Wizard of Once Was

SURROUNDED BY SO MUCH LOVE

2012-01-27T21:17:00.001-08:00

Today was Matildas first show of the new year. The gals all worked so very diligently to display the most amazing treasures for our customers!

Here are just a few glimpses of our show which continues through Sunday. Thank you to all of our wonderful customers who over the past 11 1/2 years have supported us with such enthusiasm..we do appreciate you!!

Filled with Love

Love Potions

All You Need is Love

Sweet Love

Time for Love

Fountain of Love

Love Grows

Love Notes

Love Pictured

Love Reflects Love

A Mother’s Love

Love Exists

Love Without Limits

Love Story

True Love…Ahhhh!

That’s a Love Wrap for tonight!

Hope you mark your calendars to visit Matildas soon!

Gale

PERHAPS…LOVE

2012-01-19T23:03:00.001-08:00

The gals at Matildas are hard at work getting ready for our Valentine’s show, Perhaps…Love . We’re at 7 days and counting!!

Our event will be next Friday (Jan 27,28,29) and the gates to this amazing Betty Cocker Estate open at 10 and close at 5 each of the sale days.

It’s gonna’ be an amazing show with lots of French, Cottage, Industrial, Garden, Primitive…and Oh! so much more. Hope to see you there!

Gale

Come on Now, do The Crawl!!

2012-01-15T20:20:00.001-08:00

Bet you’ve never done the “Crawl” like this one! It’s the 7th Ave Monthly “Crawl” in Phoenix, Az.

In Phoenix on 7th Ave., there are a number a fantastic Vintage and Antique shops. On the third Thursday of each month the stores are all open in the evening for a fantastic shopping event!

The best store. being the one my daughter is in is, SWEET SALVAGE.

“Sweet”, as “she” is called by all who love her is open daily once a month on the third Thursday-Sunday.

If you happen to be in the Phoenix area during one of their sales, you’ll experience a magic that is unmistakably Sweet!

Sorry the pictures are so blurry…The pictures are very small and will not enlarge well….If you go to their blog you can see their past shows here.

Gale

Sweet Buy & Buy…We’re Gonna’ Lay Down This Heavy Load!!

2012-01-14T18:02:00.001-08:00

Well, we’re finally back from our buying trip! What a blast we had, driving, buying, eating, buying, you know the drill…We hit everything from Garage Sales to Estate Sales to a Hoarders multi- home Sale and Flea Markets. That old 12 footer couldn’t have taken another treasure.

Sad thing…I am the worst when it comes to taking pictures! I get so involved in buying, packing, unpacking that the thought of taking a pic always seems to occur to me at the wrong time! Oops!

This one sale the lady had tons of French Ribbon from the 1930’s

Every Valentine Show needs a Cherub, right? So don’t forget Matildas next show. our Valentine’s Event is in two weeks, Jan 27, 28, 29.

A wonderful Victorian Bench….

There will be lots of clocks!!

Lots of Rusty and Crusty with a splash of Romantic Whimsy

We’re getting all these fabulous finds and Oh! so many more treasures ready for you for the first 2012 Matildas Mouse Event! Hope you can make it!!

Gale

AFTER A LONG WINTER'S NAP

2012-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I know it's been awhile, but I'm back in full force and ready for a fabulous 2012!! All of Matilda's gang have been out shopping for our for our first event of 2012, Jan 27, 28, 29! We are so excited and can't wait to share some photos with you. I will be back from a buying trip in a couple of days and will tease you with some finds! In the meantime Happy New Year to all!!

ENGLISH CONSERVATORY GARDENS

2010-07-19T20:37:00.001-07:00

           Hi everyone!

Tonight I will show you the last

         of my pictures

    from this months show

       at Matildas Mouse…

The English Conservatory Garden

Be sure to go over to Matildas Blog

for more great pictures of this show!

Well, gals…

These Cinderellas

are done..that is

until we start the madness

all over again

for our next show

Aug 13, 14,1 5.

It’s our annual

DOT SALE…

and it’s a blast!!

Have a great evening!

Gale

More At Matildas

2010-07-17T19:48:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Sure hope you’re having

a great week end!

Here are some more views

of our monthly

BARN SALE

Matildas

An Awesome Cupboard

from Pennsylvania

An Old Gate with clock faces

The entrance to my space

A garden cherub

Alexa’s space..Great clock!!

Such an Amazing bust

in Alexa’s area!

Karen’s “Medicine Man”

on an old map file cabinet

Blue transfer ware and silver…

a great combo!

A 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

trinket shoe..so sweet!

Fantastic Retablo

in Lunette's space

Alexa always does

gardening vignettes so well!

Please come on back tomorrow

as I will be posting

the last of the pictures for this sale…

An English Conservatory

And if you’re in the San Diego area,

come on up to Valley Center

A destination well worth the drive!

We’ll be open from 10 to 5 tomorrow

Then that’s it for another month!!

Gale

Give Me a Cold one Will Ya!!

2010-07-16T20:59:00.001-07:00

Wow is it ever hot here in California!

But I gotta tell you are customers are

The B E S T!

We have tubs of ice cold water throughout

the property for these loyal gals

…And guys

Who shopped until they almost dropped!

This month was the English Conservatory

At Matildas

Tonight, I am going to show you my space

And some shots

From the outside of the barn

Then my next posting

I will show you more from

The other gals spaces and

Matildas Amazing area…

Well, folks that just a teaser for tonight…

Please come by again

I’ll be posting more pictures

Just too tired to do any more tonight!

Hope you all

are going to have a great week end…

junkin’, shopping, camping, swimming???

Gale

THE DAISY THAT I PICKED

2010-07-13T18:47:00.001-07:00

You might think my favorite daisy

would be

this sweet flower

that is growing right outside my bedroom

window

Or this wonderful 1947 oil painting

Well, none of these daisies

touch my heart

as much as

the one and only

DAISY

Our sweet loving Daisy

is loosing her battle with cancer

We rescued

This amazing dog

When she was 2

She has been such a loyal friend

and loving member

Of our family

She is now 15 and 1/2

She will be missed

By her friends

And the entire Payne family

I know a lot of you out there have experienced such a loss. Daisy played such an important role for me when I lost both my parents. She was my healing force. My pain is great but my love for her will always be greater.

Gale

HURRAH FOR THE RED WHITE AND BLUE

2010-06-20T12:05:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone…

Well it’s that time again!    It’s the week end of

   Matilda’s Barn Sale….

…..From Sea

              to

                   Shining Sea…

And I thought last month was

                            Amazing

Well, this month we at Matilda’s pulled out all of the stops…

   and I do mean ALL!

We had so many

Vintage Patriotic items

Sea baring goodies,

Items from New York to Hawaii

          and everything between,

All to show our love for this absolutely Wonderful Country we live in!!

While I’ll just show you my spot…

Have no doubt, I will let you know when Matilda will be posting her pictures!

She is now well and back to her old self!!

SO….

Here are a few pictures from my space……Hope you enjoy!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK END!!

Gale

LITTLE VOICES

2010-06-04T22:13:00.001-07:00

A few months back

I watched Oprah

There was a gentleman guest

telling how we all have

that sixth sense…our internal voice.

He was saying that we all need to

learn to listen to that voice.

Well, naturally I told myself

That’s silly

of course, I ALWAYS

listen to my little voices

Now, normally I try to post pictures

full of eye candy for you all

I know that’s one reason why

we all blog…

to get inspiration

But tonight

I am compelled to do a different

take on what I normally post….

It’s a story…

A short story, I promise…

A story about my voices……….

For quite sometime I have been

joggling many “hats”,

like many others who I know can

certainly relate.

We operate our family business,

and my business

from our home.

I am a wife of 41 years,

mother and grandmother.

I watch my 7 month old grand

daughter 3 days a week

and in-between

try to do my part in putting

together a fantastic antique show

Matildas Mouse

once a month……….

SO…needless to say

I am a crazy woman sometimes…

no that’s most of the time….

trying to find amazing things for

the barn

and

balance the home life.

For the past month I have been

driving everywhere

on my days off

looking for those treasures…

from Phoenix,to LA

to the South of me, in San Diego.

And everyday,

I hear the same voice saying

“You need to get your brakes

checked”

My answer..

”Yes, I know! I will, I will!!

..just one more place

one more day

and I will take the time…

Well, I almost didn’t get that

chance…

Monday, I delivered some of my

finds to the barn

Was leaving to go down the Hill…

yes HILL..

Valley Center is in the Hills

in San Diego County

No matter which direction you go…

it’s down the HILL.

I got about 100 yards

from the barn

went to reach for my purse

and it happened…

NO BRAKES!!

None, notha, nothing!!

I was going only about 10 mph

I did a “Uie”

went straight back to the barn

…then I really heard that

same voice….

CAN YOU HEAR

ME NOW!

-GOD-

OH yes, yes, I heard you!

Thank you for the grace given me.

I will try to be a more humble

servant

and LISTEN…

I know You always are

speaking to me….

