Abundance in the Garden
We are preparing to leave for our summer vacation to California. My garden is growing in leaps and bounds and I am guessing that most of it will ripen when we are away. Much to our surprise when I went searching for something to add to our salad we found ripe strawberries hiding under the plants. Two bowls worth. What a lovely parting gift before we travel. And they are delicious as they look.
Thank you every for your heartfelt comments on my last post. Isn't it intriguing that many of us are in the same predicament. Do you feel that maybe our blogs even spurred this need to buy every last vintage item at a yard sale or thrift store?
I went out on Saturday ready to hit the sales, but ready to buy things that I truly wanted and not just items to fill my house again. The first sale I went to, I found an American girl closet system with foldout bed. $25.00. Next sale I was about to leave when I decided to look at the framed art. My heart dropped when I saw this.
Barbara Helen Berger is one of my favorite illustrator/authors. Our two favorite books of hers are Grandfather Twilight and When the Sun Rose. I found this signed print of hers for $4.00.
and look how she sneaked Grandfather twilight into the picture...
If you haven't heard of these books, I would high recommend them, especially for young children.
I also picked up a very expensive air filter that I have been searching for, for at least four years. I've never seen one at a yard sale and I happily picked it up for $20.00. I also came home with some book inventory and a few toys for the kids. I passed by the vintage board games, vintage dishes, pampered chef stoneware dishes and much more. It felt wonderful. I was able to enjoy them from a distance and truly appreciate what I did buy. The signed print is above our couch and looks perfect in our living room.
Oh, I'm so happy for you re: the print! I used to manage a children's book store and Grandfather Twilight was one of my favorite books. I may even still have a copy somewhere. Aren't children's book illustrators some of the best artists you've ever seen?
Posted by: Llyn | July 01, 2008 at 05:27 AM
Woo hoo!!! It's lovely to go shopping and not feel the need to get every-stinking-thing you see that maybe you might want to use or have in the distant future!
Now, why aren't you my neighbor so I can come over and swipe strawberries while you're away? LOL
Posted by: Kim | July 01, 2008 at 06:13 AM
What awesome finds! I call finds like that my 'blessings'. :-)
I appreciate the children's author suggestion. We never know what to buy our two little granddaughters who live out of state (2 & 5). Their mom told us they love books, so I'll look for Barbara Helen Berger books! :-)
Posted by: Renna | July 01, 2008 at 10:48 AM
What great finds. I was at Savers today and I remembered your post as I took a very discerning eye in what I bought:)
Posted by: raesha | July 01, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Oh those strawberries are just to die for!
Posted by: Jia | July 02, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Grandfather Twilight is likely one of my favorites of all time. Wow :)
Posted by: LeeAnn | July 03, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Wow, Grandfather Twilight was my stepdaughters first book, I have a tiny copy of it. I too snatch up all sorts of vintage when I can and all kinds of fun stuff..I treasure them all but it is time thin it out a bit!
Good Vacationing here in cali!
deb
Posted by: debbie | July 03, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Love the strawberries.
Love that I got to meet you and your precious family!
Can't wait to hear about your vacation, girl!
Sandy
Posted by: sandy | July 05, 2008 at 09:12 AM
It's those little surprises that sure make us all happy!!! I would have been tickled too!!
Your strawberries DO look amazing!! YUM!
Posted by: Just a Flipflop Mom | July 05, 2008 at 07:12 PM
It's those little surprises that sure make us all happy!!! I would have been tickled too!!
Your strawberries DO look amazing!! YUM!
Posted by: Just a Flipflop Mom | July 05, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Hee. Lovely that you found something personally meaningful, and SIGNED, for only $4!! I once found a David Shannon signed book for $3 at the Scholastic book fairs warehouse sale. It's a rush!!!
There really is a sense of empowerment in walking away from things. I admit it's not a feeling I'm very familiar with, but I'm trying. Trying to be discerning, and trying to look at and appreciate something without feeling like I must own it in order to appreciate it.
You know it's bad when you're going out looking for something (oh, say, a pink Gooseberry Pyrex mixing bowl), then you go clean out a pile that's been sitting in the kitchen for a couple months and realize you have one. And I do. Just like the one holding the strawberries.
Heh. I crack myself up sometimes.
Posted by: nattybananas | July 05, 2008 at 07:18 PM