The Gypsy Paintbrush at Bouckville 2013

Back to Bouckville ... way back in August...

I couldn't wait to visit the booth of my friend Victoria Potter

 who goes by the name The Gypsy Paintbrush.

Vicky is a creative and inspiring girl who always has a large supply of rustic items

 mixed with pretties and feminine treasures.

 In addition, she is a talented artist who adds her own painted pieces

 to her eclectic inventory.

Her interesting displays mix silver pieces, white ironstone, vintage ribbons, colored glass and pretty dishes with zinc containers, advertising pieces and a bit of industrial.

Vicky has a great sense of style and is genius at achieving just the right balance between masculine and feminine elements...

(I love how she re-purposed tiny iron pulleys into unique jewelry pieces.)

 

Vicky always has beautiful vintage clothes and pretty linens to look through. Last year I found the loveliest antique peach lace dress which hangs in front of a window in my bedroom and casts such a soft romantic light when the afternoon sun shines through.

This year, I couldn't resist a black poufy crinoline petticoat 

which looks pretty amazing on my Victorian cage dress form.

 

 

This stunning mirror took center stage in her pretty booth this year.

And, oh those little details that we all love so much.

 This is the bottom of a small box that another customer

 was purchasing in Vicky's booth. I adore this tiny label.

You never know what Vicky will bring to her shows...

...but I have never been disappointed and am always delighted

 with her beautiful and imaginative displays.

You can follow her on FB to find out where she will set up and display her wonderful wares next.

Next up...

...the booth of Colleen Bloom...The Vintage Room!

Thanks so much for all those lovely comments welcoming me back! 

You really know how to make a girl feel good about things :)

The Bouckville 2013 Review - Finally

Hello friends...

 It's been so long since I have posted...I almost forgot how!

More about why it's been so long later.

 For now...here are some pics of some of the wonders that I saw when I went to the fabulous Madison Bouckville show in August.

 Yes, I know...that was two months ago.

My first parking spot was literally at the edge of a corn field.

  This photo is out the front windshield before I exited the car! 

Can you feel the excitement?

As usual, my heart was pounding at the prospect

 of finding my brand of  junk!

Enjoy the photos!

Three beautiful days of antiquing and visiting with friends

 was such a treat!

This show is still my favorite.

Later this week, I will share pics from the booths of Vicky Potter of Gypsy Paintbrush and Colleen Bloom from The Vintage Room.

You will enjoy their distinct, feminine and pretty presentations.

Now, about my unplanned and long blogging break...

Well, Life got in the way.

The many joys of life...

 ...as we were very busy and had a ton of fun

 with family and friends at the lake this summer.

 And then there were some hard times too...

...our family, like yours, has had its share of loss and illness.

Fortunately, we are holding tight to one another and our faith.

So, that's why I have not been online much...

...I have been focused on family.

Having said that...

I have, however, been an Instagramming fool...

using the IPhone 5 my son Dan bought me last Christmas.

IG must have been invented for lazy bloggers like me!

Here's why I like it...

...my phone is always with me anyway, it's quick, immediate

and the photos are a bit gritty... not meant to be perfect...

...although you would be amazed at some of the shots on IG.

 Not to mention the amazing apps and editing tools

 which I have yet to get into.

 If you are interested you can click the button on my sidebar

 to check out my feed. 

Meanwhile, I hope YOU are well...

I have much catching up to do with everyone's blogs

 and hope to spend a little time doing that soon.

A special thank you to the dear friends and readers who have taken the time to email, message me or send handwritten notes...

...your thoughtfulness and expressions of concern

 have meant the world to me.

 I am grateful for your kindness and feel so blessed

 to have each and every one of you in my life.

Be back soon with more Bouckville photos!

 

Pink Peonies

My Mom's pretty pink peonies...

...next door, here at the lake.

She loved these...and so do I.

 Mom was very talented at flower arranging

 and used to enjoy fixing up bouquets

 from her garden to set about the house. 

Dad says there wasn't a flower that she didn't love.

Here it is July and there are still some buds yet to bloom.

So pretty!

We have been busy here at the lake with lots of company...

...both friends and family.

This weekend we will be celebrating Independence Day

 with a flea market, picnic, parade and fireworks.

There will be 13 of us this year and it is always a lot of fun.

Wishing you happy summer days!

:)