tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25918513072548605572024-03-13T05:38:38.584-07:00Just Plain & Simple MeMy title, plain and simple, I figured sort of fits. I love simple life, slow-pace, etc. You should always laugh everyday, even if it's at yourself, right?Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-68952056592027959732015-08-13T17:40:00.000-07:002015-08-13T17:40:26.190-07:00Summer Breeze, Makes Me Feel Fine...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a beautiful summer we've had in the Pacific Northwest. We usually get a bit more rain, and a bit less heat, but it's been fine with me, I love warm weather, and sooner or later, the rain's coming. And I'm getting ready to get my studio cleaned up, make it cozy and inviting so I can hide away in here and work. I have so much work to do, getting some treasures I've found listed on Etsy, doing some projects, getting geared up for baking. <br />
As I was sitting at my desk, day dreaming a little, I'm looking outside and noticing how early the maples are turning gold, how dry the lawn got so early. Everything's been that way. But it's beautiful. Besides the scenery outdoors, I was enjoying a little project I did last year, kind of a whimsical set of papier mache sailboats with tattered sales. I hung them in my window, and the float along in the breeze as the maple leaves flutter. I didn't plan it this way, but, see the little banner above the boats? My daughter did this project with her kids. It is actually little squares of world maps, strung on a piece of twine. When I hung these together, I didn't think a lot about it, but isn't it fitting that my boats sale around the world under the banner, and through the rustic old tree branches at the window I get to sit and look out of when I work. I think I'll leave it awhile, it inspires me!<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-90785018921459739082015-02-24T11:46:00.001-08:002015-02-24T11:46:04.695-08:00Oh, This "Winter" Weather!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings from the sunny state of.....Oregon???? In February??? While we hear of the terrible snows they are having in the East, we, here in NW Oregon, and SW Washington, are having some beautiful weather. A few weeks ago, days of torential downpours, probably like a lot of non-Oregonians think is always the case (but it isn't THAT extreme). Potential flood watches, etc. So, I guess we can figure, we got our rain all at once, and now? An early spring? Well, we can hope! I have managed to till my garden, which NEVER happens this early! We've been having some beautiful sunsets to end our days, too. This photo is looking to the west, towards Astoria, down the Columbia, and the Pacific Ocean, not far from us. <br />
It was a very busy winter for me, baking, doing bazaars, and a vintage sale (that I forgot to mention earlier). By the time Christmas came, I was quite ready for a break from baking Cardamom Bread! <br />
I'm looking forward to spring, to gardening, being outdoors all day, to enjoying family times around the outdoor fire, and to GARAGE SALE season! It's starting up, and as every vintage addict knows, it's a race to find that awesome item. <br />
I know I've mentioned I love gardening, and if I can't be outside, I'm often reading and searching for ways to make my garden better, easier, more productive. I have been You-Tubing worm beds! I've never had a worm bed, although I can remember my dad having a night crawler bed (for fishing) when I was young. Well, yesterday, with one of my boy's help, I got a worm bed built out of totes! I'm anxious to get the worms, their house is all ready, and I'm so excited to give this a try. Sometimes Youtube can be addictive, and make everything look so easy, when it isn't. But it's always fun to learn!<br />
What else have we been doing? We have been celebrating births of our two newest grandchildren, and we got one of each!!! How cool is that! <br />
We've had our share of heartaches, and friends who we've struggled along with, with their own hard-life situations, but I don't think any of us would give up a day of our lives, the hard days or the easy days. The Lord has been faithful in it all!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-7074461077408843692014-10-25T17:14:00.000-07:002014-10-25T17:14:43.469-07:00My Ship Came In!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLjgtraoHuI/VEw60jXTTvI/AAAAAAAACGs/Yl7vdUrz-Ac/s1600/P1040016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLjgtraoHuI/VEw60jXTTvI/AAAAAAAACGs/Yl7vdUrz-Ac/s1600/P1040016.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Well, we may have had an extraordinarily nice summer, and the first of fall was gorgeous, but for the past week it's been a downpour and right now, we are in the midst of a windstorm. In fact, we NEVER have things like tornadoes, and do you know, across the Columbia River into the city of Longview, WA, they had a tornado! And right at that time, my son was in a man lift, fixing a roof on a building when it hit, and tore off MORE of the roof! Weird weather. But nice. As long as everyone is safe, bring it on ;-). </div>
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So, today, since we're having such stormy weather, the Junk Alley girls, near Astoria, were having a sale. And of course, we had to go. But I am soooooo glad I did! Can you believe what I found? It's a wooden ship (toy??), pretty heavy, and pretty rustic, but oh, so awesome! I snatched it up, along with a few other things, of course. Look at the detail that went into it, the tole painting on it! Definitely riding in the car with my dad, hyrdoplaning in the water on the roads??? I don't know, about that, but I did make it home! The boat definitely wouldn't have gotten me here. </div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-88310280671810440012014-10-18T22:43:00.002-07:002014-10-18T22:45:50.057-07:00Working on the Shop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7Lmczte3T0/VENN9gesOJI/AAAAAAAACGM/rE6p60PQfHU/s1600/P1020380%2B(Copy).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7Lmczte3T0/VENN9gesOJI/AAAAAAAACGM/rE6p60PQfHU/s1600/P1020380%2B(Copy).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool Suitcase I found! </td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InF6XWbCJA8/VENMt_UkhMI/AAAAAAAACGA/DR2rtpmGA8Y/s1600/a-little-rustique.png" height="320" width="303" /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTQxMjM2OHwyNzI2OTM0MzM2/a-little-rustique?ref=fp_treas&aref=15645977018" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTQxMjM2OHwyNzI2OTM0MzM2/a-little-rustique?ref=fp_treas&aref=15645977018</a></div>
