drawing-a-blank

ANNE MARIE GROSVENOR 1951-2010

2010-10-11T18:03:00.001-05:00

ANNE MARIE GROSVENOR

1951-2010

How can we say this?

Where do we begin?

This will be the last entry here at

"drawing-a-blank"

Our much loved Annie,

wife

mom

daughter

friend

and neighbor

was called home to Heaven in the early hours

of the morning

October 9, 2010

just a few short days ago.

We started missing her immediately ...

and will forever.

Her soul touched everyone she met ...

and that smile ... it had an affect!

We do know, though, that she is with the Lord ...

Isn't that such a comfort?

She's probably already got a styling job in her new home ... making heaven look a little better.

Annie,

you will

forever live

in our hearts.

we will meet again!

2010-08-25T09:06:00.000-05:00

A glimpse---

A bit of woven wonder peeking out
A spot of leather
A tiny heart skip
A full blown swoon

Love at first sight

A leather corner

Bottom strap holders

A lined interior

All of which belonged to Miss Bertha Hillger

I caught my breath---

I clutched it to my chest

I ran to pay

I floated out the door

knowing that this love is forever

2010-08-21T11:44:00.001-05:00

Summer always brings memories of water and sand.

I spent many happy days by the river or lakeside, playing and building

houses and castles and "someday" plans...

Little old sand shovels always make me smile.

Enjoy the sweetness of your weekend!

Piles of stuff

2010-06-26T09:59:00.000-05:00

The cleaning up continues...

Potting space has been taken up

with more "stuff"---mostly necessary---

but eye candy ALWAYS makes working

more fun!

Antique French starter pots---some sold, some used, some just to make me happy...

An antique tote holding bases, markers, screening and all those little necessities...

O.K. the antique seed sorter screens in the back are not necessary, but they sure are faves of mine and the lead dishes in the front as well. Some things are too appealing to part with...for a while...

Now I need a cleaning partner who doesn't mind getting VERY dirty, sweaty and wet while using some muscle to cleanup the rest...actually, in my dreams, I have a crew...

and the money to pay them...ahhhhhh

Hope your day is great!

annie

Greenhouse Dirt

2010-06-25T16:40:00.000-05:00

The cleanup has begun.

Shelves have been cleaned.

Frogs are in place.

There's so much to do

and so little time...

At least it's been started.

Tidying up is good for the soul.

Even the frogs like it!

annie

2010-06-17T08:10:00.003-05:00

Frogs, frogs everywhere!!!

They are tossed and piled and in total disarray...

along with every thing else in this greenhouse.

This week's project---CLEAN OUT!!

HELP!!!

Signs of Summer

2010-06-06T09:40:00.000-05:00

Veggie signs are

always welcome.

Worn and wooden,

this hangs in the porch , as well.

Enjoy your glorious Sunday!

annie

2010-06-04T10:26:00.000-05:00

Old signs,

wooden or metal

always have appeal to me.

Because our home has always

been a hub of activity,

I brought this home

years ago for my sweet spouse.

A handy someone cut and

painted a Shell Oil sign

for a home grown business.

This now graces our back porch

and brings a smile.

Catnap

2010-06-02T19:43:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days...

After a full morning of travel

and truck loading,

the back porch beckoned------

Who could resist a comfy cool nap

on a summer day?

Not me!

2010-05-11T09:09:00.000-05:00

Stone Meadow Spring Market

at Stone Meadow Farm

scheduled for May 14 - 15

has been cancelled

For those of you in northern Illinois

please be sure to attend

Na-Da Farm

Fri. May 21 5 -7 pm

Sat. May 22 9 - 5

2423 Woodlawn Rd.

Esmond, IL 60129

15 min. w/ DeKalb 45 min w/Geneva

info@nadafarm.org

This is sure to be a great event

with some wonderful dealers!!

Number 5

2010-05-02T06:40:00.000-05:00

The good stuff keeps piling on!

Number 5:

Aesthetic pride. For me, it's that subtle (sometimes not) little thought process
that deems me the "taste" queen.
My "eye", sense of style, symmetry, color...
whatever...is better than someone elses.
Oh, I'm feeling lighter already!
Although, I have a sneaking suspicion that this one will be back...
annie

Momma's gotta brand new bag!

2010-05-01T05:53:00.000-05:00

I have a new bag for my bicycle!

I am so very excited...

What gal doesn't love a new bag, tote, carry all?

I am thrilled with it's rugged tire tread bottom.

I am delighted by it's vibrant, happy color.

I am over the moon with its chicness and ruggedness.

I want to carry it with me everywhere.

I want to fill it with Perrier and water crackers and cheese and my Coco book.

I want to slip it's ingenious little clips on my rack and head for the hills!

I am in love, frivolously, merrily, in love!

annie

Thanks!

2010-05-01T05:23:00.001-05:00

THANK YOU!!!

Your outpouring of love and support amazes me!

Joy, you have embarrassed me BIG time...

