The other day, I was working at the studio without a car, so I needed my dad to give me a ride home. We had a bag of trash to drop off at the dumpster and, on the way there, something caught my eye. It sort of looked like a large, wood box…maybe something on its side? It was just sitting on the ground next to the building across the street. Either way, it caught my eye and deserved a closer inspection. I asked my dad to drive by it slowly on the way back and he did. I saw bead board and old wood…
“I think it’s a counter! Let me out!”
I jumped out of the truck and walked around the piece. It was a counter with bead board sides and a wood top. What in the world was it doing sitting on the concrete next to a building? I felt that instinct to just ask about it. It so happened that a maintenance guy was in my studio installing a utility sink. I realized that and had a little conversation with myself.
It’s just sitting out here. I should ask if it’s something they are using or getting rid of. I mean, maybe they are going to put it in the trash or something. But then, maybe they have it set aside for something special and me asking for it would be overstepping my bounds. And maybe I shouldn’t even pay attention to the things laying on the ground around there. Oh goodness, Marian…just ask!
So, I marched over to my studio and asked. I hardly got out, “I noticed a counter sort of thing sitting out there and I was wondering…”
“Oh, would you like us to bring it over here?”
“Um…yeah, that would be amazing!” I was thrilled and I do think they were glad to have somewhere to put it.
We stopped in on Saturday to drop off some lumber and it was there. We put sliders on the bottom, cleaned it up a bit and slid it into place where I want to use it. I picture using it as a checkout counter when we have workshops and sales and it’ll also make a great work surface. (Just imagine rolling walls behind the counter, hiding the shipping area…
Isn’t it absolutely amazing and perfect? (Yeah, I know someone sloshed something on the side, but I can fix that!)
I decided over the weekend that I loved it so much I was going to ask if I could buy it. That way I can customize it to suit my needs without feeling like I need to get permission each time I do something. Again, I had to have a conversation with myself about it, but I finally sent an e-mail to the owner, asking if he would be open to selling it to me.
I kept checking my e-mail for a response as I worked throughout the day and it finally came in. He said I could have it for FREE! Yes, f-r-e-e! They were actually going to throw it away! I was so excited about it that I was laughing as I told Jeff and my words sounded choked. I think generosity like that isn’t often found, especially when someone is offering to pay you for something. Most people would go on eBay and try to figure out how much they can get from the interested party who’s totally shown all their cards by professing their love for it. I thanked the owner and told him this counter was going to have a wonderful new life and let him know he totally made my day.
I started sanding the top this afternoon and I’ll clean it with mineral spirits tomorrow and give it a generous coat of Hemp Oil. I am also planning on repainting it. The chippy paint is pretty, but there is the big slosh on the side and it could benefit from a freshening up. I’m thinking Eulalie’s Sky might do nicely…or Mustard Seed Yellow…?
We’re also going to add a shelf underneath and screw it to the floor (we have permission), so it doesn’t tip over on anyone.
So, that, my friends, is why you always, always ask!
That is so wonderful! Congratulations on your NEW counter! Isn’t it great how God blesses us with just what we need, when we need?! And the owner, yep he is officially the sweetest thing ever. Enjoy!!
Definitely paint it Mustard Seed Yellow!
Yes, definitely yellow!
LOVE IT! I’m so glad it found a home with YOU! You will love it and take great care of it!
OH my Marian, it is BEAUTIFUL. Can hardly wait to see it all fixed up with that MMS touch.
Dang! We should all be lucky to find something so beautiful like that on the side of the road! The stars were definitely aligned for you – not everyone would even be able to take something that big, even if they did find it.
Lol, reminds me of me! I was driving to my parents and passed a carved wood side light doorframe, with the door missing, laying on a small hill at the end of a long driveway. I raced to my parents, told my dad I wanted it, drove him back there and…… Made him go ask about it! The owner said the store had sent him a replacement because the stain was wrong and that I could have it. It fit my door perfectly! Did I mention the leaded glass oval window? SCORE!
I think that fella (or his wife or daughter) gets a free workshop, don’t you?
spectacular counter!!!!!!
