Grouse and Badger - All things vintage and up-cycled

2011-10-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Our 1 time a year in Modesto! Come see us and check out all our new designs. Not sure of our location yet but will update it soon.

2011-03-20T20:46:00.001-07:00

Wonderful Event Saturday, October 16, 2010

2010-10-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

We are participating in a craft event on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Fremont Park, Sacramento. Please log on to: http://gettyowl.com to learn more about this baby, her family and the disease she is fighting. I know it may be too far for some of you, but there is a place on their website where you can donate or send best wishes if you can't attend the event.

From one Mom to another: "but for the grace of God".

2010-10-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

2010-08-05T10:37:00.001-07:00

Only 12:30 and shopping is over for the day. A line of thunderstorms til 430 pm. Hadn't bought much today..couple of wire milk baskets, flower frogs

2010-08-04T11:06:00.001-07:00

Small finds today...a typewriter, amazing lucite birdcage. It's so hot we are shopping slow and steady. Fewer people selling and buying due to heat

2010-08-03T09:22:00.001-07:00

My glasses (real, not sun) fell into the toilet...of a porta-potty. That was a bad $400 mistake :(

2010-08-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Interesting shopping day. I shopped from Gadsden, AL to Chattanooga. It's Monday so shopping is more sparse than it will be later in the week. In fact, I found out it's illegal to set up in Gadsden until Wednesday. Too bad since there were a bunch of us out shopping today. My first purchase was a green metal motel chair that's awesome. Pics aren't working mobilly for me so you'll have to wait to see pics until next week. Also got a cute wrought iron planter, wire basket, 50s pyrex casserole, 60s cats, and some tin stars.

Had lunch at a fabulous cafe in mentone, alabama. If you're ever in the area go by and order the sweet potato biscuits...they are amazing. Took an order to go for my breakfast tomorrow.

Shopping a small portion north of chattanooga in the morning then off to pick up mom from the airport.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

2010-08-02T08:38:00.001-07:00

First purchase - green motel chair. Stopping now at my firat tent city. Alabama has been great so far!

2010-08-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

2010-07-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

Made it to albuquerque. Crazy weather, good food, weird stops along the way. Ft smith, arkansas tomorrow

2010-07-30T09:39:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Arizona temp 100

2010-07-30T07:58:00.001-07:00

8 am 90 degrees. Air conditioner on

2010-07-30T06:55:00.001-07:00

Barstow, ca memories of when I was first married.

2010-07-29T15:04:00.003-07:00

(2 of 2) old pressed wood.

2010-07-29T15:04:00.001-07:00

(1 of 2) You know you've made a bad choice in bathroom stops when you see there is an inch of "water" on the floor and the toilet cover is a piece of 90 year

2010 Show Schedule 2nd Half

2010-07-24T11:34:00.001-07:00

Okay, okay, I haven't done a good job updating my blog. I'm going to finish this post and stand in the corner for an hour (I wish!). I will be doing regular updates from the World's Longest Yard Sale so check back to see my wonderful finds!

Wanted to update our schedule for the rest of the year. Hope to see you at a show! Email me if you want our booth number.

July 24 - Adam Lambert concert Thunder Valley Casino - Sacramento
July 25 - Moss Landing Antique Show
July 30 thru Aug 9 - World's Longest Yard Sale!!!!
Aug 8 - Sacramento Antique Faire (under the freeway). My brother-in-law and nephew will be working our booth so be kind. We'll be in the OTHER lot this month as we had major urine smells in our booth last month....long, ugly story.
Aug 15 - Candlestick Park - San Francisco (This is the second month...July was awesome, come check it out!)
Aug 29 - Niles Antique & Flea Market
Sept 4 - YARD SALE at my house! Great stuff, cheap cheap cheap
Sept 5 - Alameda Flea Market
Sept 6 - Danville Antique and Art Show (yes, it's on Labor Day Monday)
Sept 10 - 12 - Las Vegas Harvest Festival
Sept 17 - 19 - Pleasanton Harvest Festival
Sept 26 - Downtown Petaluma Antique Show
Oct 3 - Lodi Street Faire
Oct 10 - Clovis Antique Faire
Oct 22 - 24 - Del Mar Harvest Festival
Nov 7 - Alameda Flea Market
Nov 12 - 14 San Mateo Harvest Festival
Nov 19 - 21 Sacramento Harvest Festival
Nov 26 - 28 Sonora Christmas Festival
Nov 27 - Handborn (downtown Modesto) 6PM - 10PM
Dec 3 - 5 Ponoma Harvest Festival
Dec 12 - Sacramento Antique Fair (under the XY freeway)
I'm REALLY taking the rest of the year off. I'm tired just typing this!!!

127 Worlds Largest Yard Sale 2010

2010-07-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Well, it's just about that time again! I'm heading east soon to shop the World's Longest/Largest Yard Sale. For those of you that haven't heard of it before (where have you been?), it's 675 miles that spans through 5 states. We typically shop the entire states of Kentucky and Tennessee...probably about 250 miles.

Sis can't go this year and I'm really sad about it. My mom is going instead and I'm not sure how she'll hold up. It's hot, humid and exhausting but she's really excited about it....we'll see how excited she is about it on Friday after 2 days of shopping.

I'm hoping to send pics and post comments as I go so stayed tuned for my great buys!!!

Til then!

The Typewriter Graveyard?

2010-03-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a super busy winter! Much busier than I anticipated. Fun shows (if you missed Indie Sac on Saturday, you missed a GREAT time!), lots of buying and jewelry designing. We've launched a couple of new lines that we're really excited to showcase this spring. But did I mention lots of buying??

My sister called my on Saturday and said, "You're either going to love me or hate me". Never a good opening line.
"We just bought some typewriters."
"Some?"
"Well, 19 to be exact."
"That's awesome! Where are they?"
"Um...Fresno."
"Guess I'm heading to Fresno on Monday to pick up typewriters."
"That would be great. Did I mention they were in an old wooden warehouse?"
"No."
"Did I mention that the warehouse hasn't been touched for 50 years?"
"No."
"Did I mention that it has a dirt floor and the typewriters are covered in 50 years of dirt?"

So I ventured to Fresno today to pick up 19 typewriters.
But I definitely wasn't prepared for what I saw (or got). The floor wasn't just a dirt floor but a loose dirt floor about an inch and a half thick. I took my push cart so I could load 4 to 5 typewriters at a time. I knew I was dusty dirty when I got into the car. But I had been careful to keep the typewriters waist high so I took off my coat and brushed off my pants as well as I could. I tried several times to "instant sanitize" my hands but it was really just going from dust to mud.

I pulled into a gas station to get gas and wash my hands. I walked in and paid for my gas and the attendant gave me a very strange look. I head to the bathroom and wash my hands. I look up into the mirror and my face is COVERED in dirt. Big smears of dirt. After washing my face, I went out to pump my gas, keeping one eye open for the police. I was sure the attendant had called the police and said, "Some homeless woman has apparently stolen a jeep full of typewriters, get here quick."

If dust was money, I'd be a billionaire.

2010-02-10T10:14:00.001-08:00

2010 Schedule

2010-01-01T19:08:00.001-08:00

Well, after a really, really crazy 4th quarter, I was happy to be home and relax. My typical winter is 1 or 2 shows a month. Late January and early February are busy on-line with Valentine's Day, but overall relaxing and easy until late March. Sounds great right?? Wrong!! Since Sister's office closed in September, she has decided that we should be busy year round...not to worry, I'm spending my down time finding her a job :)

So here we go folks! As always, the schedule can change so email me and find out what booth we are in before heading out to see us! Important Note: Because we were gone from Sacramento for 6 months, Marylon gave away our spot. I'm trying to get a new permanent space but haven't heard which space we will be in. The folks in B5 don't know where we are so asking won't help (and they are pretty mad everyone keeps asking where we are).

