Vintage Rescue Squad

Rethink that M.O.

Today, in the Austin-American Statesman:

Body found in trash container

The body of a 46-year-old man was discovered Sunday in a trash container outside of a North Austin warehouse, police said.

The man, whose name has not been released pending an autopsy, was discovered about 3 p.m. by some friends of his who spotted his car outside the warehouse at 1300 E. Rutherford Lane, Austin police Detective James Mason said.

The man was known to "dive through Dumpsters for treasure," Mason said.

Mason said the cause of the man's death has not been determined, but investigators don't suspect foul play.

Oh. My. Lord.

The funnier side of flea marketing

For Vintage Rescue, I tend to pick up foofy, 1940s, girly stuff. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate retro, or mid-century, or even flat-out kitschy flea market finds. At the Selma Flea Market on my NC/SC road trip I saw some giggles that I have to share, mainly with Eniksleestack at Thrift Store Adventures (no idea what his real name is, but his posts are hilarious) and my oft-mentioned blogbud Colleen of Fresh Vintage. These finds are for YOU!

Now I call that creative merchandising. Makes me want to "fix me a drink" too!

I, too, went through a James Dean phase. However, I did not feel the need to paint it on a carpet remnant. Much less sell it at a flea market.

And I am not too proud to learn from each and every flea market experience. This photo underscores the importance of looking at your booth from all angles before deeming it perfect. Will, if you see this, it wasn't me that positioned your head atop a polka-dotted wasp-waist mannequin!

Eastern Shore Junking/Working 24-7

Weekend timeline:

Friday morning:
(1) GREAT, but expensive estate sale*
(2) Lame/weird estate sale (lots of asian stuff, an entire box of used bathing caps, self-help books galore)
(3) Seemingly nondescript estate sale that I nearly skipped (sweetest house, family-run estate sale, vases of fresh roses everywhere, dirt-cheap stuff—chairs for 30 cents, you heard me)*

Saturday morning/afternoon, driving to the Eastern Shore:
(4) Snooty antiques store (overpriced all-brown upper-crusty antiques)
(5) Scary flea market (knives buy one, get one free)
(6) Awesome huge antique store (but also with waaaay too much new unfinished furniture)*
(7) Cute small-town antique store *
(8) Killer retro/mid-century shop
(9) Second cute small-town antique store with ridiculous prices

{celebrating my friend's birthday, pigging out on fresh seafood, cake & champagne before bed, sleeping soundly at a B&B, cake for breakfast}

Sunday morning, driving home:
(10) Scary flea market REVISITED (for the chairs)*
(11) Really really really good previously undiscovered antique/consignment mall which I will visit often*

[* indicates where I actually bought anything]

Loot: shabby white mirror, pair of 1940s painted-seat deck-type chairs, black tole wastebasket, pink magazine stand, sweet vintage red/white/roses napkins and kitchen towels, yet another silver water pitcher (for flowers), and a victorian print tray. The purple thing hanging on the chair is a very cute "treat cone"-type thing made from a peat planter, shabbied up and rimmed with scallopped old dictionary pages. Of COURSE I'm copying it!

I LOVE the pale rose prints, and I got 4 books for ephemera too: a big ole French dictionary (1932) at 1,750+ pages(!), Stories and Pictures from the New Testament (1901—love those drop initials), Popular Zoology (1887), and a cute little religious booklet, Lead, Kindly Light (1919).

Don't tell me I don't do my job thoroughly.

Ideas!

Snis has been bugging me for about a year to put something up in my booth (whether at the shop or at the Big Flea) illuminating where I get some of my ideas and how to use my merch in creating a vintage-inspired home. OK, OK, OK. I finally did it.

I'm not saying that customers aren't inventive or don't comb all the shelter mags as dutifully as I do. But, sometimes I wonder why stuff isn't moving. It couldn't possibly be me, right? Maybe they need the weensiest of nudges.

Since I'm going out to the shop tomorrow to fluff and further furnish my booth, I got a bug up my butt tonight to actually heed her sage advice. I took one of my old frames, stapled in some chicken-wire (excusez-moi: Homeboy Hardware is now calling it "poultry netting"), wincingly cut up some of my beloved mags, and using teensy clothespins (from Michaels), created my idea board. I added a few froufy ribbons too.

