The Musing Magpie

A Beautiful Mess Antiques: A BEAUTIFUL MESS TURNS "ONE" TODAY & GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-11-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Mess Antiques: A BEAUTIFUL MESS TURNS "ONE" TODAY & GIVEAWAY!!!: As the saying goes..... " Time Flies When You're Having Fun." It's hard to believe that a year ago today we were celebrating the Grand Ope...

Blink...NOT!

2011-08-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wait 20 seconds for music to start!

Thanks for hangin in there... the last two posts were emailed around to a load of family who are not blog savvy and I left them for all to share ...These are things that matter~ not keeping up with wonderbloggers! Hopefully can I find a good stride now!

Moving on.

It is here. Yes... the Final exam of Parenthood, High School~ has arrived.

I looked for Zach Ephron and company doing a choreographed welcome dance... NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.

I did not see Miley and Taylor strumming a guitar either... as a matter of fact it was really anti-climactic.

A week of errand running, haircuts, backpacks, grooming of all sorts... and then in a tear filled blink of an eye it was a 5 minute drive and a few 14 year old girl shrieks accentuated by nerves

and then "o.k. mom...drop me off here...I will text you after school." Although I swear she muttered something about wanting to be homeschooled... she then dropped it as soon as a~ boy.~I MEAN GUY... walked by...

Thank God for BFF's. Seriously...blessed in the buddy category.

I remember their graduation from elementary school, the midnight showings of Twilight, cd releases at Wal-mart... Eyeliner...then more eyeliner ... It seems to FLY by...

I know that the next four years will buzz by too... I'm praying to stay present and grateful...

They are treasures and will be difference makers. Here's to a new season!

G.O. S.O.P.H.I.E. And J.A.Y.M.I.E...GOOOOO Girrllls!

The thin space.

2011-07-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

tap tap... hello?... I realize this has been a few and far between.
I hope you stick with me!

I was just getting back in the blogging groove and I was called away, again~ to see my dad.
I have needed to just take my time to process that event.

The wierd thing about the season of death is ~it's beginnings are sudden, even if you have been given the grace of expecting it.

It is ( at least in my experiences) strangely calm. The emotional wave that begins is what I did not know how to prepare for.

The wave is comforting and rythmic then all of a sudden an undertoe of profound grief ( NOT regret) but g.r.i.e.f. ~just deep soul sadness at the loss~ will pull me under for a moment, then I surface again and "all is well." Maybe even better for the release.

He has decided to die at home, not in a hospital or hospice. His wife tends to his needs quarter hourly. Adjusting sheets, injecting meds...taking messages from ( 100's of) friends and relatives, flipping channels and when he asks for it grabbing a banana or sip of ice water. Her attitude is .."it is a privilge...to deliver him." Just beautiful.

The details are not what I saw though. When I went in to His house to stay, I realized I was in a holy place.

Really, I call it the "Thin space." The place where eternity and present intersect. Where the eternal is beginning to eclipse the reality of the present.

One thing about my dad is he has lived with intense intention. His mind and heart were searching most of his life. He has commited himself to social work, holistic living, nature, learning, friendships, travels. He loves living. He has now prepared to die with the same "mindfulness" that he approached living.

Now, from what I observe, he loves finishing the race with dignity and peace that are ONLY produced by removing the "static" of the mundane and the little details of our physical life.

He keeps reassuring us that he is not sad. He is ready. He wants to be giving love and a peaceful presence as long as his mind and body will allow him to.

I looked around his home and saw the shadows of today in the gleaming promise of what is to come. I saw flowers delivered by a friend, for him to enjoy. I saw a table lovingly organized with syringes, swabs and medication. I saw a ball hat with the human rights symbol emblazoned on it.

I saw cards and notes form people wishing to express comfort and peace...

Then~ when I looked at him I saw a physical shadow of who he used to be BUT I saw a spirit that was gaining strength and wholeness by facing the inevitable passage with courage and humilty.

I had to hug him goodbye. I had to get up and walk away knowing, that it was the last time I would hold his hand. ( something we did my entire life.) I had to tell him , that it was ok, that our leg of the journey was appreciated and and that I received the heart he had for me as a father, I had to promise dance with him when we got "there."

I am still understanding the impact of staying there with him in that "thin space" has had on me, it is a life changing encounter. To view all I do knowing that day WILL come for me as a wife, as a mother as friend to someone else...It inspires me to bring as much of that eternity in to RIGHT now as I possibly can...

Thanks dad, for the beautiful example. I love you. Always will.

ahhhh time to refresh.

2011-06-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hellooooooo. I realize I may have lost your interest. I have taken a looong break.

I have been "fasting" a lot of computer activity and focusing on helping my daughter finish middle school and look towards high school~ strong.

I have been re-energizing my relationship with my sweet husband
and deeply processing some feelings of grief, which break way into acceptance. ahhh.

I have to say Spring is my fave time of year.
The regrowth, the expectation the freshness of it all... I am always smitten with the blooms, scents, the farmers markets, outdoor events, rain breaking way to sunny days...
the perfect ones.

I love the neighbor toddlers walking around outside with popsicles,
not to mention the garage sales and lemonade stands...
yes~ I truly love spring.

It screams out fresh start. New beginnings, wide open spaces.

What are you greatly anticipating?

GG Boots.

2011-03-27T21:07:00.001-07:00

Today is a day that changed the world.

It changed countless lives, and it set the course for mine. Today was the day my "GG" was born.

In March of 1917... the height of the influenza epidemic... my sweet grandma Francesca was born.

Her father was older...50 ish... and an accomplished barber, her older brother was her aunts son...( he married sisters...)~ life appears to have always been complicated!~ The influenza epidemic claimed her mother. They were both ill and her mother lost her life caring for her... typical mother love.So in way, with an older father and a deceased mother GG was an orphan. She spent time with a swedish immigrant family in Omaha with 11 children. Her father would visit her on the weekends. She says it was a happy childhood...

Later she married my " bohunk" ( slang for Czech) grandfather Alphonse. They spent time at the "beer joint" , the Sokol hall... and danced and drank with all the Czech and Polish couples starting thier lives in America. They had four children who had an army of children...They owned a stocked lake and made a living from the packing house, owned a "tavern" and "Gypsies" who would fish from the lake all Summer, some Carp, some Catfish... nobody could clean and fry a fish like GG.

The overarching one truth about Grandma Frances was ... if it needed to eat, needed to talk, needed a hug, needed money, needed a footrub... ( she had a reflexology license in the 60's) she was there. The Super nurturer. There was no animal, baby, soul in her world, that was not loved deeply and tenderly.

She gave up A LOT and waited on, cared for, tended to, fed, loved anything and everything in her grasp... I can NOT think of a more profound legacy...

Grandma Thank you for the example! Happy Birthday GG!

Adventure Project!

2011-03-22T06:51:00.001-07:00

Please read Amanda's post... she puts it beautifully... and brings the reality of the need home to us...

http://purvistribe.blogspot.com

Help us raise money today... the link below is set for you to do so!!!

http://www.theadventureproject.causevox.com/

Magpie will also be selling AMAZING soaps in the shop... starting 3/22 all proceeds support

The Adventure Project!

Much Love, and appreciate the simple grace of a clean glass of water!

Nebraska the Good Life.

2011-03-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

I know I am so infrequent... I miss you guys!
I went "home" to visit my dad, and grandma, and (step) daughter and her kids... I went home mostly to spend my time with my dad.
He has been dealing with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis for 10 years... and is an inspiration.
He has learned every aspect of nutrition, healthy living, being intentional in every area of life...so that it matters... he is a picture of strength and dignity.

His wife, Susan, is a perfect example of helpmate, friend and partnership. Not only is she a mother, she runs her own very formidable law firm, serve on countless committees for causes she believes in ...she also is an author, takes care of my father and is a brilliant hostess! sheesh...I'm tired now.

I can not remember a table that was not fully turned out at her house... usually after an important hearing or speaking engagement... talk about bringing home the bacon AND frying it up in he pan!

It was awesome to be be there and watch the intentionality with which they both approach things... very important lesson... they really try not to ever spread themselves too thin ...which is easy to do!

One of the values they share, and have impressed me with is to celebrate every aspect of your life! Your waking, your working, eating, resting, even your dying... yes... a beautiful example to follow!

We loved being back in " The GOOD Life..." YES! I LOVE COLORADO!!! but there is so much about the Midwest to celebrate! The simplicity, and beauty in rural living...

The very strongly held convictions by all. The full intensity of the seasons. The traditions and consistency of a strongly grounded community.

I fell in love with this guy... what a honey!

On the road to my fathers farm I was struck with the faith it requires to push ahead only seeing a little ahead before the bend in the road, the reality and severity of each season, the truth that sometimes we most trust that our comfort will come... but our job is to proceed... and be open for it.

It was cold, damp and chilly. Yet, there was burgeoning of what was coming... there was an expectancy of the warmth~ of rebirth~ of Spring...

Yes, I was blessed with the revelation that there is beauty in every season and celebrating it is our not only our privilege but our responsibilty.

Happy Sunday!

Could it be possible?

2011-02-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

This is my Sophie. She is proudly modeling the new feathers she had put in her hair.
She is also proudly modeling her "birthday makeup..." because today she is 14. ( cue gasp.)

It is not possible right? I am only 23...oh yeah ~I already told you I was 40.

Today I can hardly believe there are only a few ~ 4 maybe 5 more summers, of her at home, it seemed like we had plenty of time... and today I am very painfully aware that every minute must be treasured. It really flies. Listen to me moms of little ones...Don't blink.

We started her day off with Krispy Kremes and candles...( don't tell Mrs. Obama, I don't think she likes me as it is...)
We are going to pick her up from school for a Jimmy Johns Lunch... and her dad and I might shed a tear over coffee this morning...we are softee's.

Happy Birthday Sweet Sophia... you are a container of Joy! I love you.

What comes around goes around...

2011-02-16T10:15:00.001-08:00

Twelve years ago... I started making jewelry and selling it in local Omaha Boutiques...
I enjoyed a following of collectors of my wearable one fo a kind art.
That season came to an end 4 years ago when I moved to Colorado.

The new season, opened up my creative view...and I dove into furniture restoration, upcycling vintage and found items... rescuing anything old and useful... I enjoy my retail space and interior design opportunities~ I live a creative dream!

So now it is a new year, new season, and the jewelry has crept back into my repetoire of creative living... I have to admit I love EVRY SINGLE ONE OF THESE!

They are all one of a kind, and a perfect mix of old, and tarnished alongside the beautiful twinkle of vintage rhinestone.

These and more will be available 2.18.11 at Magpie in the Barn... come down if your local and see!

Remember to do something you love everyday!

Muahhh!

Peace.

2011-02-12T08:31:00.001-08:00

Hey you.

I am so pleased that we are thawing out. I have been cooped up inside and not very productive for a week now. We have had some brutal winter weather... which here in Colorado is typically mild with erratic storms. Not used to the long stretches.
With my husband and daughter home it is difficult to find time to escape and write~ or escape and think for that matter...

I have also been faced with the news of my fathers diagnosis/prognosis. This has been a low grade concern for years but actually has become very clear that the time left is brief. ( Less than 6 months brief.) I am accepting of this and had a long time to process... but nothing can actually prepare you for the REALITY that someone you love so much is dying.
The immense heaviness of it bears on all you do... whether you are aware of it or not. I am not fighting the facts or angry or demanding answers, but I am grieved... in a deep deep way. Grief is a very unique emotion because ~ I have found ~ it is wrapped in acceptance which in ITS OWN SWEET TIME can give way to peace.

In studying the biblical root word for Peace, I have found that the English language is so one dimensional...Peace like Love are flat little words in our language. In the Hebrew Peace ( Shalom) has multi-faceted meaning: Perfect. Whole. Complete. Lacking in NO good thing.