2010-04-20T19:14:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling a bit bold today:

I'm not really crazy about overt

in your face "christian speak."

I think it too often turns people off and away.

So, I'm hoping you will bear with me on this.

I am feeling the need to share what God

(yep, it's Him, I'm sure) has been doing with me lately.

I've had my own personally planned life's journey

briskly and abruptly interrupted.

My busy, filled life that I have been

enjoying without a second thought, that I have been

whizzing through on a daily basis with a strong co-operative body has taken a sharp turn.

I have cancer.

I'm not going into detail here------it's boring, even to me-----

Now here's the good part, the part that I get excited about, the part that I sort of can't wait to see what comes next part.

I am changing.

I am changing every day-----in a lot of ways.

The physical stuff hasn't been so hot, but that wonderful,

internal, head/heart stuff----it's good----very good.

I've never thought of myself as a prideful person----nope, not me. No boasting, gloating, flaunting,etc.

Nope, nope, nope.

Humble? Not really, but Prideful? Never!

Hmmmmm........

Funny how much we know about ourselves and how little.

First thing to go-----that little thing called control.

Seriously, I know I'm not in control of the universe, but my own body seemed reasonable...

Mine has served me very well for many years. It has been healthy and hard working with hardly a glitch. I have been able to bulldoze my way through a lot.

Nope, not this time.

I am human, fragile, and susceptible to "stuff."

This realization came as a shocker to me. I am human. I cannot overcome everything with sheer will power.

And now, I have delightful hospital experiences to prove it--

This was the second area that's been exposed.

Now this third area is absolutely silly, and I can't believe I'm even putting this into words.

My height had to be measured this last week, along with my weight and I am suddenly TWO inches shorter than I've always thought myself to be. Three of us checked it----I am sure---TWO WHOLE INCHES.

I am no longer taller than average. I am completely, wholly, AVERAGE. How can that be?!

Pride...it sneaks up in funny little ways...

Fourth??? Really, does there need to be a fourth? Sure.

I will be losing my hair in approximately three weeks.

I will be bald.

I will be bald, average height, and probably still not lose weight. I will look like Uncle Fester's Broadway understudy.

And then it came to me, how does one's body know what hair to lose? If the hair on my head goes,.....(o.k. I've not been myself lately, I'm a little slow)

Oh my gosh------I could lose my eyebrows and EYELASHES!!

So, the brow thing can be funky, but my eyelashes------they are long, thick, and frame my brown eyes very nicely, thank you.
Surely I won't lose my lashes...

Pride....there it is again.

So, God has graciously been exposing some things to me.

I am so appreciative of this opportunity. I have come to realize some junk about myself that I would've just glossed right over. And, odd as it sounds, it's been fun as well.

I have laughed out loud and shaken my head and said, "AH."

My list keeps growing.

It may not be earth shattering,

but it's been heart shattering for me.

I have come to see myself in a different way.

That underbelly is more and more exposed.

I have NOTHING to be prideful about.

(although I'm sure He'll be pointing out more)

EVERYTHING is a gift from our great God.

It is His to give and His to take.

I am so very grateful that I am on this journey with Him.

It continues to be quite an adventure.

annie

2010-04-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

It's time to clean the greenhouse!

The sun is beckoning,

the fresh spring air is enticing

and all that dirt and mess

is making me crazy!

There's feeding and repotting,

cleaning and trashing,

and general sprucing to do.

I will happily spend the day

with my babies.

Life is good.

2010-03-30T20:03:00.001-05:00

Nothing says

HAPPY SPRING

like tulips and ranunculus

Enjoy!

Home Sweet Home

2010-03-27T09:55:00.000-05:00

Arriving home after a little R & R is always a bit like "culture shock".

Yesterday was no exception.

After 12 simply gloriously "empty" days----it all came to a screeching halt.

The groceries, the unpacking, the laundry, the mail, the dishes, the laundry, and the laundry...

After a solid 18 hours or more of travel, all that entails, and the slight 'picking up' at home, I gave in and went to bed.

I didn't realize until this morning, just how much "little organizing" I do every day before I head out the door.

Our home was not empty while I was away.

Oh, no---there were several males here on a regular basis and let's not forget the 4 legged critters too.

It seems as though between work and play, there is NO time for actual PICKING UP or CLEANING after oneself.

I find this concept fascinating--- and appalling.

I'll cut Mr. SMF some slack because he put in some mighty long days at the office, but the rest of the crew???

HELLO!!! WE DON"T HAVE MAID SERVICE!

So, today it's off to the grocery again, laundry again, and some REAL cleaning again.

I mean really, what was I thinking---

that I would come home to a place that looked as good as when I left or BETTER??

Of course, being the good Pollyanna that I am, I have BIG plans for all that I'm going to accomplish today.

I'm going to float through it all like Mr. Pelican.

Thank goodness I got some sleep at the beach.

