Thanks! The Gathering Show was a Huge Success!

Years ago when were moving into a rental house and I was running around like crazy, Billy made a comment to his dad and said "she doesn't know if she's pitchin' or catchin' ", well that was pretty much me, again, last week.  BUT last week was so much more fun than that moving day 25 years ago.  I had the best time and met the nicest people.

Me & Miss Jackie w/ Antiques on Maple (she runs an amazing show by the way)

Me & Miss Joyce w/ Little Red Hen

Me & Carrell w/ Country Charisma

The weather broke at just the right times for me to load and unload. Seriously, I had just enough room for myself.... we had my truck and Mom's truck loaded down!

The weather didn't stop anyone from coming out to shop.  I enjoyed meeting so many people and look forward to seeing them again at the next show.

Celebrating Another Birthday

The Gathering Show didn't consume all my time.  We were still able to celebrate Chase's 23rd birthday on Sunday with the family.  We barbequed ribs and I made twice baked potatoes... some serious eating was going on!  Baskin Robbins makes a fabulous fudge crunch cake - yum!

Bella, Autumn, Claire & Chase

Not sure if Autumn realized the napkin on her head - LOL

We had time for the creek, too!  I love living in the country.  God has truly blessed our family.

Mr. Ingram's barn

Come to The Gathering Show in Nashville This Weekend

Recovery efforts are encouraging in Henryville.   I’ve been in constant touch with my mama, following facebook and newspaper articles to keep up with all that is happening up there. Again, it’s hard to be here… my life going on as normal, and knowing there’s lots of friends and family up there whose life is upside down.

My “normal” right now includes preparing for The Gathering Show www.thegatheringshow.com in Nashville this weekend. Billy and I have been busy, busy, busy…. my husband has always been a talented carpenter and builder, but he’s now creating the most beautiful corner cupboards, raised candle bases, candle holders, plate holders and this bench is amazing!!!

It’s made out of 2 old wheels salvaged from a doctor’s buggy, along with whatever old wood he found in the shop. He created and made this! I’m so proud of him. Kinda hard to let go, but alas we don’t have a place for this at our house, so it will be for sale at The Gathering.

These chairs turned out gorgeous and just in time for Spring! Don’t you love the robin egg blue color! The milk can came from an auction in Indiana (not in that color of course) but seems like it’s lacking something…. ideas anyone? Anyway, again compliments of my husband…. I found’em and bought’em, but he did all the sand blasting and painting. Geez, I hope I have enough room in my booth space for all this stuff!

I’ve found a new hobby…. yea, I know, like I needed one... but I love to repurpose items and came across some beautiful jewelry at the Tailgate Show in Nashville a few weeks back. I bought a necklace and earrings made out of vintage silverware and thought “I can do this” and I’ve had the best time! Billy just rolls his eyes at me, because he knows that these little projects not only involves me, but him. He has to teach me how to use the tools in the shop and then sometimes help me figure how to do, what I want to do. I have a new appreciation for jewelry making!

 I hope you enjoy the pictures and I’ll definitely have an update from The Gathering Show. Please come out and visit me at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds (also known as the Nashville Fairgrounds) in the Creative Arts Building (first building on the left as you come up the BIG hill). The Show opens Friday, March 16th 9am – 4pm and continues to Saturday, March 17th 9am – 4pm.

Welcome Spring and Happy Shopping!!!

Henryville, IN is my hometown....

I was so consumed with our severe weather warnings here in Tennessee, that I had no idea what had hit my hometown of Henryville, IN... until my mama called.  Her first question was if we were ok.  The news was full of severe weather all around the South and Midwest.  We heard later on the national news that over 100 tornadoes had touched ground across the U.S. within 48 hours.  She next told me that my high school and town that I had known since 4th grade was basically gone.  March 3rd is a day that alot of us will not forget.... it's been a week and I'm just now able to write about it.

I started attending Henryville Elementary in Mrs. Coombs 4th grade class.  She had sheep and a small farm, so we hit it off immediately.  Come to find out she lived down the road from me.  Her farm was in the path of the tornado and as of today, I'm not sure it's still standing.  Mrs. Coombs passed away several years ago.  The tornado took her neighbor, Mr. Hunter.

I had some of the best teachers... Mr. McKay / 5th grade was one of my favorites.  Elementary and High School classrooms are all on the same campus, so when I entered Jr. High, we just went across the hall.  When I entered High School, we just went across another hall.  I always loved our small school.  Everyone basically got to participate in any activity, sport, club or extra-curricular that you wanted.  Even though we were small, we were still able to compete and do pretty well.  We had/have a state award winning band - Henryville High School Golden Band... wow the memories that come flooding back from band camps, practices, competitions... seems like most of the Jr. High/High School was in marching band or color guard.  I started band in 5th grade playing the clarinet.... my folks were so happy when I made color guard in 7th grade - evidently I was a terrible clarinet player - LOL.  Mr. and Mrs. Barber put The Golden Band on the map and they worked our butts off!

I’ve not touched the surface on all the memories that have come flooding back, but I’ve rambled long enough… please pray for this little community of 1,500 people.  Many were employed by the school, many are still with power, water.  I’m going up the end of this month to help with recovery efforts.  I’ll keep you posted… I just know the Lord is going to do some amazing things in this community, just wait…. He is just that good.