My entire spring and summer I spent outside. No kidding, until dark, I was outside, just loving the weather we had here in Oregon. I'm not one bit sorry, but I'm making up for lost time now, on the inside!<br />
I got the carpet shampooed, with the help of my sons, and I'm seriously thinking I'm going to tackle waxing my wood floor, too, but...it's supposed to be sunny tomorrow. I think working indoors should be illegal on a sunny day ;-). <br />
One thing that got seriously neglected, was my Etsy shop. During the summer, I could just not force myself to go in and work! But now that our weather is starting to turn, I'm spending my rainy days in my studio, getting stuff listed, (I can't believe how much stuff I have stuffed!) Making up for lost time! I'm just loving this little place my husband made me! Nice and bright, next best thing to being right outside!<br />
So, in my effort to get back to work on my shop, I came across the neatest tool, if you're at Etsian, you'll love it if you don't already use it. I'm on a few Etsy Vintage teams, and one of the "rules" are that you need to make at least one treasury a month. I love to look at other people's treasuries, but I don't always have time to make my own. WELL, I came across this really neat tool that you use on your desktop, with Chrome. <a href="https://brittanysbest.com/treasurybox-chrome-extension/" target="_blank">Treasury Box</a>!! If you don't have it, get it! You can make a treasury so fast, you'll actually have time to work on listing ;-) Here's my latest treasury, what a lot of fun it is now!<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-84984186718511227762014-10-13T20:54:00.000-07:002014-10-13T20:54:01.694-07:00Racing the Rain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L3eDKgvHFiQ/VDyc9C2C2BI/AAAAAAAACFw/5f-sB__LJbs/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L3eDKgvHFiQ/VDyc9C2C2BI/AAAAAAAACFw/5f-sB__LJbs/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't pay attention to my grubby shoes. See the hand reaching for my peas? That was my lil' granddaughter crawling between my legs while I was picking, stealing my peas lol! That's ok, she lives in a condo; she needs to play in the garden! </td></tr>
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I have said all summer, and now fall, I can't believe what beautiful weather we are having here in the Pacific NW! My garden was THE MOST FUN ever; I'm STILL getting peas out of it! I've never planted late before, but what a nice season we've had.<br />
However...they're calling for rain. And it's supposed to continue for a few days at least. Gosh, I'm almost not used to it anymore! You talk to someone who doesn't live in Oregon, and that's what they say, "I couldn't live there, it rains all the time!" Well, our well-kept secret is that isn't always the case, and our beautiful days and really gorgeous. Even our rain can be cozy, it's all in the outlook.<br />
So, since they're calling for rain, and we have no idea if this "is it", end of beautiful fall sunshine, I've been a workaholic and a taskmaster. Windows washed, bottles to the recycle, porch ready for stormy weather, you get the idea. Among other things, I went out today and got several items out of my barn storage, got them cleaned up, and they are now drying, getting ready to be photographed for my Etsy shop. There is no way I'm doing any of that in the rain....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Some of the stuff I've been scrubbing!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you imagine hauling one of these around to mop? I think it may be more useful as a flower pot ;-)</td></tr>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-76677552533911676102014-10-03T21:34:00.001-07:002014-10-03T21:58:03.449-07:00Autumn Rest from Summer Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a beautiful long, sunny summer, we are heading into a beautiful autumn here in Oregon! I think I enjoyed the outdoors, the garden, and the projects we were working on, more than any other time. I've always liked having a garden, but THIS year I took better care of it, even put a chair and some flowers out there! Must be getting old :-)<br />
What I have to look forward to each fall, is a huge maple tree dropping leaves all over my lawn, raking many times, then starting all over again. It brings back memories of other years I've done this, but having huge piles and letting the kids jump in them. The good thing about this many leaves, my garden loves them! <br />
So now that it's turning cooler at night, it's getting to be that time to sit around an outdoor fire, sit on the tree swing, and just be blessed of all that's gotten done, plan what else I'd like to get done, and relax a little. Happy Fall! <br />
My little Etsy shop has not had the attention it usually gets, so now is the time to spend listing more treasures I've found, and also getting ready to bake Finnish bread fir bazaars! Can't believe my first bazaar is actually the day after Halloween! Crazy how it flies by!<br />
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And before I close, thought I'd show this little clip of an adventure I took with my niece and my sis, to New Orleans. I never thought I'd get that close to an aligator :-) Her video went viral this summer!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Up7JNFju8xk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-8585489448572592502013-11-30T16:21:00.000-08:002013-11-30T16:21:36.333-08:00Simple Winter Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you shop til you dropped this weekend? Actually, I didn't feel at all like braving crowds. We've had a pretty lazy weekend, my husband has found time to do a couple of maintenance projects, but mostly, we've just enjoyed the holiday. We had all our kids and the grandkids together, as well as my parents. Just making memories, eating, talking, laughing- we even put a puzzle together! I'm thinking I need to stock up on puzzles this winter.<br />
My shopping is going to be minimal this season. I have had years where I went overboard, but this time, I want to keep it very simple. The part I am really looking forward to, is the simple things. We are planning an evening Christmas song-athon at the little church down the road. Inviting friends to potluck, to bring their instruments and voices, and have a good old-fashioned time.<br />
