Speckled Hen Country Store

We've Moved!!

2012-01-22T20:25:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 9, Berthina handed off the key to 922 First Street...

We have a blank slate, so to speak!

I am so excited to be moving Speckled Hen to this wonderful, historic building.

The floors are creaky and worn and lean a little to the left,

think of all the folks who have walked in this old storefront!

I like to picture the shoes they wore... high~button shoes, leather boots, canvas tennies...

It is cliche I know, but "If these walls could talk, what stories they would tell!"

We took out a sink and counter left from the days as a tea room, which left the wall a big mess.
A little pine paneling covers a multitude of sins!

Doug, along with our friend Harry and brother~in~law Bryce framed in the wide opening to the storage room. Now it is just the right size for our old screen door.

Now it's time for a fresh coat of paint...

Rich and John mask the trim and the light fixtures in preparation of the job ahead.

Soon the ceiling will be 'Washed Canvas' and the walls will be 'Sofie's Quilt'.

In my next life, I want a job naming paint colors! Don't they sound wonderful?

We love antiques, don't you:)

Saturday the 14th our son Russ and son~in~law Todd joined the fun. Russ helped Bryce put up the Wash House sign and roof, while Todd cut in and framed a window in the odd little room. Now it all looks so cozy!

The window we chose came from my sister Jill's old house.Now she is a part of the hen house too!

So, here we are all charged up and ready to move in and Mother Nature decides to offer us her best winter splendor! It started snowing on Sunday and pretty much kept on all week. Did that slow us down? Not a bit! Doug had to work early on Monday morning, so Harry picked me up about 8 am and we headed into town. Once we parked in front of the new shop, Harry slipped on his orange vest and shoveled a little trail from 915 to 922, set up cones and we were ready to roll!

We wanted to get the big old counter and the red shed moved on Monday, then the plan was to move the rest of the big furniture on Tuesday. By 10 am Doug was off work, Todd was back and my dear friend Kim came by and we just kept on truckin'...

By the end of the day, the new shop was full of furniture, bins and boxes and piles...

Dear friends Betty and Reidar peeked in after lunch to check our progress. I told them, come back, we'll be open on Friday. I think Betty thought I was a little nutty... could be the paint fumes I guess!

Oh, man...

By Thursday, the moving was over and it was just like putting a puzzle together. My sister Gayle came everyday to help me figure out the pieces, along with Bryce and Doug. It really was fun seeing it come together.

My sister, Gayle and friend Sharon of TroyBeck Antiques.

I could never have accomplished this project without the help of my wonderful family and friends.

Bryce was there every day, up the ladder, under the shop, across the street, you name it, he did it!

Gayle painted, swept & decorated while we reminisced our childhood.

Harry~ above and beyond, good neighbor, wonderful friend.

Russ and Todd gave up a Saturday afternoon with their little ones to help ol' mom.

Sharon not only loaned me warm snow boots & and wool socks,

but brought home~made corn chowder for lunch!

My mom and dad are in sunny Arizona, but they called everyday to check on me

and offer their love and moral support.

Kim took a vacation day to help out, Priscilla baked cookies and lasagna

and her nice husband, Bryan drove her to town to deliver her gifts.

Doug's friend Greg from Costco stopped in, as did great friends Gwen & Joe.

Doug, Bryce, Harry, Russ, Todd, Gayle, Sharon, Kim, Priscilla, Bryan...

offered so much more than helping hands. Love, laughs & encouragement...

and all during the biggest winter storm in years!

Thank you all so much!

You are the best~

The finished project? Better come in and see!

Blessings to you~

Lynda & Sparky

Change is in the wind...

2011-10-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

October is here! The wind comes in blusters, sending burnished maple leaves scuttering along the sidewalk like chipmunks. The breeze carries stories if you listen~ they echo off the store fronts that line First Street in Historic Downtown Snohomish. Tales of a humble beginning when folks first scratched out a clearing along the river. Stories of a busy shopping district where my grandparents came every Saturday for groceries and livestock feed. The Eagles building was a hub of activity and in our family, the place for receptions as my older cousins married off. I love watching the renovation of that grand old landmark. What stories those walls could tell!

