I’m always posting photos of treasures that I’ve found here and there. But hey, Don finds some treasures, too. Here’s one:
He discovered it at a yard sale. The red lettering says “Moxie.” Moxie was one of the first mass-produced soft drinks. Its origins were in a patented medicine called Moxie Nerve Food. Eventually it became a soft drink that is still produced today. I’ve always loved the word moxie, as in “She’s got moxie, that girl.” It means “force of character, determination or nerve.” And guess what? It originated from the name of the soft drink!
Don thought it would the perfect place to store the dogs’ distilled water.
Because our dogs sure have moxie!
Back when we were living in our rented cottage, Don started a collection of these; they’re called Jumping Jacks or pull string toys:
The guy that is second from the right – the cook – started the whole thing. Unlike the rest of them, he’s new. We found him one holiday season in a local Christmas shop. And as often happens, we were intrigued and started looking for more. The rest are vintage, made of painted wood. A few come from Austria. We used to have them hanging in the kitchen window. I’d lost track of them since we moved to MHC and thought they were packed away in the shed, but the other day I discovered them in the back of the kitchen hutch.
Now I have to find a place to hang them. They’re so charming.
Why was I digging around in the hutch? I was looking for my miniature Fiesta pitcher. Didn’t find it, but I did find the Jumping Jacks. I did buy another miniature piece of pottery the other day – not Shawnee – but in my favorite color:
That makes 3 in the collection!
I’m preparing for my whirlwind trip to Wisconsin on Saturday. I must admit to being nervous. I don’t really know anyone there and I’m shy in that kind of situation. I fly back Tuesday, then I pick up a rental car on Wednesday and drive to Boston for 5 days. Can’t wait to see my old stomping grounds, but the thought of the whole thing is rather exhausting. Wish me luck!
Hi Claudia,
It’s always fun to see what other love to collect. Thanks for sharing…Oh, and love, love, love the Moxie crate, what a great find. Wishing you a fun and safe trip.
Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana
I think Don needs his own blog! What a great crate. I was just reading about Moxie the other day ~ an interesting bit of history. I’m sending you lots of good wishes and I know your gig in Wisconsin will be a great success!!
Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
You could hang them off your new keyboard sign. Love that Don,
XO,
Mere
I love Don’s little jumping jacks! I wish I didn’t work- I would jump in the car and drive to Wisconsin to meet you and just say hi in person :) Good luck- I am sure the time will fly past and you will wonder why you were nervous. I am the same way though, so I understand completely. Travel safely ♥
Love the wooden drink box. Those jumping jack toys look like loads of fun.
I’m wishing you safe and fun travels!
Hi Claudia, I love to visit your blog, it is always so much fun to see what you are up too, going to Wisconsin sounds wonderful and then to Boston, you are one busy lady. I appreciate you sharing your trips with us. I love your beautiful collections and love the moxie box. Have a safe trip to Wisconsin and Good Luck, even though you won’t need it. Wisconsin is a beautiful place in the summer. Have a great week. Hugs, Terri
I love those pull toys! Good luck on your adventure!…you see if you call it an “adventure” it gives you a pre-burst of energy, ’cause you see everyone loves a good adventure! Blessings, Joanne
Your new job sounds like a great opportunity for you. You will be back just in time for Summer too. No SNOW!
Love the crate Don found. We have several old crates in our booth but none as cool as this one!
Have a great day Claudie, I hope you have sunshine!
Hey Claudia, I’m in Wisconsin, so let me warn you to dress warmly! Highs only in the 30’s the next few days, nights in the 20’s. Wondering what you will be in town for? Is there something I’m missing here? Anyway, a hearty welcome!
I really do love Don’s moxie box. Great find. The collection of string pull dolls are precious. Sweet treasures.
What fun to find treasures hidden in the back of you hutch. I wonder what else is hidden back there!!!
Have a safe trip and lots of fun in Boston.
Hugs, Dogwood
Hey Girlfriend,
Neat stuff you’re showin’ off. I’ve got a few of those jumping jack thingies…..if you’d like them, just send me your address again via email meriw@cox.net, and I’ll be happy to send em’ to ya’
Hey you’ll do fine meeting newbies, just be yourself……amazing!
