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Pavilion of Dreams

Ok.  It’s cheese ball to call this the pavilion of dreams.  I acknowledge that, but I’m feeling sentimental and optimistic this evening.  After a long day of hard work, I am moved into my space at Lucketts.  My space. 

It’s amazing.  I welled up when I stepped back and looked at it.  (There was going to be a mahogany library table in the middle, but that sold before I could get set up!)

The space is big, allows in great light and is filled with character and charm.  I love, love it and am so excited to be a part of the antique store that I have loved and shopped at and drooled over for about ten years.  It truly is a dream come true and a business goal I can check off the list. 

I made some hand painted banners to hang from the ceiling and I’m going to make even more to fill the ceiling with all sorts of interesting and pretty things. 

I hung a piece of metal painted with chalkboard paint to display all of my German glass glitter letters.  I love how graphic and interesting it looks. 

It was a chilly day, but I didn’t mind at all. I thoroughly enjoyed arranging furniture and vignettes while my wonderful husband hung doors, windows and plastic to better protect my things from the elements. 

I borrowed the Biblical quote from Barb of Knack.  She has this quote in her home and it’s what popped into my head when I needed to write something on my chalk board. 

I snapped the photo above when we started this morning. See the huge holes?  This was not going to fly with my furniture in it, so we used some doors from my “I am a thief” post, a little bit of exterior grade plywood, some windows and clear plastic to enclose the space.  Now I don’t have to hyperventilate every time there is rain at Lucketts. 

I think Donna would approve of my junk patchwork walls. 

My husband is going to make a hanger for my sign, but for now, it’s leaned up at the opening.  We simply ran out of time today.  Seeing my sign there is amazing. 
I’ve got a lot of work to do over the next few days to get more pieces ready to fill up the space.  I’m giddy to get to it, but lack the energy tonight.  I can’t wait to snuggle in my bed and dream of my future at Lucketts. 
If today wasn’t exciting enough, the cherry on the top was seeing that I was featured by The Nester in her Bird Watching post.  Can a girl stand it all? 

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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113 Responses

  4. Oh Marian…it is the prettiest space ever!!! I know you are glad to be moved in.
    I wish you wonderful success in your very own space.
    I do have a question for you. Do you Ever sleep???? If I had one, I would send you a Wonder Woman belt!!! I get tired just reading all that you do.
    Looking forward to seeing the finishing touches on your pavillon des songes. No, I don't speak French, I was just curious and looked up the translation – pretty romantic sounding!
    Rhonda

  6. What an AWESOME and a major accomplishment.

    Being able to achieve a personal and business goal, shows how important dedication and perseverance both are.

    I know things are going to be very successful to you as you have proven so many times!!

    Congratulations.

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

  7. Congratulations with you little shop! How exciting for you. I am loving that Fresh Berries sign…wish I lived near you so I could purchase it. Enjoy a restful nights sleep.
    Carrie

  8. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! SO SO SO Excited for you! I just know this will be everything you ever dreamed- and SO much more! Congrats again on your new space 🙂

  9. Congratulations! And yes yes yes I approve of the junk patchwork.. how cool! But I have to ask… WHY where there holes everywhere? Are they renovating? Remember, I'm a Canadian buried deep in the rainy north west,where walls and heat are rather mandatory. 🙂

    So happy for you! Can't wait to see what happens next. 🙂

    Donna

  13. It's looks beautiful, Marian. Congratulations to you! I know you have worked very hard for this and I think it's very fitting to call it a pavillion of dreams. Good for you!

  14. Just perfect!

    I am so happy for you. The long hours, sleepless nights, sore to the bone hard work has paid off for you in a most spectacular way. If I bring a cot, could I move in?

    Its decided, I must make a second trip to Lucketts this year.

  15. Congratulations! It's looking great so far – I'm sure it's even more amazing in person. I wish I could come shop there!

  16. Congratulations!!! That is fantastic! I wish I lived closer, that Luckett's sure does look like my kind of place!!!!! So cool!

    All the best,
    Kaye

  17. Congratulations Marion,

    All of your hard work is paying off. You deserve it all and more.It is a beautiful space.

  18. Congratulations! Your space looks wonderful, I never would have know it was patchworky on the outside from seeing how great it looks on the inside. Glad one of your dreams has come true, you deserve it!
    Jodie

  23. I am absolutely thrilled for you! I am getting myself over to Lucketts next Sunday (my only day off) just so I can browse around YOUR pavillion! See, dreams do come true if we work hard enough (and you do my dear!).

  24. That is one charming place, congratulations! I would buy the rack in the third photo for the bakery I am planning to open soon. That would look great full of pastries!

    Too bad I can't come and pick it up tomorrow.

