Are you a Daddy's Girl? I wasn't, find out how a miracle changed my Dad and I forever

My Dad is a trucker kind of guy.  You know the one I'm talking about-the kind of guy who eats meat and potatoes, gets up for work the same time every day and is never late.  Oh my father could never be late for work-that's a carnal sin in his book.  My father and I grew up isolated from one another for most of my life or so I thought.

1973 would you look at that hair?

I don't guess this picture tells it all but it could.  My father was just 21 when I arrived on the scene, a far cry from children being born to men in their late 40's today.  Dad had a fast car and a fast life according to my Mom and she wanted to slow him down by having a family, a cool apartment, and a new blender to make baby food.  He wasn't having any of it.  He left the apartment this photo was taken in so he could take a shower at my Grandmothers where she conveniently packed his lunch for work the next day.  This really bothered my mother and why not it's insanity!  My Grandparents were lovingly married for close to 60 years. My Father the middle child between my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Keith, my Grandmother's mid life baby (he still lives with her).  I don't think my Dad could do any wrong.  He played with matches, never smoked and cruised chicks.  He had a hot rod car, a Buick, a fast car and all the ladies loved his long hair and budding mustache, including my Mom.

At various points in my life I wished my Mom would tell me they were madly in love but too young when they married in March of 1971 but that's not the story she told me. She told me she wooed him into marrying her and that would be my way with men too, for a while anyway.  I don't remember much of my childhood except that my parents separated and divorced when my little brother Jay and I were young: 10 and 8 respectively and I think that deserves a bronze medal in my book of marriage!  They lasted that long-geeez, I can't imagine it lasted that long with his comings and goings and interest in softball-he was never home and that's because the home environment was too slow and there were needy kids there and that took some serious doing.  During this time he met my stepmother, she played softball too and she liked my Dad's looks and mystique.  I would like her at first and then come to find out who this woman really was: deception.

The teen years and my Dad, remarried and seemingly happy

In this photo I'm wearing my mother's work dress. I call it that because she worked full time plus another job at a deli just to make ends meet for Jay and I.  I loved my mother-her style, her long flowing curly blonde hair and her work ethic.  She was a hard worker and she never complained about anything. She let me go in her wardrobe whenever I liked to wear her pretty clothes.  I always wanted to look pretty for my Dad because I desperately wanted his attention because his attention went elsewhere; to his wife and two new children: boys.  Oh yuck, boys.  I wanted sisters.  One time I told my stepmother when she was pregnant that I wanted her to have a girl and she told me, "I ain't gonna have no girl-ever."  That's how that woman worked.  The way she treated me was pretty horrible but I took it up with her after I had my own girls and not surprisingly she defended herself to the deathstar.

Growing up through the teen years was bittersweet.  I struggled through high school, having boyfriends that were reckless, into drugs, and who verbally and physically abused me.  It was a hard journey to get to now but I came out happy, happy, happy and full of spirit but my Dad was never available to me.  It's sad really because men don't really know how to be emotionally there for anyone.  This is my truth.  I don't expect anyone to agree with me.  This is just my experiences, my story and the legacy I leave for the girls will be, your Grandfather and I received a miracle.

I believe now my father has changed, albeit a little but he has changed for the better.  In May of 2009 I found out I was pregnant with twins.  Can anyone say elated?!  I remember when I found out I was having two girls (which is what I wanted right!), I immediately phoned up my Dad in the car after the sonogram and blurted it "It's two girls Dad!"  He was the first to know.  That's what I'm talking about.  We don't ever stop loving or letting go of our fathers.  My pregnancy progressed along nicely for a high risk pregnancy.  Many sonograms and putting the feet up and enjoying the nesting process.  I'm a fast paced girl so slowing down has never been easy for me-this pregnancy was critical and I wanted children so badly.  I was 36 and I did feel like after two losses, it was risky at my age.  I also have a blood clotting disorder so my pregnancy was touch and go and shots daily in my tummy.  I cringed every time that needle went in.

