Monticello’s, Spring 2013

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Colleen

One of the many vignette’s as you first enter Monticello’s

Sunday, after a very long flight from Chicago that felt like it would NEVER end, I arrived in Portland to a typical gray and rainy day.

After practically running to the baggage claim and the rental car agency, I could not wait to get myself to Monticello’s.

The first thing to do – get a quick bite at Monti’s, the cafe inside this fabulous vintage marketplace.

After re-fueling, it was time to look around and see what small treasures might come home with me. Enjoy these photos…

LOVE!!!

Look at that mirror…

Alpha cards…

Industrial…

Kind of loving the baby doll heads.

Sweet Shabby Chic…

Jewelry bits… Of course I just HAD to have some of these pretties!

Pretty n’ pink…

Love the gold toes on these baby shoes.

Let’s shop!

Lovely handmade paper creation!

Repurposed creation…

Some of the small treasures that will be coming home with me.

My peek – a -boo baby doll head – had to have!

As you can see there’s something for everyone at Monticello’s. My only regret is that I’m traveling and can’t bring home any large or heavy goodies.

Well… After my treasure hunting, it was off to Seattle to see dear friends. Monday brought a surprise visit to the ER – not quite where I thought I would be spending my day, but after a blood transfusion I’m on the mend and am getting ready to drive down the beautiful Oregon Coast headed to Terri Brush’s Art Camp.

Here’s to more adventures of a NON emergency kind! LOL!

OVER THE MOON… Vintage Market

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Colleen

Welcome…

How excited was I when my sweet friend and junkin’ buddy Mary Kay of Winsome Cottage invited me out for the first vintage show of the season? VERY!!!

Just the thought of getting out of the house on a balmy Spring evening made my heart go pitter-pat! You see I’ve just finished my fourth round of chemo for Ovarian and Breast Cancer and I won’t lie, with each round, the days become more challenging. Having a wonderful distraction to go hunting for pretties is my kind of fun, and some how whenever Mary Kay and I get together, well… It’s always an adventure!

From the moment we stepped into Mary Kay’s car and had to make a slight detour for the McDonald’s for what Mary Kay calls her “icy pop”, I knew the good times and laughter would begin.

Girls just wanna have fun… Mary Kay and I getting ready to hit the trails for treasure!

Of course what trip to McD’s would be complete without a couple of orders of fries, and can you say. “add BBQ sauce please.” Yes, you heard me, BBQ sauce! This is one of Mary Kay’s favorite pairings, for me it is an acquired taste. I would rather dunk my fries in ranch dressing. But that’s o.k., if she’s happy, I’m happy and that’s why we all have so many choices. LOL!

Before you know it, as we are yacking away as only good gal friends can do, I believe we have just crossed into Indiana, no wait, maybe Kentucky? Let’s just say, whenever the two of us get together, even with GPS, we always seem to manage to go a few miles out of our way. It’s time to turn around, laugh some more, and figure out where in the heck we’re going…

Back on the road, we find our destination.

At the entrance to the show… A creative way to make a parking barrier – a clothesline of pretty aprons.

Sit back and enjoy the photos from the OVER THE MOON Vintage Market. This is the first year for this show, and while it was small, the booth displays were fabulous and full of delicious “eye candy” as well as the special touch of fresh, living floral and plant displays. The Boston Ferns were heavenly. If only I didn’t have a brown thumb when it comes to ferns.

Be still my heart… A mannequin, always a good sign! This was the entrance to the show – stunning!

Beautiful Florals… the chandelier wasn’t too bad either!

Closeup…

2 chicks and a Truck… Fabulous booth and the anchor of the show!

Lots of pretties… These are from 2 Chicks and a Truck.

I do… I do…

Marry me…

My apologies to those whose booths I don’t know the names of… Please know that I enjoyed your displays and pretties and I’m sure anyone else who see’s these photos will too!

LOVE!!! I believe this is from Sweet Vintage of Mine…

Musical paper mannequin from Interiors Embellished.

The patina on these french shutters paired with this iron candelabra was stunning!

Check out this “sweet tea” of an idea… Adding your broken teapots and teacups to a potted arrangement – loved this! From Glitter Girls out of Dillsboro, Indiana.
812-707-9348

I’ve never met a rooster I didn’t like… and look at that fern…

A vision in white… and picture frames in the background – they were everywhere!

There’s nothing like that first Vintage Show of the season to get me inspired!

Thanks to Mary Kay for thinking of me and including me… As always it was so good to spend some girl time with my junkin’ buddy!

Now, I really must get off of here and get myself packed for my semi annual trek to the Pacific Northwest. Tomorrow I’ll be headed to Monticello’s (see blog roll) in Portland, Oregon and then onto Bellevue, Washington.

