Every so often, I have this fear that I'll have nothing to ramble about come Monday. Most of my weeks are just not that interesting. Like this last one for example, where all I did was try, unsuccessfully, to catch up with stuff.
Seriously, I have so much posting, house cleaning, pricing and photo taking to catch up on that it is not even funny. I have declared a moratorium on yard sales until I get all this stuff done and, more importantly, out of the house!
There really isn't that much to share this time, but my blogging has been so very much off-kilter lately that I feel I do need to put something up. Hell, this is the second week in a row that Monday Rambles is going up on a Tuesday. Sigh!
I know that my quirky, eccentric nature is part of my charm--well, that and my boyish good looks--but this is getting to be a little ridiculous.
There are some things that I want to write about, but within the context of other things, so I need to hold off a little bit on them. Plus get organized. Plus get caught up. Plus do some other stuff.
It's a never-ending cycle, I tell you!
Ironically enough, this may be the most rambly ramble I've done in a while. Much ado about nothing and all that.
I can say that June has been a really good booth sales month. A very nice bounce-back from May. I just need to ponder how to keep that going. Interestingly, after I cleaned and spruced the place last week, my sales actually dipped! Not precipitously, but they were off for several days. That's not the first time that has happened either. Sometimes, my spaces seem to defy the generally accepted common logic.
There's a post in that somewhere.
Oh great! Something else to throw on the list.
I think I'll go. I need to trim my mustache. (That's on the list, too. I'm getting shaggy here.)
Scan tomorrow. Think I'll do some thrifting after that's done. The yard sale moratorium does not extend to the thrifts. Yes, I am inconsistent. Also eccentric and boyishly handsome and shaggy.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
What's in Eddie's Back Pack?
No Mazda shot today, although I did hit one church sale yesterday. The only thing of note I picked up was a school desk. Yes, another school desk. Couldn't resist. It was a flip top.
Instead, today we have a backpack shot.
I love that backpack. It holds a TON. It may be the best 50 cent yard sale purchase I ever made. And it's stylish too!
So what do you think is in this thing? If you've been paying attention, you already know.
First two guesses are free!
Instead, today we have a backpack shot.
 |
| Believe me when I say that this thing is STUFFED! |
I love that backpack. It holds a TON. It may be the best 50 cent yard sale purchase I ever made. And it's stylish too!
So what do you think is in this thing? If you've been paying attention, you already know.
First two guesses are free!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Retro Y'all!
Wanted something with a comic theme in honor of the Derby City Comicon, which starts today.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Monday Rambles
The problem with doing a mid-week update post, like I did last Thursday, is the potential to take the wind out of the sails of the Monday Rambles post, which is supposed to be my regular weekly update post. Not that I'm trying to be some kind of kind of strict literalist when it comes to my posting schedule, but I did start doing certain posts on certain days so that readers might have a idea about what was coming up. Assuming, of course, that I actually do post regularly.
I purposefully kept Thursday's post a little sparse, so that I would for sure have some things to ramble on about today. Now it is time to expound a bit.
By the way, I am aware that it's Tuesday. In the afternoon. Late afternoon.
Bad blogger.
TREATMENT UPDATE
Last Tuesday was treatment number four, so it's time for me to have another scan to see if this immunotherapy thing is working. I'll do that a week from this Wednesday, then get the results the following Tuesday when I go for treatment number five.
At this point, I seem to be tolerating the drug fairly well. I'm not having any of the nausea/diarrhea issues, except on infrequent occasions. The same for the other main side effects. I'm still having to watch my blood sugar closely, but that's really it. I do get fatigued, but that is worst on the day of the infusion and the day after. Otherwise, I really only have fatigue issues when I go too hard too long without rest breaks. And those can carry over to the next day, usually resulting in a day in.
All in all, if this has to be my condition and status for a while, I can tolerate and live with it.
At this point, the treatment is so new that the docs still don't know how long it will last. They honestly don't know when to end the protocol. The first people to receive this drug are still receiving it every three weeks, two and a half years later. This makes me a little uneasy, mainly from a payment point of view. What if insurance gets tired of covering a never-ending treatment?
The current line of thinking seems to be that they'll be able to make that call soon, based on the experiences of those earlier patients, but that I should be prepared for at least two years of treatments. I guess this makes me "cutting edge" or something.
And that makes me think I should dye my hair pink, pierce my nose with a safety pin, and form a punk band called the Gall Bladders. I've never been "cutting edge" before.
I'm not trying to make any predictions or get any hopes up until I have that scan.
On a related note, I seem to be mostly over that damn cold now. Thank goodness. I agree with everyone who said that summer colds are the worst. Because they are.
BOOTH UPDATE
May was a struggle. I finally ended the month with an okay total. Not great, but okay and totally acceptable. Since last June, I have managed to top a thousand in gross sales every month. Sometimes, it's waaaaaaay over and others it's just barely over. My goal this year has been to get things to a consistent level every month. I want that thousand to be my net.
So far, June has been good to me. Sales have been consistently high and I am way ahead of where I was last month at this time. Furniture has started moving again, something that wasn't happening last month. Also, comic books are flying out of the booth in large amounts on an almost daily basis. I'm cautiously optimistic.
The most surprising part of my sales this month is that my booth has been totally trashed for weeks. After ten days in SF, plus several days of cold and other distractions, calling the place a "wreck" is an understatement. I spent today pulling everything out of the end booth and completely rearranging it. Now, I'll need to get a load of stuff ready to go over, so I can restock and do the big rearrange on the aisle booth.
The mall moved a bunch of showcases that used to be across the aisle from my endcap booth across the store, with the intention of creating more booth spaces. I requested three of them, hoping to move my aisle booths up closer to my other ones, plus pick up a space to move the books and comics into and expand my selection. Turns out they're only making six new booths and they've had multiple requests for those spaces. To be fair, they're going to hold a lottery for the spaces, one per vendor who gets drawn. I guess we'll see what happens.
Since it's only possible to maybe get one of those spaces, I'll use it for the books and comics if I get it. That will pull the rest of my book stock out of storage, plus I'll also need a bunch of the shelves I'm storing. Moving the books and comics out will let me move new shelves into the end booths and get more boxes out of storage, plus a few more pieces of small furniture. It would be nice to make a dent in that stash.
