I hopped down the painted wood stairs as fast as my socked feet would let me. Painted stairs and socks are just one of the ways there are to break your ankle. There are exactly 57 common ways to break your ankle in your own home. And many more of course, they aren't as common.
I did NOT want to break my ankle on this very important morning.
My name is Karen. I live in a small town, on a small property, in a small house. With a small but hugely slippery set of stairs. This particular morning as I ran in the most careful way down the black diamond stair hill I thought "Is there any luckier girl in the world than me?".
Today was the day that had me dancing through the dew on the lawn, crowing like a Rooster and wrapping an elastic band around a wad of cash.
Today ... was CHRISTIES.
The Christie Antique show is the event of all events for antique shoppers and general hooligans who like to wander around smelling fresh cut grass, musty trunks and hot dogs. I'd buy that air freshener.
Fish Pedicure, Pink tool belt, Betty and myself all smashed our way into my sister's truck (because it would hold the most stuff) and headed off to the Spring 2014 Christie Antique Show.
As I do every year I have for you a selection of photos of a lot of the wares. There are A LOT of pictures coming up.
Since going to places like this is really more about seeing what's there than buying all the stuff that's there, this should help those of you out who weren't able to make it to the show, or don't have anything like it in your area.
Reader Jody knew I'd be at the show and found me there. She presented me with a kitchen warming present. A bottle of her own Maple Syrup made from trees she tapped this spring.
And I didn't forget the men.
On Friday I'll tell you what I was looking for at the show and what I bought. It might be featured in this post ... and it might not be. You'll have to wait and find out. I know. It's extraordinarily exciting.
Just be careful. I know on Friday morning you're going to want to bound down the stairs to wherever your computer is to find out what I bought. If you have painted stairs or just a propensity for clumsiness, do so at your own risk.
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Bols
I so planned to go this year and as usual, I didn't. The long drive and the knowledge of how much I have to do at home made me change my mind. So now I torture myself by looking at your pictures. The rectangular mirror with the gilded frame is very nice.
cbblue
You wore WHITE? How can that be? I would have been a grimy, greasy, gravy dropping mess! Maybe you just had your pinny on unless you were starring in pics. Love it all, but the stack of suitcases is calling me.
Grammy
The bullet-riddled (BBs?) school zone cop sign keeps making me smile. I am tacky enough to put that guy in my garden where I can see him from my kitchen window.
That axe Betty is sporting would be so cool to own, whether you need it or not. Are you going to have your mom split wood for you fireplace next winter? Seriously, did she buy it?
And Jody is a wonderful reader! Now she's Teacher's Pet, but it's well-deserved. We all saw what it takes to make that syrup.
calliek
I live in Toronto and I have never even heard of this Christie's. Apparently I fail.
Stephbo
We used to have a once-a-month market with similar items here in Atlanta, but they closed several years ago. The place is a film studio lot now. I miss it. *sigh*. I definitely need to plan a trip to Christie's.
kelliblue
*GASP!*
I gasped at so many of your photos, I'm surprised there's any air left in this room. OH how I need--NEED, I tell you!--that green coffee cannister, the dragon sign, a couple pieces of that luggage, and pretty much every piece of MCM loveliness you captured. Sigh. Why don't our rummage/antique fairs ever seem to be quite up to par with the ones you visit?
All good, Karen, all good. Can't wait for Friday! (can you post even more pics from the fair?)
gabrielle
GAAH! I've been looking everywhere for THAT mirror! I can't believe I missed it!!
Bobbi
Oh, I do so hope you bought the leather truck. It is amazing.
Debbie
You had me at Catskill Game Farm. I grew up going to CGF and was devastated when they closed! I wish I was there, though saved hubby an bundle by not being there. It looks so awesome. Thank you for the awesome photos.
Please forgive me, but due to what happened in my life yesterday, I am a grateful parent and ask all parents to give your kids, no matter how old, an extra special hug today. My son and his two friends survived a very bad car crash with very minor injuries. God was watching. Lots of hugs! One from me as well. My son's take now that he is okay? "Now I can get the car I really wanted instead of waiting for this car to go kaput." Really? Really?? :)
Nancy
Thank you for all the photos! I would have passed out from sensory overload if I had been there, so many things to look at it's overwhelming.
Jody
Thanks....my almost 14 year old son really enjoyed the Boobies section.
SarahP
I can totally relate to you running down the stairs - I always say there are only 3 days a year where I'm up early: Christmas and 2 for Christies. I got there early (got a great parking spot) but alas, I didn't buy a thing. My mom bought a large stained glass window from a door to hang over her bed - because she loved the one I bought last year. Back in Dundas, I did score a few things REALLY cheap at Antiques on Hatt outdoor sale.
Feral Turtle
Great shot of Betty with that weapon...and the casket shortly after.....hmmmm
wisconsingal
OMG - tell Betty to put down that ax!! I want to be at that show AND I want to eat hot, crispy fires with lots of ketchup AND to be as slim as you. This post may have pushed all the wrong buttons in me.
Ashley W
*drool* :)
Nancy Blue Moon
Thanks for making me smile today..I really look forward to this twice a year even though I can only go there through you..You could post 5 times this many pictures and I would be thrilled..I can spend a whole day browsing through antique malls and not buy a thing..I just love being surrounded by the past..I'm guessing you bought some boobies to go with your booby plaque on the wall..lol..You better keep an eye on Betty the Axe Murderer..we already know how well she could swing that hammer..Now I am going back to look through all of your pictures again to see what I missed..Can't wait to see what you bought..I'd love to see what all of you bought..
Vanessa
This last summer my family moved into my grandparents house. It is full of all kinds of really amazing "antique" stuff. (For example: We were at an antique store and they had this really neat old wire basket that they had priced for $650! There is one laying around our yard that my son uses to collect rocks in) I just need some help styling it all!
Olga
I wonder who was using that coffin previously...
Karen
LOVE the Christie Show, and NEVER miss it! This year I scored a 4' tall canoe shelf (for my cottage bathroom) AND a really nice big metal breadbox (also for the cottage). Had my hands on a really cool camel-saddle that was repurposed into a footstool ... but someone else had purchased it moments before, and I reluctantly had to release my hold. See you at the September show!
janet james
really --you wonder why we read your blog???? amazing stuff!