Christmas at the Gill's home!

It's Christmas time at the Gill house!!  There is glitz and glitter all around my home but my favorite decoration is my aluminum Christmas tree.  It's not vintage but it's wonderful!!  I never liked fake trees when I was a kid but I've changed my views as I've 'matured'.  I just love the way the lights twinkle against the silver of the tree and how the ornaments seem to glow.  It just seems to brighten my whole house!!  But of course, we remember and celebrate the true meaning of this holiday--the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  May the joy, love and peace of this blessed holiday be with you all!!
God's Blessings and Merry Christmas!!

Pat, A Remade Life

Living life out loud!!

There is just toooooo much to tell you about all that's been going on, but I'm trying to get my feet back under me and start posting on a more regular basis!!  Let us hope this works!!  The fall is one of my busiest seasons with lots of shows to attend and with the Humble Trade Days which I manage as part of my 'real job'.  Combine that with mom still in a nursing home for rehab on her leg, a pregnant daughter and house issues and that makes for a very hectic life!!  But God is in control and He makes all things good for those who are His so here are a few pictures of some of the furniture I've been working on--hope you like them! 

                                                 This desk & chair set was totally pink!

                                                I painted the top of the desk with blackboard paint!

It was sooooo much fun working on this desk & chair---the more I worked on it, the crazier it got!!  I'm working on some more children's furniture and will post pictures soon!!

Love to all and God Bless all and any who read this,

Pat, A Remade Life

Life moves too fast!!

Where has the time gone!!!???  It seems like just yesterday that I posted pictures of my sweet Tulip but it's been much longer than that.  So much has happened since my last post.  My 86 yr old mom fell and broke her leg right below the hip line.  She had to have surgery---a rod put in her thigh--and she is currently in rehab.  On top of that, she has been fighting cancer for a while now and she has been on chemo.  All that adds up to slow healing and no walking for at least 3-mos!!  She is not a happy camper right now and she wants out of rehab ASAP!!  Poor mom, we are doing all we can to make her comfortable.  Thank the Lord for my sister, Barbara, who is retired and able to take care of mom.  Love you Barbara Jean!!  Anyway, other news is that my daughter is pregnant and there will be the sound of tiny feet in our home in the near future!!  Well actually, we have tiny feet now--Tulip!!  But you know what I mean.  We are excited and preparing for this new arrival in Feb. 2012.  I'll update you as this blessed event progresses. 
I'm trying to work on a few projects and will be posting pictures soon of my recent activities.  It's really hard to stay motivated with so much going on, but ideas keep coming so I'm trying to stay involved in my crafts.  In the meantime, here are more pictures of my sweetie-pie puppy, Tulip!!

This is Tulips very own pet - "George"

                                            Tulip really loves George and carries him everywhere!

                                     This is Tulip in trouble--and trying not to look me in the eye!

"If I don't see it, then it didn't happen, right?"

"Maybe if I smile I won't be in trouble!"

This is why Tulip was in trouble--she tore into a bag of jewelry
and destroyed a necklace!! - Bad Tulip!!

Who could stay mad at this face?!?!!  Ok Tulip, you're forgiven!!

Hope you enjoyed the pictures of the lovely Tulip--I'll be posting pictures of all my latest creations soon!!

God Bless all and any who read this,

Pat,  A Remade Life 



Too Much To Do!!!

Soooooo sorry I haven't been posting much lately.  Between trade shows, an estate sale I managed for a friend (you can see pictures on my other blog -  http://www.twohumblepickers.blogspot.com/  - )  staying with my mom on weekends AND getting a new puppy dog---well, as you can image, it's been a little busy around my house.  And talking about my house, it looks like the home of a major hoarder!!  I've been to 2-different estate sales and picked up LOTS of great stuff.  I've got boxes and boxes and boxes of this great stuff ALL over my house--there will be NO pictures of this!  I'm sorting, checking it out and re-pricing so I've had to spread out pretty much everywhere--when did this stuff take over my life!!
On a positive note, my new doggie is such a blessing--her name is Tulip and I got her from a rescue league.  She is 1-yr old and they found her just wandering around the streets--poor baby!  She is so cute, so sweet and EVERYONE that meets her loves her immediately.  I've posted a few pictures for your enjoyment.  I'll be posting again soon (I promise) and show pictures of all my treasures--BUT NOT MY HOUSE! 
Enjoy sweet Tulip !!!

                                                 This is Tulip!!

                                                     She loves to play

                                                                   and play

                                                  This is one tired Tulip!!

Please take me to bed!

I just can't keep my eyes open!

And she's out!!--night, night sweet Tulip


And that's that--God Bless All and Any who read this,
Pat,  A Remade Life

                    

New friends found at an estate sale!