January
1/3 Alameda Point Antique Flea Market
1/12 Sacramento Antique Faire (aka under the XY Freeway)
1/22 - 24 Del Mar Antique Show

February
2/5 - 2/7 Serendipity Fresno Antique Show
2/7 Alameda Point Antique Flea Market (Lisa and Don will man this show, while I'll be in Fresno alone...stop by and visit me!)
2/14 Sacramento Antique Faire (aka under the XY Freeway)
2/19 - 2/21 Chico Sheriff's Posse Antique Show

March
3/7 Alameda Point Antique Flea Market
3/14 Sacramento Antique Faire (aka under the XY Freeway)
3/20 - 3/21 Chico Home & Garden Show
3/28 Clovis Old Town Antique Show

April
4/11 Sacramento Antique Faire (aka under the XY Freeway)
4/18 Old Town Folsom Antique Faire
4/25 Downtown Petaluma Antique Show

May
5/2 Lodi Street Faire
5/9 Sacramento Antique Faire (aka under the XY Freeway)
(don't tell Sis that we're off for 3 weeks or she'll have me driving to North Dakota for an auction or antique show!)

June
6/6 Alameda Point Antique Flea Market
6/13 Sacramento Antique Faire (aka under the XY Freeway)
6/19 - 6/20 Danville Art Festival

I'll post the remainder of the year as we get closer. I'm already tired just looking at this schedule. We love seeing all of you so please plan to come see us at one of our shows!

Her Morning Elegance

2009-12-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

An amazing video!!!

Eggo Waffles Save the US Economy

2009-11-18T13:49:00.000-08:00

I just read a story that there is a shortage of Eggo Waffles. Apparently the shortage will last for several months and Eggos will now be rationed until mid-2010. No, I'm not making this up although it definitely sounds like something I would make up.

I don't typically eat Eggos although I think they are fine. I used to buy them weekly as the kids loved them. But as I read the article I thought, this really doesn't affect me anymore. That is until I realized that the Eggo shortage is possibly our President's way out of this recession. I see 1000's of jobs created by the shortage. First you have the Eggo police. They'll be standing outside the grocery stores looking for black market Eggos. Printers will print Eggo ration coupons and will need someone to distribute the coupons. Entire websites will be developed to trade Eggos...."I have 2 blueberry and would be willing to trade one for a buttermilk". Ebay will add a new category to their listings for Eggos and subcategories for each variety of Eggo products.

In fact, I think the entire Eggo shortage could be just another way of our administration to get us out of this mess. I can see the history books now....the Eggo Crisis that Saved the US Economy.

Ancient Armadillo Burial Grounds

2009-10-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

If you've read any of my previous blogs, you will know that I have a vivid imagination and sometimes I have the ability to take crazy to a whole new level. Here's my typical "what you need to know first" info: I hate dead things. I don't care what it is, dead things freak me out. Basically, if it's dead, I don't want to ever see it. Open casket funerals are wrong on every level and people need to stop it (that's a blog unto itself).

I'm having some repairs done to the house. I have some dry rot in the paneling and I'm having it replaced. I needed to give the construction workers "wall access" (cut the bushes away from the wall so the workers can get back there). I didn't see the gardener the day he was here so I had to do it myself. I have a brick flower bed in the front of my house and a large trellis with jasmine running up it.

Everything is going along just fine until I get right past the jasmine. As I trim the lantana back, I see something fairly large and a grayish brown (no, not my ex husband John Grey, the color gray...hehehehe I couldn't resist). At first I think it's a rock but I realize that it has a pattern embedded in it. I decide the only thing it can be: an armadillo. Yes, I jump from rock to armadillo in about 3.2 seconds. Another important note: I live in central California. My guess is there is not an armadillo in an 800 mile radius. That doesn't not change a thing for in my mind it is still an armadillo.

I am COMPLETELY freaked out at this point. I decide to test the waters. I rattle the bush in front of the armadillo...and run. I mean, it could be alive and have rabies or rush me and....who knows...but I know it was scary. It doesn't move. Does that change my fear?? Absolutely not! It just means that it is dead, which is almost worst. I mean, a live armadillo will move on...hopefully to my next door neighbors house because I really don't like those people. But a dead armadillo is going no where without some help. And I'm not helping it. That is why God has given me a checkbook...to pay people to remove dead things.

I did a REALLY bad job in a very big hurry around the "dead armadillo". There might have even been a few tears knowing I had to work near a dead armadillo.

Monday morning at 7:30 AM the workers show up at my door. I had worked a 20 hour day on Sunday and I'm awake but in my pajamas and a robe and haven't even brushed my hair. I meet the workers at the door and explain that I have a bit of a problem. I go outside (yes, in my pajamas, robe and disheveled hair) and point to the flower bed.

"There is a dead armadillo in the flower bed and you have to do something about it!" I proclaim.

"Um...ma'am, I think that's a rock" one of them says.

"No, I don't think it's a rock, I think it's an armadillo and I think it's dead."

"Well, I don't think..." in mid-sentence he starts to reach for the rock or armadillo or whatever.

I scream, "NOT WHILE I'M OUTSIDE". Yes, I'm a very rational, sane person.

"Okay, okay," he says in a very 'she should be institutionalized now' sort of way.

I go inside relieved to know that my armadillo drama will soon be taken care of by someone other than myself. I shower, dress and head out to start my day. As I go to the car, the workman stops me.

"I was wrong, it was not a rock."

"Was it an armadillo?" I say in my 'I told you so' voice.

"No, a football," he says as he holds up an old football that had obviously be laying in the bushes for years and years.

I guess we can add 'old footballs that look like a dead armadillos' to the list of things that scare me.

My New Ex Mother-in-law

2009-10-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

I had a really funny moment on Sunday. Sister and I were at a show in downtown Lodi, CA on Sunday. During the morning a woman, probably in her mid 70's, came into our booth and bought a couple of things.

After she completed her purchased she said to me, "You look really familiar to me".

I know a lot of people and I have a twin sister so this isn't an unusual statement. What happened next was very unusual.

She said, "Is your name Sheri?"

"Yes," I reply.

"Don't you recognize me?" she says. Folks, this is a loaded question. Never say that to someone because obviously they don't.

"I'm so sorry, I don't. How do we know each other?" I ask.

"I'm your ex-mother-in-law," she proclaims. She looks nothing like my ex mother-in-law and unfortunately, my ex mother-in-law died 12 years ago.

"No, unfortunately, my ex mother-in-law is dead."

"Are you sure?" she asks me. (I'm not making this stuff up folks....and in my typical smart-mouth self most of you know what I said next).

"Well, if she's not then burying her was not a good idea". (I know, it was wrong but I couldn't stop the words from flying out of my mouth.)

"No, really...I'm John Grey's mother." As if that clarified everything for me. "Are you sure I'm not your ex mother-in-law?" At this point I'm SURE I'm being Punk'd....Ashton Kutcher should be jumping out of the bushes about now.

"I'm sorry, I've never been married to a John Grey." At least that I can remember. There was that trip to Las Vegas....no, never mind.

This lovely woman walks away looking back as if I might be lying....

John Grey, if you are reading my blog, I'm still waiting for my alimony payments.

2009-09-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to blog about this upcycled and repurposed artist for a month now and life has just gotten in the way. Stacks by Staci has created something both beautiful and useful. Her "stacks" comprise of vintage housewares. Who hasn't wondered what to do with a lone bowl or plate?

Staci has combined her vintage finds into gorgeous and colorful yard art. Unfortunately, Staci isn't online, even with email but I hope her work inspires you. It definitely inspired me. I made stacks bracelets and earrings. I wish I had taken a picture but I designed them on Tuesday night and took them to my show on Thursday where they quickly sold out. Waiting for supplies to make more and I'll upload a picture then. If you're inspired by Staci, let me know. I'd love to "stack up" this blog posting with those inspirations.

I Think I've Had a Mental Breakdown

2009-08-19T06:53:00.001-07:00

I apparently had a complete mental breakdown on Monday....or maybe a mini stroke. I decided on Monday that I would sell at the Wednesday Galt Flea Market. Now to the ordinary person (and myself...on Monday and Tuesday) that seems like a reasonable, non-crazy thing to do, right? WRONG!

