Notes from A Cottage Industry

Happiest holiday wishes

Happy Thanksgiving Day, sweet friends! I am feeling oh, so grateful for so many things in my life these days, not the least of which is this little blog of mine and all of you who faithfully read, and comment, throughout all of my adventures and challenges that pop up along the way.

We'll actually be sharing our day, and our meal together tomorrow, as my daughter (A nurse) is one of the many people that will be out there working today. However, wherever and whenever you are celebrating, I wish you a wonderfully happy holiday, and a joyful beginning to the season that always reminds me of just how blessed I truly am.

A lil' Camas Antiques booth update....

I am thrilled so far with the response to my booth space at Camas Antiques. (I only wish I could manage to get the edge on keeping it stocked!Well, maybe once I get moved to more permanent digs...) I took a few pictures the other evening while I was restocking. 
...lot's of silver pieces that make great "propper-uppers" for trays on buffet set ups...
...kissing balls and glitter snowflakes....
Good thing I took pictures when I did, because a lot of this is already sold, and I now have a black iron French Daybed in there (pictures of that coming soon, I promise!)

Pleasant living in Oregon's wine country.

There is just so much to do and see living in the pacific northwest! Two times a year, at Memorial Day and then at Thanksgiving time, many of the wineries in the area open their doors for tasting, and so, this past Saturday we spent the day visiting some of them. (Many of the wineries up here will be open this coming weekend as well, so if you're looking for something to do besides shop with the crowds next weekend, remember this.) I must tell you that I think the landscape in the pacific northwest is beautiful anytime of year, but seeing trees with bright orange and yellow leaves make this time of year especially stunning, even if it is a bit late in the season.

It's interesting how each winery or tasting room has it's own personality and style, much like we all do in our own homes.(And, truth be told, I was probably more interested in the style of each spot we stopped to visit than I was the wines) Oh! And I got to meet so many nice folks. Seriously, the people in the wine business rival the people I know in the junk business and blog world in terms of being authentic, genuine good people, who all go out of their way to make you feel welcome in their establishments. (Okay, and having a taste of wine only adds to that warm and fuzzy feeling) They are the real deal.

One of the many stops along the drive was to a charming little (and I mean eensy, weensy, small) community named Carlton, in Yamhill County. Carlton boasts a population of around 1,600. (According to one website I checked...although it felt even smaller than that, if possible) The tag line for Carlton is showcased on the side of an old building that faces the main street in town. (It reads" Where farm, industry, and town unite for pleasant living.") Aaah, small town America. You gotta love that.

The main road through Carlton has become a bit of a hot spot for wine tasting rooms. (Literally, the street was door to door tasting rooms!) We were there to visit the Seven of Hearts tasting room, which I had heard about here. The really cool thing about these people is that it is not only a tasting room for their wines, but also for their chocolate company, named appropriately enough, Honest Chocolates, which I have tried for an hour to link to here, but it simply won't work for some reason...so, just google them. I love the name, and the chocolates were fabulous!

Oh. My.

Talk about to die for.

Like I said, living here in the pacific northwest there are just so many things to see and do, and so many great people to get to know.....Pleasant living, indeed.

Make it Special Furniture Painting DVD kit!

Thanks to a lot of work by my dear friend Anne, (Who directed and filmed me) and my daughter, (Who edited and produced the dvd) it's finally ready! The first run of my latest DVD kit, "Make it Special, Furniture Painting" is available in a limited quantity. The DVD and handy booklet cover everything you need to know, start to finish, for painting small items like chalkboard frames (...which is what I have my students do in an actual hands on workshop...so easy and it takes all of the fear out of learning the techniques of painting!)
...to large pieces of furniture
....to painting cupboards and cabinetry in your home.

If you requested a pre-order, you should have already received your PayPal invoice. Current supply is limited with more on the way very shortly. Simply click the Buy Now button to order your copy. Get 'em while they're hot, and just in time for Christmas!

