Thursday, October 16, 2008

Old-fashioned fun

Picture a quaint village. There are many houses such as this one (which just so happens to be my favorite... just look at the charming yellow and white. And those windows... oh! those windows.)

Throughout the village trees stand tall with the grace and dignity of age, and old-fashioned roses bloom sweetly in red, pink, and white.
Add to this already lovely scene the beauty of a clear blue sky and soft autumn weather that is the perfect temperature for meandering.

There is a white old-fashioned gazebo, too, set in a clearing, and a jazz band plays from within. The music floats out through the village on the breeze, and each note sounds clear and alive, falling and blending into the peaceful atmosphere of the place.
Now, into this village, place rows and rows and booths and booths of antiques, different vendors selling everything vintage from buttons and gloves to washtubs and windows. Perfection?? I think so.
Some of you Bakersfieldians probably realize that I have just described the Peddler's Fair out at the Kern County Museum in the Pioneer Village. And if you have ever been, especially on such a perfect autumn day, you know how fun it is. I, being the old-fashioned vintage-loving girl that I am, could hardly contain myself. Usually, my sister/bestie Jessica goes with me...

(two or three years ago?? This picture captures our time there perfectly)

... but this year, last Saturday, it was just me. And while I did miss my antiquing companion and partner in silliness, it was SO lovely. No kids, no husband, no time frame. Just lots of meandering and looking, enjoying every bit of the beautiful day and my perfect surroundings. And, of course, there was some buying on my part. Yes, I came prepared, with a pocket full of cash saved up just for the occasion (thank you piano lessons and Sunday piano-playing).

Would you like to see my purchases?

But of course you would.

One of the first things I found, tucked in a rack of old magazines, was this:

I'm not exactly sure what it's original purpose was, but this little booklet is full of pages and pages of vintage lettering styles as well as pictures. I could not pass it up.
To think of the projects this could inspire! Lettering for cards and painted wooden signs... maybe a few pages could even be used to make some unique wall-hangings? The possibilities are endless. This is one of my favorite scripts in the book... so beautiful and old-fashioned. For some time now, I've been searching for a shelf/cabinet to stand in one corner of our living room that is quite bare. And when I saw this, I knew I had found it:

It needs some serious cleaning and a brand-new paint job, but otherwise it's in great condition. And the best part?? It was only $50! I talked the guy down from $75, a fact I am quite pleased with. Check out my mad negotiating skills, yo. :) I can't WAIT to get started on this project and put it in its proper place. There is nothing I love better than taking something old and decrepit but full of character and making it beautiful again, a piece that can be a unique part of our home for years to come.

This lovely antique ring was found amidst trays and trays of jewelry. $3!! I wear it almost everyday now.

I am fascinated with old books, so when I came across a seller who had a bookcase full of them, I was thrilled. This one caught my eye immediately.

Mostly, because of it's cute vintage cover that is so decorative, but also because I have always wanted to read this classic. After purchasing it for $1.25 I opened it up and found something that delighted me even further: an ink inscription written in elegant cursive, slightly faded, but still easily read. "Merry Christmas to Jerry from Doug, Joanne, and the boys. 1951." When I read that I couldn't help but imagine a young man (or boy, maybe?) named Jerry reading through it's then-new pages, looking at the old-fashioned illustrations, 57 years ago. He's probably an old man by now, but I wonder if he still remembers reading A Tale of Two Cities so long ago. This is what I simply love about old things... the charm and allure of history, the mystery of the people that used to own them, use them, love them.

Last but not least, my most favorite (and perfectly providential) purchase of the day:
I am in LOVE with this antique shabby-chic dresser. The drawers work great, the paint is still good, and it could not match my girls' room any better. I've been using the same dresser (an old one of mine) for them ever since Emma was born, but I'd been hoping to find a different one to replace it. Now I can move their old dresser into the Baby's room, since it is the perfect size and height to put a changing pad on top of. I think that one will always be my "baby dresser" for that very reason. My girls think their new dresser is quite the novelty. And this treasure only cost me $75, which I was more than happy to pay since it was EXACTLY what I'd been searching for. Hooray!!

What a beautiful day I was blessed to enjoy... I'm so grateful, and it was just perfect in every way, from the weather and the surroundings to the wonderful finds.

I'll see you next year, beloved Peddler's Fair.

19 comments:

Misty said...

oh my gosh... I've never drooled more in a post. AMAZING things... I feel so unbelievably unspecial now...

alyssa said...

Ahhh - you found such cute things!!! That is one thing I am NOT good at...like when we go to yard sales...I never find anything!!!

Shelley said...

Hey! One day I browsing through blogs and I thought yours was so cute and I loved it because I can relate to it having three kids myself, well I just now realize that you are from Bakersfield and so I am! I live in Reno currently but I was born and raised there! Well, I just wanted to tell you that I love your blog!

Shelley

Lydia said...

ah this was a beautiful blog! I loved yoru writing and all of the special things you found! That new cabinet is scrumptious! it'll go perfectly in your house. That old book is fantastic, especially since it showed you a little about who used to own it. That's very special. Love it all sister!

Cheeziemommie said...

Oh my word what great finds! I've always wanted to go to the Peddler's Fair but haven't. Now I'm dying for next year!

Cheeziemommie said...

Oh my word what great finds! I've always wanted to go to the Peddler's Fair but haven't. Now I'm dying for next year!

Lisa said...

Oh wow! I've lived in Bakersfield how long? And never been. What is wrong with me. I can't believe you found such awesome stuff!

sarah marie p said...

Oooh! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that stand you found for the living room and the dresser! That stuff is TOO adorable! What awesome finds! I'm super jealous! It looks like you had a wonderful day shopping and having me-time!

*CPA* Su said...

AH-I had no idea Bako had a Peddler's Fair! Next year I MUST go! And I can so relate to getting to go alone...that's how I like to shop sometimes too, so that my never-ending aimless wandering doesn't bother anyone else. =)

bandofbrothers said...

wow, you scored! I love the yellow and white hutchy cabinet. DON"T paint it!! I LOVE iT AS IS!!!! If you must, paint your house to go around it. HAHA. Very fashionable, I tell you:) and i love your ring!!! I am very proud of your negotiating skills. I come from a long line of wheelers and dealers.

Sunny said...

Wow! You made out with some great stuff. Okay, next year, could you let me know when this Peddler's Fair is so I can plan to go? You have such wonderful taste. I absolutely love that dresser you got for the girls. *drool*

alyssa said...

It's okay if you don't get your craft on, you're too sweet :)

Jerusha Abigail said...

i LOVED this post! your description was postively lovely and perfect! and that picture of you two girls is so adorable! and what amazing finds! what perfect furniture there. and that ring! too cute! and the books, what fun are those! seriously. i'm gonna have to come up sometime and hit the peddler's fair with you, i love antiquing once in a while!

Kourtni said...

Oooh cute finds! I especially love the furniture... but I'm such a a furniture junkie. ;)

I've never been to the peddler's fair! I'll have to make a point to go next time.

Unknown said...

Wow you got some amazing finds! Those pieces of furniture are just perfect! Really! I'm very very impressed, though also wondering how in the world you got them home??

Talia said...

Steph-- I took Jeremy's truck, just in case I found the things for which I was searching. :) And they have guys out at the Peddler's Fair driving around in little carts who will take your bigger purchases from the vendor to a back gate where they'll help you load themm... so really, I didn't have to do anything at all!

Ashley said...

Oh my gosh! How cute!!! Great finds!

anna joy said...

oooooo love it!!

lorieloo said...

we need to go together next year! I need to post about my fabulous finds too, although all your treasures take the cake!