I have a ton of things that we acquired through the antique stores we've liquidated. I've had yard sales, etc and decided the perfect way to get rid of this stuff still sitting in my garage was selling at a flea market. My sister has sold at Denio's in Roseville once several years ago. She drove up to the gate, paid her fee and they escorted her to a place to sell. Simple! No drama, no trauma.

I woke up this morning at 3:15 AM and with anger and bitterness (I'm not a morning person), jumped into the Jeep and headed for Galt. I arrive at 5AM, right on time according to the website, pull up to the gate and try to hand the woman my money. She informs me that I "just need to go to the office and they'd give me my space number". She made it sound so simple. I head to the office and a man tells me I need to grab the green form, fill it out and wait in line. Obviously they saw me coming and I was to be the entertainment for the morning.

It's important to note that the Galt Flea Market is run by the City of Galt. Yes, it is a giant bureaucracy which should have started the warning bells in my head. Although they say the office opens at 5AM, it does not. It was about 5:20 when they opened the window. We stand in line and in the matter of 30 minutes, 4 people had gone through the line. I'm next. I was happy to be next, but my time in line had me wondering if the flea market was really for me. You see the group of people in line could have been transformed from the flea market line to a police line up and no one would have been the wiser. I really questioned my sanity when several police cars, complete with lights and sirens, went racing through the parking lot TWICE.

It's too late to back out and I've been waiting too long and gotten up too early to turn back now. The city employee (behind bulletproof glass) looks at my form and says, "You have no number." Excuse me?!?!? I inform her I know nothing about a number. She explains that they work by numbers and they ran out of spaces at 3 AM. Those kind folks who "helped" me at 5AM were quite amused that I waited to find out I didn't have a number and would not be selling in Galt. Maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

On the way home for Galt I thought I might try Denio's in a couple of weeks. That's when I KNEW I'd had a complete mental breakdown. I'm hoping therapy and medication will kick in before then.

127 Corridor Sale Day 3

2009-08-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

It was our last full day of shopping. We shopped from southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee; 90 miles. The number of people shopping this year has increased dramatically. I would estimate a 50% increase over prior year Fridays. The number of sellers has also increased giving everyone a bigger selection to choose from. The weather is much warmer today with higher humidity. Oh well, at least it's not as hot as it has been in the past.

We saw 2 of the ladies competing in the HGTV Room Makeover Event at the Cumberland General Store (a favorite stop of ours). This is a new direction for the Endless Yard Sale program that HGTV usually films. They weren't actually filming with the ladies at this point in the sale (thank goodness I didn't have to hide from the camera!). I listened as they talked about their experience and seemed to be having a good time with the concept.

Good things we bought today?? More Disney Production memorabilia (yes, I'm obsessed), 2 typewriters which sister is dismantling as I write, vintage license plates and patterns patterns patterns!!!

So now the most important portion of today's blog....bathrooms. Imagine a port-a-potty that has been sitting out in the heat and humity and used for 4 days. Now imagine it hasn't been dumped or serviced (no toilet paper) and is sitting on an angle. Yes, it was a trying day and sister and I wished each other luck each time we were forced into the port-a-potty. The other thing is that none of the public restrooms in KY or TN have toilet seat covers. Does anyone know why?!?!? What other states don't have toilet seat covers?? I'm one of those people that wonder why things are they way they are and this one is driving me crazy.

Well, we'll shop 1/2 a day tomorrow then head for Nashville to spend the night before flying home early Sunday morning. Time for me to start bubble wrapping! Thanks for all the comments and support during our trip. Tomorrow night I'll give a wrap up!

127 Corridor Sale Day 2

2009-08-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

A really fun day in Kentucky during day 2 of the World's Longest Yard Sale. We shopped about 80 miles from northern Kentucky to central Kentucky. We found some really great places to shop and some really bad places to shop. Today is the day we stop at the Amish farm. They rent out space to about 30 people and have their own little tent city. They also have a horse on a wooden treadmill making homemade ice cream. We ate at a little Amish restaurant and had a great meal of chicken, potatoes and corn with peach cobbler for dessert. This will definitely become an annual lunch stop!!

Some of our purchases included a mannequin head, a number of Walt Disney Production items including a Donald Duck lamp, lots of ceramic animals and an amazing 1940's coat with fur collar and cuffs. It took several trips from the car to our room to get everything inside so I know I'm forgetting LOTS.

As you can see from the picture, folks shopping the 127 don't tend to follow the law or rules or sometimes even common decency. But overall, Kentucky is an amazing state; green rolling hills, lots of trees and beautiful wild flowers. We've been told several times that Kentucky is the place "God goes on vacation". The people are very friendly and love to visit and LOVE their state. They don't understand why everyone doesn't live here and why anyone would want to leave.

But tomorrow we are leaving....for Tennessee shopping! We'll come back to our hotel in Kentucky but the majority of our shopping is in Tennessee. We're enjoying our trip but by about 5PM each day, we're tired and ready to be at our hotel resting and blogging.

For more on our day, visit my sister's blog at Castleberry Antiques

127 Sale Day 1

2009-08-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

I'm going with a mostly pictorial explaination of the day. Shopped 110 miles (then drove these same 110 miles back to our hotel) in Northern Kentucky. Only 4 hours sleep last night because of late arrival and horrible storm (you probably heard about it on the news as there was major flooding...6" of rain in 3 hours). Everything is very very muddy. We're exhausted. Enjoy the photos.

Sis is actually going to "write" in her blog so if you want to read more go to Castleberry Antiques

More photos from Day 1 on my flickr page (link on the right rail).

2009-08-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

First stop and first purchases. We bought 3 pocket knives with advertising, a turquoise cuff bracelet and transferware lidded jar.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

2009-08-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it to Nashville and the Cracker Barrel. The flight was actually pretty ggod thanks to the great customer service folks at American Airlines. They really hooked us up.

Shopping starts at 7:30 am eastern time and I will post our first stop (with photo) as well as our first purchase.

Here's a photo of me at Cracker Barrel. And the moment everyone has been waiting for....pot roast.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

1 - 2 - 7 Go!

2009-08-03T15:24:00.001-07:00

I apologize in advance as I burst into song....All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. Yes, I always fall back on that song when I'm finally packed and ready to go on a trip. I leave in the morning for the 127 Corridor Sale (aka World's Longest Yard Sale). I'm sure everyone is saying "Get over it already!" Well, this is a trip I look forward to for more than 9 months. No, I don't look forward to it for 12 months as it takes me 2 to 3 months to get over the previous trip. Yes, it's fun, otherwise I wouldn't go; but it is a lot of work and a lot of frustration.

I'm excited but something horrible will happen in order for me to go to the 127 Corridor Sale. I have to get on an airplane. No, I'm not afraid to fly. I fly a minimum of 5 to 6 times a year. I just hate everything about it and always have. But it seems to get worse every year. I hate that I have to pay for everything separately. Luggage, a snack, a pillow/blanket, going to the bathroom...WAIT they won't charge for that until next year. I can hear the conversation now "What will you be doing in the restroom? We have a tiered system based on what you'll be doing in there; exact change is appreciated..."

The seats are too close together and because I have issues with my hips, I can't sleep no matter what I do. I've took 2 sleeping pills on an 11 hour red-eye flight from San Francisco to London...I slept a grand total of 35 minutes. I just can't get comfortable.

I don't want to travel with people I don't know. I hate how the folks around you on an airplane want to talk. It's not that I'm anti-social; I'm uncomfortable and just want to be (fill in final destination here) NOW. In the old days (I remember those days) the airlines had 2 sections: smoking and non-smoking. I think they should bring back the sections concept and have talking and non-talking options, but they don't. So what's my plan? I take a book and immediately put my nose in it. I avoid eye contact at all costs. If all else fails, I close my eyes and pretend to be asleep. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop some people. The person who wants to talk to me is never someone fascinating. Maybe I would make an exception for that person. Additionally, the person sitting behind me will be loud, drunk, rude/angry or a kicker. It doesn't matter where I fly, the person behind me tends to be obnoxious.

