Poem by Angie Nistler...

The Bed Swing

Chained between two oak trees

On a wooded bank
There is a special place
Overlooking handy Hank's

It is a family treasure
The stories all run deep
All those years of fun
Are memories to keep

The joy that it provided us
Lasted nearly 30 years
From times of soothing comfort
To those that caused some tears

With hurt, stress or fear
When trouble comes my way
This place is in my heart
To this very day

It is the fondest time
Of my childhood
Returning to that time
Thinking that I could

It always drew me back
To get another look
Holding on real tight
Like a sturdy hook

The day I did return
To see if it was there
Noticing it wasn't
Decided that I dare

Reaching toward the chain
Grown into the tree
Needing just a touch
A piece falling free

Tightly in my hand
Lied a rusty piece
Of that lasting memory
Of times that will not cease

On this cool autumn day
It seemed meant to be
The memories would hold
in this lock without a key

Of those happy times
That will always give a ring
Of laughter fun and peace.....On the Bed Swing....

Container Gardening in Junk Pots!

Check out this upcoming event in Minneapolis. I plan to attend after being told about it by a friend. I'm signed up for the class - "Container Gardening in Junk Pots". I know nothing on this topic as of now, but watch for an update after the weekend!

http://www.aajms.com/

Launching Vintage Stalkers Etsy Store

Stalkers? It's not a bad word when it comes to locating that perfect vintage piece.

There are a couple of definitions which are: someone who walks with long stiff strides or someone who stalks wild game or yet another one is someone who prowls and sneaks about. I prefer....gals who are browsing at junk shops in a relaxed manner while on the prowl for awesome vintage finds. No worries...there is enough to go around for everybody. Look at what people throw out these days. We just happen to have an eye for the good stuff and for the current trends in vintage. Plus we are saving these items from the landfill and creating a new use for them.


'wire egg basket'


So, since we are doing this vintage stalking anyway we decided to set up shop and sell some of our wonderful finds. The sisters have been at this for years and like I mentioned in a previous post it is in our DNA strand structure. We all have our own styles of what we like...I happen to love vintage ski items, old books and funky containers. When I am out scouting around I pick what appeals to me be it a color, a particular material or something nostalgic that brings back memories.


'some of my favorite books'


That is what it is all about. Sure there are plenty of places you can find "new" items that are made to look old but we think it is more fun to find the "real old stuff". There is always something out there from the past that was made so well and still has life in it. It may show signs of wear and tear, have rust all over it or have dents and dings but that is what makes it look so awesome.

Let us....vintage stalkers be your personal pickers for funky and fun items. You don't have to do the work! We will help those lost vintage items find a new life in your home! You can find a new purpose for an old item.....


'tile made in England'


So...take a minute and check out our new shop...and check back often since you never know what we will find!

Until next time......

Branigan Weavers Tweed Irish Teddy Bear

Please use your imagination and think...."Irish Accent"



Failte! My name is Kevin the Irish Tweed Teddy Bear and I immigrated to the United States from Drogheda which is in County Louth Ireland. I come from a wonderful place called Branigan Weavers where they take great care in creating woven capes, blankets and other woolen wonders like me!

My new house mate visited Ireland but did not stop in my town and I asked "Why?" Her excuse was that she and her sister only had two weeks for their trip and they wanted to see as much of Ireland as possible. She was sorry they missed my region but she did say that they managed to drive all the way around the entire island without killing each other...which I didn't quite understand being a loving and carefree teddy bear and all.

I told my house mate that the next time she is in Ireland she better high tail it up to Drogheda because there are many wonderful things to see and do. They missed seeing the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center and Newgrange tomb which dates back to 2900 B.C. meaning it is 5,000 years old (500 years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza). What were they thinking when they missed that wonderful gem? My head is full of stuffing and I even figured that one out!

She promised she would stop there next time. In 2012 they are having a celebration in Belfast which will commemorate the building of the Titanic in their city. The Titanic set sail from Belfast on April 10th 1912 and if you know anything about history you know the fate of her voyage. Anyway, if she can make it to Ireland again she said she will swing by Drogheda....I hope she does.

Just between you guys and me....I think they were in the pubs drinking a bit of that wonderful brew that we all know and love!



P.S. You might not hear from me again as a guest blogger since my housemate might be upset that I gave away what they were REALLY doing in Ireland!

P.S.S. Do the words Bushmill's Distillery have any meaning? see I told ya...they were a little distracted....I won't say another word...



P.S.S.S. I know I am pink and my name is Kevin...I just want you to know I am ok with my feminine side! It is 2010 people!

