in the online dictionary:

boyfriend n. A favored male companion or sweetheart.

Oh. My. Gosh.  That is what he is.

Be still my heart. Yet another gift from God.

Limbo.

Yup, that's where I feel I am at right now. Moving was one thing. Getting actually settled in,and feeling like I live here, really live here, is quite another. I cannot seem to quite get myself in the mindset that I am here for the duration, for good. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to be here. Ecstatic to have a booth at my favorite spot, Camas Antiques, and happy as a clam at the bank branch in Vancouver. And yet...I still cannot believe that I am really living here. For forever.

The reason that I am sharing this is because, if it seems I have not been posting very often, and maybe I seem to be missing in action, it is because I feel, still, as if I am on a dream vacation. I seem to get sidetracked easily, and have trouble feeling like I have a deadline or anything. I can run over and hug my grandson pretty much anytime I please, and I still have boxes everywhere. (it's hard to feel any sort of urgency to unpack when I am living in a temporary place for an unknown amount of time) i have emails to answer stacking up by the minute and still have no cable television, so I am completely out of the news loop, let alone what is going on on the Food Network.

Moose, on the other hand, has adjusted quite nicely to the move and is happy to run outside in the rain to do his business and sniff for the cat next door.

Hot date.

I spent the morning working on my booth at Camas Antiques and then I hurried home to get ready for a red hot date with one of my favorite men in my new town. Yes, I am spending the night with my grandson!

It's just one of the perks of living so close by. I can pop over and see him pretty much anytime, or, like tonight, I can babysit so his parents can have a date night.

It still feels  bit strange to me that I actually live up here and am not just visiting, you know? But, at long last, it is finally so. And I am loving it.

Sunday drive.

Once the moving truck was unloaded, I began the long process of unpacking the things I need. (I am living in a temporary place right now, while I look for the perfect home for Moose and I, so I don't need to unpack everything.)

Anyway.

This past Sunday I went on the most incredible drive with a most incredible new friend from Portland. I saw areas of Oregon that I had never been to, and am thrilled to say that I love the pacific northwest even more than I imagined I would.

We had breakfast in Portland (at Mothers Bistro!) and then headed to Cannon Beach (you know, where the Goonies was filmed, with the huge haystack rock?)
After that we toodled on down the coast, through the other little beach towns, and along the way,we stopped to visit some friends at the Craftsman Bed & Breakfast Inn in Pacific City. Oh. My. Gosh. A completely restored Craftsman home from the 1920's, in pristine condition, with such attention to detail that I just had to whip out my camera and take a picture or two. (And not a doily in sight, as my friend pointed out during the tour.) Each room was done in craftsman style,and the four rooms are named for the seasons, and their color scheme reflects that. The first thing that wowed me was the most giant bathtub I have ever laid my eyes on. I mean, the thing was ginormous. And pretty. (You know how I love my bubble baths.This would be a dream come true, floating in all those bubbles!) Then, as Mike, the Innkeeper toured us upstairs, we noticed the attic drop down stairs. Mike and his Innkeeper wife, Laura, had a muralist creatively paint the drop down piece in the ceiling, so it became art. How cool is that? As we wrapped up our house tour, I admired the huge mural in the living room, and discovered that the muralist had creatively hidden the security motion detector (inconveniently located in the center of a large wall) by making it part of a light house in the mural.

Our drive did not end at the beach, but continued on to some of the fabulous Oregon wineries (at this point, with my lack of directional skills I was lost, so I can't tell you right this minute where the wineries were exactly) to taste some wine and enjoy the views, the company and the beautiful day.  Finally we meandered our way to the Wheatland Ferry, where we rode across the Willamette River and finally made our way back into Portland.

*sigh* I knew I was gonna love living here.

My move to the pacific northwest...with a delightful side trip

Did you think I had retired from blogging? I feel like it's been ages since I last posted. I finally have internet service and am settled into my new place just enough to be able to get back into my blogging routine.

Moving was chaotic, to put it mildly. The packing, the figuring out what to take, what to get rid of...oh, all of it was just...well, overwhelming. But, once it was done, the movers arrived and loaded my belongings and it was time to leave. I was more than ready for this part of the move.

