Vintagebejoyful

Southern Living.

I love Southern Living Magazine! The new Christmas Issue is so fabulous, It has some wonderful recipes, craft ideas and stories, They really know how to help you dress up your homes in easy elegant ways....It's usually the first Christmas Magazine I buy every year to help me get in the spirit, sometimes we all need a little help getting our creativity flowing! I hope you enjoy this magazine as much as I have.......

Note: The Flea went really well, as you might have guessed their are NO pictures, my camera battery was dead.....and no time once it all got started to run to the store.....so sorry, I sold well and had a lot fun chatting with all my new friends and vendors as usual the Tattered House girls booth was wonderful as well as Katy and Clinton, Marilyn Marilyn Marilyn They all do such a beautiful job with product and display! and they couldn't be more helpful and nice, I always get the warmest welcome! It's a close knit group of folks that travel around doing these shows, it's nice being part of this BIG family! I will however be showing new pictures of my booth at Junkee soon, as I bought some incredible things at the flea and will be fluffing and primping soon.

Tracey

My Very First Blogger Award.

WOW!!!! Thanks so much Annabelle over at http://annabelle-bulat.blogspot.com   Simple Pleasures for giving me this award! so very sweet.

I am supposed to share Six things about myself and pass this award to Six more deserving bloggers!

1.I wait till I'm out of undies to do the wash.........oops

2.I actually LOVE Monday,it get's a bad wrap (so many possibilities to discover and a whole week to do it)

3.I am an old soul

4.I love Creedence Clearwater.............what can I say

5.I HATE Gum ( my mom once told me only chippies and loose women chew gum) it stuck!

6.Like the song says "how do you lose yourself to someone and never lose your way"

1. My Romantic Home (Cindy) http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

2. Heart and Home Life on The Redwood Coast (Heidi) http://heidi-heartandhome.blogspot.com

3. My Shabby Roses (debbie) http://myshabbyrosesblog.blogspot.com/

4.Thoughts from Alice W. ( Alice) http://alicew.typepad.com/

5. Lipstick and Laundry ( Jen) http://lipstickandlaundryca.blogspot.com/

6.52 Flea (Laura) http://52flea.blogspot.com/

Confessions of a Glitterholic.

 

I have a secret, I LOVE no I really mean I LOVE GLITTER!!!!!!! I would glitter everything if I could, even Martha Stewart did a show yesterday about glitter, I glitter cards, old pictures and yes I even have glitter eye shadow and lip gloss, my poor hubs goes to work covered in it when I am on a glitter frenzy, and the Christmas season is almost upon us, glitter lovers unite around the holidays.....I know what your thinking, she is WAAAAAAAAAY to old to be wearing glitter, and you're probably right, but guess what I don't care.........I love to store my glitter in un-expected ways, I found this vintage condiment holder and thought wow my glitter would look fabulous in that, and then I found these old tasting spoons,so that worked out great, and then my friend Jacque makes these wonderful old spoon tags and of course I had her make me one that said "glitter" for all you glitter lovers, I would encourage you to keep your eyes peeled for a little goody like this one, it acutally didn't have the glass holders when I bought the the stand, I just carted it around with me everywhere till I found the ones that fit beautifully all at the thrift stores, the stands are pretty common place you just have to be patient in order to find the glass to fit, so good luck and let me know if you find any of these gems!

