Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Road Trip. Mineola & Gladewater Texas.


Just can't get enough junk! An exhilarating day in Canton was just the first course. Margo was about to serve up up some of the best junking in Texas. We convinced our hubbies to come along. Roger, Kerry, Margo, and I headed out to Mineola & Gladewater Texas. On the way, we stopped at Latif's Antiques in Tyler 903-882-6031...Man oh man...

Margo explained...If you see his van in the parking lot, he is open. You must ring the door bell and he will let you in. We had the whole place to ourselves.


As we walked through the front door I immediately zeroed in on the punch time clock, similar to the one Sue and I found at Kane County Flea years ago. Perfect condition and a bit larger than most I have seen since. I could tell this was going to be fun!


Margo headed straight for the drawers filled with junk bits and pieces.


I admired this vintage chandelier.


A very unusual lampshade was calling my name.


My heart was pounding as we sifted through boxes and shelves of some of the most unusual antiques and junk I have ever seen in one building.


I attempted to play a Flutophone in grade school..I always wondered what happened to all those instruments...still hiding in kid's lockers?






We had lots more junking to do and the guys were getting hungry so we had to pack 'er up!


I couldn't leave without the chandelier. The box was filled with a million crystals. I am dreading cleaning and re-assembly.


You suggested we eat at the East Texas Burger Co. in Mineola! Roger, Margo, and Burger Boy posing. Lunch was delicious!


Kerry and I had hamburgers, onion rings and sweet potato fries. MMMmm!


The town of Mineola is filled with charming antique and gift shops.


My husband still hungry...decided to purchase a fried pie for dessert. It was on the honor system and it seemed to be working.


Wish this guy could come home with me.


I might know a soccer player who would like this sign.


After checking out a garage sale in Mineola, we stopped at several interesting shops including a real junk shop! Mineola Traders (just outside of town) 903-569-1404 Five dollars on the soda crates (pop crates, if you are from Minnesota), and there was plenty to choose from.


Project?


As delighted I was to see the honor system alive and well, I was thoroughly disgusted to see this sign...Oh come on, do folks really spit in the trash by the front desk?


Rebecca was so kind to host a little get-together at her shop in Gladewater. Rebecca's Antiques and Collectibles 903-844-9650 You may recognize her famous pup. It was so much fun to meet everyone and do a little shopping in her charming store. (I just realized I need a new bra after looking at this photo...man I gotta pull myself together.)


We visited with Reba in her wonderful shop, Red Rooster Antiques, just down the street. 903-844-9240 I learned the town of Gladewater holds the title, Antique Capital of East Texas. Wish we would have had more time to check out all the shops.


Dinner back in Tyler....I had been craving Mexican for days!


Thanks to Margo, junk tour guide exception ale, and our patient husbands, the day was extraordinary! Notice she is wearing the official Junk Bonanza tee...thank you Margo!

I've been told I need to hit Athens and Malakoff on my next trip to Texas. Sounds good to me!

Be sure to check out Seabold Vintage Market on Junk Revolution's Gallery Page. Liz has an amazing junk style...so fresh and simple!

I am taking a short break from posting as I am heading to New Hampshire to spend some time with Matthew Mead. We are working on an exciting new project. I can't wait to share the scoop with you when I return along with the last leg of my road trip. Tyler Texas to Long Lake Minnesota.
Peace,
Ki

Sunday, June 21, 2009

My Dad.


"It is a beautiful day on the farm!" My dad is a happy man. He taught me how to appreciate life despite its tragedies, pain, set backs, and inconveniences. He is my model for enjoying the journey. I've been told I look at life through rose colored glasses. My dad gave them those glasses when I was a little girl. He taught me life is a precious gift and to never take it for granted.

My dad is a wise man. Glad I listened to him. It is a beautiful day on the farm!
Peace,
Ki

Friday, June 12, 2009

Road Trip. Canton Texas.


