Our Trip to Trade Days

First Monday Trade Days

The other night while visiting with besties, Tom and Judy, they mentioned they planned to go to Canton the following weekend.  I quickly responded.  "That sounds good, we'll go with you."

You can do that with friends.

Hubby and I laughed together and shared the last time we had been there.  Kinda sorta there!

Many years ago when the kids were pre-teens, as we were planning our two-week vacation trip to New Mexico, we decided it would be great to get up early on Monday and go by the renowned First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas.  Our daughter was not crazy about getting up early, but she was not a morning person; otherwise, we were excited about seeing all the "old" stuff together.  It wasn't always easy to find an adventure that didn't cost much.

Somebody didn't do their homework!  Just sayin'!

When we got there, we thought, oh wow, we're the first ones here.  No parking issues for us!

Well, neither was there any old stuff, or an open booth or building.

Just because it advertises itself as "First Monday" it doesn't mean it is open on Monday.

Lesson learned, so we kinda had to beg for forgiveness apologize to the kids for the needless early morning rising.

For this trip, Judy asked me to make the overnight arrangements.  I figured the small hotels would be taken and none of them had more than two stars, so I thought B&B might be an answer.

I found one with Five Stars *****!

Five stars in rural east Texas should be something to see, so I called.

The nice lady explained that they had closed their B&B a couple years earlier and surprised that it was still showing up on Google.  But she was delighted to hear that they had finally won the 5th star  they had worked so hard to achieve.

After talking a while she said, "You know, we still have a cabin behind our house and it was cleaned this week if you would like to come and stay here.  There won't be any breakfast, but you are welcome to come inside the house and fix your morning coffee."

After making sure they had running water, heat and air and actual indoor restrooms, I agreed to take her up on her generous offer.

Phyllis and her sister Mary made us feel so welcome and yes, the little two bed/bath cabin was small, clean and perfect for us.  We had plenty of room to stay up until mid-night playing Mexican Train and the guys said the coffee and early morning visit with the owners was most enjoyable.

Risky?  Perhaps, but it worked out better than we could have imagined.

We also enjoyed walking and seeing what we could see of the Trade Days on Friday and Saturday.  If you like "old" stuff and some new as well spread out across acres and more buildings I could count then you must plan a trip.

 I am not a Shabby Chic and vintage type person and really don't want much of it in my home, but found that my camera evidently loved shooting pictures of it found everywhere.

 

 

 Some of the display areas were beautifully appealing.

 True Texas leathers!

 How many ways can you use branches?

 We were captivated by the beautiful wooden inlay patterns for these islands.

It didn't take me long to find my favorite item! A swinging bed.

We had a great time with friends Tom and Judy at Canton's First Monday Trade Days.

WOW! What a Week!

This week has been a time of enlightenment, awakening, revival, remembrance.......

I won't be able to share with you all that I loved, liked and learned because of confidences but let it be said, I have experienced all three in abundance.

So, let's get started and I'll share what I can.

LOVED

First and foremost!
I love that I met Hubby 50 years ago today on a blind date in New Orleans.
I love that he loved me.
I love that he married me seven months later.
I love that he's stayed with me for 50 years!!!

I loved spending time with my sisters this week - all three of them - Gingie, Sarah and Martha.

I loved meeting some of Martha's friends.

 I loved that I was able to take Sarah for her second cataract surgery and that it went so well.

I loved talking to our sweet Savannah and hearing that she is doing well after ankle surgery on Monday.

LIKED

I liked seeing the early morning sunshine on my new bougainvillea in my sunroom.

I liked seeing this amazing old Oak Tree so typical of oaks in South Louisiana with its huge gnarled trunk, branches sweeping the ground, and moss blowing in the breeze.

 I liked driving along country roads in the south central part of our state that feel so much like home.

I liked eating my brother-in-law's vegetable stew, banana pudding and cinnamon cake that he had ready when I arrived.

LEARNED

 I learned that there is joy to be found even in the most desperate circumstances.

I learned that God reveals Himself in some of the most amazing ways in people's lives.