Mae West said "To Much of A Good Thing is Wonderful" well, I agree with Mae especially when it comes to glitter!!!!

don't you just love the way it sparkles and is all glisteny, I put glitter on Pointsetta's at Christmas my white pumpkins in the fall I love the way it makes everything look special and magical, like in a fairytale......I loved playing make believe when I was a little girl, my best friend Jim who lived down the street always indulged my fantasy, we'd sit in my parents car and travel all over with our kids in the back seat, we had the best make believe vacations ever......oh yes I was quite the story teller back then, poor guy never knew what was real and what wasn't he'd get frustrated and go ask my mom, and she would clear everything up for him, he was my first real friend. I had girl friends, but I always liked him best......he was sweet and seemed to love all the same things that I did, I think because of him I was always able to have delightful friendships with guys, I think that's why I can just chat it up with my husband and other guy friends, it seems so natural to me....sometimes even easier than girlfriends, don't get me wrong I do love my girls!!! I'll give some credit to my dad as well, whom I adore......male friends are important, we had a freedom back then that I am not sure children today have, I am grateful.  Jim is still my friend today! happily married with three beautiful girls of his own, boy are they lucky! and I am sure he would totally get my love of all things glitter.......P.S. Martha Stewart's collection of Glitter at Micheal's Stores is really fabulous, my fav's are the (white gold, blue topaz, garnet, ruby, gold,) I also use a lovely assortment of German Glass Glitter that I find on Ebay.

Happy Glitter Days!!!!

Tracey

Flea.

 

I am off and running.....Yes it's true I will be doing the Sacramento Flea Market this Sunday, it will be my first show without the Other Tracey, my dear friend Carol has agreed to come down with me, believe me it's a lot to ask even a good friend, it's a long day we leave the biggest little city at 4am to arrive in Sac by 6:00, and the market starts at 8:00! I love doing them, meeting all the people seeing old friends and of course selling my goods. I am very excited and have been working hard to get everything prettified (is that a word) I'll be up late tonight and up early tomorrow finishing up all the details.

I wanted to show some of things that I will be taking down, some are already packed away......these are a few a things that I purchased recently when out thrifting this last week, the flea is also a great place for me to buy! hope you enjoy browsing through my photos, I'll let you know how it all turns out!

Tracey

Apples and Yes We Have A Winner!

CLIPBOARD AND GLITTERY CLOTHES PIN WINNER !!!!

 
Drummmmmmm Roll!!!!!!

LIZ WHITE: pipesinger@austin.rr.com Yea!! Liz, the hubs pulled your name out of the hat, well really it was bowl! congratulations! I have sent you an email so please send me your address and I will be sure to get that off to you right away. Thanks so much to all 100+ of you who signed up I was truly humbled by the response, and thanks so much to Cindy over at my romantic home she was such a big help in promoting this for me, she is truly the best.....http://romantichome.blogspot.com/ 

 
Ok about the Apples....boy did we get a tree full of apples this year, apple sauce and apple butter will be on our menu for awhile. I love to have homemade goodies on hand to bring to a friend or give as gift around the holidays! I have this wonderful apple peeler I purchased some years ago at a specialty kitchen shop and boy am I glad I did, otherwise I don't think I would go to all the trouble of pealing all the apples by hand. this is super fast and easy!

A Little Update.

 
Many of you delightful bloggers have been emailing me and asking me about how I am doing and how is 41 Taylor......

41 Taylor is alive and kicking, slowly but steadily I am getting calls, booking events! I am pleased to say that I have 6 YES I said 6 events booked this month and 4 events booked so far for the Holidays and even one in January......as we say in the business CONFIRMED...... thats a big deal in event planning everyone wants to have a party, not everyone wants to pay for one, so once I have the signed contract and deposit, it's a go in my book!

 

It's not easy, nothing worth while ever is, It's coming together, I have some things planned to jump start for the slower months so we'll see what happens, I'll keep you posted.

I love being down there, I have my very own craft room that I have been putting to good use, I have had my first fire in the fireplace and it looks stunning especially at night with all the lovely lights on, it has a magical glow.

Thank you so much for all your kind words of support and encouragement, they mean more than you'll ever know, please stop by and see me sometime, I am their most days from 11-4 working, planning, painting and yes dreaming.......we'll have a cup of tea and chat!

Best Fall Wishes

Tracey

I Love Saturday's.

