In February 2010, I visited my friend Carol in the Central Valley. I spent the night and the next day we drove to the town of Exeter, one of the best towns ever. Wonderful murals are painted on so many walls that we weren't able to see them all. I posted what we saw, but I think that post is lost. I will check again and repost if I find it.
There are also, many antique, thrift, and consignment stores. And I remember a nice coffee shop where we took a break. Here are some of the things that caught my eye at the time:
Carol knew the woman who had this space in one of the stores. In addition to collecting and selling old china and decorative items, the woman, whose name I think is Betty, also paints. When I saw this painting of the purple cottage, I fell in love. I believe it was well over $100.00, and that I couldn't afford at the time, so I had to leave it behind.
Time went by and I forgot all about the painting. But Carol didn't. She called earlier this year and told me that Betty was closing her space in the shop and selling everything. So Carol bought the painting for $50.00. She asked if I wanted to buy it for that. I said, yes, of course. So happy she remembered.
And here it is, on my bedroom wall, just opposite my bed. It's the first thing I see in the morning. It may be the painting -- but I really think it's Carol remembering and getting it for me -- that makes me smile.
Have a great Labor Day!