As I was driving home today and listening to a sermon by Jack Graham from Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Tx., about Christ's return, from Revelations, I looked into the sky hoping to see Him.  This was what I saw instead and praised God that one day soon, He will return in the clouds and take us Home to be with Him forever.

I was reminded again that I can worship and praise God behind the steering wheel of a car flying down the interstate at 80 miles an hour just as well as anywhere else.  And He met me there!

Come Quickly Lord Jesus!

Now, what have you loved, liked and learned this week?

Don't forget to look for and be grateful for all of it!

Field Trip to El Dorado, AR

Hubby and I had a field trip!

An artist friend told me about an art exhibit in a nearby town - 2.5 hours away in another state - that he thought I needed to see.  After one canceled trip due to bad weather, I was determined to go by myself.  But, Hubby wasn't having any of that and said he would take me.  I just love that man!

El Dorado, Arkansas is a small town in the south central part of the state and the county seat with a population of approximately 18,000.

 It could never be described as a "sleepy little town" because although small, there is plenty happening there.

El Dorado is headquarters of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission as well as Murphy Oil Corporation, and the Lion Oil Refinery.

Just off the main square around which the town is centered, is the "Oil and Gas Park" commemorating those who helped build this town around that industry.

 As I said, the center of the town is the courthouse.  It is a lovely, large majestic building with

beautiful architectural details.

 

 

 

 

 

 Architectural details were to be seen on several of the old buildings such as the churches.

Our first stop was at the Black Cat Restaurant for lunch.  We both had the Taco Salad and it was delicious.  The flaky crust bowl was some of the best we have ever had.

The next stop was to the corporate office for Century 21 United.  Hubby has been with this Realty firm since moving to Shreveport in 2002.
The ladies inside were so friendly and gave us a tour of the offices.  Thank you Jan and Marquita for making us feel so welcome.

This visit only set the stage for the rest of the day.

After leaving the realty office, we decided to walk around the square and see what we could see.

Only in a small town would you see High School athletic jackets displayed in a vacant store window.
Let's just say that the south is proud of their winning seasons.

Only in a small town will you find a squirrel feeder hung on a tree that was important enough to build the sidewalk around.

The outside of the Elm Street Bakery caught our eye and we had to see what was inside and we were so glad we did.

We learned that the building was built in 1879 for the US Post Office which remained until the oil boom in 1921.  Then Hall's Pharmacy occupied this idyllic space until 2006.

Recent renovations to the building have preserved the old-time grace of the 114-year-old stamped metal ceiling, the thick white marble soda fountain, and the mahogany apothecary cabinets with etched glass.

The Website describes it like this:  "The atmosphere at Elm Street Bakery combines classic southern charm and hospitality with contemporary elegance and design.
 
We could not agree more.

Another stop was Sidney Murphy Design

There are so many pretty things in this store, from gift items, furniture, china, to the pillow you saw at the beginning of my blog and in the store-front window.  But we most enjoyed our visit with Sidney Murphy herself.  And would you believe she would like to retire to Shreveport one of these days?  How fun is that!

Next door is

 As soon as Hubby walked in the store, the owner took him to the back to try his spicy dip and renowned Turnip Green Soup.  Hubby said they were both delicious!  I couldn't get past the fudge counter in the front of the store where I found the most unusual flavors.

We met this lovely couple on the street and struck up a conversation.  Knox and Judy White are a lovely couple who have lived in this quaint little town for 50 years.   They love to travel and were getting last minute items for a Caribbean cruise they are about to take.

 Are you beginning to get the idea that El Dorado is all about the people who live and work there?

Our final stop was the

South Arkansas Art Center

which was the real reason for our trip.

As I said, a friend told me I must see the

"A Brush with Arkansas" Bill Garrison Exhibit

Bill Garrison is a native of Arkansas and loves everything about the "Natural State" and has painted some amazing landscapes to capture its beauty.  I was in awe!

These are only a few and I hope he won't mind my showing them here.  Friday was the last day of the exhibit and I am so glad I was able to see it.

I featured one of our favorites on last Friday's blog Here.  The deep reds and greens and the way he captures the sun, which draws the eye into the scene, amazes me.

