Good Saturday Morning!

By Elizabeth Prata

It's a very frosty morning here in north Georgia. The rain has ceased for the moment and the day looks to be dawning clear, cold and bright.

Here are some photos I took of the frost at sunrise-

I'm looking forward to the day, even the cleaning I've put on my to-do list, lol. We had a hectic week at school, even though last Monday was a day off. But for some reason, shorter weeks are always harder. Then on Tuesday and Wednesday we had half days for the kids, due to Parent Conferences. Again, the different schedule seems to make the kids a bit wild. And on Friday we had a two-hour school delay start tot he day due to black ice. Phew.

I went up to The Special Store, my favorite vintage store in all the world, for a little retail therapy. I had decided to buy some throw pillows for the classroom. On Fridays one of the small group reading groups I do is simply reading self-selected books. I tell the kids they can lay around on the floor or sit in any chair at any table to read for the 40 minutes. Other than school furniture, the room does not have anything soft in it. I'd like to get a rug, but for now, I decided to add some throw pillows to the room so the students that choose to lay on the floor will have something soft to lean against.

Of course, I needed to get the same amount of pillows of students that I have so no one would be left out, plus an extra or two in case I receive a new student. That's a lot of throw pillows, at least 8 or 10. Expensive. Where can I go? Yes, the Special Store.

Along the say I'd stopped at the Dollar General to buy hangers and lo and behold they had a 50% off sale on pillows. I bought some body pillows and a throw pillow. Then at the Special Store, 5 more for $2 each.

I also got a pencil sharpener! Wonderful! Mine broke 2 weeks ago and it's really inconvenient not to have one in the room. This rotation I have directions for both my reading groups to do a lot of writing. And there was a pencil sharpener for $5. How great.

I splurged and bought a book, yes a book, for $1: a first edition Agatha Christie from 1959, "Cat Among the Pigeons." I started it last night and I love it. It's not worth anything. I just like saying "first edition Agatha Christie" because I am a book snob.

I also love the dust jacket art:

The cookbook is part of the aforementioned in previous essay a freebie. You get a free piece of art or a free cookbook with a purchase. Last time I'd gotten the "Classic French Cooking" from the famous cookbook series "Time/Life Foods of the World" series. The original hardcover cookbooks in the series contain fabulous photos, I'm told. I read through many of the recipes last night and they are wonderful.

These spiral books are like an appendix to the hardcover main series, with supplemental recipes. The Provincial French Cooking has apparently risen to the top in the series in terms of belovedness and enduring fame. It's written by MFK Fisher and was the first to be published in the series in 1968.

Here's some chatter about these cookbooks:

This has been called the cookbook series that any cookbook collector MUST own, or they aren’t a real cookbook collector! The reason these are so highly sought after is the amazing depth and range of recipes in them, extremely remarkable and noteworthy for 1968. They were discontinued in part due to complaints that ingredients were hard to acquire for the home cook. Not so anymore. And these recipes are just fantastic!

Another woman wrote that these recipes never fail. This article extols the cookbooks, too-

Published in the late ’60s, Time-Life’s Foods of the World cookbook series was a good 50 years before its time. Truly from the golden age of publishing, these books were intended to educate and entertain. Today, the authentically ethnic and American regional cookbooks have a certain charm as the “exotic” ingredients introduced are readily available in supermarkets today—things like chorizo, tahini, hoisin sauce, fresh bay leaves and jasmine rice.

Since the ingredients are available today more and more people are turning back to these old cookbook standbys and a new generation is enjoying them all the more. I don't plan to make many of the recipes, but I like seeing the write-ups, the photos, and the nostalgia factor. My mother had the set, or at least, most of them that I remember.

I hope you enjoy your day whether it's cold or warn, in or out. Whatever you're doing, remember, time goes quickly and soon the kids will be grown and gone, the day will end, the bad circumstance will resolve, the Monday will come! Capture every moment and enjoy in the Lord.

The Special Store: Henk Bos, B Riasni, Time/Life Food of the World cookbooks

By Elizabeth Prata

Admittedly, it's been a hard week at school. Believe it or not, kids get just as excited for Valentine's Day as they do for Christmas, maybe even more. Add to that, we have a three-day weekend coming up. It's been benchmark testing and other testing, and parent conferences are coming up next week. Phew.

We're all ready for the long weekend. To get ready and to reduce some stress, I engaged in some retail therapy, Prata style. We've been pinned in for so long due to excessive rain, bad weather and dense fog (even snow) that on Thursday being a slightly sunny day,  I wanted to drive up to The Special Store as a nice little jaunt and bust out a bit. They were having a sale. Yay.

I needed to swap out my art over the kitchen table. I also am always looking for kitchen items. I'm always seeing what I can see. There's a lot to see. The ladies had bought another estate and were busy unpacking it all week. I was eager to check it out.

Of interest was the sign "Free art with purchase" from the pile of art placed by the register. Also of interest was the announcement "Free cookbook with purchase".