First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas happens once a month, well sort of. It can be kind of confusing cause it doesn't actually happen on a Monday as its name states. Just think of it this way. Canton Trade Days is open Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month. Get it?

The town of Canton, (population 5,124) grows to become the 7th largest city in Texas every month during the event, averaging over 300,000 visitors. First Monday Trades Days is the oldest and largest flea market in the world!


If you have been following my blog, you know that my trip from Ocala Florida to Minnesota included a Texas detour to visit my good friend, Margo, and do a little junking in Canton.


My husband Kerry was a trooper to hang in there with us the entire day. He doesn't consider himself a junker, however enjoys visiting with the friendly vendors and shoppers.


The guy with the camera is Allen Arrick. Yep, Margo's son. Allen, photographer extraordinaire, was shooting his first, flea market assignment. Discussing junk and light at The Porch where I met Renee and Becky.

Unfortunately, I didn't get photos of all the wonderful folks we met that day so I apologize for not mentioning everyone.


Maggie from the Veranda was incredibly kind to throw a little get together for fellow bloggers and junkers, many of whom I have followed online.


Margo, Susie, & me . Susie and I have chatted for years over the phone about her wonderful product, Vintage Textile Soak. First time we actually hugged.


Teresa Garden Antiques, Nancy Ella Elaine, Eilean, Donna Curious Goods, Margo Robolady, and me.


I have heard so much about Judy Hill and her amazing sale, I was excited to finally meet her. Judy, Gloria Sweet Pea ,Margo, Maggie The Veranda, me, & Joy. (Joy makes the most fabulous oyster shell mirrors.)


Looks like Minnesota junk to me!


I made her do it! She will totally hate me for posting...Sorry Margo.


Terri with Unique Antiques was a refreshing breeze of energy in the sultry mid afternoon. I love vintage linens.


I hate to iron.


Margo's friend and fellow vendor, Donna, swears by Vintage Textile Soak.


Hanging out in the shade Sky, Susan, Eilean , me, Margo, & Nancy.


Too heavy to haul home, but tempting.


Too big to haul home, but tempting.


Too dirty to haul home, but tempting.


Too silly to haul home, tempting? The Cotton Patch girls!


Have always wanted to remodel and add a sink in the hallway.




Absolutely too heavy to haul home.


I was thinking Junk Bonanza. Ideas for repurposing, anyone?


Cool ship's throttle.


I own a red Burma Shave sign and it's on display in my family room. I was naturally attracted to this booth filled with carnival items. It turned out Garland, aka Dad, was helping out his daughter, Mandie Murphree, by selling some of her cool carnival stash in his booth. Check out The Shop Antiques. According to her dad, Mandie has quite the inventory!


We got to eat a funnel cake for breakfast...a little greasy, but yummy!




Just outside the Porch I found this treasure wanting to go home with me. Did I mention my truck was full before I got to Texas? It was like being on a junk diet. I was starving and I couldn't satisfy my appetite!


According to Donna Bookout, she is a collector and lover of all things that jingle or glitter! Donna has been a vendor at Canton since 1970. She said when the booth rent was raised from $3. to $5. she had 2nd thoughts about continuing. She credits her staying power to her wonderful family, customers, and fellow vendors that have supported her over the years. Love you Donna.


Who is this person and where is she now?


Say cheese...again. Margo, Lilly Junk Palace. Donna Curious Goods, me, & Rhonda. (The milk glass vase and cool cash register number 4 at the beginning of this post belongs to Lilly.)


My dad is a Shriner. I own a fez or two.


Love Donna's junk jewels and wild creations! (I get you, Donna.)


At the end of the day when we thought we couldn't take one more step, Linda Hatfield, City of Canton operations supervisor, picked us up in her official looking golf cart and took us on a delightful tour of the grounds! She answered all of my questions about Canton including "Why doesn't First Monday Trade Days take place on Monday?"

More Texas junkin' stories and pics to come. We visited some of Margo's favorite junk hot spots the very next day. Never too tired to junk!
Peace,
Ki