  25. I love Lucketts! I have so many wonderful pieces from that shabby, chippy, full of inspiration Antique and General store. I am trying to figure out where your little shop is… probably somewhere between the General store and the Design shop. Next time I am in, I'll stop by. YOu have done quite a lot in 1 day! I am thrilled for you!
    Also where is your shop in Gettysburg? My son is the new youth pastor at Otterbien Church in Waynesboro and we travel that way often. It would be fun to stop in your shop and find some new or old treasures!
    I pray God's blessings on your new venture!Congradulations!
    Yvonne

  27. Ooooooooooooh! You are such an inspiration! I LOVE your store! So beautiful. What I meant by inspiration…not the just tutorials but your story (I have been reading your blog for a while)..and what God has blessed you with! Hope it is a 'smashing' success!

  35. looks beautiful!!! Wish I lived closer and I would come shop :0) Good luck with getting the rest together. Blessings, Katy

  36. Stunning! Congratulations on such an accomplishment, and I know you will be successful beyond your dreams. This Lucketts sounds so wonderful – but I am like Donna, questioning WHY there are these "holes"? Doesn't it get cold and wet at times? So excited for you – and I am eager to read all about this incredible new adventure of yours!

  38. Oh honey!!! How fabulous!! I am soooo excited for you!! And your space looks fantastic!! Love the magnetic chalkboard with the letters…very cool!
    Everything is perfect!!
    Congrats at being at Lucketts!!
    Woot! Woo!!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

  41. What a beautiful blog. Thank goodness for Cottage IInstincts list of favorites. You're on there too and now bookmarked on mine.

    Stop by when you get a chance 🙂

  42. For some reason what pops into my head is the idea that this was kind of how Rachel Ashwell started her business, having a shop selling the cool antiques she would find…maybe you will also have to get into mass production of repros that look like the original MMS finds. And big furniture stores will carry your line….

  46. Congratulations!! Your space will be a huge success … I wish I could see it in person. Thanks for encouraging us to follow our dreams!! *Becca*

  49. It is NOT cheeseball at all! Everything looks just right and you deserve a moment to soak in the happiness that you are feeling right now! I too am wondering why such a famous store would put such a sweetie as you in a corner with no walls to protect you from the elements, and you had to MAKE YOUR OWN???? I find this disturbing! Your solution looks great though, and you didn't let a little thing like no walls slow you down! You go girl! Wish I could shop there, but love love love seeing the pictures!

  50. I got chills reading this post! Seriously, I'm so happy and so proud of you! I don't mean that in a condescending way or anything, so I hope that comes across the way I intended. You are so talented and your space looks absolutely amazing. Congratulations – I wish you were local so I could shop your store. 🙂

  51. Congrats! Attaining a life goal is something to be proud of. No cheeseballs there, girl! I don't live close (dang) but I might have to make a road trip this summer! Have fun with your great space.

  53. It's stunning!! Congratulations on your space!! I love everything about it. The banners are so cute and I LOVE the chalkboard with the letters! That is the bomb!!

  54. Hello Marian,
    I know exactly where your pavilion is…I can't wait to take a ride to Lucketts and visit. You are going to be selling out so quickly, so I hope you are ready to paint..paint..paint!
    Have a relaxing and lovely Sunday.

    Janet xox

    If you get a moment, please come see my finished slipcover I made with the help of your great tutorial..I'm so proud of it!

    http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

  58. Marian, I am thrilled for you. I was one of your first followers and have loved watching you from the beginning. Your dreams are coming true, because you're MAKING them! Some people sit by and just WISH. You go DO. Wish I could give you a big hug.

  59. We were planning to head down that way this weekend to visit my brother-in-law, but income tax shock forced us to cancel the trip. 🙁 Definitely will stop in next time we are in town though!
    Congratulations on your beautiful space.

  60. Sigh! Its divine… i would be there in an instant if i weren't a continent away! That sweet white chest would be MINE!

  64. HUGE congratulations. What an amazing feeling of accomplishment you must be feeling. It looks beautiful! Can't wait to see how it evolves over time. That is funny about the chalkboard. I recognized that quote immediately from Barb's chalkboard, the first time I saw it, I like it so much, it went on my list of "to dos" in my home! Have a lovely Sunday. -K

  66. I hope you sell out. I wished I lived closer because I see so much I love. I also wanted to say thank you for your tutorial, I have watched the videos many times and I was able to do a chair slipcover with piping and everything. I am joining this week's furniture feature Friday with my chair and I have linked to your videos on my post today.

  67. Congratulations on realizing your dream! Isn't our God good! He hears the deepest things in our hearts and then He blesses us! I know He will continue to prosper you!

