Celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Primitive Style

Tomorrow, May 5th is Cinco de Mayo.
Having grown up in a Scandinavian community, I have little knowledge of what Cinco de Mayo actually is. Wickidroid tell me that it is celebrated in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.  And today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.  Cool, Sort of like when the Norwegians and Swedes split on October 26, 1905, which is one day before my birthday (my birthday should be noted is many, many, many years later...)


So, in honor of freedom, heritage, pride, and the gentle rain falling and finally melting our last snow storm a few days ago, I've decided to offer a few SALES.....YES SALES at Checkered Past for the month of MAY!

Folk Art (definition is anything handmade by me, including Angels) 50% off

Judy Condon Collectible Books..buy one regular price, get the 2nd 50% off

$5 bucks off any antique or collectible item

ALSO....A couple items of interest,

Yes, Judy Condon's spring garden book is in, any my gardens are featured in the book!  Signed copies are for sale NOW at Checkered Past!

I am conducting a Community Ed class in my garden, and because of our very late spring, I MOVED THE CLASS TO JUNE.  In fact, I've added another session because of the tremendous response.  
New dates are:
Tuesday,June 25 & Thursday,June 27.  Time:6:00 to 7:30 PM  
Register on line at www.getlearning.org or call 327-5730

AND...I'm just back from a junking weekend with my sister.  You meet the nicest people at the tractor show!  This year, our favorite was the fiddle, accordion and harmonica player who informed us he was a "lonely" maytag repairman for over 50 years!  Check my facebook page for a clip of him serenading us!  My wonderful purchases have started trickling into Checkered Past, so be sure to check them out!

Store open dates:
1st & 2nd Thursday, Friday & Saturday
then Every Friday, Saturday
Open 10 am to 6 PM

SPECIAL SALES OFFERED THE MONTH OF MAY...
JUNE WILL BRING SOMETHING ELSE THAT'S TOTALLY COOL!

Where does time go?  I have sadly neglected to update this site as I've been spending more time with the "Staging by Kathy" blog, along with updates to facebook, Linked-In, and Twitter.  It seems face to face conversations don't happen as much as I like.  Even phone calls are less frequent, unless I'm driving and can squeeze out a few moments to catch up.

But, for those that know me, I pack my schedule full.  And as Barb Schwartz, the creator of the Staging industry says...you're not busy, you're just highly productive!  So there you have it.  I've been highly productive!

The EXCITING NEWS for Checkered Past fans, garden fans, and Staging fans is that my gardens are featured in the latest publication by Judy Condon.  I've carried Judy's books in my shop for several years.  She is an east coast antique dealer and issues beautiful books featuring homes filled with antique collections that are out of this world!  And once a year, she creates a garden book.  This year, there are 26 gardens featured, and you will find my "Staged Garden" in Chapter 3! 

Why do I say it's a Staged Garden?  Well, As an ASP Stager, I believe you should set the Stage for all areas on your property!  I like to create outdoor spaces, or rooms to enjoy.  After our long Minnesota winters, why sit in the house when the weather is beautiful?  So I make sure that I have spots to rest while working in the garden, or maybe a seating under a tree off in the distance, a small vignette that is pleasing to the eye.  My gardens also feature flea market and auction finds that are used to add humor and whimsey, all intended to bring a smile or a memory.

I am please as punch - and honored - to be included in the pages of Judy's garden book.  My gardens are not perfect.  I even have things growing in my garden that I don't know what they are, only to find in the fall it's a beautiful blooming weed.  All I know is that it gives me pleasure and I'd like to share the peace and contentment I gain from my garden with you. 

I am offering two ways to share my garden.  You may purchase "Through the Garden Gate" at Checkered Past beginning April 4th.  We are open the first and second Thursday through Saturday, and every Friday and Saturday in April.  Our hours are 10-5 and we are located at 350 NW 1st Avenue in Grand Rapids.  This full color 144 page book is $29. 

I am also offering a "Staging Your Garden" class on Monday, May 20 from 6:00-7:30 pm at my home...RAIN OR SHINE...I will have a "show & tell" and give some Garden Staging tips you can apply to your own property.  Register online or with 318 Community Education at 218/327-5730.

Have a blessed Spring!

Fall is Fast Approaching!

Can you believe it?  Here we are in the middle of August and I found a beautiful RED maple leaf on the ground.  Yesterday morning when I woke it was 39 degrees....and the evenings are quite crispy.  Yes, fall is in the air!  Soon flip flops will be replaced with boots, and jeans will be pulled out of storage.  This week I added some of my favorite fall finds at Checkered Past.  Those wonderful fall colors like the bittersweet rocker, mustard colored stools, a to-die-for blue painted small jelly cupboard, and sap cans in a variety of fall colors!  Yesterday Lynn dropped off another shipment of soy candles that are so yummy, I feel like eating them!  Chestnuts & Brown Sugar, Apple Cider, Pumpkin Hollow, and Autumn Wreath!  You will love them!

Also...there are 2 big events coming up that you won't want to miss.   September 15th I will be in Bemidji for the 12th Annual WILLOW WOOD MARKET HARVEST FESTIVAL!  Imagine beautiful quilts hung from tree to tree weaving paths through the woods, and a boutique and funky junk market (you will find me  set up there...)   Hours are 9 am to 5 pm.  The address is 23621 County Rd. 9.  For more information call 218-759-2310 or visit www.willowwoodmarketdesigns.com



Since October is my favorite month, I will again be celebrating my birthday, and Checkered Past's 9th Anniversary with my 1-day 50% OFF CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SIDEWALK SALE!  I'll pack the sidewalk in front of Checkered Past with primitives and funky junk for home and garden!  And, the last couple months I've been on a tear, going through my house and decluttering.  I've added some wonderful primitives to my shop inventory and more items will be out on the sidewalk for my October sale.  Don't miss it!  Saturday, October 6th, 10 am to 6 pm.

Happy Fall friends!