Now that I look at it, it's surprising to me how my palette is so mellow (white & caramel). It'll be hanging in the shop tomorrow. Let's see if it works. Feel free to steal the idea!

******

Since yesterday was Friday, OF COURSE I hit 2 estate sales before going to my grown-up job. Nothing too exciting.... Today, I introduced my youngish new neighbors (late 20s) to the monthly Civitan flea market at our local high school (1 mile away). They were looking for some furniture and wanted my advice. We were checking out a table in one booth (aka parking space) and while I was admiring a piece, the vendor said, "Your SON can carry it for you." That's it. It's official. I'm old.

OK, technically, Anthony (28) COULD be my kid, but only if I was a teen bride. That dude is sooooo not getting any business from me. EVER.

Here's the stuff I bought from the estate sale and OTHER non-insulting vendors:

The photo's too dark, but you'll see yet another frame, a beautiful etched mirror, a purple silk jewelry box, hankie, silver tray (USMC in Germany), and 2 pair of rhinestone earrings. Not the most satisfying haul, but it'll tide me over until next weekend, when I head out to Maryland's Eastern Shore to celebrate my other neighbor's 45th bday at a B&B! I haven't been out that way in 10 years, so hope some of my old haunts are still kicking!

XOX

Building My Vocabulary

"Chikapedia", courtesy of Cheryl at Stash Studios (April 28 post). Get thee to SS post-haste and don't forget to check out her killer Junk Posse t-shirt!

"Junk drunk", courtesy of Stefani at Blue Yonder (April 7 post—about Warrenton). NOW we know what to call it!

How much do I love all you bloggers and your unending creativity?! XOX

Roadtrip Recap (The Ugly)

Although Kiawah Island is beautiful, and is not all Okefenokee, this sign was posted in back of the beach house we rented:

And this is the final bill for the fricking car:

Why don't we just round that up to $666???

Verdict: UGLY

Roadtrip Recap (The Bad)

That's me kicking my car. Why, you ask? Because 85 miles into yesterday's 10 hour roadtrip home, it overheated! This is like every bad roadtrip movie you've ever seen: Urban gripless single girl marooned in the boonies. AND, of course, my car was at 50,771 miles, so I am over the warranty. ARG.

The temperature gauge was redlining, things were beeping. I dutifully pulled over, opened the hood, and let it cool. While doing so, I dug out the manual and determined that it was a coolant temperature thang. The coolant level was fine, so WTF?

I was near Podunk, SC on Rte 26 nearly to I-95, so hobbled (flashers on) to the next exit. OF COURSE, there's no garages anymore, just money-grubbing gas stations and mini-marts. I asked the toofless guy at the register if there was a mechanic in town. He pointed to the guy picking his nose in front of the beer cooler and said: "That guy tinkers a bit." Uh, NO.

I continued on to the next exit. Same scenario. The nice cashier told me to make a right, make a left, and when I saw a house with a bunch of cars (meaning junkers) out front, to call out for "Pee Wee." He was very nice, offered me a soda (declined, can't be too careful, huh?), and then after peering under the hood, told me to keep the AC on and leave the coolant cap off. Dude, I had 500+ miles to go. No way.

10 miles to the next exit (stopping every 3 miles to let the engine cool), I finally found a body shop, figuring they'd know of a mechanic. Sweet William told me of one 7 miles up the road. I was in North Podunk now. There was nothing nearby but concrete plants and car-crusher lots. NOT a good sign. I finally found the place. Although they specialize in tires and farm equipment (no lie), they were awesome and took me immediately. I tried to cover my slight panic, but they could probably tell I was worried I was trapped in "Deliverance".

They were awesome. The guy took it for a test-drive and determined it was just the temperature gauge, which could be fixed for "2804". Clueless me actually asked if it was $28.04 or $2804.00. Fortunately, the former. I told them to throw in an oil change since I was driving 500+ miles. An hour later, after another test drive, it was still overheating. At that point, the 2 mechanics were arguing whether it was the gasket or water pump. Apparently, the water pump is cheaper (another relative term), so they decided to try that first. And while they were at it, why not replace some belt that needed to be replaced at 50K miles, since labor would be free? Sure, what the hell!