After inhaling every painting, I went to the front desk to thank the nice lady for assisting us, and she offered to give us a tour of the whole place.  How could we refuse this, another example of the friendliness of the folks in this town?

Little did we know that there was a theater, multiple class rooms, piano/voice practice rooms, a ballet studio, an unbelievable maze of wardrobe rooms, not to mention the office space it takes to run such a busy community art center.

We even got to meet and visit with two of the ladies who devote their time to designing and making the sets for all the children's plays.

This was such a delight and a behind-the-scenes look that we could have never expected.
Thank you ladies for your time to share something so special to you and the community.

To learn more about what goes on at this busy, and vital place in the life of El Dorado, Arkansas go here.

SAAC Facebook Page

There was only one disappointment in our trip.  I was hoping to see the old hotel building where my parents spent their honeymoon night on November 24, 1943.  Alas, like so many other old buildings, it was torn down many years ago to make room for progress.

 We enjoyed seeing the buildings, the realty headquarters, eating a delicious lunch and the beautiful paintings, not to mention the lovely country roads to get there.

But, what we will remember the longest is the time we spent together meeting some of the friendliest  people in the world.
People who will stop on the street to talk to you.
People who take you by the arm and say, "Come try this!"
People who will stop what they are doing to share something that they are proud of with you.

Thank you El Dorado for making our visit a very memorable one.

Friday Loved, Liked and Learned

A few weeks ago I read a blog post that I found both interesting and fun and asked permission to repeat the theme on my own Friday blog.

Trish

willingly gave me her blessing.

For a while, at least, this will be my Friday theme.  I will recap my week by highlighting what I have loved, liked and learned. You may enjoy participating in this as well.

LOVED

 Three weeks ago this past Tuesday, Hubby's only brother died during surgery.  This picture was one I took of Tom and Martha when we spent a few days together last August in Maryland.

Following the service, Martha gave one of these lovely crosses to each of their children and to us.  It was such a thoughtful thing for her to do.

I love the simplicity of this beautiful metal cross but most of all I love what it represents.
Thank you, Sis.

LIKED

 I planted these ornamental cabbages before we left for our August/September month-long trip because I knew I would be having foot surgery upon return and there would be NO yard work after that.  I was right!  There hasn't been but I'm not showing that.

However, these cabbages have been beautiful and have held up their end of the agreement to provide color well into the winter.

I like the variation of color and the lacy edges of these colorful plants.  They add a pretty spot of color to an otherwise not so pretty front yard flowerbed.

Next year, I may forget the puny pansies and fill my the flowerbeds with these lovelies.

 

LEARNED

I learned that a paint brush and the right paints in the hands of a master can create a masterpiece.

  Hubby and I took a field trip this past Monday to see the exhibit of a master landscape artist who loves his home state of Arkansas and brings choice pieces of it to canvases in the most brilliant of colors.

I also learned that the eye can fool the mind into seeing what really isn't there if it perceives it could be.

If you look closely, there isn't a lot of detail, but the eye tells you there is, because you see the picture as a whole.  You see the sunlight playing through the trees and bouncing off various spots creating depth and interest.  The winding path takes you around a bend with unimaginable intrigue.

Yes, I learned that only a master painter such as Bill Garrison can pull you into a flat piece of canvas with a variety of paints and brush strokes and an eye for abstract detail and beauty.

I hope you share something you Love, Like and Learn this next week and will join me next Friday to share.

Thank you Trish for allowing me to join you.

Does God Care Who Wins the Super Deflated Bowl?

Are you a Super Bowl Watcher?

Have a favorite team?

I found this post by Janet Dennison interesting.  You might as well.

Does God Care Who Wins the Super Deflated Bowl? 

Winter + Chocolate + Heart Melt

I have missed being part of the Hodgepodge group the past couple weeks so it is good to rejoin

Joyce @ From This Side of the Pond

for

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell someone (or want to tell someone) to 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?

I really can't recall a time that I experienced any of these.  However, I was being a bit critical of something the other night and had to apologize for that, so maybe that qualifies for telling myself to "chill."

