Grateful for this journey

I am thankful we made the trip down and I will treasure every moment spent in Florida!   Last year when we all gathered in Kentucky for Matt's parents memorial service, it was bittersweet to think the siblings would all go their separate ways again... Never ever thinking we would be together again so soon, this year for such a sad occasion.   neither of us have come to terms with his brother's illness.   And how do we leave tomorrow and say goodbye, knowing it's the last time.   Life can change in a heartbeat, and not in a good way.  Keep us in your prayers, if you will... We have been fortunate to stay in a family home behind Matt's sister's house.  They bought it when it was run down, and restored it for resale.... It's bright and uncluttered and modern.   Quite a difference from what we're used to, and I think I could get used to this!    The gardens are amazing.... So tropical and beautiful.   The plants are giant versions of what we stick on a kitchen windowsill in New England.   I am bringing home some ferns and hoping they will help me keep the memories of this trip alive.  and the little lizards everywhere.... What can I say, I am an animal lover, and intrigued by their antics. The adventure today .... A drive with Matt's sister and gathering Spanish moss for my crafting.   My mom used to tell us money didn't grow on trees, but this is the next best thing for a crafter😊  I like it so much better than the bagged stuff from the craft store.   We also gathered some giant pods and some  hairy stuff from the palms.... It looks like great bird nest material.   photos are on my camera, so I can't pull them til I get back home...

  We are taking another route on the way back home.   I will be happy to be back with my momma nearby, and my kitties....    and forever grateful to have made this journey. 
OXO Denise

Earth Day Greetings

today, and always.... May all your weeds turn into wildflowers.

Enjoying our grand adventure!  

The Best News Ever!

In so many ways, in spite of the heartbreak, we have had a wonderful week.    A few new opportunities for orders, from the best folks ever....  

 

And on the eve of our journey, I received news that we will be a part of the final season of the Coventry Regional Farmer's Market!    We have been invited to the July 5th Frugal Frolic, which led to seven more dates in September and October, so I can rock my Halloween! 

 

I will be driving with a big JackOLantern grin, the entire way down.... 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep us in your prayers for a safe journey please.   oxo

Denise & Matthew

       

Spring Handmades

'Twas a beautiful spring day here in Connecticut.   My favorite season, with so much promised...   We dropped off a load of garden and mother's day signs and blocks and other handmades to Hidden Treasures.  We had a lovely chat with Laura, who pitched in and helped us get in, before our trip.  Thank you Laura, I really appreciate all your efforts to help us, when we need it most! oxo        This was the last load before our trip and it all looks so nice in Laura's beautiful shop.   

 

After much huffing and puffing, I think I found Florida clothes....  Spent much of the winter stress eating and hiding in cozy comfy clothes.   Damn those Cheez Doodles and Smart Food.   Oh well.  

 

Anyway, I am so much looking forward to the cherry trees blooming on the way down.... I think it will be nice to enjoy them twice this year!   I am also hoping to hit up a few thrift stores or flea markets while away, for craft supplies. 

 

 

1/2 PRICE ROAD TRIP SALE - ETSY SHOP

Sale is over now.   Heartfelt thanks for your purchases..... It helped hubby defray the gas cost for the trip, plus I was able to pay for hotel bills on the way home.    ***1/2 PRICE Road Trip Sale*** in my Etsy Shop.... valid on all instant download patterns, in my Etsy Shop only, until I return home from my journey.     Shop is loaded up, with these and many more.   3.00 each, and all can be downloaded immediately... I do this only once or twice a year at most, so this is the perfect time to purchase for your craft show making.....        

Today's Work Table

A busy day here....

 

Laura said our handmade blocks have been a hit at Hidden Treasures, and today was spent working on another batch.   They will be in shop by the end of the week.  This batch was done with mother's day in mind, but will also be great any time you are thinking of your momma!  Just a peek of what's coming...

 

 

if you like her facebook page (badge on the blog sidebar) you will receive updates whenever I bring new goods in! 

