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Monday, October 18, 2010

DO ODD THINGS HAPPEN TO ODD PEOPLE?

There have been times, during our 41 years of marriage, when my husband has implied that I somehow attract odd events.  I’m not sure if that is true, but I do know that I frequently have wonderfully quirky things happen in my life. 

On our recent mini road trip, I had a few experiences that might seem a little strange (at least my husband thought they were strange – maybe he’s the one who is odd!).  The first experience occurred when we went to see a “soon to be opened” grain mill that is being converted to a shopping area and event venue.  When we pulled up, there were no other vehicles in the parking lot.  I jumped out of the car and snapped a few photos of the exterior (I’m such a good blogger).  I pushed the door and was surprised to find it unlocked (insert music from the “Twilight Zone” series here – oops! I bet a lot of you don’t remember that series!) 

mill mosWorkers were preparing to host a dinner for the local Chamber of Commerce to advertise their new venture.  They assured us it was okay for us to look around.  I spotted a lady setting up antiques in one of the rooms, so of course, I wandered into that room. (I know you are shocked that I was drawn to a room full of antiques). 

I’ve been looking for some cobalt stemware, and I spotted some on the table she was “scaping”.  I picked up a piece of the stemware, and she asked if I was interested in purchasing them.  I replied that, I knew she wasn’t open for business, and I didn’t want to bother her.  She told me I could purchase the stems for $2.00 each, and since she wasn’t set up for transactions, I wouldn’t need to pay tax.  I purchased the 7 stems that she had available.  (One thing about bargain hunters – we usually end up with an odd number of tablescaping items).  My husband shook his head and remarked (a little under his breath) “only you could buy something in a store that isn’t even open yet”.  I did NOT go in that room to make a purchase, and I would NOT have asked the busy store owner to sell me something, but I DID want those goblets.

cobalt stem The next event happened at a multi-dealer antique store in Goodletsville, Tennessee.  Since this is not a tourist town [unlike Lebanon, Tennessee (see previous post)], I was doing some serious looking (and some buying) in this place.

Some of you may recall that I have a set of 7 dinner plates in the pattern “Ascot” by Wood and Sons.  (See, I told you a bargain hunter has odd numbers of tablescaping tools).  I bought the 7 plates at an estate sale years ago.  Several of the booths in this store had 50% off signs (I LOVE 50% off!). In a china cabinet in one of those booths, I found two of the Ascot plates.  Since the scenes on the plates are different, I wasn’t sure if these were some I didn’t already have, or if they were duplicates of what I already had.  At 50% off, I decided I would buy one of them whether it was a duplicate or not.  I studied the plates for a long time before making up my mind about which plate to buy (obviously, my husband was not with me while I mulled this over at my leisure..he does not wait around for any mulling!) (Does anybody say that anymore – mulled it over?  Is my oddness showing?).  I chose one of the plates, and carried it around while I browsed the remaining booths.  Just before leaving, I decided to go back and look at the other plate again – just to make sure that I had done the “mulling” right.

 

plate

The booth owner had been working in her booth, and she had put a new sign on the china cabinet -- 75% off everything in cabinet!!  I stopped mulling and bought  both plates!  (Of course, I once again have an odd number of plates, but I like having an extra in case one gets broken.)

The next odd event is probably a great example of what my husband is always saying to me (in addition to “you attract odd events) – “it’s not a bargain if you don’t need it”.

I have never really even wanted gold flatware, and if I did look for some, I’m certain it wouldn’t be an ornate pattern.  “Howevah”, I was visiting with the proprietor of an antique store in Lebanon when a young couple walked in with a black case.  They asked the store owner if she’d be interested in purchasing this flatware, because they needed money for gas.  (I know that “story” is often told by people who want to buy liquor or drugs, or who are trying to get rid of stolen property, but they REALLY didn’t look like those types.)  They opened the case, and it was FULL of gold flatware.  The owner told them that she just wasn’t in the market for the flatware right now.  The young man said, “you wouldn’t even give us $15 for it?”  I casually (and insincerely) remarked (with a smirk on my face), “Well, I’d give you $15 for it”!  He said “Sold”!  The antique dealer said, “I would have bought it for that price”.

gold fltware 2 I had no intention of actually buying this flatware, but somehow I bought it.  (I did give them a $20 bill for it).  I hope the gold doesn’t come off the first time I wash it, and I hope the police don’t come get me for “fencing” stolen goods!

Since all of my babbling has turned this into a lengthy post, I will share my other purchases in another post.

scenes from e tn

I’m linking to Story Tellers Wednesday at A Southern Belle With Northern Roots.  Thank you for hosting, Shannon.

