Antiques/Vintage and The Question of Whether to Leave Them Whole or Tear Them Down for Parts

Okay folks, this was the post I was telling you I would need your input on, either for or against, when I wrote that I was back. 

See, this is somewhat of a sore subject for me and I am somewhat divided on how I feel toward this.  So yes, it's okay to "straddle the fence" on this one.

I see this a LOT at auctions or estate sales and so does Mom.  People buying gold and silver vintage or antique jewelry in MINT condition and with the broken stuff to MELT IT DOWN and sell if for the gold or silver content.  Now, this I CANNOT STAND!  Let me elaborate.

If it's broken, okay, go for it.  Yes, some may be repaired, but most people lack the skill.  Salvage the stones and findings, sell them separately as vintage parts to be rebuilt or used for something else and carry on with the melting down.  But the stuff in MINT condition.  UH HUH. NO WAY.  That is history you are destroying.  You can never, ever get that back. It's not worth it. If I could, I would buy every bit I could get my hot little hands on, but unfortunately, I wasn't born with a silver (or even bronze LOL) spoon in my mouth.  I have to settle for what I can get.  These people are just after the money to make a few quick bucks and that is horrendous to me.  Money isn't everything.  Saving out past is.  I want to walk up to these people and say "Don't you know you are destroying a piece of the past that can never be salvage?  That there will never be any more of what you hold in your hands?"  Of course, my Mom would then grab me by my arm and drag me off, while I would probably be carrying on about the shear audacity of it.  Melt down the broken stuff, save the good.  Of course, this does benefit me in a way, because it makes what I own more valuable and it increases the rarity, but money isn't everything and believe me, it does not buy happiness!

Same goes with typewriter keys, adding machine keys, etc.  Now, you will notice on my Etsy sites that I have these for sale periodically.  Mom and I buy BROKEN items and then have Dad remove the keys.  It pains us to even think about tearing apart an early 1900's typewriter simply because we can make more on the keys than the typewriter itself.  So, we buy a perfect typewriter or adding machine (or whatever) it goes into storage.  We take the broken, break down and get what can be used, and give the rest to Dad for scrap.  Again, I love old typewriters.  Hate to see a perfectly good one torn to pieces for the keys, but don't mind if it's broken.

Old vintage furniture beyond restoration?  Sure, salvage the wood that can be salvaged along with any veneer and mirrors, and then trash the rest.  Good vintage/antique furniture that is in mint condition or that can be salvage?  Fix and sale.

This could go on and on and on.

So, what is YOUR opinion.  First, I honestly want it.  I will not get mad or upset because I have ASKED to KNOW what YOU think.  Whether you agree with me or not.  My opinions here are my own and it's a free country (YIPPEE) and we are entitled to speak our minds.  So, have at it!

Happy Memorial Day and kiss a veteran, active military, or reservist or at least thank them for serving their country and keeping us free so we can do something like speak out minds. My Dad and brother both are veterans (brother is active reservist) and one of my Uncles is a retired Marine.  Semper Fi Uncle Ray!

Remember, smile and the world smiles with you, frown and you frown alone.

Update - Rent or Not to Rent

Well, this was kind of decided by itself.  While I'm not renting the tiny space I was offered (the owner put some stuff in there and it's just too crowded and looks ugh), I am going to rent the first available space that's around $100 - $125.  Mom just started putting stuff aside and buying for a booth, so it just happened.  I'm working on getting the license and stuff I need to proceed and my credit union is waiting on me to do that so I can set up a business account and get a business visa to use (which also tracks spending easier).

I believe God took it out of my hands and answered my prayers.  When things just happen like that, well, HE has done things HIS way.  Remember, we may ask and he answers, but never how we expect.  That's my firm belief.  I've seen it happen in my life way too much not to believe.

Please pray for me!  I need it!!!!!

Smiles~

Do Rent or Not to Rent - That is the Question!

Okay, so I possibly, potentially, have an opportunity that I didn't expect for another 15 years or so.  And, of course, I'm in a quandry over it.

There is a new antiques store down the road from my house.  Three miles away or so.  Not a great location for such a business, but it's a busy road and should attract a lot of people who just see it and pull in (like I did).  It's been open a month.  Currently, all booths are rented, but there is a possibility one or two will be opening up for rental.  One doesn't even have enough stock to cover the rent on the booth (actually a great enclosed room) and the other is huge and used by the owner who is thinking about splitting a section off and renting it. 

My delimma?  I'M TERRIFIED!  I've Etsied with my Mom and done okay.  Not getting rich, but helping to support our "junkin'" habit.  I've been making contacts all over the place for different items and doing quite well selling outright to specialty store owners.  But renting my own booth.  AAARRGGHHH!

