Bohemian Valhalla

The Yard Sale Experience

2012-01-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

Let me start by confessing that unless I'm GOING TO a Yard Sale, I Hate them! *Winks* The Hosting a Yard Sale Experience for me is something I always put off... typically indefinitely and thus the majority of my major edit and purge projects have made Goodwill Hunting in our area a bounty field of Collectibles and Stylish finds because I usually end up donating or giving the stuff away. I simply don't have the Patience or luxury of Free Time to sell it to Shops, Host a Yard or Tag Sale or attend a Flea Market unless I'm BUYING rather than Selling. When I finally have come to terms with parting with something, I want it gone... FAST & with minimal inconvenience... because usually I'm already tired from the process of going through it to get to that point already! *Smiles*

I was obviously never cut out for Retail Sales. *Winks* Because though I do enjoy and respect a good Gypsy Haggle Negotiation since that's how I roll too and I believe you never get what you deserve, you get what you Negotiate...

And sitting around waiting to Sell is torturous to me unless I'm surrounded by good Friends and a bottle of Wine to get through it! *LOL*

But I've been immersed in Wabi Sabi since I'm reading a very good Book about it... and the early Spring Clean had begun in earnest... I was making remarkable progress of going through every nook and cranny to decide what to let go of... and even such things as the excess of Cloches, Art, Linens, Wardrobe and Decorating Books were easing their way to the Sales Tables... {patting Self on back}

So the BFF Tina, The Son & some of his Friends agreed to assist with a Yard Sale and my Quest towards Creating a Wabi Sabi Inspired Home. One of the Aunts had Mercifully invited the Beast Princess to spend the weekend at their house and the Young Prince was now recovered from his ailment and Grandpa agreed to provide Child Care... so we were set... it was on...

And the Weatherman had predicted Sunny, high 70's and a Glorious few days so we worked furiously on Friday to set everything up and whilst it was still dark on Saturday Morn we began. What the Weatherman had neglected to mention was that though it would be Gloriously Sunny... the 70's wouldn't come until much later in the day and there would be gale force winds all Night! *Le Sigh*

Which meant Quilts hung with care over the wall had become airborn and racks of Clothing from my purged Closets had tipped over, so it was quite a mess by the wee hours of Saturday Morn... and we spent most of the Morning setting up... and re-setting up... until things calmed down and actually became warm, Sunny and not so blustery by Noon! Would it be wrong to send a sarcastic Thank You card to erring Weathermen I wonder? *Winks* Thank goodness that though it became overcast by Friday Night at least it didn't Rain & the Clouds dispersed by Saturday Morning!!! *Whew*

Maybe that's just me being particularly cranky since I'm NOT a Morning Person... so waking up Dawn before the break of dawn is like playing with a loaded gun! *LOL*

And it was too early for Wine {That would come Later... like NOW, Winks}... so we settled for Starbucks Coffee lovingly prepared by The Man to wake us up and warm us up. And the BFF had brought some amazing Home Grown Grapefruit, picked Fresh from a Friend's Tree... they were huge and so sweet... Divine! Nothing like Fresh Citrus in the Morning with Breakfast!

She also brought Donuts, but I forgave her for that faux pas since we're both supposed to be on diets... *LOL* I resisted since Donuts aren't my downfall & I can't eat Chocolate... *Whew*

But by then the Young Prince had wandered out... I swear Kids can smell Donuts or anything too sugary from miles away... and she offered him some... I had trouble forgiving her for that! *LOL* Hyperactive Kid meets Donuts = very animated Young Person for Grandpa to ride herd upon and keep out of our hair! The Young Prince hyped up on Donut Sugar suddenly fancies himself as Salesman of the Year... poor potential Customers, you'd think the Kid was getting a commission or something, he was like a used car Salesman, we had to banish him back into the Indoor Kingdom & remind Grandpa of his role in this here Project! *Insert Grandpa caught asleep in his Recliner quite medicated from his recent VA Hospital visit... Winks* I wasn't sure who was looking after who in there? The Young Prince assures Gramma he's got everything under control and he'll take good care of Grandpa while we tend the Yard Sale... good... whatever works... *Smiles*

I have to give props to the rest of my Posse, they worked tirelessly and provided Great Fellowship and Muscle Power...

Though The Son is working two jobs, so his stint of helping was inbetween constantly coming and going to work, his Best Friend stuck around to continue helping, even after his Girlfriend went Home. Providing Muscle Power, Spanish Interpretation for some of the Customers and playing video games with the Young Prince to keep him amused, entertained and distracted, thanks Q... And my BFF Tina stayed for the entire gig too... God Bless em! We have the most Awesome Friends!

The Bohemian Cat Boys thought this was all quite curious since they never see me up this early in the Morning before Sunlight, so they had to check it all out! *LOL* Usually 'Mommy' is up UNTIL the wee hours of the Morn BEFORE retiring for the Night... so this was quite the Novelty for them to Witness and apparently provided Entertainment and need for Investigation throughout the day. *Smiles*

Yes, my Timing was all "Off"... but I've been quite proud of Self for wading through possessions so effortlessly and "letting go" so much more easily than I imagined that I would... freeing up Space and having a Peace about detachments from the excess of stuff... I'm really digging this Wabi Sabi... it's working for me!

It probably helped that I'm so over my brief flirtation with Pastels... not that I don't still enjoy them and appreciate them and the Styling or looking through Romantic Rose Colored Glasses... but it's just not very "Me" like the Jewel Tones or Sages & Sepias are. And so it was Time to pass many of them along to new Junquers who would be thrilled at 'scoring' them at "Get this stuff outta here fast" prices! *LOL* Needless to say the BFF didn't make money at this Sale... since she was one of my best Customers... *LOL* That always happens doesn't it... we end up Trading a lot of our ~~crap~~ um... I mean... Priceless Treasures... between each other at these alleged combined Family Sales! *Winks* Yep, most of my Friends and Neighbors were the 1st ones to hit my stash of edited Treasures to get first pick... but I'm glad to see them going off to good Homes where they'll be appreciated! *Smiles*

You'd be proud of me, I went through my Linen Closets and even my entire Jewelry Box Stashes and purged and edited Bohemian Bling that was ready to move on to new Homes! I was on a roll my Friends and it felt good!

I had a large basket filled with Bling & Ting and it was moving well so very little remained for Day #2. Princess T had provided Princess Snack Bags to give it a real Grab Bag Carnival feel... yeah, these G-Kids definitely are on Board with Gramma's big Edit & Purge Project to wade through the Hoard of accumulated Treasures amassed over a Lifetime. They're probably all thinking, Good... now we don't have to Inherit and dispose of this stuff!!??!?! *Winks* And even The Man was parting with some of his Stash... this was really working out 'cause Mantiques & Testosterone laden Treasures move fast and command good solid prices! Men at Yard Sales generally spend the most if what they are jonesin' for is offered at reasonable prices! *LOL*

That being said, far too many of them were eyballing my Old Door Collections and asking if they were for Sale, which they weren't... but merely offered the seating area and backdrop for the Posse and I to stage the Event and have Lunch comfortably. *Gasp* And The Man was really jonesin' to sell some of my coveted Door Collection since I'd 'scored' most of them curbside and Customers were talking about how valuable they considered such finds... "After all Honey, you have so many and you found most of them, so don't you want the money instead?", he says with a straight Poker face!!! *Double Gasp, NO, NO I don't, surely you Jest!?* And since he'd be minding the Sale whilst I attended Church on Sunday I was skeerd that those Customers would come back and sweeten the deal, tempting him to even THINK about selling even one?!! Would he dare I wondered?! *Winks ~ Insert vieled Threat that if an Old Door was Sold, some Beloved Hunting & Camping Equipment would be Sold to compensate... and I'd go out and BUY a replacement Door... a really expensive one! He he he.*

I particularly "Heart" my Beautiful Louvered Pastel Old Doors that everyone was eyeballing, they couldn't be more perfect in Style, Colors and Crackled, Worn & Aging to Perfection! They just don't understand that every Old Door I have in my Collection is different and Beloved and those gleened curbside for Free were Adrenalin Rush Moments I particularly Cherish, like the winning of a Lottery or discovering buried Treasure. So it would be like suggesting Selling one of the Children or Fur Babies... never gonna happen! And the Posse even turned on me, because the lure of a hundred bucks per door was sounding mighty good to them all... I had to appease and distract the Crew before they began toying with the idea of selling off my Treasures that I am not ready to part with!!! *LOL*

So I provided Lunch and got them all off the Selling of Old Doors Topic which was causing me considerable anxiety... Note to Self: Anxiety level indicated that yes, I AM an Old Door Hoarder! *LOL* I felt like one of those Old Guys on "American Pickers" that can't bear to part with the Rusty & Crusty crap they find for Free, have in every corner of their Property and won't sell at any price regardless of how hard Mike & Frank try to woo them into relenting! *Winks* I felt like my Posse had turned into hardened Pickers ready to make a buck off my 'forbidden to sell' stuff!!! *Gasp* After all, they're not attached to any of it... it's not their stuff... so they didn't comprehend my reaction! Well, maybe they do... they've known me a long time... but they were trying to sway me with common sense & logic... but that's never worked before, so they shouldda known better! *Ha ha*

And after all, I was parting with much of my Vintage Quilt Collection... and many other items that previously I might have been reluctant to edit & purge... so I needed them to realize not to push too hard... I was letting go, but this is definitely a process I'm still working on gently and at a pace I'm comfortable with! *Winks* Eventually I might progress to saying Good-Bye to Old Doors... just not yet... well, maybe not ever... we'll see...

But it was a close call... thank God I hadn't gone inside to use the Bathroom or something, huh? *Smiles* Could you only imagine my reaction if I'd come back and all my Old Doors had been Sold from around the Staging area? *Gasp & insert me clutching my chest!* And another Customer had tried to talk us into Selling the very Table and Vintage painted Gothic Style Chairs we were all having Lunch around on the Cottage Patio! And they can be quite tenacious too even when you politely decline and explain that it's not part of what's for Sale!!! Why is it that when you're Hosting a Yard Sale folks want to buy anything within sight regardless if it's obviously NOT part of the Sale? Wishful thinking I guess? *Smiles* Perhaps this is why I'm not a big Fan of Hosting Yard Sales or allowing strangers onto my Property to see what I have sitting outside that they're jonesin' for... Memories of the Burglary this Summer are still making me quite cynical & guarded if someone shows too much interest in something or is gawking beyond what is for Sale. I don't want to think the worst of people... but you never know if you don't know them.

But, I must say that it was a Huge Success this recent Yard Sale Experience... and now the Signs are put away until the next time we have gone through enough to warrant considering another one... either that or Goodwill Hunting will be mighty good and Fresh here in the West Valley as my attempt at fostering a Wabi Sabi Lifestyle continues... *Winks*

Dawn... The Bohemian

Melrose Crawl Finale ~ Antiques On Camelback

2012-01-29T13:54:00.000-08:00

As we conclude this Month's Melrose Crawl at ANTIQUES ON CAMELBACK where an abundance of Vintage and Antique Graphics Delighted my eyes, Bohemian Bling Dazzled me, and Artistic Creations abounded... I have to tell you that we've only really scratched the surface of the Fabulous assortment of Shops that line 7th Avenue my Friends!!! Honestly, I've only covered a small percentage of the Boutiques, Antique Stores, Local Junquing favorites, Import Shops, Coffee Houses and Restaurants that stretch up and down the Melrose Distict and are fast becoming a Popular Destination to Trawl for Treasures and have a good time. You really cannot do it justice to Hope to take it all in on just one day... I can be the Tazmanian Devil of Marathon Junquing but I can't do it in a day... so allow yourselves the time and leisure to explore and soak it all in as time permits.

