Simply... Victorian.

Love....
Victorian Iron.
: ) 

Victorian....

'Anything'...

really.

: )

I picked up...the Tall...Victorian Urn, by chance...this morning.

I had bought a pair of Big...Old...Mirrors, last night...

after I picked them up...this morning, I ran across this Urn.

They described it as a Bird Bath....

It's a Planter.

The rim...has some damage, but... to me, that, almost adds to it's Charm. : )

It's mossy green, with remnants of paint, that was applied....sometime...

over the last hundred and twenty years...or so. 

It's quite... beautiful. 

I love, most anything...from that period, and before.

{1870's, 80's...and before. }

The detail...is something, we lack...in more modern pieces.

The Victorians... adored....

'Beauty'.

They were particular about their Homes...and Gardens.

The Textiles...and Hardware...well, Everything...that surrounded them, 

had to be Full of Detail...and...Beauty.

: )

Pleasing to the Eye.

This, old....Planter, was 'that'....to me, for sure. 

They have tried to reproduce this iron...over the last 50 years...or so.

If, you are familiar....with the 'real deal'....

the reproductions...don't hold a candle. 

It's truly...all...about the detail.

The Crisp...lines, that only...can be created by good, clean....molds, and...

good quality, Iron, itself....and, by People...who took Pride...in their Craft.

Tho... this old Urn, is far...from perfect, today... I wouldn't trade it....for a 'new'...'perfect'...one.

: )

but...

that's just me. 

: )

Vintage Garden...touches my heart.

Even, some...of the modern pieces...from the mid 1900's.....

if, they have a worn, well loved surface...

with many years of exposure...to the elements, 

well, 'Nature' has her Most...perfect, way of patination, 

that...Only, She... and Time, can, Truly... create.

yes, it is...all about 'The Journey'. 

Shortcuts... and Hurry.....

can't match...the Real Deal.

: )

Love, to ya...

Barb C. 

{For the record, there was Nothing...'Simple', during The Victorian period.
: )
Everything... was Over The Top.
Beautiful. : ) }

Alice In Wonderland - Clip: Alice Falls Into a Rabbit Hole (2010) | HD

Awakenings...

I woke up...this morning, somehow....feeling 'Lighter'.

The 'feeling'...was,...as if...I'd been walking in a dense...Fog

for miles....and miles...and, miles...

soooo Weary....

then....

the fog, began to lift...

Everything.....seemed to become brighter...around me.

I walked into the bathroom...looked in the mirror,

Threw My Hands..in the Air...

Reaching...Up....to The Heavens...

Thanked The Lord....Out Loud....

for All of The Blessings in my Life!!!

asked Him...

to Continue...to Bless, Those..who Suffer...and Struggle, here, on Earth.

Those...who are in Heaven...with Him...safe, in His Arms...

to let them know... how Much... we Miss Them.... and Love Them. 

I walked into the dining room...

began to gaze...into the Old Cupboards, one, by one....

 that 'Hold'...sooooo Many,

Precious...Memories.

Friends, Family...'Journeys'...past. 

I looked at Peg's picture.... with her, Beloved... Michael.

Michael...has been on my heart, for several days.

Keep thinking, I need...to call. 

I looked to see.... the Bracelet, I had given Peg...

that, Michael...brought back, to me...

shortly after Peg, went 'Home', as she had requested, of him.

It was Gone.

I began to panic.

I remember draping it...over the little velvet bag....she had gotten for it.

The Bag....was there, but...not....the Bracelet.

I carefully slid the Old Cupboard door open.

{The Cupboard....is Filled.....with so many....'Memories'...I have to be very careful, not to disturb anything...

when I slide the doors. }

I frantically....yet, gingerly....began to move things, around...and, near... Peg's picture...

looking for the tiny bracelet....thinking, somehow...it must have fallen.

It...wasn't there.

then...

I looked at Peg's face...in the image....

then, at Michael's.

There was the intricate...little silver bracelet....hanging next to him...

where...I had placed it, the day he had given it to me.

oh dear. 

{remember, 'Fog'....Heavy...'Fog'...has surrounded me, for several...years. }

I grabbed the phone, and called Michael. : )

I, wasn't going to 'think'...about it, any longer....

I needed to share another 'Chapter'...of the tiny bracelet's....'Journey'.

: )

Michael...was So Happy...to hear from me!!!!

hahaha!