It’s so very easy

to get caught up “junkin’ “

But the truth is …

well, the truth just is…

I pray that you all listen

to your inner voice…

It may be a matter of

life and death…..

My brakes are now fixed

I certainly know

my angels were watching over me!!

Gale

IT"S OFFICIAL!

2010-06-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...
Well, Matilda's parents are back and Matilda has posted her wonderful pictures of this past event at Matildas Mouse! You can click here and see the wonderful vignettes! Also you can see more pictures on the Matildas Mouse Web site..click here! Hope you're all having a great day...I'm out junking for more treasures for our next Matildas show, June 18, 19,and 20 so I'll keep you posted on that!

Gale

MORE MATILDAS

2010-05-27T09:09:00.001-07:00

This is the last of my pictures

for Matildas.

Matilda will be posting pictures

soon…but her Mommy and Daddy

are off on a pleasure trip

so ….

I’ll keep you updated

when she posts!

Great old mercantile cupboard

from a men’s clothing store

I Hope Everyone

is having a great week

PLEASE have a safe and wonderful

Memorial Day Weekend!

My Best

Gale

LES FLEURS A LA MATILDAS MOUSE

2010-05-22T19:22:00.001-07:00

When our customers

are waiting to

enter the barn

this is what they

get to look at

AMAZING, huh!

Or how about this…..

Or this....

But when they walked

through the front doors

they saw….

oh, oh, I can’t show you

but only a glimpse…You’ll

have to wait until

Matilda

put her pictures on her

Blog

BELIEVE ME

you won’t want to miss this

It’s simply

AWESOME…

Here’s what I can show you…

Just wait

until you see

what I am saying…..

it’ll blow you away!!

Continuing on……

Here’s my space

Alexa’s Space

Alexa can put a garden twist

on vignettes

in the most beautiful way

MORE

Karen’s Space.

Her shoe rack from Texas

looked so cool

with all the garden elements

Margo’s Space

always looks so inviting

And back to my Space….

Tomorrow I’ll be showing you

Lunette’s Space

and

Mike and Sue’s Space

Have a Great Saturday Evening!!

GALE

HERE WE GROW

2010-05-21T20:38:00.001-07:00

The weather was so perfect today

Matilda’s Garden Show First Day

Was just Amazing

There were so many great

vintage finds

From the rust to the roses

From the Primitive to the Refined

For the Artist

For the Bird Watcher

There were Old Botanicals

Old Railroad Signs

Birds, Sea Shells

and Mercury Glass

OH MY!

Old Iron Beds

for your dreamy Garden

and of course amazing Statuary

If you’re close to San Diego,

please come to our Garden Show

at Matidas Mouse

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

It’s an unforgettable experience!

Gale

P.S. I’ll be posting so many more pictures in the next few days…Have a great week-end!

MAY DAY PLAY DAY

2010-05-10T21:43:00.001-07:00

Since we knew that Bob was going to be out of town for Mother’s Day, we decided to sneak off one day during the week and celebrate us…our 41 years of marriage and the blessings of our three wonderful children and 6 grandchildren.

What, we thought, could be a better way to celebrate than to go where it all started for Bob’s family…Old Town San Diego.

For those of you who know me, my other passion besides junkin is my genealogy…I love love love it!!

After my Mother passed away in 1999, I took over her thirty year passion…I have to say I am hooked!

Up until about 3 years ago we knew virtually nothing about Bob’s Mother’s side of the family…only his grandmother’s maiden name and that she was raised in Old Town San Diego.

Well, with just that little bit of info, and a lot of hard work, I soon discovered the entire family’s history. His great great great great grandfather was actually one of the first settlers in Old Town and built the very first all wooden house.

So here is his history, right in our backyard……

This is the Catholic Church built in the early 1900’s, which replaced the failing church where his

great great grandparents

were married.

The famous Whaley House…some say it is haunted…

Couldn’t resist taking this one for you Jodie girl!

Most of the restaurants have women in the front making home-made tortillas…the smells are amazing!

Fred says “come on in and take a load off” So we did!

One of the original Mexican Restaurants in Old Town

It was such a beautiful day!

Now we’re talkin’!

This was certainly a bonus!!

Again, if you know me..then you know how I love going through cemeteries for my genealogy….This is a primitive monument for Bob’s great great great grandfather Julian Wilbur Ames and all of his children.

A close up……

This is a headstone for Bob’s great great

Aunt

Not a lot of this in the cemetery. Most of it is pretty primitive and sadly not well kept.

So, while we celebrated my Mother’s Day early…For me it was so rewarding to see how happy and complete it made my dear hubby feel…now that he REALLY knows his history.

I hope each and every one of you have the opportunity to trace your history. It really is life altering!

Gale

WE’RE HOME

2010-05-06T20:28:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone! We’re home from our trip. We had such a great time shopping, shopping, shopping!

Are you ready? Wanna see some pics of the junk..er… treasures Marla and I got?Here goes……

First, here’s the truck Thursday morning before we started…All ready for those finds!!

Of course Matilda and her brother Alex had to come to help us!! And we couldn’t possibly shop without Keith!!

Sir Alex

Ms Matilda and Keith

My daughter, Heather, amazingly arranged a private buying for us with a wonderful retired couple in the Phoenix area.

They were always going to open a shop, but never quite got around to doing it…

There were years and years of accumulation from Missouri and Phoenix in two garages, a shed, inside as well as outside their home….

How cool was that!!

We enjoyed hours and hours of no stress buying from this wonderful couple, Ed and Carol.

The truck after the first day…Yeh!!

The truck after our shopping was done…

Marla and I high-fiving after “our” loading was done….

NOT…

I can not tell a lie…..

Thanks KEITH!!

Now..we’re madly cleaning, fixing, etc etc for our next show which is May 21, 22, 23…It’s our garden show and it’s going to be amazing!!

Hope you are all enjoying beautiful spring weather and finding your treasurers!

Gale

SEE YA….

2010-04-28T20:10:00.001-07:00

I believe part of the reward of this business is GOING SHOPPING!! I do believe. I do believe! So in the true spirit of “business” we’re off on another buying trip. Honestly, our show was so success that almost all the “smalls” purchased in Warrenton, Marburger and Round Top are gone and many of the “bigs” are too….

Now, I’m not complaining one bit, a girl’s gotta do what a girls gotta do, right? So tomorrow morning we’re off in the truck once again…shhh it’s a secret where we’re going..but I’ll let you in when we get back on Tuesday, deal?

Until then, I’m still trying to catch up on all the fun you guys have been having while I took my blogging “break”, so I’ll have the ‘ol lap-top so I can keep on eye on you…..he he

So, See YA real Soon!!

Gale

Whoa Momma!

2010-04-25T19:33:00.001-07:00

It’s Sunday evening and we just finished our three day Mother’s Day Event at Matilda’s. I have to say it was absolutely one of our best shows! Our customers were lined up Friday morning and not a parking spot was to be found by 11:00…Thank you!!! Keith took lots of wonderful pictures and Matilda will be posting them soon, so for now I will just show you my space.

This great cupboard is about 9 feet tall and is one that I brought back from Texas. It came out of an old home in Pennsylvania. The urn and pillar (a pair of each) also came trucking home with us.

It seemed like every where we went in Warrenton, Marburger and Round Top, this beautiful color of aqua kept showing up ..When I saw this amazing Madonna and Child I had to have her. The ceiling tile behind her is a convex shape with a cross in the top center.

More of that great color!

Love these old gazing balls!!

Again, in so many of the vignettes in Texas, not only were there splashes of greens and blues, but Frenchy foo, foo mixed with industrial…love it! I brought back these French chairs and the sweet gold one in the background.

Another glimpse of the entrance to my area.

I found a pair of these wonderful half columns from a church in Louisiana.

This is a great old rusty medical cabinet with that wonderful old 1940’s cotillion dress.

I’m sorry this picture is a little blurry…that was me, not my camera! I just had to show you the fantastic 7 foot farm table that I purchased at Blue Hill. Then this wonderful cupboard from Mandy at Marburger….man did we have fun!!

One of my favorite finds was this concrete Madonna and the Victorian clock case. One may just have to find it’s way home with me…..

Well, it’s been a long week end, gals, but I am closing knowing how truly blessed by our customers we are at Matildas ….Again thank you!! I know I haven’t been out there in blogland, commenting a lot lately, but I am trying to slowly catch up on everyone…I’ve missed you!

Gale

Swing into Spring

2010-04-18T00:18:00.001-07:00

Since I am not quite ready to show pictures of the great treasurers we all got in Texas ( most of them are being vignetted for this month’s Matilda’s Mouse show on April 23,24,25) I thought I would get back into the “swing” of blogging by sharing some pictures from our March Spring show that I was able to recover from my computer.

I just love using old statues in my decorating. This one was an especially sweet one.

Another great old statue/lamp. See the “lamp shade”? It’s actually an old square wire basket from a store display..fun, huh?

