15 years!

15 years ago today, I married my best friend. We met in January, were engaged just two weeks later and married 8 months after we met. It was a whirlwind romance with no common sense.
We just knew that we had to be together for always. We had our first three children immediately and had such joy being new and young parents. We have never spent a long time apart. The longest was while we were finishing building our home here on Bainbridge. I went down to stay with my dad for almost 3 weeks. We have been away from each other for more than 4 days, 3 times in 15 years. Even when we are apart for a day, we miss each other terribly. I am thankful for that. We argue, but never get too heated because it just makes us laugh. He's quiet,...I am too chatty, and yet somehow....we work...or maybe that is WHY we work. All I know is....wow we were young and I am so happy that I lucked out and got the best guy. He is loving, faithful, patient, hardworking and kind. Above all....he is the kindest person I know.
I love you Shane....

This weeks thrift find!

I collect a LOT of books, this we know. I have a full set of these books for myself. They are vintage Value Tales from the 70's. See a description HERE. I was thrifting yesterday at our local Goodwill and came across this set of Value Tales. First edition, like new condition...large.
I almost want to keep them for myself. My own set is a mix of used/slightly used/okay condition. Finding a like new condition is very rare. I listed them on Ebay last night, but then pulled them to list them individually on Amazon. Amazon charges quite a bit, something like 40% of the sale price, but I can charge more and the chance of selling them is better. We'll see how it goes. Some books in the series are worth more than others so this might be a more profitable way to go about it. I listed around 50 more books tonight and will then work on the rest of my listings throughout the weekend. Another idea I have, is slowly turning my store into a vintage book store that sells indie handmade crafts also. This way, I am not relying on my consignment percentages to run the store.
Lots to think about. What do you think?

Orthodontist- Trip two

I am really liking that we found this orthodontist in Seattle. Now we are able to take these mini trips together and see what we can find. Nathan was fitted with his spacers today. Little black bands that are fitted on his back molars to cause a little extra space for his braces. They will be put on August 12th. His mouth is already sore and he has to have them on longer than the standard week because of his upcoming 250 mile bike ride trip with his scout troop. Soon, he will have a mouth of metal!

As usual, we made a dash for the Goodwill Outlet. I found a Vintage Fisher Price cabin for .50.
I haven't decided whether or not I want to start reselling my finds. I know that Vintage Fisher price can go for quite a pretty penny, so we'll see. I ended up with quite a few things and ended up spending just 9.30. They charge you by the lb at the outlet. As I was leaving, I nearly lost my breath at the sight of this amazing painting. I thought it was for sale and at Goodwill outlet prices, maybe for under 10.00 even! I was so excited, I couldn't hardly contain myself and asked the closest Goodwill worker how much it was. Sadly, it belonged to a shopper. He pointed to a tall, shabby looking African American man. I approached him and asked him about the painting. Apparently he painted it! I asked him the price, 300.00! He wouldn't accept a check, just cash, so I gave him my info and I am really hoping that he will get a hold of me. I have a feeling that he might be homeless, although, how in the world could he create such a masterpiece?
Amazing Urban art, reflective of our city streets. I love/HAVE to have it. I offered to sell his art at my store. I really hope that he contacts me.
Once again...we RACED to Nathans ortho apt with seconds to spare. I always forget about traffic.
Afterwards, we hit the Goodwill NON outlet on our way to the ferry. I REALLY wanted this mirror below, but not for 39.99. I just can't justify spending that much on one item at a thrift store.
I did end up finding a great bike for Brennan for just 25.00 with a 20% off discount because the chain has a lag when you pedal. Minor fix. All in all, I spent 62.43 at Goodwill and walked away with tshirts for the boys (they like the random vintage ones), Vintage books (looked up the values and I estimate them at over 100.00), some care bears for Mae, sports gear and bike gear.


Great day, but I am happy to be home. I am battling the flu right now and todays adventure might set me back, but it was worth it!

Mae...future ARTISTE!

See the above art piece? Visual poetry, yours for 45.00. Well...Mae decided she could create her own work of art below for free!
Voila.....Zee puppy in zee cage....
I'm thinking I should auction this off on Ebay as "Indie Craft art". Seriously though, I did entertain the thought of stuffed animals in cages as some sort of funky art .
Ps- I could never figure out how to get the bottom off the cage. Wouldn't you know it...it took Mae no time at all. Gotta love toddlers and their ingenious plans!

FLORA comes to town!

One of my close friends moved away 4 years ago? A long time ago. She and I have kept up our correspondence via email and she FINALLY came for a visit this past week. I was in tears on Sunday when my kids returned home from church and let me know that they were there.
Not only were they at church, they were at Pioneer Day, which we had to miss because of the Blue Grass Festival. I knew she was coming some time this month, but this has been such a busy month, it slipped my mind. I thought she was long gone, but today she surprised me by showing up at the store. Yay for Flora! I miss her and her sweet family so much.

Vintage Strawberry Shortcake~ Swoon

The above photo would have been MUCH cuter, but my husband made me crop, and crop and CROP so you couldn't see his special whities. FYI, at the bottom of the photo is an immense pile of dolls and clothing. I just adore the expression on Mae's face. Sheer delightment with her daddy. I love my husband...swoon...On to the story..



As Mae gets older, it is harder and harder to find sweet, modest, educational toys. I played with Barbies until I was about 13 and although, they were lots of fun, I find myself not ready to allow her to play with them. Not only does it make me cringe that they are plasticy fakeness, in all areas of Barbidom, but she doesn't represent a "typical" body type and is all about fashion and romance. Anyhow...not an ideal role model for a young girl. Bring in Strawberry Shortcake. I played with these in kindergarten and just adored them. It doesn't hurt that they have some really adorable vintage childrens books with good morals about Strawberry Shortcake herself.
I went on Ebay and won about 5 of these little sweet girls for under 20$. Mae just adores them. Sure, they are plastic, but I figure since they are so modest and sweet, I can overlook that fact.
She enjoys taking their clothes off more than putting them on and this is yet another reason why I am so happy that she does not have a Barbie at this point in life.

She insists that daddy and I play dolls with her all the time and we are more than happy to oblige. We sure adore this whole little girl phase and encourage every little bit of role playing.
Look below to see some great close ups of these sweet dolls that encourage imaginative play.
Did you ever have one yourself? What were your favorite dolls growing up?

EMP

Having a membership to the EMP pays off in more ways than one. Although, I don't care for the place, the kids have a blast and we have an excuse to come into Seattle more often.
Mae had so much fun on the instruments and told us that all she wants for Christmas are instruments, LOTS of instruments.


Ps- During our voyage through The Supremes fashion exhibit, we were accosted not once but twice by the EMP security. The first time for having a toddler browse the area without shoes....ooohheee, big scandal. The second, for daring to put Mae on her daddys shoulders. Seriously people...pick your battles. It was pretty funny when Shane commented under his breath " what would they do if I were 2 ft taller then?".
nBeing without Myron and Nathan was strange, but it was nice for Rylan to be included in the jam room this time. :)



Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!