I saw a gorgeous teacup (not that I need any more) by Royal Doulton. This is a well known English china and figurine company. The mark said the patter was Pillar Rose and it was translucent china. Pillar Rose is described as Pink Roses, Gray Leaves On White, Coupe, Pattern Number: TC1011, sold between 1961 - 1974. It's very late mid-century... so... Post Modern Contemporary? Here is a good article spelling out the difference between mid-century modern and postmodern contemporary.

Anyway, I was intrigued by the translucent part of the pottery mark. Bone china I know. Translucent China I don't know. Royal Doulton is an esteemed pedigree, so it was worth taking a shot and buying the teacup.

It turns out that translucent china was introduced by Royal Doulton in 1960, called English Translucent China (ETC), which was known as Royal Doulton Fine China after 1974. ETC offered the excellent translucent quality of bone china, without the expense of using the calcined bone in the manufacturing process and fired in a higher temperature. In 1966 Royal Doulton became the first china manufacturer to receive the Queen's Award for Technical Achievement.

The New Scientist magazine in December 1959 remarked on the then extremely new technique Royal Doulton had perfected. If you're interested as to why this was such a huge advance in tableware, read the next few paragraphs. LOL, otherwise scroll down to skip.

English tableware is based on two traditional ceramic materials, both developed in the eighteenth century: earthenware with its porous and opaque body, and bone china, which has an entirely vitreous and translucent body. Bone china acquires its excellent qualities during the firing, when a fluxing agent binds animal bone to certain other ingredients. The bone, which is expensive, constitutes 50 per cent of the mixture. So it is not surprising that earlier experimenters hoped to imitate china by modifying the earthenware recipe.
English Translucent China, however, is completely vitreous. It is made from (among other things) a blend of feldspars, china clays individually picked for special chemical or physical properties, and silica. These are cunningly compounded to achieve a happy balance between such factors as whiteness, fired strength and plasticity. Plasticity, or the case with which the clay can be worked, is in fact reported to be so good that it has been possible to speed up the moulding and shaping stages of the manufacturing process.

No doubt the search for the correct formula was the Doulton team's biggest problem. But they had also to experiment with the preparation of the raw materials, establish firing regimes and devise new methods of glazing. Then special refractory supports had to be designed.

Whereas earthenware stands up to the rigours of the kiln without much distortion, the new variety, like bone china, tends to become mobile at the higher firing temperature of about 1,300° C. Originally each piece was laid in a bed of calcined flint. This turned out to be a cause of silicosis, and some years ago was superseded by calcined alumina beds which, at Doulton's, have recently given way to solid refractory supports like disks that help to preserve the shape of a piece when it contracts during the first (biscuit) firing.

In short, the housewife will now be able to acquire a dinner or tea service virtually as strong as bone china and possessing many other of its attributes, yet costing little more than the best earthenware. To Doulton's it is a source of pride that this bid for the "intermediate” market both at home and abroad has evolved from the English pottery tradition rather than oriental or Continental methods.

No wonder Royal Doulton became the first china manufacturer to receive the Queen's Award for Technical Achievement! Good on them. And now one of their technically perfect, affordable, and gorgeous items now graces this housewife's kitchen!

I bought a gift for someone, that was my main purchase, and also the teacup. And this little guy, it's SO cute! A small owl whisk in stainless steel.

I obtained the following pieces of art, one I bought and one that came free with a purchase. This is "Still Life with Pumpkin" But I like to call it Still Life with Book. It's by Henk Bos. It turns out he is a pretty interesting guy. Born in 1901 and died in 1979, from ArtNet we learn,

Henk Bos was a Dutch still-life painter. Staunchly devoted to the tradition and style of the Dutch Old Masters, he exclusively painted still lifes throughout his career. Bos realistically rendered fruit, vessels, and traditional accouterments set on wooden tables against a foreshortened stucco wall. He would also become a a member of several Dutch artist collectives, such as the Vereeniging Sint Lucas and the Gooische Painters Society. Born in 1901 in Huizen in the north of Holland, Bos died in Huizen, Holland on November 18, 1979.

Bos produces a bulk of his works in the 1950s and 60s. Mid-Century again, seems I gravitate to that design aesthetic whatever I do! Here is my Bos closer up-

I bought one of the cookbooks and the other one as mentioned came free with a purchase. My mother collected these. She enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new recipes all the time. I guess "nostalgia" is bringing all this Mid-Century on.

In looking up the cookbooks I found this-

Why This Vintage Cookbook Series Was a Half-Century Before Its Time

Published in the late ’60s, Time-Life’s Foods of the World cookbook series was a good 50 years before its time. Truly from the golden age of publishing, these books were intended to educate and entertain. Today, the authentically ethnic and American regional cookbooks have a certain charm as the “exotic” ingredients introduced are readily available in supermarkets today—things like chorizo, tahini, hoisin sauce, fresh bay leaves and jasmine rice. 

