Pin Stories

"The idea of using pins as a diplomatic tool is not found in any State Department manual not found in any State Department manual or in any text chronicling American foreign policy....  Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal. Former President George H.W. Bush had been known for saying, "Read my lips."  I began urging colleagues and reporters to "Read my pins"....   I do not claim too much, but I do believe the right symbol at the correct time can add warmth or needed edge to a relationship. A foreign dignitary standing alongside me at a press conference would be happier to see a bright, shining sun attached to my jacket than a menacing wasp pin. I felt it worthwhile, moreover, to inject an element of humor and spice into the diplomatic routine. The world has had its share of power ties; the time seemed right for the mute eloquence of pins with attitude."    ~ Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box  by Madeleine Albright

Many, many years ago, a friend and I were talking about my Pin collection when she asked me if I wear certain pins for certain events. She expressed to me that she wore a certain necklace to all military events and that it only comes out for those events.   I smiled and said,  "I do."  I have several that I wear though. For starters, I wear a military pendant on a necklace when Beloved is at war. 

I wear one of these three.
More often than not it is the aviator wings.
It goes on when he leaves and gets taken off when he comes home.

Over the years, I have been reminded of my conversation with her and so I began to  notice certain jewelry that military ladies wear while attending certain events. We are apart of a unit where we do not move around much but if we do we move around with in the same small community. This allows all of us ladies to get to know each other well so seeing these ladies on a regular basis showed me that indeed their was a silent jewelry tradition among almost all of us.  Unfortunately, this was mostly observed during funerals and after several in which we have had to attend I began to ask if indeed they had specific jewelry they wore during military events.  In our unit, these tend to be the pins that most women wear as a quiet jewelry statement.  There are many more pins in which I have but these are the less obvious ones so saying all that most woman wear what their husband is affiliated with during the mission that the funeral represents.

Now, I suppose that those that know me well know that the above pins are not typically what I wear because my collection that I enjoy wearing are vintage rhinestone only.  I wear these for all funerals. The Bible records the Holy Spirit in a number of symbols namely wind, fire, rain, oil and dove. These Rhinestone pins look like fire to me and it reminds me to pray that the Holy Spirit comforts the Family that has lost a love one.

Now, since reading Madaline Albrights book, there are several pins that I am looking for simply because of her uniqueness in expressing things with her pins.  I need one particular type of pin for a family event, another one for attending weddings, etc. 

A couple of weeks back my Mom sent me this flag pin. Unknown to her I have been searching for more Patriotic pins to wear. I like wearing them on the Sunday Weekends of Veterans and Memorial Days.

I loved that Madaline Albright had the same desire.  She says, " I purchased a large American flag pin that I have grown accustomed to wearing on the Forth of July and other festive occasions."   In her book she wrote that "The manufacture of costume rhinestone jewelry with patriotic themes flourished in the United States during and immediately after WW 11. All the symbols I love -- eagles, flags, drums, trumpets and rousing slogans -- were in vogue.  The pieces were worn by noncombatants to signify support for the war effort and bought by sailors and solders to leave with sweethearts before taking up arms across sea."  (pg 57)       .

Honestly, sometimes I think it is the uniqueness of the history of women's jewelry that makes the silent proclamations unique. I bet if you start paying attention you will also discover that many ladies in your circles probably have a piece of jewelry close to their heart as well. The uniqueness in jewelry is often just as unique as the person and story that it represents.

A Vintage Window

"It's a good reuse of something that comes from an old building that will now be productive." ~ Earnhart

I have two vintage windows that came from our old 1914 Farmhouse that I want to re-do! I am not exactly sure what to do with them though. I have considered stripping the paint and then putting mirrors in them. Any other suggestions? As of right now, I brought them in for hanging a few wreaths. It is nothing fancy since this is the Family Room with the Little Ones' Christmas Tree.

