Vintage Roost Holiday Show Extended Tomorrow and Saturday December 18 & 19!

Great News!  Because of the icy roads last week, you might have missed what was to be the final weekend at the Vintage Roost.  Not to worry!  Deb has extended the show for 2 more days... tomorrow Friday December 18th and Saturday December 19th from 10-4.  The address is:  935 NW Scenic Drive, Albany (1/2 mile off Hwy. 20 in North Albany.

Deb would like to say that:

Christmas At The Roost  continues! 

Are you still in need of some stocking stuffers, a totally unique gift 

for someone special or maybe some beautiful decorations for a Holiday party??

 There are still so many wonderful things at The Vintage Roost

that we have decided to stay open for one more weekend!

Our Fresh Greens, which include wreaths, swags, centerpeices, containers,

bundles of holly  will be 25% off!

Also, all paperwhites are 25% off!

Our extended hours will be Friday and Saturday, Dec. 18th & 19th from 10-4pm

Some of our crafters are bringing new items in just for this weekend and of course our baker will be stocking us with fresh baked cinnamon rolls, cookies, fudge and more!!

We want to thank you for your patronage to our unique little shop

and also want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From Deb Williams at the Vintage Roost

I'll be stopping by, so I hope to see you too!

An Awesome Artist with Beautiful Trees!

Ingrid from the Netherlands makes these awesome trees!  Her blog and business are called Wood Wool Stool!  Isn't that cute and unusual?  (Be sure to click on each photo to enlarge).

How creative and talented she is!  I would love one of these trees, wouldn't you?  If I could have one I would choose either the one above, or the one below.  I don't know how I would decide!  I love them all actually!  You will have to take a look at her Etsy shop!

If you get one, please let me know so I can be envious and salivate  celebrate with you!  Aren't they so cute you could just die?  I know.

Just so you are not confused by the name of her blog/business/etsy store/web site/shop here is what else she does! (real "wood wool stools")!  Aren't they adorable too? She ships them all over the world, and as you can tell from her blog, she has been very busy of late doing just that!

She also makes beautiful blankets:

Besides being talented, isn't she a cutie patootie?

Look at her beautiful garlands!

What else does she make?  Well, you will have to go have a look, because I don't wand to spoil the  surprise for you!  Ingrid is so very sweet too!  She was delighted and generous to let me show you her talents on my blog!

Warm Holiday Hugs to you, Ingrid!

Kathleen from Faded Charm Cottage!

Last weekend (the 4th and 5th) Kathleen from Faded Charm had her very fist show!  It was held here locally at Kramer's Farm Market.  What beauty to behold!  It was dark when I went (before I went to Joy's on Friday night), so it was so gorgeous to step inside and see all of the beautiful, breathtaking white and silver, beautiful Madonnas, pretty pictures and beautiful imaginative displays!  I had to make it quick, but just had to do some shopping there!  I loved everything I saw there, and it was really hard to "narrow down" my purchases.

Her darling daughter and ever helpful Nicole was there to assist her, and so were her Mother and Sister!  It was a pleasure to meet them, and to see Nicole and Kathleen again!

Kathleen's aesthetic is so elegant.  Although crowded with people, her show space and displays looked peaceful and serene.  I loved -everything-!  I saw so many of my friends there, and met a few new ones too!

You'll have to check out Kathleen's blog often so you don't miss any of her shows in the coming year!  Gorgeous!!  I love everything I bought, and especially adore my Virgin Mary picture and the tiny brush trees sprinkled with silver tarnishing glitter.  Congratulations Kathleen and Nicole!  Way to go!

Hugs,

Happy (Gorgeous and Fun) Holidays from Auntie Joy's!

How much FUN it was at Auntie Joy's last weekend! She had her annual Holiday Open House which always includes 2 days of her shop being transformed from Artist Studio/Project Cottage/Shop with beautiful things to buy and then there is her house!

She is the -best- Holiday Home decorator too! She had her house open for guests to tour with lovely refreshments and beautiful (to die for)decor. She's amazing, it is so different each year! So, which do I share first, the shop or her home? Ok, I'll start with her home. I go a little crazy with pics when I'm there, so sit back and relax because there is eye candy for -miles- here!!

I love the color of the walls in this room:

Darling Advent calendar:

Look at the cubby!  Love it!

This plant stand full of ornaments took my breath away when I walked through the door!  So colorful and sparkly!

Pretty in pink!  You know we love pink!

The cutie in front of this tree is Diane Kaser of Molly Mo's!

