Thursday, April 29, 2010

Chapter 2: Shopping and Sight Seeing in Savannah...

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~ Petticoats and Parasols ~

hosted by the Queen of the South...

the one and only Jennifer Hayslip.

Teachers included:

Tiffany of Shabbyscraps and Christine of Dollybelle

Guest Speaker:

Jo Packham of Where Women Create

*****

I'll call this post Chapter 2 as I still have shopping and sightseeing to show you before we get to the PINK stuff so just be patient with me for one more post before we really start "the pink party"...okay?

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With a map in one hand and a camera in the other, Karen and I faded into the busy sidewalks of Savannah surrounded by lush greenery and Live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss.

We were on a treasure hunt. Karen and I are doing a trio swap with Julia of Vintage with Laces and we really wanted to find her something special. Julia lives in Germany so we wanted to find her something special from the South but instead, we went to PARIS!!!

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The Paris Market that is...it's to die for.

This store alone took up at least an hour and a half of our morning and it was worth every minute of it.  I found some awesome goodies and loaded my arms full.

This is my shopping philosophy:

One for Julia, Two for Me. One for Karen and Two for ME...

do you get the picture? :)

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I could only take a few steps, then I'd stop...a few steps, then I'd stop again. There was so much to see and (take a deep breath through your nose) ~ aaahhhhh!!! Did it ever smell good in there!

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Some things I would have almost killed to have...but no. 1, they wouldn't fit in my suitcase and no. 2, I couldn't risk being committed for life because I didn't want to miss the party! So I behaved in the store like a good girl.

(Thank God spending LOTS of money is not a crime)

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Come to find out...just when I thought I had done my damage and was about to check out, I realized they had a basement floor too!

That blinking arrow that led me down the stairs reminded me of the movie Beetle Juice. I was so in a trance, my heart was pounding, and I was thinking to myself  "how could the bottom basement out-do what I just saw on the top floor, I'm sure I have all what I need, right?"  Hmpf! NOT!

There were old photos, tin types, negatives, cabinet cards, old velvet covered photo albums, old books, old everything!

{sigh} I was in heaven.

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Again, I picked up a few more things down there, but from the weight in my arms, I knew I was still under my 27 pound weight limit for my returning luggage :) My arms were full but I was still in GOOD SHAPE for more goodies!

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So with that thought, we checked-out and we were off again. We stopped at Goodwill, picked up a few more things (like we really needed anything else ;) and then we walked back to the hotel to unload the loot and grab a bite to eat. After stuffing my face...it was taxi time as I wasn't about to walk any more or carry anything else for blocks and blocks...ever again!

Karen and I took a Pedi-Cab back into the center of Savannah. The scenery was great but I sure felt sorry for that little guy that had to peddle us around. He sure was in shape as he didn't huff and puff not one time!!!

He dropped us off at the Mercer House and we went on the tour. The home was designed in 1860 for General Hugh W. Mercer, the great grandfather of singer/song writer and Savannah native, Johnny Mercer. Because of the interruption of the Civil War, the house wasn't complete until 1868 by it's new owner, John Wilder.

The home fell into despair and was purchased again in 1969 by Savannah's respected antiques dealer Jim Williams and became known as the Mercer-Williams House. Pictured below is the home that originated John Berendt's best seller and Clint Eastwood's movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", a non-fiction story of sex, murder and tribulation that happened in this house in the 1980's. The true story is fabulous! 

I was pouty because we couldn't take ANY photos of the inside NOR the outside courtyard! So this is the only photo I took of the front...

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Don't you just LOVE the ornate details over the windows and the wrought iron balconies?

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On the cover of the book is the famous grave site statue that was once located on a family plot in Bonaventure Cemetery. She has nothing to do with the story of the Mercer-Williams House nor it's murders.

Her image is now very well known and all credit of her photo (& popularity) for the book cover goes to Savannah photographer, Jack Leigh.

She is now known as "Bird Girl".

Because of her popularity and the traffic that she has brought to Bonaventure Cemetery since the release of the book in 1994, she was relocated to the Telfair Museum in Savannah in 1997. 

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I just love history. I have read the book and watched the movie. If you love true stories about sex and murder, this is a "must read"/"must see" if you haven't done so yet.

While sightseeing and shopping, Karen and I got really brave and took a taxi across Savannah to an area that had some more vintage and antique shops and...WE SCORED! You just have to take my word for it because I can't show you all what I got. Some of it is going to Julia and some if it will be used as surprises/gifts here and there. Sor-ry!

Instead, I'll show you some more of Savannah while I sit down and rest a moment...

