~TILL WE MEET AGAIN~

It seems like it's been ages since my Mr. AGPMan took a road trip!  As I shared with you this week we will be heading East in the morning for a visit with my sister, Linda, and her family.  I'm more excited than I can say....

Getting things ready for our house/dog sitter has just about made me nuts!  Gosh...my 2-Do-List was never-ending!  Things are in order, the SUV is packed and we head out at the crack of dawn.

Not being with my children this Easter Sunday has me a tad bit sad.  I'm sorta weepy over the thought of not seeing my Miss K hunt for colored eggs (there are only sooo many years they get to do that, you know???), but her daddy promised to take lots of pictures and video tape her for me!  So...I know I'll be OK!

I will return in about a week and until then I'll leave you with this thought...

"Earth's saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart!"
-- Susan Coolidge

Blessings for a lovely Easter Sunday...I will be missing you~

Love,

~In The Spotlight - SARA NORRIS - Featured Artisan~

~A PRESENT FROM SARA NORRIS~

Want to know a secret?

I guess if I tell you it won't be a secret any longer, huh?

~SO EXCITING~

That's OK...I'm going to tell you anyway!

~CAN IT BE?~

I love being part of the Blog World and for lots of different reasons.  I've had the pleasure of meeting some of you face to face and it's been a huge joy to count so many of you amongst my real friends.  Some of you make me smile and some of you make me laugh out loud.  Some of you have the gift of encouragement while some of you have helped take my faith to a new, deeper level.  Some of you inspire me and some of you, well...just listen.  Without a doubt though, all of you bless me...

 ~YES! IT CAN BE!~

One of my very favorite things about becoming part of the Blogging Community is when I stumble upon an Artisan with a deep love for what they do.  It is easy to see the passion behind everything they create because it shows in each and every tiny detail.

 ~A BONNET FOR LEARNING SMOCKING~

I'm immediately drawn to artists like this and find myself visiting their sites over and over again.

~TINY LITTLE STITCHES~

Because I love quality handwork when I found Sara Norris from Sara Norris, Ltd., I found myself mesmerized from the start.

~TINY LACE TRIM~

Sara has mastered the intricacy of SMOCKING and her handwork, simply stated, takes my breath away.  Her custom designs, including her handwork, are like none I have ever seen. I've become a huge fan of both her calling and her gentle spirit.  I mentioned once in a comment to Sara how I would LOVE to learn how to Smock someday.  (I know how to do a lot of things, especially sewing related things, but Smocking is NOT one of them!) 

~HANDMADE not HOMEMADE~

Anyway, about ten days ago I was wandering around in Blogland when came across one of Sara's latest Posts.   I immediately thought...'Gosh...I'd really LOVE to showcase this beautiful lady's handwork on my Blog!  Instead of acting on the thought that very moment I tucked the little idea in the back of my head, but promised myself to visit it again once my website was back up and running.  I'm always doing that...putting things off until.........................

Well...(I'm not kidding when I tell you this!), two days later I got an email from sweet Sara telling me she wanted to send me something.  Knowing ahead of time how much I've wanted to learn Smocking, she graciously sent me one of the Baby Bonnets she uses in her demonstration classes!  A precious little yellow Bonnet, needles, instructions and even the embroidery floss were in the box! Now how is that for the blessing of the day? Sara...if only you could see how excited I am!!  If ONLY...

Now, is there a lesson to be learned here?  Sometimes I get so preoccupied with what I do and love that I don't pay attention to the Spirit that lives within me and ACT timely upon His quiet instruction...  And, since I don't believe in coincidences, I can only conclude that sharing with you all about Sara is a God-Thing! :)

Now...I so hope you will take the time to visit Sara Norris, Ltd.  Believing children are a gift from God, Sara specializes in beautiful things for a Baby's Layette.  Because the days of infancy are fleeting, she encourages celebrating them with beautiful heirloom quality clothing!

Sara is definitely in the blessing-business!