Beach Life

2010-03-24T20:28:00.002-05:00

Beach Living

This is life in full sunny glory

Grin with glee

Jump for joy

Stroll in the surf

Delight in every day

and don't forget the ice cream!

2010-03-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

I love the mix of formal with crusty and earthy.

My favorite clock, a gift from a dear friend

A nice old rusty wall cabinet with shelves, hooks, and hanging bar

Antique linen towels with varying weaves and color

It's all about mixing texture, shape, and color (or lack of).

What floats your boat?

(I'm at the beach)

By the Sea

2010-03-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

It's a beautiful

sunny, breezy day

on Sanibel Island

in Florida

The kind of day that's perfect

for walking the shoreline

viewing millions of shells...

watching dolphins along the way

and settling in with a good book.

Hope you're enjoying your day as well!

annie

Coop Continued

2010-03-13T16:50:00.000-06:00

Do you remember the "chicken coop" powder room?
Here's a little refresher...

The coop has served well through the years, but everything comes to an end...

This is more to my liking these days.

Vintage mirror and vintage light fixtures.

(still in need of some shades, I think)

The same little 13" sink---this room is SO small---

now has a selvage edge skirt.

(I didn't fluff and stage for this quick pic)

A bonze baby leg kicks in for holding a towel.

Framed antique maps of London and Paris

where a rooster once perched.

There's more to do, but clients and

the sand and surf

are calling...

I'll be finishing this project in a few weeks.

Any thoughts on the changes so far?

annie

The Beast

2010-03-11T07:29:00.001-06:00

We are women (most of us reading this).

We are relational by nature.

We care for each other and share our lives together.

So, when does our sharing cross the line?

You know the line.

It's the one that has GOSSIP written on it.

Recently, there's been an event in my life that I have carefully chosen to share. I have shared this news with only a choice few people.

My life and the events of it are not open for

public view,

which would be a greatly boring read anyway.

I discovered in a rather serpentine manner

last week that my "news" and my life had become

public fodder.

My heart cracked open upon the discovery.

I am a very open and straightforward person.

I don't have hidden agendas, I try to speak the truth and I try to be gracious to others.

My life, my little news was no longer MINE.

I had become a snack for the beast---that big,

hairy, smelly, ugly GOSSIP BEAST.

I learned that my life, with my name attached, had been thrown about in an inappropriate manner, in an inappropriate place, by someone I hadn't even

spoken with.

I felt as though my worth as a person was no longer valued. I was reduced to nothing more that a tasty, tender little SNACK.

We have ALL talked. It's what we do, but we must

be aware of this beast who lurks and pounces whenever he's able. He gets his claws in deep and swiflty. Once he has his tail wrapped around you, he's pretty difficult to remove.

It takes awareness, tenacity, patience, self-control and good caring friends to help you get him off your back and out of your life.

If you have true concern for someone, GO to her.

If you feel you can help, GO to her.

If you want to pray, PRAY for her.

If you want to celebrate, celebrate WITH her.

You don't NEED details.

God knows what's going on.

YOU don't need to always know as well.

Let's all stop feeding that beast.

He's one species I'd enjoy seeing extinct.

Sunny White

2010-03-10T16:10:00.000-06:00

I'm heading to the beach

at long last

a cottage at Rosemary Beach

filed a long time ago without source---sorry

does any one know?

I think I could live with

all white at the beach

All clean and cool looking

Just waiting for sandy feet

and perhaps a late afternoon nap

I can hear the surf already...

SPRING!!!

2010-03-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

source????? Sorry- I've forgotten

I so enjoy the surprise of

the "twist"

using the ordinary in

an unexpected way

It's always spring in this kitchen!

What do you think?

Queen for a Day

2010-03-04T20:16:00.001-06:00

Happy birthday

delightful daughter!!

Our sweet baby girl has

become a beautiful young woman.

You are generous of heart, kind, gentle,

sincere, faithful, fun and loving.

I was so excited to meet you the day you were born.

Every year, watching you grow has been a wonderful adventure.

My your year be blessed and filled with wonder.

xxoo

mom

Birth Bunk

2010-03-02T08:13:00.000-06:00

I've had some dealings with our children this week.
Some have made me smile, some haven't.
I've been reminded once again, of a theory I have.
It's not based on science of any sort, just personal experience and listening to other moms through the years.
My theory is this.
You are who you are from before you are born.
Indulge me, please.
I believe that a child (at least mine) gives MAJOR clues about his basic personality and approach to life by his birth process and first moments out in this world.
What???!!!
O.K. Here it goes.

