Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Fiber Arts Versus Valium




Yesterday was all about the yarn. Journey, my sister in law had a doctor's appointment on the same day that she had scheduled a lesson for Makena (her daughter) to learn how to use the huge weaving loom she had got her for Christmas. I quickly volunteered to come over and stay with her during her lesson. It is a 7 foot pine wood loom for weaving yarn into a shawl. It is wonderful and I watched and took notes while drooling. As I was taking notes and being Makena's back up I was planning where I could put a 7 foot triangle in my house. Then I decided some new yarn would probably give me the quick fix I was craving. The shawl picture is an example of what can be woven on the loom and I found it on this gorgeous etsy site http://www.etsy.com/shop/AguapauDesign

I had been contemplating trying to knit socks because we love our merino wool, tres expensive, outdoorsy, snobby socks from the Backwoods Store or Dynamic Earth and thought what fun to knit something useful and appreciated. I ran over to Sprouts because when I first had the knitting socks idea I figured there was a way to do it on a circular needle and this whole 5 double pointed needle thing just looked like it defeats the purpose of being relaxing and meditative. Julie is always amazing and helpful and showed me the sock book by Cat Bordhi and sure enough it shows how to knit socks on circular needles. Julie then suggested I stray from the instructions in the book and instead of buying 2 identical needles I should buy a #2 24 inch and 32 inch. That way my collection continues to grow. What a good drug dealer.... errr I mean yarn seller she is! I in no way mean she deals drugs! I mean she fills my yarn, fiber, creativity addiction with just what the doctor orders! These two needles had different colored cables between them and I found that nice also to give me a little reassurance of which one I was using next. So, here are pics of the beginning of my first knitted socks. Love it! It has totally consumed me and that is exactly what I was wanting. It makes me focus less on what my husband needs to be doing (because that is my job right?) It also makes me appreciate why wool socks cost so much. You can see by the picture that an evening of knitting didn't get me very far. My kids asked why I was knitting baby socks?!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Goode Family Marathon


The Goode family get together marathon has begun! Friday night was at the Farm for little nieces' Kloe and Ava's Birthday. Last night was Mary Margret's Graduation Party where there was a lot of dancing to Black Eyed Peas and Deaf Leopard. I think of Mary Margret whenever I hear "Pour Some Sugar on Me"

When I logged in this morning, a little late because I had to vacuum first, I noticed a giveaway on my favorite blog http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/ Her Photo's are beautiful and her recipes are easy and amazing. Here is the answer to the contest question; What do you do on Christmas Day? We are the real Brady Bunch, so we open presents and then go see Grandma’s controlled Chaos. My husband is the 10th of 12 children, 7th son of a 7th son! Therefore Grandma’s house is open and bustling and joyous! Tons of squishy babies everywhere. Then the kids go for JC Christmas (joint custody or thank Jesus Christ and let the spiked egg nog flow) Happy Holidays, Jennifer

The picture is a little snowman gourd ornament.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Lacy's Little Helper



Look! my Sam isn't the only cat friend drawn to find the most fun vintage stuff in the house. This is Lacy's cat and it was helping her with her gorgeous vintage art frames and light switch covers. http://www.etsy.com/shop/laceyellis This is the link to see her fun stuff up close! MUST SEE.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Sam's Week





i am having trouble typing with my kitten laying in my lap. but, he gets to lay here since he was run over by the car last week. i was not driving. and, he was almost put out of his misery, but as john went outside to take care of it, sam wrapped his paws around john's leg and he couldn't do it. sam gets to live inside now, and he tries out all the cat worthy spots. here are some of the places i found him. the last pic is taken a minute ago by my laptops camera, so you can see he is laying on my arm, therefore, no caps tonight.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Chip Chocolate Chewys




