Gardening Thoughts on Memorial Day

Memorial Day, a time to reflect on those who paid the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy today.  Another friend, Robin, pointed out that she remembers those they left behind as well.   The mamas and loved ones bear/bore all that pain of the loss.  Do I agree with the reasons that created such loss, NO Way!  Am I and those I love blessed by such great loss, YOU Bet!  

I know that Memorial Day began after the Civil War, however life was lost in this great old country we live in, way before that.  We are to remember all those who died in battle, fighting for American freedoms.  I can't help but think of the many Native Americans who died in fighting for that long before the English came here.  Not to get political, I don't want to argue.   

These thoughts are on my mind as I recently read a book set in 1700's America.  As I read it, new light was cast on the struggle.  My perspective on native women especially has lingered and changed the way I look at myself as a decendent of Potawatomi women.  

I was also thinking about a scripture that says, "She works willingly with her hands" Proverbs 31:13.  That, perspective comes as a decendent of strong Christian women.  

I worked in my garden over the past few days.  I ordered my seeds this year from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.  My friend, Renee, shared some squash she planted called Lakota (from the Lakota tribe's heirloom seeds).  I ordered those this year.  I started the seeds in my greenhouse and yesterday transplanted 68 into my garden.  As I put each into the ground, I said a prayer for their growth, thanked my creator, and thought about the generations of native women who did he same.  I am blessed! 

I also weeded my raised beds and planted stuff in those too.

I have "big" garden plans, again, but we will see how it ends up.  I know my dreams are bigger than I am physically able to do.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Chick Time

I had, had is key word here, about 18 roosters.  I now have, have is key word, 4, however, I haven't seen the black one for a few days.  My hens have always been good mamas and they are good at it.  I usually let them hatch out a batch or 2 each year.  I have about 6 boxes full of eggs, of which I'm sure most are fertile.  A few hatched Monday, more yesterday, and more this week.  Here are the first few, such colorful ones this time. 

I just let the hens be mama, they are better at their job than I am.  It's better for the chick and they seem to fair better this way.  Smarter, heartier, tougher then if I coddle them.  June is one of my favorite months at our farm.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday - Late May

 Farmhouse Friday - late May

Whew this week flew!  Not sure if I feel as productive as I wanted to be.  It rained most of the week and we actually had snow here...snow...yesterday.  I had wanted to transplant my starters and seeds in the garden, but maybe this weekend.  

I did dehydrate 14 trays of rhubarb.  I really enjoy my dried apple slices and thought this would be one good way to preserve it.  I also juiced it with celery and apples, it was very good.  

Al bought the juicer at an online auction - love it!

I made a tea with the rhubarb, apple, mint all from our farm.  I also added the dried rhubarb to my oatmeal and it was delicious.

On my favorite day of the week, Wednesday, I said "Gramma Bird is here to babysit" she said "hey, don't say that, I'm not a baby!"  Oh boy, I said "you're right, I'm here to play with you today." (wink, wink).  So, play we did, outside all day.  We found some soft moss and just had to take our shoes off and feel the earth beneath our toes.  We played at the edge of the woods for hours!  I do have the bug bites to prove it.  We also may have eaten dandelion greens.  To which she said "you don't care if we wash it" (ahaha).  We picked some lichen off the rocks and boiled our eggs for lunch in the "blue" water.  She is so precious!  I was worried I wouldn't be able to share (I'm not the best at that) her with the others in her life, but I've come to realize that "love is meant to be multiplied not divided" (thanks Sister Wives - I don't condone their lifestyle, but it is interesting to watch ahahah).  

My friend, Dawn, who is a veteran, works for the VA clinic in Wausau.  She is, what I would best describe, as a "life coach" where she helps veterans with a full circle of issues.  She asked me to teach needle felting via skype.  So, yesterday, we put the kits together so she could send them out to the students before the class in June.  It was nice to see where she and my other friend Sarah works.  

As I walked to the chicken coop the other day, I saw this nest laying on the ground.  We did have a windy week.  

A Robin's nest.  Now it's in my greenhouse.

As far as my business, Town Hall Trinkets, LLC, I have mixed emotions about a June sale we had in the works.  Is the real estate by you selling like hot cakes?  It is here!  Over asking, cash, no inspection and say it isn't a trend, but all the contents to boot!  I'm happy for our potential clients and I did pick up another or 2-3 to fill in the month of June.  My overall plan this summer is to move on to the next building and clean it out.  Lisa and I will do a "cash & carry" event as she has her mother's estate to go through too.  