I'm certainly glad I managed to make at least a Day of it this Month since the Crew here have been taking turns now being sick... and sick Kids and sick Men, well what can I say about that except you have to possess the compassion of a Florence Nightingale to do that well!!! *Winks, which is obviously NOT my Calling to Nurse the sick, cranky and miserable! LOL* So most of this week I've had The Man at the VA Hospital again and Prince R down and off School with some likely contagious vile infirmity that he'll bounce back from in a day and risk putting Grandpa and Gramma at risk for catching and trying to recover from for a very much longer time?!? Have you ever tried to keep a hyperactive, bored, sick pre-teen Child still... and not getting into, touching and putting his mouth on everything in sight as he voraciously consumes anything remotely edible in the House and whines about how boring staying confined is and he's certain he's miraculously Healed?! *Whew* They are worse than Toddlers since the Hormones are raging and the Moody Angst is at the "My Life Ssucks" and "All Adults Are Stupid & Annoying" Phase... and "Old People Especially Don't Have A Clue" because we're apparently so Ancient that nothing we've experienced or survived thus far is now relevant or has given us any Wisdom or Point of Reference whatsoever in the eyes of the All-Knowing-Young perspective! *LOL* Ah, he's so very misunderstood and persecuted *winks*... I can't wait to send him off to School ASAP since he's not nearly as near death as he appeared as he kept me up ALL Night hugging the Porcelain Throne & wailing loudly for 'Nurse' Gramma to Minister to him! *Smiles* Which in turn woke up the Beast Princess, who angrily growled that the "Sick Kid" was keeping her up and oh, by the way, she'd be sleeping in Grandpa's Recliner because she'd soaked her pull-ups and her bed was now too wet! *Arghhhhh... and I JUST did Laundry that Morning!!! Insert her stomping angrily into the Livingroom with Blanky trailing behind her and bare bum hanging out because she'd apparently taken off ALL her Clothes!* And this is all transpiring at 3:00 A.M. ... Are we having fun yet??? Yep, I'm definitely getting too Old for this... well, on the positive side at least she wasn't sleeping in OUR bed when she had the accident and he made it to the Porcelain Throne to lose everything he'd eaten that day!!! *Smiles* Now you understand why I NEED my occassional Girl's Day Out my Friends and lose myself in the experience!!! *Winks* And the Young Prince thinks only he has Angst & My Life Sucks Moments!!! *LOL* Ah, but growing Old is a privilege not afforded to many, so I'm not complaining, every day above dirt is a Good and Blessed Day! If this doesn't kill me it's most definitely going to make me stronger!!!

Be Well... Dawn... The Bohemian

Melrose Crawl ~ Frilly Frocks ~ The 'Gift'

2012-01-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer as to what was in the Bag that my Artist Friend Angela Created for me!!! Mannequin Yvette will now Model what I was Gifted with as I entered FRILLY FROCKS during the Melrose Crawl and Angela surprised me with yet another beyond Fabulous Gypsy Chic Custom Creation!!! Yes, another gorgeous Bohemian Belt!!!

Now you know why I was grinning from ear to ear like a Cheshire Cate and Sporting a Surprise Gift Bag! *Smiles* Color me Happy!!!

I Love Angela's Custom Creations... she and I are like Peas in a Pod... and so her Creative Leanings are so very similar to my own that we could be Twins separated at Birth! *Smiles* She totally 'gets me' and so this is Perfection! She's an amazingly Talented Artist and so prolific that she's an Inspiration for me to get busy and Create more too!

She also Loves to layer Beauty and hide litle Details to discover or flaunt bold Details to Delight the eyes and pique Interest in her Pieces.

Her hand-dyed Velvets are simply Divine! And each Creation is OOAK and loaded with sumptuous Fabrics that I adore... Vintage Lace and upcycled Vintage Crochet... the finest quality Velvets and Tapestries...

Tassles, Bohemian Bling, Custom Made Trinkets...

Beautiful Appliques...

Porcelain Dolls and Angels... Charms...

Beads, Bells... yes, everything a Gypsy Style Gal would absolute adore and proudly wear! Thank You my Dear Friend, you once again brought tears to my eyes with this beyond generous Labor of Love! I've already received a multitude of compliments each time I wear it!

And of coarse I can never enter FRILLY FROCKS without also drooling over all of the fabulous Favorite Designer Fashions the Shop is stocked with! And during the Melrose Crawl they were having a rare 25% off Sale of everything in the Shop! So if you were looking for some Spring Fashions by the likes of such Popular Designers as Petrushka, Ewa i Walla, Magnolia Pearl, Marrika Nakk, SKIF... and FRILLY FROCKS very own fabulous Rare Earth Designs this was the perfect opportunity to stock your closets!

It really is Inspiration and Incentive for me to keep at my weight loss Goals so I can get new wardrobe in the smaller size I'm trying to attain! *Winks* I'm getting there... slowly but surely... which is how I roll. *LOL* So yes Angela, your Bohemian Treasures Mary Poppins Style Bag is also coming along... slowly but surely... Thanks for your Patience my Friend! *Smiles*

And tomorrow we shall conclude the Melrose Crawl Treasure Trawl as we take you to ANTIQUES ON CAMELBACK. ... for even more eye candy!!! Have you overdosed on Visual Delights yet? *Smiles*

Dawn... The Bohemian

The Melrose Crawl ~ Melrose Vintage & Zinnia's At Melrose

2012-01-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

Next stop on our Melrose Crawl was MELROSE VINTAGE where I can always count on finding the best Crafting Supplies, issues of my favorite Stampington Magazines and check in to see what great Classes are going to be offered in the upcoming Months. If you're looking for the very finest Bedding, Linens, Draperies and Upholstery Fabrics this is the to-go-to destination... with the most desirable Fabric Prints from such popular Designers as Rachel Ashwell and Cath Kidston, among others.

And then it was off to ZINNIA'S AT MELROSE where they were graciously Hosting a Free Spaghetti Dinner complete with Bacon/Almond Salad, Bread and Tiramisu or Cheesecake for Dessert! It was all delicious, our compliments to the Chef, Thank You! Does it get any better than Junquing and Dining all in one spot?!? *Winks* I think not!!! And they were having 20% off any Purchase in the entire Store... so you know we were all over that!!!

I 'scored' a Lovely Kilim for only $6!!!... And I was adoring the Vintage Victorian Ceiling Tin Frames, Hearts and Peace Signs in my Friend Tricia's Booth! *Swoon* I will have to come back for some of those at a later date me thinks! *Smiles* And in tomorrow's Post I shall reveal the Fabulous Creation I was Gifted with by my Friend Angela...

Dawn... The Bohemian

The Melrose Crawl ~ Sirens & Saints

2012-01-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

As we continue our Melrose Crawl and trawl for Treasures we have gone next door now to my Friend Shelly's other Shop, SIRENS & SAINTS. I knew that my Talented Artist Friend Tricia Samsal of VINTAGE BLISS had been Creating the most amazing Art & Jewelry out of Salvaged pieces of Victorian Ceiling Tin & I was delighted to find some of the Crosses at the Shop!

It was difficult to chose a favorite but this one ended up coming Home with me... I adored everything about it!

And if you're ever on the Hunt for Bohemian Bling and Gypsy Chic Style Clothing and Accessories... SIRENS & SAINTS is definitely the place to head to!

My adorable and Talented Artist Friend Punky will be there to assist you. She is always a Vision, I wish I could look this darn Cute in everything I put on! And her Creative Genius is so Inspiring too... she's always coming up with something Fresh and Fashionable to Create. I Photographed one of her new Bag Creations for this Post... keep scrolling down... it's coming... *Winks*

In fact Shelly stocks the Shop constantly with Fresh New Creations by many Artists and Styles by many Designers.

SIRENS & SAINTS always has something that I absolutely fall in Love with on each visit!

More than just one thing will catch my eye and intrigue or captivate me.

Here's some more of Tricia's Cross Creations...

I "Heart" Victorian Ceiling Tin and any Creative way that it is upcycled and used.

And the Shop also carries some gorgeous Vintage and Antique Treasures for the Home.

Check out this Saintly Votive Holder!

And a Lovely assortment of Religious Statues and Vintage Milk Glass planted with Succulents.

Whether you're looking to adorn yourself...

Or your Home... you'll be delighted by the Selection at the Shop.

Just look at Shelly's newest Bag Creations... so Cute!

And the Altered Art Jewelry is always Created with Unique and Interesting finds.

And if you have a "Thing" for Crowns, Cuffs or Tiaras you'll find a great Selection here too.

Here's one of Punky's new Bag Creations... Love it!

I enjoy the layering of Beauty on her Creations.

And it is always an Inspiration to me to continue towards my weight loss Goals when I see the Fashions I'd Love to fill my Closets with as a reward for hitting Goal! *Winks*

Anything you'd Love to Reward yourselves with that you've seen so far? *LOL*

I exercised considerable Restraint to just come away with my Victorian Ceiling Tin Cross on this visit to the Shop!

But one good thing you Love is worth far more than dozens of 'ehhhh' things huh? *Smiles*

And I'm absolutely Delighted with this Beautiful Creation!

But we're not done yet... more Melrose to Crawl... so stay tuned... next we'll be heading to ZINNIA'S AT MELROSE and MELROSE VINTAGE!

Dawn... The Bohemian

The Melrose Crawl ~ Rust & Roses ~ Part II

2012-01-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, a Trip to RUST & ROSES never ceases to Inspire me and delight the eyes & soothe the Spirit. It is one of those places I thoroughly enjoy visiting because it is filled to the rafters with incredible Sourced Treasures that you rarely find in just one location. Granted, the Thrill of the Hunt is pleasurable, but you need those places where you know you will ALWAYS find something perfect for your Vision and that you have been desperately searching for. Sometimes you can't afford to wait a long time hoping to stumble upon the perfect pieces to complete your Decor and coming up empty handed after going from place to place. It can be frustrating to see Images of Shops & Shows across the Country or World that you don't have access to and yet have those pieces you are lusting after. Often you may not have the resources, time or opportunity to travel extensively in search of your Found Treasures. You may not yet be able to attend the Shows & Events across the Country that you long to and might offer wider selections of the things you desire and don't want to settle for less than and are more common in other parts of the Country or World than where you reside. So it is a real Blessing to have those Special Places Locally that you can count upon to supply the needs, the wants, the desires of your Heart. RUST & ROSES is such a place for me here in the Valley, where an abundance of the Styles I Love are always available to Feather our Nest with, bring our Friends to, or just wander around being totally Inspired and Wowed by the Inventory. In fact, I could never do the Melrose Crawl without stopping by Shelly's Fabulous Shops and they are always one of my primary destinations on 7th Avenue when I'm seeking that Perfect Something-Something!