For years, I've wanted to host "Game Nights" in the winter. Doing these kinds of things, our kids and grandkids love, as much as all of the grown-ups. This IS going to happen this winter!<br />
And another activity I enjoy with my mom, sister, nieces, daughters and granddaughters, is "Craft Night". We haven't done this in a long time, but basically, getting together to work on whatever art or craft project we each have, and doing it together. We don't always get a lot done, but we have a lot of fun!<br />
These are the kinds of things I'm wanting to do! And they don't cost much, you have to eat dinner anyway, so why not just share?<br />
I'm sure that sometime REALLY close to Christmas Eve, I'll manage a panic Christmas shopping trip, searching for that elusive, just right gift, but, unless an idea comes to me, I'm not going to let it stress me out any earlier!<br />
Enjoy your friends and family, and have some good times this season!<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-52833254023808510002013-11-17T20:39:00.000-08:002013-11-17T20:39:36.454-08:00Winter Anticipation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoping for snow! If I hope hard enough, will it appear?</td></tr>
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This season is flying so quickly, don't you think? Here, in our lives, we've had a lot of stuff going on. Hard stuff, like seeing my daughter go through a miscarriage, and the wait for 2 weeks until she delivered. Hard stuff, but I can't tell you how proud I am of their strength and faith!<br />
It's the time of year when I do several sales with my Finnish cardamom bread. It started early this year, because the first Saturday fell so early. I feel like I'm a week ahead on bazaars and baking. I had a lot of fun, did well, sold out. That's always nice.<br />
I've had a goal since September to really fill my Etsy shop. I've got so many things to still list, and I was almost up to 400 items in my shop! I guess it's a good thing when stuff sells and you have to get more stuff in there. I really enjoy Etsy. I consider it sort of my hobby/job. Thankfully, my husband has had more work this year. Construction in our area had been really slow. Three years ago, he was getting ready to start building a house, finishing another. It was always the pattern that he'd move right into another project, someone would be waiting on him, etc. Well, the lady backed out of that house, and all of a sudden, he had no work. On top of that, he had no reputation really for doing smaller jobs, because he used to have to turn those down b/c he was too busy. So it took awhile to get out there with remodels and smaller jobs. Seriously, I think we could have qualified for welfare at one point, but he reminded me that we're not destitute, that God would provide, and you know what? We made it!! And we had a good time even through the hard part. He's just finishing a house for a man, and he'll be back to a few small jobs lined up. It would be nice if it was a sure thing that he had a house to build, (or 2 or 3, like the old days) but we're resourceful, we're taken care of, and I'm looking forward to what's ahead.<br />
I'm REALLY looking forward to decorating my porch and house for Christmas this year. I've been Pinterest-ing wreaths, diys, etc., thinking of Chrstmas greenery garlands. I need to talk my boys into going out in the woods and gathering me some cedar boughs and holly and stuff. I used to love the gift part of Christmas more, but I'm really getting simpler all the time. <br />
We're planning a music night with our friends, singing, playing instruments, etc. I have always wanted to get a group together to try playing my autoharp. I think a group of other musicians would make my attempt a lot more fun. We've talked about doing some good old-fashioned game nights with friends this winter.<br />
Another fun thing I'm planning, is to have a friend come and show a few friends how to make tamales. I've done this before, but haven't tried it in a long time. So, I guess at least one of my goals is to have some good times with friends and family, in a warm, cozy house, just enjoying each other around some fun things to do.<br />
Hope you plan to make your winter a memorable one!!!<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-36773762668475955142013-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:002013-10-29T09:50:25.994-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brrr. For Oregon, it's a chilly morning! It's funny that people often think all it does in Oregon is rain. Yes, we do get quite a bit of rain, but it's not as bad as you might thing. We've had an awesome summer, and a beautiful fall so far. I'm especially glad for lack of rain in the fall, b/c of the huge maple tree we have in our front yard. In the summer, the tree is a cool place to sit in the shade, or even to get out of a drizzle, it is that big. We have a bench swing, and tree swing, and an outdoor fireplace under it, so we have cozy evenings or warmth and fun.<br />
But in the fall! I wonder how many leaves a tree actually has on it, but this one is crazy! We have used a blower (I wish we had had a blower YEARS ago, they work so great for leaves) countless times and added the leaves to the garden, like every year. The next day, it looks like we never did it! Today we are moving another pile to the garden, and I'd bet they would fill a dump truck, no kidding! And that won't be all! HOWEVER, the leaves are dry! With not a lot of rain, we've been able to do a lot of fall cleanup without the wetness, and that makes it a lot more fun!<br />
I mentioned before the room my husband made me for a studio for my Etsy treasures? I am so enjoying this room! It's like I'm out in the yard, right beside that beautiful maple tree. The front is all glass, so it's nice and bright, and at night, it is beautiful to look outside. My son gave me a pretty sweet recliner, and I've been making a spot so that I can sit there and read, or, if I get my wish, watch snowflakes fall this winter. I live a very simple life, and I can tell you, I am so thankful for my quiet, simple life, and for my home, that is nothing grand, but to me, it is my refuge. (The best compliment I ever get when someone comes to my home is that they are "so comfortable" in my home. I can't think of a better comment from a visitor!)<br />