I recently went to an estate sale my good friend Judy (http://www.twohumblepickers.blogspot.com/) told me about.  It was a long way from her house but I was staying at my mom's that weekend so I was already half way there!  So down to Galveston we went, my mom tagging along even though she doesn't care for that sort of thing.  What a great sale!!  It was a 6200 sq ft home close to the beach in Galveston, Tx and it was FULL, I said FULL of costumes, vintage hats, mannequins, vintage furs, vintage clothing, furniture and all sorts of theatrical paraphernalia!!  It had been owned by a gentleman named Danny Morgan, quite a talented fellow from what I've been told---he had become very well known not only in Galveston but also in New York and California.  He was acquainted with numerous hollywood stars and was very much sought after for his costuming ability and stage/party decoration.  Unfortunately, Danny had passed away and this sad event leads us back to the estate sale.  I found myself wandering through this huge home with the many, many other seekers of treasures and I was overwhelmed by the beauty of all I saw.  AND, the lovely lady who was managing the estate sale, Christine Solis, and her wonderful crew were phenomenal!!  Despite the heat, the large crowd of 'not always so nice' customers and all the hard work involved in an estate sale, they were always curtious, kind and helpful.  So I hope you enjoy these pictures of one of the best 'picks' I've ever been on!! and p.s.----Judy showed up on the second day--I knew she couldn't stay away from a good pick!!



PLEASE NOTE:  BLOGGER IS NOT ALLOWING ME TO POST PICTURES AT THIS TIME---go to  http://www.twohumblepickers.blogspot.com/  to see the pics!
God bless all and any who read this,
Pat, A Remade Life

Fun on a Saturday!!

Here is a typical Saturday for me:  get up EARLY and hit as many garage sales/estate sales as I can, go home and unload my truck, clean house (yea, right!) eat lunch and then go to my favorite resale/charity store, H.A.A.M.-Humble Area Assistance Ministries.  I LOVE working with the  people over there and have been volunteering on Saturdays for about 5-6 yrs.  I work in the housewares dept. which gets the largest amount of donations--we also help with toys.  I always leave there tired, dirty, broke (yes, I buy LOTS of stuff!) but happy I've helped someone that day.  So here are some pictures of a "Sat. in the life of Pat":

NEVER pass up one of these signs!

Wonderful chairs--wish I had bought them!

First load

Still the first load

Second load!

Ok-third load!!!

My son, Jonathan helping me unload-not his favorite job, but I buy him stuff and he's ok--yes, that's bribery, but it works!!

I found a whole tote full of M&M stuff--yea, that's what I'm talking about!!

Some of my H.A.A.M. friends--great people!

Jonathan likes to help there too!!

Well, that's it--that's how I spend most of my Saturday's and I must tell you---I LOVE IT!!!  I end the day with a good dose of church and go to  bed happy and content--what more could you want in life!?!  God Bless all and any who read this,    Pat, A Remade Life

Loving Mom

     This coming Sunday is Mother's Day, a blessing to some and a day of sadness for others.  It is a day when some are able to show their mom how much they are loved and appreciated and it is a day for others to mourn the loss of their parent and review fond memories of her love.  Whatever meaning this day may have for you, my prayer is that you take time to enjoy the moment, to laugh over silly happenings, to cry over hurtful moments and to love with all your heart the wonderful person you call 'mom'.  My mom is 86 years old and is fighting cancer for the third time in her life.  She is doing an awesome job!!  Her tumor has shrunk over 50% and is responding well to chemo.  Mom is frail, unsteady and becoming forgetful, but she is still my momma.  I will not post her picture here because she has lost all her hair, only weighs 98 lbs and I know it would embarass her, so I will describe her to you: 
- she is a small women, reaching only 5ft tall (she use to be 5ft 2in)
- her hair was a snowy white but now she wears a white turban to cover her bald head
- she loved to dress in very nice, fashionable suits when she went to church, but now she wears her robe most times and church is viewed on TV
- she was one of the sharpest people I've ever known.  My sisters and I always accused her of taking a dictionary to the bathroom!  Now, she has trouble remembering words and peoples names
- and, even though I am 56 yrs old and have been on my own for 20 yrs, raised 3-children by myself and purchased a home of my own,  my mom still introduces me as 'her baby'and asks me all the time if I need any money!
     My mom is a strong woman, enduring many hardships in her life---loosing a first husband to an industrial fire, raising 2-young girls by herself for a while and loosing my daddy to cancer over 20 yrs ago. 
She is hard-headed (I get that from her!) stubborn (I also get that from her) and loves my 2-sisters and me with all her heart. It is her strong influence that has helped to make me who I am today.
     I must work on Mother's Day and will not be able to be with her, but I will call her and let her know how much she is loved and appreciated.  Not just for all she's done for me, but also because she is one of the most remarkable women I have ever known and I have the great honor to call her:  MOM
I love you momma,
Pat

Sometimes you win, sometimes you wonderful why you bought it!!

