Finding Christmas

Each December, I sit down with my notebook and pen and make a list of all the things I'd like to accomplish prior to December 25th.  This list is comprised of places I want to visit, like the the big tree downtown, as well as family activities I find special during the holidays including baking Christmas cookies and watching Elf for the 1,057 time.  My list making has become as much of a tradition as the things written on it. 

Yesterday while I was busy penciling in holiday parties and school commitments on the calendar, I noticed there were very few "white spaces" remaining before Christmas. I looked back and forth from my list to the calendar frantically trying to orchestrate a plan that would allow me to maximize holiday fun while efficiently utilizing every spare moment we have available before Santa Claus makes it to town. Festive? No. Stressful? Very. 

As my shoulders started to tense up, I was struck by how my quest to 'create' the perfect holiday experience for my family has squelched the true joy of the season.  For example, Matt would rather not go and stand in line at Bass Pro Shop for 1.5 hours to see Santa on a weekday night after working at the shop all day just because the calendar dictates it so. And, surly Matt will lead to short-fuse Stephanie thus bringing out whiny Weston. By the time we reach Santa's lap, we'd rather kick him in the shins than sit and chat.  I began thinking what's the worst thing that will happen if I (gasp) abandon the list?

The last time I marched/ran down Broadway was, well, never.  It was kind of a spur of the moment decision for Grassy Valley Antiques to join the Fountain City Parade, but some of the sweetest moments are indeed spontaneous.  There wasn't much planning involved, no fancy float was constructed ...Although, if we ever do make one,  I'd like to build it out of red and green recycled doors. That, as my nephews like to say, would be epic... Still, as our small group made our way down Broadway all decked out in Santa hats and antlers (me) passing out candy to bundled up children I unexpectedly found Christmas.  It wasn't during a list-mandated activity, and it didn't have to be deemed a "tradition" to be enjoyed.  It just was wonderful because the look in Weston's eyes as he leaned out of the festooned Mustang shouting "Merry Christmas "and handing out candy canes could never be orchestrated.

This year I'm going to try and fly through the holidays without planning the fun. I think we will all have much more of it if we just let it happen.

Coffee Anyone?

I love coffee.  The aroma, the taste, the warmth of the cup in my hand, there are few things more satisfying to me than a good cup of joe.

 I loved coffee well before I was ever allowed to drink it.  When I was around seven or eight, I held a precarious spot within my family. I was stuck in the middle with a slew of older cousins already in high school and too cool to play Bedbugs or Operation, and several toddlers that I wouldn't dare let touch my Barbies. During the holidays, after the meal was finished and the men had disappeared to wherever it is that men retreat to while dishes are being put away, I would hang around the kitchen.  I'd breath in the rich aroma of  the coffee brewing and watch as my mother and aunts gathered around the table cups in hand.  Laughter and conversation seemed to accompany the steaming cups, and I so wanted to be a part of their community.  I learned that if I was still enough and didn't fidget in my seat, they would soon forget I was there.  I would drink in their presence fascinated as they clinked and stirred, lipstick-ringed mugs cupped in each hand.  I overheard a lot in that kitchen, probably much more than I should have! 

In college, I would spend hours nestled in the corners of local coffee shops. Whether reading between classes, or chatting with friends, coffee added flavor to the very ordinary activities of my life. I still find that sharing coffee is synonymous with family and friendship for me.  My favorite parts of holiday gatherings still revolve around the cup.  

If you are a coffee lover or have a loved one who is, you'll love all of the vintage percolators, coffee canisters, and  other finds lying around the shop. 

Oh, and if you happen to come in while I'm working, I'll be happy to share a cup with you. The coffee is always flowing-and complimentary- at Grassy Valley!

"A Wishin' and A Hopin'"

Most every little girl dreams of her wedding day.  Even if just for a moment, to try out what it would truly feel like to be a princess swathed in white surrounded by admirers.  Life marches on, and while I'm sure some of these wedding fantasies do become reality, many white stallions and garden tea parties are replaced by civil ceremonies and simple affairs.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, if I had the wedding I envisioned as a five year old I would have been more blinged out than Elton John circa 1978 and our honeymoon would have taken us to the Panama Canal.  Seriously, change is good.

