Peaceful Planning Day

We spent a good part of the day deciding on our plan of attack...

...as we intend to paint the ceiling in the main room of the camp.

The ceiling is simply the underside of the floor boards

 of the upstairs and the old beams ...

and neither have ever been painted in their 80 plus years. 

We also plan on painting the kitchen cupboards and counter tops...

I hope to have a white and pewter kitchen

 before the summer is over.

The planning part is fun.

But then the work must be done!

:)

Really, it's just paint.

When we need a break...we can always jump in the lake!

Today was a beautiful day and tomorrow

 is supposed to be nice here too! 

Now if only the mosquitoes would quit!

hope your week is going well!

:)

Book Review - KILLER STUFF and TONS OF MONEY

A few weeks ago I was asked by TLC Book Tours to review
 Maureen Stanton's new book,

Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America.

 Being the avid and long time collector that I am...
I was interested and agreed to read the book.

I am so glad I did.

To me, this non-fiction book read like a

 "can't put it down."...all consuming novel.

It is the story of the experiences of Curt Avery, who starts out as a young bottle collector and over time develops
 an appreciation and passion for antiques

 and all sorts of aesthetic objects with historical importance.

 His thirst for knowledge and attention to detail

 helps him through the years as he fights his way up

 in his chosen profession as an antique dealer...

 ...from the nitty gritty flea market to high end antique shows. 

The book gives the reader a glimpse of the fascinating culture of the
 flea market and a bit of insight into what makes collectors,
 antique experts, auctioneers and dealers tick.

The author of the book, Maureen Stanton,
 becomes fascinated with her friend Curt's passion for antiques
 and begins to shadow Curt as he attends shows,
 sets up at flea markets and hunts his treasures.

 He welcomes her interest and shares his tips
 and insights into the culture.
 She learns how difficult it is to earn a living in this cutthroat field...
...how stamina is needed for the physical work and extensive travel
... and that serious and dedicated study is required to gain the
 knowledge needed for success in the business.

Something you may or may not know about Mr. Flea and me...

 is that back in the late 70's and early 80's before we had kids...

we bought and sold antiques and collectibles...

mostly primitives and country antiques. 

For  about six years, we made the rounds
 of flea markets and antique shows.


 As I read the book I identified with many of the issues
 facing Curt Avery in the antique business.
 We made our share of mistakes...
and once in a while sold a valuable item way too cheap
 through our inexperience and lack of knowledge.


 It was a challenge to stay ahead of the trends in the market
 and try to be wary of repros and fakes.

It was hard work, setting up and taking down at shows...
reading and researching to find out about our wares...

...but we were young and enthusiastic.
It was fun too...lots of fun...
we met interesting people and learned a lot.
In the end though...we weren't up to the challenge
 and focused on other careers.

Having been there many times, I loved reading about Brimfield and all those markets in the Northeast.
Attending Brimfield...either as a shopper or a dealer is exciting...
but of course, it is always much more fun to hunt than to sell!


I think the book gives a pretty accurate account of the life of an antique dealer and the culture of the flea market. It is filled with interesting facts, humorous stories and fascinating characters. 

It even touches on the problem of the overcrowded home that we hoarders collectors all seem to have as we go about satisfying our  obsession love of beautiful and historical objects. :)


I thoroughly enjoyed Killer Stuff and Tons of Money 
and think that  many of you who also love the thrill of the hunt
 and spending time at the flea market will enjoy reading it too. 

Thanks to Trish for asking me to participate in this book tour!

To read other reviews of this book on the tour click HERE.

Settling In To The Summer Time Blues

Settling in to the summer time blues...

...in a good way!

Love to fix blueberry pancakes for any and all family members...

Uncle Don wanders over from his camp...

...as do the teens and grown up nephews from the loft next door.

Hot coffee, an hour or so sitting around the breakfast table...

...listening to the sound of the conversation of those I love.

But, most of the family has gone now...

...returning to their busy lives...

...their jobs...finishing up school.

They will all be back as their schedules allow.

There will be lots of summer time fun ahead!

It is quieter...

...now there is time to finish a book...

...do a little cooking...

... start a craft project...

...organize a closet...

...clean out the attic?

OK, let's not get carried away!

Sister Lynn is here for the next two weeks...

...so either she will help me stay on track and get organized...

(she's really good at organization...)

...or...

I will convince her to explore and go treasure hunting!

I have an opportunity to set up a booth in an antique and collectible consortium...about a 50 minute drive from here.

I think I will try it...stay tuned for details!

:) 

In the meantime...

...we are enjoying the peace and quiet...

...hoping the sun stays out as we have had a bit of rain.

...watching the sky as it constantly changes...

...endlessly painting new pictures.

Tomorrow I will be posting about a book I was asked to review...

 Killer Stuff and Tons of Money.

I  think you will like it!

Signing off from the lake...

wishing you a bit of calm and peace in your day.

Take care,

Laura :)

A Beautiful Spirit

Saturday we held a second memorial service for my Mom

 here in the Adirondacks...

It was an intimate, meaningful and personal service

 conducted entirely by family.

 Mom devoted her life to serving others.

She had a beautiful spirit.

She was loved by so many ...

... we miss her.

Sugar Bowl of Sweet Posies

A beautiful sunny morning...

...a short walk with the mountain mosquitoes chasing me...

...an old sugar bowl without a lid...

...an abundance of delicate wildflowers...

...my morning coffee...

...hot with cream...no sugar

...this is all the sweetness I need!

:)

Hope this week is being kind to you!

We are looking forward to family and friends

 who will begin arriving tomorrow for the weekend.

Postcards From The Lake

Heaven on Earth!

So happy to be here.

Busy day...pretty tuckered out!

Planting window boxes tomorrow...

Wish you were here!

Love, Laura

:)

A New Week, A New Adventure

I hope that your weekend was relaxing

 and that you are ready for the week ahead.

Many thanks to all of you who have left comments

 and a warm welcome to new followers and readers.

I spent most of the day loading up the car with supplies
 to take to the lake house.
We usually have the camp opened before Memorial Day
so we are late to get things started up there.
Lots of cleaning to do...flower boxes to plant...beds to make up.

  But...I am so excited to finally be heading north!

I am hoping that Mr. Flea won't be in too much of a hurry...

...as I hope to stop at some of my favorite shops along the way.

 :)

We have a busy week ahead of us as lots of family will begin

 arriving as early as Thursday for the weekend.

Do you have a busy week ahead too?

:)