HOT TEXAS -- COOL JUNK

No doubt about it, this summer is one of the hottest on Texas record books. Folks are baking cookies on their dashboards, frying eggs on the sidewalks, and looking for ways to stay cool. Me? Well, since I was raised on the Oklahoma prairie with no a/c I decided a little sweat and hot air would not could not keep a good junker inside! To confront the searing heat, I begin my junkin' days a little earlier. I learned a long time ago to dress in linen or cotton and to always carry a bandana to sop up the ever-trickling perspiration. I grab a cool drink and my favorite tunes (currently can't get enough Blake Shelton) and hit the road! This summer I've found all kinds of cool junk -- at many estate sales, thrift stores and great antique malls here in Texas. I found this Mary garden statue in Athens and knew she had to come home with me. I also found a beautiful French linen sack from Sweet Peas at Winnie and Tulula's. (Be sure to get there before 2 p.m. for lunch at the marvelous Sweet Peas Bistro.)

In addition a large number of vintage suitcases, cowboy boots, antlers, wicker wrapped liquor bottles, lilac transferware plates, and more than a couple of odd rusty pieces have hopped into my SUV -- too nifty to leave behind. I'm headed back up to Seattle soon with a trailer full of treasures to take to Fall Vintage Markets like Funky Junk Sisters Junk Salvation and Country Nesters.

 Peace, love, and junkin' coolness to y'all!