Rocks in the Dryer

ETSY at it's Finest

Have I mentioned how much I adore all that is ETSY?  Need I mention how amazed I am when I find how few people take part in the joy that is conducting business on ETSY?  I continually find myself shocked when I learn of people who don't even know what ETSY is?  How could it be? 

Last week in the midst of my discovery and growing infatuation with Vintage Paint By Numbers I decided to treat myself to a few.  Call it a "modest splurge" as recommended by The Happiness Project.  I searched, I found, I purchased.  Yesterday the first one arrived in finest ETSY fashion.

My $12.00 purchase, beautifully wrapped along with a long handwritten letter from the seller. 

I love the painting. Love it!  I love the personalized homey feeling of the transaction.  It arrived very swiftly, and in line with the vast majority of my ETSY transactions, fully exceeded my expectations!  More please.

 

Reading Much Lately?

One might think I am conducting research.  Maybe I am.  My findings have me all fired up.  I feel empowered, ready for serious action, mad, excited, proud, eager ... all sorts of things. 

** I have intentionally not linked the books to a purchase site -  I do not intend to promote that you purchase them or if you want to, where you should.

 

Here is the short list:  The Price of Privilege

Don't let the name fool you.  Living in this country is privilege, and the wisdom of this book applies to any income bracket.  It's not how much money you have, it's how you spend it or how you "spend" what you have on your kids.  Best said review here

 

Revolution in the Bleachers:  I foresee being at war with Big Daddy on this topic for years to come, I have done my research and am ready for battle.  Many parts of this book made me gasp for breath, cry, cringe, nearly vomit and for the most part, hate the generation of parents I am among.  Great summary here.

Last Child in the Woods Author Richard Louv knew just what I've been preaching and pleading.... Here is the author's overview.

The Happiness Project.  Love it.  Author, Gretchen Rubin has a blog that brings it to life. Learning much, implementing much.  Good darn knowledge.  My own project has begun.

Mind in the Making.  Still working on this one, I keep get interrupted by others....still well worth it, can't wait to make the time to finish.

Game On - I also didn't get to finish this one, yet.  It was due back to library before complete - I plan to check it out again ....  Great praise and quotes here,  Synopsis here.  I need to get my copy back.

 

Many above were suggested reading from The Race to Nowhere site.

Related titles I have loved from previous reading journeys Include:  all by Dr. Michael Thompson, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, by Wendy Mogel, Consuming Kids (and all by Susan Lin) to mention a few.

The connectedness of them is all quite startling.  It's easy for me as much of it confirms my intuition, my gut on how to do this thing called parenting, raising boys, all the rest. Though each time I pick one up and dive back in I get so much.  The problem is I feel I am at battle, waging war with the Joneses you might say.  They, The Joneses, are a plentiful and mighty army and at most times I feel alone with my convictions.  If the Joneses would stop all their foolishness my life sure would be a lot easier.  I also feel at battle with my husband.  Big D has a tendency to worry about those damn Joneses too much in my opinion and is not ready to concede to the conclusiveness of my research.

The Happiness Project encourages me to take more notes, even if I don't know the purpose of said note taking.  I've read so many books and learned so much but it feels like it's all melted into one puddle in my brain.  I can't think of one fact to quote when I need to.  The Happiness Project also encourages me (this is my reading of it) to write a book.  Not so much that I need to publish it, just write it.  I think I agree.  I think I might take notes on my research, organize it, come to fact based conclusions and put it into one nice, easy to read, self published book.

OMG - I can do it and give it to big D for fathers day! When is father's day? How long does it take to receive said self published book once written?  Happiness Project says I should spend no more than 30 days writing my book, done.  I have a project to do (maybe I really can "publish" it here at home since time is of the essence).  Better get on it, people's lives are at stake!

 

Why Are You Taking Pictures?

There was a parade in our town yesterday.   My kids were in the parade so I was essentially on the sidelines alone, awaiting their arrival.  Keeping myself busy, I was taking tons and tons and tons of photos.  A neighbor, who was there with her young kids, asked me why I was taking so many photos.