I wanted to share with you some of the fun things I found for my booth at Junkee. It's truly the thrill of the hunt for me, I love it when I find something for a great price and it's a little bit different! I will be getting all the goodies down to my booth so for you locals, come down and take peek, there are some new booths and they have some great new junk!

Tracey

The Biggest Loser.

Yes, I was the loser.....Tuesday's with Paul is always a fun night around our house, two Tuesdays ago I had another friend over who's wife was out of town, we were talking Italian food and I happened to mention I make a pretty good lasagna, well our friend Peter proceed to tell me that mine couldn't possibly be better than his wife Joan's, Paul pipes in and says lets have a cook-off at Peters place, well let me say Peter is competitive, I said BRING IT! feeling pretty confident since I was a caterer, as the big day approached I spent  several hours on Monday making my homemade sauce, since it is better when it sits over night, the next morning assembling the massive lasagna it weighed a ton! noooooo I wasn't worried not all, this is a work of art no way Paul wouldn't love mine more, I was (A) Joan was (B) he ate away seemingly enjoying both, I was sitting next to him and he was smiling at me,I thought I was a shoe in! we all finish eating in great expectation, me especially, surely he'll pick mine! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO he picks (B) says it's more flavorful, spicy, delicious, smaller in size, what the......he reminds us that elderly folks eat less.....duh! what does that have to do with how it tastes, then he proceeds to ask who was who, Joan of course was thrilled and Peter sat their gloating, and my hubs assuring me that mine was just as good, just different, I then asked Joan what kind of sauce she uses, she tells me "oh it's simple I open a LARGE can of tomato sauce and then open a package of Lawery's spaghetti sauce seasoning mix" I tried to hide my surprise, tomato sauce I lost to a can of tomato sauce......It was all good fun, our Tuesday's with Paul remain a highlight of our week, and it will be a regular post for me. I encourage you to reach out to your friends and neighbors, It's a blast!

My Very First Giveaway!!!

Yes!!.....it's true my very first giveaway! Please leave me a comment and I will put your name into hat for the this sweet little handmade clipboard....the give away ends next Wednesday night! Please share this wilh anyone you think might love vintage shabby, I am also including the little glittered up clothes pins! I am so excited to giveway something to my dear friends! Thanks once again for all the blog love!

(shipping only to US and Canada)

Tracey

Sleeping.

I wish this was me!!!!!

Not sleeping seems to be the case these days, I used to be a good sleeper especially when my children were younger, heck I was exhausted.....alas we all know being exhausted has nothing to do with sleeping, sleeping is the problem.

The List.

Pray you will sleep

1. read

2. Don't watch TV in your room

3. relax

4. Eat dinner earlier

5. Clear your mind, you know nothing can be solved at this moment (3:00am)

The list goes on and on, you get it! Is because I am almost 50, is because my thyroid is a little goofed up, (but controlled), is because I am a bit of worrier, during the day, I'm good, I'm a rock during the day,but these night time hours, they creep into your mind, just as you are about to close your eyes, Chatty Cathy starts up, making you feel all insecure, telling you stuff, talking to much, talking to loud, yes I am exhausted not so much physically but mentally......

I want that sleep the kind that is restful,that you can sink into that deep deep sleep, where you wake up in the morning and you know you had the most perfect night of sleep! Will I ever get that back? is sleep for women a thing of the past, a luxury......I hope not, so as I sit here writing this post, my shoulders ache as I have been in this chair too long, wanting to feel sleepy, I ask the question, does anyone, go through this, do any of you have a hard time sleeping, does anything work to keep you asleep, gently and with out the use of drugs. I know my aunt used to say, better living through chemistry, but I truly try to keep the pharmaceuticals down to a minimum. It's just so hard not being able to sleep, I miss it terribly, and I don't feel I am at my best when I am not getting a good nights rest. I wish you all Goodnight.

Junkee.