If you like exploring the world and its history through food, or if you’re looking to discover great food writing from such icons as M.F.K. Fisher and Waverley Root, you should add some of these books to your library. 

The series included hard cover almost-coffee table sized cook books and the smaller spiral bound ones (like mine) were addendum. The hardcovers apparently have luscious photos.

I also bought this piece of art by a "B Riasni", of whom I can find little about.

The back of the print says "Floral" Riasni. Contemporary Italian. Italian born, Riasni, with the skilled brush strokes of a master, creates a charming floral study of red and yellow roses. These sturdy cardboard prints are both signed. D. A. C. N.Y. No. 103 & No. 119 Published for Creative Manor Galleries on left lower corners and LITHO IN USA is in the right lower corners. The few places that sell these online mention they are vintage 50s or 60s. So...mid-century again.

It might be stretching it just a touch to compare Mr or Mrs Riasni to a master, but the print is charming.

I enjoy the opportunity to browse and see pretty things, small and large (the furniture at this store is amazing). I like bringing home this and that, and apparently the gift I'd bought was a hit. It's not far away and the drive to it is lovely. It's all good.

Well, thanks for sticking with me on my meanderings as I studied up on the items I got at the vintage store I like to go to. I like studying about them after I get home as much as I enjoy browsing and buying. Till next time, I leave you with this. We'd had a bunch of storms all week. The air was changing from the humid sticky stuff being driven out by a fresh clear and cold air mass. The clouds were scudding and moving quickly as the day waned. As I pumped gas at a gas station on a high plateau I watched the clouds go by. The hues of gray captured me. No filter-

Score at The Special Store

By Elizabeth Prata

Last night I had a baked salmon filet, baked potato, and roasted carrot N peppers for dinner. I'm exhausted, so thank goodness for Monday's food prep. All I had to do is heat it up. Mmm, it was so good.

After school I had to get gas for the car, and while I was out, I decided to mosey up to The Special Store. They're open on Thursdays now. It is a resale store about 5 miles from school. They buy estates and resell them in their store for great, low prices. Since inventory changes often, and since the items in the store are lovely and wonderful to look at, as well as being functional, I enjoy window shopping. Though truth be told, if I go up there it's because I need something and they have the best prices.

The "I need" items I sought were a small clock for the classroom and a large wall clock for my other classroom, and some fridge memo pads. I looked at Amazon yesterday for fridge memo pads, you know, the kind you make grocery lists on, and I was astounded at the prices. I have gotten stationery and pads at The Special Store for $1 for so long that I was taken aback at how much they cost now. So I abandoned Amazon for the fridge pads and headed up to my favorite store.

I'm also always on the hunt for books. I have found many an interesting or classic book there for $1.

It was a rainy, dark, and cold day so I knew the store would not be crowded. In fact, aside from a customer chatting with the owner, I was the only person in the place for most of the time. The owner has gorgeous furniture, most of it antiques- marble topped dressers, old farmer's tables, mid-century bureaus, beautiful dining sets and so on- handmade quilts, delicate china, art...it's a feast for the eyes.

They have expanded now and all the books, music, CDs, DVD, clothes, and art are in the adjacent building. More feasty stuff to look at.

Anyway, I found the following items:

A small battery operated Linden clock. It's about 4" high with a rounded top and a faux marble front rimmed in brass. I put a fresh battery in it at the store to see if it worked. It did. I forgot to test it long enough to determine if it keeps time. It doesn't. Oh well!

Carved Aztec Mayan-looking Stone bookends. I think they are carved from agate. I found similar ones on ebay and Amazon, it seems that agate is the usual stone these type of bookends are carved from, though it could be a type of onyx or marble or alabaster. Some of the ebay descriptions claimed a date of 'mid-century', others said 70s, still others simply said "classic". They all sold for upwards of $30 or more, Amazon had them for $57.00. I got them for $7. Mine are more elaborate than any I'd seen on ebay or Amazon, too. I think they're beautiful, with a milky striation on the back, a hint of brown hue here and there in the front, a pleasing weight and heft to them, and the triple decker base.

An unopened set of 24 Hallmark 'Thank you' cards with envelopes. Good. I needed some. $1.50.

A magnetic white board calendar with expo marker, still in wrapping. It's a gift for someone. $1.50.

A bundle of a fridge memo pad with a smaller memo pad, for $1. Another gift.

A pretty mug with flowers on it and an inspirational quote. Price unknown, she packed it while I was in the other building looking at books. Another gift for someone else.

Book, $1. "The University Library" by John Finley, 1926. I haven't been able to discover too much about this series. The store had three of the series, I think there are 25 in all. Description from ebay:

These vintage books are part of the 25 volume "The University Library" by John Huston Finley, LL.D. They were published for The University Guild of Atlanta, Georgia by Doubleday, Doran and Company, Inc. of Garden City, New York in 1931. These books were originally chosen by Dr. John Huston Finley and first published in 1897.