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And now, let me Share with you just some of my Treasures from the Crawl as they now look in the backdrop of our Home:

{We decided to fill the Loving Cup with a Collection of small Feathers we'd found.}

Be sure to come back tomorrow... as we continue the Melrose Crawl and reveal the rest of our Haul!

And today I'm also linking up with ARTISTS IN BLOGLAND for the 1st time to show the latest Project I'm working on. A Bohemian Treasures Bag for an Artist Friend... still in the initial primary stages of completion, it will eventually resemble a Mary Poppins Style Carpet Bag to Tote all of her amazing Artwork in progress. So come on over to the Link and check out what other Artists in Blogland are working on!

And I'm also linking up with FADED CHARM for another fun White Wednesday Blog Party being Hosted... since there were so many Beautiful Inspirational Whites at the Shop this day that I visited it was a perfect opportunity to Share some Whites that delighted my eyes.

Dawn... The Bohemian

The Melrose Crawl ~ Rust & Roses ~ Part I

2012-01-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

As I began The Melrose Crawl on Thursday one of my first stops began at one of my Friend Shelly's Shops, RUST & ROSES. I knew that I would very likely find the perfect Gifts there to spend most of my Christmas Gift Money upon and I wasn't disappointed! Here I'm standing in my Friend Pauline's fabulous Booth admiring the Corregated Tin Valentine Hearts her DH Victor had Created... almost all of which were already Sold only moments after Pauline stocked the Booth with them! What is in the bag you might ask? A Surprise Gift from my Talented Artist Friend Angela that she Created for me... the Reveal of which will come in a later Post... suffice to say it is beyond fabulous & part of a Gypsy Trade we have going on. You know how us Gypsy Gals Love to Trade! *Winks*

The Shop had Salvage Valentine splendor everywhere... if your Sweetheart can't find something for you here or next door at the Sister Shop SIRENS & SAINTS... well, he's not lookin' very hard! *LOL* A future Post will take you to SIRENS & SAINTS so you know what I'm talkin' about!

The Boudoir Doll Posse was hanging around... *Smiles* They have such Character.

Don't you just Love Boudoir Dolls?!? I do, even though I've yet to procure one... I'm very specific about the Style I want so I'm holding out 'til I find her... or she finds me.

But I digress... I was seeking out my Christmas Treasures right? My eyes were darting to and fro...

And then I spied the stash my Talented Artist Friend Sandra had just brought in... all kinds of fabulous Altered Art Mirrors and Bottles adorned with an assortment of Religious Metals, Bohemian Bling, Vintage Rosaries, Skeleton Keys, Shells, Cast Iron Finials, Old Watch Parts and some of Sandra's Custom Jewelry Creations! *Squeals of Delight* But I was going to be spoiled for choice... so I needed to mull over which would come Home with me???

And so I wandered around capturing Images to Share with you while I pondered this decision. It's enjoyable to contemplate decisions when you're surrounded by everything that could be a Muse or a possibility... eye candy was everywhere... Color me Happy! I'm like a kid in a Candy Store!

My Friend Angela's Booth had this Persian Rug covered Table that I was totally digging.

And of coarse you all know how much I adore Old Doors!!! *LOL* I like the Old Signage replacing the windows on this one... it makes it more like Wall Art.

And I knew Princess T would have been infatuated by this ensemble of Dancing Ballerinas in an arrangement of Colorful Altered Art Bottles.

Now back to some of Sandra's Creations... which will take two Posts to cover and allow you to imagine the Time it took me to consider and finally decide. *Smiles* Each was so unique and Lovely... but was I going for Mirrors... or Bottles??? Decisions... Decisions...

And what is THIS I spy as I glance to my Left?!???!???!??!

I almost got totally distracted by this great Morroccan Style Set which was Beautifully framed and complimented by bunches of Peacock Feathers. *Smiles*

Oh, and also by these... yes, there were numerous fabulous Salvage Windows too... another weakness of mine! *LOL*

So very hard to resist, but I must stay focused... on Mirrors or Bottles... *Smiles*

Gee, she Created so many and each so Unique and Special... I Loved them ALL! And of coarse that always means I want them ALL... and would like them all... but know I have to edit myself and choose... which???

So while continuing to contemplate I decided to have my "Visitation" with the Dream Cupboard... *LOL*

You know the one... the one that I shall be greatly grieved when it finally is adopted and goes Home with some other Lucky Guy or Gal... *Me Pouting* Me having absolutely nowhere to put it doesn't prevent me from Lusting after it longingly... and having Regular Visitation each time I come into the Shop. *Smiles* So perfect... why oh why didn't I see something absolutely perfect like this when I WAS looking for large furnishings years ago?!

And then there were these... I desperately have been looking for just this smaller size of this exact Style!!! Usually you only come across the larger size... to squirrel away until I get my Gypsy Mobile Studio Vardo to install them in... damn... they were PERFECT!!! So tempting... so very, very tempting my Friends!!! Alas, by the time I save up for these they shall be gone I'm sure... the only reason they were probably still here to Photograph is that Shelly had JUST gotten them in and they weren't even priced yet or displayed!

I had to get away from the things that were Tempting me too hard! *Winks*

But here they are literally EVERYWHERE... Architectural Salvage, Religious Vintage Art & Artifacts, fabulous Furniture pieces aged to perfection!

And when I saw this Bedroom Vignette I had to Smile, The Man would probably want to install some of these Steer Horns on our Bed if he saw this... but I'd be fearful of being impaled!?! *Winks*

But I did like the touch of the Sweet little Bird Cages suspended from the Ceiling. I could imagine them lit up with Scented Candles or Tea Lights... how Romantic!

But I know I'd be liking the Romantic Touches of Candlelight flickering and casting shadows of Bird Cage Images upon the surroundings of Sumptuous Fabrics and Crystal Chandies glinting in the Candlelight... whilst The man would be liking Steer Horns! *Ha Ha!* Yep, we're definitely Yin & Yang!

And then I spied them, two of the Altered Art Bottles Sandra had Created that I just knew would have to be mine! I was thrilled!!! Close-ups to follow...

Aren't you Loving it ALL though too my Friends? Anytime I need Inspiration all I have to do is visit any of these Favorite Shops...

If you enjoy Salvage Style as much as I do then you need to put this one on your Itinerary... it is doubtful you would leave empty handed or uninspired!

Just look at this great Piece that had recently come in... but you'll just have to look too, because it was already Sold.

I was adoring the Old Door that Pauline had Sourced in her Booth... each tiny framed piece of Vintage glass had a design... Close-Up to follow...

Victor is sure to be kept very busy Creating even more of these Popular Corregated Tin Hearts that are selling so fast!

Some even have Wire Arrows through them... how Cute is that!?! I really liked the Colors of this one...

And this one...

And the combo of Burlap, Linen, Velvet and Old Lace is Divine!

Back to a Close-Up of my Bottles, check 'em out... aren't they Lovely?!? One of Sandra's Lovely Altered Art Necklace Creations, Sweet Saying on a Weathered Luggage Tag, Skeleton Key, Chandie Crystal, Religious Metal & Rusted Finial adorn the taller Vintage Bottle from France.

And the shorter one has a Vintage Pink Bead Rosary, Pink Bohemian Bling, Religious Metals, Pink Rhinestone Collar and Shell adorning it.

Yes, I am quite content with this decision... but I still had more Christmas funds... so I was still seeking...

And making decisions... on what else?

And then I saw it... another one... this was a very large tall Cobalt Blue Bottle with Rusted Cross Finial and an Antique Figural Rosary, each bead containing an Image of Christ. I have been Collecting Rosaries for many, many years, the Antique Figural Rosaries are among my very favorite Styles... so this was perfect!

The Trio of Altered Art Bottles came Home with me... and in tomorrow's Post I shall conclude the RUST & ROSES Tour and then we'll head next door to SIRENS & SAINTS to show you what else I got! As we continue our Crawl down Melrose trawling for Treasures...

Dawn... The Bohemian

Sweet Salvage ~ Romancing The Home ~ Finale

2012-01-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

{I 'scored a couple of these sweet little Vintage Bottles with the most Beautifully Aged glass that has given them a Pearlized Rainbow swirly Pink & Lavender Hue}

{This great Salvage Stained Glass Church Window from Pennsylvania had the BFF & I contemplating whether to enlarge our Stained Glass Window Collections?! Hard to leave behind... the price was great... but we resisted the Temptation. I really feel if I drag Home yet another Old Door or Stained Glass Window The Man might have another Stroke?! And my obsession with them is beginning to rub off on my Friends! So it must be contagious, huh? LOL }

{Wouldn't this fab Folk Art Carved Signage be ultra cool to own if you had a Special Romantic Memory tied to an Event on the Pier!?}

{It was difficult to say Good-Bye to my fav Christie Repasy Painting... it's on my extensive "Wish List" now to get a Print of this Painting! *Hint Hint to The Man* This one is so Me & has a Gypsy Chic Vibe I just adored. I found out that my Blog Friend Judy got it for her Birthday as a Gift from Friends during this Event... what a Great Gift from Loving Friends you Lucky Gal!!! }

Today we're concluding the SWEET SALVAGE "Romancing The Home" Event Posts. I Hope this has made you feel as though you were there my Friends? In fact, some of you WERE there and it was such a Treat to run into you and chat, perhaps meeting for the very first time in Person! I have a good Memory but it's rather short at this Season of Life *Winks*... so please forgive me if I don't always recall every Dear Blog Friend's Face, Name or Blog when we connect in Person. If we run into each other enough times it will all finally click into the old Memory banks and stick. *LOL* And there are some Dear Blog Friends who I now meet in Person quite regularly at several Events and we really do look forward to enjoying each other's company when we are doing our 'Thing'. It's always great when like-minded peeps enjoy the very same things that you do isn't it? Next Month's Event will be "Raw & Re-find" so it should be very interesting, upcycled, deconstructed and Organic.

I am however questioning my Sanity at attempting to Photograph popular Events or Sales on the first day though?!? *LOL* Since I'm a complete amateur it takes me a while to get my shots so I want to be considerate & I don't want to be invasive to other Shoppers. So it can be a particular challenge doing so in the midst of swarming chaos and eager throngs at Special Events or big Sales. Though the Vignettes & Images are at their most Lovely prior to being Shopped, unfoofed and left in shambles... *Smiles* I know that so much effort goes into the prep & Styling of an Event of this magnitude, the Sweet Team puts so much hard work into this and it is such an absolute Joy to behold that I've made an exception and braved the crowds each Month. It seems a shame not to Preserve as many Images as possible for Inspiration, for those that cannot make it & for posterity. *Smiles... I always want to see & document it ALL... are you like me?* This is why I'm inclined to try to Photograph it ALL I suppose ! *LOL* And there are those items that are grabbed first that would be nice to Share at least a fleeting Image of before it ends up in a Private Collection somewhere unseen & never enjoyed by most of us. I was so glad I got to Photograph the very desirable Louis Vuitton Trunk for the previous Post for you & I to enjoy... they don't come up for Sale very often from Private Collections so it was a rare opportunity. *Whew* Some serious Collector is going to be ecstatic to own this!