A Simple Solution

“Homemaking is an art, and you have the privilege of expressing and developing all your talents there in a little place called home. You get to build…beautify… organize…create…fuss…express yourself. You get to read and study and grow and master nutrition, finances, horticulture, design, wardrobe, etc. And you also get to shape your children, to give their precious lives a bent toward God. To nurture their souls with the good things of God. To pass on the truth about Jesus to one more generation. And to do so means you’ve got to be dedicated, organized, and a woman of purpose. And you’ve got to have the spunk and energy to follow through on all the dedication, organization, and purpose that answering God’s high calling to homemaking requires.” –Elizabeth George, A Woman’s High Calling

A small wall no more than about a foot was extremely bare but I had no idea what to do with it. Since my decor is primitive/antique with a little bit of modern, I finally opted for an antique door nob and a monogram frame.

An Old Coffee Grinder

"From the time of the ancient Egyptians people have been grinding coffee beans into powder to enjoy the a delicious drink that they could make." - Coffee Grinder Antique fact

This old beauty is an old American Coffee Grinder. The box is made of wood and the Handle and Grinder is made of cast iron. Yes, one of those simple and efficient "prim" kitchen tools that I adore so much.



I cracked that sweet little drawer just a bit so you can see that it is in perfect shape. And, oh, that extra little carry handle is so cute too.

Primitive Scoop and Black Bowl

"Vintage is not only glorious and stylish. It is also the way forward in terms of recycling. Whenever I go into a Vintage store, I wonder why we ever buy things new." ~ Actress Newton

Oo-la-la! I found a primitive wooden scoop and a black wooden bowl at the Peddlers Shop. Who knows where they will end up. Right now, they are hanging out on the antique buffet.

A Balance Scale

"Its the balance that counts all through life. Its the balance that matters in Christian Life. It the balance that matters in human relationships. Its the balance that matters in Family life. There is a delicate balance, like the equal weights of two people seesawing, or like someone walking a tightrope. Too much on one side, to much on the other, and there comes the thud of one person on the seesaw or the fall of the person on the rope -- the continuity of what was going on comes to a sudden stop. Balance is the very important ingredients in every day life." ~ Edith Schaeffer

I finally found a balance scale! I said that the "hunt" was on in this post remember? (I was also looking for another dough bowl too. I found two of those!) Isn't it precious? It is black! No rust! And, made of cast iron! Maybe, the 1920? Does anyone know for sure?

The best part is that it is use able! That is the very best thing about collecting antique/vintage items for my home. If you need to decorate a home with quality, inexpensive items, that look wonderful in a house, I suggest you become a fan of estate sales. Just be careful! It is a little to much fun to raise that number! And, make it no secret to the antique dealers there that you are NOT shopping for a store but for your home. There is an unspoken rule about investing in a home and they will step out of the bidding!

A Round Dough Bowl

"Junk is the ideal product...the ultimate merchandise..."

-Burroughs

I have been trying to find a round wooden dough bowl with in my price range for about a year now. Although small cracks and small holes do not necessarily depreciate the value of the bowls since these items were made to be used while homemaking, I won't buy them if they do. I am picky when it comes to buying old Primitives.

Instant Love! No holes, no cracks, and a beautiful color. It is round too! It is definitly old probably from the 1920s or more. The ridges are uneven which totally makes me laugh because it is definitly not a reproduction. It is just perfect for my table. Now what do I put in it? I am thinking colored glass balls to match my pillows.(Note to self: Use a bread twist to hide those cords!)

A Thrifted Box

"If you see it and like it, then you must buy it. Because you can't go to a warehouse to get one." Antique Store in Cadiz.


In need of a little outing and an itching to look in the antique stores, we went cruising up the road into a small town that was setting up for a festival. We arrived at the Antique stores just before their biggest day of the year. So, I just couldn't pass this sewing box up when we saw it.

I have a little round sewing box already so this one is going to be a little music holder.

The Peddlers Bowl

A bargain ain't a bargain
unless it's something you need.
~S. Carroll

A Primitive crock-bowl which I found at the Peddlers Shop.