Listen! There are more stories swirling on the street. Shhh~ What’s that? The 900 block? I’m listening… January? 2012?

Life, ever evolving brings change. It is with much joy and excitement that I announce, together with my friend Berthina of Foland’s Folly, a big move for both of us! After months of deliberation, Berthina and her family have decided to relocate her shop to the original Folly… a little house David reconstructed behind their Everett home. The shop will be open by chance or appointment in the early spring of 2012. A new and improved website is also in the works for Foland’s Folly.

It is said, ‘When one door closes, another one opens’. As Berthina steps from her doorway into a place of family time and contentment, the Speckled Hen will move across the street and nestle into the cozy spot at 922 First Street. I have warm memories of this historic storefront. I walked those creaky board floors as a kid, when it was known as Weeds Variety. Max Weed helped us choose our school supplies, and if we were lucky there were a few pennies left for a piece of licorice or two. Now another layer will be added to the patina and more stories will unfold.

Both shops are undergoing changes, but for now, you won’t even notice! Foland’s Folly and Speckled Hen are geared up for the holidays and look as beautiful as ever. You will still be greeted by warm and friendly smiles… it will be business as usual through December 2011. Then our respective new stories will begin…

Thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to read my ramblings…Blessings to you!

Speckled Stimulus Sale!

2011-06-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

July!

Summer picnics are in full swing, kids beg a ride to the lake and

moon shadows fall long on a warm starry evening.

To celebrate summer and "YOU" we at Speckled Hen are pleased to announce

***Speckled Stimulus Sale!!!***

From July 1 thru July 31 we would love to offer you

20% off your purchase of $20 or more*

(some exclusions, see shop for details)

50% off fabric

(1 yard minimum cut/ pre~cut not included)

Thank you so much~ We appreciate your business!

Happy Summer!!

Lynda

More fun at the Hen House!

2011-06-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Dubindil Winery

Sunsets in Snohomish

Stroll Historic Downtown Snohomish

2nd Saturdays this summer!

The first stroll of the summer is

Saturday June 11 from 5pm ~ 8pm

We are thrilled to welcome David and Lisa back to the

Speckled Hen to taste their delicious Syrah!

"BYOG"

(Bring your own glass)

Tickets may be purchased at the shop or on~line in advance for $5.00 (5 sips)

or $8.00 at the check~in booth on the day of the event (cash only)

Hook~O~Rama

2011-05-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Wicked Wool!

On Tuesday, May 24, I was pleased to welcome a group of talented ladies to the shop

for an afternoon of rug hooking.

They came with their projects & gathered around the table to share techniques and inspiration.

Beth of Wicked Wool kindly baked colossal cookies and decadent brownies to share

while offering hints and answering questions as shoppers looked on the scene with interest.

One such shopper, a young lady of about ten years showed such interest as to

inspire us to put together a class for young people.

We are excited to share this wonderful and historic craft with a new generation!

Don't miss our next 'hook~o~rama' Tuesday June 14 from 1pm to 7pm...

*Mark your calendar!*

Give us a call so we can save you a seat & bake you a cookie!

Blessings to you,

Lynda

PS No one has taken occupancy in my old bluebird house,

but this downy woodpecker is either knocking or trying to make his own door in...

May Flowers...

2011-05-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

I had almost forgotten what it was like to wake up to a blue sky and warm sunshine!

What a perfect day to plant our porch baskets as well as the

'Fun~ky' containers Kaysie and I found on our adventure last Sunday!

The work crew assembled and the fun began!

Brookie is a born gardener,

and she loves to help her Grammie!

Paige is in charge of water detail. She loves to sprinkle!

It was a beautiful day in the yard,

and the truck is loaded for a run to the Speckled Hen!

I hope you plan a visit to Historic Downtown Snohomish soon!

Happy Spring~

Lynda

P.S. The Snohomish Farmer's Market starts today, May 5 and runs through September.

Speckled Hen will be open until 7:00 with a special surprise between 5 & 7, be sure to pop in!

... and don't forget, Speckled Hen is open 24/7 on

http://www.speckledhencountrystore.com/

Sparky!! The Shop Dog ~

2011-04-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

The newest member of the Speckled Hen family...