11 years ago today I want into labor; twice. With the holidays and trying to conserve resources and money I am baking the treats for their class with what is in the cabinet. Have you ever had to buy birthday treats for 2 classes from the grocery store? Highway Robbery! I pulled out an old favorite from Grandma Slusher; Chip Chocolate Chewys. YUMMY. My kitchen smells so good and it is just heartbreaking that no one is home to lick the spoon. Here is the recipe. Tres Simple. (redneck french)
Chip Chocolate Cheweys
2/3 cups shortning
2 cups brown sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pecans
2 cups flower
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
7 oz chocolate chips (I might have poured those a little heavy)
mix together and spread in a pan and bake for 25 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Grandma always baked them in a pan and cut them in squares and I can't imagine them any other way!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

John, Dumpling





Thanksgiving went amazingly smooth. I was ready early with food cooked and even time to dust and straighten the family picture. I am thankful for a quiet evening. Look at all the pre-teens and teen girls in my life! When my mother told me; "Paybacks are Hell" is this what she meant? And then to put the icing on the payback cake I am married to a man that can eat 3 helpings and then have multiple sittings with apple dumplings without gaining an ounce. I am also thankful for the spirited Red Head that sings her own compositions while standing on my favorite antiques. I wouldn't have life any other way. Thank you

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The Timer Just Dinged on the Pie



I am in a perfect spot. Thanksgiving is Tomorrow. I just pulled the most beautiful pumpkin pie from the oven and wrapped up creamy mashed potatoes and the sweet potatoes are cooking. I have extra pumpkin puree from the pumpkins the kids and I went and picked from Rigney Farms today and it is about to be stored in 1 cup servings in the freezer. I will volunteer for pumpkin pie for Christmas this year! I am having a cocktail and blogging and my house is fairly clean. My Handsome husband is sleeping on the couch, which means he isn't trying to make all my food better and change my recipes and I feel like Queen of My World. Ahhh, sometimes I win.

Ok, Black Friday and Cyber Monday Weekend; KC Etsy is promoting our stores and each other this year and let me recommend you visit these amazing artists in the link. Buying handmade and vintage is very selfish! Yes you are giving a gift, but you are making yourself feel so good when doing it. Don't lie to yourself, you may see the sparkle in their eye and the huge smile on their face when they receive that one of a kind gift, but really it is how it made you feel to support our local economy, local artists, environmentally friendly artists and you probably recycled in there somewhere. So, give handmade and get warm fuzzy's! Click on our link for more info and a list of participating shops. http://kcetsy.blogspot.com/2009/11/huge-black-fridaycyber-monday-kcetsy.html

I will be having free shipping on Gourds and marked down prices on Vintage Serving and Entertaining Pieces. Please get lost in their amazing shops and stop by mine also. We all appreciate your time.

Quote of the Day


"Audrie, the point of you unloading the dishwasher is... that I'm not unloading it." So says the 14 yr old to the 9 yr old. The day before Thanksgiving and I'm down to 2 kids, from 6 (the rest are at the "Others" houses) We are doing a little cleaning and organizing. I am doing some shipping of etsy sales and we went out to the Rigney Farms and filled the back of the truck with pie pumpkins, so I am about to make pumpkin puree. Here's the link to the recipe I am going to follow. I love the Pioneer Woman and her pictures are as much fun as her comments. http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/10/make-your-own-pumpkin-puree/

I'm having a Black Friday Sale and Cyber Monday at my Etsy shop and will fill you in after I get the pumpkin started. I have a plan on multi tasking everything to get ready for tomorrow, sorta....

Monday, November 16, 2009

Holiday Gourd Ornaments



I am posting the ornaments that I have been selling at craft fairs on my etsy site today. I also have some larger Holiday lamps and medium snowmen going up. This weather has my sinus's wreaking havoc on me so I will do my best to get them all online, but... I have a beautiful new snowman style that should be done this afternoon that has a light up nose and a hand painted nativity. I am excited. Here are a few of today pictures. Notice the white hat on the snowman lamp. It is done on a knitting loom made for flowers. My mom and I picked it up at JoAnne's this weekend and I am very excited. It is so easy and these hats pop out in about 10 minutes. So Fun!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK THIRTEEN: Win a MY DAGGERED HEART necklace from Silver Trove Designs!