O.k. have a great Memorial Day Weekend.  Thankful for those who paid the ultimate price for our country though the decades of it's history and there were far too many that did!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Show & Sell Saturday - Flow Blue

 Thanks Wikapedia:

Flow blue (occasionally 'flown blue') is a style of white earthenware, sometimes porcelain, that originated in the Regency era, sometime in the 1820s, among the Staffordshire potters of England. The name is derived from the blue glaze that blurred or "flowed" during the firing process.^[1]

Flow blue vegetable server in the "Normandy" pattern produced by Staffordshire potter Johnson Brothers c. 1890

Most flow blue ware is a kind of transferware, where the decorative patterns were applied with a paper stencil to often white-glazed blanks, or standard pottery shapes, though some wares were hand painted. The stencils burned away in the kiln. The blue glazes used in flow blue range from gray-blue to sometimes greenish blue, to an inky blue; however the most desirable and sought-after shade is a vivid cobalt blue. Mulberry is another form of flow blue, where the glaze is more purple in hue.

Wedgwood is a fine china, porcelain, and luxury accessories manufacturer that was founded on 1 May 1759^[1] by the English potter and entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood and was first incorporated in 1895 as Josiah Wedgwood and Sons Ltd.^[2] It was rapidly successful and was soon one of the largest manufacturers of Staffordshire pottery, "a firm that has done more to spread the knowledge and enhance the reputation of British ceramic art than any other manufacturer",^[3] exporting across Europe as far as Russia, and to the Americas. It was especially successful at producing fine earthenware and stonewares that were accepted as equivalent in quality to porcelain (which Wedgwood only made later) but were considerably cheaper.^[4]

Wedgwood is especially associated with the "dry-bodied" (unglazed) stoneware Jasperware in contrasting colours, and in particular that in "Wedgwood blue" and white, always much the most popular colours, though there are several others. Jasperware has been made continuously by the firm since 1775, and also much imitated. In the 18th century, however, it was table china in the refined earthenware creamware that represented most of the sales and profits.^[5]

In the later 19th century it returned to being a leader in design and technical innovation, as well as continuing to make many of the older styles. Despite increasing local competition in its export markets, the business continued to flourish in the 19th and early 20th centuries, remaining in the hands of the Wedgwood family, but after World War II it began to contract, along with the rest of the English pottery industry.

After buying a number of other Staffordshire ceramics companies, in 1987 Wedgwood merged with Waterford Crystal to create Waterford Wedgwood plc, an Ireland-based luxury brands group. After a 2009 purchase by KPS Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, the group became known as WWRD Holdings Limited, an acronym for "Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton". This was acquired in July 2015 by Fiskars, a Finnish consumer goods company.^[6]

Let's start with that.  

I recently had the opportunity to visit with a super nice couple in Pine River, WI.   I was referred to them by mutual friends, a retired couple who owned an antique shop in Merrill, WI.  

I was blown away at their home and it's contents.  I've worked in and cleaned out a hundred, probably more, homes in my decades of doing this.  This one was number 2 in my favorites. 

This couple, as most I work with, have generations of antiques.  She had her grandmother's flow blue and other collectible glass along with their wedding service of Wedgewood and sterling silverware from 1965.   

Flow blue, as stated above, is identified as the blurred way the pattern "flowed" on the ironstone during firing.  There are so many patterns.  It took some research,  but I think I have the right names to the patterns, however, I'm not positive.  

This is probably Fairy Villas

this one is rather rare pattern in Brushstroke

this one is Sabraon?

The Wedgewood is called Queen's ware, it' lavendar on cream (creamware?) The silver is, Lunt and Madrigal pattern.  

This is called a "Gone with the Wind" lamp.  

I had no idea, until I came home and looked up these pieces and their SOLD prices, how valuable they were.  I may not be able to sell them on my group Town Hall Trinkets OnLine Estate Sales but, I'll try.  These and more will be listed on Saturday, May 29 at 9 am.  I did join a flow blue facebook group where I do have people interested too.  But, I offer it first in my group.  

Thanks for reading.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Motivational Monday - Thanks Phil Mickelson

 Well, well, well....another lesson from someone 50 and older.  Congratulations Phil Mickelson and way to represent us "seniors".... ahaha....we may not be over the hill quite yet.

I was inspired today by his quote.  I actually LOVE it!  

"The difficulty is when you're on a plateau and you're not really making advancements and you're putting in the work and putting in the work and you're not seeing the results to stay consistent and stay committed."  

It could be my life's mantra really; being "seen" or included, dieting, social media, physical therapy....just to name a few...

As I read this quote this morning, I was reminded of the efforts I put into an event I set up at this past weekend.  Most vendors and customers have not seen me for quite some time.  I did have several ask questions about my "gait."  I hated it, my vulnerability exposed kind of thing.  I don't like people to think I'm not "able" to do somehting.   Truthfully, I am not physically able to do some things...the way I use to do them...but, I am acclimating new ways.  I don't want to have anyone not ask me to be included or invited because I "can't keep up."  Sometimes, I actually pretend I'm fixing my shoe or something that causes me to stop and let other's pass me up so they don't notice it. 

