Pick a Little, Talk a Little

...cheep cheep cheep talk a lot, pick a little more...

I have on my future goals/things to do to go picking with dad. Well I can cross that off, thanks to this past Saturday.

A lot of people don't know what "picking" actually is. Have you ever watched the show Picker Sisters or American Pickers? Ok, well basically the people on these shows drive around and go through people's old junk, find valuable pieces amidst the junk, buy it from the random person, and turn around and sell it. Cool right? Well, it's not for everyone, but it's like taking antiquing a step further. And it's something I LOVE. Although, I've never actually gone up to some random person's house and asked to go through their stuff because I a. don't have the money to offer and b. don't have a camera crew following me around.

Anyways... My whole family went to my great grandma's old abandoned and falling down house last Saturday and basically "picked" it. A bit of background: My Lulu died when I was 8 or 9 and the house has been there ever since--virtually untouched. Except of course by a tornado or two, the new-to- science strains of mold, and critters galore. Most of the valuable things in her house were packed up when she passed, but there were quite a few things left.

I know it looks like a complete and total wreck (which it was), but it was like stepping into a very dirty time capsule. There were clothes still in the closets, magazines and catalogs dating back to the 60s, old mail and children's drawings (my mom's and aunt's).

I wish I had a picture of all of my findings! I found a few metal milk crates, a nice wooden box (I have thing for boxes), a skeleton key, a JCP catalog from 1968 which I can't wait to show Josh, and lots more. We took off most of the doors--sounds crazy, but y'all these were NICE, STURDY, GOOD QUALITY that you can't find these days doors. Great for future DIY projects. My aunt and uncle loaded about 8-10 of them. In addition to that, my dad found a chemistry set--the manual was copyrighted in 1948, Stephanie found an old adorable light switch cover, and Carol is keeping all of the old doorknobs. We took down cabinets with crowbars and my dad fell through the rotting floor. Never a dull moment.

My dad brought his metal detector--yep we are THAT cool of a family, although I'm not sure Steph really knows how to use it. P.S. her earrings didn't set it off.

And we found some rusty old metal. Nothing valuable.

We all learned how to shoot a gun--it only took me three times to hit the target, hiked up and down the hills, and named a creek "Three Sisters Creek." It was a great and exhausting day and we all made it without any ticks, chigger, mosquito, or snake bites. Except Carol. Poor Carol.

Regardless, I can't wait for the next opportunity to go on a picking trip!

All Things Merry and Bright

This Christmas was probably the best Christmas I've ever had. No really.

(getting a bike from Santa when I was 8 is a close second though)

Something about living away from home and being able to come home for two days to spend time with my crazy family, really made my day.

Usually, to me, Christmas is all about the presents and the food. Can't get enough of either one of them. How selfish of me, I know. But this year was different. I really took a moment to appreciate all of the work that everyone went through to either make/buy the gifts given to me, cook the delicious food we had for dinner, and took pride in the gifts I gave. Maybe it has something to do with getting older and growing up (which I'm still not a fan of), but this Christmas was different. But different in all ways good.

Of course I got lots of presents that I've been wanting needing.  Here a few of my favorites: (although I absolutely adore EVERYTHING I received)

Phi Mu T-Shirt Quilt-which I knew was coming, but I honestly forgot about. I was amazed at how well it turned out--I've seen some pretty awful T-shirt quilts. I highly Highly HIGHLY recommend Southern Charm Quilts if you're looking to get one done :)

Refinished End Table-Given to me by my Mom -oh i mean Santa. The table literally used to be the ugliest table and one of my grandma's pieces (no offense Mawmaw). But I really couldn't see keeping the thing around for much longer. My mom gave it a whole new life and it's fabulous!

Selena Gomez Floor Seats- I LOVE LOVE LOVE Selena Gomez and my sweet boyfriend surprised me with floor seats to one of her concerts. He showed up with a piece of poster board with a bunch of blanks on it and made me guess letter by letter. He's so creative!

Jar of Buttons- Disclaimer: I'm kind of obsessed with things that have a history/are unique. So my Mimi got me a jar of buttons that were my great grandmother's. She used to collect them. In addition to the full antique mason jar with antique buttons, she gave me four red buttons in a separate envelope. These red buttons had been on a dress of hers at one time, as well as, one of her sister's dresses. Now they are mine. I'd like to find something to put them on--if only I could sew.

Hand Painted Cross Canvas- I now have an original Bomar painting! My aunt's husband painted it for me after I saw a similar one at an auction earlier in the year. It's absolutely gorgeous and it means a lot that he would paint a similar one for me. I can't wait to figure out where to hang it!

I got way to many presents to count, but I really  appreciate each and every one of them. No matter if it was napkins (it means I don't have to buy any at the store) or pot holders/magnets/chip clips (you never know how much you need the small things until you are stranded and your chips are going stale) or an old shirt that my dad used to wear that he passed down to me (it's the little things), I'm really thankful for each and every person in my life and how thoughtful they are.

Every Christmas I always hear that it's not all about the presents, but this year I finally realized that it's true. I'd give any to still be with my family today (growing up has it's drawbacks). However, it's not the amount of time that we spent together, but the quality of the time spent together.

So be thankful for those loved ones in your life and find joy in the little things--because I said so!