My booth at Junkee's is finally coming along, I have been working like crazy to get furniture painted and things moved around, sometimes when I go thrifting I don't always find new and interesting things, either it's more of same or nothing at all! I have been busy creating some fun new things to add to my booth with an autumn touch. I have decided for fall and winter I would try my hand once again at painting some of the furniture black.....the black paint formula came from the Lettered Cottage http://www.theletteredcottage.net/ This couple have the sweetest most inspirational design blog, I just love the things they do over there, please check them out!

Check out the new chairs....very Frenchy don't you think? I found someone who loves to do upholstery on the side, more of a hobby I guess, well I asked if he would be interested, and he said YES, I told him I wanted to use painters drop cloth and he looked at me a little funny, and said OK.....well they were cuter than I even imagined! It was hard for me not to want to keep them for myself! I hope you enjoy the new look my booth at Junkee's is taking on!

Tracey

Autumn in The Sierra's

 

I hope that my photos can convey the beauty of our area this time of year, yes it's true the best things in life are free! The folks that live back east aren't the only ones that get to enjoy fall color, those of us west of the Rockies get to see some amazing color, and BIG Mountains!

The hubs and I went to one of our favorite hanging out spots called the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, it is a wonderful place to go and enjoy nature, with walking paths, ponds, waterfalls, and covered bridges, the fall bounty is endless......I decided last night if life doesn't get any better than this, I am happy! my life is good, I'm good.......it was an important moment for both my husband and I, things are tough here for us, our Granite business is suffering, and we have not seen a down turn like this ever, and we have been in business 26 years.......but we are ok, we will be standing at the end of this, and we have each other! as I looked out over the immense beauty, we both realized that this was a special time, we don't get to write the story, and it's ok........

Front Porch Musings................

 

If you're like me you love a welcoming front porch, I don't think I have the best front porch I've ever seen, but I think it's pretty cute. My friend and Life Coach Deb tells me it's very welcoming, I wish it was bigger so that you could sit in a chair and look out at the scenery, I have a lovely view from the front of my house of the Sierra Mountains......I live in a very tracky neighborhood, we chose this location 22 years ago because at that time it had great schools! Well it still does.......I am fortunate because I have delightful neighbors and most of folks near me are the original owners so everyone keeps up their yards and homes. I don't think we will be leaving anytime soon as thankfully it's almost paid for! We never went crazy when the economy was booming to really upgrade, we just did a few things, we fixed up the laundry room, bathroom and family room, and we are in the process of re-doing the master-bath......I will show pictures when it's finished, the hubs is doing an amazing job! I wish I had before pics, but that was before I was a blogger..........I would love to hear what makes your porch special! Happy Happy Fall!!

Tracey

Just a Little Wisdom

Sometimes you come across something that you just have to share, no you NEED to share, I hope you enjoy this as much as I have...........

 

Maya Angelou Said This:

I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things:

A rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from your life

I’ve learned the making a “living” is not the same as making a life

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one

I’ve learned that I have a lot to learn

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel

A Weekend With Old Friends And Some Thrifting on The Side!

I had a wonderful weekend connecting with old friends from high school, it was my thirty year class reunion, Yikes.....when I say that it makes me feel old! I wasn't sure I was going to go, it was my hubs that said, you should go, you loved high school, and you had a lot friends......I'm sure you all have been through the doubts of attending old school functions, I look old, I look fat, I wear glasses, no one will recognize me, what if "my" friends aren't there......the whole thing, well, I gotta tell ya, it was a blast, I think it was the best one to date, I hadn't been since the five year, I actually think the girls looked better than the guys, I thought it might be the opposite so I was pleasantly surprised!

On Saturday my mom and I and my friend Becky from High School hit the thrift stores in the Walnut Creek area, they have some great ones.....I found some darling things to add to my booth at Junkee's and some fantastic mirrors to add to the collection at 41 Taylor.

It was a fun weekend of catching up, remembering old friends and the good times we had in High School!

