The Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Purple!

If you live in a neighborhood that has an HOA, a Home Owners' Association, this post may hit home with you. If you don't have an HOA, I'll clue you in.
 
Basically, an HOA works from a set of by-laws, outlining what residents can and cannot do with and on their property, such as "no built-in bar-b-ques, no clotheslines, fences can only be this tall and of this style, sheds must not be seen from the street, landscaping can only cover this percentage of your lot - you get the picture. They also include permitted paint colors for homes, sheds, fences, decks and anything else that can be painted. My HOA even has a brand of paint and color swatches on their website, for use on doors.
 

While on a recent walk around my area, I spotted a lovely pale purple front door. The home was a similar grey color as mine and I thought that the purple was so refreshing, unique and charming. It really gave the house something special and I silently applauded the residents for their creativity. Wouldn't you know it? About a week later, our Homeowners' newsletter came out and included a special section on door paint colors! The article specifically said "no purple doors!". Dude! You're cramping my creativity here! I really didn't see what the big deal was, but apparently the HOA spies spotted that pretty door and put the kibosh on color!
 

I'm not a complete "rebel without a clue". I know that there are reasons for rules and protocol. Heck, I studied Law Enforcement in college, so I really do understand. I just don't get rules that exist simply for the sake of having rules. Individuality is what makes us special. Sure, there are probably some colors that may offend the majority of people, but the world is not all beige, white, putty and grey! There are two "renegade" houses in my neighborhood of approximately 200 homes, that are blue. However, they are such a pale blue that they are really more like a bl than a complete blue. Our home is grey with ivory trim. When we replaced the old aluminum siding with vinyl, we went with a darker, richer grey (shhhhh! don't tell the HOA) and it reminds me a little bit of a beach house. I know, I'm such a dreamer when it comes to the beach! Our door, however, is burgundy, which does not seem to be on the current list of approved front door colors (sound the alarm!). Considering repainting, I looked at the list for something with a purple hue to it. The closest I found was so dark, that it would appear to be black from two feet away. Wait. Are we allowed to have black? I'd better check the by-laws. (sarcastic snicker)
 

This post is not intended to trash HOA's. They do serve beneficial purposes. With our dues, we get a swimming pool, tennis courts, play ground, a few beautifully landscaped common areas, trash, recycling and yard debris removal and the two large streets get snow removal (those of us on pipe stems, or shared driveways are to shovel our own. Yeah, right). I just don't see the harm in things from my childhood, like hanging laundry, having a swing set or the color purple. Look at all of the gorgeous Victorian era homes that are painted in bold colors, including purple! Look at all of these lovely door examples I found on Google. How can you admire a field of lavender and not gasp due to its beauty? Its purple beauty!

OK, I'll climb down from my soap box. I suppose I just needed to vent a little and defend one of my favorite colors and whine about paying an association for the privilege of being stuck into a way of living that I don't always agree with. I guess I'm the proverbial square peg that doesn't fit into the round hole. I kind of like it that way. I never claimed to be normal and never will! Is there a certain color door that you have or would love to have? Please tell me!

HOW ABOUT PINK? I LOVE PINK!

Thank you for stopping by today and letting me get my ramble on. Have a wonderful day!
Hugs, Leena

Linking to: Wow Us Wednesdays

Lucketts Market + Hometalk Meetup = Major Awesomeness!

Today was the day . The day I'd been waiting for. The day I'd been talking about for weeks. The day that I've been running around the Internet like a crazed maniac posting, commenting and spreading the word about! Today was the Hometalk Meetup at the one and only Lucketts Market!

Shamefully, I have to admit that I had not attended the market in a few years. Twice while attempting to, major storms kicked up and I turned my car around and headed home. Today, however, gloomy clouds threatening rain were not going to stop me. Wild horses, squirrels, not even insane muskrats could have kept me away! I was actually a little nervous about today. Not only was I giddy about the oodles and oodles of awesome kewl stuff to be had and admired, but I was also going to get to see and meet some of my favorite blogging buds! These are people I've admired since I first started my blog two years ago and discovered theirs. They are like celebrities! Forget Hollywood, forget sports icons. Starstruck? I was Blog Star Struck! I'll get into that in a moment, but first, the market details.

Hometalk Meetup Tent

 

My awesome narly VIP pass from Lucketts and Hometalk. Now I'll have to practice my queen wave!

