Shooting the Breeze with Gypsy Mama Janie Sikes

Janie Sikes
Co-owner Junk Gypsy World Headquarters
DOB: Jan. 7, 1947
HOMETOWN: Overton, Texas
EDUCATION: East Texas State University

One Sunday evening, while doing accounting or some other number related (thus least-favorite) task, I heard the ping of a new email. Always ready to be distracted, I checked the message: “I’m sitting reading the latest Register, and I have to tell you what a good job y’all are doing with it. I enjoy the stories about Round Top and love the pics as well. Keep up the good work!” The e-mail was from Janie Sikes, aka Gypsy Mama. We all need a little boost from time to time—and I sure needed those encouraging words right then.

Fast forward a few days and with a little help from her daughters Amie and Jolie, we collectively convinced her to shoot the breeze with us. Alas, we didn’t get to visit face-to-face, but when she and I passed in the soaked parking lot at the Round Top Family Library Chili Cookoff, she was headed off to answer our questions.

I enjoyed learning a little about Janie Sikes. Because I grew up as Katie Lou, my sister is Mary Beth, and our almost brother is Jim Tom, anyone with a best friend named Teddy Bob is okay in my book.
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What is your first childhood memory? Teaching my best friend Teddy Bob Blizzard how to play jacks on my grandmother’s small front porch.

What was your first paying job? Dipping ice cream at a drugstore in Mesquite, Texas.

When you were six, what did you want to be? A dancer.

What would I tell a 16-year-old Janie Sikes? Enjoy this time in your life, and don’t grow up too fast!

What is something no one has ever said  about you? That I’m shy.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? At the CMA Festival, I met Brenda Lee.

Red or white? Red.

Early or late? Early.

You are in awe of? My daughters, Amie and Jolie, and their work ethic.

If you haven’t been to the grocery store, and dinner time looms? Everyone would be having cereal and bananas.

Pickled beets, eggs or pigs feet? Eggs.

Favorite vacation spot?
Loaded the family in the van last summer and road tripped to the Grand Canyon, saw “Texas” play in Amarillo, etc. It was the best vacation—ever. BUT we do love the Texas coast and Hill Country.

Biggest compliment you have ever received? How I raised my daughters into the sweet people they are today.

What are you afraid of: Heights.

Star Wars, Star Trek or Dancing With the Stars? Star Wars.

Stick or automatic? Automatic.

First car? ’55 black-and-white Chevy.

Dream car? ’57 Thunderbird.

Last picture you took with your phone? Deer in my backyard.

What is the last thing you lost? Glue gun.

What famous person do people tell you you most resemble? Lucille Ball.

What song always makes you want to dance? “Chain of Fools.”

Favorite hymn? “How Great Thou Art.”

Have you ever put something on layaway? Yes.

[line] After doing the antiques festival for so many years, we just fell in love with the area and the people.
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by Katie Dickie Stavinoha