While my tastes have changed over the years, I don't think I have ever outgrown my fascination with weddings.  I am addicted to shows like "My Fair Wedding" and "Say Yes to the Dress", and although I do not want to undertake all of the stress involved in planning a wedding of Kardashian proportions, I do like to fantasize about what it would be like to plan the party of your dreams with zero budget restrictions.  While mine are the musings of an already married crazy woman, I'm sure many sane brides to be share the same sentiment trying to conjure their fantasies into an affordable, realistic affair without losing the magic that lies within a big dream. 

I don't know how you accomplish this besides making sure that every element you select for your wedding is a reflection of what you love and treasure.  We recently had an event planner come into the shop who was interested in a purchasing a large tobacco basket for an upcoming wedding. I'm always amazed by the ingenuity of those who can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.  Now, I too envision that basket filled with fresh flowers providing a beautiful centerpiece with a little history thrown in.  How perfect that the basket's rough exterior reflecting hard work and labor is part of a ceremony in which two will promise the same diligence to one another.

The basket got me thinking of other antique and vintage items that could lend their charm to a wedding celebration.  I am always delighted to see personal touches and thought thrown into a ceremony. Mismatched vintage china used during a reception dinner, or mason jars filled with wildflowers are both inexpensive ways to add functional beauty to an event.  Why not adorn old windows with photographs that chronicle the bride and groom's history together and create their own personal love story?  

The ideas are endless, and the journey to unleash your creativity may be almost as fun as the main event itself.

I Will Remember You

It's funny how closely our memories are tied to possessions.  Holding a familiar object can transport us so vividly to another time and place. All our senses engage and suddenly we can smell, taste, and even hear the past with amazing clarity.  

My personal time machine is in the form of a small child's quilt.  It's red and cool to the touch, and I spent hours spread across it happily coloring and reading at my grandmother's house.  Now the quilt resides at my mother's, and she uses it to cover my son during movie time or when he isn't feeling well.  When I look at Weston all snuggled up in something that brought so much comfort to me as a child, it's almost as if he is wrapped in safety and love instead of fabric.

My friend Maggie recently told me a story about a necklace.  It was a piece of Sara Coventry jewelry that she fell in love with at an estate sale.  The vintage necklace was so important to her that she chose to wear it for Senior portraits and during many memorable high school events making it synonymous with that time in her life.  While away at college, her home was broken into and the necklace was stolen.  Being a vintage item lost before the Ebay age, Maggie felt her hopes of replacing the necklace were slim. Time went on and the necklace became a fond, but distant, memory.  Then a few months ago, while doing some internet research, she came across the very same necklace on Ebay. While not her original piece of jewelry, seeing the item still brought on a swell of nostalgia.  It reintroduced her to the girl she was at the time it adorned her neck.  Maggie was comforted to come face to face with the item that was once so dear to her.

It is so exhilarating to stumble across the "props" of our past. Especially, when those items are accompanied with fond memories. Working in an antique and vintage shop, I am privileged to live a life centered around remembrance and cherishing the items that fill our lives. I think we could all benefit from time spent as our own personal archeologists.  Who knows where you will uncover that long forgotten favorite storybook, or the trusty BB gun you drug around all over the yard looking for varmits?  It could be at Grassy Valley. 

WHY BUY NEW FURNITURE?

Recently we have received a nice selection of antique furniture pieces dating back to the 1800's, and it made me think. Why would anyone buy brand new furniture? Antiques provide so much more than factory made, mass produced pieces that you find in a typical store today. Antique furniture has history, personality and character. It can provide one with conversation and a feeling of comfort unmatched by today's quality.
Why spend thousands of dollars for a seemingly "perfect" piece of particle board, when you can spend a fourth of the price and receive a piece of high quality, hand made effort that can last another hundred years?

Just something to think about.....


Beautiful early 1900's buffet. This size and quality would cost you a years worth of car payments if bought new.

