Happy 2009

Happy 2009!

A new year has come...and so it seems it is a good time to reflect on the old one. It has been one year since we opened Vintage Living and I can't think of a harder year to have opened a retail business. You only have to take a glimpse at the news and everywhere the economy is being analyzed, discussed and disected...I don't know about you but I am sick of hearing about how bad off we are. It puts fear into the hearts of all of us and it is stuff we either can't do anything about or it is stuff that will never come about. I for one have turned off the TV and I don't read the newspaper...is that putting my head in a hole... or is it guarding my inner self? I would like to think of it, as guarding my peace. If there is something I can do about it I will face it but until then I will go on like I have been... yes, maybe a little more conservative, nothing wrong with that...in fact I could use a good lesson in that. But I for one will continue to look on the bright side of it all and be thankful for all that is good in my life and business right now. I am so sad for all the great little shops that have closed this past year...my special spots where I could go and have a good conversation with a like soul and be inspired and lifted for the day. They are becoming far and few in between...I only hope this new year will spring up new little havens for inspiration and fellowship. As for the shop, I have soooo enjoyed it this past year... I have met so many wonderful people and it has just been fun sharing our lives, ideas and projects together, that to me is what a shop is all about and somewhere in between you do have to make a profit...I understand that but for me it is not to fill my pockets, it is to be able to continue to do this...it is for a creative outlet to share with others...Happy New Year from my shop to you!

Winter White






My favorite color and the theme for our shop this cold January and February. As we snuggle in for a long winter and turn to our projects, I for one look forward to the down time. There is something nice and peaceful about the snow and cold weather. It allows us to cuddle up with a good magazine or book and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa... And dream a little. This is the time where I go through my books and get great ideas and inspiration. My latest projects are inspired by the snow...winter white. I have brought out all my different shades of vintage fabric in white and piles of lace. My favorite is the white wool - love the shade of cream not to mention the texture. I have been doing some handwork for pillows and a wall hanging. It is nice to have a project you can sit in front of the tv with while you watch your favorite show. All the new series start this week...looking forward to Lost and Life on Mars myself.
Here is the Winter White display in the shop and some projects for Valentines Day I have been working on.
Blessings
Rebecca

Christmas 2008

Merry Christmas 2008

Christmas came a little late to the shop this year but considering everything that has been happening in the last few months I am grateful it got there at all. Thanks to my friends and family - thank you to my dear friend Joan who took over the shop while I was with my family in Minnesota, it was such a relief to know the shop was in good hands while I was gone. I was so worried about the urns in front not being decorated for the Glen Ellyn Christmas walk the day after Thanksgiving and Joan as memorial flowers for dad filled them with beautiful greens and white branches, they look wonderful. My son James, came over night after night after work and helped me hang Christmas in the shop so it would be ready for the festivities. Thank you James. Here is some of our handiwork, enjoy!I have been working on the little Paris shop display and it is comingng but not finished yet...we did dress it up a little for Christmas though...here are some pics.

Paris Display

The restaurant in Paris that I was my inspiration

My son James did such a great job on the shelves! He hasn't done much woodwork and he is great at it.

We are so lucky to have Dee Gann's Santas each year and she is such a precious soul...

Dee Gann Santas, Sterling, IL

The girls did such a great job this year with all the lovely hadmade treasures they brought to our Christmas Open House. Thank you Betty, Judy, Dee, Anne and Jody. Here are some pictures of the wonderful handmade treasures we have in the shop -- vintage fabric pillows, stockings, stars and wreaths along with a wide variety of paper collage and ornaments...

Here are some wonderful wool hearts and wreaths made by Judy Walsberg Tapestriesofnature@blogspot.com

Don't you just love it!

Pillows, angels and stockings are made by Jody Myers http://www.simplyposhdesigns.com/

and banners by me, which we do offer classes each year to make all this great stuff.

Wonderful angels by Anne of Annegelina

Wishing you all Gods grace and love this Christmas season.

Blessings

Rebecca

Tribute to my dad

November -2008

We are always planning and hoping things come out well in the end... I am a firm believer in all things work together for the good. But sometimes it is hard to see the good in some things that are, that is where faith becomes vital to keep us in that place of peace. My father went to be with his Heavenly Father November 18. He suffered much this past year and that was hard to watch...I have faith that there was a purpose for that, I am not saying I understand it but I trust that all things (not just some things or the good things) work for good that love the Lord. He was a loving father and I am grateful for the privilege of being his daughter...that is funny considering how much we didn't get along when I lived at home...we were too much alike my mother would say. Yes, I am afraid I gave him a run for his money and he wasn't the perfect father but he was mine. He was actually quite remarkable...gave up an art careerer and went into the ministry by faith, started his own non-denominational church and counseling. He received his Dr.s degree at the age of 72. He was the most talented man I have ever met, there really wasn't anything he couldn't do...he painted beautifully, he wrote a couple of books, sang like a bird and could play any instrument he picked up. We have kept his website up where you can get his literature: redeeming-love.org When I was growing up his art studio was at home so I grew up with the sweet smell of turpentine and I loved playing at the drawing board with all the paint brushes.As a boy he loved the story of Tom Sawyer and had a crush on the character Becky Ann and so I was named Becky Ann. I am grateful for the full life he gave to us and he will always continue to be my hero....I love you, dad.

http://redeeming-love.org/obituary.html

Blessings

Becky Ann

Grandbabies!

October 2008

I have to apologize for neglecting my journal, the summer has come and gone so quickly and I haven't logged any of it. I had a busy summer with family but no traveling this year. Just to Minnesota to see my folks and kids. I have two married daughters there with 2 adorable granddaughters, Sophie and Savannah, both 2 years old now. And the exciting news of another on the way, so Sophie will have a brother or sister. That will make 8 grandchildren for us and what a blessing they are.

Sophie and Savannah

Sophie

Savannah

The trips have been quite frequent lately as my father has been ill. He has been on dialysis now for 2 years and it has taken his tole at 83. He has developed throat cancer and has had a hard time eating - he is so thin now and weak. They are considering a feeding tube, we are hoping it will give him his strength back. The old German has a lot of spunk, comes from all that vinegar through the years...

Blessings

Rebecca

Bridal Cake Toppers-some of my favorite things

June 2008

June is here and along with it warm weather...finally. It is ironic that a Minnesota girl has such a hard time with the cold! I much rather have it sunny and warm. The shop has been busy and with it my many projects. The biggest project is the bridal display, it is up and it looks soooo good...I love white and cream, I brought in some bridal cake toppers and head pieces out of my collection (they are for sale). (sorry sold)

I hope all of you are enjoying the weather and I hope to see you soon.
Blessings
Rebecca