Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Ready for Spring?


HAPPY SPRING!


This sweet Mourning dove made itself comfortable on my front porch at the weekend. It was actually lying down on the rail for about half an hour at one point..............my cameras weren't handy so I didn't catch that pose as it soaked up the sunshine.  Next day it returned, well I'm thinking it was the same one, so I was ready and managed a few nice shots through the dining room window. They are such sweet birds, never causing any trouble, cooing to their long time loved one, and scratching in the garden leaves.


Lots of robins about now, we have counted as many as 20 at a time on the front lawn, and several in the birdbaths, a sure sign that Spring is only hours away! Yes, the calendar shows Wednesday is the vernal equinox, the official first day of Spring........although many of you north of here are still shoveling white stuff and peering into frozen flowerbeds for signs of life.


The birds around me hopped and played, 
Their thoughts I cannot measure,
But the least motion which they made,
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

- Wm Wordsworth - 

Monday, March 18, 2013

Friends in friendly places..........................


I still miss having a booth here at SuzAnna's Antiques where I loved not only 'playing shop', but also the camaraderie shared with like-minded women, and a few men, who enjoy the hunt for, and love of, old things. The shop has grown in so many ways since I first set foot inside the original small building a week or so after it opened many years ago. During my times of travel away from home I often wonder what's happening there, and what treasures I may be missing. Sadly, I haven't been spending much time hanging out lately but hope to get by more as the weather warms up.......and before I leave on another adventure.


When visiting last weekend, besides hunting for green for seasonal decorating, I found some more interesting things to share with you here.

Dealers come and go, some stay for years others move on for one reason or another. All bring their finds to entice and excite the serious shoppers or casual browsers. If one wants to learn about decorating a home, start a collection, add to a previous one, it's the place to be. It's not a business to make one wealthy, it is a happy hobby or pastime where you meet super people who may become lifelong friends. It happened to me, and 
SuzAnna's will always have a big, warm place in my heart.



Recent new additions to the original building are awesome glass houses - and a little bird told me you can order one for your own home or garden.





My granddaughter Jasmin (below in the shop), who spent much of her early childhood hanging around SuzAnna's with me, works here on the weekends, a nice break from the rigorous Monday thru Friday high school routine. I will always be grateful to beautiful mother/daughter owners Susie and Jenny for hiring Jasmin a couple of years ago, giving her a first job and the chance to learn about retail, to love antiques and vintage pretties, and try her hand at creative display.



Here's a link to SuzAnna's Antiques where you will be updated often on all the great treasures being offered. 
The shop has expanded and is part of what has become Vintage Village with several other shops, including Two Old Birds, another of my personal favorites - love those sisters Susan and Debbie. 
A few hours spent here will be fun and often quite rewarding if you enjoy antiques and vintage.
Nothing better than spending a warm, sunny Spring day browsing and buying something wonderful to brighten up your home or garden after the long Winter. 

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Wearing the green..................


HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY......


..........yes, I know I'm English but I'm married 
to an Irishman so have to celebrate when 
March 17 rolls around each year as it will tomorrow.


I visited SuzAnna's Antiques last weekend............lots 
of great green displayed in readiness for those 
smart thifters and antiques lovers who want 
to decorate for St. Patty's Day or any other day. Think 
Spring green - it's just around the corner too!



There's a green hat tucked in there, but the old 
leather boots grabbed my attention first.......perhaps 
they came on tired and anxious feet across the pond all 
those years back when so many Irish 
(including my husband's paternal grandparents from 
County Kerry) were immigrants to America.


The green damask linen tablecloth, old but never used, 
and just waiting to adorn someone's dinner table, was 
my favorite item.


Off to the parade downtown this morning - Irish Blessings to all.


Claudia - forgive me, just couldn't resist changing your party logo to green today!

Linking to Mockingbird Hill Cottage for our always fun 
A Favorite Thing Saturday party. I just bet there will be 
lots of glorious green being shared in honor of 
St. Patrick and the Irish.