Ole Langhorne Harvest Day 2024

Just Add Thread

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

For long arm quilting and so much more visit Susan who has more than two decades experience and eye for design. I am sewist and I was inspired!

Plus her friend Connie who shared the booth with her is now selling her crochet items. Such sweet and happy friends!

I hope they both return to Harvest Day 2025.

Justaddthread4u@gmail.com

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

Leaving the city and staying in a small town has been challenging for me until I met Mr. Wommack. His art consists of the most refreshing color palette I have seen since my last trip to a modern art museum.

Viewing his art was like finding a spring day in the middle of the longest winter of my life. I would share the conversation we had, but we could not hear one another due to the EMS sirens. Mr. Wommack's art said all I needed to hear that day.

Be sure to check out his work here: rmichaelwommack.com

DUBUS STUDIO

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

DUBUS STUDIO

Ever wonder who painted that? Well I met the gentleman who painted the murals around town at the Langhorne Arts Council booth .

Again, the EMS sirens prevented a true dialogue, but based on our mutual gestures I can tell he is a nice guy!

Check out his work here: jeanmarcdubus.com

Make sure you take the time to meet him next year.

Ole Langhorne Harvest Day 2024

Dark Side of the Wood

Dark Side of the Quartz

I met certified luthier, wood turner and craftsman Matthew Elliot. His work has a Viking influence that drew me in. Suppose it’s the Scottish lineage running my life again! I noticed his runes sets have a natural finish. He explained his process of sourcing cutoffs, fallen trees, repurposing and hand finishing all that he makes and sells.

What impressed me the most is when he said: “Make sure you look at Courtney’s work.” Pointing to the table next to him. “She’s my girlfriend and while she wanted to have display on my table, I wanted her to have her own business!”

If you are looking for musical instruments repairs, custom wood furniture and wood carved keepsakes find him here: www.darksideofthewood.com.

Dark Side of the Quartz

There is nothing dark about Courtney, she sparkles when she shares her passion of wire wrapping crystals. What began as a hobby to find some quiet in this busy world has become a talent I am glad she is sharing with us!

Her work is also on display at Attic Mice 2 in Allentown, PA

Find her virtually on Instagram: @darksideofthequartz.

Serenity Coffee

Dark Side of the Quartz

Serenity Coffee

Serenity Creek Coffee began in 2022. Their coffee is home roasted.

Wow what a difference!

I had a sample and as a writer, I must admit, I believe I know my coffee.

This coffee is smooth and well rounded.

Find serenity here: www.serenitycoffee.com

Historic Fallsington Day 2024

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

I enjoyed a pleasant dialogue with Lizzy from Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause. She sells her assorted crafts to support The Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Based out of Philly. She was so successful at Historic Fallsington Day I am sure she will be busy crafting more!

Contact Lizzy here to find out when she will have more home goods made:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/270463798123621/

This is a virtual business with a physical presence at fairs and events.

Vintage Photo Rescue

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

Preserving family history one photo at a time. I was delighted to meet Laura Hess, a fellow vintage photo connoisseur. She is versed in digital preservation of family photos. Unless of course you are like me and just collect vintage photos and wish to preserve them!

Check out her work at:

www.vintagephotorescue.com

email: info@vintagephotorescue.com

I love the lint roller at work!

This business is a virtual business with a beautiful website and physical presence at fairs and events.

The Bridge

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

The Bridge

I am a writer, so I drink coffee. I needed a new coffee shop!

This is not your average coffee shop. This one puts God first as they believe God's love informs all they do. They are for people, generous, ethically responsible and seek to provide the best experience. Of utmost important they have a great cup of coffee.

It was a pleasure meeting the crew at the Bridge at Historic Fallsington Day.

Be sure to visit their brick and mortar location.

find out more here:

https://thebridge.coffee/

LilliPies Bakery

I entered Lillipies on a balmy spring day. I was a bit wet and the corridor to the entrance of their store can create a bit of a wind tunnel. It worked well to dry me off! I was greeted by the warm and friendly smile of Jen, whom I came to learn is the owner and originator of Lillipies. She explained to me that her business is the result of bringing little pies to her son's school one day. They came to be called L'il Pies. Now it is Lillipies. Jen's face lit up with love as she told me this story. We connected as moms do when we can reminisce of those school days moments.

My eye was drawn to the little lemon meringue pies in the display case. I ordered two. One to eat and one to photograph.

Recently released from all medical dietary restrictions, I ordered five loaves of bread. One was the cinnamon swirl. Jen shared that it is her favorite. When I inquired she explained:

"My grandmother used to make the best french toast." Her face lit up even more. I mentioned I was unable to make a really good french toast. "Here" she tore a piece of paper grabbed a marker and wrote down her grandmother's recipe.

Each visit after the first, I found Lillipies to offer a warm personal greeting upon entering. The employees are well trained and knowledgeable about the items they serve. They are happy to be working there and take pride in their duties. I called ahead a couple times to see if they had a sourdough loaf in stock and the phone was always answered politeness.

I did not bring my dog but there is no signage prohibiting dogs. The Princeton Shopping Center in general seems to welcome them.

