Notes from A Cottage Industry

Thank you!

I want to thank everyone that commented or emailed (or called) me about my post yesterday to share their own advice and experiences.I was very touched to see how many friends I have out here in blogland, and inspired by your stories. I'll be sharing (as always!) whatever develops along the way.
Tracey
ps. and I'll be doing my daily post a bit later...

One. Long. Bus ride.

  I feel like I am spending my life always looking for a sign that I am on the right track; making the right choice for what God wants me to do. I am constantly looking for clear signs, and I worry that I might misread them when they seem a bit muddy. Do you do ever feel like that?

I have always and forever been a color-inside-the-lines kind of person, and so change is hard for me. (..it all goes back to trust) I like stability, for the most part. That is not to say that I am not a risk taker, but I am cautious. I am an over-thinker.

The past two and half years have been a series of doors closing and opening, of do-overs and try-it-another-ways. I can look back and see the long, winding, meandering path I have been traveling that has taken me from that that first petrified moment of being suddenly single, to to the fork in the road of figuring out what new way I will find to earn a living after a job lay off, to where I am now, in the uncertain economy, wearing lots of different hats, not sure at all of anything. (Talk about insecure times- I'm not even sure where I should live.) Paralleled with this I can see all of the many ways I have grown- both personally and spiritually, and I am wondering if I have what it takes to make the right choice in the next decisions coming my way.

You know, our perspective on how big of a risk something might be varies, depending on our age I think. What would seem like a no-brainer to someone at, say, 26, is a big deal at the age of 52. For example, I've realized that I am obsessed with the notion of having a job with paid benefits like healthcare and the security of a guaranteed paycheck (regardless of how tiny it might be, it is constant) which in turn, led me to my current job choice, and continuing to live in the biggest little city, as opposed to daringly following my passion of creating, writing, and  entrepreneurship full time, possibly even doing so up in my beloved PTown. At 24, my choice might have been entirely different, although I am not quite sure.

Does that make it a good choice? A bad choice? Everything we do is a decision made. Doing nothing is really doing something, if that makes any sense.

I have several opportunities in front of me right now, some big and some small, but each of them would alter the path I am currently on in my life. There doesn't appear to be any clear sign (that I can see anyway) directing me on which path to take. Friends and family all have good advice and opinions to share and that makes the choices before me all the more difficult and unclear. All I know is that some choices on the list feel much riskier (er..more risky?) than to keep doin' what I'm doin' and that takes me way out of my comfort zone. I am not at all sure that I can hit the restart button for a third time and succeed.

I keep saying that I know I am not the one driving the bus, I am to trust and not worry, but...well, it's just so much easier said than done. I long for my life to be easy again.

I am guessing that I haven't let loose of the steering wheel all the way, and that's what the hold up is. Man, this is one long busride.

Oh, baby.

    

    Wait! Don't stop reading. It's not another shameless Gramma brag post...I promise. (for reals this time.) It's about a beyond adorable and simply fabulous vintage baby bed I managed to get this past weekend.
     The other Tracey thinks I am a bit obsessed smitten with vintage bassinets, and maybe she has a point. I mean, yes, I know that I now have three of them, and yes, I know that I don't have a baby living at my cottage. But, oh! They are so full of charm that when I come across one, I simply cannot pass it by without drooling on it.  
      While out thrifting a couple of weeks ago, we stumbled upon this latest beauty. I shrieked when I saw it and hurried over to price check it. The other Tracey did an eye roll and I am pretty sure I heard a small oh-here-we-go-again groan. 

me: Oh my. I think this is calling my name.
The other Tracey: Um, you already have the cute vintage one in your guest room.
me: (quick eyebrow raise with a gasp for a stunned effect) This one has wheels!
The other Tracey: And the vintage pink one in the garage?
me: Look at the wheels! See how it rolls?
The other Tracey: Mmmm...you don't need it.
me: (huge long heavy sigh) What-ever.

Then, a long pause..another sigh....
me: Okay, you're right. But if it's here next Friday on half off night, this little baby is mine.
The other Tracey: What-ever.

