We Found YOU In Florence: Genieva Grigsby of Canton, Texas

You will find the most interesting people shopping in Florence—the antiques capital of Colorado. 

This time we found Genieva Grigsby of Canton, Texas. We overheard her talking with friends about shopping for antiques and collectibles all the way in Florence.

Of course my ears perked up. Why was it so unusual for someone from out of town to be finding treasures in Florence?

“Have you ever heard of Canton, Texas?” Genieva asked me.

I admitted I had not.

I was in for a delightful education. It turns out Canton has a population of less than 5,000 people—yet on First Monday Trade Days—anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 visitors flood the small town for what it purported to the country’s largest and oldest continuously operating flea market.

And Genieva works at the First Monday Trade Days, renting vendor spaces. “You can’t shop when you are working,” she laughed . Genieva has been working in the office at the flea market for about a decade.

The event hosts up to 6,000 vendors with a variety of merchandise ranging from antiques, collectibles, electronics and good old-fashioned junk.

So how did Genieva FIND Florence? She also has a home in Creede, Colorado. But friends from Pueblo accidentally discovered Florence years ago and could not wait to share Florence.

We found Genieva in Florence. And what did she find? Lots of things, besides a fun day with family and friends, and the thrill of the hunt. But she was particularly happy with this find.

She liked this vintage food chopper (found at Iron Gate Antique Mall for under $15) replete with a tomato graphic that matches her kitchen cabinets.

Most of us locally know that Florence has the largest amount of antiques stores in Colorado per capita—making it a paradise from shoppers all around the country, but it’s always fascinating to find out about other parts of the country.

Canton’s First Monday Trade Days started in the 1850s when the first Monday of the month was the time circuit judges made their rounds. Naturally the townspeople gathered for that and to catch up on town news and sell and trade farm and other items.

 The event eventually grew into the USA’s largest and oldest flea market that still retains its historical name, but now operates on Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month. You can find out more by going to: www.cantontxfirstmonday.com or: www.firstmondaycanton.com

Will we find YOU in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado? That's part of a new (an hopefully fun) feature on this blog. It's simple. There is so much to find in Florence, but we want to find YOU in Florence and see what YOU found in Florence. Even if we don't find you first, feel free to send us a selfie or picture of you and your Florence find. Simply include your name and where you are from, the item and what you plan to do with it. Try and get a Florence landmark or background in the picture, so we know you found it in Florence. And feel free to tell us how much you paid for it (if you want) and what store you purchased it from. Shop owners in Florence are also welcome to submit pictures (and a brief story) about who they found in Florence and have it appear on this blog. There is no charge on either end for this--it's all about fun and sharing.

Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun? A Leg & A Ho In Florence--The Antiques Capital Of Colorado

Who says antiques can't be fun? Certainly not me.

There are a few people in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--who seem to have a warped sense of humor. If you read a previous blog post, you saw just a sampling of window displays in honor the 88th annual Pioneer Days, slated for Sept. 18 to 20.

One of the most amusing windows was spotted at Legends and Lace with its sporting ladies and a gentleman caller getting ready for, ahem, a night of romance.

Then we went to Iron Gate Antiques Mall and spotted a window with some rather corny signs it. I noted there was a rumor a few more signs might pop up in the window. And I wasn't lying.

If you don't believe the level of silliness going on in the antiques trade (in select parts of Florence) breeze by the Iron Gate and Legends and Lace to see for yourself.

Since we visited the Iron Gate window last week--this sign popped up. GET A LEG UP ON YOUR SHOPPING. Sigh! How original!

That's an old dental or medical table (for sale) and a leg (yes, also for sale). And getting a leg up on the shopping refers to Junktique and Punktique on Sept. 18 and 19. Most people know about Junktique--and open air market replete with fine antiques, collectibles and plain, old junk and other fun stuff.

But Punktique is NEW! It's also an open air market, and caters to those interested in steampunk items. Now, a few weeks ago I did a search on the word--PUNKTIQUE. It does not come up that much, except in terms of an alternative music genre. So, (and you heard it hear first) the PUNKTIQUE open air market for steampunkers (and all those with tastes leaning towards neo-Victorian, industrial and gothic) in Florence, MIGHT well be one of the first such events in the USA. I say USA--because steampunk is much more popular in the UK and Australia and is starting to come into its own in the USA more.

Now, won't that be exciting--to be at one of the first punktique markets ever?

Back to the window display. Some of those window decorators at Iron Gate could not resist this one.

Oh, my goodness! Travesty upon the English language! Imagine getting a real antique HOE and imagining the pioneers might have been thinking about farm implements when they came up with the slogan: Westward Ho! What kind of crazed antiques dealers do they have in Florence?

See you at Pioneer Days and Junktique and Punktique. You won't know who I am. I'll have my camera. But I'll be in hiding. Why? Because as you might have guessed--I am the butcher of the English language responsible for these signs.

AND I also might see you somewhere in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--when I pop out of nowhere and ask to take your picture for our new feature: Will we find YOU in Florence?

We Found YOU In Florence, Colorado: Frankie Nelson & A Pitchfork

Will we find YOU in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado? That's part of a new (an hopefully fun) feature on this blog. It's simple. There is so much to find in Florence, but we want to find YOU in Florence and see what YOU found in Florence. Even if we don't find you first, feel free to send us a selfie or picture of you and your Florence find. Simply include your name and where you are from, the item and what you plan to do with it. Try and get a Florence landmark or background in the picture, so we know you found it in Florence. And feel free to tell us how much you paid for it (if you want) and what store you purchased it from.

This week we found FRANKIE NELSON OF CANON CITY in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado!

This nice lady was minding her own business and shopping in one of her favorite places in Florence--The Iron Gate Antiques Mall at 109 W. Main St.--when I popped out and FOUND HER IN FLORENCE.

Mrs. Nelson found a variety of treasures in Florence--but her main find was.... What do you think it was? I'll give you a hint.

You guessed it! A pitchfork. I was going to ask Mrs. Nelson to recreate this American Gothic artwork with her pitchfork purchase. But Mrs. Nelson was way too cheerful a person to even come close to pretending to be dour for a pitchfork picture.

Here's the real Frankie Nelson with her Florence pitchfork.

Yes, the dealers at Iron Gate (and in most of friendly Florence) care about customer safety. Those are some wine corks on the pitchfork tines.

Mrs. Nelson is an antiques dealer herself--so she knows Florence is one of the best places to come for fabulous finds for her own home and yard.

What do you think she's going to do with this antique beauty? She's going to put some corn cobs on them and make a delicious, antiquey, primitive bird feeder!