It makes me happy.

8 Dollars.

Kitchen Vintage Prims

I love to find a great vintage secondhand shop.

~Bridget Hall

Me too!

I have been looking over my Kitchen Primitive collection.

I would love to find another big dough bowl.

I have several in other places in the house.

Of course small ones are always fun to have too.

I don't need any more of these jugs but I would never turn them down! They are in different parts of the house also and if I find one that I can't just live with out, which would be any in my price range, they are gonna come home with me.

Cast Iron is always a plus!

And, so is crock bean pots.

Since the Little Gentleman broke one of my large crocks that was hanging around the house, (I stood looking at it totally in shock -20 gallon) I will be searching for a very LARGE one to replace it.

So now that I have thought it over, I have my list in hand for my summer shopping! I think I have decided that what I need is a old black scale! Yep, that is what I must be missing!

The summer hunt has begun!

1916 Singer

I cannot count my day complete

'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.

~ Unknown

I always wanted an old sewing machine.

I found one in an Antique store with a table.

This one was made Feb 1st, 1916.

Yes, I am sure of that fact!

I called the Sewing Machine Factory and gave the model number.

In return, they even told me it was made around 1 in the afternoon.

It is one of those Sewing Machines that actually looks pretty just sitting out with no obligation to use it!

So, unlike the "modern" Sewing Machine that Beloved bought me.

Yes, I am talking about the one that is upstairs in the closet.

Thanks to my Parents, the Little Lady now has a sewing bug.

So, I am obligated to use it.

The Little Lady is just in stitches.

I told her that we will set it up in her room.

Antique Pins

"It would have never happened if not for Saddam Hussein."

" ... Madeleine Albright criticized the dictator, his poet in residence responded by calling her 'an unparalleled serpent'. Shortly thereafter, while preparing to meet with Iraqi officials, Albright pondered: What to wear? She decided to make a diplomatic statement by choosing a snake pin. Although her method of communication was new, her message was an old as the American Revolution-- Don't Tread on Me!

From that day forward, pins became part of Albrights' diplomatic signature" ~ Bill Woodward

My Sister bought me "Read My Pins. Stories From A Diplomat's Jewel Box" by Madeleine Albright.

A fabulous book for those of us who collect vintage and antique pins!

I started collecting in 1997.

I love wearing them on a black dress.

The gaudier the pin the better!

This cracks people up since I like simplistic colors and refuse to wear prints or plaids!

I have over 100 rhinestone pins.

(Rhinestones are important to my particular collection!)

All of them are labeled with what year I was gifted/purchased them.

If it was gifted then the name of the person who gave it to me is also included.

I am looking for a rhinestone bee and a rhinestone snake just because of this crazy book!

Vintage Cookie Jar and Butter Turner

Distance not only gives nostalgia, but perspective, and maybe objectivity. ~ Robert Morgan

I adore primitive decor.

This butter turner is something that I have been looking at for 2 years. I just couldn't convince myself to spend the price for it! Recently, I went into the store and I couldn't find it. My heart sank because I thought someone had bought it. But, as I was about to leave, I spotted it in a corner of the store. At that moment, I scooped it up and said, "This time you are coming home with me!"

When I got home, Beloved just smiled! I guess he knew I would buy it eventually!

At another antique store was this Cookie Jar. I definitely didn't need another jug. So, I walked away! 3 days later, I walked back in and bought it! It is so cute. The black part comes off to reveal the perfect place for cookies.

Vintage School Bells

A bell's not a bell 'til you ring it, A song's not a song 'til you sing it, Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay, Love isn't love 'til you give it away! - Oscar Hammerstein II

Hand Bells are wonderful! Can't you hear them ringing you for school or dinner?

Antique Bowls and Crocks

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.
- William Morris

A glimpse of the Dining Room while I fix a Flower Arrangement.

Silber Coffee and Tea Set

"Vintage never goes out of style." - Unknown

My Grandma and Mother had a good bit of silver! However, they don't enjoy polishing! I do not mind though when I have the time. So, My Mom gave me all their Silver.

