Hi Friends!
Early Saturday morning we drove out into the countryside ~ passing lush, green fields, tidy, white farmhouses, and faded red barns. We were both looking forward to being outside in the morning sunshine and soaking up inspiration. As we pulled into the quiet, little town of Morris, our car knew the way to our usual out-of-the-way parking place. (The perfect spot just in case we wanted to carry some inspiration back to the car!)
It was 8 o’clock and Canalport Park was already filled with people. The friendliest people gather at the 3 French Hens French Country Market very early on the second Saturday of each month, from May through October. Everyone is seeking their favorite kind of inspiration! Young and old, couples, singles, and families with pups on leashes wander through the park in search of antiques, upcycled art, handmade jewelry, artisan soaps, fresh-baked pies and breads, flowers of all kinds, and so much more. Locally grown produce and a variety of tempting, hot foods and cold drinks often inspire a spur-of-the-moment picnic in the park, too.
As always, my husband and I started off together looking at the tables and displays filled with antiques. Before long, we each ventured off in search of our own favorite types of inspiration. I am drawn to antique furniture, vintage dishes, antique teacups, and interesting stoneware crocks, enamelware pitchers, and Mason jars to hold bouquets of garden flowers. He is drawn to antique books, old tools, and historic memorabilia.
Before long, he will walk across the wooden footbridge crossing the historic I & M Canal ~
to find inspiration
in a quiet walk in nature.
He enjoys hiking the wooded path to the Illinois River
to observe the local fauna and watch all kinds of boats on the river.
This was my Saturday morning ‘Artist’s Date’ seeking inspiration for our home and garden, as I nourished my creative heart and soul. I have been truly smitten with Farmhouse Style decorating lately. Fresh, white beadboard, walls covered with wood slats, natural wood finishes, and pops of color and natural textures have been calling my name. Old and rustic, yet simple and fresh! What better place to soak up that Farmhouse feeling than in a lovely park in the countryside! I have always been drawn to wooden signs ~ the words, the lettering styles, the rustic textures, and the soft colors. Walking through the 3 French Hens French Country Market felt like I was walking through my favorite Pinterest boards, with inspiration everywhere!
Come on along… so I can show you a few things that caught my eye on Saturday morning!
These muted colors and different textures made my heart sing!
Everything on this table could find a place in our little ‘nest.’
Bunting makes every day feel like a little celebration!
Hand lettered signs add just the right touch of warmth and coziness to any room.
I love the brush lettered style (especially bouncy brush lettering!).
I think I’m going to need some old, rustic barnwood! 🙂
This ‘Artist’s Date’
surrounded me with inspiration… everywhere I looked!
Lettering inspiration embellished
fluffy, white pillows,
embroidered, straw hats,
and more weathered barnwood!
As I walked along the edge of Canalport Park, I came upon something that stopped me in my tracks. Right before my eyes, a Tractor Parade turned slowly onto Illinois Street. Vintage farm tractors and modern tractors of every color and size passed by very slowly. Most of the tractors displayed American flags and many had shade umbrellas, too. A local artisan told me that farmers love to parade through small towns on Summer weekends in their beloved tractors, gathering for breakfast together in a small cafe. I just had to stop and watch… 🙂
This parade brought back such wonderful childhood memories of riding in antique car parades on Summer weekends. My dad drove our Model A Ford Coupe, that he had lovingly restored, blowing the ‘ooh-gah’ horn often. Dad and Mom rode inside the car, while my brothers and I waved to the parade watchers from the rumble seat! 🙂
It’s such a wonderful thing when people discover their ‘tribe’ of kindred spirits ~
car people, tractor people, boat people, train people,
readers, gardeners, runners, cyclists, collectors, crafters,… !
Inspiration is everywhere, if we just take the time to look for it.
More lettering inspiration ~
on rusty metal and rustic paper!
These signs were lettered on upcycled kitchen cabinet doors. What a great idea!
One of them just had to come home to our cozy, little bungalow.
Can you guess which one?
It’s a good thing our perfect, out-of-the-way, parking spot was nearby! 🙂
After two inspiring hours, my husband came to find me in the park.
We had just enough time to look for inspiration in the nearby vintage shops ~
before driving one more hour through the peaceful countryside
to spend a lovely afternoon with our dear family.
♥♥♥
Thanks so much for visiting today!
Where do you find inspiration on a Summer weekend?
Perennially yours,
♡ Dawn
