2 N.& S. Carolina

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Index for October-November 2020Mt. Pleasant, SC • Sumter, SC ..............................................................3

Myrtle Beach, SC • Charleston, SC ......................................................3Summerville, SC ..................................................................................4

Greenville, SC • Gaffney, SC • Camden, SC .........................................5

Professional Services .............................................................. 6, 12, 16

East Tennessee • Jonesborough, TN ....................................................7

Special Events ................................................................................ 8-9,

Franklin, NC • Maggie Valley, NC • Waynesville, NC ...........................8

Forest City, NC • Franklin, NC •Weaverville, NC .................................9

Morganton, NC • Burnsville, NC • Granite Falls, NC .......................... 10

Warrenton, NC • Wake Forest, NC • Jacksonville, NC ......................... 11

Winston-Salem, NC • Raleigh, NC • Madison, NC .............................. 12

Stallings, NC • Wendell, NC • Wake Forest, NC .................................. 13

Angier, NC • Fayetteville, NC ............................................................ 14

New Bern, NC • Southport, NC • Wilmington, NC .............................. 15

Bostic, NC ......................................................................................... 13

The Country Register is a United States and Canadian network of independently owned and published specialty newspapers for the consumer who enjoys outstanding shopping, events, day & overnight excursions and specialty classes.

Publisher’s contact numbers across the USA & Canada for The Country Register

Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:* Indicates these editions are available on-line at www.countryregister.com

USA* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950 * Arkansas: Lenda & Richard Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * California and N. Nevada: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950 Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* Connecticut: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, 706-340-1049* Idaho (N): Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181* Idaho (S) WA & E. OR: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Illinois: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * Indiana: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319 Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA 52339, 641-751-2619* Kansas: Cindy Baldwin, 988 9th Ave., McPherson, KS 67460, 866-966-9815* Maryland: Stacy Lute, P.O. Box 115, Taneytown, MD 21787, 443-909-0531* Massachusetts-RI: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217 Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211 * Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, 763-754-1661* Missouri: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * Montana: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319 New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797* New York: Mike and Wendy Rothfuss, 322 E Kenwood Drive, Louisville, KY 40214, 502-468-3938* N. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* North Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181 * Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, 937-652-1157* Oklahoma: Lenda & Richard Brown,, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* Pennsylvania: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319* Rhode Island: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217 * S. Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* South Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181* Texas: Lenda & Richard Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, phone/fax 405-470-2597 * Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, 866-825-9217* Washington & E. OR & S. ID: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy #1128, Phoenix, AZ, 85085, 602-942-8950* West Virginia: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 1330, Powell, OH 43065, 888-616-8319* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, 715-838-9426 * Wyoming: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181

CANADA* Alberta: Marcy Horswill, Suite 114-919 Centre St NW, Calgary, AZ T2E 2P6, 587-585-3545 British Columbia: Jenifer Smith, 8726 Palmer Pl VOH1Z2, 604-506-4686* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, 306-736-2441* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, 115-1803 St. Joseph Blvd. Orleans, ON K1C 6E7, 613-424-6420

Sept-October 2020 3Mount Pleasant, SC • Sumter, SC • Myrtle Beach, SC • Charleston, SC

Giveaway Winner from July-August Issue

We have two giveaway winners from our last issue.Cheryl Gilbert from Myrtle Beach, SC, will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to be spent

at her favorite Country Register advertiser, Quilting at the Beach also in Myrtle Beach. Cheryl said this is her favorite shop because, “The people at Quilting at the Beach are always so friendly! They know what they are talking about and are happy to assist you in any way. They have over 6000+ bolts of fabric and if you are looking for a specific one, they know exactly where it is. Their selection is outstanding, and they offer classes too! Their fabric quality is great. I love shopping there!”

Jenni Davis of Apex, NC, will be sent Arlene Sachitano’s book, Double Knit – A Permelia O’Brien Mystery.

We love to hear from our readers about how they enjoy The Country Register and use it to hunt for great finds. In this issue, there is another $25 Gift Certificate and book giveaway book giveaway, plus a By the Yard 2021 Calendar. So, be sure to enter and tell us where you pick up the newspaper—and take a copy with you as you travel around this fall!

Ann’s Lovin’ EweFall is . . . here

by Ann StewartSeptember is my favorite month. Yes, it is my birthday (hint hint) but it’s more than

that. It’s the turn of the calendar page that feels more like the beginning of a new year. It’s yellow buses picking up eager kindergartners for their first day of school. It’s meeting up with friends you haven’t seen over the summer. It’s children in red uniforms kicking soccer balls, football games in packed stadiums and auditions for the start of a new theatre season.

Except not this year.But, yes, it’s still my birthday whether I want to get older or not. And I love it because

. . .Fall iscornstalks at the corner storecarved pumpkins decorating doorsteps,brightly colored leaves to fall into after raking,the whispered breath of fog as you exhale summer.

Fall is also a misty morning fog lifting over the field, chilly walks beneath a canopy of color, a sudden rainstorm that pelts your face,dark, early evenings with star studded skies.

Fall tastes likecrispy gala apples straight off the tree,juicy blackberries along the trail, paw paw fruit falling ripe on the grass.

Fall is the second haying of bales dotting the pasture,a garden harvest unfolding its goodness, trees dropping chestnuts along our gravel drive.

Fall meansplaying games together as a family,taking the time to write a letter,cooking hearty soups made from garden veggies.

Fall tastes likea homemade apple pie fresh out of the oven,pumpkin pie spice latte sipped in the cold,the spicy fragrance of sugared ginger cookies,hot spiced apple cider stirred with a stick of cinnamon.

Fall feels likea warm red scarf and a textured knit hat, the softness of plaid flannel sheets,cozy sweaters and the return to denim,slippers and boots and thick nubby wool socks.

Fall changes withthe surprise of a sudden Indian summer day,a sudden rainstorm that pelts your face,the first flickering fire luring you to cozy up to the hearth,a time to read, reflect, and write in your journal.

Fall is a gateway toa heart of giving thanks,a hint of snow anticipating the advent of . . .another season to celebrate.

c 2020Anticipate Christmas with Ann’s “Preparing My Heart for Advent.”

4 N. & S. CarolinaSummerville, SC

‘Southern Textile Evangelism’ Art ExhibitAt Summerville, SC, Art Center thru 9/25An exhibit, titled “Southern Textile Evangelism” is currently on display through

September 25th in the West Gallery of the Public Works Art Center in the heart of Historic Downtown Summerville, SC. Created by Diane Frankenberger, the exhibit includes quilts, wall hangings and even soft-sculptures, in cloth, of people.