In case I don't get picked, I went ahead and told the manager that I would like to pick up a space for the books and comics for July. I think it's a move I need to make, even if I can't get one right near my current booths. For all the sales, it is really hard to keep the comics and books neat. They need a space away from my "curated" furniture spot.
WEEKEND UPDATE
Joy posted recently about the advantage of a church sale: lots of good loot in one place. Usually. For the first time ever, the largest and best church sale of the year let me down. Miserably. Part of the issue was a couple that had somehow managed to snap up all the best furniture within minutes of the sale opening. Seriously, we got there about ten minutes after it opened and most of the furniture had sold signs on it. There weren't even that many people there yet! I watched the buyers loading up as we were leaving. The furniture that was left was either unsuitable for my needs or overpriced.
As far as the other stuff goes, the volume was way down. This is the place that usually has about six rooms full to the brim with stuff for sale. There were still six rooms, but they were only about half full. It was still a lot of stuff, but not in comparison to previous years. The quality was way down too. There just wasn't that much to be excited about. The toy room in particular was a huge letdown. Last year, I made four trips through this one room alone, buying armloads each time. This year I didn't buy anything there! You read that right. I left a toy room empty-handed. Me. Really.
One of the shoppers remarked to one of the church volunteers about the drop in the amount of items for sale. The volunteer kind of looked over her shoulder, lowered her voice, and said:
I purposefully kept Thursday's post a little sparse, so that I would for sure have some things to ramble on about today. Now it is time to expound a bit.
By the way, I am aware that it's Tuesday. In the afternoon. Late afternoon.
Bad blogger.
TREATMENT UPDATE
Last Tuesday was treatment number four, so it's time for me to have another scan to see if this immunotherapy thing is working. I'll do that a week from this Wednesday, then get the results the following Tuesday when I go for treatment number five.
At this point, I seem to be tolerating the drug fairly well. I'm not having any of the nausea/diarrhea issues, except on infrequent occasions. The same for the other main side effects. I'm still having to watch my blood sugar closely, but that's really it. I do get fatigued, but that is worst on the day of the infusion and the day after. Otherwise, I really only have fatigue issues when I go too hard too long without rest breaks. And those can carry over to the next day, usually resulting in a day in.
All in all, if this has to be my condition and status for a while, I can tolerate and live with it.
At this point, the treatment is so new that the docs still don't know how long it will last. They honestly don't know when to end the protocol. The first people to receive this drug are still receiving it every three weeks, two and a half years later. This makes me a little uneasy, mainly from a payment point of view. What if insurance gets tired of covering a never-ending treatment?
The current line of thinking seems to be that they'll be able to make that call soon, based on the experiences of those earlier patients, but that I should be prepared for at least two years of treatments. I guess this makes me "cutting edge" or something.
And that makes me think I should dye my hair pink, pierce my nose with a safety pin, and form a punk band called the Gall Bladders. I've never been "cutting edge" before.
I'm not trying to make any predictions or get any hopes up until I have that scan.
On a related note, I seem to be mostly over that damn cold now. Thank goodness. I agree with everyone who said that summer colds are the worst. Because they are.
BOOTH UPDATE
May was a struggle. I finally ended the month with an okay total. Not great, but okay and totally acceptable. Since last June, I have managed to top a thousand in gross sales every month. Sometimes, it's waaaaaaay over and others it's just barely over. My goal this year has been to get things to a consistent level every month. I want that thousand to be my net.
So far, June has been good to me. Sales have been consistently high and I am way ahead of where I was last month at this time. Furniture has started moving again, something that wasn't happening last month. Also, comic books are flying out of the booth in large amounts on an almost daily basis. I'm cautiously optimistic.
The most surprising part of my sales this month is that my booth has been totally trashed for weeks. After ten days in SF, plus several days of cold and other distractions, calling the place a "wreck" is an understatement. I spent today pulling everything out of the end booth and completely rearranging it. Now, I'll need to get a load of stuff ready to go over, so I can restock and do the big rearrange on the aisle booth.
The mall moved a bunch of showcases that used to be across the aisle from my endcap booth across the store, with the intention of creating more booth spaces. I requested three of them, hoping to move my aisle booths up closer to my other ones, plus pick up a space to move the books and comics into and expand my selection. Turns out they're only making six new booths and they've had multiple requests for those spaces. To be fair, they're going to hold a lottery for the spaces, one per vendor who gets drawn. I guess we'll see what happens.
Since it's only possible to maybe get one of those spaces, I'll use it for the books and comics if I get it. That will pull the rest of my book stock out of storage, plus I'll also need a bunch of the shelves I'm storing. Moving the books and comics out will let me move new shelves into the end booths and get more boxes out of storage, plus a few more pieces of small furniture. It would be nice to make a dent in that stash.
In case I don't get picked, I went ahead and told the manager that I would like to pick up a space for the books and comics for July. I think it's a move I need to make, even if I can't get one right near my current booths. For all the sales, it is really hard to keep the comics and books neat. They need a space away from my "curated" furniture spot.
WEEKEND UPDATE
Joy posted recently about the advantage of a church sale: lots of good loot in one place. Usually. For the first time ever, the largest and best church sale of the year let me down. Miserably. Part of the issue was a couple that had somehow managed to snap up all the best furniture within minutes of the sale opening. Seriously, we got there about ten minutes after it opened and most of the furniture had sold signs on it. There weren't even that many people there yet! I watched the buyers loading up as we were leaving. The furniture that was left was either unsuitable for my needs or overpriced.
As far as the other stuff goes, the volume was way down. This is the place that usually has about six rooms full to the brim with stuff for sale. There were still six rooms, but they were only about half full. It was still a lot of stuff, but not in comparison to previous years. The quality was way down too. There just wasn't that much to be excited about. The toy room in particular was a huge letdown. Last year, I made four trips through this one room alone, buying armloads each time. This year I didn't buy anything there! You read that right. I left a toy room empty-handed. Me. Really.
One of the shoppers remarked to one of the church volunteers about the drop in the amount of items for sale. The volunteer kind of looked over her shoulder, lowered her voice, and said:
"I hate to put it this way, but it kind of depends on how many people in the church have died recently. Or moved into assisted living."
