Collector's Club

The joy of collecting, no matter what you like to collect, is compounded when shared with another...yes, collector! Today I started out my morning in the charming historic farmhouse of Julie Borge, kindred spirit collector and creator. Julie is a regular at Black-eyed Susan as well as a supporter of events and eccentric dreams. It's that kind of creative genes that draw us together as kindred spirits!

What a joy it was to tour her wondrous home and be inspired by another's vision. Like Julie, I take pleasure in sharing ideas as well as finding joy in another's ideas. Our creative vision is expanded when this kind of abundance mentality is embraced.

So, what does Julie collect? Oh, my! Her collections are too numerous to name, but some of the ones that spoke to my heart were; nests (the real McCoy!), buttons (of course!), art-including original, heirloom, and children's. At every turn, something to please the eye and delight!

This collection of real nests greeted me, as a dining room table centerpiece! I love nests.

The dining room mantle was a delight with nest after nest filled with the most unexpected decorative eggs! Watch below for a closeup of a button covered egg, fashioned by Julie.

Just another closeup...

Closeup of button egg!

In another area of the house, an antique frame within a frame. You know I love that!

When I exclaimed with delight over the mudroom, Julie explained to me that these baskets house "off season" items, such as hats, gloves, water shoes...and the children's snacks!!!

Downstairs, I found these vintage tiles pieced into a wondrous design around a cozy fireplace. Great color and great pattern!

What a fun way to start out my day! I seldom take time for frivolous pleasures. A pleasure that inspires me and expands my imagination is a true joy. Thanks, Julie!

Watch for Julie to be a guest speaker at an upcoming event. She'll inspire you too!

To market, to market...yes, Holiday 2010!

Believe it or not, it's that time of year again! Here we are, in Atlanta, anticipating the newest and most current selections for the upcoming 2010 Christmas inventory. It is, indeed, an annual buying trip that comes with mixed emotion. After all, we have barely taken down the trees after selling through last years inventory and restocking trees multiple times. Are we really going there again? So soon? Really?

The answer is "yes"! Somehow, even with a bit of "do we really have to?" in our spirit, we gain momentum in the seven days of shopping, searching and order writing. By the end of the week, we come back with a plan to look forward to, for you and for us.

I always try to show you some of the best we see, along with some of the worst! The market is getting more and more strict about photo-ops, but I'll do my best to sneak them in! Stay tuned for daily reports and let me know what you like...or don't. Any special requests are honored as well.

CFO and kindred spirit, Linda Giler, is my shopping and planning companion for the week (not to mention the entertainer!). Just thought you might enjoy seeing our closet floor. Looks like black boots in all styles, and heel heights are in order for the week. Luckily, we wear the same size within a half size. And that definitely seals the kindred spirit connection.

Here are several views of our closet floor. I tried several shots to capture the "collection".

Rear view, showing various and assorted heel choices!

And, just for entertainment sake, here are the 4 "Please Dos" and the 4 "Please Don'ts" straight from the AmericasMart handbook...

Please do...

1. Tote bags and backpacks are a smart carry-all solution.

2. Wear comfortable shoes.

3. Only rolling briefcases smaller than 12"(H)x 16" (W)x5" (D) are allowed during Market. (I just must make an editorial comment, that this is virtually impossible).

4. Infants (under age 1) in carriers are allowed in accordance with the new AMC liability release waiver policy. NO-ON SITE CHILDCARE PROVIDED.

Please Don't...

1. Strollers are not allowed on showroom floors or in exhibit halls.

2. Don't sacrifice comfort for style. (This is the main one that I wanted to document!)

3. All rolling luggage larger than 12"(H) x 16" (W) x 5" (D) must be checked.

(It sounds like they might be really serious about this one...oh, dear.)

4. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all public buildings.

I'm guessing that the fact that "no photography" not being included in the top 4 "don'ts" is a good sign!

And so, we're off! Check in for my daily progress reports.

Kindred Spirits!

Having and knowing kindred spirits on this earth is one of the most satisfying comforts I know. Kindred spirits can relate on many levels-creatively, socially, spiritually,or educationally. Numerous things bind us together,but to me, kindred spirit says it all.

Many years ago, I became a fan of Anne of Green Gables. Such a creative and visionary girl. Lots of opinions, bright and funny and very well spoken. She can't imagine living without a "scope for the imagination" . I love this girl.

There are many life lessons to be learned from her and a good bit of entertainment along the way!

A true kindred spirit, Marie, gave me this gift of love a few days ago, and I was so thrilled!


A vintage copy of Anne of Green Gables. Take a look at the dust cover! I really treasure this and told Marie that I was sure that she and I were kindred spirits.

Almost 20 years ago, another kindred spirit knew of my love for this book. She gave me a framed excerpt from the book to remind me of the beauty of ambitions. This tenderly helps me to persevere at times.

"Oh, it's delightful to have ambitions. I'm so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them...that's the best of it. Just as soon as you attain one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting..."For we pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having,they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self-denial, anxiety and discouragement." Anne of Green Gables

I truly relate to this quote, and I am glad that I have ambitions. And yes, they don't come without the dues of work and self-denial, anxiety and discouragement. I am grateful for this too.

My newest (and oldest copy!) of Anne of Green Gables will happily find a home in my office library. Perhaps some late night when I'm in need of a word of encouragement filled with entertainment, I'll take a moment to find a favorite passage.

Thank you, Marie. You are indeed, a kindred spirit.