Adventures in Indiana

It’s been a busy few weeks. Not only have I been juggling two part time jobs and some volunteer work but our social calendar has been insanely full lately too. I think it’s the change in seasons that causes everyone to want to be out and about. We also just came back from a trip to good ol’ “Indian-er” as Deric calls it - (translation Indiana) where we celebrated a dear friend’s wedding, had a few too many beers (which may be a requirement for any trip to this state), visited with family and did some fishing! Of course, I had to do some shopping there as well. There is always something unique to be found at antique stores or garage sales in small towns and I must say Ferdinand did not disappoint.

While at lunch with some of the ladies from the Muller and Oser families, we heard about a local garage sale happening in a neighboring town, St. Meinrad, so we made our way over. Most of it was your usual garage sale fare – books, old t-shirts, shoes, VHS tapes, lawn chairs, etc. I was ready to give up when I spotted something very, very exciting….another vintage piece of luggage. It’s almost exactly the same as the Samsonite mustard yellow bag I’ve been apprehensive to give up but this one is blue and made by Sears. On the spot, I decided I’d keep the blue one for my own use and sell the yellow one. Problem solved! I also found a very cool brown leather vintage camera bag. My husband marveled at how I was able to spot these two things in all of the boxes and piles of stuff scattered around.

L: My new blue tote, R: Vintage camera case

My next shopping stop had been on my list of places to go. We’ve driven by the Antique Emporium many times but for some reason, I’ve never ventured inside until now.

I’m a little upset at myself for not going in sooner. This place was a 10,000 square foot vintage heaven. It just seemed to go on and on. If we lived closer, I would’ve had to take home more then just the few purses I settled on…..

L: Blue & white knit handbag, R: White wicker purse with mother of pearl accents

As fun as my shopping excursions were, I did learn a very important lesson on this trip… always check the inside of your purchases for leftover belongings from previous owners BEFORE you go through airport security. While getting my bags checked, I was singled out by a TSA agent. She requested to thoroughly check the blue bag. I thought it was odd until I figured out what prompted her to do so. The x-ray machine had shown what appeared to be a knife. After pulling every last item out of my bag, she revealed a rusty old steak knife hidden in a side pocket. Luckily, she was satisfied when I agreed to let her throw it away. Little did I know that my beloved blue Sears bag would cause such a nightmare. Lesson learned!

Keep your eyes out for my new finds (sans knives) on etsy!

Lots of New Developments!

Things have been quite busy over the last few weeks and I’m excited to share some news! As a young breast cancer survivor I can’t tell you how happy I am about the opportunities that have just been presented to me. I was just invited to be part of the volunteer planning staff for a breast cancer fundraiser called Beats for Boobs – a fun collaboration of art, music and fashion. I’ve been involved with this amazing organization for a few years as a model in their fashion show and have baked boobie cupcakes for the event. I am also lucky to be able to call many of the amazing ladies on the staff my friends.  I’ll be working as the Event Coordinator/right hand woman for their 3 events – in SF, LA and Seattle and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of something so special!

Also, through my connections at Beats for Boobs, I was just hired at the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund which is a non-profit social service organization that provides emergency financial assistance to low-income women and men of San Francisco and San Mateo County who are in active treatment for breast cancer. After working for seven years at an art gallery, it is such a breath of fresh air to know that I will actually be helping people in need for a cause that is very dear to my heart.

I'll be dividing my time between Cowboy Jack Vintage, B4B, BCEF as well as the little part time job I decided to keep with the frameshop. WHOA! So I have a lot to do! :) I should get started.....

Have a good week everyone!