The book has lots of short stories in it. Thomas Hardy, John Greenleaf Whittier, Bret Harte, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the like.

I love unexpected vintage books like this, but even more unexpected was this inside:

By National Museum of American History - Image by Godot13, Public Domain

OK, well this is an unusual something. The bill was crisp and undamaged. I left it in the book and bought the book because it has several stories by Thomas Hardy and I love Thomas Hardy.

Looking up the money, it seems that it's known as Japan Invasion Money, or JIM.

Common among most issues of Japanese invasion money, the Oceania notes depict the title "The Japanese Government" rather than the name or region they were intended for. This is due to many of these currencies having been printed ahead of time and intended to circulate in more than one country in a given region intended to be absorbed into the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. (Source)

Apparently Japan thought they were going to win the war. They had promoted the Prosperity Sphere as a way for the Oceanic nations to come out from under "Western Oppression" AKA colonization. Initially, the receiving parties were excited at this prospect, but the excitement palled as they began to realize they were making a bad trade, Japan always will consider herself on top, and prosperity wasn't just around the corner. Japan lost the war anyway, and the bills were never circulated.

The bills were rendered worthless and literally thrown into the streets. Even today they are not worth anything. The one-shilling bill I hold can be sold on ebay for 41 cents, lol. It's more valuable as the bookmark it it had been used for in the book I bought than anything collectible. The interest for me is the surprise of finding it and the excitement of learning about its history.

My cat is snuggled in his kitty bed next to me, the gas fire is hissing and emitting a warm fiery glow, and the day is ending. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are and whatever you're doing.

Outing trip report: errands accomplished

By Elizabeth Prata

After 5 days, I broke my reclusiveness and my silence by heading out this morning with certain errands to accomplish. Bank. Gas. Dollar Store for hard goods. Grocery store for fresh. Special Store for lampshade and bookends.

The grocery store was a pleasure! Few people were out shopping yet. I went early and the aisles were just devoid of the usual crush of people. The markdowns were being laid out in great quantity. I got several things I was hoping for; spinach, something gluten free (gluten free penne for $1.29!), and some picked roasted chicken. I ambled and meandered and took my time and had a relaxing foray into the land of food.

The Dollar Store was the dollar store. Aisles full of abandoned utility carts clogging the aisles, things in disarray, one clerk languidly hanging around. I got what I needed and left. Later I remembered that I was supposed to get Christmas wrapping paper etc. Sigh, I'll have to go back.

The Special Store was fun. The day is warm and sunny, so driving is a pleasure. Windows open, music on. Browsing around was comfortable, too. The owner had acquired a new estate and the furniture was a delight to view. All walnut bureau, a to-die-for huge farm table, marble topped antique doughboy...ahhh. Nevertheless, onward, I needed only two things: lampshade, bookends.

The lampshades are plentiful so it was only a matter of selecting the size and style I wanted. Uh-oh I forgot to check the style of lamp. There are lampshades called spider harp and needs a finial, lampshades called slip uno with a circle thingie that screws into the base of where the light bulb goes, and lampshades that clip to the light bulb. I don't have a finial for it and the slip uno was the one I had now and wasn't working because it didn't fit and kept flopping over and hitting the hot light bulb. Nope, fire hazard. I guess I can be sure with a clip. Eureka, I found a lampshade that goes on the lamp that way!

It's slightly short but I didn't do too bad eyeballing it and having forgotten to check the lamp for needed hardware! It's my reading lamp.

If you look closely you'll see tape on the coaster. Cats like to fling things off of things
and coasters are a special delight for Murray

I did not find any bookends. My problem was, when I bought the small bookcase and put it in the bedroom, turns out Murray likes to climb on it. He's a weird cat. He likes extra small spaces high up to perch on or even nap. Like this one in the living room:

It would not be long before Murray discerns that the bureau is only a small leap from the bookcase, and I do not want him on the bureau. I've had a pair of sneakers on top of the bookcase to prevent his perching there, but the Nikes are ruining the ambiance. I thought if I got some bookends and put a small array of books there it would do the job and be prettier. Sadly, I could not find any bookends. But the lady helped me look, which was nice. She suggested putting an artful array of books on top, stacked sideways. I'll try that.

Meanwhile, sigh, I found some books.

The Frederick Douglass one is providential, because I'd seen that on one of the Black Friday Sales online and wanted it for myself but withstood the temptation. Mainly the books I buy online are to give away, a book ministry. But this one at the vintage store was in fresh shape and only 50 cents! I added another Thomas Hardy to my classics shelf, and a Nora Roberts and Fannie Flagg to the recreational reading pile for Christmas break. Books were 50 cents.

I came away with another find. A brand new small casserole dish. It was pretty. It's a good size for making casseroles for one.