Thank you, Sara!  Now it's my turn to 'Pay-It-Forward'....

Love to you all...

~EASTER GRAPHICS TO SHARE...and a TINY BIT OF NEWS~

 ~FOR YOUR COLLECTION~

(Free for the Taking)

When the sun came up early this morning I knew immediately it was going to be a gorgeous day.  Mr. Weatherman said parts of Oklahoma would reach up into the high 70's today and into the low 80's later in the week.  Change has arrived and with it comes fresh new life, tiny buds of color and all things fragrant and beautiful.  I'm crazy-passionate, totally in love with Spring.

~ANOTHER FOR YOU TO ENJOY~

(Free for the Taking)

First...I want to share with you two sweet vintage graphics from my collection.  Easter is a very special time for me and my family and one of my favorite holidays to celebrate.  I love little chicks and flirty little bows!  Don't you?  Just click onto the picture and then copy and use as you wish!  Happy Easter from you to me!

Second...our house-sitter and doggie-sitter are all in place and my Mr. AGPMan and I will leave later in the week for our trip out east.  I'm a bit sad that I won't be here to enjoy Easter with my children and our sweet Miss K (first time ever!), but I am excited about seeing my sister and sharing the day with her beautiful family. 

Today finds me back in my studio finishing up special orders AND preparing to ship all those hand painted bunnies some of you purchased because of GINGER'S Post about her visit to my little shoppe last week (THANK YOU, Miss G!).  I'm also still working on stocking my website!  I'm hoping it will be bulging at the seams when I open it up for business in the middle of April.

That said, thank you for being patient with me as I've worked non-stop on new product.  I'm excited about reopening my little online shoppe and PROMISE you it won't be much longer now.  My target date is April 16th (just after you've sent in ALL your $$$ to the IRS!) but I'll share more when I return.

Blessings to you this lovely yippeee-skippee day of Spring...

~WAVING OF THE PALMS and FAITHFUL TEACHINGS~

SING HOSANNA UNTO THE LORD
(I Love This Print)

Growing up with a preacher-man as a father you can imagine that attending church each Sunday and participating in worship was a very big part of my life.  We rarely, if ever, missed a service, even though there were many times I would much rather have stayed snuggled-up warm in my bed than dress for church for the gazillionth time. :)

Still, some of the best memories from my childhood surround attending Sunday School , especially on Palm and Easter Sunday.  I loved the Cantatas (Choir Specials) and the always delightful children's programs.  The waving of the palm branches depicting Jesus' entrance to the City always set my heart to wondering.

 As an adult I'm a little embarassed to tell you that most times I was more interested in the church-wide egg hunts and devouring my candy-filled Easter basket than learning about things that were Holy.  However, somehow after years of instruction the message of God's love and the sacrifice of His beloved Son were understood.

I am so thankful that God truly understands and loves the hearts of His children...and that He saw fit to bless my siblings and I with amazing parents who never wavered in their teachings.

In my heart I proudly wave my Palm Branch...willingly welcoming His presence in my life~

HOSANNA!  BLESS YOU KING OF KINGS! 

Love, Rebecca

~TREASURED FRIENDSHIPS...Meeting Up With Lovely Bloggers~

Good Morning, Peeps!

I've had the busiest week ever and I decided to take your advice and get some REST!  I totally zonked out last night after a crazy-fun day.  I slept for 10 hours...  OMGOSH...I never do that!  I guess my body had had enough of burning the midnight oil!  I've yet to catch up on visiting your sweet sites...I will this weekend though...sorry to be MIA!

This morning I feel afresh and anew!  Good thing...I'm at the grind again.  When you LOVE what you do for a living it never feels like work...therein lies my greatest struggle with managing my business and pleasure!

~GINGER and ME~

Yesterday I met up again with Ginger from Glitter and Roses!  She drove down from her Oklahoma town to visit my little 'shoppe' here  in Oklahoma City.  She came back to pick up some things I was custom painting for her and her beautiful daughter, Tammy!  It has been my JOY to serve them and I just love both of them to pieces!