The question struck me in such an odd way?  Why not?  I dunno know.  Hmmmmm, I like taking photos?  She asked if I was taking them so I could show my kids since they were missing watching the parade.  I thought about this.  It's not really why I was taking the photos, but I was sure I would show them.  She asked what I was going to do with the photos.  Again, mind blank..... I dunno, was my only response.

It felt so odd to be questioned, perhaps because I had never really thought about it.  Some people just like to take photos, some don't?  I couldn't grasp the question, let alone my response.   Some don't consider taking photos of things that their kids aren't standing in front of?  Why was I taking them?  What is my answer?  Do I need one.  Should I know? Good grief, it was messing with me.

I came to the simple decision upon walking home and  still pondering the questioning.  Finally, I came to it.  I am photographer.  I've never called myself that, never felt the need.  Do I need some qualification or credential?  Apparently not.  I just love taking photos, I always have. I do lots of things with many of my photos, and sometimes do nothing with them. 

At any rate, I am more compelled than ever to share the fruits of yesterday's pleasures:

I thought these two guys (above and below looked strikingly weary, and perhaps fresh from battle)

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with the proud wife of the man above.  He is the oldest WWII veteran who lives in our town.  He is a doctor who worked in plastic surgery for WWII injured soldiers, this when plastic surgery was new and being developed by immediate need.  His work continued to pioneer organ transplantation where he earned the Nobel Prize for the first ever kidney transplant.  I am filled with joy that I took his photo, met his wife and have the opportunity to be proud of him on so many vast levels.  He is 98 years old and lives around the corner from me, who knew.

Above are all of my "friends" who volunteer at the recycling center (the source of most of my finds of the week) Love them one and all!

Lastly, the photo with my kids.  Need I express how happy I am that this is not the only photo I took of the day?  How often do these sights present themselves?  How often do I get the opportunity to photograph these subjects and scenes?  How much joy do I gain from looking at the images now and will in the future?  All are questions I need not ponder.  I do it, I like it.  I wanna do it some more!

 

Can Bikram Heal Me?

Ever done Bikram Yoga? 

My friend Elizabeth introduced me to this yoga in January and I was a quick addict.  Problem was, I was in the midst of my full body overhaul and was already going to the gym 3 days a week, then going to Bikram 3 days a week. Something had to give. 

Lo and behold my body is failing me and now the gym is on freeze and I await the results of an MRI.  The instructors at our Bikram studio asked Elizabeth where I had been, she told them about my back ailments and they were adamant that I return ASAP.  Of the many claims made by the Bikram community, healing is top of the list.

Plow through the Bikram website, read the testimonials, talk to an instructor and you will be amazed to hear the claims.  Today I am going back.  I haven't exercised in two weeks, I am in rather constant discomfort, if not pain, and feel like a huge load.

When I was actively doing Bikram I was also actively not blogging.  I wanted to blog about it, crafted many posts and witty comments in my head.  It's a unique place, philosophy, experience.  It's hot yoga, yes, but very different form mainstream hot yoga or any other yoga for that matter.  The room is hotter for one, there is no namaste.  A Bikram class is the exact same 26 postures in the exact same order each and every time - there are loads of reasons why. Everything (down to the floor covering) has specific purpose. The instructors talk, correct and coach constantly, it keeps your mind from wandering, keeps you on task. 

I always found it so funny that their outwardly spoken words were eerily responsive to the voice in my head.  While in some spinal searing back bend I would be whining to myself "I don't know if I should be doing this, this really hurts my back"  then, if like magic, the instructor would say aloud to the class "Your back is supposed to hurt like hell"  - "oh, Ok good", I could reply to myself,  "I must be doing it right".

