The Splendor of Cabin Trip 2014 : Homage de Bryson City, North Carolina

A couple weeks ago, we took the long awaited for winter vacation that is Cabin Trip. So many hopes and dreams, and it lived up to them all. There is nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than being in the woods and doing absolutely nothing. Well, almost nothing. Here's how it went, as I continue my love affair with Bryson City, NC.

First I closed up shop, packed the car, and drugged the dogs for the ride up there. 

I hate to close the shop but one of the wondrous things about Cabin Trip is no connectivity. I always think I'm going to hate it and I cling to my phone like a child with it's teddy bear. For the first day, I still check my phone (even though it is in airplane mode) like messages will magically arrive. Nope, if you want to get a hold of me, it's smoke signal only!

The ride up there is typical mountain highway, until we get of the beaten path close to the cabin. I remember the first time we went last year, my PIC looked at me like I was trying to cash in on his life insurance policy. It gets rustic. Folks aren't too fancy, they don't much care for upkeep, and the yard is just another storage area for junk and trash. Quite a feast for the eyes! Then you leave paved road and you are crawling up a gravel road, with deadly curves, no guard rails, on the edge of a cliff, hoping you don't get a closer view of that beautiful valley below. Needless to say, you are pretty glad for a small patch of flat ground when you finally pull down your driveway and into your parking space. 

Like I said in my previous post, cabin decorating can be pretty interesting. But this cabin was beautifully and simply decorated, with a kitchen fully stocked with everything you need, and between the hot tub, fire pit, pool table, air hockey, fooseball, and games, there is plenty to do. Oh yeah, and the view is amazing!

First thing I did was promptly find myself a spot on the couch and started to read. And did I read. And read. And read. Ok, this is why I don't read at home. Nothing else would get done! One day I sat on the couch and read for 6 hours straight. Talk about pure bliss! During this trip I read 3 books. "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline was the first book I read and my favorite. It followed and paralleled the lives of two orphans, one from the early 1900s, one modern, weaving together history, heartache, and redemption into one amazing story. Next I read "At The Mountains of Madness" by HP Lovecraft which was just a great creepy, sci-fi, terror read. And rounded things out with "The Great Gatsby" for my classic fix. We worked on a puzzle. Seriously, who ever has time to sit and stare at a box full of cardboard pieces and painstakingly try to fit them together. We did.

Although PIC was being quite accommodating as I descended into my own world (or the world of the book I was reading), I sensed that he was itching to actually do something. So we did a bit of exploring.

Tons to see and do in this area, especially if you love the outdoors. We walked down the Nantahala River, taking pictures. We walked back on the Great Smoky Mountain railroad, where I found a treasure trove of wonderful rusty railroad spikes! We took a drive to Mingo Falls, a great waterfall hidden just a couple hundred feet off the road. Rocks, water, trees, bark, moss...just a few of my favorites things.

Needless to say, the weekend went fast and suddenly it was the last day. So much to fit in! We hit the road for some exploring and junk finding. Let me tell you, there is nothing like the back roads of NC. Like I said, these people let it all hang out. They like to share their junk collection with nature and share they do! Found a little place that sold my favorite delicacy from childhood, Slush Puppies.

We got some wood, made a roaring fire, ate popcorn, and drank our Barrel Aged Chocolate Cherry Stout from Nantahala Brewing Company as we star gazed and solved the world's problems, fireside.

As we waved goodbye to Bryson City and headed on down the tracks, we decided to try to ride home on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Signs at the entrance stated to avoid if it was foggy. It was foggy. But we went anyway. There is a reason that sign was there. 

Visibility was quite limited and as we were not in the mood to see if the car could fly and scenic views had all the splendor of a cotton ball, we got off at first chance.

So back to civilization we went and we have not been the same since. We are still on "cabin time" which includes staying up late, getting up late, having no responsibility, and eating junk food. As in, we wish we could do those things but alas, duty calls. I feel like I need to go into a rehabilitation program. Until next time, cabin!

Lots of wonderful rustic treasures were found on this trip. To see them go to Maliasmark on Etsy!

My Spots : Finding Vintage Treasures in Upstate South Carolina : BLDG 109 in Easley, SC

A vintage re-seller and altered art artist is only as good as the local junkers and salvagers in their area. As I look at all the vintage dealers, each vintage shop is a reflection of the area they live in. And we have some great little out of the way shops that I love to frequent here in the Upstate of South Carolina!

