Oh to be with Mother

My parents brought Chandler up here last weekend, and my Mom and I hit all of the antique stores in the area, including two new stores we hadn't been to, but fell in love with. Friday we checked out the Springville antique mall and I scored an old English plate that matches another one I have hanging on the wall, and three new bangles. I headed up to Park City with Kristen and Sara and a few other girl friends, where we hit a few outlets, ate a lovely dinner and caught up on each other's lives. Saturday morning when we woke up, I pulled back the curtain and was in awe of the fall beauty outside. The whole mountain was ablaze with warm yellow tones and the air carried the aroma of crisp mountain air and freshly fallen leaves. I did not want to leave, but knowing my mom would be waiting in Provo for me made me pick up and take off. But not before making a quick stop at Windy Ridge Bakery. I wish I had brought my camera up there because the freshly stocked shelves of Windy Ridge made me really happy. I came out with a chocolate croissant, a peanut butter cream sandwich cookie, and a star-eo sandwich cookie, and a coconut macaroon dipped in chocolate. I was disappointed they didn't have their homemade s-mores but I guess that's the way it goes. I brought the treats home and my Mom and I shared the delicacies. She commented that the croissant was one of the best she had ever had, mostly because of its ample chocolate inside. I had to agree. Saturday turned out to be an antique fest. We started at Brambles in South Provo, and I was delighted to pull up and see giant white pumpkins and a wonderful garden welcoming us in. The owner does such a great job with her shop, and I am looking forward particularly to the barn space she will be filling with european antiques in two weeks. I'll be going back. Then we headed over to Spanish Fork to Confetti where I scored my treasure of the day, a beautiful old hooked rug that is exactly the colors I love. Now my revolting carpet is even more covered than before.

And I also found an adorable blue and green dress. I left a happy girl. On our way back we stopped on Center Street at Cat's Cradle and I could not believe I had never been inside that store before. It is chock full of european antiques, paper, buttons, dishes and fabulous pieces. It appealed especially to my taste for things like antique taxidermy, and the semi-bizarre. I felt like a kid in a candy store, and because of his interesting organization there was always something else to be uncovered. So exciting. I was coveting an antique italian triptych from the 1700's. We came away with some antique millinery leaves and a few little paper treasures. I was so excited to have two new destinations to satisfy my antique cravings, and they are so close!! That night we made the most delicious dinner, we barbecued a bourbon tumbled tri-tip, made bulgur, a lovely salad with fresh jumbo pine nuts, fresh steamed vegetables and a cheese tray. I was in heaven. Then we went and saw a short film my friend Rique Carroll had produced called Grace. It was an artistic film about a girl who was struggling with letting worldliness go, an issue strangely manifest by her hair having a mind of its own. I loved the film. Rique is amazing. All in all a most satisfying day. Sunday I taught my second scripture study class, and I felt a special love for everyone in the class; it was a purifying and uplifting experience. It was an answer to prayer and a feeling I have been needing as of late. Now its onto another week. Chan is up here now and I am already enjoying that. We ran a few errands today and I am grateful he is here. A few good laughs are always great to add to any day! I also forgot to mention that our roses out front are blooming and I cut two nice little bunches to put in my freshly organized room! Look how they liven the space! And my Dad kindly installed the hooks I grabbed from home two weekends ago, so now my closet has been adapted to winter wear and has places to hang my bags and belts. So much progress. I also found a great old chemistry book at DI on Friday with my Mom, so that is proudly sitting on my suitcases, next to my perched pumpkin. I can't help but smile every time I see them.