I’ve Been Junkin’ Again!

Mound City, Kansas is well-known in these parts for their huge craft festival every fall and their Civil War battle site. However, I just found out that there is a new store in town, on Main Street that we’re going to have to go check out. It’s called “Treasure Hunters Cove” and is a consignment thrift gift shop. It’s run by sisters Kim and Vicki and has only been open a couple of months.

I ran into Vicki last Saturday while we were thriftin’. She was on a shopping trip herself and digging through a bin of pictures. I moseyed up to the bin and asked if there was any Mary Engelbreit pictures in there and she replied that she didn’t know who that was. Ever once in a while, I’ll take a fancy to talk to some total stranger in a store and have met some very nice people that way. I found a Mary Engelbreit book farther back in the store and since Vicki hadn’t left yet, I had to introduce ME to her at the cash register.

I became acquainted with Mary Engelbreit’s work through her greeting cards in a quilt shop on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, Kansas several years ago and I’ve loved her nostalgic style ever since. I’ve acquired 18 ME coffee mugs and tea cups, plus a very nice cake plate, a tin Easter basket, two ME/JC Penny tin boxes, salt and pepper shakers, a plant pot, a few rubber stamps, stationary, and several ME books plus bookmarks and bookplates, most from secondhand shops and as gifts. I’m also looking to outfit my kitchen, so have been hunting for items to theme.

My hubbin has the patience of Job and was such a gentleman as he opened the door to gently nudge Vicki and I towards our vehicles as we swapped information. She had been a Sprint graphic designer and did portraits on the side, but decided to pursue a dream to open this store with her sister. I wish her well. You all will have to stop in and say howdy when you are in the area. She said she believes there may be a gallon-sized zip baggie of rubber stamps in her store at the moment if anyone is interested!

VIDEO: My ME Collection of Cups

Happy Glaucoma Month!

Did you know that January is National Glaucoma Month? Have you had your eyes checked recently? I have pigmentary glaucoma and was asked to share my story with others, so yours truly did. I was so honored and tickled to be asked. Check it out here!

This Little Light of Mine

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16

I’m reminded of a song and prayer I learned as a child – “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine (repeat); Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine. Won’t let Satan snuff it out. I’m going to let it shine (repeat), Let it shine (repeat twice more); and “I see the moon, the moon sees me, God bless the moon, and God bless me.”

I have two choices in life – I can join the worldly crowd and do what they think is cool which often leads down into the seamier side of life or I can be virtuous and please God. We’re teaching our kids in Sunday School that heroes are ordinary people who do the right thing.

As an artist/crafter, I can reflect my Lord’s light like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden or a lamp on a stand in the product of my hands. I can pass on His light to everyone. I may be the only Bible someone reads. May my work and I be worthy.

Prayer: In this new year, Lord, remind me to reflect your light like the moon and shine on the pathway to your Son. Please give me creative ideas and projects that make you and the righteous life attractive. In His name, Amen!

Today’s Quote:

“She creates things that touch your heart. Her drawings have that nice quality. Crudeness and vulgarity hit us in the face everyday. Mary’s pictures capture something that we love and are losing fast.” ~ Mary Lois Engelbreit, mother of the greeting card illustrator, Mary Engelbreit