Their cued responses to my internal whining also lead me to some funny thoughts: 

As holding the spread leg bent over, touch your head to floor thing I would be wondering to myself If I could actually drown from the sweat pouring into my nose? The instructors never mentioned that one, but would remind us that if we took a break to mop sweat then the posture had not begun, sweat wiping time wasters.

Can it heal me, as their testimonials claim? I don't know.  What I do know is that I am going to sweat my way into certain dehydration today (Pedialyte awaits me at home) and that will surely feel nothing but good.

Vintage Paint By Numbers

I am in the midst of a new and overpowering obsession, somebody stop me before I do something drastic....

I am finding myself, very much by surprise, obsessed with vintage paint by numbers (PBN - that's collectors terminology).  Who knew.  My friend Kerrie has a vintage PBN over her living room sofa, it's never done much for me.  When we go to Brimfield I hear (but have not really listened) to her prattle on about looking for good PBN's - I was not yet ready for the conversation....... until now.

A very creative couple updated a very ugly stairwell with a Paint by Number collection (see the whole project & before photos here)

Finally, the grand master of all Paint By Number executions  -  That's right, a hand-painted PBN mural.  Yowsah!!!!!! (fully story and links below)

this fantastic wall makeover comes from scott and cheryl white in michigan. inspired by paint by number artwork, they decided to turn an ebay painting into their own custom wall mural. after their paint-by-number painting arrived from ebay, scott made a color transparency of it and borrowed a friend’s projector to trace it on the wall with pencil. scott and cheryl created a chart of all the colors, recreating their own numbering system. then after a trip to michael’s to pick up paints, scott and cheryl painted in their large-scale paint-by-numbers mural by hand over a period of eight months. the final results are stunning and i’m so glad scott and cheryl had the inspiration to create something so fun on their walls. well done, guys!

via www.designspongeonline.com

 

I found more more more and have "pinned" them in my brand new Pintrest account! - check them out here.  I admit I have not yet gone fully mental - I only bought 3 PBN's on Etsy last night .......

Brimfield Re-cap

Oh my aching back.  Two long days of strolling through the beating sun at brimmy can really wreck the body, but as always, pure joy!

I had been given a few personal shopping missions, I had a list myself and as always I came home with virtually nothing I went there for.  In the many years past I have taken to acquiring vintage Christmas decorations and as Big Daddy will emphatically express;  Our Christmas collection is absolutely complete.

Once on the fields as I was trying to divert my eyes from all things Christmas I decided why not spread my love for holiday decor to all the holidays.  I have been reading "The Happiness Project" and really enjoying many little nuggets and resolutions that can be made to strive for a happy life.  One that sticks is (and I am paraphrasing) to make your home a treasure trove of happy memories.  Tis my mission with Christmas, why not spread it out.  I can now proudly say: all holidays are represented, but these collections are far from complete.  Two more brimfield fairs to go this year, I have my work cut out for me.

Here is Mr. Thanksgiving:

I love him dearly.

I found these fun rings and scooped them up for everyone who had their name sake represented.  This one is for my BFF Betty.  They were $1 a dozen. 

I almost bought this for my bathroom, there is large cavern in my bathroom where a bathtub is supposed to be (it's a heartbreaking story I won't tell). I walked away and now have to wonder why....

I was on a mission to find a portrait for a friend's mantle... She wanted something "old timey" I was texting her photos all day, to all she said "no thanks"

she almost got this one just for being a pain in my butt:

we enjoyed the endless miles of vintage treasures:

Then finally made our way back for an icy cold beer by sun set on the tailgate.  This is where we dig through our carriages and see all the bounty within.  We never remember what we have acquired until we unload......

Ok so there is a little Christmas, though it pales in comparison to the 7 (count them) vintage ceramic Easter-esque planters.....Big Daddy is going to be soooooooooooooo thrilled!

 

Bathroom Mini Reveal

It was many months ago that I showed off our bathroom renovation in progress.  This bathroom (as you can read about in the other post) has been more than 3 years in the making.  I won't talk about it too much the wounds are still healing....