Well, with fall, and chilly mornings, I've been working a lot on my Etsy shop, getting it filled to the brim. With making soups on chilly days, with getting my kids through school, with spending time with grandkids. With going to my parents to watch the Seahawks, since we don't have TV here.<br />
I saw a comment on a friend's Facebook page, wondering if she was the only one who didn't have a life that was all roses. It made me think about how much my years have seen. No, I have had HORRIBLE days. I've had really hard YEARS in fact, and lots of painful memories of things that are in the past. But I've come to see, you hang on for the ride. You go through what God has for you to go through, and you trust Him to get you to the finish. The finish is worth it all! Run the race! Go for the prize! <br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-17963733549785702432013-08-25T11:13:00.000-07:002013-08-25T11:13:20.553-07:00Roadside Stands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is is about roadside stands? They just call out for you to stop and buy their wares! Whether it's lemonade stands, with the little kids running their first business, or produce stands, egg signs that beckon you to stop at the little hut, put some money in the box, and get yourself a dozen eggs, or hot dog stands on the street corner in the city, there is just something special about these real experiences, in not-exactly-brick-and-mortar stands. <br />
I'm a HUGE believer in children's lemonade stands. I've heard that it is actually not legal to have an unlicensed lemonade stand. I don't know if that's true, but if it is, I'm against it. I think every kid should have at least one lemonade stand in their lifetime.<br />
When my sister and I were little, we painted rocks into bugs and sold them to the neighborhood. We also took styrofoam balls cut in half, and used pipe cleaners to make animals and sold them. We've thought how funny it would be to go to a garage sale in our area and find one of our old creations, but, I'm not holding out for the possibility, b/c, after all, I was only like 6 at the time, and the quality wouldn't have stood the test of an heirloom. :-)<br />
I live in a very small community. I lived in the same house all my life, until I was grown. I only live a half mile away from that same home. Well, if you know me, you know I love my life!<br />
Today, I had a huge blessing, to go down the street that half mile again, to my childhood home, and stop at my friend's roadside stand there and buy this beautiful bouquet, all for a whole $2! You wouldn't believe what a very real memory-lane moment this was to me. To pull into the driveway of my own childhood home, and get flowers grown on that soil, that my mom used to grown flowers on! She spent so much time in her gardens, and you know, to this day, she is always outside in her flowers or riding her lawn mower over her huge yard. When I would get home off the school bus, she'd be out there working in her flowers in the fall and spring. In the fall, there is a certain type of day, the sun feels just right, the blackberry smell is in the air, the breeze is just that exact same breeze as my childhood, and I get this memory come over me of getting off that bus, mom pausing from her weeding to ask us how school went. It just all comes back to me all over again. I was so fortunate to have such a great childhood. I don't take it for granted. I try to live up to it for my own kids.<br />
So, if you think your life gets monotonous, don't forget, you're making memories. Hopefully awesome memories of sunshiny days, cheerful words, beautiful flowers. Happy children. Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-44688679117476961832013-05-30T21:59:00.000-07:002013-05-30T22:02:31.135-07:00Our Latest Recycle Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've had a crazy amount of rain here in the Pacific Northwest this month. It's made it a little difficult for my husband to work at the projects he was supposed to be doing on other people's houses, b/c they needed to be done on drier days, so...yep, I got to have him home, and working on some projects for our house! Usually, it never fails, no work, no money, but we have time. When we have the work and money, we don't have the time. But he's done some pretty creative recycle projects that really didn't cost us much.<br />
My twin sons were wanting their own rooms. I had the extra room filled with all my Etsy <strike>junk </strike>treasures, and my sewing stuff, my crafting stuff, and somehow it even had stuff in there that my husband would put in there b/c he didn't know where else to put it. In other words, it was a mess. But with selling vintage on Etsy, you need space to keep the stuff, space to photograph the stuff, and space to work with it and actually wrap and mail it off. So, here's one of my boys begging for a room, and what's a mom to do?? Well, I asked my husband if our smaller covered back porch with the hot tub on it would be able to be made into a work room for me. He was actually really motivated with this honey-do, and yes, he made me an amazing studio to work in. I love being outside, and the room he made me is the next best thing to being outdoors.<br />
He had made a rather rare mistake with ordering a lady's windows a year ago. She had wanted grid windows at first, then changed her mind, and he forgot to change the order. It could have been a $2,000 mistake, but the window company gave him a tool to use to change out the glass and he was able to do it for only a $600. loss. Thus, we ended up owning many windows and a slider that had no frames. Well, my tricky sweetheart put the windows in my new studio, the old fashioned way, like they did in days past. And I have to say, I am just loving my little hideaway! These windows of course, don't open, but he did have an old 1950s push out window from another remodel job that works well for the breeze. I have to say, I'm really pleased with it, AND we were able to use up the glass we already had. My sons are happy to have their own rooms, and all is well. It's amazing the things you can do with recycled stuff! And you can bet I remember to tell my husband how much I love and am thankful for the way he spoils me! (I added some photos, but excuse the messes.) <br />