Tuesdays with Paul

I know that you have heard me talk about my widowed neighbor Paul. I wanted to share with you another delightful evening we had with Paul and some other neighborhood friends, I decided to invite another a couple over last night for soup, salad and bread, nothing fancy just good hearty fall food! don't you just love this time of year when you get to snuggle up with a soft blanket watch a little tv have a fire and it's dark early, my body clock is already moving into winter mode......Yikes it's a too early for that, I spent this last weekend getting pumpkins and setting them around my yard and front porch, getting the rubbermaid out with all the autumn decor, I don't really do Halloween, but I love the fall because you get to enjoy pumpkins, leaves and acorns all the way through Thanksgiving, I'm all about getting more bang for your buck!

I think especially during this hard time in our history that we need to reach out to our friends and neighbors extend our hearts and homes to those in need, not just financially but in all ways, it doesn't cost much to make a big pot of soup!

Holiday Grapes!!!!

I had to show you a picture of these absolutely fabulous grapes I picked up at my local Raley's grocery store, they are HUGE!!!!! and yet still sweet and tasty and did I mention SEEDLESS I know the grape season is coming to an end at least for me anyway, I only buy food and produce from the United States, I am trying to make an effort to keep our country going in my own small way........I try to buy local produce at least from California as that is closest to us and therefore does not need to be trucked as far, I don't by fruit out of season from over seas, I really look forward to summer and the fresh tastes that it brings, at our house we have a long season of oranges, apples and pears......I remember when I was a little girl it used to be that way, you only got certain types of produce during their particular growing season.......going back to the old ways I guess.

I would love to hear your take on local produce, what is your favorite and how do you do it at your house.....an un-official  vintagebejoyful blog pole, also let me know what you do to help your local economy, I would love some new ideas!

Garage Sales in The Fall............

Burrrrrrrrrr, yes fall is in the air in the Biggest Little City, there are only a few weekends left for us here to hold garage sales, it's just too cold and the weather is a little iffy......It snowed today!!!! just a little, but snow is snow right?

My partner in crime Laurie, she owns "The French Twist" a darling little beauty salon behind 41 Taylor and I hit the trail early on Saturday morning, we laughed and had a great time......let me tell you she has a great eye and well even a way with words, at this one house we had scoped out we were stashing our finds next to the check out and she had a big box of pots and pans she was purchasing and as we were walking away to check out more goodies, this older gentleman finds her box, and is more than a little interested, and starts talking to his wife, well Laurie turns around and says "Oh Honey Nut I have already purchased that box" he gave her a funny look and this gal says to Laurie, well that was a nice way of saying it! as you know garage salers get a little possessive over their stuff.....

The morning started off slow, but towards the end we managed to fill her Yukon and my SUV, we had to trade off in the parking lot as we got full! Well we had blast hope you enjoy seeing some of our finds!

A Lovely Day.........

 

The Other Tracey and I had a wonderful day on Sunday, We headed down to the Tattered House Vintage Market  thetatteredhouseblog.blogspot.com for our last show together as the "Tracey's" that's what everyone calls us! I actually love it! there is a certain endearment about the way it sounds and it will always carry fond memories for me, It wouldn't matter if we were at Junkee's fixing up our booths or setting up for an event, They would say "oh it's the Tracey's" and we would look at each other and laugh, it's funny even our Moms have the same name, what are the chances of that.......I tell ya, it's been quite a ride, although I feel some days it has come to an abrupt halt......I am slowly letting go, missing her and she isn't even gone yet....here I am a grown women and I feel like when I was in the 6th grade and my best friend moved away, I was a mess.....didn't think I could go back to school and finish out the 6th grade, maybe that's whats wrong with me, sorry I got a little side tracked.......The Tattered House Vintage Market was a success! the beautiful tree lined setting, the cool fall morning, it was a blessing as the afternoon really heated up, we were able to visit with all the friends we have made and share with them our plans for our future, separately......they were such an encouragement to me, all with offers to help at the shows, whatever I needed......