Talk about killing your shopping buzz. Now I'm feeling guilty about all the good years of shopping I've enjoyed at this church! Welcome to the Dark Side of Resale!
Somebody leaving the sale told Keith about another church sale nearby that had lots of stuff, so we decided to hop over to that church, then hop back for the rest of the neighborhood sale around the church. Yes, Mazda can hop. Mazda's talents are limitless.
That sale turned out to be a bust--lots of stuff, but way overpriced. They weren't open to bargaining either, since they were raising money to build a well in Africa.
On the way back to the other neighborhood, we detoured for a different neighborhood sale and ended up spending the day there. The majority of what was in Mazda came from this neighborhood. By the time we were through there, the van was full, so we called it a day. Sometimes, serendipity is good for the soul. And the inventory.
Most of you all called the green chairs in Mazda. There were four of them. They are heavy and quite sturdy.
I didn't realize that this pic of these cool MCM tables came out so badly until it was too late. Somehow I didn't notice the chair legs flying across the front of the camera when I was taking the picture. It was hot and I was sweaty.
 |
| The tables are the round things. |
We got the tables as part of a package deal with two small cabinets that were nothing special, but the price was right. I didn't get pics of them. I also didn't get the two directors chairs and the small book case I bought the funniest little woman. When Keith walked up to the sale, she grabbed a mirror and shoved it in his face. "You need to buy this mirror!" I hope she wasn't trying to make a comment about his beard.
Coming up, I'll show the smalls. Later in the week, the San Francisco finds. Finally. And the junk set out stuff. And the San Francisco pics. And some other stuff. And the path to world peace and inner contentment. Maybe.
REST OF THE WEEK UPDATE
This is booth week. Most everything I'm working in is related to getting my booths back in order. I'm planning in wrapping that up by Wednesday evening, so I can rest on Thursday. We have tickets to see Todd Snider play Thursday night, so I want to take it easy that day. Friday, I can see some thrifting happening. This weekend is Louisville's big annual nerdfest the Derby City Comicon. I got half price tickets through Groupon. I'm pretty excited, as one of my favorite cartoonists is going to be a guest.
Of course, I'll be getting my shop on, but I'll be looking for stuff for me and the collection, instead of resale. Still, if an unbelievable deal pops up...
SHOUT OUTS UPDATE
I forgot to mention that the wonderful Lorraine of Clamco celebrated her fifth blogiversary right before we went on our trip. That's a lot of good reading! She offers plenty of good information about re-selling along with entertaining stories about daily life.
Super blog friend Linda celebrated a milestone birthday last week! Happy Belated Birthday wishes to her! Woo hoo!
And the ever-awesome Shara recently celebrated her 24th wedding anniversary.
Big virtual hugs to everyone!
EMMYLOU HARRIS UPDATE
Last week, my most beloved and admired Emmylou Harris received what is considered to be the most prestigious music award in the world, Sweden's Polar Prize. This award is considered the Nobel Prize of music. Personally, I think this is entirely deserved. There is simply no one else like her in music. Watch her acceptance speech here to see what I mean. One of the coolest things about the award ceremony is that First Aid Kit, an amazing duo from Sweden, got to perform their sublime song "Emmylou" for her. Awesome. There are lots of great clips from the ceremony available featuring a variety of artists performing Emmylou's music. Well worth checking out.
In fact:
Can't think of a better note to sign off on. Got to go load the van.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
What's in Mazda?
Welcome to the first anniversary Mazda shot! The sales we went to yesterday are annual ones. It was at these sales last year that I first realized exactly how much Mazda could hold.
Happy Anniversary Mazda! And thanks for all the dutiful service. All my life I wanted a mini-van, I just never realized it until last year.
So, what do you see in Mazda?
Happy Anniversary Mazda! And thanks for all the dutiful service. All my life I wanted a mini-van, I just never realized it until last year.
So, what do you see in Mazda?
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Retro Y'all!
One of the few shows we could get on TV when I was a kid and we were stationed in Germany:
Can't do that one without this one:
There aren't nearly as many Hee Haw clips on YouTube as you might expect. Pity that. Here's a nice overview of the show, although I do think it overstates the importance of Oklahoma to the origin of Hee Haw just a tad. The full documentary that most of this material comes from is linked on that page. I haven't seen it yet, but plan on that tonight.
Can't do that one without this one:
There aren't nearly as many Hee Haw clips on YouTube as you might expect. Pity that. Here's a nice overview of the show, although I do think it overstates the importance of Oklahoma to the origin of Hee Haw just a tad. The full documentary that most of this material comes from is linked on that page. I haven't seen it yet, but plan on that tonight.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Where have you been, young man?
I just love it when you all call me "young." Tee hee!
Yes, I am aware I have been absent for way too long after our return from San Francisco. No, that absence wasn't exactly planned. Have you ever heard about needing a vacation to recover from your vacation? That's almost, kinda what happened to me. But, not exactly.
So, let's run down the past week and a half.
TUESDAY (JUNE 2): We got back, early in the morning. Slept in the next day. Keith started taking on a cold on the trip back and woke up feeling poorly. We ran by the Peddlers Mall to check out the booth, which was such a mess that I didn't even want to deal with it. (I was still really tired.) By the time we got home, I was starting to feel poorly.
WEDNESDAY (JUNE 3): I stayed in a tried to kick the cold, without much luck.
THURSDAY (JUNE 4): Ditto. And ditto on the luck, too.
FRIDAY (JUNE 5): Junk set out weekend in our neighborhood started, and I stayed in. I am such a baby when I have a cold. Cancer? I can manage that. A cold? I need to take to my sick chamber for a week and moan and snuffle and stuff.
SATURDAY (JUNE 6): Stayed in. No yard sales for me!
SUNDAY (JUNE 7): Stayed in during the day, but ventured out in the evening to check out the junk piles. Made a few finds. Went back to bed.
MONDAY (JUNE 8): Woke up feeling better. Decided it was time to get to the booth, after hitting a few junk piles first. The pickings turned out to be so very good that I ended up spending most of the day combing the neighborhood, going through people's trash. This is such a glamorous profession.
