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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.
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I've been busy prepping things for tomorrows big vintage faire in Roseville, at the Tattered House.
This will be my last show in the area, and I am looking forward to it, although I am not nearly ready!
I still have drawer pulls to put on, sanding to do, and pricing....
If you're going to be anywhere near by, come on over and see us!
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I got an email from my long time online friend Jenny last night and I felt compelled to share.
Terry Grahl is an incredible interior designer who is making a difference by transforming women's shelters into places of peace and possibilities. Terry designs cheerful and charming rooms and public areas
via her non-profit business, Enchanted Makeovers. Terry transforms
women's shelters into places of peace and possibilities. Her rooms are
designed to lift the spirit and to help a woman feel whole and valued,
less like a second class castoff herself. What could be better than
that?
Her
group also supplies shelters with heartfelt items, such as handmade
cards, and offers consulting to folks who want to assist their local
shelters.
Why am I sharing all of this? Martha Stewart is having a contest, and Terry is in the running for her generous deeds...and I think it's a wildly worth while cause. We all need to go to Martha's site and make our votes count! Terry (and her non profit company) could win $2,500. Just take a moment and think about just how far that could go.
Women like Terry inspire me to do more, and to pay better attention to others in need around me. We can all help. Simply click on the link and look on the right hand side of the webpage.(Now, go vote!)
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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!
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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.
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I took nearly 70 pictures of the party set up for the other Tracey's parents 50th Anniversary party on Saturday and I am anxious to share some of them with you! 41 Taylor was absolutely stunning. The caramel walls and vintage mirrors were a perfect backdrop for the color scheme. The tables were set, the place cards in place, the cake was delivered and the candles were lit. (I haven't heard from the other Tracey, but I am quite sure her parents were delighted at the entire party set up! Hopefully I'll hear some details today!)
I helped out with all of the paper crafts and such...place cards, banners and other little details.
I was pretty happy with the way the banner turned out....(Custom banners available by emailing me)
and I added a bit of humor to the set up, with a banner for our Miss Foofy in the corner....
The other Tracey's sister brought a slide show of old pictures of the folks and they had it set up in the back bedroom (Really, it was perfect the way the layout of things worked out!) and the cake was done to match the original wedding cake. (How charming is that?!)
Now, here are a couple more pictures...
I'll be adding even more pictures to the 41 Taylor website Milestone an Celebration gallery shortly, (these are already there) so be sure and check back! (Wasn't it all stunning?)
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-Winston Churchill
I found this quote last week and I think it's perfect for my words to live by today. I am still walking on air and thanking God about every two and a half minutes for the huge blessings he has given me just within the past two weeks, let alone all the other weeks of my life. This latest blessing may seem to have come up suddenly, out of the blue, but, friends who know me well know that it has been a long, long time coming and why it all came together so shortly after opening 41 Taylor is something I see as a gift and not a challenge, for both me, and the other Tracey. (Let's all remember who's driving the bus.) I am struggling to help my dear friend see that the blessings are surely there for her as well.
While I don't take for granted the incredible support and encouragement I have from my family and close friends, I realize that I need to remember that not every one has such an amazing cheer leading section as I have been blessed with.
Take a nice long look at the photograph I am sharing today. It's just a tiny glimpse (more to come tomorrow!) of the spectacular event that the other Tracey came up with for her parents 50th Anniversary party at 41 Taylor. Such attention to detail! Using the colors from her parents wedding, she created an absolutely magical setting for a party to remember. She has the gift of hospitality.
I fear my comrade doesn't have a clue just how much talent she truly has; her capacity (A gift, really!) to stage a room, organize an party, or a fabulous platter of cheeses and fruits for that matter, rival any Martha episode I've ever seen.
Please, please, my friend, know that whatever project you are working on, I am cheering for you. I have the utmost faith in your ability to make. It. Happen.
Like the quote says, this is not the end, but perhaps only the end of the beginning. (Oh! Think of the possibilities!)
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As promised, here are the pictures from Friday night's Bunko party at 41 Taylor. (The set up looked so cheery and charming I just had to share!) My latest favorite color combo for parties, turquoise and red, made things fun and festive. I made a darling banner, and flags for decorating the parlor at 41 Taylor.
We hung our signature tissue pom poms over the dessert buffet... ...and of course I made cupcakes, which we displayed in my vintage pie carrier,(how cute is that?!) along with other treats...
...and the cupcakes had little Bunko flags as well...
I also had matching little Bunko score cards for the Bunko girls...
Mmm hmmm, it was pretty danged cute, even if I do say so myself. So cute, that I decided to sell my Bunko decorations in an online kit, so all of you Bunko girls out there can use this sweet little color combo too! (Check it out here.)
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Between organizing some things for packing yesterday and this morning, I have been getting ready for the second of three events booked this week down at 41 Taylor...tonight is a Bunko Party, and the decorations look darling! Tomorrow night will be the other Tracey's parent's 50 anniversary party, which will be very "vintage elegant".
I promise to share the pictures of the Bunko decorations, along with a new online "Bunko Party" kit I just finished creating!
Right now I am off and running...to work at the bank!
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** 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.
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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!)
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..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!
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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!
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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!
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The other Tracey's parents are getting ready to celebrate a big milestone. Fifty years of marriage! They're celebrating with friends and family with a dinner party at 41 Taylor and we are busily working on the details for this wonderful event.
Yesterday I made the banner to go with the other Tracey's vintage theme, which will include lots of photographs of the happy couple throughout the years. All the details are being attended to, right down to a cake made to look just like their original wedding cake!
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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.
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