 ~GINGER'S MUST HAVE~

Now...I didn't have my trusty old camera with me AGAIN (errr!) but, Ginger did!  She sent me all the pics she snapped. Including the one below where I gabbing on my cell with my Mr. AGPMan! (It's a daily ritual!) :)  I'll let her share the other ones with you...  I PROMISE to show you more of my booth space when I return from my jaunt out east!  OK?

~YAKITY YAK YAK YAK~

I'll be posting the date of the grand RE-OPENING of my WEBSITE very soon!

Blessings for a lovely Saturday...

~FROM DRAB to FAB...Vainty Chair Makeover~

~SIMPLY CHARMING~

I know I keep saying it over and over again...so much so I'm sure you are sick of it! :(  But, I've been in my studio working non-stop for days and days!  The line between my daytime and nighttime hours is beginning to blur and I'm really starting to think I  should be fairly skinny by now! 

So why is it I'm not?

For once in my life I'd like to be called 'rail-thin'...:) Just ONCE! :)

 

 ~SOOOO ROMANTIC~

Anyway...I LOVE working and it's been super fun finishing up some projects that have languished half completed for too long!

 ~BEFORE THE FACELIFT~

Remember the Vanity Bench/Chair I showed you a couple weeks ago?  She's be P-P'd  (hahhah Primed and Painted) and her seat has been recovered with that gorgeous vintage reproduction Barkcloth from Susan at Urban Gardens (why was it discontinued anyway???).  I LOVE this fabric with it's creamy white ground lovely pink roses...yum!  (*Don't forget...Behr Cottage White Paint and ZINSSER PRIMER!)

~REPRODUCTION BARKCLOTH~

And...just in CASE you are wondering...it WILL be offered FOR SALE when I reopen my website in just a little while.  And...if you are local you can see it in person at my booth space at French Quarter Antiques in Oklahoma City (it's being offered there as well!).

Glad you could pop in today...

Blessings to you as you enjoy these first awesome days of spring...

~CAN YOU GUESS???~ (WE HAVE A WINNER)

***** 8:09AM   WOW!  WE HAVE A WINNER!!!  THAT WAS FAST!  I THINK I GAVE YOU TOO MANY HINTS! :) :) :)

I'm not related to Johnny Cash, Elvis, John Denver, Dan Fogelberg, Conway Twitty, John Lennon or Buddy Holly!

Two people guessed Woody Guthrie and by 30 minutes or so the winner is TINA from Enchanted Rose Studo (sorry Jeannie B!).

I'm publishing the comments so you can see for yourself...

Here is the connection:

My paternal Grandmother's Mother (or my Great-Grandmother) was the sister of Woody Guthrie's father.  Making her Woody's Aunt and my grandmother his first cousin!This makes my father his 2nd cousin and me his 3rd cousin! :)

Now...the STORY goes...
Woody Guthrie wrote the famous song "This Land is Your Land" on the back porch of my Great Grandmother's Oklahoma Home!"

Thanks for playing along...it was fun and CONGRATS to Tina!  Send me your address Tina and I'll get your Cards off to you this week!

xoRebecca
(Below is the Post)

It's going to be a SLOW Blog Day for me today because I'm back in my studio again working on product for my website!  I have something sooo sweet to share with you but it will have to wait one more day...

~CAN YOU GUESS???~

Sooo...to keep you from being TOTALLY BORED with me today I've decided to have a little contest...

Here it is:

I'm related to somebody famous!  I am!  And for the FIRST PERSON who can correctly GUESS who it is I will send out a set of six of my A Gathering Place Greeting Cards and matching Hang Tags!  (NO FAIR IF YOU KNOW ME PERSONALLY and ALREADY KNOW WHO IT IS!)

Are you ready?

Good!