My sister Gayle called me a couple of weeks ago and said,

"I have an early birthday present for you, I'm on my way to the shop!"

about 1/2 hour later here she comes with a wiggly ball of golden fur...

A 10 week old puppy! He is 1/2 pomeranian & 1/2 dachsaund so we decided he is a...

"Pommerweinian"

The cute thing is, I had told Gayle I really missed having a dog,

but my problem was I wanted a golden retriever the size of a weinie dog.

Doesn't he look just like a tiny golden?

Brookie named him Sparky, and he really is a spark!

I say he is learning to be a shop dog, but really I am learning to have a shop dog:)

I hope you pop in soon to meet the little guy~

he will make you smile and if he could talk

I know he would say

"Bark Less ~ Wag More"

Blessings to you all,

Happy April!!!

Lynda

The Bluebirds are back!

2011-03-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

Could it be Spring?

Enjoying my morning coffee,

I stood at my window happy to see the sun coming up over the Cascades.

It has been a wild and woolly couple of weeks, weather wise~

snow, sleet, hail, rain, wind...everything but the kitchen sink came out of the sky!

The sun coming up is a gift from God, and I say "Thank You"!

Just as I am giving my little thank you prayer, I receive another wonderful gift...

The Bluebirds Are Back!

This is the third year that they have visited my yard and investigated my housing options.

I have watched them sit on the fence, peek in the little round hole, perch on the roof top...

so far every year they have continued on their journey after a brief stop.

I have my fingers crossed that this will be the year they call our friendly farm home!

My connection to this darling bird goes way back to my days as a Bluebird in Campfire.

I loved my blue vest and hat with the cute bluebird logo.

I loved my adventures at Camp Killoquoa on Crabapple Lake.

As soon as Kaysie was old enough, I became a bluebird leader and led my own darling flock!

There is something so sweet and simple about this brilliant harbinger of spring.

When the kids were young, we would make a trip to Bickleton, WA...

The Bluebird Capital of the Northwest (maybe the world!)

Where there are bluebird houses nailed to weathered fence posts all along the roads leading to town.

This is the authentic Bickleton Bluebird house I brought home so many years ago.

It's bright blue roof has faded to lichen gray,

but the 'specs' are still just right for a little bird to call home!

I will have to be patient to see if my friends decide to stay.

If they do, I will keep you posted on their time here at Still Mountain Farm.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to watch a sweet blue family grow?

Going my way?

As we March along remember this,

"The wells of Providence are deep,

It's the buckets we bring to it that are small."

*Mary Webb

Have a super weekend my dear Speckled Friends,

Blessings to you,

Lynda

A Primitive Place ~

2011-02-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's Here!

The spring edition of A Primitive Place!

Chock full of decorating ideas for your primitive home

as well as recipes and projects to whet your creative appetite!

This issue is extra special to me as it features

the lovely home of my friends

Roger & Charleen Boisvert of Fitchbug, MA.

Tour their home and glean ideas for your own cozy nest!

Hurry in the the Speckled Hen and pick up your copy today!

See you soon~

Lynda

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T15:25:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine's Day ~ seems like the perfect time to share the recipe for Blissful Bars.

My son~in~law loves these so much,

Kaysie says he actually hides them in the garage when I send a plate home for him!

Maybe I will re-name them...

Todd's Blissful Bars

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

1 cup butter (softened)

2 extra large eggs

3 teaspoons vanilla

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups white chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups craisins

1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter 11 x 15 glass baking dish.

Cream sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla.

Beat in flour, baking powder & salt.

Stir in chips, craisins & nuts.

Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake until golden brown, 20 ~ 22 minutes.

(if you use a 9 x 13 it takes about 30 minutes)

Be careful not to overbake, you want them to be moist and chewy.

When they have cooled, frost them with

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese

1/4 cup butter (softened)

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

Cream ingredients together until smooth. If it's too stiff,

add a few drops of milk to make it spreadable.

Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top, cut into squares & enjoy!

...Just don't let Todd know you made them:)

Have a very, vonderful Valentine's Day~

Lynda

City Wide Antique Sale!

2011-02-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Annual City Wide Antique Sale

February 11, 12 & 13

It's that time again!

