Trash Day Thursday-Deep In The Heart of Texas

Since we're all getting back from Warrenton and Round Top, I thought I would do a Texas trash day. No, not everything really came from Texas, but it looks like it could.

This is a painting by Barbara Bilberry dated 1978. It just had a Texas landscape look to me.

This is a pair of silver pierced earring, never worn, with an Indian feel and look. Not the best photo I have ever taken.

Here's a better look at them. The book is a complete Texas history lesson for all those wannabee Texans to educate themselves before they come on down. You can't be a real Texas cowboy without a rodeo buckle bigger than your I.Q. That's just standard equipment.

Now I know you are asking yourself, what the heck is a camel doing with Texas stuff. Well, for your information, camels were brought to Texas in 1856 to use kinda like pack mules because parts of the state can get mighty dry. You can read all about it in the Texas history book. This little guy is made out of leather and is stuffed with horsehair(I think) or excelsior. He has a little damage, but is purty durn cute. The necklace is made from safety pins like the little baskets you see. I thought it looked like a squash blossom necklace. The little shell box could have came from Galveston or Corpus, couldn't it? The train case is for your curlers and stuff so you too can have some big ol' Texas hair. You just can't go to the grocery store without full makeup and your hair done!

But this is the greatest thing. I just bought this game and I don't think it's even been played with. C'mon y'all, let's all Go To Texas! Yee Haw! It's kinda like Monopoly with a Texas Twister.

Check it out. Oh yeah, baby. We got the Republic of Texas money, exotic locations, oil wells, longhorns, everything Texan. What do you say we git on down to the Broken Spoke for a cold Lone Star and a little Texas Two Stepping or Cotton Eye Joe? Your choice.

Speaking of exotic locations, how about a stay at The Round Top Inn. Check out the sleeping accommodations. Ok, even for Texas, that's just weird.

Aren't these the cutest playing pieces. You too can be an oil or cattle baron. Remember the Alamo!

If I were a scrapper what I could do with all of this, but sadly, no talent.

Some of these locations are going to send folks to their maps to see if the names are for real. Guess what? They are. I just wish they had included some of my favorites like Cut and Shoot, Frog Knot and Tickey Creek(that's where my daddy was born).

If you see anything you are interested in, just leave a comment and I will get back with you. I'll close with the words of Cat Daddy "Shoot low Sheriff, she's riding a Shetland".

Magic Time Machine

Remember me? My name is Punkie. Debbie introduced us a few posts back and I'd like to take you around my new show this year at Warrenton. I'm just over the r-o-o-o-f that I get to show you my doghouse, I mean show tent.

Welcome to Punkie's. I keep trying to get these darn pink birds to play chase with me, but no go. How do you like my trees in the back? That's some pink bark, huh?

This is my pet person, Diane with my really good friend Nell. They, along with Donna, did most of the leg work. My job was just to be cute. I do this really, really well.

I'm not really sure why this man is wearing a tutu. Diane said something about him getting in touch with his feminine side. I think he looks a little ruff myself.

Debbie gave Nell this cute chip'ndip bowl. I thought it was for me. You know, water in the middle and food on the outside. Oh well, it's still grr-eat. Follow me, I'll take you to the pup tent now, where you can unleash yourself and scratch that shopping itch.

My ladies are really into mid-century modern and retro. I think they may have collared the market. Is that what is called a tiki-taki bar? I don't know a lot about bars, except maybe the ones on my kennel. I once knew a St. Bernard who had a whiskey barrel around his neck. But if I was going to drink, it would just have to be champagne. I'm french, you know.

That's my dressing room. Diane likes to change my costumes often, but I'll let you borrow it if you promise to bring it back. TEE HEE! I'm so funny I make myself laugh. But really, if you see something you'd like to try on, feel free to do so. I won't peek.

I hope this isn't a long lost relative. He sure has lots of coats for grooming. It's just like a flea ring circus around here and I ain't woofing.

This is just like living in a fun house. I'll be so sorry for the show to come to an end. I love all the bright colors, vintage clothes, groovy furniture and people petting me. A girl loves to hear how pretty she is and to know she is pupular.

That's my friend Donna on the right and my psychedelic friend, Heidi on the left, I think. I have a hard time telling my left paw from my right paw or maybe that's south paw. Anyway, my Diane worked really hard with Donna, Nell and Cathy to make this show a success. But between you and me, they just couldn't have done it without me. I really dig making the hippie scene.

Hippie chick Donna said her dogs were barking at the end of the day. Do you think that was aimed at me? I wasn't making a sound. How do you like tripping back in time. Wasn't it fun? Wait until the spring and see what I have planned. It'll be a hoot, I mean a howl!

Well, I thank you for stopping by and I really do appreciate it, but I'm just so doggone dog-tired, I think I need a little catnap. Oh, I can't believe I said that. You know I meant a puppy break.

Eyes Wide Open And Mouth Wide Shut

The title says it all. Except for brief introductions(which neither need), I am going to keep my ramblings to myself. I think perfection should be viewed in silence. First is Country Gardens owned by Gina and Allen. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't know them and Gina's fantastic collections of vintage ornaments. Take a look and lose yourself in the serenity and beauty that follows.

This is Willow Nest, Linda and Ludmil's inspirational spot in Zapp Hall. They, unless one has been living under a rock, are known by just about everybody. Breathe, exhale and enjoy.

I hope y'all appreciate how hard that was for me. Don't expect it from my last post of Warrenton coming later.