Kansas City Etsy Street Team: Countdown to Christmas: KC Etsy Team's Great Giveaway! WEEK THIRTEEN: Win a MY DAGGERED HEART necklace from Silver Trove Designs!
Click on the link and Sign up to win this gorgeous necklace and check out the other talented artists on the kcetsy team!

Just a quick blog to show you what I found this weekend after a show in Oregon, MO. The biggest gourds I've ever seen where there. This is the big one I brought home to dry, sitting in my favorite chair. I am also on a push to post vintage serving pieces so we can all Entertain Vintage Style. Retro=Recycle and I think every little thing we do can help out. The picture is a Mod, Atomic themed vintage candy dish. That's all for now, I have gourds drying.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Crossing the Cyber LIne



I received and email yesterday afternoon that the Etsy Team that I belong to was having a meeting. I decided to cross the line and meet online friends in the real world. I haven't been a huge contributor to this group yet, just getting the feel for things but putting real faces with the avatars was inspiring. It wasn't like being a gamer and meeting your online guild. These were crafters and artists. Not guys that play girls characters online. It was a group of about 15 artsy, outgoing people who have the same stuff going on in life as you do. They were mothers, one about to be for the first time and her husband, people with day jobs, people from the city and the country. It was a great evening and I have so many ideas going through my head that I already have a full todo list, but I might have to blog quite a few times today just to get to cross some things off. The link to this group is http://www.kcetsy.blogspot.com/ And BONUS! I'm on the front page right now of their blog. You can also find the KC Etsy button on the side of my blog. Everyone was so talented and they organized a gift exchange. Let me tell you, this was better than any Office Gift Exchange Ever! Each person brought a handmade gift. I have posted pics of my gorgeous gift; an earthenware tea bag dish and very cool magnet. The dish is going to my next craft fair to hold business cards. These were created by Glazed Earth www.glazedearth.etsy.com Please stop in and check her beautiful items out.

Monday, November 2, 2009

The List



I have started my list of todo's and as usual I have more than six things on it. I was told while in sales to only put 6 things on your list so it is not overwhelming and you will feel accomplishment as you finish a list. So, I'll type fast so I can cross this off my list.... and then probably add another thing.

I was so lucky and got one of the last booths at the 15th Annual Central Nazarene Craft and Cookie sale in Lenexa. If you have never been to this craft fair (which I hadn't until this weekend) put it on your list of things to do before you die. This is the most beautiful, well run, relaxed craft fair I have ever been to. It isn't your normal bake sale, they bake cookies and you get to buy them by the lb all day so when you walk in you are accosted with the smell of fresh baked heaven. This is after the door was opened for you and you are greeted and happily signed up for a door prize. There were 40 vendors and they were all handmade items of all different types. I was the only gourd painter and I did very well. More than that, I learned so much and enjoyed myself and my husband came and joined me and he was a lot of fun too. Put it on your calendar for next year Oct. 30, and 31st on 87th next to the Lenexa Police Department. It is worth it.

So I am in full on craft mode to step up my game. I spent yesterday making hand dipped scented bulbs to put in my gourds. I am very excited. I think they are super cute and they smell wonderful. I sold all my snowman heads that have the bulb sticking out for a nose so I will finish one (it's on the list) and show you the light in action. I am going to list them on my site so if you have a gourd already you can get a scented bulb to put in it too. I will also have them at my next couple craft fairs. Sunday Nov. 8th is in Oregon MO 10-3 at the TJ Hall Building on the West side of the Courthouse. It will benefit the Hope House and feeding local Families. Oregon Missouri is up by St. Joe. Then my favorite is Nov. 13th and 14th at Silvercrest Retirement Community on old Metcalf and just North of 135th St. This is where my Grandma and John's Grandma (coincidence really) both live so it is fun and all the residents also sell their handmade items. One woman that is in her 90's makes the most amazing decorated eggs. The details rival Faberge. Stunning. I will post a picture of my new scented bulbs taking over my laundry room. Yes, I'll have to move them today because doing laundry is on the list.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Knee Deep in Gourdness