Time for the treasure hunt of the year, when

Historic Downtown Snohomish

antique dealers roll out the welcome mat

and mark down prices.

You already know if you are looking for the perfect antique
or vintage accessory you need look no further than
Historic Downtown Snohomish
so make your wish list & plan your trip...
The hunt is on!

We are excited here at the Speckled Hen to join the fun as
we offer 10% off all of our vintage treasures!
We've been adding to our inventory of
antiques every chance we get
so hurry in to see what "old stuff" is new!

Regular Shop Hours
Friday & Saturday 11:00 ~ 5:00
Sunday Noon ~ 4:00

And don't forget Thursday February 10 from 6pm ~ 8pm

Local Harpist
Bronn Journey

With thanks to our loyal customers we offer this gift of music.
Please come and enjoy sips, sweets & music while you browse!

Blessings to you~
Lynda

Bronn Journey in Concert

2011-02-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

Bronn Journey

It's February! The month of Groundhogs & Valentines~

Dreams of spring and thoughts of Love!

In celebration of both

(and what is more lovely than love in springtime?)

We invite you to an evening concert...

Thursday, February 10, 2011

6:00 pm

Bronn will offer his gift of music, we will offer sips and sweets~

& promise you an evening to remember!

So mark your calendar and make your date,

we'll make you kindly welcome!

Hearts and Doorways open Wide~

Love all around... Peace inside

Blessings to you~

Lynda

Edgar Guest

2011-01-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Write it down, when I have perished;

Here is everything I've cherished;

That these walls should glow with beauty,

Spurred my lagging soul to duty;

That there should be gladness here,

Kept me toiling year by year...

Every thought and every act,

Were to keep this home in tact.

*Edgar Guest

Blessings to you as you continue this journey in the New Year!

Lynda

Fabric Sale!

2011-01-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

Fabric Sale!

January 14 thru January 17

Fabric will be 50% off for 4 days only!

1/2 yard minimum cut please

(Sorry...pre~cut pieces are not included)

Come early for best selection!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T08:34:00.000-08:00

Look to this Day

For it is life, the very life of life.

In its brief course lie all the varieties and realities of your existence.

The bliss of Growth, The glory of Action, The splendor of Beauty;

For yesterday is already a dream,

And tomorrow is only a vision;

But today, well~lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,

And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this Day.

Such is the salutation on the Dawn.

I found these words framed and dated 1918, attributed to the Sanskrit. They hang above my desk, where I spend a little time each morning. I try to read these words and take them to heart each day, though I admit some mornings I just don’t ‘see ‘ them.

Look to this Day.

Look to this day. It is all we have, and to be honest, we really only have this minute.

None of us know what waits down the hall, or around the corner, and yet we spend time worrying about things unknown and unforeseen.

Look to this Day.

This day found things tumbling in my head, like numbered ping~pong balls being blown about at a bingo parlor. Big things tumbled. The war. Our president in Washington. Our country divided. Climate scientists and global warming. ‘Little’ things tumbled.

Home, family, the economy… pretty soon, it’s too much!

Look to this Day.

This day I needed a reminder and I received a series of them, like little pats on the head from the Hand of the Almighty. As I moved about my house, I came across a folded card I bought at a craft show a few weeks ago. A bird embellished with the word “Faith”. Opening a trunk, in search of something, I found an old blue spice box. Mustard Seed. As in “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20.

I carried the card and the old box into my kitchen where there sits a little plaque

that reads another favorite verse,

“Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1.

Look to this Day.

I am a child of God, created in His likeness. That means if God is Great, then so am I.

Look to this Day.

It is Life. The very Life of Life.

God is Great, God is good, let us thank Him…

Blessings to you in 2011~

Lynda

A Shopping We Will Go...

2010-11-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to sunny Southern California!

What a great little get~away from the cold Northwest November!

A trip to visit family and hunt for vintage treasures to re~stock the shop!

First stop... The Rose Bowl! Oh I wish I could bring everyone along, it is such fun!

You never know what you might find...

and the people watching is grand!

We had our little wire shopping carts, but some people were really prepared!

That rolling cart was packed!