Now, as a parent I empathize so much with what my dad must be feeling. I will someday be faced with watching my daughter ~watch me leave this earth... and it would burden me so if she was striving and angry and broken. I would want her to have Peace. Perfection. Wholeness.
This is what I wish for her... so I can only imagine this is what will lighten my own fathers load as he walks toward the horizon of his life. My heart is to grieve my way to deep peace and live like he has tried to teach me all along... his theme to me has been " don't worry~ bout a thing... evry little thing is gonna be all right" ...

Come to think of it this is our heavenly Fathers message as well...

ALL is WELL.

and the precious Lord said... MY PEACE I leave to you.

I can through this time of change more deeply experience this truth. For that I am thankful.

Have a peaceful beautiful full weekend!

Open handed life ( pt. 2)

2011-02-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

...love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

When I look at the attributes I talked about in the previous

post... the next one that really touches me is generosity.

One thing that has been burgeoning so deep in my heart is always be generous of spirit. When I am with people I am learning to discipline myself to be totally present. To avail myself.

It is written that "deep calls to deep" and I believe that ones heart knows if you are turned toward them and available.

Generosity is an attitude, not an occasional act, or donation. This is a paradigm shift that has most got my attention lately.

Generosity also encompasses the others, you most humble yourself to give, it is evident that it is sincere, and it usually is expressed as some form of hospitality...

Happy February... happy open handed life!

Open handed life. ( part one.)

2011-01-31T06:16:00.001-08:00

Hello... is it February? What?I have missed you.

I realize I have not been the most faithful at posting, I truly love it A LOT ...but honestly I can't sit down and and "plop" something out for the sake of a new post. Then there is laundry, my marriage, volleyball and my business...the usual suspects.

Truth be told, I would prefer to be off at a great retreat, honing my photography, creating anything... another road junkin trip. However, I am a wife and mother who runs a business and sometimes blogs...

When I started blogging... it was not to "build" a following, "wow" the creative community, share all my wardrobe choices, or enter in to the sorority of blogging which ~ which all are great~by the way ~each a really interesting dynamic...for another time...

No. I started because, I was flat lining creatively, I was ( really still am) in the middle of a major life upheaval and my temptation was to wall off and play it safe. Keep it "close to the vest" and observe.
Then there was a still small voice that reminded me...do not put your light under a basket. Safety is not the goal... your life is not your own.

Which brings me to this... "The open handed life."

I just heard a beautiful message on this. In light of my own fathers cancer progression...these words are very powerful to me. I don't want a closed fist demanding why? I want to have an outstretched hand that gives and receives a loving, powerful life.

There are five fingers on the open hand.

1. Authenticity.2. Generosity.3. Humility.4. Sincerity.5. Hospitality.

Authenticity. The first attribute... a very important one to me. Again, why I don't regularly post because I just can't...so that being said, I have no intention of informing my fellow bloggers on how to be authentic or what that looks like. I believe your journey is your own and I will applaud you along your path. Thanks for spending time with me on mine! I am humbled and thankful that anyone has taken a moment to have a look.
I will continue to find my own way around an authentic, beautiful life.
And although it is counter intuitive for me, I will continue to share it ( generosity).
I will continue to say whats on my heart ~ the good , the bad and the trivial ( sincerity).
I will continue to hone my writing or photography knowing there is always room for improvement
( humility) ... if I waited till I was great at it I would never start...
and I will continue to invite you to stop by and share the journey...
( hospitality.)

I want to underscore the gratitude that I feel for the encouragement, kind words, new friendships... It makes the risk totally worth it!

p.s. I believe a beautiful example of a transparent, authentic blog is Humble Pie.
Lissa has shared her pain and triumph, her delight in the little things and her lesson in a way that is not glossy or disingenuous. Her loveliness is evolving and self evident. When you have some time read through her archives and be blessed by her vulnerability.
I was so moved by her willingness to put it all out there, and to keep evolving, I love this approach and am inspired to do the same. Enjoy!

Simply Adore...

2011-01-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

Synonyms: love, cherish, worship

transitive verb
1
: to worship or honor as a deity or as divine
2
: to regard with loving admiration and devotion
3
: to be very fond of

Sometimes words are watered down.~ Sometimes we throw them around like a nerf football...
Really they are containers of POWER.

Do you Adore a pair of shoes? or a candle from Anthro? Really?

I am totally guilty of designating a lot of excitement to things that really don't merit it... I am a communicator...it is par for the course. This year I am trying to simplify and get down to what matters most!

Two things rise up in my heart when I sit still ~ simple and adore.

Actually it is more like this..."Simply Adore Me."

My created purpose at the end of the day is to to love and worship God, enjoy Him and His creation.

I increasingly see that adoring what and who He has entrusted me with is His preferred form of being worshipped... 2011 will be dedicated to Simply Adoring...

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. ( I Chronicles 29:11)

I adore my daughter... especially her laugh!

I adore my husband.. best friend.

I adore my little companion... love with fur on it!

Xo.

Boil it down.

2011-01-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

Just some gratuitous photos of Magpie.

But more than that~ what is emerging in my retail shop is reflective of my personal life. It is pared down, basics, elemental, raw.

No superfluous fluff. No embellishments... just the inherent beauty of form and function, patina from time, no manipulations...

My words for the New Year are "SIMPLY ADORE."

More on Adore later...I'm starting with Simple.

Enjoy, XO.

Au revoir...

2010-12-31T07:10:00.000-08:00

(found)

It's Time!

Well... here we are, one year!
Goodbye 2010... you have been kinder and gentler than the prior years and for that I am thankful.

I could do a long review, highlighting different events or posts from the last year...

BUT~ I would really like to keep it SIMPLE.

Happy New Year to each of you.
Thanks for the uplifting, encouragement, soul connections.

I wish you a Happy New Year, celebrate safe tonight and more imortantly I wish you the grace to zero in on the significance of celebrating New Years Eve...

To fondly and thankfully review the gifts of the last twelve months...
To set your compass on the open road of the next twelve...
and hopefully to kiss someone you love in some really cute shoes at Midnight...I will probably be in footie socks by then but I will wear my shoes to dinner...

Au revior 2010!

Simply Christmas~2010

2010-12-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind. ~ Albert Einstein

They say the world has become too complex for simple answers. They are wrong.~Ronald Reagan

The business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective. ~Warren Buffet

All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. ~ Winston Churchill

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do. ~Mother Teresa

The Gateway to Christianity is not through an intricate labyrinth of dogma, but by a simple belief in the person of Christ. ~Norman Vincent Peale

The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.~ Confucius

We Simply wish you A Very Merry Christmas.

Forty Things...

2010-11-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

Like I said.. I was going to let my light shine...ain't she sparkly?

Seriously... I thought about sharing forty things. No particular order of importance, no theme just forty tidbits, quotes, likes, dislikes, fun facts, things I am grateful for that are randomly rolling round in my head and deserving a landing spot.

1. I love being Sophie's Mom. Bar none~ favorite thing about my life.
2. I can/ do curse like a sailor. Sorry sailors.
3.I never thought I would move back to Colorado (after 18 years) and I thank God EVERYDAY that we did.
4. I hate running. ALOT.
5. I am a weirdo dog person. I love him and baby him. It's borderline crazy.
6. C.S. Lewis is my favorite philosopher, writer, public figure of the modern age.
7.Not a huge fan of sweets...really.
8. I have NO tattoos.
9. I laugh the hardest with my husband: he has a ridiculously dry ( sometimes cheesy) sense of humor.
10. I am sarcastic. Sometimes it's useful for cutting tension, lightening up people at work other times it's wicked...I hope~think I've learned to channel it as I've aged.

11. I have anxiety attacks in the wind. I. HATE. WIND.
12. I am still very flexible and can rock yoga ~ when I do it.
13. I am becoming aware of some regrets ~ learning to accept them is painful but necessary.
14. I LOVE Learning new things... I am insatiable.
15. Omaha is an AWESOME city. Highly underestimated.
16. I am thankful for all lady friends, Omaha girls I am rich rich rich in you. Colorado girls... My cup is now running over...blog friends and yes I consider you heart friends... Who knew you could grow so fond so far away?
17. I love Piccolos Steak House in Omaha. YUM.
18. The one outgrowth of my walk with the Lord is an unnatural/ supernatural love for people around me... trust me it is not me...I'm like Karen on Will and Grace, but through HIS lens I see the eternal person it is profoundly humbling.
19. The freedom we have to worship, disagree, be complacent if we choose...SHOW OUR HAIR AND FACE...ladies... is the number one most cherished possession in my life.
20. If I got a tattoo it would be the address of my fave verse I never don't get chills.
ISAIAH 61:1~ The Spirit of the Living God is upon me... he has sent me to heal the sick, feed the poor BIND UP THE BROKEN HEARTED AND SET THE PRISONERS FREE!" I get really excited about healing broken hearts and telling people they are free.

21. In 19 74 my dad and I traveled across the western United States~ to Northern California~ in a van named "CLOUD." Indeed we did. ( No he is not Cheech or Chong, but close.) My dad is a great teacher.
22. The older I am the more I realize why we were young and idealistic, and now we must be measured and thoughtful. Interesting change in perspective, subtle too.
23. Until last week I had 35 pairs of shoes. I wear the same 3 or 4 90% of the time.
24. I am certain that I have some form of OCD. It keeps me from permanently losing myself in some creative tornado.
25. "A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." CS LEWIS ~ fave quote ever.
26.Confession... It hurts when people "come on strong" and go lukewarm with no explanation. Really bugs me.
27. My stepdaughter~ Kristen~ is one of my favorite people I have ever spent time with. She makes me laugh without trying. ALOT.
28. Realization...When you love people it's not a question of if but when they will break your heart, But you gotta do it.
29. I am the worlds proudest aunt. My nephews and niece are AWESOME.
30. I had big Bon Jovi Blond hair in the eighties... aqua net, Marlboro lights..It is a miracle I did not blow myself up.
31. SUSHI~ I could eat tuna rolls everyday of my life.
32. My first real date with my hubby was "Phantom of the Opera" in NEW YORK.
33.My all time favorite memory of my step daughter Faith is ..." Sorry to tell you this BUT I am allergic to Olives." You had to be there.
34. I want to grow old with a sense of humor like my 95 year old Grandma "GG".
She is funny stuff ~still.
35. It is easy for me to love people from a safe distance, boundaries are a good, good thing.
36. I literally can tell you what it is like to lose EVERYTHING. I mean it~ all material possession gone. YOU are most definitely NOT what you have. You can survive.
37.I am eternally grateful to my mom and Denny. I love you both to a million pieces.
38. As I age it is easier for me to forgive and move on more than ever before...I think it's a matter of not taking myself too seriously. Been there~ done that.
39. I lost four people in the last year. Life is fragile.
40. I am so very thankful for it all.

WORD TO MY SISTAS.

2010-11-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?'
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God ~that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~ via Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech

Here is the deal. ~In 2 days I will be... ( gasp) 40.
Yes I will.

So with that being said... I am wanting to share the lessons that I have earned, some very costly.
The quote above is not just a "sweep: feel good" statement. It is a drum march of my walk.
I experienced a lot of cruelty in school, I moved a lot and was the " new girl"... I was a target for pettiness and jealousy all through high school. Well, as we have all learned women don't stop being ridiculous when they graduate. They grow teeth.

Years ago I gave up being frustrated with the lack of really confident women who could be friends with depth and character. Ironically, when I quit being disappointed...in the lack of dynamic women, I started intersecting more and more frequently with powerhouses.

I was equipped to appreciate and celebrate these women and their strengths, talents, abilities...I was in a place where I could accept/ delight in the endless creativity of God in his knitting together women who were frankly in each of their own rights amazing.
I did not struggle with comparison or jealousy... I really was enamored with the qualities of the gals I had the privilege to share time with.
One thing~ though~ that has risen to the surface the subtle doubt I still held about myself.
I have never embraced the possibility that I may be holding back. While I know I can whole~ heartedly appreciate and admire another ... I don't unfold because of fear.
Yes it's true.
OF WHAT? doesn't matter... fear is never a good motivation. It is the opposite of FREEDOM.

found image.

(Psalm 119:45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.)

So, now that I am aware of this temptation to operate at less than my full potential, I am going to be intentional about guarding my heart. Yes 40 is going to be the mile marker of "FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY."~ in other words courage.

