Willow Nest : Burton,TX »

The most romantic time of the year!

Monday, February 1, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

One of my favorite holidays…. Valentines. We will be showing our wares at the Urban Market in Houston…. I tried to cut and paste all the info.. but got the whole website instead… so you can go to Carolyn Westbrook’s site, she has info and will be there as well, and Peg and Jon from French Vanilla, and Bryan and Mel from Seed Box, Hector and Susie… the most famous junkers around, Judith McClellen, with all her antiques linens, and new shipment from France. We were guest vendors at her unloading sale,this past week, and you simply do not want to miss out on the next time hosts one . The things are amazing that she and her son find in Europe, they have been going for over 25 years so they have a network of people over there that help with the shipping, and getting from one faire to another… it is quite impressive how this all comes together, and an amazing amount of work, in the cold and mud, and dirt.. very committed dealers these two, you do not do all this unless you love the business….we are all just a wee bit crazy in this field you know….some of us are just downright insane.. when Judith told me she had to sleep in the truck the night before the container was to be loaded I felt so bad for her, it was freezing cold outside…. but she did it! Anyway… I got distracted, I just admire all my friends and fellow vendors who work so hard to bring our loyal customers the things they desire… I for instance have one sweet very pretty girl who comes to me first at Urban Market, she has the sweetest baby, her Mom told me she calls me “her lady” lets go to my lady first she says… we are blessed to have many who come to see the sweet little things that Ludmil and I have either made or collected just for this show..

Now I must sneak in another little announcement… we have been asked to join with Brandi at her ranch in Dripping Springs for a show that will held on March 10 and 11Th… the 10Th will be a preview evening…. and then all day on the 11th…. I will do another post with details as soon as I get them.. BUT you must mark your calender as Steve Wyman, from Uncommon Objects is also showing and Linda Parker, to name just two that I know of so far… and I think Peg and Jon from French Vanilla….we will all head right after that to the Citywide Garage sale in Austin… with a whole new load of good stuff I promise…. we have things set aside for that show already… so spring promises to be a very busy time and I will do my best to keep you posted. You know Theresa at GardenAntiques always has the latest scoop…with all the details on her blog side bar, what a sweetheart she is to do this for all of us, especially me who still is struggling with the simple task of cut and paste…and split screen… what I am not having trouble with is finding great things, and creating sweet little parcels for you to enjoy and take home with you… come see us at Urban Market and let me give you a Valentine kiss….. Love Linda

by Linda

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February 1, 2010 - 4:31 pm Theresa-Garden Antqs - Linda, I'm looking forward to coming out to see you all this weekend! And, I have to tell you how super excited I am about also setting up at Brandi and Micki's Barn Sale. Their last sale was over the top, found such great things and the list of vendors they have coming is just wonderful and... to top it off they are just such fabulous people to be around! We will no doubt have a great time.

We have been invited!

Saturday, January 23, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

2 Fabulous Antique Sales by Urban Market Dealers This Week ~

Judith McClellan & Darrell Davenport

Please join Judith and Darrell for their latest French container unloading. In addition to the fabulous new load, Willow Nest {www.Willownest.net}will be with them during the sale.Starting Tuesday, January 26th through Saturday, January 30th, please come visit us between 9:00am-5:00pm.

For information, please visit http://www.antiquesandlinens.com/, or call us at

713-880-9449.

1003 West 34th St Suite A and D

Houston, Tx 77018

And you can find both of these great Antique Dealers at The Urban Market Houston Antique Show on Sunday, February 7th!

by Linda

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January 23, 2010 - 1:30 pm Florence - Oh how I wish I could come. I love that you are following your hearts wishes and how neat it was that Ludmill was thinking the same, soul mates for sure, you two. Hugs Florence

January 23, 2010 - 10:57 pm lulu - Your just becoming a blogging wild women. I love it!

