Almost "Normal"

Almost normal. That's what I keep trying to convince myself. Soon things will return to being almost normal, whatever that is. "Normal" for me is generally considered manically abnormal for many. But before I get started on that, here's a pic of the chest re-do I promised you last post: I really wish I could get a better picture of it, but try as I did, I couldn't. You'll have to trust me that it's a beautiful piece. We replaced the broken and nonexistent drawer knobs with porcelain knobs. The top and sides are no longer rough and warped, a broken leg that someone had tried to fix with something that looked like that bubbly kind of window insulation that swells up has been properly restored and, of course, the dirt that had accumulated over the years (probably from sitting in someone's barn or attic) was eradicated. It now sits in our room at Robin's Nest (now known to my husband and myself as "the little shop") in Elizabethton. When I was there yesterday dropping off some "new" wares, I noticed this old window that someone else (probably Sylvia, I don't know her last name) put together. I think this is a really cute fall display as well as a different way to re-use a window that was headed for the trash. The glass panes have been removed. She sanded off some of the top paint, added a chain for hanging, and these cute wood cutouts that she probably designed herself. Robin is also the Proprietor of the new antiques mall. I wanted to show you this man's creations from old barnwood. These items will last forever; after all, these old barns stood for well over 100 years. His work is tremendously popular with those of us who love the primitive or rustic look and of course, this is another way of preventing this resource from going to the landfill or filling the air we breathe with smoke pollutants. Think of it as being an unsung hero and putting cash in your pockets at the same time. And here's some eye candy for some of you sign and memoribilia collectors:

These great old advertising signs have found a temporary home on the ramp leading from the first to the second floor. There are many more that will be for sale throughout the building, but I loved the statement that all these old soldiers make, quietly lined up and leaning against the brick wall.

Here's a piece that caught my eye:

It's simple but elegant. And probably expensive (I didn't check out the price tag!) But the good news to you crafters and do-it-yourselfers is, you could probably create your own version rather simply. The red velvet body is a cord of velvet that may have been wound around something like a styrofoam form.

In Robin's "little shop", I saw this primitive stump doll:

I love primitive pieces, whether it's an authentically old piece or one like this one that has been purposely stained (or "aged") to achieve the loved-long-ago look.

I know some people don't "get" primitive; others get it but don't like it. This is for all of you who do.

And how's this for a blast from the past?

This old privy (or outhouse or "John", as some may prefer) sits in the lot of the little shop. It's probably chock full of tools or whatever. Many people buy these and use them for storage buildings.

I remember when my uncle's house was renovated to include running (well) water and indoor plumbling. He still opted to use the outhouse. The notion of defecating inside his home was just absolutely disgusting to him.

And, of course, just one peek at my Christmasy display outside my booth at the new mall (which opens Saturday, a week from today! Yaaaaay!). As you can see, I'm still "stuffing and fluffing" things there. More garlands will be added, along with more linens and olde collectibles. I've also been busy making handmade ornaments (ornies) for this formerly "nekkid" (as my friend Cathy aka Hazelruthe from Delphi's P&R board calls it) tree.

Before I go, I want to urge you to check out the patterns and collectible Hallmark ornaments I have listed on Ebay http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZoldtimemeartist. Who knows, you might find something you can't live without.

And leave me a comment or two! You all have been really quiet these past couple of weeks!