A Treasured Possession

Long ago (REALLY long ago) a very special women walked into my kindergarten class. Mrs. Upton was taking over my class mid-year to allow my original teacher, Mrs. Summers, to leave for another school. I'm not sure why this dear women has integrated herself into my childhood memories, but she is firmly within the depths of my heart and mind. After I graduated from kindergarten and moved up into the world of elementary school, I would continue to visit and help with "the younger kids". I enjoyed seeing her and helping out as much as I could. During third grade, I learned that she would be retiring. This was sad and I knew I would miss her. With the help of a few other teachers, I conjured up a "surprise" going-away party during one of my recesses. My mother was a professional cake decorator and was able to make a beautiful cake. I wore the special peach dress Mrs. Upton had bought for me and invited a friend to join in on the festivities. Now this is where the memories of a little girl and the eyes of an adult collide. I, of course, remember her great "surprise" over the party and festivities. I remember my excitement and the anticipation of the party. But, as I look at the photos capturing these memories, I realize she knew all along. But in true Mrs. Upton spirit, she faked her surprise and enthusiasm for an 8 year old girl who thought the world of her.

About 7 years ago, my mother gave me an envelope that held a thank you card from Mrs. Upton. My mother had kept it for all of these years and found it during a destashing session. I treasure that note and the photo showing my happy face. I've talked to Mrs. Upton a few times since my elementary school days and she's always happy to hear from me. But, I've never been able to express how much she meant to me. I think it time to sit down and write a quick letter to her and thank her for being such an integral part of my happy childhood. I hope we can all do that for the ones we love. Life is too short not to.

Here is a photo of my treasured possession. The turkey is also a treasure. She gave it to me in the third grade for helping her with the kids and their craft project. While it isn't the prettiest thing, I do love it and it has traveled far. It is always on display and something that I don't plan to part with anytime soon.

Home Sweet Home

I survived!!!! It was fun, but absolutely exhausting. By the time we made it home, my ankles were two times the size they should have been due to the 24 hours of sitting on a bus. But it was a nice trip with my daughter and we saw a lot of great things. I just need a few more days to recover.

While I was gone, I had several requests for custom designs and I can't wait to get started on those. It seems like things are picking up on the storefront and I have a few new ideas up my sleeve. I can't wait to get back to sewing and designing. My goal this next weekend is to move my sewing "studio" to another corner of my house. Right now, it is in my bedroom and I have completely taken over the room. Yesterday, I watched the Oprah Show and it was about decluttering your life. Of course, while I was watching the show, I looked around and saw suitcases, clothes, fabric and a complete mess. I knew she must have had a secret camera in my home and was talking directly to me. After staying 10 days in several hotels, it was time to organize my home and life. So that is my goal. I will post photos of my new area when I have it complete.

I also hope to get in a little vintage shopping this month. On my trip, I was in upper state New York and hoped to visit antique shops, but time didn't allow this. So, I need to get my fix and if I find anything good, I will post those pictures as well.

In the meantime, I am posting a few pictures from my trip. Happy looking.

Welcome to my blog!!

Wow, I can't believe I am creating my first blog. While I enjoy reading other people's blogs, I never thought I would create one of my own. Heck, I don't even keep a journal. But, I look forward to posting on a regular basis.


First, maybe a little bit about myself. I am a married mother of two teenage daughters. While they are good girls, it is a little hormonal in my home. I am also the mother to two fur babies, Haley and Gracie, and a rescued sparrow we named Toula (we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding when we named her). I live on a family farm after my family moved to the Ozarks from California four years ago. It was a good move....at least I think so. When I visit the city now, I can feel my blood pressure rise. We have cows, donkeys, rescued goats and sheep on our farm. They are all pets and will stay that way.

I work as an executive assistant and enjoy creating my Vintage-at-Heart designs on the evenings and weekends. I really enjoy vintage everything...jewelry, fabric, kitchen items and so forth. My latest find was a vintage pink fridge drawer. I was at an auction this weekend and it was being auctioned with a bunch of Folgers cans. A gentleman paid $1.00 for about 10 cans and the fridge drawer. I approached the gentleman and asked if he wanted it and he only wanted the cans. I paid him $1.00 and happily took my pink drawer home. It's enameled pink and my daughter is going to use it for her art supplies. It's great. I love those country auctions. You never know what you will find.

I opened my Etsy shop in March after my daughters said "NO MORE PURSES, MOM". When my first purse sold, I was scared and excited at the same time. I was thrilled that someone felt it looked good enough to buy, but scared that when they actually received it, they would think it was horrible. What a relief when she sent me a personal note telling me how much she loved it. Since then, I have continued to refine my line of handbags and have added rings and necklaces to my store. My future design plans include diaper bags and fashion pet carriers. I hope they are as accepted as my current line has been.

Well, I should get back to sewing and please send me critique of my blog. I am clearly a novice and hope to improve and transform the blog as time goes by.