Antiquing truly is a treasure hunt, isn't it? It has been said that antique hunters and junkers are the original recyclers, and I believe that is true! I love the idea that I have helped some well worn, much loved item continue on it's journey! When I feel the soft leather of a pair of tiny button~up baby shoes it is easy to imagine the wiggly little feet that took their first steps so many years ago! Or give the old school bell a ring~ can't you just see the pigtails flying as the children scurry back into their one room school house?

These 'old things' have made it this far, I am hoping they continue on for another one hundred years!

Now we are back home and looking forward to the holidays! Just a few days away from Thanksgiving!

I hope this finds you all well and ready for all the fun ahead!

Thank you for checking into my little blog, I so appreciate you taking the time! I hope to see you all soon, and don't forget, Historic Downtown Snohomish is place to be on the day after Thanksgiving...

Santa comes to town, there are carolers on the street corners, and we will be open until 8!

Skip the mall and have an old fashioned beginning to the holiday experience!

I wish you and yours many blessings as you enjoy the festivities~

Lynda

Now it's November!

2010-11-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

                   Time to turn the calendar page to November, the month we celebrate Thanksgiving!
                     In the hustle of getting ready for the holidays, I try to be thankful for every day.
                                                             Our blessings are many!
                                     May I share some grand October moments with you?
                                            We had a little fall festival at our place.
                             The grand~ones came and we ate chili and carved pumpkins...

Paige just had to take a taste...

Displaying their proud creations...

The crew is ready to Trick or Treat!

The darling little peapod, Jamie...

*************************************************

And now at the shop it is time to decorate for Christmas!

It is so much fun it is to finally get to start displaying the wonderful things

that have been coming in over the last few months!

Santa's and Snowmen!

Holiday plates and mugs!

Tea towels and potholders!

As I watch the rain splash on the sidewalk outside the shop, it is easy to imagine white flakes swirling!

I love to hear "They say it is going to be a hard winter."

I love that not because I look forward to a hard winter, I really don't.

I love to hear any "They say..." phrases because it brings my grandma right back here with me.

She would say that with a multitude of different endings and I would tease, "Who are 'they', Grandma?" She'd get a little flustered with me and conclude that whoever 'they' were,

they must know what they are talking about:)

So~ all that aside, they do say it is going to be a hard winter,

so I think you should pop into the Speckled Hen and plan a winter project!

Maybe an adorable hooked Santa?

We have hand~dyed wool, Beth's original pattern and monk's cloth by the yard...

Wouldn't that be fun?

And don't forget the wonderful selection of homespuns and calico prints,

it's not to late to stitch up a pretty table runner.

Or maybe you just need little squares of fabric to top off the jam you made this summer for

Christmas gift baskets.

Christmas Gift Baskets! Oh my! Now that is another great idea!

Put together a basket of great finds for your special friend~

A pretty towel, a spicey candle, maybe a plate of home made cookies with a matching mug.

The Heart that Gives also Gathers~

or so they say!

Blessings to you, I hope to see you soon!

Lynda

Got Wool?

2010-10-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful Autumn Day!

My friend Debbie and I enjoyed the festivities at the Wool Keepers rug show.

This annual event is held on the 2nd Wednesday in October at the Sons of Norway hall on

Bothell Everett Highway, right across from Country Village.

It is awesome to have so many talented and creative people gathered to share their art!

Beth was there with her Wicked Wool...

I know her original designs and beautiful hand~dyed wool inspired everyone!

I can hardly wait to see the little green pumpkin with the spider on it finished in it's darling dimensional shape!

I am excited to say, the creative vibes will be humming at the Speckled Hen

Monday, October 18~

Beth will be on hand from 2 until 7:30 to demonsrate and answer questions.

Bring your current project or plan your next one...

Stay for awhile or stay all day...

Fill your creative well...

We'll have some treats (no tricks!) So mark your calendar and come on in!

We can hardly wait to see you!

Blessings to you~

Lynda

Rug Hooking!

2010-10-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...

Harvest Time!

The shop is brimming with all the wonderful tricks and treats!

I hope you have been enjoying the pretty days as much as I have.

There is something about that tinge of crispness in the air

that makes me want to make soup and bake all things pumpkin!

Speaking of pumpkin...

Beth has stocked us up with her delightful, original patterns & kits from her stash of Wicked Wool!