Finally..Friday arrived. Oh- A small side note here: Last month, the other Tracey was booked on half off night, so I went for both of us, with a stand-in friend who was an experienced Sally shopper herself. This month I was unable to go to half off night because I was having my girls night in with Miss Isabelle (Oh, do remember her? Here, maybe this will help refresh your memory...)

...so the other Tracey had to take Mr.Other-Tracey in my place. This kind of worried me, because half off night at our Salvation Army ("Sally's" as we like to call it) is pretty much a bonefide freak show, with crazed antique dealers and bargain hunters racing to items in the large store after waiting in a loooooooong line outside in the cold for an hour for the doors to re-open, and..well, this would be Mr. Tracey's first experience with this crowd.(Half off night at Sally's is not for sissies, that's all I'm sayin'.)

Anyway. Where was I?

Oh yes, the fabulous bassinet. The other Tracey managed to snag it for me, but sadly, not without one casualty. She temporarily, for just one quick moment, placed a matrimonial certificate she wanted on a nearby table in order to move the bassinet. Before she could pick it back up to place it inside the oh-so-heavenly bassinet, she was horrified, as another woman, who was watching her, grabbed it right off the table! When the other Tracey said it was hers, the woman cackled, and informed her that she "just wasn't quick enough." (See above where I said bonefide freak show. Seriously folks, it's always like a scene straight out of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Sally's half off night. And I always forget to take my camera.)
   The other Tracey brought the truckload of Sally-treasures to my garage on Saturday when I got off from working at the bank. Forget the two big tables, the French headboard, the mirror, the vintage folding chair. I rushed to the back door of the truck cab and flung it open. The sun shone into the back seat like a light from heaven. There it was, in all it's mint-condition-honey-colored-wicker glory. (See the cute little vintage wheels?) 

   I'm going to be doing it all up this week, in vintage white linens (with maybe sheets made from a mocha mini gingham check) and a eensie weensie banner across the bottom wrung that will say "baby".
   I think I may just have to have Miss Isabelle over for a photo shoot in this little treasure (Possibly in the backyard, under the tree?) before it makes it's way to Farm Chicks.

That is, if I can bear to part with it.

Words to live by - week 115

 

"Use your precious moments to live life fully every single second of every single day."
             ~ Marcia Wieder 

Girls night in.

 
I can't help myself. I said I wouldn't but I did. It's another shameless Gramma bragging post.

     I was in pink heaven last night. You see, I got to spend the entire evening, one on one, with the sweetest baby girl I've ever laid eyes on. Miss Isabelle came over so her Mama and Daddy could have a night out. Mmm hmmm, we had a girls night in and it was heaven. (Oh, I see that I said that already.)
She's just a couple days shy of three months and she's at that chubby-cuddly-fits-perfectly-on-your-shoulder-nestles-into-your-neck-and-smells-like-love stage.

     We had the most lovely time, she and I. We talked and talked and talked. (She's a deep thinker, this one.) We talked about what she might want to be when she gets grows up, and how much we all love her and how perfect and beautiful she is.(I didn't capture it too well in these photos, but she has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen!)

She liked my slightly off-key Micheal Buble sing along and she was impressed with the walking tour of my cottage. Oh, it was heaven.

She fell asleep on my shoulder and my heart melted as I listened to her soft breathing next to my ear. I swear I could stare at her little sleeping face all night long. In fact, I did.

*sigh* Yes, it was pink heaven all right. Right here on Norman Drive.

bebe' amore'.

 
Okay, I am pretty certain my blog title is incorrect French, but you get the message...er...pictures, as I am sharing in this post.

And...No, this is not yet another post about my grandbabies. (I said I wasn't going to turn this blog into a Gramma Cupcake brag book, and I intend to keep my word.)

It's a post about a photographer that specializes in baby photography. (Um, yes, that is my grandson in the photo!) France Photography is the name of Kellie France's photography business. She's located in Carson City, Nevada and works all around the norther Nevada area. (she gave me permission to share these pictures!)

She does some charming vintage style things (check out her blog!)as well as traditional and more artsy looks. The photo shoot was such fun, and we were so excited to see all of the proofs.

Now, we just all have to figure out which ones we will choose!

