Hey! It's been awhile, but I'm Inspired to get this up and going again.

Gosh, how is it that life can consume you and before long, months to years pass.  Crazy, crazy, crazy!

But, I do have some things to say, so I'm inspired to get back at it.  Sooner, rather than later, I hope😎😎😎  I have been clearing my calendar, to get to do more of what I love.  And, those things are my writing, creating and the biggest part of my 💗 are my five grandchildren.  I, and the hubs, take such great joy in their presence.  It's a remarkable feeling!

As I write this, it's three weeks away from my season OPENER for Burlap & Roses at Crooked Hedge Farm.  I'm gathering new merchandise up, cleaning and clearing out, moving things around...all for YOU...to stop and shop with me on June 7th and 8th, 10:00-5:00.  Shabby, primitives, barn and farm, linens, furniture, cabinets, industrial, garden, rustic, signs, vintage, clothing, home decor, decor, doors, dishes, and more.

We'll be a STOP on the 3rd Annual Backroads & By-Ways Junkin' Tour, which runs from St. Mary's to Osceola, Iowa and points in between.  10 unique shops, pop-up and occasional sales, as well as, a couple great eating spots.  

We hope you will plan to join us on this special weekend in 

south-central Iowa, just about 40 miles south of West Des Moines, Iowa 

or 40 miles north of the Missouri line on Interstate 35.  

How's your spring going?  I hope this finds you doing well.  Please share my blog with your family and friends...I'd greatly appreciate it!

If you'd be so kind, I'd appreciate your feedback, so please leave a comment and remember to share and help me spread the word.  Thanks!

All the best,

Beth

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!

A day of pickin'

Wow, what a fun day of pickin' with my mom.  We had one destination in mind, but, since we were heading "in that direction", I made a few more contacts and we made several shop stops.  Luckily, each owner was willing to open up special for us.

We plotted and planned the roads we'd take, doing a round robin.  Heading up the diagonal to Marshalltown, first stop, Kathy's Barn.  A large barn filled to overflowing.  We picked up, turned over, sorted through and added to an ever burgeoning pile. It was not looking too good.  The first stop and we were already "full".  But, one has not seen this gal pack and prod and push around...

On the road again, we headed north on Hwy. 14...destination, Antiques by Mona.  One of the nicest shops I've ever been to.  Nice and clean, bright and wonderfully laid out.  Super, 'true' antiques, it was a delight from start to finish.  A bit more pushing and proding, we got 'er packed in and away we went.

I "met" the gal from Little Prairie Girl on Facebook.  I just had to get there.  This was the one stop we were headed to, when we added the other locals to our list.  A huge barn, filled with antiques, prims and new, two floors of fun.  The Little Prairie Girl had just had their big sale over the weekend, so it had been pretty well picked over, but there were a few things for this gal, and just enough room to fit in "just a few more things".  A real swell gal, a quaint setting and made just for us hot coffee.  Happy!

Getting a bit hungry, we stopped at one of the BEST little spots ever.  We found out it had only been open a week.  Very gracious owners, we were treated to scrumptious food.  I chose a french dip made with homemade Italian bread and my mom had a reuben.  On the side we had the best broccoli salad we've ever tasted...we even brought some home with us.  The Mr. of the team kept coming out with samples of some of their other menu items.  Delicious one and all.  May I suggest, The Whispering Moose if you're anywhere near Grundy Center, Iowa.  

As we made our way back to Des Moines, we headed towards I-35 via the county highways and byways.  Such beautiful scenery Iowa has.  Farmers were in the field...and oddity for March 26th, but, so happy with the winter weather we've had.  Our final destination was Antiques Iowa at Story City.  A haven with everything under the sun offered. 

A great road trip with my mom.  A day of pickin', packed in goods, laughter and fun. 

Vintage Home & Garden...where my inspirations come to life

I've been busy...busy, busy, busy.  My mornings are spent with my real estate business.  My afternoons, weekends and any other 'free' time is spent at my shop.  I'm re-re-redoing, refreshing, re-styling.  It's been 8 years and time for a change.  It's been fun, uplifting and energizing. 

Time is closing in on me. I'm a procrastinator...so, the push is on.  Almost every day, I receive a call or email from someone asking if my shop is open yet...and if not, WHEN?  My open date is coming soon. 

The THIRD THURSDAY SALES will start in July.  VINTAGE HOME & GARDEN will be open the THIRD THURSDAY each month and the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday...YES, I'm going to try being open on Sundays.  I'll be open 10:00~3:00 each day.  As always, I will try to accomodate shoppers by appointment. 

You're going to find a new look...walls have been repainted.  New vintage merchandise will be available, as well as NEW, new home and garden decor.  

Please mark your calendars now...and plan to make it a day shopping at Vintage Home & Garden and the other fine shopping venues in south~central Iowa. 

I'm inspired...are you?