A Little About Me...and then some....

My name is Rebecca and I currently live in the beautiful state of Oklahoma.  I'm a California native and spent my most of my early life in a small Los Angeles suburb nestled between the West Coast Mountains and the Pacific Seashore.  Simply put, I loved it there.  Life certainly wasn't easy or predictable, but I've grown fond of the memories that are neatly preserved within my own heart and mind.  I suppose a part of me will forever miss the sunny skies that blanketed our neighborhood and the Palm Trees that even now I just adore.  When I travel back to the area I can't help but feel just a little twinge of sadness and there isn't a visit to our ever-changing-town when I've failed to sneak a peek at our house on Sigman Street.  For while living there, my now aging and fragile parents were still young and their growing children were tucked safely into their beds at night.  Within just a few short years of moving away we'd all be scattered about, and never able again to call the same State home. 

 I grew up the second of four children and was fortunate to share a bedroom with my older sister.  She was always the neater and more tidier of the two of us and by far, the beauty.  We spent many childhood hours planning the details of redesigning our tiny space even though I think we always knew there'd never be enough funds available to make any of our decorating dreams come true.  Many of our early days were spent frolicking around Cardboard Hill (where quiet danger always lurked) or walking to Gramma's house where we'd feverishly play a multitude of games all the while trying to hide from her mean dog, Tipi!  We shared many of our one-mile walks to school and on most Saturday evenings you could find us perched in front of our Piano where our mother desperately tried to teach us both to sing.   Money wasn't plentiful and our meager allowance had to be saved for weeks to purchase even the simplest of treasures.  For years we were dressed in matching clothes and we shared the same shade of light brown hair.  I remember well when Lin grew into young womanhood and left me far behind.  Our two year age difference kept my feet firmly planted in our local playground and it would be a long time before I cared anything about moving beyond the Monkey Bars that held my constant attention...  I'm a big sis to my only brother, Bill and my younger sister, Jen.  I understand the dynamics of being both an older and younger sibling and think it is amazing how when you are finally all grown up it doesn't matter at all who has lived more days...you just want to love each other...

   I was surrounded by many talented women during my childhood and consider it an honor to have benefited from each of their own special gifts and blessings.  Unbeknownst to most of these lovely ladies, as a little girl I'd sit wide-eyed, albeit impatient, as I tried to absorb the creative energy I saw before me.  While one was sewing, one was gluing.  When another was taking out misplaced stitches, the other was designing decorations for school parties and PTA projects.  Truly, I've learned from the best.  From my beloved Gramma (who just turned 91) to my very talented Auntie Phyllis and unbelievably creative Auntie Cheri,  I will forever be grateful.

  When I dared to escape the menagerie of thread and needle, you could usually find me in my Grandfather's Studio watching him work from afar.  He was simply magical with both paint and brush and I could watch him for hours and hours.  I was blessed to have this gracious man in my life for many, many years and I still miss him more than words can say.  I long to see his sweet face again and to tell him how MUCH I love and appreciate him for the years of quiet instruction. 

I've always been a lover of old things and I'm especially fond of vintage linens.  I simply adore intricate handwork and consider much of it a lost art.  My beautiful Mother continues to be a master with embroidery floss and I am blessed to still have her as a teacher.  I can still hear her say to my 8 year old self, "You're making 'cow-legged' stitches and you must take them out!" (that meant they were too long!).  She will forever be the most talented, gifted, faithful woman I've ever known.  So...thank you, Mom, for everything!  Both yours and daddy's faith in me and in a loving, merciful God have sustained me throughout my life.  I love you both.

 I am honored to be the happy recipient of many a life-lesson learned and then joyfully and unselfishly shared by others.   I firmly believe that had it not been for those who've gone before me I wouldn't be where I am today.  I've heard it said for years that God won't call us to do anything in our lives without first giving us everything we need to fulfill that calling.  I count it a privilege to have been taught by the best and hope I've honored each of them by passing along my love of creating.