Diane says, “My works of art are speaking thru cloth (mostly) on the topics of slavery, box turtles, witches, snakes, Forrest Gump, morning prayer, grace, women’s rights, civil disobedience, social justice, Alleluia versus Halleluiah, distress signals, indigo, stolen cars, spelling errors, forgiveness, perfection, courage, redemption and testimony.”

Perhaps best known in Summerville as owner of the nationally recognized People Places and Quilts shop, which is celebrating its 30th year, Diane has a varied background filled with creativity. She has published two books, presented a one woman show, given numerous lectures on Quilts, Quilters, Life and its Lessons, and received numerous awards for her quilts and art.

Two other shows are currently on exhibit in the Center. One is about 5x7 cloth postcards to commemorate Summerville’s “feel” and the fact that the art center was once the town’s post office. Sixty of these post cards were made by folks ranging in age from 3 to 80 and are in different mediums from cloth to stained glass to drawings and paintings.

In another gallery, a very creative exhibit titled ”From a Different Perspective” features a series of silk-screened offerings. They show life on a bike, surfboard and skateboard from different angles and are works of art mounted as paintings.

Located at 135 W. Richardson Ave., Public Works Art Center is a community arts hub with three exhibition galleries on rotation, 12 rentable studio spaces for artists, classes and camps for all ages, birthday party rentals, event rentals and special events galore. There has never been a better place for the community to come together and inspire one another while sharing their unique perspectives. The galleries are ALWAYS free, so come by and check out the current exhibits! Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday. For more information, visit http://publicworksartcenter.org/.

KISSed QuiltsLet’s Have a Garden Party!

by Marlene OddieWith our best opportunity for fresh air being in our own gardens this year, there is a

quilting Garden Party Row Along for you in September and October. Check it out at www.seamstobesew.com/its-a-garden-party-row-along-designers-for-2020/ or https://www.seamstobesew.com/category/events/row-alongs/its-a-garden-party-row-along/.

I’ve been participating in this event, organized by Marian Pena of Seams To Be Sew, for the past five years. There are lots of free patterns available for a limited time, design inspiration and show and tell at the end

of the event. You won’t want to miss it this year. Lots of cute designs—something that will appeal to all styles of quilters.

Here is a sneak peek of the fabrics I might use. Northcott is our fabric sponsor. We love all of their beautiful fabrics –cotton that feels like silk! I will be using at least four of their fabrics and mixing in a couple of Moda fabrics for variety.

My design will feature a flower that I was introduced to when making the 365 Block Challenge from Kathryn Kerr. It works up so easily with a stunning result!

Do you remember the bricks I shared last year? I think it is time for them to appear as a collaborative element to this year’s Garden Party Theme!

This row-along is virtual—so you can participate from the luxury of your own home! Just get online, watch the patterns appear twice a week and make the ones you love! Put them together in a collaborative quilt in your own way and share with all of us.

Besides the free pattern for a limited time, I will also have some kits available for purchase of my row and fabric yardage to make bricks in whatever size configuration you’d like. I hope you’ll stop by www.kissedquilts.com and search ‘RAL.’

Marlene Oddie (marlene@kissedquilts.com) is an engineer by education, project manager by profession and now a quilter by passion in Grand Coulee, WA, at her quilt shop, KISSed Quilts. She quilts for hire on a Gammill Optimum Plus, but especially enjoys designing quilts and assisting in the creation of a meaningful treasure for the recipient. Patterns,

kits and fabric are available at http://www.kissedquilts.com. Follow Marlene’s adventures at http://www.facebook.com/kissedquilts and www.instagram.com/marlene.kissedquilts/

Sept-October 2020 5

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Greenville, SC • Gaffney, SC • Camden, SC

A New Chapter for an Old Cabinetby Kerri Habben Bosman

This morning I walked across our front yard to look in a drawer. To my delight something was missing. Then I opened the cabinet door. I smiled when I saw a space where a book had been.

Since early summer we have had a little free library. Both Wayne and I have wanted to share books in this way for a long time. Our library lives in an old pine cabinet my dad put together.

We knew it needed some protection from the elements, Wayne granted me full artistic license to paint it. He understands my occasional and sudden passion for spray paint. The spring after my mother died, I redid the whole shed that way. It was somehow comforting, although it took a while for my nasal passages to recover.

Dad’s cabinet fulfilled my spray paint yearnings this summer. I used varying shades of blue, teal, and yellow.

The best part arrived when we invited our favorite artists over one Sunday afternoon. They kindly volunteered their time and talents. We had purchased some art supplies, but their immediate creativity and vision required more. They refused any offer of refreshment and diligently went about their task.

The back of our library presents a breathtaking view of Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado. The front has an impressionist seascape while one side has elegant swirls of magenta. The remaining side offers a pastoral scene with delicate purple flowers beside a rushing creek. Above this is a nearly cloudless sky broken otherwise only by a male cardinal in flight. Afterward we sprayed it with a clear protective coating.

Although if anything needs a touch-up, the artists live close by. They likely would be swayed by packages of fruit snacks. Or ice cream. What a gift grandchildren are! We contentedly sat in our lawn chairs and watched them create their masterpieces. Now during our morning coffee, we smile at our little library and the memory of that summer afternoon.

The upper part of the cabinet has shelves filled with books for children and adults. There is fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and more. Our first “customer” was a little girl who carried home my childhood copy of Charlotte’s Web. Often people leave books. Thus, we’ve even borrowed from our own library.

We applied chalkboard paint to the inside of the doors. There is chalk if anyone wants to share a thought of their own. Hand sanitizer is on the shelf.

There are two drawers. The bottom one is broken, but in the top one we place little things for a giveaway. I crochet most of it. In the summer it was washcloths. Now I am working on small blankets and hats for the coming months.

We’ve watched the shadows gradually shift. The shaft of sunlight that slanted across the shade garden in June migrated to the little library in July. Now it dapples upon the bark of the maple tree beside the driveway. As Wayne says, it is like we live on the top of a sundial.

Today what had migrated from the drawer was a blanket of crocheted squares my grandmother and I made. In her later years she gave lap robes to a local hospital. At her passing in 2006, she had earned 6500 volunteer hours.

Our library was assembled by dedicated hands now stilled. It was painted by young hands that already make our world better. It is filled with a variety of books for anyone who wants or needs one. We find enduring joy in sharing this with our neighbors and our community.

We gently turn the page into autumn. And a simple cabinet continues its journey, one book at a time.

Kerri Habben Bosman is a writer in Chapel Hill, NC. She is currently working on a book of essays and poetry. She can be reached at 913jeeves@gmail.com.

Cinnamon Apple Pork TenderloinCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

This fall harvest main dish features pork tenderloin roasted with cinnamon-scented apples and raisins.