Here are some clues:

1.  It's a male

2.  He's a Singer-Songwriter

3.  He is dead (sorry!)

4.  He penned a VERY famous song

5.  He played the guitar

ONE GUESS per comment, OK?  I'll keep your guesses hidden until someone wins and then I'll publish them all! :) :) :)

If I don't respond to your GUESS it is because it was WRONG! :) :) :) Tee Hee :) :)

Happy Guessing.  I'll reveal the winner sometime on Friday and share how we are related.  If you are all wrong you have to send me something!  hahahahhahaha (KIDDING!)

~FROM ONE ARTIST TO ANOTHER...Creative Ladies You Should Know~

For me, one of the wonderful benefits of being part of the Blog world is, without a doubt, the other Artisans I've had the privilege of meeting along my way.  I mean...our planet is FULL of simply outrageous talent and I can't help but think it's a miracle of God that we all intersect at the corner of blogspot & dotcom.

PAT WINTER

PAT WINTER'S GATHERINGS

A couple of weeks ago I got an email from a fellow blogger asking if I would share with her a graphic I had included on one of my past Posts.  She was looking for a picture, one with something purple (maybe violets or pansies!) and I obliged her by forwarding her a clear copy of the vintage image she was wanting.  I readily admit I'm stingy with SOME of my graphics ...but a few I willingly share! (Only the ones that are extremely rare or have to pay big $$$$ for are horded!) ahhahahh...

MADE BY SUCH TALENTED HANDS

Gorgeous Handwork

Anyway...to my SHOCK (see...God rewards our gifts to others!) I received this simply GORGEOUS gift in the mail today!  It is a little purse made by none other than Pat Winter herself!  Not only does it showcase the image I emailed to her, but it is full of tiny bead work, beautiful silk hand embroidery, lovely laces and colorized motifs.  In her note to me it said 'since I was a PINK GIRL if I wanted to I could forward it along'....HUH???  No way!  This gorgeous masterpiece is staying here in my La Chaumerie de Briarwood.

Thank you, Pat!  Your heart is much more generous than mine.  I will treasure your gift always!

Please take the time to visit Pat via the link above.  She has a lovely blog full of 2die4 things...

TERRI SMITH

DIMPLES and DRAGONFLIES

My second BRAG ABOUT Artisan is none other than Terri Smith.  I love Terri's work and so happy we have become friends.  Her painting is like none other and I sooo love her originality and the passion that shines through in all she creates.  I can tell by the comments Terri makes on my Posts as well as the style in which she writes she has a heart full of sweetness.   I hope you again will take the time to check out this talented woman's blog.  You can find her at the link above!

Blessings as you seek to uncover your greatest passion...

~AND THE WINNER IS.................................~

Sooooo sorry to be so late in announcing the winner of my HANGING SACHET and matching CARD and TAG!  My computer monitor blinked off all on it's own today and after some close inspecting by my computer guru hubbs, we discovered it was FRIED! :(  So, we promptly went shopping for a new one...

In a perfect world nothing breaks...or wears out!

CACHING!

Now...there were a lot of entries for the drawing!  Some posted about my giveaway on their Blogs and that gave them an extra ballot.  I also secretly included all my Public Followers TWICE(see...you have some PERKS!) so some of you actually had FOUR chances to win!

My guy picked this name out of the hat...

Are you READY?

Here is the SWEET WINNER:

DEBRA

from

COMMON GROUND

Thanks to all of you who entered the Giveaway! I plan on having another one soon to celebrate the re-opening of my Website.  Stay tuned for more...

In the meantime I hope you'll take a few minutes to check out Debra's Blog (she actually has two!)!  She is a fun, witty lady with a charm all her own.  VERY TALENTED, too!

Debra...Please email me with your mailing address so I can send your prize out this week!

Blessings to you all and thanks again...

~THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE - Thoughts on a Sunday Morning~

Ever think that today you very well may be the only real LIGHT someone sees?

