New Eyes

David decided to try out some of my glass eyes. I'm not sure how well he could see, but, we can certainly see how funny he looks!I am learning to see things in a different way. David has shown me this cool little feature on my camera called "Macro". I walked around Primitiques today, practicing my new eye.I've learned to look around and see things up close and personal. It makes for interesting pictures, don't you think? I call this one How Grate Thou Art.
These cast iron legs are from an old sink of days gone by. I call this picture "Crossed Legs".

Bobbing for apples.
Chippy hinge.
So, while my eyes are not glass, they are certainly seeing things differently since David taught me a little bit about macro. Thanks, dear!

By the way, Margo is sponsoring a photo contest. Click on the button on my page for the details. I'm hoping one of my pics will be chosen for her junk calender. How cool would that be?

Spooky Fun Decor

I was doing some arranging at Primitiques this morning and tried this out. A deer pumpkin?

As promised, here are some of my home decor choices for the Halloween season. Yup. A glass full of glass eyes. They came from an eye doctor's office, so yes, they are "real". Those teeth? Grandma Joy's. I have a jar full of her teeth displayed in my bathroom throughout the year. But, having them out in front of a framed picture of the grave of some kinfolk seems like a nice touch.
The skull, big spider and dead man's head in the fireplace are real screamers, yes?

The paper skeleton holds onto an umbrella as he shows off my cool mirror.
And Ellie Mae is sitting on top of the coffin. I bought this real live coffin at an antique store in Terrell years ago. It is one of my spookiest, prized possessions. The inside is lined in a silky type material, under which is straw. I like to think that this was a salesman's sample. What do you think?

Good Food, Good Stuff

Good Times! Indeed, we're back from one great roadtrip. We discovered this sign at a restaurant somewhere, and David suggested we go back at night and steal it. Isn't he the best? He was, of course, kidding. But, to play along with my fantasies is so endearing.

We did enjoy some of the best food ever at the Bandera Saloon. Chef Mark took wonderful care of us. When you go, I highly recommend the Maytag Bleu Cheese Tenderloin. A-ma-Zing. Truly. Wow. I don't even like Bleu Cheese. Try it. You'll like it. Also, if you are drinker, Jen, behind the bar, makes a mean Texas Tea. Yum!
Cher at The Texas Woman sent me this wonderful hat that I enjoyed bookoos on the trip. Somewhere on her blog is a link to her son's company, where this head cover came from. If you love it, move fast. There are limited qualities.

David played along well, when it came to stopping and shopping. We made stops at thrift stores, an estate sale and some garage sales, as well as a few shops here and there. Places that, I assure you, the man would never have stopped had I not been there. Isn't he a trooper? Here is a peek at some of the goodies I walked away with.

The big, wire basket is to die for (sold). The old apothecary jar will look wonderful with just about anything displayed inside. The only marking on it is "Pat June 11 1895". The finial is heavy. The napkin rings (sold) are silver with cow hair attached. The orangy tin with barbed wire, well, that's self explanatory, people. Cute for the fall weather, eh?
I'm heading up to Primitiques with these goodies today. As is the practice at most eating establishments, first come, first served.

Gone, Not Forgotten

It's a throw away society. Things get tossed, because folks don't always see function beyond intended function. There is a cool architectural piece at Primitiques that I just love. Jeannie informed me the other day that it is a table leg. Well, I had no idea! What would one do with it? I do not know. I just know it is pleasing to my eye. Parts can be more fun than the whole sometimes, don't you think?

So, along the lines of neglected, but still loved, I am hoping that our blogging relationship will remain intact the next 5 days. I shall be away from the computer Friday through Tuesday. It is yet, another long weekend celebrating my birth. Hoorah! Bandera, Gruene, Salado, y'all watch out, cuz here we come!

Birthday Gifts can be dropped off at the store while I am gone.

Feel free to swing by and buy yourself into a frenzy. When I get back from this buying, birthday trip, I'll fill in all the gaps with new parts and pieces that you can love.

Ahh, the table leg I told you about? First picture, tall, dark piece with fabric draped on it inside the window, furthest left with door knobs at the base. Cool, eh? $15 for an old table leg. Come and get it.