I gave birth to a child who was in a bit of a rush, pushing head first into things that weren't quite ready to allow him to pass. He didn't care.
He wanted what he wanted when he wanted it and had his mouth wide open and demanding from the second he arrived. He always let you know when he was happy, sad, or in between and demanded that YOU do something, HAD to do something for him.
He's always been the squeeky wheel and is often not content.
Another child approached this world in quite a different way. He came along, taking his time, slowly but surely relaxing along the way, until he just sort of slithered out like a wet fish.
He actually laughed when he made his debut (seriously--you can ask everyone who was present)
and settled right in.
He's pretty easy going, doesn't ask for much and can be found laughing quite often.
And still another child decided IT IS TIME and went for it with a "let's get this thing done" attitude. The largest--10 1/2 lb. The quickest--1 1/2 hr. Pure focus.
This child had a "I want this NOW" approach, but tempered with a workable acceptance of the surrounding environment.
As the years have passed and my mothering skills have been tested to the max, I have come to this conclusion.
My children ARE who they ARE.
I tried to guide and mold and give them the best I had to offer, but basically their approaches to life and the things it brings their way is THEIRS. I can't change that.
Each one has an approach to life that is similar to the birth process and first moments in our world.
One tends to push and sometimes feel entitled, one tends to shrug off demands and live on his own time line and one tends to plan, focus and accomplish.

These three children of mine are each different, each irritating and wonderful, each well loved.
I wouldn't have it any other way. Well, I would, but it's not going to happen...
So give those little or big ones a nice juicy wet one today, because...sometimes they just can't help it...

annie

Tick-Tock

2010-02-28T13:37:00.004-06:00

Time can be your best friend

or your fiercest foe.

photo from Trouvais

It can pass quickly

or ever so slowly.

Country Living Photo

It may be remembered

clock by Thiesen

or it may be forgotten.

E. Howard Clock Co.

It marches on with or without us.

So we might as well watch it in style.

Hope your time is well spent this week!

annie

White

2010-02-25T20:41:00.000-06:00

White

Straightforward

Utilitarian

Clean

Elegant

Distinct

Compatible

Beautiful

White

Sometimes it's the simple things...

A Weight on My Mind

2010-02-24T10:19:00.000-06:00

Through the last several years, I have collected

antique and vintage glass paperweights.

My criteria has been shape and price.

Price is always an over riding factor with me,

because I usually resell.

I like impact in a collection. One or two items doesn't do it for me, but 18 or 20 always feels like overload.

I like to hit a happy medium and that varies on how much I've gathered by the time I simply HAVE to get it out.

As noted in the previous post of my studio space, MUCH has been gathered... (I'm getting closer to cleaning it, really I am).

Here's a peek into one little drawer that has glass paperweights.

I'm going to be working a little magic on these over the next couple of weeks and look forward to sharing when I'm finished. (do not hold your breath,PLEASE)

There will be another event happening here on the farm in May and I'm already behind (as usual). These soon to be beautiful beauties will be a small part of the goods that are offered.

A very few are quite nice as is--I especially like

the orchid under glass. My photo doesn't do it justice.

Two more favorites

Here's a stash I will start working from.

(old paper and I have a "thing" for each other...)

I'm off to finish painting the powder room!

Hoping the final touches won't take too long.

Stay tuned...

(and once again---please do not hold breath)

annie

p.s. I'd love to hear what you've got calling to you from your stash!

2010-02-21T18:41:00.000-06:00

It's snowing again!!!

annie

Fave Finds

2010-02-18T14:31:00.000-06:00

I found some VERY cool stuff yesterday while surfing.
I think these would look smashing together..

The lines...oh the lines ....

I want to sit and SPIN 'til I'm dizzy!

Chandelier from recycled materials...every room

needs a little sparkle..

Take my breath away antique Italian trestle table.

I could eat, work and sleep with it!

and I'd have to at 8500.00

Every well dressed room has to have an antique

French clock face....oui?

Photos nabbed from Marie Claire Maison, House Beautiful, and 1st Dibs

Chandelier by Madeleine Boulesteix

What is setting your heart aflutter today?

annie

What to Do...

2010-02-17T16:01:00.001-06:00

I've been antsy lately to do a big switcheroo in this old house.
I think it's because I have so much OTHER work to do and I'd like to chuck it and focus on HOME.
So, I've been daydreaming and perusing my files and some magazines whenever I can to find some spark.

photo from Marie Claire Maison

I LOVE color. I am MAD about color-----just not in our home.

This room is crisp, vibrant, lively and I'd be tired of it within 2 months.

photo from Marie Claire Maison

This brocante style room is more to my liking.

Those chairs to the left don't say "sit for awhile" to me.

photo from House Beautiful

This is a lovely little room. The shelving high on the wall is a good topping for the entertainment shelving.

It has a nice mix. No doubt that sofa is comfy. I like this, but still----where are all those darn boxes one needs for satellite, video, etc. WHERE?

photo from House Beautiful

I am enamored with this one. Large scale artwork, comfortable furnishings, beautiful mantelpiece.

But, I wouldn't enjoy sitting on the sofa, looking at the table and chairs.

The rug would be spotted and stained by every 2-4 legged being to step foot in here.

I don't think I could settle on the chaise for relaxation facing the rest of that room.

photo House Beautiful ?

I am completely delighted by those doors!