One of the reasons I don't make casseroles is that the baking dishes I have are huge and I'm stuck eating a LOT of casserole for the week. I don't mind eating a lot of the same thing but by the end of the week it's a stretch to choke down another slice of 4 day old casserole again for another meal. This one is just the right size and it was new, a key factor. I plan to make this recipe tomorrow in it:

Chicken, Cheese, and Penne Pasta Bake
https://www.thespruceeats.com/chicken-cheese-and-penne-pasta-bake-3053072

I happen to have some gluten free penne, some chicken, and some cheese! Yay! I am adding the above recipe to the list of things I'll make for Food Prep tomorrow.

Time for a nap, then I'll watch the new movie Pilgrim's Progress for the evening, and read. I hope you are all having a nice Friday afternoon on Black Friday, whatever it is you chose to do!

Food Prep 9/9-13, plus, cool vintage item found

By Elizabeth Prata

I just saw the National Weather Service come out with a warning for predicted high heat over the next week. Highs will be in the upper 90s, reaching 100 in some areas. I feel deflated by this. By this time of year I've really run out of patience with the sticky humid heat and I am longing for the expected break that used to come by mid-September but now is often delayed into October.

Oh well, it will eventually break and when it does I will probably be one of the happiest people in the county. This Yankee has never gotten used to the heat or the humidity!

I went to my favorite Vintage Store on Friday to find some necklaces for two friends whom were thrown a birthday brunch event to celebrate their birthdays. They are young moms, both minister's wives, so I wanted to get something feminine and not related to their kids, lol. I knew the store would have a LOT to choose from, and they sure did. The lady there helped me pick out some necklaces that were more on trend for the younger ladies than the ole fuddy duddies like me.

While I was poring over the jewelry counter I saw a double clip thingie. I learned that it was a vintage sweater clip. In the 1950's the ladies used to wear a cardigan draped over their shoulders and the clip would prevent it from sliding off. That doesn't sound appealing to me. I mean, wearing a sweater meant to have your arms in the sleeves but wear it precariously over the shoulders instead, requiring an unnecessary accessory to prevent the sweater from doing what it naturally wants to do and likely sliding off anyway and making the clip a choking chain around your neck. Phew.

What does sound appealing is using the clip for a cardigan and another light jacket I have that has no buttons or zipper and needs a clip to keep it closed. Ever practical, I used an office binder clip at school the first time I wore my jacket and it kept sliding open. Of course, a vintage clip that's prettier and actually designed for that purpose will suffice all the more. Here it is:

Jennifer Hayslip  gives a short history of these clips in her post about Vintage Glamour and Sweater Guards

Sweater guards are a fashion relic! They were introduced in the 50’s as an accessory to help “hold” and secure cardigans on a ladies shoulders. Whether wearing a cardigan or a caplet these little chain accessories became all the rave!

They are also called sweater clips or cardigan clips.

At only $4 I consider it a treat to have acquired such a classic and classy vintage item and also to have learned about a fashion rage of the 1950s!

Food this week will be:

Dinners: spinach salad, green salad, and salmon. I bought two filets on markdown, which will become four dinners. I also bought a salmon burger. Kroger makes them and they are so large I halve it and reshape into the burger circle, so that will be two more helpings of salmon. I might change one of the filets into a salmon salad to eat with crackers. Good thing I like salmon! Rounding out the dinners will be green beans for the veg and an occasional 1/2 potato.

Lunches will be lentil & chickpea soup. I'll use this recipe. I will use up the 1/4 cup of red lentils I have left and will fill in the rest with the brown lentils I have on hand. "Use what you have." No need to run to the store to buy more red lentils (even though I prefer them and enjoy them in soups more). If I have stuff on hand, I use that first. #FrugalCook. I actually have all the ingredients the recipe calls for (except smoked paprika. Come on, I'm a normal person. I'll use black pepper instead!) I also don't have a chili pepper but I do have sriracha sauce so that will bring the heat.

Fruit this week will be strawberries. They were on sale. What can I say?

Have a great week everyone!

Classic and vintage books!

By Elizabeth Prata

My complete delight in finding some old books, classic books, and quirky books knows no bounds. Unless I find them for 50 cents or a dollar, then the delight increases. These are all from The Special Store, the lone vintage store that I haunt. Because with finds like these, why shop anywhere else?

Books there cost $1 for hardcover or 50 cents for paperback, unless there is a half price sale going on.

The Austen is hardcover with dust jacket. The Stevenson is paperback in mint condition.

I could not resist these next ones because of the titles. I mean, COME ON! "Outdoor Chums on a Houseboat"? you'd have to have a heart of stone to resist that. And "Master Meadow Mouse", how cute! The inside flap is covered with smaller hand colored illustrations. I was pleased to learn of Master Meadow Mouse's author of American children's stories I had not known about.