He said... their Darling... Daughter, Sarah... was visiting...

and Beloved...Granddaughter, Chelsea was there, too....!!!!

She and her Husband, Spencer... had just arrived from Texas!!!

He was preparing Breakfast...for Everyone! 

{Michael...was in his Element! : ) }

I, told him...with All of his Wonderful...'Company', I wasn't About.....

to 'Keep' him!

but... had to tell him... how Much, he'd been on my Heart...

and, when I saw the tiny bracelet... I knew, I needed to Call...

Now! : )

He said... "Thank You...Barbara!!!....

 You couldn't have picked a better day. It's my Birthday!!! "

oh my....

then, I knew.

Peg...was giving Us Both... a 'Wink', today.

<3 <3 <3 

{I had no...idea......it was Michael's Birthday. }

Michael... began to weep. 

I, told him....

 "No tears...today. : ) We've Both been given a Special...Gift, today. : ) 

Peg...let us know, she's never far...

and...

Happy Birthday...Michael."

<3 <3 <3 

The Sun.... is Shining.

I, feel....as though...a Heavy Veil...has been lifted, from my 'Being'.

I, can't....explain it. 

For the first time... in a Very Long...time, the Gears....in my mind, seem to be Engaging...

and.... Meshing.

'synchronized'...and in Unison.

{trust me....they haven't been, for a very long....time. }

I can't explain, how Difficult...it is, to Function...., 

and... make it 'appear', 'the Gears are Functioning'...

when, they aren't. 

It's like having Sand... thrown into... a Finely Engineered....clock movement.

It may....still move, but....it grinds....and rattles.

The Clock...doesn't keep 'time'...It, can't...it barely...keeps moving...at all.

For the first time... in a Long time....I'm looking Ahead, instead...of trying to simply....

get through, one more....day.

My Mind...is Whirling! 

I have So Much...to Catch Up...On!!!.

You, see...The World...keeps turning, whether we do, or not.

I'm going to have to make calls... Catch Up.

I'm going to be Leaning...on some of my Closest...Friends, 

Seeking Advise... after all, they...have been riding the 'Merry Go Round',

 while...I've been, sitting on The Park Bench.

soon.... 

I'll be able to Run...fast Enough...to catch their Hands...and Climb, back On....with...them.

Awakenings.

: )

Praise....The Lord. 

<3

Love, to you...

Barb C.

Love Is All Around (Theme Song from The Mary Tyler Moore Show)

Have I Lost My Mind???? well, of course...You All...{ most, of you...} thought...I did.

: )

Guess what?

seems...

I Haven't.

: )

Hahahaha!!!!

: )

I've lost...most Everything...

and...

Everyone...

'Who'

Meant the Most...

in my life.

but...

I...haven't lost, my mind.

Those, that I have Lost...

wouldn't allow me...to Fall.

: )

They...Believed in me.

<3

I, Believe...in...Them.

: )

Always...have.

Always...Will. 

: )

They Trusted me...

and, depended...on me.

If, Anyone...thinks...for a Moment...

I'd let Them...down.

well...

guess...

they'd better...'think', again. 

: )

This image... is of my Granddaughter, Miss. Meadow Rain...and her Beloved....
Great Dane, 'Moose'. : ) <3
If Anyone...thinks, for a moment...I'd let them down....with a Breath, left....in my body....
Hahahahaha!!!!!!!
guess.....They'd...better,
 : )
Think...
Again.
: )

We're gonna make it...

: )

Don't Bet...Against Us.

: )

Pray....

for Us. 

<3

Love....to ya, 

Barb C. 

{May God....Bless, Mary Tyler Moore. <3
She, was such a Gift. <3
She, reminded me...so Much...of my Sister, Chery. <3 <3 <3
They, were Two Peas...in a Pod. : ) Priceless. <3
I was Blessed, by my Sister....Chery.
We, All...were Blessed...by Mary Tyler Moore. : ) <3 }

Couch Commander

Simply Iowa Plague....

Just....kidding.

: )

but...oh my...

I've been down, for the count.

Went to the rabbit hole, when I had to...

but...didn't move...much.

I'm feeling a little better, tonight...

but, wow...what a ride.

I'm So Sick and Tired...

of being...

Sick...and Tired!!!

: )

Hopefully...this is the end of it!

