Reflecting on a Depression Era Sign

Simple changes are my favorite kind of home project. You know...moving a piece of furniture, adding some artwork, changing out the pillow covers. Simple changes that make things just feel right.

This simple project involves a light that we put in a few weeks ago. See Star Light, Star Bright, First Star...is My Kitchen Light. We've simply added of a single piece of art to that same space for some warmth, interest, and inspiration.

STEP 1: 

A few weeks ago, we changed out the light...(for full post see Star Light, Star Bright, First Star...is My Kitchen Light)

(Move your mouse over the image to see the before and after! NOTE: If you are viewing this in a reader, you'll have to visit the post to view the effect.)

STEP 2:
I added some character above the sink with this small Depression Era sign.

(Move your mouse over the image to see the before and after! NOTE: If you are viewing this in a reader, you'll have to visit the post to view the effect.)

STEP 3:

Wait! There is no step 3. Unless you count taking photos a step. Nah, we won't count it. Two steps is all!!

The sign is an authentic hand-painted sign from the Depression Era. I picked it up at Sue's "Garage Sale" last August. I laugh at the term garage sale, because Sue Whitney's (of JunkMarket Style) version of a garage sale rivals any flea market, antique store, or junk shop. See here, here, and here. If you look at this sign close up, you can see the pencil outlines and the brush strokes of the ink. Old school sign making at its finest!

I've wondered about the sign and what it meant. Why would Depression Era employers not cash paychecks on payday? Perhaps it was because the employer didn't have enough money to cover everyone. That's just a guess though. Or maybe they didn't want the employees to spend their money carelessly over the weekend.

I love the historical significance of the sign. Like my recent inspirational toaster project, it provides an unexpected conversation piece in an unexpected place. As we all face the current recession, it also reminds me to be grateful each day.

How to Show Love Every Day of the Year

Valentine's Day is not a big deal for us. In fact, it wasn't even this year. Ron went to an event with a buddy most of the day. I stayed home, did laundry, enjoyed quiet time, took Tanner for a walk, etc. What? Not spend Valentine's Day together?

Well, he was home for a couple hours. I gave him a card and some Hershey kiss roses that were sold as a Haiti fund-raiser at work. He started a fire in our fireplace and we just finished watching a movie together. Now he is off again to another buddy's house...something about snowmobiles.

  

This post is not actually about Valentine's Day. It is about my loving husband who surprises me with things all the time. You remember the "Just Because Day" post. Well, here is one more example of other times that Ron does stuff "just because."

The sculpture you see was another of Ron's inspired garage creations. He doesn't plan stuff out. Like an artist, he creates when inspired. The sculpture is made from three gears and a hollow metal ball. He surprised me with it a few weeks ago. 

Of course, I had to add my feminine touch to it. I noticed the ball had a hole in one end...hmmm...a vase? Definitely! Worked in with some other accessories, it is a mix of space-age and traditional materials.

 

The point of this post is not to focus on gifts themselves. It is to share the meaning of the gifts and the deep, respectful love they represent. The gear sculpture cost nothing. It was made with scrap pieces from the garage. The thing is...I love it, because it was created and/or given to me with one intention...to express my husband's love for me.

There are many other expressions of love. I remember reading "The Five Love Languages" many years ago. It's helped me to see that people give and show love differently. With that understanding, I could list hundreds of ways my husband expresses how much he loves me on daily basis. Besides saying "I love you" and giving gifts, even mundane things, such as lawn mowing, snow shoveling, and vehicle maintenance, are expressions of love. I know that when I do things around the house, I am also telling him that I love him, too.

Now, I am many things, but a relationship doctor or love expert is not one of them. Many people wonder how Ron and I can be so different yet stay together. He is an extrovert who loves engines and being always on the go. I am an introvert (believe it or not) who loves silent sports (no engines) and having quiet time. I am the thinker, he is the doer. The opposites thing works for us. What counts is that we share important core values, mutual respect, and an ever-deepening love for one another. Everything else works itself out.

So, today I know that I am loved. I know I married a wonderful man who knows how to love me. In that, I am content.

Inspired Valentine's Day Thoughts

We wish you a love-filled Valentine's Day!

As you communicate your feelings to friends and family,

remember to show yourself some love

through kind thoughts, words, and actions.

Appreciate yourself as much as other people do!

What loving thing can you do for YOURSELF today?

From Zero to Toasty in 30 Seconds or Less...Reflections on a Vintage Toaster

This is seriously the easiest project ever. It's so simple that it doesn't really need instructions. I'll add some commentary just for fun!

Along with the grapevine spheres that I picked up at Goodwill, I also found this defunct $2 vintage toaster. No cord, a bit rusty, and all metal...just up my alley!

So, what to do with it? Here's the 30-second breakdown...

Stare at it questioningly...4 seconds

Walk to office...5 seconds

Grab magnetic clip from desk...3 seconds

Rummage through cards...10 seconds

Attach clip to card...2 seconds

Walk back to toaster...5 seconds

Stick magnetic clip to toaster...1 second

TOTAL TIME...30 seconds

Okay, okay, it might actually have taken a little bit more time. But it was 2 minutes max! 

This toaster became an easy way to feature a favorite quote of mine. It fits perfectly nestled up to RJNJ's most recent gear lamp. Even the sun stopped by to check it out...

I have another vintage find that I will share with you soon. See that Harris Woolens box on the top of the barrister's bookcase? Wait until you see inside!

While this project is über simple, I just realized that the message displayed is actually quite powerful. It only has two words..."question everything"... but that phrase means a lot. I view questioning as the key to critical thinking and self awareness. In my big-girl job and in my life, these values are at the core of what I do and who I am. Displaying this simple quote on this crazy little toaster (instead of being stored away) will be a great reminder to continually keep an open mind to new ideas and personal growth (something else I value greatly).

Who knew junking could be so inspiring?!

So, do you question everything? Anything? Nothing at all?

Happy Just Because Day!

I had to share my "Just Because" gift with you. You know that holiday...Just Because Day. That's okay...I hadn't heard of either...but I like it!! What a surprise I had this weekend when RJNJ showed up with this striped bag after a trip to "the big city" for an event.

Picture RJNJ and his buddy...in the mall (a rare feat in itself)...but actually shopping. That image alone makes me smile. When his buddy asked him what the gift was for,...

he answered, "Just because." 

"Just because?" his buddy asked incredulously? 

"That's right," responded RJNJ. "Just because."

That was the official beginning of Just Because Day.

RJNJ picked out this fabulous wristlet for me (Penelope Signature Wristlet...in silver and black...if anyone wants to know). Oddly enough, I've been trying to find a wristlet for a while. The funny part is that he didn't know anything about it. He certainly did not know what a wristlet was, but somehow he picked out THE perfect gift!!

This new scarf (Multi Button Ponytail Scarf) can be worn in the hair, around the neck, or to embellish a handbag. That's right...an accessory for an accessory. Necessary? No. But oh so beautiful!

The best part about Just Because Day is that it is totally unexpected! Who doesn't love to be surprised by the one you love? Thanks, RJNJ!!

Do you have a Just Because Day story? Do tell!!