At very long last, our bathroom is nearly finished.  We lack some finishing touches, some touch up paint and a few more bits and pieces.  It is, however fully functional and we use it with unbridled joy. 

Last week when my 6 year old came down with strep throat I was reminded again how utterly thrilled and lucky and blessed and ecstatic I am to no longer share a bathroom with the heathens that are my sons.  Their hygiene habits, or lack there of, are repulsive.  I can and do say: "wash your hands" until I am blue in the face, on an hourly basis, but the reality is they are little boys and not the most thorough of the breed.  I no longer could stomach my tooth brush being in the same room, let alone holder as theirs.  Mine is now tucked away in my very own wall mounted cabinet that I share with no one.  Peace.

More to come..... 

 

Rockywold Deephaven Camps - Booking Now!

Our family vacation last year was .... well ...... the best week of our collected lives.  Our stay at Rockywold Deephaven Camps was a week that met all of our individual needs and desires and so much more.  Each of us individually loved it, embraced it, we drank it up and can't wait to go back!

(you can read some about last year here and here)

Rockywold is un-mistakably a fabulously, uniquely, remarkable place.  It's not the place for everyone, I'll grant you that, but for us it was perfect.  We are in the midst of securing our Summer 2011 plans and  are spazing out a bit.  We know that we can not have the same cabin for the same week as last year (blimey, blimey, blimey).  RDC has a long history steeped with tradition and with that comes families who have "seniority" at RDC.  Seniority is an official status and plays a big part in where and when newbies like us can (and can't) stay.  We have some options to consider but what we want is to carbon copy our experience from last year.  I am afraid that is not going to happen.  So we will have to take fate by the neck and hope our coming experience will hold a candle to last year.

I realized when I looked at my posts from last summer - that I never completed the task.  The architecture, the history, the place that is RDC had me mesmerized the entire time.  Proof is that I took about 6 photos of my kids while there, the rest of my 782 exposures were of the grounds, the buildings and surroundings.  Here are some of my faves:

Our cabin

 

Around Camp (this is where the square dance is)

Zodiac: kids hangout

The Lake

If you can take it no more and must vacation yourself at RDC make sure you tell them I sent you - I intend to boost my seniority status with a few referral points!

Also - friend them on Facebook (search Rockywold Deephaven Camps) to check out more "around the camp" scenes!

Chelsea Handler at Wellesley Books, Tuesday, May 10th

"We are thrilled to bring to Wellesley one of America's most acclaimed and cutting edge comedians. Chelsea Handler will be at Wellesley Books signing her new book, Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me on the release date, Tuesday, May 10th at 5:00 pm. Chelsea is known for a unique comedic style that combines fearless honesty, ironic riffs and self-deprecations - with no shortage of material. She will be joined by Josh Wolf, a weekly guest comedian on Chelsea Lately and author of one of the chapters in Chelsea's new book".

via www.wellesley.indiebound.com

I was so excited to hear my BFF Chelsea Handler is going to be in quaint little Wellesley tonight (I seriously didn't think Wellesley was a Chelsea kind of town).  I was swiftly making plans to dash to Wellesley Books, get my copy and sit and chat with Chelsea. 

Then I remembered, I loathe public events like this.  I am rather sure I'd get no quality time with Chelsea, I'd stand in line with the rest of the losers with a big cheezy grin on our faces.  Chelsea or not, I am not that kinda girl.  Would buying a copy of the book, standing in line and having Chelsea sign her name in it impact my life?  I don't think so.  Would inviting Chelsea over to my house and sitting on the porch laughing our guts out while drinking stiff cocktails impact my life? Yes.

IF Chelsea were interested, and chances are she's not, only since she's on a book tour . . . I think I'll sit on the porch by myself tonight and watch the boys sling mud at each other then watch a little Chelsea Lately on DVR.  I am sorry to miss her, I know we'd love each other.  I think I'll wait and catch her on stage somewhere (and subsequently back stage).  If anyone goes, tell her I said "hi".

