A Face of God's Grace

As a sales consultant for the Longaberger Co. I have been blessed to meet many people. Some of those have become customers and great friends. This is a story of both. I initially met Kim at a Starbucks in 2008. She was "interviewing" me for the position as her Longaberger consultant! Yes, I swear she did! I got the job and I am so happy I did. Kim is a teacher, a mom, a wife, a christian and so, so much more. And I am happy to say she is also my friend.

In the past few months Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. That "C" word that wreaks havoc in women around the world. Upon hearing this news I was stunned, Kim is only 46, this just can't be happening! But it was and it has. Just 10 days ago Kim had a dual radical mastectomy ... yes, that means both breasts were removed. 

I went to see her today and I just wasn't sure what to expect. Again, this amazing young woman stunned me. She was up, moving about, cooking a quiche for lunch and had her make up on. She glowed. Kim's face is a true example of her faith in the Grace of God. She "knows" he will take care of her and she "knows" that she will be exactly where God wants her at all times. 

Gerr, my picture is blurry! Wouldn't you know. Her mom has traveled out from Illinois to assist in her care. Can you see the glow, if not, trust me it's there.

I also had take take a few snaps of the other family members.

Meet Maggie, she is the youngest and so, so, so cute.

And 3 year old Noah, he was a pet store puppy that no one wanted. He was so blessed to have found a place in this loving home.

The senior of the trio is Pugsly, he is 9. He is not happy, his grandma is sitting in his chair and he has to make do with this one!

Don't you find it interesting that I can capture all the pets with a steady hand, but the humans come out blurry .... go figure.

Kim, you are an inspiration to everyone who knows you. Your faith is amazing, I so wish it could be bottled.

In the month of July the Longaberger Co. will enter into is 18th year of the Horizon of Hope Campaign. My hope is that when you are asked to purchase this basket, make a donation to a 5K participant or any other Breast Cancer fund raiser you will keep in mind, "There but for the Grace of God go I."

Out and About!

With the temperatures in the mid 80's a body begins to feel summer is only days away. With the warm days I feel myself being drawn outside more and more. So yesterday I had the urge to visit a quaint little college town and check out the shops I hadn't seen for quite some time. I called a friend to see if she wanted to meet me there and off we went to the Claremont Village. Claremont is a small town filled with private colleges. The village area is full of cafes, music stores, candy/ice cream stores and gift shops.

 This shop is my favorite. Not very big but chock full of everything wonderful! Americana ruled her front window and I was immediately drawn in!

 The glare is horrible but you are still able to see many Americana products! The bright sunny yellow sunflowers just put a persons soul in the mood for a picnic under a large cool tree. Oh I just love summer.

 

Doesn't this window just remind you of grandmas kitchen! The old Kitchen Aid mixer in the top right, scales, cherry aprons and cookbooks. I can almost smell my own grandma's cherry pies baking in her old wood burning oven. 

We wandered her store for a bit, found a few treasures to purchase and off we went to explore some other parts of town. Sadly, all of the shops I used to visit, Three French Hens, Karklesudie and the little Lavender House have all fallen victim to the recession/depression and all that is left are empty spaces.

We then headed west to another small town, San Dimas. This little western themed town was once dominated by antique stores but sadly there were only a few die-hard shops left and not much inside to tempt me. I guess that was a good thing!

Our final stop for the day was Tuesday Morning.

 Why is it called Tuesday Morning I hear you ask? Because every Tuesday, very early in the morning they receive their deliveries. I am told shoppers flock to the stores early to see the treasures held within. To be honest, I don't like these stores. They are messy, unorganized and you REALLY have to be in the mood to hunt for a treasure. However, I did not come away empty handed!

And finally I need to compliment our little shopping companion ...

Meet Gavin. He is 4 years old and Tanya's adorable grandson. This little guys has grown up tramping around with grandma and he is so good. In and out of the car, trudging though shops with two women and his reward at the end of the day was a funny looking fish that Gavin called his dinosaur. 

Enjoy your days like this, we never know how many are left ....

Make Over Maddness!

I like to take things and convert them into something else. Just because I'm tired of a picture, a jar or a rusty piece of yard art doesn't mean I need to throw it away or take it to my local Goodwill store. More times then not I will look at it for awhile, mull it over if you will until something forms in my mind and away I go! So, while I was in Quincy watching Paula set up her garage sale tables I snatched up a few her her cast off treasures.

 I love this piece. Paula purchased it at a thrift store (I think.) It was a picture that she took apart with the intentions of doing something wonderful with it. So I rescued it! I have tea stained it a couple of times and now I and piecing it. Eventually it will be a wall sized quilt. The blue on the sides doesn't really look that bright, don't quite know what's up. I will send another pic when it's complete. So far I'm really loving it.

