A Traveling Twist...

Home Sweet Home!

I find myself whispering these words,under my breath, often this week!

A trip to visit my now 50 year old friend, Lori, turned out to be a 9 day journey to 2 different cities in Kansas...

and not really knowing exactly when I would be returning back home since I was a passenger!

We will start the story in Wichita, Kansas.

 

Once I arrived at Lori's house, we did not waste any time in starting on the huge, wood photo booth bus for her hippie themed 50th birthday party!

We painted for two days, on her patio. We had sunshine, we had a few patches of grey, overcast skies. We had 70's music playing.

We had wonderful grilled meals, along with oh so pretty salads.

We had fun and good conversation.

Once the project was completed, we did get out to a few shops in Old Town.

I did not get to stay for the big birthday bash.

My uncle passed away...

So on to my home town I went to attend the funeral service and to enjoy time with my family.

I absolutely love hanging out with my parents!

We spent a couple of days exploring small surrounding towns, visiting antique malls and shops. We dined out, visited friends. Found serenity and I always find a new appreciation for the landmarks that I passed nearly daily for 45 years... but never really observed.

It's the little things and this place, these people...

Will always be "home" also.

Home sweet home.

Back in my own bed at night, loving our newly remodeled kitchen and living room!

Trying to get our home clean now and re-decorated has been my primary focus. Laundry, grocery shopping too!

My wonderful hubby and I catch up over coffee and food from "The Waffle House" on a cold, rainy night in between errands.

I am trying to get back into my routine, but have committed to some substituting at school. (Now just wishing to be done with that because I need my quiet, creative lifestyle more so).

I know me.

I long to just journal with a cup of tea.

No commitments for awhile.

Soon.

Very soon.

I hope that you are loving life!

Until next time,

XO

 

Vintage inspiration...

Hello, hello!!!

How was your weekend?

Mine....

just perfect.

This tiny postcard has made me smile over and over again.

I picked it up at one of the many shops located in Kansas City, MO. A place called, "West Bottoms".

My friend, Gayla, was here visiting from Texas and we spent an entire day shopping all things vintage in historic "West Bottoms". Rows of brick buildings, converted into shops, boutiques, diners, and flea markets.

I returned back home feeling so inspired!

There's just a wonderful, warm feeling within that comes from old surroundings, old things, and architectural beauty.

I want to preserve it all on paper so naturally, I have been dabbling in my art journal.

I want to make fluffy paper balls!

I want to sit on this lovely chair and read a good book. But...

For now, I will just paint all of this lemony goodness!

We sipped coffee throughout the day, ate pulled pork nachos for the first time. (So much for clean eating on this day)!

It was such a fun time, indeed.

A memory that will forever be cherished!

Enjoy every moment of life, my friends!

Until next time...

XO

 

Flea Market Meets Fall...

How can this be?

Just a few weekends ago, the husband and I were out and about, in sleeveless tops...

enjoying such vintage goodness at a big flea market event in Kansas City!

And at home...

Painting beach themed commissions!

The bright sun peeking through our large windows.

A gentle breeze on wind chimes, producing a most tranquil tune.

Still holding on to Summer. Tightly.

Today is different.

The mornings are quite cool and I have thrown on a sweatshirt!

Reality has quickly set in.

It is Fall.

Hello, October!

Are you ready?

Xo

 

The Christmas Coat...

It all began that Saturday just before Christmas.

A girls' day out... sushi and shopping, with my sister-in-law and niece who were visiting from Iowa.

We chose to shop downtown Lawrence because it offers so much historic charm with beautiful brick buildings, unique shops, boutiques, and antiques. (even used book stores that I could spend hours in).

We made our way into a very nice thrift store. Very trendy, in a retro kind of way. The clothing is gently worn, yet some, very old.

That's when I saw it.

"The Christmas coat". (I gave the coat this name because of it's fabulous green color and because it was so close to Christmas).

I instantly loved her! (So much that I had my sister-in-law hold the coat so that I could snap this photo).

Just look at this beautiful rose design!

The fur on the collar had lost it's fluff, but the coat seemed to be in good condition. I tried it on and to my surprise, it was a perfect fit! I twirled around, giggling at my view in the full length mirror. I always tell myself that if I try on clothing and it makes me giggle... then it's sold. A must-have.

I visualized me wearing a vintage Christmas tree lapel pin on it's breast. Oh, yes! That would certainly make it a true Christmas coat to wear year after year, wouldn't it?

I looked at the hanging tag which revealed the price: $27.00.

Really! ONLY $27.00 for this treasure?

Oh, how I wanted the coat...

but it was Christmas time and how could I possibly feel good about purchasing something for myself?

My thoughts raced around in my head. I have Winter coats. But not a green Christmas coat.

Many people in this world don't even have a coat.

Money is tight this time of year.

Save your money, Missy.

I hung the coat back on it's rack and we left the store.

Exhausted, mentally, from the debate taking place in my mind.

I am still thinking about that coat! I'm so glad that I took a picture of it. I even painted her on a page in my art journal. She's special.

Yes. I regret not bringing her home with me, but am so grateful to have the memory!

And so, that is the story of "The Christmas Coat".

Are you ready to ring in the new year?

We are!!!

XO