Do You Have an Old Friend?

Do you have old friend?  Not friends that are old, but friends that you have known since childhood.  Some of those friends are ones that you may not see for a while, sometimes a good while, even years.  But when you get together it's as if you've never been apart, you just take up right where you left off.  Catching up only takes a few minutes and then your just right back where you were the last time you saw each other and in those early years of friendships.  Those are lifetime friends, friends that you developed a relationship with through the thick and thin of life and they will always be your friend no matter what. They are friends you've shared you most intimate secrets with and your biggest joys with. They are a permanent part of your heart.  It's just gotta be a God thing.  My friend Judy is like that.

In my deep sadness, I could not figure out why I was so deeply affected by the situation with Gus.  I have not actually OWNED him in 9 years.  Gus had  belonged to someone else.  While I have seen him through these years, I have not ridden him or been around him for any length of time.   I've had numerous horses since Gus and two now.  But Tuesday it was if I was losing my only horse, my best friend, my comrade, and a piece of my heart.

Today it hit me.  I realized it was because he was like one of those old friends that you take up the relationship right where you left off.  Tuesday, as I leaned over him, kissing him and telling him goodbye, he was that old friend, the one you hope you'll never lose.  All of our time together just came racing back into my heart and mind as if it were yesterday.  In a flash, I remembered so many good times with him and some difficult times too.  Our relationship was not void of some trials and hardships too, but we made it through together, he and I.  This realization has mades sense of it all now and it has blessed me to see this so clearly.

Today I am so grateful for those treasured memories and treasured friendships.  God is so faithful to give us treasures in our hearts, the kind we will take with us till the end.

One of the best things about Tuesday was that his current family was with me or should I say, I was with them.  There was this bond between us that neither of us had ever known, but it was as if our love for Gus individually had bonded the two of us together as well.  There's  no other way to describe it.  There's just this spiritual thing between horses and the women who love them that only those women know and feel.  It would have been too hard to do it alone, but we were there for each other and for that I am eternally grateful.  There were angels among us.

I found this reading and scripture this morning in my Jesus Calling devotional that sort of said it all.  I sent this to Gus' mom.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

This scripture is as if Jesus said to us.....
"When you need comfort, I love to enfold you in My arms.  I enable you not only to feel comforted but also to be a channel through whom I comfort others.  Thus you are doubly blessed, because a living channel absorbs some of what is flowing through it.  No matter what losses you experience in your life, no one can take away my constant companionship with you."

God, I thank you for your loving arms that hold and comfort me all day long, in good times and in bad.  You are my Savior and I praise your name.

You know me.  There will be many more trails and tales of horses in my life.  There will be a zillion memories to share and hold dear to my heart.  There will be more horse love than I know what to do with!
So here's to happy thoughts and happy trials and swishing tails and hoof prints in the sand!

Matthew 6

¹⁹ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

²⁰ But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

²¹ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Encourage One Another, continuing the journey on fresh paths.
Blessings and love to you, xoxo.

An Unexpected Treasure

There is something about treasure hunting through zillions of booths, and tons of stuff that thrills me.  Just looking for that one thing I love is fun to me.  It's not really something I grew up doing and no one else in my family really enjoys it.  Guess I'm a bit of an anomaly in my family.  However, there are tons of folks who love this past time!

This week was a bit like Antique Roadshow.  On my first day at Warrenton we went into the "fields" to look for bargains.  The things we found in the more populated areas seemed to be more expensive.  It was getting close to six and most places start shutting down about then.  I had an idea that I had seen on Pinterest that I wanted to try to duplicate over my mantel.

Finding the items to make it was on my list of "keep your eyes open fors" at Warrenton.  We had about an hour in the "fields" to search for things.

First I found the pickets, 18 of them, painted, shabby, white, perfect, for a steal (in my opinion) $15.  I explained to the sellers about my idea and that I was also looking for a metal star.  A really friendly gal at that booth took me around the corner where a guy was selling some stars.  We found a couple, but I decided to take the pickets home that night first to check it out and sure they were the right size before purchasing the star.

Here is the start of my version.  Looks like they would fit.

