Aqua Therapy

Image source: http://monteandheidi.blogspot.com/

 Image source: http://anurbanfarmwife.blogspot.com/

I truly believe that learning to discern trash from treasure is merely a matter of experience and personal interpretation.

Over the years, I have trained my eyes to see beyond the obvious—to imagine the possibilities.

Image source: Jared Neumark http://charlotte.creativeloafing.com

This particular local haunt has been one of my favorite training grounds for over fourteen years.

Most likely, your initial gut response to the images above, and the one just below, is one of two—a landfill in need of immediate cleanup or a veritable trove of undiscovered treasure!

For the Yankee and me, it is definitely the latter.

I cannot even begin to calculate the countless hours he and I have spent, through the years, rummaging through piles of salvage, boxes of what many would consider trash, and barns—stacked full to the rafters—with wonderful old, vintage, and antique pieces.

On one such treasure-hunting trip, I had the good fortune of spotting this lovely Victorian lady tucked among mounds of other antiques.

I instantly saw her possibilities and snapped her up to carry back to the cottage.

Remember the sneak peek I gave you here?

Her finish had aged to an almost black patina.

Two of her legs had been dislodged, due to the breaks in the underside of her top. But, I was confident that a touch from my Yankee could remedy all of that.

After carefully chiseling out the broken pieces from the underside of her top, the Yankee cut replacement pieces from stronger, vintage oak and glued them in. No more wobblies for her!

I cleaned her up thoroughly and gave her the necessary treatment to prepare her for her new finish.

I envisioned her wearing a much lighter coat, one that would playfully spotlight her curvaceous legs and delightfully decorative top and midsection.

The crowning touch was the light distressing to her gorgeous aqua attire.

Now everything about this little lady exudes sweet cottage charm!

Let's parade on over to Roeshel's, Susan's, Cheri's, Cindy's and then participate in a DIY party.

Let's also join Kimm, Heather, Leah and Maryann.