What...a Day...Setting at Heart of Country...

Whew...what a day...Crazy...It's been Great seeing Everyone! and...the Awesome Treasures...that are rolling through the door....Wowza!!!! I have had the Best Porters... and...the Heart of Country Folks....promoters....have been ....Amazing.... Jo and Wanda...have been Great...Lots....of Help...

but....I have a Thousand Miles to Go!

I quit around 8.... starting....Early...in the Morn!!!!!

This Show....is going to Frickin' Rock!

See Ya There!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

We're Baaaaack!



The Girls...{Wanda... "Gatherings"....and Jo....'Jo's Brantiques'...}at Check In....Glad...to be here.... oh my...a Long....Day!



Well...we made it....whew...Only had one little mishap....We strapped a Heavy....Gnarly....Wheelbarrow...on the back of the  truck....then...about 90 miles into the trek....we heard metal....scraping the hiway....we thought the wheelbarrow had dropped....I pulled over....to find the wheelbarrow...safe and sound....but the tailpipe....had dropped...and was dragging by the muffler...I panicked, at first...thought it was the drive shaft....but thankfully...it was just the tailpipe....and ....thank God....for WIRE!!! {or...Wiiiire...as some call it!} I crawled under the truck....and Wanda fed me lengths of wire...it almost....good as new!

Then...we stopped and Antiqued...I found a 4 foot wide German Bowl...Jo and Wanda...used it as a Massive Lap Tray...for a few hundred miles... oh my...{Nooooo Room in the Fuso...box...}

Jo and Wanda said....about 60 miles short of Nashville...how Great the day was....great weather...no problems...{as I heard Jo say this....I winced....just a bit....{she did too....after saying it...}we never say that....or elude to that...something about Murphy's Law....} Then...we came to an ABRUPT STOP!...the road was blocked for miles...it took us an hour to move 4 miles.... We didn't see an accident....but about twenty Patrol Cars.....and Officers on foot with flashlights, searching a timber area...on the Tennessee State Line....oh my...

The Bellman....at The Opryland..climbed clear up on the back of the truck...and twisted through the ratchet straps...to get our luggage down....and piled on the cart...oh my....we are such Travelling Goddess'!

We had a couple Long Island Iced Teas...at the Cascades....after we got settled into our lovely room...{ahhhh...my Happy Place!} and hit the sack....around Midnight...up at 6, this morn....and getting ready to Rock! Oh Boy!

I'm Ready!!!!

Hope ya have a Great Day!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

The Girls....and the Massive Bowl...Their Lap Tray!




 

let the bruises...begin! while getting ready for a show....I get covered in bruises....{and...I don't bruise...easy...} I found this Big Daddy...below my knee...and half way down my shin...UGGGGLY!!!! the girls...even went EEEEWWWW!!!!!

The Truck is LOADED!!!!!

Oh My Gosh....Hope the porters don't run...when we open the door!!!! It's a Crazy...Load...TONS of smalls...and the Bigs...are BIG!!!! We are taking our time...I'm not pushing the truck hard...Wanda is meeting us...here...in the morn....Jo Made it in fine...and we had an Amazing supper, at Stephs...whew! She is a Chef!
I'm already feeling a little Homesick....This is going to be quite a Journey...oh my...
I can't wait to see everyone, in Nashville.... Sweet Scarlett Scales.... I hope we have a bit of time together... it's always so fast paced...
I'm off to bed...pooped....
Love to ya...
Barb C.

a day of...loading...oh my...

All the Guys....were wonderful...Steph came with curly willow...and helped too... Thank God...for Them!
I fell...on the ice...jammed my wrist...ripped the entire seat out of my pants....oh dear... Then...as I was standing at the end of the truck...up in the box......Josh...was next to me...we were struggling with a wheelbarrow........Justin was standing .......on the ground.... I turned....and said..."I'm falling..." as I was falling out of the truck...not scared...I just knew I was falling...backwards...then...face first...onto the ground...it was too late to grab anything...to try and catch myself....I was falling... Justin...ran and caught me...I went down...but not bad...If he hadn't been there...I really can't imagine...what would have happened to me...I wouldn't be going to Nashville....Thank God....for him...
I have tons to get done tonight....and tomorrow...I keep making lists...and adding more to the existing lists...
I wish the truck was twice as big as it is....I feel like I don't have nearly enough on...and it's pretty darned FULL! { I'm adding more...tomorrow...somehow...} still have bags to pack...laundry to do...and...I need a bath...too...oh my....
Love to ya...
Barb C.

This is why...I do...what...I do...

This was left...for me...at the Entrance...to the Rabbit Hole...Angels...I have Angels...Hovering.....I am....Truly...Blessed...
Thanks...Diane....Love...to You....
{thanks...Liz...what would I do...without you...}

Correction... Both...Signs are Gone!

