I'm a big fan...

I really love old fans. Found this little beauty, a 1950's Electric Blue Coronado 12" fan, at the Mile High Flea Market in Denver, CO. It is solid. It's shape is artful. The paint is perfect. The sound, hypnotic. The shape of the painted cast iron base reminds me of the front end of a classic car. This baby, however, is NOT baby-friendly or pet-friendly for that matter. The metal blades whirl around at a blurring speed. With the open cage and the sharp blades...well, you get the picture.

Spent a week this summer traveling around Colorado with a friend. We called it the Thelma and Louise tour. We actually made it all the way across Colorado and into Utah. Had an amazing time with a great friend and found some really cool junk. Perfect vacation. I can't help but imagine how wonderful it would be to travel around the U.S. buying and selling my wares. All part of the dream.

The bus...

So glad you asked!

It is a 1993 GMC Bluebird. Originally from Illinois, she was purchased from the school district, by a couple, Kenny and his wife Kathy in 2001. The bus was to be the realization of their dream. They were adventurous spirits too. Their plan was repurpose the bus, outfit it and turn it into a traveling BBQ joint. Together, they worked on the bus. Removed the seats, installed a sink, two coolers, water tanks and drank a few Natural Lights in the process. Kenny's wife became ill shortly after purchasing the bus. Not long after, she passed away. With his partner gone, he felt unable to continue work on the bus and it sat, unattended, for several years. After some time, he made a decision to sell the bus. Not an easy choice for him, as it was full of wonderful memories but also a painful reminder of a dream unrealized.

I found the bus, on Craigslist, about the same time that I attended my first Junk Jubilee. I arranged to meet Kenny. He introduced me to the bus...No. 14 and told me their story. I could feel the history and the love. I could see my future. We made a deal that day and I became her proud new owner. Kenny had only one request...that I somehow keep and incorporate the number of the bus, 14, as part of her future. He told me that it was his Kathy's favorite number and something that made the bus special to her. So the bus, for as long as she's mine, will be known as No. 14 and will proudly display the number.

The idea...

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to have my own little shop. For the past five years or so, I had been looking at spaces to lease or old buildings to buy. I've looked at everything from buying old school buildings and hardware stores, to leasing very $mall $paces in a trendy part of Des Moines. Talk about anxiety! Just couldn't bring myself to take the leap. I knew that to do it and to do it right was going to require that I quit my full-time job...the one that pays the bills. So I waited. I knew that sooner or later, I would figure out a way.

One Friday, I decided to take off work early and go to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There, in the 4H Building, was a show they were calling The Junk Jubilee. Sounded like a good way to spend the afternoon.

I found myself in my own personal heaven. Surrounded by so many previous loved items, architectural salvage, beautiful repurposed art and people just like me, that love it all. Then it hit me. Why not gather up my junk and become mobile? I would hit the road. Join and follow these traveling shows and vendors! I had figured out a way. The Junkin' Gypsy Mobile Boutique.

In the beginning...

My very first post! So excited, a little nervous and definitely learning as I go. I am dedicating this first post to my dear friend, Sally Tomato - a beautiful, insightful, creative spirit that I am so glad I've had the good fortune to meet and get to know. With her help, I hope to master the "art of the blog".

Today, I begin a new chapter in my life. The one that has always been a dream of mine. I have a passion for collecting, repurposing, traveling, meeting new people and learning new things.

This summer I purchased an old school bus. I am going to transform it in to a traveling shop of sorts.

 I am a life-long collector of previously loved items. Many of the things that I collect remind me of my childhood. Especially of spending time with my Grandma.

Fern was my greatest inspiration. She taught the value of love, of family, faith and independence. With her encouragement and support - there was never a doubt that I would someday be able to live my dream. She passed away a little over a year ago. Her spirit lives on within me and I shall take her everywhere I go.

My plan...To repurpose Bus No. 14. She will become the Junkin' Gypsy Mobile Boutiqe and the reality of my dream.

Future posts will include my progress on the bus. Pictures of the types of things that I love, collect and eventually will become my merchandise on the bus. I couldn't be happier about my new journey.

Here we go...