Hello... Good-Bye

The best days begin like this:

Coffee and think- time on the porch.

Being a huge fan of gardens and secret places, I love this door. Follow me through the hedges...

To my favorite warm- weather morning spot.

A hidden place where I drink coffee and listen to the birds and contemplate my day.

Especially incredible in May when the breeze is still cool and the hydrangeas are in full bloom.

I love these big showy bushes... my favorite of all flowers!

Good-bye to you, May, with your sweet cool temperatures, last chiminea nights before summer, happy-sad endings, transitions, and graduations.

Hello to you, June, when the mercury rises and stings along with the sunburns and bug bites, but I welcome the easing of schedules and sleeping a bit later and watching my high school senior enjoying lake trips, fishing, morning football work-outs, and earning money at his part-time job... making some of life's sweetest memories.

I look forward to two short cadet visits and the return of middle son after summer school ends. Maybe a vacation will appear magically in the midst of all these plans. If not, I will continue to be renewed by coffee, birds, and my secret garden.

Why We Did Not Rake the Leaves

It was a beautiful Saturday- before- Easter at Hillcrest Cottage. The chosen chore de jour was to finish the spring leaf raking.

It didn't take much to get sidetracked from that job... and the following is part of what happened.

Discarding a rotting table on the front veranda led to a decision to give the table another life in the cottage's rear. Antique estate sale legs replaced the rotted ones. Soon, the smell of grilling steaks filled the air.

Here's the new-old table pre- steak dinner.

Inside the green shutter doors is my favorite Summer spot. I call it "The Potting Shed". Not much potting goes on in here... mostly reading, thinking, and napping. The stone floor is always cool and air from under the house flows through a vent providing natural air conditioning (mandatory when the Arkansas temps reach their Summer highs).

Peek inside this quiet, peaceful space...

Mac the Labradoodle loves it when I open the Potting Shed's doors!

Mac enjoys the stone floors. When I sit on the swing, she naps under my feet.

I saw this fun votive chandelier at a local antique mall. My sweet boys snatched it up for my birthday gift. It is very special for that reason.

Lots of candles make the Potting Shed shine at night.

The chandelier at dusk.

It was a productive day... much better than leaf raking.

De-Cluttering Items of the Day

I am still making my way through the clutter of my early childhood. It is becoming a profitable venture... more on that tomorrow.

Chatty Cathy was my first talking doll. I remember her well even though I was only three years old when I received her. Unfortunately, all I have left is this pinafore dress. Cathy's end was a sad one as she became a statistic of my older brothers' older brother mischief.

One fateful day, I entered my bedroom to discover all of my dolls had been unfrocked. My brothers had drawn (in magic marker... the hardcore 1960's kind with a very strong odor) football numbers on all of the dolls' naked backs.

The next scene was not a pretty sight.

I had a temper.

All I have left of Chatty Cathy:


This album is actually very rare. (Can you imagine that?) It's not too late to buy this on Ebay and to enjoy some awesome music from 1970!

This comic book had been pristinly preserved for 40 years in one of my many attic trunks. I took it out recently to "Ebay it" (sic... sorry... the writer in me has always wanted to use this term). Unfortunately for me, a leak in our garage damaged this book which I think is (was) actually valuable to collectors. Sigh.

It is still some good reading!



And, lastly, the first love of my life... Jack Wild. He was the wallpaper of my late grade school years... until I grew taller than him... which didn't take long, as he was only 5' tall. My husband took great pleasure the other day in displaying a photo of Jack's later years... meanie... Google older Jack some time. He's no longer alive, so I won't be tacky.

We were supposed to be married, but things didn't work out.

Afraid to Scratch My Head

I recently read a de-cluttering article in which the author encouraged "de-clutter-ers", such as myself, to document the items given away or sold. If the memory is not in the object, the author stated, then a photo brings back the same memories, right? And a photo takes up lots less room!

I remember the day I acquired this wonderful 19th century homespun blanket with its home- sweet- home cozy style (which still looks classically fabulous with crisp, white linens). It was the Spring of 1986; a local collector was auctioning her primo early American New England primitive antiques.

It was a gorgeous spring day. The auction was under a tent. The event was everything I thought an antique auction experience should be! It was my first and only auction with bidding. I was so afraid to move an inch in my folding chair, or even to scratch my head because I had heard stories about auctions and scratching your head and owing money you didn't have, etc.

My heart beat so fast when the man said "Sold!" as he pointed to me. I couldn't wait to get this blanket home.

It is still a great treasure... just time to let someone else enjoy.

Bye, Bye Beasley

As this de-cluttering process begins to pay off in real cash, I am already half-way to my goal of a new bike.

Click here to see it's awesome-ness!

I thought it would be difficult to tell Mrs. Beasley "good bye", but when the bids began to roll in... well... it got less and less sad.

Today it came time for the boxing which began to resemble a casket. Well... it is a death of sorts.

Here she is checking out the box size:

She fits!

After this picture, Mrs. Beasley did a really good impersonation of the "Shroud of Turin".

Then, it was: Bye, Bye Beasley!