Mother's Day Revenge

The past two years I have been forced, by no fault of my own, to go on a Mother's Day Revenge shopping spree.  In a state of horrified bitterness I have marched myself into one of the swankiest most over-priced women's clothing boutiques in the lovely town where I live and gone stark raving mad showering myself with gifts.  The attentive staff has treated me well and each time I have left with jaw dropping couture clothing that served me gloriously for the coming season. 

Leading up to Mother's Day two of my friends had asked to join me on my Mother's Day Revenge shopping spree, they had seen the miracles I accomplish. This year, 'cause fools don't learn, I entered Mother's Day with hopes, not overly high ones, just hopes.  I held my shopping companions off by saying, "It will occur on an as need basis only, stay tuned".

 

We are going tomorrow.

 

It's not that Mother's Day was bad, the boys made cards, Big D made me breakfast and I washed not one dish all day.  That is a treat.  I recommended going out for dinner.  Really out, into Boston out.  Big D made a few dippy, local recommendations, not quite worthy of the occasion.  I insisted the boys wear "fancy clothes", code for waist bands and collars.  Off we went, had a lovely dinner and closed out the day.

What?  You wanna know what my gifts were?  Fine, I'll entertain you.  I had seen a Bloomingdales shopping bag in Big D's car and I have to say, I was giddy with anticipation.  Was this the year?  I was almost excited, something picked special just for me from one of my favorite stores!  Yeah!

Mother's Day morning I tore into my gifts to find the following:

1 Vegetable Peeler

1 Potato Ricer

1 set of brightly colored chip bag clips

(pause for deep breath)

1 lovely knit throw  (it's nice and I like the color)

Can we back up to the kitchen items?  Those aren't gifts really, are they?  Those are errands.  Those are wedding shower gag gifts. Who goes to Bloomingdales and buys a vegetable peeler?  WTF?  Big D trying to save himself said the boys picked them  ......  HELP THEM PICK BETTER!!!!! ...... put them on the escalator and go to an appropriate department!  I can not raise men who will honestly think they can poorly wrap a vegetable peeler and give it ... to anyone ....  and think that is a gift!  Shall I mention that I already own fully functioning vegetable peeler, potato ricer (two actually, not including yesterday's addition) and chip bag clips, does that matter?  The need or lack of need of a vegetable peeler is of no point.  It was a stupid effort.

Again, the throw is nice, though sadly, the company it kept has removed any good feelings from it's presence and potential to bring warmth .....next winter ... as it is SPRING MIND YOU! 

Oh, I almost forgot. 

Some nice, and ever so thoughtful angel carried the laundry up from the cellar for me last night and plopped it in my path to the family room without even being asked (code for: I had no intention of folding laundry last night).  It was thoughtful, really, since I have a disc problem in my lower back and really shouldn't be lugging mountains of laundry from the cellar.  Isn't life grand?

I think in light of yesterday's events, this year's shopping event might be so robust to require two credit cards!  Mother's Day 2011 might just be the best ever!

Sorrowful Saturday

Physically, today is simply a beautiful day.  Big daddy is outside conducting his inaugural lawn mowing, the sky is crystal clear blue, the air crisp and refreshing.  This is how the world can be cruel and altogether confusing.  Today we will attend a funeral.

Big D and I lost touch of a mutual friend over the last year and we now know why.  She was sick, very, very sick.  We are struggling with our ability to accept her death, but must also accept our failure as friends.  How did we allow her to slip from our care and concern?  Why did we not check in, discover what was wrong and do something.

Missy died on Tuesday of this week and as a single mother, leaves 7 year old daughter behind for this world to care for.  The grief of this statement is almost too much to comprehend.  I can't imagine what this past year must have been like for her as she inevitably had to face and prepare for her daughter's future.  I am overcome with sorrow and sadness and longing for Missy.  The ache and compassion I feel for her daughter is inconceivable. 