Look at this skirt/petticoat chandelier lamp!  Don't you love it?!

I love this room!  It has been a nursery, an office, and a guest room.  I like it best right now.  So Parisian!

Ahhh, don't you feel inspired, relaxed and ready to enjoy the Holidays now?  Me too!  Joy is soooo talented.  Thanks Joy, it was beautiful!

Love,

I Think Some of Our Angels are Human Too!

One of my "human" angels is one of my lifelong friends Deb from Denver.  (Jason from my previous post was her son).  I know she was an angel to him as well, and of course to her hubby, her darling daughter Shelby and and darling grandchildren Delainey and Brady.  She's one of my angels too.  She knows me so well and we have always been able to talk about anything, and we've cried and laughed together for many years.

Last week, a package came in the mail and when my husband brought it in, I said to myself "uh-oh" what did I order now that could get me in trouble?  (Or at least have to explain)!  But it was a beautiful gift from my darling friend Deb!  I was so surprised!  Inside was the most beautiful table cloth that was given to her by her favorite Aunt many years ago. She loves it, but it just isn't her style or colors, so she didn't use it, she just admired it whenever she got something out of her hoosier.  Her style is Americana/Rustic/red white and blue (I must show you pics, because harangue her as I do, she still hasn't started a blog)!  It's so pretty inside and out!

Well, it goes perfectly in my home and with my things. So since you can't be here, I "set the table" for you Deb, so you can see how wonderfully it works with my things!

In the picture above on the right is my Paternal Grandmother's china...

A closer picture of the tablecloth below...

In the photo below, on the left are a few pieces of my Maternal Grandmother's china (a few pieces on loan from my Mom).  :)

The card with the pretty pink flowers on it is also a beautiful picture of some of the flowers from Debbie's garden. 

Isn't it beautiful?  Embroidered and pieced together with crocheted lace!

Below I wanted to show you how well it goes with my dining furniture...

Isn't it perfect?  You know what else?  I didn't have a tablecloth to fit the table!  At Thanksgiving we had to use an old quilt top since I didn't have a tablecloth!  Well, now I DO!  (A wee miracle I think, don't you)?

The pretty roses below are from my son Bill and our grandson Brock.  They brought them for Thanksgiving.  (So precious.  Brock was trying to hide them from me behind his back standing on my front porch.  A precious memory too)!

There you have it (Eva's china on the left and Alice's china on the right).  I -know- neither of them would ever have dreamed of having their things on the table -together- but that's a story for another day!

Most of all, I'm trying to say:

And I do!  Thank you Deb what a precious gift from the heart you gave me!  I will think of your Aunt Marie every time I use it.  And thank you to Brock and Bill for the beautiful roses!  You know I'll dry them and have them always.  Thank you to all of my angels (human and otherwise)!

Love,

In Memory of Jason Douglas Geary: December 4, 1978 - June 17, 2007

I wish this photo were bigger.  Such a handsome guy you were.  I talked to your Mom a long time on the phone today.  We cried and laughed together, and she misses you.  She's glad you're not in pain anymore though.  After, I prayed and lit a candle for you (I haven't lit a candle for someone in decades, I didn't even realize I was doing it at first).  It felt good. Tomorrow is your birthday.  Nobody will forget. My heart goes out to all of your family and friends.  God bless your soul and your Mama's on your birthday.

Love,

And you KNOW What is Coming up this Friday Evening and Saturday, Right?

Yes, 2 posts in one day.  Like you haven't heard enough from me already!  But I have to be sure you add this stop to your itinerary for this Friday and Saturday (along with Vintage Roost and Monticello, of course)!

It's almost time for Joy's (Auntie Joy =Auntie's) Annual Holiday Open House!!  It is at her home in Silverton near the Fire Department and Cemetery.  (Map Quest it so I don't lead you astray).

Joy's Home is Capital D- DARLING and so is her shop!  She opens the shop only for for extra special events (like this one, and only once or twice a year, so you don't want to miss it)!  You'll be able to have a little tour of her home, and have some yummy treats and then step outside to the Shop, to... SHOP!  Joy does all of her own work and everything is so darling.  (If I had a million bucks, I'd buy it all!  (Of course I'd need a much bigger house, but Ohhhh... it would be glorious)!  

So here is Joy's best and cutest Elf, her niece Emily:

She has several Elves to help her because her Open Houses are wildly popular, so I know you won't want to miss!  Joy has some really great helpers Elves, she has the pretty Elf Diane of  Molly Mo fame, she has the very talented Elf Martha of Vintage Trifles, the sweet Elf Patty (who doesn't yet have a blog... we'll see what we can do to change that!), and then she has -me-. 

