A lovely old mid century Chimayo mat from New Mexico - just listed in 5gardenias this morning. I purchased it from an antique dealer who is selling his amazing post and beam cabin, sitting on 40 acres. Such a solid structure-- with a wrap around porch, hand hewn tree trunk columns supporting the porch roof, and inside a huge stone fireplace, and the entire railing winding up the stairs featured curly tree limbs as balustrades. Such a treat to visit -- along with viewing all of the fabulous things he'd collected over the years. I was happy to come away with just a few things-- I have some wonderful George Caitlan book plates that I'll be listing in the not too distant future. Prints of American Indian chiefs and daily life from the mid 1800's -- so lovely. I purchased a few fabulous pieces of petrified wood-- but they've found a place on my table for now - perfect perches for my carved animal friends.... : )
Happy Tuesday !

A few new post earrings recently listed in my jewelry shop.  Little Bellflower bouquets and Black Butterflies. Both made of sterling silver, delicate and lovely on the lobes.

Yes! --  I can feel it--- Spring is here at last. At least I think so. Eighty degrees this past weekend, then back down to 30 degrees and snow on Tuesday. Roller coaster weather, but I'm seeing signs of green growth everywhere. So I'm staying hopeful that the sun will shine more often and Buffalo flowers will soon begin to bloom as the temps reach higher levels, and doors and windows stay propped open.
Here are a few vintage home decor pieces recently listed in 5gardenias shop that sing of Spring.
A pair of vintage ceramic art pottery swans, a vintage make- do medicine bottle bud vase- wire wrapped with a handle, a fabulous antique hooked wool throw rug with a nautical theme, and a glorious antique Appalachian oak splint buttocks basket, which I can't help but feature again, because I love it so!

I wish you all a most beautiful weekend ahead-- with the hope you can get out and enjoy the sweet sunshine!

As promised..... a photo of dear Fernando - aka Fern, Fernie, Inferno. a most wonderful addition to our family. He's both sweet and fierce - a true little buddy. I can only wonder what happened-- why he was found as a stray, with no collar or chip? All I can say is it was a happy day when we brought him home to live with us!

I was so excited when I found signs of plants sprouting from the earth today on my walk with Fernando-- our new dog. I will post some pics of him soon- he's such a sweet heart! We rescued him from a local dog pound. He'd been found as a stray in the middle of the coldest of cold stretches this winter. Fernie is a chihuahau mini pin mix-- and he's a dear little fellow. We are all smitten with him-- and even the cats seem to be warming up to him. Walking has become a much more regular part of my days now-- and I love it!

So --back to being inspired by this inkling of green life -- these tiny buds and sprouts poking up from the ground. I found myself becoming increasingly excited as I found more and more plants beginning to stir.  No doubt most of you are feeling likewise about the change of seasons. Hasn't this seemed like a very long and very cold cold Winter? 

Once I came inside I had this strong inclination to go through some of my natural history books, and then I got out my camera-- plants, books, a few of my favorite wood carvings-- all things that I love dearly-- I just thought I'd share. . they speak of Spring to me... and the sweet antique splint basket is the only thing I'm letting go of-- I just listed it in 5gardenias vintage shop this morning.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend ahead- hope it's filled with blossoms and sunshine!