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Alrighty then...

Next post...PINK! I promise! Lots and lots of PINK!

Chapter 3 will be about the Welcome Dinner, Jo Packham, Sugar Bar and the Ghost Tour. 

There are lots and lots of photos already out there of the event from some of the girls who attended this awesome retreat. I hope that you've been enjoying some of them already as it's hard to hold in all the beauty that Jenn put into this retreat just for us girls.

I can't believe it's already Thursday and I'm only on Chapter 2! I'm still not unpacked and I'm still sifting through hundreds of photos.

I haven't gone through my mail yet so if you don't see me on here again soon, I haven't paid my bill and my electricity has been cut off. Just be patient...I'll go and pay it on my 15 minute break that the Man gives me (yea...I've been working so hard at the shop...it's payback time) haha

And most of all though...I haven't visited you in over a week. I am going through withdrawals...trust me. I want to visit you soon and I WILL...just let me get through this Savannah trip and I'll be peeking through your window again soon...I promise! :)

To make it up to you, I'm going to have an "End of Savannah Giveaway" in honor of you being so patient with me and listening to my travels and my stories. I think I may have two or three more chapters to write so stay tuned, you're almost off the hook! haha

30 comments:

Theresa said...

All I can say is, I can't believe you girls had all of this fun without me:( Oh my goodness, because I was there... I almost feel as if I was there with you doing all of these fun things! Love all of the pictures and I can't wait to see pink:) Have a restful evening my friend, big 'ole hugs from me!

Mindy said...

Holy Cow! You are having enough fun for everyone! Keep it up, woman! And keep having fun! ~Mindy

Mischelle said...

Jodie thank you so much for the nice comment you left on my new blog. You are very sweet. I sooo love your blog and all of your wonderful photos. I'm loving all of the Savannah photos too. I have never been and would love to visit there sometime. So now that I am all jealous I will leave you alone. lol Hope you have a nice evening. Thanks for all of your help and kind words.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jodie,
You girls know how to have a good time. And Savannah is the place to do it. I love the French market store...it would be hard to get out of there without spending tons of money!!
I'm looking forward to more good stuff about your trip.

hugs
Sissie

Karen said...

All I have to say is - SCORE WE DID! And I am sooooo glad you are not posting what we found! That would give it all away!
Can you believe it's been a week? sigh.
I'm putting that movie on my Netflix Que. I have to see it.
I gotta say - that box on the dining room table is killing me. How on earth can you take month to open a gift is beyond me.
And as for Miss Theresa - well . . . she should've jut STAYED! :)
LOVE IT ALL!
Big hugs!

Hearts Turned said...

Oh, my! Savannah looks amazing! I need to get there--soon! Love shopping vicariously through you, Jodie! I need a fun shopping pal like you!

Looking forward to more, my friend! Have a wonderful night!

Debby said...

Another beautiful post! I love reading this as it makes me feel you are including all of us in your beautiful weekend. Can't even imagine what the pink post will be.
Hugs,
Debby

Pam @ Frippery said...

One of my favorite books. It made me dream of visiting Savannah some day. At least I am getting a partial tour through you. I hope you didn't strain anything carrying all your finds back home!

FILIGREE MOON said...

Jodie, I truly enjoyed your photos and fun posts about your trip. You are dear to take these photos and share such detail and wonderment! Thank you so much. ~ Angela

Lori said...

Jodie, i am thoroughly enjoying your posts about Savannah...your pictures are stunning...and i love how you tell about your adventures there...keep it comin'...

Diane said...

Sounds delightful! I've always wanted to visit Savannah, and your photos only make me want to go even more. Thanks for the sentimental journey.

Jessica Rodarte said...

You're, like, the best blogger ever. :) I love the way you tell us your stories.
I love your shopping philosophy as it is mine, too. :D I'm looking forward to all that pink!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I wish I could have been there. Your pictures are wonderful! can't wait to see more!

Robin Thomas said...

Gosh, I think I need to go to Savannah!

Charlene said...

Oh Jodie I am sooooooooo very glad you & Ms Karen left some "stuff" for us to buy at Paris Market! I think we all went there. And yes, buy we did too. In fact we each stood in line twice. Paid... was walking out the door & had to go back & pay again!!!! Sylvia did it 3 times! The manni that you showed (or her sister that looked just like her... I asked between $330-$500) Shoot give us two. I hope to get my second post of shopping up tomorrow. I still haven't opened all my swap gifts. Can you believe it? You are right about the payback for being gone. It's killin me! HUGS! Charlene

trash talk said...

