Life as I know It

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San Luis Obispo, California, and South Bristol, Maine, United States
Author ~ Illustrator ~ Lecturer

Monday, April 16, 2012

Three Speckled Hens


I couldn't pass up this big platter, which is a sea-foam green/blue that is my weakness (one of them)

Three Speckled Hens
Just for fun

Last Saturday, I put aside my brushes, pens, and paper and headed to the wonderful antique/flea market put on by three talented women, Carrie Millan, Susi Fuller, and Kathy Marquart, who call themselves Three Speckled Hens

The ladies are great business women, motivated, high energy souls who wanted to create an antique show for lovers of all things country. Their strong personalities and work ethics have turned this event into one of the most anticipated events along the California coastline. It was so much FUN!

The day was perfect, and for the first time in awhile, I was free-as-and-free-of-the-birds. 


Normally, I am out of town this time of year, but this spring has been devoted to my book, so no scheduling has been made. I finally got to enjoy an afternoon at the Paso Robles MidState Fairgrounds in the company of some dynamic and lively folks.


One of my favorite tents (below) was Atelier de Campagne. Everyone loved this show of French home and garden antiques.



The funky tin buckets, which I loved, are used for washing olives. I can think of lots of ways to use them in a home. I also love the bottle drying rack to the left of them. Wouldn't this be great holding terra cotta pots of all sizes?


Shopping with husbands is the pits. "Where are you going to use that?" is a familiar refrain.


The tin, house-shaped thing in the middle is...


...a GREAT, old-fashioned dehydrator from Gray Duck Antiques. Solar style. What could be more classic? I wanted it, but to tell the truth, I don't know WHERE I would put it. I guess I need a big barn.


For some reason, I love dust pans. Jeff says it is because I am so danged focused on keeping things neat and clean. Anyhow, he totally got why I bought this oversized dust pan. It is hand-made of tin and wood. I left it twice, returned, carried it around, and finally gave in and bought it (from Gray Duck).


Bulb baskets from Holland (Atelier de Campagne)



I was happy to see Karrie Machado's Serendipity at the show. They have one of my favorite shops along the Central Coast. Located in historic old-town Arroyo Grande. You'll have happy browsing there!


A great, never-been-used, vintage California tablecloth in the booth of Barbara Grigg (she also had the platter that I bought. LORI ANN, you would've LOVED this day!


Meet the Three Hens and the little chickie holding the copy of Flea Market Style magazine is the editor-in-chief Ki Nassauer. She has a creative eye that turns what is overlooked into a highlight of a home.

I'm going to end this posting with a short video, but first let me announce the winner of The Birding Life, published by Clarkson Potter.


CONGRATULATIONS to KJ, Options for a Better World


NEXT GIVEAWAY

Thanks to all of you who participated! Leave a comment on this posting, and you're eligible for a give-away of a blue Moon Birdfeeder from Gardener's Supply Company of Burlington, Vermont. 

****************

Paso Robles is not only a wine and olive oil region, but also a horse lover's paradise. We have cowboys and round-ups happening around us all the time. 

We had an unexpected musical treat in the booth of Barbara Grigg. We met Cow Bop performer  Pamela Forman, who serenaded us with a good, old-time yodel. She is also a great singer and performs with her group throughout the country. 


Also, please stop by my recent Lowe's Creative Ideas blog (top row) and leave a valued comment.

Joys to you all,

Sharon

47 comments:

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Hi Sharon,
"That was SO MUCH FUN", Thank you for taking us alone...There was lots and lots of temptation there...Oh Yes, I have a Hubby that says the EXACT same thing as yours(it must be in the MOST HUBBYIES HANDBOOK of shopping with The Little Women). I said MOST because I know a few guys that just tag along and carry the treasures
LOVE your platter, I just saw a vintage VERY LARGE crocheted doily in that very color! I STILL may go back after it...
I'm so happy you were able to take a well deserved break...
Have a wonderful week,
Hugs,
Donna

Atelier de Campagne said...

Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for including us. Glad you enjoyed the show. This was the first time we participated in it and loved it.
Look forward to more of your posts!

Trino and Team Atelier

W-S Wanderings said...

I love old metal dustpans with long wooden handles. I have one that came with the old farmhouse, and I have deep affection for it. Makes for less stopping in sweeping up those endless piles from the hardwood floors. And it's just so darn cool.

It must have been so difficult leaving that treasure trove without arms full of finds. I am swooning just looking at the pictures.

Blondie's Journal said...

Oh, Sharon~~~this is an event that I would have loved to have been at! In sunny California no less! It looks like you had a wonderful time and I love your pretty new plate. What on earth will you do with the dustpan? I keep thinking you have a creative idea for it, it's much too heavy for everyday use!

Good for you taking a break! :-D

XO,
Jane

Julie Marie said...