I owe...this Pork Sign...to a Dear friend....when he said...he had an interest...that's all I needed to hear....It's His...he is such a Sweet Heart... {his Beautiful Wife...is even...Sweeter...}so...it stays...here...in Iowa!
{Gotta Love those South of 80 Boys!}
The second image...is of me...tonight...I titled it, ' loading...champagne'....in my files...I have images of the load....and me...after fixing supper...and opening a fine bottle of champagne...{I am actually...holding the glass...to my forehead...{it felt...great!}...you can't see that...but...trust me...Aleve...couldn't have brought me this much relief! {then...a friend called....and invited me, out for supper...but...I only had a few broasted potatoes...{she always forgets...I am a vegetarian....no worries...it's hard to find Boca...in an Iowa Restaurant...the Potatoes....were incredible...and the Olives...in the Martinis....oh my!}....and...a couple of Martinis....oh dear...} My hands...are covered in paint...and glue....I'm wearing the same clothes I wore, yesterday...oh my...I am...a Goddess! My Mother, would say...about this time..."oh...what the neighbors must think!"... all I can say is...Hope they are around tomorrow...to help Load...The HEAVY Stuff!
Love, to Ya!
Barb C.
 I am...Blessed!
Love to Ya!
Barb C.
{I had to put this song...on lead... it has been with me...for the last week...it feels...right...where..my head is...Love...it...Trust Me...The Orange Blossom Special...is Blowing Through...but...there...is always...a  soulful...place...in my heart...always....no matter...}

Pork Signs...and Pin Cushjons....

I have only one...of these left...

This is a Big One....Love the Dust Covered Gnarly Pins...wonder...what was the last project...this Old Darling was used with...a Cute Skirt....a Jacket, button....maybe...a Baby Quilt...or putting a patch...on a pair of Bibs!

Pork Signs...and Gnarly Pin Cushions...!

I have Loads of Littles going to Heart....many...from the house....that I have enjoyed...over the years....I'll pull a few quilts.....and will be packing...all day today and tomorrow... Justin and John...unloaded cupboards, yesterday...and we are getting ready to start re-loading....It's going to snow...today...then get very windy....Loading the Massive window...may be a trick...but...that's nothing... John is going to have to take a portion of the greenhouse down, to get the pass through cupboard out the door.... it's 35 inches deep...and the door is only 32....Yippee! { : ( } he's not...a happy camper...

 He has been working hard....finishing up the Beautiful Settee... a friend called, yesterday....and hopes...he'll have some things done, for Gold Rush....I would Love for her to have a piece of his....she has been such a dear customer....forever....

I have tons to get ready...the new arrivals...that need a good bath...Jo will be here Sunday...the house is a wreck....but...I know she won't care...her room is clean...

Liz reminded me how Blessed I am, to have her come with....she and I have a similar eye...and we work well together...and Wanda...is a Mover and Shaker! She is a Pure...Country Girl....but has vision....as well...even with my crazy style....a Dream Team....!

I talk with Peg....everyday... and so wish....she were coming....I'm going to miss that Girl...I truly am...If the show goes well...and I don't need to pick up another....I'm going to take some time off...when I get back...and go to the Mayo...and stay with her for a few days....

I have to get chuggin...and get the Freight Loaded!

Hope...you Have a Most Wonderful Day...

Filled with Fun...

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Get Outta My Way...I'm Comin' Through!!!!

Whoooooo!!!!! Whoooooo!!!!

Steph and I Loaded this Big Dawg! It's 10 feet wide...and a foot deep... Heavy....That was after I had unloaded the Big Cupboards from the Truck...and delivered them...

I am on a Mission!!!!

Had a long talk with Daughter, Liz...today... she is amazing...she said...how God has blessed me... with the ability...to do, what I do......{ I tend to doubt....myself....and never think....I'm good enough...and stress...and stew....}I broke down...and said...my Blessing...was her....Liz...is my Blessing...and then...all the Angels...Pattie...Steph....Scarlett...Brenda... Mark....and sweet...Diane...who....I haven't seen...forever...made a point...to call me...and Sing my Praises...and...she brought me Chocolate!{she kept saying...no one does...what I do....."don't you know that....you really...don't know that????"...ahhh...nope...I guess...I really...don't ever think....I'm ever good enough....}

 Oh My Gosh...

I am...humbled....that these folks...have faith...in me....I Truly...am....

I have always thought...I'm just the Junk Dealer...in Fairfax...

that coexists...with all of the other beloved misfit toys.....down The Rabbit Hole...

But...now...I am...focused...

The Orange Blossom Special...is on Full Throttle!

The Angels are Stokin' The Engine!

Liz reminded me...how Amazing this show is...I am headed to... and to think back...on the very first time, we did it....{with a fraction...of what we have now...driving an 81 Ford 1Ton Truck....with 200,000 miles...plus......loaded like The Hillbilly's Truck...and pulling a Packed to the Walls...Trailer...to The Top Show...in the Country....that I had never seen...let alone...showed at....oh my}....I am...Blessed....Blessed...to be a part of it... and...I'll give it my Very Best!

Thanks...to Everyone...

and...Love to Ya!

Barb C.

{My mind has been racing....So much.... I have wanted to purchase for Heart.......was out of reach....some of the coolest stuff...I had gathered...is gone...but...that is how...it's supposed to be... the things...that have come my way....at the very last moment....Amaze...The Booth...is going to Rock! All...affordable...and...Over the Top! oh my....