We had friends that came down from Reno to see the market, and The Other Tracey saw many of her blog followers, she was touched by how many came to see her off and wish her well. It was a slow and easy kind of day, we got set up and and torn down it record time,it was the kind of day that we got to visit, laugh, remember past events and be grateful for the friendship we have. This was a lovely day with The Other Tracey acottageindustry.typepad.com 

Tattered House Vintage Market!

 

I'm getting ready for the big weekend show at the Tattered House in Roseville, We did this wonderful event  earlier in the year and boy we had a blast! Sandy and Erica the owners of Tattered House are darling! Their little shop is bursting with vintage treasures you won't be able to resist , I can't wait to see the new makeover they've been chatting up!

I was down at 41 Taylor getting lots of NEW goodies ready, and tomorrow I will put on my painting clothes and get to work......I have a couple of really cool new pieces of furniture to take down, The Other Tracey and I will be leaving at 4:00am to get there for set-up by 6:00!

If any of you are in the area please come by and say Hi!

Tracey

To Everything There is a Season and Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

 

God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED, to help you, to leave you, to love you, and to make you into the person that you were meant to be......... 

A dear friend sent me this and I thought I would share it with you, isn't it so true, we don't have the whole picture, we try to write our own story, and forget that God is writing it with us, we need to listen, have faith and remember who is ultimately in charge....I get so busy I forget to be still, to be quiet, to stop talking......I want to remember what my standard is and show up each and everyday with that in tact, sometimes I don't do that, because I get busy and busy just isn't a good excuse anymore........

( this picture was taken when were on our alaska cruise)

 

 

Some More Thrifting in Idaho......

I wanted to share a few more pic's and stories about my time in Idaho, I promise to share more photos of my parents 50th as they become available, you know the kids, in no particular hurry to share.....anyway I found this new great store, called Vintage Home, I was on the way to my hubs Aunt's house and came to a screeching halt when I almost drove past her shop, it is actually in the old town area of Meridian.....I walked in and was instantly greeted by the owner Deena, she welcomed my sister in law and I and told us she had only been open 4 Day's WOW, did we make a discovery......she was darling and showed us all around she is located on 611 Main St, she does the most amazing painted furniture, she has some great collectibles and her prices just can't be beat! If you get a chance to visit this area please stop by and see her fabulous store!

The few days I was in Idaho, I love to hit the thrift stores as well and wanted to share with you some of the great finds......the main thrift shopping is provided by an organization called the Idaho Youth Ranch, they provide services to family and youth, they have one on just about every block, it is very hit and miss, but when it's a hit........well it's a HOME RUN!!!! look and see for yourself!

I also wanted to share with you some other darling booths, and goodies while I was shopping and thrifting in the Boise area, oh what fun we had....

 

One of the BEST DAYS of my Life!!!!!!!

50 Years......It's a BIG DEAL, yes it is! what a night, everything was perfect down to the last details, my parents were speechless when they walked in, my darling mom and dad looked around at all their friends and family and burst into tears, and I have to tell you we all laughed and cried throughout the evening! The setting it was magical, It started off as a busy Saturday morning getting all the chairs and tables set, but the best part for me, was getting to spend the day with my adorable sister, we laughed and cried and talked about our childhood together, remembering our parents and grandparents and our family through the years, grateful for the ones that are still here to help us celebrate.....we had a small agenda and stuck to it for the most part, my sister surprised me and asked me to sing an old Carpenters song that we used to sing all the time at home, we sat up stools in the garage and pretended to entertain the neighborhood, as you know she sings in a band and is really good! I however sing in my CAR!!!! Yikes that doesn't really compare, I have been told I have a nice voice, but it's different in front of people and singing with trained professionals.......we sang "We've Only Just Begun" practiced a couple times in the back room and decided it would be good enough, my parents would love it even if we sounded awful......right,  that's just how parents are.....as we were practicing my sister looked at me and I looked at her and we both started to cry, and she said I am not going to be able to look at you, I said ok, I have to look at you because I won't remember the words!! we both said we can't look at mom and dad......I have always thought my sister had a richer voice then I did and she looked at me and said, I miss hearing our voices together Trace, you sounded good, I said, did I , and she said you know I would tell you if you didn't.....It was one of those tender rare moments that don't come along too often, the kind you want to sink into, and commit to memory forever...... This was the kind of day that takes your breath away, It was a day, and evening of Laughter, Tears and Pure JOY!