The drive up to the Portland area was split into two travel days. We (the Sewing Queen of northern Nevada, my oldest daughter,  Moose and myself) drove basically halfway the first day, to Medford, Oregon. My daughter is working at a hospital there temporarily and so we stayed at her place there in Medford that night.

Once we arrived and got cleaned up, we took a short drive to the most charming little town of Jacksonville, Oregon, just about 10 miles or so away from Medford. Oh. My. Gosh.
What a little jewel of a town it is! Bed and Breakfast Inns, churches, Wine shops, Antique Stores, historic homes...the perfect spot for  a weekend getaway. (Of course, we were only there for dinner, but I will remember this for future reference)

The neatest thing about this adorable little community was that very nearly every home or shop had some sort of charming fence around it. So much so, that I took pictures to share. Here are just a few of the fences.... 

 

 

 

Oh! And the restaurant we dined at that evening....mmmmm, such good food, (blueberry and peaches foster for desert!) in a fabulous giant old home. The yard was filled with red Adirondack chairs, and I cannot think of anything more relaxing than spending an afternoon in one of them, reading and watching the world go by.

After dinner we all headed to bed, and before daylight, the Sewing Queen, Moose and I were back on the road. I must say that the best way I can describe what it's like to drive a 26 foot UHaul truck is that it felt to me exactly the way I imagine trying to steer a runaway stage coach would be. By noon we had made our way to Camas, and I became a Washingtonian.

I still cannot quite believe I am really here. For good. Somebody pinch me.

a lil' update...

   I know, I know. I have been missing in action for days. No internet service yet in my new place, and not much free time to sit and post. (But, please know that I’ve been thinking about all of you, and just aching to share my adventures so far!)

    I am, at long last, transplanted here in the fabulous Pacific Northwest and I have so much to share, but first…the ending to my cat’s tale from my last post….

     For  a few hours I thought I might be sharing the truck cab with Moose and a lil’ three or four month old kitty, but while we were helping the movers load things, my daughter decided to look on craigslist to be sure that no one had reported Mr. Luckycat as a missing family member. No, no sign of him there, but another post did catch her eye. Someone posted a lost cat that looked quite similar to Mr. Luckycat, but was 10 months old. My daughter decided to call the person anyway. When the woman answered, the very first thing I heard he say was “Hi, I saw your post on Craigslist, and I want to tell you first of all, I do not have your cat.” I did an eyeroll and wondered where she could possibly be going with this. Well, my daughter and the woman on the phone chattered on for several minutes and my daughter hung up the phone with a smile on her face.

     It seems that the woman’s cat had actually returned home the day before, but was badly hurt. She rushed him to the animal hospital where the vet told her the cat had clearly be hit by a car. Sadly, he did not survive. Heartbroken, the woman went home and forgot to remove her craigslist post.

    When my daughter shared with the woman just how much Mr. luckycat looked like her kitty, and how she had felt compelled to recue him from the tree the night before, the woman decided she wanted him. She felt it was meant to be.

     Many text messages and photos were sent back and forth through out the afternoon, and early that evening, the woman, with her son and his friend came to the house to pick up their newest family member. It was love at first sight, and from the text messages my daughter received a couple of days later, it appears that Mr. Luckycat is going to live happily ever after.

  

How's that for a meant-to-be story?

Look at the cat we dragged in.

I am very nearly done packing, and I was able to take a break to attend my grand daughter's Christening Sunday evening, with a lovely celebration party following the ceremony. (I made the dessert cupcakes!)

As my daughter and I were leaving the restaurant, we heard a very loud distressed sounding meow. My daughter immediately insisted she needed to find the cat. Of course it was dark outside and so I needed to then move my car and shine my headlights on where the distressed meowing was coming from. It was a cat (Actually a kitten, no more than maybe three months old) all right, and he was up very, very high in a huge tree next to the restaurant.

Forty five minutes later, (with the help of several other attendees to the party) my daughter emerged victorious from the bushy landscape with Mr. Luckycat. (At least we think he's a mister) This story is quite typical for my daughter (she is a nurse after all, and is all about caring..for people, for animals, for life.) We drove home and the little guy purred the entire ride. 