At myself, I am nothing but angry.   I want to do something, to have done something and the helplessness is paralyzing and so deeply painful.  I am a better person, or thought I was.  I want to have been there for her. 

Today I will offer my farewell and my deepest apologies to Missy.  To Ella I'll offer all of the light and hope my spirit has and then I'll go out and find some more and give it to her too.

The Backbone's Connected to the .... What?

Went to see Madam Surgeon about the searing, stinging, electric, paralyzing pain in the ole abdomen.  Her diagnosis was not at all what I expected.  Her suspicion is that the two back injuries I have suffered over the last two years are the result of a disc problem in my lower back, not muscle spasms as previously diagnosed and treated.

Who knew, the nerves attached to lower spinal discs wrap around the side of your body and are firmly anchored in the lower abdomen.  I was most displeased.  I was certain that a little surgery to fix said abdomen would result in a little tummy tuck, gift with purchase.  How wrong I was.

The only gift I am getting is a MRI and what would my inaugural 40th year be without my very first MRI?  Back surgery is not at all on my to do list, and by no means do I assume it will be necessary.  I speculate to be treated though physical therapy and other external means, though what in the world do I know anyway.

Sweet lover, boyfriend, trainer Jay told me I should stop lifting cars to impress my friends with my freakish human strength, according to him this is the clearly root of my ailment.  He also said, "quit your whining and get on the treadmill".  Jerk.

The Art of Communication

(linked for photo credit)

Yesterday was perhaps my largest failure in the ability to effectively communicate.  I sent an email invitation of sorts to a group of friends and the aftermath of said email was nothing short of disastrous.  Never in the history of time has one small, innocent, well intended email created such ill will and back lash. 

Oddly, each circumstance of disappointment was unique in its upset.  No recipient was pissed about the same thing.  How did I accomplish this?  I had to step back yesterday and decipher the reactions and responses.  How was I so mis-understood.  How is it possible that there could be so many interpretations?  How could words that I wrote (and failed to write) have been read in so many different ways?  Half of the readers "got it", they received the message I intended and all was well.  The other half had a whole other experience.

I left two people off my distribution list.  Both, I guess, I left off intentionally.  I thought one wouldn't be interested in the invitation (apparently, I thought wrong).  I thought the other already had plans that would exclude her from what I was addressing (wrong again, available or not, the exclusion was hurtful).  They were both separately insulted for being excluded, no matter how light the email was and no matter how close in verbal and personal contact we are.  The fact of not having their name in the "TO:" field was taken very personally.

The third person mis-understood the nature of the invitation altogether.  I now know she didn't read it all (there was a link attached), but I also can take some responsibility for not being as crystal clear as humanly possible.

The fourth was down right pissed.  The invitation was not as robust and inclusive as she anticipated and she is angry at me for what I offered in comparison to what she expected.

sigh.

Randy Travis sang a wonderful country song long ago that had a line I refer to often:  "I hear tell, the road to hell is paved with good intentions."  I agree, again and again. 

My intentions were good, my choice in words and the vehicle of communication failed.  I am now left with the opportunity to fix it ..... or not. 

If I were a younger I might create a goal for myself, a mission for change, a mantra to do better next time, stop, reflect, re read, cross the t's better, dot the i's.  Instead I feel that at this stage in my life I have sorted out who I am comfortable being.  I know what my intentions are, who I am, who it is that I am actually responsible for (my kids & myself).  I could take the lesson and affirm to keep my mouth shut more often.  If the simple act of saying "c'mon along" can reverberate such strife then just don't do it again.   

Or, I can just say "oh well".

I have knitting stitches to perfect, allergy sufferers to nebulize, groceries to buy, library books to return and a million more things that seem a bit more pressing, all things considered.

 

The Dark Side of the Newly Built Body

I've got some medical ish going on.  Today I meet with a surgeon to figure out just what the ish is.  I have my suspicions.