Dreaming…

Due to my illness I have not been able to travel, and this trip really is a dream come true for me to do. While my heart center has been heavy it is now lightening up at the thought of spending time surrounded by dear friends, creating, catching up and immersing myself in the sights and sounds of the ocean.

Yes, I must be dreaming…

Follow Me…

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Colleen

Follow Me…

YES… Now you may follow my posts by clicking on the “FOLLOW” button at the bottom right hand corner of this post! I know, I know – what took me so long? I’ve never pretended to be a technical wizard at this blogging business and to be honest if it weren’t for the prodding and help of the Mr. I’d probably never have gotten this far.

Along with this blog you may also go to the right hand side and “LIKE” my page on Facebook and also “FOLLOW ME” on Pinterest. I usually update both of these on a daily basis. It’s a great way to keep up with me in real time. You never know what kind of trouble I might be getting in to and while I love to blog – I don’t always have the ability or time to do so. Facebook is a great way to catchup with a quick peek!

Speaking of quick peek… Tomorrow I’m headed to Lawrenceburg, Indiana Fairgrounds for the “Over The Moon” Designers Market with my dear friend and Junkin’ buddy Mary Kay Gaffey, owner of Winsome Cottage. This is a brand new show featuring Vintage and Urban goods. Mary Kay and I always have a great time catching up on the drive and hunting down those treasures together, so this should be a great way to kick off the season as the word on the street is that this is going to be a “not to be missed” who’s who of vendors! For more info on this show check them out on Facebook – Over the Moon Vintage Market or to contact, overthemoonmarket@gmail.com.

With just enough time to get back from Indiana to pack my bags for the Pacific Northwest and head out on the Early Bird flight to Portland, Oregon Sunday morning, upon arrival, I’ll be driving my little rental car, a chicken Mcnugget Box on wheels, headed up to see friends in Seattle and then back down the coast of Oregon for Terri Brush’s Spring Art Camp in Lincoln City. Nine full days…

Terri’s Art Camp is ALWAYS a highlight to my Spring and Fall! Won’t it be wonderful to have ten delicious days to travel, see old friends, create and smell that ocean air – oh, I can already hear those waves crashing and the seagulls singing. So, “FOLLOW ME” if you dare, there will be lots of pics and posts along the way.

See you soon..

Springtime in Paris…

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Colleen

A fabulous new book all about the creative heart of Paris, by Janelle McCulloch.

Yes, it’s been awhile…

Looking forward to the fragrant “smells” of Spring!

I’d love to tell you that I’ve been in Paris shopping the marketplace looking for vintage lovelies for the last few months but as I’ve been here at home getting treatment for my cancer, the only shopping that I have been doing has been of the day dreaming kind.

No worries. I’m half way through the first six rounds and even though there have been a few bumps in the road I’m keeping a smile on my face and good thoughts in my heart. While “chemo brain” has tried to take me over and pull me down, I’m more determined than ever to get back to the things that I know and love – the things that make me happy. It will require a bit more effort but I’m ready!

Since today is the first day of Spring, what better time to move forward into the creative side of things. The side where there is more light than there is darkness.

This is one of my new pieces…

Ooh, la, la…

Closeup..

So… As I find my bearings and right my sails, please stay with me. I can’t promise you that I won’t be taking another long absence, but please know that I appreciate your patience and I tell myself every single day that this is only temporary!

My life has certainly been full of surprises lately, but it has also been full of love and great joy! I do my best to stay in the present moment but occasionally when things get tough I look forward and day dream of next Spring when I’ll be done with treatment – on the other side of my disease, and spending a real Springtime in Paris.

P.S. If you’re new to this site, I would love to stay in contact with you! You can LIKE my Facebook page and follow my pins on Pinterest. Look to the right side of this post for easy links to both. These sites are updated daily.

No. 5!

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Colleen

It’s my 5th time in Jewelry Affaire – woohoo!

No. 5… Since I was a little girl of about six or so, I’ve always had a special affinity for the number five. When I was a teenager my favorite perfume was Chanel No. 5, partly because I loved how it smelled and also because the number five had become my lucky number. Maybe I felt like I was getting a double dose of luck by wearing my favorite perfume, since it just happens to come out of a beautiful black and white package with my favorite number on it. That was so long ago, who knows what I was thinking.

Fast forward and here I am in the pages of Jewelry Affaire for the fifth straight issue! Excuse me if I get just a little excited, o.k.? O.k.! It’s No. 5!!!

As thrilled as I am about all of this, it has taken a bit of a back seat.

Photos courtesy of Stampington and Co.