Happy and pregnant beside my favorite gal: Mom

Then Friday the 13th 2009 arrived.  I was scheduled to receive a call from my recruiter telling me I was getting let go as a contractor at Verizon.  I was okay with it because I knew I had to get to motherhood soon.  I was due December 15th right before Christmas and I couldn't be happier.  Shortly before the call I had plans to shower and get down to my friends in the kitchen, preparing and freezing meals for when the babies come but the universe had other plans: my right leg had swollen dramatically and that's when I paged my OB.  She called back and told me to report ASAP to Labor and Delivery.  What?  Now?  Really?  As folks were pouring in the driveway Friday evening at rush hour, we were rushing out the door to become parents!  Yikes!

My then boyfriend at the time phoning people frantically telling them the babies were coming, I was doing fine and they were prepping me for a C-section and to get to the hospital as soon as possible.  I was shaking uncontrollably from all of the adrenaline.  When my husband called my father he was celebrating his birthday by having beers in his garage apartment alone.  My Grandmother drove him to the hospital and just before midnight on my fathers 58th birthday, my daughters were born.  My mother jumping on top of my husband, it was elation, relief and absolute joy for the whole family.  Two thumbs up.

GOD did just what I needed him to do.  Not only did he bless me with two healthy baby girls but he gave my father the belief that he could start over again with these girls-his granddaughters.  My Dad will probably never offer up an apology for the terrible things that happened to me as a young woman and he doesn't have to but he does give my daughters reassurance that their loved by him; they know it and love "Pop Nevin".

It gives me great pleasure watching my Dad interact with his granddaughters.  They do have a bond.  It's interesting to watch too; uncanny at times.  Sometimes I wonder did I have that with him and then I remember he was too young having me and as life unfolded as it quickly does, your already onto your path, driven, unable to change, and forced to accept what you cannot change.  He's divorced now from the stepmother, they were 20 years in when they divorced a few years back.  Sad really after all that work they put in, even if they still only live 5 minutes from each other and are "available" to one another when the times present themselves.  I don't speak of her to my Dad when he comes for visits which are pretty frequent. Weekly visits on the weekends provide my daughters with the love and sense of family that I always hoped they'd have.  My mother, GiGi is their standby Mommy and her and her husband GiBob-the incessant clown are the quote on quote grandparents. What they bring to the table is invaluable.  It's pure family.

My girls now have a family they can rely on and can be proud of.  I'm sooooo happy for them and me.

Finding peace with Dad and I

GiGi and GiBob the center of our family

If you struggle with the relationship you have with your own father, I encourage you to speak the truth to him, through letters, emails, or the hardest part, through the phone.  Their is HOPE.  I was forunate to receive responses to my correspondences with my father but it was due much to my probing.

I asked my Dad one time ten years ago was he excited when I was being born and he told me he was and he told me his side of the story.  That's the neat thing: there is always two sides to a very complex relationship.

My visit to the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market-Support your local Farmer

Who could of told me when I moved back to Annapolis in January that my local farmers market would be so delicious?  With all the apprehension I had about leaving Pawling New York and it's lovely sense of community, I have to say I've been pleasantly pleased with all the changes Annapolis has made!

My trip last week to the farmers market was needed.  The kids are about to start a new school year, our budget has been reviewed and our little garden in the backyard is only producing tomatoes and a little cucumber or two.  It's always been my goal to check out the farmer's market; I'd see the signs and make a mental note, always finding myself back at the grocery store for expensive produce that sometimes never gets eaten.  As I evolve I'm more conscious of the world we live in and how it affects so many others in our community and far beyond the reaches of my home state.

It was an absolute joy to make the decision to pursue the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market last Tuesday.  Opening up at 7 am, which gives us early risers the opportunity at the best produce, I was able to nab this photo and talk to the farmer's a bit.  How amazing are these folks?  They live and breathe their work and are proud of their family's heritage; some farms being passed onto the next generation because their parents are too old to tend to it.  I spoke to one lady who has taken over her parents farm, her and her husband running the day to day operations; she almost cried telling me that it takes a village to keep the farm alive and profitable. There I bought apples and pears-the pears not quite ripe but alive with color.

Every table at the farmers market was vibrant, organized and the prices very reasonable.  I walked up the aisle twice, only to come back to a small elderly man who has manned his farm in Davidsonville for over 32 years.  Being born in Germany, he told me the farmers' fought for this space, he didn't think it was going to happen, there space on Riva Road but it did and it kept some coin in their pocket.  With a slight accent and a charming disposition, this guy had me buying his red potatoes and corn.  Another customer talked about how he buys this man's radishes every week that their the best radishes he's ever tasted.  I actually think I saw this old farmer smile, with his suspenders and old floppy hat, he was covered with dirt from I'm sure his early morning pickings.  What a sweet guy, he reminded me of my Grandfather Harold but without the cursing!