I had so much fun at the St. Joseph's Craft fair on Saturday that I was overcome with the urge to do another one. I left some messages yesterday and got a call back from an excited woman who checked out my website and they had just opened up another room for their 15th annual Christmas Craft show in Lenexa. I wasn't ready for last weeks, how am I going to get ready for this one!

I have been inspired by Peggy, a Stampin Up Consultant who I met Saturday, to have a killer booth ready way before the doors open. I just haven't figured out how the Queen of Last Minute is going to reach that goal. Check out Peggy's fun blog and her pictures of her booth. http://mycraftroomblog.blogspot.com

Here is a picture of my little friends that watched Leno with me last night. Less Sleep! More Painting! Oh, and also a picture of our new kitten; Willow.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

First Craft Fair for the Year


Saturday is my first craft fair for this season. I only did a couple last year, but they turned out pretty good. Being the queen of last minute, I am nowhere near ready so I need to get into crafting tornado mode. Here's a picture of my rustic hanging gourd just listed at www.jennifergoode.etsy.com

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Bronze for Fall

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=87850
This is the link to the treasury that my vintage fan was featured in. I'll chat more soon, I'm in laundry, dishes, picking up mode and tossing around the idea of an last minute garage sale at my shop on Saturday!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Un Cluttering


jennifergoode's Shop Announcement

My newly listed vintage Items are going to be listed at www.epicepoch.etsy.com Please go visit, I have brought in some amazing treasures. I am making this change because we are producing some rustic furniture and crafts from our recycled wood and it is Gourd Season; MY PASSION! so, to un-clutter, this will be painted gourds, and hand made furniture and crafts. Epic Epoch will be amazing vintage, hand painted cottage decor and Cottage Style Wall decor.

don't forget
www.epicepoch.etsy.com Vintage & Cottage Style Decor & Photos
www.jgoode.net Certified Arborists
www.vintagevaultonmain.com Both etsy sites and our blog


This is the new Announcement on www.jennifergoode.etsy.com I have been doing some cleaning out and organizing everywhere in my life. My "Assertive" Personality (as a past counselor called it) took over and I dove back into our tree service business. It is hard to have a business with your husband, it is hard to know your role. I have tried jumping in head first and being out front and vocal like I have a habit of doing and I think that freaked him out that he was loosing control. I have stepped back and worked more on my crafts and then he tells me I don't help him and can't understand why I can't put that time and energy into our business. So last night I thought about how I want some things to go and became assertive again and cleaned out the shop to become very Tree Service oriented. I delegated work to my husband and Zack, who works for us and started my plan. Plan your work, Work your Plan! I'll let you know how it goes.

As far as my Etsy organization I uncluttered my shops. John has been cutting the most beautiful boards out of his tree removals; walnut, cherry, cedar and poplar. So, my www.jennifergoode.etsy.com is for our earth friendly wood, furniture and gourds and www.epicepoch.etsy.com is for vintage finds and hand painted cottage style decor and furniture. It is a hard decision for me because I have a bunch of hearts at my jennifergoode shop, but it was what I intended when I began this, I just got distracted by all the fun vintage. Tonight I am going to hit the hay early because I was up late last night with my plan.