She even offered to send me a picture of the finished project, so I can put in on the blog.  So, she's my type of person and antiques collector--because she EXACTLY understood what we are going after on this blog, without me even explaining!

Mrs. Nelson also showed me lots of pictures of some fantastic things she's done in her home landscaping with antique wagons, a green thumb and sheer creativity. So, I cannot wait to see how she works this pitchfork into her autumn decor.

Yes, we found YOU in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado--Frankie Nelson. Thanks for being a creative inspiration and sharing your decorating ideas with us--and letting us FIND you and share in your enthusiasm for antiques,collectibles, decorating and creative living.

You want to be FOUND in Florence? You can either wait for me to pop out of nowhere with my camera and goofy look on my face, asking if you want to be on this blog---OR you can send us a picture of what you found in Florence. Please make sure there is a Florence landmark or background so we know you are indeed in Florence. Let us know where in Florence you found it--and even how much you paid for it, if you want. And let us know what you plan to do with it. And we LOVE pictures of how you put your fantastic Florence find to use in your home or yard--or who you plan to give it to as a gift.

Marijuana? The Million-Dollar Mistake? Find Out At The Florence Colorado Enquirer

Is not voting  recreational marijuana into Florence, Colorado-- the million-dollar mistake?

You can find that out, and a whole lot more at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FlorenceEnquirer/

This blog post is in NO way a political endorsement. I do not know who Mike Vendetti is--beyond the fact I saw his road signs a few days ago. He is running for the city council position in Ward 3 in Florence. And his signs claim there has been, a million-dollar mistake.

I went to his website at: www.mikevendetti.com and then went to his Facebook page for The Florence Colorado Enquirer.

I'm semi-new to Florence, so I have little to no knowledge who is who in city politics. But I did find Vendetti's website and Facebook page interesting. His love for Florence shines through.

I've been around Florence long enough to know that the city appears to be well-run, but is operating on a tight budget, as are most small towns. I've lived in a small town like Florence in another state and covered local issues for a newspaper--so I know, from the inside, some of the challenges small towns face in attempting to preserve all the things we love about small towns, without bringing in all the things we don't appreciate about major metropolitan areas.

And I have been around Florence long enough to know that most everyone I have met is relatively new to Florence. Most of do not know the politcal or fiscal climate in Florence. I think most people would be surprised just how many "new" people there are here--most of us just absorbing the ambiance and slowly getting acclimated. I think most people would be surprised WHY people move to Florence. I've asked a couple of dozen people, why, because I was in a retail position to be around new people moving into town. Perhaps someday I will write a post about the whys, because many of the answers surprised me.

Vendetti brings up some good points about bringing a recreational marijuana store to Florence.

I've always been against marijuana for recreational purposes.Years ago, I was one of the state's delegates that voted yes on medical and no on recreational. In my opinion, it is a travesty to not let medical marijuana in. And a travesty that the federal government is dragging its heels on more research on medical marijuana.

I still don't like the idea of recreational marijuana. But since my delegate days--I have changed my mind. I don't like the "idea" of it--for me personally. But if it is in the best interest of town like Florence, I am open to seeing the political discussion go forward.

Go and read Vendetti's pages for yourself. So many things made sense. And several things need more facts/research presented, in my opinion.

The Florence Colorado Enquirer had lots of input from people from all over Fremont County. And I learned more about Fremont County, Florence and what people think about recreational marijuana and a multitude of other things--than I have learned from my few short years here.

I hate to admit this, since I am in the antiques trade, but I think Florence is at a fiscal crossroads.

A fiscal crossroad that has to be addressed if the city is going to be able to maintain the services and infrastructure.

When I moved here, I assumed Florence was gaining most of its tax base from the antiques and art galleries. I recently spoke to someone who told me the city gets less that three percent of its tax base from the antiques stores and art galleries. Whether that is true or not, I don't know.

I still have mixed feelings about recreational marijuana. But one thing jumped out at me on The Florence Colorado Enquirer Facebook page. Vendetti suggested the town really finds out what need and demand is here. He totally supports the antiques and arts scene here for the ambience and culture (as I do) but suggested people might want to see if the recreational marijuana store idea filled the bigger need for finances. And if the stronger demand was for antiques or recreational marijuana.


That comment made me recall something that I had forgotten about. I talk to and work with dozens of antique dealers in a variety of stores. I know what they make. They tell me without me asking. I tell them what I make.

And one of them once told me, "I've been in this business for years. I'm barely scraping by. What are we doing wrong? I think we are in the wrong business--and this town needs recreational marijuana stores."

I dismissed that idea, even though I got a kick out of the suggestion that a bunch of antiques dealers start a co-op and get into selling legal pot. I had replied to the dealer, "Well, you should hire me as a manager, because I detest the smell of pot and the whole thing (except medical marijuana) because you would be sure I'd never be tempted to filch any pot. Now, if we were thinking of starting an ice cream or candy store--I'd be tempted to sample a little of our wares."

It is rather sobering to think that I had forgotten about these conversations, and totally dismissed that Florence should consider recreational marijuana stores. And recreational marijuana would no doubt bring a tourist clientele to the area, that would probably stop in the antiques and art galleries and restaurants. I hate to admit it--but I think it's true.

Being relatively new the area, I was not aware that Florence had voted for recreational marijuana. I was not aware that the prisons haven't totally brought in the jobs. I wasn't aware that major industry won't come to Florence because we don't have that much skilled labor.

As I said, I learned more at Vendetti's website and Facebook page in less than an hour, than I did from living here. So, no matter where one comes down on the recreational marijuana issue, his pages are not only an eye-opener--but educational.

Again, this post is NOT a political endorsement or an endorsement of recreational marijuana in Florence. It IS an endorsement of using some of the research Vendetti and others have done to find out what people in Florence really need and want. And finding out what is best to preserve what most of us appreciate about Florence.

Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun: Florence, Colorado

Who says antiques can't be fun? As most everyone knows, Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado is gearing up for the 88th Annual Pioneer Days, held Sept. 18 to 20. This year the event will have a bit of steampunk flair.

There will be a steampunk ball street dance and Punktique. Annually, bargain hunters descend on Florence for Junktique--a cavalcade of bargains, antiques and good old-fashioned junk. New this year is Punktique--and open air steampunk market held at the same time as Junktique.

There are already lots of signs in Florence's windows welcoming steampunkers.

And a few windows that prove: antiques can be fun.

This was taken at Legends and Lace. This dude is taking a bath and strumming a melody: Love Always, according to his sheet music.

Ah! Seems innocent enough. Let's "pan" over to the other side of the window.

