Like many of you, today was a big back to school day around here! My oldest son started 3rd grade in his new school. I really underestimated the traffic compared to last week. Dropping off the kids at 2 different schools and fighting DC area traffic wasn’t the best way to start the day. But I better get used to it.
The weekend was really great. I took 3 days away from my computer and feel behind on my favorite blogs! I’ll be back to visiting and catching up to see what you’ve been up to too. Thank you for all of the kind comments you left after my last post…your positive feedback after posting the necklace made with vintage components was encouraging!
View of the Hillsville Antique/Flea Market
This vendor had a little bit of everything
We had a wonderful reunion with my husband’s side of the family. The kids loved seeing their Grandmother, cousins and Aunts again. We made it to the antique/flea market after braving serious back-ups and strolled around together. Just look at the crowds! And it was hot! But I won’t complain because it was so much fun. I have to say I’m surprised at how little I bought…but then again, there would be no way to bring anything big home anyway.
I had a nice conversation with a seller about his reluctance to sell his finds. He was a kind young guy…but I could sense the frustration that he felt towards people that do not understand or appreciate what goes on behind the scenes to find the pieces that he brings to the shows. I combed through his boxes of old ledgers and books from an estate in New Castle, PA. He went on to say how when people see the price of an old book, for example, they do not realize that it came from a special auction that he had to stand in line for 3 hours to attend. It was really an enlightening conversation…and I did buy an old book and ledger from him!
The best find of the day was this old jewelry box – from the ’50 or ’60’s? It’s the 3rd in my little jewelry box collection. I love the satin and velvet inside and thought they were the perfect place to store my vintage jewelry bits and bobs. What a steal for $3.00!
New blue jewelry box....the perfect place for old treasures
My husband wanted to take the kids to some of his boyhood hang outs during this trip…so we headed over to New River Valley (southwestern VA) and paid a visit to Wolf Creek. Randy has many fond memories here at this old swimming hole. It was nice going down memory lane until it started raining…then POURING!
My husband caught his first fish here by this tree with his Grandfather
On the drive home yesterday, we stopped in an old town called Strasburg. I knew there was a big antique Emporium there, so I finally had my chance to drop in. My husband had a keen eye and found some great things for me. Look at this great 1940 Ladies Home Journal ad. Now how could we pass up an advertisement about 4 messy boys??! This one will go great in a bathroom or the laundry room in our new house.
1940 Bon Ami ad
The best find of all…this 1865 journal from Baltimore. Just look at the leather cover and the beautiful script inside. My Dad’s side of the family is from Baltimore, so I just knew it was meant for me as soon as I saw it. And I just have a thing for old handwritten script. I’m going to enjoy reading through the contents of this one. Not to mention it will make a great photo prop for my jewelry – both the inside and out!
1865 journal from Baltimore
Beautiful script - from days gone by
That’s about it!! I need to rush off now…it’s Back to School night and the macaroni and cheese needs to come out of the oven!
Take care – until next time!
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
you did find some delightful things this weekend. i did some flea market shopping over the weekend as well. it was glorious weather here.
take care!
Looks like youi had a great time. What great finds! I love the beautiful handwriting in the journal
Yes, that journal is really something special. Can you believe people use to write like that? How long would it take them to write their name? My handwriting is a complete embarrassment! Your pictures are always so great telling the story of your trip. Wow, there was a pretty good crowd. And I’d take that jewelry box for $3 any day. It’s gorgeous!
“Angels out of 4 dirty boys” what a great find…love the photo of the little man with the boys and hubby in the background…I love rehashing memories with the kids.
Welcome home Happy Wanderer!!!
What great finds especially in the mass of humanity!! 🙂 I think with three you get a collection, so you are now well on your way to a wonderful jewelry box collection
Oh Cindy what an awesome picture of your guys all hanging out together at wolf creek, talking Guy Things. It’s one of those pictures that as the years go by it becomes one of your most cherished possession!!!! 🙂 It’s one of those special memories that everytime you see the picture you can’t help but smile and “get all sappy” How lucky you are!!!!
Pattie 😉
Mazatlan Mx.
I love the Bon Ami soap ad, and all four boys are redheads! What a find, and so appropriate–you were meant to have it!
Wish I was there for the mac and cheese…sounds yummy!! Looks like you had a great time on your trip, the jewelry box , the books, and the ad, wow!! Just wonderful!! Cindy, thank you again for visiting me every day and your very supportive words and encouragement…it really means the world to me! Hugs!
Thank you soooo much for your kind comments. Oh, I just love the treasures you found!! That journal – swoon!! The jewellery box – too sweet. And a trip down memory lane with Randy and the kids – has to be priceless!
Glad you are back safe and sound – I missed you!
Ho Cindyyyyyyyyyy!!! thanks for sharing all that pictures!!! your jewel box is really really beautiful.. it make me travel on the past.. you know.. Liz taylor and Grace kelly etc… sure they had boxes like that!! the Baltimore’s journal is a tresure!! But the most beautifull picture is the one with your baby boy and on the background all your boys!! What a wonderful familly!! and a wonderful mummy, and a wonderful Cindy!! ..
What fabulous finds…not only your flea market treasures (that young guy was the best sort of marketer…sucked you right in with his story…but I would have bought something too!) and the special spots you found with your family. Wonderful. Wonder-full. That jewelry box reminds me of my grandmother’s. I inherited it when she died and it looks similar. I should get that out. Mine is filled with all sorts of forgotten treasures that I don’t wear any more… maybe they will be ressurrected into some new jewels!?! Thanks for sharing. Glad to have you back. Enjoy the day! Erin
Thanks for the comments everyone…I sure love to read them. I really do like the vintage jewelry box…there is something so sweet and graceful about this simple style.
I wasn’t had by the young book seller, don’t worry! I had already made my purchase when he shared his woes about people not appreciating what goes behind finding the goods!
Looks like you had a great weekend! Just wanted to say thanks for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. My stamps are just a $5 set from Harbor Freight. Some of the letters are poor quality and don’t leave a good impression but I just wanted to play a little before investing in good ones!
That Bon Ami advert is the best! It even has your little redhead in it! I had major flea market envy when I read this post– it sounded like such fun! The copperplate in that journal is astounding! Why don’t people write like that anymore– too busy texting I guess! Thanks for the entertaining stories.
The flea/antique market sounds fabulous! My husband, son and I love going to those events. Antiquing is one of our favorite things to do, there are always so many interesting things to see. Our son (11) has been antiquing with us since he was a baby and has a keen interest as well. He has a big collection of old locks and keys! Looks like you found some wonderful things on your trip.
I am soooo jealous of the journal!
That flea market looks amazing! That journal is stunning and a great find. I love using the old script pages for my jewelry photos! I have a growing collection of those jewelry boxes too…they are so adorable and I love stacking them…the insides with satin are always a great surprise too!
Cindy, what great memories–I love the photo of Randy and the boys sitting by the water and Nathaniel heading towards them! Looks like you got some wonderful treasures from your antiqueing! I can’t imagine taking children to look at antiques, especially boys! You have courage! Keep writing. Hope this is a great year for the boys in their new schools! Madeline
Wow, Cindy. I love shopping adventures like this one. Sounds like you found some really special things that were just made for you and your family!
Oh, I just love the picture of all of your sweet boys!! So cute!! I would have loved to plunder around at this flea market…what fun!! Love the sweet jewelry box you found. 🙂 Umm…loving those old books/journals, too!