When I ride my new, shiny bike down the River Trail ... soon ... on a bright, sunny day, the wind in my hair (no helmet... sorry... unless I get that cute polka dot one I saw online the other day) I will thank Mrs. Beasley for how she contributed toward my new passion!

De-cluttering is fun!

1920's Candlestick Phone

In the early 60's, Captain Kangaroo was my hero.

I loved everything about his black- and- white- TV self!

I loved Mr. Green Jeans, Mr. Mooses (lots of Misters), and especially Bunny who never missed an episode of plotting "the ping pong ball drop" on the Captain's head. It was never "if" Bunny would do this thing, but how and when.

Nothing was funnier in 1963.

From right to left: Captain Kangaroo, Bunny, Mr. Green Jeans, Mr. Moose... but who and what is that that costumed character? I don't remember him at all. Is he a bear? What is his name?

Anyway... I always admired Captain Kangaroo's phone.

In today's world, consumer's would just buy a phone just like the Captain's. "Bunny" puppets would be available for purchase. Everyone could have their own Captain's uniform!

But, not then.

One fine Saturday afternoon while in college, I found this:

My Very Own Captain Kangaroo Phone!

It is now "For Sale". This is serious business!!!

I am serious about selling my childhood.

I am serious about the de-cluttering process.

I am serious about buying my new bicycle.

P.S. Please pray for Mrs. Beasley. She is doing better than expected on Ebay.

Mrs. Beasley

Mrs. Beasley and Buffy

My attic de-cluttering project is getting very personal.

Consider Mrs. Beasley from the 60's TV show "Family Affair": Stored in an attic footlocker since 1969, she has a slight "bed head" but is in great condition otherwise... except...

she no longer talks.

Which is a good thing... because if she could talk, she would reveal that in 1967 I truly was Buffy. I had the pig tails and all the Buffy clothes with matching bows. I would faithfully watch the weekly Family Affair episodes with anticipation to see if Buffy's outfit was in my closet. Many weeks we did have the same clothes.

The clothes and bows are long gone, and all that I have remaining is Mrs. Beasley. But, soon, she, too will pass on to some collector's home where she can be loved and appreciated more than being stored in my hot, dark (and less-cluttered!) attic.

All proceeds from her Ebay sale will go towards the "New Bicycle" fund.

Mrs. Beasley (1967 to 2011)

Childhood For Sale

I'm sharing my childhood memories with whomever buys these incredible items on Ebay.

Here's the link to my auctions for any interested buyers: Ebay

A few years back, I financed the spending money portion of my trip to England on the Liddle Kiddle dolls which accompanied these cute, little books. I made so much unexpected money that it prompted my oldest son to say,"If I could go back in time, I would buy up all the Liddle Kiddles that I could and leave them in the boxes."

One buyer thanked me, "I have been searching for this doll for 40 years!"

I thought, "I have been saving this doll for 40 years."

Glad we found one another.

Seriously, my grandmother's Victorian antiques are a bust, but my Liddle Kiddle stash is cha-ching-ching! I figure that Cathy and Susan will not be collecting these fondly remembered treasures from the assisted living center, so now is the time.

It's in pristine condition.

This one has a slight bend mark.

This booklet shows all of Barbie's latest fashions! BTW, I have the original Barbie from 1958...

I bit her nose off, so that's why I won't be selling her. I'm still thinking about all the original Barbie clothes, however.

Barbie, Skipper, and Tutti... yes. Francie... sorta remember her, but... who is Casey? She didn't do so well. Anyone recall her relationship to Barbie?

And, while I am on the subject, I just have to complain that my Barbies NEVER had a Ken. I had every Barbie imaginable, and all were forced to date G.I. Joe who had, not a red convertible, but an Army Jeep. I don't know if you have ever seen Barbie and G.I. Joe side-by-side , but the scale is off just enough to make their friendship quite awkward.

True Fact: When my third son was born, all my Barbie doll heads fell off... a strange omen.

Now, we are entering the teenage years. Look at this Vintage 1971 Funky Groovy Threads patchwork shirt. I still melt when I see it! This is difficult to sell.

Look at its awesome coolness.

And now for THE shoes. Drove to Memphis with my grandmother to shop for shoes and these came home with us....

100% soft leather patchwork. I still love them so much...

Another Hillcrest Cottage Mugging

An unexpected mugging occurred on Saturday as we were enjoying an out-of-town flea market outing. My husband came face-to-face with this treasure:

Four Dollars!!!

The "Coffee Hound" mug collection welcomes its newest member:

Another Hillcrest Cottage Update:

I am slowly continuing my kitchen transformation. Pay no attention to the cabinet's paint job because the red cabinets are going ochre... I think.

I decided to join the open cabinet revolution. Not having solid white dishes kept me from doing this for a long time. I know I will really like this when the cabinets (inside and out) get their fresh, new painting.

Fashion Icon: Burberry Trench Coat

As Hillcrest Cottage accomplishes the daunting task of de-cluttering, I thought it would be interesting to share some of the awesome items I will be "sharing" with who's ever dead Presidents speak the loudest to me. As I have written previously, too much of my emotions are attached to physical objects. Letting go is difficult.