Recipe Ingredients:1 pound pork tenderloin 2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons golden raisins 1 teaspoon ground cinnamonCooking Directions:Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).Place the pork tenderloin in a roasting pan or casserole dish with a lid.In a bowl, combine apples, cornstarch, raisins and cinnamon; toss to blend. Spoon

around the pork tenderloin, cover, and bake 40 minutes.Remove the lid and spoon the apple mixture over the tenderloin. Bake another 15

to 20 minutes, until the tenderloin is browned and cooked thoroughly.

Serve hot.Makes 4 servings.

6 N. & S. CarolinaProfessional Services

Professional Services Building HarmonyHalloween: A Rural Alien Attack

by Jeff CappisIt all started innocently enough. Cathy and I were watching TV one Halloween night.

It was a movie about aliens invading earth on Channel 586. I love those old 1950s science fiction movies.

We were getting into it when suddenly the picture began to break up with a strange whistling and digital popping kind of noise. We could faintly make out a voice saying the words “inside” and “invasion.” Cathy joked that maybe it was an emergency alert about an alien invasion.

I laughed, too, and said “With all the solar powered lights we have around the yard, we probably look like an alien space port seen from the sky. Maybe I should call our neighbor Renee and have him check out his reception.”

Renee answered the phone. I explained that we were watching a thing on TV about an alien invasion when our picture went funny. Renee checked his set, too.

“Cathy thinks it’s an emergency alert,” I laughed.

Renee was too busy trying to tune his TV to get the joke. “What channel?” he asked.

“Channel 586,” I answered.Renee got the same thing on

586—a crazy picture with a strange whistling and digital popping kind of noise. He even heard the fuzzy words “danger” and “aliens.” “I’ll call you back,” he said urgently, then hung up.

Renee called over to Mr. Buzzby’s place. Mr. Buzzby was a little hard of hearing. “Who’s that?” Mrs. Buzzby yelled.

“It’s Renee,” answered Mr. Buzzby. “He says there’s an alien invasion report and says turn to Channel 586.”

On 586 they got the same thing and heard the garbled words “military destroyed!” Mrs. Buzzby went to turn on a lamp behind Mr. Buzzby. The bulb blew and the room went dark. “All our lights blew out!” yelled Buzzby into the phone.

“I gotta call ya back!” Renee started to freak.Buzzby called his neighbor, old Bill, who verified the same thing on Channel 586. He

heard about the lights blowing out at Buzzby’s place. Obviously the aliens were trying to block the emergency alert but some of it was getting through anyway.

Bill proclaimed, “No alien is gonna probe me!” He loaded his shotgun and ran outside probing the sky for lights. He saw lots of them—stars—and he started shooting at them. Over his phone, Buzzby could hear continuous gunfire with old Bill yelling, “C’mon, you ugly aliens! Let’s see what ya got!”

Phones started ringing and soon the whole neighborhood was tuned into Channel 586, verifying the so-called emergency alert with garbled words like “death ray and humanity.” The local Sheriff’s office was inundated with calls about alien invasions, people’s lights exploding and shots fired. Even the dogs up and down the valley got into the act by barking at the commotion. The Andolinis, two doors down from us, sat in their basement wearing tin foil hats so the aliens couldn’t read their minds.

It didn’t help that the local sheriff’s department sent out a small helicopter with a searchlight to investigate. Luckily, by this time, old Bill had run out of ammunition. Its searchlight was scanning the countryside. Residents were getting convinced the worst was going on.

Cathy and I saw the lights, too. Our neighbor Fred, who we consider to be pretty level headed, called us and said that from the bright lights flashing around from the sky, it looked like a dozen craft were landing in the fields across the valley. He could see the lights from a couple of police cars trying to engage them and he could hear gun shots echoing up and down the valley. He also said that reports were pouring in from the media about death rays and possible cow disappearances. (Although the transmissions were garbled by the aliens.)

He also told us that Renee was freaked and getting ready to bug out, the Andolinis were held up in their basement with aliens walking around outside trying to read their minds and old Bill was plugging dozens of them with weapons on his property but wasn’t sure how long his ammo would hold out. Judging by the way the dogs were going off up and down the valley, there must be hundreds of ‘em.

Then the final straw—he thought he could see two strange, faint, dark figures through the forest and in the trees by our place.

When I got off the phone, I turned to Cathy and said, “I don’t know what’s going on but maybe we should get out of here just to be safe.”

We grabbed anything we thought we’d need in a hurry. I was beginning to sweat and my heart was racing. We got half way to the car when Cathy stopped and said, “Hold it. Maybe we should think about this for a minute.”

It only took 5 seconds and we realized what had happened. We both had an uneasy laugh about it. How do you clean up this mess?

What we didn’t know was that outside in the forest the two strange, faint, dark figures in the trees were watching all this and having a conversation of their own. “These humans are emotionally unstable and logically challenged. Maybe we could try contacting them in another 100 years.” With that, their belts lit up bright blue and they silently zipped off into the sky.

With that, Channel 586 cleared up immediately. Just in time for the start of a werewolf movie. This time, if the picture goes bad, we’ll just change the channel and watch something else.

Copyright 2019 by Jeff Cappis. Email: jcappis@telus.net.

Sept-October 2020 7East Tennessee • Jonesborough, TN

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National Storytelling FestivalHeld Digitally, October 1, 2 & 3

Tickets are on sale now for the nation’s premier storytelling event, the National Storytelling Festival, held digitally October 1, 2 and 3, 2020. A beloved tradition since 1973, the three-day celebration of the world’s oldest art form draws tens of thousands of fans from across the globe to Jonesborough, TN each year.

“Storytelling is as an ancient tradition that has adapted and evolved through our world’s most wild events,” says International Storytelling Center President Kiran Singh Sirah. “In the spirit of our 48-year history of curating storytelling excellence, we are excited to push the boundaries and share this traditional art form with new audiences across the nation and the world through a digital platform. And while we can’t wait to welcome our fans back in person, this is an exciting opportunity for the Festival to reach all sorts of new eyes and ears this autumn!”

Listeners can expect to hear 20+ hours of storytelling content, including southern perennial favorites like Donald Davis, Barbara McBride-Smith, and Grammy Award Winner David Holt. Also included are Scottish sensation Clare Murphy, internationally known for enthralling audiences around the world with her signature style; Len Cabral, known for his exuberant retelling of African, Cape Verdean, and Caribbean folktales; and Cuban-American dynamo Carmen Deedy. Showcasing oral traditions from all over the world, the Festival inspires unexpected connections and promotes cultural understanding.