Well, years ago, I found a sweet little antique Tea Cart in an antique shop on the out skirts of Savannah, Georgia. The antique dealer actually went up to Charleston specifically to buy it for a customer. However that customer was not as thrilled with it as I was. So, for a few years, I placed some of my Mom's silver on it.

One set of silver was a tea Set that I had on the cart. However,it was only the tea, creamer, sugar and tray --not a complete set. So, I had thought I would like a full set and would keep an eye out for one. Well, I had ended up looking for a complete set for a very long time! (coffee, tea, creamer, sugar with tray). Who knows why I wanted one so badly? But, I enjoyed the hunt and the challenge of finding one. But my hunting was always a disappointment. There were several times that I had been to some Estate Actions trying to out bid the Antique Dealers in the Savannah area. (They drive a hard bargain!) But they would always out bid me because they knew that they could turn around and sell them in an Antique store in the $100's. (The going price for one is $175 or more. In Historic Savannah in the $250's) So, I always walked away with a sigh!

One day, Mom and I were going through a very Expensive Housing Area to see a Friend of mine when we saw a Garage Sale just doors down from her house. My Mom saw the Silver Coffee-Tea Set from the car but I was the one that got out of the car first. Boy was I blessed!!! When I asked the lady, who was having the Garage Sale, how much the set cost she quoted me a price! I tired not to let my Mouth drop open. I tried not to run back to the car! I tried not to giggle with glee! Instead, I asked why she was selling it? She said, "It was her Great-Aunts and it had been stored in the attic for years with no reason for her to keep it! I forced myself to walk to the car and grabbed my $20 bucks from my wallet! I calmly handed it over! I grabbed the Set up quickly and felt like running to my car before the lady changed her mind! Back in the car, I was estatic! My Mom was happy for me too but she didn't fail to teasingly mention that she wished she had gotten out of the car first! (chuckle!)

So that is how I went home with this sweet little antique, never been used, perfectly polished Silver Coffee- Tea Set for my sweet little Antique Cart! My years of hunting were over! Only to be left with a new item to hunt for...

Deltiology

"Deltiology: the collection and study of post cards." - Post Card Fact

I collect post cards. I store them according to its size, in a 4x6, 5x7, or 8x10 acid-free picture holder sleeve that is placed in a binder. Right now, I have two binders full. I haven't counted recently how many post cards I have but I would imagine I have around 500 or so. My post cards are also divided by years in which I have bought them. I also have a section for post cards that family and friend have bought me over the years. That way, if anyone would look back they would know which ones I have personally picked out. My collection of Post Cards would not mean much to anyone else, unless of course they decided to sell them since Post Cards are highly collectable, however it represents my life's journey of where I have been, where I have lived and what I have seen. It also has the added bonus of being a collection that doesn't take up much room and it can be nicely stored away with out having to dust it!

I began collecting post cards when I was around five years old at my Parents suggestion. I believe my post card collection began due to my Mom collecting souvineer spoons of all the places that she went to. I imagine that I saw my Mom collecting spoons and wanted to collect them too. Of course, her collection was running around $3 a piece and so she suggested to us girls about collecting post cards. (At the time, Post cards where about 10 to 20 cents so I imagine Post Card collecting was suggested because it wouldn't break the budget!) I believe the idea originally came from Mom reading an article to us girls about a lady in the 60's and early 70's, who collected post cards of all the places she had been, her collection had over 1000's post cards. (I wish I had that article since it was the inspiration to my collection!--Believe it or not, I actually remember her reading that article to me.) I have fond memories of my parents giving us girls a few dollors for spending money so we could buy a few post cards while we were on road trips and vacations. Also, since my Dad was military, we moved around a good bit and with each move I was able to add Post Cards from famous scenic places and from places that I have lived.

It is still growing! And, as I am getting older the collection will probably end up being labeled vintage!