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And since I'm on the recycle subject....I had been BEGGING for a long time for my husband to put soffitting on my front porch. When I am sitting in my chair in the mornings visiting with him, and he's telling me about what's on his mind, my A.D.D. takes over, and I start wandering off the conversation, and invariably, I'd start staring at the ugle porch roof that I could see from my chair. It just drove me crazy! Well, he had some vinyl siding that came from another remodel he'd done, and we were going to use it for a hay barn eventually. We didn't know if this would work, but he went out and got a few pieces and tacked it up to see, and YES!! The vinyl siding has now been recycled into the ceiling of my porch, nice and clean and grey colored. It brightened up my porch a lot! We were pretty excited to see that it worked, and it cost....NOTHING! I'm loving it! Hope this inspires you to make use of what you have!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before, see the difference it's making?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling finished! Am I loving it? YES!!</td></tr>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-3667220231416732722012-11-19T01:18:00.000-08:002012-11-19T01:18:01.474-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends to share a meal with.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night time at our little country church. (Ignore the blue paint, hopefully we'll get to paint in the coming year!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table. All set and ready.</td></tr>
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We've had a very busy fall! Sometimes I wish the leaves would all fall off my maple tree at one time, so that we could just rake a couple of dump truck loads all at once and be done with it. I love that old tree, and the leaves are so pretty; it keeps us nice and cool in the summer, as we sit on the swing cooling off. I wasn't ready for summer to end, but wow!! It's almost December and the days will start getting longer again!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Finnish Cardamom Bread</td></tr>
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This month, our little Bible study group had a Thanksgiving meal together. I think we all came really excited, it's the first time we've done something special, and it WAS a special time. I was really looking forward to celebrating God's faithfulness with this little group. We are so blessed to have this little place to share, to learn, to grow in. These people God has put in our lives. Celebrating what He's brought us through, trials and hard stuff. His providing us with this quaint little country church. He is is so good to us!<br />
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This week, we're going to be doing something I love to do before the holidays. Cleaning! I'm talking about sending my husband out onto the beams in our living room with a vacuum lol. Today we got the bedroom all dusted, floors done, everything all nice and clean. I like to spring clean once in spring, once in fall/winter. All the knicknacks cleaned, all those books dusted. When I met my husband I had NO IDEA he was such a book freak! At least his books are beautiful! Well, when the cleaning is done, the nice warm fire is going, the Christmas music is playing, it'll be a day of decorating. Not all-out decorating, but a little holiday cheer. Some warm welcoming on the porch for visitors. Sometimes the stress of what this old world brings gets me down, but you know, I just keep looking up! There is a very good plan to it all!<br />
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I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of blessing, full of reflection on how much we have all been blessed! ~Karen<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-11165172583095610832012-10-25T20:09:00.000-07:002012-10-25T20:09:45.674-07:0036 Tube Candle Mold/More of My Finds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I've been trying to keep working at my Etsy shop, getting more of the things I've found this year into my shop. If you're like me, you put something away to deal with later, and it's like Christmas getting it back out! Well, I'm making use of the rain we finally got, trying to set myself goals, etc. I don't do a lot of Ebay anymore, but I did put this awesome 36 candle mold on Ebay tonight. It's just pretty neat! Imagine the lady who used this! I'm not sure, but in those days, it seems like you'd be lucky to have one of these, I always thought the really primitive way to do it was to dip the wick over and over and over.... This is making me want to read Little House books again!<br />
I hope everyone's adjusting to the cool season. It just doesn't seem like some people should have snow already, or that the temperatures have dropped almost instantly. I wasn't quite ready for the rains and cold, but at least I'm getting some stuff done inside! Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-76149710818841952432012-10-23T09:41:00.001-07:002012-10-23T09:41:29.344-07:00Time to Start Listing Furniture~My Awesome Step Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_1954537509"></span><span id="goog_1954537510"></span>I've spent so much time outdoors this summer taking advantage of our beautiful summer weather, I've fallen a bit behind on stocking my Etsy store, (which I am now challenging myself to fill up) and getting busy selling some of my awesome large finds this year! If you are in the NW Oregon area, and are on the lookout for a nice step back cabinet, I have one you may like. It has taken me awhile to finally decide I'd let it go. I've been on the verge of putting it n my own kitchen, but it just won't fit. Who knows, if I don't sell it, it may be in there after all!<br />
I just listed it on <a href="http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/atq/3358324811.html" target="_blank">Craigslist</a>, if you,re interested. The photos aren't great, b/c I didn't have it in a place with great light. But I did meet one goal for the day, yay! My other accomplishment was to go with my daughter-in-law to her midwife appt. to hear my granddaughter's heartbeat! Now isn't that something!?Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-37180916164352468112012-10-20T20:44:00.000-07:002012-10-20T20:44:24.941-07:00Indoors Once More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a busy, beautiful summer we have had in Oregon this year! Hardly any rain from July on, until now. Which means coming indoors, lighting the fire in the woodstove, making hot soup more often and barbequing less. I always try to stay outdoors if it's not raining, thus, not much inside gets done til Autumn.<br />
