Adventures in Maryland

 Black Rock Golf Course

After dropping Hubby off at the golf course (close enough to Camp David that a former president is supposed to have played here), I went a few miles down to road to Funkstown, where the Battle of Funkstown took place on July 10, 1863 during the Gettysburg Campaign as Lee's Army of Northern Virginia retreated toward Virginia in the week following the Battle of Gettysburg.

 

 There were supposed to be several unique shops here, but I have a feeling the economy has shut several down.  The shop above was just across the street from the shop below.  (Unfortunately the Hudson House Antique Shoppe was only open by appointment on Tuesdays.  I decided not to make an appointment.)

 Note the beautiful shuttered window with the candle feature below it (now electrified).

I'm blogging now from The Coffee Station--opened only 3 days ago!  Hubby just texted me that he's only on the 4th hole, so I'm going to check internet to see where the thrift stores are located in Hagerstown.  I have a few hours to "spend", and I can't think of a better way.

If I run out of thrift stores, I'll sit in the sunshine and read the magazines I've brought along--all old Christmas issues which I hold onto when I dispose of the other 11 months' worth.

• It feels good to have no responsibilities or chores to tend to.  
• I like the adventure of exploring new territories. 
• I'm enjoying our first official day of vacation.

Serendipity

Someone has defined serendipity as  finding something nice while looking for something else.  While scouring our house (closets, drawers, trunks, shelves) for a box of children's musical rhythm instruments to use in an upcoming Christmas program, I found THIS!  Just right for our "new" table for the next couple of months!  I'd totally forgotten that I had it.


Along with the table runner were these two plastic pumpkins.  I placed them on our (artificial) mantel beside the ceramic pumpkin I made last year.

Give us this day our daily bread...

Who KNOWS what other serendipities I might experience before I find what I'm looking for?!  Have YOU had any serendipities lately?  (Seems to be happening to me more and more the older I get.  Hmmmmmmm.....)

"His compassions never fail.  They are new EVERY morning..."

Lamentations 3:22-23

He's At It Again!

 After buying this piece at an estate sale for $1.00...

...and seeing THIS picture in Mary Jane's Farm magazine within days of my purchase...

...THIS piece now sits in our living room, thanks to my husband's diligence and skill!

He's at it again!  Yesterday he bought this metal cabinet for $2.50! I know he'll work his magic on it...and the piece below is primed and ready for a coat of cream-colored paint.  We found it discarded on the curb while on a housewalk a few months ago.  Yesterday I saw a picture of one in a decorating book at Borders.  It sat grandly in the entrance of an elegant home.  We'll be looking for a round piece of glass to fit the top.

He has stained this chair that a friend found on a pile of trash and brought to us.  We'll recover the seat and have a comfortable and attractive chair to add to our collection.
I'm blessed to have such a talented and hard-working husband!

Rid yourself of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips...since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the NEW self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. (Colossians 3:7,10)
I, TOO, am being renewed!
The ugly and sinful practices are being replaced by beauty!
And the Creator is STILL working on me.  Seems He is ALWAYS at it!

Fountains

With a slight drop in temperature outside, my energy level seems to have risen!   Yesterday I moved THIS Hoosier cabinet to the sun porch.  It had been in our small laundry closet and took up precious space.

I replaced it with the upright cabinet below (thrifted for $8 and painted by my husband).  I'm so THRILLED with the result!

Sitting UNDER the Hoosier cabinet (and long forgotten by me) was this indoor fountain.  I'd always wanted one.  Years ago we were visiting an art show featuring art by students at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.  I saw this fountain, admired the design, and purchased it (for a fairly high price by my standards).

When we moved, it found its way to the floor underneath the Hoosier cabinet in the laundry closet. Now, it's on TOP of the cabinet,  making a soft bubbling sound as the water tumbles from the "spout", over the rocks, and into the water....

Quietly refreshing. Restorative. Peace-inducing.

I'm going to gather more information and make sure it's working properly.

"The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life..." (Proverbs 13:14)
"The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life..."  (Proverbs 15:27)

I Came, I Saw, I Thrifted

It has been a long time since I've been to the thrift store.  I don't need another thing here!  But my husband had business to transact a couple of blocks from "my" store, so I figured a visit wouldn't hurt.  It didn't.  Our total bill was $2.17 (tax included), and for that amount I got the tin shown above and a matching bowl, a jumbo sized Upwords game (one of our favorite word games), the cloth napkins and a salt/pepper set shaped like grapes. 