Been watching all of the Crap...about the election...

from both sides...the last few days.

I've decided....

when The Obama's...moved out, of D.C.

so, did my interests.

Make no mistake... I'll support our Country.

but, no politics...down the rabbit hole.

I, figure...those in Washington...will get along, like....always...

just fine, without me...worrying about them.

: )

I visited with a Friend, this morning...

she and I... stand on different sides of the isle...

but, we agree...with each other more, than not.

We respect each other's thoughts...and, have always found common ground. : )

She said... she'd had some heated arguments...over the years, but, said...she was so thankful... that we never did, and have remained close Friends... {20 years }

She did say one thing... and I shut her down... Immediately.

"I wish they'd just 'Get Over It'."

Meaning the Dems.

Uh Oh!

I said... The Only, 'One's'... who should offer that advise...are Democrats, to each other.

That didn't go over well...with Republicans... the last time around, when the Dems... recommended it.

I'd Never...offer that advise... to anyone, who has fought a Major Battle, with... Open Wounds.

I will say, and have said.... We are all on the same team.

There are those...out there, who Love...and....Relish...division...in our Country.

No matter what... we can't let that happen.

I plan on spending my time...working as hard as I can, at my 'Job'.

{I, have no choice... never have. }

Continue...Supporting Small, and Local...Business.

Pay, more attention, and be more involved...in our Local...Communities.

Washington....will be, what it will be.

I listened to Warren Buffett, this evening.

He said...something, I'd been thinking about...myself.

I've seen 10 Presidents.... in my lifetime.

He's seen, many more.

yet...

somehow...

'We' always.... manage. : )

We shall, through this one...too.

He was very Optimistic.

Not, because of who was elected...{he voted for Hillary }

but.. because...he Understands Americans.

: )

We are a Pretty Good Lot!

I watched a video... this afternoon, for the first time.

It made me feel...sooooo good.

President Obama... John Boehner....

Joe, and Michelle...

Cracked Me Up!

as did the rest of the Folks...on the video.

It helped me understand... life goes on...

For Us All.

: )

I, think... we have more...in common, than we know. : )

I, look forward...to doing the same things....as John Boehner....and President Obama.

Havin' a Beer, in the morning....sometimes. : )

Sippin' on a little Wine...and Smokin' a Stogie, now....and then, in the Evenings.

other than that...

I have a LOT...of Work....to get done.

Right Here... at Home.

They can Play their 'Tunes'....'til the Cows....come Home, in Washington... all they want.

I, don't have time...for it.

Here, in The Heartland... We have to Get Stuff...Done.

Love to ya...

Barb C.

{ya gotta watch the video...above. I don't care which side...you 'stand'. It's good. : ) }



The last waltz - Engelbert Humperdinck

Patsy Cline - Tennessee Waltz

Hearts...and... 'Waltz's'.

I worked, down the rabbit hole...today.

: )

found, the little tin heart molds.....above.

They made me think...of all of the 'Hearts'...I've gathered, and have been gifted with...over the years.

I, posted...a few.

: )

With St.Valentine's Day... just, around the corner...

I was thinking....

I, should have a little Open House...down, the rabbit hole...in February, 

'celebrating' 

'The Love...of Old'. 

: )

As I work... down there, it's always...so Soulful...

Peaceful.

{even with messes... and the vacuum .... strewn around. : ) }

We'll see. 

{I've come down with a Nasty... Cold.

 Helper, Brandon, had it...when he was helping me at Anamosa.

 I, felt so sorry...for him.

 : ( 

 I, can't say... he never 'gave me'...anything! : ) 

He hasn't been to work, all week. 

Oh Boy!!!}

Had a Wonderful...Surprise...today.

Catherine... from Des Moines... popped in.

She, is such...a Gift.

<3

She didn't mind the Mud...around the rabbit hole...

or...

the Strewn...Vac. : )

{She's...'One of Us' : ) <3 }

Pal, Mary Sellon, had given me a pair of boots, and...I have them tucked, in the shop.

Catherine, had a pair of Darling...shoes on.

I handed her, Mary's.... to wear....while diggin' around outside.

Told her, "Bet the rabbit hole...is the only shop...that offers ya Boots...to go 'Dig In'!"...

: )

We both...had a Chuckle!

Cathy, put 'em on!!! 

{Told ya... she's 'One of Us'. : ) <3}

Cathy, has tiny...little feet. The boots, were two sizes too big.