I like a high back sofa and even though simple, I like this room.

It's light with enough contrast to keep it grounded.

That rug would still never work for this household.

photo from Marie Claire Maison

All right. This one does it for me...

I'm going to tear out a ceiling----someone will lose a bedroom--- and put in a large skylight.

I will sit here every morning for breakfast and use my laptop.

I will learn to speak French and I will put a nice soft puffy cushion on one of those chairs!

Time for laundry...

annie

2 by 4

2010-02-14T17:30:00.001-06:00

On Saturday, I put on my favorite shirt (which shrinks a lilltle more every time I wash it--no, REALLY!) and slipped into my "I hope my butt doesn't look too big" jeans, and headed down the road.
My dear friend Joy, i.e. savvy city farmer, and I were headed south for a blogger gathering--a first for both of us.
I was probably more apprehensive than Joy, being that I am such a newborn in this venue and she is nicely "seasoned" and a soon to be celebrity in her own right.
And, as is almost ALWAYS the case in life, there were NO grounds for any fears or second thoughts.
People are people and women are women. DUH!!

I discovered a WONDERFUL group of women varied in age, height, personality, interests, and footwear, but ALL singularly special.
It smacked me in the face as I was standing in that room surrounded by this cornucopia of beauty. THIS is what life is about---the connecting, sharing, accepting, caring and enjoyment of ALL individuals, not just those choice few you allow in your inner circle.
I know this isn't some shocker, but it was a wack me on the side of the head REMINDER for me.
I'm still smiling as I write this and gosh darnit, my cheeks hurt.
I'm considering a pajama party next time!

How about you? Met anyone new lately? Had an 'aha' moment you'd like to share?
annie
p.s.
I NEVER even STARTED on that stupid powder room with the chickens.......all about accountability.....

Happy VD!!!

2010-02-13T17:41:00.000-06:00

EVERYONE NEEDS A
LITTLE CREEP IN THEIR
ROMANCE, DON'TCHA THINK????

Hallmark just doesn't make 'em like they used to...

Have a happy day with someone you love!
annie

Cooped Up

2010-02-12T12:38:00.000-06:00

The hens are about to fly the coop!

No more little peep in the corner

your crowin' days are over, pal

you've laid your last, ladies

It's time. It's passe---finito....
Today's the day to sand the walls, patch and prime.
These birds will roost no more!

What are your plans for this glorious weekend?
annie

THE CONFESSION

2010-02-10T10:39:00.001-06:00

I don't know what has come over me, but I have decided to confess.

Yep, confessing to the WORLD, or at least the 2 or 3 of you that actually read this...

My work space is OUT OF CONTROL!!!!

I was sick and tired of working out of the basement for all these years, although it has had its advantages--noone else EVER wanted to spend time down there,so I was usually left alone.

When 2 of our three delightful chicks, moved on to school and the city, I decided it

was my chance to break free from the shop lights and spiders and that little stream

of water that runs across the floor in the same spot every time it rains hard.

Oh, yes, I was PUMPED! I brought a beautiful old blue postal table home from my shop,

found a great vintage 2 piece German cupboard, 2 darling old chandeliers, quirky shelves,

and anything else I thought might work.

I loaded it all in and thought to myself, "This is going to be beautiful. I will be able to really create in all this light and beauty. It's going to be my little haven of loveliness. It's ALWAYS going to be neat and organized....it's going to be ME!'

Do you see that postal desk? CAN you see that postal desk---mmmhhhmmm...

the one that I have to glue the piece of wood back onto because I broke it off while moving it?

It's back there, under there,

behind the big ugly black desk chair,

next to the window air unit that one of my delightful children stacked in here---not in HIS room...,

above the piles thrown on the floor,

and next to that rumpled, NOT a fave quilt on the bed that another child slept in recently with no sheets or pillowcases.

My lovely, roomy, faded blue postal desk...

The one I'm supposed to sew on...

The one I'm supposed to create the most delightful goodies on...

The one I'm supposed to be able to SEE.

The one with NO organization, no beautiful inspiration board,

no darling chandelier and NO ROOM...not a milimeter!

And as if THIS weren't enough:

Here's another corner, more PILES...

and jars of dominoes, buttons, thread, rolls of fabric,

vintage Christmas, and I'm sure my sanity is under there somewhere...

You can pick your jaw up off your keyboard....

because there's MORE!

The wonderful 2 piece German cupboard.....

the one where the ribbons and french linen fabrics that I'm going to make into swoony items

.are supposed to be lovingly stacked and displayed.

The cupboard that is supposed to have JUST a few items of interest sitting on its crown.

The cupboard that I'm supposed to be able to GET INTO.....

There's a beutiful chair under that pile of blankets and throws to the left.

It was covered so delightfuly with them by that same child who came home and slept for ONE night.

WHY, OH WHY have I allowed you to see all of this MESS??????

I'm thinking :

I'm crazy

I need intervention and am seeking.....anyone...

