Yes, you all know that I take things from the Take It or Leave It at the RDF (recycling and disposal facility, ie: town dump), I shop at Salvation Army and thrift stores. My favorite place on Earth is the Brimfield Antique Fair (coming soon mark your calendars!). Most of what I dive in dumpsters for is for myself. However, from time to time I do find gifts. Some of the best gifts I have given have been found items. Sometimes the recipient knows the source, sometimes I embellish ("I got it at an Antique Store" sounds so much more palatable), most often I say nothing.
My brother and sister in law just remodeled and moved into an extraordinary home on Boston's Beacon Hill. It is exquisite to say the least. It's a place worthy of movie sets and big shiny design magazine photo shoots. Where did I get their housewarming gift? That's right, the dump. I gave it with pride and I will have you know it is prominently displayed in their fine home. We had the pleasure of celebrating Easter dinner at their pad and lookie what I say standing erect on the custom built in bookcase that is fabulous enough to lick...
Second shelf from top, first item from left: A vintage, first edition, hardcover copy of "Joy Street" written by Francis Parkinson Keyes.
The significance you ask? Well, their home is on actual Joy Street, the Joy Street the book is written about and not only that but their building is in the illustration.
Could it get better? Why yes it does. In the jacket flap was a description of the story, and I am paraphrasing, it's about the Boston blue bloods who live on Beacon Hill and all of the scandal that ensues when the Italians move in. Do you know my surname and that of my brother and sister in law? It doesn't get any more Italian than that. Joy indeed! I am beyond thrilled their hearts and minds were open enough to receive the gift no matter it's source!
I will say it again, the best things in life ARE FREE!
I'd rather receive a gift that is thoughtful and personal no matter the source, than a new candle or a bottle of wine any day! My mom is also a master of thrift store gift giving, I love it.
Posted by: Leah | 05/02/2011 at 11:25 AM