Message to me...hang in there.

For those of you that don't know me, first time readers, welcome back friends, etc, I have been in the antiques business almost my hole adult life. I went from a dealer in a pantry size closet, to a small room, to a dingy basement, to my shop off the highway and last to my dream, a shop and home combo out in the country. It's been quite a journey, one of struggle, joy, faith, ups and downs, uncertainty, conviction...you name it. The move took a lot out of me. The logistics of moving an over 3000sf shop into a 1200sf seem daunting but we did it. Moving my home to the new place was something else, a collectors-hoarder home is not an easy thing to pack. We decided to keep the older home a bit longer so we went ahead and rent it. I drove around the other day and my heart just sank. Gone are my fruit trees, my grass, all my plants. The pretty bushes in front of the bay window stand as trees since they have not been trim at all. I don't even want to think about the inside, so we know coming October we will be redoing a lot. We will put the house on the market then. Then my business and my new location...I underestimated what moving to the countryside will do to it. My sales are down, way down. We are so used to doing really well. I invested everything in this, and by that I mean everything. Just like any other investor you go for it. I'm taking the challenge head on. I believe we talked faith but when the opportunity arises for your faith to be tested we run away from it, we hide, we get depressed...all of these are very valid reactions, if you are not me. I believed in doing the walk if you do the talk. Life is one of seasons. Everyhting passes, we don't stay still forever. The only constant in our lives as believers is our trust in the fact that God have our back, actually, He got our everything. The gas prices are high, not enough money, husband is stressed out, I give it all to God, He is able and He can handled it better than I possibly could. I was witnessing to a friend and she was asking me what my plans are going to be. I have none. I will continue to do what I do, I will not try to change the things I can't change. I only know to work hard and to let God do. He got me this far, He will continue to give me grace, wisdom, joy and whatever I need to fulfill His will. God has changed my prayer to "Your will will be done..." so I leave it at that and whatever the outcome we will be fine. To God be the glory!

   

Just for fun, I redo my blue room in the store. Hope you like. Blessings, Marta.

 

I love to play...with bears!

Remember I talked about my" bear hotel "? Well, I'm ready to show you exactly what I was talking about. First, I want to introduce you to my menagerie.

                           The nerd. he is the keeper of  my camera and antique binocular  collection.

                                                          This one likes pins.

      I just got him last week. He is made of wool and he is very hard since his inside is full of sawdust.

 He is a stuffy one too. Somebody wanted him for her "dog collection". I have to informed her he is not a dog.

                           The queen. She is scruffy and sweet. I got her the longest, about 20 years.

                                                                Check out her crown.

                                                              She is quite a scholar too.

                               Now, may introduce to you my "bear hotel"? Under construction...

This are the little ones. They were all over the place and I decided to give them a more prominent spot.

                                                       The "bear hotel" , all finished.

 Everybody got their own little room. I love how it turn out and have so much fun putting it together.

 Every single pocket have a different decor. I loved it, but you know who loves it more? JUJU, he was in time out twice today. I might have to find a spot to hang it higher, unless I want some on my bears to die at Juju's arms.

 I decided to allow my bear collection to occupied the hallway by the guest room and office.

 I have one corner cabinet that I'm still working on, full of bears of course. I have more in the store and they are for display only, bears are one of the things that I have collected for years and have never gotten tire of.

Thanks for BEARing with me through the bear tour. Blessings, Marta.

I love to play

I just experienced the most amazing weekend of shopping. I found so many treasures for very affordable prices. We came home with a truck full of goodies, no furniture, just little treasures. I'm posting early for White Wednesday and I hope I get a lot of visits from you guys. I decided to dress the girl. I found the bustier for 2.00 many years ago and of course she gets to keep the pretty hat. 

           Two of the newer pillows that I added to my family room decor.

  

                

                                                                   Weekend finds.

Ironstone and kitchen utensils I found this weekend too. The utensils are marked 1923.

I got a red lid for the Tom's jar, just added the clear to match my decor. That is my 4th full jar of white buttons. This are more common buttons.

I found this beautiful basket at crafters corner in Copperas Cove.  The victorian umbrella I found in Roundtop.

I was taking pictures and Juju decided he wanted to model for me. I could not get him off the couch so I decided to go ahead since he matches the stuff so much.

I really got the best dog in the world. He has gotten so good at his potty training. He is a mess with his toys. It is like having a two year old messing up your house.

                                    Another cute bear for my collection and more trinkets from my buys.

                                  Can a woman ever have too much bling? I don't think so.

Last for today, my ironstone pitcher. It is huge, no chips or damage, 10.00 bucks, SCORE!

I just finished creating a " bear hotel ". You will understand when I show you in my next post. It is amazing how much you get done when the phone doesn't ring all day. i can really use more days like today. Blessings, Marta.