Rainy day women

I ran out to Towpath today with my sister, she just couldn't wait to go back there and look around some more ! While I was there I decided it was time for me to clean out some old stock that had been there...well a little longer than it should have. Let me explain, there once was a time when I took it upon myself to be a 1 stop prim shop..meaning that I wanted to carry everything that anyone would ever want or need for their home decor...silly girl.
What I've learned is that when you purchase quantities of anything for the purpose to resell, you are usually going to get stuck with alot of stuff and that's exactly what has happened. I have this mish-mosh of small primitive decor pieces that cause me to ask myself "what was I thinking?".
So now since I'm on this "return to my roots" kick, I'm going back to the flea market gig.
Ahh yes,packing the truck with all my junk the night before so I don't have to do it at 4 am. arriving at the market with my coffee IV and manuvering my way through the maze of campers, pick-ups and other questionable vehicles to find that "perfect" spot. Setting up my wares using the most tasteful display methods , Shabby Chic's Rachel Ashwell herself would be so impressed ! Then dealing with the onslaught of folks from all walks of life for hours on end, in hopes of going home with an empty truck. Why on earth would anyone ever do that !!??
Because I love it, it's in the blood just as much as I enjoy my junking adventures I enjoy the flea market as well. I can remember when my parents retired, I was in high school and they decided to become junkers . I would have to get up with them at the unholiest of hours to get ready for the journey to who-knows -where and sit all day hoping to sell everything they've accumulated. I used to make remarks about us turning into some sort of circus family, now guess who's the head clown ? So maybe I'll be seeing you at a flea market this summer , be sure to bring sunscreen & wear comfy shoes !

They old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be

I'm trying to figure out when my body gave up on me ? I'm a pretty active gal and somewhat of a workaholic, I hardly eat any sweets so what gives ?? Lately I've been on a walking kick, because it's about the only exercise I can still do and not injure myself too much.

I love it ! On nice days I put on my walking shoes and grab my MP3 player and head to the park, it has a wonderful walking track that's a mile and a half around. On an average day I usually do 2 laps= 3 miles, if I'm feeling extra festive I'll do 4 laps =6 miles.

This park also has a national monument on the other side, McKinley monument.

One day I decided to venture to the other side and try walking the steps up to the monument, I have a few friends who are quite athletic and they enjoy running up & down these steps.They've suggested that I should add it to my routine....I think my friends are trying to do me in.

Did you know that there are 108 steps leading up to the monument ? YES 108 !! The first 2 levels of stairs are pretty simple,but it's those last 2 levels that are a killer. Once I made it to the top,my head was spinning and I was out of breath. I had the sudden urge to lie down on the pavement but I was afraid of what the tourists would think, and I sure didn't want anyone snapping pictures of me ! My daughter was with me and of course made it to the top way before I did. I don't know if it was the fact that my face was the color of a bright red apple or that I was nearly on my knees gasping for air that concerned her. I reassured the girl that I was quite fine, once I recovered from the enjoyment that I just experienced. After I was able to breathe normally,we walked around the monument looking over the park and all the trees and flowers,just enjoying the moment.Then it was time for us to make the trip back down, she suggested that it would be more fun if we slide down the side of the stairs. Let me tell you that was the best workout ever !

Living a simple life

I just love summer, the cookouts and fun times with family...there's nothing better.
This year I'm going to spend alot of time with mine,I'm way past due . I've spent these past several years burying myself in my work, doing shows and just generally being way too busy.
What was it all for ? Sure I met alot of nice folks (and some not so much) and the money was great, but really was it worth being away from the people I love ? God sure has a way to open your eyes and grab ahold of you when you become too complacent in your life. Now I realize that sometimes when one door closes,another opens. So many changes have happened this past year as a result of our economy,unfortunately some of my friends and I have had to make many difficult decisions. Everything from cutting back on costs & production, getting out of the business completely or closing shops and for some of us getting back into the mainstream workforce . One thing we've all learned from this is new ways to re-invent ourselves . We're getting back-to-basics by returning to the things that stirred our artistic passion way back when we all started. Running little shops out of our homes, setting up at flea markets & small craft fairs ....Once again we're having fun !! When your work makes you miserable, it's time to rethink ...bigger isn't always better.
When I'm enjoyng the outdoors with my family I will think about all those years I spent hustling heavy boxes of candles in the August heat and be ever so thankful for the simple life