To complement the Festival’s signature storytelling concerts, the ever-popular Ghost Stories, a special session with Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise, a virtual Swappin’ Ground, where anyone can tell a story, and more are included in the price of the ticket.

The event will also include separately ticketed storytelling workshops, led by nationally known artists. These intimate sessions will sell out, so purchase early!

Weekend tickets for the entire household are on sale now for only $50. For a full line-up and to purchase tickets, including workshops and stand-alone events, visit http://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival or call 800-952-8392.

The National Storytelling Festival is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Tennessee Humanities, Niswonger Foundation, Ballad Health, and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa.

The International Storytelling Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is located in the heart of downtown historic Jonesborough, Tennessee, known as the “Storytelling Capital of the World.” The ISC campus consists of the historic Chester Inn, the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, the ISC gift shop and the Jimmy Neil Smith Storytelling Park.

While currently closed to ensure the health and safety of their visitors and staff, their mission of improving lives through storytelling endures as they produce digital performances, programming and educational content during these unique times. They can’t wait to welcome you back in-person!

To learn more and to access their stories and content, visit www.storytellingcenter.net.

Halloween - 1950s & ‘60s Funby David Kish

I grew up in the late 1950s - early 1960s in an Old Italian neighborhood in Norwalk, Connecticut. Everyone was friendly and knew everyone by name for blocks around. Back then, Halloween was more than just collecting candy in costume—it was a guessing game.

As the youngest of four boys, I was always the last to wear a passed-down Halloween costume. My first costume was a silky, red devil body suit and plastic devil mask. I had a big orange plastic pumpkin bucket with black strap handle for my candy.

No one went out before dusk so I would keep looking at the clock and asking my Mom when I could go out. Back then, children went out by themselves in complete safety. My brothers were 7 to 14 years older than me and did their own thing so I ventured out on my own. As soon as Mom gave the ok, I started going from house to house, happily yelling “Trick or Treat” when someone opened the door.

Increasing the night’s fun were neighbors trying to guess who you were before giving you any candy. I always stayed silent while they guessed. Of course, some got it right while others probably played the game by making believe they didn’t know who you were.

There was a corner candy shop that the owners lived above. Kids would gather on the sidewalk in front of the closed, dark shop and wait for the owners to open their window upstairs. Then they would toss nickels and dimes to the trick or treaters on the sidewalk below. The owners would come downstairs, turn on the lights in the shop and open the doors for us all to come in and exchange the coins for the candy of our choice. When I think about it now, I wonder why I didn’t just pocket the money since I had a whole bucket full of candy! But I was a kid with a sweet tooth and the more candy the better.

Across from the candy shop lived a lady who gave out fresh candied apples and nearby was another house where you’d be handed a small bag of peanuts. I would eventually make my way home in the dark and my Mom and I would sit on the living room rug and dump out the pumpkin bucket so we could go through all the candy. Mom would look for Mary Jane candy and peanuts, which I was happy to give her. The rest went into a special “candy drawer” in a lamp table and I would eat a few pieces a day as I fondly remembered a wonderful night!

David Kish is a Fiber Artist, Teacher and Writer who enjoys writing short articles about his memories growing up. He has lived in the Southwest since 1992 and has retired in SE New Mexico.

8 N. & S. CarolinaFranklin, NC • Maggie Valley, NC • Waynesville, NC • Special Event

Asheville Quilt Guild Sponsoring Virtual Vendor Market, 10/2 to 10/4The Asheville Quilt Guild has cancelled its September 2020 Quilt Show and is

rescheduling it for September 24-26, 2021. In place of this year’s Show, the Guild is presenting a Virtual Vendor Market on October 2nd, 3rd and 4th providing a wonderful opportunity to shop with the Quilt Show’s great venders from the comfort of quilters’ own homes!

Twenty-four vendors will be welcoming shoppers into their virtual stores for their shopping pleasure. The vendors will have special deals in addition to their usual selection of quilting goodies. Complete event details can be found on the Asheville Quilt Guild webpage at www.ashevillequiltguild.org and on the Asheville Quilt Show Facebook page, beginning September 21st. Pre-event shopping vendor links can be found now at www.ashevillequiltguild.org/quilt-show/vendors.

The Asheville Quilt Guild started in 1988 when the organizers of Asheville’s terrific street fair asked a group of local quilters to organize a quilt show for the fair. The Guild was born with a charter membership of sixty and today has over 300 members. Many are mountain-grown but, because the mountains attract people from all over, it is a wonderfully diverse Guild.

The Asheville Quilt Guild welcomes anyone with an interest in quilts! Members range from having very little experience to nationally recognized quilt artists. Involvement from all ages is encouraged. Meetings are held at the Folk Art Center on the 3rd Tuesday of the month—10 a.m. in odd-numbered months and 7 p.m. in even-numbered months. For more information, please visit www.ashevilleguiltguild.org

Visit these Country Register Advertisersduring the Asheville Quilt Guild Virtual Vendor ShowAngel Oak StitcheryAnnie’s Keepsakes Carolina Quilt StudioFive Little Monkeys Quilt & Sew

Featherweight PoppyThe Cotton Quilt The Quilter’s Gallery Schoolhouse Quilts

Quilting with BarbaraDream Big! Dream Bigger!

by Barbara ConquestRetreat… such an evocative word for quilters! It implies a break from routine, cooking

and annoying phone calls—replaced by relaxation, enjoyment, learning something new, friends and even some self-indulgence. A good quilting retreat (is there ever one that’s not good?) includes all these and sometimes more.

Prevented from attending a long-standing annual retreat this year, I began visualizing my ideal retreat. My dream retreat would not suit everyone but this is my dream, remember. As a man on TV says, “Dream big! Dream bigger!” So I did.

First the location: preferably a scenic area with pleasant walkways for breaks, maybe on a lake. The rooms would be private (no dorms or bunk beds) with ensuite bathrooms, a good reading light and comfortable bed. Even the most gregarious people need some downtime and it may as well be restful.

The quilting area would have a roomy table for each participant to spread out the necessary paraphernalia. The lighting and temperature would be adjusted for (my) comfort and irons would be plentiful. As a bonus, steam irons and bobbins would magically never need filling. (Told you it was a dream!) A masseuse might be on call. A friendly dog or cat wandering around the premises would be great.

Even the most organized quilter (not me) can forget something vital to her project so an ideal retreat would include at least one vendor of fabric and notions. Patterns, kits and new fabric can inspire further creativity. We all welcome new ideas.

