Shamrocks ??

Here we are - putting February behind us already and keeping an eye out for Spring - anything Spring like ....

Oh wait .... look outside ... a Suburu just pulled up (an indication that I have a customer ... 90% of my customers drive Suburu’s). Out popped the Bremers, John and Shermy, with a Shamrock in tow! It IS happening ... Spring really IS going to happen!!

Anyway --- John and Shermy had a terrific idea to get us in the spirit of St Patricks day, Daylight Savings time and everything that leads up to getting ready to look for Spring. We are going to host a Shamrock Auction here in my shop.

Here’s how it works ...

John and Shermy own the mother stock of this very special Shamrock. John’s grandmother relocated it into the States when she emigrated from Germany in the late 1800’s. From there, just like Johnny Appleseed, John and his family have carried it with them as they’ve moved about the US - leaving little sprigs here and there for us Americans to enjoy. This particular breed of Shamrock is so special because of it’s delicate heart shaped leaves and it’s pretty PINK blossoms. It’s kind of like the perfect transition plant between St. Valentine and St. Patty, so I’ll just name the Shamrock - Saint!

We will have a silent auction, which means there will be a bid sheet right next to Saint, and you are welcome to place your bid whenever you visit the shop! Duncan got involved and suggested that proceeds from the auction go to Animeals ... Animeals of course is tickled pink (just like Saint’s blossoms)! On St. Patty’s day - 5:00 sharp - the bidding will close and the winner will be announced!

Jump in your Suburu, run it through the car wash (another spring thing to do in Missoula), then pop by the shop to see our fetching one of a kind Shamrock!

One last table!

And my final table submission for the week - A handy little kitchen side table, stand type of deal! A must for every gourmet! Stay tuned next week for "chairs".

Tables everywhere!

In sticking with my table theme this week --- here is a big one for the whole family!

Unusual ... in a charming kind of way!

This is the most curious side table ever!! The drawer opens from either side, the pattern is inlaid and the top surfaces are "man made wood".

Sturdy Occasional Table

Here is a versatile little fellow! Use as a TV stand, an end table, a coffee table - or a Saturday morning watch cartoons and eat cereal table!

Life's little instructions

Just like me, mom and dad are not real big on traveling (hummm, I wonder where they got that ...), but ... they do have a little get away down in Ketchum Idaho. I just love it when they arrive home after one of their jaunts to the condo because they are always loaded up with new fun treasures and surprises from their rounds in the “gently used stuff” shops (namely, The Barkin’ Basement and The Gold Mine).

The most coveted item from this trip was one of those framed inspirational message deals - this one is entitled “Life’s Little Instructions” - by H. Jackson Brown Jr. Usually, I don’t take the time to read these things all the way through, but once I got a couple of lines into it, I deemed it the cutest poem ever, and stole it from Mom.

Since the piece technically qualifies as swindled property, I can’t sell it - but it is on display in my shop and if you want to stop by and see if you like it too, I would be delighted to share a copy.

Here is a photo of the real thing -- a treasure worth repeating! Duncans favorite line is the one that says “have a dog” ... go figure!

Vintage Typing Table

Not just for typing anymore!!

Vintage Card Tables are Collectors items???

.... in certain circles ... yes they are!!

Happy Valentines Day!

think pink!!

I'm Back!!

As some of you may recall ... in my last Friday note I was running around with my hair on fire, all worried about my upcoming airplane ride. Well, I am pleased to report that it all went just great! I take my hat off to Delta and their nice airplanes, their delicious complimentary peanuts, and their very capable flight staff. They really have improved flying since the days of the Wright Brothers!

There’s another guy I want to thank for his service in my absence and that is my dad! As many of you discovered, while I was flitting about in my airplane, my folks and Duncan were in charge of the shop. Well ... just before I left, The Missoulian ran a fabulous story about Echo ... (thank you Lori Grannis), and the flood gates opened! Now usually, it’s Big D (Duncan), who gets all the publicity and kudos for his hard work, but this week, it was dad who had the cool head, a steady hand and kept the place afloat. Through all the excitement, through all of the customers, through all of the furniture moving in, out and about --- he sat in the shop and carved. For that ... I’m naming him my employee of the month and awarding him his own parking space! Good work, dad!

Now that we’ve got that business out of the road, I need to remind everyone that Valentines day is Sunday. Really ... what could be more romantic than furniture and a heartware heart!

Happy Heart Day!

Romantic Gift Idea #2!

Pretty white valentine chairs! Perfect for watching TV with your sweetheart - whomever that sweetheart might be!

Romantic Gift Idea!

A sweet little valentine lamp! Here are three currently available at Echo!

Think Pink!

I'm Back!! Had a great trip, but I'm so glad to be home! This week, in honor of valentines day, I am discussing only things that are pink or that have hearts on them! Here is my first submission - a darling pink door on a darling white house! Everyone ... get out your paint!