But... with my eyes fixed resolutely upon the acquisition of a new bicycle, I forge ahead with the task at hand.

This Spring fashion season is full of trench coats. Riding this fashion wave, I predict that, come Fall, if you don't have a trench, then... well... just stay at home.

And... in the world of trench coats, everyone knows there is but one name:

Burberry of London.

Take a look at this awesome fashion statement. It also comes with a button-off wool lining for cold weather.

Adorable dog not included.

Burberry is so much more than a coat... it's a lifestyle. When out-and-about in a Burberry, it is always double the fun!

Look at the fantastically awesome antique wood crate purchased yesterday at my neighborhood Hillcrest Junk Company (click here to see). I attached it to the rear of my grocery- store- run Purple Cruiser. Until my new one arrives, this bike will have to suffice.

This beautiful model looks classically stunning in the timeless Burberry sporting the button-on wool collar.

Wow.

London has come to Hillcrest Cottage.

Clutter

Cleaning out my art studio was a good thing...

a very good thing.

Look at this nice, tidy bookshelf!

But... cleaning out my art studio led to the hallway

which led to my bedroom which led to my bathroom which took me back to the hallway...

and re-cluttered my art studio.

Help! There is no where to which I can shuffle the clutter.

I am stuck until I clean out my basement, garage, and attic.

Wow.

Why I am enslaved to clutter brings out all the quirkiness in me. And, since I am such a do-it-yourself type person, I had to analyze myself:

1. I fear I will throw out something I will want or need later... to use in life or as a creative project.

2. I have emotional attachments to physical objects. I feel like I am throwing away my childhood, my children's childhoods... or worse... my grandmother.

"Oh," asks Myself, " the same grandmother who hated clutter and was famous for throwing out everything she no longer needed?"

"Yes, " I replied to myself, " the same one who threw out all my mother's dolls without consulting her and who gave the yard man the really awesome antique train set with which I loved playing?"

"Yep. That's the one," Me added.

3. "Mom, you hold onto the past too much," observed wise college son.

Okay... so, I my fears of the future make me I hold too tightly to the past.

4. I am the obligatory family historian and curator. I can not remove myself from this role lest the family history should die.

6. I could sell this stuff and make some money.

Concluding my session with Me, Myself, and I, it came down to this question:

Does the daily "real" benefit of de-cluttering OUTWEIGH the things which "might" be done with the clutter?

YES!!!

But, it is still not easy to let go.

Here's the re-cluttered art studio... except, now I am preparing for a sale mid-April:

Hillcrest Cottage's Art & Oddities (Really... cool... stuff).

Will I really do something with these t-shirts?

Harry Potter fans... Do you recognize this?

A piece of art which I just framed and it looks great! It will be a part of the upcoming show along with a Boy Scout hat from the 1920's, a turquoise-colored metal oar, and whatever else I discover in my effort to de-clutter Hillcrest Cottage.

And... I did re-purpose some things I have been planning on re-purposing like this incredible needle-pointed rose (needle-pointed by my grandmother).

Love it!

It will be a very happy edition to someone's home.

P.S. When I sell the needle-pointed rose I will NOT be selling my grandmother with it...

I am sharing her.

Hillcrest Cottage Etsy Shop Newbies

Quick look at some new Etsy Shop arrivals....

Lots of refrigerator magnets, and here are two designs:






LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! New Knapsack Designs:




French-Inspired Quilted Fabric... Small and Cute:


This is wool but is so soft to the touch:


Feels like a pair of your favorite jeans... wait... it is!


This design is available in several flea market frames:


Gearing up for another show in April... new things should be appearing with regularity at:

( Click here:) HillcrestCottage.Etsy.Com

Hillcrest Cottage Snow & Golden Thievery

Here's an equation for you: My "Global Warming Celebration" bike ride in sunny 75 degrees + one week later arrival of the heaviest snow we have had in years = "Welcome to Arkansas".

No Birds Bathing Today!

Hillcrest Cottage Garden

Yesterday, my confinement celebration included pairing clean socks which had been overflowing from the 'unmatched sock box' for... uhhhh... several months. It's a good feeling to know all of Hillcrest Cottage's sock partners have been reunited!

Today's work-out will include a very enthusiastic vacuuming... then a walk in the snow. It's beautiful and sunny, and Mac is tagged to be the "favored dog" who will accompany me.

Mac the Labradoodle and Beautiful Lucy the Doodle-less love snow more than anything. The ice clings to Mac's curly fur, turning her into an ice ball. Lucy romps wildly, loving it when I sweep lots of snow into her face.

With Lucy it is always "the wilder the better."

The Golden Retriever book I had borrowed from the library stated that " If Goldens were people, they would be kleptomaniacs."

So true.

Gloves and socks are a temptation to great for Lucy to resist.

Example of Lucy's Hand-i-Work

Last evening Lucy ate several fingers of a blue glove.

Lucy's Late -Night Blue Glove Fun

I will leave you with the following image and all the possibilities that Hillcrest Cottage can anticipate.

Snowbound Lucy Plotting Her Next Theft