{My Size. : ) }

She Laced 'em Up Tight!!! and...Away She Went!

hahahaha!

{With the warm weather...and rain... the ground, is still...very...frozen.

The top layer, 'surface'... is a Muddy...Mess. There was a Mote...around the rabbit hole.

Oh Boy! : ) }

I'm going to be Open, tomorrow..and Saturday....

11 til 5.

Stop by, if you're in the area. 

but, be Sure...and wear your Boots.

: )

{or... you can wear Mary's.... : ) 

If your feet are smaller than a size 9. <3 }

Love...to ya...

Barb C. 

This Old....Old....Chair, doesn't have a 'heart'.....
{I have a couple, that do. : ) }
I took this image, the other day... and..included it, today....
because...it's sooooo Cool. <3 

Some, of the 'Hearts'....above, are long gone....'sold'.
some...
Never will...be. {until...I'm 'gone'. }
Some, are for sale...down the rabbit hole.
I took this image.... of myself...
sitting in the room, at The Opryland Hotel....
the 'Last' Heart of Country.
2014.
We, didn't know...it would be...'The Last'.
but... somehow...
I knew, Everything...was about...to change.
I told my Friends...and Liz...to 'Go On...'...that night, without me.
Go, have fun...I, needed to just...stay in.
{That...didn't Ever...happen, with me...in Nashville. }
I, had this 'feeling'...of Doom.
{that's why... I took this picture. I couldn't put 'it'...into words. }
When I got Home...
John, was so sick. {He was feeling...'tuff', when I left... but, I was in Hopes...
we both... were,
He'd be Better, when I returned.
He wasn't.
He was Much...worse.
I couldn't leave his side.
Within a few weeks, we were told... John,  had brain cancer.
Within...a few months... John...was gone.
Old....'Hearts'... are truly....soulful.
I, believe... when you see one, you should grab it. <3
: )
or, at least... give it a 'Wink'. <3
Guess... that Night.... I danced,
The Tennessee...Waltz.
somehow...
I knew, it would be...my last.
Our...
 Last.

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO ~ LARA'S THEME

Thinking.... 'Garden'.

This time of year... down the rabbit hole....
the old....greenhouses...are so cold.
I posted images...below, of when Spring....whispers, there.
<3
It will breathe Life...into...whatever....is sheltered by it....
Long...before, 'Iowa'...will.
: )
I'm so Thankful...for them.
If it wasn't for John... they, wouldn't be here.
{it's a long...story. : ) }
What a Gift.
: )
The Old...Fountain, inside....always....has 'Life'.
<3
another....long....story. : ) }

The Anamosa Show...

wiped me out, more than I knew.

I slept the entire day...on Monday.

Tho, my lesions are almost gone...

the 'inside'... is still...pretty worn.

I didn't think I pushed too hard, for the Show, and...was Thankful, for Brandon, and Liz...

who helped...so much.

: )

These shingles...kind of remind me of the Flu.

Wears ya Out!

: )

As, my body's been doing little, my mind...has been 'working'.

Thinking...'Garden'.

Urns... Statues... Fountains...

oh boy. : )

It's supposed to get warm, this week.

'January Thaw'... in Iowa.

: )

It's such a Tease.

Get's ya all Fired Up... for Spring....

then, it'll turn Cold...again.

Really...Cold, and Spring seems further away, than before the thaw.

I'm going to have the shop open... this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

11 'til 5...daily.

I'm heading there, tomorrow....to keep working on the re do. : )

Quite a bit..is changing, there....with so much, that is coming in.

I'm working on a Show Calendar ....

Open House...down the rabbit hole...the first weekend in April...

Junk Jubilee... the end of April...

Gold Rush... Mother's Day Weekend, in May...

Memorial Day Weekend Sale.... the end, of May...

I, may also be conducting an Estate Sale.... here in Fairfax, this early Spring.

Things Promise....to be Hoppin'...pretty soon. : )

I, don't feel too guilty...about takin' a little 'time', in January.

: )

Daughter, Liz... has moved in...with her Fiance....

They are expecting a Little Boy... in May.

Her 'due date'... is May 25th.

The same day.... John went 'Home'... in 2014.

She and I...were both...taken back, by that. : )

{another...'wink'. <3 }

Things, are much better for her, and Miss. Scarlett.