Monday morning I have a To DO list a mile long, and the moving truck will be loaded as I will be getting ready to leave Reno on Tuesday.

Now, we will add a trip to the Humane Society to the To Do list..

A recipe from Cat.

Mmm hmm, you know..Cat Cora. Iron Chef. (My personal favorite Iron Chef )

Okay, I'm taking a minuscule break in packing here to share a fabulous email I got back today (from Cat!) regarding this post I wrote, back on August 28th, desperately looking for her recipe.

Anyway.

She said they do all that cooking on the fly, so there is really no recipe, but sent along another of her favorites involving popcorn for party food, and I wanted to share it with all of you here.

Trail Mix Popcorn
Makes about 10 cups

1 bag (2.9 oz.) microwave popcorn, cooked according to package directions
1 cup raisins
½ cup dried apricots, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries &/or cherries
1 cup sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
2 Tbsp. butter or butter soft spread
1 tsp. baking soda
¼ cup finely chopped pecans, walnuts &/or peanuts
¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
1 tsp ground cinnamon

In large bowl sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, combine popcorn with
all dried fruits, and set aside.

In medium saucepan over low heat, combine sugar with corn syrup, and once
melted, stir in butter, baking soda, all nuts, cinnamon, and sunflower
seeds and stir until well combined.

Carefully drizzle mixture over popcorn and fruit, stirring constantly,
until popcorn and fruit are coated. Cool completely before serving.

How cool is that?! It just goes to show that if you want something, you only need to ask.

Free at last.

A little ending to my small household crisis from yesterday. (Thanks for all of your helpful tips, by the way)

Anyway.

While I was at work at the bank, the Sewing Queen was at my cottage packing (how nice of her was that?!) and my Realtor came by with a handyman to do some small fix ups. You guessed it, my quick thinking mother got the handyman to find a way to open the secretary!

Aaaah. Life is good, once again.

Somebody call me a locksmith, please.

Why is it that the things lake look like they should be the easiest, always end being the things that take up a bunch of time and throw a wrench into my plans? With the kitchen and most of my office packed, we moved on to the living room. It should have been a cake walk, but, noooooo. I got to the antique secretary, and discovered that the glass door was locked. Now, keep in mind that I am agrown up and I live alone. I have no idea how this thing ended up locked.

I have a skeleton key for the piece, so I wasn't worried...until it didn't work. Bobby pins, tweezers, a credit card....nothing worked.

I decided to take a break from it, and come back to it later. Still, no luck. This kind of thing is so typical in my life that I almost could have laughed if I weren't so irritated by it all.

*sigh*  I'll be calling a locksmith.

dog tired.

Moose and I were both exhausted as we tumbled into bed last night. He is completely puzzled by all of the action going on around and inside my cottage.The weekend was jam packed with a yard sale, followed by packing, packing, and more packing. (and that was just the kitchen.) It turns out that I have enough sets of dishes to open a small restaurant, and I really, really like flatware.(who knew?) Where I will be putting all of this once I get moved remains to be seen.

     At any rate, I wanted to check in and tell you that I may be missing in action a bit this week, as I am still at the bank and there are many other rooms still left to pack up, and far too many friends here to see and finish my goodbyes.

Affirmation of faith.