As always, her kits come with the pattern hand~drawn on Monk's Cloth, exquisite instructions and an ample amount of hand~dyed wool. Doesn't this get you in the mood for a fall project?

For even more inspiration, mark your calendar for this fun annual event:

Fall Rug Show
October 13 from 10 am til 2 pm

The show is held at the Son's of Norway hall on Bothell Everett hiway across from Country Village.

This event is so fun and inspiring, plus they serve a beautiful lunch as well!

...and to extend the 'hooking fun',

October 18 from 2 ~ 7:30

Beth will visit the shop to show, help and inspire!

Bring your project and hook a bit, show and tell, or just soak up the creative juice that will be flowing!

We'll be having some in store specials, drawings and treats, so I hope you can come!

RSVP 360~568~9758

Blessings to You!

Lynda

A Creative Safari

2010-09-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

     ....and so we set up our little camp in the big forest. Nestled among the pine trees, along the river joined by the darling little forest friends...
     This little trailer has been in our family for about fifty years. It has rolled over Stevens Pass countless times and provided shelter for us in most of the little parks along the way.
     This year baby Paige had the honor of being the 5th generation to sleep in this cozy little cabin on wheels. I am pretty sure my grandma and grandpa were smiling down on us!

My favorite place to be when we are camping is down on the river bank. I pack my basket full of wool, thread, scissors and such down the trail to my most wonderful work station. My chair sits in the water along the shallow edge beside a giant stone table. A bigger rock behind my 'table' offers some shelter from the wind that can whistle down the river and is home to a cute little gray lizard, who sometimes comes to watch me as I work.

These woods and river are such a sacred place for me. This year as I sit here with my feet in the water working, I am blessed to have the grand babies join us for some good splash time. When I close my eyes it is my own babies giggling in the sun (it doesn't seem that long ago!) then too, I have my childhood daydreams of my sisters, brother and I skipping in this icy water.

Life Is Good!

Now we are home again, relaxed and rejuvenated!

The shop is full to the brim with all the needful things for fall!

Hops bunched with Chinese Lanterns, pumpkin candles and these spooky wool candle mats...

Fall is definitely in the air as we mark these September days~

Days grow shorter~

Gather in...

Let the Harvest Time begin!

Blessings and Hugs to you and yours,

Lynda

Snohomish Shop Hop!

2010-08-17T15:48:00.000-07:00

I wish we could have seen this in operation!

(In case you can't tell from the photo, the front wheel has been replaced by an old push mower!)

This is what I call Northwest Ingenuity!!

Now for the fun stuff!

Snohomish Shop Hop!!

August 19,20,21,22

Orchestrated by Mary of Mary's Quilt and Fabric Center,

you will find eleven participants over the course of the four days.

Explore old haunts, meet new friends~

Pick up a passport at any of the shops, have it stamped at each place,

turn your full passport in at your last stop for a chance to win one of eleven great prizes!

(Prizes valued at $25.00)

Participating Businesses Are~

Speckled Hen Country Store

Mary's Quilt & Fabric Center

Uppercase Books

Cabbage Patch Restaurant

Country Yarns

A Chapel on Swans Trail

Westbrook Estate Lavender Farm

Sweet Sue Creations

Lindy's Attic

Pizza Brava

Snohomish UPS Store

Each store will maintain it's own hours and many will be offering unadvertised specials for

Shop~Hoppers!

(Please present passport prior to any purchase.)

Our speckled special for this fun event is....

Free Soy Votive with purchase!

These lovely and super fragrant votives are hand~made by a local family!

I hope you can "Hop on in" ~ Looking forward to seeing you!!

Blessings to you and yours,

Lynda

A Primitive Place!

2010-07-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's here! The magazine we have all been waiting for!

The premier issue of 'A Primitive Place' just arrived in the shop~

It is all it promised to be and more!

There are pages of primitive homes to explore, recipes, projects and best of all...

INSPIRATION!

Pop in to get your copy today, it is the perfect accessory for a warm summer day!

And on the home front, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of 'Grand~One' # 5!

Jamison Todd was born on July 23, a good date I think...

The Rooster and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary, too!

Did we even dream 33 years ago that our family would grow and be so blessed?

It is truly delightful!