Some may want to keep their stops to themselves but I don't mind sharing these great shops for several reasons. First, I am confident in my brand. I am looking for a specific look and interest. When you go, you will not see the same things that I see. You will find your own unique treasures! Second, I want these local businesses who have added to my inventory to be successful too.

Today, I am highlighting BLDG 109 in Easley, SC. Owner, Dickie, has an eye for great pieces! The variety at BLDG 109 is one of a kind. 

Part thrift store, part junk store, part supply store, part antique dealer, there is something for everyone here! Last time I was there, I ran into a friend who owns his own computer repair business, looking for parts. BLDG 109 truly caters to those from all industries. When you go in, roll up your sleeves and start digging. Or, if you're not in a digging mood, let Dickie know what you're looking for. He knows where everything is and after a few minutes of getting to know you, can make suggestions based on your taste.

When I go, of course, I am drawn to the old, paint peeled building next door. It's my favorite place to explore at BLDG 109.

Sure, it's a little dangerous which is probably why I like it. Be careful not to fall through that hole in the floor! This is where you will find lots of furniture, stereo equipment, and his coveted piano boards with the decorative brand names that make great art and mantels.

If you are thinking about hitting the road to find your own diamond in the rough, stop by and see Dickie at BLDG 109. If he doesn't have what you're looking for, he'll find it or know someone that does!

BLDG 109 is located at 109 Gulf Street in Easley, SC, right around the corner from Easley's Main Street and downtown. Plenty of little lunch spots to enjoy before or after you shop!

BLDG 109 Facebook Page

Search BLDG 109 on Greenville's Craigslist. Dickie regularly posts pics of new items there.

The Timeline Of An Art Piece : Let Yourself Out

Does art happen overnight? Sometimes, but not likely. Art is the culmination of months of material gathering, hours of creation time, and a lifetime of the artist's experiences and inspiration.

So, you know that feeling when you have a word on the tip of your tongue and can't get it out? Yeah, I experienced that creatively this week. I felt like I had some inspiration and all the pieces but I just couldn't put them together. It's all very manic. So, here is how it came together and the timeline of this piece.

Well, now that I put it in a timeline, it looks so planned and organized. Let me assure you it is anything but. It's mostly random acts sprinkled with a lot of self doubt.

• First, along time ago in a galaxy far far away, we start with a teenage girl. Angst, one of the great creative motivators.
• Then I found some skeleton keys at an antique store. Who doesn't like skeleton keys? Am I right or am I right? I'll take them.
• Listening to my dance cardio Pandora station doing some cleaning, doing some dancing, liking "Until the End" by Dirty South. Lyrics "But don't you see you're holding all the keys to all the dungeons let yourself out just let you be found" stand out because I think most people are their own worst enemy and are the only ones holding themselves back.
• Found a new junk store on Craigslist. Love it! Find some vintage door knob backers which I love because they are metal and rusty.
• Had been wanting to go to this salvage place for a year or so. No time like the present! Got some nice sun baked barn wood.
• Found another new junk place on Craigslist. The best junk places are always in old buildings that could be considered a little scary, much to my better half's chagrin. Little frame could work in an art collage, I'll pick it up.
• Bought a collection of creepy dolls at my first auction. Better half is not excited about having them take up residence in our bonus room.
• Better half has a photography project. Why not use said creepy dolls? 
• Listening to Lana Del Ray's "Young and Beautiful" and thinking of how it applies to all my old rusty things. And the answer is yes! I do love you even more. :)

So, this is what ensued...

Whew! That's exhausting just thinking about it. Let Yourself Out could mean a lot of things to a lot of people. To me the piece means that each of us has the keys to all the dungeons that we keep ourselves locked in and it's as simple as taking that key and letting ourselves out. We don't have to wait on someone else to let us out. Someone else isn't keeping us in there. Take that key. Simple is a generous word. It could take some work but this piece is an awesome reminder that YOU can do it! Let yourself out.

Let Yourself Out can be found for sale at Maliasmark on Etsy.

Junk...uh...what is it good for absolutely everything.

I absolutely love anything old, odd, mechanical, metal, wood, and rust.

Some people wonder what I do with all my junk. Some people think I'm crazy for paying money for it. 
And I buy a lot of it. Let me tell you, I have the best of intentions. Each piece is lovingly selected with a fabulous art application in mind but who has the time. So I decided to share. A lot of what is posted on https://www.etsy.com/shop/maliasmark is just that, items that I intend to fuse together into an art piece...at some point. But in the meantime, if someone else has an idea for it, I will begrudgingly pass it along. :)
So stay tuned for new junk, old junk, junk that finally got a new lease on life, and the story of how it all happened.