TUESDAY (JUNE 9): Treatment day! Went to the cancer center for number 4, then home to bed, as the post-infusion fatigue set in.
WEDNESDAY (JUNE 10): The combination of the post-treatment tiredness and the resurgence of the blasted cold kept me in.
THURSDAY (JUNE 11): Felt much better, so finally got to the booth. It was not pretty. It still isn't. Sigh.
I'm feeling a good deal better today. The cold seems to finally be receding. I'm down to a residual cough. Keith is better as well. Just in time, too. The biggest church sale of the year is tomorrow, along with the neighborhood that surrounds the church. I'll for sure have a Mazda shot for Sunday, as this sale last year was the birth of the Mazda shot.
I know I still have a lot of San Francisco stories, pics, and finds to share with you all. I'm going to do my best to get caught up with all of that next week, including emails and blog comments. I just wanted to let you all know that everything is okay on this end.
Hope everyone out there is doing well.
Yes, I am aware I have been absent for way too long after our return from San Francisco. No, that absence wasn't exactly planned. Have you ever heard about needing a vacation to recover from your vacation? That's almost, kinda what happened to me. But, not exactly.
So, let's run down the past week and a half.
TUESDAY (JUNE 2): We got back, early in the morning. Slept in the next day. Keith started taking on a cold on the trip back and woke up feeling poorly. We ran by the Peddlers Mall to check out the booth, which was such a mess that I didn't even want to deal with it. (I was still really tired.) By the time we got home, I was starting to feel poorly.
WEDNESDAY (JUNE 3): I stayed in a tried to kick the cold, without much luck.
THURSDAY (JUNE 4): Ditto. And ditto on the luck, too.
FRIDAY (JUNE 5): Junk set out weekend in our neighborhood started, and I stayed in. I am such a baby when I have a cold. Cancer? I can manage that. A cold? I need to take to my sick chamber for a week and moan and snuffle and stuff.
SATURDAY (JUNE 6): Stayed in. No yard sales for me!
SUNDAY (JUNE 7): Stayed in during the day, but ventured out in the evening to check out the junk piles. Made a few finds. Went back to bed.
MONDAY (JUNE 8): Woke up feeling better. Decided it was time to get to the booth, after hitting a few junk piles first. The pickings turned out to be so very good that I ended up spending most of the day combing the neighborhood, going through people's trash. This is such a glamorous profession.
TUESDAY (JUNE 9): Treatment day! Went to the cancer center for number 4, then home to bed, as the post-infusion fatigue set in.
WEDNESDAY (JUNE 10): The combination of the post-treatment tiredness and the resurgence of the blasted cold kept me in.
THURSDAY (JUNE 11): Felt much better, so finally got to the booth. It was not pretty. It still isn't. Sigh.
I'm feeling a good deal better today. The cold seems to finally be receding. I'm down to a residual cough. Keith is better as well. Just in time, too. The biggest church sale of the year is tomorrow, along with the neighborhood that surrounds the church. I'll for sure have a Mazda shot for Sunday, as this sale last year was the birth of the Mazda shot.
I know I still have a lot of San Francisco stories, pics, and finds to share with you all. I'm going to do my best to get caught up with all of that next week, including emails and blog comments. I just wanted to let you all know that everything is okay on this end.
Hope everyone out there is doing well.
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
And....We're Home!
We got in late last night early this morning. Good to be back home. Flight went smoothly, if long. We were afraid at one point that we might miss our connection, but it all worked out.
The wifi at our hotel was so spotty that I gave up on the idea of the photo dump I was planning for yesterday. Complicating things even more, the laptop seems to not want to install Dropbox, which I do not understand at all. I was even going to try it from the airport while we waited for the plane, but I could not get on their wifi. Sometimes, technology is frustrating.
Give me a couple of days to get everything sorted out and edited, unpacked and photographed and washed and put away and I'll have a travelogue and some pics for you all. Today, I've got to go see how bad the booth looks. Another damn shelf sold yesterday. It's occurred to me that every shelf I've put in that exact spot has sold lately. I need to ponder that.
We had a vociferous welcoming committee last night.
This was the longest we've ever been away from him, and he had a lot to say about it. He even woke us up every so often to say it again. Poor little guy,
That pic, by the way, is your Chiquito of the Month for June. Welcome to the Eddie-torial Comments age of multi-purposing! Woo hoo!
The wifi at our hotel was so spotty that I gave up on the idea of the photo dump I was planning for yesterday. Complicating things even more, the laptop seems to not want to install Dropbox, which I do not understand at all. I was even going to try it from the airport while we waited for the plane, but I could not get on their wifi. Sometimes, technology is frustrating.
Give me a couple of days to get everything sorted out and edited, unpacked and photographed and washed and put away and I'll have a travelogue and some pics for you all. Today, I've got to go see how bad the booth looks. Another damn shelf sold yesterday. It's occurred to me that every shelf I've put in that exact spot has sold lately. I need to ponder that.
We had a vociferous welcoming committee last night.
This was the longest we've ever been away from him, and he had a lot to say about it. He even woke us up every so often to say it again. Poor little guy,
That pic, by the way, is your Chiquito of the Month for June. Welcome to the Eddie-torial Comments age of multi-purposing! Woo hoo!
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Retro Y'all (Trip Edition)
I have had this stuck in my head all week. It started playing while I was in the Goodwill at Haight-Ashbury, so it got good a lodged in there early on in the week. That's not a bad thing, since it is--hands down--my favorite Blondie song. I don't think it gets as much recognition as some of the other, bigger hits in their catalog.
Anyway, about halfway through the song in Goodwill, realized that I was going into lip synch mode, complete with arm gestures. I was about to be embarassed when I remembered that I was in San Francisco, so I just carried on.
Me and Debbie Harry, cruising the housewares.
Anyway, about halfway through the song in Goodwill, realized that I was going into lip synch mode, complete with arm gestures. I was about to be embarassed when I remembered that I was in San Francisco, so I just carried on.
Me and Debbie Harry, cruising the housewares.
Friday, May 29, 2015
What's Jesus Doing?
A recent find from a junk store run with my uncle.
It's going right into my collection. I've always wanted a figure like this. Why? Well, let's take a look at what Jesus is doing.