I found and old iron crib and used it as a day bed for displaying some of my pillows. See the cream colored one in front in the center left? Well, it was from a vintage wedding gown!

This is the vanity I brought back from my trip to Phoenix. I slip covered and older ottoman with a new French Script fabric (this one is cream with brown scripting) On the ottoman is another cream colored pillow that I made from a 1920’s wedding dress. The ruffles on it were just amazing!

I had fun with this great old double-pained window…but boy was it a chore to get up on that table!!

These old screen doors are a favorite of mine. I got them from an old estate in La Jolla. On this old park bench are a few pillows from my Spring line.

Nothing better that Johnnie Jump-ups in and old whiteware dish for Spring decorating!

Well, that’s about it for now, but stay tuned as I will be taking some pictures at the barn and posting what I can in the next few days. Happy Sunday!

Gale

PEDDLIN' THROUGH LIFE

2010-04-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I'm still kicking, believe it or not!! Life has been quite crazy for me lately. I will say that I am fine and thank you everyone who has emailed me to make sure!! Honestly, I am peddling as fast as I can...seems to be all uphill lately.

First it was my slooooooooooow internet. Then the computer I use with all my pics etc. CRASHED!!

So, between really big and successful shows at Matildas monthly, taking care of baby Brooklyn, the heading off to WARRENTON, I feel as if I am on a wonderful crazy treadmill.

Marla, Karen and I left for Texas opening day at Matildas (after the morning rush.) We flew into San Antonio, rented a car and drove to our hotel close to La Grange.

We shopped endlessly for 5 days!! We went to the blog party at Theresa's of Garen Antiques Vintage, where we met so many of the wonderful bloggers......just not nearly enough time to chat though!! Heather Bullard met us there and she became our fourth roomie.

On Monday evening we had a fabulous dinner at Royers and were joined by Deb of Curious Sofa and Carol of Raised in Cotton. A wonderful night!

On Tuesday morning we were off to Marburger. We even got in early for a sneek preview...thank you Heather! All I can say is WOW what vignettes everywhere you turned.

Tuesday night Keith (Marla's husband) and of course Matilda came to Warrenton. They left San Diego right after our show on Sunday and drove a truck and trailer to Texas...So of course we did our part in filling it!!!

Wednesday, after loading all our wonderful finds, we said our goodbyes to, Heather, who was off to Austin, to, Keith, who was off to Knoxville, and Karen flew back to San Diego. Marla and I drove to San Antonio for a two day stay with her daughter. Keith arrived back in San Antonio on Friday and we drove straight through to Phoenix...WHEW!!

Keith and Marla stayed at their daughter's home in Phoenix and my daughter came and picked me up for a short stay with her....then we were off by 6:30 Easter morning, headed for home...Ah... Home a most welcome sight ......

So, my dear friends that gives you an idea of the craziness of late...And, now, I have a week from this Friday to clean, paint, fix, unwrap, price, and oh, yeh, decorate for the next Matilda's show....Yikes!!

PICTURES...you say Pictures?@#$#@@***. Every single picture I took at Warrenton and surrounding areas came out blurry!!! Can you frickin believe it?! That camera's going in the toilet!

There are so many pictures out there right now that even if mine did turn out they would be repetitious.

Stay tuned for some fabulous shots of the wonderful treasures we packed into the truck and trailer...We done good!

Take Care and thank you for all you kind words during my time of being a not so great blogger!!

GALE

I FOUND IT!!

2010-02-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

These past two weeks have been so challenging to say the least. We live in the country and have had difficulties with our internet provider...They're saying we have too many uploads monthly, so the Internet is slower than dial up...if that is at all possible...

The good news is that I found loads of time that I thought was missing!! Ha ha! Guess that means all that "extra"time I was, well, blogging!!

I miss seeing what you are all up to and doing WW and posting for Matildas' show! The sale is this week end and I have some great pictures, but won't be posting them for another couple of days until we can get the 'ol internet figured out! SOOOOOOOO Frustrating! Oh well. Life goes on. Hope you are all doing well and I'll be back blogging soon!

Gale

And The Winners Are….

2010-02-15T01:52:00.001-08:00

First of all I want to thank everyone who participated in my very first giveaway. I never dreamed I would have so many participants over the past three weeks…. and there were hundreds of you!!

I felt so impacted by you beautiful comments on my pillows…so, to me, my words of thanks seem a bit trifle. I have sometimes felt uncertain of this new adventure I am going on, but all of your wonderful comments have helped to easy some of that anxiety, so thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Now, it is my pleasure to announce the three winners. There was a winner a week for each of the three weeks. Each winner will receive one of my Tattered Elegance Pillows.

Week One: Dawn of

The Feathered Nest

Week Two: Robin Sanchez of

Once Upon a Pink Moon

(Robin, please contact me as you have no contact info)

Week Three: Heather of

Portal Zine

I will be emailing you gals that won so we can arrange everything…

Didn’t win?? If you would like to order one of my pillows I will be taking orders and shipment will begin after our next barn sale (Feb 26,27,28)…

AGAIN, A HEARTFELT THANK YOU!

Gale

YEOW-ZA

2010-02-09T17:57:00.001-08:00

I drove to my daughter’s home in Arizona once again….this is the sunrise on Friday morning..Arizona sunrises and sunsets are by far the most magnificent! This time I was going for my grand daughter, Holly’s 9th birthday. It was to be a fast trip…Friday through Sunday…so shopping was to limited. My husband came down with a bad cold so I decided to drive by myself ….time alone to think and rejuvenate.

So this is what happened….

Yeow-Za, I did it again! Well, when you find so many great things and your shopping time is limited…you have to go for the gusto, right? I again had to rent a trailer, but that’s okay cause I think I picked up some fun things…

A sweet vanity

This is an awesome hutch made in France. The doors to the top are amazing. It needs some work, so I’ll be showing you the “after” pictures soon!

A fireplace mantel

A lingerie chest and enameled-topped table…I don’t usually buy the tables like this, but when it’s close to free, why not!

This is a chaise from a cruise ship..swwweet!

I love this old street sign…. Cross & Willow St. from Missouri!

Metal drawer file and industrial stool.. And a wonderful old watercolor.

Old iron gate

A pair of antlers, wonderful Lavender from my favorite hobby store..And an iron planter/basket

And my most favorite, favorite thing…this sweet cherub. When I purchased it, the gentleman thought it was concrete…well, sweet surprise…it’s lead ( I believe)… Can I just say… HEAVY!

A pair of European shutters

A chippy ol’ concrete planter

A pair of old andirons

Here’s an old saxophone that got run over by a steam roller!!…not sure what I’m going to do with it, but thought it was different and cool.

And here I am Sunday evening driving back (with a cold.. boo hoo) to California….A fast trip but had fun with the family and celebrated Holly’s 9th birthday on Saturday at Dave and Buster’s!

Hope you are all finding your treasures and staying warm these cold winter days.

Gale

THE WIZARD'S "WHITES" ARE OUT

2010-02-03T00:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Well, I'm afraid this week my "whites" (lights) are out! I'm pretty exhausted after this past record breaking month at Matildas Mouse, and need a little R&R. So I'm laying a little low, but have no fear Kathleen over at Faded Charm and all her gals are going strong for the #34 WHITE WEDNESDAY

My wonderful hubby sees to it that I get a cup of java in bed..Oh how he does pamper me, especially after my show. And why not "milk" it, right girls?...I'll have to be back in the swing soon enough..

Well, I'll see you all next week when I'll be back in full force. Do go over to Kathleen's blog and check out all the participants in White Wednesday, here. I hope you are all having a great week!

Gale

SILVER SUNDAY SKINNY

2010-01-30T19:34:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how quickly this week has passed...It's time for SILVER SUNDAY hosted by Beth of Gypsy Fish. You can see all the other participants by clicking here .

So here's the "SKINNY" (no, we're not talking about me :)) The "SKINNY" about my pictures for this week's Silver Sunday. The barn sale at Matildas Mouse started on Friday and it's be bloomin' crazy, so I decided to show you some of the different silver that is vignetted in the barn. I'm quite tired this evening so I am hoping you all will enjoy the pictures, without all my chatter (grin)
These gals are so very talented!

If you'd like to see more pictures from this month's barn sale you can click here and here. AND if you are unaware of my giveaway you can read about it here...and you don't have to be part of the One World One Heart blog party to enter!!

I hope you all have a wonderful peaceful Sunday!

Gale

WALTZING MATILDA

2010-01-29T20:47:00.001-08:00

Well, today was absolutely crazy…in a very good way. Since it has been about 7 weeks for a sale at Matildas Mouse our customers were, shall we say “chompin’ at the bit” to see how the barn had been transformed from Christmas to Valentines!

Now, I spoke with Matilda and I really, really tried to smooze her but, she says that I can show you some pictures of her favorite gal’s spaces, but as for Her space she really wants to show you those pictures ,which include some of her beautiful self, on her blog (a little later) and I don’t blame her! She’ll also show you pictures of the vignettes her “Mom and Dad” did .. very amazing !

