My Serenity....

Simply sharing favorite snapshots that

Graced our world recently...
Calling them Serenity Snapshots....
Quiet sights...

Three birds on a wire...
chirping their little hearts away...
listen to me...
listen to me...
I'm listening to your peaceful song...
are you telling us to sing? 

Our sweet and very old goat...
Finding pleasure in the sunshine...

I see you Chester....
enjoying your life in the barnyard...

A welcoming path calling
us to see what lies beyond....
We follow....

A sight that calms the spirit...
We feel it...

Nantucket Window boxes
and flowers...
an experience...

Nantucket Hydrangeas...
Like no other...

Nantucket Red,White,and Blue...
Summer beauty for us to behold...

Nantucket Sunsets...
awe inspiring...

Toes in the sand...
Our Serenity...
thankful...
Time away...
batteries recharged...
time to work again...
time to laugh...
time to be thankful for vacations...

Laughter...
what's it's all about...
(-:

Time to work on our Annual
Barn Sale!
Be back soon with the
exciting details!

What's new Wednesday...

Can you believe your EYES?
Don't they look like real candles?
And wait till you see them in person!

These fireless candles look so realistic.

Dancing and flickering...
Sweetly scented...

 Made of real wax...

Safe and so pretty...

We decided they are the perfect candle!

These battery powered candles

were developed by Disney and are now
available at Old and Everlasting.
 They are 5 inch pillars
  which run on two D alkaline

 batteries with the average battery

 life being 240 hours. 

And better yet just set the timer function.

 It will flicker for 5 hours and turn off
for 19 hours. Set it and forget it!
Our customers are Loving these candles!
We are happy to say that our second shipment
 has just arrived.
Available in Ivory,Sage, and Burgundy.


What's new Wednesday will return...
maybe a new arrival...
maybe a new discovery...
or maybe just for fun!


We'll see you soon!
  

Before you Fly....

Hi little birdie...
and what is it that we can say to 
you before you go out in to
this BIG World?
the thought occurred to me as
this baby bird spent the entire afternoon
chirping outside the shop door.....

And what would be most important to know
BEFORE YOU FLY?
 How about travel slow and watch
 where you are going...even though
sometimes we don't know where 
 we are going... 
We all take flight in our lives....


A new Experience ahead?
A new Job in the future?
How about a new Friendship? 
Every single day we open the door and 
out we go!
out in to our World...


So what should we keep really,really
 close in our minds and hearts at all times?
Little reminders so that we keep our
world a Happy world....
Maybe this... 


~Be Ready...
Make a plan! Of course surprises
will come along the way but if you have
 a grand idea or a teenie tiny idea of
 what direction to go 
you will be on the right road.
   A slight turn here or there
only makes the journey more interesting...

 Be ready for the side trips,
the detours,the unexpected...
that's where the lessons show up...


~Embrace...
Welcome and embrace those who
 help you
 along the way...
and when it's time to return the 
caring love and support be sure
to be there for them...
You will know when it's time...

~Find some goodness
 in everyone...
because it's there...
sometimes you have to be extra patient...
and that's a good thing too.


~Observe Quietly...
sometimes it's best to watch and listen.
Making a lot of noise will always 
get you attention but it's always best to
speak little and hear much.
Keep ever so still and listen... 


~Respect others...
their time,their space,their feelings, 
 thoughts, and hearts...
And this is just as important 
for you...
 Surround yourself with those
that Respect You...


~Entertain others with a cheerful,happy,
and kind spirit...
Mild words and graceful actions are
what we should strive for...
Smile your way thru life....


~You must always remember that there 
are many others flying around you.
 We all fly to our own Song.
 Be yourself and Sing to your
 own Song. The key is to be 
harmonious and make sweet music together.
la,la,la,la,la...


~Open your heart and your mind to 
many possibilities and keep your 
heart sincere. Work hard and keep busy...That's how you will 
Grow...