Price is $30.00 and includes shipping within the USA. (For shipping outside the  US I will email you any additional cost for shipping)

Words to live by - week 143

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant,
to enact gratitude is generous and noble,
but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.
Johannes A. Gaertner

A little sneak peek at my new home.

I have received emails from so many of you asking about my new place, and so I thought I'd share a couple of pictures I snapped the other evening when I was there. (Elaine, this is for you, sweetie!) 

My daughter and son in law found and recently purchased a wonderful home that is perfect for their growing family, and I will be renting their current home from them!(With the tough housing market, it worked out to be a win-win for both of us. I am so blessed to have such wonderful children!) It's three bedroom townhouse, with high ceilings, plenty of wonderful light, and a fabulous kitchen....and it's a completely new style of home for me. I am more than excited as I plan where my furniture will be placed and how I will decorate. 

You've seen some pictures of this home on my blog before; some from the engagement party, and then later, pictures of my grandson's nursery. (The nursery will now transform into my dream workspace for crafting and writing!)

As you can tell from the photos in this post, things are moving right along (no pun intended) and the double move will begin in just another week and a half. Once my daughter's family gets moved and settled into their new home I will make my move to the townhouse, just in time for Christmas and New Year's Eve!

My life is so not ordinary.

Moving up here to the Portland area and to be able to have the opportunity to follow my bliss has been an absolute dream come true so far, and yet, it is not without it's bittersweet moments as well.

I am realizing that things always seem to take longer than expected. Things like getting my booth set up at the Antique Mall, and learning my way around my new community. I am also discovering that I have still got a lot to learn about time management, now that I am partially self employed.(People who know me well are rolling their eyes as they read that sentence, I know.) And, if it were not for cell phones and unlimited minutes, I would bet you my very last dollar that I would be much more homesick for the friends I left back in Reno than I could bare at this very moment. Finally, having someone new and wonderful in my life has brought along with it a huge resurfacing of fears and anxieties I now understand I only thought I had overcome. It seems to me that memories of past broken promises somehow return to blossom into a sea of insecurities for the next attempt to share your heart.

As I slide into my cozy bed each night I find myself often times trying to figure out exactly what I got accomplished on a given day, only to remember 16 things I meant to do, but somehow managed to forget. I find myself a little bit lonely as I thank God for those cell phone minutes, as well as my dear friends and family, and praying that, where matters of the heart are concerned, I actually am brave enough to look forward and not back as I approach the new day tomorrow and all it has to offer.

A little catching up...

I have been busy with my booth at Camas Antiques and I am still up to my eyebrows in boxes, which will continue until I make my move in mid December, so it's been hard to do any sort of decorating at all. (but, just you wait until I am settled into my new place!)

Anyway.

I thought today was as good a time as any to do a little catching up, a reminder...and announce news of my newest DVD kit, which will be available very, very soon! First of all, I have gotten several emails about my Cookies and Cupcakes DVD, as well as my Gift Wrap DVD kit, and yes, they are still available on my website, by simply clicking here.
Both of these DVD kits are perfect for holiday time. (and they make great gifts too!)

As for the reminder, I am thrilled with the response so far for the December first holiday home tour. If you want to participate and have not emailed me, please do. After all, the more the merrier!(And feel free to snag this logo for your own blog...)

Last, and most certainly not least, my newest DVD kit, which includes all of the how-to's for painting furniture, will be available within the next couple of weeks!It's been filmed, and edited, and now is in the final stage of being burned and labeled. Cost of this DVD kit will be the same as the last two, which is $30 and includes shipping and handling. If you'd like to reserve your copy, simply send me an email to be added to the list for the first shipment.

Words to live by - week 142

No man can be wise on an empty stomach.

Inspirational field trip.

The girls and I went on a little field trip this morning over to Monticello Antiques. So much to see! My favorite little shopping buddy came along with us.... The Christmas season has very clearly arrived at Monticello and I was immediately inspired... just take a look, and you'll be inspired too! 