Oh my! You can't see it very well in the picture, but that there fancy lady is holding a cigarette holder and some money in her hand. And there's a pile of money on the table. My goodness! That dude is getting ready for an evening with the sporting ladies. The window is quite the homage to racy ladies--and I love it.

Let's move down Florence's Main St. a little. Someone with a warped sense of humor was busy at the Iron Gate Antique Mall.

Looks innocuous enough. A bunch of grates hanging on the wall in the window. Yeah, it's a little steampunk. But you can't really see the sign in the right side of the picture. Some joker put up a sign that reads: Isn't This A "Grate" Wall? Honestly, I am appalled by that sign. When I find out who put it up there--I will tell them that antiques are a serious business and nothing to joke about.

What else is in the window at Iron Gate? Well, it's an homage to pioneers with a little steampunk thrown in.

Yes, someone had the audacity to dress a nice pioneer woman up, plunk a steampunk-inspired hat on her noggin and then give her a suitcase, a bear skull and a badminton racquet to fend off all the animals in the Old West (pictured in the background). She was placed in a Victorian-era baby buggy with a gizmo and light bulb-- to steampunk-power her buggy across the lone prairie.

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At the top of this picture, one can see the wheels of her steampunk-powered buggy, which also has a big chain and anchor in the back. Why you ask? Just because.

There's some more taxidermied animals and a nice display of antique wheels. The same joker who put that "grate" wall sign up, decided to put a HOT WHEELS sign on that big rusty John Deere wheel.

There's a few more signs in the window. Rumor has it these window decorators were also going after that Burma Shave sign ambience. And rumor has it that a few more of those corny and appalling signs might appear in the window before Pioneer Days. I hear that one of the signs that might pop up is SO silly that people might gasp in shock.

All this nonsense really has to stop. People will start thinking antiques are fun. Wait, they are!

See you all at Pioneer Days, Junktique and Punktique. How will you know who I am? I'll be wearing a red rose. No, actually, I'll be wearing a taxidermied skunk with a sign around my neck that reads: SteamSkunk.

We Found YOU In Florence: Patty & Fred Adkison & Blake Hansen

Will we find YOU in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado? That's part of a new (an hopefully fun) feature on this blog. It's simple. There is so much to find in Florence, but we want to find YOU in Florence and see what YOU found in Florence. Congratulations to Patty and Fred Adkison of Canon City, Colorado. They were the first people we found in Florence and they were happy to share their Florence find with us. Even if we don't find you first, feel free to send us a selfie or picture of you and your Florence find. Simply include your name and where you are from, the item and what you plan to do with it. Try and get a Florence landmark or background in the picture, so we know you found it in Florence. And feel free to tell us how much you paid for it (if you want) and what store you purchased it from.

It was a family outing last weekend, when Patty and Fred Adkison, of Canon City, took their grandson, Blake Hansen, on an antiques junket to nearby Florence.

I have it on good authority that there was a little ice cream and a few hugs for Blake as he enjoyed the day with his grandparents, who happened to find exactly what they were looking for in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado.

The Adkisons were visiting South Dakota and spotted many antique bed frames that some one had turned into outdoor benches. They snapped a lot of pictures. "We even brought a bed home from South Dakota," Patty said.

Of course, the Adkisons, knew the antiques capital of Colorado was just a few miles from their home and they thought they would see what they could find in Florence.

The Adkisons found one bed frame with rails (for $75) that Blake was eager to turn into a bench. According to Fred, bed rails aren't necessary in making the benches, though. Some angle iron works just fine.

Then they discovered a second bed frame in The Iron Gate Antique Mall (109 W. Main St.) pictured above. No bed rails--but the price was just $60. We loved both of the bed frames they purchased, but were particularly taken with this one due to the Art Deco style and well-preserved paint rendering of urns and flowers. Look above Blake's head, and you can spot some of the details.

The Adkisons promised to send a photo or two of the completed benches. We look forward to that. And if they do--of course, we'll put it on this blog, so you too can get inspired, not only by the great antiques in Florence, but by the creative energy people like the Adkisons are inspired by.

If we find YOU in Florence, and snap a picture of two of you and your finds (with your permission) you'll receive a little, bright green card with this blog address, so you can find the blog with your picture and story. And remember--if we don't find YOU first--feel free to contact us at this blog and we'll consider putting your picture and brief story online. There is no charge on either end for this. This is all free and just for fun!

Will We Find YOU In Florence, The Antiques Capital of Colorado?

Some very talented people have come up with a new marketing campaign for Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado.

I won't go into details, since it will all be unveiled soon. This blog has nothing to do with that great marketing campaign--but will offer  free publicity, if needed, on this blog.

I'm excited about the new marketing slogan: FIND IT IN FLORENCE. The graphics of the new look for Florence's marketing are exciting.

And I'm also excited about a new feature on this blog.

Most people know Florence has the most antiques stores per capita in the state. And we have lots of art galleries, eateries and more. So, finding it in Florence is not only easy for collectors, art aficionados and decorators--it's an experience.

That got the rusty steampunk wheels in my head turning. Yes, it's easy to find IT in Florence. But, will we find YOU in Florence?

I'm a part-time antiques dealer and I love helping find all manner of widgets, gadgets, food and more in Florence. I've been doing it for years. And I love it just as much when I help someone find a treasure, even if it isn't mine--or associated with the shops I have worked in, or currently work in.

BUT what I really love is hearing about the experience and people BEHIND the fantastic things people find in Florence.

I could tell a hundred stories about the interesting people I've met in Florence's antiques stores.

I come home and tell my husband and friends about the cool people I've met and the great items they find--and WHY they wanted the items.

So, I thought: Why not share all these stories with all my blog readers?

Years ago, I used to photograph and write a weekly column. Rather a man-on-the-street piece. One where you just jump out and ask people a question and take their picture for a newspaper. It was one of the best things I ever did. People didn't have time to think, so they often spoke what is in their hearts--and the results were usually heartwarming, poignant or humorous. And honest.

So,  the new feature here will be, WILL WE FIND YOU IN FLORENCE? More specifically, will I find you in Florence? I won't mention which shop I'll most likely be at with my camera and notebook. Or which days. And sometimes I might be in the coffee shop or a restaraunt. And I might jump out and surprise you and ask you what YOU found in Florence. I'll take your picture (with your permission) and ask you to briefly tell what you found and what you are going to do with it.

You'll receive a little card (done on my computer) on bright green paper that will read:

You’ve Been Found In Florence—The

Antiques Capital Of

Colorado!

THANKS for letting us take your picture and share what YOU have found in Florence.

Your picture and brief story will soon be available for viewing at:

www.truestoryclub@blogspot.com

That's all there is too it. Within a few days, or few weeks, depending on my schedule, you'll be on this blog and have something to share with your family, friends and people around the world.

