The Makeover!

  Living on the Bayou, I have little opportunity to dress to the nines.  I have always said that I am more a jeans and flannel shirt type girl and can see no use in "putting on airs" just to please anyone.  Don't get me wrong, if the need arises, I clean up pretty good.  Otherwise, I feel that the alligators and otters don't give a flying flip if I am wearing moccasins or high heels and, just so you will know, moccasins are a whole lot more comfortable!  But, even though some would probably argue that it is highly needed, this makeover was not for me.

  Last month, I was running short on time and inspiration for the Fourth Annual Clue Hunt on the Bayou.  I needed a treasure chest and I needed it fast!  The brain was clicking furiously but no idea was developing.  What could I use?  I sat in my rocking chair pondering this fact.  My feet were propped up on an old crate that once held cast iron skillets.  Since the box was sturdy and a good size, I kept it to use just as I was now...as a foot rest.  I looked at the box.  Size...good.  Condition...good.  Aesthetics...terrible!  I did not need "Wentzell's Cast Iron Ware" on the side of my treasure chest and that logo was burned into the wood, albeit, crookedly done.  That had to go!

  Sanding the box was easy.  This got rid of most of the logo.  A good coat of paint and antiquing did a fine job of covering the mess.  Now for those decorations.  I did not want to put too much time and effort into the box since I was running behind schedule as it was.  So....a few metal "trinkets" that had been salvaged from hurricane debris so came into play.  Those, a hasp and some rhinestones was all it took to give me the look I wanted.  My treasure box was complete and ready to be filled.  Of course, a padlock was needed to guard the treasures and make the chest a part of the hunt!

  This whole makeover just goes to show that sometimes what we think is just an ugly old rock can be a jewel in disguise.  My shabby crate turned into something a bit more elaborate and a lot more interesting with just a little "polish".  It sort of pays to not to overlook something...or someone...just because of a few flaws.  Those dents and dings tell a story but given a chance that rock can shine and sparkle.  

Bayou Treasure!

Folks often ask me if I have ever found any treasure around the Bayou.  I always answer "Yes!" as treasure abounds in these parts.  Of course, my idea of treasure is not always what they had in mind when asking.  My treasure lies in the peace and beauty that is found here not some trinket that might have been lost long ago.  (Although, it would be interesting if I could find that oft talked-about pirate's treasure chest!)

With the recent mystery party that I held on the Bayou, I had the opportunity to create a treasure chest as a prop.  Part of the clue hunt led the "detectives" down near the pier (aka "Dock").  It was here that a myriad of things could be found with one being that chest of jewels!  When making this prop, I pulled anything that glittered from my stash of weird and wonderful items.  Two cheapo "silver" trays, lots of odds and ends of costume jewelry, a few weird trinkets and of course some "gold" coins.  I threw in a skull for that special "creep factor".  The treasure chest looked perfect and achieved the effect that I wanted to portray.  All in all, the "treasure" cost not a dime as it was all recycled stuff!  That is my kind of treasure, at least when I am the one having to provide it!

So, when folks ask about treasure on the Bayou, I suppose I can now truly answer that there indeed was at one time a treasure chest found here.  Then I will proceed to tell them about the true treasure which is the quality of life that can be had when one finds happiness within oneself and surroundings.