But I never have been one that is comfortable with shopping frenzies and I typically avoid them like the plague, so this is rather new for me to brave any and I don't know how long I shall want to rise to the challenge... I'm still very conflicted about it in fact. This is probably why I've never attended a Black Friday Event and never will... and avoid most big Sales. I prefer Serenity, Sanity and a relaxed pace... even moreso now that I'm older. *LOL* It is also impossible to bring the G-Kid Force to a crowded Event for fear they could get pummeled or detached from me and freak out! *Smiles* I've been fortunate thus far to be able to sneak away & have Volunteer Babysitters for these Occassional Sales or attend during School Hours. *Winks* I'm considering whether it may be best to just leave the coverage of big Events to the Professionals and see what it was like from their Images rather than attempting to get my own. Blogland always delivers with great exposure & coverage of the best Events & Shows and I'm never disappointed as I'm transported to each venue via fabulous Photos & commentary. Even if some remain forever on my 'Bucket List' I've attended them virtually thanks to those of you who have Shared your experience of being there. Though I know a part of me would surely miss being there in the flesh & beholding it for myself... to capture those Images that speak to my own Heart & delight my eyes and senses. So, needless to say I'm still on the fence about it... and in my best Hamlet ad lib to a soliloquy: "To go or not to go... that is the question!?!" *LOL*

Dawn... The Bohemian

More Of Romancing The Home At Sweet Salvage

2012-01-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

{The BFF 'scored' these two Lovely Treasures... a Leather Box & Vintage Card with great Graphics.}

{Dear Katie taking a short rest after the crowds subsided somewhat... the Sweet Team work so very hard during these Events... it is exhausting!}

{The BFF also 'scored' this sweet 1800's Autograph Book with Red Velvet Covers, the Handwriting & Graphics inside was exquisite too! We're going to rebind it with Vintage Velvet & Lace.}

{The BFF and I 'scored' some of these Antique Opera & Concert Venues, I love Ephemera.}

{A Serious Collector is going to be ecstatic about this Louis Vuitton Trunk!}

{And my fav 'score' from the Event was this fabulous Vintage huge round bubble textured Enamelware container with great Golden Graphics... a Translation anyone? I'm sure it says something about give us Bread, and I think it's in German, but we couldn't figure out some of the words??! }

I Hope you're enjoying our stroll through SWEET SALVAGE'S "Romancing The Home" Event? Since it was also the day of The Melrose Crawl up and down 7th Avenue's Shops I made a day of it and awaited the BFF Tina being able to get off work later and join us.

I was inspired by so many things... Loving the Idea to use old Ice-Cream Parlour Seats that have no cushions as planters by installing various interesting shaped Baskets and Galvanized Tin to hold the Greenery and Flowers. I have several sitting around the Property in just that condition and now until I get around to restoring and reupholstering them I plan to utilize them in this Creative and Beautiful way in my Gardens! And nestling Flowers and Succulents inside of Old Tool Boxes and Metal Filing Boxes that have great Patina and Colors is another great Idea I plan to replicate in my Garden and on our Patio. I always find those types of Metal Containers at the Flea Markets and Thrifts and now I have a great Purpose for them.

I still had my Christmas Gift Money to spend... since I had to return the Vintage Style Bike. Yes, sadly it's true, I was too short to ride it safely and it was adjusted as low as it would go so I made the decision to return it and treat myself to other Christmas Gifts with the refund. I didn't mind too much, after all, the possibility of me having a biking accident & possibly breaking a hip or something was too vivid an image to risk, at this Season of Life there's no coming back from some injuries so I opted on the side of safety and well being. *Winks* I'm thinking more along the line of opting for an Adult Tricycle later on, I like those. But for now walking is good exercise and strolling 7th Avenue during the Melrose Crawl and the Sweet Event was a pleasurable way to spend my rare free day all to myself. Knowing I could purchase something ultra Special as my belated Christmas Gifts had me eager to find those Special Treasures that would make my Heart sing. And The Son had waited until this Month to Surprise me with extra Christmas Gift Money from him to spend too, so I was jazzed!!! I'm sharing some more of the 'Scores' that the BFF and I took Home from the Event.

And tomorrow we shall conclude the SWEET SALVAGE tour... I still have a bounty of Inspirational Images to Share with you my Friends... you know I'm the Queen of Excess when it comes to Pathological Picture Taking of Beautiful things! *Winks*

Dawn... The Bohemian

Romancing The Home ~ Sweet Salvage Event ~ Cont.

2012-01-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

{This sweet little History Of Rome Book tied up with Twine & a Medal came Home with me.}

{This Lovely Small Vintage Gilded Loving Cup also came Home with me... usually they're in Silver, I liked that this one was Golden.}

As my Friends and I continue enjoying the SWEET SALVAGE "Romancing The Home" Event and take you along virtually, just how will YOU be Romancing YOUR Home my Friends? What does Romantic Styling mean to you? What Special elements will you be incorporating into your Home in preparation for Valentine's Day or perhaps an Anniversary or just the Celebration of Spring approaching and everything springing to Life after the dormancy of Winter? It can encompass a variety of Styles and Decor so there's no limitations to Romantic Decorating really, its very subjective to each individual. And the Romancing of a Home to me also means just putting your Heart into the spaces you will occupy, raise a Family in and Welcome Guests into.

I've always enjoyed Flowers and Nature and so for me the visual Romantic Touches almost always mean bringing some Natural Elements into our Home. Sometimes I'm fussier and Feminine about it and other times I lean towards the Mysterious and Exotic... other times I want an Organic Natural Romantic setting like a Private Garden of Eden... so it can vary widely depending on my mood. Some of the scents that evoke a sentiment of Romance are most definitely those that speak to the Soul and the Heart of me... from the delicate Florals of such Heavenly aromas as Roses, Lavender, Lilac, Orange Blossom and Honeysuckle... to the Exotic aromas of Nag Champa, Patchouli, Incense, Sage and the various Spicy Scents reminiscent of a Moroccan Bazaar.

Whatever Romancing the Home will mean to you, I Hope you will be filling your Home with Fresh Romantic Touches as we near Valentine's Day. I know I am. *Winks* And be sure to come back tomorrow as we continue seeking out Romantic Found Treasures at SWEET SALVAGE that will Inspire us and bring out the Romantic in each of us and to those we have Partnered in Life with. And I'll continue to Share with you some of the Treasures I came Home with to Romance Our Home!

Dawn... The Bohemian

Christie Repasy At Sweet Salvage

2012-01-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

It isn't often you get to meet one of your all time favorite Artists in Person, so I was absolutely thrilled to finally get to meet one of mine, the amazingly Talented Christie Repasy, at the SWEET SALVAGE "Romancing The Home" Event yesterday! I have gotten to know her via the wonderful Land Of Blog, but it is always a Joy to finally meet in Person and get to know the Blog Friend even more intimately and she is as Sweet and personable as I knew she would be, we had so much fun visiting with her.

I have been in Love with Christie's fabulous Floral Art for many years and when I think of Roses or any Romantic Floral Scene in a Painting she will instantly come to mind! She is a Master at the French Inspired and Romantic Painting! Visit CHATEAU DE FLEURS where her Castle of Flowers will allow her to Share with you, her Heart, Inspirations and Life. Christie is also now offering Rose Painting Classes for those of you who want to learn the fine Art of Floral Painting to Romance your World even further!

And Christie, along wityh Rita Reade, also Hosts THE VINTAGE MARKETPLACE AT THE OAKS , so be sure to check out the Link to the Facebook Page to learn more about that funtastic Event!!!

I so enjoyed seeing so much of Christie's fabulous Art all in one place. The Yardlong Original Oil Paintings exquisitely framed in Vintage Victorian Ceiling Tin absolutely took my breath away! But I had many favorites, as you will too! And if you missed the Opening Day, Christie is going to be there an additional day this Saturday as the Guest Artist... so if you've been Jonesin' to obtain one of her amazing Works of Art and meet her in Person, this is your perfect opportunity my Friends!!!

And the Event will continue through this Sunday, so you will also be able to source your Found Treasures to Romance your own Home, Studio, Office or Shops!

Dawn... The Bohemian

New At Cottage Gardens & A Mad Hatter

2012-01-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

Fresh back from the Atlanta Show today my Friend Carol of COTTAGE GARDENS was laden with amazing new Treasures to fill both Cottages! I had the privilege of seeing it all as it was unpacked and giving you all a sneak preview too!

Meilan and I were Modeling the fab Vintage Doily Scarves from "Pure West" and trying on various pieces of the amazing new Bohemian Bling! *Swooning Heavily... the Temptation levels were ultra high! LOL* Some of my favs were the Leather Cuffs with Vintage Bling... and the Altered Art Necklaces with a mix of Vintage and new blended Beautifully!

And there were the new Tote Bags from our Local Talented Artist Friend Minnie... made of lucious fabrics and Graphics of Lovely Bohemian Ladies.

Of coarse I had to get my "Laura Van" fix while I was there... I was adoring that Green Picture Frame and matching Cross! *Swooning*

And at Shop #1 the Spring and Valentine's Vibe was being Artistically Created by Carol & Monica during my visit. Both were hard at work transforming the Shop from the Magic that was Christmas, to the fast approaching Seasons... Valentine's Day and a Cottage Inspired Springtime! I was Loving the Watering Cans and the Sweet little clip on Bird Ornaments which really liven up a Chandie.

You'll be proud of me... I resisted all hedonistic Temptations and came away with just the Beautiful Images to share... but it was Oh so difficult, I always want it ALL you know! *Winks* But I want to thank my Friends for giving me a Premier Preview of everything Fresh from Atlanta, to Model and Share with my Friends here in the Land Of Blog! So since you've had a Heads Up on what has just come in, it gives you the perfect opportunity to rush on over to the COTTAGE GARDENS Shops in Downtown Glendale and get yours first my Friends!

And... there's MORE in the way of Glendale Adventures this Day...

Oh, and another Special Treat while I was trawling Downtown Glendale this day, was I had a Surprise encounter and got to meet my Blog Friend Eileen in Person for the first time!!! Eileen has an amazing Booth at A MAD HATTER ANTIQUE MALL and maintains their Facebook Page. She is as darling and sweet in Person as I knew she would be and it was so nice to meet yet another Kindred Spirit & Friend that I met in the Land of Blog first and now have gotten together with in Person! We'll definitely have to do the Town together Eileen, we'll have such Fun!!! *Winks* I snagged a few pixs while I was at the Shop of some Treasures that caught my eye and I wanted to Share... too bad I had an Appointment and couldn't spend more time there this day... *Le Sigh* But I did "score" the BFF Tina's Birthday Gift there, though I cannot reveal it until after it's presented... just in case she's peeking??! *Winks* Be sure to catch their "Open Air Market" the 1st Saturday of each Month though! The Weather is getting more and more glorious so it's perfect to attend Outdoor Markets now here in the Arizona Desert! So those of you looking to get out of Fierce Weather Climates... we're the Place to be this time of year! *Hint Hint*

Blessings from the Sunny Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

Colors Of A Peacock Love

2012-01-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

If I could identify with any Creature of the Animal Kingdom it would have to be the Peacock!