I do this for free. No one can pay me to get on the blog. It's just for fun, and because I am genuinely interested in what people think, feel and buy. I'm interested in the experience people find in Florence.

I've already" jumped out" and got a picture and brief story of what a very nice couple in Canon City are doing with their Florence finds. Watch for it soon.

So, will I find YOU in Florence? I hope so.

And if I don't find you in Florence, feel free to send a picture or selfie of you and your Florence find and I might choose it for this blog. Just make sure there is some type of background or landmark in the picture that makes it clear you in Florence.

And I'm also asking people  who have been "found" in Florence, to keep me and blog readers updated on their Florence finds. For example, many of the people I've talked to (without a camera or notebook in hand) have told me they have some great upcycled or art projects planned for the antiques they have found in Florence. And I am curious to see the finished project! 

Florence: The Unofficial Steampunk Capital of Colorado?

Is Florence the unofficial steampunk capital of Colorado? I'm beginning to think so.

Let me count the reasons. Florence had its first steampunk festival, April 11-12 of this year. As far as first-year festivals go--it was a success. So much so that Florence is now hosting Punktique.

What's Punktique you ask? Good question. I did a web search and the word Punktique doesn't come up that often. It's a good idea whose time has apparently come. And it's coming to Florence.

Let's backtrack for those who are not familiar with Florence, Colorado. Florence is the official antiques capital of Colorado. More antiques stores, per capita than anywhere in the state. Those of us who work in antiques store here chat with browsers and customers from all over the country--but the majority come from Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver. And many of them exclaim, " I had NO idea Florence had all these shops and cool stuff."

Florence also has a history as an oil and coal town. And a history of being a pioneer town that is wonderfully preserved, with more historical preservation in the works.

Many people in Colorado do know about Pioneer Days.

It's the 88th year of Pioneer Days. The main force behind the event is to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of past pioneers in the area and their descendants--many of whom are still pioneering in the community.

Of course there is a parade. One of the best parades actually. Dancing, art, food, crafts, a tractor pull and more. But one of the centerpieces has been Junktique. Part of Santa Fe Avenue is closed down and local vendors and out-of-state vendors sell their wares in an open air market. There are fine antiques, good antiques and plain old good junk and bargains. Owners of the many antiques stores and art galleries and other business often have sidewalk sales. Junktique is fairly legendary among decorators and bargain shoppers.

And now there is PUNKTIQUE. Florence's first steampunk festival was such a success, it was decided to add steampunk events to Pioneer Days--and now Punktique will stand proudly along with Junktique on Friday and Saturday--Sept. 18 and 19.

Oh, and there's more. So much more. On Sept. 18, there will be a Steampunk Ball Street Dance with Midnight Sun playing.

Yes, the second year of a steampunk festival in Florence. Mark your calendars for April 9 and 10 of 2016.

If all this wasn't enough to convince me that Florence is becoming the unofficial steampunk capital of Colorado--it is that fact that many of the antique and art galleries are resplendent with steampunk fashions, rusty widgets, sculptures, jewelry and more steampunk deliciousness.

And I have it on good authority that many of the shops and galleries' owners were not fully aware of the steampunk mother lode they housed routinely until preparations were being made for the first steampunk festival.

In future blog posts, I'll take readers on an exclusive tour of all the steampunk, Victorian, industrial and generally cool items Florence has year-round.

Florence has a kicking steampunk festival. And now Punktique. And a built-in source of talented antiques dealers and artisans that have been dealing in steampunk, neo-Victorian and industrial items for years.

What will you find in Florence? History. Antiques. Architecture. Steampunk.Junk. Bargains Art. Great food. Smalltown USA. A break from the hustle and bustles (pun intended) of the everyday world.

And stuff like this.

I've given you just a hint of what you'll find in Florence. But the real question is: Will we find you in Florence for Pioneer Days and Punktique? I hope so, because there is quite the experience waiting for you.

Florence, Colorado: Svetlana & Gunnar Piltingsrud On House Hunters -- A Huge Hit

I had no idea who the Florence, Colorado couple was, to be featured on House Hunters on HGTV until two days before the show. And in my eyes, the show was a huge hit on many levels.

Anyone's who read this blog, knows I am a huge fan of Florence and Florentines.

I've seen many episodes of House Hunters with my husband and sometimes we comment to each other that the "house hunters" are whiners. Tee hee! We thought we were the only ones, behind closed doors who dared to think such a sassy thing.

Svetlana and Gunnar Piltingsrud was the Florence couple featured and I noticed they both came across as charming, sweet and genuine folks. Nary a whine!

I've never seen Gunnar, until the show aired. I don't know Svetlana, but I have visited her wonderful art gallery in Florence. And I might have had the pleasure of bagging a vintage find or two for her when she shops in Florence's antiques district. And from what I've seen in those limited contacts--a truly class act.

I'm thinking all these things to myself. Tonight I went to HGTV's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/HGTVHouseHunters and I chuckled when I read the posts about the Piltingsrud's episode. People were delighted there was NO whining as they looked at the houses--and how the family came across as so genuine--and well, humble and grateful.

I had no idea that people across the nation were a little put off at times from other House Hunter's occasional whining. Svetlana even went to the House Hunter's Facebook page and made a fabulous post concerning whining. I won't ruin it for you--go read it for yourselves.

I'm an unashamed bragger of Florence. Now I am even more impressed. And the Piltingsrud family--well, Florence truly could not have had better spokespeople to represent how most people are here. Hardworking. Some artistic like Svetlana.Creative. Appreciative. Genuine. And not too many whiners!

I'm with all the posters at HGTV's Facebook page. I want to see an update when this Florence couple finishes the remodel and decorating. Their original house was so tasteful, I cannot wait to see what they do to this beauty.

I am hoping the house is eventually featured on one of Florence's house tours. And I am even hoping there might be a fundraising ice cream social, or some such event, on the grounds of this mansion to benefit one of the many art, historical, preservation or cultural programs in Florence. Yes, I am a house addict and uber curious and will come up with any idea to see the inside of the house. Seems like a lot of viewers feel the same way.

The show was also fun, because the producers did a great job of showing other shots of Florence. I did chuckle when a shot of Royal Gorge showed up, and it almost looked like it was suggested it was in Florence. Close, but still about 20 miles away. But the show did such a lovely job of showing the river, scenic beauty and how charming this area is.

The Piltingsrud's did their "decison" chat at the Aspen Leaf Bakery and Cafe.

Yes, it's not only worth the drive to view Florence's architectural gems--it's worth the drive to nosh at the Aspen Leaf.