Yay! I am so happy for you! It will definitely be going to a good home!
Definitely mustard seed yellow. Just a humble opinion. What a wonderful find.
What a score!
Wow! What a great find. It’s always nice to read about nice things happening to nice people 🙂
That’s a keeper ; ) How nice that it found a good home, instead of the being thrown away. Mustard Seed yellow sounds perfect for the beadboard, with a natural, oiled finish on the top (or “typewriter” if the stains won’t budge). Your studio space is gorgeous, and how nice for you to have your work out-of-sight when you’re at home.
Marian, don’t all of these great little things that have happened to you and your new space just make you know it was the right move!!! I love how everything is falling in place for you.
oooooooh can vote on a color? I would like you to paint it MMS Mustard Seed Yellow if you are asking,
Cool score and good price !
Whoa! that is a beautiful counter. I cant believe they were throwing it away.I’m so happy you got it Marian, only you could give it the perfect makeover. I guess this is just another example of that old adage, The harder you work the luckier you get.I just love the way your studio is coming together and I vote for painting it Eulalies Sky.
Thats so awesome Marian! It’s perfect for you and your studio! If it were me I’d go with Eulelies sky. But ultimately YOU are the one who will see it everyday so paint it what you want to look at!
Hello Marian….I love it! What an awesome find! And it was free. Enjoy it!
I do believe God’s favor is on your life!! So completely awesome!! 🙂
Love it! Definitely Mustard Seed Yellow!!
Wow!! Gorgeous!!
Now that is what you call true divine intervention. That counter is going to be gorgeous after you work your magic on it.
I think Mustard Seed Yellow. I have a green cabinet on my carport that we store our garden tools in that was free on the side of the road. Love those freebies and yours is the bomb!
you have the Midas touch
That is AMAZING! I am a new blog reader, though I follow you on Facebook. I am in love with just looking at everything I see on here. 🙂
The curbside is my favorite place to shop and free is my favorite price! Great find!
Girl!- you sure are on a roll! Can life get any better for you? I think not! I hope you get to enjoy your good times for a long while! You MUST paint that counter Mustard Seed Yellow! It’ll be your signature piece for sure! Enjoy your blessings Marian!
It has to be Mustard Seed Yellow! Gotta love freebies!
Good things happen to good people. It looks amazing!!! I have seen counters like that sell for $1000 and up.
” Eulalies Sky” all the way! A fresh and happy color that would make the piece feel light and airy. (if that makes sense:)
I totally agree with you Andrea! Eulalies Sky, please! It’ll complement the creamy white color of the walls 🙂
I think everything is working out absolutely perfectly. At first i was so sad fir you, and honestly could hardly believe that nobody even put an offer on your home. I badly wanted you to have your farmhouse, your boys to have animals an outside spaces, and you to have your barn for sales and workshops. Well, now you have your “barn” you have your home back to become a real home again, and there’s nothing to stop your boys having a vegetable garden and maybe a small chicken coop in your backyard!
I say leave it as is and just fix the drip marks. It appears to be a yellow color as is, and why strip it of it’s history?
I am one that likes a primitive look, but whatever you do to it I am sure it will look great!
Blessings102
Wonderful find – and Eulalie’s Sky would look gorgeous!
Score!
WOW!!! What a gorgeous find!! Congrats!
I can totally see it in Mustard Seed Yellow 🙂
“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!” Congratulations on the counter, the studio, the new adventure. Am loving watching everything come together and can hardly wait to come to a workshop and see it all!!!!
So very cool! Isn’t God good!!!!!!
Cindy
I swear….there is a little rainbow or angel or something watching over your shoulder!!! Wherever you go, whatever you do, wonderful things happen. It’d be nice if you could tell him to pay me a visit!!! Congrats. Things are taking shape for you and I am thrilled to be able to watch it all happen.
Mustard Seed Yellow! I love to hear about all the things that are coming together for you – I think this space was meant for you! Now if I could only get as lucky finding furniture as you do…. 🙂
It’s amazing how things just seem to fall into your lap right when you need them! I think you should go with the yellow, it’s such a great color.
SCORE!!! What a beautiful GOD hug.