I still find friendships elusive, sometimes tricky...but I am willing to be brave.

Let's face it, I am a mother to a dynamic daughter... I have sisters and a powerful sister in law... and a new niece... it is imperative that I don't hide my light under a basket...

I will still feel doubt, anxiety ...and sometimes people WILL BE MEAN. But I am not willing to have any unnecessary regrets. Part of growing wiser is valuing the power of BEING INTENTIONAL. My favorite pastor used to say..."humility is not thinking too highly of yourself OR too lowly...it is agreeing with God about your worth." AMEN.

" This little light of mine... I am going to let it shine...let it shine... let it shine."

1 Chronicles 29:11Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.

Fruits of our labor.

2010-11-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have been on a Home Detox. Three moves in three years and going form 6,000 sf to 1,100 sf
wreaks havoc on your organizational mojo.

SO I dedicated a 3 full days to pitching, throwing, donating and today I am going to rest.

A view of my desktop... I have not seen that in months.

All the activity has tuckered out my friends.

More pics tomorrow!

Some days are just like that! LET IT GO.

2010-11-17T11:19:00.001-08:00

(Taken near my moms at Red Rocks Country Club. Poor dude.)

I'm AWARE of my very hit and miss blogging. I miss you all so much.

However, first things must remain first and it is the busiest season after all!

Now, the topic that has been front and center for me EVEN during this busy season is...

CLARITY.

simplify. streamline. let go.purge.

DETOX.

NOW~ as a collector and purveyor of "fine found objects" this is counter intuitive...

BUT oh so necessary.

It is also the underlying philosophy of my craft... I really find beauty in every day~ functional ~useful items...hence my tag line "utility chic."

I really shy away from " sit abouts" that are just pretty. Oh, I'm drawn to the allure of charming "tchotchkes" but I just can't bring myself to fill my home or even my shop with too many items that don't also add function.

I firmly believe that clutter, excess~ creates a drag on our well being.

Quite literally static in our thinking.

In the health industry right now everyone is aware of the benefits of "cleansing". Our digestive system can more effectively bank and store nutrients when it is not drug down by "sludge." Then it is free to FUNCTION with vitality. Same MUST be true of our soul.

Well truths are truths... and I believe this is true emotionally and creatively. When you get bogged down by your things, clothes, shoes, belongings, goals ...even good ones...you are not clear to enjoy, create , think.

Ironically, the more you have... things, success, goals, the more time you have to take care of maintaining your deteriorating goods... or incomplete relationships...and the slavery begins.

On a post in the not too distant future I will detail my journey of this realization... suffice to say I'm a former possessor of MUCH.

But today, I am very literally LETTING GO. It is a nesting day... I am starting practically with drawers, closets, nooks and crannies. If it is not immediately useful it is GONE. ( Unless it is REALLY REALLY beautiful. wink.)

EXHALE.

There is freedom in trusting that I will have what I need when I need it. And if I don't ,I will have the grace to accept that too.

What I will have is the emotional resources to commit my fullness to my loved ones,to create unhindered, to have my words and actions line up...and to have peace while I'm coming and going. I will not be guilty of over- promising and under- delivering...and that will be my success!

Next post... pics of the new home style I'm calling " monastic chic." hee.hee.

Fa la la my hands are glued together, again.

2010-10-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

More Christmas Crafts preview...

Christmas tags

Floral treats

Hostess gift boxes, Perfect for a truffle or pair of earrings...so precious.

Hair treat. Candied violet. Inspired by my Sophie... she wears one I made her years ago ~ALL THE TIME.

All these and more at the Red Rocks Country Club Holiday Boutique November 5 and 6th.

Also at Magpie in the Barn.
www.thebarncastlerock.com

Fa la la.

sneaky peeky... My Christmas inspiration, Maps Music and Math. SO pretty!

2010-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Ornament.

Magnet set.

Ornament.

re~ purposed post card.

Just a quick look at Magpies ~Christmas Theme.

I love old paper. I love things that have use. So my inspiration has been Music, Maps and Math.

All hand crafted by yours truly.

I will be "leaking" more Images as we go!

Cheers.

Pure freedom.

2010-10-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Last night we were having some fun ...outside it was so beautiful and crisp. A beautiful October eve.

I watched my daughter playing around and was struck so deeply that this is the freedom that we were born walk in. It is our choice though.

Hair blowing, skip in our step, breeze on our cheeks. Free.~ to love ~ to serve~ free to give.

The one thing we possess that even God does not is our free will. It is ours to give.

I for one will treasure it!

Happy October.

prepping...Red Rocks CC Holiday Boutique

2010-10-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Just A quick sneak at what Im up to... Christmas is so fun!

Doing a boutique show at my moms club... I love the gals up there and I have a great time... from now till then ~though~ it is NOSE to the grindstone!

Another busy friend of mine just finished her collection WOW!
Here is my inspiration and the view form my front door!

Officially fall is here ... let the madness begin!

Frosting!

2010-10-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Blog friends. I have missed you!

It's no surprise to you all how busy juggling a family, a business, meaningful relationships, and a blog not to mention trying to create, can be.

I was surprised to realize it is THAT time again! It is the beginning of Christmas in retail land.

ZOIKS!
One of the clearest reminders to me every year is the talk of the Junior League Holiday Boutique.

It's a good one! The kick off night is " The Frosting Event."

There are martinis~ finger food~ a " swag bag" and to really get you frosted a diamond drawing...
What more could a girl want in a give away?

I did not participate as a vendor this year but two of my fellow "Barnies" did.
They are extremely gifted, creative and successful women.
I shot some fun shots of their version of frosty Christmas. I wanted to share and sort of
"prime the Christmas pump" ( as if you needed it...)

This is Beth Moore. WOW. is one word that describes her. She is a force... very good business woman, her laugh can be heard through the Barn, and if she is not a pink sparkly girly girl...NO ONE is...she is a joyful spirit who effects the atmosphere... this picture is a slight indication of her bright heart.

Chic Junque.

Chic Junque.

Beth's sister Pam: who is also a great girl... hand made these adorable clutches... they are lined and beautifully made... These will be HOT.

And Then there is Amy Smith.

Amy is one of the most talented handmade ~re-purposing people I know. She sees something beautiful in everything she looks at. Her handmade, mosaics, furniture, paper goods, are endless. She has a cult like following... and she LOVES what she does.

Her style is a little more muted than Beth's off the chain vibrant color, but their collective good taste and passion for girly goodness compliments each other beautifully.

Amy is also known the proprietress of all things white. Hence her shop name: Whitewash.

These hand glittered ornaments are a Christmas staple in her shop... real German glass glitter is what sets these apart.

And~ while my Christmas music wreath was a source of great pride for me last year~

( NO... I saw one online and am not claiming to have thought it up!)

I have to give her props for her beautifully aged and perfectly executed "Literary" wreath... her workmanship is beautiful.

Get ready girls... the frosting has begun!

Joyeaux Noel!

Baa Baa Black Sheep.

2010-09-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

found.

Do you ever feel like The Black Sheep?

The one that just doesn't quite fit? ~ Or perhaps is "misunderstood"...which can sometimes be worse than being overlooked. Or Forgotten.

I believe that one of the darkest realities that we all face is that when we are left alone with our thoughts, we can begin to feel inadequate, or isolated.

If you don't feel that... just wait you will.

I know women who are so talented and kind~ and they find themselves in situation that makes them off balance with others, or feel grieved and think..."what just happened?" ~ " I am a nice person..."

This is nothing new under the sun. There is a continual assault against our purpose of living free from worry , doubt and anxiety... there is a strategy against our freedom to LOVE. To be generous of heart and spirit.

I am lavished with friends. Old friends new friends, deep friends...that I cry with and share all, funny friends, light hearted friends~ who prefer to stay in the shallow end, which is fine, sometimes a relief actually.
I have talented, deep, quality friends... both new and from my life in Omaha. I am surrounded by powerhouses...it's a little unnerving really....

On several recent occasions I have been left a little awed by the impact of a simply GENUINE gesture.

Not too long ago I was pining and feeling a little disconnected and lonely and My beautiful friend Laurie, who I had just met, invited to a party of long time friends ... I was the only new person, She made feel so welcome, and so embraced ... and she provided an opportunity to meet her great friends, I was so touched at her free inclusion to a rather intimate gathering, it blessed me so. It also opened up very meaningful friendships. Thank you Laurie.

Another recent occasion I was exhausted and worn from moving my shop and expanding.
Mentally, physically, creatively exhausted, Just at the tipping point my friend Jeanne called FROM HER FAMILY VACAY to check in and see how it was going!!! I was so moved and her sweet inquiry re-energized me and filled me with gratitude, that was not all... as soon as she arrived in town she had her hubby drop her off ~ WITH A STARBUCKS FOR ME~ and helped me until late at night...who does that? Jeanne...my friend.

My friend Amanda.. who I posted about in the post titled "Mrs. Purvis"... regularly encourages me, shares her talents with me and her authentic , gentle nature is always a comfort.

And this week when I was flat on my back... with a severe spinal compression, my friends from as far back as 15 years ago, started calling and praying offering practical tips, and kind words... when you are in pain physical or emotional~ a kind gesture is like oxygen...everything is so immediate, and a sweet word goes deep to your core. Thank you Debbi ... love you.

I will confess I sometimes entertain "vain imaginations" ~ I feel like I've been left out, or targeted or someway misunderstood ... and all that does is get me to focus on myself, and feel pathetic.

Then some sweet friend with a simple act comes along and inspires me to love freely and focus on someone else's dark moment...and get my mind off myself...This I believe is the richest gift a girlfriend can offer.

Thank you so much for your examples of generosity and tenderness... you each teach me to love.

Friendship is unnecessary like philosophy, art...it has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. ~C.S. Lewis

Shots of the goods...

2010-09-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

New Season...New treasures.

2010-09-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ok... I am taking a small break from Magpie.. and all that's happening there to bring you the NEWEST member at our Barn. ( http://www.thebarncastlerock.com/)

these images are of the very talented and very kind new merchant Linda's shop.

Linda has previously owns her own retail store in the suburb or Denver known as Greenwood Village. ~

Her New shop at The Barn is named "Home Details."

Her eye is warm and rich... the quality and texture of her wares are enticing.

I love her interesting and playful eye... I am in trouble ... I will be shopping while I am working.

Linda's palette is autumnal and deep. Her upholstered furniture is playful and very transitional... appealing to many different aesthetics.

I am really excited to have the talented Linda to come raise the bar at the already amazing Barn.

Iris' new home!

2010-09-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well like all things, it takes longer than it takes. However the start is great! I snapped a few highlights to share... I miss my coffee and blogging time each day but it will be worth it!

Doesn't Iris look happy watching over everything?

Are we there yet?

2010-08-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Two more days till moving day... I am frenzied, It's the details that keep my head spinning...

You know the proverb..."little foxes spoil the vine..." Well they do.

I have millions of little details spinning in my mind...

but let's just stop for a second and admire this beautiful little fox.. ain't she sweet?

Ok ... now onward.

tick tock... its getting so close!

2010-08-29T19:15:00.001-07:00

Busy busy busy.

I have been busy... but it is going to be so beautiful... so unique, it will be worth all the busyness!

Three days and counting.

XO.

Fly.

2010-08-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

Yet another sneak peek of things to come at Magpie...

This is an original by me... I am doing a collection of these amazing inspirational quotes...

This is my all time favorite.

Fly little birds!

Help a brother out!

2010-08-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ok ... I need to explain,
I have spoke before about my brothers, recently this one.
He's a great dad, and great pilot, and all around good dude.

What a lot of people don't know is that the economy is whoopin our servicemens behinds too.

(A little backdrop...
I rent a home from a local Airman who bought it when the market was "hot" and now he needs to be nimble, it is a win win for us. )

There are hundreds of servicemen in the same situation ...namely my little brother.
He is now in Altus, OK with his family but several years ago in CHARLESTON SC when the real estate market was hot, hot,hot he "invested" in a town home where he was stationed, a ton of people did this it was a no brainer.