So, here are some more pictures of my space and a couple of the other gals….For the gals that I am not showing tonight, sorry. I was taking pictures with my phone ,camera issues again! There were way too many turned out blurry. I’ll try and get some more tomorrow :)

So without further a-du …

An angel mannequin from Alexa’s space

A corner of Alexa’s area

A beautiful mirror and fabulous chairs in her area

This is such a great hutch in Margo’s area! Look at all that display surface…

Wonderful French candles and soaps…..

Another view of my French chairs

A better shot of my bed with all the pillows (all SOLD, yipee!)

My “toilet display”…SOLD A customer from Japan purchased it…In fact he purchased anything that was metal and industrial! WOW was that fun!

That’s the pictures of the barn for tonight…more to come…Thank you for stopping by!

Gale

MANY THANKS

2010-01-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

Just such a quick not this morning to thank everyone so much for the wonderful comments...I appreciate each and everyone so much! I am heading to the barn this morning for Matildas Mouse Barn Sale..our Valentine's event...So I will post some more pictures soon. Take Care and again THANK YOU!!

Gale

WAIT, WAIT.. HERE I AM FOR WW

2010-01-27T18:16:00.001-08:00

Well, at last, I’m here for the WHITE WEDNESDAY party, hosted by Kathleen of Faded Charm…wouldn’t this be so amazing if this fantastic party went for another 20 weeks…that would make it one full year…I ‘m rootin’ for that!!

Sorry if you came by earlier and I hadn’t posted….life ya know…Any way..let’s get my portion of the party going….

When I was at the barn I took a few shots of my area…it’s hard to get good photos at night because of all the chandeliers.., and I can only show you my area until after the show…then Katie bar the door cause I’ll show the rest of the fabulous vignettes at Matildas…

This is when you are coming into my space…not crystal clear, but again the chandeliers...

To the left I have a bed set up for all my pillows. I found this to-die-for Victorian headboard…(Arizona) and it has cartouches of Cherubs on it…Perfect for our Valentine’s show…See the panels on each side of the bed…well, they’re old sugar sacks that I stitched together and added burlap on each end. You could also use them as a table runner…

This is the cartouche in the center of the bed…it’s a really charmer!

A closer shot of the sugar panels…How fun!

Next to the bed …I got this older body form that was a foam of some sort..so I decopodged book pages on her…added some funky watch necklaces …

A vignette with some of my ironstone

A close-up..clock parts, ironstone and burlap..I love this combo

In one of my corners I have my Tatter Elegance line of clothing I am introducing this month…See the bars that they are hanging from? Well, those are two antique toilet brackets!! This was my daughter’s idea. I put a large piece of glass on top for vignetting and an old lamp rod to hang the cloths from. Underneath I found an old laundry cart from a de-funked Military Base..which is perfect for some of my linens and pillows

Another view of the toilet closet..:)

I’ve had these candlestick lamps FOREVER and these old wire lampshades…so I made a slip cover for the shades and I think it transformed the whole lamp!

Because this is our Valentines Day show, I of course had to add some hearts and pink…Died some scrim added red and white porker chips and some sweet little soap roses all on a Victorian silver tray. It set on top of a French style garden bistro set.

Hearts anyone?

Of course I had to add the romance of candles on mercury glass candleholders

And a concrete angel engulfed in a sea of white feathers under a cloche

Another vignette. See the linen book? I took some old books that I had and covered them with linen and some of my tattered roses and embellished them with trinkets .

Well, that’s it for tonight. I am working at the barn all day tomorrow, so will take some pictures during the day so I can share. I am now going to head on over to all of you that are participating in White Wednesday! Hope you all had a great day!

Gale

WAITING ...WAITING WEDNESDAY

2010-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...If you checking see if I am doing White Wednesday...YES! I am, BUT can't do the post until after I am finished with watching my little Brooklyn...so if you want to see some of my WHITES at the barn for this month please come back and pay me a visit later today...As always I love it when you visit and let me know!! I will also be visiting you all this evening...hope you understand :)...You can head on over to Kathleen's blog for everyone that is participating in WHITE WEDNESDAY here. Have a great day and hope to see you later!!

LIFE IS SEW SEW

2010-01-26T01:29:00.001-08:00

My balancing act continues…. Since I am watching baby Brooklyn now 3 days a week , I have to be so much more disciplined…not as much junking…..which means re-purposing many of my items and lots and lots of you guessed it…. sewing.

I’ll be going to the barn this evening to try and finish up most of the major decorating, so that Wednesday evening and Thursday I can do all my “tweaking”. The barn sale at Matildas Mouse starts Friday morning…gates open at 9:30 and barn doors fly open at 10:00 sharp!!

When I was on my trip to Arizona…the one where we had to rent the trailer to bring back all my finds..you know the one that I don’t bring up to the hubby often.. ha ha…

Well, I have this wonderful little shop where I get the most fabulous fabric. As a matter of fact BALLARD DESIGNS carries this and the other fabric that I bought(pst , a little..secret, so you can’t tell….I pay just a tiny tiny fraction of BD price) so of course I had to buy a bolt of each…

This sweet ottoman I purchased in Arizona…you know the 1980’s moiré’ kind. I painted the legs….

and made a slipcover for it

The fabric is a heavy linen and the pattern is a French script

So what else can I put this great fabric on….

How about these sweet French chairs…(Arizona trailer riders….)

So I added some charming little ballerina ties

Here’s a close-up before the ties were added..I think the ties ground it a little, don’t you?

A fun little pocket pillow

And two more pillows……….

Holy cow! I still have so much fabric left that I find myself eyeing everything to see if I can give it a “do”….

I think I am so OCD that I am exhausting everyone in the house…..Including…..

Daisy, our 15 year old Golden, and chubby Mattie (the red baby) and Momma Kitty our Farrell (but,not so Farrell anymore) cat. Night, night babies..hummm maybe I can “re-do”their bed??…OCD I tell ya!! ha ha

I’ll take some pictures for White Wednesday and some glimpses of the Valentine’s show for all of you. Hope you’re having a great week so far!

THE WIZARD IS FLYIN’ HIGH!!

2010-01-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Flying high , because I have a ticket to ride on the Magic Flying Carpet and the ONE WORLD ONE HEART 4th annual blogging PARR-T-Y, hosted by Lisa at A Whimsical Bohemian. Lisa has worked really hard to organize this party…she has gotten in her past One World One Heart parties over 900 participants from all over the world!! What a fantastic way to meet new blogging friends!! My giveback is open to all my blogging friends and new blogging friends!!

Most of the gals participating are also doing a giveaway….sooooooooooo…This will be my FIRST, yes FIRST GIVEBACK!

I am close to 100 followers and 100 posts,…. thank you so much for each and every word of encouragement you have provided me in the past months, through you wonderful comments and emails. I appreciate the encouragement more that you will ever know!!

So lets count, that makes two givebacks, one for the # of blog followers, one for the # of posts, and one for the OWOH blog party…that makes THREE givebacks!

Here’s how I would like to GIVEBACK:

1. There will be ONE giveaback EACH week for the next THREE weeks(winners will be announced on my blog Feb. 15th (that's OWOH rules baby).

2. If you leave a comment each week I will enter you ONCE for each giveback.

3. If you become a follower I will enter you TWO more times for each giveback that remains

4. If you tell a friend and they mention you sent them, and you are already a follower, I will enter them ONCE and you TWICE for the referral for that week's giveback.

5. If you mention my giveaway and put my button on your sidebar I will enter you TWICE for each giveaway remaining!!

Whew! Confusing? I really hope not...I justed wanted to giveback plenty of chances to win and hopefully you'll want one of my pillows...if not I'll have a lot of pillows to soak up all my tears!!

NOW, WHAT IS MY GIVEBACK you say…..

Each week I will give away one of my Tattered Elegance Pillows…The winner will have their choice of which one they would like. They are all down-filled and most are 18 inch square. I will notify the winners on my blog when ONE WORLD ONE HEART blog party is done (that’s the rules kiddos)on the 15th of February All the winner needs to do is send me an email of where I can ship the pillow… That’s it!

Here is a selection of my pillows(you can click to enlarge)

FYI, I'll be posting more pictures of the pillows in the days to come so you can see the full line

I hope you enjoyed this sampling and that you’ll be inspired to become a follower and then please head on over to the ONE WORLD ONE HEART site (a button is on my side-bar) for more inspiration…Have a great week! And if you'd like to see more picture of the barn sale that I do every month at Matildas Mouse you can click here

ROSIE’S SILVER SUNDAY

2010-01-23T21:28:00.001-08:00

I’ve been really busy getting ready for the next barn sale at Matildas, so I thought my assistant, Rosie, could give you a personal tour of what’s is happening in my area this month. It is our Valentines show and I am using a combination of SILVER, PINK and WHITE…so it’s a perfect venue, I think, to show for SILVER SUNDAY, hosted by Gypsy Fish. (you can see all the participants by clicking here)

Hi, I’m Rosie, and I’ll be you guide for Silver Sunday at the Wizard of Once Was’ space at Matildas….