So, as I was packing up, someone said...."keep goin' girl" and I have been.   Also, after I shared pictures of our booth on a post, I was "seen" as friends and customers "shared" it and the views were through the roof.  I ran an ad and received new LIKES and new interest in my professional services.  I'm sticking with NOOM through this plateau and I'm going to stay consistent and committed.  Thanks Phil for the advice.  

I may keep this "gait" and weight, never reach the LIKEs, like others, I may never be "seen" outside my own little community...that's o.k. I'm good with it all.  One can never accuse me or find my lacking consistency or commitment in and to all I do.  And, YES, I did pay myself a compliment. 

I hope, as you read this, you find some motivation.  If not in my words do so in his; "stay consistent and stay committed."

Bessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Vintage Charcuterie Board

 One thing you can do to set your charcuterie board apart from the rest, is to use vintage pieces.  Grandma had serving pieces and relish dishes galore.  For the most part, a formal setting isn't the way most of us entertain any longer.  However, using those "unwanted glass" pieces in your collection of serving ware, will make you the "hostess with the mostess."  

I do have a soft spot for cast off and unwanted things.  I have always tried to find a way to make use of them.  An old pitcher or creamer would make a lovely unique flower vase.  A beautiful crystal cruet, or a variety of them, would make excellent vessels for dipping oils.  Butter and cheese domes, that have long lost their plates can still be used to add interest to your board.  Little custard cups or sauce dishes could hold crackers, olives or pickles.  Of course, fine crystal or pressed glass looks great on a plain old farm cutting board.  

So the next time you are at grandma's, flea market, thrift shop, estate sale or even at Tansy Hill Farm Barn Bazaar:  Tansy Hill Farm where these beauties will be for sale....don't pass them up, give them a new life to be of use to you.  You can't beat the quality of antique glass and most are not much more than you would spend at the Dollar Store.   

If you come Saturday, stop by our booth and say "hello."

Blessing from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Collections: A Study of Harrison Fisher

 Harrison Fisher (1875/77? - 1934)

Was an American born artist and illustrator.  Both is father and grandfather were also artists.  He spent most of his youth drawing and later attended the San Francisco Art Association.  In 1898 he moved back to New York and began his career as a newspaper and magazine illustrator, working for the San Francisco Call and San Francisco Examiner, drawing sketches and decorative work.  His work appeared regularily on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine from early 1900's until his death in 1934.   

Harrison Fisher is probably the most famous of all the early 20th century artists who specialized in "pretty women" illustrations.  Between 1907-1914 he illustrated 15 art books which vividly depicts American women.  Between 1894-1934 he created nearly 600 magazine covers, along with an assortment of newspaper supplements and numerous pieces of interior magazine art.  During this same time period you could see his work in advertising, posters, sheet music, club and group programs, calendars, books and a wide range of paper collectibles.  Some of his "non-paper" items were on candy and cookie tins and boxes, glasses and peper weights.  He was given the title "The Father of A Thousand Girls."  

For me, as an antique dealer, I can spot his styling of women mostly, by the bow of their head and the turn of their chin.  Often times the women wore beautiful hats as well.  I chose this collection study of him, because I am selling pieces of a collection for a client.  This client is also an artist who chose a career as an art teacher for a small town in northern Wisconsin.  The pieces I am selling from her collection.  

I will be listing these tomorrow, May 15, 2021 on a new thing I'm doing called "Show & Sell" (get it...ahahah)  I "show and tell it" in a blog post and then I "list to sell it" on my group here:  Town Hall Trinkets Online Estate Sales  If you like any, I can ship. 

Here is a sample of what we will be starting with.  I did buy the maidens....I love them!  All of these are not orginals, they are old prints from various publications she had professionally framed or she purchased from an antique shop already framed.  

She attached on all the pieces a slip of paper with little notes about them.  Some are more detailed than others.  She has a catalog of her collection, pages and pages, it's a good tip for those who have an extensive collection.  That way you can keep track of what you have and value or purchase price.  So that, one day, someone doesn't just "toss" them.  

I hope you check out the posts tomorrow.  Thanks.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Thoughts on Monday - New Day

Motivational Monday, My"ON"Day and now, Thoughts on Monday.  I've been writing, actually writing, my own blog...(a few of you will get this....ahahhaa) with Monday posts where I try to motivate and encourage myself for the week.   I just happen to share it with you, my reader as well. 

I come from a long line of preachers, teachers, muscians, story tellers - setting out words to rhyme.   I find I'm most creative when I have a 100 other things I should be doing.  

