It's Independence Day

~From every mountain side, let freedom ring~ 

From our house to yours, wishing you a safe and 

happy Independence Day!

Until next time...

Rhonda

~The View~

~The View from my porch today~

Today is one of those rare days when the sun is shining and the temperature is perfect. As I type this, the curtains are billowing in the breeze and I can hear birds singing outside my window. I am alone in the house except for two lazy dogs, sprawled at my feet.

The coming week is one that is full of possibilities. The entire week stretches out before me in which there is only ONE task that I must complete…something which is even rarer than the perfect sunny day.

I truly love and enjoy people, and can be a very social person. But I am a “homebody” at heart, and there are times that I begin to feel burdened by social obligations. Summertime is especially taxing, with its round of picnics and weddings and graduations…and I am sometimes overwhelmed by the constant rush to be somewhere or the effort it sometimes requires to be with other people.

The older I get, the more I crave quiet solitude, and the less I feel the need to be apologetic about it.  Sometimes I am happiest when I am alone. I am blessed with the endless ability to entertain myself and never run out of things to do. I’m never bored with my own company…qualities that have always pleased my mother.

I have a great deal of company in the house, especially in the morning when nobody calls.
~Henry David Thoreau~

 And so, I am eagerly anticipating this large block of unfettered time. I relish the thought of completing simple household chores without hurrying, preparing healthy meals, and spending time reading and stitching. This week, I plan to take time to just “sit”...as there is nothing better than mornings on the porch, with coffee, pups and time to daydream.

The coming week is one that is full of possibilities…what will you do with yours?

Until next time…

Rhonda

(Please forgive the crazy spacing...blogger is a mess today.) 

A Sneak Peek...

...is all I can give you. Have I mentioned how excited I am about my debut at Early Work Mercantile? I hope you will be too...

OK, maybe just a bit more...

I hope you'll come back on January 15th to see what I've been working on.

Until then...

Tuesday Display Chain~A Woman's Glory~

Each Tuesday Misi, of Gable House Musings, chooses a theme and invites bloggers to play along with her "Tuesday Display Chain" by featuring items from their collections. This week the question was asked, "Do you have a cherished hat or bonnet?" 

In times past, a woman's covering was her "glory". This post is a celebration of the glory of  hats! 

An antique gingham prairie bonnet hangs near the back door.

A simple cotton head covering is displayed alongside children s clothing in the back hall. I love that the wearers initials, J.L. Butler, are inked along the inside. 

The little calico dress dates to the civil war era and is one of my special treasures.

This straw day hat dates from just before the turn of the 19th century. I waited all afternoon for a chance to purchase it at the estate auction of a 101 year old spinster. Very Jane Austen.

This vintage hat was given to me by a fellow church goer. I love the long ribbons of tulle that tie under the chin. While on a high school field trip, I met Katharine Hepburn at the Chicago Art Museum. She was wearing a hat similar to this. Ms. Hepburn, and her hat, made quite an impression. 

Antique aprons and bonnets hang near the front door.

A faded red bonnet, soft with age.

This delicate white bonnet features tiny pink polka dots and a quilted brim.

I found this beautiful straw hat at Goodwill, still in it's original hatbox. 

I love the little flowers and berries...ever so cheerful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next few hats are no longer in my collection. 

They have moved on to new owners via Etsy. 

 

A 1940's "high crown cloche" in a creamy wool, meant to be worn perched on the crown of your head.

 This stylized high crown cloche, a 1940's classic, has a definite "Breakfast at Tiffany's" feel. The wide bow on the front lends a touch of romance, while the back curves slightly upward to show off those silky 40's hairstyles.

Sometimes referred to as a "tilty hat", the details on this 1940's ladies beret are what make it extra special. The mocha brown wool felt has been stamped with a striking whorled pattern that radiates from the crown of the hat. Beaded and wire bullion flowers, surrounded by felt leaves and a bit of tan grosgrain ribbon embellish the left side of the hat. 

This sweet 1940's ladies platter hat, in a creamy straw, has a rolled brim wrapped with russet grosgrain ribbon. In front, the hat features one long slim feather, accented with a single rhinestone. Mushroom brown netting covers the front of the hat and is long enough to tie or pin in your hair. Dyed to match velvet trim, finishes the inside of this hat. Still available on kattywhompusvintage.etsy.com

This is a contemporary April Cornell Straw that I wear on sunny days.

And finally THIS...for your entertainment.

Me, modeling an antique calico bonnet in our motel room at Simple Goods. Lessons learned? Don't let friends photograph you after you've just driven 6.5 hours...and don't take yourself too seriously.  :)

Until next time...

See the other Tuesday Display Chain participants at: http://1890gablehousemusings.blogspot.com/

This week's theme by Pamela at Civil Folks. 

Peek-A-Boo~Tuesday Display Chain

Each Tuesday, Misi of Gable House Musings, chooses a theme and invites bloggers to play along with her 'Tuesday Display Chain' by featuring items from their collections. This week Robyn of PrimLish chose a theme in keeping with the Halloween Spirit. The theme this week is Peek-A-Boo.