It is easy to maneuver as a cane user and I observed a wheelchair user or two navigate the store and both entrances without complication that I could see.

I recommend a visit to Lillipies for your next coffee break sampled of course with a Lillipie, toasted egg sandwich or that upcoming holiday desert need. I forgot to mention they make their own English muffins! The enthusiasm is contagious. There are few of us with the courage to have a vision, follow it through and continue to love our passion, Jen is one of those.

https://lillipies.com/lillipies-bakery-menu/

Van Girl Reviews

Each week I take a drive and see where my van takes me. Join me as I write a review of local businesses I visit!

Small businesses are the building block of our communities. It takes grit, character, dedication and a dream to open a business. When one chooses to keep a family business open they are continuing a legacy. Sometimes those even skip a generation.

Current advertising and marketing does not leave room for the heart of the business owner to be expressed.

When I shop at a store I want to know the back story. Why was the business opened? Whom does it keep up at night? What was the defining moment when the business owner decided to take the leap of faith and risk everything to follow their dream? These are just some of the topics I will explore.

Mahbubeh's Antiques

The first time I visited Mahbuhbeh’s Antiques I was in need of inspiration. I was unclear where I would land after honoring the pokey speed limit on the winding country road leading into town from Route 31. Once past the church at the traffic light, shops appear.

Parking is appropriate for a town this size. I parked across the street in front of the cemetery. The road is steep so I monitored my steps and contemplated using my cane.

There were other antique stores in town, but today my eye caught the window displays of Mahbubeh’s Antiques. I found myself shift my walking pace from a stride to a stroll. I enjoyed drinking in the image of a shoe mold on a stack of loved books. I began to breath. I was starting to relax. I pondered the story behind the collection of used paint brushes.

I entered the store and was greeted:

“Hello, what can I help you find today?”

The delicate woman behind the counter was busy organizing and pricing things.

“I am not sure just looking.”

After a few moments Mahbubeh engaged with me. There was something familiar about her. She shared the shop with me. She knows the era, value and appropriate price point of the items she chooses to sell. She is very discriminating in what she will carry.

I began to make this a monthly visit. The window displays always encourage my own creativity. Mahbubeh was kind enough to allow me to photograph some of her items. I asked what wisdom she would like to offer.

While she placed more antiques in front of me to photograph, she shared:

“I came to America from Iran to play piano. My piano playing helped to pay for my daughters’ ballet classes. When all my daughters were grown, my husband told me to

do something. So I decided I would open a shop. I did. It was small. When it grew, I moved and then when it grew some more, I moved again. I moved my shop four times. It takes time to get to where we want to be. But each day little at a time we keep doing it and one day we are there. I sell my husband’s paintings too. I still live in the same home on the lake where he painted. Those are his brushes over there. They are good brushes still.”

I never told Mahbuhbeh, but when she mentioned she played piano for ballet school, I knew the reason she is familiar to me. I took lessons at the school where she played. Listening to her steady rhythm helped me in my own lessons.

I asked her if she still played piano.

“No, I sold it. I have a shop to run. No one in my family waned it.” As a rescuer of many pianos, I cringed a little. Yet, she inspires me to do the same as I build anew.

Mahbubeh now shares ninety five years of wisdom to any who will take a moment to engage in a conversation with one of the most inspirational women I have ever known.

My time with her is precious. https://www.facebook.com/mahbubehsantiques/

Park Place Diner

Denver, Pennsyvlania, that is! Ever heard of it?

My quest for upright grande pianos got me there. I found a guy who rebuilds pianos for a fraction of the cost of the uppity ups near the big cities. He has a gift. I found a free piano on C's list years ago and needed to have it restored. I finally had a moment to drop it off before Christmas. Me and the pup enjoyed the ride listening to John Denver and a mix of Christmas tunes on the radio. On the way back, right before the exit to the highway I noticed a sign Park Place Diner.

"How good could that be?" I asked the pup. He tilted his head in a let's find out kind of way.

We grabbed a seat at the counter next to the dessert case. We partook of coffee, of course, a farmer's breakfast and a chocolate dessert. Wait staffs and guests were taking in the dog on my lap. I sought the manager's attention and began a chat.

"This place makes me think I am in New Jersey." I said.

"Makes sense, that's where we're from."

I asked if he knew some of the diner owners I grew up with. He did and said: "We used to be Ponzio's!"

Amazing.

I ordered souvenir mug and hit the road.

So if you are ever in Denver, Pa. stop in the Park Place Diner!

https://www.dineatparkplace.com/

Ole Langhorne Harvest Day 2024

Just Add Thread

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

DUBUS STUDIO

R.MICHAEL WOMMACK

DUBUS STUDIO

Ole Langhorne Harvest Day 2024

Dark Side of the Wood

Dark Side of the Quartz

Dark Side of the Quartz

Dark Side of the Quartz

Dark Side of the Quartz

Dark Side of the Quartz

Serenity Coffee

Dark Side of the Quartz

Serenity Coffee

Historic Fallsington Day 2024

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

Vintage Photo Rescue

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

The Bridge

Lizzy's Crafts For A Cause

The Bridge

LilliPies Bakery

Van Girl Reviews

Mahbubeh's Antiques

Park Place Diner

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