To see a few more tins in my collection, visit my "Thrifty Style" blog.    And if you have any extras collecting dust around YOUR house, I'd be happy to take them off your hands.

WHAT A DAY THIS HAS BEEN!

Before meeting a friend at the Olive Garden Restaurant, I spent a little time at my favorite thrift store.  I spent just over $5 and came out with two pair of jeans, three interesting fabric items (more later), a plastic cleaner caddy, and this wire sculpture!  I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but I couldn't pass it up.  It is quite large!

No pictures of the Olive Garden - what was I thinking?  But next I went to Borders where I met my husband.  We spent a couple of hours looking at magazines.  If you're reading this and haven't seen this magazine yet, you really need to get a copy!  It is VERY inspiring.

Here's a quote from one of the articles written by a fellow blogger:  "Like all good art, blogging connects your head, your heart, and your hands...So don't hold back.  You never know what may await you if you throw your heart into finding your voice, your audience, and declaring your dreams to the world."

When I got home, I looked at some of my favorite blogs.  Diana had just discovered how to use her scanner and demonstrated her results with a picture of her adult son as a young child.  I had never used the scanner on our printer, but wondered if I could make it work for me.  Here is the result--a picture of me as a bride on June 5, 1971.

The day isn't over.  This evening, husband and I are attending a town meeting.  Our small town is considering incorporation.  This is a required meeting that all citizens are welcome to attend to voice opinions and help determine whether or not the incorporation efforts will move forward to final stages.

What a day this has been!

FRUGALITY - AN ART FORM!

 

My own blog highlighting my joy in incorporating frugality into my wardrobe and home style.

Most of the time, other people say things far better than I do.  This is the case with the Just Be Frugal blog.  This is how the blog is introduced:

I consider frugality an art form and a religious conviction. I learned about paying cash for purchases, recycling and reusing just about everything and being generous to friends and those in need from my parents.

My faith instructs me all things are gifted by God and so I am compelled to be a good steward of my gifts. [The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. Psalm 115:16]

I couldn't agree more. I just have never said it in such a concise but thorough way.  My own wardrobe blog is an outgrowth of this philosophy.  I am continually growing and stretching myself in this area and find great joy in being a responsible steward of all the good things God has given to me.

Coffee and Thrift Store Shopping

This morning I met a friend for coffee. She treated me since she had a buy one/get one free coupon! Then we went to two of my favorite thrift stores. These are just three of several bargains I found this morning. The price was definitely right!

A beautiful tin to add to my collection...

...a simple oil painting on canvas

...the satin side of a pillow case

Shopping Trauma

Yesterday I came out from under my "rock".  I have a container of Peppermint Twist hand soap on my bathroom counter from Bath and Body Works.  It was a gift (maybe from last Christmas).  One of my friends comments favorably on this soap every time she uses it, so I decided to purchase some for her.  My husband dropped me off at the J.C. Penney's door at the mall in nearby city, and I began my search for the Bath and Body Works store that I knew lay somewhere in the corridors of the "Great Unknown"!

As hard as it may be for some people to believe, I have not been in the mall more than two times in six years (except for Barnes and Noble - maybe 3 times.)  It was almost like having an out-of-body experience to walk through J.C. Penney's--not that I've ever actually HAD one.  The prices of coats, even at 40%-60% off, felt like bullets hitting a body shield must feel!  My internal calculator was spinning out of control as I exited the store and made my way down the hall in search of Bath and Body Works.

To my disappointment, when I got there I was told that Peppermint Twist hand soap has been replaced by many other exotic types.  I did leave with a substitute - a 50% off foamy peppermint soap that you can form into shapes.  Additionally, I was handed many valuable coupons to spend when I return!  I hurried back up the hall, out through J.C. Penney's and into the safe haven of my warm and waiting automobile.

I have not felt so stunned since I returned to my local supermarket after spending 4 weeks in Burkina Faso, West Africa several years ago.  I remember leaving the store without making any purchases, unable to handle the sight of so many shelves  fully stocked after living in a country of such simplicity and poverty for a month. I really don't have words to express myself and know that few people will understand my reaction.  In an attempt to explain myself, I will say that I do most of my personal clothes shopping in thrift stores.  Paying $5 for a Lands End red wool coat makes the $260 price tag for a new one seem almost obscene to me personally.

Let me be quick to add, however, that I am glad many people frequent and support the local malls!  Without them, there would not be used clothes to thrift!  This morning I am trying to gain a balanced perspective on the whole experience.  This is my sounding board.

