Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween

Leaf-strewn streets beckoned on a chilly fall evening

































And out they came...

Witches and...


Goblins and...
And Costumed Creatures...
A lady with a feline dilemma made me laugh
And I admired the red shoes of a clown.

An unlikely pair strolled on by...
For the scene is set and the time is nigh for...

Witching You a Most Haunting Halloween Night!



Thursday, October 27, 2011

Vintage Love at The Green Awning Gallery

I'm a sucker for vintage and antique chachka. From thread wound on wood spools to 300 year old houses, I'm drawn into the story.  Everything on this little planet has a story and though I might not know it or ever hear it, I tend to imagine what came before. 

There's a shop, The Green Awning, owned by Tom and Kathy Short located in Stryker, Ohio.  I've known Tom and Kathy since my kids started kindergarten many moons ago.  I stopped by with camera in hand to photograph the shop that displays vintage niceties, antique and Amish-made furniture, candles, and a room full of mixes, jams and jellies.

If you've a moment, come along and I'll show what caught my eye in The Green Awning Gallery.

This table that drew me in right away...
 Halloween will soon be here,but until the calendar says November 1st, it's still all about jack-o-lanterns, goblins, and witches.

Kathy has created vignettes using like items that tell a story....
 The cream luggage topped with a sweet sheet set reminded me of  my sister going away to college in the '60s.

 I fell in love with this charming stove and would have it in my kitchen, if I lived in the right style of house.

And then there were the colorful dishes....
   What an eclectic mix of colors that add vibrance to the table.

There are so many pretties in the shop with the green awning out front.  The clear glass twinkled among fairy lights...

Kathy and I talked for about an hour as I snapped photos.  I mentioned that I'd love to take some photos of the bicycle in her front yard.  She sugested I not only photograph the bike, but walk around the yard and see how she decorated her back fence. Well...the photos of the bike didn't turn out like I'd hoped, but you have to see the whimsy of her back fence....

Yep, all along her fence on both sides are antique and vintage plates and platters; cracked, chipped, and still used for decorationg because each one is lovely. 

   The sweet cluster of flowers in the center of creamy white and the soft green edge of the plate against the fence called out,  "Take a picture of me!" So I did!

The Green Awning Gallery in Stryker is a great place to visit.  The prices are more than reasonable, the proprietors, Kathy and Tom, engaging, and there's so much to see.  I'm planning to go back for the Christmas Open House, November 10th and yes, I'll have my camera with me. 

The Green Awning Gallery
106 Defiance Street
Stryker,Ohio  43557
(419) 682-7432
Owners: Tom & Kathy Short


Across the street from the Green Awning Gallery stands a brick house that I've pined over for 30 years.  I imagined creating an herb and flower shop  inside and gardens outside.  The house is empty now, needs lots of repair, but oh how I'd love to put out my shingle and welcome visitors to the door...

Just one more.  The window above the door is framed in wrought iron and adds more character to the house.
Oh to dream....

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Mom's Diner

A week ago, we stopped at Mom's Diner for a bite to eat. 

Located in Archbold, Ohio, Mom's Diner is one of those places that remains in the psyche because the burger buns are baked fresh in the kitchen, the milkshakes are thick and creamy, and the ambiance is 1950 diner.


 I admit it, I'm captivated by the neon lights, vintage signs on the wall and the juke box...

It's a place loaded with memories of sharing pizza with friends after watching our little leaguers, grabbing a burger before viewing the Christmas lights, and stopping by for pie and ice cream just because. 
Mom's Diner is one of those places that I'm thankful exists.  It's a favorite of my grandsons and one of my favorite dining experiences, too. 

Mom's Diner
213 N Defiance Street
Archbold, Ohio
419.443.5060



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Of Autumn, Mums and a Tabby Cat

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.
~ George Eliot   
   
I do so love chrysanthemums.  The flower of my birth month, November, and the queen of autumn.


Looks like a quick puff of colored smoke? he asked.
~ from the short story Chrysanthemums by John Steinbeck

Are the leaves starting to change colors where you live?
 
 Above the chimney a tree is ablaze in orange.


And the tabby cat, Toadie, sitting on a pumpkin. 

I hope you're savoring the glorious autumn moments that come your way.




Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Texture Tuesday: Gratitude


I love what's happening outside right now.  I love how nature slowly creates an autumn masterpiece that reminds me to show gratitude for the simple things that add up to a life.

Today is Texture Tuesday over at Kim Klassen's Cafe  The inspiration for this photo was gratitude. I kicked it up a notch by using two of Kim's textures, Nature's Beauty and Portrait.  I flipped portrait and used it twice for added texture. If you're fascinated by the use of textures and want to see more head over to.... 

kimklassencafe