New "old" find...

For the life of me, I cannot understand how someones hundred plus year old family album can end up outside of the family, and in the home of a stranger.

I was at a new antique store full of new vendors that opened in Monroe. So many treasures, and the prices were not bad.

Then I saw this old album, in a gold worn mohair cover, made to stand up on a frame and when unlatched, opens in a really lovely way. It has raised decorative initials on the front...and is full of some ones old family pictures.

And then you open it, and the family history of someone I don't know, literally unfolds in front of me...

The names shown are the photography studios in Vermont and Maine...and here they end up in Washington State...

Oh, this is when you only could wish to know the stories that go with these folks of so long ago. Who are they, where were they born, what were their lives like, what is the story of their lives?

I doubt if I will ever know...

Jan

How cool is this...The Pink Geranium "vintage" business card!

As I was browsing through some of moms things, guess what I came across?  

What a special treasure to me, personally...

This is the only business card I have found for Gloria's old brick and mortar consignment store, the Pink Geranium.

Though the store in Issaquah is long gone, the Pink Geranium lives on here in my blog. 

I was going through her record books from the early 1970's and see it was an act of love and not money that was her motive. The entries are all hand written, sold and consigned items, her debit and credit columns all hand written, with receipts attached with a paper clip on those pages.

The early 70's was a "hippie" influenced period, and I was in my 20's. Being creative was part of that era as well, as I am sure many of you in my age group are have a flashback of memory to that period too.

I remember a Hippie type crocheted shawl I made, and sold through the shop on consignment, kind of like this...

What is funny is I really was shocked when it sold it, that is my memory!

This sign hung on the wall outside the shop.

It's a shame I have not found any pictures of the shop itself, as that would have been so cool to see now. If we had the kind of digital camera's we have now, ...well, we would of had plenty of pictures.

After looking at the books, I don't know how she made any money.
I believe having her own shop may have been something she always wanted to do, and if we had the online options then that we have now, well that is where she would be selling her stuff.


Now.....another treasure from her family.

I thought I would show some other family treasures that live on with me...in my home I mean.

My great grandparents dining room chairs. I remember thew chairs when we went to my grandmas house when I was a kid.

My mom used to tell me she could still see in her minds eye, her "gramps" sitting in his armchair. I am fortunate to have the 4 chairs. For  awhile some of them were up at the family cabin, and I brought them home when the cabin was sold.

      The fabric is still the fabric my grandma put on them, I kind of like it so I have not stripped the chairs or reupholstered them.

 I did see the same chairs that had been stripped and -re-stained with new upholstery, at an antique store in Snohomish...they looked really nice and wanted a chunk of change for them!

What is pretty funny is I did not notice until recently that one chair is different... but has been with the 3 that "match"  for like...forever!

Thanks for taking the time to go back in history with me...it always makes me feel connected to my family's past.

Jan

Linking with:

Tweak It Tuesday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

It's Party Time

Knick Of Time Tuesday

Asking for prayer for my neighbor...

This is not my usual kind of post...

I am fortunate to have a wonderful neighbor, who has been a blessing to my household for the 19 years we have lived here.

We watched her kids grow up and get married, we took care of each others horses and critters when one of us went on vacation.

 My neighbor "L", has been a leader in the County 4-H program, and had her own farm full of various critters, including goats and horses.

For the last year or so she has been fighting an agressive cancer. She has a love of antiques, her living room is a testimony to that!  She is also a quilter, who has been making quilts as her therapy during this time.

For me, other then by being as good a neighbor as I can, I feel so helpless... other then to pray for her and her family.

Since I believe in prayer and a loving God who answers prayer, I ask for you to join me in prayer for L.

I have been told the prognosis is not good...but until God takes her home, I pray for a miraculous healing.

And if he chooses to take her home, I pray he takes away the pain of the cancer at this time, and comforts her, and her family.

She is a wife, a mother and a grandmother,  and a good friend and neighbor...

I appreciate your prayers joining with mine for L.

Hugs,

Jan

Vintage Perfume Bottles...

As I was straightening up my closet, I found my mom's vintage perfume bottles.  Oh just getting them out, and the smell of the light perfume scent remaining in them...well it just makes me feel like I am looking at then with mom here with me.

I love how when she left us, she had everything somewhat organized. The box was noted, and the bottles were all together and wrapped in tissue.... 

I am sure I will find a way to display them, for now I am just enjoying them. I have some favorites like this very art deco one...

And this blue one is just so lovely...

And this crystal type one with the "wow" big flower stopper...those were the days!

 It makes me think of Hollywood in the old days, and those great old Hollywood movie classics...

And this last picture just screams Art Deco period of 30's and 40's...at least to me it does...

The last bottle is the one that she had on her dresser when she left us, and though not vintage, very special...

Thanks for taking the time to reminisce with me today! 

And welcome new blogger friends from "Grow Your Blog" I will come visit you too!

Jan


Also linking to:

Three Mango Seeds

Treasure Hunt Thursday

Tweak It Tuesday

Primp Your Stuff

Wow Us Wednesdays

Cottage Style Party

Share Your Cup Thursday