You know that saying, "God's perfect timing"? When he decides it's time for things to happen in your life, they happen. Overnight.
      First of all, since I wrote this post on September 9th, things in my usually challenging life have continued to soar without obstacles and I am truly walking on air, amazed at God's grace as I move forward with my move. It seems that every morning I am now waking up to huge, new blessings, and I am awestruck. I keep trying to get my head around just how I got here, from there, and wondering what I ever did to deserve so many blessings, all at once. I want to share the story of just one of those blessings with you today.
     I realize I have been missing in action for several days, but there is so very much to do when you are getting ready to move! I've been trying to make sure I get to see all of my friends to say good bye, sandwiched around organizing the move and all of the little things you forget about doing when you move. (like getting Moose's shot records, and calling cable for a disconnect date)
       Let me back up a bit here. After returning from Portland with a job transfer and a secured booth at Camas Antiques, I called my Realtor friend to list my cottage for sale. We debated on an asking price, since I wanted it sold quickly and she wanted the best price for me. We ended up going with the price she wanted to try, which was, in this market anyway, much higher than I even dreamed we could ask. Less than 24 hours later... (this gives me goosebumps just thinking about it) we got a good, clean, nearly asking price offer.
      I didn't want to share my this incredible news on my blog then because, after all, the house had to be appraised and things can happen with house sales. Now, less than 2 weeks later, I can share with you that the appraisal came back and it was right on with the offer. We are set to close in a little over two weeks.
      This is not how my life usually runs. Things haven't come easy for me, ever, in the past three years. To have so many blessings happen within a three week span is so incredible that I cannot find words big enough to share my feelings. I have cried more tears of joy in these past two weeks than I remember in my whole life. I have a silly grin on my face all day long and I keep asking people to pinch me. (if you've seen me, you know this is true.)
     I have always heard people talk about God's perfect timing, and now I have experienced it firsthand. Once you really let Him drive the bus, anything is possible.

Ultimate Yard Sale.

If you're gonna be around Reno this Saturday, (tomorrow!) in the early morning, I'm having my moving sale and I am selling a lot of my furniture. You know I love a new project anyway, and I don't want to pay to move all of the heavy furniture...so here are the details:

Saturday, September 26, 2009
7:00 am - 11:00 am
3370 Norman Drive
Reno, Nevada 89509

Early birds welcome, but I can't promise everything will be priced.

bittersweet.

bit-ter-sweet noun                                                                                                                      1. pleasure mingled with pain or regret: the bittersweet of parting.

   Ya, that's exactly how it felt all day long yesterday, before, during, and after my trip to the Tattered House Street Faire. It was a long, fun day, but it was bittersweet in so many ways.
    Out the door by a quarter to four in the morning, driving the hour and fifty minutes (we refuse to say it's a two hour drive) chatting with our cell phones on speaker as much of the way as we had cell service, and setting up in Roseville by 6:00 am.
    The other Tracey and I had the booth set up in record time, (we even got our tent up with out too much drama, thanks to Hector and Ralph in the booth next to us.) It was a fabulous day in every way.     
     The booth looked good, with plenty of fresh product, and we got to chat with so many of our fellow vendors that have become our good friends.(Jacque, Liz, Mona, Katie, Sandy and Erica, and Clinton and Becky...the list goes on and on)  Then, so many of you came by to say hello, and that's always by far my favorite part of any faire I participate in. Really. I am continually surprised, and flattered when someone comes over to meet me because they read my blog. It's very humbling and I want you all to know that I don't take it for granted for a single minute that I am truly blessed to have some of the most wonderful people on the planet reading what I write. (For everyone that asked, all day long- Yes, I will keep blogging as I move!) Writing is such a part of me, and I cannot imagine ever not writing. There may be a day or two during the move that I am not close enough to internet access, or have no time to post, but rest assured, I'll be here, sharing all of my thoughts and ideas.
   I was completely surprised and touched at how many of my fellow vendors at the show were sad that I was moving. I feel like a giant nitwit, but I really had no idea I had this many friends.
    All day long I just kept thinking how lucky I was, and then, feeling that sad little twinge in my stomach and heart that this would be the last show with the other Tracey. Of course we'll both still do faires, but we'll be going solo, with me in the pacific northwest and the other Tracey doing the Reno, Sacramento, Alameda area shows. I have no doubt we'll plot and plan booth ideas by phone and email, but, I will miss terribly the giggling and belly laughs, the eyerolls, the inside jokes, and most of all, the bantering and teasing back and forth regarding everything that has to do with our business together.

Yes, I'd say bittersweet just about describes yesterday perfectly.

Colby Cottage- designers and builders, recycling at it's finest

Oh, I love the tag line on those cards there, don't you? I love everything those cards say, in fact.
Kathy Colby's booth always was one of my favorite spaces to shop when visiting at Monticello Antique Mall. Sadly, she's no longer at Monti's...because she is opening her own wonderful shop and tea cottage!
Located at 370 River Road in Eugene, Colby Cottage is will be open 10-5 Tuesdays through Saturdays, with her GRAND OPENING coming up this Friday!(Oh, how I wish I were going to be up there for the opening, but rest assured, my daughters and I will be popping in, very, very soon!
If you live anywhere nearby, this is going to be a must-stop-in spot for shopping. (and for tea) Best wishes Kathy, on your new adventure!