Solid oak chest of drawers....perfect for any decor!













Antique solid cedar hope chest from 1924.....amazing!

Who Knew?

Inspiration can strike in the oddest of circumstances.  For example, a broken toilet seat recently launched the redecoration of our entire bathroom.  The new seat was so sleek and pretty that the rest of the space suddenly seemed shabby in comparison. Suddenly, I saw scarlet walls and pretty brushed metal fixtures in my future. This led me to one of my favorite websites, www.etsy.com, to browse their fabulous selection of wall art and unique decor items.  I was struck by the following two listing for re-purposed vintage items that have been transformed in to utalitarian works of art.....

Mason Jar Light Fixture

This is such a cool melding of modern style and primitive charm.  I love the warm glow emanating from the frosted jars.  Owning this, would be like having your house lit by fireflies!  

We have a large selection of mason jars at Grassy Valley Antiques in all shapes and sizes.  Now, I walk by them and see all sorts of new possibilities for chandeliers, luminaries, etc. Enlightening!

Suitcase Vanity

Well, this is just beyond awesome. Who would have ever dreamed a suitcase could get new mileage as a bathroom vanity? 

Several of our vendors have beautiful vintage suitcases on display in the shop. I am considering snagging one and creating a vanity that will make all the other bathrooms cry with envy.

These are just a few examples of how a spark of inspiration and a little elbow grease can give and ordinary item an extraordinary new life.  Why don't you visit us at Grassy Valley and see just what items inspire you?  

A Few of My Favorite Things

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things that currently reside in the shop.  I'm always finding new pieces  to fall in love with, but these little items currently have me head over heels...

This Hazel Atlas "Be ye Kind" glass is so sweet and darling! The red silhouettes of children and woodland creatures are so simple, yet the message so profound. 

This is the face plate from an old post office box.  I love the Deco border and the glass numeral plate.  Imagine the secrets this once held under lock and key.

This deposit bag is from the Lyons National Bank in Lyons, NY.  The embroidery and red accents make this utilitarian object quite beautiful!  The lock and key make it a perfect place to store your modern day valuables!

Feeling a little nutty?  This iron squirrel nutcracker can take on the toughest nut in the bunch.  His rustic charm and a bowl full of walnuts equals instant bliss!

Let this lovely lady add a little femininity to your bath. This Art Nouveau soap dish is tres elegant with its clean lines (I couldn't resist) and green patina. 

These vintage card games make me want to spend an evening with the television off huddled around the table with my family. Hmmm, I think it's time I plan a game night.

Can you see me?

Mirror, mirror on the wall.... we have several fair looking glasses at Grassy Valley.  Each beautiful in their own right. Some are crystal clear and others hazy from age.  They sit on shelves, hang on walls and are nestled into the corners of our shop.  I have always had a fascination with mirrors. Eyes open wide, I find myself boring holes through their glass searching for answers about myself. These shiny fortune tellers give us a chance to do the one thing no other object can, fully inspect ourselves.  We spend all our energy projecting our image to others being absorbed by both critical and loving eyes.  Mirrors give us the chance to claim a little of ourselves...for ourselves.  It isn't vanity that prolongs my stare it's the longing for a little alone time with myself.  I need the opportunity to look into my eyes and ask myself the hard questions to which only my heart can whisper an answer... not "Was that wrinkle there yesterday?" or "Would I look better with bangs?" although, I have to admit I ask those too.

I touch the frames of the mirrors for sale and wonder who has gazed before me.  I'm sure if glass could really talk as it does in fairy tales, it would tell us what we all long to hear. We are each the "fairest of them all" unique and beautiful in our strength and courage to be ourselves. So, go ahead and gaze into your looking glass and have a conversation with the one we sometimes neglect the most. Yourself.

The AD AGE!

Advertising.  It rules our lives somewhat doesn't it?  We are willing subjects spouting off the catch phrases carefully researched in agency think tanks and soon they are a part of our vernacular defining each generation. Who hasn't gotten a particularly skimpy patty and joked "where's the beef?", or proclaimed "I've fallen and I can't get up" after a pratfall.  I know I have.  Maybe I'm just particularly cheesy, but we've all been influence somewhat by those ad dollars.

