To start, I want to share some really exciting news. So many times, good things come when we least expect them and from the most unexpected places. Many of you are probably familiar with Mercantile Gatherings Magazine...for those that aren’t; it’s a fantastic publication featuring primitive homes, decor and art. I have been a fan since the very first issue.
I started this blog at the coaxing of a dear friend and had no aspirations of being writer, ever. But some things are just meant to be. My blog, after only two posts, was noticed by the editor of Mercantile Gatherings Magazine. Soon after, I received an email telling me how much they liked my writing, and an invitation to become a feature writer for the magazine. Well of course I said, “YES!” Wouldn’t you?
My first article appears in the fall issue of the magazine. I’m more than a little tickled with it. See that? That’s my name, right there on the bottom of the page. *twirl*
The weather here is hot, hot, hot...the kind that makes you want to draw the shades and stay indoors. And even though the lazy hazy dayz of summer are upon us, we have been anything but lazy.
Mr. Kattywhompus has been busy in the garden and I have been busy freezing and canning the baskets of beautiful fruits and vegetables he brings in daily. He & I have a long standing agreement. He grows it, harvests it...and I take it from there.
Other highlights since we last chatted include, our oldest son moving out on his own, and moving in a new puppy. The last time we had a puppy in the house was twenty years ago. Did you know that puppies take an inordinate amount of time? In between mopping up piddle, and teaching things like "sit" and "down", I have been hitting the tag and estate sales pretty hard. I have some wonderful things to share with you in my Etsy shops-so be watching. We also managed a redo of our living rooms, which I'll be showing you in an upcoming post. In the midst of all of this, we celebrated out 31st wedding anniversary with a trip to central Illinois and took in the Third Sunday Market. The vendors from several of our favorite booths were gracious enough to allow me to photograph their displays. Enjoy!
Mary Leichtenberg of "Bear Your Heart", from Washington, Illinois had some fabulous summer themed vignettes. My pictures don't begin to do them justice. You can find Mary at "Step Back in Time", on Main Street in Washington.
I loved Mary's patriotic Americana themed vignettes, complete with baseball, campfires, and flags popping up everywhere.
The thing that drew me into her booth, besides the eye catching display of vintage children's watering cans, was THIS adorable vintage swimsuit.
Here's a close up. Just look at the ruffled bodice and the adorable print!
Here are a few more fun shots of Mary's booth.
You know how you kick yourself for passing up that one piece that really catches your eye?
Here's the one that got away...
I don't know what there was about this funny little shelf that fascinated me...maybe it was all the spools.
The spool shelf and other wonderful primitive pieces were offered by Glenn & Joann Smiley of "Homestead Antiques", also from Washington, Illinois.
Here's another shot of Glenn & Joann's booth. Aren't the colors wonderful in this wool braided rug?
Market day was gloomy and rain threatened most of the day. The dreary weather didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the crowd. They were there to shop. What did WE actually buy? A big bag of salty sweet kettle corn, a little doll quilt, a vintage "puzzle ball" pinny, and a couple of juicy, ripe melons. Mostly it was just nice to hold Mr. K's hand, sticky with sugar, and browse. He's still good company after all these years.
It feels good to be back. I have missed all of you and I hope you've missed me just a little bit too.
Until next time...
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