I was good friends with a girl in high school and her father was a dairy farmer. I never quite got it then but I do now.  It's a love affair with the land.  It's pride when something you plant arrives and people can eat it and be healthy.  What a joy.  They gave me for a small price the fruits and vegetables my family needs to grow.  They tilled the soil, planted the seeds, and waited for us to hopefully buy.  I'll definitely be back.

With just $20 I bought a delicious mini cantaloupe (she told me it was much better than the average cantaloupe and it was!), squash, zucchini, cucumber, onion, red potatoes, corn on the cob, and swiss chard!  Happy Eating everyone!

Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market
Riva Road & Harry S. Truman Pkwy
Tuesday: 7:00 am-Noon, May-Oct
Saturday: 7:00 am-Noon, Apr-Dec

Leaving Depression & Anxiety in the past

I really didn't know what to title this blog.  Considering the recent drama surrounding Robin Williams' tragic death, I have to say like everyone else I'm completely speechless.  You see I did acting, on stage, on television, in commercials, and hosting lifestyle television shows and theirs something about always being "on" when the camera starts to roll.  It felt overwhelming to me at most times.

When do you begin and the other character stops?  In 1997 after I graduated college with a business degree is when I began my foray into the entertainment world.  I simply wanted to work behind the scenes and paint a couple of sets, maybe do make up for the actors, whatever they needed me to do.  It turns out the director of the theatre company outside of Baltimore had other ideas.  I was asked to audition for the lead in a very big play showcasing during the holiday season.  I said yes and no one else showed up for auditions so naturally I was cast in the role.  HUGE shoes to fill I say and the rest was history.  I reprised that role four times after.

Opening for Neil Simon's Plaza Suite.  (John Nevin, left, me, Debbie Nevin, my sister in law, right)

I was so nervous and it showed when that show premiered.  I was a wreck.  I was worried about memorizing my lines, would I be good, would I be acting or would it be me.  It was such a big deal to me and I think many entertainers grapple with this issue and more: a deep sense of insecurity.  But of course it's not just entertainers who struggle their whole lives with being good enough or current in their industry, it's many,many, many Americans and it's very sad.

When I became a mother that also brought many insecurities because I simply did not know what I was doing but it also brought an insurmountable joy that even I can't explain.  At 36 I was blessed with my children's birth landing spot on my Dad's 58th birthday.  It was a miracle I couldn't deny after most of my life having an estranged relationship with my father.  

We shortly thereafter moved to New York and began a distant relationship with our families, only seeing them on special occasions.  It was tough but for the last four years we made trips south and they made trips north for visits.  I can honestly say most of my life with the exception of my earliest years I've dealt with depression and anxiety, starting around the teen years.  I wanted so desperately to please my parents and my father at this point had remarried and had a new family of his own.  When I was sixteen and dealing with boys, alcohol and drug temptations, he wasn't there for me and he didn't know how to be.

I did the work over the years, plummeting through therapists like puddles in the rain, going on the right therapies finally in New York and coming out of it, back home in 2014 in Annapolis, Maryland happy.  Yes I can honestly say after almost 25 years of insecurity, heartbreak, sadness and anxious hands, I feel complete.

I've done Rebirthing, self-help workshops, how- to- get- the- love- you- want seminars in Florida (yes I dragged my husband to this one!) and all of the above and all of it has helped me figure life out.  I'm not saying my struggles are over because I don't think they are.  But finally things seem to make sense.  I think children have a way of putting all of life's quandaries into perspective.

Dad, Sophie and me

On this day recently, my daughter Sophie looked at my Dad pictured here and said "We have the same birthday!" and he lite up like a firefly and that moment gave me such joy.  I can't explain the feelings I have now as a mother, wife, and friend but I know all of the people in my life bring me JOY and make me happy and they'll lessen the load if you let them.  I actually like what Cameron Diaz said in the most recent publication of Harpers Bazaar. She said, "I wouldn't go back to 22, I'll take 62 before I ever go back to 22" and you know something that sounds good to me.  Moving forward and relishing every moment has been a process for me and I too, wouldn't go back to age 22 because being over 40 has been so good already.  I do however grapple with the aging process, wrinkles, my flabby stomach and aches and pains.  Meditation and acupuncture seem to help. 