Finally, the luggage. Have you EVER gotten your luggage first? I haven't. Wait, except for the one flight I was on about 3 weeks ago. Oh, did I mention there were 6 of us on the flight and I was the only one with luggage?? Otherwise the luggage takes forever. I actually think that the first 10 bags off the belt actually belong to the airlines. They put them on every belt of every flight just so you can wait a few minutes longer before continuing your journey.

I've never put my thoughts on flying down on "paper" but I just realized that most of my unhappiness over flying could just be a mass airline conspiracy to make traveling a less than happy experience. Or maybe I'm just looking for another reason to hate flying...

Worst Dating Disasters

2009-07-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning on participating in Lola's Diner If I Could Blog Back Time Thursday this week. I had promised a number of people that I would post my Scary Monkey picture and blog...sorry folks, check back in on Friday because I really couldn't resist this week's topic...Worst Dating Disasters.

Many years ago, I met a man through work. I lived in California, he lived in Utah. We met in Nevada several times and always had a really great time. I thought I knew him well enough that when he invited me to spend a weekend at his home in Utah, it felt pretty safe.

I'm not in Salt Lake City for 10 minutes when things start going horribly wrong. It starts with a conversation we have on the way from the airport to his house.

"Do you really need sheets on your bed?" he asks.
"Um...yes?? That's kind of a strange question," I reply.
"I don't have any sheets for the guest room bed and think it's a waste of time to get them, but I will if you insist." I insisted.

On the way to Bed, Bath & Beyond, I lowered the car window. I have a bad habit of resting my elbow on the door and sticking my hand out the window. For whatever reason, he felt the need to be "in charge" of the windows and proceeds to push the button and raise the window...with my fingers still outside the window. It took him SEVERAL seconds to understand that my fingers were caught and he needed to lower the window so I could remove them.

We finally arrive at his house (with sheets and swollen fingers). He told me his teenage kids had spent hours cleaning the house. As we walk in, he tells me how impressed he was with their efforts. I, on the other hand, was not. There was so much dog hair around the legs of the chairs that I could have spun yarn and made an afghan. Cleaning out the cat box was apparently not on the "to-do" list as it had been at least a week since it had been cleaned out....and they had 3 cats. No more needs to be said.

This was day one of my 3 day weekend. Quite honestly, I've blocked out many many of the other horrible things that happened that weekend. I can tell you that on Sunday morning when he took me to the airport, I had a major meltdown. You'll know how long ago this was because he was able to take me to my gate and wait with me. When I checked in, the flight attendant tells me that the flight is overbooked and I currently do not have a seat on the flight. She apologizes for the inconvenience and tells me she'd be happy to get me a seat on a flight that left several hours later. I looked at the flight attendant with crazed, tear-filled eyes and said, "Get me out of this town! I don't care where I go or when I get there, but I have to leave Salt Lake City now!" I'm not sure if it was pity or fear, but I made that flight.

And no, I did not go out with him again.

Killer Monkey A Movie in the Making

2009-07-29T12:01:00.001-07:00

I found this monkey in a job lot at an auction. NO, I did not buy or bid on this box of stuff. I believe in recycling, I love vintage, I'm an antique dealer for goodness sake. But there comes a time when you just have to say this truly is garbage and let the garage man take it. If I owned it, my only option would be to charter a boat and drop it into the ocean with cement shoes and pray it doesn't make it back to my house before me. Because that's the only life I see this monkey MAY have left....staring in a horror movie. Think Chucky or that really scary episode of Night Gallery where all the dolls come to life.

It could also be an item that you sell on Ebay as "Haunted". If you have never looked up haunted items on Ebay, you're missing out on a real treat. It's a great thing to do when you're trying to kill time. The stories are often entertaining and it really makes you wonder who the people are that are buying these items. There are only two choices really; people who believe they are haunted and people who believe that they are NOT haunted. Who would want an item in their house that they truly believe is haunted? My only other thought?? Maybe they are going to Warehouse 13 (new show on Sci Fi channel that is trying to keep my attention...I haven't given up yet) to be stored to keep the people of the world safe.

I hope the monkey has a long and prosperous life. I just know it won't be at my house. I'll be watching for movie trailers featuring a scary, killer battery operated monkey. I don't think an Oscar is in his future.

The Traditions of Cracker Barrel and the 127 Corridor Sale

2009-07-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm packed and ready to go to Cracker Barrel....I mean, the Worlds Longest Yard Sale 2009! As always, I really excited. The funny part is the trip will basically be the same as it is every year. Are we stuck in a rut? Maybe. But I'd rather say we are 127 traditionalists.

We'll fly into Nashville on Tuesday. Our first stop outside the airport??? Cracker Barrel. For many people, that doesn't sound like a big deal. There are 500 Cracker Barrels within a 5 block radius of their house. But us West Coasters don't have Cracker Barrel. If you've never been to the Cracker Barrel, you're missing an experience! Think Denny's....but a bit more upscale with old fashioned wooden rockers lining the porch and a cheeky gift store of "home style" products. Traditional home cooked food and yes, everything comes with gravy, grits or both.

Sis and I have already started talking about what we'll order. Yes, I realize that there are many things happening in the world we could discuss and yet we choose to analyze the Cracker Barrel menu. Sis has a standard Cracker Barrel order: The Old Timer’s Breakfast. You get Two Eggs cooked to order with Grits (hold the grits), Sawmill Gravy (hold the gravy), Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits, real Butter and the best Preserves, plus Hash brown Casserole and Thick-Sliced Bacon. I am worried about how many calories this is but Sis is slim and never eats like this so she'll be fine. I, on the other hand, am a Cracker Barrel rebel. I could have breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like to change it up.

Interestingly enough, although we look forward to our Cracker Barrel meal AND discuss it prior as if it is the most important part of our trip, we will only eat their once. We'll see Cracker Barrel everywhere along the way, but we don't stop. Maybe it's our way of throwing off our Californian attitude and embracing the area. All I know is our trip would never be the same without our Cracker Barrel experience.

I'll be blogging everyday from the road starting Tuesday Aug 4 (including our Cracker Barrel stop). I hope you'll join Sis and I as we travel down Hwy 127 for the 2009 Corridor Sale. It's the next best thing to being there!

If I Could Blog Back Time

2009-07-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs is Lola's Diner. Every Thursday she has "If I Could Blog Back Time Thursdays" (insert your favorite Cher photo here). Each week she posts a topic and has people write about it. Her topic this week??? Worst Dinner Disasters!!!

Now, let's all be honest here....I am not the best cook out there. I have zero imagination. I can cook the classics...but tend not to cook to often since I'm cooking for one (who here can say cereal is NOT a dinner food?) But this topic made me think of a memorable meal from when I was first married.

My husband was in the Army. He typically got home between 5 PM and 6 PM each day. I always had dinner on the table at 5:30 and he would call if he was going to be late. On this particular day, I was tired from a long day and put on a can of Dinty Moore Stew to heat. I had a small salad and some bread...voila! dinner in less than 5 minutes! 5:30 rolled around, 6:00, 6:30....(yes, I had taken the stew off the stove) no husband. I sit down and eat by myself and start to stew over the stew and my husband's lack of a phone call (this is before everyone had cell phones). Finally around 8:00 PM he comes strolling through the door. He told me he had forgotten to call. I offer him dinner and he tells me he ate on post. Well this pushes me over the edge. I say (not in my nicest voice) that I had worked hard to make him a nice dinner and he didn't even call. He ends up eating the stew and proclaiming with every bite that it's the best stew he's ever had. I never did tell him it was Dinty Moore.

127 Corridor Sale 2009 Packing List

2009-07-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on attending the 127 Corridor Sale for the first time, you might want to read my packing suggestions. We've learned after years and years of attendance some of the essentials. Some of it is the typical "bring change" stuff, but we have a few suggestions you might not think about.