Roseville Antique Market...part 2

  

       As I had begun to share in my last post, the Tattered House coordinated this event, and they did a phenomenal job. The morning began slowly  with a kick off time of 8:00 a.m. (it was Sunday after all) and things really picked up speed by 9:30 or so. So many shoppers, nice people and blog readers!!! When our booth wasn't filled with shoppers, the other Tracey and I took turns walking around through the other booths, meeting people and shopping. Oh, the display ideas we saw!
     Clinton and Becky had a booth space right in front of the Tattered House. They have a room at the Tattered House and their taste and style were absolutely amazing. She's an artist, and he is a natural born design guru...and on top of that, they were the nicest folks anyone ever met!

     Linda from La Maison Rustique was there, with her hubbs and her sweet, sweet lil' egg shaped trailer, which was part of her booth. (Talk about a fabulous idea!!!!)

 

The trailer filled about half of her booth, and she had wonderful items set up outside as well.

 

     Jacque's booth was mainly rusted garden items and salvage. Her sweetie was there helping also, and they certainly have great style.Oh! The wonderful things she had in there....carts, trays, old gates...and spectacular old treasures for inside the home too. (The other Tracey got a vintage typewriter exactly like mine!)

 

     The Tattered House itself was open for shopping as well. It was eye candy heaven, I swear.Here are some shots of just a few nooks and crannies inside the shop.

 

 

 

 

Um...just a couple shots of some details in Clinton and Becky's room in the Tattered House.... (I told you they were talented!)

 

  If you're ever anywhere near Roseville California, you have simply got to stop by. Erica and Sandy completely reaarange the fabulous shop every week!
     Our booth space looked like a sad, picked over yard sale by the end of the Market (and that's a very good thing!!!) and we headed for home, so happy we both felt we might explode from the overwhelming feeling of contentment and satisfaction...from bliss.

Roseville Antique Market...part 1

       **Disclaimer, up front** I am tired and so this post is mostly photos, but I'll be sharing more details in the next post.

It's too close to call, but last Sunday's out of town trip to Roseville just may have been my favorite faire yet. The incredible girls  from the Tattered House did a phenomenal job coordinating the event and the location could not have been more perfect.

Here are some more shots of a few of the treasures in our booth...

Oh, and the other Tracey found a new couple to join her vintage cake topper collection. (Look closely! I think they look just like Ken and Barbie!)

This is most likely the last show we will use our lanterns and garland, as everyone seems to be doing that now. My mind is reeling with some new ideas to replace these!

Huge shade trees line the street when the Tatttered House is located, and all of the homes look so quaint. Our booths lined both sides of the street (there were about 50 booth spaces!)More on what we saw (and bought!) in other booths in part 2...

Another late Monday night HomeGoods blog post!

I'll share pictures from the wonderful Antique Market in Roseville tomorrow, but tonight I want to share a bit about the HomeGoods website on my Monday post with OpenHouse. Check it out here.

Words to live by week 114

"Old times never come back and I suppose it's just as well. What comes back is a new morning every day in the year, and that's better.”
~ George E. Woodberry 

Becoming a Gramma changes your perspective on things.

A recycled arm chair that's full of French charm.

You like?

     I sure do. This chair began life with a pecan kind of colored stain, which made all of the details hard to see, and it looked outdated to me. I reinvented it with a creamy beige paint and lots of antiquing. The Sewing Queen created the fabulous oh-so-French looking pillows (with feather inserts no less!) and the end result was even more charming than I had hoped for. (I had to keep going back and looking at it all evening after it was completed, just to enjoy it's beauty!)

     If you have a piece of furniture that feels outdated, think about painting it for a brand new look. It's easy and it's inexpensive!

Thursday night surprise.

First, let me say thank you to everyone that commented yesterday. It warms my heart and reaffirms my own faith to see so many of us feel the burden to pray.
     The other Tracey and I have been working like crazy women to be ready for our booth at the 1st Roseville Antique Market, and it's nearly here, whether we're ready or not. 
      I would paint and create little treasures everyday, all day if I could. (And someday I will!) I love doing it so much that I lose track of time, but this week I had a change in my schedule at the bank and it meant that I wasn't home parts of the week to paint as I had planned. (there are only so many hours in the day, no matter how I try to stretch them) I was pretty stressed that I wasn't going to have all of my pieces completed and my dining room, kitchen and living room were looking like some kind of furniture refinishing warehouse.