Arthur Scott Bailey was born in St. Albans, Vermont and was writer of more than forty children's books. The Newark News stated, "Mr. Bailey centered all his plots in the animal, bird and insect worlds, weaving natural history into the stories in a way that won educator's approval without arousing the suspicions of his young readers. He made it a habit to never 'write down' to children and frequently used words beyond the average juvenile vocabulary, believing that youngsters respond to the stimulus of the unfamiliar."

I wasn't familiar with this particular Kipling, so I picked it up. They are supernatural and ghost stories, which I'm not totally excited about. The writing is good, of course, but after having read two of the stories I might not proceed. The stories are unsettling. That is the other good thing about these books, if I dislike them I can happily disregard or even discard without having to mourn a lot of lost investment.

I am a sucker for an adventure sotry too. The great era of exploration yielded some super ones. Jack London comes to mind, of course And with a title like  "Up Among the Ice-Floes" i quickly put it in my basket.

The Nathanael West book, you might know one of the stories inside: Day of the Locust.

The children's book below of Pictures of Stories and Animals has a hand sewn binding. In 1902 travel was difficult and many people had not seen or known about many of the animals in the book such as elephants and camels and giraffes and polar bears.

The field guide to mushrooms is in German. A real mycologist was in the store when I purchased the field guide and he asked me if I could read German. I said no and he looked at me like I was crazy. It's an attractive book and the mushrooms are beautifully rendered. I also like to buy books in other languages to use in crafting. But the mushrooms are so pretty that I haven't had the heart to tear the book up yet.

Guy de Maupassant was a 19th century French author, remembered as a master of the short story form. He is a little depressing though so I may or may not read the book or I might just tear it up for crafting projects. Hey, ditch the pitchforks! It was only $1. And it's not rare.

A complete Sherlock Holmes for $1? Yes please. And the stories, jokes, & anecdotes in the railroad book are great, and there are lots of drawings and pictures.

See? I don't only buy teacups.

What have been some good finds of yours?

Vintage shopping and tips

By Elizabeth Prata

In the 'fill-a-bag for $5' sale at my favorite vintage store, I came away with some fine purchases.

I sit at my vintage, mid-century Formica and chrome table for most of the day, writing and studying and reading. When I look up from my laptop or my book at the wall in front of me, I want a nice piece of art to look at. I'd had an original piece of art there for many years, which I moved to the bedroom to refresh the different views. It was a painting of the bay of Naples with the volcanoes in the background and a trattoria in the foreground. The piece of art I replaced it with is beautiful (lighthouse on crashing waves seashore) but the proportions were all wrong. The piece was too small. I've been searching for another ever since. I needed big art at a low price. It took a while but I found it.

The poster is on foam of a black and white vintage shot of the Venetian bridge Rialto with a gondola underneath for $3. Sold! The proportions are good and I like the change from my usually colorful art around me to B & W.

A sweet two-tone ivory and creamy yellow teacup went into the bag also. The pottery mark said "Pickard" which was a company I was unfamiliar with. It turns out that the company is a US pottery and china making corporation in continuous production since 1893. They supply the US State Department, Blair House, United Nations, Air Force One, Camp David, Hilton Hotels and many other establishments. Whoa! So cool. The cup is from the mid 1930s and I love it.

This wallet or pouch caught my eye. The red and gold were opulent and I saw that it was well made and in good condition. What could it be?

A score keeping notebook for bridge? In fine Italian paper! Each page displays a different Italian bridge and the pages are edged with the delicate illustration you see below. The cover is soft leather, fine tooled. I'm a sucker for paper. A sale posting for a similar bridge tally notebook reads, "Multicolor & gold Florentine scrollwork. Exquisite color printed graphics. Made in Italy, circa 1960."

The item is most likely from Marcel Shurman. The history of that company goes like this:

Schurman Retail Group was founded by Marcel and Margrit Schurman in 1950. Both European immigrants, they were inspired by a love of fine art and by an appreciation for beautiful, high quality papers and design. They had a vision for bringing a range of products of uncompromising quality to the United States and began importing and wholesaling fine art postcards to fine retailers. Since the early days of the business the company has evolved and in many ways and is now focused in Retail and On-line Brand development. Currently Schurman Retail Group now owns over 300 stores that operate under multiple Brands.

I love paper and especially Italian paper. I was delighted with this find.

I've long wanted to make the front of the apartment look nice, but buying lots of outdoor things can get expensive. So I was happy to find this medium sized birdhouse and the welcome slate, which I popped into the $5 bag.

I already hung the slate up and I'll clean the birdhouse later then put it in the tree.

I am always happy to find usable things that I need and also the charm of the unique finds like the Pickard teacup and the Florentine vintage bridge tally notebook. Sadly, even these minimal purchases will have to come to an end for a while as I have medical bills and vet bills to deal with. Priorities, lol! I know I'll be enjoying these purchases for a long time, and meanwhile, I'm glad there are free libraries around for me to get some more books to borrow! I already got Nathaniel Philbrick's Mayflower which I plan to dig into by the end of the week! Meanwhile I'll be enjoying my past purchases, either using or admiring.

