What do you get when you take a Lone Star lady, mix in a generous amount of gypsy spirit, an impeccable sense of whimsical style, and a ’63 Silver Streak trailer? Answer: Getaway Gal #78.
How about if you add in a camera, a lap-top and the ability to spin a tale? Answer: The Trailer Gal, author of the popular “Glimpse of My World” blog.
So what’s the answer if you throw in a crisp blue cottage, with a backyard brimming with vintage eye-candy, outdoor living spaces where you want to, you know, live, blooming flowers, and something beautiful to look at no matter where you turn your gaze? Answer: McKinney’s Valarie Kerby, aka Getaway Gal#78 et al.
“I’m a gypsy at heart,” says Kerby, as she graciously escorts TSB on a guided tour of her newest love, The Serendipity Gypsy, a 1963 Silver Streak trailer, which she with husband Tim have lovingly restored.
“She’s small, but she’s very sassy,” says Kerby, “When we bought her, she was a nightmare and a mess. We gutted most of it, but kept everything original. I just love her. I got her in October and have taken her out several times.”
With the Serendipity Gypsy securely hitched behind her, Kerby likes to hit the road with the Texas-based all girls camping club, The Getaway Gals.
The Getaway Gals Camping Club was founded in January 2011 by Dixie Taylor of Athens, Texas. The no-dues club plans girls only trips every four to five weeks per year with the primary focus being fun, food, and hanging out with the girls. Many of the trips are in conjunction with festivals or special events, giving the ladies and opportunity to do more than sit around the campfire if the mood strikes.
“We take trips all over Texas,” says Kerby, “We’re just a bunch of girls from Texas and Oklahoma who like to go!”
Even when parked in the driveway of her cottage nestled in the heart of McKinney’s Historic District, Kerby enjoys her little gypsy hut, as she calls it, and apparently, so do others.
“It all started when we did a photo session with our kids,” says Kerby, “Before long, we received a request from a photographer to use our trailer and backyard for a photo shoot. Then another photographer called asking. Now, several photographers have been out. One even did a whole vintage photo shoot with models. It was a neat experience.”
When not on the road with the Getaway Gals or hosting photogs at home, Kerby and the Serendipity Gypsy can be found hitched up and ready to roll, sharing the love with folks having pasture weddings, or doing photo shoots in fields of bluebonnets and wheat fields.
“She travels well,” says Kerby of the Serendipity Gypsy, “I just love her.”
My guess is the Serendipity Gypsy would say the same.
Thanks for letting me share a moment in the spotlight with you!!
Have a happy Saturday!!
Valarie
