My first entry, "Get In The Den!"

            My oldest memories of antiques or anything vintage came from my Grandparents' house, where I or any other child was forbidden to enter the front living room.  Sure, we could pass through on our way to the front yard or on our way to the back den, but if we ever even thought of lingering in the front room with all of the interesting "breakables" as my mother called them, our minds were quickly changed. Upon the first step that any of our little feet crossed over the threshold of the doorway, we'd hear massively bass footprints almost as if a giant was approaching, and Grandma would shout "GET IN THE DEN!" as she held this little wooden paddle with a festively painted picture of a geisha girl on it as a threat to show she meant business. My siblings, cousins and I all remember this phenomenon fondly.  As adults, we'd laugh with each other and tease Grandma about it.  As a child I was always told, "Don't touch that, that is a valuable antique."
    It finally sunk in when I was 4 years old, while being babysat by Doe Doe (my Granddad).  I had just seen an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" in which someone carved their initials into a tree.  At this time I was learning how to read and write my name and I'd write the first two letters, Ch, all over the house in pencil. Well, after being inspired to carve my name, I decided to take it one further and carve a picture into the my grandparents' gorgeous early century mahogany dining table.  Doe Doe caught me in the act and boy did I ever get it good.  I hid under the table and cried until my parents came to pick me up.  I was sure my Granddad would never forgive me (of course he did that day). My Granddad was so kind and gentle, this was the only time he ever yelled at me.  Needless to say, after that painful learning experience, I had gained a tremendous respect and admiration for all things vintage and antique.
    When I began fixing furniture and flipping it in my adult life, my Grandma beamed with pride.  She'd say "Doe Doe, is smiling down from Heaven and he's getting a kick out of this."  Grammie went home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago and I miss her tremendously, but I am so glad that she got the opportunity to see the first fruits of my antiquing, and I know she too is smiling down and beaming with pride that the junkard inside of me has taken shape.
    Death affects us all in such different ways.  For years I watched my grandparents buy and sell antiques and use certain items that started out with one purpose for another purpose entirely, giving it a new life, another chance at relevance.
    I'm not sure the exact shape this blog will take.  I intend to use it to showcase and sell my pieces, but I'll also share DIY ideas, write about event planning, inspire, just plain have a good time, be creative and have a sense of humor about life.  I dedicate this blog to Grammie and Doe Doe's memory, for inspiring me and encouraging me and teaching me how to laugh all along the way.