I have had Colors Of A Peacock Love since Childhood. The rich Jewel Tones & irredescence... the wispy delicacy of their adornment & yet they appear to be sturdy, fearless, hardy Creatures... and the way they preen & strut their stuff proudly and without inhibition has always appealed to me.

I'm always drawn to Found Treasures that either include Peacock Hues, however subtle, or have actual Peacock Feathers or Images of this Magnificent Bird.

I recently 'scored' at the Dollar Store, some Peacock Feather Necklaces...

And matching earrings!!! My Heart nearly skipped a beat!

Some I'll leave "As Is" and others I'm going to transform into other adornments and accessories... for a buck each I just couldn't believe my good fortune! I wanted to buy them all... *Winks* but I resisted the temptation to be so greedy!

And just concentrated on finding different shapes & sizes... fat, slender, large, small...

Needless to say when I went back another day they were all gone... apparently there are many other Peacock Lovers out there! *Smiles*

And I can't say that I'm surprised... is there anything quite as Lovely and Naturally perfect?!

My Peacock Inspired Collections go way back to the 60's when I began picking up the very first pieces I own... and span many Eras of Peacock Love from the Victorian Era to the Present... they are a Timeless Treasure.

They've always blended well with my aesthetic, Decor and Style, so they are pieces I've always held onto and never tired of.

They have Inspired more Projects and Art over the years than I can remember...

And my 1960's Era Peacock Feather Beaded Earrings have been worn since my Hippie years... and look amazingly good considering how many Decades I've owned and worn them! *LOL* I can't even imagine the work involved in attaching beads to such delicate strands of a Feather!!!???!!

And I must say that if even a hint of Peacock Hues are apparent in a piece I'm in Love with it!

It's so much fun to Decorate with Feathers anyway... so I tuck them practically everywhere and anywhere!

If The Man were not opposed to the Idea, I would have purchased live Peacocks to roam our acreage! Several large properties in the Valley have flocks of Peacocks on their grounds that are the direct decendants of Peacocks that have lived & bred there since the 1800's.

And every time I attend the State Fair and see them for Sale in the Livestock Exhibits... quite reasonably priced I might add... only $19-$35 apiece... I desperately want to buy some! *LOL*

And the one type of Taxidermy I would consider having and would Love to 'score' would be of Male Peacocks!

But in the meantime I'll settle for other items of Peacock Decor I've found in my Junquing forrays...

And I'm always on the lookout for new pieces to add to my Collection...

Because one is never enough and too many is just enough when you really dig something! *LOL*

Will I ever reach Peacock saturation... perhaps... thankfully I don't run into Vintage pieces very often that I don't already have so the Collection has amassed quite slowly over the years.

And I'm quite capable of admiring Peacock Art and yet not Jonesin' to purchase every piece I might behold. Not enough wall space you see... *Winks*

And this Old House was actually painted in bold Peacock Hues when we purchased it... maybe too much for some folks, but just right for us! *LOL*

And some of my Friends also adore the Bright and Vivid Hues... so we're often like a flock of Peacocks when we're together! *Winks* Yeah Girlfriends, you know who you are!!! *Smiles*

And sometimes I'll spy a piece I'd Love to have and can't get at the time... like this Peacock Fan I spied many Moons ago... but in due time I eventually found another one when resources permit and it was on SALE... so if you wait long enough for something you really Love, you'll eventually find it again!

Bohemian Bling appeals to me because of it's Peacock Quality... Bold & Beautiful!!!

And I've picked up the odd piece here & there strictly because of the Peacock Inspired Hues it was sporting... such as this Vintage German Alarm Clock with a gorgeous Peacock Blue Face.

And if a piece is lined in Peacock Hues... well, it doesn't get any better than that for me!!!

And Vintage Fabrics with these Colors, especially Velvets... PERFECTION!!!

Yes, I shall probably have Colors Of A Peacock Love until I die... it's been a Lifelong attraction thus far that has never faded or diminished one iota.

So... is there anything you have had a Lifelong Love Affair with too my Friends? Something that has remained a Mainstay in your Wardrobe or Decor regardless of trends and Styles?

I Believe that when we consider such pieces and the way they speak to our Spirit & Soul it is very telling about who we are at our very core... that part of us that never really changes...

Color me Bold & Flashy as a Peacock... Dawn... The Bohemian

My First Sewing Class!

2012-01-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

I am the Queen of the "Multiple Projects In Various Stages Of Completion" when it comes to my Creations. And it's not because I want to be... I'd LOVE to be more prolific since I have so many Ideas swirling around in my head trying desperately to get out into an Artistic Project!

But since I'm self taught and do everything entirely by hand it is a slow laborious process. And since the luxury of Time is at a premium when you get down to Life in general, the blocks set aside for my Art just aren't sufficient to be able to complete a lot of it each year. And that is often frustrating to say the least.

Especially since I was displaced from my Cottage Studio when The Son moved back in... and so I don't have that set aside place I can sequester myself into away from the Family without interruptions and distractions. A place where Projects can be spread out and worked on without anyone getting into them or having to put it all away each day. A Space strictly designated for nothing but Inspiration, Creativity, Art and Zenful Moments! When you're slow anyway, that quite often just grinds things to a standstill.

And so for 2012 I had Hoped to turn a corner in the Creative Process by taking some Classes and being more formally Mentored and trained in the Creative endeavors I enjoy the most... mainly Fabric Art, Altered Art and Jewelry making. Classes can be expensive though and the budget right now is lean for such luxuries so I needed to discern what had priority to learn first?

That was going to be a tough one... I knew it... my Passions run far & wide... and I was leaning more towards the Altered Art Classes. Only because I can already sew my Creations by hand and previous attempts to learn to sew with a machine were not so smooth. Machines often frustrate me, I don't find them to be very Zen in the Creative process like working with my hands. Too much can & often does go wrong when your skill set is at Novice levels & my memory often fails me about how to utilize a new machine's various functions until I've done it numerous times! *LOL*

So my Sewing Machine had just gathered dust in Storage... though I knew that if I could learn to use it effectively and efficiently I could Create so much more of my Fabric Art. I knew I'd have to bite the bullet and learn if only I could find a Teacher patient enough to Train me and allow me to work on what I wanted to make instead of some Project I could care less about. You see, if I'm going to learn to do something, what I'm Creating has to mean something to me or my interest level is out the window!

Yeah I know it shouldn't matter what I'm learning to make if I really am intent to just learn the Skill Sets involved... but it does matter. If I had to sit through making a placemat or some other mundane Project I abhored and know I'd just throw it away because I don't even want it, I just lose interest... completely... my mind goes into doze-mode unless I'm Creating something I want to Design and I have a Passion about making to keep, Sell or Gift and be proud of the outcome of. That's just how I roll... and so... until now I'd just kept plodding on by hand and keeping folks waiting for their Creations far too long. So I'd come to the place where I'd lifted the situation up in Prayer on what I should do?

Yes, though my Art had initially begun as Bliss and so it didn't matter how long Creations took... it definitely took an unexpected turn when other people began asking me to Create something for them. And it caught me off guard so I wasn't prepared to Create a lot or have deadlines. And so I had reached a crossroads... a decision had to be made. Would I just say No to any more requests... or would I Learn to be more expedient at the Creative Process and actually be a more prolific Artist and get all of these Ideas out of my head and into actual Creations... which would be very satisfying and gratifying to me as an Artist. I'm certainly not opposed to Creating more... there's so many things I WANT to Create in fact that the possibilities are endless and that excites me!

And then of coarse there was the "M" word... since Family & Friends have been at me for some time, that even though I've never Created for Monetary Gain because I'd Create whether I ever made a penny off of my Art or not, this could be a Source of much needed revenue for my Family. And sometimes I feel a bit guilty that I could be earning some income off of something I Love to do...

Yes, Money was definitely a factor not to be ignored... not only to be a Blessing to my Family, but also because raw Materials for Creating are becoming more of an expensive outlay and so to continue to Create for Bliss, making Money off of some Creations certainly makes economic sense. They had a host of legit points... and they couldn't understand how or why I'd devote so much time & talent to do anything that I wasn't making some profit out of... especially when I could... the Starving Artist thing when you have a Family to support isn't responsible use of Talents...

So why do I not Create more work to Sell? I don't really have a difinitive answer to that one... I've contemplated why I didn't have an answer for them actually when I'm confronted with the fact I haven't taken it to the next level... but I'd be lying if I told you I even knew why I've never desired making Art a serious Business proposition or Career move & not just a hobby. And after all, in order to be profitable you have to have Product and at this snail's pace that wasn't happening... I'd certainly be more comfortable having completed pieces to offer rather than Special Orders on a long waiting list!

Certainly I enjoy Art Created by other People that is offered for Sale and I have had the opportunity to own. I'm in awe of prolific Artists in fact, where DO they find the time and energy I wonder to Create so much, they have busy Lives too!?! And really, if someone wants a piece of my work it is flattering, I'm honored and it is a Joy to Create it and present it... if only it didn't take so long and make me feel somewhat pressured to produce & perform! I never want to shortcut on quality over quantity of whatever I Create just because there is a demand or I could make a buck... but surely if I could learn to master a Sewing Machine perhaps I could be more productive & still be proud of my work?

And there is so much more that I want to Learn to Create with Fabric too... and am constantly Inspired by the Creations I see when I'm out Junquing. So, yes, I'd firmly decided that a Sewing Class to learn to use my Machine was definitely a high priority in 2012. And since the Lord always knows the Heart... He wasted no time in presenting me with the perfect opportunity right on time and for FREE, so the price was definitely right!

We live right next door to the Salvation Army Church, they are our wonderful Neighbors and I've worked with and for them for many years now in Ministry... and attend Services there. And this past Sunday a Dear Lady that Winters here in Arizona and attends regularly, who is a Gifted Seamstress and Fabric Artist... well, she has Volunteered to Host a Sewing Class each Monday Night for those of us who want to learn to Sew, Quilt, Crochet or Knit!!! Hallelujah, Thank You Lord for answer to Prayer!!! I was elated!

She seems like a very Patient and Sweet Lady too, so perhaps she can even Teach ME how to use a Sewing Machine and remember how to thread a Bobbin? Yes, it's shameful but True, that is my downfall... a simple thing like that, no matter how many times anyone has tried to show me... by the time the Bobbin Thread runs out I've forgotten again & get frustrated trying to figure it out on my own. Oh... and how to solve a Thread Jam too?!? *LOL* Complex things usually come easy to me and Simple things can really be a stumbling block, go figure... I'm probably a Female version of 'Rain Man' I dunno?! *Winks*

So am I excited? You betcha!!! Am I a tad nervous, yes, I am, because though the Sewing on a Machine part came easily to me, the Mechanics of a Machine when it malfunctions or runs out of Thread was a Mystery I couldn't wrap my mind around easily & then I feel like an idiot & perpetual Student. *Le Sigh*

The irony being that everyone I know is impressed that I make all my Bags & Fabric Art entirely by hand, which is so easy to me... and I'm impressed that they make all their Creations with a Machine that I can't seem to get the hang of, and yet is so easy to them! But perhaps I'll be changing the ending to that Story soon!?! *Fingers Crossed!*

And then, instead of having to pass on great finds like this fab Vintage Fabric covered Dress Form, which I still haven't gotten over having to leave behind... *Le Sigh*... I will have the means to just Purchase it or work out a Gypsy Trade with the Seller because I'll have enough of my Creations amassed to Sell or Swap to get whatever I need or want... and that my Friends would be Bohemian Valhalla!

