AHHHH . . . . THE FRUITS OF MY LABOR!!

Deliriously happy to be home from two successful but demanding shows and a move into Splendid, I gaze on meaningful treasures unearthed in rare moments apart from a workload that can be fully appreciated only by other vintage junkers who share this path!!

No signs of "sign" fatigue for me . . . the STARS "star" added to my collection!

Being resolutely impassioned about my chosen profession, moments of self-doubt flee in the private surroundings of my home and family. All the physical pain, sweat equity, angst about the success (or lack thereof) that always attends the risk of doing shows, long hours of planning and designing, mixing and combining sometimes "unmarriageable" but nevertheless worthy merchandise--pass into a pleasant anmesia of the negative and leave an enduring memory of moments of ecstacy and delight . . . the people, the sunshine, the beauty of it all. I'm forever grateful for the many gifts of this life, especially my friends and supporters!

Thanks, Lynne G. -- LOVE this three-tiered stand with seashells & coral in it!!

Thanks, again Joe & Jermonne!

BARN HOUSE FLEA MARKET - July 19, 2009

By now, the blogosphere is ablaze with kudos for Joe & Jermonne, the legendary Barn House Boys. This was a not-to-be-missed event, featuring the best of the best. EVERYONE pulled out all the stops! Since I was in the barn most of the day (and completely exhausted at the end), I must rely on the many talented photographers who captured the big picture (and what a BIG picture it was!). Check out Shabbyscraps, Mimi Charmante, Retreat, Barn House (of course), Bella Shabby, Maison Douce, Bird Tweets, Little Byrd, Vintage Sparrow . . . well, you know the list goes on and on!! This must be the hardest-working group of people on the planet, and their talent is beyond inspirational!!!

IT'S SHOW TIME!!!

Two really great events coming up, back-to-back . . . first, the enormous PORTLAND EXPO on July 10-12. This is a new location in Hall E (well lit & AIR CONDITIONED!). Please come find me on row E 24 & 25. Treasure beyond measure will be your pleasure--I guarantee it!!!

It will take no convincing for devotees to come to the continually exciting BARN HOUSE Flea Market on Saturday, July 18. This is gonna be a barn-burner of a sale . . . speaking of which, please find me on the left side of the barn! I've got some amazing rusties, farm chic, and elegant Frenchie show-stoppers!!!!

With all the intricate packing needed for two shows and the necessity of planning far ahead of time, I neglected photos. What a scatterbrain!!! So, really, this is just a thumbnail of what's in store!!

I've been hoarding some fantastic garden/shabby/industrial items you won't want to miss!!

Garden furniture, mid-century AWESOME umbrella, great props for your summer parties . . .

My "biggie" is an antique French, white-painted cupboard--clean, classic lines for modern living--all the magazines show this kind of killer focal point in a room. Not fussy . . . just ideal!!

French gathering baskets, old scales, chandeliers, silver trays . . . well, I CAN'T keep everything!

"No bull" (well, actually there WILL be one!) . . . this is gonna be an experience that will make your heart sing--and we all need a bit of that now, don't we?! My amazingly talented dealer buddies are working to bring you the divine as well, so PLEASE DON'T MISS THESE FABULOUS SHOWS!!!

HAND-MADE METAL PENDANT LIGHTS

Today the metal shades I purchased from Luluz have been repurposed into AWESOME kitchen pendant lights . . . stunning 30-inch drop accomplished by using antique copper pipes. All new sockets, ceiling canopy, and electrical--and they're ready to light a kitchen island or sink. Now, on to the chalkboard!!!

Wish you could see these lit up--AMAZING, unique light affects!!!! Although they're just laying the floor, you can see the general perspective of their beautiful form. Unfortunately, the old copper pipes shows better in person, but you get the idea! Thank you, Jim, for an absolutely perfectionist job--I love how they turned out!!!

PROJECTS . . . .

Okay, repurposing geniuses  . . . I bought TWO of these unusual, round W/C tanks from Virginia at Sand Point some months back (what was I thinking?!).  Originally, I had envisioned some kind of wrought iron stands and turn them into "garden vases" or fountains?  Still chewing on it.  IDEAS, anyone???  (Come on Beth and Lisa--gotta hear what you see for these porcelain beauties!)

