I’m not sure what it is, but antique stores really do something for me these days. Whenever I’m feeling stressed, uninspired, or just plain bored, I’ll run down to the nearest shop full of old things, with camera in tow.
This is what I did on Wednesday, minutes before the laptop debacle. I have to admit, it ran through my head that perhaps I was being punished for getting so much enjoyment (and photography) out of stores that I spent so little money in. The truth is, I take pictures of things that I would never buy in a million years, but they make me laugh a lot.
I’m not sure what’s supposed to go in the beaker tucked inside her head, but to be honest, I was trying to figure out if you were supposed to “smoke” her somehow.
In any case, I wanted to post a few of my favorite antique store photographs several days ago, and then we got a call from Fiance’s dad and are now having to take an emergency trip out to California for the entirety of next week, so my life has gotten a little, um, unpredictable as of late.
While I’m gone, I’m hoping my sister will step up and write a guest post for me, because I hear tell that she’s got an awesomely touching story about random acts of kindness. And I want to hear it.
Sister? Are you there?
Tell me a story.
It’s funny, but I didn’t even notice my name – EVERYWHERE – in this picture until I got it home and opened it up on the computer. Photography is supposed to make you more aware of your surroundings. I guess it’s my complete lack of ego that made me miss it.
Yeah. That’s it.
Silverware and cooking utensils, especially, give me pause while I’m browsing – I imagine the food they’ve carried to mouths long past. I imagine dinner conversations in eras I couldn’t even begin to understand … lives fully lived in times long gone. It’s something about food, I think. I may be a little obsessed.
So, before I post one last one from Wednesday, let me just say that I hope this week brings all of you super crunchy goodness, and I hope it brings mild temperatures in what Fiance calls “the armpit of California” – Bakersfield.
I don’t own any shorts.
This could be tough.
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ps – This is the first time I’ll meet Fiance’s family. Yikes! Wish me luck!
pps – I’ve never experienced an earthquake, and I’m a little freaked out by this. Tell me everything will be okay. Stroke my hair, allay my fears, tell me these people are quacks. I don’t want to wet my pants the first time I meet my in-laws-to-be. Nooooooo earthquakes!
Spur-of-the-Moment Homemade “Shaving Cream”
I too enjoy hanging out in antique stores but have yet to bring a camera along…you’ve inspired me. Oh, the Fiance’s folks will love you just the way you are – bright, interesting and in love with their son.
When you go, be sure to ask them if it’s okay if you take pictures. I’ve never had a person say no, but at least 75% of the time, they’re very, very grateful for the inquiry. They must have lotsa people come in and photograph without asking permission. And if/when you do, I wanna see the pictures!
I won’t comment on the whole “Bakersfield = Armpit” thing, but I will tell you that I’ve lived all but two years of my life in CA (north and south) and the worst earthquake I ever experienced was in Tacoma, WA. I’ve never feared earthquakes… fires, yes. Earthquakes, nah. Quacks can be mighty scary though, so stay away from those and you’ll be fine!
Haha. Fiance LOVES to use that term for Bakersfield. I remain neutral … until Tuesday. Actually, if I were to choose, consciously, my next place to live (usually, when I move, it’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants situation), it would be California. The Bay area. I don’t think a single place has felt more like home to me than there.
And I will do that, someday, when I can be as brave of earthquakes as you are. Maybe experiencing one while I’m out there would be the best thing for me. Facing fears and all that. Hmmmm. You have given me something to think about.
Oh, I’m not so brave really. Just practical and maybe a little fatalistic. You can’t waste your time on all the “what ifs” and things you can’t control (pretty much everything). Read what you posted today! Apply it to earthquakes!
I’ve heard many people describe Stockton, Fresno and Modesto as “the armpit” as well. I think Calif. must have one big armpit. Enjoy Bakersfield (really), and be glad it’s not August!