Chicks and The Chair

Life has been throwing sour grapes at me lately and this morning I decided to take the bull by the horns.

I took a drive. In my 19 and 95 Ford pickup. Down the country roads. Windows down. Music up. After getting some nutrition (cheetos and Dr. Pepper), I hit the back roads for some garage saling.

I found this chick pretty early on.

She and her chick sisters made me smile out loud. They happen to dance in the wind, dodging sour grapes as they boogie.

And then? I found it. The chair. Ahhhhh, this chair. Listen here. I let the chicks sit in it for a picture, but they had to shove me off the throne first. I am loving this chair!

I have a thing for stuffing. It's just a sign of life, to me. Life that's been here. Life that has lived on and around this seat of mystery. Life with sour grapes and all.

One of my girlfriends asked me to give a story about the chair. But, y'all are creative! Y'all make up a story about the life and times of this chair and leave it in the comments, k? Oh! I'll give you the known, and you go from there. This is going to be fun!

Per the nice man at the garage sale, this chair came from a 90+ year old house in Greenville, Texas. He and his wife are real estate flippers and they rescued the chair from one of the upstairs rooms of the old house.

Ok. Go.

Happy Weekend and Happy Now, my friends!

~Mindy

Shopping The Primitique

I just don't think I can ask you to come celebrate a grand opening when the new place looks something like this:

Where, oh where will the mirrors hang?

If you have a hankerin' for shopping The Primitique, you best high tail it to Winnie & Tulula's in Athens. (This would be a good place to put a picture of W&T's, but I'll be darned if I don't have any current photos. Ooops!)

Or, you might plan a visit (see pictures) to Zapp Hall during the Warrenton/Round Top shows September 24 through October 2.


I'll be there with our favorite redneck, Miss Robelyn, of red.neck chic fame. You will not believe what we have planned for you and your home! Bring a trailer, I tell ya! David will be there, too. And you know you love him!

In the meantime, back in Royse City, we have got no walls! There is no roof. Wouldn't electricity, lights and HVAC be primo?

I can't begin to give you a pencil date for The Primitique opening at this point. I imagine when we get back from Zapp, I'll be able to give you an ink date for a Very Grand Opening. Stay tuned! Quirky vintage goodness is coming to Royse City!

Happy Wednesday!
~Mindy

Places to go, People to see!

Here's the scoop. I know of at least 3 different shopping destinations that you really should visit this Saturday, August 28.

For instance, you could start your shopping spree in Grapevine at The Red Shed. David and I hit this golden opportunity of buying in June. Wanna see the pics I took? Click Here. Valarie and Michele can put a smile on your face, for sure!

You really need to swing by Canton for a visit at LaurieAnna's. Our pal Laurie is celebrating the opening of a brand spankin' new location this Saturday. From what I've seen, the girl has got it goin' on! Click here to see pictures I took at her store last December.

And, without question, my dear friends, you need to go to Kilgore this Saturday. Judy Hill, aka J Hill Designs, is hosting a shopping extravaganza:

J HILL DESIGNS AND COMPANY PRESENTS THE LATE SHOW FEATURING:

THE SEED BOX - MELONEY & BRIAN RUSSELL
GARDEN ANTIQUES - THERESA & CRUZ CANO
WILLOW NEST - LINDA & LUDMIL MARCOV
TREASURE QUEST - ETHEL GRIMES
THE SISTERS - CAMILLE & ALISON

Click here to view pictures that David took at Judy's Spring 2009 show.

You really can't say there is nothing to do this weekend! There are lots of opportunities to celebrate Saturday, shopping and adoring these talented folks!

Happy Monday!
~Mindy

Mystery Find

It's heavy. Metal. Thick. Not flexible. No markings.

I found it at an estate sale and when I inquired, the kids said "Dad had it hanging on the wall."

I'm clueless. Do you know or have any theories as to what its original purpose was?

And if you don't know what it was meant for, tell me. What would you do with it?

Happy Weekend!
~Mindy

I Love Love!

I haven't gotten mushy in awhile. Indulge me.

Nah, I wouldn't call the cat and the chicken sharing space "love" exactly, but it warms my heart to see Opie-the-cat and Opah-the-hen sharing space. Isn't that sweet? (ignore the leaves in the screen porch)

This time next month, David and I will be celebrating 3 years of dating. Indeed, it is Our Turn at happiness in love! I sure do love the man and I am blessed beyond measure that he loves me back!

Speaking of love. My parents set one heck of an example of just how it all works. Mom and Dad celebrate 47 years of marriage this week. Forty seven. Wowsers!

Ok. So, their celebration included a tiny little trip to the hospital. Thus, the pretty bracelets and the cool ride Mom is sitting in. Ignore all that. Hippa prevents me from talking about all that. But, would you look at the love? They have got it!

Three kids & 2 grandkids. Education & careers. Worshipping, leading and following. Singing, laughing and dancing. Cherishing the moments. Making memories. Holding what they could and letting go of what they couldn't. Indeed. 47 years later, they are still holding hands and fighting to sit next to each other at the dinner table.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Thank you for loving each other and leading by example. I've been watching you for 43 years. The lessons you continue to give are not going unnoticed by child #3.


