Half way there...a countdown begins

We are about at the half way point of summer vacation for my children. Let's just say that the lazy day's of summer are not in the forecast for me or my kids with my new work load. That's ok...I just find myself longing for the school year to begin, instead of dreading the start up of the grind. I'm definitely looking forward to resuming the routine and having the kids occupied and entertained.

I always feel like I'm jumping the gun on seasons and prematurely ready for a holiday months ahead of time. I guess I'm perfectly suited for retail. Actually, Brenda and I were picking our Christmas merchandise just this last week. Yep...that's my life these days, x-mas in July and wishing the first day of school was tomorrow, not a month from now. Oh well, anybody else thinking about the holiday's yet? I know there's a mom or two out there who's ready for school to start....wink, wink.

The above photo is of my mother...in her Halloween costume, as Sister Mary Fear the beard Wilson (SF Giant's fans unite!) Since I've been mentally planning my Halloween window for French Hen today...I thought this was appropriate. I think I need to buy a new pair of flip flops, get a spray tan and embrace summer while it's still here.

Wishes won't wash dishes

Sometimes in the antique business you come across unique finds. About a year ago I met a woman named Suzie at a flea market. Our conversation lead to an invitation to her home to see more items she had for sale.

Let's just say that pulling up to her house was a dream. Picture a beautiful farmhouse with wrap around porch, acres of landscaped country side, chickens roaming freely in the yard, old wheel barrels brimming with succulents, flowers cascading out of old buckets and cement urns, fabulous old barns...all packed with treasures. It was an inspiration to say the least.

I walked away with a truck load that day, but what I was really interested in was a collection of dishes. Suzie has a lot of great things and is a total creative spirit. In one of her barns, I discovered a HUGE stockpile of dishes. She had planned to make mosaic with the pieces and been collecting for years. Close your eyes and imagine vintage metal locker baskets packed full of every imaginable pattern of china, stuffed into shelves, on tables and under tables. Dishes in boxes, in baskets and on the ground. Dishes everywhere...all topsy turvy, dusty and dirty.

"Would you like to sell any of your dishes?" I asked..."Yes," she answered "but you have to take them all". Well, now this was something to consider. It was definitely a take the good with the bad proposition. "How much?" I asked...her price was beyond reasonable, so a tentative deal was made and I drove away expecting to be back soon.

Unforeseen circumstances made the deal hit the brakes until just a few weeks ago, when I received an email from Suzie to come and collect my loot. And so with boxes and my bestie Gen along for the ride, we headed to her fabulous property.

What did I walk away with....definitely more than I bargained for! The sheer volume of dirty dishes was a huge undertaking. It took two days and two truck loads to get them home, but I would be lying if I didn't say it was a total blast.

Gen and I set up two galvanized tubs in my yard and started to wash. It was like a treasure hunt, we didn't know what we had until the dust washed away.

What did I end up with? A little of everything...transfer ware, restaurant ware, kitchy styles, soft romantic florals, ironstone, Limoge, Wedgwood, Georgian, tea cups, plates, platters, bowls, figurines. You name it, I got it.

Gen and I would like to keep service for 30 of mixed matched florals for an outdoor farm to table style dinner. I'll be bringing pieces into both shops this month. If your in the market for something particular let me know...chances are I have it.

Thank you to my Mom and Aunt Ellie for helping me wash and sort. And a very special thank you to Gen for sharing the experience (and crap ton of work) with me. The whole endeavor was something I will never forget.

A happy, but very belated after...

Remember my post about the buffet I got at the barn sale? Well here are my after shots...

I painted it with ASCP Paris Grey with a white wash, which gave it a great patina. The proportions of this piece weren't my favorite, but it sold right away....so lets just say I liked the "proportions" of the check I received better.

The close up details of the paint job were my favorites....

I love the way chalk paint will settle in the cracks...it accentuates the flaws and makes them really accent a piece.

On another note, my girls are heading out tomorrow on a camping trip with Grandma and Grandpa for 5 DAYS!!! I can't wait to dive into all my projects! I have a laundry list and organization of my home office and work room are at the top. I'll be sure to keep you posted with my progress.

Oh, and one more thing....
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to my hubby!!! Babe, I love you with all my heart!

A new "normal"

It's been forever since I've posted...truth is I've been overwhelmed with my new life as a working mother! Being in business for yourself is tricky...I have a really hard time saying "no". What can I say, I'm a total people pleaser. I have to learn how to exercise my "no" muscle more often, so that I can be better for everyone...including myself.

It's hard to set a limit on your work when you take it home. My mom, wise woman that she is, gave me this advice; "Em, think of it like this, you really have two jobs. One is antiques and the other is caring for your family". You can't completely let one go for the other. My laundry pile will testify to which "job" has been getting short changed lately.

I know I'm not the only person out there who is constantly saying "yes", or "sure I can do that". When we really mean..."NO!!! I can't take on anything else!!!" My yes's have lead to people's disappointment. So I have to regroup and learn what I can and can't take on. Sometimes, it's just really hard to be a grown up.

So today, I'm putting on my big girl pants, attacking the laundry, bills, dishes and general filth that has enveloped my home. The dresser, bench and chairs that I want to paint will just have to wait until another day.

I'm getting adjusted to my new "normal". No, doing my laundry doesn't pay the bills...but every time I'm able to pull a pair of clean socks out of my drawer instead of manically searching through the load in the dryer, I can consider payment rendered.