We have a HUGE maple tree in our yard. In the summer, we like to sit in the swing, around an outdoor fire, enjoying family and friends. In the fall, let's just say it is a LOT of leaves to clean up. I admit I think it's kind of awesome when stormy, rainy windy days make the mess; it's all worth it.<br />
I've had a great summer doing things with friends and family. I've had some rough stuff to go through too. I won't go into all the details but, like the maple in my yard, we may have lost some leaves, but we're still standing, roots dug in deep, leaning on the Lord, who wills and works His way in us. I am so appreciative of the friends who have prayed for us along the way! <br />
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I've had an amazing year working with vintage stuff, selling in my Etsy shop, and we did manage a vintage sale with the Vintage Gathering friends. I'd love to have made it to few others, just to be a shopper, but we've had too much going on around home.<br />
I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, getting my Etsy shop stocked with so many wonderful finds I accumulated this year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odd things I find! This pin strip roll is awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hang it from a wall on the piece of string! Neat sewing room decor!</td></tr>
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I am going to be up to my elbows in bread dough a lot of November, with the Finnish cardamom bread that I sell each year. I'm doing 3 sales in Longview, Wa., and 1 in my own little tiny hometown. I'm amazed at how loyal my bread customers are, because they do come back year after year. Right before Christmas I do special orders, which are really kind of fun, sort of a wrap-up of my bread baking year. I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me to be able to do this! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute shabby bear!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious nursery dresser jars!</td></tr>
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I sure hope the autumn season blesses you with it's abundance, with it's beauty. Bringing in the bounty of blessings to get us through the winter days. It's never too early to be thankful! Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-54023792162496794052012-09-15T09:02:00.001-07:002012-09-15T09:02:18.417-07:00Vintage Gathering Fall Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know how I missed getting this out, but today Vintage <a href="http://avintagegathering.blogspot.com/2012/09/vendors-and-details.html" target="_blank">Gathering</a> friends are having their fall sale! Awesome finds to be found there, and sweetest ladies you'll meet! Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-33765319132198102862012-09-15T07:14:00.000-07:002012-09-15T07:15:19.918-07:00Vintage Flea Market at Deepwood!Some friends of the vintage style are having an awesome flea market down near Salem that you might really want to know about! Looks fabulous and I hope I'll be able to go! Check it out!<br />
<a href="http://roostreimagined.blogspot.com/2012/08/attachmentjpg.html" target="_blank">http://roostreimagined.blogspot.com/2012/08/attachmentjpg.html</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-44267992549795871142012-05-21T16:08:00.000-07:002012-05-21T16:09:59.125-07:00Cronies Meet Redemption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ha~! Like that title? Well, after I tell you what it means, you're gonna love, love, love me, especially if you are in the Pacific Northwest.<br />
In our little tiny town of Clatskanie, Or. there lives a couple of friends. Well, there are friends, and there are Junky friends. These are junky friends. You know the kind I'm talking about. The kind that hoard awesome treasures! Well, these two women have, over the space of the last year, opened two awesome shops, side by side in our little town, that are well worth bragging about!<br />
Meet Kelley, one of the most awesome primitives collectors I've ever met. When Kristin (my daughter and I) had our little shop, we had a lot of Kelley's fantastic things to play with. That was several years ago, and since then, Kelley has had booths at the Kalama, Wa. antique shops. But she has now begun to realize her dream! Having her own shop! The pictures I got, I'll admit, aren't the greatest, but hopefully they'll give you an idea of what you'll find. This girl has EVERYTHING, I'm not kidding! I love how she uses her shop space, which, by the way, isn't small. She has it packed full, and every little corner has a little surprise. Her personality and decorating talents are combined in the whole experience. Meet Kelley, of "Cronies", open Mon-Fri-Sat, 10-5, Sunday 1-5. I can't remember the name of the street, but it's right before our only stoplight in town. Right off of Hwy 30, on your way to the coast. If you're coming from Portland, head west on Hwy 30, we're about 60 miles from Portland, and 15 miles from Longview, WA.<br />
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She's got so much fun stuff packed in this shop, the pictures don't even begin to show you all her little vignettes. <br />
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I know this picture is bad, but I thought it was funny. This little section, she's decorated with a coastal theme. See those sock monkeys above the window? They're her "Sea Monkeys!" <br />
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I believe she's eventually hoping to have coffee too, and she should! It's the kind of place you feel so at home at, and she is so friendly and warm. NOW, when you visit her, PLEASE tell her I told you about her! She'll think it's awesome! <br />
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And while I'm at it, I have to show you Kristi's shop! Redemption~Junk Salvation for the Vintage Soul.<br />
Kristi's shop, while not as large, is a wonderful artistic experience! I think of the word "color", awesome color, with a light and airy feeling. You'll get an idea of what I'm talking about when you look at my (admittedly poor) photos. It'll be enough to entice you to stop off the beaten path and see what our little town has to offer.<br />
