Sunday, February 20, 2011

Treasure Hunting

I went away for an entire weekend without my husband or children! I haven't done that in two years. I spent the weekend with my mom at her twin's house in Perryville, MO. I wasn't very far away, and I spent the weekend with family...but still, it was awesome.

Auntie Rie is my mom's identical twin. How my mom and I are different, my aunt and I are the same. I love that. I like that her daughter's look like my sisters (she has three!). I wish I was closer to them (and my cousin Amanda who is my mom's younger sister's daughter). Who knows...hopefully we'll continue to bond over the years more and more.

Originally, I was planning on saying no to this trip. Friday was my father-in-law's birthday, which offered a perfect excuse to stay home. My friend, Jac, also invited me to go to a concert. I honestly didn't want to do anything at all. I wanted to barricade myself in my house and avoid everything. Why? I don't know. Nothing is wrong, I just didn't feel like going anywhere.

Right as I was coming up with an excuse, Rie texted me. Ugg. She was excited. I decided to just go. She thought we were staying for two nights, that was too much. I agreed to Friday only and then I'd see.

We arrived and she had a delicious roast for dinner. We visited and had a great evening. I love Rie's collections. She has a glass cabinet full of glass dishes. She collects a checkerboard pattern. I collect whatever catches my eye.

Our plan was to go to Sikeston and antique. We woke up to donuts and coffee Saturday morning (thanks, Uncle Terry) and headed out. Some treasure hunting trips yield nothing. This one started off strong within the first few steps inside our first shop. I found a pair of square glass handle holders. The clear glass has horizontal ridges going around it. They are about 4x4 and 1 1/2" high. They have a art deco feel and they were cheap!

At the same shop, I found four glass ramekins. The glass looks like it was pulled upward, creating petals around it. I love baking, and ramekins are great to have around. Especially pretty ones that I got for next to nothing. Sweet and practical!

I bought my mom a glass jar in the shape of a snowman. It was an old Smuckers (I think) grape jelly container. I wish they still made things like that. I don't know if I would cherish something new as much though.

We went to Cape Girardeau, MO. next. I've been to Cape before, but not to this area. We went to the historic district; it was charming and pretty. I stumbled into a gold mine and didn't even know it. I was busy looking around when I ran into my mom. She asked me if I had been into the room with all of the clothes in it. Vin-tage clothes? Be still my heart. I quickly found my way there and walked out with two vintage bags. I collect vintage bags and love love love them.

I don't know brand names, but what I do know, is that sometimes, the real treasure is found inside the purse. I got a black purse that closely resembles a white one I already own. Inside, the purse is divided accordian style and has an amazing gold fabric with a red and blue geometric design. The second purse I got was a faux leopard print. So stylish and classic. Again, total steals!

At the same shop, my mom bought me an old vanity container. I guess it may have originally held cold creme. It is a gorgeous shade of red (I don't collect red things in general, I like neutrals, greens and purples). This just caught my eye and the rest is history.

We shopped ALL day long. Twelve serious hours. We went to a couple new retail stores as well. We finally made our way back to Rie and Terry's and I was more than happy to spend a second night. Funny how I almost didn't come at all! We ate, read magazines, and my mom and I watched Willie Nelson with Asleep at the Wheel on Austin City Limits. I love that my mom likes Willie. She enjoyed it as much as I did.

Sunday started with pancakes and bacon. We decided to hit the antique mall at St. Mary's on our way home. Rie came with us. I found treasures! I got 5 small drinking glasses with helms on them. For Eric, I found a small tray with illustrations of pistols on it. I got a glass horseshoe ashtray to hold toothpicks, but after placing toothpicks in it, I'm questioning it. I also found a banjo pin for a friend.

I bought the girls little gifts, too. Crayola bathtub markers for Ava and socks with horses on them for Audrey. Everyone was happy. I didn't realize how badly I needed time away. Sometimes I wish for these types of weekends, but usually find a reason to not go. I'm so happy that I did.

Lesson for my daughters:
Depending on your nature, you may have to force yourself to do what I just did. Get up and leave for a weekend. Not everyone has this problem :) It always feels good. Sometimes, a woman is so busy giving to everyone, that she isn't always aware of what she needs. Putting yourself first is not selfish, it is necessary and healthy. If you are happy, you will do your job better (whatever that job may be). I hope that we have special weekends away like this. I may have to kidnap you for a weekend, just like my mom did to me. Love you, my lil' hammer gals!

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