Estate sales.

 

“Before you take a girl and say I do, now, 

Make sure she's in love with-a you now. 

My mama told me, "You better shop around."

If you have ever been to one, and then returned to others multiple times, you now know the addiction of going to estate sales. They suck you in, swirl you around and spit you out with items you had no idea you desperately needed. I am an estate sale addict and I am just fine with it.

The first estate sale that took a bite out of me, was in St. Louis with my Dad and sister. I had been to other garage sales and “attempted” estate sales, but this one was truly an “ESTATE SALE.” The home was huge and the items inside were very eclectic; in other words, turn the corner and you will find another amazing “wow” for sale—-and in this case, at a very fair price. (That is not always the case.)

Now don’t get me wrong, this was not my first rodeo going to sales like this…my wife and I were going to antique sales long before this venture in St. Louis. But I had yet to get the bug. With her, I went because she has a taste for antiques and the place we went, they had antiques! Another major draw, kettle corn; yes, that will get me to go places too!

Over the years, my love for “seeking the find” has increased. It now has focused on a few areas of interest, but I know there has to be something for both of us to really get the juices flowing. For me, it’s sports memorabilia and rusty things—-one is much easier to find than the other, but when you do…jackpot!

However, the best part of going to estate sales—- “find the find,“ it’s an amazing feeling.

This past year—since I began photographing still life—anything rusty or unique, that’s not expensive, is what I am seeking.  I can tell you, the saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’’ is very appropriate. It’s when you visualize that trash into a photo, is when it becomes priceless. (Okay, “priceless” is not accurate, but you end up wanting it very badly.)

The photo above is the combination of 2 items I purchased; one was from Ebay, the other from a recent estate sale. The combined cost…I don’t remember, but probably no more than $10. The art piece was created about 40+ years ago by a local student who had lived in the home where I purchased it; when I saw it, I was hoping it was a treasure that had substantial value—-it didn’t. However, I really didn’t care, I just liked it and saw a second life for the piece in future photos. Ah the allure of the estate sale--on to the next one.

Thanks for stopping by.