Thrift Store Thursday

Hello, I'm back with another installment of thrift store goodies. There are a couple of thrift stores near my workplace, so occasionally over lunch I'll take a quick run through one of them. Recently I found this:

Now why, you may ask, did I buy this? Is it because I collect this pattern and had been longing to find the last, elusive piece to complete the set? Sweet thought, but no. Perhaps I know someone else who broke her sugar bowl? That would be noble, but again no. Of course! I collect sugar bowls, and thought this would be a nice addition? Nice, but wrong again.

The reason I bought this sugar bowl is because a while back, I thought it would be fun to gather, bit by bit, a mismatched set of china. Pick up nearly any copy of Country Living magazine and you'll see what I mean. Tastefully arranged tables for tea parties or summer luncheons all with mismatched china, glassware and silverware. Now it becomes clear to you. You imagine me sending out carefully handcrafted invitations and thoughtfully choosing my menu. The morning of the party, I go into my English country garden and select the freshest flowers to fill my mismatched vases. The table is laid with vintage linens, and my reclaimed china. My guests arrive, and we enjoy a leisurely afternoon, sipping freshly squeezed lemonade and eating buttermilk cake adorned with lightly sweetened berries and topped with a dollop of hand-whipped cream. Lovely, isn't it?

[Insert crash back to reality]

Actually, I'll probably just have fun with them here at home, using them whenever the mood strikes. So far, I only have a few plates and a sugar bowl. Not exactly impressive, but every collection starts somewhere!

Thrift Store Therapy

Last night I woke up in the early morning hours with a big, fat headache. I knew if I still had it by the time the alarm went off, that it would be with me for the day. I've learned over the years that even though the headache is bearable, there are other symptoms that make it wise for me to stay at home. So...no work for me today.

Usually by late morning or early afternoon, the worst of the yuckiness is over. I thought some light activity might do me some good, so I indulged myself by visiting a couple of thrift stores. You know the thrill of the hunt, right? Many times I come away empty handed, but occasionally I find something I really "need".

My find today was this small oil painting. It's hardly worthy of Sotheby's, but I was drawn to the colors. I've learned to trust my instincts when it comes to buying art. If it calls to me initially, I'll walk away to think about it. If I find myself irresistibly drawn back (and if it's within my $$ range!!), I go for it. At $5, this was definitely within my range, so the choice was an easy one.

When I got home, I started looking right away for a home for this little lovely. For now, it's hanging over the fireplace. It's really too small for that spot, but I love the shot of color it adds to that end of the room.

I count this as a definite pearl placed in my path, and I'm thankful for it!