Mom is behind me.  Hubby is behind me on this too (though somewhat reluctantly).  Son is all for it.  But what if I can't sell anything and make the rent?  What if I flop?  What if I'm a horrible failure.  Then I get to slink home and hear "I told you so" and then feel like punching the first person that tells me that.  But on the other hand, what if I succeed?  What if I make enough to cover rent and then some?  I'm not looking to get rich, just try and move some of the stuff Mom and I have that is too heavy or big to sell on Etsy because of shipping issues. 

However, one fact is true.  I will never know IF I DON'T TRY!  So, I've told them to give me a call when one of the smaller booths that is capable of holding smaller furniture items becomes available because I think I want it.  I can stock it to the gills in a weekend.  Finding shelving?  No problem.  Yard sales, estate sales, Craigs List, dumpsters (yes, you would be surprised what people throw away), etc.  I'm not above that.  I grew up poor and was taught how to be frugal.

So, I quess my next step is to talk to the credit union loan manager about getting a small business loan and setting up a DBA with a vendor # and tax ID.  Please  wish me luck.  This scares me more than you can EVER realize.

Life is a mirror - If you frown at it, it frowns back; If you smile at it, it returns the greeting.

IMA Show and Sale New Orleans, LA - Last Weekend

What a WONDERFUL show and sale.  Though it was small, we had the first show and sale in New Orleans in Katrina blew through and tore up so many people's lives and wrecked so many events.  While it was small, it didn't lack for fun and plenty of vendors.

Thelma, who organizes the IMA Shows, did an outstanding job and she is an awesome lady.  Hats off to her for pulling off this event.  I never even saw her lose her admirable cool even once.

On Thursday, I took several round tables (or round robins as some call them) and what I didn't have time to take, I made sure I purchased the kits.  I loved Sister Oliva's where we were able to frame a picture of our choosing.  This is a great lady and I plan to visit her gift shop on Magazine Street in the near future where she sells minis and full size items, with all proceeds going to her convent.  Then that afternoon, I took a great Leather Trunk Class taught by Joyce Bernard from New Mexico.  While I didn't finish (I'm slow and a perfectionist - Mom, who was watching, said I'm just like my grandmother was), I do feel comfortable that I will know what do in order to complete the trunk.  Joyce also make wonderful filled trunks among other items. 

On Friday, I hit an estate sale in the morning (more on that in another post) then spent the afternoon with two friends, one of which now lives in Arizona.  What a wonderful time.  Yes, Mom was with me the entire time.  She loves to travel with me even though she doesn't do minis.  Then that evening, we headed back to the hotel for the Preview Show and Sale where I was the lucky bidder on the Pearl Jordan doll!!!!  Ever seen a 42-year old woman doing the "Happy Dance" down the middle of the sales floor?  Well, if you were there, you saw me do it.  I have always wanted one of her dolls and am grateful to her family to have donated the Fisherman to such a worthy event.  Pearl, you are missed by all in the mini world.  The below picture is from her website.  I haven't had time to take one of my own and wanted to share her wonderful doll with you all.

Then, I preceeded to spend way too much money.  When the sale closed, I hadn't even made it through the vendors, so I headed home and prepared for another day of buying the next morning.

Saturday came and Mom and I headed back to the sale.  Let me tell you.  Miniaturist, with few exceptions, are the NICEST people I have ever met.  I spent TWO HOURS talking and buying in just FIVE BOOTHS!  I hit KarenLynnn at Kreative Goodies (wish I could have bought more), Deb at Dragonfly for her Mulberry Roses and Glue Syringers, Craig Roberts at The Hairy Potter for a beautiful pot and great conversation (you have got to stop and talk to him if you see him at a show), Bob Hastings for two beautiful cornices his wife (may she rest in peace) painted, a 1/2 scale house, and lots of wallpaper (he's so nice), plus I talked with Nancy Weith at Exceptional! about some awesome beaded flowers in a vase she carries for an 80-year old lady.  I am determined to buy one of these, even though the cost is VERY high. Nancy also carries Lyn Trenary dolls that are just great.

By then, it was time for lunch and a rest.  I hurriedly ate then back for more shopping.  Little items here and there.  I tried to purchase something from each seller if I could.  Then I met an awesome lady.  Talina from Bit's and Pieces.  Such a friendly, awesome person.  We talked and talked. Besides miniatures, we share the same love of auctions and estate sales, though she has a more extensive collection than I do.  I really have got to get in touch with her soon, but am giving her time to recover from the show (plus I'm still snowed under at work!).

So, when it was all said and done, a totally awesome weekend.  Lots of fun and laughter.  Laughter I needed badly along with seeing my friends who I hadn't seen in forever.  Can't wait until we can get together again!