A Season for Change

You know what I'm talking about. Change. Transformation. Switch-a-roo. With the changing of the seasons, along with selling, clearing and bringing in the new, it was time for a work day at the store.

Kathie, David, my sister and I met up at Primitiques Sunday and we got busy. Merchandise was flying hither and yon. We brought in new stuff and marked down the old. We set, reset, stood back and listened for things to talk to us. We laughed. We pondered. Oddly enough, we almost always agreed. Now we are ready for some buyers to come through and mess it all up!

Here's a quick peek at some of our work.



If you have a trip planned to Terrell drop on by and buy, buy, buy! We are about an hour north west of Canton, and about an hour east of Dallas. Come and see us!
The bathroom is quite entertaining. I can't begin to take pictures. You'll just have to come and see for yourself.

Road Trip!

This Friday, David and I are leaving for a 5 day Holiday. We are heading to Bandera to hit the Bandera Saloon http://www.banderasaloon.com/ . David's cousin, Rocky, owns the joint. Reckon we'll get some drinks on the house for being kinfolk? Then on to Gruene for their Wine and Music Festival http://www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org/ . Wine tastings and Texas music. How can we go wrong? And our last night will be in Salado. Good shopping and atmosphere there, eh?

Now, this is where you come in. Where should we shop in each place? Do you know of any good eatin' along the way? Are you in our path and do we need to stop and meet you? Are there some to-die-for shops along the way that I'll kick you in the shin if we miss? And if you think I'd just love some place or someone, tell me all about 'em.

In the meantime, this is Jethro. He is trying his best to look scary as he sits in exactly what you think that is. More creepy things in next weeks blogs. Stay tuned, if you dare!

Happy Tuesday!

Junk Pumpkins

I posted these earlier, but wanted to be a part of Jen's party. I know they aren't pretty, exactly, but, they do have their own unique qualities. Enjoy!

Whew! The pumpkinfest was one fun party. I don't know that I can show you all of the creative junk pumpkins that were born. But, I'll show you a few.

Throughout the year, I collect hardwear, nails, screws, buttons, basic junk for this festivity. Everyone is always amazed, as am I, at what is created out of junk. I have some very imaginative friends and family!




This sure beats carving and dealing with seeds and innards goo. I want to see your pictures if you make one!

ps. If you surf around on my blog, there are a couple other postings with pics of past junk pumpkin parties.

Hands on the Mantel

The Great Pumpkinfest is in a few hours. This festivity includes grilled hot dogs, pumpkin decorating and a scavenger hunt. Being the hostess of this shindig, I don't get to hunt, as I schemed the entire thing. But, it sure is fun watching everyone run hither and yon looking for all the hidden goodies. I'm expecting about 30 folks. Should be a good time!

Here are some pre-party pics.


A big thanks to Cher and April for coming to the Virtual Dance. I do believe a good time was had by all. I know the pics were fun! Y'alls Denim Bling bracelets will be in the mail post haste.

The reason that Cher and April are getting 2 bracelets, one to keep and one to share, goes to an old tradition started by my paternal grandmother. I was born on Grandmom's 60th birthday. When we couldn't be together to celebrate, she would send me a card, and inside the card would be two sticks of Wrigley's Spearmint gum. Grandmom's instructions were that one stick was for me and one was for me to share. Good lessons are learned at the feet of the old and wise. So, in memory of Grandmom, the tradition lives on. Enjoy, ladies!

~Mindy

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

It's Homely Coming Dance Night! Are y'all taking pics? Having fun? We can't all be at the Junk Gypsy Prom-o-Rama in Warrenton, so we are making do at home. Did I say "making do"? Noooooo! We are having fun! Fun! FUN!

April, a blogger who comments, but hasn't made a profile, has sent me pics of her dance night in Nebraska. Would you look at all that bling? And is that something dead on your shoulder, April? I bet she and her hubby (one of my old college buds) are dancing the night away. How could he resist? Look at those legs!
I am all dressed! Makeup. Jewelry. Hat. Outfit. The music is cranked. The stars are bright. The moon is but a sliver.