As I was driving home, this eve...thinking...of how Blessed...I am...with my Children...John...Grand Children...Mom...and...Devoted...True.....Friends...the phone rang...it was my farmer friend, Marv... I had helped him sell things....several years ago...I was shocked.... when he said... his Daughter was killed, two weeks ago...in a car accident....I had met her once.... she was a Lovely Girl....So Full of Life...she Loved to Sing...even went to Nashville... Marv said...she enjoyed working with him, side by side.......on the Farm, so much...they were close...he said...she was the 'Rock'....of the family....the Peacemaker.....and...inspired so many...

and he....wept.....

Marv asked for my help...with some of her things...

I was so taken back... we had a Long...Long...talk...about 'The Journey'...and...the Promise...we will all be together...and...I believe... our Loved Ones...are never...far from us...I also said, what a Blessing he was, to her...as well....a Father's Love...is a Most Precious Gift...to a Daughter....he was surprised...by something...I had told him...and....seemed a bit stunned...I had said, exactly...what his daughter, had said to him...about life....and 'Living it...to it's Fullest....always'....

My Prayers...go to Marv...and his Family...Please say a Prayer...for them....as well...and All those...who suffer...today...

I will be at his disposal...when I return....

I reminded Marv...as I am reminding myself... Life...is not measured by the Years... but...by the Moments...and...not by the Breaths...we take...but...by the Moments...that take our Breath....away....

so...hard to remember...while Spinning...

I guess.... I'll Embrace the Spinning...I kinda Like It!

I have had some...Amazing...Moments...Today....Filled with...Angels....and Blessings....}

Cattle Horns...Velvet Boxes...Industrial Stools...10 Foot Church Window... 13 and a half foot Table...Folk Art Tin Tables....Lace....Floral Oil Paintings...Old Cupboards...all Dancing...through my mind...

These Horns are Gnarly....They are each about 2 feet long....will be great in the Booth...

I put this song on lead....because...this is where my head is... this morn...no time for anything...but...pulling this all together....I have a Freight Train Load of Obligations....breathing down my neck....

Worries...and Troubles...get off the tracks....

I'm Coming Through....

{looking 'up'...the whole time...}

I was awake early....and laid in bed...with all of the things I'm pulling together...dancing through my brain....wall coverings...the engineering...of hanging a Massive 10 foot wide... Church Window....every supply...I may...or may not need.... Chandeliers...curly willow...rugs...and what for wall coverings...smalls...I am packing everything from flower frogs...to cattle tags....Farm Signs...to Gnarly Floral Oil Paintings...

and...like a Sweet Barber Shop Quartet...

they will all Sing...in Perfect Harmony....

I have Miles to Go...today...better get the Starbucks...Stokin' This Old Girl...

Love to Ya....

Have an Amazing Day!

Barb C. 

{I can't forget the shoe horn....to get it all...in the truck...then...layered into a 10x16 foot booth....oh my...}

Awesome Old.... Old....Walnut Pie Safe... all Pegged... It's an Easy 5 feet Tall... with Sweeeet Turned Feet...

This is the load I picked up, last night....There are some Great Industrial Stools...on rollers....that will be headed South...and some other fun stuff... : )

a long day...

Seems...some days...I should just stay in bed...
Today...would have been one of those.... days....
I just got home...tonight.... been a couple hundred miles...Got a few things done...here... today...two steps forward...three...back.....
I gathered some treasures...good stuff.... but...ultimately...I wish...I would have just turned off the phone...this morning...and shut myself...in my room....
Hope....everyone else...had a Lovely day...
I'm having a glass of wine...then...shutting myself...and...Polly...in my room...
Love to you...
and...like Scarlett says....
'after all....Tomorrow...is...another day....'
Barb C.
{don't get me wrong...I am Thankful...no matter what comes my way......to have had this day......and...be healthy...enough...to take it in....I am...blessed...}

Empire Style...Round Top...Table....oh...my....

Well...John has got another table done...What a Darling Thing! Incredible Detail! I'm hoping...he can get the Settee done, as well! He's been working Non Stop! I didn't take the Beautiful Drop Leaf, to Anamosa... so...I should have 2, and hopefully three pieces...for Heart! {I don't know....I'm diggin' them...here at Home!} I have to deliver the Big Round, when I get home...It looks Great...here! I'm going to miss it!

Spent the day with Mom....Dr. appointment...and it went well!

Peg sounds better...they are doing the radiation...and Chemo!Who Would have Thought... That first Dr. didn't give Peg much hope...{ I didn't give him...a second thought...}

 He Doesn't know Peg...or...all of the Angels....

Keep those Wings Flappin'!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Amazing....Victorian...Quilt....

I bought this quilt...at the Anamosa Show.... There is Something...about Worn Velvet....that always touches me... This is Beautifully pieced....and quilted...

The roads are Icy today...so I'm going to get house work done...Jo is going to stay with, next Sunday....so need to get things picked up....

I am trying to figure out how and where... to get the truck unloaded and reloaded.... and...what will be going with! oh my... Tic Toc!

I didn't mention John... helping out...over the weekend...whew! He put the windows together...and helped get things finished up...then....when I got home...he had cleaned up the Kitchen! It was soooo nice...walking in the house...to a clean kitchen!!!

I have to get rolling...

