My husband and I have been in Leavenworth, Washington, for the past several days. We are celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary, which actually took place in May; however for many years we have chosen to celebrate in September when things calm down after summer.
Leavenworth is a Bavarian Village in the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. To say it is beautiful would be an understatement. The alp-like mountain range surrounding the town are breathtaking. The Wenatchee River meanders through for miles and pine, fir, and cedar trees fragrance the air.
This beautiful village has been one of our favorite vacation spots throughout the years. We have stayed in every level of comfort, from tiny cabins on the river when we were newlyweds, and even when our kids were little, to the stunning Enzian Hotel where the alpenhorn is blown every morning during a fabulous breakfast, to the Howard Johnson motel on the highway. We have been here in every season, from the rains of spring to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, summertime fishing expeditions and trips to the swimming hole, fall festivals and art shows, to the most wonderful time of year when the snow falls and the hill in town becomes a sledding wonderland. It is a magical, blessed, and unique place that has been part of our lives.
This year my husband made the reservation and planned our trip. He wanted to really make it special by reserving the most decadent location – the Posthotel right in downtown Leavenworth. This is above and beyond the most beautiful, luxurious, and relaxing place we have stayed in our years together. First of all, no kids allowed. Everything is absolutely stunning, pampering, and carefully planned and executed. We have been spoiled and relaxed in the most delightful ways – from the spa, pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and ice rooms, to the absolutely delicious breakfasts and lunches provided with our reservation.
Feeling quite blessed and relaxed, today I decided to venture out to the antique mall about fifteen miles away in Cashmere, Washington. Refind Creations is all about finding rusty, crusty, old, disposed of, useless things to recreate works of art, right? Well, my darling husband thought he would come along for some reason. Usually he stays and reads when I go on these adventures. We arrived and immediately I found some amazing things – an old tumbler that was painted turquoise and chipped and battered from years of use. I loved the idea of making a succulent garden in it, but I’m sensible enough not to spend $85 for something like that.
On our way to Leavenworth the other day we stopped at another of my favorite treasure/junk stores and I found a nice rusty bale of barbed wire! He didn’t understand why I would pay $20 for barbed wire, let alone rusted, eventhough he routinely helps me make my art! Duh, it’s to make the stems for the roses! Really…
So today, we had not been through even two of the spaces, of which there must be at least a hundred, when he asks, “What are you looking for?” My face must have shown my surprise by such a naive question. “I’m not looking for anything; I’m looking at everything. It’s how I get inspiration for my projects.” He can’t comprehend and asks how long do I think it will take? “Could be hours if I was by myself,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm. “Why did you come with me? Are you trying to torture me?” “This is called antiquing! Duh!” Sigh. Grumpy face. I try to point out to him some of the finer things he might find fascinating – old tools, perhaps. He tags along a little more. “How much longer”, I hear his inner voice. I know – we’ve been married too long. He doesn’t even have to say, “Are we there yet?” So now I start moving through the booths that don’t have any obvious treasures for me.
Last year I spent at least two hours in this store – this time looks like we are going to be doing well at 45 minutes. Grrrr… and then I find exactly what I’m looking for! A mannequin head! She’s beautiful. She has perfect eyes, beautiful makeup, and the most delicious lipstick! “What do you need that for?” he dares to ask. Duh! He knows I sell headbands and beanies on this site and in my Etsy store! He knows I have an upcoming event where I am going to sell those items to raise money for cancer research and awareness. Oh my gosh, and she is 50% off!!! Oh, I have to let go of the angst he is giving me because I’m so happy with my treasure. A little girl in line ahead of me asks, “What are you going to do with her?” She really liked her. When I told her the plan she thought it was great. Ten year old freckled nose girl understands!
Mannequin head got wrapped up and tucked into a metal container I bought to make a succulent garden, and sweet husband takes them out to the car, thinking I’m right behind him… but I told him, “Be out in a few minutes- I have to make one more round to make sure I didn’t miss anything.” He rolls his eyes and waits patiently in the car as I go round one more time and then we return to our luxurious hotel and my heart is happy. I found what I was looking for!