~Understand that promises are meant
 to be kept. And whatever promise we 
make we should carry through with our
 best foot forward...
Make good promises and
Always do your best...


~Faith is necessary to get through Life...
We all need a higher power to rely on.
Be prayerful and your prayers will
be answered...
Faith is like a warm little light
inside your being....it will always 
give you peace...


~Live Generously and Abundantly...
enjoy all the gifts that you have been given
and share them freely with others.
That's what it's all about...


YOU...
are one of a kind...
Think about that...
So always be good to yourself...
take care of yourself...
that means your health and your heart...
protect your heart...
Listen to that little voice inside when it
is talking to you...
Listen...it will lead you to where you 
should be...
Stay healthy in mind,body and spirit, 
and you will
Bless others by who You are...
***********


So little birdie... I thank you for showing
up in My World and I wish you well.
Please wish me the same...
I will wonder where you are in this
big world but I will know it is 
where you are supposed to be...

My Little Red Book...

Sparks of Truth....
I had no idea what this old red book
 was all about many years ago
 when we paid a visit to Rob's Aunt.
 As requested we gathered up
 some old books that
 were in her basement sitting
on shelves.
Shelves that needed to be emptied. 


 ...thoughts of organizing and cleaning out
 were undoubtedly in her mind at
that time in her life.

Most of the books have landed elsewhere.
I have no idea where anymore...
A few still sit in our living room bookcases...
gathering dust I must admit...
never looked at...

But for some reason this little red book
Spoke to me...right from the very start...

Signed with elegance...
A sign of value....
Maybe it was the old red color that
intrigued me...
I do remember flipping thru it
shortly after...being drawn in to
the words on the pages....
Every now and then revisiting...
And there it has sat...being moved for dusting...
but always placed perfectly on the nightstand.
It has always been there....like a
warm light...
As years have gone by I read 
and reread...page after page...

truly...a warm light...

Being one that has always held
important any words that encourage,
inspire, or shed light on life...
This little red book is filled
with Grace I believe...
It speaks of God and Life and
both as one....
I love what I read in this book...
Some pages speak to me more than others...
but that is how it works...
We are given what we need exactly
when we need it.. 
SHARING with you some favorite
thoughts from my little red book...
thoughts that are like little seeds
that yearn to be planted...


~Look where you are going in life 
because you will inevitably go where you are looking. Where your attention is;there is your destiny...


~Radiate happiness,and you will help 
and inspire everyone you meet.


~Cultivate a sense of humor.Look
for the funny side of everything. 
It is always there,and will help you 
meet any situation.


~Remember the one thing that matters
is prayer. Pray faithfully and try to live up to the best that you know.


~Under any circumstance you must 
keep your own thoughts calm, tolerant
and kind. Remember the Golden Rule.


~Nothing is really worth worrying
about. Nothing is really worth getting
 angry or hurt,or bitter about.
 Positively nothing is worth
 losing your peace of mind over.


~Open every door in the house of
your soul to God. Have no place
where the light of His presence
does not shine.


~Meet the world with a SMILE! 
(-: 


And to Rob's Aunt Rose...
I think of you every time I see
my Little Red Book...
It is a gift for my lifetime...
always teaching...always inspiring...
I Thank you for this treasure...

Old and Everlasting...defined....

Many times we have been asked
"how did you come up with the name
Old and Everlasting?"
I love that question...
Because the answer has changed 
over the years...
Probably because we have changed....
It started out as a simple answer...
 But as the years have gone by we have 
grown into our name...
It was a name meant to be...
Starting out simple...
Old for antiques and
Everlasting for dried flowers...
that explains it...
but it's turned out to be much much more...
*********


OLD...
When we started, the "old" part was all
about antiques...and it still is... but with more depth now...
We Love old things....
Old windows,doors, shutters....cupboards...
Houses,buildings....
they have a certain charm and warmth that can't
be captured in any other way....
The look of Old...
history....
 character...
the marks of wear tell a special story...
********

EVERLASTING...

this word that signified dried flowers
is full of meaning...
an experience or feeling that
lasts..always positive...
something to take with you... 
everlasting...
timeless...
enduring...
The most important part of this 
business for us is our customers
enjoyment...
 To experience the charm of the old....
while presenting the new....
That's what we are all about...
For we also love the New...
It's Fresh,Colorful and Exciting...
Old and Everlasting.....
A blending of Old and New...
intended to bring Everlasting Joy to all
who walk in and out of our door....
We have grown in to what
we are supposed to be...