Hope you all have a Most...Wonderful Day!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

{while visiting with Diane S. yesterday... I said...how life is such a journey....unpredictable.... and...even tho...things can be so incredibly Hard...to take...

we do....

 we learn...and grow...

and...when we stand back... we realize...ultimately...life is soooo short....

 we must enjoy every moment....and not allow cancer...or any illness...or hell bent heart...steal any of those moments...they will never come back to us...

I'm thankful....for every moment...no matter...

The Bitter Ones...

Make the Sweet Ones...

all the Sweeter....

God Bless...all...who suffer today...Peg is at Mayo....starting radiation...and a new chemo...I hope...

She has not been feeling well...it's getting tough... keep her in your Positive Thoughts...and Prayers...Please

Thank You....}

Anamosa Show....History!

It was Great Seeing Everyone....Bloggers... Followers....and...who...I follow! Antiquers....and New Folks...that have been Bitten... by the Antiques Bug!

Thanks to Justin and Josh...whew...we were loaded and out...in 2 hours... amazing...amazing....
The Show was very Good... Considering...the weather....I was pretty punchy.... kept saying hi...to folks...I had already said "Hi" to.... then...realizing...ahhh...I already said 'Hi'... to you...didn't I! {oh...my...}
This is going to be a Crazy...busy...week... I have to completely unload.... then...reload...but...have soooo much...much...much....to get done...seems...everything....I had planned to take to Heart....has sold....well....not...everything... I'm just going to have to dig....and work...harder... to get it all pulled together...
I'm warming up soup...and sipping a Cajun...Martini... I earned it...
I want to Thank...Lynn....and the Boys....once again....they truly...were my Weekend...Angels...oh my...
It was Great seeing Everyone...everyone...
I'm going to go find the Lazy Boy.... and crash...
Hope you all had a Wonderful Weekend!
Love....to ya....


The Roads...sucked rotten eggs...at 5....this morn....The Fuso...is short wheel based... it's like a Hog on Skis....yuk..





The booth...turned out...o.k... I got several thumbs up....but oh my.... I am...in a tight spot....and...getting....tighter...by the minute...but...I Trust...and know...It's...All....Good.... : )

 Barb C.
It was Great seeing...Kenny...Julie... Gail... The Coin Silver Guy... The Book Guy...{who always says...what a Grrreat Booth it is....that means.....soooo much...when...I never...think...it's good enough...} Polly...Bob...Bob...Wanda...Terry...Dan...Jo...Colleen...Daryl...Amy...
Sarah.....her Wonderful...Parents...and Matt...and hearing...The Most Wonderful....wonderful...news... : ).... Carolyn...Mark... Don...and his Lovely Wife...
 Sherri... Bill....Jeff...Sonia...
Roxie...and her sweet hubby...
Dave...Dixie...Sandy...Lee...Duane...and...really...All....of the Vendors... {Ginger...The Queen of Hearts......and Garth!}....Barb and Dan.... {Park Place...Marion, Iowa... {See Ya...In NASHVILLE!}{I should get the names...of all of the dealers...at this show....they are soooooo good...good people...Thanks...to Cecilia...and Jon....they do such a Great Job...Promoting.....}
I'm...moving on...to Nashville...{like it hasn't been on my Brain....for Months!!!!}
{missed...Connie.... but...so loved the folks... that set up in her place....Good Neighbors!}
{ I want to say...it meant so much...to see...Diane S.
 While attending the Fall Harvest Sale...I saw...she was going through...chemo...I called her The Most Beautiful Baldy!!!...we had No Idea...Peg....was about...to take us...on another journey....
I saw...the Sparkle...in Diane's...eyes...today...as I see...in my Peg's....
 I shared with her...the journey...of the last several months...{Peg...Mom...and...other...Uglies...almost...more...than...one can shoulder...} {I said..."Almost..."} it's amazing... how People...are Placed...in your life.... it truly...is...
Several things....hit me in the face.... this weekend... all... about 'The Journey'..... guess... all I can say.... is... God Bless Us.... Everyone....and... It's...All...Good...}
{ I was going to change the lead song...but..."Four that want to own me...two...that want to Stone me... and..one...she's.... a friend of mine... " just seemed to FIT!!! not to mention...I am...the Girl...in the Flat Bed Ford! ahhhh...yeah...enough...said...}and...it was Great...seeing Tommie...from Fuel...she...always....Grounds Me...somehow...

 Peg...Tommie....Gail...Amy...and...a handful...of others... ground...me...God...Bless.... Them...and...all the Strangers...{Angels} God...sends my way....}

Anamosa Show! Today!!!!!

HOPE TO SEE YA THERE!!!!
Love to ya!
Barb C.

Running....

Spent the day setting the Booth...at Anamosa...Thanks...John...Justin...Josh... Carolyn...Mark...and Kels... oh my....Thanks...to Lynn...My Auction Warrior! He stood in my place...at Duwa's... All...Day... and got me some Great Stuff!!!!

Got The Big White Amana Cupboard....a little top...a Wonderful...Primitive Cupboard...{the image is not good...} a Chimney Cupboard...and a Beautiful Gothic Stained Glass Window! and some Sweet Smalls! All from the Auction... The Booth is Looking Pretty Good... I'm going to Bed!