Adam, her Fiance... is very nice, as is his Family.

They Love....Our Girls. <3

Adam has helped us, with Shows a time or two... and Understands....

his soon to be Mother in Law....

is a Steam Roller.... : ) 

We 'Git 'er Done'....

{but, we have a Lot..of Fun... when the Work is Done. : )

It's an Irish...'thing'. : ) }

He saved us... at the last Junk Jubilee... when BOTH Trucks... gave us Fits!

He got 'em Goin'. : )

{He's a 'Ford Man'.... Bonus Points...with Mama!!! }

: )

I'm posting some images... of 

'Spring'... 

'Past'.

below.

Spring 2017...

is coming...

Fast.

Love, to ya...

Barb C.

This....Wonderful....Old...Fountain, is such a Gift.
It has 'Life'.
I do nothing...but, give it a drink of water....when it needs it.
It...is such...a 'World'...all, It's Own.
Priceless.

The song...above, was my Dad's Favorite.
I had the Organist...play it non stop.... at his Funeral.
The lyrics... touch me...so, this time...of year.
When...'Winter'...has such a Grip...on us all.
yet...
The Promise...of 'Spring'...
 New Life....
keeps us...forging...ahead.

here, are a few lines...
from 'Lara's...Theme'.

'Somewhere...my Love, there will be Songs...to sing.
Although...the Snow, covers...the Hope, of Spring.
Somewhere, a Hill... Blossoms, in Green...and  Gold.
and....
There are Dreams...
All, that your Heart...can...Hold.
Someday... we'll meet again, my Love.
Someday...whenever the Spring Breaks Through.
You'll come, to me.... out of the 'long ago'...
Warm, as the Wind...
Soft, as the Kiss...of Snow. '

Brotherhood Of Man - United We Stand (The original group from 1970)

Anamosa Show.... history.

Thanks, So Much....

to All, who Attended and Shopped!

: )

It was Sooooo Wonderful, seeing Everyone.

<3

Cecilia, {Promoter } and Her Lovely...Family, were So Great!

Cecilia...lost her Husband, Jon...not, long ago.

He was Missed...at The Show. 

I, know...how Difficult, this was, for Cecilia...

and Family.

'The Firsts'...are....so...Tuff.

First Thanksgiving...

First...Christmas.

really.......the first time...grocery shopping, is so hard.

: ( : ( : ( 

You 'Think'...of them...at the end...of every isle.

or...when you see something, they love to eat...and automatically.... reach for it, 

then...stopping, as your hand, nearly grasps...it.

'The Firsts'.

I, still, do it...every time...I shop.

{It especially gets me... when Ice Cream...is on sale.

John, Loved....his Ice Cream. : ) <3 }

I missed, hearing Jon... as he joked, and visited...throughout the Show.

: )

During set up... I thought I heard his voice. I didn't think anything of it...

until...it hit me,

 'Jon isn't here'. 

: (

He is....Missed.

It, was...wonderful...seeing all of the Vendors. 

: )

It's kind of like...a little Family. : )

The show was good, for us.... but...maybe....down, a bit.

There's an Ice Storm...headed our way, tonight.

They've been warning us...for days.

I think it kept some Folks...at home.

{It's not going to start....until late, tonight...but, to listen to the weather..folk....

You'd Think The Sky Is Falling!!!! }

I, think...too...

the election, has Folks...a bit, twisted, no matter what side of the isle...you stand on.

We Can't Let That Happen.

It reminds me a bit, of 9/11.

The Worst...thing we can do... is 'pull in'.

The government...will be, what it will be.

I, believe.... we need to support our Local...Communities, and Businesses.

Be Strong, and Unwavering... 

Locally.

Pull...Together.

Support, Each Other. 

We'll get through this.

'We' always...have.

: )

{and, buy stock in 'Popcorn'. : ) 

Watching the 'News'...is going to be...Very...Entertaining. 

oh....dear.

 : )

but, 

we can't worry....about all of 'that'.

You see, it's 'Us'...that 'Make'...this Great...Country. 

Each, and Every...One...of 'Us'.

: )

<3

We... need to Keep our Noses Clean, and...to The Grindstone, at 'Home'.

{we can... chuckle...and snack, once in a while... 'watching' it all...unfold, in D.C. : ) }

We, can't let 'that'... 'Unfold'...our Midwestern...Values, and...Ethics.

