Last weekend Daughter C & I supported our local economy. Earlier this week, I again supported our local economy. Our local economy is now on its own– which is to say, I have traded cash money for nearly everything that exists in our local economy that I wish to purchase. And so yesterday I went to Starkvegas.
But before we go to Starkvegas, allow me to comment that two of the items I removed from the inventory of the various junk / antique / gift stores in town are items I, myself, wanted to add to my collection of crappy old and not-so-old stuff.
One of the more interesting stats about Mississippi is her giving. Pound per pound, Mississippians give more than others. My Dad always said, “There, but for the Grace of God, go I.” This lovely piece of pottery is from Itawamba Crossroads Ranch.
God can make something beautiful from tragedies in our lives.
https://www.xroadsranch.com
After an accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury, a young man spent several miserable years in institutions. His mother realized there was a need for a community where special needs adults were treated with respect and where they could become a contributing member of society. Out of necessity and love, Crossroads Ranch was born.
When Mr. Big Food bought me an antique mahogany drop-leaf tea cart, I thought that I had arrived. And when the J-Man gave me a Royal typewriter, I knew I had. But something still gnawed in the back of my brain. We did not have a proper ice bucket. Sure, we could improvise with the nice crystal bucket we have, but it’s not the same thing. This is a proper ice bucket. Glass liner. Hinged lid. Proper.
I mention these items for a reason. There’s a discussion about crappy old stuff going on in the comments at American Digest. Lamenting that facts that kids these days don’t know quality furniture, can’t even give away crappy old stuff, &c. ‘Tis true. If one even casually pays attention to so-called “modern” culture, one notices that it is vogue to possess next to nothing, and in particular, next to nothing which once had value. Simplify! Declutter! Books have been written– and sold! JFC. There’s even a website called “decluttr” dot com.
On my view– and I do have a well worked out view of this– this is a conspiracy* to deprive folks of their property rights. And you know what the ultimate property is? Self-ownership & individuality.
Not me. Why– just the other day, I came across a beautiful walnut cabinet that was tagged as a music chest, but that’s wrong. It’s a tray cabinet. A cabinet for storying trays and platters and the like. Here’s the thing. I will never relinquish ownership of myself because I have so many trays and platters that I am seriously considering supporting the local economy by moving a tray cabinet from the flea mall to my dining room. If only I could figure out where to put it!
*Mr. Big Food & I once presented a paper at a conference about conspiracy theories. Never got around to publishing it though. Long story short– conspiracies do not need to be highly orchestrated, as arguments against conspiracies claim; and the skepticism that leads to conspiracy theories is a good thing in a republic. Keeps citizens and their governments on their toes.
Goodness! I have prattled on, haven’t I? I’ll get to Starkvegas later.
I am a Craigslist follower. Read it daily. I find it _highly_ amusing for various reasons, but in point of fact, it’s very interesting to see what’s being given away for free. Lots of what I’d call junk, but also lots of very nice stuff.
And stuff I find really amusing…for example, how about an “antique TV stand”. That one got me! Now bear in mind, I live in California. If I check the San Antonio list (my son lives in that area), very little in the free list.
Now…there could be lots of reasons for this…more money? more “hip” people? my guess is that more people are moving away from Cali, and moving into SA. Moving “stuff” is very expensive. And as you say, people are “de-cluttering”… and additionally, buying new cheap furniture. One thing I haven’t looked at is the furniture for sale – as opposed to free – in SA.
Odd thing too…over the last month, lots of couches for free (in my area). I didn’t see many prior to that. Why now? I have no idea.
And of course, you know what I have…old stuff. Lots of my parents’ stuff. Antiques. When the time comes, it’ll probably be on the free list…with no takers. Ah well.
What’s “SA?” South America? Hardly ever look at Craig’s list, mostly b/c this area is so sparsely populated it “North Mississippi Craig’s list. That could mean a three hour drive for something.
Jordan did get our awesome gigantic rain barrel from CL.
I know you have old stuff. Me too. And don’t get me started on my mom. “Replacements” is a Greensboro company and they have a show room. I cannot begin to tell you how much stuff– real antiques– she has. Fortunately, my girls have no problem with antiques. Ugh. Getting older.
SA = San Antonio TX.
Is that the Replacements that specializes in china/dining ware? or another one?
The Replacements I’m familiar with only does china – I thought – but ???
This is what/where I mean when I refer to “Replacements”…
https://tinyurl.com/ycw4wgt4
© 2018 REPLACEMENTS, LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1089 KNOX ROAD MCLEANSVILLE, NC 27301, USA
From the bottom of the page you sent. One & the same. They do glassware and sterling silver & a whole bunch of everything.
Last year when I was over decorating, I pulled out a leaf of the drop leave tea cart, covered it with a beautiful cloth and started setting out my Christmas china tea & coffee pots, mugs, tea cups, etc. Annnd… CRASH. I had failed to lock the hinge under the leaf. Over the years my dad had given me pretty much everything I had of that service. Little bit every year.
I replaced about a dozen pieces at Replacements. And until then I had no idea that it was located in the same town as Mom, even though I’d shopped there online before.
Ouch! That’d be a killer!
On the plus side – you got them at about half price – cause you didn’t have to pay for shipping!
Shipping is a _killer_!!