I'm the first to admit that I don't know that much about certain items such as glassware, ceramics, rugs, paintings, etc.  Well, actually, I don't know much about a lot of stuff, but my friend/fellow picker Judy does.  She has been a picker for many years and is well read on most items.  So when I saw an opportunity to buy a box of stemware I immediately got Judy in on the deal.  It was beautiful stemware and glasses and Judy felt sure we would get our money back plus a profit.  As she dug through the box, she also found quite a few dolls under the glassware.  The owner at first said the dolls were not included, but he backed down when Judy said "No deal without the dolls!"  And so we became the proud owners of a box of glassware and unknown dolls.  The glassware is still in question as to its value, however, here are some pictures of the dolls--you be the judge!

                                                  Here are the lovely 'treasures' in a basket

                                                   This is probably the best one of the bunch

                                                          This poor doll had no arms!!!

         

So, this is a lesson well learned---always, always, always check your merchandize before you buy it cause you just might end up with an armless doll!!!   God Bless all and any who read this--Pat, A Remade Life                                                        

Two Humble Pickers

Wow, life is a whirlwind right now!!  Between shows I manage (I actually manage and run 2-different shows) and shows that I participate in, I've not had a weekend off in------forever!  Well, it seems that way.  I've got 2-more weekends of work (this is all besides my full time job--feeling sorry for me yet?!)  then hopefully I'll get back to a semi-normal existence!!  Whatevery NORMAL is, right?  Anyway, one of my newest projects is a joining of forces with my good friend and fellow picker, Judy Collins.  Judy and I have come together to become "Two Humble Pickers"--we've got a new blog you really need to check out--  http://www.twohumblepickers.blogspot.com/  -- and read some of the craziness that goes on in our lifes!  For those who don't know what a 'picker' is or the meaning of  'picking',  a picker is a person (of questionable sanity!) who is willing to jump into dumpsters, get up at 4am just to beat everyone else to the garage sales, search through curbsite trash, all in the hopes of finding that one treasure that will bring her/him fame and fortune!  We are a different breed of folk and find great joy in the hunt.  So please be sure to check out our new blog and leave a comment, become a follower and share some of your picking adventures with us!!

 Two Humble Pickers Pat (me) & Judy

Judy having a great time looking for that hidden treasure!!

and I found it!!  Don't I look glamourous!!

Thanks for visiting A Remade Life--God Bless all and any who read this--Pat

Shows, Shows, and more Shows!!

me setting up a show (with 5-layers of clothes-I was cold!!)

I've got 2-shows down and only 4-more to go!!  This last show was VERY difficult.  I actually run that show so I'm responsible for all the preparations as well as the break down.  It was 5-days of overtime, physical labor (with help of course) and lots & lots of issues with vendors.  Once you've had to manage vendors you try to be a better vendor yourself!!  And it was actually 2-shows in 1---we had the Trade Days for 3-days and the Community Garage sale for 1-day during Trade Days.  We had a total of about 135 vendors!!  I do love doing that show, but it is very tiring.  I am getting ready for the next one which is only on Sat. and then a restful day on Sunday!!  Whew--I'm getting tired just writing this!  Anyway, I'll post pictures as I can--God Bless all and any who read this.  Pat, A Remade Life

                                                   HAPPINESS TO ALL!!!

Tending to Business!

Well, life doesn't stand still around my house!  The next few months are very busy--here's a little peek at my schedule:
          * Winnie Trade Days - March 11th - 13th
          * Humble Trade Days - March 18th - 20th
          * The Woodlands G-Sale - March 26th
          * Good Oil Days Festival - April 2nd
          * Winnie Trade Days - April 8th - 10th
          * Humble Trade Days - April 15th - 17th

All of this and I have a full-time job!!! Whew!! I'm tired just thinking about it.  It doesn't leave much time for my art and crafting, but I will manage to sneak it in every once in a while---after all, my crafting helps me to keep sane!!!   God Bless all and any who read this,   Pat - A Remade Life

Blue Jean Gypsy Purse

It's here, it's here!!  My first tutorial on my crafting blog, http://www.toothpaste4lunch.blogspot.com/.  Learn how to make a wonderful blue jean gypsy purse.  This tutorial is in 2-parts.  The first part has been posted and the second part will be posted tomorrow.  Please be sure to check it out and 'get your gypsy-on'!!  And don't forget to leave a comment.  God Bless all and any who read this--Pat, A Remade Life 

Flea Market Friday

 This is Flea Market Friday, an event hosted by Kecia at Lemoncholy's Studios!!  It's a great time were you can brag and shop off the wonderful treasures you find at flea markets, resale shops, garage sales and maybe even dumpsters--that's right, I'm a dumpster diver (although, technically, I've never actually been in a dumpster).  So here are a few pictures of a few items I managed to pick up recently.  You'll notice there are a few clocks of various sizes and types.  I can't help it--I have a clock fetish!!  And I only showed you a few of the many, many clocks I've picked! 

I love these little guys!

This wonderful Old Spice shaving mug still smells of Old Spice.

This is a pair of really old, cool ice skates!!

This precious cloth bear is from England.

So these are just a few of the wonderful treasures I've found recently.  Be sure to check out the great stuff others have found and check out the following link.  God Bless all and any who read this--Pat, A Remade Life

Lemoncholy's Studios