I got up early so I could arrive at Lucketts near opening time. I live about 20 minutes away but wasn't sure what the traffic would be like. There have been years when rush hour near D.C. paled in comparison to the amount of cars lined up, bumper to bumper, waiting to get into the parking lot. The market used to be held across the street on the Lucketts Community Center grounds, but was moved to the Lucketts store's property in recent years. This is SO MUCH better, in my opinion! There is more room for vendors, more room for parking and it's convenient to visit the store and Design House on the property.

Design House - look at the gorgeous window box!



Design House - LOVE the giant head!

 My daughter and I dropped the grand babes off at the baby sitter's house and were on the road! We only had until 1:00 and I thought that would be plenty of time - HA! Who was I kidding? With approximately 200 vendors and all that glorious treasure to look at, I should have attended both days! No kidding. I will do that next year. I'm also not the swiftest thing on two legs due to herniated discs in my back, which affects my walking. I walk until the pain is bad, then I sit, walk, sit, walk, sit. I'm getting really good at sitting in a vendor's chair to "test it out" while I'm secretly resting my back for a few seconds.

I actually loved this chaise lounge from East End Trading Company. It was super comfortable and the wood trim was just gorgeous! I would have seriously considered ditching one of my sofas in order to make room for this baby in my home! This vendor had a huge tent filled with so many wonderful items! Here are a few more pictures.
 

East End Trading Co. - we finally found a key to fit our Victrola here! It'd been locked for 6 years! They had the best selection of olive buckets, door knobs,  bottles, hardware, spindles, and they're located inside Lucketts Store so I can visit them year-round!

My stunt double (giggle)

My daughter with another fab dress form

A different vendor. Lamp shades made from old pattern covers. She had purses too!

Must obey the chalkboard!

I should have bought this and ridden it around!

We roamed around, admiring everything! Vintage goodness was lined up as far as the eye could see, along with all kinds of other fabulous finds!  I haven't photographed what I bought yet, but will do that tomorrow and post it then. For now, I'll just share a few more photos.

Adore this chest!

Hello Mr. Horse!

Look at all the neat doohickeys!

I see garden art in this collection!

Upon rounding a little bend, I spotted it - the Big Blue Hometalk tent! (musical ahhhhhhhh)  As soon as I walked up, I spotted Karen from The Graphics Fairy. I had only met her once and was so surprised when she recognized me, remembered my name and gave me a big hug. She is the sweetest person and has a wonderful blog where she shares beautiful antique and vintage ephemera that she lovingly restores. Such talent she has!

 We chatted while watching Donna from Funky Junk Interiors assist another Hometalker in building one of her cute wooden tool boxes. I gave her a quick greeting in between her wood cutting. She was so gracious and really into her work. Her passion for reclaiming junk was very obvious! Loved watching her do her thing.

Donna cutting reclaimed wood to make a tool box

I also had the pleasure to meet Miriam, Director of Community Development for Hometalk. What a dear woman! She was so pleased with all of my maniac commenting on everything to do with this weekend's event and was just a real doll!

I was frowning at my camera which did not seem to want to work. I got me a big ol' cookie puss!

Karen gave us these great burlap tote bags with the graphic designed by Donna - perfect for toting around our goodies! Unfortunately, it was about then that my daughter announced that we had to get going to relieve the sitter on time, so although she was right in the tent next door and I could see her, busily attending to other admirers, I did not get a chance to meet Marian, Miss Mustard Seed, in person, quite the disappointment. Hopefully another time soon! While approaching the tent, I had spotted Diane of In My Own Style but she was gone by the time I got over there. Sorry I missed you too Diane!

As we headed towards the exit, I was like a kid not wanting to go to school, dragging my heals. "Wait! I wanted to look at this again! Hang on! I need to see if this is still over here! Oh! I didn't see these yet! I need to check out these fabulous Tolex bar stools! Wow! They have chairs to match!"

Peek-a-boo!

I want to build one of these - it was the coolest thing!

More fabulousness!

Love the tin mirrors!

You know that this little cherub stole my heart!

o/~ I ain't got no body ~\o (giggle)

Fantastic old stove!

This old tractor grill would be an incredible wall piece!

Horse kissies

 I finally gave in and headed for the car. We thought about grabbing the kids and coming back and I wish that we had. I have already been regretting not buying this really neat old wooden desk chair for my office (smacking head on keyboard) and there were things on my list that I know were there from Donna's photos on her Face Book page, that I hadn't come across yet.

Stacks and stacks of tin-covered letters and ceiling tiles - drool!

