Monday, March 31, 2008

Thrifting Jackpot!

Last week was a rough week at work, so Friday night I browsed the newspaper for local yard sales to spend a little time thrifting, which always is a fun stress reliever. Since the weather is beginning to warm up a bit the yard sale signs are starting to spring up about as quick as the flowers around here! I came across the perfect one: "Yard Sale/Estate Sale, Depression Glass, Antiques and more. . ." Great! I set the alarm for 6:30 a.m. and planned to be one of the first ones there. Well when the alarm went off I heard the rain pouring down and the wind blowing it against the windows . . .the sale was postponed. Oh well, there is always the Goodwill, nice, warm, and dry; best of all I could sleep in a little longer.

There are five Goodwill stores within about a 15 mile radius of my home, so I headed to my "lucky" one, and I was not disappointed. Heading straight for the housewares section I spotted a four place setting of Homer Laughlin Eggshell Georgian dishes! The plates, cups, one saucer, and three bread plates were all along the shelf. I snatched up those dishes so fast the people around me thought I was having some kind of spasm. I got all of this for $4

Each cup and plate are rimmed in gold and the flowers are so pretty. When I researched these specific dishes and the markings, they were made around 1937. (If anyone knows anything else about this specific pattern or design I would love to hear your comments).

The markings on each piece is B55N5

Isn't this place setting beautiful!

My next find was a glass dome which I been looking for and found for only $1. I discovered this great idea from Tina over at Cherry Hill Cottage and have wanted to make one of these. It turned out beautifully.

Maybe I'll make some mini-muffins this week and try it out.

These one only two of my thrifting finds at Goodwill I will share the others this week.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Simple Beauty

I took this picture on Easter Sunday afternoon. Daffodils are so pretty and they last such a short time, but as soon as they bloom it is another reminder that winter is almost over. This picture reminded me of one of my favorite poems by William Wordsworth.


"Daffodils" (1804)

I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

Friday, March 28, 2008

Show and Tell Friday

Show and Tell
It's Show & Tell Friday over at Kelli's There's No Place Like Home. Drop by for a visit and see who else is there for Show & Tell. It is always a great time and you never know who you will meet!

This week I want to share with you my tapestry Easter table runner. I bought this several years ago and really enjoy putting it on my dinning room table. The pictures are of an Easter parade with bunnies, chicks, ducks, and lambs .
I love how each one is dressed in their Easter finery! I have an African violet plant sitting in the center.



Monday, March 24, 2008

Signs of Spring

Don't you just love the first signs of Spring? On Easter Sunday afternoon my family spent time together visiting at my mom's house. I couldn't help but wander around her yard and enjoy some of the blooms. She has a green thumb and her yard and flower garden always looks so pretty. I am determined to work a little bit harder this year in my own yard! Maybe I can even grow something that is worthy of a post! But until then you can enjoy some of her flowers~

Sunday, March 23, 2008

He Has Arisen!

Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene. . . She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. Mark 1:9,10

Christians, dismiss your fear;
let hope and joy succeed;
the joyful news with gladness hear:
"The Lord is ris'n indeed!"
The promise is fullfilled
In Christ our only head;
now justice, mercy, reconciled,
he lives who once was dead.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday and along with being nice having a holiday from work, my thoughts wander toward the real significants of this day. A day that marks the death of our Lord died on the cross, until he arose again on Easter morning.

The significants of Easter Eggs reflects new life which is what Jesus did for us, many years ago.




Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Tagged for Another Meme

I have been tagged by Hope over at A Second Time Around to participate in a meme on 8 facts/habits about myself. I am not very good at these kind of things, but here goes:

In the past year I learned to play raqetball. This is a huge thing for me, as I am not very athletic, and not a big fan of exercise. My sister invited me to join her and my nephew at the YMCA one Sunday afternoon last September. I had such a great time I joined that day! We all play racketball, along with my daughter, another nephew, and my brother. Unlike logging miles walking nowhere on a treadmill, I think racqetball is at least exercise with a purpose.

I love to read true crime. . . maybe that is why I am afraid of everything! My favorite author is Ann Rule.I am an avid magazine reader. . . Country Living, Country Home, Creative Memories, People, Ladies Home Journal, Mary Englebrite Home, Romantic Home, Martha Stewart, Real Simple. . . and anything else I can get my hands on!
"Ding Dong Avon Calling" I have been an Avon Lady for over 22 years.