What (you might ask yourself) in the world does she want with an old (but kinda funny), plump (but kinda cute), worn out (ok,well seasoned), silly (I prefer quirky) Elf with a "bum" shoulder??  Ya got me, but I'm still coming to help!  Maybe she thinks I'll be the entertainment! (Well no, I'm afraid I don't sing or dance...)

Don't scoff yet though, I can still serve cookies and write up receipts with the best of 'em!  And if you're really lucky, and you've been good this year, she might just have a little pumpkin fudge for you to try!  It's the BEST stuff in the world!  (Not that I would know... I've just heard).

So, if I know you, I can't wait to see you again, and if not, I can't wait to meet you!!

Love,

More Magical Christmas from Vintage Roost!

The sun has been shining here a lot lately (no complaints), so it doesn't exactly look like Christmas -but- once you step inside the Roost, it's Christmas all the way!

See what I mean?  So pretty!

Debbie makes these "garden jackets"! (Below).  They are gorgeous, and I wear mine especially in the Fall, Winter and Spring.  She has them in all colors and sizes!

Pretty Nativity set and hand poured soy candles...

What a cheerful little snow person!  I wish I'd have gotten closer with the camera!  So cute!

Same problem.  Not close enough.  Drat.  Take it from me though, they are very cute!

More snow people of a different sort, and some of the home baked goodies!

Isn't this a delightful vignette?  I love the white brush trees and the lamp too.

I took the photo of the scales for my friend Beth.  I better tell her!

Closer view of the countertop vintage scale, huh?

These signs are cute as...  well cute as cherry pie!

Cute little houses everywhere.

Beautiful cones/tussies everywhere.

This darling wool heart can be used like a stocking or a little posie pocket or place to display cute cards or vintage photos.  Aren't the buttons sweet?

The birds and birdhouses were so cute.  She even has birdhouses mounted on cute standing pillars.

I love these vintage shadow boxes.  I like this one better though, because it has little shelves inside. 

Look at these darling green striped stockings!  I  L-O-V-E-D them!

The two soldered bottles below were made by me (at the awesome retreat where I tore my shoulder)... ouch!  I was too stubborn not to do anything though.  (Yes, I paid for it later).  One of the bottles has a vintage chandelier crystal soldered on the top (in a spire shape).  There is glitter and mica inside, together with a small piece of text cut from a vintage book.  (It says "she always had a kind smile for them").  The other one has a celtic shaped cross on it with fancy soldered pieces (in the shape of a cross as well), spanning the bottle front to back and side to side.  It has pretty mica and glitter inside.  (Shameless self-promoting plug is now over).  :)

See these wee ones on the sleigh?  They are dressed in handmade clothing of course and were handmade by Deb together with the other snow people (whom I also adore).

These cute felt trees are so festive.  I fell in love with these mason jar candle holders circled in vintage lace and trims!  So pretty!

There are pretty ornaments of all sorts, all handmade or vintage!

This glittery garland is both shabby and chic.  Loving it!  (There was only one left, so you must hurry if you want it).

The beautiful holly was strung into a bundle for $7 each.  There are gorgeous wreaths, and about everything else you can imagine too!  If you go, you'll have fun!  Be sure to let me know!

I met the lady that made these cookies (Lori), she is so sweet!  She was there helping Deb at the shop.  She made the specially baked crown cookies (below, and on the trees as well).  They are all in the shape of crowns.  I met the lady that makes them (of course bought one for our little guy).  His has blue icing and says "Prince of Very Little", she also made ones that say "Queen of Everything,"  "Princess of Quite a Lot" and "King of Whatever is Left Over."  They look yummy and are decorated with more white icing trim and silver dragees (candies) on top.

She also made the cutest little glittered ornaments/package tie-ons that are glittered initials with white silk ribbons and a dangly jingle bell at the bottom.  ($2.50... I'm not kidding)!  She even had ones that were "school photo size."

Merry Merry!

Love,

Merry and Bright at the Vintage Roost

The Holiday Show at Vintage Roost is in full swing!  You'll probably want to take a trip to Albany to see all of the prettiness Deb has going on!  The show runs 2 more Fridays and Saturdays (10-5) through December 12th.  The darling "Roost" is 1/2 mile off Hwy. 20 in North Albany.  The address is:  935 Scenic Drive, Albany, Oregon.

Beautiful fresh handmade greenery, wreaths, holly, and curly willow.