MY SOUL MAGNIFIES THE LORD!

...these are the two ceramic pieces I recently completed to round out a set of thrifted Nativity figures (these two were missing).  Mary's words are mine this morning!  The Lord HAS done great things for me.  Holy is his name.  And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation!

Oh, for a new awareness and appreciation of the fact that Jesus lives inside of ME, by faith.  His Holy Spirit has taken up residence and will stay with me until the day I am united face to face with Jesus!

My spirit truly rejoices in God my Savior.

Something's Missing!

We're preparing for a display of nativity sets that belong to families in our church at the end of this month.  I wanted to photograph a set for publicity purposes.  I purchased this set last year at a thrift store and vaguely remembered that something was missing.  As I unpacked it, I realize it's not someTHING.  It's someONE.  And Mary at that!  Six camels (?) but no Mary.  This afternoon I'm going to ceramics.  My Christmas tree should be fired and ready to glue in the lightbulbs.  I'll also ask the proprietor if she has a mold for the Mary to match this set.  I sure hope so!  I don't want anyTHING or anyONE to be missing.

I try to plan and prepare for the Christmas season so that noTHING is missing.  Above all, I don't want anyONE to be overlooked.--particularly Him whose birth we celebrate!

"...A House is Built"

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  Proverbs 24:3-4

It will be his winter project.  He found it at the Fort Wayne St. Vincent de Paul store.  I can tell he is eager to begin work on it!  Decorations and design will be my department.  Construction, trimming, painting and roofing will be his.

Vacation Wrap-Up

The cushion on the rocking chair was purchased on Saturday at our favorite thrift store for $.25.

I couldn't resist bringing in the "Christmas tree" - a gift we received over 10 years ago. Its slim proportion has made it a versatile addition to our holiday decorating.   I wrapped it with new lights but will wait to put bulbs on it until after Thanksgiving (maybe).

 

We returned home with fresh enthusiasm and new ideas for life and ministry.  My husband tidied his workbench and finished several small projects.  He also helped me rearrange our living room.  He painted the base of  the coffee table (which had been sitting in our yard).  We topped it with a piece of glass purchased at a garage sale Saturday.

This is an example of the "small" projects he finished....a small, vintage cedar box with a quaint cottage scene on top (thrifted or garage sale, I can't remember for certain).

Autumn Vacation 2009, Day 3

 

After saying goodbye to the beauty of the Bed and Breakfast, we took back roads to travel south.

Can you see the shocks of corn in this field?  It was the only sight like this that we saw.  The camera didn't do justice to the colors of the trees in the background.  Such beauty!

Arriving at Kendallville, IN, we found a GREAT thrift store.  Another story for another day.  Then we located a coffee house that advertised having wi-fi.  We wanted to catch up on emails and blogging.  Unfortunately, it was very slow, so we just did the necessary stuff before picking up a few breakfast items at WalMart.  We rolled into the cottage mid-afternoon, unpacked and headed for local eatery - The Woods Too.  Fine meal.

Back to the cottage to watch Joy Luck Club (a tear-jerker) and Oh Brother Where Art Thou? (or something like that.  Funny with all the cliches of the Old South thrown in.)  Then we enjoyed a cup of decaf coffee and shared a piece of turtle cheese cake.

In Season and Out of Season

Plaid is apparently “in” this year.  And since I’m so fashion savvy (sarcasm), I was happy to find three plaid skirts recently at my afore-mentioned bag sale.  Here are two of them with a jacket I also found at a thrift store last week.  I obviously have no intention of wearing them together.

According to Wikipedia, the word plaid is commonly used to describe what is actually tartan.  Both terms originally had separate meanings. Plaid is derived from the Scottish Gaelic plaide, meaning "blanket" and was used to describe the rectangle, blanket-like garment sometimes made up of tartan that preceded the modern kilt.  Later plaid was used to describe the blankets themselves.

Tartan come from a French word referring to woven cloth as opposed to knitted cloth.  Today these terms refer to the colored patterns created by the weaving of various colors to create this popular cloth and clothing.

All this to say, I'll be sporting my plaid this season.  I also am aware of God's Word (Paul's to Timothy originally) saying, "Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season;  correct, rebuke, and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."  (I Timothy 4:2).

Spiritual preparation - knowledge of and obedience to God's Word - is ALWAYS "fashionable" for His children!

Buckle Up!

I found these four belts in thrift stores while in Illinois visiting our son this week. They represent a total investment of $.70. I was especially happy to find the pink belts because I've been looking for a way to incorporate the color in my wardrobe. Color, length (obviously), width, and material are a few factors to consider when buying a belt.

