In '96 or '97, my friend Anne (happy birthday- today!) and I went to Shipshewana, Indiana with Barbara Martin to do a story for the Home Companion. It was one of those shopping sidetrips, Saturday Mornings: 2 pals off to the country auction. In a freeeeeezing cold livestock barn early in the morning, we wandered through the box lots of intriguing junk and folk art antiques. Barbara was earnestly snapping pictures of us as we snooped the goods and then later too when we bid on things.
More than anything, I wanted this pale blue, hand-painted glass vase.
I didn't win it. I can't remember why. Maybe I stopped to warm my hands or look at polaroids or move to a brighter spot, but I missed it.
I do remember that as soon as we were finished with "business," I trailed that unsuspecting winner to the parking lot and offered to buy her $5 vase. She happily gave it up for $8.00.
On Saturday, it came down from the kitchen shelf, perfect for these flowers. In bloom once more for a lucky girl.
We landed in Shipshiwana once---it was amazing. I attend auctions in NJ, but this was so different. It was very intimidating. I couldn't even understand the auctioneer and there were so many auctions going on at one time. My husband said if we ever go into the antique business we now know where to come and buy. I saw a cute button on someone's blog to save the Home Companion magazine---I wish I could remember who it was now!
Posted by: Geralyn Gray | February 19, 2009 at 04:43 PM
and do you remember all three of us in our pj's talking most of the night? loved that trip and all the others.
happy birthday anne.
Posted by: b | February 19, 2009 at 10:37 PM
such a sweet story! thanks for sharing with us:) I've so enjoyed looking through your blog. The children's Valentine project was adorable! what a treat for those kids...and their lucky Valentines:)
Happy weekend to you
xox...jenn
Posted by: noodle and lou studio | February 20, 2009 at 01:11 AM
I remember those articles from Home Companion. I adored that magazine. I hope to see it again one day.
The vase is sweet. Love the story!
mary
Posted by: mary | February 20, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Nothing to do with your post - just to tell that I ordered a used copy of "Between Friends" from Betterworldbooks - it took a while to arrive, as it's a long journey to Germany.
When I finally held it in my hands, I discovered it is an autographed copy!
It has a very sweet dedication, too, from the original giver, I presume. Lots of stories with this book in addition to the printed ones... :^)
Posted by: Katha | February 20, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Did you get pie at the Blue Gate Inn?
What is the lovely Barbara doing now?
Posted by: Linda Crispell | February 20, 2009 at 08:13 PM
What a great story! It's those memories that can serve to take us back in time over and over again. Belated birthday wishes to your friend Anne!
Posted by: Kathryn | February 21, 2009 at 06:44 AM
I miss my Home Companion!
Posted by: Linda | February 21, 2009 at 06:49 PM
I love it when I find out someone else shares My birthday! LOL. Happy wishes to your pal, Anne.
That vase is simply a lovely thing to see, Charlotte, and I do wish I could find something that perfect for my own place. I think on my piano would be good.
Thanks so much for sharing that story, too!
Take care.
Candace in Athens
Posted by: Candace | February 21, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Your vase looks perfectly wonderful on that chair too. Such pretty flowers to compliment a lovely vase.
Karen
Posted by: karen cox | February 22, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Meant to be!!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 22, 2009 at 01:25 PM
What a lovely shade of blue that vase is.
Perfect blooms for the vase.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | February 22, 2009 at 09:14 PM