I tore out of the show...at 7, this eve...with the booth...75% done... to drive 90 miles...to pick up...the load...Carolyn...rode with... kept me awake.... Bud...{Renate's} waited for me to get there... and he and Dwight{Owner...Duwa's Auctions Wellman, Iowa} helped me load four cupboards....{ I feel so Blessed...to have such....Amazing....Friends....}One....Cupboard....I am Totally In Love With!{It's been Haunting me...for several days...and...all I could see of it....was the top third....and still...it whispered in my ear....} It will be at the show...in the morn!
I'll be up at four... think I'll sleep in my clothes.... oh my...
I told Mark... I may not look too good...but....I'm there to sell....not for a Beauty Contest!

Waiting....Patiently... for Hands....
I'm finding...Such...Soulful..Old Pieces... in John's Shop... that have been forgotten...
It feels....good.... Breathing Life...into them.... 

Partial Show Listing....

Old...old... {1880's...or 90's...} Mustard Farm Cupboard...

This Sweet Heart...consumed my day... It was Delightful... I Love... working on these Old Darlings...I Truly Do...

This Cupboard will be at the Anamosa Show, this Sunday... along with many more Iowa Farmhouse pieces...that have been tucked away... for years....

A Sweet Dry Sink...

An 8 Foot Two Board Top 1880's Harvest Table....

A Large White Stepback Cupboard...1880's {2 piece}

Civil War Era Chest of Drawers.... {Beautiful...}

Pre Civil War Era Chest of Drawers...{1840's}

Several Upholstered Pieces....

and...who knows...The Booth will Be Full!

Mark is Bringing some Cool Stuff...too!

Tons...of Smalls...

I'm still diggin'.... and may have a few surprises....for the Show!

The Windows...are Amazing....I will be selling some, here... and taking some, to Nashville... when the top and bottom are together...they are around 8 feet tall... I have 12 sets.... BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Sounds like the weather will be clear...Sunday...til, mid afternoon...{at this point} Come Early....and Bring a Truck!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

The Anamosa Show! Be There!

Yes...I go On and On....about Heart of Country... It is...Huge...in my Life...
The Truth is...All of the Shows I do... are Important to me...
I could do a show a week...if I wanted to... but...each year...I carefully select the Shows...I Believe in... Big...or Little... Every Show I do... Is a Good Show... Great Promoters.... Super.....Versatile...{Eclectic}...Vendors...with...Something...for Everyone!
 I feel Honored...to be included...in Each of them...
 I Hope....You can come visit us...Sunday... The weather looks good...{check...before you travel....this is Iowa...after all... the weather changes...from minute to minute...}
If...you are my Blog Follower....Please, introduce yourself...
This is Such a Fun...and Laid Back Show....You can't help...but enjoy yourself...
I Hope...to See You!
Love to Ya!
Barb C.

Dizzy....

The back...of the Booth...at Heart....The Amazing Alter...Flanked by these two windows.. these would have the Two bottom Panes of glass removed...Leaving the Arched Top... the window Frames...elevated...16 to 18 inches...from the floor...then...the empty openings.... layered with mirrors...of every shape...and size.... oh yes... The Alter...Layered...in Massive Pieces...of Tarnished Silver.... sprinkled....with fresh cut stems...of Spring Florals....Moss...tucked...throughout....I would construct a backdrop....14 feet tall...with  Vintage Burgundy Velvet Stage Drapes...Flowing Over....and around the entire...back wall...drapey...swaggy... and.. Oh...Yes... hang the Massive Beaded Chandelier...just off to the Right Side....
Yes...Yes...Over the Frickin' TOP!!!! BEAUTIFUL...I can see it ALL...In My MIND!!!!
There is One Teeny...Tiny...little Problem....
All of it Sold.... Yesterday....{Thanks Sweet Pea...for the Referrals...}
I have a show this weekend... below zero temps...and 6 to 8 inches of snow on Friday...
Then...I leave...for Nashville.... one week from Monday....Truck...partially loaded... I have a load on the Ford... now...I have to unload... then...back on the road...
I'm not....worried... I Trust.... but...I know... there will be some hurdles.... this isn't a Show....I'm preparing for...It's...'THEE'.... show...I have Wonderful Treasures.... but...there is something about...Over the Top... That I Love! So.... I'm Running Hard...My Frozen Gears...are Spinning!!!!!!!!
I'm also getting everything Else ready...a little touch up...here, and there...all takes time...
I have Located some Amazing Windows... I have to go get them...and carry them... some distance... there are 50, or so... and...my lungs...shut down...in this frigid cold... that's my biggest fear... it's way below zero wind chill... but...I have to get them.... I'll be Building a House....in Nashville...with them....Won't be an Alter... but... I'm thinkin'... It Will Be...Over the Top! {and yes...they will all be for sale!}
So...I'm...Dizzy... Spinning... Daughter Liz, says this is when I'm at my Best....I Reckin' So....
Love to ya...
Barb C.
{Brandon {house things} asked me...Why....why would I sell this...now.... Wanda...{Gatherings}.is soooo disappointed...She and Jo Brantley, will be my Helpers, this year...at Heart....What a Dream Team! Wanda is an Amazing Worker...and has a Great Eye...Jo...is an Accomplished Designer...and has worked with Meredith Publishing....Counrty Homes....and Country Gardens Magazines...as well as a contributor, to many other periodicals....... Jo and I shared a booth...several years ago at Heart... I am Honored...to have them with....
All I can say is... I have bills to pay... and...I'm always behind the 8 ball....and...sounds...like these pieces...have found the Perfect Home... That....is what it's all about.... it truly is....!
So...I'm Runnin'! and...Trusting!
{Peg...is in my Dreams...for Next Year... she'll be with us...every step... and...many phone calls...Close!}

1930's Bridge Light's...From an Iowa City, Iowa Bridge!