Looks like it was always meant to be with you in your studio!
Oh, how lovely. I think Mustard Seed yellow would be gorgeous, and maybe you could hand paint your logo on the front. Your studio is becoming a wonderful space!
My mom always says “You don’t ask, you don’t get!” So nice they were generous.
holy junk that is AWESOME! I am pretty sure I would have squealed when I read it was FREE! O happy day! Good luck!
Did you have to pinch yourself? LOL….Nice score ! A perfect piece …. I think yellow fits her….
Gee whiz! You come across the greatest things! Wish I had that luck!
Holy moly! That is spectacular! I need to drive around looking for great roadside finds more often. You definitely scored!
its perfect, and I think yellow!
What a great story! I love the idea of Mustard Seed Yellow for it. 🙂
Your name is written all over it – Congratulations! It was your lucky day!
Awesome! It’s gorgeous! Congrats! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. Seeing that studio progress is just so heavenly and serene.
I love that counter. You should paint it “Miss Mustard Seed yellow!! It’s kind of yellow already.
What a great find! So nice of them to give it to you. It is and will be beautiful. Psst- I vote for the mustard yellow – I like the color it is and that’ll be more in keeping with that. You didn’t ask for our opinions, hope you don’t take offense that I offered mine.
You are one blessed lady! That’s what I’d call a God thing. 😉
Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
It’s beautiful! I also agree that Mustard Seed Yellow would be perfect. I know that no matter what you choose to do, it will be amazing!
AMAZING! I AM EXCITED FOR YOU! I WOULD DIE IF I FOUND A PIECE LIKE THAT! SCORE!!!
Marian Great find! And FREE! You can’t beat that! I, too, have conversations with myself all the time…helps to get another opinion…even if it’s my own! Love your studio…you go girl!
{{HUGS}}
Joy
What a find for you!! I would have been jumping around, and my heart beating fast if this was my find!! Good for you!
I absolutely love the piece.
Wow! Great find and generous man. It was meant for you. It looks good in your space. I’m voting for MSS Yellow.
What a Grand piece! How perfect it is for you and your business! It was a match made in heaven! I vote for Mustand Seed Yellow too! It needs to show up if you know what I mean!
I learned the hard way to always ask! We were remodeling our home last fall and I wanted to put old beadboard on the wall in the hallway and under my kitchen counter. The cost was prohibitive! Over a two week period, I kept having it on my heart to call my second cousin who lives on my grandmother’s property where the old farm house stood. I kept pushing the thought away because I did not feel it was right for me to have the beadboard and not the other relatives. Shortly after we finished the remodeling and the new sheets of beadboard were installed, I received a letter from my cousin with pictures of the old farmhouse. The very week I had it on my heart to ask for the old beadboard, they bulldozed the house down into a hole in the ground and nothing of it remains! I have been absolutely heartsick over! Marian is right………….ALWAYS ASK!!!
Awe, that is so terribly sad!
Can’t wait to see what it will look like after you’ve had your way with it! 🙂
By the way, what are you going to do with the pretty blue counter now? I liked that one, too.
mirian, wow! that reminds me when i found my acme sink for free by the side of the road! complete with metal cupboard and drawers. it is in my dye kitchen and i do love it and get to use it so often. happy dance to you! – karen
Totally awesome find! You should go for the Mustard Seed Yellow! 🙂
That was DEFINITELY meant to be!!
Oh, I think it should be Mustard Seed Yellow. That’s so close to the color it already is and it’s your signature color. It’s just beautiful!
You are a magnet for great finds, Girl!!
Oh my, as soon as I saw this piece Mustard Seed Yellow with a stained top came to mind. It would look so awesome. What an excellent find!
I’d say paint it Mustard Seed Yellow….after all…that is your name!! LOVE it btw
Total score! Can’t wait to see it all fixed up with MMS touches!!
Girl, you ARE blessed!! You must have done something spectacular in your past lives to warrant all these wonderful gifts. I love that old counter and it’s patina sans dirt.