I have been the proud recipient of two c-sections (1 emergency, 1 scheduled)  The massive abdominal surgery being the end point of two pregnancies where I carried two extra-large babies.  They were 8.9 lbs and 9.10 lbs respectively.  My c-sections were very medically necessary, for if not for the invention of c-section my first son and I would not be on this planet today.

As you may also know, I am in the process of a major bring back the body over haul and in this process a few things other than weight loss, BMI lower and muscle building have taken place.  I am experiencing major abdominal pain.  Major I say.  My doctor and I have ruled out hernia, for which I was certain it was, and she now thinks "Abdominal Adhesions" are to blame (gross).  The scar tissue and mess from the c-sections are getting all tangled and pulled and angry from all of my body building.  It hurts like crazy, crazy I tell you.

So today I go see what Mr. Surgeon and I can do about this little mess.   In the mean time I have to stop my work out regimen as it is far too painful, so I had to e-mail my lover boyfriend trainer, Jay and tell him he'll just have to miss me for a while.

Here is what that little lamb chop had to say back:

 

Hi Laurie,

 

Thanks for letting me know. I hope everything works out ok. Maybe your just getting to jacked for your own good!?! I think you just need to stop showing everybody your abs all the time and actually let them have a break!!   JK!!!   Really though I hope it is nothing serious and everything goes smooth.

 

Talk to you soon,

Jay

Isn't he dreamy?  As much as I'd like to think, I know he isn't spying on me 'cause I don't show anyone my abs.  My abs, strong and ripped as they may be are still hidden deep beneath the empty, big ass baby, skin bag that hangs off my mid-section.  My abs are jacked as he would say, you just can't see them. When and where does all of that extra stretched skin go, if ever?  Drat.  I do like to show off my pecs.  But that is easily accomplished with a v-neck. No obvious flaunting necessary.

I received a photo recently taken of yours truly that I can't stop staring at.  It's not any good.  Lighting is bad, it's blurry, the facial expressions are not particularly flattering, composition is all off.  What is note worthy is that I think I look like a tall drink of water, skinny water.  I've wanted to post it to Facebook and say it just like it is:  This photo sucks, it's of no interest to anyone except that I LOOK SKINNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I don't remember I time EVER in my life when I actually felt like I looked slim and trim in a photo.  This body image stuff is such an unending pain..... until now it seems:

That is me on the right, my friend Kate on the left has always been freakishly skinny, we don't care about how she looks in this photo.  For me, it's the first time I have been pleased with the "Is that what I really look like?".  This time I hope so!  Of course it has to come just in time for me to stop the gym and go under the knife.  C'est La Vie -  it just means more time with the man when I recover!

Brimfield Antique Show : Brimfield MA 5/10-15

 

It's Brimfield time baby!  Browse my archives and you will quickly find I am a Brimfield junkie (snarky play on words).  Don't let the name scare you.  The Brimfield Antique Show is a whole lotta everything.  Antiques?  Yes.  Flea Market?  Yes.  Junk?  Yes.  Fried Dough?  Yes.  Miles and miles of vintage splendor?  Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes.  It's everything my heart desires and more.

I've been going to Brimfield religiously for about 11 years now and have learned a lot along the way.  My first visit there was mind-blowing and a bit disappointing at the same time.  Much of it seemed more "Flea Market" than Antique Show to me and that was not what I anticipated.  After going for so many years I have now gotten much of it sorted out.  I have my favorite parking spots, favorite times to attend and of course favorite vendors and favorite fields.

Brimfield is huge to say the least, though that shouldn't detract you if you are a newbie.  You can only do what you can do and rest assured there will be another.  Brimfield happens 3 times a year.  I go to all three, but to each his own.

This years dates are May 10-15, July 12-17 and Sept 6-11. 