Anyway.

     Imagine my sheer amazement when I arrived home last night to hear Jack Johnson serenading me on my stereo and to find that all of the pieces of furniture that I had left half painted had been completed and ready to be antiqued or foofy-fied, along with the added surprise of a primed dressform I didn't think I would even have time to tackle for this show! (And she cleaned my kitchen!) It took me a minute to process all of this and then I burst into tears of disbelief as I walked through the dining room and living room. (Honestly, I felt like one of those folks on that Extreme Home Makeover show and I would hear Ty Pennington shout out at any minute, "Move! That! Bus!")
   The other Tracey, the little fairy God-friend that she is, had spent the entire morning at my cottage while I was at work, painting away, hanging out with my pups. I have typed and erased for 15 minutes now, and I simply cannot put into words how touched I am that she would do this for me.

It boggles my mind to think of just how blessed I truly am.

Let's pray, shall we?

      Financial times are pretty tough for many of us right now, and with that comes new problems and stresses. The recession has altered a whole lot of well laid plans for many of us, and it has been on my mind (and in my face) a lot as of late. It really makes me wonder- What do people without faith do these days? I mean, exactly how do they get through each day? What keeps them going? I know,(all too well) that I wouldn't last a single minute without my faith. Believing that something bigger than me is in control of the big picture makes facing tough times possible for me.

     Here is one example: Each week since I started at the bank in December, a young Dad (early 30's I'd guess...I should pay better attention to his driver's license, I suppose) comes into the bank to cash his unemployment card. (Both he and his wife are out of work... Reno's unemployment rate is now above 11% and climbing.) He's a nice guy, and he always brings along his darling little three year old son.
     Two weeks ago when he came in, he was really down. It seemed that their washer had broken and the repair man gave them an estimate and then charged them for parts on top of that. He said his wife had had all she could take, and was having a melt down at home. He was at the end of his rope. I offered him some sympathetic looks and some encouraging words, but it seemed to not phase him. Finally I said, "Well, we all just have to hang in there and have faith. You've got to count your blessings."

"Like what?!" he said, in an angry tone.

"Like that little guy there." I replied, nudging my chin out towards his sweet son.

"Ya, well, we don't even know how we're going to feed him." he snarled back at me and turned abruptly and left.

     Well, I had to bite my tongue so hard I thought I would scream. HE had no idea how blessed he really was, and how much worse things actually could be in his world.

    You see, I work with a guy who has a three year old son with leukemia, and tings are not looking good. I wanted to say...no, I wanted to yell at this man, "Hey! How would you like to trade places with that dad? Huh?! You ungrateful, thankless man." Of course, I didn't. Instead, I prayed a long silent prayer for him. He can't help it. He doesn't have faith. He is completely alone in this scary, uncertain time we live.

     Last week, he came in again and I greeted him. "Hi there. Are things looking better this week?" I asked hopefully.
"No" he grumbled.

Again, I prayed for him, and I continue to pray for him, his wife and darling little curly haired boy.

   One more story, and I will get off my soapbox...a few weeks ago, I was in WalMart (where else, besides TJ Maxx I mean...) and, maybe it was brought on by my own incredibly financially challenged situation, or menopause, or hormones, or the moon...but... I was in the midst of a fairly decent sized pity party for myself, and very nearly in tears. (Life is too hard, I'm a good person, why me, I'm lonely, I have no money and will probably never have any money, yada yada...)

    Cruising the aisles, looking at things I couldn't afford to buy, and bemoaning to myself how I was going to do 100 hours of work (painting furniture) in a week, while working 34 hours at a bank to make my squeaky tight ends meet and still get at least five hours of sleep each night, when I came whipping around a corner end cap..and almost ran head on into a sweet faced young boy, maybe ten years old, clinging to the handles of his grocery cart while his Mom was filling a prescription. He had skinny, shiny, metal prosthetic legs sticking out of a pair of shorts and appeared to be slightly mentally handicapped. He was smiling a huge crocodile grin.