The image is a fun little vintage wood box that I painted and distressed. It is still on the www.jennifergoode.etsy.com whoa.... this might get confusing. I hope I am making a good decision.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

New Hair



I have been so bad about blogging. Sorry! It has been a strange time around here. 6 kids and school and sports. A season in the tree service industry that I just haven't figured out yet. This is my first Halloween Gourd season to sell on Etsy and it has been going well. I will post my newest light up gourd ghost on a pumpkin. The other picture is my exciting new hair! I always figured it is easier to drastically change your hair than your life. It usually does the trick and gives you a new outlook on things. I am loving mine so far; my hair and my new outlook. John seems to love it also.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Garnet


I ran across this ring on Etsy. Garnet is my birthstone. Look at the meaning of Garnet. Garnet: The stone of passion and courage. Stimulates devotion to your family, your friends, yourself and your purpose or goals. Garnet will stimulate the senses, and increase your vitality and stamina. Loved it! I think I will try to live my next week with passion and courage and devotion to purpose or goals. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21614116 I thought the lighting on the picture was stunning also. I think jewelry photo's would be a huge challenge. I have posted a picture of last nights photo challenge at my little shop. How do you display a hat well for a picture without having to be in the picture or have someone wearing it. I think I will keep trying on this listing to get a better picture. I love the color and light, however it doesn't show its shape well.

I have to take off and be a tree trimmer today. Wish me luck working with my husband. He does have a couple guys there also working for him, so he usually watches what he says to me in front of them. :)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Sunday To Do's


It is a chilly Sunday morning here in Missouri so I started going through my drawers to change out my summer clothes and get rid of things I don't really need and store things for next year. But, this fall I am making three piles; One for shop rags, one for storage for next summer, and another for the cocktails and clothes swap. I decided I am going to invite my female family and friends to the shop one evening and we can swap out our clothes that we would otherwise take to the goodwill. Also handbags and accessories. Then leave the rest and make one one trip to donate the unwanted ones. I think it sounds like a ball!

I am trying to get myself in canning mood and then one of my favorite blogs posted a strawberry jam tutorial. The pictures sucked me in http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/08/canning-101-and-strawberry-jam-part-1/ after I put my 10 cents worth in the long list of comments (goto your edit list on the top of the page and then goto find and put in jennifer and hit next a couple times till you see my comment by jennifergoode, if your curious) I found a link to another blog that has cute little downloadable jar lables; http://tinyurl.com/nsazry

I am also getting the shop organized today and some projects finished up and pictures taken and listed. Should be exciting! Here is a picture of the first halloween gourd of the 2009 season! Enjoy

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

I made a Blog


I have some fun new painted things to list today so I am excited. I also have a couple recent mentions. I made a treasury http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=75824 and a blog also. What a beautiful blog. I only have a minute to post this then I'm off to box up some stuff. enjoy the links

The picture is a sneak preview of my new etsy site www.epicepoch.etsy.com where I will feature vintage style prints in mats and on cards. It will be a way to inexpensively bring more vintage to your space and share your style with friends. I hated the idea of another site but I wanted to avoid some confusion and frustration when looking a products vs pictures of products. enjoy

Monday, August 10, 2009

I Made the Front Page


I made the front page! I saw it was a collection of cottage style decor and thought I might get some extra hits on my site this morning, then as I was looking at them I saw it! The suitcase I listed just last night. I'm so glad I worked late! I could scream I'm so excited!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

July Numbers are in


Well, I was down in sales in July, but I wasn't as hard as it as June. The Kiddo's and I had a lot of fun and play time in July and there were trees to be trimmed. But, I think I am back with a vengeance. I got my items over 100 for my Etsy site and that seems to be a good goal, because whenever I get over 100 products listed I sell a bunch and then the process starts over. So, I'm over 100 and back to painting in my little shop. LOVE THAT. Gourd Season is beginning so I am ready to start some halloween gourds. Let me see what I can dig up for a picture. Oh, I know; Henry, the giant bullfrog from the creek that now lives in our pond. Goodnight Henry.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Vintage on a Blog

Look I made a blog! http://etsylounge.blogspot.com/ Mine is the teal sewing drawer that is holding little gourds. Gourd painting season is almost here. Can't Wait! I'll have weekend Lake pictures later today, just wanted to share my little mention in the blogosphere.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Early Blogging and the Smell of Diesel


You couldn't tell me 5 years ago when I put on high heels every morning and went out to sell marketing that this is where I would be. I got up early and made coffee and packed lunches for John and his crew. He said I didn't need to be on the crew today because it was a lot of heavy dragging and he had enough help. 2 no shows later it is just him and his nephew headed to the jobsite. Someone is still supposed to show up and pick up the truck, so I filled it up and filled the extra gas can with diesel for the loader. This was right after I got out of the shower, applied my new/old Channel #5 and put on a fun summer dress. So, of course, the diesel fuel sprayed me and here I sit, funny on the fumes!

