A cup is worth a thousand memories and more.

it's just a simply striped cup, but the memories it holds will be cherished for a lifetime.  it's funny what a little cup can do for the memory.  

my hubs and i enjoy sipping our coffee from a variety of cups we've picked up on our travels.  when picking one out, i first look for the one that 'strikes my fancy' because of color, the artwork or a saying.  then, it has to feel 'just right' in my hand.  the feel good weight and grip.  the hubs, well, he doesn't really care about all of that and just goes with whatever i've picked out for him.  but, we have reminisced about a special time or place that a particular cup has evoked...much like a song would do, many times.


today, over coffee and readying my mind for the day, i'm enjoying my cup of joe in the cup pictured above.  a gift from my aunt loretta.  she gave these out as party favors at a recent birthday lunch for her sis, and my aunt, mary.  the cup couldn't fit my hand and fulfill the just right 'good weight and grip' in my hand any better.  and, the memories it evokes, with each soothing sip, is worth a thousand memories and more...



 

Vintage Chair Decorating Contest

Back by popular demand, Vintage Chair Decorating Contest.  Saturday, July 28th during the Balloon Classic Open Air Market on The Square in Indianola.  

Prior year entry

Pre-registration required.  $20.00 entry fee, People's Choice, 1st, 2nd, 3rd place judged by local artists/personalities.

Call 515-238-7720 for more information.









Prior year entry

the field was humming with bee song

The fields were humming with bee song

I wanted to take my book and read here

Hotel Melcher...oh what stories it could tell

spring and all it's glory...baby lambs not far from momma

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!

Burlap & Roses closed info

Burlap & Roses is open today and Friday, April 26th-27th, 10-5...THEN, we'll be closed Saturday (Beth will be at Junk Jubilee Fri-Sun) the 28th thru Friday, May 4th, while we make the move to The CORNER...right next door.  Bigger and better!  See you at the shop or at Junk Jubilee.

Vintage TV

 

I awoke early today and while catching up on Facebook and email, Family Affair

came on.  Took me right back to my childhood.

Then, My Three Sons, came on.  Another childhood fav.  

Was it a simpler time?

 

toes in the sand...iowa...march 25th

little fingers and toes gettin' a feel for the sand

can you believe this was taken on march 25th...in iowa?

a beautiful day spent at the beach~pond with my grandbabies

daughter and son's girl.  purely delightful.

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. 

Takin' time for family

it was rather spontaneous...but, it worked out beautifully.  my sister and i were 

'talking' on facebook late last week and decided to have a sleep over at the farm.  spring break was looming and she wanted to make sure they had plenty to do...

that did NOT include hand-held anything.

sunday afternoon, they found their way down the highway, with their final destination down the half mile lane to our place.  they piled out, their bags found their resting spots and we were off to a great start.  the front pond was calling us, a fire started and primed for hot dogs over the open flames.  even callie, our dog, got in on the action.

monday morning started with granddaughter, makenna, and her older brother, my grandson-by-heart, Kobe, arrived for a day of fun.  breakfast...french toast or egg-in-the-nest was ordered up and fixed.  four hungry boys (older) and one petite little girl who kept up with them were full to overflowing and ready for 'chores'.  off we went

  

at least the four younger ones joined us...oldest nephew riley, stayed in the house, but we had fun.  cows, a walk to the pond and back.  we were just about back to the house, and makenna needed grammie beth to carry her the rest of the way, so, head on my shoulder, we made it back for a rest.

The afternoon found us back at the pond exploring, boating and then some kite flying.  early afternoon brought a down pour and we ran into the house for showers, lunch and some quiet time...we were tired.

 

 mostly, makenna just got to watch, but that was okay by her...she was getting pretty pooped trying to keep up with the older ones.  i must say, she does pretty good.

 

so lincoln, my grandson, could enjoy a bit of 'cousin' time, i went and picked him up from daycare after nap time.  he had fun playing, too, and it goes without saying, the kids couldn't get enough of him.

It was a grand day...for all of us.  new memories for the journals in our mind.

 

Burlap & Roses CLOSED Tuesday March 20th

In preparation for the Open House this weekend, 

Burlap & Roses will be closed on Tuesday, March 20th. 

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'.  