Primitive lovers everywhere understand the need to hide away all those pesky modern conveniences that take away from the rustic ambiance of our homes. I admit, when we lived in the farmhouse, I camouflaged everything from the toaster to the cat inside of crocks and under wooden crates. These days my small appliances are tucked away in the "appliance shed" built specifically for that purpose. Now I'm more about finding attractive storage and hiding clutter.

The buttery measures 8' x 13.5' and basically covers the entire back wall of our kitchen. It provides great storage and also creates a fun space to display a multitude of goodies. On one side, decor items that are currently out of rotation are stored in the lower cabinet behind the curtain...and on the other; I keep lights and props for taking photos.

And in the middle section...

We keep the dog food out of sight, but still easily accessible. You can't fool Murray.

And speaking of Prim Dog Murray...

He hides his toys in an old firkin.

And situated conveniently next to the front door...

This little five drawer cabinet houses dog leashes, harnesses etc. (Sensing a trend yet?)

Paper clutter is one of my pet peeves. I detest "piles". Mr. Kattywhompus solved my problem with this Craiglist purchase last year at Mother's Day. My "vintage" Habersham Plantation secretary has drawers and cubbies aplenty. Now ya see it...

Now ya don't.

In the living room I hide books, magazines and rug hooking supplies in the dry sink next to the sofa.

 

Things I use are close at hand, but no piles!

 The little drawer is perfect for stowing hand sewing supplies.

This boxy stagecoach trunk is the perfect place to store my bulky rug hooking frame, along with bags of cut wool "worms".

Trust me...it's in there-under the linen background.

And last, but not least...nope, not a breadbox.

I no longer have to search for light bulbs, specialty nails or fasteners. I keep them at my fingertips...ready to hang a picture or change a bulb.

I hope you've enjoyed today's Display Chain. Hop on over to Robyn's blog  to see the other fabulous contributors! 

Until next time...

Mercantile Gatherings Magazine Holiday Issue Giveaway!

Guess what's just arrived in my mailbox? That's right, my Mercantile Gatherings Magazines! I've been waiting rather impatiently for this issue as I am planning a special gift for my Mom based on the article I've written. It's a sort of tribute to my grandparents...remembered from stories Mom has told me over the years.

The ladies at Mercantile Gatherings do a splendid job on the magazine and I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to write for their publication. This issue is filled with all the wonderful photos, patterns and stories you've come to expect...along with a few new features like recipes and tutorials. I think you'll love it as much as I do.

With the Holiday issue hot off the press, I thought I'd share the love with a little giveaway...

To be eligible to win YOUR copy of the magazine, you must be a follower of my blog, and leave me a comment on this post by Friday, October 8th, one week from today. I'll announce the winner here on Friday evening.

Until Next time...

PS. I've found a peanut doll!!! Shhhh....don't tell!

Hidden Jewels

Today I want to share one of my favorite local haunts with you. I’ve seen a lot of primitive and antique shops over the years, and we are very fortunate to have one of the best I’ve ever visited, right here in my own hometown.

Spring Run Farm is located on the outskirts of town on the Jensen family farm. The setting is just lovely…you’ll find the shop surrounded by beautiful flower gardens, farm fields and mature trees. The shop’s striking mix of perennial plants comes from neighboring business, Gardens on the Prairie, which is right next door. If you’re a gardener, or just enjoy beautiful gardens, you’ll definitely want to stop in. Both businesses are located on West 169th avenue, just north/east of Lowell, Indiana.

Spring Run features a fabulous blend of early antiques (the real deal), one of a kind hand-mades, primitive décor and garden accents. I really love that the shop has something for every budget…from high end antiques and heirloom quality art, to the ever changing bargains in their sale area.  I highly recommend making Spring Run a destination if you’re ever in the area.  You can thank me later.

Although they don’t typically allow photos to be taken inside the shop (to protect the privacy of their artists), proprietresses Elaine and Angie Jensen, graciously allowed me to do so earlier this summer. Of course they both insisted that the shop wasn’t at its best on the day I was there. Personally, I’ve never seen a “bad day” in this shop.

This patriotic vignette greets customers as they come through the door.

 They do an amazing job with display, wouldn’t you agree?

The shop carries an extensive line of textiles, linens, and window coverings.

Always a fabulous selection! Great colors!

A wonderful early cabinet filled with new textiles.

All handwoven in the USA.

A duo of early painted firkins and a new primitive doll.

Another picture perfect vignette featuring a great old chippy farmhouse cupboard.

Candles displayed in a reproduction apothecary.

This miniature antique cabinet might just be my favorite thing in the shop. Just look at those colors!

Here's an early stepback cupboard with solid doors in a wonderful faded yellow paint.

This very primitive table setting features reproduction yellow ware and antique accessories. Love the faux fireplace!

An early child's or hired man's bed filled with reproduction pillows.

Spring Run Farm is open Thursday-Saturday from 10-4 pm, and is closed January-March.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour. Do stop in if you get a chance, and tell them I sent you! Until next time...