They Work Hard For The Money

I'd like to start this post at Zapp Hall with just a little background info. Normally, Cat Daddy & I do this show, but we were not able to this year, bummer. Zapp is located in downtown Warrenton along with many other shows. We're partial to this one because of our friends and extended family there. It's where we like to hang. There is always a party to be found at Zapp.Bill, Patsy, and Richard have a tent at Zapp. We're lucky to have them as friends. Isn't she just the tiniest of things? (And Bill, you're a cutie patootie, too.)

Again, unless you do the outdoor shows, you can't truly understand how much work goes into getting an end result like this. There is also a great deal of risk involved from weather damage. The wind alone can wreak havoc.

There are tons of boxes to unpack and a lot of layering. The guys and Patsy have it down to an art.

I am crazy about anything with little drawers in it. Look at all these wonderful pieces.

Baby Sister was checking everything out. To find this quality of furniture requires a great deal of time and energy.

This is Richard and Patsy vogueing for the camera. Say goodbye, y'all. Come back and see us, you hear? I am going to get on my soap box again right now. We're going to walk over to another field and I think I feel a lecture coming on. For those of you already in this business, you may be excused for a potty break. The porta-potties are on your right. For those of you who aren't or are thinking about getting into this as a profitable business, I'm going to share some of my wisdom.(But, only a little-I don't have a lot to spare) This is fun to do but it is hard, back breaking work as well, if done right. You have to scour the country side looking for unique, one of a kind items, sometimes coming home empty. A lot of folks think the main place to shop is garage sales, but those days are long gone. Oh, you may find a great treasure once in a while, but its mainly baby clothes and exercise equipment. For my time and gas, a garage sale just ain't worth it. You've got to be willing to pay for really good stuff and hope your instincts are right about what you can sell it for. Presentation is everything. You've got to be willing to build a store in the middle of nothing from the dirt up, knowing it's going to sell and then build it again, only different. You've got to smile sweetly when someone asks why it's so high in price when they think you dug it out of the trash. You've got to be able to cope with wind, rain, heat, cold and rude shoppers and never lose your cool. For an example, take a look at the next set-up. This is Gloria, The Sweet Pea Collection, who I've done a previous post on. Look at the merchandising, details, and dedication that went into creating this look.

She, like most of the dealers who set during Antique Week, spends six months getting prepared for this show. This she does in addition to running a shop. A plan is laid out and things are purchased to make this plan happen. You really don't think this comes from a garage sale or a dumpster, do you? Everyone I know works this hard to make their spots beautiful and inviting.

This was my favorite of all her bedding. The embellishments are to die for. She hand selects all her chairs and sofas for custom upholstery work, then coordinates the fabric choices. It's like art.

Gloria has the most gorgeous florals, botanicals, and arrangements.

Lush, lush, sweet Charlotte! Even though it doesn't look like it, this is in a field. This is what I mean about building a store. I hope I didn't upset or offend anyone with my ravings, it's just I think the vendors of all these shows who work this hard and put so much effort in their presentations, deserve a standing ovation for their efforts. I'll end this post by saying in spite of the work, it is worth it because for every one grouch you'll encounter, you'll meet ten sweeties. You are going to make some wonderful new friends and you'll never look back with regrets.(except maybe that one steal you let get away!)

You Gotta Have Friends

I wanted you all to see Theresa's booth. I know she won't toot her own horn, so I'm going to do it for her. It is simply beautiful. She can pack a booth like nobody I know. Not an inch of space wasted on something tacky. She hand selects all her merchandise and it shows. I could spend forever there looking for a treasure and finding it.

Isn't this just to die for? I'm sorry for those who did not get to attend to see the lengths she goes to for a presentation.

Zapp Hall or bust, Baby!

There was only one thing I found at the show that I wanted for myself and it was this beauty. Theresa presented me this lovely lady as a gift and I was thrilled. See, when it's a gift then I don't have to sell it. You can't sell a gift, right? She really is one of the sweetest people on God's green earth. I luv ya, Miss T.

Next up is Richard and his mom, Joann's, tent. If you haven't met them, let me just say, well bless your heart. Richard is, in my book, King of Zapp and I don't know of anyone who would disagree with me. So I guess that makes Joann, Her Royal Highness. They have a shop in Garland, TX by the name of Alston's Old Homeplace, which I have a link to. Richard stepped out of the shot just as I was taking aim, but not ol' Cat Daddy. BTW, that is his happy face.

Meet Joann. Isn't she just the cutest. Look at that smile-pure mischief. If you were there, you would be sure to try and steal a hug, but she gives them away. Below are more shots of their tent.

All kidding aside, I can't stress enough how much work and thought goes into planning an event like this-all for the shoppers pleasure.

I'll not say anything, just let you look at how pretty this is.

Looks real, huh?

I loved this display. I don't know if you can tell from my photo, but this piece has a roll top and it is ginormous. Great work, you two.

We managed to slip off from Zapp and went down the road to see Mel and Brian from Seedbox Antiques. They had already sold a lot of their bigger pieces by the time we got there on Saturday. Great people from the great state of Missouri.

Ah! The windmills of my mind. I'd love to own that if I had a wall and ceiling tall enough to display it on.

I'm going to stop right here and apologize to those I took photos of but lost somehow in translation. I don't know what I did wrong. I came home, but the photos didn't. I'll post more later for your viewing pleasure.