 

 

*sigh* The holidays will be here before we know it!

All Things Cottage.

I was very flattered this morning to open an email from Jack Mitchel, the publisher of All Things Cottage and discover that I had been chosen as a featured blog for the month! If you have never been to the All Things Cottage site, stop on over and check it out. There are so many great ideas, as well as many wonderful featured blogs to inspire us all. (I was even more flattered when I looked at the other blogs being featured on the site!)

Thank you, All Things Cottage, and Jack!

Remembering how to relax.

I'm a little (okay, a lot) tardy in publishing today's post, I know. I spent today in a slight state of slow motion, savoring the residue of the most relaxing weekend I can remember in a very long time. I realized at some point this weekend, that I actually could not remember the last weekend (or weeknight for that matter) when I simply relaxed at home, flopping on the sofa, watching television, or just vegging. I have been in a constant state of motion, and projects, and problem solving, and stress, for a pretty long stretch of time. For such a long time in fact, that it became habit, to not just relax. Ever.)

Anyway.

We were hit with a nice, heavy rainstorm on Saturday, complete with high winds and thunder. I realize that this might not thrill anyone but me, but I have been longing for a nice heavy rainstorm ever since I arrived here a little over a month ago. I was in heaven. Perfect weather for staying in, cozying up on the sofa, and just enjoying being home. (Yes, I am an incurable romantic, so, if you live in the pacific northwest, don't even try to convince me that I will eventually tire of this weather.)

And....What could be better than staying in and enjoying this fabulous weather, than a meal of the most fabulous comfort food I've ever had? (and that I didn't have to cook, I might add) Mmm hmm. You got it. The boyfriend (I love saying that, even if it does cause him to roll his eyes at me) braved the storm, and the thunder, and arrived with all of the fixings for the perfect rainy night meal. It was a pork fennel stew, and what made it extra yummy, was that there were two kinds of olives in it. (He shared the recipe on his blog today, so you can simply click here for it.) Sooo good...and even better by candlelight, and shared with someone special. (Oh, and just so you know, this stew was even better two nights later, when I reheated the leftovers for my dinner tonight.)

Suffice to say, the yummy stew set the entire tone for the rest of my weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I still remembered how to relax and enjoy a day at home, simply hanging out and doing nothing.

I hope your weekend was equally fabulous.

Words to live by - week 141

Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.
                                   -- Author Unknown

Camas Antiques Holiday Open House and more.

There are so many things to do up here in the Portland area. This weekend alone, there are several Vintage themed events, and Camas Antiques is hosting one of them. There is also an event out at Cindy's place in the land of Tate (with the Barn House boys, no less) and Molly Mo's Holiday Treasures is going on too!

Carter's Mama and I were down at Camas Antiques Holiday Open House yesterday, refreshing my booth a bit, shopping, and looking at all of the new holiday items. So much to see, and very nearly every booth had all of their merchandise on sale!

They were giving out gifts for the first 50 shoppers (and they'll be doing it again today!) along with cider and snacks, and carolers in the afternoon time.
The thing about Camas Antiques is that there are just so many nice booths. I'd be hard pressed to pick an absolute favorite. I am thrilled to have a booth space there, and hopefully within the next couple of weeks I will have it completely re-stocked and done up all over again with a winter theme going on.

We managed to find a few things for my daughter's new home, and even got the seal of approval on her purchases from our very own little shopping critique.
If you're anywhere in the area, be sure to stop in today and take a peek at all of the fabulous things, just in time for the holidays.

10 things.

Sheila, over at Tattered Goods left me an award. (Thank you so very much, Sheila!) I am supposed to share 10 things about myself, which might sound easy, but when I sat down to create the list, I struggled, went blank, struggled some more, and finally, managed it.

