The Junk Barn Girls Vintage Barn Sale, Savoring the Last Days of Summer

I remember the last days of summer as a child. There was a giddiness in my enjoyment, fueled I think by knowing change was coming. Soaking up the sun was more delicious. Unfettered play with my friends, usually my cousins, was even more fun. Wearing shorts when within days the weather would change and Mom would make sure I had my jacket; studying the calloused undersides of my feet earned by running barefoot daily in the dirt and gravel driveway; trying to come up with a plan to keep them 'hard' so I wouldn't have to go through the tender foot stage in the spring; there are no words. Going through my pile of school clothes and searching for just the right pair of socks to make each outfit perfect.

That's what the barn sale felt like yesterday. The friends wandering & chatting & shopping. Treasures going to new homes. Vendors rearranging displays to keep everything lovely. If you were there I know that you have your very own correlation to that happy childhood last summer weekend. If you weren't, well we'll be there today, Saturday September 24th, 2011. You won't find that perfect pair of socks, but I'll bet you will find that perfect accessory for your home, yard, or neck.

Grab a friend. Come out and play!

Cottontail Candies Caramel IN THE HOUSE!

Nancy just stopped by the house with these! AND she brought samples. So, beginning this week we'll be featuring FOUR kinds of caramels. Regular, Sea Salt, Espresso and Licorice. We'll get them in pretty dishes for you. You're gonna love 'em. I know I do.

I'm expecting something else to come in today that's almost as much fun as candy. If it shows up I'll post again. Maybe.

See you later this week!

Brandi Dayton: Mural for Echo

Brandi Dayton: Mural for Echo

Up and Running and Loving My Shop

Main Street Echo, Oregon is such a perfect place for my little shop. I'm open every Friday from noon to 8. And of course the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of every month. 

My bestie, Lina found this Kelvinator door! The ultimate magnet board, right?

I've been creating some hair pin pretties and bottle / decanter jewelry using vintage keys, jewelry parts and other found objects. What do you think?

Our most recent furniture addition. Such a pretty vanity!

And finally, a view from the inside looking out.  Well, that's what it looked like last week. It changes pretty much every Friday.

Come visit!

 

Opening Day Approaches!

One week from today! Yep, Thursday, August 4th Gathered Over Time will open doors to the public for the very first time! There are so many butterflies in my stomach.

This is my storefront today. Check back soon for some in-progress shots of the interior. Like soon in a few days. Not soon like today. I won't get them done today. More coffee, please.

Grapevine, Texas

Oh my goodness, did I need this getaway! Jim overworked his brain all week at Abbott and I do feel a little guilty wandering around recharging mine, but, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

I have fallen in love with this little town. The history, the main street, the gazebo, the people. What is it about little towns that just draws me in and lets me breathe more deeply, laugh more freely and sleep more soundly?

Anyhoo, I thought you might enjoy a few phone shots of things that I've enjoyed.

I could pretend that I was just taking this picture because I'm always paying attention to other peoples merchandising talents. That would be a lie. The picture was taken because I was suffering red cowgirl boot lust. I didn't give in though. DANG IT!

The quilted trees came home with us. Yes, we did have to pick up a second suitcase to make it happen, but I couldn't leave them at Adorn. They'll be making an appearance at the shop when we get closer to Christmas.

The lady in the yellow Jeep is my new friend Mac. She's sweet and a hoot and I do hope we'll see each other in Oregon. She sells antiques with an edge at the Grapevine Antique Mall, where I lusted after an aligator hide, ate really wonderful salad for lunch and picked up a few treasures for the shop. (And some just for me.)

This is Muriel. She and two lady friends were on a wine tour, or looking for one. It was hot and I can't remember. Come visit us Muriel and friends! We'll take you on a Washington Wine Country tour!

Fort Worth Stock Yards! Now, there's an experience. No, we didn't go to Billy Bob's and ride the bull, but we did have really, really good hamburgers at The Star Cafe. Yes, I did notice that the cowboy riding the mule was listing to the right. Yes, that is a beer in his hand.

God BLESS Texas! We had so much fun!!! And I only gained 3 pounds!

Lavender Festival 2011 in Pics

All I can say is, "Wow!"  I loved being at this year's lavender festival, visiting with friends, sending treasures off to new homes. Purple Ridge Lavender is a lovely, lovely farm owned and run by delightful people. I can hardly wait until next year!