One honest decision I decided to make in 2010 was to register as a walker in The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's annual Out of the Darkness Overnight.  It's a walk through NYC I will never forget.  I walked it with my Mom and my sister in law Debbie who has also suffered losses due to suicide.

Uplifting and honest

I'm currently not partaking in acting and don't know when and if I'll go back into it.  I'm not opposed but my family and my stress free life come first.

If You Are in Crisis, Get Help Immediately. 

Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

I'm praying for you.

 

My Colonoscopy at 41....a bit early but never too late.

My Loves

 THE SWEET LIFE

I don't play around with my health.  I take it very seriously.  I think I'm more serious than the doctors most times.  I want to talk about the sweet life and what it means to me, why I decided to write this blog and more.  The "Decorated" tag line is more than furniture, antiques or collectibles, it's all the ways your life feels and is complete and wonderful.  It starts with being healthy, inside and out.

All my life I've waited to feel "whole" and satisfied and the photo above taken over the weekend in North Beach, Maryland shows a happy family. We are that. We aren't a happy family all the time. We don't always have sweet moments.  We argue, we disagree, we feel sad at times but we always make up for it but recently my health has been under fire.

When I lived in New York with new babies at home, I rarely saw specialists, never thinking I'd need to see a Gastroenterologist.  I went to my yearly physical with the local doc in town and crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's.  I was fine, a little stressed being away from family and close friends, raising my daughters in a small town in upper New York state.  I did what I could; exercised, tried to eat more veggies and lean meats, but never quite going at it 100%.  I ate my girls' left overs most times and retired with a glass of red wine at the end of a long day.  

Most doctors were a half hour away in another town and most times these appointments would interfere with our daughters nap times or otherwise growing schedule.  It just seemed overwhelming to me, all of it; it could wait I said to myself.

Now just shy of 41 and back in my hometown and close to fantastic medical facilities (I gave birth to my girls 5 minutes away at the hospital here in Maryland!) I'm more aware of my medical needs and the special parts that need attention.

After the stress of moving and finally settling in this year, I felt just not right that's all I can sum it up to, not sweet, just "off".  I was experiencing major tummy troubles, some symptoms not nearly as evident as before: trouble going to the bathroom, infrequent bm's, and pain going to the potty (I still call it that).  Not good.  The bloating and gas becoming more frequent and persistent and extremely noticeable.  One nice walk with my family in the mountains in Virginia led to another nice family asking me "what was I having....a boy or another girl?"  I was devastated by that comment, not that I wouldn't want to have another child because I would but the question was innocent and I did look five months pregnant-she was very curious to ask me-I just wasn't pregnant, I was experiencing major gas!  I wasn't comfortable and it didn't seem to pass with anti-gas medication.  I needed to make some major changes.  

How could this continue I asked myself?  Why would I continue to suffer these inexplicable symptoms and be okay with it?  I now was clearly not okay with it and it was time to head to the tummy trouble doctor. You see I wanna be around for my family, my life line, my soul mates, my loves in the photo above.  Would a Colonoscopy be necessary and the right thing to do?  I'd find out.  Can I have a female doctor please..................

After my consult with the physicians assistant and discussing my experiences and symptoms with her, we both decided it was the right path.  To check for polyps would be a plus.  With the colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow at 1 pm, I'm a little nervous but hopeful they don't find anything; a preventive exam and most of my 40,000 mile check up completed. Ahhhh........

Let the cleansing begin.................I've got frozen fruit bars and chicken broth to get me through the day before the procedure.  I'll be back on Tuesday of this week with the final results.  

A side note: one of my two favorite actresses and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn died at the age of 63 I believe her age was when she passed of colon cancer, leaving this world much too soon.  She loved her two boys and gardening and being at home with her children and dogs like I do.  This procedure is a must have.  I wanna be around and very healthy for a long time.  Let's get on with it.

With her son.

Timeless.

  

A Surprise Perennial....our White Cone Hydrangeas

When we moved back to Maryland after living in the Hudson Valley part of New York for four years, I had no idea how my garden would look.  We didn't believe we were coming back south, we thought we were New Yorker's now and we were staying put.  That's not what the Universe had planned for us.