Don't you just love love???

Happy Wednesday!
~Mindy

Otherwise Occupied and a Focus Group

David tells me to stop going to the store to see if there are walls up yet. Something about watched pots and boiling water. I haven't driven by since Friday. I sure do wonder what's going on up there. But, the effort to be otherwise occupied isn't too difficult considering everything that needs to be accomplished before the grand opening.

I have a group of friends that have been designated as my "focus group". They are pretty quick about giving input and I just love 'em for it! However, I feel like I am slighting you the opportunity to give a little input. Wanna be in a focus group regarding my new store? If you are anything like me, you are chomping at the bit to share your ideas!

Most of you know I love me a good mason jar. David confesses that he can't drink out of one. Something about a dribble factor. (Bless his heart.) Do tell. (Here's your part.) Besides as a fine eggnog container, what uses are there for a mason jar?

I look forward to seeing just how creative y'all are! (In the meantime, maybe I could just drive down to the store and see if it has walls yet) (don't tell David!)

Happy Monday!
~Mindy

Inspiration

You've seen the new banner with the new store name, but have you seen the shortened version of The Primitique? We decided that sometimes, we might just need a shorter version of ourselves. Short is good! (says the 5'0" lady)

See it on the right sidebar? If you click on it, you will go straight to...wait for it...the official website of The Primitique! Wow! And, might I mention, I am the webmaster. I designed it and mastered it and, umm, well, you know, webmastered it All By My Self! (Look for improvements after I give David the password.)

Wanna know what is inspiring me to design new logos and create a website for the new store?

Steel beams, baby! Yup! You are looking at the skeleton of the future home of The Primitique. (It is perfectly acceptable to throw your hat in the air upon seeing this progress. I did.)

As with all new builds, one never can hang their hat on a "ready" date until things are more, shall we say, "ready?" We want to open Labor Day weekend. It's possible that we'll open Labor Day weekend. Might I suggest that when you write it in your calendar, you use a pencil. When the ink date gets closer, I'll let you know. My heart beats fast for a big ole, fun grand opening!

In the meantime, I am going garage saling in the morning. I am so very inspired to shop! (cuz, I've had problems with that in the past)

Happy Weekend! ~Mindy

The Magic of Macro

Do you ever play with the settings on your camera? That tulip one is a macro setting. I don't know the fancy explanation of it, nor do I intend to copy and paste it from anywhere. But, what it does, is let you get real close up and see things in a different way.

This past weekend, I got to do a little shopping for The Primitique. Since we are still aiming for a Labor Day weekend Grand Opening, I figure I better stock up now! While I won't let you see the big picture, or buy anything just yet, I thought I'd give you a little teaser of things to come at the new store!

You can pull that. Or you can push this.

Or, you can push these.

For you locals who are antsy to do some buying, I do have a space that is open and selling in Athens, Texas. Winnie & Tulula's is proud to celebrate the opening of The Sweet Pea Bistro this Wednesday, August 11. Exciting times! Come see what is happening at 119 E. Tyler St, Athens, Texas. Open Wednesday - Saturday 10am-5pm.

Happy Monday!

~Mindy

Logo Happiness

Here it is!

The artwork for our new logo.

We're still aiming for a Labor Day weekend Grand Opening.

More details as the time draws nigh.

Can't type much more. Gotta go shopping!

Happy Weekend! ~Mindy

Grand Opening Scoop

It's official.

My buying freeze is over.

The Primitique is aiming for a Labor Day Weekend Grand Opening!

More details to come.

But, I get to start shopping for you again.

How exciting!

Any special requests?

Happy Tuesday! ~Mindy

Celebrate!

There was a lot to celebrate this weekend. Starting off with, well, The Weekend! Don't you love those two days?

We also celebrated Dad's birthday. Check out those candles and see if you can figure out how many years he is celebrating.

Additionally, we celebrated The Pioneer Woman. I am fully aware that most of you are familiar with The Pioneer Woman - Ree Drummond. I, personally, am just now jumping on the PW band wagon. Raise your hand if you have never heard of her. There is no shame. I promise. We can celebrate our discovery together!

I'm a sucker for a good writer. And that, my dear friends, she is. She has been blogging for years. Where have I been? hmmm

As I shared her with other friends, they knowingly nodded their heads and began to tell me about Pioneer Woman Recipes. I know that not all of you will remember my trials in the kitchen; you can click HERE to read about the Cheese Crisp Fiasco. I am not a natural. Never have tried very hard. But, when I have, it hasn't always been a celebration.

For his birthday dinner Dad chose Brisket, au Gratin Potatoes, Pinto Beans (we call them red beans), Cornbread and Chocolate Trifle.

After reading The Pioneer Woman's recipes, I volunteered to make the brisket, potatoes and beans. Wasn't I brave?