So next day at Warrenton, I went back and bought the star first thing.

I'll have to do a little work to put it all together but I think it will be great.  I also thought that if I decided not to use it above the fireplace, it would look great at the entrance gate to my house.  So regardless, it was a good buy.

The guys selling at this booth were really friendly.  One of them makes fabulous wood pieces for mantels.  I hope to visit him about that in the near future as his shop is only about 50 miles away.  While at this same booth they had several tables of just "stuff" lined up.  I picked up a couple of other things, a cool tin thermometer with a horse on it and two very neat ceramic pumpkins.

Great greens and brown colors.  Love these!

I also spotted this horse.

I have seen these Painted Ponies at places like Dillards and Macy's but never really looked at them.  I actually like older horses to collect better, however, the pony was $10 so I figured how could I go wrong?  I didn't really look at him closely until I got home.  He was very pretty with brilliant color and had very intricate details.  The The black lines going up his sides are actually charred pine trees that have been burned and have no foliage.  So I googled Trail of Painted Ponies "Wildfire" (it's title) and discovered that this pony is valuable.  "Wildfire' was the first of this line to be retired, thus making him very special.  He is actually worth about $150 (with the original box and tag it's worth about $350).  I'd say a pretty good "Roadshow" find.  I'm thrilled.  While I have no intention of selling this pony, it's cool to know it's special in it's own way.  Being "retired" is a GOOD thing!  This was an unexpected treasure no doubt.

Here are a some of the other horses I picked up.

 Grindly pottery.

 California pottery.

Probably from the 1950s.  He has a little chip on his ear and just really needed a home!  He was $2.

Day two brought about a lot of horses of another color as you can see.  Usually I just look for one special one, but they were just every where on Day Two.  What's a horse lovin' girl to do?

Horses are like people I guess, all different kinds, all different colors, different personalities.  God made us that way.  Each of us is a treasure to Him.  And He blesses each one of us.  Look for your blessings today!

Isaiah 2:7
Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is full of horses; there is no end to their chariots.

I've got one other really good Antique Days story to tell, so stay tuned till then...

Encourage one another, Continuing the journey on fresh paths.

Blessings and love...

Two of My Favorite Finds

Warrenton/Roundtop Texas
High and low, that's where I look in these booths for horses.  There is just stuff everywhere, on shelves, under shelves, on top of things, underneath things, in boxes, hanging, you name it, it's somewhere.  These folks bring so much stuff I cannot imagine how long it takes them to load their trailers to bring it, unload their trailers when they get there, and then load them again to take it all back home...not a job I want for sure.  But I love that they do it.  It makes the rest of us treasure hunters very happy.

My favorite items were all purchased on day two.  Here are a couple.

One I found in the morning and one was the last purchase of the day.  I had actually seen this last item the very first thing in the morning on the way to purchase something else, but we forgot to go look at it.  Just as we were headed to the house at 5:30 to call it a day, my friend said "what about that horse on the side of that trailer".  I had almost forgotten.  So we headed there very quickly as it was late and all the venders were once again about to shut down.

The picture I had initially seen had already been sold.  But this one was still available and actually I liked it better.

This pretty boy is painted with enamel paint on an old piece of tin; the tin was then mounted on a wooden frame to stabilize it and then outlined in heavy rope.  Here he is setting above my fireplace!

My other sweet find of the day was an signed original oil painting of a gray horse grazing.

The seller told me "Rhea" was an artist from the deep south.  While "Rhea" may not be famous (the seller didn't know her last name), I loved her simple peaceful capture of this guy doing what horses love best...eating green grass.
It didn't hurt that both of these horse finds were gray like Mosey!
Day two was by far the best day.  I was so glad I went back for day two.  I was also grateful I had my friend Janie with me. She knew some cool places, different places to go where I had not been before.  We met some neat people, venders, during the day as well and had a great time making new friends.
I'll have more finds in a later in post.
Warrenton, I love you and I'll be back!

1 Kings 10:25
Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.

Encourage one another, continuing the journey on fresh paths.
Blessings and love to you...

