Garden Visitor

I almost didn't see this little fella on my way back in the house from feeding the horses this morning. I had just noticed that I had forgotten last evening, to pick the cherry tomatoes in the back door garden, when I happened to notice the painted turtle under the vine. He looked like he was ready to move on because there weren't any tomatoes low enough for him to reach with his wrinkly orange spotted neck.

Because I wanted him to hang around until I could fetch my camera, I pulled a tomato, popped it open with my fingernail, and put it down in front of him.

He appeared grateful for the meal and not the least bit camera shy...

When he had finished his first tomato, I enticed him out into the sunshine in the walkway with another ripe juicy treat, so I could selfishly get a few more pictures of his nice markings...

We've been seeing him around for several days so hopefully he'll be around as long as we have an abundance of Tommy Toes.

...and as you can see, we're not hurting in that department.

I love Mondays...I know you are not supposed to and if you really and truly do, I know you shouldn't say it out loud, but I've always loved Mondays. This is my day to get organized for the week. I've done some laundry, pulled weeds from some of the gardens, almost finished a blogpost, will do some office work, and pack for the antique booth. Earlier this morning I talked with my friend at the gallery in town and I'm headed there one day this week to take some floorcloths...don't know why I hadn't thought of him sooner, but everything has it's time doesn't it. 

I've really been thinking alot about how I can contribute to our sleepy but potentially wonderful downtown, and the best way I know is to support where I can instead of going out of town even if things look to be more "happening"...and lucrative...although that is a big part of the draw anywhere!

Anywhoo, I hope you enjoy your day doing whatever you do on Mondays.

Just my two cents,

Angie

Guest Post: Summer Airy Bedrooms

Hi! I’m Joanna. I write for Arcadian Lighting, a wonderful source for brilliant lighting fixtures for the interior and exterior of the home. I spend my work days searching the web for the most beautiful interior design images and ideas to share on blogs like Ranch Dressing. Today, I’m guest posting on summery bedrooms. I love the look of the rooms below for their light and airy feel. Which is your favorite?

This charming bedroom situated in a log home features a faux painted mural of birds, flowers and vines. The furnishings and textiles blend with the room for a natural look.

A minimalist bedroom takes the simple approach to living with just the basic necessities. It is a lovely example summery décor.

Feminine and romantic, this bedroom has all of the elements of a summery getaway. The distressed floors in a medium finish play nicely off of the crisp white of the rest of the room.

A rustic headboard and simple white bed linens contrast nicely. The light fixture is a gorgeous addition giving the room a shabby chic feel.

This bohemian bedroom looks comfortable and relaxed. It would be nice to wake to the sunshine streaming in the windows here.

A country cottage boasts a little sleeping corner for a daytime nap or curling up with a favorite novel.

This bedroom has a Moroccan feel with its platform day bed, wood chest and draped fabric canopy. The colors in the pillows are quite summery.

A summery cabin features dormitory style beds in iron and white linens. This space would be perfect for a children’s sleep over. The multiple light fixtures lining the ceiling provide plenty of light at night time. Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

What do you think of these light, airy summer bedrooms? Leave us some of your thoughts below, and stop by Arcadian Lighting for a wide variety of ceiling lights, wall sconces, and a variety of lighting fixtures and tips for your home!

A Couple of Things....

Okay, so my phobia about Pinterest has passed and I'm back to pinning again...just so you know!
You can find me at http://pinterest.com/thejunkranch/

I was pleasantly surprised that all of my boards are still there...I had missed them and all of their wonderful inspirational goodness! 

....and too, I have a guest blogger for Wednesday this week. Her topic is Airy Summer Bedrooms and the photos are so inspiring you will want to start right away with your bedroom redo before the end of the season!

See you back here Wednesday!

Summer Hours

It's Official...summertime is here

With that said, you know what all that entails for us country folk...gardens, more animal chores, more watering of gardens and animals, more grass and weeds, making and putting up hay, and lots more auctions, flea markets and yard sales and art shows to attend...this on top of our regular schedule and if we are fortunate and can swing it, more social time with family and friends.

Herb garden outside the shop

...and with all that being said...we are doing the same as last summer since it worked so well...we are going to be open by appointment only until the winter months. You are always MOST WELCOME...just call ahead so that I can plan for your arrival.

Items from a recent auction just down the road...I love those!

The shop is stocked with summer candles, new artisan boxes and clocks along with our newest vintage finds.   If you can't get by the shop, we have a booth at the Thomasville Emporium, which is open 6 days a week. Our booth is #54 and #55, directly behind the coffee shop and before you go through the tunnel...look for the Ranch Dressing banner and twinkle lights.

The Ranch Dressing booth at the Thomasville Emporium

Just for the record...

Summer Hours by appointment only 

Wednesday through Saturday

336-905-0386 call or text

...looking forward to seeing you this summer!

Just my two cents,

Angie

Art with the Alpacas Photos

Just a quick post to share a few photos from Saturday's Art with  the Alpacas show....

What a good day we had...the weather was most cooperative and the shoppers streamed in all day. Thanks again to the LARK artists for including me in their show! I hope to join them again for their Christmas event.

I got to set up right across from the barn. It was fun to watch the alpacas play and run and interact with all the people during the day.

There were two of these beauties guarding the alpacas from the coyotes that are so abundant here. Isn't that a sweet face?

Here they are taking in the music and crowd. I'd love to know what they were thinking.

And here are my girls on display...nice backdrop, huh? Randolph county is famous for it's gorgeous rolling hills.

I introduced a few new boxes...a couple of clocks...

...not the best photos to show them off but I did want to give you a peek.

This is more red than pink actually

One of the new label boxes...a good size for gloves, toiletries...etc...just a good size!

The newest jewelry armoire....for a man this time.

And a cute little box for keeping seed packets through the season....so cute to leave out in your mud room.

Just my two cents for a Tuesday....photos of the Emporium booth to come later in the week.

Angie

Art with the Alpacas....yep!

Crazy right? Well if the alpacas were creating the art...maybe, but not so in this case. The LARK artists of Randolph County are hosting their second annual summer event at the High Meadow Alpaca farm in Asheboro. They have invited me to participate as a guest artist and I am so excited.

I hope you locals will be able to come out to the farm for a fun day of art, food and lots of fun! See you there.

Just my two cents,

Angie

Junk Baby has a New Sister

Assemblage Art Doll 

Meet Dream Baby....Junk Baby's new sister. Remember Junk Baby?

Junk Baby

She was my very first art doll...not that I have much experience yet with this fascinating art form...Dream Baby is only my second.

Unlike Junk Baby, Dream Baby is not a swinger...for some reason, my son is extremely creeped out by the swinging doll. Dream Baby is mounted on an old trophy base...in fact, her feminine shaped body is formed by using the trophy itself upside down.

To be honest, he is creeped out by this one as well. I don't get it! To me, she's as sweet as can be...but of course, I am partial...she's my Dream Baby.

Her little skirt is part of an oil lamp and a clock gear elevates her a bit and also connects her to a spool base. She has lots of special embellishments to give her the character that her name suggests.

Dream Baby will live in the shop with Junk Baby until they are adopted out to new families. How wonderful if they could both go together. 

This weekend they both will go with me to Art with the Alpacas show and sale in Asheboro. If you'd like to see us there you can find more information by clicking this link LARK ARTISTS

Just my two cents on a Monday afternoon...now off to put hay in the barn before it rains.