I swear to you, it was total God thing, if you know what I mean. Seriously.(I still get goosebumps thinking about it and the sheer magnitude of the moment) It was God smackin' me down, telling me to knock it off and get over my bad self..right then and there. I felt completely and totally ashamed. And humbled. This boy never has an "easy" day. Neither does his Mama. But yet, they move forward.With smiles on their faces.They have faith.

I guess...what I am getting at with this rambling , picture-less post is...Yes, these are challenging times, people. But, those of us with a secure faith in God have the competitive edge, for sure. We have something so much bigger and better than houses and cars and money.

So.

   I'm asking you today, if you are a person of faith, please, please pray.

Pray hard. There are lots of folks out there that don't have the security blanket of faith, and I am fearful as to what may happen to them in these trying times.

It's the little details that REALLY make a home.

  

     Okay, I won't force you to view any more grandbaby pictures today. I promised you that yesterday and I meant it.
     I had my camera with me this past weekend when we stopped by the Sewing Queen's home. I was looking around and I realized that the thing that makes her home so charming are the details.(I shared a couple shots about a year and a half ago, but these give a better idea of her style.) I thought you might enjoy a little tour of her niceties.
     It's a mobile home, and it is absolutely the most adorable cottage ever. I tell you this because so many of you email me saying you don't think you can do these things with the place you live, whether it be large or small, an apartment, a mobile home, a modern styled loft, or a "fixer upper". I want you to understand that it's not about the size or style of your place, it's what you do with your space.

    Make it cozy. Make it charming. Make it yours.

    You see, it's really all in the details. This little piggy has made it through three moves. He used to be a sort of monochromatic cream color if I am remembering correctly, but with this last move, the Sewing Queen and I decided he needed a make over to go with her newly redone kitchen, so we painted him up and sealed him with a nice coat of verathane. He's perfect on the kitchen counter now.

     The kitchen cupboards were in good shape, but the cupboard doors were outdated, so the Sewing Queen had a contractor make new doors from bead board. We wallpapered the area above the cupboards to carry out the cheery cottage look...pretty charming, huh? And all done with one roll of wallpaper!(Of course, the Sewing Queen made the custom valace for the window, as well!)

    Her ceiling lights in the kitchen, dining and gathering room (where she keeps her computer set up) all came from Lowe's. We painted them sage green and added some flowers and shades to give them a custom look for nearly nothing.


Speaking of her computer area, look at the easy fix for a basic folding conference table. She simply skirted it...it adds a lot of personality and it hides whatever she needs out of sight.

     Her guest bath is darling as well. She keeps it looking roomy by using lots of creams and lace. A vintage chair covered in a chennile type fabric holds towels and adds a sweetness to the room.

   Her bedroom is full of cheery cottage bedding. Click on the picture to see all of those adorable pillows. I love mixing and matching patterns within a color group. It adds a custom feel. (Oh dear. I see that I quite accidentally have a grandbaby in that photo. How did that happen?!)

   One thing you might have noticed is that her entire home is done with the same colors in each room. The bedroom pulls more yellow and the kitchen more green, but the rooms flow thanks to the colors being compatible and it gives her home a nice feel. Also, this enables her to move items from one room to another so she won't tire of them and the rooms always seem fresh.
    I hope you've enjoyed the tour. Just remember...life is in the details.

A happy family is but an earlier heaven.

*sigh*
Those words by are so true. I am feeling very blessed and quite content today. Easter at my cottage was beyond wonderful. Having all of my family home, with the two newest family members are all this girl could ever ask for. (and I have over 400 pictures to prove it...but I promise not to turn this blog into a complete Gramma brag log!)
Speaking of baby pictures, indulge me with just a couple more of them...The little man wore the Easter outfit that his uncle wore 25 years ago. His uncle was also a December baby, so they were the same age at the time of these photos. (I do believe that Mr. Carter is a bigger baby than his uncle was at this age!) And, look at little Miss Isabelle up at the top. Doesn't she look a lot like her Daddy's baby picture?
 
