It is fall festival time and I have been out most weekends enjoying the craft shows and fall fare. And, may I 
I fell in love with these bird houses. I don't have a yard for them, but I do think this will make a lovely housewarming present for someone I know. I hope she likes it. You can bet I'll be checking their yard at Christmas because I am like that - I need proof that my thoughtful gifts are being used and enjoyed.
The first of the fairs I went to was the Peach Festival, which unfortunately was held on a weekend of a massive overnight storm. About 16 tents collapsed under the weight of the rain and a few artists had to abandon the remainder of the event when their stock (boxes and other papers) were destroyed. The next day bloomed sunny, if a little muddy.
Last weekend found me at a studio tour in the lovely artists' town of Dundas.
The regulars were there, plus a few new artists from outside the immediate area. I fell in love with these fish.....
and bought myself a walking stick. Purely on a whim. Before I knew what had happened, it was measured for me and a rubber tip put on it and my wallet was out. No less than three people came up to me, so excited for my new purchase and later I was approached by another couple wanting to know where I had bought it. I thought I should give it a little test drive. Just a short walk, as the day was already waning.
The colours aren't at their best yet. But, with walking stick in hand and camera in pocket I shall return to this spot next Saturday and we'll see the difference in the Dundas Valley.
The regulars were there, plus a few new artists from outside the immediate area. I fell in love with these fish.....
and bought myself a walking stick. Purely on a whim. Before I knew what had happened, it was measured for me and a rubber tip put on it and my wallet was out. No less than three people came up to me, so excited for my new purchase and later I was approached by another couple wanting to know where I had bought it. I thought I should give it a little test drive. Just a short walk, as the day was already waning.
The colours aren't at their best yet. But, with walking stick in hand and camera in pocket I shall return to this spot next Saturday and we'll see the difference in the Dundas Valley.
I love that birdhouse and I think walking with a stick is the best way to get around. I miss my walking stick. I left it behind in California. I must get a new one some day. I have a large one from Africa, but it's too tall and heavy and makes me look like a tribal chief. Those fish are neat. Are they made of glass?
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted a walking stick, Nora, but I found it takes a bit of getting used to! The fish are indeed made of glass.
ReplyDeleteThat walking stick comes in handy! I love the little birdhouse. You could gloat, because I have NONE of my Christmas shopping done!
ReplyDeleteBefore I gloat too much, Jeannette, there is always the chance I will put them away so carefully that I forget where or what they were!
ReplyDeleteUgh. Christmas shopping. *shudder*
ReplyDeleteI love that birdhouse! Well done on the Xmas shopping thing, I dis that one year but spent Xmas eve wondering who I had bought what for, as I hadn't labeled anything! This time I'm putting tags on things so should be better organised...I'd be unstoppable if I could only get started!!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I like to get it done at art shows, Jazz, and summer and fall fairs - long before the annoying music and red decorations are around.
ReplyDeleteSagittarian, I have been known to accidentally buy multiple presents for one or more people because I forgt I'd already bought them something...
ReplyDeleteI really wish I had a garden to put that birdhouse in.
oh, that's a beautiful festival. I love the stick, I need one too
ReplyDeleteThe handle on this stick is what sold me on it, Char. As the carver said "if it doesn't mold to your hand, you won't use it and it will just get dusty".
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunningly beautiful view of those trees. I look forward to seeing the colours.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have been with you at the fair. What a shame it rained on their parade. Love your stick... I really need one myself.
Wow. Those are great adventures. I look forward to watching the leaves change with you.
ReplyDeleteOh, I wish I had been there to go with you on your walkabout! I love crafts fairs! You just never know what you might find. That walking stick is superb. I can almost feel the smoothness of the handle.
ReplyDeleteI've bought exactly one Christmas gift, so far. I'm dreading the shopping.
Usually I don't like rats at all, but those two eating a pie I find cute.
ReplyDeleteI wish you lived near me as I have a hard time talking anyone into going to craft fairs with me...and it's no fun going alone...