Life is like a mirror-if you frown at it, it frowns back; If you smile at it, it returns the greeting.
Smiles~

Sharp Edges

I subscribe to Christine Kane articles and when I read this one, it thought "This sounds so much like me". Then it hit me. I bet a lot of my readers feel the same. So, I'm sharing this with you and if it helps just ONE person make that decision they've been mulling over like I have, well, then I've succeeded and so has Christine. Enjoy, and I have several other topics I'm developing/writing which will be posted soon.


The Sharp Edges of Expansion: Why Your Life Purpose Hurts Sometimes
by: Christine Kane

Somewhere along the way, we learn to avoid things that are uncomfortable.

"Hey look at this," we think. "If I just stay here in the middle - away from the sharp edges - then I don't get too banged up."

Slowly, our passions and goals cease being about what we want to create or who we dream of becoming. Slowly, our passions and goals become more about how to avoid the edges.

When the edges sneak up on us anyway - as they tend to do - then we find ways to soften them. Conveniently, we live in a world that will jubilantly help us soften the edges.

We distract. We eat. We smoke. We drink a glass (or three) of wine before dinner. We become anti-anxiety, anti-depression, anti-mood. We watch hours of stuff that means nothing to us. We soften the edges.

And you know what?

It kinda works.

In the moment, we seem not to get bumped as hard.

Only problem is that as we lose the edges, we also lose the wisdom that the edges are designed to bring. We lose the intuition that comes from the experience. We lose the discovery of our own boundaries and preferences. And we lose the joy that is a natural result of vulnerability, awareness, and energy.

All of this results in losing our awareness of our life purpose, our passion.

In other words, you can try your level best to stay smack dab in the middle, not bumping into the edges. But one day, it will occur to you that you have avoided so much more in the process. Including your own life.

I am lucky enough to work with some of the most amazing women on the planet in my Platinum and Ruby coaching mastermind. These are women who run their own businesses. They're creative. They're entrepreneurial. They shine. They have big breakthroughs and major victories.

And, of course, they hit edges along the way. (So does their coach!)

In fact, I don't know a single successful person who doesn't bump into edges on a regular basis. It is always tempting to think, "If I'm truly living my purpose, should it hurt like this?"

But that's just that old story we've memorized well over the years, trying to keep us safe in the middle of the road, not failing - but never winning either.

If you are reading this, and you know in your heart that you have a big WHY, then welcome and bless your edges. After all, no one succeeds without them.

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 20,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

Life is a mirror - if you frown at it, it frowns back; If you smile at it, it returns the greeting.
Smiles~

I'm BAAAAACCCCKKKKKK! Well, at least until the next illness lays me flat!

So, what have I been up to for months?  Absolutely nothing but working and being sick!  I had back surgery in November to fix one herniated/calcified disc and one bulging disc & now have a slightly damaged nerve.  Then, a three-month long sinus infection hit, followed by a reoccurrence of my vertigo which has resulted in me falling flat on my still healing back several times, and now, another sinus infection.  Also, they discovered I need four allergy shots a week.  Yeah, it's been a miserable few months.  Did a mention the migraines?  Oh, and the CT Scan I need of my sinuses to make sure nothing's wrong up there!  :(

Hopefully though, things are beginning to look up.  While I'm not back to any hobbies (like mini dolls or altered tags), I am back to attending estate sales and am heading to a Miniature Show and Sale in New Orleans this weekend.  Also, since one of my doctor's (I'll let you guess which) basically ordered me to find a way to socialize and make friends, I'm looking into joining a local Art Association.  I may be a serious person, but I do have a small artistic streak running through me.  Now, hubby agrees with doc, but let's see when push comes to shove if he can give up the "I need you to do me a favor" or "I need you to do this or that for me real quick" when I have something I need to do for the association.  Okay ladies, we know men talk the talk, but a lot can't walk the walk, no matter how much they say they love us.

So while I'm bumming around New Orleans at estate sales and trying to make friends in Gonzales (like after 15 years without any it will be easy - Ha!), hubby and son will be fishing.  We got son a well-used aluminium boat for his birthday.  He loves it and wants to fish every weekend, so he and his dad or he and a friend cruise around all the canals around the house terrorizing the bass, bream, and catfish.  Course, when they get home, it's "where's supper?"  Typical male yada-yada-yada.  I guess after 23 years of marriage I can gripe all I want. LOL - my fault I love the lug.

Anyways, I'll be posting more shortly.  There is a dilemma I've faced or should say I have a difference of opinion with some other auction go-ers or estate sale go-ers concerning old items.  I'm going to discuss my side of the topic and if I still have any followers out there, I would REALLY, TRULY love to hear what you think on the subject.  Right now, I've got to figure out how to get rid of a migraine without taking any more migraine medicine (I'm running low).  Back in as day or two with more.

Until later........