First off,you really have to admire a kid that age who can balance a heavy crown like that on his head and still nurse. Secondly, this is not some kind of hoax or practical joke.
Images of Mary nursing Jesus are referred to as "Madonna Lactans" from the Latin for "nursing." There was a particularly popular Spanish devotion in the late Middle Ages to Our Lady of La Leche, from the Spanish word for "milk."
For me, it's one of those fascinatingly oddball medieval incongraphies that I just totally love. The image is supposed to portray Mary's maternal tenderness and humility, along with Jesus' humanity and vulnerability. Of course, slapping crowns on both their heads kind of runs counter to that idea, but there are a good share of Lactans images that do not contain crowns.
Devotion to Mary as a nursing mother was popular among new mothers and mothers to be, so Madonna Lactans came to be considered the patroness of these women. During the relic trade of the Middle Ages, vials of Mary's milk were a popular item.
I found this item a couple of weeks ago, but saved this post for my vacation week.Hope you liked it!
It's going right into my collection. I've always wanted a figure like this. Why? Well, let's take a look at what Jesus is doing.
First off,you really have to admire a kid that age who can balance a heavy crown like that on his head and still nurse. Secondly, this is not some kind of hoax or practical joke.
Images of Mary nursing Jesus are referred to as "Madonna Lactans" from the Latin for "nursing." There was a particularly popular Spanish devotion in the late Middle Ages to Our Lady of La Leche, from the Spanish word for "milk."
For me, it's one of those fascinatingly oddball medieval incongraphies that I just totally love. The image is supposed to portray Mary's maternal tenderness and humility, along with Jesus' humanity and vulnerability. Of course, slapping crowns on both their heads kind of runs counter to that idea, but there are a good share of Lactans images that do not contain crowns.
Devotion to Mary as a nursing mother was popular among new mothers and mothers to be, so Madonna Lactans came to be considered the patroness of these women. During the relic trade of the Middle Ages, vials of Mary's milk were a popular item.
I found this item a couple of weeks ago, but saved this post for my vacation week.Hope you liked it!
Thursday, May 28, 2015
BEWARE!
THE UNRULY EYEBROWS
ARE OUT OF CONTROL!
FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES!
THIS HAS BEEN PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Guessing Game!
What's this?
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not a Pokemon!
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not a Digimon!
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not from Mario Brothers!
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not from any game, comic, cartoon or show! Although, it would be way cool if it had its own cartoon.I'd watch.
PONDERING SPACE
Last hint: Our bodies are FILLED with them. Only much tinier.
PONDERING SPACE
Give up?
This was a yard sale purchase from a few weeks ago. I was saving it for my vacation fill in week. Hope you enjoyed it.
 |
| Answer below. |
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not a Pokemon!
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not a Digimon!
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not from Mario Brothers!
PONDERING SPACE
Hint: It's not from any game, comic, cartoon or show! Although, it would be way cool if it had its own cartoon.I'd watch.
PONDERING SPACE
Last hint: Our bodies are FILLED with them. Only much tinier.
PONDERING SPACE
Give up?
 | ||||||
| I don't think they really have eyes. |
This was a yard sale purchase from a few weeks ago. I was saving it for my vacation fill in week. Hope you enjoyed it.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Someone's Happy!
Yes. Yes, she is.
I saw this at the Peddlers Mall a couple of weeks ago. I've been saving it for this fill in while I'm on vacation week.
I saw this at the Peddlers Mall a couple of weeks ago. I've been saving it for this fill in while I'm on vacation week.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Monday Rambles
Well, it's so far, so good here in San Fran Land! We had a good flight out and the hotel is really nice, except that the free breakfast is a little lacking. Oh well, it is free, so that's something. I guess.
We've been kind of kicking it back and taking it easy so far. We have a loose list of what we want to see/do, but are not going to tie ourselves down to the dictates of a schedule. If we wanna stop and have coffee, then we're gonna stop and have coffee!
I did hit two Goodwills yesterday, including one that just might be the best GW I have ever visited. Tons of great stuff, and for the most part the prices are good. They have half off color tags and,at one store, everything I picked up was half price, making for some super deals. I am limiting myself to what will fit in my carry on suitcase. It was practically empty when we flew in, and what was in it will go into my checked bag or backpack with no issues, I think. That leaves me a lot of leeway on smalls, if I'm careful. If I'm not,I'll just UPS my dirty undies home.
We spent yesterday hanging out in the infamous Haight-Ashbury district and having fun. I am saving all the pics (including the finds) for next Monday's Ramble, since we'll be flying back on that day.
Today, we're off to I don't know where, but I bet it will be fun. Last night, we had the best Thai food I've ever eaten in my life at a place near our hotel. Keith predicted that we'll eat there a couple more times before we go.
Enjoy your Memorial Day, everyone! Travel safely, if you're going somewhere. Be sure to wear your floppy hats and lots of sunscreen if you're having a cookout or going to the beach. Have fun. I know we will be.
More later.
We've been kind of kicking it back and taking it easy so far. We have a loose list of what we want to see/do, but are not going to tie ourselves down to the dictates of a schedule. If we wanna stop and have coffee, then we're gonna stop and have coffee!
I did hit two Goodwills yesterday, including one that just might be the best GW I have ever visited. Tons of great stuff, and for the most part the prices are good. They have half off color tags and,at one store, everything I picked up was half price, making for some super deals. I am limiting myself to what will fit in my carry on suitcase. It was practically empty when we flew in, and what was in it will go into my checked bag or backpack with no issues, I think. That leaves me a lot of leeway on smalls, if I'm careful. If I'm not,I'll just UPS my dirty undies home.
We spent yesterday hanging out in the infamous Haight-Ashbury district and having fun. I am saving all the pics (including the finds) for next Monday's Ramble, since we'll be flying back on that day.
Today, we're off to I don't know where, but I bet it will be fun. Last night, we had the best Thai food I've ever eaten in my life at a place near our hotel. Keith predicted that we'll eat there a couple more times before we go.
Enjoy your Memorial Day, everyone! Travel safely, if you're going somewhere. Be sure to wear your floppy hats and lots of sunscreen if you're having a cookout or going to the beach. Have fun. I know we will be.
More later.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
What's This?