It’s perfect! I did the same thing with an old wooden ladder I saw sitting on the side of someones fence along the road. I left a note on the car in the driveway asking about it. He was going to take a chain saw to it that afternoon… Can you imagine!!! He was shocked when I told him I had plans to split it in two and make a chandelier & and towel rack.
How awesome Marian!
I always believe that when you on the right path in life…we are given little signs to let us know it, (and the opposite happens when we are on the wrong path…hurdles and road blocks that no matter how hard you try it’s a complete dead end). So this is definitely one of those signs that shows you you are absolutely on the right path; cause when you are….things will just mysteriously fall into place for you 🙂 btw…I also vote Mustard Seed Yellow!
What an amazing find! I bet it weighs a ton and congrats for finding a new appreciative home. It will look fab when you finish it.
Oh my goodness, how absolutely F A B U L O U S!!! It certainly was ment to be and it looks like it was made for your space! So happy you got it and loved the story!
totally smiling over here. it’s always great to get an unexpected surprise!
What an awesome story – so happy to read it and happy for you!
Mustard yellow, for sure! Great piece. Nice find!
Awesome! Such a blessing. My vote (not that you’ve asked), would be Mustard Seed Yellow.
My vote is Mustard Seed Yellow!!!
Great find, and you did the right thing to ask before taking. I really don’t care what color or finish you decide to put on this great piece. I was just wondering if the front center would be a perfect place to put the MMS logo? Would that idea work since the surface is slanted? Just a thought.
What a great score!! Love the stuff that just turns up in the trash!!
My vote is for yellow, a nice foil to your many blue things.
I haven’t read anything that made me smile like that in a long time. So glad it went to the perfect home. I can’t wait to see how beautiful you make it. You are so darn much fun!!!!
Perfection on all counts!
Once again, following Gods’ will pays off three-fold!!! When we think we need or want one thing and don’t get it……He supplies the unthinkable!!!!…..more then we could ever have imagined!!!!!
If you moved you would have been still “living” your business…..that was not His plan.
Enjoy!!!! (as I know you will) Also, enjoy rediscovering your private home!!!
LOVE LOVE the counter!!!! good catch!!!!
It’s perfect, your place looks amazing and I bet you’re happily exhausted when you hit the pillow. Hope one day to make the trip for a workshop
Love it and free is a blessing for those of us unemployed – love it – can’t wait to see it done!
Super cool story!!! As I was reading along I kept thinking she is going to paint that beauty and I can’t wait to see the reveal.
And how refreshing to read that there are generous souls out there not interested in profiting in something but just happy to help out. That made my day too!
Great score Marian!!!!! Can’t wait to see how you refresh the piece. Love your new studio.
Holy Cow!, What a score! That is just a beautiful counter. See how great Karma is. When you’re a good person and share your knowledge you will be rewarded. I can;t wait to see what you do with this piece.
YESYESYESYESYES.
YES.
🙂
May I be so bold to make a suggestion? If you were to build a base under it, one that stuck out as far as the counter does on the front, sloped side, you could hide locking casters under it, plus make it less likely to tip forward.
How tall is the counter as it sits? Kitchen counter height is 36″. Table height is 29-30″. Which is comfortable for you when working on projects.
Just a thought. I love the counter and I would have asked, too.
Damn Girl, that is an awesome piece!
Hi Marian,
God is so all over this!!! From stopping you from moving, to “finding” your studio so soon after you accepted that, then all these “finds” you keep finding and “asking” for. It’s God! I feel like you’re one of my nieces and am so happy for you. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
…and I must be the only one who thinks this…but that new counter that you asked for and received…I was thinking Typewriter. Then I also liked the idea from Linda S. that you paint your logo on the front! Whatever you decide you’ll delight us all!
Good for you! All I ever see on the side of the road are old mattresses and dried up Christmas trees! Once in a great while maybe an ugly-no-thank-you piece of plastic furniture…but not like that beauty! Can’t wait to see it finished and reloved!
Stats show you get 95% of what you ask for. Period. So, I agree. Ask.
Marian how wonderful! The hand of God is definitely in your business. :o) I call these nuggets from God.
Marian,
The counter reminds me of the one that was in a small country store that my grandfather had built in the early1900s.
