Strange Times and Random Notes

Our church reopened, and it was different due to taped off sections on the pews, masks worn by those in attendance, and no handshakes or hugs. But the hymns, Bible readings, and sermon message were good for the soul.


Spending quiet times t0 paint 

Art Journal Page

Thin Art Panel

Appreciating collected pieces that I've had for years

Butter pats and baskets were probably my first collections.

Appreciating nature

The bird seed I put out gets eaten sometimes by hungry squirrels. Recently I added some fake animals to the rolling cart - snail, rabbit, and squirrel.

Enjoying simple home decor

 This concrete planter holds a lot of loose photos.

 This little art piece was bought in a shop in Texas. 

Have a safe and peaceful week.

Collecting Art

I never tire of the art I have collected over the years.

I only wish I had started earlier.

 Scattered here and there throughout the house these art pieces are familiar sights that bring continuous enjoyment.

I have others,

but

these 

are 

enough

for tonight.

Sunday Snippets

 

I added a little accessory to my desk...this small brass basket. It was dark and dingy when I bought it for a dollar. Now it glistens ready to hold rubber bands, paper clips, or stamps. 

 

The other small brass basket I've had for years. Now I'm on the lookout for that third one. 

 

 

In the new Flea Market Style magazine Ki Nassauer has this question on the editorial page, "What is a collection?" She writes,

"Some folks say it's at least three of an item, while others say it's five or more. I think you have a collection when you absolutely, positively know you want more of a certain thing, whether it's vintage ironstone or old canning jars. It's when just one simply won't do." 

 

 

Today I may have spurred a little one toward the collecting bug. Instead of a bow I attached a set of keys to his birthday gift.

 

 

 

I added this small volume to my book collection. Loved it! It makes you think about family and the chances we miss. 

 I'm not going to miss this chance to say thank you for coming by Bits and Pieces. I'm happy that you were here.

Addicted

I think I now have an addiction to inexpensive forgotten treasures. These finds usually turn up at antique malls, thrift stores, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and yard sales.

The little standing lamb was too sweet to leave behind. With three lambs I have the start of a collection. Actually I think I have a few more packed away with Christmas boxes. 

This dark wood plate I debated about in my mind, but the quote by Helen Keller was the deciding factor. Also liked the tree and bench in the scene.

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller 

The horse clock continues to run, and I am getting used to it on the wall.

These two prints I have had since the  1970's. I never tire of the storefront or the bookstore.

I am reading a good book that I don't want to end. It's a story of enduring friendship. 

I have another Kristin Hannah book to read after this one. I'm also pouring over the pages inside this Country Living decorating book.  

Autumn days are meant to be enjoyed so let's you and I remember to take the time to savor the sights, smells, and activities of fall.    

Random Roundup

collecting tray over in the studio

collection of cups, forks, and spoons

old chain around a limb

late afternoon sunshine

early fall leaf

metal garden basket creature

lazy vintage cat

Sometimes I grab the camera and have fun taking images. Hope you enjoy this random collection.

Favorite Things

I'm afraid I have far too many. That's why I'm able to find goodies at antique malls and thrift stores. I like a lot of different things as you can tell from this list.

baskets

crocks

butter pats

cups and saucers

creamers

wooden miniature houses

books

bookmarks

old letters

birdhouses

cloches

bowls

pitchers

oil paintings

scissor cuts

hearts

candlesticks

plates and platters

schoolhouses

children figurines

sculptures

old keys

cookie cutters

vintage children's blocks

old croquet balls

garden statues

Easter eggs

Christmas ornaments

etc.

'cause I'm sure I forgot some.

Oh, yeah, baby cups, miniature chairs, postcards. . . gee, I didn't realize how many favorite things I collect. I'm sure in future posts you'll be seeing more of the stuff that's gathering dust around here. Hope you are like me and enjoy seeing other people's personal treasures and how they decorate with them. Thanks for being here.

Sandy

Collecting

I think collecting is a pleasant pastime. Since I've been at it for years my collections are more or less finished(well, almost...still looking...can't help myself ). For as long as I can remember my mom has always had cups and saucers... a few sat on top of the upright piano we had for my early piano lessons(one of my biggest regrets later in life... stopping those lessons). She gathered more and more over the years, but many of hers I didn't like at all. In fact, for a long time I didn't understand why she collected cups and saucers...until one day I spied a cup and saucer that fascinated me due to its colors and pattern. It was made in Occupied Japan. Upon closer inspection it even had a tiny chip on one side of the cup. But I loved the delicate flowers, brought my first cup and saucer home, and was hooked! Now I have a deeper appreciation of my mother's collection. Not too long ago she wanted me to chose some from her collection. I acquired some lovely ones...all the lovelier because they came from Mom.

Sentimental Hearts

I guess you can tell from recent posts that I'm fond of hearts. Some were given to me, and others were purchased at antique and gift shops. A particular caption in my senior high school yearbook started it all. A friend borrowed a line from Shakespeare and changed it to "Her heart is ever at your service." Since that time I have been a collector of hearts. . .brass, glass, porcelain, ceramic, wood, stone. It's a collection that has sentimental value.

At Last

How nice to put that last quarter on the map! Finally Hawaii turned up in some loose change I had in my purse after shopping yesterday for groceries and a baby shower gift. I started collecting this set of quarters while I was still teaching third graders about our country and the fifty states. A whole lot of things happened between 1999 and 2008. Oh, my. . . the years certainly seem to be speeding by at an alarming rate. Here it is the last day of January 2009. . . thirty-one days already gone in this new year. This is why I'm glad I record in a journal. Too many days would be forgotten if I didn't write about them.

Collecting

One of my very first collections was butter pats. It happened like this. I had stopped at an antique sale near Martin, Tennessee. The lady was selling a few large pieces from her home. In a wonderful country kitchen there was a slender shelf unit that held a huge collection of butter pats. . . row upon row of these little beauties. I had never seen anything like it. I was hooked from that day forward. Finding pretty butter pats became my mission. It proved to be harder than I had imagined. Condition, price, colors, and patterns had to be taken into account. I was also very picky. . . only certain ones passed that test all collectors know -"Must have it! It's too special to leave behind." Then, too, I preferred the ones made in England. Later came the arrival of eBay with other wonderful choices. My small collection of butter pats has brought me years of pleasure. I love looking at them!

My space for collectibles is just about full, but I wish you

HAPPY COLLECTING!

Sandy