Well, it was supposed to be a Mazda shot,but we were in such a hurry yesterday that I had everything out of the van before I realized that I hadn't taken a pic. Will you settle for a "(Part of) What was in Mazda?" picture?
Here's a hint: Say "Yes." It's all you're gonna get, and it's kinda cool.
If one's plane doesn't leave until 4 and one has to go to the post office to get one's mail held, then it is expected that one will stop at the yard sales along the way. Isn't it?
Here's a hint: Say "Hell, yes!"
There was this sale on a little out of the way, hard to get to back street in our 'hood that was loaded with goodness. How out of the way? We were the first ones there and stayed almost 45 minutes and no one else came up.
How much goodness? Filled Mazda quick, simple and cheap. Lots of vintages. Lots of kid's playsets. Lots of Melissa and Doug toys. Lots of lots. That lava lamp is vintage.
The crowning jewel was this table.
I've never seen a metal top table with that color top before. I'm kind of in love with it!
And you all thought you wouldn't have a Mazda (sort of) pic. Who loves you baby?
Here's a hint: Say "Eddie does!" because I sure do.
Well, I'm still kinda lagged from the three hour time difference, but we've gotta hit the streets of San Francisco and wear some flowers in our hair. Or something.
I seriously could not wait a week to show you all that table. Have fun.I know we will!
Here's a hint: Say "Yes." It's all you're gonna get, and it's kinda cool.
If one's plane doesn't leave until 4 and one has to go to the post office to get one's mail held, then it is expected that one will stop at the yard sales along the way. Isn't it?
Here's a hint: Say "Hell, yes!"
There was this sale on a little out of the way, hard to get to back street in our 'hood that was loaded with goodness. How out of the way? We were the first ones there and stayed almost 45 minutes and no one else came up.
How much goodness? Filled Mazda quick, simple and cheap. Lots of vintages. Lots of kid's playsets. Lots of Melissa and Doug toys. Lots of lots. That lava lamp is vintage.
The crowning jewel was this table.
I've never seen a metal top table with that color top before. I'm kind of in love with it!
And you all thought you wouldn't have a Mazda (sort of) pic. Who loves you baby?
Here's a hint: Say "Eddie does!" because I sure do.
Well, I'm still kinda lagged from the three hour time difference, but we've gotta hit the streets of San Francisco and wear some flowers in our hair. Or something.
I seriously could not wait a week to show you all that table. Have fun.I know we will!
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Retro Y'all!
One of my friends and I got in trouble for singing this in the back row at youth group in church one Sunday night.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
This is most likely the only post for this week, so read it carefully and treasure it always
Happy...uhm...Thursday!
It's been a bit of a hectic and busy week or so around these parts, hence the lack of posts. My brother was here last week, and I've been spending this week getting ready for something special. More on that in a minute.
Before I get into the post, I do want to assure everyone that I am okay and things are going pretty well. I didn't mean to worry anyone with the lack of content here.
I had a wonderful visit with my brother last week. We just kind of hung out and ate and talked and stuff we never really get to do any more. It was so nice to see him and just sit and talk for hours. I am planning on making a visit down to see him in the fall.
We did a little junking together. He's an eBay seller, so he's always on the hint. I took him to the Peddlers Mall, plus the Goodwill and the Saint Vincent de Paul that are across the road. He loved the thrift stores and made several good buys there. The Peddlers Mall overwhelmed him with its size, complexity and selection, but he really liked it too. There's nothing to compare with it where he lives, except for a couple of antique malls that never get a lot of traffic.
He also said that he liked my booths, which meant a lot to me.
Keith took some pics, but has not had time to download them off his camera yet. He's getting ready for the special thing too. When the pics are downloaded, I'll post one or two here. In the meantime, just imagine two devastatingly handsome dudes with a family resemblance.
We also exchanged junk gift boxes. Mine had a Hummel Madonna in it, which is something I have always wanted for my collection.
We spent a lot of time talking about how to kick our respective endeavors up to the next level. I think we need to move to the same city and throw our lots in together.
Saturday was about beating the rain for the yard sales. We didn't do very well at it, because we got started very late that morning. It was already sprinkling at the first sale we went too. We managed to fill Mazda with the first three sales, so we had to unload at the house.
After that, we stuck with the indoor church sales on the list. There were three of those. By the time we got to the second one, it was pouring. The rain and the rush kind of killed the Mazda shot potential for the day. Many of the large items have already sold, but here's a shot of the smalls. See if you can find Waldo.
Just kidding. He's not there. But you might find Jack Kennedy and Jar Jar Binks instead. The spirit of my grandmother took that pic, which explains why the top row is cut off. I grew up believing that my grandfather didn't really have a head, since it was always cut off in photos.
This has been the most frustrating month for booth sales. I'm selling every day, including some large items, but just not enough. I've kind of structured myself price-wise to sell lots of small, under five buck, flea market style items every day. The furniture, large stuff, and higher-priced smalls are the gravy that pushes a day from good to fantastic when the totals come in. Since the higher-priced stuff doesn't always sell, that still gives me a chance at a good day on the smaller, cheaper stuff every day.
Except that here lately, the smaller, cheaper stuff has not been selling as well. That almost never happens! I've been selling shelves like mad again, but I only sell about half the typical cheap stuff, which drives my total down. It's an odd kind of doldrum. I am so far off target for the month, I don't know if I will ever catch up. At least, I am still selling something every day.
Tuesday was treatment number three. I was scheduled early, so I was in and out before noon, which was nice. It's getting to where the longest part of the day is waiting for the labs so the clinic can order the drug from the pharmacy. The infusion takes no time at all. After my next infusion, I'll have a scan, so we can finally see if this is working or not.
I've been rushing around a lot this week trying to get things done because we are going on vacation Saturday. We're flying to San Francisco until June 1! I'm pretty excited, as we've not been to SF in over ten years. We used to go all the time, so I'm interested to see how things have changed.
We've got someone to take care of Chiquito and make sure that the bathroom faucet gets turned on for him. We don't leave until 4:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, so I am trying to convince Keith that there's enough time for a yard sale or two, if there are any in our neighborhood.