Here's the holly... fresh green or variegated with pretty red berries!

Cute potting benches and paperwhite starts in the cutest vintage containers.

Deb has my charms displayed in pretty vintage jewelry boxes and dishes.

Beautiful vintage linens, hand-painted signs and a tea service fit for a Queen!

And the most darling hand made Snow People in the prettiest hand made clothing!  Enchanting!

Don't you just love their sweet faces?

Look at this little lady here!  Isn't her coat and clothing to die for?  Ahhhh, swoon!  I just adored her!

See this sweet Frosty gentleman?  I just couldn't resist him!  He is about 20" tall with a vintage pink velvet band on his top hat, and a matching scarf.

He had to come home with me!

Here is a cute pink Santa too.  I had to leave him there since I took Frosty.

Aren't these long knit stockings with vintage bling just beautiful?

There were beautiful trees too.  Isn't this one just "gorge"?   I love it too.  Look at those sweet glittered nests with eggs inside.  Those were made by the darling De who is one of Deb's other artist friends (and neighbors).  She is sweet and beautiful and helps Deb in the store from time to time.  I didn't get to see her today, but I did bring home one of her nests as I thought of her, and how pretty it would be at my house!

I'll show you more pretty things from the Roost tomorrow.

Until then...  many

Love,

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you have a wonderful, bountiful, happy and laughter filled Holiday!  I have so many things to be thankful for, I don't want to give you a detailed list because I'm sure you'd fall asleep reading it.

It's been a very hard year too, and hard for many of my friends and loved ones, so I don't want to give you the idea that everything is always hunky dorey here on the Hill.  But, the thing is I am so very blessed in so many other ways that it makes the hard stuff pale in comparison.  That's what it's all about, right?  Wading through the tough stuff and focusing on the blessings.

Oh yes, and now that I've said "hunky dorey" you now know exactly how old I am too!

Warmest Thanksgiving Hugs,


Cute vintage postcard courtesy of the Graphics Fairy.

Things I Love and Things I Believe

The print above is by Hadley Hutton.  Isn't she amazing?  And, I just found out she is LOCAL!  Could you just die?  I must track her down!

I love this quote from Anne Lamotte's new book:  "Bird by Bird"

Give it all

"Don’t be afraid to give everything you’ve got and avoid saving something for later. Don’t worry that if you give all of yourself too soon you’ll run out of ideas, love or hope. You won’t.

The more you give the more you’ll get back. That’s the way of the world. The more you hold back the lonelier and more unfulfilled you’ll become. So give freely of yourself and to others."

I ran across this quote of Anne Lamotte's book from Annabel Candy who authors "Get in the Hot Spot" I really enjoy this wonderful blog!

Thanks Annabel! (I'm going to put that book on my wish list too)!

Hugs,

Taken in by those Gorgeous Baby Blues!

Here he is, the "beloved one" as I refer to him here on my blog.  He lost his 2 front teeth this week!  The bottom ones are both gone.  He pulled the 2nd one out himself today and during the week his other Grandma pulled the other.  He called to tell me about the first one.  He said "Grandma Laura said she was gonna wiggle it, and she pulled it straight out!"  He was so anxious for the tooth fairy to come that night.  Apparently the tooth fairy didn't come because he held his tooth in his hand all night and the tooth fairy couldn't find it!  (She came the next night though, and left him $3.00).  He's very excited.

Doesn't he look so innocent with the little hands folded beneath his chin?  Yeah, don't let that fool you though, he knows how to "work it"! 

Our little man is growing up so quickly!!  We can't wait to see he and his Daddy on Thanksgiving!

I Usually Can't Stand Exposure!

Exposure of televisions, that is. (Or exposure of the fireplace... isn't this little screen cute?  I got it recently at an Antique Mall).  But, I digress.  The television thing... it has bugged me for years, I've always used an armoire. My husband isn't wild about having the armoire in our current living room because it is a behemoth he thinks it takes up too much room and makes the living room look cramped and small. 

Well, I love my armoire, and he said I could have it in my workshop downstairs instead whenever I finally get my act together and get that place organized already! whenever I want to replace it with something to hold the television.

Hmmm, the wheels started turning...  "I DID just buy those cute vintage chicken coops from Joy" I thought to myself.  She had called me the day before telling me that she had them in her truck and would bring them right over to me!  (How is THAT for great customer service)?!  "Well, he is home today," I said.  (Which is code for Omigosh!  No, don't do that, he took the day off today and doesn't know yet that I have bought them).  Don't you love your friends who know your "code" language?  (Love you Joy)!  I was thinking about telling him, just couldn't figure out how to explain to him that I planned to "decorate" our home with 2 very old chicken coops (complete with old feathers)...  (Remember however, they are painted a very light chippy aqua)!  I mean seriously, how could I pass them up?  I had been looking for some for over a decade!

