The Copper Cow from Kentucky

Yes! I finally found time to travel to Shelbyville, Kentucky and visit the breathtaking Wakefield Scearce Galleries.  It has been literally over a decade since I dragged the good husband down to see this fabulous collection of shops and if I remember correctly most were closed since it was a Sunday. 

I had a truck load of fresh timothy piled high so I parked away from all of the clean, nicely polished cars lined perfectly in the crowded parking lot.  I didn't care that I was dressed in jeans and a horsey jacket not to mention wearing simple loafers covered with a layer of hay dust.  I was so excited to finally be able to visit this gorgeous place once again.  All of the ladies both young and old were dressed very well and several were adorned with obedient and enthusiastic husbands in tow.  I couldn't help but wonder why my husband doesn't get excited while viewing Christmas ornaments displayed on a wall.

Filled with anticipation to visit The Yule Shop,  I had visions of finding unique holiday decorations no where else to be found.  Sigh...It was a cute shop and I did find a tree that caught my eye, but nothing stood out.  A half of a tree mind you planted in a plastic urn with a price tag of a whole tree planted in an iron urn.  I told the lovely ladies at the check out that I would think about it while I paid for my little pony and fox glass ornaments.  If I leave a shop and I am not 'haunted' by the recent find while finishing my other shopping, then it isn't going home with me.  That is my little rule.  We shall see...

I breezed through the silver shop as I wanted to see what areas we missed so many years before.  To once again gaze upon the pastoral oil paintings proudly displayed along the second floor balcony that I couldn't afford was simply awe inspiring.  Wonder if they went down in price?  We are in a recession, one can always be hopeful!  Oh the paintings would be so happy if they found a home on our walls.  Gentle rolling fields, cool green tree lined lanes, woolly sheep, steers, horses, barn yard scenes, chickens, dogs, just perfect for this farm girl.  A rich farm girl that is....darn!!

The interiors of these galleries are simply breathtaking!  Three floors of intimate settings were waiting for me to explore!  Bedrooms, dining rooms, and even a study, completely furnished and decorated as though you were touring an old historic home.  All of these cozy areas are filled with English antiques and accessories. I noticed some rooms offered a themed decor. Oils framed in gold hung on the walls, porcelain lamps softly light the corners, and tasteful floral arrangements could be found everywhere.  Orientals, pillows, mirrors, you name it, they all had little white price tags tempting either the serious or the curious.  I believe the beautiful window treatments were the only items that would remain within galleries.

I saw so many little things I wanted but nothing grabbed me...until I peeked into a brightly lit but sparse room, so unlike the others, that housed rolled rugs with some just thrown here and there. This seemed to be a storage room, but wait!! What is this?   Ah, look how she shines so patiently waiting for me to look at her. Ugh, her price was a bit high for this country girl from West Virginia.  But I wanted her!!! So, off I went to find an attendant to ask if a discount could be had. 

Oh no...I was advised by a nice attractive lady that I had to speak with the general manager or owner, I wasn't sure if I heard the gentleman's title as I could only think of this thin copper cow.  Inwardly chastising myself I thought if only I had dressed better or put on some makeup and or better yet something sweet to cover up the ode d' barn...these silly notions danced around my poor head as I waited for him to magically appear.  Oh yes, of course he looks like that, I thought...perfectly coiffed, with I am sure some cashmere or silk woven in his sportscoat.  OK here goes...I did it!  It wasn't the price I was after but it helped a lot.  He did admit she was up there for some time which was very obvious to me.  She was so out of place! I promised him that she would be fattened up once she stayed awhile in my kitchen.  He probably thought I was crazy!    ;-)  Thank you Mr. Bennett, it was nice of you to help me out.

On my way out I stopped in the W. Cromwell men's clothing shop and found some perfect gifts for the good husband.  I was advised by one of those 'enthusiastic' men I had spotted earlier that the shirt I had chosen was a great choice.  He wears them all the time.  Hmmm, I wonder if this shirt will turn my man into an obedient and enthusiastic husband who likes Christmas shopping for ornaments?  One can only hope!