I’ve been fond of old stuff since long before I was old stuff myself. Other people’s furniture and accessories and dishes and even old clothes call to me. I try to avoid chotchkes because shelf space is limited, but I keep an open heart about anything else I might fall in love with.
Even old pieces of metal that fell off some object can be fascinating. Especially old iron that’s rusting. Old wood? Don’t get me started. Favorite thrift shops require a whole day. I have my route. I always have a wish list. A stop for lunch or coffee and on to the next. Three current favorites are Hospice By The Bay “Hodgepodge” stores in San Rafael and Novato and Mt. Carmel Thrift in Mill Valley.
Our home is filled with antiques and things that speak to us from our parents’ and grandparents’ past. And yet, it’s just stuff.
When CarolAnn ran her antiques and collectibles shops I stopped trying to understand why these things hold our hearts. They just do and that’s all that matters.
And I take the opportunity to seek out old stuff that my parents never owned.