My personal favorite…Silver Trays and white ironstone in a iron garden basket.

Then, quadruple plated baby cup and napkin ring with string and lace.

More Victorian silver with pearls, lace and silver shrimp cocktail forks

A silver heart for Valentines, filled with pink taper candles and sweet little birdies

An old galvanized (silver) scoop with my favorite…”roses “

Sweet little garden angels on a silver grey chippy door

Well gals, that’s about it for the tour today, but don’t forget to check out all the other wonderful participants in SILVER SUNDAY. Oh, I almost forgot, Gypsy Brocante is doing another giveaway to celebrate Silver Sunday...You should check it out, her giveaway is super-duper-fabulous! There's abutton on my sidebar that'll take you there....

ARE YOU ALL FROCKED UP?

2010-01-22T20:02:00.001-08:00

For Spring? For this month’s barn sale, I am adding a few Spring frocks to my Tattered Elegance Line by the Wizard. Because we live so close to LA, my daughter and I ventured to the Mart for a fun day and came back with some fun clothing pieces that I think mesh with my whole line. If it is successful, I will bring it on!

This is such a sweet little blouse with soft ruffles…It looks so cute with a pair of jeans and boots!!

A funky necklace and you’re good to go!

This little beauty is a long very shear blouse…I think the picture doesn’t do it justice….trust me it’s adorable…again with jeans! When I put it on my daughter just about lost it…So I did buy one for her and me!

Come a little closer, baby!

This “frock” is amazing! It’s cotton…with tons of ruffles…Again I’m seeing it with jeans…can you tell I’m a jeans kinda gal? I added my roses to the button area…

Fun, huh!

Now this next picture is not one that I got at the Mart…It is actually an oldie!! Probably for the forties…But can you believe how it goes with my whole Tattered Elegance line? I couldn’t resist! If it never sells, I really am fine with that. I believe that it was a cotillion dress……

Look at the tattered rosette!

And then there’s the shabby gauzing netting around the bottom!

What a sweet bodice….

This last picture didn’t turn out very well, but it is such a great blouse, that I had to show it! See how the sleeves are all tattered…Yep, bought one for myself and have already “broked “ it in with…you guessed it…jeans and boots!

I even am so OCD, that I made Tattered Elegance by the Wizard hangers….

Well…that’s a sample of my clothing for the Tattered Elegance by the Wizard…So, if you’re not flocked up…Springs a comin’ there gals!

31st White Wednesday!!

2010-01-19T23:07:00.001-08:00

Wow! Can you believe it. This is the 31th week that White Wednesday, hosted by Kathleen of Faded Charm has been going on…and strong! Kathleen thank you again and again for hosting such a wonderfully successful blog party! For those of you who want to see more participants in White Wednesday you can check them out here.

This week I really am all over the board of what to show…but after all 30 weeks one starts to run out of white to show..yes even those of us who love love white…so this is a strrrrrretch!

These are my everyday dishes

I have a pair of these wonderful French chairs in my living room. They were bright orange before I had them upholstered a few months back…I only had them for 4 years before that! One can’t move too quickly, you know…ha ha

Her leg..ooh la la

My guest bedroom

Pencils of my brothers and me. I was about eight

My wedding veil in my guest bedroom

A sweet child’s rosary

A pair of high-top baby shoes next to one of my most favorite little iron statues…a boy and a lamb. I was shopping in Northern Ca. in this little shop and saw this little statue. The owner ended up giving it to me…how sweet was that!!

Old clock works in a fancy white Victorian bowl

I love this old door plate…..

And lastly…some of you may remember Frick and Frack, my two geese. Sadly, while we were in Arizona we lost them. I know that living in the country as we do the risk is high for keeping animals outside. But we always thought that the fence around our pond would keep them safe from the coyotes , but apparently we were mistaken……I’ll miss you guys!

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday and please head on over to Kathleen’s site to see all the great links for this party!!

Arizona Shoppin’

2010-01-18T21:00:00.001-08:00

Hubby and I recently took a trip to Arizona. Bob for work...me for shopping and to see our daughter, Heather, her husband Shawn and our two grand daughters, Savannah and Holly. I can always find some awesome things when Heather and I are out junkin’…that’s usually not the problem…It’s getting it home

This one of the first places we venture. Heather actually has a space in this wonderful store, Everything Goes . Mary and her husband, Pat, own the shop. I would say the bulk of my Arizona finds are found here…

This next shop , Finders Keepers is actually right next door. In fact in this strip center there are six…yes count them, six awesome stores. You can find, shabby, primitive, modern, rustic, well you name it and one of these stores will probably have it .

The last store I usually go into is this center, No Too Shabby unfortunately was closed that day, but Kim, the owner has some fabulous fabulous things. She had just gotten back from a buying trip in the North East and brought some of the most terrific things back.

I had to rent a trailer to get all my treasures home…but it was so worth it! Heather and I always have a blast together shopping. She has a great eye and sees many an item that I just pass right up. It usually goes like this…”Gale, (pause) Gale (she call me Gale as I am deaf in one ear and for whatever reason I don’t hear M for Mom very well…no kiddin!! I know my family laughs at this too…they say it is select hearing..oh well ,so I go with it…anyway back to Gale… Gale I can’t believe that you didn’t see this..you could do this and this with it…Oh! I say okay I’ll get..tough luck lady I buying it…Laugh…But then “most” of the time she gives it to me to buy…but not always!

This is Heather and Holly

This is Savannah and Heather …Oh my how they grow up, sigh

When we left Arizona for home there’s this little tiny nothing town that once a year turns OMG swap meet …hundreds and hundreds of acres old, new, a little of everything! I have a few vendors that I frequent, but quite honestly each year it gets bigger and bigger, that I could spend a full week there…NOW, it is a far cry from Round Top…but Quartsite does get it share of great junk..So Bob and I stopped for just a few hours as now we’re on a pretty close time schedule as I seem to have shopped to much and too long..yikes!

Well, that’s the Arizona trip! I know…I’ll be showing you some of the goodies soon. Most of them are at the barn getting staged for our next show. In the mean time I’ve been such a good girl on that “dreaded machine” That I’m treating myself…hmmmmm which one…….

Silver Sunday No.3

2010-01-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Silver Sunday # 3 hosted by Gypsy Fish. There are so many wonderful blogs that are participating in this fun party. You can check them out here. Today, I thought I would show you some of the silver that is most dear to me...my family heirlooms. I have been blessed to be the steward of this precious items and consider it my obligation to document each and every piece for my future generations. I hope you enjoy a little in site on these treasures of mine. Have a blessed Sunday and please visit all the other gals blog's that are participating...there's some amazing pictures out there!!

This was my Mom's trophy from 1941. She was crowned Personality Queen. That's a picture of her and my Father , next to the flag I was presented when my Dad passed. I cherish them dearly.

These four spoons are from my great grandmother's wedding silver. They are engrave D (Denny)

These three forks are from my 4th great Aunt's wedding. The are engraved with a D (Denton) and are dated Dec 16, 1872 on the back.

This is an old spooner that holds my grandmother's collection of spoons. On the left side with the purple ribbon is what is left of her wedding bouquet and then in the background is her wedding topper.

In this crystal bowl are my great grandmother's shoe clips and the old light bulb that was from the Methodist church where my Mom went to church as a child. When they were tearing down Pilgrim Hall at the church, my grandmother went and got this and an old floral basket.

This "vase" is made from a knife handle and a pounded out spoon is the base. Isn't it sweet? It is next to my grandmother pin watch. They sit on top of my fifth Gr Grandmother's Bible and her bookmark...probably one of my most prized possessions.

My least favorite piece of "silver" I own! One of those pieces that needs to be used in order for it to be appreciated! See you next Sunday...I'm off to do that dreaded machine....

OH WW I'M LATE, BUT I AM HERE!

2010-01-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...so sorry I'm late for this WW party hosted by Kathleen of Faded Charm . (You can see the others that are participating here). Thanks, Kathleen for letting me be a part of this great group of gals!!

I'm trying to get my act together, or at lease kept the act I have together!! Watching a 3mo old has had it scheduling problems..not for Brooklyn...but Me! I am pretty home bound these days, so in order to keep on truckin (the next barn show is two weeks away) I am doing a lot of sewing during naptime...not not me..Brooklyn's! Ha ha.

My "theme" this next show is Love Letters. It is our Valentine show, Jan 29,30,31. If you're in the area, I hope you can come. It will be an awesome show! These are a few of the pillows from my The Wizard's Tattered Elegance Line that I have been working on. Since this is all a newbie for me, it's hard to put them out there for viewing, but I am finally feeling that I am getting somewhat of a look of my own going here...What do you think?

Isn't this the most angelic face EVER!