Back in 2008 when we built our house near the United States Naval Academy, we didn't have a plan for our front garden or the back.  We had no plans other than two precious buns in the oven.  I was pregnant with twins and awaiting their arrival in the winter of 2009.  Actually my baby shower was planned and a fence installed.  Yes, yes I wanted a fence for the backyard!  Pronto, get on that!  In the winter I knew I would cherish the water views of the Naval Academy and the Severn River;  the river that pushes into the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.  On with nesting.

Those were the plans. Build the house, move in it, baby shower, put up fence, and nest.  The gardens were an afterthought.  We built the house to our specs and a friend of ours that knows landscaping helped us out by picking and planting the perennials.  He choose builder grade this and that.  It's sad I don't know the name of those this and that's because the green leaves turn a gorgeous red in the fall and this variety is quite hardy so it's a shame I don't know it's Latin name or even it's American origins!

A lovely addition to the side of our house!

The rest of whatever we might of planted were my solid go-to favorites: the hydrangea.  Ever since I saw the film "My Fair Lady" in my 20's I've been hooked on hydrangeas.  I remember thinking they look like snow cones and who doesn't like a snow cone!  Hydrangeas are gorgeous and those blue and purple blooms!  In the early stages of my pregnancy in May-June 2009 I remember choosing two hydrangeas, one for each baby.  They would bloom each year as a reminder to care tenderly for the plant, never water at night and nourish with special plant food (sounds a little like parenting a little one).  My special potion for the special plant: banana peels and coffee grinds in warm water, right out of a rinsed coffee pot.  I love it and they do too.  :)

What I didn't know those few years ago is that I choose the White Cone Hydrangea variety.  The interesting part about this choice was I don't remember doing it-pregnancy brain maybe?  I came back to our home in Maryland and saw two very different bushes when I arrived in January 2014.   I thought they were dead, gone, the roots growing under the front stoop, not salvageable-sad.  I wasn't sure what type of plant this was-there was no undergrowth or buds as we moved into Spring.  My husband and I decided to dig them up as the branches were running wild at the entryway-ouch!  We moved the two anonymous plants to the side of the house, added local Maryland compost (yeah!) and watered them lovingly.  We staked one and waited.

Thank goodness we didn't do away with these mighty ladies.  They are so sweet and add a freshness to the house that wasn't there before.  I cannot wait to see what they mature to as the years progress (if were still here!) Happy Gardening until then and just wait.

Taking down those trees that threaten your Home. Replacing it with beauty.

Overpowering our House

I don't think anyone wants to take down a tree or do they?   If it comes to that then we must.  We had a monstrous tulip poplar tree standing close to oh I don't know 200 feet or so.  It made its presence known in our backyard and owned its stance there first.  I'd say in the late 1700's maybe.  It was gigantic, something reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.  It was taken over by ivy and it littered our backyard with these little bulb like things-what were supposed to be the flowers, the tulips I guess.  It was ugly.  We had plenty of shade from our neighboring trees so this one needed to go.  It stood direct center to my daughters' room, the living room, the foyer of the home.  It had to go, now.

I knew this for some time.  I guess I just thought that after two tree experts assessed it and said that it was strong, I guess that was good enough for me.  My husband leaves each week for Philadelphia; he's gone maybe 1-2 days for meetings and whenever he leaves, there is always a storm.  Sometimes those storms are wind storms and I wasn't waiting for that tree to land on my house.  No, no I said, I would find the right guy to tell me the tree was bad and bad it was.  When we yelled Timber! and the worker guys gave it a go, it was rotten solid through the core up to 10 feet!  Thank goodness it fell straight between the fence parts they removed!  I clapped with relief and later, shortly later tears fell down my cheeks because I did something right, something right for my family and I knew it the moment that poplar tree fell.  Hallelujah I say it's gone.  

Another company in affiliation will take the healthy wood to a factory in Lancaster, PA where they will make kitchen cabinets with it.  We decided to use half of the tree to create wood chips for the out of control brush next to our property which is littered with snakes and possibly other snide creatures.  They need to go too.  For now, I'm happy that the tree is gone.  We've started placing the wood chips where they need to go to eradicate years and years of weeds that have overtaken the abandoned property next to us.  Can anyone say yuck..............