SIX AND A HALF HOURS later, my car was back to normal. I'd just spent all that time with no tv, no internet access, no book to read (I'd finished them all on vacation). The receptionist, after 3 hours, had asked if I wanted to play with her baby. Uh, I'm in NO MOOD to play with a baby. I did, however, read 2 whole years worth of back issues of Good Housekeeping and Ladies Home Journal. If you need to know anything about bean recipes, stain removal, or whether your marriage can be saved, I'm your gal.

Verdict: BAD

Roadtrip Recap (The Good)

As promised, pix of the haul. I won't bore you with details of where/when/how much:

Who am I kidding? I'll just give details as "necessary" (a very loosely defined adjective in my world, as you know). I LOVE the blue table! Evidently, the vase is a Victorian wedding basket, over 110 years old. YOWZA. Under the cloche is a pocket watch my mom surreptitiously gave me. Apparently, she gave it to Dad years ago, but he'll never miss it. Hey, he lost his wedding ring in Lake Erie 6 months after they got married, and never replaced it. And that was in 1958.

Most of the books are frenchy, except the big one on the left is Minute Glimpses of American Cities (1933). Each spread is a different American city. I plan to offer these in the ephemera packets so they can be customized. To the right of the silver pitcher, the small book is a Polish Hebrew book that is ancient. So much ephemera is Christian, that I thought this would be a nice change. Perfect for scrapbooking or OOAK art!

Was I right about this blanket chest OR WHAT? Can you believe I even waited 2 hours before calling back to put it on hold? What do you think: leave it or paint it white? I think it would be a really cute toy chest (only if your kid is a prisspot, of course).

The monster mirror OG Mom got at her church sale for $2! I love all the Frency holiday postcards and other ephemera (some of which Snis got me). My fave silver is the sweet mystery dish at bottom left. AND, since Snis knows I inexplicably love to collect pix of women in bathing suits and/or acting powerful, I LOVE the big photo she got me!!!

Verdict: GOOD!

Roadtrip! Day 5

So much to tell y'all, but internet access is spotty down here in the low country of SC!

Selma, NC, turned out to be a goldmine! Of course I hung around for the flea market Saturday morning;

There was a ton of wrought iron furniture and stuff outside, but twouldn't fit in my car. Inside, however, I got good stuff. I arrived just as it was opening. I was sooo excited that I inadvertantly left my keys dangling in my car door. These honest folk reunited us after about 45 minutes. What a dolt, huh? Then again, like I said, I was super excited!

I then hit about 8 more stores in town. Many were pricey, many were gag-inducingly kitschy sweet. I can always find something though:

Here's the "junk in my trunk" upon arriving on Kiawah Island for my vacation. This, of course, does not yet include the treasures OG Mom brought me, or the cool ephemera Snis picked up at the Long Beach flea market.

I basked by the pool and walked on the beach Sunday, but you KNOW I got the itch on Monday! I'd spotted 3 places nearby on the way down, so Monday headed on out. One had gone out of business (the horrors!), one was a totally horrid thrift shop, but Roumillat's was a goldmine! If money (and trunk space) was no option....

I bought a bunch of good stuff, after spending 2 HOURS in the shop. When I said I was a dealer, she maximized all the available discounts! I had my eye on an old, old sweet upholstered blanket chest, but didn't buy it. Of course, 2 hours later I called to see what the best price was, and Tuesday went BACK to buy it—with Snis and her DH in tow, and they spent another $265. And, of course, I have to haul it back to DC until they can come pick it up from Pittsburgh. The car will be dragging...

[Roumillat's is having an auction Saturday and it's KILLING me that I have to leave Thursday to drive home. ARG]

I'll take another photo when I load up tomorrow, and show the big reveal Saturday when I finally have a chance to unload it all. Of course, Saturday, I'm heading out to Leesburg to load up the shop with my new finds! I got some great merchandising ideas too, which I hope to incorporate. Yesterday the shop called to tell me the 2 nightstands sold, so I've not only got space to fill up, but some money to burn (hence the blanket chest)!