My very favorite flower is the tulip. I love all colors, but I guess the to me the pinks are the prettiest. I even carried tulips tied with ribbon for my wedding bouquet.

The first car I drove was my parents Chevy Vega Wagon.
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate....this should speak for itself.The best shoes in the world are my Berkenstocks.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

AN IRISH BLESSING
May your neighbor respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Show and Tell Friday

Show and Tell
It's Show & Tell Friday over at Kelli's There's No Place Like Home. Drop by for a visit and see who else is there for Show & Tell. It is always a great time and you never know who you will meet or what treasures and memories they'll share!

Today I want to share with you something new and something old...well not too old but but I've had it long enough that it has special memories.

I bought this little bird yesterday at a local vintage shop. It is one of the Seasons of Cannon Falls spring designs. It has a little clip on the bottom and it looks so cute clipped on my yellow Easter basket.


This plate was given to me by my Uncle Charles about 12 years ago. He wrote out is life story, while he took care of his wife who had Alzheimer's, and asked me to type it and save it in a format that could be published. I may share some of his story in later posts; he was born in 1919 and served in WWII, and was a very talented carpenter and dedicated Christian and family man. He passed away several years ago. Uncle Charles gave me this plate titled "Remembrance" the Christmas after I finished his book. I think it is beautiful and the name is appropriate for all of the memories he left behind so that we will all remember his story. . .

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Easter Happiness

Finally we are starting to have warm Spring like days and Easter is only a little over a week away! I have gotten around to putting out a few of my Easter decorations. I found this cute little "All Happiness for Easter" sign at Michaels, which looks cute hung on the knobs of my pie safe.

Everytime I see Easter chicks it brings back a memory of a time when I was about three or four years old I was visiting my grandparents. We had went into a local store, I don't know if it was a dime store or some sort of feed and seed, but there was a large table with the sides built up around four inches, and it was filled with dozens of little baby chicks. Each one was dyed in different pastel color, pink, blue, purple, and of course their natural yellow, just for Easter. Each one making thier peeping sounds and trying to move around that crowded little pin. I begged to get one, but no such luck. I'm sure my mom was glad that I didn't bring home a chicken from that visit!

I also found these cute little bunnies and speckled eggs for my yellow basket. I spotted this vintage Easter card recently while shopping in a local antiques store.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Bridal Shower

Welcome to my daughters bridal shower! On Saturday she was given her first bridal shower hosted by her aunt and cousins who did a spectacular job. The cake consisted of two decorated layered pound cakes, which was not only beautiful but delicious.

Then there was the cheese straws with pine nut topping . . . and other wonderful dishes . . .

And of course the guests of honor . . .Josh and Jamie . . .

Did I mention the beautiful flowers . . .

Friends and family came to bring their best wishes and blessings . . . And of course kitchen appliances!
After everything was over and the gifts brought home, she and Josh sat down and promptly wrote out all of their thank you notes. . . It was a wonderful weekend, but so busy and just a taste of the activity that awaits us as the days grow closer to the wedding. I am excited!

Friday, March 7, 2008

Show and Tell Friday

Show and Tell
It's Show & Tell Friday over at Kelli's There's No Place Like Home. Drop by for a visit and see who else is there for Show & Tell. It is always a great time and you never know who you will meet!

This week I want to share with you four vintage copies of Easter Ideals books that I found recently at Goodwill. When I was growing up my mom and my aunt would have copies of these during various seasons. Each is filled with poems, songs, bible verses, and wonderful drawings and photographs. These four are from 1955, 1957, 1958, and 1968


This picture of Jesus holding a little lamb reminds me of the pictures in our Sunday School rooms when I was a little girl. The soft colors are so peaceful and serene. Looking at these books now brings back a lot of memories of those early days of learning about God's love for me.

The photos are always so thoughtful and pretty, usually featuring children, little animals, or families, always with a Christian perspective. I love this picture of the little girl in church. One of my favorite hymns is written on the opposite page "In The Cross of Christ I Glory."

In the cross of Christ I glory, Towering o'er the wrecks of time; All the light of sacred story gathers round its head sub- lime. When the woes of life o'er take me, Hopes deceive and fears annoy, Never shall the cross forsake me, Lo! It glows with peace and joy, When the sun of bliss is beaming Light and love upon the way, From the cross the radiance streaming Adds more lustre to the day. Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure, By the cross are sanctified; Peace is there that knows no measure, Joys that through all time abide.

Hope you enjoyed show and tell today, I know I did! Have a great weekend!