Meals would be light, nourishing and tasty—maybe gazpacho or vichyssoise for lunch on hot days. It goes without saying that there would be fresh hot coffee available from early morning until nightfall, with tea, herbal and otherwise, at the ready. To counteract the four o’clock slump, tasty energizing snacks would appear at the appropriate time. A brisk brief walk and some fresh air might be useful too. Dinners would finish with indulgent, gooey desserts with lots of chocolate. A wine and cheese evening function as either a get-acquainted or farewell to new friends would be a pleasant addition.

The program would include at least one class resulting in a finished product common to all attendees but it must be non-competitive! (My psyche remains deeply scarred from the time I finished dead last in a strip-quilt race.) Some time would be devoted to charitable work but the majority would be spent on personal projects or UFOs with a grand show-and-tell on the last day.

However, the most important component of my dream retreat would be the people. There must be one who wanders around chatting to everyone. She doesn’t get much done on her projects but she is a pleasant temporary diversion. Notable for their absence would be back-biting, telephone calls taken where we can all hear gossip and—especially—personal medical information! All of the attendees would be congenial and friendly, giving opinions when asked, full of ideas and good humour, helpful, interested and interesting, enthusiastic, generous and thoughtful of others—in other words, typical quilters!

Hopefully, someday soon we’ll be able to attend retreats again. In the meantime, dream on!

© Barbara Conquest, BlueSky Quilting, Tofield AB.

Sept-October 2020 9Forest City, NC • Franklin, NC • Weaverville, NC • Special Events

Walker Quilt Co., in Franklin, NCFills All Your Longarm Quilting Needs

by Kerri Habben BosmanAt Walker Quilt Co. in Franklin, NC, you will discover a longarm quilting studio

designed to help you finish your quilt and captivate you into beginning the next one. Owner Andrea Walker happily shares her passion for longarm quilting and welcomes every customer as a quilting friend. The studio offers a full range of services, including quilt finishing, machine rentals, longarm sales and longarm servicing and a variety of inspiring classes.

Walker Quilt Co. became an Authorized Handi Quilter Retailer in 2019 and presents every model of Handi Quilter longarm, ready for you to test or rent before you buy. These include free motion machines and four ProStitcher computerized models. Knowledgeable staff is on hand to teach you the basics of longarm quilting plus help you find your ideal machine when you are ready.

Free set-up and training is included with the purchase of every new machine, and there is also continual support in monthly Handi Quilter Owner’s Club meetings. A repair and updating longarm technician is also on site. There is also a fully stocked retail space with Handi Quilter accessories, books and a variety of threads. A wide range of classes includes different aspects of free motion quilting, ruler work and using ProStitcher models.

It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For Andrea, her full service studio began with a single quilt top. In 2014, she had finished her first large piecing and was excited about quilting it. While working at the local quilting shop, she completed her quilt using its longarm machine. She was immediately enchanted and a year later began quilting professionally. By 2017, Andrea’s business had grown into a studio space that she conveniently located next door to A Stitch in Time full service quilt shop.

A large part of Walker Quilt Co.’s success can be attributed to Andrea’s two dedicated employees, Sarah Overton and Amber Riegel. Both of these talented ladies work on quilts a few days a week and Sarah is a pattern designer as well. Together with Andrea, they foster a welcoming and creative atmosphere.

It is especially vital that every completed quilt is exactly as hoped for. Andrea carefully works with every customer to plan the pattern and thread. At the studio, they have quilted everything from first quilts to memory quilts to a pieced top that had been long sitting in a drawer. The piece to be quilted can be delivered in person or it can be mailed. You can also calculate the quilting fee online at www.walkerquiltco.com

At Walker Quilt Co. their goal is to help quilting add to your happiness. Whether through finishing a quilt for you, renting or selling a machine, they are there for you. As their website says, they want you to “become a confident, happy, and successful quilter.”

Walker Quilt Co. is located at 27 Macon Center Drive in Franklin. The studio is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Andrea is at the shop most days completing clients quilts, assisting machine renters or teaching classes. For more information, please visit www.walkerquiltco.com, follow the studio on Instagram and Facebook or call 828-349-3433.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin is a quaint town in southwestern North Carolina. The area is rich in gems and minerals and is known locally as the “Gem Capital of The World.” Its environs draw many visitors, including quilters, because of its beauty and relaxation.

Kerri Habben Bosman is a writer in Chapel Hill, NC.

Walker Quilt Co. owner Andrea Walker.

10 N. & S. CarolinaMorganton, NC • Burnsville, NC • Granite Falls, NC

plate 2

Monitoring Trends to Predict the Future

by Dave EmighShady Lawn Antiques re-opened in mid-February following our annual Winter

Furniture Restoration Break. It was a celebration of sorts; people were happy that we were open again. And we were excited to show off all of our ‘new’ inventory and the furniture that we had restored.

Once we had re-opened, we began working through plans for an actual Spring Celebration Event. During the planning there was some quiet background noise about a coronavirus outbreak that had started in China. How wrong we were to think that we were so isolated that the virus would have little or no effect on us.

In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic was our Spring Event. The three-month business closure was certainly an Event, but it was not exactly a Celebration.

I do actually have some positive things to write about—but, first, I would like to say that I describe my writing style as a reflection on ‘antiques, history and life in the Walla Walla Valley (from the perspective of Shady Lawn Antiques).’

This provides some context for my current dilemma. On one hand, I would like to write a piece entirely on antiques, history and life that does not mention COVID-19. You know, something that allows for a momentary escape from the constant cloud that this virus has created. But the fact is that it is impossible to address life in the Walla Walla Valley without acknowledging that elephant in the room.

That being said, at Shady Lawn Antiques we continuously observe and monitor a wide variety of trends. It is our way to predict how factors around us will affect our business. Those trends prompt us to clean, repair and display inventory in a timely manner relative to the trends.

Some trends occur seasonally each year. For example, garden items sell best in the spring, major pieces of furniture sell best in the fall and Christmas decorations sell best if they are on display by early November.

Local events also elicit interest in specific items. When there is a car show, people are looking for automotive items. These include car emblems, literature, license plates and gas and oil related items. Western and cowboy items are popular during our SE Washington Fair and Rodeo and the nearby Pendleton Round-Up.

Walla Walla has an annual fall Quilt Show (which is unfortunately cancelled this year). We clean and price the fabric and vintage sewing items that we have in storage. We also make sure to restore treadle sewing machines and wooden sewing machine drawers prior to the Show.

Another trend is people seeking out items that they have seen in recently released decorating magazines and/or on television shows. These media trends are among the most important for our prediction of contemporary new areas of interest.

Currently we find ourselves in a bit of a predicament. Those (recently published) media pieces were in production prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore they may not be entirely relevant in our current situation. It is difficult to predict if our typical model of following trends may be broken.