Kristi does some beautiful things with old junk, and she has a great knack for finding it. Besides vintage treasures, she has jewelry, handbags, and all kinds of gift ideas for your special friend!<br />
Kristi is open Fri, Sat, Mon, 10-5, and Sunday 12-4.<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-71851628435196449962012-04-12T09:56:00.002-07:002012-04-12T09:57:46.558-07:00Bears for Adoption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aren't they cute? I'm still going through totes of stuff from my storage unit treasures! I seem to have aquired a Boyd's Bears collection. I know there are at least 30 adorable little guys/girls here. I should have counted when I was putting them in the basket. They're up for adoption, if you're interested, make me an offer on the lot. (Gosh, I feel terrible saying it like that! I feel like I need to give them good homes, but don't really have time to adopt individually, and I can't afford to feed them!) Add about $15. shipping to your offer, in the U.S.<br />
Besides adopting out bears, I'm still uncovering treasures. Haven't even started with listing anything yet, I've been sorting, washing pottery and glass, and trying to manage my real life at the same time! I'm racing the clock to have everything organized so that I can be OUTSIDE when we finally get some sunshine. I know everyone thinks it only ever rains in Oregon, but truly, we get some gorgeous weather here, and when we do, we celebrate it!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-67443061290437979122012-04-10T21:30:00.000-07:002012-04-10T21:30:25.633-07:00Vintage Treasures to the Ceiling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No kidding! I've NEVER bid on a storage unit auction before in my life. I don't know why, my parents even own one! (Well, their customers are usually good about keeping their payments up to date, even the lady who rented a unit for over 10 yrs, and her kids found...junk magazines) I usually would think I'm too chicken to bid, but THIS was too good to be true. There were 3 units getting auctioned and we WON one!! What a blast! What a LOT OF WORK!<br />
Right away we went through a lot of the stuff, ended up with 2 trailers filled with primitive antiques. We got 2 nice beds, one was a big huge brass one! I ended up with lots and lots of totes of smaller stuff that I can't wait to start listing in my Etsy shop. There are a ton of things I would love to keep, but I think I'll probably end up selling . But 3 things especially were favorites.<br />
See the photo of the trailer, and in the very end, on the right hand side? It's a dye cabinet. At first, we thought it wasn't all there, but yep, my husband came across the tins that go on the door. It is turned around in the photo, but the back has some awesome advertising for dye-o-la (I think that was the name) dyes. It has little cubby holes that dye packages went in, but I might use it in my office.<br />
Another favorite was the Hills Brothers Coffee thermometer. I gotta keep it! And then there is the glass mailbox. How awesome is that?<br />
For days now, I've been washing pottery, going through everything, separated, categorizing stuff, getting rid of the junk. It looks like I'm gonna have plenty of cabinets, etc (as if I didn't already) to take to the Vintage Gathering Sale in July. And how many pottery pitchers does a person need anyway?<br />
The lady that bought the other two auctions beside us was so nice. We ended up having a drawer of hers, she had one of ours. We were pretty excited for each other finding treasures. She got the two better ones, but I'm sure not gonna complain. And it's always nice to meet another treasure hunter! We're keeping in touch, so that when we come up with extra pieces, or missing pieces, we can get them to each other.<br />
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What else has there been going on around here? Well, I have a friend who hatches chickens with her little incubator. My sons and I got one and gave it a try. We only were successful with 2 little chickies, but they are spoiled little guys. I hate not succeeding at stuff like this, so, yep, we're giving it another try. That first hatching had me such a nervous wreck, I felt like a father in a waiting room! I think this little guy is a rooster, he's acted proud since the day he was...hatched!<br />
Our Oregon rain has been terrible this month, but I'm hoping for some brighter days; they seem to be getting better. I am racing the clock to get my treasures organized so that I can do what I love when spring through fall comes-stay outside! Hope your spring is bright and shiny!!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-16753203412819661802012-03-19T23:04:00.001-07:002012-03-19T23:04:44.033-07:00Makes me laugh!If your day has been needing a little laugh.... this should help.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/embed/dCQEarWkrmI%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dCQEarWkrmI" width="560"></iframe></a><br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-37454903188876997482012-03-09T23:39:00.001-08:002012-03-09T23:39:55.881-08:00Talented Toymakers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When Kristin and I had our little shop full of awesome vintage finds (many from other vendors), we got to know some friends who are local to our area. This brother/sister team, well, actually the whole family, is so talented it amazes me.<br />
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And these little tiny baskets are so neat, too!<br />
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And what about these swords? He's got some neat toys that are not your typical box store toys. If you have a little boy with a lot of imagination, you might want to take a look.<br />
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And for the girls? Well, Jennifer is the talented sister. Also a very nice person! She is the marketer for "Friendly Fairies" and she's got some pretty neat party hats. Take a look! <br />
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I think she does custom orders, too. And no, she didn't even know I was going to post this on my blog. I just thought you might like to see some really cute kids' toys!<br />