Just, smile...nod....and keep forging...ahead.

in other words...

'Git'er Done.

 : )

Just...sayin'. 

: )

Love, to Ya....

and, 

Thank You, Again....

for Attending The Anamosa Show.

I Hope...You Know, how Very Much... that means, to us All. 

<3

Barb C.
{Here's One...thing I can tell, you...for a Fact.
I have Beloved...'Friends'...that stand...firmly...on Both Sides...of
'The Isle'.
Should I... pick up the phone, and ask ANY One of Them... for Help....
They'd All...Be Here, in a Moment.
That's...
'America'.
The 'United' States of America'
<3
as my 'John'...would say...as he was making a Point...
"You Can Take 'That'...to The Bank!".
yes, you...can. : ) : ) : ) }

Anamosa Show Opens at 7:30 a.m. Sunday! Early Bird...is ONLY Five Bucks! Be There... EARLY!!!

The Simply Iowa Booth...

is Nearly...

Set!

: )

The Entire Show, Looks GREAT!

Such Fun, Old...Stuff!

{some...'Serious'...Old Stuff, too. : ) }

Things from a Dollar...on Up!

Early, Primitives....

Oak....

Victorian...

Mid Century...

Parts, Pieces...Rusty... Gnarly...

TRULY...

Something, for Everyone!

: )

I've gathered some Super Fun....Old Trucks, Cars and Wagons.

{On My...I fell in Love... with the 1930's 

'Skippy Deluxe' Aero Flight, Wagon.

{It has little glass headlights! : ) }

oh my.

The Old...Corner Cupboard...is Lovely, up....and on it's feet!

Everything went together....click...click...click!

I wished I would have had more time, looking around!

What I did see.... is Mouth Watering!

Don't Miss....this First Show....of The Year!

You'll have Much....Fun!!!

Love, to ya...

Barb C.

{Thanks so Much... to Brandon. {Son, Justin's Best Bud. : ) 

He, was a God Send! }

oh...my. So, tell me...Why do I 'set' Hours...down the rabbit hole? It's Always, an Adventure. there's Always...Temptations!!! Especially when I Try...and Behave!!!

Sometimes.....

I think, 'Someone'....is 'Testing' me. 

: )

and, when it comes to 'Structure', like...

'set hours'...

I, Fail...

Miserably. 

If someone calls...and has some Old...Cupboards,,,

{Anything, Old...and Gnarly...}

That 'Structure'...FLIES Out The Frickin' Window!!!

I'd JUST...'set' Hours...today, for the first time, in a Long...Long...Time,

down the rabbit hole.

I wasn't 'Open'... 30 minutes, when the phone rang.

A Dear Friend, had an Old...Corner Cupboard, that needed to be Gone...

'Now'.

oh dear.

Sign went Up....with my phone number...on it.

Me, The Ford...and...Sweetie, Hit The Road!

What, can I say.   

?

: )

Ya Gotta Do...What Ya Gotta...Do. 

: )

I'm a 'One Woman Band'. 

: )

Found a few other....Sweet Little Treasures....that my Friend, wanted Gone.

Loaded...

and, came Home.

{I, don't think I missed anyone....

but,

if...I did, I'm Sorry. <3 }

I needed to be packing...and Loading, for The Anamosa Show...today.

Did I do That.

?

ahhhhhh...

Nope.

I worked on an Old Clock. : )

I, trimmed flowers, I'd rescued last Fall...from The Frost, that are Wintering...

down, the rabbit hole.

: )

I cleaned...and sorted, here, and...there.

but...

didn't pack...

One...

Thing.

: (

The Gift, today...was,

as I was cleaning an Old Silver Tray....

{It was on the floor, of the rabbit hole. I'd used it as a riser. }

It was black, with tarnish. 

That's o.k. I Love...Tarnish, but...I wanted to see a little...'shine'.

: )

I didn't expect, to 'see'...what I did, as...I gently...rubbed the tarnish, from the silver tray.

With one swipe, I saw a 'Heart'. 

: )

A Wink.

: )

I, don't see them, often.

mostly...when times are Tuff....

or...

I've had...'enough'.

I've seen 'Hearts'...at those times, since my Dad passed away....

30 years ago...this, February 13th.

The day before...Valentines Day.

I took Dad, his Lunch..on the 12th.