StoryTellers2-1-1-1[1] Okay, did you decide yet?  Do odd things happen to odd people, or do these kinds of things happen to you all of the time?  I apologize for this wordy post,  but, I’m sure you’ve met odd people before.  They tend to make a short story long and go on and on and on….   I know what you’re thinking.  You’re right!  I need to get a life!    Thank you for coming to visit that odd lady at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with laurie 

 

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

No no Nannette! You're not odd, Laurie! You're simply delightful and I think the Lord was just allowing you to be blessed!! Gorgeous goblet - even if there's only 7! Now your goldenware is very pretty! You got the box too! I bought one (just the box) for my mother and paid $50 for it! :)
You were the right place at the right time.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Mellodee said...

Laurie, my friend, those are not odd occurences, they are blessings!! Take them and be grateful for they don't happen that often for the rest of us!!

That said, I just remembered that just after we moved to Austin, my daughter had taken me to the Outlet Mall just South of here. We were sort of looking for a few things for my new house. Of course, we didn't find a thing I wanted. We went into a China Shop and they were having a sale. They had a few "special sales" going on, including one on my daughter's wedding China. Now of course, she had received a few pieces and one full place setting as wedding gifts, but did not have anywhere near a full set. The store had lots of it and they were selling it at 75% off! It was a Royal Doulton pattern, so 75% brought the price down to an unbelievably low price. She debated for about 10 seconds and then bought all the places settings and serving pieces she needed to complete the set for a quarter of the price it would normally have cost!! We were totally thrilled but completely amazed.

So was that odd or was that a blessing? See what I mean? That kind of thing happens to her every now and then. (She also finds parking spots right in front of where she wants to go most of the time!!) Neither ever happens to me!!

One last thing, then I'll finally stop writing this!

Just wanted to let you know that I frequently walk around mulling a decision while humming the theme from "The Twilight Zone"!! We're both older than dirt aren't we?? (LOL!)

Glad you're back!!

middle child said...

Whatever it is,..Kismet, coincidence, luck, whatever. You've got it in spades! (I was mulling over whether or not I should use that term and decided to go for it.)

Jewel Sauls said...

My husband says things like that to me all the time. ("This could only happen to you.") I don't know if that makes one odd, but some of us are lightning rods for unusual occurrences! Love hearing your stories and I didn't even have to "mull it over!"

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I think unusual things happen to those of us who are open to it! In other words we don't shut ourselves off from stepping out of our comfort zones and we listen to that little voice telling us to take one more 'look'! Its just being able to accept things that come to us!

Anonymous said...

Things are always exciting where ever you go Laurie!! I think it is wonderful not odd!

I mull over things all the time! It is funny how some words stick with some people. If someone is a bit ornery I say they are a "toot". I have had more people say they had never heard that term lately! My family always uses that word.

Looks like you had a great time! We will be going to NM to get those clothing racks finally- I hope some odd things happen to me while I am traveling!

bee blessed
mary

susan said...

Oh Laurie-The devil is in the details and the "howevah" :) I prefer to think of it as good fortune and serendipity following you rather than "odd" things! You did find some wonderful items and great deals. Thanks for putting baby Britton's name up. He is stable for now. Glad you are back!

xinex said...

Two odds make even, right, Laurie? I guess I am odd too cause I go inside stores that are close and owners just setting up. Actually, John pushes me to knock to see if they would let me in and they usually do and then I call him to join me, lol. Partners in crime! I love all the tableware that you bought, so pretty. I can't wait to see the rest...Christine

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hey there Laurie! I think if interestingly odd things didn't happen once in a while life would be pretty boring!
But you have such a wonderful knack for telling a story, I think you could make a trip to the supermarket even seem like an adventure!!

Btw, I often think I hear the twilight zone music playing... Seems likes odd, and way too coincidental things happen to me all the time too!

Hugs, Sherri;)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

I love all your stories Laurie, keep on sharing!!!!
And those plates, I am in love with those gorgeous plates!
And gold flatware, now that was a steal! hehe!
It will look so pretty on a Christmas table!
My Mom was always taking us on some wild adventures when I was a child, I need to share more of her stories. Your a lot like her, just so fun and so interesting!
Hugs,
Cindy

Sonny G said...

I love coming here to see your new and old treasures and to hear your wonderful stories.. I agree with the poster that said you have an open heart and an open mind, so unique things come your way as you bless all those you meet.. Just keep being YOU< and everything is will be perfect..

Lynn said...

Well, your blog title is "...and chatting"... Love your story and lovin' your goblets too-how fun! It's all about being in the right place at the right time:@)

Tricia said...

I love it, Laurie! Great stories, and I think you'd be such fun to travel (and browse/shop) with!

Unknown said...

I think it must be because you are a writer. All the odd details are perfect for someone who can take the details and assemble them into lovely stories. I love your finds, and I am glad that you husband was along to keep you safe.
Karen

Heidi Pocketbook said...

No Laurie, not odd. I think interesting, intriguing, and being-in-the-right-place-at-the-right-time are a better description.

My, I'll bet all of us that read your blog wish we could have been with you. You got some great finds.