  We've been busy getting ready for our journey.... a couple more days of packing and planning.  My boys will be holding down the fort for us, with a little help from my momma, but are not able to do my orders.... Any orders will be processed when we return.     

A Mother's Day Treasury....

Thank you Lucy Rox, for trading days with me.   I really appreciate it oxo.   A monthly treasury is a requirement of the Hafair Team, and I have discovered I love creating these.... Treasury Box app makes it super duper fast.    This morning's theme is Mother's Day gift giving.... all very sweet items, that I know I would love to receive :-)  Thanks for peeking and enjoy your day! 

 

         

Hidden Treasures in Agawam MA

A peek at our current offerings in Hidden Treasures. 

 

 

bee things are always ones of my favorite things to work on!

 

I have an expanded selection of signs and blocks available, scattered throughout the shop and we are always willing to do custom work.

 

We have a collection of some of my best dolls and prim bears available.   Plenty of choices for mother's day!

 

 

We have an expanded collection of room sprays, including all the new spring florals!

 

 

 

 

Be sure to visit the shop if you can.... the shopkeeper is a gem, and her shop as well.  You will not be disappointed.  

You can find it at 143 Main Street, Agawam, MA, behind the Main Street Deli

 

Additionally, please show her some lovin' on  her facebook page.... Hidden Treasures

     

dresses for the little ladies

Dolls sold very well for me at the Deerfield Show, and I'm trying to build up my inventory again.... I found some perfect vintage fabric for the Deerfield dolls, and have used up the last of it on these little ladies.   And again I was lucky to have found some more in my travels last week.   Today I hope to get some of them dressed.   I find that to be the tedious part.... well, the picking of fabrics is what slows me down.  This weekend will be warmer and I will age them and finish at least some of them.   

 

  Matt's brother is very ill, and we will be traveling to Florida much sooner than we had expected.  He is in hospice, with stage IV pancreatic and liver cancer.  This was discovered just a few short weeks ago, and was their conversation on Matt's birthday.   I have a hole in my heart for my hubby especially.... this was devastating news and it's weighing heavily on both of us.   I am trying to create little moments of peacefulness each day.   It's all I know how to do, besides pray for the family... they have suffered far too many losses.  In the meantime we are thankful to be next door to my mother, because she needs constant attention.  I think she will be much better when she can get out in her gardens again!     

New Beginnings

 

says it all!   

 

Hubby and I had a nice day out to visit Laura at Hidden Treasures and brought along some of our best work... You can now find our handmades in the primitive room, and scattered throughout!   If possible, try to make the journey out and visit this beautiful shop.   While you're at it, the Main Street Deli has awesome food, and there are some other nice shops within a stone's throw, literally!  And if you come to visit on a Sunday there is a fabulous indoor flea market right down the street! 

     

Loving Thoughts for Easter

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend of faith, family, and friendship.  May your hearts be filled with happiness and may you embrace and enjoy every moment of it...

 

with loving wishes, Denise and Matthew

 

 

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

  Hafair Has Them!  Please check out the wonderful handmades created by my friends on the Hafair Team on Etsy.   My regularly scheduled treasury for April...   Best way to start the day, with my treat from hubby (strawberry coolatta) and beautiful flowers!      

     

Long awaited!

Oh April, thanks for coming back into our life!   I think you are our favorite!    New beginnings have arrived, in a multitude of ways.      I am longing to get out and work in the gardens.   However the mud is ridiculous.   Much of the snow has melted away and the little bulbs are starting to poke their heads out, so it won't be long.   

 

  We spent much of the weekend catering to my momma.... she spent it at the hospital after a particularly bad episode of Afib.   That was one way to fill her house with handsome young men.... I had no idea they would send out so many firefighters, emts, and police officers.  She was treated quite well.    I was hoping for a little getaway today, but the vehicle is in the shop.     I need to be sure it's completely road worthy for our trip to Florida.  ... Ouch, some repairs we weren't anticipating, that could have waited for another time under different circumstances.      Well my dolls are calling out to me..... Enjoy your beautiful month of April.