With it...a Heart Shaped Cake, I'd made for him. <3

He died...early....on the 13th. 

He'd tried to put a Fire out...where he was working...the exertion led to an aneurysm...

that took his life.

I was devastated...I wasn't called, to be with Dad, that early morning.

When I was, it...was moments....too late.

: ( : ( : ( 

{That,...looking back, was a Blessing, for both...Dad, and me. 

I, could have Never...let him go. : ( 

The Lord, knew...that.}

John, went to the scene, of the fire...the next day.

I asked him..to. I couldn't go...Near it. Didn't for Years.

He said, Everything...was Burned...beyond.

then...

with a bewildered...kind..of laugh...he continued...

"Except, in the middle, of where the Fire was....

there was a half eaten...heart shaped cake.

 It wasn't touched...by the fire."

{John, didn't know....I'd made that cake... for Dad. }

oh...my.

It, was also...a 'Friday the 13th.'

like, tomorrow.

{just, remembered that....this...moment. }

I, Know...Dad Winks. <3

I, Know...John...does too...

Both....

With...

Hearts.

<3 <3 <3 

: )

Our Loved Ones...are never far from us.

we, simply...have to recognize them. : )

I see 'Hearts'. 

Others...a Dragonfly, a Cross...in the Sky.

A Feather, where no feathers...should be found.

a... Bird's Nest, on the ground.

'Winks'.

: ) 

The latch...on The Old...Corner Cupboard, I ran to get...today.
What is it, about....'Old Cupboards'.
?
oh my. : )

The Old...Clock, and Peg's Mouse...she gave me...nearly two years ago.
: )
I planted some forlorn...rescued...Rosemary, in it. : )
The Clock...after lovin' on it...for awhile....
It's little old Heart...Beats, once...again.
: )
{I, doubt it has....for 75, or 100 years. <3 }

I tweaked, this image...so you could see...the Heart.
The above, is real.
Much Clearer...in person. : ) 

Always....

an Adventure.

Always...

a Story.

oh my...

That little Rabbit Hole.

Such...a 'place'...

to find, one's self.

<3

Love, to ya...

Barb C.

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

Love....

Love....This.

<3

Found it on FB, the other night.

It, reminds me...of every 'Little' Human, who walks this earth.

{That, would be...us all. }

The image...is kind, of sad... in a way.

yet, hopeful.

: )

The child, doesn't walk alone....

{we never, do. : ) }

and, tho...the 'future' ahead....

appears mysterious....and, uncertain,

the child...is moving forward.

: )

Every 'Child'...has been there.

: )

The 'key'... is going forward...with 'All' of your Heart.

<3

: )

I'm heading down the rabbit hole, today....

11 'til 5...

today, and tomorrow.

Saturday, I'll be setting up, in Anamosa.

Sunday... The Show!

: )

Not sure... what all is going, yet.

: )

There will be Plenty!

: )

I'll try and get some images, today.

Love...to ya.

Barb C.

Jimmy Durante 'Did You Ever Have the Feeling '

oh...my.

Had another...'Ruff' day, yesterday.

: (

Woke up...this Morn, feelin' not too....bad.

: )

That's a Great...Thing. : )

My mind, was racing, with my eyes, still.... closed....

about... 'All', that Needed to be Done.

SOON!

I was thinking about an Old...Drawer.

One, that was missing, from one of The Chicago Cupboards.

Chicago Ray... had delivered the Three Beauties...

but, after the Truck, was unloaded....

we were short...a drawer.

That, is a Big...Deal.

He promised to look at home, in Chicago.

Retrace...Every...Step.

{sigh...} 

: )

{I called him, when I was heading to Chicago...and asked...

"Have Ya Found That Drawer???? I'm Headin' Your Way!!!"

He hadn't....and was Losing His Mind....Digging!!!}

He's a Brilliant, Cabinet Maker, so...I knew...he could create...one, if it couldn't be found.

{He Promised...me, that. : ) }

Ray and me...go way back.

: )

He reminds me...a little, of my Dad.

 we...'Understand' each other.

He'd asked me to take pictures, of the the one...that was in a Twin, that he could copy.

My first Thought...was, I have to get that done...today.

I'm taking that Cupboard to Junk Jubilee...in April.

Gotta Have...

That...

Drawer.

Not too many moments, later....

I heard my phone...buzz.

Text Message, from Ray.

