Living your life...your way.

Today, Jane Pauley did a segment on the Today show about 'reinventing' your life after 50.  

Yesterday, at Burlap & Roses, a customer came in, a very attractive woman, I'd say in her upper 50's to low 60's.  She has the kind of silver/white hair that is silky, thick and gorgeous...the color and style that is in vogue these days.  She was telling me that her dream is to have a museum show-casing vintage hats.  They just purchased an acreage with a building that her husband told her she could now have her 'dream' museum.  She walked out the door saying, "it's just 25 years too late; I hope I live long enough".  A hint of bitterness in her voice.  I say, GET ON WITH IT AND DO IT!  She's most definitely not too old and a true picture of health.

Her final comment to me, paired with Jane Pauley's segment today, brings me to this blog post today.  Don't let it become too late to follow your dream...make your own path, live your life...your way.

Later today I will head to a show, Junk Jubilee Jingles, where I will be a vendor.  I will be joined by other 'like-minded' souls who I've come to know through this venue and other similar ones.  As I've been pondering this subject, I've come to realize that most of us are in our mid to late 40's to mid 50's.  Most, I imagine started living their life~their way, after the kids were raised and on their own.  If I questioned them, they'd most likely tell me, "wish I would have done it sooner".  Me, being one of them, totally agree!!!

We go through life getting done what needs to be done for everyone around us.  Most of us happily raised our family, worked at a career that paid the bills, had some benefits, and paid vacation.  It's what we do, it's what we did.  However, the first chance I had to try this gig...with nothing else to get in the way...I took it and have not looked back.  

Had I done it back then it might not have worked so well.  Family obligations came first, as they should.  But, I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance at living a life that is inspiring and creative and fulfills me...my person.  

Here's to my Junking friends.  Those who's hearts sing and burst with love for all things old, chippy, scrappy, shabby and glittered.  To those of us determined to bring life and beauty back to something most would throw away.  We're the ones that keep the past alive, we're keepers of memories, we're living our dream!  Living our life...our way!

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

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.  

You've acquired a vintage cottage/cabin...how would you decorate it?

I'm readying my mind for the upcoming Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, Minn., middle September.  Planning and pickin' as I get the chance.  What's hot now in the VINTAGE home?  Decor? Trends?  Colors?  I love it!  I know what sold last year...will the same kind of things sell this time?  I'll go with a variety of merchandise for a variety of decorating styles.  Burlap & Roses offers that kind of thing, too, and it's very favorable to those who visit the shop.

We had the pleasure of spending a few days in Okoboji, Iowa, this past weekend and got to do a bit of "pickin" at the nice antique shops.  Found a couple "just for me" contacts, too.  We even hit a few garage sales on  Highway 141 on the way up.  By the way, this annual garage sale event, which goes for miles has really grown since I attended the first one years ago.

As I was going about the pickin' part, I began with this thought and also posed this question on the Burlap & Roses Facebook page:

You have just acquired a vintage cabin/cott​age on a cool, vintage lake...how​ do you decorate it?  (Please go to my FB page, by clicking on the link above, "LIKE" it, and answer the question for yourself.)

So, that's how I'm going about this venture.  So far, six people have chosen:  Cottage Style; 3 for Rustic Vintage Cabin; and one chose, Beechy Keen.  What would you choose?  If you're planning to go to the Bonanza, what will you be looking for?  

So far, in my arsenal, I have an assortment of typography, some kitschy decor, a few vintage signs and more...I'm having a blast.  Check out the Junk Bonanza website, just click on the link above and start following their page and blog.  While you're there, register for the drawing for the Junk Bonanza Giveaway, too.