Favorites

Now that was fun!  I enjoyed our first sale so much.  It was great to see friends and even students of mine who came to shop and visit. As a piece would be sold, I would say, "Oh, that's one of my favorites."  Then the next one would go, and I would say, "Yes that's a special one.  It's one of my favorites."  Each piece had a different appeal, different background, and different story behind it, but all were loved for their unique qualities.  I am so happy for them to have homes!  It reminds me of when the girls were little, I would have one of them to myself and tell her she was my favorite for something that was unique about her.  At another time, I would tell the next daughter the same thing, and then later tell the last one. They all felt as if they were the favorite!  Isn't that just how God feels about us?  He looks at one person and says, "That one is one of my favorites!"  Then He looks at another and says, "Well now, that's a very special one. Another favorite." We're all His favorites and He couldn't love us any more or any less than He does right now.  That should make our day, every day!

I am so happy that the Christopher chair went to one of my oldest friends (in longevity, not age!) who is an artist in her own right.  I know she appreciates the art and emotion that went into the chair and I am thrilled that it will get to live with her! We are very grateful for the support for Tori and the kids at Amani.

The next sale will be in October during an event in the downtown area called "Hello Holidays".  More information will be coming!

He makes beautiful things!
Yvette 

Today is the Day!

The day has finally arrived.  After weeks of work poured into the first sale pieces, it's time to let them go to new homes!  See you at 10 am upstairs at Blithe!  The sale runs 10-6 today through Saturday.  While you are downtown, be sure to stop and grab a cup of coffee at the new Standpipe Coffee House and then head over to Heritage Antiques for some more great finds! It's a beautiful day!

He makes beautiful things!
Yvette

Beautiful Babies

     Today is the day I have been so excited about!  One special piece of furniture is being offered for presale to support a young woman’s journey.   Here’s a little background information:
    
     As many of you know, our youngest daughter, Tori, is working in Jinja, Uganda this summer, caring for orphaned children at the Amani Baby Cottage.  God has placed a huge heart in our child who is filled with love for these kids, and she feels this is where she belongs.  Clay and I have prayed for a long time for our girls to serve and listen to His call.  Our middle daughter, Jessica, had already forged the way a few years ago by first working at Amani on a short term trip, then South Africa for the summer. So, God answered our prayers, but we really thought He might be able to use them in Angelina county or even America, but Africa?  Permanently?  That’s the funny thing about God.  I am reminded of a quote about Aslan the lion in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,  "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
So, Clay and I turn our trust to the One who is greater than us and knows the plan.  And the plan is good, but not always safe.
     Tori plans to return to Amani in December and is working on raising the funds needed to get there.  So, the presale piece I am offering is to help her efforts.  It’s a wonderful chair and I’ve named it Christopher.  He’s Tori’s favorite little guy at Amani and she is quite smitten, as are we!  We got to skype with him last week, and he typed all kinds of letters on Tori’s computer, blew kisses, and asked who we were.  Tori told him “jjajjas” which is Lugandan for grandparents. Oh, my!  She’s not really serious… we think…

Tori with Christopher 

The chair is in honor of him.  It was a castoff that didn't have a home. It was a little tattered, but sturdy enough to weather the storms of life well.  It’s gotten the attention it needed, and now needs someone new to re-love it.  35 is the number of children currently being served at Amani, and red represents the ones who are HIV+. 

You may bid on the chair through my Facebook page- Beautiful Things or by sending me an email at saleatthebarn@gmail.com  The auction starts today and will end on Saturday at 6 pm when the furniture sale at Blithe closes.  I will keep you posted with updates.  Opening bid is $50.

Read more about Amani Baby Cottage and Christopher’s story at www.amanibabycottage.org

Tori, the kids at Amani, and Clay and I thank you in advance!

He makes beautiful things!

Yvette

More sneak peeks!

Lamps $30 each or $50 for both.  Blue drop leaf side table $80

Coffee table $175

Paisley sofa table

Paisley sofa table $300

Be sure to check back tomorrow. I will have one presale item up for grabs and it's for a great cause!

He makes beautiful things!

Yvette



A Little Glimpse of Heaven

If you've never had the delight of visiting Nerren's Junk Barn on Highway 59, you've missed some of the best East Texas has to offer! I needed wheels for a trunk I am working on, and knew just the place to find them. I have been coming to Nerren's for over 20 years and have never left disappointed.

 

 

 Each time I walk through the gate, I feel the anticipation of the perfect find!  Some of the treasures are covered in vines, dirt and pine straw and many have been there since my first visit.  I knew we would come out with just what we needed! 

 Mr. Nerren and his daughter know exactly where everything is and when we asked for wheels, they wanted to know what kind.  That's because wheels of one type might be located in a completely different area than another kind. Believe me when I say, they have all kinds! They led us out back to look through a buggy. 

Yes, in East Texas we call a shopping cart a buggy.

Jess and I climbed, crawled and dug to see if we could find four wheels that matched. And in 5 minutes...

success!!!!

It was hard to pass by so many nooks and crannies that needed exploring, but we were in a bit of a rush. This could be an all day affair and we were in need of some cooler temperatures and a few less mosquitoes.  Jessica was convinced she had contracted West Nile in the short time we were there. 

  

We went inside to pay, and you know those impulse items they put right by the check-out?  Well, here's what we spotted...

Bags of clown heads!

Now is that creepy, or what?

So, minus the clown heads, I think this is a little of what Heaven might be like. (I guess only hoarders might agree with me on that one!)  But I do believe our Creator continues to search for dirt covered hidden treasures and He delights when we are uncovered and our true beauty is revealed.  In Heaven it will all be beautiful and perfect, and we'll get to leave this messy world behind to eat, sing, and worship 24/7. How cool is that?

He makes beautiful things!

Yvette 

Sneak Peeks

We have completed most of the pieces for our first sale.  It has been hot at our workspace in the barn, but God has been faithfully providing Clay and me the strength to persevere!  Here's a sneak peek of some of what we'll be offering beginning Thursday, July 14 and running through Saturday, July 16.   Sorry, but we cannot sell any of the items beforehand.  Remember, the early bird catches the worm! Grab a cup of coffee (and maybe a pastry!) at the newly opened Standpipe Coffee House and join us for some Beautiful Things.

Beautiful Things sale Thursday July 14 through Saturday July 16, 10 am- 6 pm
Downtown Lufkin
in the loft at
Blithe Boutique
112 S. First Street

Blue side table $80

Child's set. Table $100, chairs $15 each

Child's stool $20

Coffee Table $175

Dresser $275

Black chair with metallic leopard seat $50

Desk/vanity $200



More pictures coming!


He makes beautiful things!
Yvette