I can remember watching Bewitched as a child and being fascinated by Darrin Stephens and Larry Tate, two old school admen whose accounts were constantly in jeopardy.  Lucky for them, Samantha "magically" saved the day, and their careers, at the end of each episode with a twitch of her nose.   While those antics belong in TVland, there is some real magic involved in the whole marketing process.  A pretty package can influence our buying decisions just as a slick poster or magazine advertisement can deserve the same reverence as any well crafted piece of art.  

It is with this appreciation that I take a look around the store and notice the designs of the past.  Some of the icons are still in use today, such as the Borden Cow. Others have faded into memory, only to be awakened when they they are jolted out of our subconscious.  That's what browsing through these marketing relics of long ago has done for me.  It brings those characters back to life, vibrant as ever ready to be appreciated by a new generation.

A Perfect Pair

Meet Mr. Remmington... He's new to Grassy Valley and looking for love.  This cat enjoys writing novels, especially those filled with spine-tingling suspense, and long walks on the beach.  He has been around the block a time or two, but you'd never be able to tell from his spiffy exterior which makes all the ladies swoon.  He's looking for a long term commitment, someone to keep him company for the rest of his days and nights.

Meet Ms. Royal... although a little shy at first, once you warm up her keys she'll keep you entranced for hours.  She loves coffee and curling up with her special squeeze in front of a crackling fire.  She is seeking someone with a gentle hand who can type at least 80 wpm.  If you enjoy the sincerity of a self addressed letter delivered through the postal service, and prefer typing over tweeting, she just might be the gal for you.

Stop by Grassy Valley to meet each of these typewriters in person.  Who knows you just might make a love connection!

Grand Opening this Saturday, Sept 17th!

We've reached a significant milestone at Grassy Valley Antiques, the completion of our first month of business! I have been so happy to settle in to a routine of "shopkeeping".  This is truly a dream come to fruition for Matt and me, that sometimes it still doesn't seem real.  We are finally ready to have our "Grand Opening", a daylong shindig to celebrate all that makes Grassy Valley, well Grassy Valley.  

This Saturday, September 17th we will be offering 10% off of the entire store as a way to show our appreciation to the community.  We are so grateful to do business in beautiful East Tennessee and hope that you will join us in our celebration.  

<Insert Cheesy Photo Here>

Much Love!
Stephanie and Matt

"A woman's work is never done..."

Chores, the word evokes several different emotions in me spontaneously.  First, I dread the physical exertion required to tidy the house.  Especially, if I'm being beckoned from my cozy spot on the sofa or it's late at night.  Who wouldn't rather be snuggled up in a fuzzy blanket reading than unloading the dishwasher? Still, despite the labor involved, completing the sometimes monotonous daily tasks that keep our home running smoothly leave me with a Mary Poppinish sense of efficiency.  I am able to keep some semblance of order in this chaotic world when armed with Pledge and my Swiffer.  It's quite a buzz.

While I'm happy to provide a neat and tidy living space for my family, I often complain and grumble while doing so.  On a recent trip to a children's museum in town, it hit me how easy I have it.  I was busy explaining the daily routines of the early Appalachian settlers to my son when I tried on the water yoke and almost fell over from the weight of the simulated buckets.  I imagined children carrying their family's daily water supply from wells each morning and realized that if I tried I would surely tumble down that hill faster than Jack or Jill.

When looking around the shop at all the household staples of years gone by, I silently pay homage to the hands that labored and toiled over  items like this early ironing board.  I am grateful for all the steam cleaners and high efficiency washers out there (although I don't possess either, they are on my wish list!), however I think it's important to remember those who passed before us hands chapped and calloused from their labors of love.  Next time I bake cookies, I think I'll start from scratch!

I Like the Sprite in You!