The Bible speaks about belts, too! Ephesians 6:14 tells us to be prepared for life and its challenges by (among other things) having the belt of truth buckled around our waists. Our survival in the world requires a firm understanding of God's absolute truth delivered in His Word. Truth exposes the lies of the devil and breaks the power of the deceptions they create. Equipped with a knowledge of God's truth, we can recognize the lies, resist the devil and do God's will.

Soldiers in Paul's day wore belts to secure their clothing and hold weapons.The belt of truth for us today has its functions, too. Truth sets us apart from the world and separates us for special purposes. It helps us stay "on task" for God and to avoid falling for sin's deceptions. It gives us direction and guidance for daily living. It provides spiritual intelligence and helps us be discerning and wise in our choices. The belt of truth helps us be battle ready -- to move quickly and confidently without tripping on lies or losing our spiritual weapons such as praise, prayer and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

More important than which belt I wear with my dresses, skirts

or slacks on any given day

is that I remember to put on the belt of truth - first thing, every day!

Thift Store Shopping - A True Green Experience

 In answer to a recent comment on one of my posts, I responded:

True. "Fit" has brought new enthusiasm to my life. But "Thrifting" is helping me find clothes at affordable prices. I'm not a shopper by nature. I stay out of malls because of prices. Style magazines show purses at $499-$3,999! What is a person supposed to do?

In the past I too tended to have my eyes primarily on household items. But I am finding necessity to be the mother of invention and am enjoying the journey!

When you find a clean, well-organized thrift store, you are embarking on a "true green experience"!  For those of us who are part of a one-income family (and even for those with extra money to spend),  thrifting is one of many options to help us live responsibly and wisely.

 I'll try not to go overboard on this "thrifting" topic.  Please forgive my tangent!

Thrifty Fashion at Sixty

Garage sale long-sleeved black shirt
Thrifted black denim vest
Thrifted belt
Thrifted paisley skirt
Thrifted black sandals
All items were in my closet. I'd never worn them together before. All totaled: No more than than $5.00. When I added the vest, it all came together!

(Don't worry about clothes...) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:28 & 33)

WHAT I VALUE in CLOTHING

from Thrifty Style at Sixty

• Versatility
• Good fit
• Classic
• Simple
• Easily maintained
• Modest
• Appropriate
• Attractive
• Affordable
• COMFORT

Vintage J.C. Higgins 3-Piece Luggage

I couldn't resist this 3 piece set of vintage J.C. Higgins luggage at a garage sale this afternoon! According to some information I've discovered on the internet, this is a "a rare find. Hard bodied vintage luggage was made only from 1940-1961 by J.C. Higgins and sold at Sears."

And there they sat! In amazing vintage condition with original tray (although the tray is cracked) with metal hinges on the back and two working front latches. All three are in wonderful condition: very few and minimal scratches, discolorations, and scuffs on the outside. The middle case has a small nick in it (shown in smaller photograph) and a bit of a stain in its interior. Overall, they're clean and in excellent vintage condition with beautiful coffee colored exterior, gold toned hardware, deep brown tray and the HUGEST mirror I've ever seen in any traincase. Two of the original I.D. tags came with the suitcases, but no keys.

My trouble is, I already have too many vintage suitcases! I use them to hold art supplies and out of season clothes. I use them for several other storage purposes as well as every time I travel! (I've gotten some very nice compliments on them, too.)

If you're interested in owning this set, contact me on Facebook or leave a comment here with a way I can reach you.

Did I mention, I really like VINTAGE?
Do YOU have a favorite vintage piece?

This Could Be the Start of Something Big!

I had so much fun helping my sister sew the curtain yesterday morning that I got to work crafting two small skirts and matching drawstring purses for our two granddaughters. I had cut up a dress I could no longer wear and was going to use the pieces for rags. I realized I had enough to try my hand at making something from the skirt pieces. Since we plan to see our children & grandchildren tomorrow, I finished this project to take along.

Then I sewed four cushion covers out of some valances I found free in a box by the side of the road. The fabric was washable with that "rubbery" kind of backing. I though them perfect for outdoor use. I made them to fit pillows I already have and will use them to decorate our yard and garden on Tuesday when I host my Red Hats Club for desserts after our regular dinner meal.

I had GREAT fun. I'd forgotten about my sewing machine even though it sits opened on an old sewing machine base at the top of our stairway and I pass it every time I go into our bedroom!