It’s a little ironic that the title of this article is “Time.” With my own personal medical challenges that I’ve been living these last few months, time is something I think a lot about. Of course there are the obvious thoughts, I am after all only human. As I was getting my first chemo treatment on Monday I was thinking about how long would the process to infuse the chemicals into my body take, how many rounds would it be until the cancer is gone, and what season would it be when I was done with treatment?

We all know that time is one of those things that can work for us or against us. Sometimes, like yesterday, when I was not feeling well, it felt like time had stopped, not in a zen like way that I have written about in the above article, but more like, “will this day ever end” kind of time! Yesterday I thought today would never get here, but deep inside I knew it would, and here I am, feeling better, enjoying the moments! My brain is working again – I’m engaged, and back with the world. It’s as if a light switch has turned off and then thankfully back on.

I tell you these things not to have you pity me but to give you a small perspective of my new reality. This is my “time”, one that has me physically moving a little slower, savoring special moments, and leaving the stopwatch that used to be my life at the door. I no longer rush around to cram as many things into my day as I can, rather I use my energy for those people and things that are truly important. My body can move in only one direction – forward and that deep innermost part of my soul replaces the could’a, would’a, shoulda’s with a renewed strength that has been held inside all along.

A special friend, Ken Hunter sent me this text on Monday… Always one to quickly get to the heart of things, Ken eloquently and so simply put into words, what I at that moment could not, but very much needed to hear! Thank you Ken for this gentle reminder… I hope you don’t mind me sharing this?

“Today is the start of a journey that only you know the true meaning of. You have a support staff that is here to help, but we can only do so much. You are the strength within yourself and I know it will be hard but I know you will come out on top!”

As I re-work my life, including the creative side of things, finding my new normal, I put my hope, faith and trust in God that I have everything I need. I have time! Time to create, time to heal, time to live, time to love and time to embrace the joy in all things.

Just like always… Just like my lucky No. 5… I will come out on top!

XOXO

New Year Greetings!

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Colleen

Something made many months ago, with the New Year in mind.

New Year Greetings!

I hope you are enjoying a relaxing day with family and friends while maybe giving your self a few quiet moments to contemplate what the next twelve months might hold in store for you.

My Brother and Sister are here visiting. It’s actually been twenty two years since the three of us were in the same room together! Just like an old movie, replayed in a different decade, we are reliving some wonderfully funny moments. From the cars we used to drive, the people we used to date, and the jobs we used to have – these are the moments we remember, and we don’t always remember everything the same. That’s when the Mr. has to step in and act as referee, LOL! But it’s all in good fun.

The backside of ”New Year Greetings.”

With an hour long discussion as to which movie we might all agree to see, we finally picked one – Lincoln! It’s interesting to see how after all these years each of us takes on a bit of our old roles. I’m the eldest child and let’s just say, “some things never die!” On the other hand, I think it’s refreshing to note that while all three of us can be a bit controlling, unlike when we were younger, time has mellowed us. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone?

Well… I Better get going!

Wishing you and yours great happiness, good health, much love and many adventures of the BEST kind – welcome 2013!

Let it snow…

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Colleen

My local village of Waynesville is even more resplendent with a little snow.

It’s the last happy Sunday of 2012. As I prepare my home for a visit from my two siblings, traveling from Seattle and North Dakota, I thought I would do a quick post on one of my favorite subjects – SNOW!

I love the quaint downtown of Waynesville, Ohio – especially during the Holidays.

Another pic of Waynesville…

Snow makes everything look better!

Even though my Christmas wish came a day late, I was still thrilled to see the big fluffy white flakes fall slowly from the sky, swirling in the wind to create a winter wonderland.

Since Wednesday, when the snow first starting falling I’ve been taking quick pics with my new I-phone 5 that Santa brought me.

There’s just something about colored lights and snow that makes me happy and warms and delights my soul. I think it originates from a sweet childhood memory that I have of being at my Grandparents and walking to the church for Christmas Eve services and seeing all the brightly colored bulbs around the borders of all the homes reflected in the moonlit snow. These were those big C-7 (not sure of the number) bulbs, vintage now and hard to find. I still prefer them over the small twinkly lights for an outdoor display. Sadly most of mine have given up the ghost these last few years and I’m down to one decent strand left.

My heart still goes pitter pat though when I see multi colored lights reflected in the snow!

There is nothing prettier…

So… I’m just curious, are you a fan of colored or clear lights or like me do you like a mix?

My holiday decor is looking a bit frosticated – LOL!

Time to change the “ho,ho,ho” to “Happy New Year!”

Speaking of Happy New Year… I better get going, companies coming!!!

Whatever you’re doing today, whether or not you have snow, you’re by the ocean, a desert, mountains or in the city – please stop and smell the moments. They are all we have, there are no guarantees for tomorrow.

Red – for strength and a warm heart!

Let the people in your life that you see everyday and maybe take just a little for granted, know that you love them.