The DH has pretty much given up trying to have any input into decor decisions.  He says that he always likes how it turns out anyway, so why worry?  But chicken coops!  Did I ever mention that he is prone to allergies of all sorts and that he likes a very clean house?  I finally got up the nerve and spilled it to him.  He said, "sure, good idea!"  (I promise you, he really said that)!  He jumped in the truck and headed over to Joy's to get them.  No problem!  He even came home and cleaned them before he brought them in the house.  (Well, you know he would)! 

So even though it has taken me months to show you and to admit that my television is exposed to the world...  here it is in all it's gargantuan glory.  (It isn't yet properly fixed up with cute things right now, because I'm transitioning to Holiday).

I know, I know but Hey Debbie, finally here are my coops!  I'm just getting the nerve to show them!  (Debbie has a coop too)!  I'll get her to share a picture with us.  She's still in Denver, and I'm not, so I haven't even seen hers yet.  I bet it is gorge!!  (Maybe not as gorgeous as aqua, but very cool, nonetheless)!

What's that you ask? Where are the photos of the workroom with the armoire in it? People! You know I have a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder! I'm far too delicate to put things in tubs, label them and put them on shelves.... as you might imagine. (Ouch)! (Besides, most of you don't know that I have been "talking" about doing this project ad nauseum for years). Ok, I admit it, it's still a mess. I'm making a list of volunteer organizers/helpers, so you just let me know and I'll sign ya right up)! Darn, let this be a pathetic warning be a lesson to you... don't procrastinate! (You could tear or break something, then you'll really be stuck with your own mess)!  :)

Hugs,

More Pretty Things from Charlotte's Brocante

This is the last of the things I bought at Charlotte's Brocante a few weekends ago. They are a birthday present to Joy, but I didn't want to show you all before I gave them to her. They are porcelain pots from France (vintage 1800s). Aren't they cute? Perfect colors (well for girls like us)!

Speaking of Joy, I went to her house for a little crafting today.  It was so much fun!  Lisa from A Thing For Roses was there as well, and she is so cute and funny (she made yummy turkey, bacon, avocado wraps for us too)! 

We shared some vintage supplies with each other and whipped up a little Christmas!

I don't have anything to show you yet, as Joy sent me home when my arm started hurting.  I left all of my things (and my junk too) and just came home.  How nice is it to have a friend who lets you come play, make a mess, play with her toys and then leave with the mess still there?!  When I go finish, I can just show up, sit down and pick up right where I left off.

Oh yes, "the" arm (shoulder).  Well, it turns out that my rotator cuff is torn after all (ugh), so I start physical therapy this week, and I will be diligent, because I sure don't want to have surgery.  I hear it is a hard one.  Yikes.

Warm Hugs,

Sheila

Exciting News from My Friend Denise!

Omigosh! You might know about one of my best blog friends in the whole universe... Denise of Bella Dreams.  She posted such wonderful news today!!   Her daughter Heather is one of the most talented furniture painting artists ever!  (Seriously, you must look at her Shutterfly photos).  Every time I see another one of her projects, I want to drive straight to Oklahoma to get it!  (Well, Oklahoma and Oregon are quite the distance apart, but Denise and I speak of flying to see one another and just go junking for the entire visit).  Anyway...  if I were rich I would buy every one of Heather's furniture pieces.  (Guess I'll need a huge house to enjoy it all too, because Heather is one productive young women!  Sheesh!  Again, I digress!!

What I'm trying to tell you in all of my bumbling excitement and goose bumping glory that Heather has won FIRST PLACE in the painted category in the "Oh la la" contest at Chez Fifi!  I don't want to steal her thunder, so please go to the links to see Heather's fabulous before and after winning entry!  Isn't it the most awesome thing you've ever seen?  Denise and Heather have a space at an Antique Market called "The Rink" and it is a former skating rink!  Doesn't that sound like fun???  You'll have to peruse their blog to check out all of the beautiful work they do!  I want to go to the Rink now (in person) don't you)?!

Also, Heather's design portfolio here is also on their blog.  (Lucky Peach, isn't that the cutest name)?



p.s. Denise is the friend whose blog button has been on my sidebar awhile... she is having a Holiday Blog and Decorating and Craft party December 5th!