following your heart

Friday, January 22, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

Do you ever just follow your heart? I so believe this to be our best path for oh so many reasons. I have a little bedtime story to tell you. Remember this bed? In the middle of the room? At our “other house”? It had been moved along with every last board, screw, and box from the attic, down to our “B” house, you know the one with everything we needed all in one spot! Well it is now right back in it’s rightful place just as we are. I came to Ludmil and asked him to come share a cup of tea with me, I needed to talk to him about something important… he agreed, he knows I do not ask this lightly or often. I said” my heart is in the other house” “I know this house has everything we need, your great shop, the store, the garden, it makes the most sense, BUT, my heart is in the other house!” Without skipping a beat Ludmil said, ME TOO! I said are we crazy? is this insane, we will have to build a shop for you, a place for our wares, what are we thinking… and that is just the point…. we are not, we are just following our heart, so here we are waking up again in our big bed in the middle of the room looking at the donkeys, the cows and the beautiful Texas sunshine. So friends follow your heart, what is your hearts desire? It is the season of love isn’t it? Happy, Happy Valentines to all. Love Linda

by Linda

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January 22, 2010 - 6:36 pm Isabel ~ Maison Douce - Love your "bedtime story".... Thanks for reminding us of what's important! Happy Valentine's day to you both! Isabel

January 22, 2010 - 8:08 pm Mindy - Good for you! I'm thrilled y'all had a meeting of hearts. Everything else will fall into place, I'm sure. ~Mindy

January 22, 2010 - 8:28 pm Marta - Thank God! Linda, for a minute there I thought "Oh no, they sold their house and they are leaving Texas". I just want to be able to visit someday, the days seem to be getting shorter and before I know the weekend is over. I will make it back to your place. So glad that you have follow your heart and specially that Ludmill felt the same way. Blessings, Marta.

January 31, 2010 - 2:26 pm Annie - The heart wants what the heart wants... enjoy... annie

little pockets of love….

Monday, January 11, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

These beautiful real preserved roses tucked into a glassine envelope with bits of vintage lace and tulle are the prefect tuck in to that special Valentine gift…….. $5.00 plus shipping…….. will you be mine?

by Linda

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January 11, 2010 - 9:13 pm Heidi - I am so proud of you Linda. Your posts are beautiful. Can't wait to see more. Love, Heidi

January 11, 2010 - 9:28 pm Mindy - Love it! Beautiful and I would expect nothing less from y'all! ~Mindy

January 16, 2010 - 4:57 am Betty (Sammy Girl) - Hello Linda! Love the pics and congrats on your blogging! Was a little under the weather this week so didn't comment until you are knee deep in the show this weekend! Hope you are having a wonderful time ... and of COURSE I'll be your valentine! Hugs .... Betty :)

It’s Valentines… time for pink glitter kisses…

Monday, January 11, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

Remember it’s never to early to think about Valentines… I have been having fun creating some especially sweet valentines using old lace, vintage paper, ribbon and some little heart images, packaged in Glassine bags…. if I am really lucky I can get a photo of those out for everyone to see. Right now you will just have to come see them for yourself at the Red Barn, Antique show here in Round Top, Texas this weekend…… P.S. I might just get to loving this blogging thing… you think?

by Linda

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January 11, 2010 - 10:27 pm Florence Muma - Oh How I wish you were closer my friends, I miss your special valentine treats. Hugs to you both. Florence

January 13, 2010 - 12:38 pm shawn seay - Oh how I would love to make it to Round Top. I am from Texas and go back several times a year....you'd think I would have made it by now. Your pictures are beautiful. Thank you for sharing the inspiration. Blessings, Shawn

Is it spring yet?

Monday, January 11, 2010 Posted in Uncategorized

my sweet friend Carol Ross takes some amazing photos of many precious things, one of my very favorite images she uses is, PINK ROSES, does it not just say spring? Romance? Valantines? LOVE? I could go on and on…

This is a huge day for me, January 11,2010… this is my first photo, that I took, with my camera that Geff fixed, that LuLu brought back to him to fix when she was here last spring, that Christie my sweetie, just today showed me how to get my pictures out of my folder and put them HERE…it does indeed take a village. I am so excited… and amazed. Of course I have no new photos to share, as I am only able to master one thing at a time… to do just this. If you will bear with me I am going to do several posts this week.. pulling up older shots to get real comfortable with this process, next I will learn how to take a photo of my booth and get it on the very same day, like all of you amazing people out there. OH by the way our sale continues at Winnie and Tulla’s where all our things ae white and all 50% off. We are headed for the Red Barn this weekend… one of Texas’s best antique shows.. we have some really amazing pieces for this show, a nice large farm table, a big french inspired cupboard….a canning bench, a beautiful statue of ST.Joesph, and one of Jesus… I think you will like our mix. come see us. Love Linda

by Linda

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January 16, 2010 - 8:52 am Christie - So proud of you Linda!! soon you'll have no problem navigating this blog and will no longer need me! ;) xxoo

Starting off the New Year… sales/ dates &places

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized

I am going to be Chatty Kathy this morning.. I need to tell you about the month of Jan. 2010…. it’s going to start off with a bang.. we are ready for a great New Year… have been able to buy on our travels, have fresh merchandise and will be showcasing our wares at the following shows…. This weekend we will be at the Austin City Wide Sale….. we are joining some of our favorite friends, Jon and Peg from French Vanilla will be there, I think you will see Hector and Susie, and the lovely Linda Parker…. it’s sure to be a great way to start the New Year…. easy to get there, right off Riverside Drive… come see us!

