what i saw, and a little bit about this blog

This past Saturday, while the menfolk hunted, Jeanetta and I hunkered down with all the kids at Darley Farm.  I worked on my proposals, she worked on potato soup. Once the soup was done my eyes were crossing and  we decided it was time for a little flea marketing break.  Luckily for us there was a local antique and flea show happening just down the road, so we stole away and did a little window thrifting.
I am in-love with this adorable globe/desk lamp. Such a great mid century piece. This would be great on Wylie's desk. If he ever used it. Let's be honest. Everyone does all their work at the kitchen table. 

I've told you that I was a HUGE Lady Di fan right? These dolls were in amazing condition. But they cost a fortune. And I am not really a collectible doll person. And their faces are weird. Charles looks completely wigged out and Diana looks like she went to the MAC counter on her way to the church.But still, what a great find.

I know I am about five years behind with this reference, but Hello McDreamy!
Someday I will own a vintage card catalogue. Someday.


I already have about three six hanging light fixtures waiting to be revamped and used. No way I could justify bringing another one home to hang out in the hall closet. But I did love the colors on this one so much

This was the most precious little medicine mirror cabinet ever. I would have loved to purchase it.  The vendor who had it for sale is local. Wondering if I can track it down. I have no idea where I would put it, but I really think it needs a home.Non-Buyers Remorse.
Just fun and cute. Not my style at all but I loved all the colors.

 A classic. One day I am going to find the perfect and affordable USA map. But right now I don't have anywhere to hang it, so I didn't feel too bad about leaving this darling behind.


Redwork on white linen is always a favorite 
The only thing I purchased  was a bracelet made entirely of vintage white buttons. It's adorable. And I forgot to take a picture. Perhaps later on I will remember to Instagram it.
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So lately I have seen a lot of blog post about why people blog. Is it over? How commercial should one be? Should you have sponsors/giveaways/ads? Do you blog for others or for yourself? Is it a hobby or a job? 
There is a lot of thought dancing around the blogosphere. There are conferences and workshops and tutorials and oy vey, it all makes my head spin.
My blog, like my life, has seen it's fair share of phases. This is my 1808 post. I have been doing this for almost nine years.Crazytown.
This little slice of Internet space has served so many purposes for me. It has been a creative outlet, a way to make new friends, a way to be inspired by others, a way to promote my businesses, a way to chronicle our family life, and  a place where I can stretch my writing wings a bit.It has been a habit, a passion, a burden, a joy. Occasionally I will chase a rabbit down a hole, and get lost thinking about Branding or Traffic or Optimum Posting Times or Cooperate Sponsors. Occasionally I feel like I should be doing this better. I should post more, I should write deeper things and stop doing things like showing you what I didn't buy at the flea market. Sometimes I think I should have two blogs - one for writing about faith and one for pretty things. Or that I should get more focused in my posting. But most of those thoughts are nonsense. And they are the sort of things that rise up when I am tired and stressed and feeling particularly brittle to the touch. When I am feeling behind on everything in my life - not just blogging.
Mostly what I have done, and what I plan on continuing to do, is playing it by ear, taking this thing one day at a time. Sharing bits of my life- the thrifting, faith, food, kids, worries, celebrations, successes, failures, and writings - with you as they happen. 
So here are a few little thoughts on what I can tell you about the future here at Jolly Goode Gal:Dear friends you are not my target audience. You are friends and pen pals and acquaintances and readers and peers. This means that my blog will probably never be a Bid Deal because you are a bit of menagerie and there is no pinning you down to one demographic or special interst group. But that's OK. In fact it's beautiful. I like who you are, and who we are together. You are a Big Deal to me.I will always host giveaways because as a thrifty gal I like free stuff. But I will only ever giveaway stuff I already love myself. No fake product pushing here. Mostly I like to give away books (OK, so I am book pusher. The rumors are true) and cute things. I wrote a book so from time to time I will promote it here. Also I have friends who make cool stuff and write cool books. I will promote them from time to time as well. I like to share the love, spread the wealth, and walk in kindness. .I like it when you commentI have to be honest. Sometimes when a post doesn't get a single comment, my smile turns upside down. But I am not a great commenter myself, so I get it. No hard feelings. But I do like it. If you were wondering.Speaking of being honest, that is what I strive for more than anything. I try to be honest.Even if that means that sometimes all I honestly have to share is pictures of what I didn't buy last weekend. And I try to be tender. Which is why sometimes I will tell you things about myself that aren't so great. Ways in which I am broken, or worn out. Ways I am failing and flailing. Sometimes I will moan about the same thing for six months. Thanks for hanging in there with me when that happens.I live at the crossroads of Beauty and Mess. Sometimes it's fun and sometimes it's boring. Sometimes it's cool and sometime's it's the awkward kid who won't stop talking even when no one is listening anymore. And lots of times it is full of grammer mistakes and off-centered photos.  But it's where I live and where, for the time being, my blog shall remain. I am always glad you stopped by.
And that's the truth ruth.xoxoJ