I printed PW's recipes, went to the store with David (he scratched his head with me as we called Mom to ask what "heavy cream" was), and headed to the kitchen for some marinating. On Sunday, David was right by my side, wondering where this domestic goddess has been in the almost 3 years we've been dating. I must have been channeling Ree Drummond. It was easy!

Believe it or not, we were so busy celebrating this domestic blossoming that we forgot to pick up a camera during the process! Check out this Au Gratin potato dish after we'd dug in. Delish!

The brisket? Holy cow, it was amazing. Moist. Falling apart. And HA! I made it! Wow!

David and my family are happy Ree Drummond was born, and they are happy that I discovered her. We may never be the same after all this celebrating!

Do you cook Pioneer Woman recipes? What is your favorite?

Happy Monday! ~Mindy

Mr. Scrap Man (Men)

He was driving a truck. I was driving a truck.

He wanted money for scrap. I had money for scrap.

He didn't mind one bit when I started hollering out my window at him.

I pointed and inquired.

He laughed and affirmed. "You really want that wheel barrow?"

"Yessir!"

It is heavy and has character out the wazoo. Who cares if the tire's not good?

Stop in the name of scrap! Yup. I bought that sign, too.

My favorite goodie from the scrap man?

What made him scratch his head and raise his eyebrow?

Yup. It's an old, heavy pipe. Raise your hand if you love it!

I can bury part of it in the yard and throw a piece of glass on top to hold my mason jar during parties, huh?

You might recall, this isn't my first foray into driving wrecklessly to get a scrap man's attention. Remember this?

Ha! I had published this post and I'll be darned if I didn't just flag another scrap man down! I believe I will use this old swing frame to hang chandeliers at the store.

Happy Thursday! ~Mindy

Sailing

Have you ever tried to catch the wind? It's a lot easier if you have a sail. Some girlfriends and I hit the high seas of Lake Ray Hubbard this weekend, sailing out of Bella Harbor in Rockwall.

Check out Sail with Scott.

We enjoyed about an hour and 45 minutes, sailing, sunning and visiting. I must admit, after crewing on a few sail boats in my day, it was nice to relax and watch others crew this beautiful, handmade 60' catamaran.

Cheers to Scott and his crew!

I'll be back!

Do you like to sail? Ever been?

Happy Tuesday!

~Mindy

How Do You Celebrate?

How do you celebrate special occasions?

My sister makes crazy, funny faces and I dance!

The year I turned 40, I hosted a party every single month. It was the celebration of the year that I turned 40. Most parties were themed. January was Brunch with a Hat. My mom wore a hat that I had worn as an Easter bonnet when I was a young girl.

Other themes included a scavenger hunt, survivor party, a class for exotic dancing. This is the year that I began hosting Chili Cookoffs and Pumpkinfests at my place.

Most of the parties were kid friendly.

I was surrounded by friends and family every month, the entire year!

What a blast!

I highly recommend this type of celebration, if you have it in you!

David is turning 50 in May of 2011. I guess you could say he is taking the tiger by the tail.

He plans to celebrate his 50th year with a bang. As in the blast of a starter pistol. Go here to read about his plans to run a half marathon. Be sure to leave some warm, encouraging words. I assure you, I'd need them!

Now, do tell. What do you do to celebrate decade milestones?

Happy Wednesday!

~Mindy

How hot is it in Poetry, Texas?

It's so hot that if you leave a 12 pack of Sprite in your car with the windows up from Friday to Monday, 11 out of 12 cans will explode.

While I wait for the beams to come up at The Primitique, I think I'll scrub down the suv. Look! It even poured itself out the doors!

Talk about a sticky mess. I've got it!

Happy Monday! ~Mindy

Support

A big thanks to every single one of you who left comments this week!

I love that many of you were caught up in the Married Up post. No, David and I did not tie the knot. My friend, Tina, pegged it when she reminded everyone that I had a party every single month the year that I turned 40. Being that I have never had the privilege of being a bride, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be many a celebration when that day comes!

No fear. You will be briefed, over-briefed and perhaps need debriefing by the time we say "I do." Don't you imagine there will be an entire blog dedicated to nauseating everyone with details, rants & raves, and praises for wonderful vendors? My long time friend, Brenda of Brendal's Bakery & Cupcake Couture, has been planning my wedding cake for years. I have no idea what her latest thoughts are. But, this creation of hers is pretty!

Your supportive comments on The Primitique news is heart warming. As the walls come up and the building takes shape, we will have a better idea of the grand opening date. I will give you plenty of time to book your flight, rent a u-haul, and work some overtime for extra cash. Promise!

Speaking of supportive people, did you read what my very own mother said regarding the Married Up post? "Your mother just about had a heart attack. There is a great picture of you and David and the title Married Up. What is the world supposed to think? Mom " Still cracks me up!

In support of my very own parents, who will celebrate 47 years of marriage this year, I'd like to introduce you to their ebay auctions. I saw these ring boxes and thought you might like them.
Aren't they great?

They have several. Go check them out, would ya?

I am thinking about carrying a soy candle line at the new location. What is your favorite scent? Do you have a favorite brand/vendor?

Happy Thursday and thank you for your support!

~Mindy