I got the keys to the house - Day 1!!!!!
I was beyond thrilled when we got this house back in June. Even if it was a week before we were to fly to GR for the summer. To finally actually secure a home that I really want to live in, was monumental.
It was completely unfurnished. Which I really wanted, because I am tired of other peoples leather couches and you already know how fervently I feel about glass topped tables.
And while I didn't have the time, I decided to go.....
SHOPPING!
I mean come on, it's one of my favourite things to do. I even made a career out of it. So no sooner had I gotten the keys, that I was out the door to find furniture, kitchenware, beds, towels, hammers, you name it!
I couldn't wait because there was a 3-piece antique bedroom set waiting for me at the Antique market. I've been watching it since last August and it is gorgeous. There was also a chair down the road, and then a very unique antique writing desk, further on down the same road. I figured I would get the keys to the house, walk around in it, feel the space and then head off shopping.
What a great day awaits....
The antique store is a 45 minute walk from the new house, so Off I went. There were actually about 4 pieces there that I wanted and now I was ready to buy.
I do love all different types of decor (I swear I do), but even with this blank slate, here I was right back to my love of antiques that I planned to fill the house with.
It was a gorgeous day, one perfect for walking and acquiring furniture. I took pictures on the way, and almost whistled while I walked.
Once I got to the antique store, I went right to the bedroom set, and it wasn't there. No biggie, they move it all the time. So I kept shopping and looking for all my stuff. Where is it? I'm not finding any of the things I like and have multiple pictures of. As I start to slowly panic, I go to the desk and ask for the furniture. "Oh" she says, "you are the one with the two boys." Right! "Yeah, we sold that a week after you were in last time."
WHAT!
I've been watching it for almost 9 months and now it's gone?!?!
I wanted to sit down and cry.
But then I thought. Well, all of the apartments you lost, and cried over, were not meant to be or you wouldn't be in this awesome house now.
And although that made perfect sense, it did nothing to calm my sadness.
But what do you do? I left, bereft, and went to buy the chair at the next store.
BUT, I shit you not, it was GONE!
Okay, that's it, if the writing desk is gone, I'm going to lose it.
When I get to the store, it was still in the window, but with the day I'm having, I'm not going to be sure of anything until I hear it is NOT SOLD.
Lo and Behold - it's still for sale! YIPPPPEEEEEE! I don't think I've ever been so thrilled to buy a piece of furniture.
Of course I start my negotiations (remember the career-it's now just part of my personality), and talk to Carol for the next 30 minutes. The shop is adorable, a wee place with nice antiques. After we have become best friends, she says, do you know this is a charity shop? All of us are volunteers and we help prisoners rehabilitate.
Oh FFS!
"I am paying you full price," I blurt out. Feeling like the biggest heel around.
Carol is non-plussed and starts to say to the other volunteer worker there, "Say Janet, do you think Kitty (we are on first name basis now) would like our warehouse?"
WAIT WHAT?????????????????
There's a warehouse?
Have you been holding out on me Carol? I got a whole house to fill here! Kitty in a warehouse full of antiques is like a kid in a candy shop!
Suffice it to say, I was at the warehouse the next morning for 2 hours, and I picked up 7 new pieces, and a new best friend Pat. And the following day, it all was delivered and put in place. (I didn't negotiate a thing!) (and way over tipped on the delivery!). Guilty much?!?
It had to have been one of my best shopping days ever! So much fun. Right down to meeting some of the best people in Glasgow, as Pat gushed with pride and joy when he introduced me to his 31 year old downs syndrome son. I mean I was near tears at the love he was exuding. I literally did not want to leave.
Now in the house
I now go over there (Open Gates is the name) every couple of weeks, because in the big warehouse is a cafe and they are going to do a soup kitchen that I want to be a part of. I love this place and all that it stands for. These charity shops in the West End of Glasgow are magical I tell you. I feel blessed to be a part of a couple of them so intimately.
Here are some of my treasures....
A dressing table, that I am repurposing into a desk and entry wall mirror.
I'm going to do a mirror wall to copy my dear friend Melanie!
Some wardrobes that open by turning the pull thing sideways (that took me longer than it should have to figure out). These Scottish antiques are cool. The huge one is mahogany (not even $200), and it was a bear getting it up the stairs.
This is for Levi's room.
Pat my new BFF with the mahogany giant.
This is for my room.
A wee table, just because.
I found out that in Scotland, antiques aren't really selling unless they are refinished and refurbished. That's just blasphemous to my all American soul. Once you refinish there, the value plummets. But maybe antiques aren't much of thing there anymore either. Who knows, but back in the day, when I decorated the GR house, that was the rule (or law according to Bob at the Emporium - god rest his unique and rare soul).
So now I am beyond glad that those pieces were gone at the Antique market. I've met some truly great people, I'm helping out a charity with a mission I totally am on board with and I got an amazing deal. My heart is full to bursting!
Everything happens for a reason!
Life is soooooo good!
And, I'm still shopping......
Kitty cook-less Crocker
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