Irish Luck...

Irish Luck -

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

'I want to repay you,' said the nobleman. 'You saved my son's life.'

'No, I can't accept payment for what I did,' the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel.

'Is that your son?' the nobleman asked.
'Yes,' the farmer replied proudly.

'I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.' And that he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill .. His son's name?

Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Freshly delightful "boutique" area added

Adding gently used clothing to the line up at Burlap & Roses. In addition, partnering with the unique and fun and lovely re~purposed jewelry and fashion accessories: Keepsakes by Kristi and Lulu's Upcycling Lounge, create, makes the 'boutique' area a freshly delightful spot in the shop.

 Like the outfits to the left...Great fall looks for a variety of outings.  The denim jacket is paired with a two piece green appliqued gauze shirt and accessorizes with a great handmade scarf, fabric lapel pin  and repurposed necklace.  Jacket and shirt, plus size.

All other pieces are in jr/miss sizes (4-10).  Fall into winter...

                               

  Several jackets...just perfect for fall are teamed with lovely neck ware...midgies, long and lean, fun and furry.  Make sure you check them out.

  Black velvet shown with vintage pearls and a       sweet brooch made from upcycled ties.                  

Corduroy w/buckles

Before we know it, Christmas will be here and gift giving will be on our minds.  For something unique and fun, creative and delightful, consider these great finds:

fun and festive earrings

                                                                                                               

upcycled ties & zipper

                                                  

I turn 50 today...here's advise from a 90 year old.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old. This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!!

"To celebrate growing older”, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Change the way you think.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults, it’s their life now

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Just because you believe you are right, doesn't mean you are. Keep an open mind.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Well...some things got left behind

We left early Wednesday morning...destination Shakopee, MN.  As usual, when the mind settles down a bit, I started to remember the things I forgot to take:  post office window, a huge clock, and a few other things.  Always too far from home to turn back, I just had to let it go.  So, the win is for those who've had their eye on these things...they are still there, or will be coming to the shop from my studio garage.

We happened to come upon a good sale on our way home, so we added to our left overs from the Junk Bonanza and have a camper full of "goods".

Steve was able to implement my designs of flowers and a fish...I have more I need to get down on paper.  With my ideas and his welding and finishing detail skills, we make a pretty good team.  All of his hand crafted items SOLD...which made him SOLD on the idea to do more.  At the sale, we found some great pieces that can be implemented into more designs.  A fun, fun, sale.

It was so nice to see my "old" pals from last year's B and I had the pleasure of meeting some new booth buddies.  Here's a shout out to:  Robin Hanson of Vintage Style Market
in Annadale, MN.  A wonderful selection of vintage clothes...oh to be super small~I'd have had me some new "old" clothes. 

The Bonanza was fun!  Creativity breeds creativity...it's inspiring to be around so much energy, and positive vibes.  First things first...the camper needs to be emptied, then on to getting Burlap & Roses back in order for this weekend.  No rest for the weary!

B&R FANS. Heading north next weekend for the JUNK BONANZA?

Hey all you Burlap & Roses FANS. Are you heading north next weekend for the                JUNK BONANZA? I'll be in booth 310...stop in and see me. Also, if you're bringing the family or would like to come, except for family, bring them along and send dad and the kids to the Nation's Largest Corn Maze: Sever's Corn Maze, Shakopee, MN. Info. from BHG magazine.  The information states this is it's 15th year.  Confirm open dates!

 Vintage signs for your cabin/cottage get away

Post office cage

 Stuff for the fishing enthusiast, cabin or cottage decor

rusty.refreshed.refin

 Many of the vendors that you met and follow from the Junk Jubilee will be at Junk Bonanza...PLUS so many others!  You'll enjoy the creative energy, unique displays and festive atmosphere of the event.  Here's just a few of the items that'll be packed up and heading north with me.

Shakopee, Minn. is SW of Minneapolis and is a very E-Z drive, straight up I-35, then west.  Get you map or GPS ready to go.  See you next Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 15th-17th...booth 310/Side Building

Go PINK with B&R and CS508 in October

Go pink

With

Burlap & Roses

and Coffee Shop 508

October…10% B&R sales to  

Susan G Komen

Open Thurs-Sat 9-3

Thurs eve 5-8 &  Sunday 12-3

508 West St. New Virginia  515-238-7720  

http://shopkeeper508.blogspot.com

Closed Sept. 15-18th

It's feeling like fall out there today!

How was your weekend?  Did you have to Labor or were you lucky enough to have a long weekend?  I hope the later.  A day off is good for the soul...attitude...well being.  My family hosted a family reunion and it was wonderful.  The wind put a bit of a damper on the fun and festivities...and my decorating ambitions, but, overall...it was successful. 

One of the reasons I wanted to do the reunion was a spin off of a slumber party I had with my aunts a couple of years ago.  I had written questions down that I wanted to ask...to "get to know them" for posterity.  So much has been lost through the generations and I wanted to get it written down.  The aunts loved it and so did I.  At my cousin's get-together last fall, I shared the questions/answers with them...and, they too, loved it.

So, we did a mini version with four generations present.  Young and old alike sat in a large circle and the questions were directed to the "elders" in the group.  I think we all learned something new through this.  It's something that I hope to continue...while we can ask and those amongst us can answer. 

I encourage you to do this, too.  If you're needing help getting started, Burlap & Roses carries Table Topics, conversation starters.  You'd be surprised by the interest level of the teens and twenty somethings.  It's their history.  The elders enjoy reminiscing and those in between get to share and learn, too.  Versions for friends, dinner parties are available, too.  A great gift!

This past weekend at Burlap & Roses was one of the funnest I think I've had.  Several new customers came in and I was excited by the creative energy of one group.  They found many items for "projects".  They are just getting their biz up and running.  Can't wait to see what they do with their finds.  I met a gal who stopped in on her way for a bike ride~starting at Burlap & Roses, where she fueled herself with a delicious muffin and coffee, bought a cute t-shirt, before heading to the bike trail at Martensdale and onto Des Moines and back to Burlap & Roses to get her car.  I sent her a message and she replied that she had made it home safely.  I thought about her several times during the afternoon and evening.

Saturday brought in three sisters who I enjoy immensely.  Becki emailed to reserve a table for three for lunch.  She asked if I was ready for the Brommel Girls.  I replied, "always ready for some Brommel Girl's Happiness." 

I'm living my dream...it wouldn't be possible without the encouragement, support and most of all my customers!  I do not neglect or take this fact for granted.  Thanks one and all.

I'm enjoying the creative energy as I prep for Junk Bonanza

Just a couple short weeks and I'll be on my way to my second vending experience at the Junk Bonanza.  I'm so excited to return to this venue with my wares.  I've been busy...

https://www.facebook.com/notes/junk-bonanza/vendor-profile-burlap-roses/10150341885846208

Here's a sample of two of my projects...

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the newest Flea Markety Style magazine...
 It's filled with inspiration and ideas and lots and lots of eye candy.

Hope to see you at the Junk Bonanza, Sept. 15th-17th.

In the meantime, Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508 are open for business.  Thurs-Sat. 9-3, Thurs. evening 5-8 and Sunday noon to 3.

Please note that B&R and CS508 will be closed this Sunday, Sept. 4th to spend some time with family at a reunion at our farm. 

The shops will be closed Sept. 15th-17th while I'm at the Bonanza.

To follow B&R/CS508, please "LIKE" Burlap & Roses on Facebook.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day.