Guest post today over at 4 Reluctant Entertainers...

You must know Sandy, right? If not, you will now. She's been my blogworld friend for...gosh, how long? Maybe two years? Maybe longer, now that I think about it.
We met (obviously) through our blogs and we have grown a wonderful friendship over the past couple of years. I love her style, her hospitality, and dedication to raising her family. I am guessing we'll get to finally meet in person at some point once I get moved to the Portland area next month!

Anyway.

Sandy graciously invited me to be a guest blogger on her blog, sharing a hospitality idea and I was happy to participate!As you can tell from her blog's title, she shares many, many wonderful ideas for entertaining, with the focus on what is really important...In short, she inspires me!

What are you waiting for? Hop on over and check my post out, and tell Sandy I sent you.

First things first.

** Before I start my post today, thank you ALL so very, very much for the encouraging words and the cheers for me after yesterday's post. I slept all of an hour last night, and I am still dancing on air today. Now, for today's post...**

Oh my. Where do I start?
Packing that is.

Good golly, do I really have this much stuff?  (Apparently I do.) My daughter gave me some advice I am going to try out today. I am going to use colored labels for items and boxes; one color for items going to the upcoming Tattered House event on September 20th, one color for yard sale items, (that, once tagged with the sticker go in the garage for a yard sale I just this very minute decided will be held on September 26th) one color for items to be moved to my new home, and one color for items that will be going to Camas Antiques. (All of this, while attempting to keep my cottage neat enough for a sudden arrival of looky-loos with a Realtor) Sounds easy enough...right? I hope so.

Now, for the hard part- trying to decide what goes in which category.

Real life and "God things".

You know, my life has been anything but ordinary these past few years, and I share a whole lot more about myself on this blog than I ever dreamed I would. When I first began blogging, it was all to promote my crafts slash hobby business, such as it was, way back then. Well, that and my love of writing. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever for a minute think it would become such a passion, nor such a large part of my life as it has become. So many friends, and kindred spirits. Truly, I feel like I know many of you as well as any of my friends I see each week.

That being said, there are some things I still keep private and don't write about. (Seriously, if I did write about some of this stuff, no one would believe it; I barely believe it myself. It's been like one of those "lifetime for Women" television movies.) With this all being said, and not trying to sound too mysterious or deep, there have been some pretty stressful and worrisome things going on in my life for the past nearly three years that were not of my doing, but were holding me back nonetheless, for quite a little while. Things that stopped me from selling my cottage more than a year ago, things that altered my income dramatically, and although I had my moments of feeling defeated and worn down, I hung in there. (thanks to so many friends and family members encouraging words) Finally, the week before last, (a week ago Friday to be exact) things all came together and the months and months and months (Okay, more than a year) of perseverance and stick-to-it-iveness finally paid off. 

I am completely free to sell my home, take my tiny savings out of my shoebox and put it back in the bank, and move on. Free to start over.

One.

More.

Time.

And I am. As of October 5th, I will load up my car and my belongings and head straight to Stars Hollow.(here's where the GOD things come in) Last weekend, while visiting up there, I ended up with not one, but two offers from bank branches to transfer. Wait, let me back up- I had to apply for a transfer and was told by the HR person from Portland that Vancouver Washington had not had any openings at all in months, and it was very surprising that suddenly, right now, they had three branches with openings for part time tellers. I sent my resumes through the company website and followed up with phone calls.

I had interviews lined up for next Wednesday at the 3 branches with openings and told 2 of them I would stop in to introduce myself (the third guy was on vacation) when I landed this past Saturday for my visit. Both managers ended up offered me the position while I was visiting, and I accepted one of them. (Somebody pinch me!)

