After a day of resting and recovering from a stomach virus, I felt better this morning, and ready to enjoy the 2 Friends & Junk show in Joplin. Elissa, Adriel, Nate Pugh and Greg braved the falling snow and cold temps to walk the aisles too, looking for treasures.
In fact, MANY people showed up today at the John Q Hammons convention center, in spite of the wintry weather. This is the 4th time in Joplin for this fun event and a little snow wasn’t going to stop any of us from browsing and shopping. After we all gathered near the front, my daughters took the lead and off we went. Booths were filled with an eclectic and interesting mix of vintage products, antiques, recycled and repurposed items, crafts and well….junk.
The girls and I each had a mental list of things we were looking for. I originally wanted a hutch for my kitchen and because of the weather, decided to hit up flea markets later on. It wasn’t appropriate weather for transporting big pieces of furniture in the back of Greg’s truck. However, smaller items on my wish list, such as metal containers for my garden, were easily toted home in the car.
It was fun to look at everything and chat as we browsed. There were so many things to see, great repurposed items that inspired, and unexpected treasures to uncover. We all ran into people we knew and it was great to visit with friends. I also enjoyed seeing vendors from previous shows and meeting new ones, and seeing some favorite local shops represented as well.
The girls selected some great items to purchase. I found lots of items that I liked and yet passed up. And several items that I couldn’t leave without. I picked up a couple of metal buckets to add to my metal collection in the backyard. And thanks to Elissa’s sharp eyes, I walked out with a wonderful old metal box, with chippy red paint. I am envisioning this great container in the backyard with the lid propped open, planted with cheerful impatiens spilling over the edges. It will be so cute!
I also found a surprise, a ceramic acorn. It was tucked away in a box of miscellaneous goodies. I love how this sub-symbol of my year keeps showing up in unexpected places and in unexpected ways. And from Studio Bliss I found an antique looking bracelet chain for my door charm. My sister Debbie and niece Ashley gave it to me. I can’t wait to wear it. I’m looking now for a small charm with the word JOURNEY on it to add to the bracelet. I know I’ll find it, at exactly the right time.
The girls and I left the show, happy with our finds. The guys carried our treasures. We decided to visit local flea markets soon, as we are inspired now to see what else we can uncover and create with. We all made it safely home where we can wait out the wintry precipitation in cozy comfort. Let it snow!
