Durhamtown Plantation

Oh boy---we got to go play in the dirt, and I only crashed once! This place near Greensboro, GA is like the Disney of dirt----150 miles of ATV trails; monster mountain (I did that--important tip: don't stop at the top!); drag track; jumps; mud pit; and lots more---so much fun!!!


Unloading......(love my truck--don't know how I ever lived without one)
I really need to get a "space suit" like the big boys, and then at least I'll look like a pro (maybe it will improve my riding).


My son Matt (in space suit) and his brother-in-law Blake loading up after a hard day of riding. Time to stop playing and get back to work!

Road trip to Senoia

Last Saturday we went to Senoia for the recycled materials art show that was being held on the sidewalks of this cute town south of Atlanta, and the following posts are from that trip. I had never been there before, and it is a beautiful place---Ann Busey, of the shop "Beyond The Door", had invited me to do this show, and although I wasn't able to get enough done in time to participate, I wanted to see it, and it was really fun to meet the interesting artists and check out the shops.

This shop is "Ms. Wendy's Antiques", which recently moved from Brooks, GA. Wendy Parker is in the below photo, and it was fun to meet her while we were there--her shop is a wonderful mix of garden/architecture/iron, and just great vintage treasures.

More road trip.....Senoia

Anne Busey has a beautiful shop filled with a really wide mixture of things, including original art, unusual furniture, and accessories and gift items that were very unique, and not what you would see in any other shops--very inspiring.

More road trip....Senoia

Ann introduced us to artists Jenni and Valerie who were set up at the show, and they do very unique and interesting work--Jenni does the paintings that incorporate paper, etc. into the design, and Valerie creates with found objects like vintage kitchenware/ metal/garden/tools etc.

More road trip......Senoia

These creative folks also set up at Scott's Antique show in Atlanta, and they do all the stuff I love with the vintage architectural and metal pieces made into lamps, decorative accessories, yard art, etc.

More road trip........Senoia

This shop has a wide mixture of vintage treasures, ironwork, fountains, garden stuff, great old tools, and lots more!

Ready to ride!!

Probably better change my shoes though, huh?

Spring in the garden.....

Just can't resist snapping some pics of the flowers. The snowball bush always reminds me of my grandma.


The first rosebud this year..


Ok, enough wandering around in the garden.......better get busy and work on new some new junk.

Butter pat bouquet

OK, I really need to step away from the wire! (It's my favorite medium to work with, but the Lakewood show stars Friday, and I need to get packing!)

Little photo project

Saucers without cups, and other leftover pieces can be repurposed by adding photos, vintage newsprint, and some wire.



Cut photo to the desired shape; cut the newsprint just a little larger and add a decorative edge; decoupage each layer to the saucer; when dry, decoupage a thin coat for added stability.

Some road trip junk

Well, it sure doesn't look like much, does it? (Sorta looks like someone emptied their trash bin in my driveway!!) But there are some nice treasures in there.....hopefully it will be organized, transformed and repurposed by the time of the show!! (It will only take a miracle or two)



I love these iron things...will hate to part with them.....they are about 7' tall.



This is my favorite piece..will have to hold on to this a little while.

Spring Break Road Trip........

I know I am home when I am out running on the beach in Sarasota at sunrise! (Ok.... so I can't run the entire time... but I try to anyway)

The following posts are from the trip down and back---- I found lots of great treasures for the show, which I will post photos of when I get it all unpacked--can't wait!

Road Trip.........Sarasota

In downtown Sarasota there are lots of interesting antique shops, but this architectural antique business is amazing--they handle huge pieces, and currently are auctioning the interior salvage of the historic Ringling Hotel that was regretably torn down many years ago--the inside was decorated elaborately with mosaic tile, stenciled wood beams, and niche fountains like the one below.

More Road Trip........Venice

This shop in downtown Venice has been in so many magazines, and it is just as beautiful in person! The proprietor Mark Holt was there that day, and very kindly let us take a few photos for the blog--there is a nice tea shop next door, as well-- it is all so wonderfully Paris Flea Market!

We had lunch on the deck at the marina in Venice near downtown, and it was so deja vu when people came up in boats to stop for lunch--it reminded me of when, as a teenager, we would take a break from water skiing and drive the boat over to the marina at Sarasota City Island for lunch---then went back to skiing for the afternoon!

More Road Trip........Arcadia

This is a great shop in Arcadia, a central Florida town with lots of antique shops, and we were able to go on the day they had their once a month antique show set up all around the downtown area--I was surprised that there were so many booths scattered around, and a parking lot full as well.

More Road Trip........Myakka River State Park

The main road through this vast natural wilderness park is lined with these old live oak trees draped in spanish moss.
This gator surfaced a few feet from where I was standing on the shore seconds earlier--good thing they are fairly non-aggressive.


These gators were sunning themselves on the bank--they are pretty big--it is hard to believe that there are giant pythons now being found in the everglades with 5 foot alligators in their bellies!!

More Road Trip........White Springs

This is one of my favorite towns in Florida----it is on the Suwanee River in the north central part of the state, and has a great little Bed and Breakfast and restaurant called the Telford House (top pic), a nice antique shop, and pretty old houses--very quaint.