 And if we were to wrap a box
and call it Old and Everlasting....
How would we wrap it?
And what would be inside?
It would start out Simple and Plain...
 A Recycled Kraft Box...
Sturdy and Practical...
It would be adorned with pretty ribbons..
all colors,textures and shapes...
A Happy Box...
yes that would be it...
And the inside....
well... one never knows what would be 
inside...
For that is the constant charm...
We do know that it will be filled with all
that we Love and want to share with 
all of you...
And because we are all unique and special people
so will our inventory be...
Something for everyone....
Stay tuned for our Springtime Opening
on March 9th!
And one more thing....
A brand new Old and Everlasting
Website....
Fresh and New for you!

And here it is!

www.oldandeverlasting.com

See you soon Everlasting friends!
We'll be back with a sneak peek of
the store....just a little peek for now...
we sure would not want to spoil the fun...
Opening Day March 9th!

A Thief among us....

Recognize this nose?

Evidence of a crime committed....

Could it be PEARL who has a LONG
history of PILFERING?

It matters not what the item is...
whatever captures her fancy...

One day a Boot!

Next day a Slipper!

The foot ware category seems to be a
favorite.
A SERIOUS problem has developed here...

A purse snatcher!
The worst offense....

Sock Stealer!

She is good at this...a toy
and scarf at the same time!
You see we have All Kinds
of evidence from way back when...
placemats,newspapers,eyeglasses,
etc,etc,etc....

And guilt is written all over her
sweet face...
But how could we possibly
send her off to pay for her crimes 
after all the JOY she has given us...
She is a daily reminder of
what is important in life...
Love,love,love,.....Companionship,living in
the moment,not taking things too
seriously,keeping busy, and enjoying
LIFE
...and whatever it has to offer!
Well, maybe not stealing Miss
Pearl...but it's perfectly OK
in our house....
Because you are Perfectly OK 
in our world!
To all you Dog Lovers out there...
Always remember...


They are you Friends,your Partners,
your Defenders,your Dogs...
You are their Life,their Love,their Leader...
They will be yours Faithful and True to
the last beat of their hearts...
You owe it to them to be  worthy
of such devotion....


The Rev. Billy Graham says it best....
"I think God will have prepared
everything for our perfect Happiness. 
If it takes my dog being there (in Heaven)
I believe he'll be there."


Hugs to all the doggies out there!
We'll be back soon!

baggallini blog....

Are you familiar with baggallini?
We will be most happy to share with you
all the wonderful things we know 
about these fabulous bags!
This company was founded by two veteran flight attendants
 who recognized a need for
 functional and fashionable handbags
and travel accessories for women.

And that they are!  For everyday wear or travel, they are the MOST organized,lightweight, and durable line of bags that we have ever
come across! And super CUTE too! Wait until you see all the styles
and take a look inside!
Colors and styles galore ,all moderately priced and sure to please....
And the story would not be complete without a personal
testimonial....
We have been traveling to gift markets for over 20 years.
This past winter a baggallini came with me and
 it will most certainly be the bag of choice from now on!
  It is hands down the perfect handbag! Everything is at your fingertips
and it's such a pleasure to own.

Trust us...you will ADORE it!

So many styles to choose from...
everyday bag, hampton bag, zip and go,milano tote,
criss-cross bag and more....