I still have a lot to do before we leave. Laundry and packing for one. Or is that two? I also need to get a prescription refilled before we leave. I am trying really hard to get everything in the house that needs to be priced taken care of, so I don't have to deal with it when I get back. Doing the comic books just about wore Chiquito out.
Tomorrow is booth day. I'm gonna cram it full of stuff and pray that it holds until I get back. I'm also going to try and sweet talk the manager into making sure that stuff isn't sitting on the floor while I'm gone.
I'd like to clean off this desk, as it is giving me a nervous break down, but I don't know that I'll get to it. I also have to convince Keith that going to thrift stores is a thing real people do when they are on vacation. He's afraid that I'll buy an armoire and try to sneak it in my carry on bag. Silly man. Doesn't he know that's what UPS is for? I'll just price it and have that sucker shipped right to the store!
On that note, I gotta run. I need to get more price tags and Goodwill has been calling my name all week long. I need to see what that's about. I'm planning some short, silly posts while I'm gone. And maybe one long one. I might do a Monday Rambles, but I'm not sure about that. I'll be posting pics to Facebook, so you can check out what I've been up to there, if you want.
Just so you don't forget what I look like:
It's been a bit of a hectic and busy week or so around these parts, hence the lack of posts. My brother was here last week, and I've been spending this week getting ready for something special. More on that in a minute.
Before I get into the post, I do want to assure everyone that I am okay and things are going pretty well. I didn't mean to worry anyone with the lack of content here.
I had a wonderful visit with my brother last week. We just kind of hung out and ate and talked and stuff we never really get to do any more. It was so nice to see him and just sit and talk for hours. I am planning on making a visit down to see him in the fall.
We did a little junking together. He's an eBay seller, so he's always on the hint. I took him to the Peddlers Mall, plus the Goodwill and the Saint Vincent de Paul that are across the road. He loved the thrift stores and made several good buys there. The Peddlers Mall overwhelmed him with its size, complexity and selection, but he really liked it too. There's nothing to compare with it where he lives, except for a couple of antique malls that never get a lot of traffic.
He also said that he liked my booths, which meant a lot to me.
Keith took some pics, but has not had time to download them off his camera yet. He's getting ready for the special thing too. When the pics are downloaded, I'll post one or two here. In the meantime, just imagine two devastatingly handsome dudes with a family resemblance.
We also exchanged junk gift boxes. Mine had a Hummel Madonna in it, which is something I have always wanted for my collection.
 |
| Our Lady of the Dusty Knick Knack Shelf |
We spent a lot of time talking about how to kick our respective endeavors up to the next level. I think we need to move to the same city and throw our lots in together.
Saturday was about beating the rain for the yard sales. We didn't do very well at it, because we got started very late that morning. It was already sprinkling at the first sale we went too. We managed to fill Mazda with the first three sales, so we had to unload at the house.
After that, we stuck with the indoor church sales on the list. There were three of those. By the time we got to the second one, it was pouring. The rain and the rush kind of killed the Mazda shot potential for the day. Many of the large items have already sold, but here's a shot of the smalls. See if you can find Waldo.
Just kidding. He's not there. But you might find Jack Kennedy and Jar Jar Binks instead. The spirit of my grandmother took that pic, which explains why the top row is cut off. I grew up believing that my grandfather didn't really have a head, since it was always cut off in photos.
This has been the most frustrating month for booth sales. I'm selling every day, including some large items, but just not enough. I've kind of structured myself price-wise to sell lots of small, under five buck, flea market style items every day. The furniture, large stuff, and higher-priced smalls are the gravy that pushes a day from good to fantastic when the totals come in. Since the higher-priced stuff doesn't always sell, that still gives me a chance at a good day on the smaller, cheaper stuff every day.
Except that here lately, the smaller, cheaper stuff has not been selling as well. That almost never happens! I've been selling shelves like mad again, but I only sell about half the typical cheap stuff, which drives my total down. It's an odd kind of doldrum. I am so far off target for the month, I don't know if I will ever catch up. At least, I am still selling something every day.
Tuesday was treatment number three. I was scheduled early, so I was in and out before noon, which was nice. It's getting to where the longest part of the day is waiting for the labs so the clinic can order the drug from the pharmacy. The infusion takes no time at all. After my next infusion, I'll have a scan, so we can finally see if this is working or not.
I've been rushing around a lot this week trying to get things done because we are going on vacation Saturday. We're flying to San Francisco until June 1! I'm pretty excited, as we've not been to SF in over ten years. We used to go all the time, so I'm interested to see how things have changed.
We've got someone to take care of Chiquito and make sure that the bathroom faucet gets turned on for him. We don't leave until 4:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, so I am trying to convince Keith that there's enough time for a yard sale or two, if there are any in our neighborhood.
I still have a lot to do before we leave. Laundry and packing for one. Or is that two? I also need to get a prescription refilled before we leave. I am trying really hard to get everything in the house that needs to be priced taken care of, so I don't have to deal with it when I get back. Doing the comic books just about wore Chiquito out.
Tomorrow is booth day. I'm gonna cram it full of stuff and pray that it holds until I get back. I'm also going to try and sweet talk the manager into making sure that stuff isn't sitting on the floor while I'm gone.
I'd like to clean off this desk, as it is giving me a nervous break down, but I don't know that I'll get to it. I also have to convince Keith that going to thrift stores is a thing real people do when they are on vacation. He's afraid that I'll buy an armoire and try to sneak it in my carry on bag. Silly man. Doesn't he know that's what UPS is for? I'll just price it and have that sucker shipped right to the store!
On that note, I gotta run. I need to get more price tags and Goodwill has been calling my name all week long. I need to see what that's about. I'm planning some short, silly posts while I'm gone. And maybe one long one. I might do a Monday Rambles, but I'm not sure about that. I'll be posting pics to Facebook, so you can check out what I've been up to there, if you want.
Just so you don't forget what I look like:
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Not Sweating the Small Things
Like the old saying goes, I'm not sweating the small things. Not when they're this awesome, at least. Take a look:
That cake carrier has a few dings in it, but that (to me) just adds character. Sometimes, I think it's nice to be reminded that these items were meant to be used in daily life. Little dents are a reminder of that history.
This little lady bug is not what she seems.