When my husband and first decided we had to move to this area, we did a drive-by of some of Florence's real estate. One of the same houses the Piltingsrud's viewed, we drove by. And we had the exact same comment. The porch had a lot of spindles in need of work.

I had the pleasure of going into the other house the Piltingsrud's viewed. We were invited there for a birthday party and got to see the main house and the basement apartment. The views are fantastic. And that basement with all the stonework? Pretty amazing in person. And my husband and I had the same reaction to the bathroom--some type of pod.

What a fun show! What fun houses. And what a fun couple! I've been telling people all along that Florence is one of the funnest places I've ever been. I even call it the FUNkytown of Fremont County. Funky in a good way.

And now the whole country knows. Yeah!

Florence, Colorado: These Jersey Girls Don't Cuss & Produce Some Goodies

I just saw some Jersey Girls that don't cuss, know how to behave and produce some real goodies.

I know this bovine beauty is no Snookie. She's better.

And I just discovered her.

Most of us have heard about farm to table, the move to treat farm animals responsibly and agritourism. I have no idea there was such a diversity of agriculture and yummies (did I mention yummies) right in my own backyard in Fremont County. Actually in Florence--the jewel of Fremont County-- with green fields, lots of cows, horses, llamas, goats and chickens.

There is a family business, Jersey Girl Farms, that provides shares in a Jersey Girl. I'm such a former city girl, I have no idea one could buy a share in a moo cow and then pay some for its board and then get lots of fresh, raw organic milk.

Jersey Girls Farms has an adorable Facebook page. Adorable if you like pictures of adorable baby farms animals. It's at: https://www.facebook.com/JerseyGirlsFarm

The farm also offers heirloom pork from very happy porkers that don't know what a cage is and eggs from chickens that also don't know what cages are.

You can read all about it at: http://jerseygirlsmilkshares.com/ But after you are done reading, make sure and fill your table with good, responsibly raised local food.

Florence, Colorado: Victorian Mansion To Be Featured On HGTV'S HOUSE HUNTERS

It will be exciting to see Florence, Colorado get some worldwide recognition, when HGTV airs an episode of the popular series, House Hunters, that features a palatial Victorian mansion.

I already have my TV set on autotune for August 11, at 8 p.m., Mountain Time for HGTV.

The episode will chronicle a couple’s search for more room and the desire for a Victorian fixer-upper, according to the HGTV description.

The featured house will be the Thomas Robison mansion, built in 1895 for the founder of the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad founder. All aboard for an exciting peek into yet another aspect of Florence’s fascinating architecture and history.

I’ve never been in the mansion unfortunately. But I’ve been on many a house tour in Fremont County. In fact, I really should get an award for gawking at the most houses in Colorado. Yeah, I troll real estate online sites even when I am not looking to buy a property.

No, I don’t sing, “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.”  I sing off-key, “Houses Are A Girl’s Best Friend.” Yeah, just try to live in and decorate a diamond ring.

Okay, perhaps I have a penchant for houses of all types. Log cabins, yurts, mansions, tiny houses, Victorian, Craftsman. It matters not.

And how twitterpated I am  a house that I am in driving distance of will be featured on HGTV. If you catch me anywhere in Colorado with my binoculars, don’t call the police. Just call House Addicts Anonymous and report me.

The only downside to Florence, Colorado being on HGTV is that the whole country and parts of the world will now know a little secret: Florence has some of the most fantastic houses at prices more reasonable than most parts of the state. If this nonsense continues, people will figure out that Fremont County also has some of the best weather in the state. No, my career has nothing to do with real estate. I just know good things when I see them.

If you don’t tell anyone about some of these treasures in Florence, I won’t either.

John Denver: To Answer In Kindness...To Ever Be Gentle

To answer in kindness...To ever be gentle.  Those are lyrics from John Denver's, A Song For All Lovers. And everytime I hear those lyrics, it's as I've been to church. Church. Not necessarily a building, but a place in the spirit. Those words John Denver wrote so many years ago are timeless and I should remember those words, as words to always live by.

I've been  fan of John Denver since I was a teen. But it's only very recently that I heard of this song, A Song For All Lovers. Even though the song was written for a friend of his, Mardy Murie, and speaks of Alaska--the song reminds me of everything that is good about people that commit to others in love, gentleness and kindness. And it reminds me of Colorado.

There is something special about everyplace on earth where there is love, gentleness and kindness. But Colorado holds a special place in my heart. And as a teen, when I dreamed of returning to Colorado, I played  scratchy LP's of John Denver to remind me that someday I would come to Colorado.

Most of us are familiar with John Denver's anthems that transcend time and place. Most of us have used John Denver's songs as an anthem to Colorado. I've met more than one person, who as a young person, was inspired to move to Colorado because of the beauty he painted in his songs.

But, A Song For All Lovers, is one of Denver's more obscure songs. But it is one of his best. Apparently it was not released anytime soon after he wrote it. But it did appear in 1995 on his, The Wildlife Concert. I semi-recently caught a bit of that concert on PBS and wondered why I had never heard this song, that haunted me.

"To answer in kindness, to ever begin
To ever be gentle, to always be strong
To walk in the wonder, to live in the song..."

Most everything good and decent in the human spirit is captured in this song. And now, I refer to it as a reminder, my anthem,  to always be gentle and kind and walk in wonder--even when life seems anything but pleasant. I find the song spiritual. It touches my spirit.

There are a fair amount of videos on You Tube of John Denver's A Song For All Lovers. But this one is a favorite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO7RCMXUBjs

After refreshing my memory with this song, I wondered why it isn't a staple for weddings. It is, at its core, a song about two people's undying commitment to one another. And at its core, its a song of how we should live our lives, in how we respond to all people.

Thank you John Denver, for reminding me and inspiring me being gentle and kind and walk in wonder.

Rocky Mountain Sigh: Museum Of Colorado Prisons In Canon City

It's time for another Rocky Mountain Sigh: A fun day trip in Colorful Colorado to the Museum of Colorado Prisons. I took company to this museum and have been another time. It's truly one of the best museum experiences anywhere. OK, the Natural Museum of History in NYC and Louvre in Paris were pretty good too. It's one of the best museum experiences in Colorado.

And someone at the museum has a sense of humor!

This is a reenactment of what a vintage prison cell for women looked like. Notice the brand of toothpaste that supermodel prisoner is holding. AIM! As in: Ready, aim, fire that gun in the commission of a crime?

Most of the displays are in the actual 32 cells. This exhibit reenacts the typical prison guard of yesteryear. My goodness, I thought I was at a maritime museum. This dude looks like a salty old sea captain with a twinkle in his eye. He probably just saw the babes with the AIM toothpaste. Why, it even looks like he has a harpoon in the background to keep them whales, or prisoners in check.