XOXO

There’s no place like home…

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Colleen

Yes… There’s no place like home! After spending five days in the hospital, never did these words have such a strong meaning to me than now. While I’ve been home healing and trying to find a new normal, Christmas crept up on me faster than a tidal wave in a tsunami – wow!

At first I was in a panic worrying about getting gifts, sending cards and such and then when I realized there really wasn’t much I could do about it, I decided to just relax. It was an interesting experience for me, the person who used to shop for other people professionally, the person who could find the food court and the ladies room in any mall with my eyes closed! It was also a very liberating experience to give myself a free pass.

Unfortunately, I came out of my surgically, drug induced haze on Christmas Eve and made a bee-line for… You guessed it – the mall!

Not the smartest move I’ve ever made but as I tried to do a little shopping for the Mr., in a sea of half empty racks missing every size I needed, I realized that I do like a bit of the hustle and bustle, the people watching, wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and stuffing stockings at midnight. As the song says, ” these are a few of my favorite things.”

Worn out after only two hours at the mall, I decided it was time to head home. Again I felt like home was where I belonged.

Were you naughty or nice this year?

Imagine my surprise when I woke up to find that Santa had stopped by our home. The Mr. had been quietly working on a project that brought many tears to my eyes. Not a store bought gift, but a gift of hope, a gift that says, you have a future, there will be things to look forward too, we will travel and have fun! All things good and more… Despite finding out last week that not only do I have Breast Cancer but also stage 4 Ovarian Cancer.

A gift for you…

So what was my surprise?

Four tiny bags, stuffed with ten little cards that held handwritten promises of places to travel to, help with my website, breakfast in bed, and the biggest card of all?

A trip to London, Paris and Milan!

This will be my reward after I finish 18 months of chemo. I’m ready to fight, I’m ready to wage war against this dis-ease that has so rudely with no invitation from myself, made a home in my body. Just like an uninvited guest that might show up at your door – this guest is NOT welcome here!!!

My ten little cards… The sweetest gift, not from a mall, but handmade with love.

The sweetest gift from the Mr.

Oh the love… I’ll be writing about that in a future post. And did I mention that this morning, ( Boxing Day) I received another gift on my Christmas wish list – snow? So many things to talk about.

One constant still remains though… There’s no place like home!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2012 by Colleen

As you gather with family and friends, I wish you all the joys of this blessed day. Peace…

Waiting to exhale…

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Colleen

Sometimes life flips us upside down!

Please bare with me as I know I have been awol for the longest time and I’m sure that the last thing you want to read about is me, but the truth of the matter is that I’ve been living a bit of a medical nightmare for the last seven weeks and try as I might to keep that away from my blog, I just no longer can.

Yes, I’m waiting to exhale. I’ve been holding my breath, feeling as if I’ve been swallowed up into a giant medical vortex, never to be seen again, going through this long drawn out process of test after test which has beaten me down, both physically and mentally. Then when I least expect it, I get the news – you have breast cancer! Imagine hearing those words, but at first they don’t quite sink in. Kind of like being slammed to the pavement, you hit the ground and at first you’re stunned! Then it begins to REALLY hurt as you realize what has happened and what IS going to happen!!! Your life is forever changed…

But wait, there’s more…

You find this news out as the Doctors are trying to figure out WHAT is going on in your pelvis. You’re told it’s time for those girly parts to come out and you’re o.k. with this, but when they tell you that you have four to six tennis balls of masses that need to come out, and they won’t know what these lovelies are until they open you up and get a good look see, well now you’re thinking it might be time to reach for the oxygen! Breathe…

You’re numb, in shock and just trying to stand upright and all you can think is, “how did I get here, and why is this happening?”

This has been my life for the last few weeks. I’ve been struggling with how much of my personal life do I make public? Does anyone out there really want to know what I’ve been through? Maybe it’s best to just leave things easy and breezy. Then another side of me said “use your voice, share your experience, it may help another going through something similar.” Obviously, I have now chosen to share this journey. While I don’t want to make this into “one of those” blogs. I felt that I owed it to myself and to you, my readers, to let you know where I am at. It takes a great amount of energy to hold this all inside, keeping it close to my heart and pretending, “as if.” I can no longer pretend – it doesn’t get any more real than this!

As I prepare to head into the hospital for surgery tomorrow, I keep thinking about a message that I received from my friend Michelle. The message reads like this: You are a warrior my friend! Keep those positive thoughts going the best you can. You have worked on strengthening your body, your mind and your spirit and are now going into battle with a strong suit of armor!!!

Yes! I’m a warrior and I’m definitely going into battle… Not sure about the suit of armor but I have a good imagination so let’s give it a go!

I’m ready…

XOXO