I'd hoped to shop on the way back, but it looks like I'll be hauling up I-95 at top speed for the 10-hour trip. I have to do my grown-up job on Friday.

Hope y'all are having as much luck as I am and enjoying spring! XOX

Vacation/Roadtrip Day .5

Road post #1: I'm in Selma, NC, halfway to my beach destination. I'd planned on junking the whole way down, but didn't do proper research. First of all, in hindsight (not-so-surprisingly) most antique/junk/thrift shops are NOT advertised along the I-95 corridor. But they SHOULD BE. Secondly, I'd relied on outdated sources. The first 2 towns I'd dog-eared as possibilities were soooo bad. I either couldn't find anything or they were so improbably depressing I couldn't bring myself to continue. Yes, I'd lost my heart for junking.

I'd pegged all my hopes on Selma, where I planned to stay overnight. JACKPOT! I rolled into town at 5:30, so most shops were closed, but decided to get the lay of the land. First, I hit the big antique mall, since it was open until 6. Good, but too expensive. Driving back towards the hotel, I saw an "open" sign, so stopped by Antique Wish. I LOVE the name! James, one of the owners, told me it was originally gonna be Antiquelish (which is even better), but his parents ixnayed that. It was 5:50 and so I knew I had no time. I asked him what time he closed and he said "technically 6, but I live upstairs, so take your time." LOVE HIM. I joked that surely he had something big going on tonight, but he said that his big night is Saturday because he's got a big poker tournament. We traded Hold 'Em strategies and tips for a bit and I commenced shopping.....

Naturally, most of the stuff I picked was "not for sale." HUH? His quip: "You must be a dealer; you've got the eye." So much for my strategy of looking like a clueless buyer... Anyway, I got the sweet tall silver water pitcher and ledger-style daybook (alas, pristine). He then slipped me a map of the town with all the antique places marked, circled the ones that he thought would be right for me, and clued me in to a 10 a.m. nearby flea market. Did I mention that I LOVE HIM? He even told me which hotel to stay in, since some of them are "rowdy". Ten years ago, I would've gone for rowdy, but I appreciated the advice. I now sit ensconced in a Quality Inn with wifi. WHEW. Then again, I had to go to Food Lion to buy my own 4-pack of really really really bad screw-top red wine. "Rowdy" would've been a pony keg in the parking lot. FREE.

Obviously, I'm heading into beautiful historic downtown Selma early for mega shopping.

******

I spazzed before leaving this morning, realizing (a) I'd misplaced the directions OG Mom sent me to the beachhouse, and (b) I'd spaced on preparing the ephemera pack for her. I half-prepared the pack, and half-scoured the house for the directions. I finally ended up calling her.

Think OG can do something good with all that? She's making sample scrapbook pages/whatever that I can display with my ephemera launch. I've also roped 2 scrappy buddies to do the same, for variety. And yes, that's the beautiful hotel carpeting behind my ephemera. Hope I didn't inadvertantly pick up some fleas in the process. JK, it's a decent hotel.

Below is a sample she did recently of her family. My Mom ROCKS!

I'm fortunate in that both sets of grandparents were so old world/old school, which makes for some very
interesting photography and back stories. Did I ever mention that English is not the first language of EITHER of my parents? German for Mom, and Italian for Dad. Of course, growing up during WW2 that couldn't have been all that popular....

******

I've got to admit that although I miss my big phat boog (Cody), it's actually pleasant to be trapped in a hotel. I got a chance to fully explore 2 new blogs I discovered (and will blog about soon), discover 2 ROCKING new phrases that I fully intend to incorporate into my daily palaver, as well as a SWEET tee to add to my junking weekend wear.

Not sure when I'll be able to blog again, but I'll be thinking of y'all and hopefully loading up the car.... Both Mom and Snis are bringing me prezzies!!!!

XOX

P.S. It's super-exciting to be in NC with the Obama campaign in full-swing