Sometimes we have to do the hard work to keep our family safe indoors and out.  It's not fun all the time but in the long run, the cost and time involved saves us the heartache later.  I'm so glad I called the company out of the Clipper Magazine and with the 25% off coupon and the fact that this is his company three times removed makes me heave another sigh of relief.  I could go on and on...................here are the photos. Don't judge me please!  I felt bad for the tree on some earthy level. We plan to plant a crimson maple in the front yard in exchange.

Making the cuts

10 feet of rot right up the middle!

A special thanks to iTree Services of Severna Park, Maryland and to Leon for calming me down!

Attending Luckett's Big Flea Market (Leesburg, VA)

The road to the Old Luckett's Store

Yep you said it, Design House and my forehead

When I shop flea market's, I too have ideas in mind for what I need in my house and garden but never gifts for Christmas!  Here at Luckett's I was sandwiched (thankfully) besides two jewelry makers, albeit two very different jewelry makers.  I'm really glad it wasn't a French country booth or someone who sold these beautiful vintage doors as you see above.  That wouldn't be fair because I would get no selling accomplished!

I love antiques, I love old stuff, I love interior design and architecture, probably always have.  I think that was inspired by my Mom's love of comfortable home.  We always had nice homes, beautifully decorated, antiques sprinkled here and there and my Mom's reupholstered items on view because we couldn't afford to buy new furniture!

I didn't know any different as a teen so it didn't matter, it all added up to a unique and pulled together look. It felt right and I think there I was inspired to make interior design love.  Lately and for the last 15 years I've also dabbled in refinishing furniture.  I get a kick out of it.  The power sander is awesome and white paint even better.  You can use sponges, old paint brushes and if you have them lying around your kids' paint brushes (they handle the details like a PRO!).

This past July I had the privilege and honor of finishing my clients secretary and mirror for her Maryland beach house.  I believe sometime in early summer I thought I would follow my dreams and start my home decor business and it might start with attending Luckett's Design House & Flea Market August 1-3rd.

The finished product

I cannot express how excited I was to be a part of what Luckett's was doing with clients and customers so I signed up, paid my booth fee and chartered what I'd be packing in my mini-van!  Oh the possibilities are endless so my brain started working in overtime!  I'm glad it's over though. I know I cut right to the chase there didn't I?

Besides the weather being hot and humid and the customers being very selective in their choices (I can relate!) it was a very productive weekend.  I sold quite a few chalkboard signs and frames, some old still life floral prints on canvas and my custom children's chalkboard table!  Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I had success and it felt great but even better were the neighbors to both sides of me.  The human condition for the most part is a good thing and it operates nicely when all parties are in agreement.  For example,

When I arrived at the flea market, my new neighbor helped me set up my tent, she helped me with the layout of my tent and she even offered to keep my wares in her tent overnight just in case it rained!  She was a lifesaver, just the kind of neighbor you want on a rainy day!  Okay great I thought this is going well.

My other neighbor just to the left of me kindly paid it forward by packaging up one of her lovely necklaces as a gift to my best gal pal from Jersey whose turning 50 in September.  It was her treat for all the free leads and festivals I thought she could attend in Annapolis!  She and I were both grateful for the encouragement and positive talk we both gave one another.  She so wanted my chairs to sell and I so didn't want to take them back to Annapolis with me but for some reason or another for $35 a chair, my lovely Parson Chairs weren't budging.  Bummer.

Pretty right?

All in all I'm glad I did it and I would do it again.  Luckett's was supportive too.  My Mom who attended the first two days with me got a flat tire along the way and a Luckett's man in a hot pink shirt named Henry was willing to change it for her.  Due to the heat my Mom stayed clear of the tent on Sunday and I ended up selling most of the rest of her pink Depression glass.  She was happy and I was happy for her.  Isn't the friendships and bonding that occurs over these type of events, isn't that what it's really about?  I meant the money of course is great and we can sock it away in our kids college funds or pay a bill but the moment we forget to be human and help another person, we loose a part of us somewhere.  I gained so much from this weekend at Luckett's and for that I'm eternally grateful.

For more information on the Old Luckett's Antiques Store in Leesburg, VA please go to luckettstore.com

Happy Antiquing on the road and be safe out there!