Next up, this cute little metal mini quilt rack. This was silverish in color until I hit with the black spray paint. Then I dug around in my fabric scraps and made a little Civil War hanging quilt. Not sure where it is going but I love it too!

OK, back to the recycle bin to see what I can come up with next!

Father's Day is just a few short weeks away and Longaberger is here to make your shopping for dear ole dad easier! The beautiful laser carved frame with a nice sentiment can be yours for just $24.00! Every dad loves a new picture of his kids. If you are interested in any of these products please contact me at baskets4anita@aol.com.

Im Memory ....

Good Morning and Happy Memorial Day. As I sat here this morning contemplating what I wanted to say my mind quickly went to my dad. He served in the Army during WWII primarily in the Philippines and Japan. He never spoke about it much, only when I would ask specific questions. He wanted to put it behind him and out of his memory. "War was hell, Anita" is what he would say. He would never watch a war movie not even Gone with the Wind. His father, my grandpa served in WWI, in Europe. He earned the bronze star for his service in the battle of Aragon, France. Like my dad, he never spoke of the Army or the war. In fact, his commendation, signed by President Woodrow Wilson hung in their bedroom behind the door. He didn't want to see it, but my grandmother saw it's value in who he was.

So today, I want to remember these two great men, who selflessly gave to their country without question. These are the men who make us a great country; as are those serving today. Lest us never forget who they are and what they do.

Join me for a pictorial journey ...

Welcome to the Taylor home!

The flags are out and lining the walkways ...

The chairs are padded and comfy! These pillows came from Paula's yard sale. I'm tellin ya, you need to go to Quincy and shop in her garage!!

Here is a pic of my 48 star flag from Chico ...

Remember the recycled, recycled, recycled Eagle?? He has a home, along with this Betsy Ross silhouette, a gift from the Brown's!

 And finally Mr. Lincoln. We can not forget the Civil War. He was also a wonderful gift from Paula.
Have a great day off and REMEMBER why we are free ...

An Eagle with a Story

One day while Paula and I were in Quincy we visited an antique shop. I wandered through with my critical eye and thought "cool, there is nothing I have to have!" Whooo, not so fast. I look down and see a cast iron eagle candle holder. Oh, I love it. I show it to Paula and she gets a funny look on her face. 

Isn't this great!

 

 

 Well, here is the story this eagle has to tell. Paula purchased this at a garage sale while she lived in Southern California. Used it for quite awhile and after re-doing her home decided to sell it with several other items to a friend in Quincy. Time marches on and bam he ends up in someone else's antique shop. I decide not to buy it. The next day I tell Paula I want her eagle, so back we go to the shop. He has no price on him nor is the owner of the eagle in the shop. So, they call her for a price, he is $14.00 .... now he is mine.

I bring him back to the house and share my purchase with my husband Joe. He loves it! Wants to know where I will hang him and makes a request that he find a home where he (Joe) can look at him. Meaning, not my sewing room or a guest room. Once he is placed in his new home I will post a new picture. 

Even in a little antique shop in Quincy I can find the one piece Paula and I will have in common.

I hate goodbyes ...

Well, Joe, Betsy and I concluded our visit with the Brown's this morning. I really HATE goodbyes, they are just so hard after such a wonderful time. Yesterday was just a nice relaxing day, a time to visit and enjoy our hosts. Paula and I went to visit her quilting buddies for a bit in the morning.

 Meet the girls left to right ... Carolyn - the master mind behind the barn quilt project in Quincy, Tina - a previous Longaberger Tour traveler, Diane - the hostess, Paula and Linda - she has a very sharp wit!

Meet Max, he is the kindest, gentlest soul and a very nice host to Betsy.

Our Hostess and Host Paula and Darrell. We had just finished a delicious dinner at Lake Almanor. The meal was absolutely wonderful and the Creme' Brule was even better! Aren't they just the cutest couple?

 

 A View of the lake from our table. We decided to sit inside to eat as the weather was a wee bit chilly.

This morning Joe and I were up bright and early and on the road by 7 am. We had heard that a winter storm was coming in Friday night and Paula thought it would be a good idea for us to get out ahead of the storm. Well, thank goodness we did, the storm was approaching rapidly and within 5 miles of Quincy we were seeing snow flurries!

By the time we started down the Donner Pass (remember that story) the temp had dropped to 30 degrees and this is what I was driving in ...

 SNOW! It's Memorial Day weekend for heavens sake, what's going on here. About a half mile down the highway there is a warning, "unstable weather ahead, prepare to put on chains." Are you kidding me, I live in Southern California, I don't have chains. Thankfully God was our travel companion and held off any further weather disasters.

Upstairs with George and Martha ...