Typical things you'll want/need:
Change ($5's, $1's and quarters....not a shocker)
Sunscreen
Hat

Things you may not think of because...hey, you're first time:
Toilet paper! There are many port-a-potties along the way, but sometimes the toilet paper is gone. For my west coast friends, please note that toilet seat covers are not found at most rest rooms in the mid-west so you won't even be able to "substitute" the toilet paper. By the way, if you see a real bathroom, USE IT! Don't think about whether it's time, just do it. The port-a-potties can be very ripe after several days in the heat. Oh dear...I'm already starting to worry about it!
Hand Sanitizer. See above note. For those places with port-a-potties there is never a port-a-sink so this is a must.
Powder A great morning resource. It will HELP keep you a bit more comfortable with the hot, humid days.
Backpack Leave your purse at home! If you are shopping in any of the 100's of "tent cities", a purse becomes cumbersome, especially if you have several bags and a purse and are still shopping. Trust me, your car will not be close by especially on Friday and Saturday. Use the backpack as a purse and you'll be able to store your treasures while you are walking around (put your money in a money belt or pocket).
Bubble wrap This takes up the majority of my suitcase on my flight to Nashville. It's a must if you are buying anything fragile even if you aren't flying. The one piece of newspaper is not going to help keep things from breaking or rubbing.
Ice Chest They now making small ice chests that are compact and collapsible. Drinks are a must in the heat. If you don't stay hydrated, you'll get sick very quickly and your shopping will be over.
Baggies Put your ice in the baggie first and you won't have to worry about the chest leaking. Additionally they are perfect when you buy small items.
Hand-wipes Very different than the hand sanitizer. Put them in your ice chest and use them to wipe down your face and neck when you get hot. This will help you cool down and it feels GREAT! Trust me, you'll thank me for this suggestion!
GPS No, not even I can get lost at the 127...it's on one long highway for goodness sake. The GPS isn't to get from place to place. It's to find someplace to get something to eat. There are not a lot of places to eat along the majority of the route. In many of the towns, most of the restaurants are not along the highway. Your GPS is going to be able to tell you what your food options are and how to locate them. Another hint is once you have your choices, ask one of the locals which one they would recommend. The best part about eating in a restaurant??? A real bathroom. God Bless them!!
SHORTS I'm going to be in BIG trouble for mentioning this (sorry, sis...Love you!), but trust me, jeans are a bad idea. Let's just say you could be recreating the scene from Friends where Ross buys the leather pants. No other comments are neccessary.
Tape measure and jewelers loop You may think, I'm not buying anything I'll need to measure, but I always seem to use mine. These aren't heavy and if you don't have them, you'll want them.
And finally......patience! Pack extra...it doesn't take up a lot of room. Especially if you are shopping on Saturday. Traffic is awful, people are rude and many people leave this at home.

For those of you who can't attend this year, be sure to check back daily during the 127 sale for my daily 127 Hits and Misses.

Marketing...not for the faint of heart

2009-07-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sis and I are preparing for the Harvest Festivals for fourth quarter. We are working on new jewelry designs, rethinking displays and working on our marketing plans. Our marketing includes press releases, through Larose Group, to promote our jewelry line premiering in the Pomona, Pleasanton and Sacramento fall shows.

I sent our press kit along with samples and have gone back and forth with the fabulous Liz Stigge to make sure I was properly prepared. During one of these email exchanges came the question I always dread and always makes me laugh. "Where does the name Grouse and Badger come from?"

When I received the email, I laughed and immediately called Sis. I keep thinking we should come up with some great cover story....a story that we can tell people that makes us look creative and sane instead of morbid and slightly off kilter. After a brief discussion, we decide to tell her the story and let the chips fall where they may. We both agreed 100% that there is no way she would include it in the press release.

I write up the email, re-read it twelve times before hitting send. Poor Liz, I don't think she knew what she was getting into. Here is her brief response:

Hey Sheri,

What a morbidly hilarious story! You’re right, I probably won’t include it in the release but at least if someone asks us now I will know.

Thanks so much!

Liz Stigge

This was the "marketing, public relations" response. Let me break it down for you in a non-marketing response:

Hey Sheri,

Are you serious?? No, we would never use this story in a press release. I'll start praying now that no one asks me about your name. I'll also be talking with my other marketing gurus to see if we can't figure out a new story because I am definitely not telling that story to anyone!

Stop contacting me!

Liz Stigge

Poor Liz....I hope she gets a raise.

I make the world's best pancakes?

2009-07-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

Sis and I just got back from the Portland Antique Show. The promoters advertise it as "America's Biggest Antique Show". We're now headed to the 127 Corridor sale aka The World's Longest Yard Sale. This got me thinking....and yes, I realize that is a dangerous proposition.

Who decides if these are the biggest or longest? For many other "biggest, longest, fastest" things, the decision is made by the staff at the Guinness Book of World Records (by the way, I haven't seen one of these books since the late 1970's...do they still even have a "book"?) But I'd bet a dollar, that none of the current biggest or longest or largest spouting folks have ever even contacted Guinness to be considered for these titles. In fact, I think they are just making it up and hoping not to get caught. I have no problem with it...in fact, I think I'm going to start utilizing this marketing technique for the everyday things in my life. How exciting would it be to wake up in The World's Largest Bed only to have the World's Best Pancakes for breakfast. The entire day could be filled with them! I think it will make my day much more interesting.
Well, I'm off to publish this post to America's Largest Blog and prepare for World's Best Estate Sale. I have the World's Highest Hopes.....

My Great Grandmother Jesse Minear

2009-07-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Sis and I drove through Medford, OR on Thursday on our way to Portland. I haven't been to Medford in at least 15 years. I saw the Rogue Valley Manor looming on a hill overlooking the town and valley; wonderful memories came flooding back to me. Memories of eating in the dining room and having public prayer before each meal; my great-aunt Ruth laughing during the prayer and telling us that God was telling her a joke; watching the bats fly over Aunt Glenna's house; a huge 90th birthday party for gramma in 1976...with a bi-centennial theme.

My great grandmother Jesse Minear lived in Medford all her adult life. She died when I was 16 years old; she was 100. She lived in "the manor" many many years. Jesse led a life of struggles. But she also led a life of amazing strength, courage and above all else unending love.

She lived on a ranch in Medford with hundreds of acres of orchards. She ran this very large ranch during a time when women didn't "run" anything. She lost her finger in a milking accident as a child. This was always a fascinating story to her great-grandchildren. We had her tell us the story each and every time we saw her.

She loved and stood by her husband unconditionally, through tragedies and hardships I can't begin to imagine. She quietly lead by example and wasn't someone who wanted attention for her accomplishments. She was one of the most heroic woman I have ever met. I still miss her and yes, she is in my heart. It's also good to know that a piece of her life still lives on in Medford...in a Manor sitting on a hill overlooking the town and valley.

Miesmama's Felty Finds

2009-07-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

I just found a terrific artist on Etsy. Miesmama makes some amazing pieces out of felt. I've seen the technique for making the bowls and trust me when I say, this is not for the faint of heart. It takes real craftsmanship.

She also has a variety of the layered flower brooches and some really cute handbags. Stop by her shop or her blog and give her a felty hello!

The creator of shabby chic was a genius and I hate him

2009-07-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

I'm currently painting a pie table to take to Portland. The condition of the original finish was really really poor. So it was suggested (by my sister) that I paint it and then "Shabby Chic" it. (By the way, painting a piece of furniture can reduce the value so don't paint or re-stain a piece of furniture unless you are sure it is not an expensive piece of furniture....consult a professional restorer if necessary).

As I was in the garage painting, I started thinking about this design style. Who "created" the design trend of Shabby Chic? My thoughts; it was definitely a man. So here's the scenario. The husband has worked long and hard all week. He's tired. His wife has been nagging him for several weeks to re-paint the furniture. Painting furniture is the pits (I completely agree) and he'd rather hang out with the guys. He comes up with a brilliant idea. Convince his wife and all of her friends that furniture that is chipped, scratched and rubbed is the latest and greatest interior design fad. It takes several weeks of talking it up and he even has his friends come over to see the "latest and greatest fashion". Little did he know how well it would catch on!

The problem?? His wife wanted all the rest of her furniture painted and the sanded to match the rest of her furniture. He could have saved everyone a lot of time and effort by just painting the original piece and being done with it.

As for me, I'm headed back to the garage to sand off some of the paint I just spent time putting on.