Actually, I did a post with something similar a long while ago (when I still worked in my Monday through Friday 8-5 career job) here. Other than the fact that I have moved past my crush on Donny D, (sorry Donny) my old list still pretty much stands, but, when I remembered I had that old list, I had already created the new one. (It figures. That's just how my life goes.)

Anyway.

Now, here is the new "10 things about me" list for you :

1. I have no sense of direction. (It appears that I was born without the chromosome that does that.) Just ask anyone that has ridden in a car with me someplace.

2. My dream vacation would be to just stay home for an entire week, sleeping in, having breakfast on my balcony (Yes, my new place has a balcony off the master bedroom!) reading, and nesting.

3. Although I am a complete and total shoe nut, I am very nearly always barefoot when I am at home.

4. I misplace my car keys and my cell phone in my home at least once a week, and every single time it happens I swear to myself that it will be the last I let it happen.

5. I love to go for long car rides or road trips...if I am not the one driving. (It goes back to that no sense of direction thing, I think, and my amazing ability to chat and ask questions for up to 12 hours nonstop)

6. I have a toaster, but never make toast, a waffle iron, but never make waffles, and a coffee maker, even though I do not drink coffee.

7. I am a "more is more" person. Especially when it comes to dishes. And shoes. And coats. And grandbabies.

8. I had a very short side career as a fully-trained-balloon-animal-making party clown a long, long time ago, when my own children were young.

9. I have a pretty substantial crush on Jason Mraz .

10. Given the altered path my life has taken these past 38 months, I find myself surprised to have discovered that I remain desperately romantic, am quite naive, and continue believe in happily ever after.

I can't possibly pass the award to only 10 more blog friends, so..how about this- consider yourself tagged, and if you're inclined to share your list on your blog, please say so in the comment section, so people can click over and read yours, okay? I know I'd enjoy reading them from everyone.

2009 Holiday Home Tour

Just as I have done for the past two Decembers, I will be hosting a holiday home tour! Send me your blog link and a picture (I realize it is only early November, so there is still plenty of time to prepare!) and I will include you on the tour.

The reason I am setting it up so early is that I will be moving from my temporary home to my permanent home in mid December (I know! Yipeee!!!) and I will be re-packing (yes, I know. How fun for me.) to move one last time.(Much more to share about my new place, very soon!) Luckily, the Sewing Queen of northern Nevada has volunteered to come up and help me. (Thank you, Mom!) To participate in this year's Holiday home tour, email me here.

I think this year will be the best holiday home tour yet!

Give thanks.

Well, November has arrived, at last, and since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I wanted to share my latest online banner kit for adding a little zippity-do-dah to your holiday. The online kit includes a mini GIVE THANKS banner, perfect for using as a sweet lil' gift, when enclosed in a letter or Thanksgiving card. It is small enough to be tucked right inside a card and can be hung in some tiny nook or crannie, or even used to add a bit of holiday pizazz to a computer monitor.
The larger GIVE THANKS banner is perfect for swagging over a fireplace mantel, a door frame, or across a window.

Last, but certainly not least, are the little flag templates, (30 flags to a sheet!) which are darling when tucked in a napkin, or used on cupcakes (my personal favorite way to use them!) Get all 3 templates, delivered directly to your inbox (no waiting for the postman!) for $11.00 by simply clicking on the button below.

Words to live by - week 140

Produce great pumpkins, the pies will follow later.

Never had it so good.

Last night the boyfriend cooked me dinner again, and this time I made sure to take pictures of most incredible (and so easy!) brussels sprouts he roasted to go with our ribs and polenta. I must tell you, that up until I tasted Bob's roasted brussels sprouts, I hated them so much that I never, ever cooked them. (Ask my children. I do not know if they have ever even tasted a brussels sprout!)

Anyway.

Where was I? Oh yes. Dee-lish. That's what these little babies are. Kind of salty and...well, just yummy, and not at all the strong, kind of disgusting smell I recall from my days of trying to steam a batch of them for a dinner side dish. (Check out Bob's blog for the actual recipe.)

