Down the Poppytrail Path

Down the Poppytrail Path...

Most of my followers wouldn't know that my very first business and dip into vintage was in the early 1990's when my youngest was just toddling.  My older two were in school. The name was The Calico Cow Ice Cream, Antiques and Decor.  I knew nothing about ice cream, antiques or how to run a business, but I'm a quick learner and had a lot of ambition and guts. 

I happened upon a vintage ice cream fountain in Knoxville, Iowa, and purchased it for $200.00.  It was a gem, really, but did need some work to get it operational. It broke down frequently as well. My landlord was more than generous in the very affordable rent, too! A very kind older gentleman who was eager to see something in his vacant building and who doesn't love ice cream, right?  Just one of many who have helped me on my way.

Not without problems and a small budget, plus having a little with me day in and day out, it was open for just a little over a year.  The final straw was when this same little climbed up to the sink and quickly grabbed the cap to the disinfecting solution...with one, teeny tiny drop of solution left in it.  It all happened so fast. Needless to say, she instantly got sick, and I had to take her to the ER.  

I loved my little shop and my first foray into small biz ownership, getting to use my love of decorating and finding my love of vintage.  But I loved my little girl and bigs much more and the time invested took me away from them and the life my hubs and I were building.  The time was not right so I closed. I have only great memories of my time doing this and it sparked my love of small business, entrepreneurship, AND vintage...

During this time though, I purchased my first vintage collectible, which was a piece of California Pottery, Poppytrail by Metlox, Green Rooster pattern. You can find more information here.  

I've since added to my collection, and I love it to this day never tiring of it. Many years later, I was at the Majestic Lion Antique Mall in Des Moines, Iowa (now closed) and I was getting ready to leave.  However, I had a strong feeling to go right, rather than to the left to leave.  So, I followed my instincts...my heart was palpitating (I am NOT exaggerating!) took another turn into a booth and low and behold, there was a huge collection of them. I quickly called my friend Barb, whom I purchased my very first piece from (she had consigned it with me) and she helped me figure out a price to purchase it all.  I was giddy and could NOT get over the pull I felt in my being.  

It was much later, and I was watching yet another episode of The Waltons, my all-time favorite show and I noticed for the first time, out of all the times I'd watched this show, a piece of the Poppytrail to the side of the sink. I had a piece just like it.  Enjoy a snippet of The Kitchen, Part 2 here.

To say I was elated was an understatement. If I could have picked a time that I'd like to have lived in, it would have been the 30's-40's. I always wanted to home-keep, have a large family and the Walton home...well, let's just say I live in a similar style farmhouse today. It was the home of my childhood dreams. The family of my childhood dreams. 

Walton's Photo Credit: Google search

I've always believed that a person could manifest the life they desired.  Not that it would be an easy path without obstacles but, 'going in the direction of your dreams' has always resonated with me. I also believe this is a God thing. 

This friends, is the life I imagined.  My INSPIRED Life where dreams to come true. 

Photos of Poppytrail pottery are from my own collection.

Follow me on: Facebook and Instagram

 

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!

Take the backroad...

 The road less traveled is the one I like the best

 Grazing beauties

left, but memories are not forgotten

A Sunday Back Roads Kinda Day

We woke up early had a cup of coffee and took a little nap.  I woke up energized after 15 minutes...with one thing on my mind.  This was a Sunday Back Roads kinda day.

I asked the hubs if he was interested and he liked the idea, too.  Within a short time, we were ready to go.  Heading west, south, then southwest...it was gravel all the way~destination Creston, Iowa.  No map, just a general idea of where we needed to head to "get there".  

I love Sunday drives and taking the backroads is even better.  We hadn't done this for a long, long time.  I honestly was excited.  The following is our day in pictures.

Mt. Pisgah Monument & Park

Log Cabin Homestead at site

Monument to those who lost their life at this site

Creston School Library several weeks after the tornado hit...notice the books.

Unknown structure~two or three damaged, all around not a bit of damage

Sun Valley Lake...will our dream of owning a lake home come true?

A Llama sunbathing.  Steve was amazed at this site

We rounded out our drive with a stop to see our granddaughter before she went home.  She rode her new bike for us...first time!  Daddy, Abbie or mommy couldn't 

get her to do it.  Oh, the magic of Grammie and Grampie!

A gloriously delightful day ended with a glass of Moscato, a mozzarella, cherry 

tomato and avocado salad, good Italian bread and my hubs by my side~
ahhhhh, my day is complete.

Have a blessed week ahead!

We're moving again...but just next door, on THE CORNER

Our new digs are coming together nicely.

We'll be opening the doors to our "new" location...right next door, exactly on the SE Corner of The Square-Indianola, Iowa.  