How to Get Arrested at an Estate Sale without really trying

2009-07-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

I was almost arrested at the estate sale I was conducting on Friday. It takes a special kind of person to get arrested at an estate sale and I guess I'm that kind of special person.

If you read my previous blog you know I was hired by Maria Clark to sell her entire estate. She left on June 21 with 2 suitcases to move home to Holland (Maria being in Holland is an important note to the story.) She has no family in the US so her dear friend Karen is finishing up her affairs here.

The sale had been open approximately one hour when a man from the homeowners association drove up in a golf cart. I'm not sure why but this man smelled like he had been wrestling with animals that had been dead for a couple of weeks.

He walks up to my sister and starts screaming, "You are conducting an illegal estate sale and if you don't shut down right now I'm calling the police." A little startling considering he didn't even attempt to have a calm, rational conversation. He went from zero to raving lunatic in one second flat. Apparently, Maria did not remember the clause in her association contract that states she can not have an estate lesson. I didn't double check..lesson learned.

So, end of story right? Of course not. Afer the sale was closed, this lovely gentleman told me the police were on their way to arrest me for trespassing (for being in Maria's house when she wasn't there). Obviously, this man felt because he had a golf cart, he had an enormous amount of power and he was going to wield that power. Maybe he was dubbed the King of the Golf Carts. I don't know.

Of course, I couldn't just leave Maria in the lurch so I refused to leave and decided I was going down with the ship. Smelly golf cart man sat out front of Maria's house in his "golf cart of power" while Karen went to get her power of attorney. All the while he was telling me how I was going to be arrested and prosecuted. In the end, the power of attorney drove over the power of the golf cart. Maria's entire household was moved to my house (several trips in a truck and trailer) where I will have to have an estate sale on July 18. Luckily, no one in my neighborhood has a golf cart.

Everything I know I learned at an estate sale

2009-07-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

I was in Citrus Heights yesterday to price and prepare for an estate sale we'll be conducting on Friday. We had done an initial walk through several weeks ago. This is a different estate sale than we've done in the past, in the fact we were able to meet with the homeowner, Maria.

Maria had fallen in love in the 70's, got married and move to the US from Holland. About 18 months ago, her husband passed away and she decided to move home to be with her family in Holland. She's moved home and Karen (her family friend who has helped her with her move and estate) spoke with her yesterday and says she is doing really well!

Prior to the sale, we always try to get an idea from the family (in this case the homeowner and her friend Karen) about the person. It's always amazing to me when we interview a family what we learn about that person....their loves, their passions, their life in general. But inevitably we learn more about the person and their life when we go through the house.

Maria and her husband Duffy seemed to have such a full life. When I met Maria, I didn't realize how passionate she was about life. She loved loved loved her heritage. She has tons of Delft blue, which is a very tradition Dutch color of pottery. She worked for the US government with a civilian military job. She loved to dress up. Some of her clothes are amazing (including a full length mink coat that is GORGEOUS!). She has a number of Halloween costumes. I would have never imagined that from our meetings.

We knew that Duffy worked for a beer company. I didn't know until yesterday going through the estate that he owned a bar. He kept his Bartender school papers. He loved sports and loved playing sports growing up, a scrapbook showed all his photos and clippings. He was passionate about music (and had 1000's of records) especially jazz and blues. Karen, who was my "boss" for this estate, was so wonderful to share stories to give me a fuller picture of what their lives were like.

It's amazing to "meet" these people. To get a small glimpse into their life, their world. I always keep a small part of those people in my heart and as always I'm glad to have known them.

If you are in the Sacramento area tomorrow (Friday, July 3, 2009), stop by the estate sale between 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at 6101 Summerset Lane, Citrus Heights.

Time gone by

2009-06-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

I love history. And of course I love old things. But I would never want to live anytime but now.

I'm visiting my son in Virginia and yesterday we went to Williamsbug. Back when Williamsburg was founded, the life slower. Kids respected their elders. Everything was better...right?? I don't think so. In fact, nothing was simple. No Target to pick up a couple of things. No Save Mart with quick ready-made meals. The worst part? No heating or air conditioning. At Williamsburg they have lots of folks in early Colonial garb. I had on a tank top and shorts and was dying from the heat and humidity. I was so happy to get inside an air conditioned building!!! I hope they pay those history actors well. I doubt I would last a day in that job.

I think that no matter when you live, there is always the "good old days"...when life was simpler. I think now is the time that we make it. One day, our children will say, boy the early part of 2000 those were the days. Maybe by then we'll have clothes with built in heating and air.....

Top 5 things I LOVE about summer!

2009-06-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

5. No school! Yes, my kids are no longer in school, so that’s not the issue. But because my kids are no longer in school, I forget about drop off and pick up times. So inevitably I am driving by a school during drop off or pick up times and am stuck waiting for the 2200 parents who think it’s perfectly okay to stop in the middle of the road and watch their kids walk the block to school.
4. It’s hot! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to be sweaty hot. But I truly hate to be cold. I always tell people who complain about the weather you have to choose. You can’t complain that it’s too cold and turn around a few months later and complain it’s too hot. Choose one to complain about. Otherwise all you are doing is complaining. I will complain loudly when it’s cold, so I better keep my mouth shut when it’s hot!

3. It stays light longer. Although I often have to go to sleep at 6PM on Saturday nights and get up for a show at 2AM, I love the rest of the week when it’s light up to 8 or 9 PM. It’s been ingrained into my brain that when it’s dark, it’s time for bed.

2. BBQ’s. Need I say more??

1. 127 Corridor Sale aka World’s Biggest Yard Sale. The first weekend in August means a mad rush to the mid-west for a wonderful 5 day shopping trip. It also means quality time with my sister and laughing laughing laughing. We’ll travel about 150 miles of the 500+ mile yard sale and bring home wonderful things. Oh my gosh, I can’t wait!!!

Clark Estate July 3 2009 Citrus Heights CA

2009-06-21T21:05:00.001-07:00

Clark Estate July 3 2009 Citrus Heights CA,
originally uploaded by GB Estate Sales.

I've been working on an estate for the last few days. Sis and I don't do estate sales too often and never advertise our services. We only accept them based on referral.

Estates are difficult. Regardless of how people think they feel about the "stuff", as it comes closer to the day of the sale, emotions flair. Anger, sadness, frustration, you name it and people will run the gamut of these emotions. Both Sis and I have seen folks that work for estate companies get frustrated or angry at the family. We've even seen them yell at the family members. That's not us. We tend to take a lot of time with our families. Our #1 policy is if at any time someone is having a difficult time, everything stops. We sit down, discuss feelings, discuss memories of certain items or just talk about something else. Probably not good time management but that's our process. We become friends with the family. I still have people call me months after the sale is completed just to visit.

This particular estate was referred to us by my sister-in-law. Ms. Clark is 86 years old. She moved to the United States from Holland in the mid-1980's after marrying a US citizen. About a year and a half ago, her husband died. She's packed 2 suitcases and moved back to Holland to be with her family. Everything in the house goes. It's nice to know that Ms Clark is still living, but has still be difficult. Imagine giving up all "your stuff". You think you're not attached until someone tries to "take it". Ms. Clark is now in Holland and doing well. This estate will move quickly as everything is priced to sell in one day!

We'd love to have you come out to this estate sale on Friday, July 3 in Citrus Heights. Watch the Sacramento Bee or craigslist.org for address and times. Lots of great items. Log on to www.flickr.com/gbestatesales for some of our pre-setup photos.

Breakfast with Sonny Bono or The Etsy Bloggers Street Team's featured blogger for June

2009-06-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Breakfast at my house is very quiet. Most of the time, that's just the way I want it. Other times I wish I had some company. I've found the perfect solution at Trisha's LazyTcrochet Etsy shop. I am going to get the "His Mustache Coffee Cup Sleeve". I'm naming it Sonny (as in Bono). We'll have one-sided conversations (for those of you who haven't taken their meds yet today, it's not a real person) about life, politics and right before I start my day, we'll sing a fabulous rendition of "I've Got You Babe". The perfect breakfast companion.

For those of you who don't need a breakfast friend, Trisha also has great purses, hats, scarves and more. But just ask yourself....who doesn't need a coffee friend??