We are having our first clearance sale by joining with Gloria and her group of vendors in Athens, Sweet Pea is hosting this great sale on Jan. 6th thru the 9th… our things will be all white things, and all at 50% or more off the original price….. this is a great sale for all you white lovers… check our the Winnie and Tulla blog for more info…her vendors are all having great savings on items as well…. we are serving ALL WHITE FOOD, I am in charge of this department!We will start with white grape juice and champagne… and my personal signature… WHITE MASHMELLOWS…. yeah!!1 everyone should have one a day! Keeps a smile on your face all day….

On Jan.16&17 you will find us in our own back yard, at the Red Barn Show… as you know this show is the one that kicks off the season here in Texas and many of your very favorite vendors will be at this beautiful well attended show. Come for inspiration and new ways to feather your nest for the New Year…

by Linda

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December 31, 2009 - 1:08 pm Sweet Pea - Happy New Year Linda and Ludmil!! Hugs, Shelley and Rex

January 7, 2010 - 2:52 pm Beth and Vicki - Hello and Happy New Year Linda and Ludmill! We just wanted to stop by and wish all the best for 2010. It was so nice seeing you both at Leonard's birthday party. Best wishes for happiness, prosperity and happy trails this year! We are looking forward to hearing about your traveling adventures! Warmest regards, Beth and Vicki

Stopping to smell the roses

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized

Like so many people we too have become caught up in the whirlwind of activities that rob you of the simple daily joys and beauty that surround each of us.I have not learned to use the camera, I have not taken time to get my lessons on the computer so I can create the kind of blog I want , I have not planted my traditional paper whites to enjoy for the season….and for the first time in 20 years I am not having a Christmas open house. Why all this neglect? We have been driving all over the country doing shows… and while that has been an amazing experience it has also zapped us. I did not even get a post up about Silver Bella, which now seems months ago, when actually it was just 4 weeks ago… we had an incredible time, got to see our old friends Denise Sharp and Amy Smith from the N.W. and spent time with Carol and Gwen and Karla and Debbie of Curious Sofa who we would be joining for Miss Frenchies in Kansas City.(that was this past weekend) you can see photos on ,http/karlascottage@typepad and the Raised in cotton blog spot listed on my friends section. Anyway that too was a wonderful show… so very much talent in one building.. we were so hoping that we could meet their expectations and all those lovely ladies were so concerned that we would do well, as we had come from so far away… it is so sweet to see the care and love that is extended to one another.. it did put into focus for me the very important message of doing what you love and the money will come and it did….. thank-you very much Kansas City.. but more than that I spent the weekend with people who I enjoyed being with and who cared about us…. you will see that I was loaned a fur coat by Gwen as it was so so cold and I now have Texas blood running thru my veins and was chilled to the bone until she loaned me not only the coat but a hat and gloves to match…. now that is special! Debbie came around with hot coffee in the morning and I don’t know how she did that as she was so busy, and Carol ,our neighbor was oh so helpful….. had tissue I needed among other little things.. her booth was so inspiring. You will love the photos!!!!! Anyway back to my message of smelling the roses.. these past two shows we have left a day early so that we arrive fresher and also so we can stop and visit friends and see family, I got to spend a very sweet time with my son and his wife and my adorable darling ,smart, helpful grandchildren.. Nicholas was a big help he even swept…. he did say “Nana why did you put all this hay and snow and glitter all over the floor, you made such a mess” And how do you answer that? We went down to the Country Club Plaza early sun. morning, nothing was open and we had one of our traditional nature walks Poppy (Ludmil) broke the ice in the river and showed the boys how it cracks open,we threw pennies in the fountain… Nana would not give up one of her dimes…. we talk about eating nutritious food, and using our manners and being grateful for all we have. We will make simple recycled cards for Christmas and tree decorations when we meet for Christmas at my daughters… this was why we moved to Texas to have this kind of time with our family and to see this beautiful country.( Kansas, not so beautiful in the winter) …. although the people are…. one last little sharing story.. we had gone to lunch, a mother was also having lunch with her triplets, who all had red hair.. a rare sight indeed… one little boy needed to go to the bathroom and she said come on all of you I can’t leave you alone , that’s when I stepped in and said I would be glad to watch over them while she attended the little guy, she said “oh bless you” I spent the next 10min. in the most amazing dialogue with three yr. olds I learned about their dog Molly who is old and deaf.. sleeps upstairs.. when they put lights up for Christmas their house looks like a gingerbread house… they have a fish who is huge and too big for his tank…. the mom came back I filled her in on all that we spoke of , she smiled , so proud of her little wee redheaded boys, as she should be. I was simply so happy that there are still places where one mom can help another with complete trust and knowingness that all will be fine…… now I need to go put my lights up and make my house look like a gingerbread house.