I am certain that we will achieve some clarity on this issue as we observe the items that we are currently selling. The good news is that, after a month into our (COVID-19) re-opening, there does not seem to be much change in the types of items that people are purchasing.

We are also constantly attentive to what is happening in society in general. ‘Working-from-home’ is a trend that we are currently following. It appears that this trend will last for some time into the future and may in fact become permanent in some cases.

We are responding by showcasing and marketing our antique home office type furniture. These pieces include desks, bookcases, storage units and file cabinets. One example is a unique stacking bookcase with a drop front desk unit built into it. This compact, yet extremely functional, piece would work well even in the smallest room.

Fortunately, through our twenty-six years of business, we have developed a flexible business plan. Therefore we can adapt. It has always been true that with every change in lifestyle trends, new opportunities are created. It is no different this time.

Dave Emigh and his wife Jill are the owners of Shady Lawn Antiques in Walla Walla, WA, perfectly located in the 1870’s wood frame creamery buildings that Dave’s great-grandfather purchased in 1897. Dave, a professionally trained woodworker, and his son Nick specialize in the restoration of oak furniture. Shady Lawn, in its 26th year, has become a regional destination for oak furniture but is also known for a well-curated display of country, rustic, and rare and unique “small” antiques. Glimpses of the ever-changing Shady Lawn inventory can be seen on Facebook and at www.shadylawnantiques.com.

Prune or Plum CakeCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

A moist and delicious cake made with fresh Italian prunes or plums and frosted with cream cheese icing.

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda1 teaspoon each salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves1 cup cut-up Washington Italian prunes or plums1 cup water 1/2 cup vegetable oil3 large eggs1 cup chopped nutsCream Cheese Icing:1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened1 cup powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractMilk, as neededCooking Directions:Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and spices; mix well. Add fruit, water, oil,

eggs and nuts. Mix thoroughly with electric mixer or 300 strokes by hand.Pour batter into greased and floured 13x9x2-inch pan.Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes or until wooden pick

inserted near center comes out clean.Cool about 12 to 15 minutes and remove from pan.

Sept-October 2020 11Warrenton, NC • Wake Forest, NC • Jacksonville, NC

A Fun and Games Par-TEAby Lydia E. Harris

Life isn’t always fun and games. And when it isn’t, perhaps that’s the time to add fun and games to our lives. So, in spite of the pandemic, let the fun begin!

Fun SettingIt’s easy to decorate for a fun and games par-TEA. Two tables stood ready on my deck

to welcome three of my grandkids (ages 10, 14 and 17), their mother, and my daughter. Floral paper plates, cheery red napkins, boxed card games and packages of popcorn to take home set a merry mood.

Soon I heard footsteps bounding up the outdoor steps and my grandson asked, “Did you make the cake?” I’ve always wanted to bake a checkerboard cake—perfect for a fun and games teatime. Now I had.

Just for fun, I set out a box of hats and a full-length mirror. Guests laughed as they tried on hats and donned ones that suited them.

Fun FoodThe simple menu included foods we enjoy:

chicken salad served in freshly baked rolls, assorted cheeses and crackers, veggie sticks, fruit, tortilla chips, bean dip and beverages. Our grandkids like to play the game, Apples to Apples, so a tray with four kinds of sliced apples created a new twist as they compared the taste of one variety of apples to another and chose their favorites.

The checkerboard cake was the highlight of the menu since my family had never seen or tasted one. I showed them the three layers of white-and-chocolate cake and the pans and divider I used to make them. They watched me spread the homemade chocolate frosting and eagerly waited to see the brown and white checkerboard design emerge. I cut the first slice—and it did look like a checkerboard! The cake, along with my homemade ice cream, was a hit.

To continue the game theme, I also cut leftover chocolate sheet cake into domino-sized pieces and added a few white chocolate chips to make dots on top. Frosted brownies

would make good dominoes, too. Fun Games and SurprisesFor entertainment during lunch, I filled

an empty tea tin with jokes and sayings I cut from Country Register papers. This one brought loud laughter: “People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.”

I ordered a Chocolate Monopoly game online for a sweet surprise. You play this version with a game board and spinner. Best of all, the properties are pieces of wrapped Belgian chocolate.

The grandkids were excited about the treasure hunt I had planned. Ten clues led them through the front and back yards searching for treasure. The last clue said, “Ring the doorbell and return to the deck. Grandpa will give you your treasure.” Grandpa gave each of them money in his traditional and fun way.

Fun Memories“Thank you, Grandma,” the grandkids said as they got into their car to head home.

My daughter lingered and we enjoyed catching up further. The time spent preparing for the party was definitely worth it.

Generally, I allow three days to host teatime: A day to prepare, the party day to share, and the day after to wash linens, put away decorations and unwind.

With leftover food from the teatime, two days later I invited my sister Ruth, age 83, who lives in a retirement community, for tea. Rather than play games, we chatted and prayed together for our families and our nation.

Ruth enjoys crafts and sewing but can’t get out to purchase supplies now with the virus. So I sent her home with fabrics and sewing kits I had. “I’ll have to live a long time to finish all this,” she said and laughed.

A fun and games teatime can easily be adapted for any age or stage of life. Guests can bring their favorite card games or board games. Outdoor games, like croquet, also work well. Prepare a setting with social distancing during this pandemic. Select foods and games your guests will enjoy. Then make memories together.

I’m ready for more fun and games over tea. Will you join me?Lydia E. Harris holds a master’s in home economics and has been writing this tea

column for 20 years. No wonder her five grandkids call her “Grandma Tea.” She is the author of Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting and In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together. Her books are available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and Christianbook.com.

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Checkerboard CakeNow you can have both chocolate and white cake in one slice.1 chocolate cake mix1 white cake mix 3 round cake pans (8 or 9 inches)Divider for cake pans Chocolate frosting (purchase or prepare homemade)Directions:

1. Prepare each cake mix in a separate bowl according to package directions. Use the same brand of mix for both cakes so the cakes are similar in density and the colors don’t run through.

2. Line 3 cake pans with circles of parchment paper. Add the divider to one pan.

3. Pour chocolate cake batter into the outside ring and center ring. Add white cake batter to the middle ring. Carefully remove divider, lifting it straight up and setting it aside.

4. Wash and dry the divider; fill the second cake pan the same way.

5. Wash and dry the divider. Add the divider to the third cake pan. Pour white cake batter into the outside ring and the center ring. Add chocolate cake batter to the middle ring. Remove divider. (If you prefer more white cake than chocolate, fill two pans this way and fill only one cake pan with chocolate batter in the outer and center rings.)