My sweet, crazy, Cajun...I am picturing you going down those stairs ala Michael Keaton and it's cracking me up!
I am loving the photos. I want to visit there someday...hopefully while I'm still young enough to get around!
Loved the book and movie. You know, there was a guy who sold repop statues at Zapp for a while. He would always sell out.
Cannot wait for the next post...PINK!
Debbie
P.S. I still want some spanish moss. I think it's beautiful!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Absolutely wonderful! I am closing my eyes and pretending I am there ... away from the drear and dust of this country. I can just imagine the wonderful goodies you found. Fun stuff! Good luck catching up. I can't seem to do that lately. Best wishes always, Tammy

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Jodie, You bought something for me in Savannah? Really? Oh, that's soooooooo cool!!! Get that package in the mail, girl! Just kidding! Take your time, I'm not nearly finished with my swap things for you.
When hubby and I saw the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" some years ago, we fell in love with Savannah immediately and since then it's on our wishlist of towns to visit. The Mercer house has beautiful architectural details.
I'm looking forward to the "PINK" post now :-).
Have a great day, Sweetie!
Big hugs,
Julia

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Savannah, here I come! Someday!! Thanks Jodie!

vintage girl at heart said...

I love living vicariously through you!! The sights looks so wonderful and the shopping...oh my!!! My wireless is on the blink so I am using my teens 'puter trying to say hello to a few of my fave girlies and of course you are at the top of my list!!! I LOVE that photo of you a few posts down!!!! So pretty!!!
Have a great weekend!!!

Lisa said...

Jodie,
Your pics make me feel as if I came along on your fun trip!
PS I know that Karen was the perfect roomie.:)

Claudia said...

Hi Jodie,

Savannah looks gorgeous. I was there many, many years ago, but only for a few hours. I would love to go back and really explore. It sounds like you found some fabulous treasures, my friend! Can't wait to hear more about your adventures.

xo
Claudia

WinnibriggsHouse said...

What a terrific post. Never been to that part of the world, New York a few years ago but no other, but I feel as though I have now. Your photos and descriptions are wonderful. Nice to meet you.
Jenny

Anonymous said...

ohh lalala! Your making it hard for me not to jump in my car and just drive to Georgia and see all this in person. lol I am soo glad you found Paris... I mean some neat shops. I cant wait to see what ya brought home! You better open it up to. haha ;)
Big hugs

toodles-
sarah

p.s.
Still cant wait to see your pictures of you in that twirlie dress! eek it was so cute!

Lisa said...

Jodie,
Girl, your killin me with the Paris shop. Oh, gosh couldn't you get that awesome dress form in your purse for me. Kevin would have divorced me if I'd been there, seriously I would have spent our entire nest egg! For real. Lisa
Love the bird girl too, historic cemeteries tear me up!

WIZARD OF ONCE WAS "WooW" said...

Oh Jodie, sounds like you had the best time ever!! Thanks for the tour through my favorite city...Pink House was speciaal huh? I'm a traveling(again..grin) so I just now am catching up on you 3 part series!! Glad you're all rested up...
Gale

Unknown said...

WOW! another great post, I'm playing catch up... but did not want to miss any of your great pictures or stories! Your the greatest!

I'm off to read chapter 3.
Hugs Linda

Mitzi Curi said...

I'm visiting here via Tiffany's blog, and I'm so glad! Your pictures are so beautiful as well....I'm starting to feel like I visited Savannah too, except without all of the calories, lol!

Glamorous Girl Gone Goofy said...

Shut up! Look how much fun you had in Savannah. All the photos are awesome; will they be included in your book? Wink! I feel like I was in that little shop with you. The thought of more yummy treasures being down below...who would have thunk that Heaven is actually "Down The Stairs". Ha, all this time I have been looking up…such trickery! (smiles) I am so thrilled for you that you had a wonderful time and got to share it with all your luverly friends.
I broke in tiny bits for you when you shared that the white balls were bubble gum. I could see how you might have been mistaken and disappointed. (more trickery) No worries, I am sure everyone thought you had some alternative craft project that requires used gum and a statue. You are just one of those leading edge artists.
!!!!!!delightful and funny posts!!!!!!!
Thanks for your comment; you leave me the BEST comments! Beetle Juice. Beetle Juice. Beetle Juice.

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Jodie ~ well I haven't been reading blogs lately and I see that I've been missing out! I've just been reading all of your post on your wonderful adventure in Savannah! Thanks for sharing with us. It's convinced me to go to Savannah...I've always wanted to go there for some reason and your photos have really inspired me. I'm happy that you had such a great time! (*_*) ~Stacy~