Then.... another total GOD thing happened....we went straight to Camas antiques from the banks to see about securing a booth space. We walk in and JoAnn, the owner, was at the counter with an employee. The employee says to me "You! You have a blog."
I said yes I did. She said they just had a just had a customer that spent a LOT of money and the customer said she came in because of my blog. (The employee had recognized me from my tiny picture on the blog!)
I told them both that I talk about Camas Antiques all the time on my blog.
Anyway,  JoAnn, remembered me from all of my trips in as well and when I told them why I had popped in she said of course I could have a booth and gave me her number to call her with the date I need it! I am going to tell them November 1st. That will give me time to get some more stuff gathered after moving, along with the stash of treasures I am hauling up. My mind is whirling with ideas for my new space in my favorite antique mall, on my favorite street, in my favorite town in all of the world.

I've kept the other Tracey in the loop about my moving plans as it has developed and we are working out whether she wants a new partner, or if she wants to keep 41 Taylor solo, and of course I am helping and working with the planned events until I leave for my new adventure.

It's really happening. Finally.

Life just may fall into place.

Oh, I am still a bit in shock, but I am blissfully happy. I know it will be hard to leave all of my friends, as well as my son, daughter-in-law and grand daughter, but I will be joining my two daughters, son-in-laws and grandson up north. At last I am moving myself and Mr. moose up to the pacific northwest where I will continue to pursue (and grow!) my bliss of writing, junkin' and cupcake baking, all while being a part time teller at the bank branch up in Vancouver, Washington.(The sewing Queen will be following, hopefully not too far behind!)

Too pooped to post.

..so a picture will have to do for today.(because I got home late, late and I have been trying to clean up emails from the long weekend, and then I work at the bank all day Tuesday.....) But.... Wednesday (or sooner, if I get the chance!).....

                                               B I G News!

Off to PTown for the Labor Day weekend.

     I hope you all will be enjoying a wonderful weekend with your families and friends. I am headed to the airport this morning to fly to the pacific northwest to hang out with my favorite little man and the rest of the family up there. We'll be spending some time at his other Grandma's lake house and so you know I will be sharing pictures shortly!

Babycakes and a banner for a new baby

 
    One of the girls I work with at the bank is due any time now with her first baby- a girl! We're having a potluck shower in the breakroom today and so of course, I am taking itty bitty pink babycakes.
    I also decided to whip out an "Oh Baby" banner to hang in the breakroom...
I think the Mommy-to-be will be surprised!

A lil' more cupcake trailer love.

      I shared yesterday just how smitten I was with Enjoy Cupcakes fabulous little cupcakery on wheels, and many of you share my infatuation. Well, as it turns out, Amber Vander Vliet, the owner of Enjoy Cupcakes is a blog reader! She commented on my post and I emailed her back begging for a few more photos to share...and she kindly obliged.

Enjoy Cupcakes made an appearance at a baby shower. (How fun would that be?!) Complete with a coordinating blue utility cart for serving, the Enjoy Cupcakes trailer had to have been the hit of the party. Oh, and notice the adorable awning.....too cute!

*sigh* I'm thinking I just might have found another kindred spirit in Amber.

So many ideas, never enough time.

I want to do this. Bad.

Look close. It's not just a trailer, folks. No. It's a cupcakery on wheels.

Ya, baby, that's what I'm talkin' about. (...and even their name is cute!)

Just how fun would that be, to be all set up at some Saturday Farmers Market, selling sweet little bits of of yumminess out of the side door of a trailer like that? Of course, I'd also want one of those pull out side awnings to make a shade area with maybe a cute weathered white skinny farm table out in front with a row of cake pedestals and domes showcasing the flavors of my cupcakes....)

*sigh*

You see, I have so many things that I would absolutely love to do, that I have realized I will need to live be 132 to actually get to do them all. Are you like that?

Camas Antiques...

When I was up in Stars Hollow...er..Camas, Washington a few weekends ago, I didn't get to share all of the pictures from our browsing day, which included a place I have shared more than once on my blog. Camas Antiques is a booth type mall, but with a different feel than Monticello. (We went to Camas Antiques twice in two days, which tells you just how much I adore the place.)

Full of charm and quaintness,some wonderful booths,along with candles, cards, and cd's and some really nice reproduction pieces mixed in. (Oh! And guess what?! they now have a blog!) Here, take a peek...

All of this on my favorite street, 4th Avenue, in my favorite little Camas.