Look...look....
Fashioned with fun colors inside makes
it easy to find what you need!
Everything has it's place in a
baggallini!
credit card slots,key fob leash,lipstick/pen holders,
and a detachable ID holder coin purse.
  And...Lots of zippers to keep things
safe and secure!
It can't get much better than that!
Or maybe it can...
Did we mention how easy they are to clean?

We just had to let you peek inside
this baby hampton!
Isn't the leaf green interior
marvelous?
So...if you are traveling near or far, or maybe you might be 
needing a new handbag for everyday use...come see what
we have at....
Old and Everlasting...
 A very nice selection of baggallini's
are waiting for you...
See you soon
Old and Everlasting friends....
Remember...
We are OPEN Thursday thru Saturday 10-4
and Sunday 12-4



In honor of Mother's Day....a treasured old photo...



Two Great Ladies here....one being my special Mom Helen and the other my Aunt Sophie...who was our "second Mom"....and Dad to all of us.
Mom is on the right and was six years old in this picture and Aunt "Soph" was ten.
The photo was taken in 1931.
We received this dear old photo this past December...just days before Christmas. It came as a surprise to us from a country neighbor who had a connection to our family when Mom was a child.
There are no old photo albums....nothing to give us much of a glimpse of when they were children. So this made my heart soar...two little girls who I knew as my strength,my life,my angels...
I see them as children now....
Keeping the child within them provides comfort somehow...
Their sweet young faces bring only happy thoughts this Mother's Day.
Missing their presence here...
Knowing they are sisters together in Heaven...



If you look closely you will see this very same prayer book in Aunt Sophies hand. I have kept it safe all these years not knowing the story behind it...
Now I know...
Written in Polish this sweet little prayer book keeps the memory of them close...the memory of two children who grew up to live a lifetime of Love....
Thank you my two Great Ladies....
I would not be who I am today without you....

~Sending love to all on Mother's Day~

An Email Gift....

This Monday morning I had other blogging plans....and then a gift came in an email from a favorite cousin. (-:  Thank you...

And so I decided that it was a perfect day to share it....

It's a beautiful way to start the week...

Some of you may recognize the photos from The "Planet Earth" videos....

They too were a special gift that we received this past Christmas from dear friends...many Thanks...(-:

Enjoy the beauty of it all....

Believe with all your heart....

For You...each and every one...



Yes you are!

In honor of Valentines Day, and because I Love to Inspire and  Be Inspired...

Remember...You are special...

with your own purpose and style...

Enjoy who You are...

Lovingly accept who you are...

Because You are indeed Beauty Full...

 

Be like a Flower...grow and radiate your beauty...
Open up and Bloom...
Bloom for yourself and for others

 

Be Joyful and wear a Smile...
You will Inspire others just by being you! 

 

There is only One You!
God made you a Unique person with incredible gifts...
Give those gifts freely...
"If we did the things we are capable of doing-we would literally
astound ourselves!"
~Thomas Alva Edison~

 

And most importantly Love and accept Love....
There is no better gift than sincere love...
Either by giving or receiving...Love is what it's all about.

 

Share your Heart ,show that beautiful Heart to others...
Anything that comes from the Heart is good and true....

 

Hold dear "who you are" for the possibilities are endless...
Whatever your gifts are they are Perfect when you share them with others...
Be who you are....and nothing else...
One small kindness shown,one compassion felt,one gift shared can bring Amazing results...

 

And always Cherish everything good that comes your way.
For good builds upon good...
Place value on goodness...

 

And Celebrate being You!
Each and every Flower is different....there are no two exactly alike...ever....
Pretty amazing when you think about it....
So Celebrate who you are quietly, knowing that you do make a difference in this world because you are Beauty Full!
Each day you Inspire and Love and Share who you are with your heart and your smile. And that's what makes you worth celebrating! 

 We just wanted you all to be reminded of that... 
Sending Happy Valentines wishes your way. May all your days ahead be filled with Love...