It's gardening time and you're gonna find some fun things to add to your garden, the garden shed, or a garden themed patio, deck or room.

We're gonna be adding to our gift lines, too.  Coffee, dips, spreads and drink mixes.

Hope you have a great day!

Vintage Memories...Riverview Park

Riverview Amusement Park

Des Moines, Iowa

I had forgotten about this group page on Facebook, but just found it again this morning while catching up.  Such fond memories for me and so many.

Riverview, just as the name implies, was located on an island~like spot on the banks of the Des Moines River and was built in the early 1900's by business men in the area.  It was, in it's hey day, the HOT SPOT for young and old alike.  I knew it as a fun amusement park.  Others will remember it in a variety of ways; their first love, great dances, host to 'big band' era greats, and more.  No matter 'what' it was individually, most would have really fond memories of this middle of the state attraction.

As a young girl, my mom would take us to the State Fair, void of the Midway, because the rides there "were not safe", being put up and taken down so quickly.  In lieu of this, we'd get to spend a day at Riverview Park.  I don't remember a time we went, that my cousins, Debbie and Linda, weren't with us.  Their mom had the same philosophy!

I do remember fondly, the laughter and giggles, that ensued on the bumper cars,  the mirrors that would exaggerate your figure, snow cones, photo booths and... 

who didn't get sick from the unforgiving and seemingly unending spinning of the Cuddle Up?

and then...

The Scrambler

As with many things from yesteryear, all we have are our memories.  I have to ask "why" even now as an adult.  I do not believe bigger and newer is better.  But, my guess is, the younger generations will have memories of other amusement parks...I'd almost bet, they won't be the same, though.

These photos are not mine and were found on the following sites:

www.riverviewparkdsm.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/284251129029

specific ownership is unknown. 

Contest time...

Bring in the ad from The Goods/DM Register for Indianola Downtown, with your name and phone number on it and I'll put it in the hat for the drawing to be held after my OPEN HOUSE on March 23rd and 24th. Door prizes, grand prize.

the photo is NOT the ad you'll be looking for.

 
 Here's your invitation to the Open House.

 

 In addition, since the open house is during 'spring break' time, come in during the Open House, dressed in appropriate attire for your dream break destination and receive 20% off one, regularly priced B&R item.  Let's have some fun!

A little ol' fashion charm

The hubs and I had business in Osceola, Iowa, yesterday, and in between appointments, we had a bit of time to spare.  We did a little exploring.  After brunch at The Family Table, we headed out.

To start, a trip to Osceola is never complete without stopping at Farm & Home.  I walk up and down the aisles discovering so many 'new to me' gadgets and possible project material or supplies.

This mild weather has me thinking it's so much further along in the calendar.  It was no different, as I anticipated hearing, first, then smelling, then seeing the sweet chicks and ducks they have in the spring.  Upon opening the door, I remembered...spring is still weeks away. 

After our visit to F&H, we ventured up to the square and into Robinson's Hardware.  Once again, I found my self sweeping the rows of goods, just looking for the one or two things that would grab my attention.  I pick up and put down, making a mental note to myself for future projects.  I do the same thing at the Indianola hardware store, McCoy True Value.  Up and down, around and around...somewhat mesmerized by all the tools, paint colors, plumbing supplies, etc.  It goes without saying...I LOVE doing this!

Robinson's offers a bit of 'a step back in time' for me.  Varying floors, multiple rooms, and so many things I didn't even know they made anymore and have not seen for years.  If you can't find it at Robinson's, I don't know where you'd find it.  

I could have easily made a few more stops, but the call came that my computer was ready to go...and so was the hubs.  So, off we went...a few treasures came home with me, to be put to good use around the house and at Burlap & Roses.  They seemed practical and a great way to help me get organized.  Time will tell...but, I have good intentions and am Inspired to 'get 'er done'.  

Roses hearts are beating...

 Safe beneath the snowdrifts lie; Rainbow buds of by-and-by. In the long, sweet days of spring; Music of bluebells shall ring. And its faintly golden cup; Many a primrose will hold up. Though the winds are keen and chill; Roses' hearts are beating still. And the garden tranquilly; Dreams of happy hours to be. In the summer days of blue; All its dreamings will come true. 

By: Lucy Maud Montgomery

You need to freshen your look...POP of Color

Go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burlap-Roses/177248165653789 and answer my questionnaire.  Have fun!

A Fantab Idea

Most anyone who's remotely 'close' to me knows that I'm a magazine junkie.  BIG TIME!  I was chatting with some new found friends, via Burlap & Roses, over coffee the other day and our conversation lead to this topic.

