Moving into the window space at Troy Antiques was bittersweet.
It was fun….I loved the pieces I took in; loved working on them all. But…it occurred to Matt and me one morning last week that everything is about to change.
Our little guy will go to school in August (we are still open to the idea of homeschooling–this will be another trial period for us), and if we are happy with it, his time here will be less. Writing, photography, painting, managing ebook stuff, and all the other stuff that comes with blogging is almost too much for this gal to handle.
Because that doesn’t even cover the important parts.
So, as I moved in, I wanted a galvanized bucket here, a vintage drying rack there, but I am having to take a small step back. I’m sure I’ll pick things up as I can, but the window (for now) will be more to showcase my furniture…and I’m going to have to be okay with that.
I’ve gotta have time for Kung Fu Panda and swimming class. There’s nothing quite like Kung Fu Panda, you know.
So, while a little more sparse that I had planned, there’s me…in the window.
I’ll show you these pieces in more detail this week. While simple and uncluttered, I do think the space is beautiful…perfect for showcasing furniture.
You are seeing some of my favorites I’ve ever worked on, and again, I’ll post those soon. It was quite hard for me to let them go.
The vintage ironing board covered in ticking remains one of my favorite items…if it doesn’t sell soon, I’m sure I can find a place for it.
I love the woodwork on the walls and ceiling…so much character in this little building.
Be back tomorrow for a furniture makeover, but today I’m headed out of town to check out some craigslist chairs for the dining room. Hopefully, I’ll have time for a little hobby lobby and some Prattville Pickers.
We’ll see…we’ve got swimming lessons, too. And those are priority number one.
🙂
Do you still have the table in the window? I’ve been looking for a new dining table and yours is perfect! I live about 2 hrs away but would make the trip up for it! Can you send me an email with more info on it if its still available? Thanks!
Love the new space! I cant wait to come check it out. Went to Prattville Pickers two weeks ago. LOVE IT! Lots of good finds 🙂
It sounds to me like you have those priorities just right, Shauna. Take the time to enjoy those precious little ones.
I love all of your furniture pieces-so beautiful. Wish I was closer and could hang out at Troy Antiques. As it is, I think I just made an appointment with my old wooden ironing board (which I still use) and some wonderful gray ticking I have stuck in a drawer waiting for such a project! 🙂
You’re the awesomest. I love your space!
I’m confused. Why would your child going off to school in the Fall make you not be able to create and run your business? Wouldn’t that give you more time? I read this post twice trying to figure out what you were saying. Not that it is any of my business. I wasn’t going to comment, but you did open the conversation, so I thought it was okay to say something…. Kung Fu Panda is pretty cool. I have two teenage children. They do other stuff now that is just as much fun. Kids grow and go off to school. It is good for them. It teaches them how to get along with others. I love the afternoons after pick up when I get to hear all about their days. The break makes them better people and you a better mother. 🙂
Lesley, I meant that this 2 month time period is important to me…to spend time with them. Not have them shoved in front of tv or with a sitter all day everyday. I’m a stay at home mom first. 🙂 The furniture is an extra…blogging is my full-time passion (as well as being a mom). Simply meant that I am choosing to go at the antiques space slowly this summer so we can travel and enjoy our little ones. 🙂
Awww I feel the same way! My daughter will be going to kindergarten in the fall and I can’t seem to come to grips with the idea. We are very excited, but our lives will definitely be different! I’m trying my best to spend more time with her now while I can. I’ll miss being able to spontaneously plan things, soon we will have a school schedule to worry about…. It’s good that you want to take the summer to enjoy time with your family. And I LOVE your space! I miss cute little antique shops like that in the south, they don’t have the same charm here in California. 🙂
Your space and your pieces look wonderful. You should do what is your priority, your children, and the rest will fall into place as it should. Don’t stress yourself out if its not necessary. The space looks wonderful as it is and I’m sure you will fill it as it needs it and as you can.
I’m thinking of putting my things in a space like this also. If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of commission do they take? Thanks!
It’s hard to balance all of it – really hard. But I think you’re doing a great job! Fabulous new space, btw. Perfect for your gorgeous pieces!
hi Shaunna – all looks great but what happened to the Vault? do you have that space as well still? Im with Lesley above – won’t you have more time once your boy starts school? Both my kids are at school now and while 9-3pm is tight it still gives you free time to do furniture/bliogging etc.
good luck with it all. hope your sales are going well
cheers Fiona
There is going to be an antique auction in Opelika on Sat. June 11th..this sat.. It is going to be in the shopping center with Angels. Sale starts at 10:00, preview on Friday 3-6. I think my husband and I are going to go to the Possum Trot Auction also on Friday night. Got to see what it is all about…lol
Oh my gosh I wanted that table and sideboard table!!!!!!
my daughter is going thru the same emotions…her little guy starts school in the fall…it is such a special time–the summer before they start school…cherish every single moment….you will never get those special times back……and your window looks great–i LOVE your furniture…might have to make a road trip from Illinois with my daughters and daughter in law…we LOVE furniture and ROAD TRIPS!!
chris
Your furniture is beautiful! Love it in the window!
Debbie
Awww, I know what you mean. My oldest just finished up kindergarten last Thurs. I remember crying the first two weeks of kindergarten and I can tell you, I cried the last two! It is hard to let go, but he had awesome teachers and had so much fun. I was sad to see it end!
LOVE your blog, love your refinished peices, you have a gift. Most of my fam is from Nashville,TN and my favorite cousin sounds JUST like you. Makes me smile to hear your voice and think of all of my Nashville family! Not sure if that is where you are from, but your accent sounds just like it!
Shaunna,
You are so brave. To admit that as wonderful as it is to share your gift of creativity with the world, you are choosing what God has intended for you right now. In. this. moment…to be a Mama.
Because your little ones won’t remember if your booth (or Vault or Window) was filled to the brim with knick-knacks, they will remember Kung-Fu Panda and swimming lessons and lightening bugs and running through the water sprinkler and so on. They will remember the time they spent with their Mama and Daddy.
Thanks for sharing your heart about this. You’re good people. 🙂
Have no regrets, life is too short!
Shaunna- I agree. You have your priorities perfectly in line. I own a small stationery business and we just made the decision to move to a larger space, but we will still close at 3pm each day so that I can be home for my son, who is almost 12. Parenting does not get any easier as they get older and I think its so important to be there for him even though he could stay at home by himself! And most of my customers agree and respect the fact that that is how I choose to run my business. Enjoy the summer… customers will adjust to you. 🙂
They are all beautiful pieces! And the buffet is to die for!
Shaunna,
I am a homeschool mom. Actually, I’m a former homeschool mom. I just graduated my last daughter 2 weeks ago (woot, woot). Now, keep in mind that I’m not one of “those” radical-against-public-school homeschool moms, but I do respectfully disagree with Lesley. The homeschooling is what made me a better mom and the kids more well-rounded. You see, because they didn’t spend most of their time with their peers, but with all age groups (we were in a co-op and some days, we were hardly at home), they have grown up to be delightful young ladies who know how to initiate and carry on a conversation with just about anyone. One is an honors student and RA at a private college. The other is a Phi Beta Kappa honors student, going away to her first year of college with already 27 college credits. I’m not saying my girls are better than others. I’m just saying that homeschooling served us well. It doesn’t work for everyone and that’s OK. However, if you want some more information or just want to hear my story, just send me a note and we can chat. I wish you the best in whichever decision you and your husband make. Tami