This little lady was waiting for me when I rushed into the store this morning.  I don't know if she knew that my mind was exhausted with worry for my sick child, and the weight of my daily responsibilities felt extra heavy on this rainy morning.  Nevertheless, she was ready to work her magic with a painted porcelain smile and carefree pose.  Upon first glance, I couldn't help but return her impish grin with one of my own.  I think she was counting on that!

Take a look at us!

We've added something new to the exterior of Grassy Valley.  It's large, it's yellow, and it weighs a whole heck of a lot!   No, it's not Big Bird, although if I could get him to twirl a sign in front of the store that would draw a lot of attention...and possibly lead to some collisions.  What we have is a little more understated but still very cool, our very own sandwich board made from two doors that are rich with history!  This is marketing Grassy Valley style!

MANTIQUES!!!

First of all, let's start out by letting everyone know that this is Matt writing this blog post. My beautiful wife Stephanie(who has all the writing skill), has made it perfectly clear that I must let it be known to the masses that she is not writing this post, so as not to damage her reputation for literary talent.
Now that the legal jargon is out of the way...let's get started. This post is about Mantiques. That is to say... antiques for men, for those of you who can't understand my cunning use of word coalescence.
After all of the wonderful things that have been written in this blog, I came to realize that is seemed to be wandering onto the feminine side of things, so I thought that I would bring it back down to the level of the normal man. Dirty tools, TV, blood, sweat, and tears, and all of the things that make men...well....men.

First on the list....TOOLS!  To most manly men, saying this word, can make a man swivel is head like a dog looking for a squirrel. Me personally, holding these old tools, especially the antique wood planer, take me back to watching my dearly missed grandfather work in his barns for hours on anything that he thought "just needed fixin'".

 This old tobacco basket signifies the true grit of manhood. Working in the fields sixteen hours a day carrying this monster thing around filled with hundreds of pounds of tobacco leaves that still had to be wrapped and hung to dry. Fortunately for us, modern times has made things like this easier, but my hats off to those of you who endured this form of back breaking labor.

Ahhhh....cars. No matter what type of man you are, there is not one out there that doesn't get goose bumps up his spine when he hears the engine roar of a classic. If we could only hear the stories that this old car horn could tell. The excitement the owner of the car felt when he picked up his prize, fired up the engine, and blasted the horn to let everyone know that all of his hard work in the tobacco fields had finally paid off!

And last but certainly not least...the TV. The piece de resistance. Truly a man's blessing from the heavens! Whether it be football (which it usually is), history channel, discovery channel, or pretty much any of the other 4 billion channels there are, the television is absolutely a comfort to a man's psyche. The remote control is his sword, and the recliner his trusty steed.







 If you're a man longing for a new toy, stop by and visit us, or if you're a woman longing for your man to have a new toy so he will leave you alone....stop by and visit us. We would love to have you!

Listen to the Music

We all have internal soundtracks, our own built in Ipods that shuffle randomly as we go throughout our days.  Sometimes they get stuck on repeat, which can be really annoying when it's an advertising jingle.  I have literally been "stuck on band-aids" for nearly five hours. Very irritating.  Still, the music inside can unlock parts of our souls that have been closed for years.  It can transport us back to times of joy or sadness.  I personally can't hear Madonna's "Material Girl" without remembering summers spent zooming around the roller rink enjoying every minute of free skate.  I also hold onto songs as badges of survival.  I can't imagine the number of women who have belted out Donna Summer with little mascara rivers running down their faces each word a promise of better days ahead.

My internal "Ipod" was powered up when a collection of records was brought into the shop over weekend.  There were several recordings of well loved musicals Including "Showboat" which is one of my all time favorites.  I've been humming "Can't Help Lovin' that Man of Mine" all morning.

I love old LPs, and have enjoyed browsing through the stacks scattered about here and there.  The cover art is so bright and vivid on so many of the records. They would make a really cool wall display!

For those who prefer to make their own music, well have we got surprise for you!  A beautiful Antique Pump Organ is featured in the store.  It was manufactured by the Shipman Organ Company of North Carolina.  The ornate carvings, grand mirror, and covered petals make this a handsome piece that would inspire any music lover!