Have a great day!
Meri
Good find, Don! All the possibilities of using that beautiful crate are endless!
Neat pull string dolls, think I remember someone having those when I was a kid… very foggy though, maybe it will come to me tonight as I drift off to sleep. You know how that goes.
Claudia, I love your little pitchers, they are beautiful.
Off to face the day here with a little moxie (well, a lot!).
xoxo~Tracie
Oh where in Boston/Cambridge will you be???? My fab oldest boy lives in Cambridge with his wife who walks to work at Harvard….he now takes hops transport to head to the city where he works for First Giving as an accounts rep……I sure wish I could hook you all up for a bite somewhere…it would be like sending a piece of myself to meet and greet and have a ton of laughs and good conversation. Good luck with all the events…all blessings for sure, even though you will be away from your lovies.
xox Rella
hi claudia,
i am so digging the moxie box (boxie?) and don’s wooden figures. very fun!
i read your post about your busy news but wasn’t able to comment at the time (boys calling me?) but just pack the laptop and we will all be along for the ride, cheering you on.
who knows, maybe you’ll find a new/old jumping jack?
safe travels!
xo
elyse
I guess you know by now I love just taking time out from “fluffing th’ house” to come in here and relax with your, or Don’s, new finds, sweetpea. I relish these moments. Cute!!
xoxo,
Connie
Claudia,
Oh dear I know the feeling, and feel so unsure when meeting new people, all on my own.
Well we are grown ups- and should be laughing over that-but that`s not so easy :)
I love the box, it is a great find, and the little people,are so funny-your pitcher looks great with the two others.
I wish you a very good tour,-all will be great- travel safe.
Hugs,Dorthe
I love that Moxie Box!.. great find.
Have a great tour!
Love that crate Don found. Have a great trip. You will be fine…you got moxie too!
The first time I had ever heard someone say “She’s Got Moxie” was when I was in line to get food at our company Christmas party and the news director said it to me. (I guess he thought I had entered the line out of turn)
Love the box!!!! Good eye, Don, Good eye!
Have a safe trip, Claudia! I love the crate, the jumping jacks but most of all the little jugs.
i just love that crate…Go Don, what a find!! “Moxie”, that is such a great word…
have happy and safe travels – my you are one busy gal these days!
XO
Loooove that Moxie box! I just used that word today~ in reference to Elizabeth Taylor :) I’ve always liked that word too.
I’m lovin’ your mini vase collection. I’m always tuned into them now when I’m shopping. They’re not that easy to find in my area. It’s going to be fun to watch your collection grow!
Good luck with your travels. Any chance you’ll be in Door County, WI? I’ve only been once… it’s so beautiful. Lots of Queen Anne’s Lace growing on the sides of the road.
Hugs,
Jill
Hi Claudia, Elyse is right – just turn on that laptop and we’ll all be here with big hellos for you when you get to Wisconsin. Safe trip, and give that Don a little hug – he’s a keeper! Ciao, bella!
I love the box, Claudia, and I immediately thought of “moxie”. I didn’t know it sprang from a soft drink. I love learning something new.
Your trip would make me nervous too, but it sounds like it will be a fun thing to do, too. I have been wanting to take a long road trip across the country, with my camera, just to take pictures of barns and other such things, but admit that doing it by myself would be a bit hard.
Your pitchers are pretty. I’ve noticed lately, that I have a “thing” for pitchers too. I just bought a new old one. It’s large, all white, with a bowl underneath. My sister says it’ll be perfect for sunflowers.
xo
YOUR SISTER HAS A GOOD IDEA, HANG THEM ON THOSE LITTLE HOOKS ON YOUR PIANO SIGN.
YOUR BRAVER THEN ME, I DON’T THINK I COULD TRAVEL LIKE THAT BY MYSELF….WERE ALL HERE FOR YOU, IT WILL BE EXCITING READING ABOUT ALL YOUR DAYS TRAVELING….YOU TAKE CARE, HAVE A NICE WEEKEND. RIZZI
Love your treasures, Claudia! I have some of those little dolls with the pull strings that I use on my Christmas tree. Love them! And I love your new Moxie box and your pretty blue pitcher. That color is luscious. I adore it, too.
XO,
Sheila :-)