2. What most recently caused your heart to melt?

Face-Time  with our youngest granddaughter the other night.  She melts my heart anyway, but just seeing her and hearing her tell about things going on in her life at eight, really melts my heart big time.  I miss being with her and all our grands.

3.  "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton  

Your thoughts? When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience? How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience?  Does it feel the same in hindsight?

Last week a friend of mine and I had planned to visit a small town in another state a couple hours away and because the weather was so nasty, we decided to not go.  This change in plans was a real inconvenience because I had really looked forward to the day and she would not be able to reschedule this week.  But, Hubby helped me turn this inconvenience into an adventure by agreeing to go with me this past Monday.  We had a great day together and the "adventure" will be the topic of a future blog post.  Stay tuned!

4.  A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat?

Hands down a Wendy's Chocolate Frosty!  Love it!!!

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Explain why.

A symphony!  Life is good.  Because my foot is healing well, I've been able to go back to the gym and return to Handbell Choir and Sanctuary Choir.  We have spent time with friends.  Hubby and I have enjoyed doing things together that is important to both of us. The Lord continues to bless richly for which I am most grateful.

6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?

"White Christmas" is the first that comes to mind.

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind?

I would miss most our home.  God gave us this house eight years ago and we love it.  And of course, I would miss our friends.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I enjoy a good salad and I found this recipe the other day in a cookbook given to me by a dear friend for my birthday - The New Southern Table by Brys Stephens.  It is super quick, easy, delicious and good for you.

Kale, Apple and Pecan Salad with Black Benne Dressing

I did not make the dressing but used one of our favorites that we get from Whole Foods.

Dressing:

3 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar, 1 med. shallot, Kosher salt, 2 Tbsp. honey, 3 tsp. Dijon mustard, 3 tsp. black benne seeds, 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Salad:

1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces plus more for garnish

In a large bowl toss 24 ounces kale, stemmed and thinly sliced and 2 apples cut into matchsticks, (I used one large Honey Spice) with the dressing and garnish with pecans.  I also used toasted sesame seeds.  Season to taste.

I served this salad the other night for guests with Lentil Soup and cornbread and it was a perfect first course.

Enjoy!

What I Wore to the Symphony

 One of the many things Hubby and I enjoy about living in the 3rd largest city in the state of Louisiana is being able to hear the Shreveport Symphony.

We decided several years ago that we would take advantage of as many cultural events in our area as possible and there are many, with access to three colleges, numerous play venues, Opera Guild, and various musical groups as well as many churches who do amazing musical performances.

Our favorite though is having season tickets to the Shreveport Symphony.  It is one of the best symphonies in the country with notable director, Michael Butterman.

Last night's performance highlighted Liadov's beautiful "The Enchanted Lake", a Bartok Concerto for Orchestra and a Dvorak Cello Concerto featuring an outstanding young Shreveport native, John-Henry Crawford as soloist.

John-Henry, though only 21 years old, has already made quite a name for himself around the world as an amazing cellist.  It was a thrill to hear him perform one of these best-loved masterpieces.

So, what did I wear to the symphony?

In the south, you will see a wide variety of clothing worn to these events.  The youngest may wear blue jeans and tee shirts or long, lovely dresses.  The middle aged will wear anything from nice dress pants to expensive suits.  The older crowd may be bedecked in their sequins and furs.

That's the beauty of living in the south.  Hospitality reigns and everyone is accepted.

Because I am still limited in my selection of shoes, I am not wearing dresses yet.

I chose a pair of black dress pants paired with a black round-neck sweater.  This combination is so basic and can be worn with just about anything to dress it up or down.

The weather was cool and dry so I selected a purple suede jacket that offered warmth and yet was not too heavy.

I wore a very simple gold choker necklace with a black drop and small black stone/diamond earrings.

I kept the look near my face down-stated, yet complimentary to my coloring because of the attention drawn to the waist of the jacket.

 I also love the detail on the back of this jacket.

Suede is not the most practical material, however for those of us who live in the south, it can be a nice compliment during the winter and fall months when it isn't raining.

I love the shade of this purple which compliments my yellow skin tone.

Now, what would you wear to the symphony in your city?