  68. Yay, looks amazing- wish you were in GA! Do you ship any items? I love the chunky R & S letters right in the middle of your metal board. And the lower case g on the lower left. any chance I could order? 🙂

  70. I am so happy & excited for you …..Love your outside wall but would love to buy them for the inside of my home!..WE are cold & wet here so those exterior walls would be ruined mighty quick!..I see Donna feels the sme way!
    Great adventure for you ..& I am going to be watching excitedly as I wait for my booth!
    Have a "restful" weekend!

  71. Oh.my.goodness! It's so wonderful. My eyes teared up reading about your day.

    I'm giddy reading about this new chapter in your career.
    What a wonderful blessing that something sold before you could display. *goosebumps*

    Your creations are wonderful…I wish that I lived closer so I could experience Lucketts.

    Congratulations…It looks fabulous!

  75. Small world. I'd read in an earlier post that you were opening at Lucketts and I wondered if it could be the same place. Then today I read this post and discover it is the same place where I've been before. Unfortunately, we've since moved 5 hours away, so I won't be up any time soon. Good luck to you.

  78. *** WOW!! Since there are 77 comments (Yes, that's what it says!!!) before mine, I'm sure it's ALLLLLL been said… so may I just say that I am VERRRRY HAPPY to see such a TALENTED & HARD-WORKING GAL reach her dream!!! It TRULY "makes MY day", too!!!

    WARMEST & MOST SINCERE CONGRATS, kiddo!

    Linda in AZ *
    bellesmom1234@comcast.net

  79. If you ever get to comment #79… I honestly live right down the road from Lucketts. If it rains, I swear, I will go and patch your holes myself. I owe you or two. You have done so much for me… so happy for you!!
    A loyal follower, can't wait to see your stuff in person, in your own pavillion!

  80. Oh my gosh! I'm so happy for you! It is a beautiful space- I'm sure you will do very well there. Best wishes for a super beautiful, creative, exciting future!

  81. Congrats! Good things come to wonderful people and you're one of the best. Your willingness to share with others freely has led to many blessings. I wish you the best and continued success.

    Monique

  82. Congratulations MMS!!!!!!!! I know you worked your tail off for this and I pray that God continues to bless you abundantly!

  85. What a beautiful spot you have.Congratulations! I'm sure you will do very well there. I am hoping some day I can make it up there from FL to see all the neat stuff you have. I enjoy your blog. Hoping you are rested up and ready to go again as I'm sure you will have customers waiting. Best Wishes for a tremendous success.

  86. Marian, you have created a magical space that is definitely "you". Congratulations on reaching another one of your goals!

    Mitzi

  88. You rock Marian! I see you still have "my" shoe rack. 🙂 Give yourself lots of pats on the back for this accomplishment, you deserve it!

    I'm pretty new to this bloggy world…just as a reader, but I have to say of all the ones I read yours is the most informative and truly filled with useful content, as well as a bit of your personal narrative. If I make it to NVA this summer I'll definitely stop in at Lucketts.

    Ann

  91. HUGE congratulations!! I've just been following you for awhile now but I know how hard you've worked to achieve this. Way to go! I, too, would be very concerned about the elements so hope all is covered in that dept. It looks amazing!

    Pat

  92. WOW! I SO wish I could shop there! I would be buying those glass glitter magnets!! I have an oil drip pan (pretty much galvanized metal rectangle) hanging sideways in my laundry room with all the kids schedules, invites, school stuff etc. I am always looking for fun magnets to go on it 🙂

  96. Absolutely love the German glitter glass letters on the chalkboard! Brilliant! Would love to try this idea somewhere, but where?

  97. marian, i am saying this as though i "know" you! I AM PROUD OF YOU! you are following your dreams girl and i am happy to be a small part of it as a follower of your blog. you are truly my inspiration. for now i am living vicariously through you, beautiful lady. and it couldn't be better! your family must be SO VERY PROUD of you as well. As my husband always says when I embark on a small piece of my dream…
    "Be confident and KICK A–!"

  100. I just wanted to send a big 'ol congratulations to you! It is so nice to hear all the great opportunites that are coming your way through dedication, hard work and determination! All the best to you and your family! I love reading your blog!

  103. Oh I love it!!! I know those little pavilions SO well! I always find great stuff in them, I'm less overwhelmed! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

  106. I am so, so happy for you.
    You happy spirit really shows. You can tell how thankful you are, I am know that is why your hard work has paid off. The space is beautiful, and I know you will be a huge success!

  107. Congratulations on getting your spot set up! It's beautiful and I only wish I lived close enough to come by & shop. I spotted a few things I'd love to own!

  109. Love it all. SO happy for you! I agree, Donna was probably on cloud nine looking at all those doors. I really need to plan a summer trip to Lucketts. Congratulations. I hope you giggle with joy every time you're in your new space.

    Hugs,
    Jami

  113. Pingback: creative space - Miss Mustard Seed

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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