 

Wait, these are the visiting rules at prisons? These are the visiting rules at MY house. I don't allow anyone to sit between my legs. My only question is what exactly constitutes excessive hugging or kissing?

Armed with the naked fury of fact! Wait, that's how I write! But I wasn't around in the 1940s when the movie CANON CITY was made to chronicle the sensational 1947 prison break from the Colorado Territorial Prison. According to the museum brochure and MP3 audio tour, 12 crazed cons overpowered guards to make their way up the Arkansas River. A major blizzard thwarted their efforts.

OKAY, I lied. The Museum of Colorado Prisons is almost as good as the Louvre, where the real Mona Lisa is displayed. It's pretty hard to impress me. The REAL Mona Lisa painting is very small. You don't have to travel all the way to France to see Mona--the Museum of Colorado Prisons has this one, painted by a former inmate. For centuries, art historians and the commoner have speculated on what that sly grin on Mona's face was expressing. I think I finally figured it out. She spotted that hottie in the cell with the AIM toothpaste and got a slight giggle out of the ONLY truly appropriate brand of toothpaste for hardened criminals.

If you are a regular blog reader at True Story Club, you know we like to poke a little fun at ill-conceived handicrafts. But I can't bring myself to make fun of this cute little owl some prisoner made out of yarn.

Actually the Museum of Colorado Prisons has a wonderful gift shop with very reasonably priced items. Some of the items are made by current prisoners. One of the best buys there are handcuff earrings for just $5.

The museum is located at 201 North First Street in Canon City, right next to the Colorado Territorial Prison. The museum at one time was the original Women's Correctional Facility.

The museum is open May 15 to Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. From Oct. 1 to May 14, it's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays only. The phone number is: 719-269-3015.

The website is: www.prisonmuseum.org

Admission for adults is just $7 and there are reduced rates for seniors, children, active military and corrections employees. It's one of the best museum bargains--and one of the most interesting looks into Colorado history ever.

And if something from another plane is your cup of tea, you can call the museum, which is available for paranormal investigations for a fee. Hmm, I just might do that. I know the chick with the tube of AIM toothpaste is still haunting me.

There Is Only One Punishment For Ariana Grande, Donut Licker

Ah, if only I were a judge and I could mete out the punishment if pop star Ariana Grande is indeed guilty of "maliciously licking" a donut in a Los Angeles area donut shop.

There really is only one truly appropriate punishment. I usually go to ETSY to punish myself by looking at some of the unusual handmade fashions on that site. Why shouldn't alleged donut licker Ariana also be tortured as I am--a person who has never publicly licked a donut.

If I were a judge I would sentence her to one year of wearing these.

Only $49 bucks at ETSY. Sooo sexy. I'd make her order the jumbo size. After all, according to her, Americans are into jumbo sizes. Apparently after a donut shop worker walked by with a tray of jumbo donuts, Ariana chirped through her sugary lips, "What the F... is that? I hate Americans. I hate America."

Tssk, Tssk. Even 22-year-old pop stars should clean up their potty mouths. After all her potty mouth might kiss her mother someday, or lick an innocent donut.

Have some class. Even I don't say WTF out loud, even when I am thinking it about donut-slobbering pop stars. Instead I say this:

OK, my sentence doesn't end there. The ETSY donut undies don't totally do the trick, even though some pop stars wear their undies in public--and lick donuts in public.

I'd make her wear these also.

Another ETSY delight.

Well, heck, there are so many donut fashions at ETSY, it wouldn't be difficult to make Ariana wear donut fashions for that year sentence.

I understand Ariana has a new boyfriend. She might not if she shows up wearing this ETSY beauty.

Rocky Mountain Sigh: Death-Defying Trip To Canon City's Skyline Drive Part 2

We were all enjoying the dinosaur trackway at Canon City's Skyline Drive. I decided that nearly getting thrown over the side of the cliff and nearly getting blown over in a porta-pottie was not going to rain on my parade--or anyone else's parade.

Crack! A bolt of lightening shreeks. OK, I lied. I'm afraid of four things: Clown collectibles, heights, porta-potties and lightening. I have reason to be afraid of lightening. A lightening fireball blew through our window swamp cooler once and nearly got me. And the lightening also blew a chunk out of the road in front of our house before totally frying our SUV. But that's another story. And honestly folks, Colorado is wonderful. Even for chickens like me.

Granny was also afraid of lightening. My husband and teenager, not so much. I start jogging towards the car. Slowly. Teenager is not afraid and is ambling. Granny is scared, but still had her sprained ankle wrapped from a previous incident (not in Colorado) and is also ambling, but with a look of fear on her face.

Crack! This time the lightening appears to be hitting just feet in front of us, right in the road.

"We've got to get the the car," Granny gasped.

I cheerfully reply," I just saw something on the local news, where even one's car is not totally safe in a lightening storm." I then proceed to tell her our SUV was fried in front of our home, thankfully without us in it--but if we would have been--adios!

I certainly know how to show company a good time.

Crack! Another close strike. This time I grab my husband's arm and slightly run towards the car.

I yell over my shoulder to the company," That's what John Denver meant when he sung, Rocky Mountain High! 'I've seen it rain fire in the sky.'"

Granny, her face as pale as a Colorado ice field replied," Oh my God! I've heard that song a million times and I never made the connection. That's what it means!"

Of course, she'd never been stuck in a lightening storm on a thin road, trying to dodge cars as we raced to our car.

I linked my husband's arm again and sang to him off-key," Rocky Mountain Die!!! First I nearly get knocked over the side, then blown away in a porta-pottie and now I am dodging lightening strikes. Rocky Mountain Die!!! I've seen it raining fire in the sky! You sure know how to show a girl a good time!"

He was snickering so lavishly that he barely could make it to the car. Company didn't hear my rendition of Rocky Mountain High.

OK, we know I'm a sissy pants. But what do other people (besides company) who were split down the middle (thankfully NOT by lightening) think about Skyline Drive?

I took a two-second trip over to TripAdvisor. Now poo, poo that a bazillion people thought Skyline Drive was the best thing since sliced bread. Of course, I'm going to hone in on the most hilarious review of Skyline Drive, which goes something like this:

"Be very afraid! One false move on this nightmare of a road and you will tumble to your death. Once you commit, there's no turning around. THERE IS NO ROOM TO TURN AROUND! The ground drops off hundreds of feet just inches from your vehicle on both sides Thirty seconds after starting up the ridge, I knew I had made a terrible mistake. 

