$2.99

Okay, confession: I already have this exact piece and when my collection began to spill out of its designated cabinet, I had to put a stop on duplicate pieces. But yellow? In such good condition? With accompanying lid? You cannot leave such things behind when you spot them!

$1.49

Since I ditched my traditional desk for a table, I find it tough to keep my unsightly papers hidden (e.g. receipts, that jury duty summons, my speeding ticket, etcetera). I bought this old tackle box as one solution - the solid click it makes when it slams shut is a complete bonus.

medals

Some of Ann's medals: well-worn and well-loved.

I'll take a pause from this series and go back to posting thrifted finds...

children's shoe forms

Steve's mom collected antique shoe forms in children's sizes. These are just a few from her collection (I'd say there are two dozen altogether). Her requirements? They had to a) be wooden and b) have signs of actual wear. I'm quite charmed by them.

bangles

From her jewelry box...

doorknob for Bud

We're not sure when, but Ann found this doorknob in New Orleans and gave it as a gift to her brother. He recently gave it back to Steve. We love it! She loved antique shops, and I'm guessing that's where she found it?

series: Ann

I want to depart from the norm for the next few days and share some pieces that were collected and crafted by Steve's mom, Ann. That's her in the picture above; isn't she lovely? I never had the pleasure of being in her company, but I find so much joy in having her things in our home - maybe I never knew her, but I feel like I did. She raised a fine, fine son - the most important person in my life. She would be so proud of him. A tribute to her is long overdue.

$2

I paid $2 for the Woodland bowl! The bowl! Not the cat. ;)

$25

Our newest resident painting is all things grandfatherly (and any art experts feel like sharing who/what this is?). The back is marked with some interesting things. First, it is signed Shawson. And then:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permit to Copy Issued
8 N 45

And then:

SEP 24 1946
Copy
From the Original in the
Metropolitan Museum
of Art

It's our own copied little masterpiece.