Hi Sharon... oh my gosh, I think I have that exact same vintage platter!... is yours about 14 inches diameter and marked "GMB" on the bottom? Sure looks like mine that I love from the 40's... so fun seeing all of the booths at the fair... my daddy was stationed at Camp Roberts when I was a little girl and I spent a good amount of time in Paso Robles...a beautiful place... love the dustpan you bought!... did you buy anything besides those two items? when Jack asks where I am going to put something, I usually tell him it will be handy for him to carry his tools in or something that makes him think I bought whatever it was for him... works for me!... sometimes I even let him actually use my treasures!... congratulations to KJ, what a beautiful book she won!... and how fun you met Ki Nassauer too... I really LOVE that old drying rack... I probably would have come home with that!... thanks for sharing your day... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

Teri said...

I recognize some of these names, especially Ki's from Country Living magazine maybe (or one of those that I receive in the mail monthly). How fun for you to be able to attend such a wonderful show. I love doing things like that but I do understand the comment about your husband, as I have one that thinks "that it all looks alike"! Little does he know! I cannot wait to win the next giveaway. (I am being positive here...I know that anything in life is possible!)Don't you just hate these blurry word verification things??

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

WOW! What fun you had! I love your pretty flowers and fruit and of course the lovely platter! See! You really DID need it! Congrats to your winner, too! Enjoy your week! ♥

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon, oh how I miss those great flea markets of California! They don't seem to have them here in Colorado. It was all lovely and I love the things you bought! Thanks for sharing with us. Kathy L from Colorado(formerly of California!)

Michelle said...

I would love to visit this! It looks so wonderful and I love flea market style!

Annelies said...

we must be married to the same husband (G)!!! Who needs a place for something when we just NEED it regardless !!!!
thanks for the chance for the giveaway and thanks too for letting me shop joyously thru your blog!!!

Kay G. said...

Thanks for taking me with you here.
Congrats to kj! I love her blog and she is such a wonderful writer and I feel so honored that she visits my blog too! YAY!
Love,
Kay P.S. Like another good writer I could mention!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

That flea market has some really great stuff. Those baskets to wash olives would be wonderful planters here!

Vee said...

I shall be back to see your video when the house is not all asleep. What fun to get out and be free as a bird. I totally get why you purchased the large dustpan as well. I would have, too.

kj said...

OMG1 OMG1 OMG1

what is more exciting, holding this perfect-for-me book in my hands OR knowing i will soon hear my mailbox dancing and swooning because it holds your wildly wonderful heart inside it?

thank you so much sweetie darling sharon. i can't wait. i am honored. i stacked the deck: i made a deal with the universe. i wanted that there book.

OMG OMG. thank you so much. i am swooning too.

ps. kay, thank you for the kindest comment about my blog. i'm now headed to bed with a double swelled head.

i loves you sharon lovejoy

Donna OShaughnessy said...

Yeah, the husband thing...that just don't SEE the possibilities like we do. Then again I can't understand why he must keep 3 manure spreaders whne only one works. Some of the time. Thanks so much for taking the time to post the pics. Wish I had been there!

Pat said...

Such a fun day you had! Good to see that markets like that are still around...in our neck of the woods, antique shops and quality markets have all but disappeared due to the economy.

I can hear all the nodding heads saying "my husband says the same thing." How true!!:o)

Lori ann said...

oh wow, so much here! sharon, the three hens, they visit our shops, the ones i took you in! and we go each year to their show, although i forced myself to stay home this year, with our trip a couple weeks away, i needed to be a good girl. and last week ki was in the shop too, with her friends! she remembered me from the last time they were in town. such a nice person.
your platter is beautiful, that color is perfect. it looks like you had a great day. and i bet jeff did too, even if he did say that. hee hee.

congratulations to kj,she will love the book. i will not be jealous, i will not be jealous....
:)

xxx lori

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

The antique show looks wonderful...what a great way to spend a sunny day! It was such a nice visit to your blog...thanks for all the inspiration. -Mary

Unknown said...

What a wonderful day especially knowing you could enjoy it without other obligations in the back of your mind. Your are correct about shopping with the husbands. Congrats to the winner of the book.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i sure would enjoy shopping there! it looks very much like the country living fair i attend each year! mine is just 5 months away!

Susan said...

My kind of day...my daughter and I just loved to pick up "finds" and repurpose them. XOXO

Audrey said...

A day at the antique show ~ sounds like heaven to me right now (with 2 littles under 5 years old I have no time to myself ever). I know I'd love the Atelier de Campagne. The yodeling video reminds me of living in Switzerland. Oh, and I really enjoyed looking around your Lowe's page!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking us along to the antique show! It looks so wonderful!
I look forward to reading your articles on the Lowe's site.
Happy gardening from Va.
Martha Ellen

Wylie said...