Jordan spent the weekend with us, (Jack with his other gran) and Brookie joined the fun! We tooled around with the top down...
happy meals in the back yard, helping in the garden and swimming at the lake. I like to say having these little one's around is, "More fun than a barrel of monkeys!"

And there aren't quite enough raspberries for Miss Paige:)

I thank you for visiting this fun little posting, and I wish you a grand day~

Blessings to you and yours~

Lynda

Treasure Hunting

2010-07-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning the rooster and I met my sister~in~law and helpful nephew for a day of treasure hunting!

We hit the street at 6:30 a.m. to dig, reach and and barter for all sorts of wonderful goodies.

The beautiful weather brought out so many folks! The thrill of the hunt kept us going as we ran into old friends and made some new ones, which is always the best part! The guys were busy running our finds back to the pickup... thank goodness for cell phones, we called,

"We are on the corner of 6th street... Help!!"

and here they came to purloin our treasures.

Green seemed to be the color of the day ~ from the wonderful green lard bucket to the old wheel barrow that just begs to be planted... It is so fun to be on the look~out for things to offer at the Speckled Hen! I love the idea that things that have had their life and function can be resurrected and find a new purpose. I have heard it said that antique people are the original recyclers. Not only do I believe that is true, I take it as a compliment...

We took the back roads home and stopped at this cute little shop in Lakewood.

Do you LOVE their sign or what??

Anyway, we had a great day, and the treasures are being polished up a bit

and have been finding their way into the shop this week. They look forward to seeing you...

and so do I! Until then, enjoy the sunshine, happy summer and

Blessings to you and yours!

Lynda

Sum~sum~summertime!

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I hope you are enjoying this taste of summer as much as I am!

I don't know about you, but I don't think there is anything to compare to summer in our

beautiful Pacific Northwest!

The mountains are out in all their snow~capped glory, the birds are singing, the breeze is rustling...

Heaven on earth!!

Here at the shop, we are gearing up for a busy weekend in our historic downtown as the annual Kla~Ha~Ya Days event gets rolling! There is fun for everyone, with a carnival, a parade, a car show, even a frog jumping contest! And it looks like this pretty weather is going to hold for us, so it's the perfect time to load up the family and come to Historic Downtown Snohomish!

Live Well * Laugh Often * and visit Snohomish! We'll make you kindly welcome!

Blessings and Joy to you and yours,

Lynda

P.S. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog! I appreciate it:)

Fabric, fabric, fabric...

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I spent the day after the 4th in the cozy little fabric room~

I love to tidy the bolts of cloth, re-wrap and re-tie the smooth cotton...

It gave me a chance to really see each and every bolt and some of our 'old friends' found their way to the sale shelves:) We all know the wonderful feel of a fine Moda print, now is the time to plan a nice fall project using some of these timeless favorites!

Isn't this inspiring? It really takes me back to the first sewing class I ever took. My mom signed me up at a sewing machine store in Everett. We shopped at JC Penney on Colby for the material for the jumper I wanted to make. I must have been in 6th or 7th grade because in 8th grade I could choose 'Home Ec' as my elective class and I learned how to make a lovely robe out of bath towels and an apron...:) in spite of this beginning, I still have an absolute love of textiles and the creative possibilities they offer!

I hope you plan a trip to the Speckled Hen soon, summer is such a fun time in Snohomish!

And how was your 4th? Ours was a bit chilly and a little damp, but we gathered for a picnic anyway! The kids helped dress the scarecrow in her summer frock...

Isn't she sweet? I wonder if she will keep the deer from the raspberries this year!

And in case you wondered how Kaysie's ice cream cake was received...

Jordan said "YUM!"

And now we are enjoying a taste of summer! Yippee~ Enjoy the days ahead, and be sure to pop in the shop to say "Hi!" when you are in town!

The door is open, come on in!!

Friendship's Road

Friendship is a chain of gold,

Shaped in God's all~perfect mold;

Each link a smile, a laugh, a tear,

A grip of the hand, a word of cheer.

As steadfast as the ages roll, binding closer soul to soul;

No matter how far or heavy the load,

Sweet is the journey on Friendship's Road.

*JB Downie

Blessings and friendship to you~

Lynda