Travelled 300....plus...miles...today... whew...Hit 3 Auctions... oh my... I got these Amazing 1930's Bridge Lights....from an Iowa City, Iowa Bridge.... at the Last Auction... There are three of them.... This one...has a plaque, on the side that reads "Class of 1938"...I was too tired to bring in the others...they all have different Plaques...They are made of my Favorite Precious Metal....TIN!!!! PERFECT...Perfect....For Heart of Country....John will get 'em all wired...and spiffed....They Will Be...Amazing!

I have a bit of news...concerning Heart...the booth... has made an abrupt halt...

and a 90 degree turn around.... So....I'm FLYING!

I'll share all of that ... tomorrow...

I'm Hittin' It!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Ya Know It's COLD...when there is Frost...on the Inside of the Window...

Oh My....! It's -4.... a Bit...Chilly....

It crossed my mind this morn...while looking at the kitchen window... about my 16th Winter... I was working at Target...and going to school...living on my own....and driving an Old 60 something...Chevy ...Dad had bought to junk.... but let me drive it...till it completely died...

The thermostat was stuck....so...it never got warm, in the car....when the Sun was out...it was o.k.....but working nights...not so much... I used rubbing alcohol, on the inside windshield, to attempt to keep a hole open, so I could see... {it doesn't work too great...but... I made it...}It also...had NO Brakes....I used the emergency brake to stop it....{this is the Absolute Truth...I kept plenty of distance...slipped in neutral...and GENTLY engaged it....when I had to} I drove that car for the month of January.... 1979

Some day....I'll write a book... Me and Tom Sawyer...would have been Great Pals...

I have hundreds of miles to cover today....

I sooo Love The Road....

Brakes...Heater...

Optional...

{but...very nice....when it's Cold...and Slippery...}

Have a Most Amazing Wednesday!

Love...to ya...

Barb C.

Why did I drive that car......cause...that's all  I had...and no money to fix it....and...no where to get in, out of the cold...to fix it...if...I had any extra money....I sure am Thankful...to All of the Angels...that have sat beside me....bet they could write a book...too... : )

Sally...in the Snow...

The Little Mustang... She is Hibernating....Dreaming...of the Hot July Day....when we can go Tooling down the Iowa Country Roads... with the Top Down... and

Chesney...Blaring...'No Shoes...No Shirt...No Problems'...

ahhh...yes.... but...

Today...

It's 20 degrees...and Snowing Like Crazy...!

I have been on the phone all morn... working on filling out my Show Load...I am sure blessed...to have such nice folks...in my life...and meeting...new ones...... everyday...

Good People....

I'm headed out the door...to Doctor Scout's eye...The Vet, sent some new meds, to try... I'm hoping this will work better....

I'll have images...from the shop...later....I may be working...late this eve...

a Long day...tomorrow...lots of miles...from North..to South...

The roads are Bad...today... lots of accidents...all over... a Very Good Day...to stay home...

Hope You Have a Most...Lovely...Tuesday...

Barb C.

'The'...Round Table....oh....my....

This is an Amazing Table....
Very...Utilitarian...Yet... So Sculptural...
A Piece of Art....
Each piece of tin....cut by hand... with tin snips... and carefully pieced...then formed...to fit every angle...on the 100 year old...plus...Massive Beauty...then...glued...and nailed, by hand...in place....It took John several weeks, to complete this...and the Stand....below...
Every edge is sealed...so it has a Smooth...Warm...Feel....
The Tin itself, has Iowa Farm History...Retired Farmer, Mary S. had this tin rolled up, in huge rolls...years ago..when her grain bin was taken down.... she saved them... she knew...they were too good to scrap...they were massive rolls...10 feet tall...and 2 feet in diameter...The sheet rolled out...was 10 feet in diameter... she and I loaded them...ahhh...Farm Women...
John has truly found his calling... he did the Amazing Settee...last year...
I look high and low...for the Perfect form...to be covered...with his amazing Tin Work......
This table...had the Perfect base....I have never seen one exactly like it.... it could glide through many era's...and decorating styles... it's Simple... yet...Stately... It could be used to dine...or as a Centerpiece...in an Entry Hall....Dressed Up...with a Massive Urn...centered....or...pull some chairs up...and play a few hands of cards....
It's 54 inches in diameter....and...is Lovely...
John did an Outstanding Job....
This was headed for Nashville... but...it is Sold...
It's going to a Most Lovely Home.... and will be Very Happy There!

I'm hoping to have three smaller pieces going...if John can get them finished...


This will be in Nashville... It is Darling.... Empire Style Stand...around a hundred years old.... with working drop leaves...and two Sweet Drawers...Completely Tin Embellished.... Beautiful... I will also have it Next Sunday at The Anamosa Show! Come Check it Out!



