Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

I Know You're Gonna' Be Jealous

On the drive to Jefferson City, Missouri to see my sister I got to meet a blogging friend face-to-face! I first met Pat at Bird Nest On The Ground
when I was looking for Arkansas bloggers and quickly found that we had a mutual friend. That's usually the case in such a small state and in the quilting community. Pat does the most beautiful embroidery - her tiny stitches boggle my mind. We had a wonderful visit over lunch and I'm looking forward to other times when we can meet.




Then, after the Great Brake Fiasco when I had my car towed about 175 miles, I arrived at my sister's. Where she proceeded to work me like a dog! We have organized and straightened and decorated until my behind is dragging at the end of the day. I loved every minute of it - you all know that I'm an organizer at heart and how fun it is to decorate a room when you're spending someone else's money! Of course if you're going to redecorate a bedroom and bathroom you must shop. Every day you must shop. But before you can shop you have to go here to order a part for the tractor. I'm not a farm girl, even though my dad sold farm equipment for a living, so I don't exactly feel "at home" on a lot full of tractors, but I waited patiently until that was done so I could go buy this.







Since I have such a hard time finding these I bought all they had - 22. I'm not sure what the girl at the counter thought (I did this in 2 trips thinking she wouldn't think I was totally insane but she recognized me the second time!) but she was very kind. She just smiled. What can I say....addiction is ugly.






Then we were off to one of my favorite places here - a junk/antique shop - where I bought these. Two vintage aprons - you know you would have bought them too, tell the truth.























Here's another thing I love - embroidered pillowcases are reminders of my grandmother, who always had them on her beds.










No, my house isn't primitive. My house is Southern Comfortable. That's my terminology, of course, but appropriate. The black iron star is going in my bathroom to hang a hand towel on. The wooden bowl will go on a shelf in my living room where I have wooden vases. It will be perfect there. But I sure am liking primitive. A lot.









I saw this there but didn't buy it because I can make this in a very short time. But when I looked for these very plain black frames at Hobby Lobby they didn't have any. Where else might I find them - anyone know? I did find this Bittersweet at Hobby Lobby to use in my fall decorations.




Then today we drove over to St. Charles Missouri where I found Homestead - a shop full of primitive stuff! Just look at all this!
































I was good and only bought the little round Bittersweet table topper and the Fresh Linen sachet. The rest of this stuff came from Patches, a wonderful quilt shop that has lots of Redwork patterns and lots of buttons. I got the new Quilt Sampler Magazine, a set of red tea towels, a couple of patterns (one is for an old fashioned bonnet that I thought I'd like to make), a yard of fabric to make an apron, a trash catcher (I already have one that I use when doing handwork but I wanted one by my sewing machine and even though I have the pattern, said with a red face, I just don't want to take the time to make it), some needles and a needle threader! What a haul. :) I told you that jealousy was going to rear its' ugly head!
I had planned to go home tomorrow - my car is ready - but the rain between here and there promises to be quite dangerous to drive in. So I'll just stay here another couple of days....and shop some more. What can I do? It's the rain's fault.

19 comments:

Suzanne said...

Oh, I love the vintage aprons. That was a really great find, good for you!!

- Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

Lori said...

I left an award for you over on my blog. I enjoy your comments and blogs so much. Keep it up lady!

rlbates said...

Pat is a wonderful Arkansas treasure, isn't she!!! Glad you got to meet her.

Teresa said...

Wow...love it all. You sure did good with your purchases and looks like you are having a great time. Hey, you deserve a couple extra days considering what you went through to get there.

Raquel said...

I am jealous! Glad that you are getting in some good retail therapy! Much love, Raquel XO

sarahross said...

Wow-weee! I love those aprons, especially the blue striped one. I must confess that I too am addicted to the Tazo Chai tea, and I totally understand why you bought all 22.

Twisted Fencepost said...

Go ahead and stay an extra day or two. You deserve it!
I won't tell!

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

Next time you come back to JCMO, there will be a new tractor place open across the street from the Case dealer where you were at. Something to look forward too. LOL

Hope you took your 40% coupon to Hobby Lobby with you. It was in the Sunday paper or you can download it from the web site.

Enjoy your visit!

Osagebluffquilter

KatBouska said...

You are the total package you know that!?! I know I don't stop by as much as I'd like, but you leave the nicest messages, you're always right, you're crafty AND you bargain shop. Is their anything you can't do!?! You're the best!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Hi Marlene, I bet you and your sister are having a blast. The shopping is always fun and really fun when you have good company. Love the vintage aprons and all the quilting goods. (More to add to your to do list). You noticed I haven't put one up. Hope the roads aren't flooded, been watching your weather and it seems to just be sitting in Arkansas.
Hugs,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Well you racked up!! I'm glad you're having a good time!

Attic Clutter said...

Hi Marlene..

Oh looks like you had a fun time(:)

Love the little Bittersweet stitched picture..
glad you liked my Country Sampler POST.. hugs, Patty

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Retired version of girls gone wild! You crazy women...head to NC. I've got some work for you to do over here.

peace~elaien

em's scrapbag said...

Enjoy your time with your sister and be greatful for the rain. You certainly have found a bounty of treasures. Glad to hear your car is fixed. Car woes are the worst.

V and Co. said...

thank you for stopping by my blog! i love to meet other quilters and stitchers! as for the lampshade traceing you buy butcher paper size paper, and lay the lampshade on the its side, trace the border or the lampshade while you "roll" (if rounded edges) or in my case because it was sort of square, i had the trace one side at a time and flip to the next side, it turned out to be more of a hexagon shape because the top was round. does that make sense? hope so! :) peace, v

Anonymous said...

Hi Marlene,

I am jealous! :) Hahaha - just kidding. I am glad to hear that you got your sister's safely! :)

And I absolutely love those embroidered pillowcases.

Marilyn Robertson said...

The aprons are great! Bittersweet means Autumn to me! Hope you find that frame that you are wanting. With more shopping time you have gained maybe you will!

sister sheri said...

It's been great meeting our blogging friends this summer!

Yarni Gras! said...

love the aprons....looks like you had a GREAT time!