I'm not kidding about this. I'm a 54 year man, I have a pilot's license, and I've jumped out of an airplane - but driving Skyline Drive was the most terrifying experience of my life! My hands were shaking on the steering wheel and I could feel my heart pounding. I started talking to myself, "Don't look down,don't look down". I was convinced I was going to lose control of my vehicle. I had to will myself to keep going. Thank God there was no one behind me.

I don't know how many deaths there have been on this road, but to me, taking your family on this road is utter lunacy. I'm Libertarian by nature, but I would ban children from vehicles on Skyline Drive."

Oh my goodness! I'm not a 54-year-old man, but I am a sissy at times. I used to jump horses and go up in two-seater planes. But Skyline Drive kicked my butt. And I, too, am a Libertarian by nature!

For those who aren't familiar with Libertarians (Ron Paul is one) it basically is someone who thinks people have the right to be as stupid as they want, as long as they aren't endangering others.

Yeah, Skyline Drive even kicks hearty Libertarian butts!

Seriously, I do recommend Skyline Drive for a fun and free way to scare the hell out of yourself and company. The views are spectacular. Just make sure there is no lightening predicted. Make sure you are wearing an adult diaper or empty your bladder before you go, so you can avoid swaying porta-potties. And make sure other passengers in your car all open the doors when no one is standing by the edge.

As if all that wasn't exciting enough. I discovered--after I did the Rocky Mountain Sigh and defied death on Skyline Drive--that there is wonderful self-guided tour brochure on Skyline Drive. I have the brochure and it is great with directions, history and pictures. The Self-Guided Heritage tours were developed by the Fremont County Heritage Commission and the Fremont County Tourism Council. The brochures are free and can be found at museums and Chambers of Commerce in Fremont County. If you can't find the brochure in person, it's easy to go to www.fremontheritage.com and download it for free.

Well, hats off to the Fremont County Heritage Commission for excellent brochures. I'll be referring to others of their informative brochures in future blog posts when I share yet another Rocky Mountain Sigh day trip in Colorado.

WTF! Yes, if I can survive Skyline Drive, you can too!

Rocky Mountain Sigh: Death-Defying Trip To Canon City's Skyline Drive - PART 1

In addition to mocking clown collectibles, collecting unusual true stories--I like to shine a spotlight on all the fun things to do in Colorado.

Colorful Colorado is one of the prettiest and most interesting states in the Union. I've been to 43 states and all of them are great--but Colorado, in my opinion towers above the rest.

I love cheap and fun day trips in Colorado. After moving to Colorado over 20 years ago, we've rarely taken a vacation outside of the state, because it would take a lifetime to drink in all the beauty of this state.

Today's fun trip is: Skyline Drive, just west of Canon City on Highway 50.

My history with Skyline Drive is angst-filled. I ain't afraid of much in this life except clown collectibles and heights. Several years ago, company came from California and my husband decided Skyline Drive was a must-do.

My husband has a maniacal streak. He once commented that he'd love to take his mother on Skyline Drive, since she's really afraid of heights. Really afraid--not just semi-hysterical as I am. Fortunately or unfortunately she hasn't visited us in Colorado yet.

A friend about our age was delighted with the idea of going up a one-way road with NO guard rails and sheer drops on either side. I was literally hyperventilating. My husband's solution was to immediately take a second trip up Skyline to get me over my fear. It worked a little--since I am a reasonable person when my hands aren't wrapped around someone's neck and shock therapy can be a good thing.

That was about six years ago. Well, a few days ago--another crop of company arrived. Of course, my husband thought Skyline Drive was a good thing to show them. One of our company was a teenaged-girl who had never been to Colorado. The other was her grandmother, who has been to Colorado.

The teenager was gun-ho. Granny was not. She cleared her throat, "I'm a bit afraid of heights also."

That didn't stop my husband.

I decided to pull up my big-girl panties for the sake of company and my sanity. I took deep breaths and am doing fairly well and almost enjoying the spectacular scenery while chanting under my breath that guard rails are a good thing.

Granny is horrified.

We stopped at the big pull-out at the top of the ridge. There is about two feet space from the car and a sheer drop. But we all decided to park so we could walk back to the dinosaur trackway.

The dinosaur trackway boasts layers that tell an interesting story of geology and history with the tracks made by 30-foot long Ankylosuars. There are also burrows and other traces of ancient clams, worms and shrimp. Yum! Too bad there's not a Red Lobster in Fremont County.

I opened my door and the teenager, sitting in the back seat with her ear pods and/or smart phone in hand, didn't see me and opened her door at full swing. She smacked me so hard in the hip and rump that I nearly toppled over the side of the sheer drop.

Of course, she was apologetic. So apologetic for so many hours, that I told her that I KNOW she didn't do it on purpose and that it's stuff like that, that memories are made of. I mean, if one went on a trip and didn't have a near-disaster or two--one would not remember it on one's deathbed, would one?

I didn't tell the teenager that she whacked me so hard that my butt and hip were throbbing for hours.

I was trying not to wet my big-girl panties as I ran across the drive to the lone porta-pottie. OK, I lied. I have three fears--clown collectibles, heights and OUTHOUSES or porta-potties. I'd rather bust my bladder that use a porta-pottie. But I had no choice.

So I limped into the porta-pottie and did my business swaying above the seat. Well, at that exact moment a huge wind gust came up and rocked the pottie so much that I almost fell over.

I nearly escaped getting tossed over the side by a big whack in the arse, and now to be blown away in a stinky porta-pottie? I lept out of the pottie and joined the others at the dinosaur trackway.

Two scary experiences. Well, three--if you include the scariness of a tiny road and sheer drops.

Surely there would not be yet another scary experience on Skyline Drive, would there?

CONTINUED IN PART 2

Yes, if I can survive Skyline Drive, you can too!

The Real Reason Barbie & Ken Never Married Or Had Children Or Sex

Well, I don't know for sure why Barbie and Ken never married and/or had children or maybe even had sex. But I think I have a really good idea why. As you know, I despise clown collectibles and fashions.

I'm not sure if Barbie or Ken did it first. But it happened in the early 1960s when Barbie and Ken were quite young.

I have proof. And as usual, ETSY provides the proof that there is not only a clown fashion scourge among all peoples, classes, nations and dolls--but especially for poor Barbie and Ken.

You can actually purchase this crochet pattern on ETSY to make Barbie look like a sexy clown. Circa 1963.

The only problem is that Ken didn't find this look so sexy.

But Barbie didn't really give a clown crap what Ken thought. If he thought this outfit was cool...well, Barbie could do better.

Ken, Ken, Ken! You should have just kept your clown mask on, so Barbie wouldn't have recognized you.

Now, Ken might have found this current clown/circus fashion a little more sexy-- available on ETSY.
But maybe not. The model looks clown-death warmed over.