My tips for vintage shopping are:

--Have a list of things if you're shopping for things you need. I had on my list "patio or outdoor items; art for kitchen, mid-century books." (RE the books: not to read, but I want to see the cover design, mid-century books are terrific with the covers and I'd tear them off for use crafting or to simply frame them and hang on the wall.)

It isn't a matter of remembering, since there were only a few things on the list, but holding a list with the items written down sort of confirms and guides me as I tend to get overwhelmed and want to just buy everything. A list forces me to stay the course. (Same for the grocery store).

--Go slow. Vintage shop when you have time. You need to slowly look at everything, sometimes squatting, uncovering a pile, sorting through a box, or just standing still and like an archeologist going grid by grid, look carefully at everything in front of you.

--Understand quality. I don't buy in order to resell, as so many people do. I buy for myself, to use or admire. If you're buying for resale, then knowing quality is important but not the only thing. Resellers have to also know the market, what will sell, and comparable prices.

I like quality, knowing that I possess a nice item. Like the vintage Schurman paper and the Pickard teacup. Does the item look good to you? Feel good in your hand? Will it last? I like knowing that my Pickard Teacup is 80 years old, and there are no chips or cracks in it. Drinking a cup of tea from a chipped and cracked mug is OK, but I also like drinking tea from a cup that feels and looks good as I drink it. Then it becomes a case of not only function but pleasing form and eye-catching beauty. Who doesn't need a little of that in her life?

Happy vintage shopping you guys.

Sad trombone

By Elizabeth Prata

My spring break started tonight. I celebrated by driving up to The Special Store in search of a certain teacup I'd seen on their photographic previews. The folks at the store buy estate sales, and then sell the lots that they have acquired in their store. There are many unique and beautiful things, some charming finds, and just plain useful items, too. When they get a new lot in, they often post photos from the estate to whet our appetite, though unpacking the items once they've arrived at the store's storage locker may take a week or two.

I saw this china set and fell in love with the teacup. I trust my gut when it comes to spotting things, and this one in the picture looked like it would be a good find.

Label said simply pottery set mid-century china. Special Store pic

Turns out it was. Or would have been. I found the plates, sandwich dishes, and saucers. But the teacup was not among them. No teacup? Waaah. The ladies who decorated the store and the ladies who unpacked the items had no idea about the teacup. They had not seen it.

It is from the Rhythm line, pattern "Lotus Hai" (RY-135) by Homer Laughlin Company and it was produced from circa 1945-1955 (Mid-century). HLC were the folks who brought us Fiesta Ware.

I have a soft spot for Homer Loughlin stuff. My nascent interest was birthed as a tot ambling around my grandparents' house. They had a house in the city and a house at the beach. The beach house was light and airy, and in the huge dining room with long table, was a built-in hutch with glass front. I loved the dishes stacked inside, these were the Fiesta ware items full of bright and bold colors. My favorite was the rose color, introduced in 1951.

When I grew up and started visiting yard sales, when I spotted a few Fiesta dishes it all came rushing back. I started collecting the original ones from the 1930s colors and the 1950s.

I paused the collecting for around 20 years, but when I moved to Georgia and found The Special Store I began to collect again. I stuck to looking for teacups and teapots. I can't go TOO crazy because I live in a small space.

The Homer Laughlin Company's series Rhythm is described as, 'Large Leaves, Green & White Floral, platinum trim.' Hopefully mostly lead-free, lol.

I bought a sandwich plate. I said to the ladies at the store that if they come across the teacup, I want it. I have low hopes, though. It probably broke in the transfer or unpacking, or something.

I have a Homer Laughlin Eggshell Cavalier teapot. The teapot is a mid-century style pot in Spring Song pattern. It was actively sold between 1952-1959. SO mid-century! Mine is indicated by the stamp as a 1955 period. It's large, the largest pot I own. I really like mid-century modern styles, as long as the motifs aren't overdone with the outer space patterns of galaxies and stars and stuff.

So that is how it goes. Sometimes you score, sometimes you don't. I usually score when I'm not looking for something specific. When I am, even if it from a fairly sure thing from their own photos, someone has bought it before I get there, and I miss out. I like to just go and see what's there and strikes my fancy.

I bought a square white ceramic planter to put my succulents in. I also got a sage green ceramic chicken for a patio table decoration. The aforementioned sandwich plate. And a small birdhouse. Not a lot, barely over $10, but I'm looking forward to rearranging the patio and refreshing it with some plants and flowers. It's been a few years since I did that. Picture tomorrow. The chicken is real cute.

The Special Store yields treasure once again

By Elizabeth Prata

My favorite store is called The Special Store. It's a vintage/antique/estate re-sale store. They acquire lots from estate sales and re-sell them. The prices are incredible, low enough for me on a limited budget to afford to shop there.