She's a vintage stapler! The ladybug is made from wood. Cool.
Gingham-lined basket. Shara scream in 5...4...3...2....1..... That Kentucky history book is an older edition of the one I used in the 8th grade. It's written by a dude who taught at my alma mater back in the day.
These dudes were my favorite find of the day. The lady running the sale where I got them remarked that everything that was selling belonged to her grandson. Do you see the skeleton in the stocks? Awesome.
A dude on a horse with a sword and a centaur. Even without the itty bitty dragon, that's way cool.
And this guy has (count 'em) four arms! Can't beat that, I say.
That's how I roll: lady bug staplers to four-armed dudes in one post. That's what happens when you don't sweat the small stuff.
That cake carrier has a few dings in it, but that (to me) just adds character. Sometimes, I think it's nice to be reminded that these items were meant to be used in daily life. Little dents are a reminder of that history.
This little lady bug is not what she seems.
She's a vintage stapler! The ladybug is made from wood. Cool.
Gingham-lined basket. Shara scream in 5...4...3...2....1..... That Kentucky history book is an older edition of the one I used in the 8th grade. It's written by a dude who taught at my alma mater back in the day.
These dudes were my favorite find of the day. The lady running the sale where I got them remarked that everything that was selling belonged to her grandson. Do you see the skeleton in the stocks? Awesome.
A dude on a horse with a sword and a centaur. Even without the itty bitty dragon, that's way cool.
And this guy has (count 'em) four arms! Can't beat that, I say.
That's how I roll: lady bug staplers to four-armed dudes in one post. That's what happens when you don't sweat the small stuff.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Monday Rambles
So, I declared early on last week:
"I'm not going to any yard sales this weekend."
Very confidently, I stated:
"I have enough stuff for right now."
Then, I predicted:
"I'm going to spend Saturday working in the storage unit and pull stuff out of there to take over."
By Tuesday, I was remembering:
"Oh sheesh! That one church sale where I got that awesome school desk last year is this weekend."
So, I decided:
"Maybe one won't hurt."
On Wednesday, I got an email from the comic shop:Nerd Herd Sidewalk Sale on Saturday!
And I thought:
"Really? Right after Free Comic Book Day? C'mon!"
Thursday, I saw a sign for a fundraiser sale being held by the local funky puppet group.
So, I rationalized:
"Well, it's near the house. And funky puppet groups = funky stuff for sale."
Finally, on Friday, Icame to my senses made a total liar out of my self and checked Craigslist.
I am weak.
On the other hand, I have this to show for my moral failings:
So maybe it's not so bad being a total hypocrite. I'm not even going to mention my declaration that it would be a short day out at the sales, so I could still work in the unit. In reality, we left the house at 9, and I was walking out of the Peddlers Mall after dropping stuff of at 6. I just ain't real good at these declarations.
There are smalls, of course, for tomorrow. This haul doesn't include the two bikes we bought either or the TV I got off a curb in front of a church. Or the shorts I bought at Goodwill. I really needed those shorts. It's already July hot here. I think this summer is going to be a scorcher. We've already put the AC unit in the window.
My brother arrives on Wednesday, so I am not sure what posting will be like after that. I'll try, but no promises. I want to take him junking, but he's only going to be here a couple of days, so I want to get him to the best spots in town. He sells lots of clothes, purses, shoes and the like, which is so not my area. He also does sports stuff. We may go to the larger thrifts in the better parts of town. The clothes are always better at those. That's where I head when I need clothing anyway. Fashion plate that I am. (Ha!)
Booth sales have been in the toilet all week. It is just so very weird that the best day I have had so far this month has been (of all days) Derby! Somewhere pigs are flying and icicles are hanging in hell.
Yesterday really stunk, but it was Mother's Day, so it was kind of expected, I guess. Just because I would (and did!) take my mom to the flea market on Mother's Day doesn't mean everyone else would. Although they should. I bet lots of moms secretly want to get taken to flea markets on their special day, but no one has ever asked them. Maybe I need to start a movement.
See ya!
"I'm not going to any yard sales this weekend."
Very confidently, I stated:
"I have enough stuff for right now."
Then, I predicted:
"I'm going to spend Saturday working in the storage unit and pull stuff out of there to take over."
By Tuesday, I was remembering:
"Oh sheesh! That one church sale where I got that awesome school desk last year is this weekend."
So, I decided:
"Maybe one won't hurt."
On Wednesday, I got an email from the comic shop:
And I thought:
"Really? Right after Free Comic Book Day? C'mon!"
Thursday, I saw a sign for a fundraiser sale being held by the local funky puppet group.
So, I rationalized:
"Well, it's near the house. And funky puppet groups = funky stuff for sale."
Finally, on Friday, I
I am weak.
On the other hand, I have this to show for my moral failings:
So maybe it's not so bad being a total hypocrite. I'm not even going to mention my declaration that it would be a short day out at the sales, so I could still work in the unit. In reality, we left the house at 9, and I was walking out of the Peddlers Mall after dropping stuff of at 6. I just ain't real good at these declarations.
There are smalls, of course, for tomorrow. This haul doesn't include the two bikes we bought either or the TV I got off a curb in front of a church. Or the shorts I bought at Goodwill. I really needed those shorts. It's already July hot here. I think this summer is going to be a scorcher. We've already put the AC unit in the window.
My brother arrives on Wednesday, so I am not sure what posting will be like after that. I'll try, but no promises. I want to take him junking, but he's only going to be here a couple of days, so I want to get him to the best spots in town. He sells lots of clothes, purses, shoes and the like, which is so not my area. He also does sports stuff. We may go to the larger thrifts in the better parts of town. The clothes are always better at those. That's where I head when I need clothing anyway. Fashion plate that I am. (Ha!)
Booth sales have been in the toilet all week. It is just so very weird that the best day I have had so far this month has been (of all days) Derby! Somewhere pigs are flying and icicles are hanging in hell.
Yesterday really stunk, but it was Mother's Day, so it was kind of expected, I guess. Just because I would (and did!) take my mom to the flea market on Mother's Day doesn't mean everyone else would. Although they should. I bet lots of moms secretly want to get taken to flea markets on their special day, but no one has ever asked them. Maybe I need to start a movement.
See ya!
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