ReplyDeleteI bought funky birdhouses similar to yours at a craft fair when I was visiting VA...I meant to give them away as gifts but one of them just couldn't leave my house:)
Love the walking stick!...and I won't even talk about holiday shopping....
I love your little walking tours. It's almost like you being here and us walking all over the place...except that it's not raining in your photos! I'm looking forward to your next tour.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a gorgeous area, Meggie. Come along for the virtual tour, geewits.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I never have any expectations at craft fairs, and I usually find something I MUST have. Otherwise, I do not enjoy shopping.
Guillaume, I wish I could remember which site I found these creatures on - but her artwork is cute. I think she was German.
Oliag we would have so much fun, and I'd get to eat fresh lobsters.
ReplyDeleteOnly with you, XUP , would I walk so far in the rain.
The joys of a sunny day autumnal walk cannot be surpassed in my esteem. Balm for the soul indeed. I enjoyed the walk with you.
ReplyDeleteNow, as you responded to my blog, as follows are your five words:
tropical
mythology
streetcars
satin
cities
This is such a great time of year for seeing what local artisans are doing, isn't it? Congrats on having started your holiday shopping.
ReplyDeleteIan, my goal is to do much more hiking. I can think of these words while I'm walking.
ReplyDeleteFsll fares are so abundant and fun, thanks Stine, (I'm on a roll now - need some help?
Of course that should be fall fairs, but you knew that. still, I hate it when my fingers fall on the wrong keys.
ReplyDeleteI was a little jealous you asked Ian for the 5 words instead of me, but I love the words he picked and can't wait to read that post.
ReplyDeleteMy bad! I saw that you came in late and did ask for the 5 words. And as for the rest of that comment, we had dinner plates with a toile asian design and I used to do the same thing!
ReplyDeleteI saw your comment on my site and came over to visit. I've enjoyed myself thus far and intend to take a little deeper into your archives. Also, I'll take advantage of your many links. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Moe, nice to see you here.
ReplyDeleteGlad you checked out my skies for this post is delightful. Too bad, though that the tents fell down, hard for the venders who lost their wares. Things are hard enough without nature conspiring againt them.
ReplyDeleteI love craft fairs too. There are always some amazing items that you would probably never think of buying.
ReplyDeleteAnd well done you on doing all your Christmas shopping. I must admit, I will be starting mine soon.
CJ xx
Ohh, how perfect. I agree it is so great to support local artisans, good for you. And good that your shopping is done. (Grrrr.)
ReplyDeleteVery nice walking stick, and you used it right away!
Definitely agree with you. Wish I really wish... I had a garden to put a few bonsais and a few birdhouses in.
ReplyDeleteThose objects made from glass are so lovely. A few yrs ago I had visited a Glass Furnace and Glass Art House only an hr away from my home, saw the similar things you published here. In fact I dislike glass as a material, but ceramics my everytime favorite:)
Enjoyed this tour, and this time of the year is great for outdoors, isn't it:)
Happy Autumn wishes to you~
I just love that bird house in the shape of a Church. I am very fond of bird houses.
ReplyDeleteLovely rustic woodland. Autumn is really upon us.
Nuts in May
Shopping done? Congratulations! Your walking stick is delightful. I like that painted glass, too.
ReplyDeleteI like art street fairs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Martha. Yes, nature can be a bitch sometimes. She's mellowed out a little after two crying tantrums!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, and seeing these items make you think "I must get them now as where else will I get the chance".
Remember, Ruth my family is much, much, much smaller than yours. I only have 4 people to buy for (and two generic gifts for the in-laws who aren't mine)
Oh, so do I wish I had a garden, Nihal. I keep buying the garden stuff I want for my SIL!
ReplyDeleteThere were so many neat and original birdhouses, Maggie May, it was getting embarrassing my indecision (for somehting I wasn't even keeping for myself)!!
Thanks, Sandy. I'm getting more comfortable using the stick.
SAW, especially in these studio tours where you can see the artists' workshops.