Scratchy- 1...mouse- 0...let the games begin...

As fall turns our beautiful summer into a season of harvest and storing away for the LONG winter's cold, Scratchy is busy displaying her worth. Cairn Terriers are notorious mousers and this poor little vole didn't have a chance. But as days grow short, the intrepid creatures try to set up housekeeping in 'the Scratch's' home...NOT!!!

Now if I could just catch that other lil' pest...my job would be complete...patience is the key here...

I Rest in Your Arms...

Great Mothering Oak

you protect me from sorrows,

from weath'ring and tears.

Your great size heightens your strength

as my tears read mine. To lay at peace

under the sleeves of your beauty,

my journey becomes memory

as we become one

in vast seas of past lives...

you are my sister.

To honor my heritage,

to fly my flag,

ancient stones reveal my name

you remember me

or remember me not...

no matter,

I am one with my Sister,

holding hands through the forests of my ancestors,

we follow the beams of light

that harbor the realm of the ancients,

resting in that sweet, soft bed of dreams,

in my perfect ALL.

Will I see you there...my friend...

The joys of the PUPPY...

This is Scooby (alias 'NO SCOOBY NO')...a miniature Schnauzer...is he not the cutest lil' thing. In the world of pet grooming, we all have our favorite dog and our favorite breeds and this little charmer has certainly won my heart. He is owned by Amy Senatra and is around a year old, but you can tell this lil' fella is truly loved by his family, being the most cuddly Schnauzer I have ever groomed. He literally crawls into your arms and you can almost read his mind...'I wuff you!' Scooby was neutered last week, this will enhance his loving spirit, calming his male urges, making him the perfect pet for his little girl. But you can see he is a little camera shy...or is it my eyes are crossed, but the last shot is priceless...EXCUSE ME,ARE WE FINISHED HERE???

I have an award...

My new found blog-friend and Soul Sister Gemma from Greyscale Territory has offered me an award. This award shows that people read our blogs and appreciate the values we hold true and the horrors of this world that we cannot abide. Six of each 'Things that I Value' and 'Things I do not Support'. We are all passionate in different areas and a respect for each others opinions, is what gives us the freedom to be an individual...and free, when so many are abused and suffering.

Things that I value...

My family, to include my pet.

Freedom of choice-Women's Rights

Freedom on the Internet

Ecology in any form

Organic farming and sustainable living

Freedom and Peace

Things that I do not support...

WAR--for any reason

Religion in government

The current welfare system

Gang violence and drug war

Clear-cut deforestation, coal mining and off-shore oil drilling

Overpopulation and the Dugger family

As you can see, I have my issues, as you have yours, right or wrong, they are mine and so far, I have the freedom to think them. Instead of issuing 6 of my blogger friends to post, I invite all of you the freedom to post your issue. I have so many wonderful friends in this blog-o-sphere, all with so many wonderful values and opinions, please feel free to vent. And again, thank you Gemma for your inspiration and your friendship.

Fall N Fleas...

Ah yes, the wonderful weather of Fall, sure brings out the fleas...flea markets that is...Vikki of Humble Heart and I were out deliverin' soaps to Sister's and the Noe Haus in the Amanas' and stumbled upon this great roadside flea market. Barb from Cross Creek Antiques, was puttin' on another junk fest and my truck, so well trained...pulled right in...I had no control...honest. But the entrance to Barb's shop is just too much fun, love the old truck and the fountain bubbling in the foyer...too cute. Barb decorates with my style of junk and lots of crammed everywhere...literally. If you think you're gonna bring a stroller through here...think again, most corners you have to walk sideways and forget passing someone on the curve...somebodies gotta back up...ain't no way, but that's the charm of it.

The first time my Daughter walked through it with me, it gave her the creeps, said it looked like a brothel, as red lights glared from the claw foot tub...oh yeah...my kinda decor! Old taxidermy, pictures, lamps, rugs, throws, shadow boxes, clocks...you name it, it's there...piled and stacked and watch your purse, better yet, leave it in the car. But the yard was filled with dealers sharing their wares and the smell of bar-b-ques filled the air...mmmm...Fall!

PS...junk ain't the only thing you can buy at the fleas...welcome lil' Wilson and his new Mom Vikki...SUCKER!!!

Shadow Shot Sunday

A Gate to My World

Treasures to behold,

simple paths walked not,

yield bounty untold

to a seasoned eye.

I observe, to find in shadow

the spirit of my craft,

hidden gems of rust and corrosion

worthy of my art.

In a game of hide and seek,

grand artifacts await

cultivation into object d'art...