Merry Christmas to all and too all a goodnight… I have always loved that sentence…

by Linda

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December 9, 2009 - 10:06 am Gwen - Linda, now we have snow and winds that are well below zero, so you left just in time. We had so much fun and I really enjoyed meeting some more of your family. You're always welcome in Kansas City. There are some beautiful photos of your space and you on the other blogs. Take care, Gwen

December 9, 2009 - 3:00 pm Beth Leintz - Linda, Glad you and Ludmil made it home safe and sound. Thanks so much for adding your talents and inspirations to the Miss Frenchie show- you made it magical.

December 9, 2009 - 8:32 pm Marta - Dear Linda and loving husband, I'm so glad you have taken time to enjoy with your loved ones. What a BUSY year this have been, for a lot of us. Then again we are all sooo blessed, we get to do what we do, to loved and to be loved. I always keep you in my prayers even do we just met once at your precious store in Burton. It have been a delight to see your vision grow with all your shows and the bb, store and potting place in Burton. I hope to be able to come and see you soon. I will make sure you are home since Burton will not be the same without seen you. Blessings to you and Ludmill and Merry Christmas.

December 13, 2009 - 12:39 am Betty (Sammy Girl) - Hello Miss Linda - WHEW! Such a busy gal! And it's so true that meeting and working with wonderful people makes it so much fun. And then there's time to see (and PLAY with) family .... Mmmm ... DELIGHTFUL! Wish I could be there to tag along and join in the play (and work). Maybe when the weather is warmer .... *wink* Hugs to you and Ludmil and wishes for a Happy Holiday season! Betty :) ps ... Martha and I are joking about Silver Bella next year ... and who knows, maybe it's NOT a joke?!

December 22, 2009 - 2:22 pm Mandy-alaparisienne - Linda, I am so glad to hear that the show went well and that you enjoyed your time with other very creative, talented, and kind women. There's something so special about gathering with other women who love to create beautiful things. I, too, enjoyed our time in Hico. Thank you so much for all of the advice you shared with Felecia and me. Your kindness has greatly impressed me. I hope to see you again sometime, and, yes, a day of creating together would be such a pleasure. Merry Christmas to you and your husband. Mandy

December 28, 2009 - 9:14 pm Rita - Knowing how busy you have been it is easy to understand how little time you have had for posting but I enjoy your words so much it is always well worth the wait! So sorry you have not had time to do all the things you normally do at Christmas, especially the paperwhites! I do them too, and have found the absolute best paperwhite bulb this year. It is called "Ariel" and can be purchased from www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com. Try it next year--the flowers and stems are strong and stay upright without tying them and they last for a couple of weeks! Anyway--loved the story about the redheaded boys! Bless you!

Silver Bella… here we come

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized

I have a case of the jitters… we are on our way, we are half way there… I am putting glitter on things here in the hotel room just hours before the show! I have answered calls all day from friends and family.. now how far is this,answer:870 miles, how long?answer; it s THREE HOUR show!!!!when do you set up?answer: three hrs before the show we get to go into the ballroom… yes it’s a ballroom…. we only have a 10×10 space, it has been years since we did a 10×10…. I have so many things… BUT… we laid it all out in front of the store, and it did work… so I need to take a deep breath….. BUT.. three hrs!!! for set-up!!!!! For those of you who know me well , you know I do not ask many questions… some one asks us to do a show, I think, that sounds fun, sure, count us in…. when I hang up Ludmil ALWAYS… ALWAYS… asks me, how many vendors, do we have a wall, electricity, how do they advertise , do we unload at our space or far away, how about trailer parking, what is the attendance like.. I never never never ask all that even after all these years.. I just say Ludmil ,we are going to do Silver Bella, some really talented, amazing people do Silver Bella…. and some of our old friends from the North West do Silver Bella,that’s all I know and all I need to know… we’re going! Little by little after the deposit has been sent and I have started gathering my goodies,I find out all there is to know,it does not change a thing for me,I am still excited and still making all my charts and plans, but Ludmil feels so much better because he has some answers. We can’t wait to see you. At our Urban Market show this past weekend many people said they were coming to see us, I can hardly wait.Go check the Bella web site for answers to all your questions, I have to go glitter…