A long down-filled pillow with rosary part

A round table cloth with pinched pleated trim. Hope you all had a wonderful Wednesday and saw wonderful Whites on the WW blogs! See you for Silver Sunday!

Gale

SILVER SUNDAY

2010-01-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday! Today, I am joining The Gypsy Fish for her blog party SILVER SUNDAY. I love old silver (especially "dirty" unpolished) like so many of you...So this is a great party. I know I'm heading over to see all the wonderful silver everyone will be showing today.

Grab a cup of coffee and I hope you enjoy some of my silver!

A quadruple plated creamer in my bathroom

This silver dresser set was a wedding gift to my parents. The necklace draped out of the silver tropy was a Christmas gift from my daughter. I know it is a tiny picture, but it is of my Mom on her wedding day...so special!

Don't you just love this ink well! It came from a nun's estate in New York.

My great great great Aunt's wedding glove under a cloche that sits on a wonderful silver plateau.

Some antique spoons in an old whiteware vase

And this is my newest piece of silver! My grand daughter, Brooklyn who is now 3 months old. I am taking care of her 3 days a week and loving it! It is quite life changing, but oh the rewards!

Please go on over to Gypsy Fish for more Silver Sunday participants...have a great day!

ME' PEARLY WHITES

2010-01-05T21:28:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone and here we are for the first White Wednesday of 2010!! This on-going blogging party has been hosted by Kathleen over at Faded Charm for over 6 months now and is still going strong! If you'd like to see other gals who are participating in White Wednesday you can check out Kathleen's site here.

Today, I am showing some me' pearly whites...no silly not that...my pearls!! I seem to have an attraction for pearls, maybe because they are my birth stone. Early in my childhood, my parents were always generous, giving me pearls of some sort for my birthdays, Christmas, and special occasions.

I was trying to think of something different for the first White Wednesday post of 2010. I decided pearls....Pearls are thought to symbolize purity and spiritual transformation. Because they are of the sea, they have watery and lunar elements, thus balancing emotions. They are said to absorbs thoughts and emotional stress. It is said that wearing pearls enables one to accept
love...love of thyself and love of others.

So here's to our first White Wednesday of 2010 and lots of love!! And go check out lots more sites for WW!!
I found this awesome art-deco pearl and rhinestone bracelet a few weeks ago at a local flea market. It was at the bottom of bucket along with some tools! Sweet, huh!

A (blurry..sorry) close-up of this art deco bracelet

Chalkware statue in my bathroom with pearls and a rhinestone shoeclip

A Statue with pearls

Victorian baby shoe that holds my Mom's Pearl bracelet which was a Christmas gift from my Dad in the 60's.

Pearl bracelets from my Mom along with a spoon for the month of June

My Grandmother's pearl necklace from her 8th grade graduation and the sweet little birdies I received from Laurie Anna's giveaway at Christmas.

IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING, IT'S ALL ABOUT MADISON

2010-01-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

Awhile back my friend Sandra and I were asked by my former shop partner if we would please come and help her for to get ready for the grand opening for her new store in Fallbrook California, Madison Manor (named for her daughter Madison). Tracy the shop owner had been buying, buying, buying for months, yeah maybe even longer for her store and she was overwhelmed with getting everything vignetted...soooo along came the Decorator Fairies (lol). As you can see Tracy has a wonderful eye for the French Decor....Enjoy this eye candy and if you are ever in the North San Diego County, please stop in Tracy's shop in Fallbrook..you won't be disappointed!

STAR LIGHT STAR BRIGHT

2010-01-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I was at the Fed-X/Kinkos copying some of my genealogy pictures and documents for my book. I struck up a conversation with a gal who was copying a certificate in memory of her late parents. "What's this?" I asked...Now, many of you may already know about this site...but little 'ol me had never, I mean never heard of it....It is called STAR REGISTRY , which means this you can name a star after a loved one. Huh? Well, after talking with her and then checking out the site, it goes like this:
You actually get to name a star in one of the constellations for a loved one. They send you a certificate of the star registry with that person's name on it and a plot map of exactly which constellation it is in and where it is located. They have been in business for 30 years...where have I been!!?? I think this is so cool and will be naming a star in remembrance of my deceased parents for Valentine's Day. The light from this star will forever shine down on their loved ones for generations to come. To me it is a wonderful tribute to recognize their love for my family and to salute them for the person that I, my children and my grandchildren have become.

THE BLUE CANOE FOR WW

2009-12-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago a friend and I went up to Orange Co. CA to a wonderful shop in downtown Orange Circle, called Country Roads. Earlier, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tim the owner of THE BLUE CANOE. He told us he was now in this antique store, Country Roads and we should go and check out his space. All I can say is WOW! This guy is so amazing with how and what he puts together. He does all the vignetting. He and his wife, Lisa sell at a great flea market up in Northern Ca. monthly..but here at this great shop is where you can see his artful displays daily. (Clara and Marcella I know you are also in this shop, but couldn't find your space and they were so slammed at the front desk I couldn't get anyone to help...so sorry!! We'll go again and I find out where you are first!!) I thought this would be a great display of white for Kathleen's White Wednesday. You can check out others who are participating here. I hope you all have a great day!
GALE

DOIN' THE HAPPY CHRISTMAS POLKA

2009-12-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited...we're leaving in a couple hours for our daughter Amy's home in Bird Rock. We will be celebrating Christmas with Amy, Paulo (her hubby) and their two children, Tabatha and Adric. Our son David and his wife Linda along with new baby Brooklyn will also join us. Sadly our daughter Heather and her hubby Shawn and their two kids, Savannah and Holly can not make it, but we will travel to Arizona after Christmas to celebrate with them. We will attend midnight Mass at the local church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Bob and I will be spending the night with Amy and Paulo so we can wake up with the children and see what Santa has brought them...Children absolutely make Christmas morning so magical. We will walk to the small town to see a live nativity and then off to a friends for an open house. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful tight family!

My hope for you all is that you have a very blessed Christmas and enjoy a peaceful and wonderful time, whatever you are doing!

Gale

JWL CLUB

2009-12-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

About 6 months ago I clicked on the button on Debbie of Talking Trash's blog and read what she had wonderfully written about how to honor our fellow women while working in this business . I honestly was taken back on how right on the nose she hit some of my very feelings...none so prevalent as I am feeling about number four today. I know many of you can understand, to have your most precious creation copied and blatantly published on a blog is such a slap in ones face...Aren't there enough ideas out there that all of us can put our own twist on old and new ideas without stealing exactly someone's original one. And by one who poses as a friend at that. I consider that the lowest!

I realize that this is a side that I never show, but I am so sadden that this has happened that I felt compelled to ask Debbie if I could use her resolutions and publish them again on my site.

1. I resolve to always have my sisters-in-business back at all times. If she needs something and I have it to share, it's hers. This may be in setting up, tearing down or just an itch. If she needs an extra two hands, she's got them. This also means I will not use said back as a launching pad. You will never find my footprints on your favorite tee.
2. I resolve to never talk about someone behind their back. If I have a gripe or complaint, I'll take it to the source. I'll risk a b---h slap for honesty. I also resolve to try and avoid those who like to stir you-know-what!
3. I resolve never to question someone else's taste. We're all different and that's what makes us each unique. If you love it, I love it for you, even if it is dog butt ugly to me. Always!
4. I resolve never to borrow someone else's idea without permission and when I do I further resolve to give credit where credit is due. This is a big one but there is just way too much stealing (let's just call it what it is) out there and it has got to stop.
5. I resolve to share ideas, tips, locales, recipes, love advice, sources and just about anything you can think of to help you stay in business. I do draw the line at Cat Daddy unless you really, really need him then we'll negotiate.
6. I resolve to listen when you need someone to listen. I'll even let you whine and have a little pity party if necessary. Heck, I'll whine with you.
7. I resolve to never repeat anything you tell me if you tell me not to. This one is very important. Everyone needs to let off steam now and then and one needs to know it's not going to come back and bite one on the butt.

Thank you Debbie for allowing me to republish you resolutions and I will for ever try to uphold the pledge of being a JWL Club member!!

P.S. If anyone wants a original Wizard's Tattered Elegance you can find it on this site and no other! Thanks gals for allowing me to vent!!

Rebecca over at Rebecca for Vintage living is celebrating her birthday and is have a giveaway for the next 7 days until Jesus' birthday. Go on over and check out the beauty she is giving away!