So long....Kevin

Hovland Lumber Mora, Minnesota

I just recently took a trip up to Minnesota to visit family and relatives. I ended up skiing the 42 km race while I was home. I skied with my sister Ang. The following day, I spent some time up at my cabin and then went to retrieve my Blash Ash paneling that was stored out at Hovland Lumber. It turned out real nice. I have always been attracted to black and white ash, especially when it's planed. The grain is really beautiful on the boards. I hope to do some wainscoting or put it up on the ceilings. There is only 484 board feet so It won't go to far but just to get some wood that came off of your land is pretty cool. Well, it's still stored in Minnesota now so we'll see how long it takes to actually get to Colorado.
Hovland lumber has been around for a long time. I spent a lot of time there when I was younger. The mill has gotten bigger and they have added some other components to the mill, namely the planer and edger. This tooling has made it possible for Eric and Einar to make tongue and groove paneling. After talking to Einar Hovland last week, the business has been slow because of the housing slump. This affects business owner's in small towns like Mora Minnesota. Hopefully the economy will rebound and business will increase in the next few months. If you need paneling, rough boards building supplies, or specialty pieces (Bar counters), Hovland Lumber is the place to go for all your lumber needs.

Black Ash Species

Logged by Steve Kerr Logging
Milled by Hovland Lumber hovland@izoom.net

Already February of 2010...Is Anybody Out There?

Time is flying by as usual. I figured the Etsy shops might be slow but it has been super slow motion lately. Valentine's Day has come and gone. Not many people are buying. I was wondering if it was either paying off the Christmas bills, the infamous TAX TIME, or just the economy in general. I am hoping that it picks up sometime real soon. I have been stocking up the shop even though there seems to be no one buying. Hard to motivate to make things but we should keep on going regardless!

I have listed a few cotton crocheted bowls in my shop which are kind of different and fun. I have been thinking about some new ideas. I don't know what they are yet but I will keep you posted if something new comes up! This might be the perfect time to figure it out!

Here is a photo of the cotton bowl in a natural color...





And a super bright green!





Using a different fiber and crocheting instead of knitting has been kind of fun!
100% cotton is wonderful to work with and I might do more things with it...


Anyway...not much more for now! Keep creating and let's hope there is a jump start in the economy real soon!

Until next time....Anne

DISCOVERY! Scientists Isolate the "Vintage Gene" after studying the Johnstone Clan....

Vintage=the endless pursuit of going through thrift shops, junk stores, antique stores (not the tidy and clean ones), consignment shops, pole barns owned by the local eccentrics who know their junk (the messier the better), yard sales, garage sales, estate sales, auctions...repeat, repeat, repeat!

To find the good stuff you have to put in the effort and do some 'diggin'. I come from a line of "Vintage People". It is funny how this term makes all of the 'rooting around in junk' sound so much better! We aren't hoarders....we are 'Vintage Collectors'. Sounds so sophisticated doesn't it? Lucky for me I have received a lot of my vintage goodies without any of the dirty work.

When I was a youngster we used to stop by the local flea market near our lake cabin. If we were lucky we got to "stop for just a minute" after our Sunday ritual of church in Motley Minnesota. I have a confession...I am so sorry for I have sinned....ding a ling a ling....I was thinking about the darn 'flea market' the whole time I was in church. Sorry Mom. It is all Dad's fault!

At the time I don't think my Mom was that into it but we all loved it! We would get a dollar or so and we could search around for a good find. In my last post I was wondering how my son got into vintage...hmmmmmm....that is a good one. Ya don't have to be a 'rocket scientist' to figure that one out.

Eventually my Mom came around and a let me tell you, she has an eye for the really good stuff. I often thought she should have been an interior decorator or a fashion designer!

Check out the latest Vogue Magazine and read their review on the up and coming vintage clothing collector...Jean Johnstone! The gal with killer instincts for high end vintage fashion. Don't get in her way at your local thrift store. She is ruthless when it comes to finding the top end labels for her daughters....watch out for her...Can you imagine her at a Paris resale shop?

Here are some fun vintage gems! Awesome!

Do you notice a pattern here?

Jim's Cebe goggles from his younger days.....

Mother in Laws actual ski boots.....Priceless!


Mother in Laws actual runner sled....Priceless!

Kids ski boots given to us from a friend. (they were going to throw them out) Blasphemy!

My growing Skier Figurine collection from my Mom!

Handknit Mittens from Margie! Great find!

Vintage Ski Sweater that Kathy got me....isn't it cute?

And a few more goodies...

Book from Dad...

Sewing machine...found...I am not telling where!

Doll house Mom found at a garage sale for $5 bucks I believe...worth about $150.00 in antique store!

Poster Tess gave to me a couple years ago because of our addiction to fiber arts!

Dad's sweater...yes, they gave it to me...I guess he hadn't worn it in a while. I think he had someone make it for him. Classic!

Ok....I could add a ton more...but we want to hear about your "vintage" collecting stories!
Drop us a comment!

until next time....Anne