The Caption...

"OMG"

This...is what I saw.

: ) 

He'd found 'The Drawer'. : )

He said.... it was sitting, in plain sight, but....

a packing blanket....was flipped over it.

: ) 

I, told him...about another drawer...that was 'missing'...from something,

 a Very...Important...

Something....

I had, here...for Friends.

I, also...Moved Heaven and Earth.... to find it.

Turned out...

I had walked past it, a thousand times...

oh my.

I had set it, right next to our door, as Not...to forget it.

then, did.

I told Ray....

It's kind of like...looking all over Hell...

and..

Back,

trying to find your glasses.

the entire time...

 they are sitting, on the top of your head.

: )

or...

Frantically...looking for the Phone...

while you're Talking...On It!!!!

Chicago Ray's....reply...

"Amen, Sista."

: ) : ) : ) 

Hahahaha!!!!

oh my.

Love, to ya....

Barb C.

Anger Management - I Feel Pretty

First Event...of The Year. Don't Miss It!!!

Here's the information, I promised.

I had such a headache yesterday, from these 'shingles'...

I stayed in bed, in the dark...all day.

Felt like a dagger was stuck in the top my skull...

and, out the bottom of my chin.

I used to have horrible migraines as a child....

This, Brought It All....Back.

YUCK-OOOOO!!!

: )

Nothing...would make it go away.

Today, I'm much...better.

My face, is much better...but...very scary.

: )

I even ventured to the grocery store.

It's funny...

: )

I, dress, kind of strange, some, might say....: )

 and sometimes...I can feel people looking at me.

{It doesn't bother me a bit. : ) 

I'm Comfortable...and, Like My Clothes! }

but...

today, at the store, it was the opposite.

I felt people...trying 'Not'...to look at me, 

or, allow...our eyes, to meet.

That, kind of bothered me.

I, hope...I've never done that...to anyone.

I picked up on it, immediately.

With the first person, I met, walking into the store.

I always say, 'Thank You"...when folks hold the door.

and...'Excuse me"...when I walk in front of someone...

Normally, I get a Smile, and a reply.

Not so much...today.

Even my Favorite..'Cart Dude'...was 'different'.

: (

I, think...this a Good Reminder.

a 'Blessing'....from Above.

: )

Soon, my face will be back, to 'normal'. {ha. }

Some folks...aren't as fortunate.

Trust Me, I'll make a Point....of Addressing Them...

with a Smile...: ) 

 I won't miss a soul.

{I, don't think... I dismiss...anyone, but...I'm going to pay, much...closer attention. }

Before I left home, I thought about...somehow...decorating my face, 

with flower petals around each lesion.

: )

Or...

Flames...

: )

Up the side of my face...and into my hair!!!

hahaha...

: )

I wish, I would have.

: )

I, think...folks wouldn't have been, so ill at ease.

: )

Well... I Hope, I'm on the mend...and can get ready for the Anamosa Show...

this week.

Liz can't help me, so...

Justin's Pal, Brandon...said he would.

: )

I always pay him 'Well'. : )

{Trust me...He Earns...It! : ) 

and, I'm Thankful....for his Help!!!}

I'm so Thankful....I didn't come down with this, any closer to the show.

It's gonna be a Stretch, for my body....as it is. 

I can't get stressed, about it.

That's part, of what pushed me, to where I'm at.

sooooo.

It Is...What It Is. 

: )

It'll Be...

What It'll...Be.

: )

All...

Good.

: )

Make Plans...to Attend.

It's One of my Favorites!

Always...Great Buying!

and...

Thank God..

Always...

GREAT SELLING!!!!

I'll be bringing a LOAD!

{Come Early Bird!!! Things Go Fast!!! }

Love, to ya...

Barb C.

{and, No... I'm Not...Contagious. : ) }

I had to post...the above clip....
for Three Reasons.
1. I Do...Feel...'Pretty'. : )
No Matter How....I 'Look', to anyone else. : )

2. The Clip, Fit. {Stress, and all. : ) }

3. Anything...with Jack...
is 'Perfect'. <3 : )

You, must...watch it...
It's a Gas. : ): ) : )
{after watching the video, again.....
Jack reminds me...of our 'Body'.
It'll put the Brakes On....
and Hold 'Em...
until.....ya,
Get The Message...
to be...
'Unflustered'.
: ) : ) : ) }