Whether you're a little bit country or a little bit Rock and Roll, I'm sure that you'll find something at Grassy Valley that will spark your very own internal soundtrack. Happy listening!

Fly Away with Me

I love to travel.  There is nothing more exciting than the beginning of a new journey. Suitcases packed, picking out magazines at an airport newsstand. The air so heavy with the promise of adventure it makes you giddy just to breathe in! Okay, so maybe I'm a little over-enthusiastic about traveling, I get revved up when I venture out of my area code. Still, it's the anticipation of all the new places to explore and experiences waiting to be had that get me through the mundane seasons of life.

While I'd love to hop on a transcontinental flight tomorrow, that doesn't seem to be in the cards right now. With a new business to get off the ground and a son in the public school system, I'll have to settle on other ways to soothe my wanderlust.  This prompted me to walk around the shop looking for international treasures that would lead me on a journey of the mind since that's about the only part of me that can take flight right now.

My first destination was Paris.  I didn't have to go far, only to the shop's far corner, to enter into the "City of Light".  One of our vendors, Cindy, is a lover of all things French and her booth is a true reflection of the elegance and effortless sophistication of the Parisian life.  These prints of Paris in the springtime make me want to step into these pictures Dick Van Dyke style and take a leisurely stroll along the Seine sipping coffee and eating a buttery croissant. Yummm.

Speaking of food, I also love these vintage Butcher markers!  They would make any ordinary dinner a little more French and therefore a little more fabulous!

Traveling down the hall I land in Germany where I have never been but can imagine these ashtrays as a staple in a smoke filled bar.  I love their vivid colors and sturdiness. Get one, or two, in time for Oktoberfest and add some authenticity to your celebration!

When you can't get to the orient, bring the orient home to you.  This sake set is perfect for anyone in need of a little Zen.  And, couldn't we all use a little more peace and harmony in our lives?  It even comes with its own mat!  The wooden case makes it portable for fun on the go.

And not to forget our fabulous fifty states.... What about this vintage shot glass collection to add some American pride to your kitchen or bar? 

So, here I am still firmly planted in Knoxville but refreshed from my five minute mind trip.  Sometimes all you need is a good catalyst to send you to a far away land!

Hold Me

Walking into the shop this Monday morning was especially exciting for me since we had two new vendors move their wares into Grassy Valley over the weekend.  Since Matt was working solo on Saturday, this was my first opportunity to get my hands on the new stuff!  I'm a tactile type of girl and like to touch the filmy fabric of each handkerchief and feel the eggshell delicacy of every teacup.  I get antsy in museums, and have stuck my hand across many a velvet rope when all eyes were turned just to feel the gloppy paint or smooth stone and truly connect with the masterpiece.  

My fingers certainly weren't disappointed! Upon arrival, I noticed while there were entirely new booths to discover, several of our existing vendors had also brought new finds. Everywhere I turned there were so many wonderful new treasures to enjoy. Here is a sampling of what I discovered...

These vintage "Flying Crane" thermal tumblers have an Asian feel and would bring some style to any morning commute.  They have sturdy handles to protect from spills and burnt fingers!

This Mid-Century radio is so elegant with its sleek design and clean lines.  Whether hosting a party or  cleaning your pad, this Motorola would make any occasion just little more groovy.

"Oh playmate, come on out and play with me and bring you dollies three..." that old childrens' tune haunts me as I look at this precious play kitchen from the sixties.  I am immediately transported back in time to those lazy afternoons spent with my own dolls as I stocked my own pretend cupboards and shelves.  Now you too can share that simple joy with a little playmate of your own!

This cast iron wood stove has me anticipating those crisp fall afternoons and craving a cup of steaming hot cider.  I am also in love with the unique turquoise coloring. So unique!

This small selection of items are just some of the highlights of what I found on my journey through the store today.  Why not come see us and forge your own expedition through our treasures? I'm sure you'll be transported into a world filled with your own unique memories and childhood delights.  And, I promise you will not get scolded for handling the merchandise.  Here at Grassy Valley, we encourage you to feel!