Whew, we are staying home today and that's a very good thing! Yesterday we went to Chico, Oroville and Paradise .... believe me, Paradise is the perfect name for this little town after leaving Chico. In Oroville we went to this adorable little shop called Mary Lake Thompson's. She's a designer who creates wonderful dish towel, cards, aprons etc.

 Here is a snap shot of her cute storefront. We also went to a perfectly junky antique shop across the street full of very interesting things ... I found a great 48 star flag set in a vintage brass base. LOVE it and perfect for summer.

We visited several more shops, quilt shops ate at the Pour House (very good food and cute!) in Chico. It was a very long day and to finish off the evening we enjoyed a dinner of ice cream with chocolate and chocolate chip cookies! So yummy.

Now it's time to show you where the guests sleep that get to use the front stairs ....

Love our room, sorry the picture is so dark! Paula and Darrell are so generous, Joe and I both have gifts on our bed. A sweatshirt with Quincy written on it, candy from Sees for Joe, and a Betsy Ross and Lincoln print for me!

My side of the bed houses Martha and Joe's has George!

These are our gifts, aren't those shirts tooooo cute.

Next door is the Americana Room ... I just can't imagine why!

Uncle Sam and his cronies

 Don't you just love this!

Now off to the sewing/family room.

Paula and I also share the Longaberger Basket connection. I love this stacked vignette.

 

Small/doll quilts ... another passion we share. Aren't they just do cute?

Lots of Books, lots of Baskets

This is Paula's sewing space with a view right out the front window!

Darrell purchased Paula 60 spools of Pearl cotton each in a different color for her 60th birthday! Isn't that cool.

 A panoramic shot of her whole sewing space.

 

 I had better get movin, she is setting up her garage sale items and there are things in there I might REALLY NEED!!

Checking out Quincy

 Good morning! Well the 5 of us headed out into the metropolis of Quincy yesterday. What a quaint town full of charm and history, I took most of my pictures of the things that interested me the most.

Quincy is nestled in the Plumas National Forest where you guessed it, logging and milling is the number one industry. Quincy has a huge lumber mill and the next few pictures are of the prepared logs. They water these 24 hours a day to keep the wood moist and to prevent it from splitting.

I love this picture. The background is of the mountains covered in trees with the foreground stacked with enormous logs!

Another stack, these piles were everywhere! As I was standing on the tail gate of Darrell's truck taking pictures a nice young man approached us to see if we were interested in taking a tour! We did not, but it was such a nice gesture.

 

 

 

Here is the Quincy court house. A truly beautiful building, the inside foyer is completely done in white marble. Notice Miss Betsy Ross and Joe, she looks so tiny in this picture!

 Amy, this picture is for you! My friend Amy also lives in a small quaint town in Wyoming. Amy has very strong feelings about shopping local and avoiding chain stores. I know she will appreciate this sign! Quincy has one fast food shop, Subway. They also have a few other chain type stores but they are very small.

And my final favorite thing were these awesome barn quilts. This was a project created through a grant with the 4 H Youth Development Program. As a quilter and a lover of old barns this was right up my ally. Follow along as I share these beautiful pieces of art. The above block is Cups & Saucers.

Here is the Harvest Star Block! I love this red barn!

Timber Trees is on the Bresciani Barn, hence the double B's.

This is the Double Pinwheel on an 1868 barn

And my all time favorite and the hardest barn to photograph is the Americana Star! This barn was built is 1851 and is still a working ranch barn!

Mom, are we there yet???

Hope you enjoyed my barns and logs. We're going to Chico, Oroville and conclude our day in Paradise, yep it's a town.

Qunicy - Morning, Day 2

Before the four of us head out to explore beautiful down town Quincy I wanted to post some more pics of the Brown home! Today I will share the remainder of the downstairs. Get a cup of coffee, and settle into a comfy chair and enjoy the next few minutes.

I LOVE this sunny breakfast room! Paula is busy preparing a feast of eggs, sausages, fresh fruit, orange juice and homemade blueberry muffins.! I told Joe not to get to used to this.

 Here's the cook, busy in her yummy smelling kitchen.

Darrell calls this area the hall of doors ... There are 4 doors in this small area, one to the garage, the laundry room, a bathroom, and the pantry. At one time there was also a door that covered the the servants stairs ....

 The back stairs ... these are the stairs for Paula and Darrell the servants, hehe. And these are the stairs for Anita, Joe and Miss Betsy.

 We have the beautiful oak hand rails and tread plates. This shot is from the front door looking inside.

Paula has adorable doll quilts lining the back staircase walls ...

This is the red side, LOVE it!

 On the front stairs (my side) at the first landing is this Uncle Sam vignette.


OK bloggers, they are loading the car to head out and I don't want to miss out. I'll be back soon.....
PS Before I forget to tell you. The Brown's had a welcoming committee for us when we arrived, a snake! Yep he came to greet us but Paula freaked out and sent him packing!