I continue to look forward with expectation every day full of God's goodness and promise.  It is to Him I give the praise for any ability or gifts I may have.  It is because of God's Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, that I find hope in every new day and strength in the face of sorrow, imperfection and disappointment.  It is my most sincere prayer you will all know this kind of peace.  I promise you, it is life-changing...

A Little About Him...

My hubby's name is Steven and he grew up in a tiny Nebraska town called Gothenburg.  His parents and only brother still live there and it is always a pleasure to return to the place his life began!  Steve remains the single most talented person I've ever known and I'm grateful to be his wife.  He is certainly the brains and courage behind A Gathering Place and I'd be lost without his invaluable help and support.  He does about 99% of all the packing and shipping which frees me up to do the things I love.  He is also my resident Sewing Machine Repairman, Lamp Rewire-er, Vintage Find Fixer, Website Designer and all around Handyman!  He is always the "calm" during my "creative storms" and he continues to bring purpose and meaning to all my days.   Simply put, this man changed the course of my life.  He is gracious and kind, loving and supportive and a true master at whatever he puts his mind to achieving.  He has taught me during our 29 year marriage just what it means to love without limits and I will forever be indebted to him.

Steve is "Dad" to our grown son and still "Daddy" to our only daughter.  I think his favorite title is that of "Papa" to our beautiful little granddaughter who is five.

When he isn't junkin' around town with this "slightly hard-headed, mind-ever-changin' gal", you can usually find him in his "state of the art workshop" or brain deep in a computer manual or two.  He mistakenly believes he can successfully teach me the Mumbo-Jumbo language of my Computer and just WHAT it is ACTUALLY doing (and saying)!  However, on a daily basis I continue to prove him wrong! :)  His most consistent statement to me is "What have you done now?"  :)   He works full time as a Computer Analyst for a major document company all the while being both my Hero and very best friend.

How It All Began...

It all started back in 1987 when my big sis asked me if I wanted to do a little Folk Art Show here in Oklahoma.  I'd always loved to sew, but never really thought much about actually selling anything I'd made.  Deciding to participate in that tiny Craft Fair was the beginning of a new life adventure for me and I will always remember fondly those "simple days" when I made everything on a vintage Singer 99K Sewing Machine and sewed only at night when my young children were sleeping...

The business name changed a couple of times when in 1992 I settled permanently on the name A Gathering Place.  Since then I've owned three Retail Shops and loved every minute of it. 

In 2002 I decided to give eBay a try and the rest is pretty much history!  I've been blessed to be part of such a growing and exciting venture which in turn has opened up many doors for me and this little business of mine.

A Gathering Place Today...

Many years of product design and development can be found hidden behind the scenes at A Gathering Place.  A variety of romantic finds and vintage complements are continually offered for your consideration.  Our specialty continues to be one-of-a-kind Pillows as well as charming hand painted accessories for the home.  Some of our most highly sought after offerings include refurbished vintage Train Cases and hand cross stitched Pillows.  Most of our offerings fit very well into the much loved Shabby Cottage or Country Style, Romantic Chic Home or Paris Apartment settings.  Whether it be for the New Baby, Beautiful Bride, a Special Guest, favorite Loved One or even for yourself, you are sure to find something exciting behind each treasured find.
 

We were both pleased and honored to have some of our Pillows showcased in the September 2005 and June 2006 issues of Romantic Homes Magazine.  We were also thrilled when our "Gathering Cases" TM (refurbished Train Cases)  were showcased in the September 2006 issue and won one of the Magazine's "Favorite's Award".  Additionally, parts of our home were featured in the October 2006 issue.

  Our Customers are very important to us and we will always strive for 100% Complete Satisfaction.  We take pride in our Customer Service and if you ever have any problems or issues, please just let us know!  We want you to always feel welcomed and appreciated as we are truly honored by your business!