I've joined a gang!!!

2009-06-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

I've joined a gang. Our name??? The Etsy Bloggers Street Team (EBST). This is my first gang but the EBST has been around for a number of years. For those of you that don't know, Etsy is a site for artists and designers. So this is a gang of creative and talented people. When we go on a graffiti rampage, this is not the group to use spray paint. We use a glue gun, yarn and glitter.

Each month I will be posting a "drive-by" blog about that month's featured gang member. Join me as I meet and greet my new friends. Hopefully there won't be too much blood shed.

Gotta run, I'm in charge of the glitter today!

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-04T22:18:00.001-07:00

Lola @ Lola's Diner has given me the "One Lovely Blog Award". Thank you so much Lola.

Rules:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
Check them out! I'm sure you'll find them enjoyable. Here they are in no particular order (unless Glitter & Grunge being first will give me "Charlotte access" then it's definitely in a specific order!)

1. Glitter & Grunge
2. House of Twinsanity
3. Glitzer
4. Alexa Lett - Artsy Crafty Merchant
5. Spearmint Baby
6. Loving Life
7. Dip Your Toes Into Something New
8. Pills Place
9. WillOaks Studio
10. Bellissima's
11. Floating Rabbit: A Word from the Burrow
12. Life as We Know It by Paula
13. Cafe Handmade
14. Green Wedding Shoes
15. Vanilla Seven

127 Corridor Sale 2009

2009-06-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Dear 127 Corridor Sellers-

My sister and I are very excited about shopping for our 5th year at the 127 Corridor Sale (aka The World's Longest Yard Sale) this year! But before you head out and start gathering your items to sell, I have a few tips for you. We're traveling 2375 miles just to shop so we're hoping for a different selection this year than we've had in previous years. Don't get me wrong, we find wonderful things and have a great time, but I think everyone needs some help to get a bit more focused. Trust me, you'll sell more by following a few guidelines.

1. If you got it for free, no one wants to pay to get it from you. This includes (but is not limited to) cups, coffee mugs, can coozies and pens. There really are no exceptions to the "I got this free and now am willing to sell it to you" principal.

2. There is this something called the trash can. For my friends in the UK, the skip. Some of your items probably belong in the trash and not on your table, lawn or flat bed hay trailer (I've never bought anything that was on a trailer and hope to change this some day). If your item still has food in it (especially canning jars) and the food has long since expired (often in a very bad way), throw it away. I really don't foresee someone buying it.

Additionally, if you have broken an item into 50 pieces, gluing it back together is not going to help. If it is important to you and you can't throw it away, okay, fine, I get it. But trust me, you're not going to be able to sell it. Keep it, throw it away, just don't make me look at all your broken and glued back together items. If an item is broken and you've lost the other pieces, I promise you, you can't sell it. For example (and this is a real example): you have a large ceramic teddy bear that is headless. The chances that I have that exact same bear that is missing it's body and I've been searching for a body for years are very slim. In fact, you have a better chance of winning the lottery while being struck by lighting while winning American Idol than finding that person.

3. Do you have books?? That's great. I love to read and often look for books. Please don't tell me how "old and collectible" your books are if they are from the library. Library books are great for reading but collectors don't buy library books....for any reason. I'm not sure why 100% of the books along the 127 Corridor Sale are from the library but they are. Sell them for $1 or less...they aren't collectible and wishing they were won't help.

4. Do you have a lot of collectibles?? Great! Important note: right now, nothing made of resin is collectible. Some day it may be, but it's not today. You can not get $50 for the resin dolphin figure that you paid $5 for a few years ago. Sorry to burst that bubble.

5. As a seller, you get to price your items at anything you wish. But please note that if you put $500 on an item, I'm going to assume you won't take $20 (which is what I'm willing to pay). When you then yell across the yard that you'll take $20 even though it's marked $500, I'm going to think you are trying to pull something over on me and I'm not going to buy anything at all from you. Price things in the general vicinity of what you'll take for it. If you'll take $20, a price of $25 or $30 is appropriate....$500 is not.

6. Please price your items. I HATE going to a sale where nothing is priced. If I see a sale where nothing is priced, my goal is to pick up at least 5 items and ask about the price. There is a 99.9% chance I'm not going to buy anything, but I'm willing to play if you are.

7. Baby items are a great garage sale item. Please don't put "Antiques and Collectibles" on your sign just so people will stop. Put "Baby items" on your sign and you'll get the perfect shopper....those looking for baby items.

8. I have no problem with people selling reproductions. But please, be honest. Not everyone knows the difference between the real and the reproduction. Price them as reproduction and mark the tag as reproduction. Trust me, I can walk up to your booth and not only tell what's reproduction but I can typically tell you where you bought them. If you tell someone something is old and it's not, I'm going to tell them the truth in front of you. By selling reproduction items as old, you give all antique dealers a bad name.

By the way, you can not make something new look old by putting in a fire. Not sure why some people do this, but it does not improve the sale price. I'm not sure what you are thinking.

9. And finally, dirty pillows are NEVER going to sell. You've had these dirty (and dirty is an understatement) for at LEAST 5 years because I've seen them in your wagon every year. And every year I comment to my sister about them. Please refer to suggestion number 2 if you don't know what to do with them.

I can't wait to shop til I drop. By following these guidelines, you'll make everyone's shopping experience better.
Love,
Sheri & Lisa

P.S. If you have always wanted to go to the 127 Corridor Sale or have gone in years' past but can't go this year, check back daily during the sale (August 4th - 9th) as I will be blogging from the road!

2009-05-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

My Inheritance

2009-05-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

I just received a package from my Gramma in Bakersfield (yes, that's what I call her, Gramma in Bakersfield...started when I was 5 and has just stuck). My Gramma in Bakersfield is 97 years old. She still lives in her own home. She tried a retirement community for 3 months and got "tired of all the old people". By the way, only one person in the place was older than she is.

The package included my birthday card and a small package. I also got my sister's birthday card and a small package for her. On the packages was a note: Your special paper clip inheritance. You see, recently my gramma realized she was completely out of paper clips. Upon her visit to the store, the smallest package they had contained 250 paper clips. When I went to visit her recently, she told me that she was sure she didn't need that many paper clips and she was also sure there would be fighting amongst the family over their fair share of this inheritance. Thus she decided to disperse it early. Conflict avoided...right?? WRONG!

As I said, I also received my sister's package (she didn't have enough envelopes...I can see my next inheritance in the mail soon). And yes, it's wrong but I opened it. She had 3 more paperclips than I received. I always knew Gramma loved her best.

Buy a booth, get a baby

2009-05-23T21:08:00.001-07:00

Sweet Charlotte
Originally uploaded by grouseandbadger

We had a great time at Handmade Parade today. Claire from http://www.glitterandgrunge.com did a good job organizing and promoting the event but what I didn't realize is that when I signed up and paid for my booth, my booth fees included a baby!!!! As everyone knows, I LOVE babies. But typically, I love them for short periods of time and then want them to go back to their parents. But not this baby! Charlotte is 9 months old and has the best disposition of any child I've ever seen. After meeting me for 10 seconds, we bonded. Charlotte worked in my booth for several hours and her aunt had to come and take her away from me for a nap (I'm still a little bitter about it).

I love a well organized show, but I'm going to start insisting that I get a baby with every booth I purchase. They all need to be as cute and sweet as Charlotte. If you're organizing a show and want me to participate, you might want to call Claire and borrow Charlotte for the day because I now have high expectations of what I get for my booth fees.

I want to buy Yosemite National Park & San Quentin

2009-05-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

It seems that the Governor Schwarzenegger will be selling off state property to cover the deficit. I know that Yosemite National Park is NOT owned by the State of California, but let's be honest, with what is going on in our country, it could take a long time for our federal government to find out and by then it will be too late.