Actually, both of those are likely true....

The real reason?

I am an accountability person.

I, because of my own weakness, am unable to fully focus and complete daunting tasks,

unlesss I know that someone else will KNOW that I have//have not done them.

I like being organized and together.

I like having time to create and share.

I think more clearly and perform much better when I am surrounded with order.

So what's the hold up?

First, I can close the door and walk away.

Second, I've been taking care of the "urgent".

Third, it would be nice to have some kind friend who 'gets' me help

(but I don't want to torture anyone else)

Fourth, it's for ME.

If it were for someone else it would be DONE, FINITO, utterly, beautifully and completely FINISHED.

It would be delightful, the haven she dreamed of,

her own studio in the clouds, overlooking the gardens.

But, it's for ME...

I AM that cobbler who puts delightfully crafted shoes on everyone ELSE'S feet

while he and his family wear shoes that are tired and tattered.

It's for ME and now you know.

I'm not looking for a diagnosis here---I'm just puttin' out the truth.

annie

PRICELESS

2010-02-09T13:03:00.000-06:00

Boots 16.99

Scarf 9.99

Wearing them around the house

during a snowstorm???

PRICELESS

I'm pretty simple and low maintenance...it doesn't take much...

A NEW DAY

2010-02-08T09:24:00.001-06:00

It's a new month, a new week, a new day.

After closing the doors to my shop a year ago,

I've been in a state of "what now?".

I know that for me, it was time to close and

move on, but what that moving on looked like...well...

not so sure.

I'm still not sure...

after all, God's word is a lamp to my feet, not a giant spotlight down the road for the next ten miles.

So in 2009 I attended or hosted a few events, sharing and selling some goods, and I waited.

I waited and waited and waited to figure out what to do next.

What is my purpose? I no longer had the "ministry" of the shop--that safe little house where people (o.k., WOMEN) could come and be welcomed and heard, chat, and hopefully be inspired.

It's been a wobbly year for me. I've been uncomfortable (that's really not so bad) and in some ways, I've stretched and grown.(that's always good).

I trained for 5 months and ran the Chicago Marathon in October (as part of the World Vision team) with one of the best and dearest friends ( Monica that's YOU) by my side EVERY step of the way. (talk about bonding...) No, I'm not a runner, well I wasn't a runner. (and I am still F.A.T.)

I spent years schlepping around furniture and moving about everything in sight. I was always on the move, but definitely not in the same way that all that running (and walking and dragging and crawling...and let's not forget whining) forced me to do. I found a new determination and more importantly, someone else to focus on, someone else to do something for, someone who was truly in NEED.

So, where does that bring me? Still don't know, still not sure, but I do know that I am here TODAY, to do TODAY, whatever God sees fit to place in front of me TODAY.

I like that.

annie

2010-02-07T22:05:00.001-06:00

The Market is open!

Hit on the side button and

have a little fun!

annie

Market News

2010-02-06T23:56:00.000-06:00

I've sold from the farm.

I've sold from the shop.

I've sold from french markets.

I've sold from the truck.

And soon I'll be selling from a new site:

Stone Meadow Market

It's almost ready...

Angelic Notes

2010-02-05T14:30:00.000-06:00

While on the search this week for goods,
I found a little bit o' heaven....

antique plaster sweetness

23" x 8" of patina

Someone will hopefully love it as much as I do!

(unless I HAVE to keep it...)

February Winter

2010-02-02T11:19:00.002-06:00

But winter has yet brighter scenes,

he boasts splendors beyond

what gorgeous summer shows.

William Cullen Bryant

Because it is doing this today

I guess I will be doing this

While eating this

What do you do when the snows flyin'?

A Ride

2010-02-01T10:05:00.006-06:00

Yesterday mid-morning, I gave a young woman a ride.

She was walking a near by road in flimsy lounge wear covered in a sweater, one thumb stuck out in the air, the other wrapped tightly to her body.

It was cold (teens) and the wind was icy.

I came upon her quickly and passed her by, realized what I had done, and turned back, turning again to pull beside her.

She barley looked up, but I could see the tears streaming down her cheeks. Her thin body was shivering as she climbed into my truck.

I blasted the heat to help warm her.

I asked where she was going, waited a little longer and asked if she was o.k, REALLY o.k.

She gave me a grateful weak smile and said, " Yes, it's just been a really BAD morning."

"Yeh, I've had a few of those, too," I reponded.

Giving her a few minutes, I then discovered she had already walked close to 3 miles from the local college, before I'd seen her.

I drove several miles to her home and wished her well.

Upon returning and relaying the story to my family, they were chock full of questions.

"WHAT?! You didn't ASK her?!""What REALLY happened?"

"Surely she must have lied to you. She couldn't have walked all that way in the cold"---

and then THEIR stories began.

" It was her boyfriend. They had a fight and he threw her out of the car."

"She couldn't call because the school is locked up tight."