You said your Dad made some cutting boards out of old barnwood, did he sand them or put any oil on them? Does it matter what kind of wood it is? Please let me know if you have time how he made them.
Thanks,
What a gift from above! Quite providential I think. Love it!!!
I never hesitate to ask. All they can do is say No… So glad you got something that you can use and make part of your studio. Of course it will be wonderful when you’ve finished with it. Glad for you. Soon, that studio will be all full!
No question…Mustard Seed Yellow! It is already on it’s way there…and what a great Dad to support “drive boy’s”when you spy a treasure!
I am SO jealous! You are one lucky duck!!!
Enjoy,
Barbara
Eulilies sky would be incredible on it….I did a farm cabinet with it that had a similar color on it that your counter has…..
You are indeed one, sweet, lucky girl…………….to have a Dad like you have!! Carry on you two and ask away!!!!!
Absolutely an amazing find 🙂 I just found your blog yesterday and am LOVING everything you do. I can’t wait until we buy a home so I can take all the inspirations from your blog and impliment them in my own house 🙂
What a great find! It was meant to be!
I love this piece and the fact that it took perseverance and courtesy to get it. It deserves a place in your shop. Maybe it was sent just for you. 🙂 Enjoy!
BTW, LOVE the mustard color on it!
That seems like a divine gift. 🙂
Congrats! But you know, you really should bake him something as a thank you. THAT is the second unspoken rule “always reward generosity.”
“Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” God always shoes up. Good for you! My vote is for Eulie’s Sky, but I am partial to blues over yellows. So happy for you.
That is awesome! That would look amazing in a big kitchen as a island.
I shared this post with my mom as she is the women I learned my road side grabbing/ dumpster diving/ thrift store searching ways from. She loved how you found such a gorgeous counter on the side of the road and weren’t afraid to ask if it was up for grabs, I believe her exact words were “A woman after my own heart!”. Love the counter, you’re a lucky gal!
What a find! So perfect for your space and style!
I don’t know why but this post brought tears to my eyes. Even BEFORE the guy gave it to you for free. I think because I know how excited I am to stumble upon treasures in this way. This counter is absolutely perfect and beautiful. The generosity is certainly icing on the cake.
Love the old bead board counter, very cool and that it was free and saved from being destroyed is awesome. I always ask even if something is out at the road for trash pickup. Once I was offered some additional items they had not put out yet. I think people like knowing their things have gone to someone who appreciates what it is. I like the rolling wall idea, I saw a cool one once made of 6 old doors. Some painted and chippy others just great old wood panels and hardware. They made a base with heavy 2×10 or 12’s, used heavy industrial wheels, that were about 6inches wide. They made a trough to slide in the doors just wide enough for them to fit but not lean. I think they used 2×10’s it held them very securely. Of course you could always screw them to the base. It looked great with wreathes for holidays other decorations, things you would put on a door. Made a fun wall room divider.
I too had similar experience but the “trash” were 2 large outdoor wicker chairs sitting next to a neighbor’s trash cans. I knocked and knocked on their door and she finally answered (maybe she was napping? but she was not angry). She confirmed she was throwing out the chairs since she purchased a new patio set. She even put the chairs in the trunk with me. One went into my client’s apartment and I’m holding onto the other. Terrific, so glad I asked.
SCORE!!!! I vote for Eulalie’s sky. 😉 I am a born and raised trash picker and there is nothing more thrilling than finds like this!
this is amazing!!! and it was meant to be for you!! FREE is the cherry on top!! So jealous but if i can’t have it – i would want you to have it! ha-ha Enjoy and can’t wait to see the pics of it with its new life 😀
love,love, love, love and love. So perfect, I’m dying over here!!
Morning!
Best score! Love it.
I hope yu paint it your signature yellow mustard seed color. It would be awesome to paint your logo smack dab in the center!
Excited for you!
A beautiful Autumn day to you Mariann!
xo,
Gail
What a great find! It’s finding stuff like that gets us all hooked in the first place for sure. No wonder we’re all such scavengers, it’s totally fun!
It’s just so cool how it is completely perfect for your space too…
Cindy