Alas... the bubble burst and it did not care if you faithfully sacrifice ALL for your country.

SO this is what brings me to this shameless post and request for help...

How you ask?

Two ways.

1. If you know any families in your area looking to rent ... encourage them to check military bulletin boards for rentals by service people ...they do so much for us and deserve first consideration... wouldn't you agree? Simple. Takes a few extra minutes... what a practical way to show support.

2. Below is a link to my brothers townhome in Charlseton... they have not had a renter for a few months and have refinished all the flooring and pay a fabulous management company to maintain it... but it does no good empty.

SO~ if you think you may have walked by someone from near there once please paste this link any where you can... even your forehead.

It is a simple, kind, practical way to give back~ to those who give all.

http://charleston.craigslist.org/apa/1867634772.html

Charleston SC.

Even if your not from there post it about - get creative... and Thanks so much I know all you bloggy gals are tender and understand.

XOXO

2010-08-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

Hi all ... Today was like Christmas...

I just recieved my AMAZING pillows from Joy at Savvy City Farmer... What a sweet sweet heart and talented gal too!

I also teased you with a picture of my Magpie Nest... it is not finished yet...

I am getting nervous/ anxious/ excited... all of the above for my big reveal... but this is what I love and like my dear friend Jeanne so aptly blogged about after Brave Girl Camp...is ~Go fo your dreams...

More sneak peeks to come.

Utility Chic~ defined.

2010-08-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

As I prepeare Magpie the shop to expand... my desire is to be clear about the purpose, and vision.

In a time when we are all learning " the new normal..." it is my heart to provide a shop with the philosophy of purpose and beauty combining ... nothing to just sit-about for its own sake but something that can be used, it's "everydayness" enjoyed and admired.

I am purposing to use " elemental style" to appeal to my guests. If it is raw ... natural, re claimed... re-invented or even rescued... I find it is beautiful.

I am looking forward to exploring the whole frontier that is UTILITY CHIC... as I see it!

Good ol neighbor girls.

2010-08-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce my neighbors... Rita and of course...Big Lady. They were gracious enough to let me snap a few photos... which of course will be available stretched over canvas in various sizes ...at Magpie starting Sept. 1... Aren't they just the bees knees!

Fresh Design.

2010-08-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

I am growing more and more excited for my big move. Double the space... new reclaimed, new new, new handmade and some fantatsic art!

Two weeks!

Tree hugger

2010-08-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Hello.

I have been so busy getting ready for my big change I have not shared it with you.
Magpie ... is expanding and moving. Yes...I am branching out in to double the sq. footage and I am excited! Same lovely old Barn just new location within and TWICE as big.
I have been busy creating ordering, buying paint and sanders and relics that I have not been too bloggy.
But between you and me... That is my first love. I could post every day twice a day... so Shhhh. We will keep that between us. I have to judiciously decide to sit down and blog or else I would never stop...

I have NEW photos to post BUT as I was going through this summers adventures I found some I had to share... they both made me laugh out loud...

What is so clear to me... is that our personality is with us from the get go... there are some traits you can't learn... and humor is numero uno.

You are either funny or your not.

So how funny could eating a Walmart push up pop be on a 105 degree day?

Then There is my sweet daughter... who contrary to most her peers is not a worshipper of Mother earth. Yes she is grateful and respects it's resources and fragile balance but she ( especially living in Colorado is freaked out a little by the cult of tree huggers all around her.)
So as she climbed this tree for a photo op I couldn't resist telling her she was officially a tree hugger and I could prove it... Luckily she has a sense of humor.

Ok~ just a little break from the mountain of work ahead of me... I will be back with lots of fun photos and beautiful new things to share... enjoy the funniness of summer!

p.s. If anyone knows the trick to enlarging photos in this template I would love to hear it!I am working on a whole new design but it will be while before we get there! In the meantime...I am stymied...if you know where/ how to enlarge the photo fileds I am all ears.

Clean a palooza....

2010-08-08T14:22:00.001-07:00

Schools starting and I'm making shop changes and I always do change better with everything clean and tidy...so starting Friday we entered into clean a palooza.

Who needs clothes lines? I am sure my suburban neighbors love living next to junker woman...

At least I have pretty junk!

( Like the view I have of the front range?)

Homeowners shmoenowners...association... They all smell so fresh after a day in the breeze!

Trash cans dutifully lined up with bleach and all day in the sun... everything will feel so fresh!

Lot's of piles for Sophie to fold... it builds character.

And the grand finale! I finished that horrific chair last night... remember with the eighties southwest fabric? Now I have to finish her twin...

Hubby: Hon~ lets just keep them, they are beautiful...

Me: Really? Ok~if you insist!

I love when he loves my favorite stuff! It means gulit free shopping from my own shop!

I covered the back in a buff raw silk and the rest in a heavy Belgian linen... yumm!

Now time for a glass of wine and family over for dinner...

I love hard work!

I might even make Tracy from French Larkspurs amazing salad dressing...

Happy Summer night ya'll!

Mrs. Purvis.

2010-08-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

I am a blessed woman. I have said this before but I underline it this time.
I have the most beautiful~ amazing~ talented~ lovely ~confident~ intelligent women in my life.
Seriously.
I am in a sea of talent. I could blog about one everyday of the year and not be done...

Take for instance Mrs. Purvis.

Amanda as us mere mortals call her...

Not only is she gorgeous... but she is a mother, a wife, a social worker ( with troubled young girls!)

She's a pastor/pilots wife ... (if you know a man who is either you know how intense that can be.)
She helps run her and her husbands business... VisionAir LLC... and she is starting a charity involving Angelflights...I will post all about those all by themselves later.

Her and her hubby ( David... who is equally amazing) are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia, and on the Denver Foster-to Adopt... list,

In Mrs. Purvis' spare time she creates AMAZING things.~ Like~ lots of them...

That is where it gets really good! (wink.)

She is creating a fall line to be made available exclusively at Magpie, and if your too far to visit Magpie...then her wares will be featured in her ETSY shop. " Mrs. Purvis."

She will have a variety of handmade " objects d'art" of which I fully intend to feature in total in a few weeks...
Amanda is a perfect fit for Magpie creatively, not only is her workmanship fabulous, her use of natural mediums is perfect for me, her palette is neutral and beautiful. Her textures are rich and ideas are unique.
Everything she makes fits in my philosophy... Everything should have a use and is meant to enhance life's mundane rituals... not just tchotchkies for there own sake... no sit abouts... real items made with real heart. I am huge fan of Mrs. Purvis.. and am excited to welcome her to Magpie, and love that our creative paths have crossed each other.

Look for a teaser post with pics of her fresh fall collection.

Did I mention she is a beauty too?

( Amanda~ and her first son Tre.)

http://purvistribe.blogspot.com/
http://babyafrica.blogspot.com/
http://www.visionairllc.com/

FREE.

2010-08-01T11:18:00.001-07:00

First~ Welcome new followers I appreciate your interest and am delighted that you have taken the time to read my musings. I am honored.

As some of you know, My brother is ( the one who I just visited...) is a C17 pilot.
When he was 7 or 8 my mom took him to an airshow and he said- "that's what I want to do"...and today actually today he is flying in the OSH KOSH AIRSHOW.

Talk about focus. I could use a portion of that type of drive.

Earlier this week -as some of you may know- a C17 crashed in Anchorage Alaska- one practicing for an airshow. The ARCTIC THUNDER AIRSHOW. All four airmen aboard deceased.

I had just returned home from my visit with my brother when I heard this. I had just watched how his children adore him and his wife patiently and gracefully shoulders so much- so he can serve.
I crumpled when I heard this news- and my heart literally broke for the wives, children, sisters, friends and family of these men. It hit so close to home.

I am not sure of the details but I do know they had my brother and his crew flew the tribute flight as the grand finale to these fine airmen at the Osh Kosh Airshow. What a somber honor.

All of this while the USA had it's deadliest month in Afghanistan.

To the Elmendorf Airforce and Air National Guard Family... I am sorry.
Thank You for your gift to us and May God grace you each with comfort.

To the countless families and friends of fallen soldiers - especially this past month- Thank You.
I will celebrate my freedom vigorously...and I will teach my daughter that her life as she knows it is bought with blood.

My desire is to challenge us each to reflect on the reality that are a very blessed nation and we have the finest sacrificial men and women defending our freedom.

Major Aaron W. Malone ~249th Airlift Squadron
Major Micheal H. Freyholtz~ 249th Airlift Squadron
Captian Jeffrey A. Hill ~ 517th Airlift Squadron
Master Sergeant Thomas E. Cicardo ~ 249th Airlift Squadron

Romans 8:21 (Amplified Bible)
21That nature (creation) itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption [and gain an entrance] into the glorious freedom of God's children.

Get Your kicks... on Route 66!

2010-07-30T06:56:00.001-07:00

Nothing like the OPEN road! Just possibility before you and you are the master of your destiny.

sort of.

When traveling I believe it is imperative to have a good co-pilot... some one to help navigate the unknown. Crosby would agree.

When my sweet brother and his amazing family left Denver - they invited Sophie to "hop in" and come stay with them in Altus. So she did...

When figuring out how to get her home I was thinking Flight? or Road trip? As a gypsy junkin'
mom there was only one choice... Road trip. ( That wayI could get my hands on those babies again too.)

So Off to Altus Ok. I went ( location of Altus AFB home to magnificent men and women who serve our country!) ... When I got there everybody appeared normal... hot but normal.

To make the most of the journey I plotted our return trip to intersect with the Historic Route 66- and some amazing shopping... I believe in efficiency!

One place that Sophie or I can NOT quit talking about is NEST.

What a cache of fabulosity! Like the jackpot of ART/Design/ retail and industrial chic...

We fell in love with this place!

2900 sw 6th Ave. Amarillo TX 79106... nestled in the best little antique district right on the Route 66.~ from6th.blogspot

This is Kasey. Kasey Robinson ~ Her and Theo are the proprietors of this haunt featuring local mixed media art, high design interior accents, gifts and handmade- recycled treasures.

Warning- I could not stop finding amazing things to share so there will be lots of pics...

What an adventure. Sophie actually began to "enjoy" junkin and I had her all to myself... for 24 hours...I loved every minute of it!

The drive home through New Mexico inspired me to plan another trip soon...
How beautiful is New Mexico?

How lovely is she? XO.

Needless to say, I gathered a truck full of treasures and have already loaded up my shop with them... I love my job! Thanks for the memory Sophie...I love you.

http://www.thebarncastlerock.com/

Baby's, Brothers, Bubbles and Kisses

2010-07-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here she is... The Miss Izzy B. I have anxiously awaited her visit ... and we made the most of it!

She came to make her introductions and we all played like crazy for four days.

Needless to say, her dad is crazy in love with her... she will be well protected and cuddled.

Grandma is gooey for her...

We spent all of our time, blowing bubbles, splashing and kissing. It was fantastic.

I just loved watching DJ and Asher delight in everything. They are amazing to watch.

After Long hot days of splashing Sophie Would help everyone chill out by watching a movie with them... she was the greatest help.

Of Course Uncle Caleb was there to teach cool guy lessons...

The pool was a blast... we all played and laughed. I got to see my sweet friends Lisa and Molly.

DJ got run through the splash pad for HOURS.

Of course no meal would be complete without entertainment by Asher.

After Dinner the guys went on an "adbenture" to hunt for golf balls.

Memories and sweet dreams are made of summer vacations like this.

Town and Country Market~ Castle Rock

2010-07-12T08:33:00.001-07:00

< What A beautiful morning!!! It was just a perfect summer morning. Sunny and mild and I was relieved because last month we did this in the rain.

My sweet friend Jeanne was there first and unloaded her treasures just in time... then my saintly husband lumped in all my vintage goods and Jeanne and I went to work. Fluffing and staging... (one of the most fun parts of setting a booth.)
Admittedly- when we were done- it took my breath away. Between her creations and my wares we are better than ever together... we really have been so busy and had little time to plan - so we just trust each others gifts and our confidence in each other shows as we bring it all together...it was really beautiful.