6. Make cupcakes from any leftover batter.7. Bake according to package directions.8. Place cakes on cooling racks and cool completely; remove parchment paper before

frosting. 9. Frost with prepared or homemade frosting. Alternate layers with the chocolate and

white rings of cake on the outside. 10. Spread frosting between the layers, on top and around the sides.Tips: Find cake pans and checkerboard cake divider online and in some stores. Find

videos online that demonstrate alternate ways to make a checkerboard cake if you don’t have a divider. Also, you can use other colors and cake flavors to make a checkerboard cake.

Homemade Chocolate Frosting1 cup softened butter2/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)1/3 cup milk1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla3 1/3 cups powdered sugarDirections:1. Beat together butter and cocoa powder.2. Mix in milk and vanilla.3. Beat in sugar, one cup at a time.4. If frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. If

frosting is too thick to spread, add a little milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.

12 N. & S. CarolinaWinston-Salem, NC • Raleigh, NC • Madison, NC • Professional Services • Special Events

‘By the Yard’ Crafty CartoonistCreates 2021 Calendar for QuiltersBy the Yard Calendar is the newest crafty comic feature by cartoonist Jen Lopez. A

life long hobby enthusiast, Jen created By the Yard web comics shortly after meeting online the model train hobbyist who is her husband.

As Jen says, “When a quilt nerd met a train geek online, a new comic for the crafty-inclined was created.”

This 2021 calendar features sixteen of Jen’s amusing comics that will keep you “in stitches” for the next sixteen months starting with September 2020. This calendar is perfect in any quilt enthusiast’s craft room and is also a wonderful gift for that quilter in your life. You don’t have to wait until New Year’s 2021 to use this calendar as it has a bonus four-month 2020 page.

The calendars are available at www.bytheyardcomics.com where you will also find greeting cards, mugs, aprons and many other gifts for quilters. The cost of each calendar is $14.99.

Jen Lopez got her start in cartooning at MIT in Voo Doo, the school’s journal of humor. She earned two degrees at MIT—a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. When she is not creating comics, Jan enjoys web programming, sewing, knitting and going on road trips to as many diners as possible with her real-life Train Guy. Follow Jen on Facebook and Instagram.

Calendar Giveaway!Enter to Win!

Enter the drawing for a chance to win your very own copy of Jen Lopez’s 2021 calendar, By the Yard. Send an email to carolinas@barlomedia.com before September 30 and put By the Yard in the subject line. Or send a letter or postcard to: The Country Register, 515 E. Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085. Be sure to give us your name, address and phone number.

The drawing will be held on October 1st. The winner will be sent a copy of the calendar and announced in an upcoming issue.

Happy Grandparents Day!Sunday, September 13

Sept-October 2020 13Stallings, NC • Wendell, NC • Wake Forest, NC

Deep Dark Espresso BrowniesCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

These rich, dark brownies, intensely flavored with instant espresso, will transport the coffee lover straight to espresso heaven!

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3/4 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup instant espresso coffee powder 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup powdered sugarCooking Directions:Preheat oven to 375º F (175º C). Lightly butter and flour a 9-inch square baking pan;

set aside.Beat brown sugar, butter and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Add eggs,

vanilla and salt. Beat until well blended. Stir in espresso powder, flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan. Lightly dust top with powdered sugar and cut into bars.

Makes 24 brownies

14 N. & S. CarolinaAngier, NC • Fayetteville, NC

plate 3

Collector’s CornerHandmade vs. Handcrafted

by Jim OlsonWhy is it important to know the difference between handmade and hand-assembled

(or handcrafted)? Value! The differences can sometimes be slight but it’s worth knowing if you want to be an informed collector.

As savvy collectors, we anticipate the items we collect will appreciate over time or, at the very least, retain their value. Sometimes that can be difficult to predict with market changes and what not but one of the things we can do to help sway chances in our favor is to collect better stuff.

An example is the so-called Fred Harvey era jewelry. We know this refers to turquoise and silver items (mostly jewelry) made in the first half of the 20th century. In recent years, Fred Harvey era items have been very popular with collectors. However, there are some (bracelets for example) from that time period that sell in the $100 to $200 range while others may sell for $1,000 and up. The difference? The higher valued ones are completely handmade—and discerning collectors know the difference. Which would you rather have had grandma buy back in the day—the ones now worth $100 or the ones now worth $1,000 or more?

So what constitutes “handmade?” Google dictionary says, “hand-made (adjective) made by hand, not by machine and typically therefore a superior quality.”

Hand-wrought and hand-forged are synonyms. Basically, it means the artist or maker made the item from scratch and did not buy precast parts and assemble them together.

Hand-assembled or handcrafted items generally consist of items put together from two or more pre-made or precast pieces (most of the time precasting is done by machine or in mass-produced methods).

As a matter of disclosure, very, very few things are completely handmade anymore but the closer you can get to being purely handmade, the better off you are.

For example, you can have a pair of spurs using precast spur blanks cast in a factory somewhere or you can make a pair of spurs by forging them from a single piece of steel. You can have belt buckles made using precast buckle blanks bought from a supplier or you can hand-forge them from silver (or other metals). You can have a turquoise bracelet made from a bracelet blank (bought at the jewelry supply store) or you can start with ingots of silver and create it yourself. All of the above can then be decorated with precast silver, gold or other non-precious embellishments or the artist can cut the embellishments out by hand or even hand engrave the items.

As a collector, it is important to know the difference between completely handmade and the various stages of hand-assembled for yourself. Do not take anyone’s word for it unless you know the person knows what he or she is talking about and you trust that person’s judgment. A lot of items will be presented to you as “handmade” when in fact they are mostly hand-assembled. To some, that is a small difference and they may think we are splitting hairs but, down the road, it will most definitely make a difference in value when you present those items to the collector marketplace for resale.

Just know this—if the item you are buying was assembled using parts the artist purchased at the store, it is NOT completely handmade. Sure, it may have a good look to it and may be hard to tell at a glance the difference from a completely handmade item but you will most assuredly realize the difference when you want to resell (if your buyer is a knowledgeable collector).

In the realm of so-called handmade items, there is a big difference between a true craftsman who can take raw materials and build a piece of art from scratch vs. the person who, although he or she may have an artistic eye, is merely assembling pieces together and saying it is handmade. And the advanced collectors know the difference.

One of the best ways to describe it that I can think of is a paint by numbers piece of art. If you have a piece of art whereby the “artist” sat down with a paint by numbers kit and it told where to paint and what colors went where and basically some blanks were just being filled in, you could argue (weakly in my opinion) that it is hand-painted. However a paint by numbers artwork will never be valued in the collectors’ world in the same way a piece of art is where the artist sat down with a blank canvas and painted a wonderful scene from imagination using a mental image or perhaps a photo.