So, today, this Monday, as I sit with list and cup in hand, I came up with this;

New Day

By:  Dicky Bird

Today is a new day, every moment is set in time,

24 hours to work, play and unwind.

If you find yourself overwhelmed with "to do," 

maybe you're happy and well or tired and blue.

Get up, do your best to move forward, 

in faith that every step is ordained by the Lord. 

So, make the most of each minute, 

love, laugh and cry within it.

Because today won't come around again.

Remember to embrace all you do 

from without and within.  

Have a good Monday!  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Rainy Monday Thoughts - Looks are Deceiving

 

Rainy today in Ringle, Wisconsin.  Friday, was our 33rd wedding anniversary.  How did we spend it?  Al had the day off so we went rummaging.  We love doing that.  Anyway, I had no plans on even buying, Lord knows I don't need to, I was mostly looking for our little grandlove.  We found her plenty of My Little Ponies, she loves those and I even found a My Little Pony lamp.  I can't wait to show her.

However, "junk" "stuff" just happen to find me.  You know when you look from the road and think..."nah, I'm not going to stop at that one."  The sale I bought most of these treasures was just like that.  There was something Al spied on the side of the drive.  So, I went too.  Along the side behind a boat were 2 older women pulling stuff out of tubs.  It was those camp blankets.  I almost peed...$3 each.  The copper rooster was only 0.25!  I follow a Youtuber, hook line and sinker, she has copper all over her house.  She created a "society" where only members can post.  It's private pay to play kind of group.  Genious on her part!  I won't tell you how much it costs....it's my little secret.   However, I may copy it....ahahah....when I retire....ahahah.

Anyway, the meat of this post is, about how looks are deceiving.  Had I just based my decision to shop at this sale, by what I saw in the driveway, I may have not stopped.  This little lesson reminds me of how life and it's lessons can be deceiving.  I could come up with so many of my own examples, but I think you get the picture.

We could use this same anology on people....can I get an amen?!?  However, I'm not going to come up with my examples on that either, and Lordy, do I have them!  ahahaha...(I'm full of "it" today!).

To round this out and in closing....keep in mind, looks can be deceiving, don't judge a book by it's cover, what's on the outside might not be as good as the inside......just my thoughts on this rainy Monday.  And, NO, this isn't about anyone.....every time I write something like this....I get questions?.....I'm just writing....don't read it then....(boy, I am full of "it").  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Collections: Study of Fitz and Floyd

 In an effort to inspire new and younger buyers, I have decided to do a bit of educational posts on different items I am selling for myself or a client.  This week it is Fritz and Floyd.

Fitz and Floyd (link to website:  Fitz and Floyd),  "For half a century, the Fitz and Floyd hallmark has been synonymous with excellence in design and quality.  Over the past 50 years, Fitz and Floyd has evolved into the undisputed leader in the design and manufacture of hand-painted ceramic giftware, dinnerware, tableware, decorative accessories and collectibles."

Truthfully, once you've seen a Fitz and Floyd piece, you'll be able to pick them out in a line up of other ceramic pieces.  They truly have a luster, heavy feel, quality painting, intricate details that others do not.  Are they antiques?  No, not really....but, they are  collectible.  

My client has a pig collection.  She has weeded through the ones she wants, ones she is thinking about and ones to sell.  I am on part 2 of her living estate sale, which will be on my online estate sale business, Wednesday, May 5 at 6:30 pm.  Link here:  Town Hall Trinkes Online Estate Sales only on facebook.  Go over and like my page (Town Hall Trinkets, LLC) and ask to join the group - first chance to buy what I am selling.

I've sold Fitz and Floyd pieces in the past when I bought out items from an estate where the deceased owned a floral shop.  Her daughter, "schooled" me on them.   I do look for them now while I am out and about picking.  These pieces are expensive new, think of the high end department stores or gift shops in your area, I bet they sell/sold Fitz and Floyd.  

Purchasing a Fitz and Floyd, is an investment really into the design of your home.  Fitz and Floyd pieces retain a high market value due to the quality of each piece.   Some retired and limited edition pieces are rather pricy and very sought after.  In this collection we will be selling for our client there are some rather rare pieces too.  Check out ebay:  Fitz and Floyd French Market  Albiet, we don't get ebay prices, we do sell much of our merchandise to collectors and other pickers that resell.  It's always good idea to do your research before buying or selling.

 

 

We will list our client's pieces as a collection first.  If it doesn't sell that way, we will break up the collection and list singly.  If pigs are not your thing, that's o.k.  I happen to really like the serving pieces myself.  

I hope this little post inspired you to look for Fitz & Floyd the next time you are out an about at an estate sale, thrift shop or antique store.  Or, maybe even purchase on the online sale.  Thanks.  Happy "hunting."

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.