ON MY KNEES

2009-12-13T14:00:00.001-08:00

Picture this...Friday morning this is the last barn sale of the season and my stress level was there...believe me. The night before at ten I am ON MY KNEES upholstering two chairs, only to run out of gimp...so at 7 Friday morning I am running (30 minutes each way, by the way) to Walmart to get the last on the roll of gimp that I need....get home work on the chairs...OH NOOOOOOOOOOO! I am still short by 12 inches...I have to make one of those executive decisions that I hate...put the chairs in anyway and pray that my customers will understand that I will finish up the arm for whom ever decides that they love the chairs enough to buy them!...So, I get the chairs in, take a breath and realize that my lights haven't all been plugged in, so I am ON MY KNEES, again, plugging in my lights. Well, I guess I didn't realize that it was exactly 10 o'clock and the doors always open promptly at 10...so there I am with my customers coming in and I am ON MY KNEES! But that's okay cause they are the best customers and I am here for their entertainment...BUT the final thing that put me ON MY KNEES was one of my fellow bloggers...I met her through White Wednesday, Suzan of oldgreymare. She came all the way from Las Vegas Nevada area to shop at the barn and to meet me!! What a wonderful person and she even brought me a present!! This darling little bag that says joy on it and it is filled with Christmas clipping and then a bar of her goats milk soap!! Isn't that the best! I was so taken back, thank you again Suzan!! Then the gals from Coronado came up they have a store called the Attic. I met them through Heather Bullard when she was at the barn last month. Unfortunately it was so crazy that I didn't get to spend any time with them, but I want to thank you for coming!! Then Lori from Vignettes came, what a special gal she is! I always enjoy my visits with her!! I tell you, I am blessed and was truly brought to my knees with thank fullness and gratitude for such wonderful people in my life...Now

Come...sit back and take a peek at the pictures I took of my space.....I hope you enjoy!!I see I have a picture not rotated correctly...have fun standing on your head! Lol

This month I have added a few new items to my line of linens...The first is a table drape for those wonderfully ugly plastic utilitarian banquet tables. They drape to the floor and are rather like a slip cover for the table...great for serving buffet style Christmas dinners...so perhaps for those flea market sellers...hmmm. The next two pictures are of the Christmas tree skirts. I also made Table runners..oops no good pics, sorry.

Once again my pillows were a sell out. I am so humbled beyond belief that I can't express my gratitude enough to my wonderful customers that have purchased and encourage me to keep on sewin'! And to you, all of my blogger friends, a couple of months ago you all encouraged me to put my pillows in the shop...I really am thankful that you all gave me such kind and wonderful support. You make my heart sing with your every comment!

These are a few of the necklaces I made this month. They're on a cardboard backing covered with sheet music and I sewed a piece of vintage lace on each and then punched a hole in the top and laced with ribbon so that they could be hung on a tree as an ornament or given as a gift.

MISSING YOU ALL

2009-12-05T18:16:00.000-08:00

Boy, am I a baaaaad blogger! I am so knee deep in getting ready for our final show of the year that I can't seem to catch up enough to even get on the computer!! It started with me going on a wonderful buying trip in Phoenix with my daughter...and I had...(notice I said had)... loads of pictures to show you of the super great stores we went to and then my computer (or was it me ??, na) lost all the pics...
Now, once again I am in my panic mode as the show is this Friday and I'm still doing projects and should be decorating...woe is me!!
Just please know that I miss you all and I miss seeing and reading the wonderful posts you all do. I am going to try and post some pictures of our last show of the year later in the week...and then I'll have a wonderful 6-7 week break..to catch up on all you good little bloggers....yipee!!
My Best you
Gale

THANKS GRAMPS

2009-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm not going to post any photos, but instead I am joining WHAT'S IN A NAME hosted by Sares of Loveleigh Treasures.. When I first read a few of the gal's blogs that are participating, I thought, I can't do this, who cares about why my name is my name.

This morning when I awoke and read more about another and another blogger that is participating in this, I have changed my mind...Now... I am going to speak about my name. While I may not be the most eloquent writer, please know that this does come from my heart...so bare with me here gals.

While I was sitting and reading all these wonderful gals talking about there given names, as I said, I was having self doubt...Well, my Dad (who has passed) and I have this very special bond, even today..whew this is difficult. Anyway, I felt his presence, slapping me and saying "shame on you".

As a child I never much liked my name. Why did my parents name me such an odd name...why couldn't they name me something cute like Susie, Patty, or even my Mom's name Catherine? I think I struggled my entire childhood with my name.

Oddly enough, it wasn't until my Mom passed that I started to get it. For 30 years my Mom passionately studied and documented our family history. She wrote snail mail letters and patiently awaited answers. She and my Dad traveled numerous time all across the United States, so she could traipse through graveyards looking for our ancestors. They would go for hours to courthouses and libraries looking for clues on my family's genealogy.

When she passed as I was going through her affairs, I thought, "what am I going to do with all this "Stuff" that was her research, her life, her passion". Once again my Dad "slapped" me (he had already passed) telling me of course I would continue this in my Mom's honor.

Then came the how,... where,..ME? As I sorted through the piles and piles (like I said everything was snail mail and hand written...little computer usage here gals)of papers, court records, names dates....THERE IT WAS...my answer...I had been named GALE after two of my grandfathers, Kenneth Gale Quade and William Gale Quade...

In all of my pity partying, I realized that I had forgotten that years ago Mom and Dad did tell me I was named after them, but they never made a big deal out if it, as I am sure that they thought I would just carry it proudly...But these are men names...not cut little girl's names....

Both Kenneth Gale and his father William Gale, as I have found, were very strong men, beating all kinds of odds. I won't get into that now, as I tend to get very passionate and carried away with my genealogy...YES, my genealogy in honor of my Mom and my family! And that's what my name means to me...family and the carrying on, proudly of my ancestry.

I know this is long and laborious, so stay with me just a little longer... Through all this genealogy research (a researching of me) I now have a sense of pride for my name (only took about 50 years!!).

My middle name is LEE...named for my Mom's surname and our direct connection to Robert E. Lee! My maiden name is Quade, derived from McQuade. The Mc was dropped with the McQuades came to the United States from Ireland in 1818. They lived amongst the Italian community in New York and there was much discrimination against the Irish in those days, so the Mc was dropped to blend into the community better. Now I know why they're called the "Fighting Irish"!!

My married name is Payne. Here again my genealogy has been quite the blessing. My husband's family never knew anything about his family's history. One day I googled his mother's surname...and what do you know, it took me to places I never dreamed...In short, I now have his family history on both of his parent's side and even traced ,and now documented, back to Revolutionary times....

Where does this get me and what does it all mean to me...

Well, first and foremost, I carried on my Mother's dream, secondly I have now a legacy to pass on to my children and their children, and lastly I am finally proud of each and every name I have GALE LEE QUADE PAYNE.

As for my blog...my daughters came up with this name "Wizard of Once Was" They told me they were always amazed at what I could create, literally out of nothing...hence the name...thank you girls it's been a wonderful journey,.. this blogging world.

Well, there you have it ME...just me. Have a great day and do go over and visit Sares blog as you also my find that you do love your name after all!

SO, THANKS, GRAMPS!

My Very best to you all,
Gale

A VERY SPECIAL WHITE WEDNESDAY!

2009-11-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

Happy white Wednesday to all of you!! This great blog party is hosted by Kathleen of Faded Charm. You can see all the other gals participating in the party here .

Well, ya all wanted me to show you some of the items I purchased at the Rose Bowl Carnival Brocante, hosted by Heather Bullard. The unfortunate thing is this...everything I purchased sold (that's good), but the pictures of everything I purchased, either I forgot or didn't take a pic of (that's bad...slap my hands)

NOW for the really really good news. For those of you who don't know who Heather Bullard is (you can go to her site here)...she is the contributing editor for the new FLEA MARKET STYLE magazine and also a host of a number of other magazines. When we met her at ROSE BOWL Sunday the 7th, she asked about the barn sale at Matildas. On Friday, Heather arrived, camera in hand and took lots and lots of pictures! You can view some on her blog (here). What a wonderful person she is! Absolutely as genuine and friendly as they come!! We had a great morning with her in spite of the craziness! She took pictures before the barn opened and then that girl got to shop,shop, shop!!

This is the entrance to my space at Matildas and this is the Victorian bed that I showed in a post about two weeks ago. It is 7 feet high, and from 1860! (Yep, it sold). Believe me, there were some of those 1:00 a.m. nights that this bed looked mighty good!! It was quite the task to paint as I had to ladder it most of the time. In the back you can see some of my pillows and bedding.

Here is a picture of some of my "Tattered Elegance by the Wizard" pillows that I made for this show. I also made bedding, duvet, dust ruffles, and stockings...It's a sell out folks!! thanks to all of you who purchased my new line...They'll be more next month! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your overwhelming response!!

Sweet little French chair along with a silver fur throw for those long winter nights. That picture is of my Mom when she was eight....I added the glitter crown.

I even made some home-made crumb topped apple pies...Hey, I gal has to eat every so often!! Coffee right next to it...yum!

This is that Wolfe dress form that I also purchased a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't going to put it in, but then thought, heck, I'll just price it high...that didn't work...it sold! I little sad, but oh well..I'll just be on the hunt for another one!