I think another great tip about the way he cooks them, as opposed to the way the rest of us are used to cooking them, is that he peels off the outer tougher leaf layer, then cuts each one in half before roasting them in a pyrex pan.

I'm telling you, they are to. die. for.

Change of heart.

One of my dearest friends from Reno called me early this morning to talk. (What a fabulous way to start my day!) I first met her at my former career job, and we became friends outside of work as well. We used to go on double dates when I was married, and she was there for me when my life disintegrated, as well as being a major cheerleader as my life has come around full circle. She and I have always been kindred spirits. And I cannot imagine it any other way.

She is at a crossroad in her own life right now, and was looking for a bit of clarity, and some encouragement. The bottom line is that she has been struggling for a few years now with what she really should, or could be doing with her life, and more exactly, her career. She wants something that is more fulfilling, more meaningful in her life regarding work. Something to be passionate about, really. I can tell you firsthand, that is stressful, and exhausting, doing something you do not love. It occurred to me while we talked, that we all go through that feeling at some point in time, on some level. It may be realizing you don't like what you do for a living, or you need to work on things at home, or you have your priorities all out of whack - whatever.

When that happens, we need to listen to our heart, and then decide if we actually have the nerve to do anything about it. My friend is at that very point. She has decided she wants to follow her desires, even though it may mean a big life change for she and her sweet hubbs. She wants more time with her growing family, and...well, she wants it all.

You know, it's okay to change your mind. It's okay to have a change of heart. What you once loved doing for a living may get old and not be the best fit for you any longer. Sometimes the rat race catches up with us. We are supposed to run our lives, not have our lives run us. I told her to pray about it first. Then I said to go with it and run like the wind. Follow your heart.

I know firsthand that life is just too short to not go for the golden ticket of happiness. To not love what we do, to not love every aspect of our lives.

Gravy.

Last Sunday, before going to the show at the Expo, we went out to breakfast. I wanted to share the curtains that were hanging in the window at the breakfast place. Are these the most creative use of old ties you've ever seen? Simple burlap and neckties used as tabs, I could see these in a den or a boys room...just so danged cute that I had to share.
The restaurant is named Gravy, (and, although none of us ordered it, you should have seen the size of their biscuits and gravy!) over in north Portland and the food was pretty fabulous, which explained the more than an hour wait for a table. I split a meal with my daughter, and I was really glad I did. My son-in-law ordered a ridiculously giant omelet that came with equally giant hash browns and we all were so stunned at it's size that I took a picture of it as well. Mmmmm, yummy.

I am thinking it will take a lifetime of Sundays to get through all of the incredible restaurants here in Portland. And just yet another reason I am beyond thrilled to be living up here, in one of the coolest cities on the planet.

An afternoon at Expo in Portland.

Wow. Thank you all so very, very much for the wonderful comments on yesterday's post! I loved reading all of them, and Bob got a big kick out of it too. I'd say he's figured out that I have a pretty vocal and supportive large band of friends out here in blogland!
I actually wasn't quite sure when I was going to share my boyfriend news with everyone, but this past Sunday afternoon Bob and I went to the Expo Center in Portland for the Antiques and Collectibles show, (which I knew was not going to be his kind of thing, but he was such a good sport about it anyway.) where we visited with Isabel and Joy. Once they had met Bob, I figured the cat was out of the bag, so to speak, and the time had finally arrived to share my happy news.
Next door to Isabel was a new friend named Maryann (sorry, she doesn't have a blog!) and her things were fabulous as well, all vintage flatware and mirror topped dressers and such! I couldn't wait to get a look at the amazing things Joy and Isabel had done with their booths. They did not disappoint. (More pictures from Expo on their blogs) So much inspiration! I am really excited now to get my booth at Camas Antiques all ready for the holidays this week.  Thank you all once again for the warm comments from yesterday, and for checking in to read my blog, even though I've been a bit...um..preoccupied and sporadic... with posts lately!