Wow, Talk About Perfect Timing

My daughter writes a blog.  This scripture was included this week.  While she did not include it for me, it was truly meant for me.  The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

1 John 2:15-17

In preparation for my move back down south, closer to my daughter, grandson and son in law, I have been going through everything I own in order to "purge, case off, chuck, deep-six, ditch, dump, 86, exorcise, fling, pitch, purge, reject, scrap, shed, suck off, throw way, throw out, toss, unload, jettison, junk, lose and dispose" of everything I possibly can so as not to overflow the house I am moving into.  And it has been hard!  I've been through every box I brought out here over 5 years ago, some I've been through before, some not.  I've been through every picture/photo envelop and photo album I've owned since about Junior high.  I've been through every card I ever kept and every card and letter my mother EVER received.  I lived each event, happy or sad, over again.  I've been through newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, file cabinets, cedar chests and storage units.  I've gone down to the bones.  And I've thrown out tons of stuff.  Boxes and bags of stuff have gone to the dumpster.  Boxes and racks of stuff have gone to the resale shop.  I've wrapped things back up and put them in the "too go" box zillions of times even though I really wanted to keep it.  It's stuff I've gathered, loved and owned for a little while or a long time.  It's been my grandmother's, my mother's, my daughter's, my daughter's grandmother's, my friend's, and my own.  Some treasures, some not so much.  I learned a few years ago when my father died and we were able to acquire VERY little of what belonged to him from his wife at the time, that "stuff is just stuff".  What really matters is the love and the memories that go with those things.

^{Matthew 6:19} “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy,and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So this is just another lesson along that same realm.  In the big picture, all of that stuff, what I've kept and what I've thrown out or gotten rid of, really doesn't matter.  What does matter is that I have all the memories that go with those things.  And what matters even more is the memories I'm going to make with my daughter, my grandson (who you know I adore), my son in law and the rest of my family, my sister, my brother in law, my nieces, my loved ones and my friends in the rest of my life.  After all, remember I am "continuing the journey...on fresh paths".  I'm going to be "refreshing" things, getting some new things, starting with some other things, and making some new memories.

So here's to leaving the past behind, the "starting over" of sorts, only it's more like starting fresh, like after a rain when everything is cool and glistening, shiny and clean.  I'm following you God.  Your in my lead.  Bring it on.  Once again, I'm stepping out of the boat!

^{Matthew 14:25} Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said,“why did you doubt?”

³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”


Encourage ONe Another

Eww Eww Eww, Garage Sales Were Calling

Don't remember the last time I "planned" to go garage "sailing".  I've accidentally stopped by a few in the last few years, but not in forever planned to get up early and go.  Well, I didn't get up when the alarm went up after all but I was on the road before 9.  I got several do dads, and things, and stuff, but several pretty cool items.
First off I saw these sort of burnt umber Dan Post Boots.  They said 8 1/2B (B usually denotes a woman's size).  I wear an 8 1/2 shoe but usually a 7 1/2 boot...but that's in a Justin.  So I tried these on and they fit pretty good.  With regular riding socks, they should fit fine....especially if I'm just going to dress "cowgirl up".  They have a few nicks and scrapes, but over all when the man said $2, I said "I'll take 'em".

You know I can always use these a planters or vases if I decide I don't like the way they fit.  Have you seen those?  SO stinkin' cute.  Actually either fill with soil and plant something inside, or add a vase or jar filled with water and flowers and they are just fabulous!  For this price I can do whatever!
The guy also had an old typewriter.  Now I know these things are collectibles, but no idea about their value.  He told me yesterday he was asking $25.  I knew he was trying to shut the sale down so I offered $5.  He said "I'll take it"...I said "box it up".  I found out it's worth $30 - $40 so it was a good buy.

My next spot I found a cute hand made wooden tool box with a handle.  No idea where I'll put it yet, but I really liked it.  It would be cute painted but  I sort of like it "naked".  We'll see how that goes.