In my small world

a flea market explored,

is the honey hole of life.

That time again, check out Hey, Harriet's shadow shots, join in the fun and play along.

This is what happens on payday...

Yup...you go shoppin'...and boy I was ready for a fix and this junk ho knows just how to eliminate the itch...SHOP! Bought this wonderful old lamp and shade from a guy that stopped by the store for $25.00...a gift from the Gods...I promise I'll be good forever with this score...what does it mean when you have your fingers crossed, I forget. But it looks fabulous as a permanent fixture to my parlor, right.

Then it's a high five to Lauri(Chippys) with my baby doll arm and heads...I am so hooked, thank you very much girls, to include TOT(Timeworn Interiors) that started this whole craze anyway and don't ya just love the Wilson CHEESE box, is that apropos. I love the lil' girl curtsying, she will go right inside my front door to welcome ya'll inside...it's so me right? Do you see a pattern forming here, like I have found all these great places at home for all this stuff (er inventory)...hmmm...

Then we have this darling shadow box and I believe it holds a wedding wreath, for ones head, just too cute, had to have. As you can see, I really scored on frames, my back seat is full, praise the Lord for club-cabs. My good friends Liz and Mark keep a steady supply of frames comin' in for me, fellow dealers, they just find the best stuff!!! Now if Mark can just find me an outhouse that I can use as a hen house...all will be good and just in the world...in my lil' world anyway. Which reminds me, if you haven't seen Robin Brown's(Magnolia Pearl) new book, it is a must have, her hen house is to die for.

And last but not least...the seafood...I couldn't help it, he marked it way down, it called my name, I'm tellin' ya' this is a serious issue, this junk addiction...just ask the Chippys...who may still be in customs unloading butter pats and cowboy boots...junk hos' united, can you have too much fun...naaaaa...

The Treasures of Autumn

Here at Sisters', Autumn rings in blushing colors of the Mother Earth in all her glory...never failing to quench our interests, Barb has filled each room with furniture and Fall, just making you want to redo a room at home and fill it with the scents of fall and the cozy feeling of yesteryear, bringing in all those warm fuzzy feelings of old.

This first beautiful accent piece, whether used as a buffet or dresser, really makes a statement, as does this vanity. With it's unique shape, your little princess' room would be divine showing off the regal feel of this piece. Next, as always the beauty of black, the ever popular color transforms a worn piece into a beautiful, stunning piece t'resistance. The little metal institution cupboard holds many a tale, that we probably don't want to hear about, but what a cool end table with many uses, kitchen, bedroom, living room, it's old patina holds a charm that would work anywhere, even the bathroom. The old crackly shelf next to it is a real treasure, it's black natural crackling would house many a treasure. And as always, cupboards are big sellers at Sisters', holding the treasures one collects on our journey.

Stop in and check us out for the treasures you can't resist, it's truly a shopping experience and the beautiful Iowa Amish land is majesty to behold in it's gilded splendor.

Can I waste time or what...

.
Thank God for the dog grooming, at least I can get paid while I'm waiting for owners to pick-up, as I rummage through drawers of junk for my next work of art er trash...making jewelry is one thing, but having an area set aside to do it is another...see reference to being single...and seeing out of the box for this new art form is not as easy as it may seem. You have to have lots of resource...er junk. Putting a piece together is like writing a poem, at least for me, there is alot that has to be tweaked. An idea may look great in your mind, but on the board, it bites.

But I found these great old brass picture frame corners, are they cool or what and they have the nail holes from being attached to an old frame, so perfect for attaching baubles. I am slowly getting this wire wrapping down. But as with my furniture, I want the look of being around for a long time, tarnished and dinged. I am also using old rosary beads for some of the necklaces, I have always loved their look and feel. I will save the medals and crucifix for other projects.

Again using the burnished clay Oaxacan beads, they blend perfectly with the wooden beads of the rosary...can one have too much fun...that's what I thought!

The song never dies,

night hawk circle my hearts drum

carry me aloft.

Cotzbalam...Great Black Bird

In ancient Maya the people had a myth about 4 great birds. These birds attacked the wooden bodies of men, effigies of the newly created man. Each attacking certain parts of the figure in hopes of keeping the Mother Gaia unpolluted. Now I don't know about you...but we could certainly use some quality control soon to heal the Mother.

Cotzbalam, free bird

will you forsake the Mother...

bring your spirit home.

These fire-burned black beads are from Oaxaca, I love their primitive feel, perhaps copies of an ancient relic. The red heart beads are to represent the Mother, the clay of the Earth to which we must respect (in theory).