The antique market looks amazing! I love the blue bird feeder, too!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

You know Sharon, if I didn't love living on the Atlantic coast, I would be there in a second. This post reminded me of all that I miss in sunny California. What a fun shopping trip this must have been...and yes, shopping with the husband...agreed! I am particularly taken with the Belgian bulb baskets.
♥, Susan

Happy@Home said...

Thanks for taking us along with you. I saved a lot of money this way, but it would have been so much more fun in person. ;-)
I had to laugh at the husband comment. I've heard that one many times too.
Congratulations to your winner of the beautiful bird book.

Myfrenchkitchen said...

a great day it seems...loads of glorious sunshine and lots of "stuff" to lose oneself into and resurface with some great finds!
Ronelle

sista said...

Hi Sharon...I'm from Malaysi...like to know the news from the other side of my country..nice blog...already linking it...tq...xoxo...

Priscilla Palmer said...

Methinks I've found another Flora Thompson fan, my one weakness. :)
Priscilla

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Hi "Unknown,"

You think correctly. OF COURSE I am a Flora Thompson fan. You should've heard me when I found an old copy of Lark Rise at a rare bookstore in Wales. Hurrah!

Have you read Mitford's Our Village or have you read Precious Bane? Both fabulous.

Cheers,

S

Sharon Lovejoy said...

P.S. "my one weakness," is a group of words never to escape my lips since I have so many weaknesses.

Priscilla Palmer said...

Hi Sharon,
I did not mean to come up as "Unknown"; I'm rather new to responding on blogs. I have just recently found the Lark Rise to Candleford book. I adore Miss Lane's "my one weakness" when she says it about almost everything. I have so many weaknesses myself, although it is a delightful way to describe one's weakness(es). I've also recently found your books and they have added a delight to my gardening experience. Thank you for the additional book suggestions. I do adore my reading, it is my one weakness.
Cheers, Priscilla

Pondside said...

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Just what I love to do! The platter is lovely - and of course you needed it!

Privet and Holly said...

My favorite kind
of shopping event,
but
NO,
no husbands allowed!

{Although I have to
admit, even I get some
things home and think,
"What am I going to do
with THIS, now?"}

I have met Ki on a few
occasions, as she used to
live close by : ) Talented
lady....like you.

xo Suzanne

carole said...

I'm really excited to have found your book, Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots and am looking forward to getting my hands dirty. My mum had gardens when my sisters and I were small, and I want to pass this magical experience along to my daughters.
lol re: "Where are you going to use that?" My husband frequently says the same. :)

Carol said...

Dear Sharon, I hope you are enjoying your beautiful garden I love the platter and the colors your have on it! Gorgeous!! I love the dustpan too! ;>)) Spring is finally here for us . . . everything is so early! xxox Carol

Wendy said...

that's funny about your husband's comment. Same thing goes with clothing, "when are you going to wear that" - well, that was many years ago when he'd actually come along, and when i'd actually tolerate him coming along. I love that solar dehydrator - so cool. And I also love the name Three Speckled Hens. ha ha ha!

Comfrey Cottages said...

Oh my gosh, what a wonderful antique heaven that is! Swooooon! lol! That is so cute about your dustpan fetish! lol! You are so much fun dear one! So happy you are having some free time fun. Lots of love to you xxxxx

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Sharon, thank you.
Felt like I was right there with you.
I love outings like this - but now that I have downscaled drastically have no room for extra's--but -- did buy another basket at a yardsale on Saturday...

Anonymous said...

What a great antique fair. They are always a fun way to become inspired.

LesleyAnn said...

Wow! Those photos make me want to go there! ha I saw lots of things I'd like to have and the "Where will you put it?" question is quite familiar.

Thank you for the opportunity to enter your giveaway.

Have a blessed day!

Natalie said...

Sharon! This looks like such a fun time. I also have a weakness for jade dishes, I confess. Should you venture our way, we'll have to make a trip to the Brimfield Antique shows...lots of fun as well!

Little Bird said...

What a BLAST! Treasures abound at THAT flea market! Sure appreciate you sharing it with us in blogville. Plus - you gave me a big laugh with the hubby comment. I love how other gals responded to that comment too. :) Thanks a BIG bunch, dear Sharon! As always!!

GRACE PETERSON said...

I saw some things in your photos I would have enjoyed having. What a fun day. I'm glad you went and had a good time. Husbands don't understand though, do they? But we love them anyway. :)

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Love the great name and looks like a wonderful time as well.

Anonymous said...

Sharon,
What fun.....thank you for sharing...glad you found a treaure there.The word "need" is NOT in an antiquer's vocabulary!! The shows here in Maine are just starting up....our beautiful state awaits you!
Cindy in ME

Vicki Boster said...

Sweet Sharon- what a wonderful day at the vintage market!! Ohhh I had to laugh at the "husband" comment!! So so true!

The photos are all lovely- I love the vintage tin ware. Going to the flea market is one of my favorite springtime activities-- am headed to one this weekend!
Love
Vicki