I made it to the high school band sale and although I purchased a few things...I ended up donating a little too.  I told them I'd planned to be there earlier but since what I probably would have bought was already gone I'd just donate that money anyway.  They were appreciative.  There I found a little hanger for belts, but I "upcycled" it to hang my necklaces on...I've been looking for just that thing...so it worked out perfect.  I also found that old Golden Book with the little girl on front about Prayers...love it.  Deal of the day, .50.
Oh, and yesterday I couldn't pass up an estate sale.  There I purchased three original small oil paintings by the home owner and two very old drawing books.

She had a fabulous little glassed in studio off her inside patio that would have been great inspiration.  It needed a window that she could open in my opinion but other than that it was a great little nook.  I suspect when it was loaded with her stuff it was awesome.  It had been slimmed down to some art books and some canvases and didn't really looked lived in.  I hope wherever she is she is able to do art.  It was an inspiring art day!
Oh, and one more thing.  I got these "exfoliating" gloves that you use in the shower.  They are fabulous and work wonders on my very dry skin.  End with some great smelling lotion and your all set for summer with shorts and short sleeves!
It's interesting the folks you see at thrift stores and garage sales...they are very similar.  They are mostly hustling to find the best deal.  Sometimes in a small town you see the same people at every sale.  They buy a lot of "trinkets".  I suspect they may recycle them as gifts...good idea.  My friend says she likes to give old things as gifts.  I'd love that.
OK, so that's it for a while.
It's time to purge some of my old for the new.  I have a date with my resale place to take some of MY stuff in a week or two.  I've got a pile going but I better get a better start on that.  Those dates are few and far between.  She's busy taking in everyones purging!
Happy treasure hunting!

Encourage one another.

I Never Grow Tired of Going "Old"

I tried to get away from it.  I haven't been to an estate sale, tag sale, rummage sale, garage sale, or thrift store in a year.  I went "cold turkey" on those.  I sold stuff, donated stuff, packed up stuff, and gave away stuff.  I tried not to look at photos of it and steered clear of most magazine harboring the stuff.  But the truth is, and I can't deny it, I still love old stuff.  It's just part of my heart.  There's a connection I can't describe.  "Vintage"…that’s' the "new" name for it.  "Antiques", "old crap" and "trash" are other names for it.  For me, I call them "treasures". 

Yesterday it all got started again.  It was my drop off day at the local thrift store.  I've been cleaning out my house (purging and staging it to sell it) for 6-8 months now.  I've been dropping things off to resale to the owner and my friend (she's become a dear friend) Bev pretty often, every few months.  I've avoided going into the store to "just look around" up until yesterday.  Yesterday I went inside.  The first thing I saw was a little brown and gold ceramic horse made in Japan .  I collect little horses (because you know I love horse).  I carried him around the entire time I was in the store.  My next find was a handmade sock doll.  I had recently taken a little interest in them and looked some up on EBay.  I "watched" a few but did not make any purchases.  This little sock doll was almost pathetic, but she had a charm I could not turn down.  When I looked at her price I knew I would be taking her home.  Next item I spied was a bright yellow Pyrex dish.  It was the perfect size for a meatloaf.  Finding a temporary spot for them I tucked the doll and the pony inside the dish I packed it around also.  I circled the store, looking at linens, books, baskets, and other items as I pondered what to keep of what I was holding.  I was struggling with "your trying to get rid of stuff; you don't need to take anything home with you; put these back".  On the way back by the shelf w/ the Pyrex dish to consider replacing it I saw on the bottom shelf a very old yellow floral covered casserole dish.  I picked it up to see the price.  It was labeled $49.95, however, this was "pink" label day and EVERYTHING labeled "pink" was $.98.  I mean really, how in the world could I pass it up?  By the end of my shopping trip I talked myself out of buying the little horse (do I really need one more horse) but I sort of tucked him away on the back of his shelf thinking "I'll be back!"  So my three treasured items cost me a whopping $3.99 at the checkout.  My previously sold dropped off items had created some credit for me in the store and I didn't even have to pay anything!  What a deal.  Still feeling a little guilty though, I walked out of the store knowing I'd be back.  Upon getting home and washing my new cookware, I was already planning what to cook in them.  I later made a call to my sister to ask her and my brother in law over for dinner tonight.  Guess what we're having for dinner…meat loaf!

Encourage One Another