I have stacks and stacks of magazine clippings of photos of homes, rooms, decor, design ideas, etc.  The one thing about doing that, that I don't like is it's not a good and fair way to 'share' the magazine.  Some will be re-sold at Burlap & Roses at a great discount.  Others will be donated to the library, a nursing home, trading with friends, etc.  Sooooo...

One of the gals said, "just take a picture" of the picture, then save it on your computer.  BRILLIANT, I say.  So, when I couldn't sleep last night (up 'til 4 a.m.) I did just that.  Went through my stacks of magazines (in an effort to organize and clean up the piles), took photos of the things I wanted to "keep" and filed them away under my Home and Garden Decor file on my computer.  I will keep them there, AND I plan to share them on PINTEREST...to share the LOVE!  If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, just click on the highlighted PINTEREST that I've provided.  If you're knew to Pinterest and would like to be invited to join, just let me know by providing me your email address.  I'll help you geet started.  Can you say EYE CANDY?  ; )

Inspiration is the key word here...you won't be disappointed!

golden glow

As I awoke this morning and looked out the window overlooking the rolling 

countryside, a golden glow left me speechless.  It was beautiful.  

A great start to an even better day ahead.  A Golden Glow kind of day...

make it the best day yet and ENJOY!

Vintage linen hankies...

I just put out several linen hankies with handiwork on them.  

Made me think about weddings for some reason...

 Some have initials, some are floral patterned and some are plain with delicate edging.  There is one with RAE embroidered in blue and there is one that is just 

dark blue, rather plain, but has a simple beauty to it. 

Last summer, a mother came in looking for a vintage hankie for her son to have in his pocket on his wedding day.  It made me smile.  I know this mom and I know her son.  Appropriate! And, I bet it was used...he may have needed it himself, but I could also see him pulling it out and ever so softly wiping away a stray tear...

Vintage linen hankies...delicate reminders of another place and time.

Fruit Basket Upset

Fruit Basket Upset...one of my favorite things to do at the shop...both of them, is to do a fruit basket upset and move everything around, give the merchandise a fresh look and placement. 

As I'm sitting here writing this, the photo to the left shows how torn up the place is.  Although I need the business, and my customers don't mind the messiness, I do hope I can get my act together before too many come in.  I get a bit embarrased.  So, you're probably wondering why I'm writing and not "doing"...well, I had a customer come in, took care of her purchase and was inspired to write this little update.  I'm a bit ADD...really!  What INSPIRES you today?  I encourage you to take a gander at the super inspiring home decor at Burlap & Roses boutique and home goods.  Spring is in the air...in here, anyway; )

Only in a Small Town...

The other day I rec'd a call from someone looking for information on a dog groomer in or around New Virginia.  I asked how she came to call me and she said she found my business in the local phone directory.  "Thought someone with a coffee shop would know what she was talking about", she said.  I was happy to oblige and gave her the name of "our" local groomer.  

Knowing your neighbors, figuratively and literally speaking, and possibly just a little of what is going on in their life is a real special thing in this day and age.  I think it's a fortunate person who can say they live in a small town.

Nothing wrong with larger communities...they just aren't my thing.  And, I would have to guess, most would say there is a noticeable difference.  A "friendliness", sense of safety, and a oneness in a small community; where students and teachers see each other on the street, at church, the post office.  Word of a death passes from neighbor to neighbor in a timely fashion.  A little bit of "Mayberry" you could say. 

Today, as I opened the shop in Indianola, I overheard the postman telling some passerby where the coffee shop was on The Square.  He had done this before, because he directed someone to check out my shop one day,too.  I imagine he does it routinely.  The customer told me that, "the postman sent me here."  How fun is that! 
Not only is he delivering the all important mail, but is a walking~talking chamber of commerce, too! 

Only in a small town...and this folks, is the view from my front porch.

Sign's up...Open Sign is out!

103 East Salem Avenue...SE corner of The Square

The sign is up...and a huge shout out to Parker Signs and Graphics, Indianola for a terrific job.  Just what I had pictured in my mind.

Our Indianola location has been open one week today; I can't thank the community members and city~county leaders enough for the huge welcome.  

Greatly appreciated and encouraging!  Thanks, also, to the Indianola Record-~Herald for the nice article about the new location.

Open Thursday thru Saturday in Indianola, 10:00-5:00 weekly.  Groups and bus tours by appointment.  Welcoming our first bus next Thursday.  Ribbon Cutting to follow at 11:00.  Here's your invite to stop in on the 17th and be a part of the fun.

Have you 'LIKED' Burlap and Roses and Burlap & Roses boutique and home goods on FACEBOOK yet?  

The shop in photos.

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!