CARRY YOUR CANDLE

Kathy Troccoli

(On My Playlist)

There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

We are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world

May God bless and direct you as you share the Light in your life with the world...

~SNOW WHITE and ROSE PINK~

SWEET SACHET PILLOW

and New Paper Goods, too!

Despite the fact that Old Man Winter decided to make another visit to the state of Oklahoma (ERRR!),  I've actually had a good productive day.  Even though my hopes for hitting some amazing tag sales this weekend were dashed by a frosty Mid-March storm, I've rather enjoyed staying inside and not having to meander my way through icy streets and cold winds.  Besides...I got a WHOLE LOT done in my studio...Eeeeek!  Can't wait to show you.  The picture you see above is just a little bitty sneak-peek at a darling Sachet Pillow and a Card/Hang Tag combo coming your way via A Gathering Place...

First tho...

Don't forget you have about 6 hours left to enter the giveaway you see on the left (click the picture for the link).  This is going to be an exciting draw and I'm so looking forward to seeing whose name is pulled out of the hat!  The winner will be announced sometime tomorrow.  Sure to be a fun day!

Blessings to you this very day...

~ROMANCING THE HOME - Repurposing Vintage Finds~

If you've been following my Blog for any time at all you know by now I love romantic vintage decor.  I love uncovering old finds, especially those that can be refashioned and re-purposed for the cottage chic homes of today.  When I stumble upon some long ignored or forgotten keepsake (especially those offered at a great price) I snag them up without hesitation.  I'm sure those of you who love what I love do exactly the same thing.

~PRETTY OLD BOX IN SOFT WHITE~

Estate Sale shopping in Oklahoma can be fabulous!  I rarely come away empty handed.  It's always fun and most of my home is decorated with previously owned (and I'm sure LOVED!), treasures.

Last weekend I purchased this lovely vintage glove box at a local sale.  I've found them in all colors...mint green, deep rose, pale pink, ice blue, but never in cream.  I love them all but the ones that are fashioned in soft, pastel colors are my favorites.

I had BIG plans for the Box!  Here's a little peek at her makeover...

~SO GIRLY~

After the addition of aging laces...

 ~SO ROMANTIC~

And vintage and older millinery flowers...

 ~SO COTTAGE CHIC~

And old satin and rayon ribbons complemented with aging Venise lace...

 ~DREAMS IN CREAMS~

And here she is!  Completely re-fashioned and sooooo romantic!  The perfect accent for the feminine chic lover who just can't get enough of creamy white!

If I can pry this lovely out of my hands...she'll be offered up for sale on my soon-to-be reopened website!

Blessings as you put your creative thoughts into action...

~WHY A SHAMROCK and Lovin' My IRISH SIDE~

My beautiful father is very proud of his Irish Heritage.  My maiden name is Elliott. Spelled with two "L's" and two "T's", thank you!

Someday I hope to visit Ireland.  For my father and for me.

My Mr. AGPMan says that I'm a "High Maintenance Gal".

No doubt due to my Irish blood generously sprinkled with French,  Native American, English and Scotch.

Lethal combination. :) :) :)

DID YOU KNOW?

Why did St. Patrick use a shamrock?

Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.  He was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his calling.  After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering, he died March 17, 461.

I have NO IDEA how green beer made it's way into the mix, but I'm quite sure one of you will tell me! :)

Now...

 If you'd like to read a tad bit more about the song "Oh Danny Boy" below (via a book review), click here.  If' you'd like to listen to a beautiful version of it sung by Eva Cassidy, turn your volume up or on!

OH DANNY BOY

The Londonderry Air (Music)

Edward Wheatherly (Lyric)

Oh Danny boy, the pipes the pipes are calling,
From glen to glen and on the mountainside.
The summer's gone and all the leaves are falling,
'Tis you must go, 'tis you must go and I must bide!

But come you back, when summer's in the meadow,
Or when the valley's hush and white with snow !
Then I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so !