A bit about my couture. I am donning an old wedding petticoat slip. When I was a wee young lass, I was the keeper of the wedding slip. Every time a friend got married, they would say "who has the slip?" and the answer was always "Mindy." Always the slip keeper, never the bride? I couldn't tell you who bought this thing originally. But, I bet over 20 gals wore it while exchanging their vows!

The top I'm wearing is a lovely little undergarment I have always, before tonight, worn as an undergarment. Yep, that is a brown bra you see. I thought it would bring out the cow hide in the belt.

The boots? Oooo, aaaah, don't you love my snake skin boots? I don't believe any animals were harmed in the making of these boots. Surely, some poor snake was found dead of natural causes in a field, and a nice person harvested his skin for recycling purposes only.

The bling? Well, who knew I had so many pearl necklaces? I do believe most of the necklaces and the earrings are family heirlooms. The necklace with pearls and gold chain worn as a choker? This is a fine purchase I made from Deb York, Miss Talking White Trash herself!

The hat. Don't ask. I have no idea where it came from. But, I wear it when I mow. I threw a piece of bling on it. Cuz, it couldn't hurt, could it?

And you ask me, "Were there witnesses to this solo Homely Coming Dance in the backyard?" Sure!
Post your pics and comment so we can see!

Pre-Virtual Dance Jitters

Happy Thursday!

Happy Birthday, Cher! (http://thetexaswoman.blogspot.com/) Swing on over and bid her well wishes. This blogworld sure is fun, meeting new friends and sharing important days together.

Speaking of important days, (well, yes, it's important!) tonight is the Virtual Homely Coming Dance. Have all you Queens selected your glamorous outfits? Any Kings? "Gaudy, vintage duds" is what we're looking for here. I am presently wearing part of mine, and I must tell you, I feel pretty! The Magnavox radio with cassette player is plugged in on the patio. What do you think? Billy Idol? Whitney Houston? These cassettes got some good use back in the 80's. Check out the Sept 24 blog for more details.

Let's see...from the responses to my initial "invitation", Cher, April, nice lady at Pedal Power, and Pam expressed interest. Deb, are you playing? Jen R? Surely you can throw something together for Dancing under the Stars tonight. Tease us. Tell us. How's it looking? Boots shined? Ultra Glam? True Junkwear? Mine is, hmmm, let's say, lacy, blingy, the boots are my favs, the hat is yet to be determined, and Deb, the lipstick is primed and ready! Anybody else playing? My Denim Bling bracelets are ready to be shipped out to all players.

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October: My Birthday Month

Today is the first day of my birthday month! Indeed, I celebrate the entire month of my birth. Gifts are accepted all month long. If you'd like to know who to blame for this quasi narcissism, blame my parents. When we were growing up, on our birthday we did not have to do any chores. We got to pick the meal for dinner and choose what kind of cake Mom would make. I felt like I was Queen for the Day (and I assure you, this was long before tiaras were worn by common folk). If you think a month is overboard, the year I turned 40, there was a party every single month of that year. Let's see if I can remember some of the themes from that year...Breakfast with a Hat (I served breakfast and the guests wore hats), Dancing with Steak (we met up at a local steakhouse/dance floor), Exotic Dancing (me and the girls learned some tricks!), Fajitas and Margaritas, Ole' (I served 'em up), Survivor Party (with coconuts and limbo dancing), Scavenger Hunt (I can riddle you some clues), and of course, The Big Shebang with Pumpkinfest. Here are more pics of some pumpkin decorating.

Here's Count Pumpkula...

Check out the spider pumpkin!
My sister and David were a team during the Scavenger Hunt last year.
Bless his heart. He'd only known me a few weeks and would you look at what a trooper he was!
As I recall, these curls turned into a comb over before the night was through.
As you can see, we use anything and everything! Hardware, buttons, felt, pipe cleaners, whatever you want to recycle!

I found these pics of the Junk Gypsies Prom-o-rama on their website...check them out for inspiration for your Homely Coming Outfit. I'm seeing lots of bling and lipstick. http://www.gypsyville.com/gallery/viewer.asp?id=71195&category_id=29102

Happy Wednesday!