Let me tell you a little about my new perfume. I had the 3 youngest with me at the lake house last week and we went to church, then to the coffee shop to check email and then we saw my favorite 4 letter word; SALE. Even better when it follows the word Garage. I thought that strange on a Sunday, but I needed to find some treasures to list to pay for the attorney to keep our kids at home where they belong.... sorry, short rant. So we meandered down a fun lake road and sure enough. It was like Hansel and Gretel finding the house of Candy and Gingerbread. Everything was bagged, vintage and went on for ever! This woman was so wonderful and I think we both had the same sadness and worried look. As I left with a trunk full of treasures and fun stuff the kids had picked out for themselves also, I told her a little of my story and she expressed what a blessing it was for her to have a big sale. Sometimes things happen for a reason, and going to church definitely makes you luckier. I had looked at a gorgeous straw hat several times, but my funds were running low and I didn't want to bargain with her for such a neat item. She went into her garage and brought me that hat and wanted me to have it. We hugged and she told me it was her mothers hat and her name was Aida. Aida's hat has a fun place decorating my studio now and it ends up in pictures a lot too. Have a great day! I am going to do some shipping, but I bet I will end up on the job site.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Saying Goodbye to Goode Feed


Saturday was the last day that my brother in laws feed store was open. It had been in business for 20 years. It is strange to think we wont go there for dog food or seeds or rent equipment and trailers for jobs, or even just stop by with the kids and get a soda. I think this will be a good thing for him and his family but you can see how hard it is in his face and seeing his customers stop by was hard too. So I just wanted to do my part to make the transition a little easier for him. I brought back a couple items and told him I would store them in my shop and try to sell them for him. So today my post is to show off this really cool bulk seed bin. It is 62 inches long and 52 inches tall by 12 inches wide. It has the wonderful metal scoops also. It is a huge piece but we can talk about delivery. I just wanted to spread the word because I feel like I am in a circle of organic, tree hugging, artsy fartsy, friends who would rather buy something to help an individual than to buy it from a large corporation. I also thought it would make a very cool display for a soap maker or yarn shop.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

I forgot the PIcture



Silly Me!

Still No Girls

It is 6pm and their mom was supposed to bring them back at 5pm. My stomach is in a knot and I'm upset. These games are not fair. Ok, I have to think of something else. John has gone out to the garden to plant more green beans so he isn't watching out the window. I am listing a lot of vintage items. I have the base coat on some fun furniture up at the shop so I might head up there and turn the music up loud and finish some vintage furniture.

On Etsy I started a Destash section and listed some beautiful yarn. I am also making some plans for selling my pictures as matted prints. I have been wanting some for my walls at home and I know the wonderful people I meet as I treasure hunt would enjoy them. I have also had some feedback from people viewing my site that has brought this on.

Note to self; Expand on how to wear pins and brooches as a foot in the door for a sales job in my next blog.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Is July Over


Rough is the word for this month. I mentioned in my last post how my heart hurt from getting rid of the shop, well then I kept getting strange information about the 3 girls staying with their mom this summer. Things were just making me nervous. Then Audrie was left at a party so I picked her up and kept her with me and the twin boys. We have been at the Lake of the Ozarks a lot having a great time, then light dawns on Marblehead; the two older girls want to move to their mom's house. This is understandable in a way, but their mom left them almost 9 years ago. It hurts and I feel stupid and I have to realize this isn't about me, but I don't understand. Audrie doesn't want to go to her mom's, and that makes me worry that things are strange there. Nothing has changed with their mother, she doesn't have custody and she has moved 5 times in the last 2 years and lived w/ many men and owes 38k in back child support, but we wont go into how the system is one sided and won't go after a woman like they do a dead beat dad. So, I haven't been posting and my thoughts haven't been fun arts and crafts, but as soon as I get this out I will get back to it.