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I've got spring fever. I hope you are jumping into spring like a kid in a mud puddle! I've managed to get out and do a little tilling, a little planting, a little walking around my yard, dreaming. <br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-32188690636879444892012-02-28T20:33:00.001-08:002012-03-06T09:08:52.683-08:00Book Lovers Anonymous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I think I've mentioned before, my husband is a book lover. I don't know how many collections he's had over the years, but a LOT! He recently decided to thin out some of his collection. I wonder why I bug him so much about BUYING and COLLECTING the books, but when he decides to part with some, it's harder for ME to let them go? Maybe because with some of them, I get attached, and they're like family, and... Well, anyway, take a look at some of these adorable little books that will be leaving home soon.... These are a sweet little collection, he read a lot of them to our now-almost-grown-daughter. <br />
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I think the inscriptions are some of the best parts!<br />
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Most of the children's books he has seem to have been gifts from either Christmas, Birthdays, or Sunday School. And probably much more treasured than today's average kid would appreciate. Kind of a sad thought.<br />
Jeepers, he caught me taking photos and just like any book addict, he reminds me, "Karen, be really careful when you open them, the spines are delicate, and they can crack if they're not handled carefully..." Yes, Sweetheart, I know you love your books.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-26314684063962258492012-02-24T16:46:00.001-08:002012-02-24T16:46:12.917-08:00Junk Shopping Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I celebrated getting those icky taxes done. Went junking. And what fun I had! Actually, my husband went with me, he likes junking as much as I do. Sometimes you have those days where you don't find a thing that interests you, at least I seem to have those days. Once in awhile I think I'm going to give up on certain places because you don't find anything good. Well, three places I love to hit please me plenty yesterday!<br />
I found some great vintage games, a cute little metal recipe box, all kinds of stuff. My favorite things were these metal industrial trash cans, pretty awesome:<br />
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Or how about this really great 70s Flower Power Chip and Dip set?<br />
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But my favorite find? I could not believe there were not one, but TWO of these beautiful wicker baby baskets! My lucky day!</div>
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And now, lucky for you I can't "talk" long. It's "girls craft night" with the girls in my family. Mom, Sis, her girls, my girls, and other friends. I'm gathering all my paper project stuff and my Silhouette SD that I just bought from my niece (because she got the super duper Cameo) and we're going to play, and eat, and TALK. </div>
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Check my Etsy for some great finds, including these awesome treasures, when I get a chance to list them!!! </div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2591851307254860557.post-5500391423444848352012-01-24T22:37:00.000-08:002012-01-30T21:33:27.476-08:00Funky Junk Sisters at it Again!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://funkyjunksisters.blogspot.com/2012/01/hillsboro-oregon-here-we-come.html">Last year's show had this beautiful cabinet! Mmmm.</a></td></tr>
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It's not shameless to advertise someone else's show, right? Well, I have to say, if you're in the NW Oregon/SW Washington area, and you love vintage, you will want to go!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="color: red;">Junk Salvation Vintage Market </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://funkyjunksisters.blogspot.com/2012/01/hillsboro-oregon-here-we-come.html"><b style="background-color: cyan;">February 3rd & 4th, 2012 </b><span style="background-color: cyan;">Washington County Fairgrounds~ </span><b style="background-color: cyan;">Hillsboro, Oregon</b><span style="background-color: cyan;">. Friday night early buying/breast cancer benefit from 6pm-9pm admission $15, Saturday 10-4 admission $7.</span></a><span style="background-color: cyan;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black;">I am looking forward to going! AND...some friends will be there: </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://avintagegathering.blogspot.com/"><u>A Vintage Gathering</u> </a>Vendors Who Will Be There:</span></div>
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<a href="http://beeandmason.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Bee and Mason</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">BirdSong</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Mac and Momma</span><br />
<a href="http://myshabbypassion.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">My Shabby Passion</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Vintage Market</span><br />
<a href="http://voondi14u.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Voondi</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">So, if you're sick of the weather and need a little inspiration, take my advice and head over to Beaverton! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Life has finally slowed down a bit for me, getting back on a schedule, getting time to do some of the things I love, like work in my Etsy shop. Last week, with all the snow, I took an opportunity to get some new things listed and am considering myself on a roll; I have a lot of things waiting for my attention.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">What else do I love? I'm not really crazy about the rain, BUT, I have that greenhouse to retreat to, and every year, I tell myself I'm going to do better. I'm already doing what every gardener does about now, pouring over seed catalogs, planning what to grow, I'm even changing what soil I'm using this year in my greenhouse. You should thank me for doing this, because it brings spring a little earlier. Since I'm always running behind, spring should be here before I get everything done! Always optimistic! </span> </span></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00277178514222504793noreply@blogger.com4