This is the Alter Top...John is going to do a couple minor repairs...before it's loaded... the base, is loaded... This Alter could be used in two separate pieces... the base...as a Lovely Counter...and this piece...as a display...for soaps...and lotions....at Christmas...it would be Over the Top... and Beautiful...with Florals....in Spring!

Hope you all.....have a Most Lovely...Monday!
Barb C.

OPEN TODAY 12 - 4!!!!!

Come Dig!

Whirlwind!!!!!

It's Getting CRAZY!!!! Seems like things are slowly...simmering...then...All at Once! The Heat is Turned UP...to BOILING!
I'm at a high...simmer....but it's getting mighty warm....
Reservations... merchandise... lists...and lists...and more lists...to check...then...check...again...
I have some Great Pieces.... headed for Heart...but...two are on 'hold'... if...they sell..it will be a Mad Dash...to replace them....if they don't... I still need a few more pieces....
Seems everything I like at Auction...everyone else does too! Whew!
I've made some calls...to my Trusty Friends...who always seem to help me out...when it comes to Good...Old...Gnarly...Stuff! They are Diggin! Bless Their Hearts!
I'm on the road...this morn... then...in the shop...
Open Sunday! 12 - 4!!!
Love to Ya...
Barb C.

{I just found out...this morning...a Sweet Friend...lost her husband...two weeks ago....my Prayers...have been with you...and are still... God Bless You...and your Family... My Prayers...go to All of Those...who suffer today... Love to You...}

Life Is Good Today!

Whew! I have had Great Feedback...concerning my Plans...for the Travelling Bubble Bath Tub!

As some of my Closest...Friends Know... I am a Bubble Bath Girl!

Ahhh...

Polly and I walked outside....and snapped this image... oh my...it is Cold...but my Gears are Spinning! It's gonna be a Great Year...Filled to the Rim.... With Craziness...and Fun!

Don't expect all of it at once....it will take the entire year....and...maybe...if I'm Lucky....

The Rest of My Life!

Love to Ya!

Barb C.

Simply Iowa Bubble Bath!

Oh Yeah... This is Perfect... I Love this Massive Tub....it doesn't look too big...until you get next to it... It Is Awesome.... Justin and Josh carried it to this location...yesterday... {Those Boys Amaze...} I'm setting it up...for a photo shoot... I have some grand plans for this Old Darling...it's going to be like the 'Travelling Tub'....Mad Hatter Style!
I hired the Boys, yesterday...for an hour...it was 50 degrees...and I had some Big Stuff... to Move... We Cranked! Got The Fuso...all ready to Go... Then...I checked out an Auction...apparently...I have  exquisite taste! The things I wanted....Broke the Bank...{and...folks scratched their heads...when I left bids... oh well...} Things were Smokin'! I got 2 things...out of a dozen...I had wanted... but...the one thing...I needed the most out of all.... I'll be picking them up in a few days...the roads are a mess...wind blowing... and it's going to continue...throughout the day...
I have Plenty to do...today...here at home...
I Do Love The Snow!!! Beautiful!!!!
Have a Most Wonderful Day!
Barb C.

Sometimes....I can get...a little... Ruff... : )

Hmmm.... I think...I know these Boys.... maybe... maybe.... in another Life...but....I Know...These Boys....When I spied this Old Tin Type... it touched me....

Oh...my.... Sometimes....I can...get a little Ruff....: )...
 I tried to capture this image...last night...and my trusty little Kodak...said..."Lens Obstruction"....turns out...this is a common...and Fatal...problem...with little digital cameras... so...I tapped on it...then... pounded it...gently....in my hand... then...got the blow dryer out.... and...while hitting it...was blowing it...with a very..HOT...blow dryer... then.....{sense...it still wasn't responding...} beat it... against the bath tub... cushioned...by a towel.... ahhhh.... yeah....sometimes.... I tend...to get a little... Ruff...
but...guess what... it was in perfect working order...this morn....
What can I say.... some...like it Ruff...! : )
We'll see how long...the little Kodak...can take the strain... : )
It has had a pretty wild ride...with me... so...it owes me...nothing...
I'm just happy...it has given me...another day....
Love to Ya...
Barb C.
{Oh Yeah...I'm getting Pretty 'Jacked'...about Heart... in Nashville....Be There... You Will Love It!}
I'll have all sorts of updates...in the morn...
Thank You..Thank You....to My Boys.... Josh...and Son....Justin...Whew... We got the FUSO...Rockin! and...LOADED!!!! {before noon!} Those Boys... CRANK!!! Bless Their Hearts!!!!}

Fancy....Stemware... Mmmm....