A little sidebar, I am miles away from where I was born oh so long ago…… things so seem to go in a full circle don’t they.

p.s. thank you lovely people who came and visited our booth at Urban Market… we love seeing you!

by Linda

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November 11, 2009 - 9:39 pm aurorasuzette - Get glittering. I'd never think to ask any of that stuff either. Look forward to getting down there to see some of these shows.

November 11, 2009 - 9:55 pm lulu - Linda, welcome to Luluville. I never know what is going on even after I arrive! Life stays so full of surprises that way. Hope all yours are good ones this week-end. Miss and Love you Lulu

November 11, 2009 - 10:03 pm Betty - Well, Linda dear ... you have some fun for us at-home-but-wish-we-were-there gals! I know everything will be wonderful and you will see old friends and gain new ones. It is so good that you and Ludmil have such a balance - wouldn't it be boring if we all worried about the same things! Now go glitter some more and have a wonderful show and think of us out here in the rain ... HUGS! Betty :)

November 12, 2009 - 8:32 am Denis - It was so great to meet you guys at Lone Star this week. Thanks for the purchases and I hope your 3 hour show is WONDERFUL! Based on what Felicia told me about you guys, I am sure you will knock the out!

November 18, 2009 - 12:50 pm kara & darcy - can't wait to hear about SB....3 hours to set up? At the Country Living Show, you kept coming back to see if you could buy stuff yet, remember we kept saying give us more time. Needless to say, we could never set up in 3 house, heee!!! Hope all is well! Kara & Darcy

November 19, 2009 - 7:12 pm Vicki Flinchum - I just adored your booth!! I was WONDERFUL meeting y'all! Can't wait to come down from Round Rock and visit soon!!!

Houston Urban Market

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized

Ludmil and I love this market… Jackie the promoter is wonderful, the customers are always excited and fun to work with, we have great fun with all our friends who do the show with us, the weather is always warm and sunny…. it simply does not get much better..so come Nov. 8th, this SUN. and shop with us….at the Houston Urban Market….

We are bring more than we usually do, as the last two times I have not had quite enough… that’s how popular this show is!! I also am doing one of my very favorite things, and that is Christmas.. it is time, even though it is still so bright and sunny here in Texas it’s time to “DECK THE HALLS”.. I have made some very sweet things, that I am eager to show off… one ,is a tag that is designed to hold a gift card… you know the ones teenagers, and college students always seem to prefer….. and I also have some sweet snow angels that I am very fond of.. I have been very busy in my little studio.

Must give sweet Ludmil a big thank-you as he made me 4 custom units for my studio, all designed to go with the wallpaper covered cabinet I got from Gloria, at Sweet Pea , and it has made such a difference in my room… I have been busy sorting , tucking ,filing and primping , it all looks so orderly now…thank-you sweetheart it has made a huge difference.

Come early to Houston… there are always such great things from all of us that get swooped up in the first 30 minutes..see you soon…. Love Linda P.S. while I am at it I should probably mention that we are on our way to Silver Bella in Ohama, Nebraska, have not been there before and we are truly jittery about being asked to do this special show with so many really talented people.. I have saved back lot’s of glitter and bling for this.. we will be there Nov. 13… it is just one dazzling night of fun and then it’s all over… I will tell you all about it when we return.

by Linda

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November 5, 2009 - 1:03 pm ashley - I wish I could come!!! I am sending my mom and dad instead in hopes they will buy me something!

November 8, 2009 - 4:47 pm Corey - I am glad you are having a good show, how I wish I could be there to see both of you and your stand!! I cannot wait to hear about Silver Bella! C

November 14, 2009 - 10:40 am Jackie Sharbrough - Thank you for always being such a bright star in The Urban Market! You are always so delightful to work with! I hope that you had a great show at Silver Bella! Fondly, Jackie

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