    We wrapped up the weekend with brunch together on Sunday and there were tearful goodbyes. (as always) After everyone was gone and the house was quiet, took a long bubble bath and thanked God for all of the wonderful gifts he has given me. I am rich beyond measure.

I hope you all had a blessed Easter too!

Words to live by - week 113

Let the resurrection joy lift us from loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness.  ~Floyd W. Tomkins

I wish you all a wonderful Easter!

It just keeps getting better.

 
I shared a picture of my favorite man yesterday, and today my favorite little princess came over to visit!
The grandbabies got to meet each other face to face today at my cottage and needless to say, it was pure heaven on earth. (I can't wait for tomorrow when we get to do it all over again!)

I'll be back soon!

Yes, yes. I know.

I've been M.I.A.

Life has been busy (I know I always say that, but it's true.) I've been prepping for shows, and working, and cleaning, and grocery shopping...and....My kids are home and my favorite little man is in town for his very first visit!

Thanks so very, very much for all of the emails and concerns. Rest assured, all is well with me, and I will be back to posting each day starting Sunday, I promise.

We heart Alameda.

   

     Alameda's Antiques by the Bay was all that we had hoped for and more. Huge crowds, perfect weather, and lots of blog readers and fellow shopkeepers and thrifters coming by to say hi!

      We arrived home late last night, tired but happy and inspired. We spent the entire drive discussing ideas for new treasures and displays for our booth in Roseville's upcoming first Annual Antique faire, which will be in just two weeks!

Words to live by - week 112

     There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.
                                              Douglas H.Everett

It's almost time for Alameda!

     I was up late, late last night and up early, early this morning, working away on last minute items for the big Tumbleweed Cotillion's premier booth event at Alameda tomorrow, so I wanted to show a little peek at some of the treasures to be showcased....I'm off to do my bank job now. You know that I'll be sharing tons of pictures Monday!

What the...?!

Okay, I am totally over the snow thing. It's nearly Easter, but...here is what I woke up to in the biggest little city.

Anyway.

We are working like madwomen to get the last of the stuff ready for Alameda this Sunday and for those of you coming by, our tenative booth number is R26..towards the back.  (Please check my blog again on Saturday if you do plan to stop by, as we are still hoping for a spot a bit closer to the front.)

Meant to be.

It's thrifted. It's vintage. It's recycled and reinvented. It's perfect.

It's the official new Tumbleweed Cotillion Cash wrap station and it sports a fabulous vintage credit card sign.
     The other Tracey and I actually found the sign in Sacramento at the booth next to us at the Antique faire. We loved it from the moment we spotted it and decided we could find the perfect piece of furniture to attach it to. We didn't know when, but we knew that somehow, someway..someday, we'd find just the right piece of furniture to create the best darned cashwrap station anyone ever had.
    Less than two weeks later, we happened upon this three drawer dresser at our local GoodWill. The three drawers were perfect for holding tissue paper, bags, our cash box, scissors...you name it. (click on the after photo to see enlarged version of the rustic antiquing...)
 
The odd, yet amazing part was that it was missing the entire back, which we didn't need, because we wanted to mount our credit card sign there. (I swear, it was as if it was just waiting for us!) It was oh, so cute, and just happened to be the exact size we were searching for to hang our antique credit card sign. (notice it reads All "Valid" credit cards accepted!)

We ran home to my cottage, and, after measuring the sign, went back, snatched up the dresser and got busy painting and antiquing. (Special thanks to Mr. Tracey, who was given the task of mounting the heavy metal sign to the dresser for us.)

*sigh* See what I mean? Meant to be.
Man, you've gotta love it when that happens.

It's all about your form.

 

   Um...Dress form that is. It seems I have a bit of a collection going and I swear, I couldn't pick a favorite if my life depended on it.
     We'll be showcasing five different dress forms at the Alameda show, and I love them all. Some are vintage, others are newly created, in decoupage or canvas, like the one shown here. I love the vintage feeling they can add to any room I put them in, and they work great for holding jewelry, hats, and anything else I can dream up.

A close up on the front detail....

And the back detail...

    I spent a bit of time last night adding the final foofy touches to make her special and confidentially,  she's such a cutie patootie that I fear the other dress forms in the group will be jealous.