Now HERE'S a project we can handle.  Purchased these way cool, metal shades from Luluz at Funky Junk Sisters . . . stay tuned for pendant kitchen lights!

Duckie has a "splitting" headache!   (No, Daniel, this is not duck torture; and no animals were harmed in this repair sequence.)  Sometimes allergic rhinitis makes me feel like this duckie looks, though--no air through the beak and a vice on my head!!!!

Here's one of my FAVORITE signs in the kitchen . . . but, really, this post is about the chalkboard we are building into the wall below it.  Several years ago Jim busted a big hole in this wall, expecting to "expand" the kitchen--yeah, right!  So, I got tired of the lace tablecloth hung over the whopping hole--found a great piece of antique slate blackboard and an old frame.  We're progressing.  No hole and prep work is done for the heavy slate piece, once it's cut to size.  Then on goes the antique framing . . . stay tuned!!!

Please ignore the mess behind this--construction zone too (future pantry)!!!

Antique frame sitting on radiator, awaiting custom fitting . . . .

(Ridge St. sign perched for temporary visual interest)

Our dining room runneth over with new inventory selections amassing for the PORTLAND EXPO and BARN HOUSE FLEA MARKET upcoming shows (see sidebar).  We digressed to projects, cuz something FUN was needed to break up all the unpacking (from the first-ever Funky Junk Sisters Show), new inventory selection and cleanup, and the repacking process . . . ah, the glamour--the glamour!).   We're definitely taking the trailer this time--boy howdy!!!!

Funky Junk Sisters Show - June 13 & 14, 2009

Despite this being a first effort for the Funky Junk Sisters, they did a sterling job of attracting some seriously talented dealers who put on a fabulous display for all those who entered the transformed space at the Competitive Edge Warehouse in Puyallup, Washington.  ("Pumping iron" took on a completely new meaning, I'm here to tell ya!)   It was a sight to behold, my friends . . . and, even if the road was a bit bumpy, it was a GREAT debut!!!!!!!!!

Lighting was a bit of a challenge, so I apologize in advance for photos that did not turn out.  So many people deserved credit for their efforts, but I NEVER (. . . Timi, are you reading this?!) show bad photos of people or merchandise.  Actually, I keep the bad people photos for future "opportunities" (. . . Timi, are you reading this?!) 

I'm going to get this off my chest and be done with it.  Thieves who who steal our merchandise, thieves who steal our ideas, and thieves who "try" to steal our good spirit and kindness are not welcome in this world created by such hard working and well-meaning companions.  I left the dog-eat-dog corporate world fourteen years ago to follow my passion, and the thoughtless actions of a few rotten eggs will not spoil my efforts to believe in what I do.  But your types are on notice--you are not welcome, and you WILL be exposed.  Maybe not today, but certainly down the road.  For there is an order and a meaning to everything beyond what we can see, and a higher power removes the burden of retribution for those of us victimized by the bad people.

Thankfully, there are far more GOOD, LOVING people than bad ones . . . and to be surrounded by them at these events is part and parcel of my reason for continuing to take the road less traveled and do what I enjoy!   

Moving forward, as always, a HEARTY THANKS to all the customers willing to give this new show a chance . . . and, for those of you who missed it, our sincerest condolences.  Mae West said it best:   "There's nothing wrong with feel'in good" . . . and these grass roots shows are ALL about FEEL'IN GOOD!!!

Every show may not be our best; things may go wrong (we could have a cocktail party over that subject!).   But we rise above it all and continue moving forward. Because we are blessed to be able to do what we love each and every day . . . and that means more than money can buy!!!  

Look at these gorgeous displays . . . for those who don't "get it", perhaps this is an odd waste of time.  But--for those of us who thrive and love in the living color of vintage/antique/creative world--this is a little piece of heaven . . . please continue to join us on this adventure!!!  

SEE YOU AT PORTLAND EXPO THIS COMING JULY 10 (early buying), 11 and 12.  I've been moved to BUILDING E (the cool, well-lit building!) in spaces E24 & 25.

Then, it's on to the mecca in the country . . . BARN HOUSE FLEA MARKET on Saturday, July 18 . . . can't wait, can you???!!!!!