This was just the second market at this venue and as the saying goes " build it and they will come..." There were chic gals, cute kids, curious passer by's ... It was a buzz with interest and really so charming.

Neighboring merchants came and showed their support- Like Crystal... from Stash... a charming fiber/ knitting store around the corner on 3rd and Jerry... her shop is Darling.

The view from our booth was this cute chapel... look at that sunny sky!

Of course we did our share of shopping too... Jeanne- rummaging in our neighbors booth!
( Wild Rose Cottage~ Coming Home~ and Whitewash~ all three located in The Barn.)
http://www.thebarncastlerock.com/

Of course if you are familiar with Colorado the weather is very fickle... to our satisfaction it waited till pack up time to have the typical afternoon shower to roll in...

Sunday Serene Scenes~ Silver boxes.

2010-07-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Phew... what a week. Long-good- but Long- Days at My retail store... www.thebarncastlerock.com/ Magpie.

My husband was away on a trip- yes even on our 15 year anniversary...

Preparation for our "Town and Country Market"... ( I will post on that tomorrow.)

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
I had to practice my "silver boxes" belief several times... That- when I speak I am giving the listener a silver box... or else I will not speak...

Today- I am just sharing the scenes from my home that bring me peace and joy... I needed a quiet Sunday.

I had a magical time at the market- Cant wait to share that with you...

Tomorrow!

Today - I am resting- Going to stop and recharge...

I need my energy for my niece and nephews this week! I. CAN. NOT. WAIT.!

Most restful and sweet Sunday to you!

Quicksand

2010-07-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

That is the name of this rose. "QUICKSAND"... sigh.

How appropriate for my anniversary, "QUICKSAND." Suits my marriage perfectly...

15 years ago I fell in and was swallowed up by the most amazing friend ever.

Irrevocably gone. Like "QUICKSAND."

I Love you, Happy Anniversary.

Happy Independence.

2010-07-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

What the people wanted was a government which would provide a comfortable life for them, and with this as the foremost object ideas of freedom and self-reliance and service to the community were obscured to the point of disappearing. Athens was more and more looked on as a co-operative business possessed of great wealth in which all citizens had a right to share. Athens had reached the point of rejecting independence, and the freedom she now wanted was freedom from responsibility. There could be only one result. If men insisted on being free from the burden of a life that was self-dependent and also responsible for the common good, they would cease to be free at all. Responsibility was the price every man must pay for freedom. It was to be had on no other terms. -Edith Hamilton

I am so thankful that we able to choose our struggle. What I believe we MUST remember is that No one can promise to remove our struggle- While Athens was a glorious and enlightened civilization it their RUINS that we visit and are most familiar with- They were most noted for their MYTHOLOGY.

We MUST remember that our freedom to struggle towards happiness and liberty is divine and paid for with BLOOD.

What can be promised is a commitment to DEFEND our right to struggle as we see fit.
We can CHOOSE our pain- yup...there will be pain- so as I teach my daughter... make it worth it.

But we know that freedom cannot be served by the devices of the tyrant. As it is an ancient truth that freedom cannot be legislated into existence, so it is no less obvious that freedom cannot be censored into existence. And any who act as if freedoms defenses are to be found in suppression and suspicion and fear confess a doctrine that is alien to America.

Eisenhower

If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. -Frederick Douglass

Thank You Men and Women who have and do Defend our liberty- to PURSUE- happiness and know that it is fleeting and worth great effort- and many cases greater sacrifice.

Waiting...

2010-06-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

"The Grand essentials are- Something to do~ Someone to love~ Something to hope for..."
~Allen Chalmers

First...my beautiful daughter - who is such an easy kid - really... just very non drama- ( most of the time) came to me in tears... "Mom- I am sorry- I have to tell you something- I feel REALLY bad..."
gulp.
"What is it?"
" I know how much you love it and I feel just sick bout it- but I dropped your camera and it is broke... really broke."
relief.
Yes~ I am very sad- I can not replace my camera right away - I love it- and I use it ALL the time -but her humble heart and willingness to be direct and honest were so evident I felt NO anger and really just compassion for her. She likes to do the right thing and this was one of those times where it was an accident... and no right or wrong is at play... just that dastardly gravity.
Yes~ the same one that is pulling at my skin and other bits.

The real clincher for me is that this and a few similar happenings underscore a larger picture that I am walking through. You see- I am waiting for news...
there is a deadline and a ticking clock- I wont/ can't get in to the details but it is the finish line of a drawn out season that has yielded some great emotional and spiritual fruit - but has also wreaked havoc on some very practical and precious parts of life.

This news will determine the direction of my business, the rest of the summer and likely the year for us... so it is significant news.

It will most definitely determine whether or not I am able to replace my camera, or other impending needs and strong desires on my short but sacred list.

What I am trying to do is make the most of the waiting- to really exercise the belief that happiness is our circumstances... But Joy is an attribute that we -if we choose- we can be freely endowed with. This is truly a discipline... because that good ol' human trait of "wanting and wishing for" is in every fiber of our being.

Patience and trust on the other hand are divine traits that we must practice to walk in... they do not come by default.

So like the great quote I found above- I have plenty to do...the few things I have whittled my life down to~ need some TLC.

I am RICH in having ones to love... that is something that no circumstance can dictate -OUR capacity to love like crazy.

I have much to hope for- it is what sparks my heart when I begin to grow weary...

In the meantime ( I now officially understand that phrase) I welcome any prayers and wishes, they are the most powerful force of all.

I will be practicing contentment and assurance. I will definitely be putting my energy toward loving the family and friends I have been lavished with.

Happy Monday.

Phil 4:11~I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Rainy Open Air Market...Somebody has to do it!

2010-06-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am a blessed woman- no doubt about it. I live in the quaintest, prettiest town I could imagine.
( Castle Rock, Co.) Weather is Mild-ish... downtown is vibrant and active- lots of conveniences...

Which is why when some local merchants set out to create an exciting NEW open air market - The Towne and Country Market at Third and Perry...I jumped right in!

I called My Uber-talented rockstar friend Jeanne (http://www.bushelandapeck.typepad.com/) and asked her if she would like to join me as one entity for the day.. and as always she said heck no!

Just kidding... she jumped in too... she loves our little town too and was all about it.

So we got to work - Me- junkin and painting and refinishing and her gluing and collaging and sewing and all the brilliance that is Jeanne Oliver ... and we rocked it.

We had 2 fantastic spaces...( thank you Amy - Whitewash - (www.thebarncastlercok.com/ )
Lots of local vendors support ( thank you Dream Pastries- for the HOT coffee! )
We were in the Courtyard of Siena ( Great- fantastic restaurant.)
The hot little gals from Bling Boutique even came out and braved the elements.

We had other great talent surrounding us... Lisa Morris of Wild Rose Cottage - Nancy Masters- Great local interior Designer - she owns Sunflower Design... Roxanne from The Rusted Gate .
We had the sweet company of "old William" and Margrit Mackey- of Elsa's Heirlooms... also in The Barn ( she has the finest European linens and the biggest heart. )

Alas ~there are always the trials of open air markets... like the fact that some responsible drinkers left there car in the middle of the parking lot the night before...ooopsies. ( talk about the walk of shame in the a.m.)

All the challenges of being a first time event ... not to mention THE DRIVING RAIN from 6 a.m. - 11 a.m. Yes- in drought stricken, arid Colorado we had non-stop rain all morning.

Jeanne had on flips flops and fingerless gloves. Nice.

I was just a wet- wet woman. Notice no pics of us? Although J looked great even frazzled.

( then my sweet servant hearted husband ran all over town retrieving a change of clothes for me and VERY HOT Frye boots and socks for Miss Oliver.) Not to mention numerous trips to the store and bank and home for U-name-it. Gosh I LOVE HIM.

Isn't this Awesome? cute little linen dress... (available online at http://www.abushelandapeck.etsy.com/)

I have to say~ I am in love with this bench I created... I also LOVE the grey needle work one- its rare to see it in this color... so pretty. both available at my shop ...

Magpie~in the Barn.

400 Third Street

Castle Rock Co.

Not to mention the awesome princess bed I found. ( thank you Claire ~ ComingHome )

Yes- fun was had by all... not really. It was hard and wet and the turn out of a new event... which in spite of the rain BRAVE ~BRAVE Castle Rockers... ( Kelly~xo ) came out and showed their undying love for all things vintage.

We discussed it at length and were very proud to help pioneer a new, very promising event in our own backyard...Like Lewis and Clark. ( My hubby said Jerry Lewis and Clark Griswald- whatev.)

We will give it ago again next month and pray for kinder weather... in the meantime I just will relish the support of family-my amazing friendship- the talent I am among - the great community I get to enjoy and the customers who love and appreciate handmade and found/rescued treasures.

What a blessed woman I am!

THANK YOU CURT for all your patience and schlepping for me I love you.

flea market

2010-06-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow- rain or shine...Towne and Country - Market

3rd and Perry- Siena Courtyard. Come on Down.

Summer evenings.

2010-06-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am certain there is nothing in the world like fresh lilacs. I actually went on a recon mission to a nearby location and swiped this by the cover of night. Shameless I know. Thanks Mr. MM for helping me steal these... very romantic and dangerous too...shhhh.
So worth it!

Best if shared with a dear friend or lover. Yummy.

Take it in ... A friend of mine said yesterday that if she could "bottle summer evenings she would." I loved that!

Have a fabulous night.

Party Far Far Away- kind of.

2010-06-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

A party on a bluff... in a beautiful Hacienda~Faraway...( that's the street name.)

Sweet nephew Cal with a flower delivery.

No one like Dad.

Sisters by Birth and by friendship.

Dear sweet friends.

Just soooo pretty.

Make A wish -Friend...

It Is good to be Queen.

View from Faraway Place.

A cameo by My "Mr.MM" on the right.

Strategic placement... hmmmm.

Since that fateful day in 3rd grade... on the school bus.

The Billups clan

AHHHH mom...

Lisa's Dear friend Jody... ( so pretty...)

As I promised there would be pics... of Lisa's 40th Birthday...

What a really sweet celebration, I love you friend... thanks for sharing your day with me!

Life is a bowl of Cherries

2010-06-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yes- its true life can be a bowl of delicious cherries... if you are intentional about it!
A weekend with family friends and good food... is my bowl of cherries.

Tonight's menu...

Now I LOVE spring rolls... I have also never made them... so this is a first for all of us!

preparation is the key to all great cooking. I chopped basil, cilantro, cucumbers, carrots and celery...

Then I dipped the rice wrap in room temp water... in the meantime I boiled the maifun.( cellophane noodles.)

Thawed and rinsed shrimp and set aside.

I placed all the ingredients in TWO rice wraps... ( easier to handle than one.)

(Why- yes that is my Wedgewood Dinner plat in cream/queenshape that i scored for nickles on a recent hunt.)

Another great find!

I found this fantastic kaffir Lime Chili sauce at our local "SPROUTS" store... it is perfection!

Then to wash it all down A fresh squeezed greyhound. Summer fresh. ( I also like to salt the rim... when I have bar keepers salt!)

A perfectly light summer meal and top it all off with a bowl of cherries!

Bon Appetit!

Blast from the past- to infinity and beyond.

2010-06-05T07:05:00.001-07:00

<1984- 7th grade.

Nice mullets huh?

So hot. This is my best girlfriend - and I- from THIRD grade.

Lisa!

Today is her 40th birthday. ( Yes Lisa, I just did.) I am invited to her birthday party. I remember the first one I went to of hers...It was a pizza party at "The Organ Grinder."

( 1979 or 1980?... then we had a slumber party - there were other birthdays of hers I choose to forget... probably like the 7th grade one that went with the hot mullets featured above!)

In any event we are having a party at her moms house just like the good ol' days...
her mom's is a beautiful hacienda on a bluff... with a charming address... Seriously a street named "Faraway Place."

I will take pics and write about our summer garden party ... Happy Birthday Lisa... I love you.

A.D.D. creative block.

