Thankful Birthday

Hello All!

Happy almost Friday!

Thank you all for your very sweet birthday wishes!

It was a real treat to read all your kind comments.

Thank you again!

Would you like to hear what I did on my birthday?

O.k........

First:

I did some antiquing and some bead hunting.

I have loved rocks and minerals since I was a little girl, and have always collected them. When I began creating jewelry many years ago, I only used precious metals and natural stones.

Eventually I began to enjoy crystals, and pearls, as well as many vintage beads.

Above from top to bottom, labradorite faceted rondells, African reclaimed metal beads, tiny vintage rhinestone string, and pyrite (4mm rounds, to give you an idea of their size).

There are several lovely bead shops in Asheville and I had a great time in two of them.

Here are some faceted amethyst, a rhodonite drop (the pink one), some crazy lace large stones and some lovely little beads.

I wonder how many of you are rock lovers?
Do any of you make your own jewelry?

I also found some lovely things in local antique shops.
These sweet linens were hand washed and ironed by a 92 years old woman, who makes her own homemade starch! She is known for getting stains out, and for her low prices. She often marks things at $2.00. She reminds me of my own grandmother who at her yard sales would mark most things for a nickle or a dime. I appreciate this woman's linen knowledge and care,
as well as admire her stamina! I hope I can be doing the same at 92!

I also purchased two tea cups....to be shared at Tea Cup Tuesday...

And... vintage fresh water pearls and old buttons as well as some old Ledger Monthly magazines.

 In the afternoon, I did something I had been dreaming of for my entire life...
My hubby and I went out with a real estate agent to look at property in the mountains!
Yay!

This was one of the farms we looked at.
It has about 30 acres and an old 1917 farm on it.
And when I say that this house was not restorable, believe me!
Oh my! The insides were beyond true description! lol!
There are also several out buildings.
We learned some things during out first outing.
Any advice from you out there who have bought property before?
I was totally in my element out in the mountains!

In the evening we had a lovely romantic dinner at a tapas restaurant where the food was incredible!
Then, late at  night, finally back at the hotel room,
My hubby gave me a piece of Cheesecake and some tea...
He was a real sweetie!

Here I am...a tired and happy.

Then, when I arrived home last night, I had cards and packages to open...
here are some of the thoughtful and kind gifts I received...

Sherry, at Creatology, sent me this very pretty handmade birthday card and
a  gorgeous personal tissue holder she made! The material has a very lovely shimmer to it.
The holder was beautifully sewn into a wax bag. Lovely presentation!
Thank you so much Sherry! I appreciate your heartfelt wishes!

Jan, at A Journey, sent me this lovely handmade card!
What a beautiful tea themed card!

 And....she sent me this very sweet tea cup trio!
Just a peek now, as it will be featured in a tea cup post too : )
Jannie, thank you so much!

I will share a few more next post.

Really, I  was so touched by all your very warm wishes, here on the blog, e-mails,
on Facebook and even snail mail cards and gifts! ...
You all taking the time to say Happy Birthday were all like bright shining stars lighting up my day!

Hugs,
Terri

By the way. I found a fabulous giveaway at Fiona & Twig.
They are offering the chance to win two Magnolia Pearl outfits!
I have always loved their clothing.
You can visit it here and also see the incredible post about the Magnolia Pearl Ranch that is now for sale in Texas. It is a one of a kind, unique home!
It is only found out about the giveaway today,
and it ends tomorrow so hop over.
And you can also see the gorgeous images of the spectacular home!

And my favorite giveaway outfit...

Have a fab Friday and weekend!