I don't have any of my own pictures yet, my kids took most of them and the Other Tracey took a bunch and she said she would be glad to share......I am grabbing a couple of hers, so that I could begin to post about this delightful day!

 

Tracey

The Shabby House!

I JUST LOVE The Shabby House in Boise Idaho! The hubs and I loaded the truck and off we went over Labor Day to visit family......my favorite stop is always The Shabby House, Lori the owner is so darling, she always remembers me, and even follows my blog, she has done amazing job with this charming old house and property, she has these great tents outside showcasing everyone's junk! and I mean that fondly.....She has such a wonderful variety goodies and her displays are over the top!!! I always find something that I can't live with out, and never come home empty handed, If you ever get to the Boise area I highly recommend that you stop by Lori's place, her bright smile and easy way will make you feel right at home! Thanks Lori, for making me feel so welcome and letting me show off your darling Shabby House! www.theshabbyhouse.com

 

  

 

 

Sometimes Things Change

         

 

As I am sure most of you have read by now my dear partner is leaving for Portland, most likely in about 4 weeks.......I am so happy for her,  She has wanted to be close to her girls for a long time, and this is a great opportunity for her! but I am  so sad for me, as you all know we ate, slept and drank our new little business at 41 Taylor.

 41 Taylor has just started to gain some momentum, I am still excited to see what it could be......starting 41 Taylor with The Other Tracey has been an emotional journey for me, stepping out in faith, faith in all levels, being sacred to death some nights I couldn't sleep, and yet I couldn't sleep because I was so excited! The Other Tracey and myself have been so intertwined this last year it is hard for me to imagine that she will be gone......

Oh yes we will keep in touch email and talk often, I will want to for sure see her fantastic booth space Camas Antiques.......I am sure you will all be in for a treat, as I know it will be just over the top, her daughter Lindsey has an amazing eye for finding the best goodies in the Portland area so I am sure they will be out gathering goodies as soon as her feet hit the pavement! One thing I know for sure is The Other Tracey loves a project!

As for me......I will keep up with my booth at Junkee's I really do LOVE collecting old treasures, and I will stay with 41 Taylor for as long as I can. I am committed to see it through what ever that looks like. I have to be honest though it just won't be the same for me without her...her enthusiasm and creativity inspired and motivated me, I love working as a team, she will be sorely, sorely missed......

Check back often as I will continue to post about my progress!

 

Tracey

I Need To Find My Voice...........

It feels like it has been such a long time since I last had something to say, I struggle with being interesting or saying something meaningful, I want to show you my authentic self, I want to be real, be genuine, so that when I write, you will have a glimpse of who I am.......I realize how much I miss following some of my favorite blogs,and  I also have come to realize how much I miss posting on my own.

The Other Tracey and myself are linked in many ways, but we are different, yes we enjoy our business together, of course thrifting, and creating, but I want you to get to know me, just me in a way that is not about 41 Taylor or the Tumbleweed Cotillion. I guess what I am trying to say is I think I lost my inner-voice.......I love my girlfriends, and I want to remember them in these hectic times to nurture those relationships, I don't think any of us will look back and say I wish I had worked more........I want to remain true to my creative self, not the one that says, yikes I need to sell that, but to be creative for the pure joy of it! Sometimes, I get a little lost, lost in moments, lost in excitement, lost in my own thoughts, I also think I have lost my sense of direction and purpose.