2010-06-01T10:35:00.001-07:00

This picture of my Sophie sums up my situation. I am stuck. Yup- rare but true... I can't Focus my creative lens on anyone-thing. I have a million concepts good intentions, supplies... and I am bewildered.

My idea board is empty. Not for lack of ideas but a lack of even being bold enough to post them because then there they will be nagging me...

Like this basket of shakers... I have a great idea for them. But I am not going to say it yet.

Look at my tower of supplies... full but not being used...I think we have a jumper!

I will return to the chaos after this brief lilac break....

( insert elevator muzak here.)

Here appears to be some order... signs of neglect really... I am working on one project that is AWESOME... a chair... that I want to marry.

Yes it is blocking all my other creative flow. like a new love would.

What the heck?

Just had to add this... I find these on my camera daily! Totally awesome.

Here it is MISTER SEXY CHAIR.

Here is my current love ... that my husband and I pulled 1000,00 nail heads out of each. ( I have two of them!)

Look at my paint treatment... it was honey blond oak a la 1989.

The former upholstery... southwest pink and teal- yummy! You can scroll back up and see the raw silk I am replacing it with - DIVINE.

You see I feel like I am SUPPOSED to be creating dozens of things and I am preoccupied with the chair.

I would love some suggestions for breaking creative block...

Alas I am thankful for the fact that my job is creating - this is my credo.... NO WHINING.

Have A great Creative day!

Can you hold a heart without hands?

2010-05-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Be sure you view the video- life changing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW579icDRSA

Sometimes life gets really challenging. I live fully invested so I can get really wrapped up circumstances... I NEED messages to ground me and act like a rudder... I first heard this young man almost 3 years ago as I lost my home- business- my church split- I moved to another state and was scared and mad... talk about getting over yourSEF quickly... he shot right through the clouds like a ray of light... his life has held so much purpose its amazing. Our ideas are so small we need to shift our focus.

I want to be a person who is trustworthy to hold the hearts of those I love... un-shifting in spite of circumstances.

Happy Weekend. Live on purpose.

I love my Job!

2010-05-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

When I was little I used to draw houses from a birds eye view and design room by room how I wanted them to look... every rug, drape, stick of furniture was planned out... I thought I was weird...

I love the details... The things that make life beautiful... that speak a different language...

I love objects in my home that have a story... like this panel from a little Midwestern church...its has absorbed the prayers of people and sheltered them when they were lost...its kind of Spanish and kind of Swedish like my style

" spandanavian..."

These are just scenes from home... little things the way I see them... the details...

I am always so honored when others invite me in and ask me to help them with their home...I ask a load of questions and determine how do you WANT to live?

This is my objective when I work... to hear my clients vision and help them translate that in their home...

I love my job!

(all photos by my please email before you "use" them...)

a snapshot of current events...

2010-05-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember after the earthquake in Haiti... I posted a tribute to my brother who was one of our airmen sent down to airlift equipment in and people out... I am so proud of all my brothers I will post on all of that for sure in the future!

This picture is him taking off at an airshow in Oklahoma. He has such a great time... and is so good at what he does. He serves as a great example of living with passion, integrity and focus. When he was eight he said... I want to be a pilot...voila.

I do not have that kind of laser beam focus... but I am inspired to be more aware of it through his experiences.

( c17 Globe master)

Then just a few short posts back I lamented at the longing for a new squishy baby... and I am pleased to introduce Princess "Izzy B."

She is the daughter of the same brother... his kids are my sunshine but this is all about her today!

She is just so sweet! I cant wait to get my mitts on her!

Then ~finally Spring has sprung here in the Rockies... sheesh.
It snowed as recent as last week...spring has decided to sneak in... and my daughter could not be more excited about it.
She is tired of being cooped up!

( notice the snow still melting?)

Man alive they grow up fast... hug your kiddos and grandkiddos - I am in awe in how fast time goes by and how precious each season is...

Live with intention!

2010-05-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

I know I 've been a little absent... I have been BUSY! I promise to be back soon and share all the great things.. coming my way.

Tonight is

SO I am off to www.thebarncastlerock.com to help make this a huge success... Enjoy your Saturday!

Quick reminder...

2010-05-07T06:37:00.001-07:00

Ok this is quick reminder- Jeanne at -A Bushel and A Peck has launched her Spring 10 collection.

It is Fantastic! I Love it ALL.

Please pop over here to check it out
http://abushelandapeck.typepad.com/

Now~ just a little peek at pieces from the collection...

Are you still here? What are you waiting for?

More to come from me later... just go enjoy the awesomeness that is A Bushel and a Peck...
http://www.bushelandapeck.typepad.com/

Shopping, and reflecting...delighting.

2010-05-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder where in the world time goes? My friend Jeanne did a great photo of this see here http://jeanneoliver.blogspot.com/
- it's called "Flying."

I was stopped dead in my tracks yesterday. It hit me- my baby girl is now a young lady.

I was shopping- something I don't do a lot of ( personally...) anymore-and I was delighting in the feminine sweet motif clothes have this spring- I really like it...and it put me in the mind to pick up a little something for my sweet Sophie-and my new little niece who is due in a week or so.

Izzabella. Or as she has already been nick named IzzyB.

Could you just Die? I just ache for a little squishy girl to put in this fluffy pink treasure. Luckily I have a sister in law who obliges me by remaining pregnant year round... What a sweet thing to do for me- isn't it? ...why stop now I say...

Strike while the iron is hot.

Thankfully Sophie was with me and she let me pick her up a girly shirt- that was still cool.
Phew...

As for me...I picked out a little ditty for myself.

Don't my cleaning supplies rock?

Happy Sunday!

2010-04-29T09:06:00.001-07:00

There are two paths...

( image found-flickr)edited here.

Some days are just like that - we go around and around again
It looks promising and beautiful but really there is no progress.

Then there is the way with struggle and potential danger, it is not clear where it leads-

It requires skill and courage-

Image public domain~edited here.

I have to remind my self daily that the safe-sparkly one is not always the right one.

Happy trails.

"There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy."
-Source Unknown

Decisions decisions...

2010-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome... to my boudoir. It is fresh and cozy - I love the ticking dust ruffle...

~Ticking is my thang. I use it as my signature in my shop...I always have key pieces about...its so graphic and simple and "fresh country..."~

I have silk, Velvet, Linen, wool, aubbousson, cowhide, Vintage lace, Belgian linen, and RL ticking bedskirt... it is layered and beautiful and luxurious... I love it! But, I am a woman and we can from time to time be known for our...fickleness.

Soooo... I am thinking of freshening for Spring...

I CAN'T QUIT THINKING ABOUT COOL SIMPLE WHITE COTTON.

See what I mean?

YUMMY IN MY DECORATOR TUMMY!
Pics found.

I know it is so basic and so non but it looks soooooo good.

I will save my nickles and pennies and maybe just maybe I will have a near future post called

"Yippppeeeeeeeeee Spring bedding!"

Thoughts?

Sweet Dreams.

Power

2010-04-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

There are two kinds of people...those who say to God "thy will be done"...

And those to whom He says "Ok- have it your way...." ~CS Lewis.

I challenge you and me to ask for His will to be expressed through you and to you... and to let go of our limited outcomes... What is it you are praying about?

I have to keep remembering that He has my "best" in clearer view than I do... and He can be trusted.

Here's to our tears in a bottle and our hearts being heard~ and trusting that All really is Well.

Things that make you go hmmmmm....

2010-04-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

( found)

I woke up today to a ton of snow!!!!

What? It is April 23rd. I guess if I get to wear shorts in January I have to expect to wear Uggs in April. Colorado.

Hmmmm.

Another Question- Do blonde's really have more fun?

(pic found)

My friend Ruth http://thebeautifullifeblog.blogspot.com/

and I have been pondering... What is it that we like about sparkly sexy blond hair or demure shiny dark hair...

I'm curious- weigh in!
Hmmmm....

( found)

Can the Nuggets beat Utah Tonight...
hmmmmm?

A little more weightier question or point to ponder...

Now -My new friend Angela from http://parisiennefarmgirl.blogspot.com/

will probably appreciate this... it is a tad juicier...

I was commenting on my liking Denver Bronco's picking Tim Tebow in the draft... ( I know... email me your thoughts) and a friend- who I love- commented on her displeasure with him... we chatted a bit more and she said... something about him keeping his opinions to himself... Fair enough.

I respect her thoughts about this... but I was so struck by the fact that most of my friends who share this sentiment are also the ones who share their opinion on EVERYTHING via face book-twitter- I phone- Blackberry whatever.

So... more than the obvious polarization that religious beliefs and the free sharing of them brings ( nothing new under the sun...)

I am still curious how most in our society value and accept spending a great deal of time broadcasting their opinions on traffic, their work life, many times on political happenings other more sacred views... and have no "tolerance" for a young man expressing his views vigorously in a dignified manner.

I realize for some there is a line...and I respect that, but to me...As our society ushers in minute to minute- real time- free flowing transparency of thoughts and experiences I see little or no difference sharing all with all if it matters to you.

I am not poking fun at anyone who shares via those networks... I love them. I am just struck at the difference in perspective.

Hmmmmm....

Thanks Donatella!

2010-04-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

This is a reply to being invited to the "Post your 6th ever photo" game. I just love that You thought of me dear sister!

I called this post "comfort"... it was really snowy and cold out and my heart was heavy and this just soothed my soul.

My dear friend Margrit- from Germany- imports these fabulous antique shams... the quality is insane... she has lots of them!

Elsa's Heirloom's
http://www.thebarncastlerock.com/

So now I am supposed to invite 10 friends to do the same huh?

1.Amanda from Purvis Tribe
2. Jeanne from Bushel and a Peck
3. Ruth from Beautiful Life
4. Destiny from the Ruffled Nest
5. Anne Marie from Na Da Farm Life
6. Joy from Savvy City Farmer
7. Lissa from Humble Pie
8. Shellagh from Ticking and Toile
9. Jetta from Rediscovering Jetta
10. Elisa form the Sweet Life

Ok Girls... find your 6th ever photo you posted and post - then invite...

Have a great Spring Day!

( pic found)

Spring refreshing... sigh.

2010-04-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

I love Spring. I love the light, the air the smell... I love cleaning everything in sight and creating order!

Just sweet, light, clean spaces.

New Slip covers ( Chairs are brown Velvet damask.) Nice and fresh.

I love this!

As promised... Spring haircut pics. I cant look straight at the camera with my husband behind it... I either look cross or cross eyed. Go figure.

Not quite super sexy- but I might look cuter eating a burger... ( see yesterdays post.) who cares any way all is fresher and lighter.

Happy Spring.

Also~ Never Forget. Today is the anniversary of Columbine. Praising God for His Hand on so many and praying for the families who lost. Thanking God for my baby brother and your protection of him.

Sometimes you have to say whatever.

2010-04-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

<
This is a totally hot mom on tv... great hair huh? ( Modern Family)
I have all these inspirations for long flowing dark locks... I actually have long dark locks... flowing only when I have extra time .
Mine are more... snarled. Painted. Under a hat... nappy locks.

Do remember the commercial of her eating the burger? Ridiculously hot. When I eat a burger it is not pretty. Neither is my hair. ( Padma Lakshmi)

Never even mind.

Yeah... a little lighter color but big sexy hair...( Eva Mendes)

( Leryn Franco.)

She seemed realistic an athlete with windblown... straight hair... much more approachable...

Except she had the body of an Olympian (she is one) and any hair would work on her...

Alas ~ My hair is long and flowing and black and pretty this morning.

But because of reality-

I work really hard in all types of conditions... and I do not have a wind machine, a trainer, a stylist or bff named Ken Paves.

I am going to cut my three years of "growing my hair out" off.

In an hour. Gulp.

I will post pics of new haircut- If I am not crying...

Have a great Day!

All pics found.

2010-04-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe you noticed I have been absent?

I took an unplanned trip to Omaha to visit my dad. Last Tuesday I called him and he sounded low and tired... I could hear loneliness in his voice.