"Maybe it was a friend--what kind of friend would that be?"

"No, she's psychotic and was lying about the whole thing."

On and on ad nauseum they continued, looking at me with disbelief.

I had not gotten her story.

I had not pried into her personal pain.

I had allowed her the right to her own story, not to be taken by a curious stranger.

Why do we need to KNOW??

Is it so that we can package things up tidily and put them on the shelf?

So that we can opinionate (is that a word?) and judge?

Did I want to know? Darn tootin' I did!

But, I think sometimes we need to remember it's NOT about US.

It's not about KNOWING.

It's about BEING--just being there--quietly, firmly, yet gently---available.

I'm not SURE that was all she needed, but praying as I drove, it felt right.

I don't know her story.

I don't know her name.

She's been on my mind this morning. I pray she has a much better day.

annie

Have a seat

2010-01-29T11:11:00.006-06:00

So leave everything and sit down prepared for a long siege in the
shape of a bundle of nonsense from friend E.
Emily Dickinson

Have a seat, grab a cuppa' and finish perusing this room with me.
It's lengthy. I'm sorry.

Starting at the top ---

this room is in a local mansion that has seen better days.

I had limited time and budget to do a "showcase" room.

I spent days hand sanding peeling plaster walls to get the soft

look I wanted, but the ceiling was a lost cause, so....

I bought a surplus parachute (huge), attached it around the ceiling

and tacked it up in quadrants with big velvet "buttons" to give some interest

and a quilted look.

(thank you sweet Monica for helping once again)

It looks saggy in the pic, but it really looked like soft puff.

A beautiful imported chandelier drops from the center.

(I had ONE electrical outlet in the room that worked---

2 days before opening, I was told the electricity couldn't be fixed in time.

Please disregard all the extension cords, etc. you'll be seeing)

12 ft. ceiling!

Each bedroom has it's own sink with running water---rare in late 1800's

Servants would be notified, one would go to the basement and pump

water to the bedroom as necessary.

I covered the sink niche, floor included, with maps from an

antq. 1800's atlas---cut, ripped and pieced.

Hung a vintage chandelier,

(ignore that wiring that had to run down the wall, thru a door,

and out a window to the next room)

attached a burlap skirt and SCRUBBED that sink.

(it looked SO much worse)

Nearly everything I used in the room was antique or vintage.

All found and put together because they were appealing to me.

A closet converted to dressing room

Walls painted in freestyle blocks of color

Mirrors, early 1940's fashion sketches

A brass thrift chandelier painted black and hung with

wood billiard scoring pieces

Marble fireplace

Found metal table top--hand painted clock

Aluminum and steel ship's cot with

vintage french bolsters

Vintage stacking tables covered in Korean newsprint

Very used paint tarp piece used as rug

Desk with doorknob pull

Chair with hand sewn scraps on silk

Antq. framed leopard print bulletin board

Vintage painting on vintage easel

Large antique apothecary jars

hanging with greenery

BIG windows, BIG jars

Antique steel shelving

original paint

Personal paintbrush collection

Antique hand painted screen section

Vintage Woddard loveseat--upholstered in tarp

Zinc top table I made

Antique pier mirror with

antique door knob hooks

Antique cabinet used as sideboard

Thank you for sitting through all these

(if you're still here...)

This is exhausting!

Below are snippets and overviews....

have a wonderful day!

annie

Mansion Memory

2010-01-28T08:52:00.000-06:00

I was taking a stroll down memory lane.
Here are just a few shots of a funky
room I did for a designer showcase.
I'd like to be in that room today...

17th century Spanish maps tacked on the walls

Antique apothecary storage

Numbered drawers

Small sitting area

Vintage, antique, and pieces I put together

The zinc top table is my fave.

Perhaps I'll share more when time allows.

Enjoy your day.

The SUN is OUT---YAYYYYY!!!!!

annie

Glass Half Full

2010-01-27T10:22:00.000-06:00

What is my fascination with glass??
I thought it might pass a few years ago,
but the clear sparkle still calls to me.

I put glass IN things,

OVER things,

AROUND things,

and ON things.

When I'm out and about, I can't resist it.

I've sold more pieces than I can count and yet

it STILL beckons me.

Ooooo---the shape, the size, the imperfections,

the myriad of uses....can't pass it by...MUST pass it by.

Oh, and let's not get started on old ironstone...

What's beckoning you these days??

Have a lovely one!

annie

Tuesday

2010-01-26T09:30:00.000-06:00

Just a day, just an ordinary day...

Dreaming of this.......

Wishful thinking...

I'll be working on a corporate client's boardroom.

Hanging up some HONKIN' big framed pieces.

Wishing I had man muscle today.

Hope your day is full of FUN!!!

Ta-daaa!!

2010-01-25T09:05:00.002-06:00

Remember that wonderful flat file/type set cabinet I showed you several days ago?

Well, after some labor and a lot of time with the screwdriver...

(wait, does that sound kinky?? )

Ta-daaa!!