Since the inventory rotates, it's always interesting to go there, because you never know what you will find.

I write this way to let you know that no matter your budget, you can feel like a champ and not get left out of shopping. Everyone likes to find a cute little something to buy for themselves once in a while. Even though the bulk of our budget is dedicated to paying bills and charitable endeavors, with a bit of creativity and patience, you can find sweet little things to buy that charm you.

Today I found lots of cool things and didn't spend more than $5.50

I'm excited about the Bird Identification book! The Guy De Maupassant is in French. The pages within will be used for crafting. The Scott book is a compilation of his poems, and has a no publication date marked inside, but it's old. The spine is blue with gold gilt wreaths.

The Household Words was a fun find. It's the compilation of the weekly journal 'conducted by' Charles Dickens. It was published in 1857 and the front features red leather three-quarter binding with marbling. The spine is raised with bands. So cool, said this ole bookbinder. I bet the stories inside are good too!

Note paper! All of it for $1. I will use half the large ream of white paper at home for printing and the other half I'll take to school for the kids to draw on. The others are just handy to have around I really bought the pile for the doodle faces pad. I'll bring that to school also, for the kids.

The teapot is Noritake china, pattern Chatham, produced between 1954-1964, so it is mid-century. I found the teacup today among others, but no saucers. I got the cup for fifty cents. I have a saucer with the iconic silver line around the rim just as the Chatham has so I'll use that saucer when I use this cup.

A friend and co-worker gave me some tea from Forte, very fancy! It is black currant tea, and I brewed some to sip while I dug into the research on the books.

The ride to this store from school isn't long, about 7-8 minutes, and I pass pastures and hills and cows. The sun was shining brightly and despite the frigid temps earlier this week, today was 62 degrees. It is a very nice way to end the day.

Hope you all have a nice weekend. :)

Plans for the day

By Elizabeth Prata

Ahhh, it's the weekend again. For some reason short work weeks seem longer. Maybe it's the different schedule for the kids, or the fact that they were home a day longer, but short weeks always turn out to feel longer than if we had a five day week in the first place.

Not that I'm complaining. I love three-day weekends. They're great.

Today I'm contemplating going out. Yes, really. I have two library books that will be due on Tuesday so I have to go to the library soon in any case. The Friends of the Library is having their semi-annual book sale this morning so I might drop off my books and check out the sale. If it's not too crowded. I loathe running into people.

Also my favorite vintage store, The Special Store, is having a 75% off art sale and $1 clothes sale. Impossible. To. Resist. Art.

I do need to fill one spot over my bed. I'd had a favorite photo enlarged a few years ago and hung it there. It is a scene from Lubec where I used to vacation at Globe Cove in a little cottage. It's the view from the bay window in the cottage. Lubec is the foggiest place in Maine, the smokey coiled fog bank always hovering just at the horizon, to come in and out like the tide. With the fog and the tide always moving, the scene is dynamic and ever-changing. I snapped this ar full fog and high tide.

I always liked the spot of color from the mooring buoys and the colorful boats popping against the fog and moody pine landscape. However, digital photos, even on archival paper, seem to fade quickly. I've only had the photo enlarged for ten years but by now the colors in my enlarged and framed photo have all faded and the scene is just grey drab. I have 35 mm photos that are nearly 100 years old that aren't as faded.

So...art. 75% off is a good deal, not likely to find anywhere else as good. And it's framed, too.

I have fun in that store because I can get little things I need there, too. I like magnet pads to put on the fridge to remind myself of appointments or to keep a running record of grocery items. I find neat pads there for fifty cents or a dollar. I sometimes find nice stationery and notecards there too. I like notecards. Books and CDs are also 50 cents or a dollar.

Also, I need a cart or some kind of small storage for my room at school. The rolling cart I'd gotten this summer is too small already! I've added notebooks and journals for two book groups, plus ditto sheets, and the books we're reading themselves, I need more room!

I have not been to the Special Store since April or May. The owners had obtained two estates and the store got crammed. It was too jumbled, for me, to see anything or even move. I like a jumble, but when it's too crowded to move, and add excessive heat and a laboring lone air conditioner, the browsing experience palls.

They have purged and reorganized and made the place browsable again with some displays, even! See:

So I might be tempted to go out early when it's still coolish. The weather is supposed to break in mid to late September and I can't wait for crisp mornings and turning the AC off. But with this heat I'll go early and scuttle back home quickly before the afternoon heat makes me so tired and grumpy. When I return home, I'll take a nap. Late afternoon I'll work on two theology lessons: one from Biblical Doctrine/John MacArthur's book, a chapter on Pneumatology. And another chapter video lesson in Derek Thomas's Pilgrim's Progress through Ligonier.

Tonight I plan to make friends with my couch and read more of Bill Bryson's book Summer 1927, and start John Grisham short stories from his book Ford County. It's the plan, anyway.

I hope you have a wonderful fall Saturday.