I hate loneliness. I believe we are created for relationship and I just could not quit thinking about hopping in my truck and heading for Omaha... then with the help of some understanding friends ( thank you Margrit and Alice ( alicescountrycottage.com) some help from some other family I was on my way.

This was not well planned or a pleasure trip but it was a deep and important one. Sophie and Crosby and I head out on the highway!
Omaha was well into spring bloom and almost balmy...

The perfect backdrop for a bittersweet trip.

-If you have not read - my dad has been living with a stage 4 diagnosis for 9.5 years.
He only recently began really struggling with issues from the cancer... and very recently been in a lot of pain. -

The possibility of not seeing him again was a real one on my mind every minute of our short little visit.

He is such a tender soul and so generous with others that the majority of our visit was spent visiting other people he feels committed too...

His little boy from the middle school named Cesar- he has mentored him for several years now, His Mother my grandmother who is in a nursing home and a niece who was celebrating a birthday.

My temptation last Tuesday was to look at money, time, volleyball schedules, my shop ( aye aye aye) and decide it was not practical to leave again.

I am so thankful to my husband who just flatly said - you need to go- now. Since He really is more practical than me I leaned in to that and am so glad I did.

The quick get away to M's Pub ( a posh little restaurant in downtown Omaha- where I met my hubby) with Sophie was a highlight. I had the worlds best cappuccino and she had New York style cheesecake and a Shirley temple.

A delicious steak dinner at Piccolo Pete's ( Warren Buffets fave haunt) a true 1950's Steakhouse from Omaha's heyday of Italian Steakhouses... also the employer of most of my cousins- ( my first job too!)

and a sweet Sunday Dinner with family- friends- dogs and babies.

Oh yes -I did get to junk a little on the way home... I will post pics of that later.

The real thing that I was sooo awake to- was you never know when the most important things or more importantly ones will be absent so make time where there is none.

Have a Happy Spring day!

Happy Birthday Bling Crosby

2010-04-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

I will never forget his little 5 pound self, with his kennel collar still on-

born: April 1 2004

Weight 5 pounds 2 oz.

Male

Black

He was so little and so sweet it was ridiculous...

He still is, only 12 pounds... and a don juan to be sure.

He has burroughed his way into our families collective heart and we are in LOVE with our funny little bearded dog.

We love you Crosby, Happy Birthday!

Spring junkin trip...

2010-03-29T06:53:00.001-07:00

That's just what I did when I got home with my truck full of fun and my daughter and my dog no worse for the wear.

Yes there were snow storms all the way to Altus OK... ( once every five years, and this was the year...) and there was a little bout with a flu bug for mom, daughter , dog and self... yes even the dog, but these we mere blips on an otherwise amazingly full and fun trip.

Now for your viewing pleasure I will leave comments to a minimum...

Breaking news... This just in... The LULU purse has just been featured on Etsy and Haute Handbags... It sold out at once, be sure you check my sweet friend Jeanne's shop frequently to see if it is back in... it is AMAZING.

http://abushelandapeck.etsy.com/

http://bushelandapeck.typepad.com/

drool- swoon- sigh.

Now back to our scheduled eye candy...

Thank you for looking, Enjoy your spring nesting.

Come visit at

http://www.thebarncastlerock.com/

I would like to thank my new friend Angie Mitchell at Whispering Pines Antiques in Amarillo TX- Her hospitality and kindness made for a great shopping experience, her shop is darling and she is a gracious hostess.

http://www.whisperingpinecottage.net/

2727 W. 6th Ave

Amarillo TX 79106

Happy Day friends.

Road trip

2010-03-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

3 days. Then we're off.

It has been a long time since I had a road trip, actually 3 years ago, when we packed up our "Dream" home into a POD and sold or gave away everything left that did not fit... literally took out a loan to walk away from our house and drove over night...with 2 cats, one dog one scared 5th grader and our broken hearts

We have not been in a season of leisurely trips or toss- your- care travels.

We have been in the eye of the storm, the details are all very interesting but not for today.

Sometimes our struggle becomes so familiar that we forget how to let go.

Today is about the giddy anticipation of a new season.

Today is the countdown of a realization of a longing I've had for all 3 of these years. A road trip with my daughter. I love my husband very much, but I wanted a trip with just her.

I have not cared where or what for I just wanted to spend some kairos time with her not just chronos. The difference being : I don't want to just log minutes with her I want to avail my self to where time loses it's linear perception and just is.

Not only will we be visiting VERY special people to us upon our destination -( it's a surprise, so more on that later.) but we will get to sneak in some junkin... all the way home! YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

I am beyond thrilled. I truly understand grateful- in a whole new way.

We have my big red truck. We have a hotel that likes dogs! We have each other!

I love the people we are going to see so much they make my heart burst. This is a good trip.

We will have a BBQ. We will have cake and we will remember the time we stopped fretting, stopped clock watching, stopped volleyball practice, and just delighted in each other, the scenery and our loved ones.

Oh yeah- and I will remember what great treasures I rescued all the way home.

Her - not so much. ( insert 13 year old eye roll here!)

That's ok... 10-15 years from now she fondly describe our treasure hunting together.

questions.

2010-03-13T20:12:00.001-08:00

Sometimes Life presents information that is so true, painful, unsearchable that I am left... speechless.

In my mind I know that I will lose people I love. My heart sometimes is slower to process that reality. I submit that this is by design. I don't believe God intended us to bear that truth fully day after day... His plan is to meet you when and where you have to accept this fact.

I was listening to my dad last night. He has had cancer for 9 years. He has lived really well and mostly normal since his stage 4 diagnosis all those years ago. That in itself is extrordinary.

He has valiantly taken control of his health and body and tried every form of nutrition, healing and self care that made sense to him... and enlightened a lot of others a long the way...
He even became a wellness coach for others as a profession.

In the last 6 months a sudden series of health related events has brought in the beginning of a new season.

He was sharing his frustration with not feeling like he normally does. - He is very run down, very lethargic, subdued by a lot of pain meds, and really just glazed over. He can't walk without a cane, and he has other day to day liberties eluding him as well.
He is a vital- intentional- very health conscious, active man.

His favorite thing - I would say -is dancing into the night at concerts, weddings, parties... He loves to dance... I loved to dance with him... we did a lot!

He was expressing sadness at knowing the end is quite near and... secretly wishing it would just get it over with. Not really- but kind of.

He has always had a thoughtful, melancholy philosopherish attitude but I was hearing him last night really just query... and not exactly form questions. I was hearing him unlocking the truth that he may never get all his questions ( on this side) satisfied. My prayer for him is... to know that he knows that he knows that he is loved with an everlasting , sacrificial love, and that it is ok to not have the why questions answered.

He is the pinnacle of the sixties love child hippie through and through. He has questioned everything and -most of the time- I am glad he taught me this as well. I am sure that he has a seekers heart and has loved God every step of every day... He has loved others and been a voice for causes that are noble and needed.

I pray though- for childlike faith...acceptance and knowledge of the one love that defies death. I pray that like C.S.Lewis his inquisitiveness will introduce him to the fullness of Gods plan. That he can set aside the worlds misgivings of a broken and frankly weird church and accept the love that sets captives FREE.

The key to the restlessness... is true peace. To KNOW peace. The person.

8 months ago we were hiking up Red Rocks amphitheatre. He beat us all. He was jumping on his re bounder every morning, and swimming at the Y.
( He lives out of state)
He says now he sleeps a lot. He does not want to walk outside much and risk breaking a bone ( Omaha is slippery this year!) He takes pain meds... when before, a ibuprofen was very foreign.
Things change rapidly.

I pray each of you Love with abandon those who are RIGHT in front of you, and forgive or accept those who are not. Extend grace, receive it if need be. Don't miss an opportunity to connect in love with a family member or friend.

I am going to ask for your help.

I want to give him a list of questions to answer before he dies.
I have a lot in mind but I would like to have you forward this to friends and family and help me come up with questions a lot of them....that I can type up and ask him to answer ...( he will be a good sport... ) ones that after he is gone I might regret not asking...I start crying when I type them so I thought if you all forward them to me then I could copy and paste a list of the ones that I choose...

Like what is your fave color.
Best memory
First girlfriends name?
Worst job
What scares you?
Who was the love of your life?
What do you regret...

You get the point.

I think we all seek to be truly known...and I would love to bless him by trying to REALLY know his answers...

Please help me and forward to friends who will give some good questions... I get overwhelmed with emotion after I start so I could use the help.

Make sure that the ins and outs of your individuality are no mystery to Him, and one day they will no longer be a mystery to you.

C.S. Lewis.

"The Problem of Pain."

Emmalynne.etsy.com_ photography credit.

Busy Busy!!!

2010-03-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

I think I have mentioned before... I NEVER met a chair I did not like.

Somebody please stop me...no don't.
When you love something go with it...which is what I did.
And went and went. My sweet Sophie.. helped the with unscrewing, painting and moving... she is a natural upcycler- who knew?

I love these little perch's all different personalities and attitudes... all beautiful.

I must make mention of the obscenely fabulous yardage on the larger black chairs...lip smacking delicious. I have a bench I'm working on now... A piano bench with that same yardage... ( insert angel chorus here)

Part two...Next is a little project I've been diverted with instead of blogging...

It's actually in large part my job.

One of the purposes of my shop -MAGPIE- is to be a touch point for design/redesign consultation... my first love. I meet people on the hunt and offer my services - voila. Everybody is happy!
I can work myself up into a lather discussing possibilities with clients... I love making space make sense..using what you have, find and love... rethinking the obvious...I can't imagine doing anything else!
The home below is a project I have been mainly consulting on... the homeowner- is so talented in her own right that she inspires me... together it gets better and better.

Look on her island- a table top removed from base CLEVER!

LOVE the bird cage. LA CAGE!

Every where is the harmony of fresh, light, worn and useful.Really livable.

Sweet little pug bed in built in niche... great use for that!

The lunch box is one of my favorite touches..It came from "Coming Home" one of my fellow retailers in the Barn... it's so cool!

Perfectly worn cup board...drool.

It's the details that make the difference.

I can not accept any credit for this darling RE PURPOSE. A bench made form a vanity...The homeowner did this... ( I said she had "it"...thought of this all by herself.) So stinking cute.

Notice how large the Aspen trees are right out side the window... they are beauties.

The sweet little lamp with the more rustic lines of the table... refreshing.

Long view of the great room... this home is nearly 20 years old, it looks so fresh and cozy and livable (3 grown men -dad -2 college age, one teenage guy and two ladies... have to keep it practical)

This is such a special project... I share a friendship with this homeowner, a passion for finding and rescuing treasures, I am certain this will be an evolving design project- we like each others company and ideas too much to stop!

Don't you love her fresh eye... usually when I consult with someone they are the type who know what they like but do not know how to translate it! This is just the opposite... she is just so open to more ideas it's what makes her really good at this herself... as a matter fact this project has inspired me to pay a little more attention to my humble abode... more on that to come.

The use of a lot of white -while still remaining warm, and rustic. I think we have struck a great balance if I do say so myself.

What do you all think... I love feedback!

http://www.thebarncastlerock.com/

Most of the live plants, some furnishing...a lot of the accessories are form The Barn in Castle Rock. ( imagine that!)

Wanna closer look?

2010-03-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

I found her, she loves hanging out in my shop...

I got my little herd already for Easter Season...

Like I always joke with my girlfriends... I never met a chair I did not like...

Wall hangings.... I love them!

My plumbing fixture window hardware...LOVE IT!

So sweet little inspirational plaques.

Cool new basket for home.

DO you love it?! Great little dresser, already in my shop... so cute.

It was for freedom that we are set free... no longer subject to a yoke of slavery.

2010-02-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

I don't even have to label this picture for most of you to know what this is.

The picture is ingrained in our psyche.

The solace after the very presence of Evil has passed by.

I was there- day after mind bending day. Holding my two year old with a white knuckle thankful grip.

I am partial to this picture... it includes my baby brother and other kids who survived Columbine.

This was how most of the world saw the events unfold.

This is how my brother saw them.

Fast forward to yesterday.

(Deer Creek Middle School... Jefferson County Colorado.)