Dawn... The Bohemian

Romancing The Home ~ Sweet Salvage Event & Contest

2012-01-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

My Friends Katie & Kim of SWEET SALVAGE will be Hosting a "Romancing The Home" Event this Month. On their Facebook Page {click on the Link & it will take you there} they are also Hosting a "Romancing The Home" Contest... where you can share Photos that showcase and best represent the Essence of your Homes.

And I was absolutely delighted to see the Gals and the Shop profiled in the current issue of "Somerset Life" Magazine! They are so deserving of the exposure and continued success all their Dreams and hard work have manifested!

I submitted three of the Photos from this Post as my entries... but it was interesting to contemplate what exactly to Photograph that best reflects the Essence of our Home in a single Visual or perhaps just a few select Visuals?

I Love Photographing so many things... and Collecting, Styling and Decorating with so many things... and my Style and Tastes are extremely Eclectic and if I had to define it in a word it would be Bohemian. But what exactly that means is subjective to each individual I suppose. The Definition of coarse is:

bo·he·mi·an [ bō hmee ən ] 1.somebody with unconventional lifestyle: somebody, often a writer or an artist, who does not live according to the conventions of society.

And I know that according to most Friends and Family or those that have visited my Home or Studio Space over the years, that they find my way of Living, preferences and tastes to be unconventional... so I guess it fits and I'm Okay with defining myself, my aesthetic and Lifestyle that way.

I wouldn't be at all comfortable Living any other way or surrounding myself with objects that didn't interest me, Inspire me or that I didn't Love and feel some kind of Special attachment to and mean something to me, whether anyone else 'gets it' or not.

And as I decided to place my entry to the Contest and enjoy the Lovely entries of other Contestants it didn't matter to me at all whether I won or not, nobody loses if they stay True to what makes them Happy & Content in the Sanctuary that is their Home. But it was Fun to just Share small snippets of our Homes and Lives in this "Romancing The Home" Venue and reflect upon what exactly are cornerstones of our Essence and Style?

And though of coarse I like what I like... I also adore seeing how others Feather their Nests as well and reflect their distinctive Personalities through their Style of Living. The SWEET SALVAGE Team, in the Spirit of the Theme, is also taking us on a delightful Tour of their Homes, giving us a glimpse into their Private Sanctuaries and Lives... how they Style and Decorate those Spaces that they spend their Personal Time in and what Collections are nearest & dearest to their own Hearts.

And if you've ever been to the SWEET SALVAGE Events and witnessed the Masterful Decorating and Vignette Making displayed... and the many Treasures they Source with care and part with so that we might benefit from it being offered for Sale... Well, you'll totally understand why it's a Special Treat to see what pieces they Collect & have Passion for, couldn't bear to let go of and chose to keep for themselves and how their Homes might be arranged! Thank You Sweet Team for inviting us into your Homes... here are some of my favorite Inspiring Images from the Sweet Team's Homes:

Source: Sweet Stephanie's Home ~ Sweet Salvage Blog & Facebook Page

Source: Sweet Kim's Home ~ Sweet Salvage Blog & Facebook Page

Source: Sweet Katie's Home ~ Sweet Salvage Blog & Facebook Page

So my Friends, what Images would best reflect YOUR Homes and the very Essence of YOU?

And remember, the SWEET SALVAGE "Romancing The Home" Event is this coming Thursday through Sunday, January 19th through 22nd... see you there!

Dawn... The Bohemian

Bohemian: Somebody with unconventional lifestyle... somebody, often a Writer or an Artist, who does not live according to the conventions of society.

Creative Overdrive & Other OCD Tendencies

2012-01-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

So, with the abundance of Personal Drama & Crisis swirling around Mi Vida Loca I've gone into Creative Overdrive and other OCD Tendencies! *Winks*

Which is good news for my Friend Angela since her patiently long awaited Bohemian Treasures Bag is FINALLY getting the intense focus it & she deserves as I Escape into my Art and lose myself in the Creative Process so that I don't have to think about all of the stressful events unfurling back to back as the New Year rang in! *LOL*

So often I'm at my most Creative peak when the Journey of Life is the most rocky & turbulent... external pressure and the ugliness of some Life issues brings out of me the desire to Create Beauty brought forth from the Internal Zen that keeps me Sane and Balanced from my Center and Endowed by the Creator.

And yet another strange thing happens when Life throws me for a loop... though I'm no domestic goddess at the best of times, during the worst of times I suddenly get in a cleaning, editing, organizing, purging frenzy! *LOL* As if I'm channeling Martha Stewart or something?!?

Dealing with the Medical Emergencies plaguing my Dear Mom and Sister-In-Law... coupled with the Insurance Game Nightmare finds me completely cleaning, editing & organizing the Pantry, Cupboards, Freezers and both Fridges in one Afternoon! *Whew* I was like the Tazmanian Devil of Domestic Duties and Kitchen Organization this day! *LOL* While simultaneously sewing like mad on the latest Creation when I needed to take a breather & yet not lose momentum!

And just how Afflicted am I you might ask? Well... you be the Judge... *Smiles* Everything was scrubbed and then lined up like Toy Soldiers going off to War...

Stuff was tossed in an Edit of epic proportions! Thankfully I'm not sentimental one iota about Food so my Hoarding Instincts are easily swayed to discard excess or that which is no longer necessary in the Pantry, Cupboards and Fridges. When the rest of the House is in disarray these areas are usually quite organized because it's what I always get fanatical about first! *Winks*

And it will set the Tone and be great Practice for when I move from there to those areas that are tougher for me to let go of things or face the challenge of cleaning & organizing thoroughly! Since my Goal for 2012 is to go through the entire House & Storage Cottage by year's end... this stress induced adrenalin Rush of activity actually felt good & gave me quite a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction! I had begun to wage War on the Chaos that reigned...

It also made me painfully aware of my obsession with flavorful Jams, Pancake Syrups, Teas, Salad Dressing, Exotic Gourmet Foods & Honey... Good Lord this looks like a Grocery Store Display Shelf at Trader Joe's or Sprouts!!! *Winks* Another Goal of 2012 is to begin to emulate European Shopping habits of going to the Store more often and buying Fresh Products opposed to canned, bottled, dried or frozen.

And as I progress through the House and gain momentum and confidence that I can do Anything and Everything *Winks*... I'm Hopeful that tackling the external factors such as restoring a 100 year old Wall & House to the perfection an Insurance Company will be satisfied with won't seem such a daunting task anymore after all?!? *LOL*

But I'm not quite "There" yet so in the meantime I'm perfecting such things as Bed foofing...

Because Restoring our Room to a semblance of Order is not quite so intimidating as completely finishing Restoring this Old House & the Acre it sits on in a ridiculously limited Time frame & next to zero financial resources for it! *Smiles*

But it builds the Confidence, Skills, Resourcefulness, Creativity and Discipline I will obviously need for a more intense Restoration Project of Epic Proportions & a shoestring budget! *Winks*

Yes, I know I'm completely Delusional, but the Illusion of it being Possible comforts me for now... so humor me, patronize me if you must, just don't burst my bubble with the mere technicalities of Reality and Truth at this Point... I don't think I can handle it, I'm in complete Denial for now and it's working for me?!? *LOL*

After all, this is not the 1st alleged Impossible Challenge and Daydream of things completely working out in our Favor that I've been confronted with in this Life... and it likely won't be the last... and it's how I handle Stress... with ridiculous Optimism and determination that I will succeed and Prayers will be considered and Hopefully answered in due Time so that there will no longer be such trouble in Paradise.

And since Patience is NOT one of my Virtues, while I'm impatiently waiting I might as well be doing something that I do have Control over, right... and will be a welcome distraction? Because one of my not-so-Virtuous traits is being a Control freak & wanting it my way! *Winks* I'm a real Diva like that, ask anyone that knows me well!!!

Anytime something is NOT within the capacity for me to influence it in some kind of way, the being Still part and handing it over to the Lord is something I often reluctantly submit to... even though I'm fully aware that Obedience is better than Sacrifice and standing in Faith means Trusting completely and not running interferance. I guess for me the vagueness of what I should be doing and is MY part of the equation is sometimes elusive and not so clear, so I don't always know when to get out of the way and step aside?!

The "Okay Lord what do You want me to take my hands off... or put my hands to?" isn't always cut and dried in my mind or Spirit or revealed even after intently asking in Prayer. So I stumble with that part of it... and the only way I know how to take my mind and hands off of something is to put my mind and hands to something else that has no relation to the Drama or Crisis at hand. Buying Time if you will to not focus so intently on that which is bothering me or making me crazy with concerns & escalated emotions! I don't sit well with my feelings because risking a nervous breakdown isn't really on my Agenda.

And its not as if what I'm doing now hasn't needed my undivided attention anyway... Photo Ops for Blog Post Fodder often reveal where I'm slacking! *Winks* Hummnnn... are those telltale G-Kid fingerprint evidence in the dust on my Jewelry Boxes?! Busted!!! *LOL* And they just think I'm an Old Gypsy Psychic about such Revelations!!! *Smiles*

I have my 'Secret Ways' of knowing what goes on around here behind my back... Shhhhhhhhhhh, no telling! *Smiles* It keeps them guessing and on their toes & Hopefully more inclined to behave... Okay, we all know that's utter nonsense, so really it just makes them more covert and Special Ops about whatever they're determined to do and don't want me to find out about... you know how kids are! *Winks*

But... it's all good... after all, I need some Leverage to ~~coerce~~... ~~blackmail~~... ~~extort~~... um, I mean convince unwilling ~~Victims~~ Volunteers to assist me in the complete Restoration Project so that this Old place resembles a Museum Quality overhaul of a Historic site worthy of being adequately protected! *Smiles*

And I want each and every one of you Precious Blog Friends to know how much your responses, Encouragement, commisseration and sincere wishes that you could help and lend a hand means to me! This is why I always look forward to my Daily Visit to the Land of Blog... because even through the Trials and Rants you are so Supportive and provide Positive Energy to fuel my Day and put things in a healthy perspective... and there are always those Dear Blog Friends battling more intense Good Fights for their Families and are Inspirations to me. {ie: Such as my Blog Buddy Dear Mark of OUR SIMPLE LIVES... please check out their heartwrenching Story and lend your Encouragement! It grieves me to think that any Family would or could be threatened to be torn apart!}

Dawn... The Bohemian

A Bohemian Rant ~ Ahhhh, That Feels Better!

2012-01-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

I need to Rant... so that I'll feel better & a whole lot less frustrated... so for those of you who just want to enjoy pretty pictures I've gathered from my Photo Archives for this Post, ignore the Story... because I'm about to "go off"!!! *Winks*

This is the 1st Home without wheels that I ever owned & lived in during my Adult Life because I've always moved around Gypsy Style without roots to a particular Property or Place, and so Nomadic Living suited me better the majority of my Life. Yet, I always Dreamed of owning a Historic Home, a Project in need of Rescuing from being razed & to Lovingly Restore, to make a Dream Home out of. And when we had the opportunity to purchase the Old Bohemian Valhalla Homestead, well, it was both a Dream come True... but with it's share of Nightmares as well.