Fortunately, since many of the vendors also sell through the Lucketts Store, I can make a trip up there and see if I can locate them soon. I can never get enough of Lucketts Store! It's my favorite local shop and provides beneficial therapy when I need a good vintage or junk fix!

Gigantic birdhouses flanked the market entrance - impressive!

I think my daughter wanted to live in one of these!

Well, that's our story. I tried to keep it short and sweet and let the pictures do the talking, but some parts I just had to write about. Major kudos to Lucketts for putting on such a fantastic event! Everything was organized so well and I know that the magnitude of effort that went into planning and setting up this event was gigantic! Also, a big heartfelt thank you to Hometalk for participating with their Meetup, allowing us bloggers and members a chance to see the faces behind the typing, share kind words and warm hugs. I can't wait until next year! Y'all sure you only want to do this once a  year? I think I just heard the distinctive thump of fainting bodies coming from Lucketts.

The drinks are on me - y'all earned it!

Thank you for visiting today for this very long post! I always appreciate you taking time to read and comment. Have a glorious day! Hugs, Leena

Goofing around in what my daughter dubbed the Survivor Hut

Contentment

The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the temperature is around 80 degrees. The birds sitting in my flowering cherry tree are chirping. A neighbor is mowing his lawn and I can smell the fresh-cut grass. My daughter is clearing out some of the garage so she can have a yard sale tomorrow (yay!), it's Friday and Jim will be home soon, as will my little grand bambinos! Big contented sigh. I'm happy in this moment.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs, Leena

Helpful Info For Leesburg/Lucketts Visitors

Hi all! Many of you will be headed my way this weekend (yay!) for the annual Lucketts Spring Market (yay again!). The wonderful folks at The Old Lucketts Store provided very helpful information on their blog about the Market and area, which can be accessed through the links below.

Photo Courtesy of Lucketts Store

Spring Market Information provided by The Old Lucketts Store
http://luckettstoreblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/tips-tricks-for-shopping-lucketts.html

Area Accommodations/Restaurant/Tourism Information provided by The Old Lucketts Store
http://luckettstoreblog.blogspot.com/p/spring-market-details.html

Historic Leesburg, Virginia

As I live in the beautiful and historic Town of Leesburg, I thought there may be additional information that may come in handy during your weekend stay. Having the 411 prior to your arrival will assist in planning your stay and allow you to Mapquest places you may want/need to go to ahead of time. No wasted time sitting in a hotel room thumbing through a telephone book for you, no sirree!

Forget Something?
Walmart: 950 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 Hours: 6am-12am every day
CVS Drug Store: 616 East Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176 Hours: 7am-12am every day
Giant Food: 61 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg, VA, 20176 Hours: M-S 6am-12am, Sunday 6am-11pm

Need Coffee, Ice Cream, Donuts, etc?
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins: 521 East Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176 Hours: F-4:30am-10:30pm, Sat 5am-10:30pm, Sun 5:30am-10pm
Starbucks: 531 East Market St (across parking lot from DD) Hours: 5am-10pm every day

Need Food Fast?
McDonalds: 335 East Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176 Hours: Open 24/7
McDonalds: 965 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 Hours: Open 24/7
Burger King: 970 Edwards Ferry Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 Hours: 6am-11pm every day
IHOP: 980 Edwards Ferry Rd (near Burger King and Walmart) Hours: Open 24/7
Wendy's: 502 East Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176 Hours: 10am-1am

Emergency Rooms
Inova Emergency Center: 224 Cornwall Street, Leesburg, VA 20176
Inova Loudoun Hospital: 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, VA 20176

Shabby/Vintage Shops (check links for hours of operation)
Weathered Elegance, 2B Loudoun Street, SW, Leesburg, VA 20175
Four Shabby Chicks, 30 South King Street, Leesburg, VA 20175
Black Shutter Antiques, 1 Loudoun Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Leesburg Antique Emporium, 32 South King Street, Leesburg, VA 20175
Many more wonderful shops and eateries are located in the same area of Historic Leesburg!

I hope this information will be helpful! Like I said, I live in town, so if you have any questions,  feel free to email me! Hope to see as many of you as possible on Sunday! I'm so excited!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a safe trip and a wonderful visit! Hugs, Leena

Every Little Birdie Give Away! Tweet! Tweet!

Be sure to check out Every Little Birdie's great give away going on now! Three sweet tweet prizes that'll have you flapping your wings for joy! Good Luck!