The same neighborhood ten years later: these kids are running for their lives.

From him.

I am not here to pound my fists or demand why.
I know why.
I am not going to blame jocks , or rock bands or even really vile video games...certainly not the teachers and law enforcement who give their days away serving others.

This grown man , as well as Dylan and Eric all have a very powerful attribute...free will.

We have one too. We can ban guns and games and jocks and music but we can not stop the fact that we all have the power to choose.

Blaming and questing for answers or solutions will not yield fruit.
We did that after Columbine and yet 3 miles down the road in probably the most highly aware and trained neighborhood and community in the world it happened, again.
Thankfully not to the same degree... With much thanks to him-

Because of his free will he chose to protect life and take no thought for his safety. He just chose to do the right thing.

But I can tell you from first hand experience, the damage to the families and students here was equally horrific and life altering.

( parents of middle school students at Deer Creek.)

The horrible reality that evil can hurt, injure, terrorize or yes -even kill you- or worse your child...exists.

Now what?

Back to this.

The children who were violated, assaulted, threatened- who watched friends and a beloved teacher die are not pointing at others or clinching their fists in agony... they are innocently outstretching their little hands to the One who knows why.
The One who gave them the choice to demand justice- or give thanks in spite of circumstances.

My prayer for the children and parents of Deer Creek Middle School is that they will rush to remember what made the world take notice... 10 years ago. Grace that was palpable.

This is the real lesson from Columbine.
Innocence is a quality decision. We are not the sum total of what happens to us.

We have the freedom to magnify all that is good, lovely and pure at all times.
I believe these kids knew that praise was the most powerful weapon they had against the evil that had tried to destroy them.

I know ( trust me) they had struggles and pain since then. I also believe that this reflexive response is the truest picture of child like trust and the most healing choice we can make.
The kids knew that they were free.

And ultimately so are we.

My heart and prayers to- first the injured, Reagen and Matt. Then to the parents, friends, school officials, extended families, and community at large.

I offer a special peace to Mr. Eastwoods family, I am sorry.

Thank you to the brave individuals who acted so fast ... and Dr. Benke...you are a hero whether he got the second shot off or not. Thank you.

rest...

2010-02-21T18:34:00.000-08:00

I have been taking it easy.

Really.

I am realizing that I don't really ever rest.

Do you do that?

I am trying to just .. re-collect -refresh- regroup.

Today at least... i will enjoy my time home.
Crafting and painting.

How about you... can you stop and rest?

Happy Sunday!

back to identity pt. 1

2010-02-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

I will try to be succinct... so know that I know- there is a lot to be said about this but I am intentional in the brevity because my purpose is to provoke thought and raise my own awareness more than it is to be exhaustive on any given subject.
One thought I am having about my true identity is to be clear about what it is NOT.

I know this intellectually but I am wanting to be sure that under the surface I am solid in this truth.

That being...

I am not the sum total of my experiences.

Meaning - what has or has not happened to me.

I am not the sum total of my accomplishments. They are isolated moments in time, both victories and failures. ( Thank God.)

I am not the sum total of my intellectual understanding - my emotional state - or my mental well being. This can change with my waste line... or if my shoes are too tight, my blood sugar level and even changing weather patterns.

I am not what any given group or individual defines me as...for they are only seeing through dimly lit glass...

I am aware when I see others wearing a mask defined by any of these variables... or a good blend of them.

A mask is meant to shield -or- project an image that is not authentic or based on reality. It is based on a desired perception. When I observe this on someone I am reminded tocheck myself...am I being "naked and unashamed?" or am I "working at it?"
I believe with all my heart that we are intended to be living free in who we were created -and our challenge is to not let circumstances/events/ individuals have too large of say in who we are-really.
They are all treasures themselves but not meant to be defining our hearts. They are only meant to be fleeting blessings like light on a lake, beautiful but elusive. Or like a fog that is evident and then gone.

What I think is shaping up here is the only true part of our identity is that which is eternal not temporal...

hmmmmm.

Happy day.

Happy Birthday Baby

2010-02-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

Favorite little girl pic of Sophie!

Christmas 2005 - Interested in American Girl Dolls.

November 2009- Her interests are clear...

-Always Daddy's girl.

This morning on the way to school! No brooding teenager here- just a delight!
Okay... Where in the world did thirteen years go? poof!
I was just marveling at her dads huge hand enveloping her body as he slept holding on to her...
Helping her look for "Dora" the worlds ugliest red bear with fuchsia hearts ( that glow in the dark...) the one and only toy that had to go everywhere with us... but of course.
Gold fish and tippy cups. Bugs life. Veggie tales. " Blokely..Cekery..gotta be Beggie tales"
Some of my favorite words...the color greem, incept( for except) and glubs to keep your hands warm.
All the polly pockets and Angelina ballerina's and the sacred American Girl Dolls .
Samantha, Bitty Baby, and Marisol. I wonder where we stored those?
A frog umbrella with 3-d eyes...a scooter that hung on till the bitter end...
Baton recitals, father daughter dances, the hay rack ride for brownies... ending with an emergency room visit- never mind that.
This morning it was... eyeliner ( pick your battles moms...)... converse...hair straightener...and to my giddy delight a hair flower that I made... still girly -still "dressing up..."
I know from raising my stepdaughter... time will float along faster and faster...( my stepdaughter is a mom now!) yet I still am stunned that my baby is officially a teenager.
What I am not stunned about is that she is an awesome, smart, thoughtful, hilarious, creative, talented young lady... who humbles me day after day. She is a wise soul and profoundly perceptive. I am so grateful for the divine trust God gave me with her... and more grateful for the grace I get in stewarding her.

Thank You God... For my daughter- Sophia.

Three things... three times.

2010-02-17T09:52:00.001-08:00

Ok... this will be short but sweet...

I am hearing in my heart a message on identity. I will unpack it over a series of posts and unfold it as it is unfolded to me... sweet and slow.

To begin with I want to segue from small thinking to generosity of spirit.

Part of our identity is defined by what kind of giver we are. Are we conservative with verbal gifts or do we seize opportunities to encourage and thank?...Whichever you are is ok... its just good to know about yourself and be intentional about learning to give verbal gifts... or some call them "silver boxes."

I am asking you to tell three people three things that you love/like appreciate /admire about them- say- over the next week.
You can pour it on or gently lay it out there... whatever you are comfortable with...
It is more blessed to give than recieve so I trust this will be fun!

Then when you have done that ... tell yourself something you admire, about you and give thanks for that attribute... no matter how minor it seems, just appreciate it.
Give thanks for that quality because it is a free gift. Whenever possible share that quality with others, that's what it is for. To be given away... I will unpack this more in the coming days!
Now go forth and compliment!

"Small Thinking"...

2010-02-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing I do NOT like is "preachy" tones and sanctimony. ewww.

I will ask you in advance for a pass if I swing in to that mode...

When God puts a note in my heart it is relentless ...and I believe so strongly in this particular notion that I want to emphasize it as much as possible.

There is a phrase that keeps running through my psyche. Over and over.

Small thinking.
Two simple words- HUGE consequences.

Every time I see an eye roll or an indignant huff... from a stranger- say at a check stand- or a peer I think "you are being arrested by small thinking. "

I work with a large group of women. Strong- smart dynamic women. Each beautiful and gifted in her own right. I am humbled and blessed.
How many of you know what a group of gals in a small place can be like? The phrase -cats in a bag comes to my mind.- Not that it has to be that way but that it has the potential...
You get the picture. Lest you think I am picking on the girls- my husband and I owned a business that operated in 7 states and the boys can trip on the littlest things too... especially the more talented and effective ones, its hard work to keep those egos in line.

Back to my point-I am not suggesting some of us are immune or even should be- I am more or less suggesting that we sound the alarm in our mind to be acutely aware of the besetting habit to think -too small.

Small thinking leads to worry- anxiety- fear- hurt feelings-defensiveness- vain imaginations...it leads to pride, dissension and less destructive on the surface but very insidious-apathy.

I hear people comparing, complaining, very subtly criticizing and my ears burn and my heart sinks.
I HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE GUILTY AGAIN - But one thing God has been working out in me is perspective. He has allowed heartbreak and loss, violation of varying degrees and bitter disappointment to overwhelm my circumstances. He has allowed the unknown to linger in my tent for an extended season...I am growing comfortable with dangling in grace... I would not choose it but I would not give back the gift of it either. Then just when I think I am really good at this "living deeper" stuff, letting go and being broken I run across a story like "Bella Mella's"-

(I can't find her actual address but she is my follower - melanie click on her picture up in my followers box to visit...)
she looks like this-

Did you look? Do you understand what her story is? Her beautiful 12 year old son just passed from this world to eternity in December. She is allowing her loss to resonate in the hearts of all who hear her story. Big Thinker!

~~~~~~"2/8/10
Abba,
To “be still and know” seems not enough. Or too much. In the silence, I stifle a scream. In the stillness, my body rocks. Back and forth. An empty chair moved by the wind. In this world, we will have trouble. Be of good cheer? Yes, alright. The eternal truth that You, indeed, have overcome is the only promise that my heart hears, that my frame obeys.
But not for long. The sighs, the moans, my son’s name under my breath, and the agitated movement of his mother’s body begin again. Yet there will be a day when morning brings more than mourning and silence and stillness are no longer my enemies. Others confide it happens. It must.
My love to You this morning, Abba, for perhaps it is Your ruah that rocks me.

~~~excerpt from her blog...No smallness here.

If you have time to read only one post of hers read Dec. 16 2009.
You will be undone.

Now lets re-visit gossiping and fear/impatience and vain comparisons... SMALL STUFF.

The contrast to those negative outgrowths is the -missed opportunities. The opportunity to dream big as my friend Jeanne is blogging about-

http://www.bushelandapeck.typepad.com/

The chance receive the dream custom made for your life-
Other chances to pour in to the person before you that they are valuable, the things you appreciate about them, why not? What will it cost you?

When you are myopic you can't see the horizon, the vast beauty of all those around you, you also can't see the pain. You miss opportunities to comfort, or quietly empathize. Complaining and comforting are mutually exclusive activities. Its true.

When I consider Melanie's dreams for her sons life and her calling to place them on the alter of trust, I am motivated to fulfill every chance to speak purpose, value, hope and future to all those I encounter.
I don't want the regret of thinking too small, and too inwardly to characterize my days however long or short they may be. I would like to be continually practicing the discipline of thinking big. Relying on the One who's thoughts can't be known and letting him whisper the thoughts I need for today into my heart.

I long to be a big thinker, even on the littlest issues.
Here's to the discipline of checking myself, and not being overcome by the "little foxes."

"You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body."
~ C.S. Lewis

Song of Solomon 2:15 (New Living Translation)

Young Women of Jerusalem
15 Catch all the foxes,
those little foxes,
before they ruin the vineyard of love,
for the grapevines are blossoming!

Dreaming of spring...

2010-02-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

Early morn- Paris Street Market- 2009

"Paris" -2009

I can hear the people and the sighs of wonder as I look at these pics...

I woke this morning with a yearning for spring.

I feel optimistic and excited for what this season will hold. It has been a winter of struggle. I've mentioned before... both literally and figuratively for many.
This morning I am dreaming of open air markets, early morning junkin'- or selling- I'm undecided if I will push myself this year to do the street market. Any thoughts?

I am leaning toward yes- but I we will see. Last year it was a monthly ritual, with great reward. (Namely the amazing women I met and worked with.)

The arriving before dawn, setting up the steam rolling off the coffee as I merchandised my outdoor Magpie.
Then there is the late afternoon satisfaction- euphoria both from exhaustion- and heat...not to mention a great big success each and every time.

I worked with some great talent -women who I will highlight in coming posts- creative- passionate and soooo truly gifted. We would resonate off each other in a way that created a real buzz...very rewarding.

Alas- there is the merit of just shopping at them. No pressure - no worries just pure enjoyment...

I did hear the rumblings about a new market VERY close to the real Magpie... hmmm... now this is a distinct possibility. I will definitely unpack that more as details unfold themselves.

What are you looking forward to?

Happy Day.