Hope you have a good Tuesday!!

Sarah said...

Odd, I don't think so. You simply allow yourself to explore and adventures and treasures are the result. Glad you had a good time. I'll be eager to see what other treasures traveled home with you. ~ Sarah

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Oh my! No I don't think you're odd -- just blessed with great timing...enjoy all your fun treasures!

Anonymous said...

I love this post, Laurie!! Since I am a "fairly odd" person, I don't think you are odd at all!

Debbie said...

I didn't read the comments so I might be repeating what has been said, but...

You're not odd; you're blessed!

Wow. I would love to have your "oddness". Me? I'm the one who drives for an hour to a place which is inexplicably closed for the day.

Just call me Schleprock.

I love LOVE the gold flatware. I never thought much about having any until I took that leap off Tablescape Mountain. Now, I want some.

I will be waiting to see what you do with those treasures!!!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Nothing odd about you. Sounds like you happen to be in the right place at the right time. :-D Really like the blue goblets. Enjoy your new treasures.

Salmagundi said...

I always enjoy your stories -- no matter how long they are. I don't think you are odd; just always in the right place at the right time. I wish I had a little more of that ability. Take care, Sally

ellen b. said...

Laurie! I'm a little out of the loop with memes these days but I really think you have found one that is perfect for your art of story telling. Imagine that a Story telling meme! Love it. I loved your story, too.

Judi said...

Hi Laurie
I love that plate!! Nice that you do have another couple just in case you crack one orrrr...for more guests! Lovely. The price kept getting better too.

I don't have gold flatware either...like you..before..*s*..They look good and wonder what their story was if there was a different story. Your price of gas must be good to have sold them so cheaply. Great deal.

Have a great week!
*hugs*
Judi

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Girl, good things happen to GOOD people and you were in the right place at the right time to get these wonderful buys!! You are so fortunate!! Love it!!

Lou Cinda :)

Olive said...

...grace surrounds you and you are open to possibilities...

Tardevil said...

I don't think they are odd events at all. I just think that angels are just showering you with blessings. Because we are so similar (in our collections and mulling), that is my story and I'm sticking to it! Love the plates and glasses. BTW, I use to live in a subdivision called Ascot. Who could pass up such bargains. I do hope the silverware isn't 'hot'! LOL! ;O)

Ruthann @Home Is Where Your Story Begins said...

Delightful post. 41 years of marriage. I think you should write a book that combines your secret to a long marriage and great antique bargains. Is there a common thread there?! I do enjoy your blog.
Ruthann

shannon i olson said...

great stories...great buys! especially the flat ware, I love it...I don't think your odd just really blessed by the dish fairy. That is so funny, can't believe you have one story let alone 3!!
Thank you so much for joining Story tellers!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I have to say you hit the jackpot!
You made some awesome purchases on some beautiful items.

Prior said...

oh, I adored your stories! Extraordinary things happen to extraordinary people, tell your old guy that, next time, lol. (All my sisters and I have that exact gold ware, we only use it in December, but we could seat 40!, I don't even know who bought me mine, as a gift, years ago) Lezlee

Ann in the UP said...

Not odd, just 1. blessings, or 2. serendipity or 3. blind dumb luck. Take your pick. I'd prefer to be "blessed". But that's just me-----and most of your other fans.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Girl I could write a book about the things that are odd that happens with me...Love the gold flat ware and how pretty that will be on one of your GREAT tables that you do girlfriend...Hope you and the BOSS are having a fun trip and I owned my own buisness for 31 years and never took a vacation ha ha!! Have fun my Dear friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Jean said...

Sounds to me like you are just in the right place at the right time which isn't odd but very fortunate! Jean

Robin said...

WOW! You just have a knack for being at the right place at the right time! Gorgeous items and your story is even better!

Chandy said...

Laurie, glad I stopped by today! What an amazing table! You are so creative with your choices and the colors, beautiful!

aimee said...

i would say blessed! you have just been in the right place at the right time :) it was so sweet of you to give them $20. you have such a great eye for dishes.
blessings,
aimee

Sue said...

Laurie, the strangest and best things always happen to me! I think I attract weirdos, though. LOL
People come up and start chatting just out of the blue! I get cozy with shop owners or people having yard sales, and end up making some pretty good deals, I think! I will have to post my most recent windfall. Ok, make some time, Sue. Maybe later today. Look for me!
Your goblets were a bargain, my friend, as was your flatware. I think it's all just luck and being in the right place at the right time. Karma, anyone?
hugs, Sue

Anonymous said...

As I was reading this post my smile was getting bigger and bigger. I agree with a previous poster who said things happen to and for you because you are open to them. You were having an adventure and life decided to offer you opportunities.
Recently I have given into the influence of other bloggers and have been looking more closely at glassware. The sets I have found most often come in 5 or 7, as if once one glass breaks the rest have no value. silly people.