antique shop getaway with yours truly

So, the lovely Bella, a dear Squam sister, is hosting a new photo community called 52 Photos. Every week she's going to have a prompt, which is handy. A little scary, if you're me. Last week I was too chicken to do it but this week the prompt was 'color', which HELLO. I can do that! And you can too - definitely check it out. I need all the help I can get with posting on this neglected blog, so yay! Hopefully I'll be by every Wednesday with some of my photo escapades.

The past few days Beaux has been out of town. Not a huge deal but it does mean that I am the solo parents. As I said on Twitter, my respect and admiration for single parents (and parents who parent solo for months at a time, like military wives) goes up a million percent when I have to solo parent. I really do rely on the mental boost of knowing my husband will be home at the end of the day, another pair of hands to help, that sort of thing. 

Anyway, today I let Thomas stay for a long day at playschool. I was feeling kinda blah and out of sorts. The last thing I wanted to do was go home, attend to laundry like I needed to, tidy up the house, get on the treadmill. I realized that it was the perfect time to get away to my favorite antique/flea market place, which is down Highway 49 a bit but it's not too far away. It's your lucky day because I had so much fun snapping shots of things I like or that make me giggle. A perfect mood enhancer. 

So here is your color: 

I love quilts. I especially love quilts are that are more functional than designed. You can always tell when it's a quilt made with scraps around the house because someone needed a blanket for their bed. This is that kind of quilt. It makes me want to break out my 'wedding quilt' now that summer is coming and we don't need a heavy comforter. 

Lovely chandelier crystals. Doesn't this make you think of Pollyanna? 

I loved the graphic quality to this album cover and since it was 50 cents, it came home with me. Don't you love album covers? They are so funny. I think this will look good in Thomas' room, maybe on top of a bookshelf at some point. Until then, it's on my art table for me to enjoy. 

This tin was just calling my name. I love it so and am kicking myself for not buying it. Isn't it the cutest? 

This is not cute. This is totally dreadful. 

 

I totally had this book! It was so good! I am hoping it's tucked away with the rest of my childhood books that I need to unearth. 

And this one, too! Nothing makes me happier than finding a childhood book. This one is particularly delightful. Don't you love the tiger in the princess dress? No wonder I spent so much time as a kid, drawing princesses with veils. 

Another fun childhood find. My brother had one of these, and of course I remember playing with it, too. I played with all his baby toys. I notice the same thing with Thomas. You think they are getting older and won't be interested in the baby stuff, but he always wants to play with the basic baby pieces. They don't lose their appeal. This was in perfect shape and I think I need to go back to get it and keep for our future baby brother or sister. 

 
If you notice the name on this place - Lucile Parker - that's why I took the photo. In college, the best place to sing (in my opinion) was in the tiny art gallery - the Lucile Parker Art Gallery. That was where we had all our recitals and juries. One whole side of the gallery is glass windows, floor to ceiling, and the acoustics are excellent. So there are sweet and terrifying memories there. The terror fades, as the years go by. 

I don't know what's gotten into me, but these fruit dishes were totally delightful. I especially like the apple and the orange. I just think they would look cheerful on the table. More color! 

I don't know what the obsession is with Pilate's wife. I read a book called Pilate's Wife a year or two ago and it was very interesting. I just thought it was funny that there was this older book ALSO about her. Weird. 

Last Friday morning I got up ridiculously early to watch the Royal Wedding. I ended up pulling out a book I got years ago as a Christmas present, which catalogues the Queen of England's jewelry. This came in handy when trying to figure out Kate's tiara - which, of course, turned out to be the Queen's (but it was the Queen Mother's first). Queen Elizabeth was really a lovely young woman and I am longing for this print of her, though I could do without Prince Philip. However, Prince Philip does design jewelry and he's pretty good at it. Many moons ago, I found this painting at another antique shop.

And now I wish I had both! But where would I put them? I'd have to start my own royal family wall. 

Comments

[bethany actually]

Yes! Chandelier crystals do always make me think of Pollyanna! :-)

[tinker]

The best quilts look like they're loved and lived with, I think. And there's one of those 'busy boxes' tucked away in our closet from baby days with our older grandgirls, just waiting for the littlest one to come back for a visit, one of these days. Loved the colorful pics - I haven't been able to get to the thrift store for awhile, so thanks for the vicarious thrifting thrills!

[Lis]

What a fun adventure! I too love children's books and the feeling of reconnecting with old friends. That quilt is just begging for a lap, some tea and a lazy afternoon of reading ...

xo Lis

[amy]

you found THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA BOOK! YOU FOUND IT! I was just telling someone about that book the other day.

This post makes me ridiculously happy, even the horrid seafoam green pageant dress. Everything is so much fun!

xoxox

[bella]

Sam..LOVE!
I'm so happy your playing with us this week!!
Beautiful finds, my dear. I'm glad you took the afternoon to yourself. xo

[Bethany]

Whew about the dreadful dress; I was beginning to worry about your judgment. :)

[Megsie]

That dress had me worrying too. But the rest was so fun! What a wonderful date to have with yourself and your camera!