What is worse than not even being hand-assembled, however, is if a piece is completely machine made. With technology the way it is today, items can be mass-produced, which to the untrained eye look like the real deal. My advice is to avoid those types of items completely as they are almost never “collectible” in the long run. Hand-assembled is much better than machine-made, but the purist prefers as close to completely handmade as possible. If you are not sure how to tell the difference, start talking to reputable dealers and collectors who can show you the little telltale signs.

So the next time you see a belt buckle that was made using a buckle blank and then had precast embellishments applied to it or perhaps a bracelet made in a similar manner, think of the difference between a paint by numbers piece of art vs. a truly hand drawn, hand-painted masterpiece. Both may have a good look to them but when you go to sell the items in the market of collectibles, there will be a big difference in price.

Of course, you will likely have to pay more for the completely handmade item in the beginning. But you are a lot more likely to see appreciation or at least have it hold its value when you buy handmade over hand-assembled.

Jim Olson is a published author, historian and co-owner of historic Western Trading Post in Casa Grande, AZ, which traces its roots back to 1877! Visit www.WesternTradingPost.com to see what it offers. Jim Olson © 2020

Ms. Griselda, the Witch, Decides

Ms. Griselda, the witch, stroked her long black nailsOver her kitty’s back all the way to its tailAnd stared at the calendar’s number ‘thirty-one’Like she was cooking a brew that just wouldn’t get done.

“Now what can I wear this Halloween?It must be trendy and sparkly for this yearly scene.It must be glamorous, enchanting, shiny and bright,Something that’s comfy for the long spooky nightWhile I ride my broomstick over city and vale --Yet something to match my kitty’s noir tale.”

Then she cackled and winked and suddenly knewJust the accessories that would perfectly do.Solid gold buckles on pointy-toed heels;Leggings with stripes ‘round her legs like wheelsMake broom rides cozy on Halloween night!Add a broom and a hat -- Ms. Griselda looks right!

~Barbara S. B. Kalkis

Sept-October 2020 15New Bern, NC • Southport, NC • Wilmington , NC

Book ReviewWashington Authors’ Quilting Lessons Features Quilting, Warmth & Wisdom

Washington State authors Ellen Curtis and Karen Gibson celebrate quilting and share warmth and wisdom in their unique book, Quilting Lessons. The two write about life lessons inspired by classic quilt patterns and Scripture. A quilt block, Broken Dishes, is the theme for the book.

The full-color book features thirty uplifting meditations with many personal stories based in and around the Puget Sound and the state. Quilting Lessons includes 30 exquisite photographs by award-winning Northwest photographer Peggy Olafson Curtis. The traditional quilt blocks, like Lone Star, Mosaic, Providence, and Tumbling Blocks were handcrafted by local quilters.

Published by Redemption Press in Enumclaw, Quilting Lessons was sold along with other book titles at the 2018 Women of Joy “Rescued” Tour. Nearly 50,000 women participated in a series of conferences around the country featuring nationally known Christian speakers and artists such as Sheila Walsh, Lisa Harper and Mandisa. Redemption Press co-sponsored the event.

Quilting is a popular pastime. There are over 21 million quilting households in the U.S. and 30 million worldwide. Quilting Lessons taps into that passion. Each meditation offers a story related to a quilt block, a Bible verse, a spiritual application and a prayer to cultivate a character quality. This book will appeal to quilters, quilting clubs and guilds, Bible study groups and those who love the beautifully crafted heirlooms.

About the AuthorsEllen Curtis is a Spanish instructor and freelance writer with

degrees in Spanish and English who is passionate about teaching and cross-cultural missions. She lives in Tacoma and enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, entertaining, reading and, always, coffee.

Karen Gibson is a wife and mother with degrees in library technology and technical writing. She writes, creates Bible Studies and

speaks to women. She lives in Duvall and enjoys teaching, reading, gardening, spending time with family and friends and drinking tea.

To Order Copies of Quilting Lessons: Price: $21.99 softcover; $8.99 eBook; 131 pages; ISBN-10: 1683144600; ISBN-13: 978-1683144601. All formats are available through www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com and www.Redemption-press.com. Softcover copies are available for purchase through the authors at quiltinglessons@gmail.com.

Win a Copy of Quilting Lessons!Enter to win an autographed copy of Quilting Lessons by Ellen Curtis and Karen

Gibson. Send an email to carolinas@barlomedia.com and put “Quilting Lessons” in the subject line. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. You can also mail a note or postcard to: The Country Register, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085.

The drawing will be held on October 1. The winner will be sent a copy of the book and it will be announced in the November-December issue.

Fennel Pistachio CookiesCourtesy Cooksrecipes.com

A fabulous, fragrant butter cookie with sophisticated appeal and taste.1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar1 large egg 2 tablespoons amaretto or almond extract1 tablespoons lemon zest 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt3/4 cup pistachio nuts, chopped, plus extra for garnish (optional)Cooking Directions:Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Beat butter with an electric mixer at medium speed

until creamy. Gradually add sugar; mix well. Add egg; beat well. Add amaretto, lemon zest and fennel seeds; mix to combine.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture; beat well. Stir in pistachio nuts (dough will be stiff).

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. If desired, flatten balls slightly and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly on baking sheets; remove to cooling racks and cool completely.

Store in an airtight container. Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen.

16 N. & S. CarolinaProfessional Services • Bostic, NC

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Enter to Win a $25 Gift Certificate

The Country Register is giving away one $25 Gift Certificate to be spent at a local advertising Shop to one of our lucky readers! Use it to go shopping at your favorite Country Register advertiser.The drawing will be held on October 1st and the winner will be announced in our November-December issue. The gift certificate will be mailed to the winner.

Entry Deadline is October 1, 2020(Names are not sold, given away or used for any other purpose.)

Drawing Entry FormName _____________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________Address ___________________________________________________________City, State & Zip ____________________________________________________E-mail address: _____________________________________________________Name of my favorite Country Register advertiser is: ___________________________________________________________________

Tell us what makes this advertiser your favorite (required to enter): __________________

____________________________________________________________________

To enter, complete this form and mail to:The Country Register, 515 E. Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085

(Photocopy of form is fine. Be sure to answer all questions.)

Or email the information to: carolinas@barlomedia.com and put “Gift Certificate” in the subject line.

Please tell us about a local North or South Carolina Bazaar/Festival, Craft Show, Tea Room, etc that you would like to see advertising in the next issue of in The Country Register:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We welcome your comments and/or suggestions about The Country Register. Include a note with your drawing entry, send us an email or give us a call at 1-888-942-8950. We enjoy hearing from our readers!