Yes, I knew it would be a Labor Of Love that would probably last a Lifetime and mean sacrifices, creativity, resourcefulness and certain hardships in the process. I am totally Okay & down with that... I've Lived with and through much less in the way of comforts & conveniences... and much more in the way of sacrifices & hardships. The Old House in & of itself has always been worth it and I Love our Home! But, I never in my wildest Dreams imagined how much resistance I'd run up against and how many battles I'd have to fight with other people, the City & Agencies in particular. *Whew*

I've been Victorious in some battles... and defeated in others... and in the most necessary of battles I just can't make running up the White Flag an option. This most recent battle is certainly one of THOSE instances. *Le Sigh* So, a good Bohemian Rant to make me feel better seems just the therapy I need right now. *Winks*

A Home always needs Hazard Insurance and I knew, from my years of running several Departments for major Banks, that getting underwriting for an Old Home in various stages of being Restored would not be easy when we purchased it. But, the Lender we purchased it from agreed to underwrite it in the "condemned" state it was in over 12 years ago... they had NO problem with Insuring it THEN... but after the small Claim was filed... suddenly every nitpicking thing they can use as an excuse is listed as criteria to now cease coverage! Even though since the purchase date we've been restoring, upgrading and doing what we can as time, resources & Health permits. It's come a LONG, LONG way from the days when it wasn't even habitable, though its still a Jewel in the rough because it's still almost 100 years old.

All the major things such as new Roof, new Plumbing, new Wiring were paramount on our list and we try to keep up on deferred maintenance issues... and issues caused by other causes. Such as when the City cut down our Ancient Tree without permission and compromised the integrity of the beautiful 100 year old rock & adobe wall that was built on either side of the massive Trunk and so now we've been attempting to save with bracing and retaining sub-walls built to strengthen it in damaged areas.

Needless to say lots of time & energy have been wasted & spent litigating certain issues over the years as well, which is always exhausting & financially draining. Resources, time & energy that could have been better spent in other more productive directions. And so, when we had that Burglary back in the early Summer I was hesitant to even file a Claim for the losses... knowing how hinky Insurance Companies can become once they have to pay out anything at all on a Claim regardless of how many years of Premiums & no Claims have been enjoyed in their favor.

Knowing that with an Old House not everyone will Insure you & not wanting to give the original Insurance now a reason to drop us after all these years. But The Son and The Man were adamant that why have Insurance at all if you can't file a legitimate Claim when you incur a Loss!!! *Indignant stamping of feet & puffing out of chests!* Yes, they're absolutely right... in Theory... and though the Claim was less than $2,000 and it shouldn't even be an issue to fear being dropped, I had a gut feeling that any sized Claim, unless catastrophic total loss, would be risky! In these tough economic times and with being violated & victimized by a Burglar, well, you want recompense to replace what was stolen. After all, we don't have a couple Grand just sitting around for such times... and then shelling it out of pocket means a double loss really. And since most of the stolen items belonged to the kids they were crestfallen and we knew we'd be replacing what they all lost whether we got paid out or not!

And so yes, against my better judgment I went ahead and agreed we should file a Claim and replace what had been stolen. And they paid out... and then promptly dropped us... no big surprise really since that's exactly what I expected an Insurance Company to do. But now, obtaining replacement coverage has become a huge Nightmare because our Home is so Old and a Claim was filed within the past 2 years so most other Companies won't qualify you! Since our Home is not quite paid off yet, close, but it's going to take just a few more years to own free & clear... we are required to have Coverage to satisfy the Lender & cover their investment. Even if it was paid off, well, we'd still need Insurance for our own protection, so it's a Catch 22... and frankly I'm pissed off so I needed a good ole' Bohemian Rant.

Because of the 2-year no Claim Qualifier its difficult to even find a new Company to Insure us. Or the laundry list of things a prospective Insurance Company wants done with an Old Property, which is doable, if you have sufficient time and money to shell out to get it done right now... which we don't... and then, I'm not confident they wouldn't then just come up with more excuses anyway if they don't really want to Insure you? And the other tactic of simply making the Premium & Deductibles somewhere in the Stratosphere realm so that it's no longer affordable or feasible to do business with them.

But, we shall have to still rally the troops and get everyone on board with doing everything and anything we can to appease whoever... which the Bohemian Valhalla Clan isn't thrilled about. The Son is still working two jobs & has precious little time or energy to devote to my To-Do List... The Man isn't well & so he doesn't really want to... and the G-Kid Force is not exactly capable of a great deal of Slave Labor. *Winks* So... unless I can woo some Volunteers to assist me, I'm doing most of this Solo and though there are things I can do... there are much more that I can't & that sucks since Time is of the essence to avoid expensive Forced Place Coverage.

So, slow and steady as a Desert Tortoise I'm carrying on... and "going off" just helps release the steam & frustrations building up inside about the injustice of it all so I don't implode!

And keeps me Centered, reacting and standing in Faith and in the Fruits of the Spirit rather than morphing into a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle! *LOL* Well... maybe not a Teenage... perhaps a Gramma Mutant Ninja Turtle!!! *Winks*

Dawn... The Battling Bohemian

Spring Fever Or Extending Christmas?

2012-01-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

I can become very conflicted at the changing of the Seasons... you see, I enjoy them ALL! There's something about each one that appeals to me and so letting go of or extending the passing Season and having the Fever for the upcoming Season leaves me somewhat indecisive and in limbo... I'm already craving Spring Visuals... Yes, I've already got Spring Fever! *LOL*

Because Spring always evokes a sense of rebirth and renewal... of decorating with Bright Happy Colors or Sweet Pastels and Whites... lightening up from the Warm tones of Autumn & Winter I've used, which I adore, but which I'll probably use less of as Spring & Summer approaches.

Florals of every type will show up again in my Decorating because I can hardly think of Spring without thinking of Flowers and Nature waking up and showing out in all it's Magnificence!

Lace will replace heavier Fabrics and Picnics in the Park and long walks will be on my mind... before the fierce Desert Heat makes a comeback... and it does early, so there's no time to waste!

I'll look for and dig out the most Colorful Bohemian Bling to adorn everything, including myself with...

And I know I'll gravitate to Visual Blog Fodder that evokes a sense of Springtime... Bright, Cheerful Images and Furniture painted in Springlike hues that appeal to me...

And yet... I'll also be the one that has trouble letting go of and putting away Christmas! *Winks* And so Christmas is still up in our House... and I even added a few touches that I recently 'scored'...

Because in fact, I'm STILL enjoying the ambiance of the Christmas Decor around the Bohemian Valhalla Residence... and so is the rest of the Clan. We enjoy gathering in the Livingroom with just the twinkling Christmas Lights on in the Evenings. And the Thrifts now are hawking an abundance of After-Seasonal Decor that was donated after the Holidays were over. The little Spiral Glittered Wire Trees & Sparkly Beaded Pinecones were a Goodwill Hunting 'score'... a large bag of them for less than two bucks!

And so I hung them on the Tree... why not? They lended themselves so well to this Season's Theme and Palette.

And I'm Extending Christmas just a wee bit longer... at least the Visuals of it... and there's no hurries or worries about putting it away... I'll know when it's Time... and will enjoy the Process of Storing what will be packed away... and finding new placement around the House for what Salvaged Items used as Decorations will remain in other Vignettes throughout the Year.

Or I'll wear the Bohemian Jewelry & Accessories that I utilized as Decorations... after all, this was a Repurposed Salvage Christmas that took no time or great effort to put up and will take no time or effort to take down.

Yes, I confess, that's a part of why I extend things sometimes, I'm very laissez-faire about stuff... and being Conventional is just not my Thing... I let things alone and let them pass at whatever speed feels right to me... and if I'm not feeling it I don't do it. *LOL*

And so the Images of Christmas and Springtime will blur a bit for a while... as our Spring Bulbs start to spring forth on the Porch and the Tinsel Peace Sign Wreath is still hanging on the Front Door. *Smiles*

But not to worry my Friends... here in my Blog World I shall now put Christmas to rest... and move forward to the Images that will Inspire you for Spring... for Construction Projects you might be planning or Dreaming of...

Of Fabrics that will bring Springtime Freshness to Life as they upholster our furnishings or be used in various ways throughout our Homes, Studios or Showrooms...

Of the Lighting that will scream, "Spring is coming or Spring is finally here!"

And though we're spoiled here in the Arizona Desert where our Fall and Winters are not really bad and Tourists actually flock here to get away from where it is fierce... we look forward to Spring too...

And all the Beauty and possibility that the Season holds...

Dawn... The Bohemian

*Today's Images were taken at Our Home, Sweet Salvage, Melrose Vintage, or Rust & Roses*

It's Spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~ Mark Twain

Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~ Lewis Grizzard

Getting Lost In Passions & The Moment

2012-01-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

I have so many Passions that at times I can get lost inside my own head... lost in my Passions and the Moment to a point where Focus on any one thing becomes difficult, if not impossible...

I've always got so many Creative Ideas and Projects going on simultaneously, either in my head or in progresss and various stages of completion... too many Irons in the Fire... and that's how I've always rolled... but I am trying to make a change and Focus more on one thing at a time!

And those that know me well are probably laughing out loud right now at that lofty Goal... because we are talking about ME after all... and Focus with a single thing is not one of my strengths to be sure! *Winks*

Yes, I can be tenacious and single minded at the aquisition level... but at the Creative level, I tend to be more all over the place and step so far outside of the box at times that I need a Road Map to get back to where most people can relate to me and not think my Ideas or Visions Crazy and perhaps Impossible to achieve?!

When I see something that interests me my Imagination is off and running... like a Racehorse... an out of control Racehorse that has thrown it's Jockey and may not exactly be on a straight coarse for the Finish Line... instead running all over the Track, jumping over the Fence and on a Free Spirited Adventure to who knows where... the Journey is always far more important to me than the Destination or winning a Prize or even Finishing for that matter! *LOL*

Not that I leave things unfinished mind you, that habit bothers me, incomplete anythings are loose ends I abhor. But my point is that I don't necessarily set a deadline for myself when it comes to Creative & Artistic Ventures, I have trouble doing that, which is why I don't dig Special Orders.

The Process can take as long as it needs to without that bothering me... the Finishing isn't so important that I'm racing towards it, rather I meander towards it and allow Time to tweak the Vision and Idea, it can change a multitude of times before it becomes a Finished Project... and that can drive others Crazy! *LOL*

Especially if it's their 'Thing' to know every Detail in advance about a Project and how it will end up... I'm all into the Details of things, but I don't need to know every Detail in advance because it can evolve and morph as it will, surprising me along the way, and I find that rather exciting really. The not knowing exactly where a Path will lead and having a Surprise ending you didn't anticipate or expect but which is worth arriving at. And that I wasn't so focused on the End that I failed to enjoy the Beginning and Middle of whatever I'm doing or where ever I'm going.

I suppose Living in the Moment is my 'Thing' and so I'm just Present THERE... not really where I was or where I will be...