I Have a 'Thing'...about Beautiful....Eating...and Drinking Pieces..... They don't have to match... they don't even have to be perfect... but...they Must be Beautiful...Feel....Good...in my hands... and, if they are Stemware...or Silverware...feel good on my Lips....
I Love.....paper thin Glassware....it's much tougher, than you may think....Everything...tastes Delicious...from them...even water...has a cleaner...taste to it.... Mmmmm....
I picked these beauties...up at the wonderful Victorian Auction, I attended, last week.... Love...Them...
If you think...to purchase these Vintage Darlings....it would Break The Bank... Think Again... These are 6. each....Not much more than one...Mega Latte...
I bought 20, to 30 wine glasses....that day... these 4 Etched Ruby Glasses...are my Fave's...
I entwined them, in some old wire plant hangers, by the door...of the shop... they are just waiting...for a spot of Merlot....
I had a great day....Lot's of Folks Visiting...some really cracked me up...{ I do get some Crazy Cats...down The Rabbit Hole...: )   }   oh my... I didn't get done...what I wanted to...but... I'm getting there!
Hope You All...Enjoyed This Day...Every Single Moment of It!
Love, to Ya...
Barb C.
{Peg is Battling the Steroid Withdrawal...{been there...done that...years ago...and...now...on my chart...it reads..."Only at the Point of Death"... will I be administered... oral steroids... they are great...and work so well for some folks... but they nearly took me out... Peg needs them... but...they can be Ugly...coming off of.... Please...keep her in Your Prayers....Love to Ya... : )
{ She starts a New Chemo and Radiation... on the 23rd...The Tumor...has shrunk...nearly in half.... Amazing... Angels.... Keep Beating Those Wings!!!!}

Little Mother Hubbard....Oh My...

Miss Scarlett...is a Chip off the Old...Block.... She totally Lit Up...when she saw this Little Old Cupboard....just her size! {her Birthday Present! a little early...March will be here soon...!}
It was delightful...to see Liz and Scarlett... So many Great Folks popped in...on Sunday...The Shop is Crazy...right now...single file... and things turned upside down....but...it's all good...

I made deliveries...today...and did a bit of sorting...in the Fuso... I'll be loading tomorrow.... It's gonna hit 50!!!! Yee Haw!!!
Hope You had a Lovely Day!
Barb C.

Three Little Words.... Life's A.....

OPEN TODAY 12 - 4!!!!!

The Gears...they are a Spinnin'!

One of my Most Favorite Photographers....and her Sweet Husband, popped in, this afternoon... to find a few props...for Photo Shoots...Melody,{Image Nouveau Photography...Marion, Iowa} has done several shoots, here, and down the rabbit hole... she also did both of the Grand Children...here... I was Blown Away....
I Love Photographers...{my little pal, Aud {Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats} was my Photographer, in Nashville...several years ago...she has an...Amazing Eye....} and Sharon Roberts...has also...taken some Awesome Images here...as well as, several others... wow....}I always have everything wide open for them....here...I can't tell you...how many graduation photos...have been taken with the '49 Ford Panel Truck.... {Dozens...at least...}These Folks... are Amazing Artists... I love...watching them process... I do the same thing...but...in a different way...I see things...that many can't..... a good photographer....does the same thing... tho...slightly....different...seems...we run parallel....to each other.... I so understand their mind.... the excitement... of that...'Perfect'...shot... that no one else... could ever have... Capturing...'That'.... 'Moment'...amazing....
But...today.... The Photographer...and...The Hatter...collaborated...I have had a thought...on my brain...for a month or so...and...I think...it's gonna be Waaaaay Cooool! I am...a bit...theatrical....{ I have been told... : )  } I Love...Over the Top...and...this...will be....pure...Fun! We are Both...very excited... Melody is going to do a shoot for me.... for next years Cards...and...maybe...more.... we are going back and forth... with thoughts...and ideas....oh my...it's truly endless...!
I'll keep ya posted!
Love to Ya...
Barb C.


This is an image...that a sweet friend, snapped for me...in a big hurry...with my little Kodak...I can't wait to see what Melody does....and with the Prop...I am using...oh my... Fun!
 The Hatter... what Fun....

 I'm diggin' through John's Shop...wowza.... what Treasures...I have Found! : )   ...!

Gaudy...Welsh...

Oh my.... I bought this early...to mid 1800's...Large.. pitcher...from friend, John... It is amazing.... Love...the Strawberries...it's handle...is long  gone... if it were perfect...it would be several hundred dollars... but...as found... it will be under 100. Gaudy Dutch and Welsh...is extremely Rare....in any condition.... I'll be carefully packing this Sweet Heart...for Heart of Country....

Love to Ya...

Barb C.

Welcome...to My World.....

I had to re post this...image...with "Welcome to My World"...as lead song.... I love...Jim Reeves... I Love...this song....and the Lyrics..they, fit the Rabbit Hole...to a 't'....

I have had an old chalk board, on the shop door...that says..."Welcome...to My World"...for years...

The little shop...truly touched my heart...yesterday...

It spoke volumes...

without saying a word....

sometimes...it just.....gently embraces me...

I needed that...

Love....to ya...

Barb C.

{I'm running hard...today...folks picking up...and Much...to get done..while the weather holds...}

Have....a Seat...a 'Gnarly'....seat!

Vintage...Mohair Sofa.... forever...in Blue Jeans...babe...



Bought this Lovely...Old...Louis Style... Sofa...{dare I say...'Gnarly'...Old...Louis Style... Sofa...and... Matching Chair...at the Auction...yesterday...I gotta tell ya... it Spoke to me... it...Truly...did....} {the old jean, pant legs...have done..a pretty good job...so far....}