See, clown and circus fashions can cause depression, decrease libido and wreck the future of Barbie and Ken.

The Queen of Questionable Taste (also known as The Clown Collectibles Mocker) spends her spare time dusting her clown collectibles hoard with a clown-colored feather duster clenched between her butt cheeks for aerobic exercise and for penance of not joining the rest of the world in loving clown collectibles and fashions.

Is Castor Oil A Miraculous Home Remedy?

I confess, I don't often visit doctors, even though I respect the profession, mostly. But I am also skeptical at times over all the "natural" pills, potions, lotions, home remedies and miracle cures. A little snake oil anyone?

That's why I was skeptical when over a decade ago I was browsing in an herb store and the owner told me that castor oil was miraculous for drawing out poisons. I didn't really believe it, even though I purchased a small bottle.

That bottle sat unused for years. I didn't look up any uses for castor oil on the Internet. It didn't even occur to me, but I had a small skin flap on my neck and decided to try the oil on it.

Castor oil is very heavy and thick and generally doesn't run much, but I recommend a small band-aid to keep clothing clean and the oil on the skin.

My skin flap was gone within a few days. It got smaller and smaller and then just fell off with no pain.

I was amazed, but apparently not amazed enough to think much of castor oil again. Back that little bottle went on the shelf--for many years.

Many years later I noticed a pain in my foot. I don't remember stepping on any glass, but it appeared a piece of glass was stuck in the bottom of my foot. Naturally I was having a difficult time walking without excruciating pain. I did the usual thing with sterilizing a needle, gritting my teeth and digging around. It seemed the object just went deeper into my foot, even though it would tempt me for a second and be in reach of the tweezers.

Finally I went to the podiatrist and he took an x-ray. I later found that glass doesn't always show up on x-rays, so he was digging around in my foot relatively blind--just going by the mark I had made in my foot by digging around. He got out a scalpel and dug until there was a fair amount of blood. He would see the elusive foreign object in my foot for a brief second--and confirmed it did appear to be glass. But then it would disappear again and he couldn't get hold of the slippery glas without really opening up my foot.

He finally gave up and announced that I would have to have surgery. I haven't mentioned it, but I am very afraid of needles. I asked if I would have to go all the way under anesthesia. I had a bad experience with going  all the way under as a child.

I suppose everyone is different, but I am one of those types of people who doesn't do very well on most any type of medication--even common ones.

He said yes. I asked if he could just deaden my foot and keep me awake. He said no, because there are too many nerve endings in the foot and sticking needles in the foot is extremely painful. I knew that was true, because his nurse had done that once for my ingrown toenail.

I'd dodged the surgery bullet for years--and it depressed me to think that I'd have to face one of my worst fears over something as stupid as a piece of glass stuck in my foot. No surgery is looked forward to, but it seemed like such a silly thing to have to go into surgery for.

I bandaged my foot and limped around deciding what to do.

A few days later when cleaning out my medicine cabinet I discovered that ancient (by now) bottle of castor oil. I had nothing to lose. Sure, it took a small skin flap off--but was it really powerful enough to penetrate where my needle and the doctor's scalpel had failed? The opening in my foot, from all the digging around, was nearly closed or healed. I put some castor oil and a big band-aid over it. Nothing. I did it for a few more days and then I saw it! Just the tiniest, most microscopic tip of the glass. I reached in my tweezers and grabbed that tiny piece of glass and yanked. Out it came! And it was not a tiny piece of glass. It was quite big and looked like a broken piece of a light bulb. The glass obviously was very fragile and it was a miracle it hadn't broken off in my foot. No, the castor oil seemingly drew it upwards.

Okay, two times castor oil did something that was almost miraculous. But again I put the bottle back on the shelf and forgot about it. That bottle must be well over a decade old by now.

A few weeks ago I was at the grocery store getting some ice cream. The ice cream was crammed and sort of stuck under the shelf. I reached in and unwedged it, but felt a sharp pain. I looked at my hand and saw blood. I commented to my husband that the underside of the ice cream shelf was rather sharp and cut me.

I hurt like hell for a bit, but I promptly forgot about it. It was a nasty combination of a puncture and cut. I saw a black dot and assumed it was a scab. So, I didn't pick at it, even though the scab was hanging around way too long. I finally took a closer look and saw it was not a scab, but a piece of black plastic from the shelf that was stuck under my skin. The skin had calloused a bit, so it wasn't easy to get a needle or tweezers through it. To complicate matters, it was jammed under the webby part of my skin by my index finger. It would have taken two people to get it out. One to hold the webby skin taught and another to do the "operation." I didn't want to bother my husband, so I thought, why not try the castor oil.

Two days and nothing. It was jammed in pretty deep, so I decided the next day I'd bug my husband and accept the pain of having to tear through some pretty calloused skin.

I woke up on the third day and looked at my hand. The black plastic, buried so deep, was gone--and in it's place was a little dent made by the plastic being lodged there for so many weeks and some new fresh pink skin.

Okay, three times castor oil did a miracle for me. I am a believer now! I hope it does the same wonderful things for you too.

I told my husband, I am now convinced that there is rarely a reason to go digging around for splinters or any other minor foreign objects when castor oil seems to do the trick.

Nothing on this blog is to be construed as dispensing medical advice. Any home remedies are simply shared as a personal experience of the writer. Always check with your reputable health care professional before undertaking any natural remedies.

Delightful Book Trailer Shot In Florence, Colorado--Come Six To Seven

Florence, Colorado and its vast array of antiques hits center stage in a new book trailer, shot on Main St., for the novel, Come Six To Seven.

To check out the book trailer that features many Florence antiques shops we will all recognize, see the You Tube video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OjJOsTOI0Q

I'm pretty sure this book trailer was shot semi-recently, because I work in several of Florence's antiques stores and recognize the antiques in the windows, that were displayed there a few months ago.

Author Mac Evenstar, has written a novel, Come Six of Seven, that features a unique antique found in Florence, Colorado. The novel, according to Evenstar's promos, features mystery, intrigue, romance and humor. Apparently Supermax is also featured in the fictional book.

This is Evenstar's debut novel and it came out in Feb. of 2015. More information about the author and his book is available at: http://www.macevenstar.com/ The book is available at Amazon.com in Kindle edition for under $5 and other outlets, mentioned on the author's website. I haven't had a chance to read the book yet, since I just found out about it moments ago. But the book is already getting some decent reviews at: www.goodreads.com

If you can't check out the book, make sure and view the free book trailer at You Tube and get a glimpse of charming Florence, Colorado--as the author reads a brief excerpt of Come Six To Seven.