I don't really care where I was, that's behind me... and where I will be isn't there yet, so I'd rather enjoy NOW! Where ever that happens to take me... and yet, I also realize that my Focus is scattered and I could benefit from not getting totally lost in my Moments... where others have trouble even finding me! *Smiles*

The Son recently told me his concerns about my apparent scattered & random musings & focuses... sometimes I can go around in circles it seems and I'm okay with that... but it does frustrate others if they're not digging coming back around to something again and again, revisiting it as you will... they're on their way to the Finish Line and my Wanderings could be impeding that... be it in Conversations or actual Journeys. And The Son could be looking at my habits as Age Related red flags... Good Lord, is Mom ready for a Home already... where is her head at?!? *LOL*

Okay... Note to Self: Try not to scare the living daylights out of the Kids, The Man & G-Kids about where my head is at... *Winks* But after all these years you would think at least some of them would be used to it, No? *Smiles* Used to me being lost in my Moments, in my Passions, my Vision and Creative Process. Used to me flitting from one Project and Thought to another, working on everything and nothing in particular... all at the same time! *LOL* Yep, my ADHD is showing...

And as I learn to perfect the Art of concentrating on and doing one thing at a time I Hope you all will be patient with me? Because I'm sure it's become quite evident even here in my slice of Blogovia that Creating Posts about any one thing, any one Passion, any one topic, Project or Style is unlikely to happen with any consistency... and I don't even know where it's going or taking us until it's happening... and we may never Arrive anywhere in particular?! *Winks*

And if you don't mind a lengthy Meandering Journey, with numerous stops along the way to get lost in the Moments, then perhaps you won't actually mind Traveling with me? Gypsy Style... flitting from place to place and just going with the flow. And we'll savor it all... all the delicious parts of whatever it is... like a good Tea and Brunch... never knowing exactly where it will take us, but not really caring that much either... because it doesn't matter... so long as we're thoroughly enjoying every Moment of it, this Journey that is Life...

Dawn... The Bohemian

*Most Lovely Images were captured at ANTIQUE GATHERINGS in Phoenix, AZ or at our Home*

Wilderness Junquing & Found Treasures

2012-01-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

As much as I enjoy Junquing and seeking Found Treasures in the City and every out of the way Town... The Man enjoys Junquing and seeking Found Treasures in the Wilderness.

His Wilderness experiences have taken him from deep in the Arizona Desert... the dense Jungles of Southeast Asia... to the Wild untamed Wilderness of Alaska... and every place inbetween.

He's 'scored' some pretty cool stuff over the years to bring Home to Moi and I'm always eager to be surprised by his Haul. He's away right now Wilderness Junquing with his Adventurous Friends, Horses & Metal Detectors loaded up, seeking out even more Treasures this week! I could be opposed to him going out on his Great Adventures now that his Health is more fragile... but my Mantra is, if it's your Time then better to go out in a Blaze of Glory doing something you Love!

And Love it he does, he always has been an Adventure & Thrill Seeker... it's his Personal Sanctuary and Element being out in the Wilderness roughing it, if you need to know Survival Techniques he's an expert at it... and he's a Seasoned Veteran at discovering Hidden Treasures! It could be anything and everything he thinks is cool or knows I would think is cool... from Silver Engraved Snuff Boxes left behind in the Desert from the days of the Wild, Wild West...

Some still containing their Snuff! And no, we haven't snuffed it... we're not that Wild and Crazy... well, at least not anymore! *LOL*

But it is pretty cool when the contents of Antique Treasures are still present after all these years... taking you back in Time to their Era and habits.
So... if you were ever curious about what they snuffed back in the Old West, this is a close-up of it! *Smiles* I bet that Old Cowboy was pretty peeved when he realized he's dropped his whole filled Snuff Box somewhere along the Arizona Trail!?! *LOL* His loss, our gain all these years later...

I have enough Old Horseshoes to deem it a Collection and adorn this Old Homestead with... but, can one ever really have enough of any one kind of Salvaged Found Treasures? I think not... if he discovers more he'll likely drag them Home.

Anything Rusty, Crusty and Aged to Perfection just screams to us to take it Home where it can be fully appreciated and used in some repurposed or upcycled way. Half the time we don't know what we'll do with it, but we'll procure it nonetheless because Free is always the right price, No? *Winks*

He's brought me Home unexpected items that you wouldn't think would be gleened from deep in the Arizona Desert in desolate places... this gorgeous Old Gesso Picture Frame for example! Large enough that I was able to mount an Antique Last Rites Crucifix in the Center upon Black Velvet!

And of coarse his Mantiques always come home with him! *Winks*

It's okay, I appreciate many Mantiques too... we both have "For The Love Of Old" coarsing through our veins!

He even 'scored' my Beloved Antique Claw Foot Cast Iron Tub from deep in the Desert during a Scouting expedition before a big Hunt... exactly at the Time I had been wanting one... Serendipity, the Laws of Attraction and Divine Coincidence is always a Rush!

And what Southwestern Home would be complete without a few Skullys??! *Winks*

I keep wanting to get my hands on some of his fav Skullys and make them into Southwestern Native American Art... *LOL*

But to appease my Artistic leanings he always brings me Home an amazing array of Old Bottles to Create something out of... and probably to deter me from Decorating aforesaid Skullys!? *Smiles*

The Colors and Rainbow Patinas the Desert Sun has transformed many of the Glass pieces into over the span of years is breath-takingingly Beautiful! The Aqua, Pearlized and Amethyst are my fav Sun transformed hues.

Every Old Brick on our Property has been dragged Home from being Salvaged from somewhere... we especially covet the ones that are stamped or made of unusual colored sand or slag.

And if he finds shards of anything he knows I'll find some Artistic Project to incorporate them into... so into the Truck they always go! Often when acquiring Salvaged Items from a Property it is a Thrill when the History of the Property or the Pieces is imparted to you by the Owners... I Love when things have a Story that is passed along with them. And I Love hearing the Stories and Remembrances of even the pieces we won't be taking Home.

But the majority of our Found Treasures were just discarded or lost out in the middle of nowhere and discovered quite by accident as we, or he and his Friends were on various Adventures.

And Natural Treasures appeal to us too... he has brought Home some amazing and interesting Rocks...

Crystals, Arrowheads, Geodes, Gems and precious Metals.

I confess that these are among my most favored Finds! I have had a Love Affair with Rocks, Crystals, Gems and such since I was a very small Child... one of my fav Memories is polishing rocks to reveal their Magnificence even more clearly!

Our G-Kids share this Passion and LOVE Collecting Polished Rocks too... we have little Velvet Bags strewn all over the Bohemian Valhalla Residence of these delightful little Treasures and have fun Trading and Swapping them... developing their Art & Skills of Negotiating! *Winks*

Even Old Pipes back in the day were made Beautiful with fired Glazes of gorgeous hues & texture... now everything utilitarian is plastic and ugly by comparison. Alas, I couldn't capture the gorgeous irredescence of the Greens & other Natural Rainbow of tones of this Old Pipe's Glaze... as Beautiful as any Tile! We'll eventually make standing Planters out of these huge Old Pipe pieces.

As well as Found Treasures The Man always brings me back Visual Treasures captured through the eye of the lens of all of the interesting places he knows I'll appreciate seeing. We both have a Passion for Old Structures of all kinds, in any Condition.

There's just something mezmerizing about them to me... I'd rather walk through an interesting Ancient Ruin than a Palatial Modern Estate in fact. I'd rather Live in a Historic Home, regardless how Modest or in need of TLC, than a brand new Custom Home of any size & array of Modern conveniences.

And I especially Love it when The Man discovers some new place that will be a Picker's Dream... and offers their Treasures up to the General Public! This Place was Closed the day we discovered it, but be sure we'll be back... *Winks* Any place worth Visiting is worth returning to...

May 2012 hold many exciting Adventures for you too my Friends! With great Junquing Stories and Scores to Share here in the Land Of Blog...

Dawn... The Bohemian

Blog Scare ~ Going Cold Turkey!

2012-01-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

If you want to find out how much your Blog and connecting to this Community really means to you then have an experience like mine last Night... something apparently called a "False Positive" where when Blogger is doing their Electronic Spam searches it falsely identifies your Blog as Spam and wham... your account and Blog gets deleted! *Gasp!!!*

Yes, it's True... you may have attempted a visit last Night only to discover that Bohemian Valhalla no longer existed!? I was in a bit of a panic, going Cold Turkey if you will... and being Tech Challenged I wasn't sure if there was any bringing it back to Life and Restoring it or not?!? *Wringing of hands, knashing of teeth!*

All of my hard work setting this up and tweaking it, getting it exactly the way I wanted it... establishing a Supportive Following of Dear Blog Friends, was it now in vain? Would they come to visit and think I had decided to end it all?! Would I have to try to start completely over? Would Blogger let me? Had I somehow innocently violated the Terms of Agreement? Could I visit other Blogs even if my own was Suspended? All of these questions and more were swirling in my head! I left some panic stricken Messages at Blogger Customer Support, appealing the decision and my Case... I almost felt like a Defendant in Court accused of a crime I hadn't commit and being my own Counsel, which as you know makes you a Fool! *LOL*

After all, Blogging was my Escape, a place I could come just for Me... a great Stress reliever and Artistic Outlet. And boy did I need a Stress reliever and Outlet last Night and yet the Blog Scare had simply intensified Stress, you know how the smaller thing will always do you in after holding up through the bigger things, the proverbial straw that breaks the Camel's back??!!!

You see, I had just unexpectedly received very bad news about my Mom and Sister-In-Law from my Bro' in Cali last Night. And after holding it all up in Prayer I needed to attempt to relax and de-stress so naturally I came here to Blogland. I was concerned not only for them, but for him, attempting to deal with it all on his own, when his own Health is so very Fragile. I know firsthand how bearing the burden of seriously ill Loved Ones is and it grieved me that he's going through so much all at once and I felt powerless to help. It alarmed me that two Loved Ones were taking a turn for the worse.

And so I had to retire for the Night Blogless... and it made me realize how much I'd come to rely upon my Blog Experience in so many Positive ways that had enriched my Life... and how upset I was that now I didn't have it and it might be gone forever. It seemed silly really since I had actually toyed with the Idea of deleting it and quitting not too long ago when I was in my New Year's Funk. Be careful what you think upon, you might just get it!!!

And though there was absolutely nothing humanly possible that I could do to change the situation with the Crisis involving Mom and my Sister-In-Law, that outcome was completely in the Lord's Hands, and I Hoped our Prayers would be considered and answered... I felt like the one thing I might be able to do was to change this Blogging crisis... and that was a bit comforting I must say.

I was sure the Tech Reps at Blogger must have thought they were dealing with a desperate individual close to the edge... {I was ~ LOL} ... because they were receiving more E-Mail than they must from their closest Friends and Family Members?! *Smiles* And this Morning I was almost afraid to log on and Hope that the problem had been resolved and my Blog & Account had been Miraculously Restored whilst I slept?!

But Joy of Joy it had! *Insert exhuberant Happy Dance!* With a Sweet E-Mail from Blogger Support Staff apologizing for the inconvenience. {Thank You Blogger Tech Team, you guys Rock!} Little did they know that for me at least this was more a wake-up call... perhaps one I really needed... because as with all things in our Lives... sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone...

Dawn... The Bohemian