I've decided I want both! I'm going to pay for them by selling marketing opportunities. It's a given that I will be renaming Yosemite National Park. I can see the signs now....Grouse and Badger Park. All the major mountains, peaks and waterfalls are up for grabs. I've decided to sell the marketing rights on Etsy. This fits right into my "Vintage" store. The ultimate up-cycle and re-purposed project. What is more vintage than a mountain? With all the marketing sold, I'll be able to let people into the park for free. No more admission fees. Upkeep will be paid for through the yearly marketing revenue. I know I may get some complaints about the giant banners on Half Dome (now renamed The Dome of ______ for the right price you could insert your name here...)but those folks didn't pay to get in, so get over it.

I don't know exactly what I'll do with San Quentin, but I know I want it. How do you feel about a prison themed amusement park? Move over Disneyland, here comes Grouse and Badgerland.

Goodbye Fred & Ethel Mertz

2009-05-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I do not think animals should be killed for their furs. BUT I also don't believe we should destroy vintage furs. This is not the blog to argue the pros and cons of fur coats.

I'm a little sad this morning. Several months ago, I purchased a beautiful 1930's mink collar. The minks were full bodied with the heads meeting at one end and the tails meeting at another end. I loved this mink collar and promptly named the minks Fred and Ethel.

I took the collar to my next show in Chico, CA. Of course I had already become attached to the collar and decided I could best display it by wearing it. It's harder to sell something you are wearing, I'm sure I didn't do that on purpose. But as the weekend marched on, the more I was committed to keeping the collar, at least for the time being.

Antique shows can be fun, but they can also be frustrating. I know you'll find this hard to believe, but antique dealers are not known for their sense of humor which is why a number of dealers do not enjoy me and my sister. We're always laughing and often silly.

As I wore the collar, I discovered a fabulous tool. If I got annoyed with someone, I would lift Fred and Ethel's tails revealing their full glory. No need for names here. My sister and I then had an entire weekend of "what can we do with Fred and Ethel now?". Sis immediately realized they could also kiss their bottoms with a little assistance. Fred and Ethel became true entertainers that weekend and we both enjoyed their part in this show.

Fast forward to last night. Fred and Ethel have sold. I will spend my last few minutes with them this morning,wrapping them to go to their new home. I can only hope they bring as much joy and laughter to their new owner as they did to us. Goodbye Fred, Goodbye Ethel. And yes, they will give a final "salute" before they leave.

New Displays for Craft Show this Weekend

2009-05-19T15:56:00.001-07:00

I'm doing another craft show this weekend and just made up some new display signs. Just wanted to get feedback from other crafters! The answer to the first comment is YES they are glued down so I won't be cleaning them up all day.

xo KISSES xo Treasury on Etsy

2009-05-18T18:29:00.003-07:00

I got listed in a Treasury today! It's my first. Unfortunately, I didn't put the Treasury together, put I was really excited to have something in a treasury.
You can check it out at:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=59164

2009-05-18T11:06:00.001-07:00

My Show Schedule

2009-05-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Okay all, I know that this is hard to believe, but I can't figure out how to add an event calendar to my blog. My daughter-in-law will be here the end of June and I'm sure she'll add one for me in about 10 seconds, but until then, I'm just going to post it in a blog.

May 17 - Auburn Antique Street Faire, Downtown Auburn, CA
http://oldtownauburnca.com/events.php

May 23 - Handmade Parade, Sacramento, CA
http://www.handmade-parade.com

June 7 - Alameda Point Antique Show, Alameda, CA
http://www.antiquesbybay.com/

June 14 - Shadowlands Antique Faire, Walnut Creek, CA

June 21 - Long Beach Antique Show, Long Beach, CA
http://www.longbeachantiquemarket.com/

July 10-12 - Portland Antique Show, Portland, OR
http://www.palmerwirfs.com/

Come see us at the show!

How to Choose a Craft Show

2009-05-07T10:25:00.001-07:00

With spring just around the corner, I’ve had a number of people ask me about participating in craft shows. I’ve been in the antique and re-purposed jewelry business for a number of years and have learned some of the ins and outs of shows. Here’s the ‘top 5′ things I share with people interesting in doing a show:

1. Ask the promoter how many people they typically have in attendance (if the show is free and they don’t keep track, ask them to estimate) and how many vendors they typically have. Now check the ratio. If they have 500 in attendance and 100 vendors, you’re probably not going to do very well. You need a ratio of at least 100 to 1.

2. Determine if the rent vs number of people in attendance is reasonable. In other words, how much is each person through the door (that may or may not buy from you) costing you? If your booth space is $50 and there are 50 people, those people are very expensive, especially if they don’t buy anything! Keep your booth cost versus attendance to less than $.02 each.

3. Determine your “good show” revenue goal. I’ve found that most people don’t know the difference between a good show and a bad show. Making your rent is not a good show! I work on a 10x the rent ratio average. For example: if my rent is $100, a $1000 day is an average show. 12x is a good show. Below 10x is a show I won’t do again.

4. Attend several craft shows before doing your first show. See which booths have a good set-up. Do you like their displays? If you find several booth set-ups you like, ask the vendor if you can take a picture of their set up. Do not just take a picture as most people do not appreciate that and some will get downright hostile. Do not take pictures of a booth if you sell a competing product. Trust me, you’ll run in to them at a show and it won’t be pretty!

5. Talk to other crafters and designers. Ask them which shows they do and which shows are the best. Most will be more than willing to talk to you.

I hope you try a few shows and love it as much as I do! There’s nothing like it.

Antique Gardener in Sutter Creek, CA

2009-05-05T09:37:00.001-07:00

Antique Gardener in Sutter Creek, CA
Originally uploaded by grouseandbadger

If you are looking for a great day trip, head to Sutter Creek, CA. This quaint town offers great shopping, beautiful scenery and charm charm charm.

One of my favorite shops is The Antique Gardener. Of course, they carry a full line of Grouse and Badger Up-cycled and re-purposed jewelry but they also have a really great selection of antiques and gifts for the home and garden. Aimee and her staff (okay, it's her kids and they are FABULOUS!) are charming and always willing to help (they're 1 & 5).

Head over to Sutter Creek and if you're really lucky, Aimee's son will draw you a picture!

http://www.suttercreek.org/pages/scprofile.cgi?scid=513&sccatid=57&frx=itemlist

Where's my camel

2009-05-05T09:04:00.001-07:00

I found an amazing 1940's camel saddle this weekend. Yes, a saddle for a camel. It's weird so I loved loved loved it. I took it to the Downtown Petaluma Antique Faire with the hope that it wouldn't sell and I could take it home. Let's face it, everyone needs a camel saddle and currently my house was without one.

Within 2 hours the saddle was gone. Worst than that, I didn't see it sell (i was helping another customer) so I didn't get to say goodbye (yes, I like to say goodbye to things I'm attached to.) I commented on this fact to my sister who told me about the woman who bought it.

Her family worked at the US Consulate in Pakistan. They owned 6 camels and so they also owned 6 camel saddles. Her fondest childhood memories involved sitting in the family room on the saddles and playing games. Unfortunately, none of the saddles made it back to the US when they moved. Today, she has a 4 year old son and purchased the saddle in the hope he will have fond memories of playing games in the family room while sitting on a camel saddle.

Okay, she needed it more than I did. Maybe I should get a camel......

What do you get someone who saved your life.....a lighted beer sign?

2009-05-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

What do you get someone who saved your life....a lighted beer sign?? Sounds strange but that's what happened on Sunday at the Downtown Petaluma Antique Faire.

Sis had found several beer signs and mirrors at an estate sale over the weekend. Of course, lots of people collect beer signs so we knew they would be gone before the day was over. What we weren't prepared for is the story that would go with one of them.

A woman came up to us with the sign in her hand. She paid and my sister said (in typical style) "I hope you enjoy it". The woman's eyes began to water as she said, "It's for my best friend. On Thursday, my husband and I were having dinner with my best friend and her husband when my husband fell over unconscious. He was having a heart attack and had no heart beat. Both my best friend and her husband performed CPR. The ambulance driver and doctors all told me that they saved his life. Without the CPR, he would have died."

She took a deep breath with tears in her eyes before continuing. "They collect beer signs. Of course nothing could ever repay them for saving my husband's life, but I want to do something."

Her husband is recovering (it's only been 3 days) and she is hopeful he'll make a full recovery.