For the may show I'll go Thursday, spend the night and leave Friday afternoon.  From Boston you absolutely can do a turn around day trip.  It's truly only about a 50 minute drive from The Hub.  I find that spending the night just makes the whole experience so much more fabulous - I do hate to be rushed.  Departing traffic can be out of this world.  Brimfield is on a bit of a peninsula for lack of a better term.  There is one way in and one way out.  No chance of an alternate route and too many times I have been in a mad sweat, cell phone in hand trying to find someone to pick up my kids.  If you don't need to rush back it's great to just commit to stay late.  The place starts to clear out around 3:00.  Most vendors sleep in their booths so there really is no closing time.  The twilight can be quite calm and charming.

Accommodations are tricky.  If you don't have something booked already, good luck.  My Brimfield companion and I are staying in our favorite flea bag hotel.  It's disgusting, but does the trick.

So what is Brimfield like really?  It's so hard to tell from the low budget website.  Here is a primer:

Here is  a little map of where I avoid some traffic, score good parking and take advantage of the best port-a-potties at brimmy:

On this map - every place you see a little black arrow - that is a "field".  Don't let the scale of this map mislead you.  Each field (black arrow) has it's own name and is operated independently.  They each have their own flavor.  Some charge admittance, some pride themselves in a certain theme.  For example.  Here is a  detailed map of just one of the little arrows from the overall map above:

This is "Heart O the Mart" each tiny little rectangle is a vendor.......and this is one field of over 20 total.  Each field is the size of a football field or bigger and PACKED with individual vendors.  It can be overwhelming to say the least. 

Here's a little list of what you may need to know:

Pack for the weather (it can be cold and rainy and hot searing sun) - come prepared for drastic changes in weather.

You need wheels.  Take a wagon, a luggage rack a wheelie cart (this is what I have & LOVE IT).  There is NO WAY to survive without one, if you intend to acquire anything.  Vendors will let you pay and pick up.  You can pay for a larger or heavy item then return with your car after the show and pick it up.  Most booths can be driven to after the show clears out. 

Bring cash!  I set a pre-show budget and bring that much with me.  I have rarely, probably never, spent as much as I have allotted.

Never pay the price marked - unless you want to.  Sometimes I feel like bargaining, sometimes not.  Most vendors will come down a little - especially if you are getting a few things.

I don't pack lunch - there is too much stuff to lug already, go ahead and indulge in the food vendors some are actually quite good!  Most all of the food vendors are in one field smack in the middle of the show.

Don't walk away from something you like.  You WON'T make it back to that field and booth again.  I have learned this the hard way.  Shopping at Brimmy is NOT like shopping at the mall.  You can't go back and even if you could, chances are what you want won't be there.

Don't expect (even if staying overnight) to see the whole thing.  There are many fields I have never been to and, like I mentioned I have been going for over 10 years.  It's too big to do the whole thing.

Think about what you need beforehand and measure!  If you need a painting make sure to measure where it's going to go.  If you need a bookshelf measure the space!  I have a note book that always goes with me that has the measurement of every wall, nook and cranny in my house - YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MAY FIND!

On that note - I rarely find what I am looking for - go with an open mind to find what you didn't know you wanted!

Don't be sad if you buy nothing, this happened to me often in the beginning - it's just a rookie thing.

Go with friends who you don't need to babysit.  I go with people who can be independent.  You are going to get separated and you'll eventually meet back up (maybe only upon leaving) that is what cell phones are for.  There is no time to waste.  

 

Lots of people ask to go to Brimfield with me and to that flattering request I say this:

1.) I drive my pickup brimfield truck and can't waste precious space on humans.

2.) I'll be there Thurs & Fri come on down!  Hope to see you there! You have my cell # right?

3.)  I did a great blog post that shows you the best place to park & the best place to pee! 

 

Finally, I am sad I don't have many good photos of brimmy.  Many vendors don't allow photos and while I always take my camera I am usually a bit too preoccupied to use it.

here's a couple from my last visit to peak your interest:  Not your style?  Don't fret this is one vendor in preverbial 1000's.

 

I found this great FLICKR photostream from DesignBoston of all Brimfield photos and finds. If this doesn't make you wanna go......Two weeks and counting - I can hardly stand it!