It is now a soft sage with some aging.

(taking the old, painting it new, making it old once again....)

Unfortunately, this pic of the hardware doesn't do it justice.

The patina on the pulls and label plates is wonderful!

It took some time to take off and put on 45 pieces of

hardware with 90 screws, and there are 4 layers of magic

on this piece, but I hope my client is happy.

Now to deliver!

The Bug

2010-01-24T13:09:00.000-06:00

I've got the bug, got it bad. It's too soon. This bug shouldn't arrive until March, but here it is in FULL GLORY-- so I'm spending time in the greenhouse EVERY day. The rabbits are wintering there, so they must be cared for. It's my excuse for spending time and BREATHING in GREEN....
to every thing there is a season....

Bug,bug, go away and don't come back for months...

MMMMMmmmmm...

2010-01-23T09:33:00.000-06:00

All I really need is love,

but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

Lucy Van Pelt/ Charles M. Schultz

The last Christmas truffle. :(

A Day in the Barn

2010-01-22T10:35:00.000-06:00

Today is the day------a BIG project needs completion.

My client has waited TOO long for this piece.

I rarely have felt any major twinging when painting an

old piece--even when it is a "fine" antique.

I believe nothing is of much value if it doesn't work

for your lifestyle.

But this filing cabinet has been an exception for me.

The finish on it was beautiful, the color and wood were lovely.

I had angst as I started the sanding process, but a PAINTED

chest is what my client desires.

This is the cabinet before: (I obviously started pulling drawers

out before I remembered to take a pic.)

Please note the ginormous heater in background. It's the only way

to get any work done in the winter.

That's 15 drawers with 2 handles each, with one metal label each,

with 2 screws on each and everyone of those.

It took an hour to just remove screws.

Ready for the final product???

not yet...

Hope you find some fun in your day!

annie

T-Rex in January

2010-01-21T09:10:00.000-06:00

What to do when it's cold and white outside??
What to do when the 'big guy' really is a big guy? (and back home----aaargh)
PICK UP A PAINTBRUSH and have at it!

Good by T-Rex....satiate your hunger somewhere else...

Good by Mr. Boa.....slither and squeeze here no more...

Good-by to all!

The boy has become a man.

Welcome home----and PLEASE make it a short stay!

Where Art Thou Oh Sweet Spring???

2010-01-20T13:05:00.000-06:00

NOT outside my window, that is for sure.
The only green to be seen is inside these days.
Oh sweet, lovely spring,
how I long for you----for your softness
                             your freshness
                               your laissez-faire feel
                                 your faint color coming to life again
and mostly, these days, I miss that warm,glowing SUN!!!
Help!
annie

The Golden Ticket

2010-01-18T11:06:00.000-06:00

I was toodling away this morn, on my way to the eye guy for appointment number FIVE (aging eyes issue), when what should I spy, but bold red and blue flashing lights!
Were these on top of a house, a tree, a train, a zebra????? Of course not------a VERY young polite county sheriff was pulling me aside for a chat AND a lovely golden ticket.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I HAD to give you a citation..."
WHAT is with THAT?????
He didn't HAVE to do anything of the sort.
He didn't HAVE to whip a doughnut in the middle of the road.
He didn't HAVE to sit there for 15 minutes in order to display his prowess to those
passing by.
AND he certainly did NOT HAVE to give me that lovely ephemeral golden ticket.

Oh pardon me, but that little tirade felt so good. I HAD to do it.
Fact is----I WAS speeding (can't deny it)
He WAS doing his job (annoying as THAT is--I'm positive he missed that
crack dealer with an entire trunk full of illegal crack & fissures &
crevices that drove past.)
I was due--it's been about 15 years since my last one.

So, I proudly accepted my golden ticket and told that young man to have a WONDERFUL day. And now I'm thinking I will just pay it and be done with it. I'm not perfect and it's time the Secretary of State realizes it.

I feel as though I just lied to my mother, or was caught eating candy before dinner, or picking my nose or something.....I am guilty, guilty, GUILTY!!!!!

It's time to move on and I WILL RUN with the speed of a gazelle and accomplish much---there's no golden ticket for that.

annie

To Begin the Begin

2010-01-17T15:16:00.000-06:00

O.K., after perusing,commenting and basically spending WAY too much time peering into other people's lives anonymously, the time has come to forge out on my own.
I'm not sure how all this is going to work.
Setting up a site, getting a pic for a header and then trying to get the RIGHT font and size for title, etc.(unsuccessfully), has made me crazy and taken @ 2 hours... I am obviously an old dog trying to learn new tricks.
I digress, but WHY do they say that??? We have a new pup and HE doesn't seem to catch on instantaneously to ANYTHING!!! Come to think of it, I have been SPEEDY in setting this up in comparison to his house training and non shoe chewing.
Well, young, old, or in between, please bear with me as I try to get it all up and running beautifully.
New Year === New Experiences
annie