What I know for sure is what really matters for me is the happiness that I find in the everyday things, my loving husband who I know will pick-up his cell every-time when he sees it's me, even when he is busy or in the middle of something, I know that for sure, my dog is happy see me every-time I walk through the door, my children and parents, oh how I love them.......I know for sure that I need to look after myself, to be grateful for these wonderful moments that God has given me!

I am working to restore my inner voice to find the natural rhythm of my words and my writing, I know for sure that I will continue to search for it and I will find it..........

Cool Summer Treat.........

I wanted to share a quick post with you, I know I have mentioned I have my retired, widowed neighbor Paul over for dinner every Tuesday night, he loves dessert and I have to admit, he mostly gets ice cream and homemade cookies, nothing wrong with that of course but tonight I decided to make a special pretty treat.......it is so easy and only take a few minutes.

lemons, sherbet, and fresh berries......hollow out the lemon with a grapefruit knife, add a little sherbet, and top with a berry or drizzle fresh berries over the top, I only used one because I was down to my last few! so yummy and refreshing on a hot summer night.........

How We Love..........

When I was a child I thought I had this perfect life, and I did for me at that time.....in my world. I had a wonderful and yet sad conversation with my dear dear mom today, change is hard and frustrating especially as we age, we are resistant to things, we get set in our ways, and we write our story before it happens, and we think we are going to have this certain life and then things change, people change. my mom always told us if you want to make God laugh tell him your plans......that is so true! I guess my message today is, well we may think we go through  things alone, but we are part of bigger family, my parents will never never be a burden to me, sometimes we do things out of duty and obligation I do things for and with my parents out of love and devotion it is a privilege to me, an honor, a blessing, a gift, I love them so........there is nothing nothing, I wouldn't be there for. It is important to have those difficult conversations sometimes, the  hurtful tearful kind, only good in the end can come of it, it brings us closer to each other, we have understanding of each others needs and desires.....

I'm a July Hater!

In my continued effort to blog more, (be myself, share stories, share recipes, hopes, dreams, you get it....) I decided to share a dark secret, I'm a July hater....I haven't always hated July, in fact I don't even hate the whole month, only July 5th through the 31st. Well you see a series of unfortunate events started developing in the month of July, starting with my Hubs forgetting some birthdays......some illness's's just stuff, so I started dreading July, worrying, waiting for the ball to drop, is this jacked up or what? anyway, does anyone else hate certain months? or am I just a whack job?

I happened to mention this to The Other Tracey, welllllllll......did I get an ear full, she first did the eye roll, and then preceded to tell me that, that  was the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard!!! and that I need to get it together.....among other things, she would have none of it.....none of it!!!! I am sure you can imagine.....not only did I not have a sympathetic ear, she basically reamed me......as good friends can do!

I came home today and decided she was right, I need to stop being a hater, I need to look at all the amazing days I have had. focus on those and enjoy July again, after all I was born in July, I am sure my mom loves the month of July and May the months my sister and I were born in, thinking in that way I decided I would be horrified if my children hated the months of their births......so I am officially casting off my hating ways liberating my self from the ugly thoughts and moving on.......Thank Goodness for Dear Friends, that can tell us what they really think without holding back, I am blessed to have friends in my life like that.......

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh Summertime!

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to go canoeing......I just love my bright red canoe, it is simple yet elegant, It is all hand crafted from a lovely little company in Oregon  called Navarro Canoes http://www.navarrocanoes.com/ they put absolute care into all the canoes they make, before purchasing this little gem we did a great deal of research knew we wanted something handmade and of course made here in the United States......Well as you can see we found the perfect one for us! My day doesn't get any better when I can get out on the water with her, she glides beautifully and gently through the water with little effort.

Being in a canoe you get to see the true beauty around you, there is no noise or speed to distract you, looking out you see God's perfect glory in nature, my dream is to one day take her on a long road trip to places unknown......there is something so perfect in the simplicity of it all.......happy happy summer days!