Here is another view in my space. The chairs are the one I showed a couple of weeks ago. I actually got eight! Four were in perfect condition and the other had to be repaired and painted...white of course. they all sold...yippee! I purchased them from a gentleman who used to own a very exclusive rest home for wealthy women. In the early 1960's he commissioned a gentleman in the East to hand make this chairs...no nail, screws in any way. He paid $6,000. for 8 chairs!!! Needless to say I didn't even come close to paying that...not even!!

I love this cross against the open book, the lace and the bottle. Well that's it for today folks...hope you all enjoyed! Don't forget to check out all the other gals that are participating in White Wednesday. You can find the list over at Kathleen's blog here . Happy White Wednesday!! ( so sorry about this crazy formatting!! It's about to drive me crazy...way too tired to figure it out tonight, but you all will forgive me, right?...sides you just want the pics anywhoo...ha ha)

CARNIVAL BROCANTE AT THE ROSE BOWL

2009-11-15T17:05:00.001-08:00

A week ago today, Sandra and I headed once again to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena,CA. It's about a 2 hour drive...but oh,so worth it! It was extra special day as Heather Bullard was hosting Carnival Brocante. She invited gals to shop, share, eat, laugh for the day at the Rose Bowl. What an absolute fabulous time we had.

We arrived earlier (cause we're cheaters..he he) and shopped for about 2 hours first. Then we met Heather Bullard, Jennie Doh, Pam Garrison, and Amy Hanna,along with about 40 other women at the front gate. After we introduced ourselves, chatted..we were off like crazy women to shop. The front half alone will take about three hours to go through!!

Then we met back at the food court for lunch and show and tell. After lunch we went back in for more shopping of course. By three vendors start taking down...so we had to hurry and pick up all of our heavy and I do mean heavy purchases!!

What a great day...thank you Heather, Jen, Pam and Amy for hosting such a wonderful day to network with so many great and talented women!

Me junkin' bud Sandra

Ladies, start your engines!!

Here we all are ready to go through those gates and get to shopping!!

I won ,I won! I won best decorated cart! Can you all guess which one is mine? The other is Sandra's.

Heather, Jen, Pam and Amy made these cute bags for the prizes! This is mine!! Ye haw!

This was the cutest bag made by Karen...but sorry my picture is the worst!! Trust me it was the cutest red and white bag and she made it the night before the Rose Bowl...We're all such die-hards!

Karen won the prize for the cutest bag!

Getting ready to go back for more shopping at the Rose Bowl!!

Heather and Amy...humm I wonder what they're laughing about...Hey, I didn't get that dirty trying to get that table!!

YAHOO, I'M BACK IN THE GAME!

2009-11-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Finally I' am going to participate again in White Wednesday, hosted by Kathleen.....I'm just a little back from all my insanity.... I was working at the barn getting ready for this week's Christmas show until 1:00 a.m. last night. Not hardly finished, but thought I would show just a sample of some areas I am working on. A little white, pink, gold and silver for this November Christmas show. You can go on my side bar and click on the picture for driving directions and hours for the barn sale....(it's this Friday, Sat, and Sunday). Be sure and check out Kathleen's blog for more wonderful gals participating in this White Wednesday! Have a great day and I'll post more on the vignettes as they get finished.

THE REASON IS THE SEASON.

2009-11-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hidy-ho everyone! Soooooo very sorry for not being around lately! I miss you all and thanks for not only the comments, but the wonderful emails! I AM FINE......There are so many wonderful things going on in my life right now and with two of the biggest shows at the barn coming up...like I said before...I'm freakin' here...but all good!! I'll be posting some of my good things soon, I promise...But the next few days will be hectic...So here's to WW!
To All, My Very Best,
Gale

BZZ, BZZ, BZZ, BZZ

2009-10-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, the blogger you have checked in on is busy right now, please leave a message after the beep, and she'll return your comment as soon as she can........BEEP.

(Hi all I am sorry, but I am knee deep in projects and won't be posting for WW until Wed evening...if you get a chance please stop back by as I always love our visits and I'll show you a glimpse of what I am working on! Have a great Wednesday and please check all the other bloggers that are on time for White Wednesday hosted by Kathleen over at Faded Charm

WHA WHOO!! I WENT JUNKIN!

2009-10-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I have been wanting to do Junkin Mondays hosted by Clara and Marcela over at Cottage Charm and Family Inspirations for quite sometime, but never seem to be able to get the 'ol act together! Today, I spent time organizing my guest room where most of my finds from Saturday's junkin were thrown! Can you see the wonderful Wolfe dress form I got! I was so excited. The lady I stole it from (er, purchased) it from actually had just purchased two, yes 2, from a yard sale I was on my way to! Well, after begging, crying, and pleading with her she finally parted with one... to moi!! Can you believe it! And the price, well let's just say... yipeeee!! Now, to sell or not to sell...humm. I have so many projects to get done for this next show that I am already freakin! So it's a good thing I got somewhat organized today.
When your done here be sure to check out all the other gals that are doing Junkin Mondays.

Here's so of my finds from the Saturday...(the Chandelier is from two weeks ago) The ottoman will get a new look with the linen I have been purchasing.

These are some of the linens I got and this chair (the ones my cats were lying on in the previous post) will get a new look with some of these linens.

I found so many really great linens on Saturday for my pillows and a few other items that I am going to add to my lines!

See this wonderful iron piece? Well, the lady I got it from got it in France. The top is missing and it has a wonderful leg (not shown), so it's a console I guess. It is so beautiful, But with the top is missing do I put a mirror?, glass? or completely re-invent it... that is the question..I hate not using the leg, cause it is beautiful, but I am thinking of re-inventing it...can you guess into what? If it works, I'll be showing you soon...otherwise you'll see it as a console in my space for our November barn sale 13, 14,15 . Have a great Monday!

VINTAGE BLACK "MAGIC"..I'VE BEEN BOO'D!!

2009-10-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Debbie over at Talking Trash has tagged me for Halloween fun. Tina over at The Tattered Cottage is hosting a party, You've been Boo'd. So here's what I am suppose to do...Tag 4 people. So....I thought I would show a few more "Spooky" Halloween Pictures and then at the end I will do my tagging...HAVE FUN!! Happy Vintage Black Friday hosted by Jill over at Gypsy Brocante...head on over to her blog to check out all the other gals participating in Vintage Black Friday!

Sorry a little blurry...Here's "MAGIC", the Momma sleeping on baby, Mattie. This is a new chair that I am attempting to upholster..yeh, good luck the cats have taken over I think!

What a Fun pillow Sandra made "The Spookett Family"

I know, I know..blurry again...guess I had one too many Starbucks!! Spooky hands typing out that scary ghost story!

And here's how I feel after all that Starbucks.HA!
And now for my tags, drum roll, please. Now you all go out and do some tagging, ya hear!
You Have Been BOO'd The air is cool, the season is fall,Soon Halloween will come to all. Ghosts and goblins, spooks galore...Tricky witches at your door. The spooks are after things to do,In fact, a spook brought this "BOO" to you. The excitement comes when friends like you,Copy this note and make it two. We'll all have smiles on our faces,When we see who Boo'd who's places.

#1. Jodie over at Everything Vintage
#2. Debra over at Common Ground
#3. Anne over at Fiona and Twig
#4. Marcela and Clara over at Cottage Charm and Family Inspiration

UPDATE

Theresa over at Garden Anitqs Vintage is have a superfabulous 3 year Blogaversary and giveaway! Head on over to join in on the Fun Fun Fun!! Now your really busy gals!!

ALL FLUFFED FOR WHITE WEDNESDAY

2009-10-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to White Wednesday, hosted by Kathleen over at Faded Charm (click here). I can't believe that another week has passed...man are they movin' quickly lately!! Today, I thought I would show you more pictures from this month's barn sale. All of the gals really out-did themselves this month! After you take a look you can see more bloggers that are having fun with White Wednesday by going over the Faded Charm.

One of my pillows , a line that I introduced this month...it SOLD!

Another line of my pillows...it SOLD too!!

Sandra's great medical cabinet, a great find!

Colleen's wonderful desk and her extra large cloche from Texas

Alexa's area...Isn't that chair great..there's a pair of them!

This is also Alexa's area. She really knows how to display!

I'm a Flea Marketeer!

2009-10-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

Flea Market Style is have a blog party and you're all invited!! I know this is a little late for the Monday Flea Market posting, but with the Barn show this past week-end, I really didn't get to go out and junk, but I also didn't want to miss out on the fun...SO here's a couple of items I got junkin' last week. I haven't done anything with them yet, but they'll be beauties for our next Barn Sale, Nov 13, 14, 15!! After you've taken a peek be sure and got over to Flea Market Style and see all the other bloggers that are participating!! Heck join in!!

TRICKS AND TREATS

2009-10-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a fantastic show we had Friday, Saturday and Sunday!! It was sheer bedlam on Friday for sure. We had lots of new faces and saw lots of gals we haven't seen in awhile, which is always nice! Tonight I am showing you Sandra's space. She is one of the very most talented people I have met in this business. She has an amazing style and sense of design.