I have found some great vintage finds and have got my etsy site back to 100 items so watch out here I come. Painting will help me I'm sure. I swear I need to write about the Evil Stepmom's side of the story!!! Better news on the next post. Promise!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Early Morning Chores



I had my alarm set to 3:30am so I could take Caitlyn to the airport yesterday and forgot to turn it off, so here I am. Caitlyn made it safely to Boston for a fun stay with Nana so now I have to do the laundry and dishwasher. Just kidding. I'll have to get some other kids home from summer play to do chores! Yeah Right! If I get some work done around here I think I will head to the Ozarks to have a relaxing week with John's Mom and Sisters. I just learned how to knit a 2x2 rib so I am going to take the beginning of the scarf I learned on and knit till my eyes bleed. First I have to finish a bunch of shipping and the painting I started in the dining room.

John wants to cut business expenses and move the business to our home, so that means no more vintage furniture sales from our office building. I was pretty heartbroken the first few days but decided I would feel better if I got everything organized at home. So I started with fresh paint on the walls I have been meaning to paint and moving some of my etsy furniture over and get some shelves up and organized. I have decided this will be a good thing and it will be nice to have everything in one place and my sales were all online so it made the building added overhead. It will just kill me to take the Environmental Service Signs off the front though. Here is a picture of the backyard with a storm rolling in.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Friday Morning Coffee


What a week! And as my life goes, the weekend is usually busier. It looks like I will be getting a plane ticket to go to New Orleans to help drive the bucket truck and car back home. I am not really looking forward to it. I have a lot to do here. I spent the early part of the week being Chainsaw Charlie after Drexel and Paola were hit with 100 mph straight line winds. It wore me out! I thought that my pink hard hat was about to get its 15 minutes of fame when I was doing a large tree removal after the storm in Drexel and the news helicopter was overhead and the news crew was there also. The removal went well and it fell exactly where I wanted it, then all the neighbors around cheered and a woman handed me a Gatorade and 6 men sawed up the tree. I watched the news for it that evening and sure enough, they showed my jobsite, but only the people dragging my fallen tree to the curb. Ugh...

Last night I went hunting in the Treasure barns and got another load of amazing vintage stuff to paint, list and put in the shop. I sold all the metal toolboxes from the first round so that was my goal. I did find 2 more, but also some really neat other things. Like the scale in the picture. I better get to scrubbing this morning. I have a tree bid at 9am and the shop open at 10am so off for some more coffee and get my day rolling.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Friday Night



I am missing my husband terribly. Wow, didn't think I would type that. Just because I'm really ok with being independent and having time to do the things I need and want. I have been painting furniture like crazy to get the shop open. I stayed till about 10 tonight and an amazing table with a gorgeous amber finish will be dry tomorrow. I love listening to my music in bed and being on the computer at all times, but I realized today that it has been just over a month since he went to New Orleans for this job. Not only painting but still getting tree jobs done here at home. I had a great crew today; John's brother and a neighbor that has worked with John in the past. I had a plan how I wanted it to go and told the guys and let them figure out how to make it happen. It was perfect, they took care of getting the trucks there and they had a great system for getting the bigger trees down, so I did the fine pruning and headed to the back pasture for some clean up. My chainsaw was running so well I did the removals back there and had it in piles and all the hangers out so they just had to come pick it all up with the skid steer. Then I headed home, knocked the sawdust out of my hair, changed, washed the dirt off my arms and headed to the shop to turn the open sign around. Here are a couple things I finishe yesterday and today.