And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so!

Even though the song may not EVEN be Irish, I still love it.  Some think it is sad...but not me.  Beautiful music is never sad to me, just thought provoking.

In the meantime, have a wonderful time celebrating this amazing LIFE with those you love.

I'll be wearing GREEN (with a dash of PINK!)...xo

~BACK IN THE STUDIO and a Visit With My Sister~

~MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER and Me~

***Loved Pink Even Then***

I'm back in the studio today working once again in my Bone-Zone.  You may not see a whole lot of me this week because most of my time will be focused on finishing up merchandise for my soon-to-be-reopened website.  More about this soon!  I'm more excited than I can say...

Also...

In exactly two weeks my Mr. AGPMan and I will head east for a visit with my sister, Linda and her hubby, Greg.  Because my Sis will be out of school for Spring Break we decided the best time for a little trip would be in April.  Along with being a Principle at a private Christian school, Lin is also an accomplished antique dealer.  She has a fabulous booth at a local antique mall and I'm so looking forward to seeing it for the first time.  

No worries...I'll have my camera strapped to my hip and I promise to take lots of pictures while I'm away.  The two of us are looking forward to fun days of shopping and junking while my Mr. AGPMan finishes up some renovation work on their home.  He will also be spending time with my brother-in-law who is presently still recovering from a stroke from last June.

With Linda on my mind I couldn't resist showing you my very favorite picture of the two of us snapped many moons ago.  The year was 1976 and I was a Senior in High School.  We were on our way to have a family picture taken and our daddy took this photo of us all decked out in frothy pink dresses.  I'm soo lovin' the cameo pins at our neck...

Ahh...those were the days.

Blessings...

~SWEET VINTAGE FINDS and Rebecca Meets Ginger~

Yesterday was a jam-packed day!  After filling up my SUV with finds bound for my A Gathering Place Shoppe (a little booth space I rent in an Oklahoma City Antique Market), I was off and running! With Miss K and my Mr. AGPMan in tow I had plans to visit at least two estate sales and a wonderful antique shoppe on 10th Street.  Truly my favorite kind of day!

At sale #1 I found the amazing vintage mirror you see above.  I haven't decided if I'm going to keep this one and paint it out or offer it for sale in either my local shoppe or my soon-to-be-reopened website.  This sale was NOT great.  But I did snag some other interesting (but little) finds.  Small snippets of lace, tiny silver trays, etc.

At sale #2 I found this charming old chair.  It is sturdy and strong and in amazing shape.  This is another piece I'm not sure I will part with, but MAYBE.  It will definitely be painted cottage white and the aging seat cover will be changed to either a neutral or a soft floral.  I still have some of that fabulous reproduction Barkcloth filled with those luscious pink roses and I may end up using that.  Stay tuned for makeover pictures coming up in a few days...

I also snagged an old glove box and several pairs of vintage leather gloves and a sweet pink rose bone dish that looks perfect in my china cabinet...

But...the DELIGHT of my day was this...

A little after noon I popped into my shoppe to unload my fresh merchandise and I got the most INCREDIBLE surprise...

As I was walking back towards my shoppe-space  I spotted a pretty blond lady and a tall dark haired beauty smiling out through the doorway...

Guess who they were?????

GASP!

None other than Miss Ginger from GLITTER and ROSES and her gorgeous daughter, Tammy!  I was more excited to meet them than I can even say!  We were able to chat for a few minutes and I still feel sooo blessed to have stumbled upon their visit!  Talented Ginger has a darling blog and I hope you will take the time to visit her.  I also just found out that Tammy is going to be starting a blog of her own before long.  I'll be sure to keep you updated on that!

Now...can you believe I didn't have my camera with me?  Ginger didn't either so we were both forced to use the cameras on our phones.  Still, I am thrilled to have this picture of the four of us...into my scrapbook it goes!

I hope your weekend was full of beautiful things.  Mine was just lovely...

Blessings...