It really is important...today, tomorrow, always

Valentine's Day...a sentimental, romantic day for so many, and for others, not so much.  An "I could care less" or, "it's not important" attitude, deters some from purchasing a card, a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates. 

I want to share with you a different thought.  I find it so joyful to pull out a box of mementos from days gone by.  Saved cards, a pretty, but empty box of chocolates, a dried flower saved from a bouquet~maybe the ribbon.  In each one lies a memory.  Some distant, others of a different place and time.  Not all are from my spouse.  Some are from my grandmother (who never missed a birthday), my kids with their chubby fisted signatures, my mom or sister.  They all hold a special meaning and memory for me. 

I can only imagine, as time goes by, a spouse or loved one is gone, the chubby fist is now long and lean, that these things will only hold more value.  When in the quiet hour of the day, a sleepless night of missing someone, comes along.  I'll find myself, with my box in my lap, reading each one, holding it to my chest, shedding a tear or two and remembering a special time, a special love, a special place. 

It is then, that I'll discover just how much love there was, how a simple gift...even just a card~picked out just for me has increased in value over time, and...and, it really was important!

Valentines Day memories...

As I have been spending some time looking through vintage Valentines that I've collected for resale and collage projects, I'm reminded of the Valentine Days of my and my children's childhood.

Remember the boxes we all had to make in school.  We spent time decorating ours to our hearts content.  Just waiting for the day when we exchanged cards with our classmates.  I still look at a box in the store and remember "when". 

If you were like me, you'd go through each card, picking out the right one for each classmate.  Maybe a super special 'person' would get a super special Valentine...but, you didn't want to  be too obvious, that you thought this super special 'person' was super special to you. 

We were never allowed to leave anyone out.  But, me being me, I wouldn't have done that anyway.  And, you sure didn't want to be one 'left out' either.  Even our teacher got a Valentine from each one of us. 

As I look through the vintage cards, I'm enthralled with the beauty of each one.  Some are cute...but, the ones that I favor are the romantic ones with sweet sentiments or simply ask:  "Will you be mine?".  Or, "Happy Valentines Day". 

What are your favorite memories of Valentine's Day?  Mine are the ones from childhood...a young and innocent time.  And especially from my children's youth.  Watching them decorate their box, bring it home after the party and go through each card.  And, of course, now...as an adult, when you know that Valentine's Day is more than a card with a sweet sentiment.  It's what your Valentine does all year long, that makes life Valentine's Day year 'round.

Paperwhites

For the past several years, I've planted Paperwhite bulbs about six weeks before Christmas.  Specially selected vintage and new planters and containers, filled with a variety of mediums set the stage for these winter "forced" bloomers.


My favorite potting base is decorative rocks.  However, last year, I planted the bulbs in shredded paper...and they grew.  They are extremely easy to grow.  The biggest hurdle I've found is finding the bulbs...without a planter and potting mix.  I want to do my own.

My customers at Burlap & Roses have purchased these as thank you gifts, hostess gifts and simply a quick 'pick-me-up' for someone or a Christmas gift.  They.are.fun.  I think if a person were to sit and watch them, they'd see them grow right in front of their eyes.

I've really enjoyed having windows for displays.  Using packing peanuts for snow, I've placed planters filled with bulbs in amongst the 'snow', so as to give the effect of the Paperwhites coming out of the snow...just like they would in the spring. Passersby have stopped and looked at them...some everyday, others once or twice a week. It's been fun for me to watch them 'check out the growth'.

Here's a photo taken of the full grown plants.  Enjoy!

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!

Martin Luther King Day...a quote

“Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunshine and snow in the same day...

It's so pretty out today.  The sun is shining bright beautiful.  Snow is creeping in to our area later today.  I can take snow...when the sun is shining.

It's the gray and bleak that seeps into my conscience and brings me down.  I.need.the.sun. 

Last year at this time, my hubs and I got to spend two weeks in Santa Barbara, California.  My father and his wife treated us to great accommodations, fun sight seeing, wonderful food and an all around fantab time.  Forever grateful! 

And, did I mention the sun?  Sunshine, sand and water...a great combo.  I instantly feel healthier and want to eat fruit and drink water with lemon. 

If it snows today...so be it.  We've had a beautifully mild winter so far.  Lots of sunshiny days have moved us that much closer to spring and I'll be inspired by that thought!

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.