Author Archives: brandib1977

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About brandib1977

I'm a single gal living in rural Appalachia. I have a job that keeps me busy and a to-do list so long I'll never see the end. Adventures- both big and small- are an important part of my life. Since I don’t even have a houseplant depending on me right now, I’m free to do basically whatever I please. This blog tells some of those stories. Life is pretty darn good!

National Museum Of The American Coverlet

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I am truly fortunate to have a couple of great friends to travel with to interesting places. My Pittsburgh friend is a born planner and has a knack for knowing exactly the kind of places I will like.

So when she said we would start our day in Bedford, Pennsylvania at the National Museum Of The American Coverlet, my knee jerk reaction was “hmm…. Ok.” And then my brain immediately reminded me that she has never taken me any place I didn’t like.

I’m so glad we went.

The National Museum of the American Coverlet is the first independent, year-round institution devoted to historic American woven coverlets. It is located in the former Common School which dates to 1859. The museum is located in the downstairs of this fantastic old building and they have done an exceptional job of working around some of the unique qualities of this building while still having gallery space for their rotating collection of historic coverlets.

What is a coverlet?

According to their website “Coverlets are woven bedcovers, used as the topmost covering on a bed. The weaver worked on a loom to construct the textile itself one row at a time, and the pattern was woven in as part of the process.”

This museum focuses on antique American woven coverlets and the collection ranges from 1771 to 1889. The coverlets come from all over the country and are in incredible condition especially given their age.

The current exhibit celebrates America’s 250th and I’m so glad we got to see it!

For all that my pal and I have in common, I’m always interested in the different ways we tend to view the world. We seem to take turns being detail people and being big picture people, depending on our moods and where we are.

In this museum, I was fascinated by the overall impact of the coverlets in this space. My friend sews, quilts, and does needlepoint. and was drawn in by the beauty of the smallest details on these coverlets. And the details are magnificent.

Want to learn more? Visit their website Admission is just $10 for adults. It’s a great place to start on your trip to Bedford!

Silent Sunday: Colors

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Silent Sunday: Hocking Hills

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To Whom It May Concern

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This sign was on a Pepsi machine in a medical office corridor last week. I had to giggle and feel empathy for the author.

Can you read it?

To whom it may concern, Could you please refill with DIET PEPSI- PLEASE? Thank you!

Personally, I prefer Diet Coke but completely understand the desperation one feels when your delightfully fizzy drink of choice isn’t available.

Here’s hoping someone noticed and took heed. On a related note, we call it pop here in southern Ohio. Do you call it pop or soda or do you prefer the southern tradition of calling it all Coke?

Bedford Welcomes You

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We spent a day wandering around historic Bedford, Pennsylvania, ambling down the street and browsing little shops.

They have found a nice, balanced way of living so that their history is ever present but so that it doesn’t feel stuffy or outdated. Downtown shops are packed with interesting merchandise and there’s a lovely park that honors their veterans of 20th century wars. Ample parking, plenty of street signage, and locals who seem to appreciate their visitors make this town more enjoyable to navigate than most.

We shopped for antiques, gourmet food, books and more. We admired ghost murals and sampled candy. We chatted with one particular shop owner whose store was so welcoming I hated to leave.

And we began to imagine how beautiful it would be to visit during the holiday season. It came as no surprise to either of us when we started planning a return trip.

A nearby covered bridge and church spires that soar to the heavens are pretty as a postcard. A meal at the nearby Jean Bonnet Tavern will make you wonder if you aren’t a well fed time traveler.

Bedford is ready for visitors and welcomes you. I’m so very grateful for the opportunity to experience it first hand and look forward to the day I return.

It’s A Fine Line

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Creepy or cute? It’s a fine line. I found these dolls in a shop in Bedford, Pennsylvania and really couldn’t decide.

You can be the judge!