Tomorrow, I'm having Beth and a couple other friends over for a craft day. Thinking about that, made me realize that I never posted any photos of the last day that we got to hang out together, which was at our favorite flea, Sparks and White Cloud.
We go every Spring and Fall, and have for years. No matter how many times I go, I never get over the oddness of the towns. Is there anything there when the flea mkt is not set up? I see a few houses in Sparks and even more in White Cloud, but it still has that air of abandonment.
This old place makes me think of Kansas back in the days of the wild West. I always want to go in and order a sasperilla, except saspirilla tastes nasty when its fresh anyway, I'd hate to sip a 150 year old glass of the stuff and it looks like its been that long since this business was open.
Some of the old structures are used for store fronts for the weekend, the rest just sit empty. To me, there is an over all ghostly feel to the towns.
This window has looked like this for years. I don't know if the previous shopkeeper was trying to send a message with this array, or if he just walked away and this inventory happened to be left over.
Could he be asking Jesus to raise his business from the dead?
I know that people do live in White Cloud, because of the pets that are roaming the streets. This is Fred, the 3 legged dog.
Maybe he is 3 legged because he lives in a town with no leash laws and he loves running in the streets?
These towns are lovable to me because of all their oddities, but its really the junk that I go for. The dealers have great prices and stuff that I love.
You never know what you'll find there. Or what new friends you'll meet.
Hmm, I think Elsie the cow is checking out my rack.
Its always a party! Where else can you find a cool, $1, faded, pink lampshade and feel perfectly comfortable wearing it on your head?
I heard someone saying that this flea has made it to the top of some list about the best bargain flea mkt in the country. I don't know where the list was or who made it though. Could just be some old coots talking around the funnel cake stand making up lists. But I do think that the prices are durn good there and I'm always happy with my finds.
Especially what I get on the dollar tables. There was one dollar table that I spent over 50 bucks at.
Even if I don't buy a ton of stuff, I'm kept entertained all day by the ambiance of the place.
By the way, just a reminder that I'm having a sale in the Boutique and on Etsy- FREE shipping on all millinery for the month of May!
Also, I'm missing all the commotion and excitement of Birdsong and was wondering if a swap would cheer me up... anyone interested in a Birdsong Tag Book Swap?
If it's anything like your other tag book swaps, count me in sista! Sparks looks wonderful, were you the only 2 there? I was picturing a mob scene.
Love the new "fascinator" - fit for the royal wedding I'd say!
Leann
Posted by: Leann | May 13, 2011 at 07:44 AM
I would love to join in one of your tag book swaps. They are always fabulous! Please add me to the list! LOVE the look of the flea market. Looks like a grand place to spend a day or two.
Posted by: Evelyn | May 13, 2011 at 08:19 AM
Oh Karla, I'm drooling over those adorable lamp shades. I never find cute one's like that. If I do, they are in terrible shape. Are you keeping or selling them? If selling, I would be very interested in buy them. Have a great weekend!
XO,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | May 13, 2011 at 09:25 AM
So wish I could post but my blogger isn't working. Love all the pics you shared. Hugs!
Posted by: Thespoena McLaughlin | May 13, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Are you kidding. I would love a swap.
Count me in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon, Morrison Mercantile | May 13, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Karla, loved the quip about "raising the dead" Have to tell ya, that some 11 hr. work days I'm feeling kinda down but each and every time I come here it always cheers me up. Sometimes I just pretend I'm there with you at one of your crafting days or on an outing, I know a little looney, but whatever gets you through sometimes, ya know.
Posted by: Christie Pennington | May 13, 2011 at 10:45 AM
What a delightful place to explore!! I just love all the colorful little footstools! Please count me in for your tag book swap...I would be over the moon to participate!
xox
Karen
Posted by: Karen Hess | May 13, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Karla, you're a riot ! I love the funny comments ! You crack me up ! What awesome finds ! Take Care.
Love,
Deborah
Posted by: Deborah Woodrow | May 13, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Hi Karla! Looks like your cart is filled with delightful goodies, love the soft colors, and those lampshades so perfect! Treasures found and awaiting discovery! Looks like you and Beth had a great time! Through the wandering, discovering, and laughter ^.^ Love Elsie the Cow! LOL Sparks and White Cloud look intriguing. Me?, I adore an old town with a ghostly feel to it. ;o} A haunting town and stuff to love all in one day! Can't beat that!
Hugs to you,
Kimphy
Posted by: Kimphy | May 13, 2011 at 02:43 PM
I would LOVE to be included in your tag book swap :-)
Posted by: Cheryl | May 13, 2011 at 02:50 PM
That looks like a lot of fun! I wonder if I would start looking, I would find more places like this in Minnesota.
I loved the pictures of Birdsong. You could have gone on forever! I love looking at different people's sites, too, so I really feel like I have gotten a great taste of it. you put on wonderful retreat, Karla. I could come in my "regular" clothes and feel comfortable! I told Beth I thought you should have a pajama crafting night...or maybe a whole day crafting in your pajamas ;-)
Posted by: Susan Reaney | May 13, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Sounds like fun. i've never done one but I might give it a try. Missing you and all the fun and seeing my "home" again!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | May 13, 2011 at 06:03 PM
Love it! You two have the best fun together! When I saw the title I thought, "Oh, no! Twinkle!!!" Glad it was just a really fun time!
Posted by: jeanie | May 13, 2011 at 07:05 PM
Oh yes! I want to be in your swap. Missed the Alice one and having e-mailed Lisa a couple of times, she told me to be sure to join one if I ever got the chance. Love your blog and always looking forward to new posts!
Posted by: gypsy rose | May 13, 2011 at 07:34 PM
Um, would I seem like a total glutton if I wanted to be in your tag book swap...since I was at Birdsong? I can't help it, I wanna!! I love your photos of Sparks! It was a fun, fun experience to be there. I'll have to post my Sparks goodies...soon! Oh, and I took a picture with the cow, too!!
Posted by: Laurie | May 13, 2011 at 08:05 PM
Looks like you all had a great time...I love flea markets and those looked like fun..... love the photo of you and Miss Bossy.....hehehe have a great weekend,
Hugs;
Alaura
Posted by: alaurajane | May 13, 2011 at 09:19 PM
Tag swap sounds like a wonderful idea...Count me in!!
Posted by: Stephanie O. | May 13, 2011 at 09:43 PM
Those lamp shades are beautiful -- even as a hat! ~Lindy
Posted by: Lindy | May 13, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Looks like you two had a wonderful time!! I love the lampshade on your head!! hahaha
Kay Ellen
xo
Posted by: kayellen | May 20, 2011 at 08:36 PM