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I may just burst

I’ve had a lot of fun new things come my way in the past couple of weeks.  I found some great furniture, three large doors that will make amazing signs, some goodies from new sponsors and a very special package all the way from Germany containing these…

One of my gracious readers, who lives in Germany, has become a “grain sack picker” for me.  This was the first package I received from her and it was so exciting.  I can’t wait to put these bad boys to work.  (Yes, it’s OK to refer to antique European grain sacks as bad boys.  I checked it out.)
My magnetism for cool things continued into my yard sale venture this morning.  My husband prodded me out of bed and rounded up the family for a morning of driving around to “look for treasures.”  I was really considering not going.  I was sleepy and still a little tired of hunting after my shopping spree before Lucketts.  The lure of not knowing what I might find was just too strong, so I tied a bandanna over my blonde fro (it’s bad), got my kids dressed, packed snacks…all the usual yard sale prep and we headed out.  At the first sale, I found an old book, ironstone casserole and a huge gold frame (perfect for a chalk board.)  The lady who sold the frame actually hugged me.  They had tried to sell that frame at four other yard sales without success. 
Anyway, we reached a neighborhood yard sale about 10:30…a little late for finding any great deals on furniture.  We passed a few “drive by’s” (yard sales that aren’t worth getting out of the car for) and then hit a street that had several promising yard sales.  I got out to walk with my oldest son and my husband pulled the car up the street to park.  My son and I browsed around and I was about ready to check out a slightly wonky pedestal table when I spotted my husband and he gave me “the nod.”  That meant there was something I needed to see.  This pedestal table had some promise, so I thought I would look at it…but then I spotted what my husband nodded at me about. 
The back of three graceful antique French chairs. I couldn’t move fast enough. I forgot all about the pedestal table.  I dragged my four year old by the hand. There was another shopper standing near them…was he interested in MY chairs? Had he just bought them? Was this going to get nasty? Why were they still there? Were they outrageously priced? Broken? Stinky? All of these thoughts were compressed into about 2.5 seconds.  (Are you catching on that I get paranoid, hyper, giddy, weird and a little frightening to be around when I’m shopping?)
I still hadn’t seen the price tags, but my husband was looking at them from the front and said, “Oh, we’re buying these.” I rounded the chairs and saw they were in great condition, beautiful shapes, they didn’t stink and they weren’t sold.  They were mine. I ripped the tape off and ran over to the “cashier” and paid for them before someone else swooped in.
Later in the car, my husband said I “got all loud and talky” about the chairs. I may have kissed babies and hugged strangers and gave an acceptance speech. As long as I had those chairs, I didn’t care.

They’re safely in my home and I’m thankful my husband dragged me out of bed and later gave me “the nod” and then put up with me acting slightly insane.  He’s a good guy.
Some other exciting things I bought recently are a new camera (Nikon D7000), a new lens (Nikon 60mm Macro, which I used to take this picture)…
…and I have some new photo editing software coming my way.
I also have a new sponsor!
Janet Hopkins designs beautiful printables, including these clever father’s day kits. 
I love the one with the tie.  Very dapper. 

If any more really cool things come my way…I may just burst. 

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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73 Responses

  3. The chairs are the best. I too went out with hubby today, for us it was a pretty dry run. But there is always next weekend. Yeah!

  4. I had a commitment to be somewhere today and it killed me to keep driving as I passed yard sale after yard sale. Your husband deserves a massage after that find! I cannot wait to see you work your magic on them.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

  6. I adore your chairs! So pretty! I would love to know what you paid for them just because I am nosy. I found a cool french chair today too so I am extra happy for you as well! I also love your description in your post of all the non-verbals occuring during your yard sale experience. So funny and so true. Your husband must be a gem. My husband would likely feel a mixture of annoyance and pleasure – happiness for me as I found what I liked and annoyance as it will be another thing for the basement! Great finds – so worth getting out of bed for!!!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

  8. I feel bad, my hubby wanted to go to some garage sales and I said" we already have too much junk". I am in the process of moving classrooms, first time in 10 years and have so much stuff and at home I am organizing my craft room, another big mess. I feel bad because there might have been somehing just waiting for me and I missed it. Next time I will get my rear end in gear and GO!

  10. You have my permission to burst….as long as some of your creative juices land on me!!! 😉 Congrats on all your great finds! HOPE your SONday is blessed!

  13. Oooo, I can see why you were jumping up & down over those chairs. What a find!! Those are truly classic and beautiful. I'm sure they are not staying like they are, you'll work your magic on them.

  14. what a fabulous husband and a fabulous find! I get all giddy for you, just reading about it!!

    and congrats on the new camera 🙂

  15. Ok rock star, those chairs are awesome! Not only did you get wonderful chairs but a hubby that goes with you AND gives the nod because he found the chairs? wow girl, you are an inspiration 🙂

  16. The thrill of the hunt. The adrenaline pumps when I spot something great, especially for a great price. I picked some mighty fine bargains today as well. will be sharing in a few days. And I just came back from Switzerland some great bargains to be had there too. I will be sharing those as well.
    Can't wait to see what you have planned for the chairs.
    Caroline

  19. Whoa! amazing chairs grain sacks and that camera takes crystal clear photos!! I guess its true … the harder you work the luckier you get. You work hard enough for three people you deserve everything good thing that comes your way.Thanks for giving me a good laugh recounting your yard sale story…hilarious.

  22. The grain sacks are beautiful, and I was chuckling at your self-descriptions. It would be a blast to shop with you and get 'all loud and talky' together 😀

    Can't wait to see the amazing transformations you're sure to perform on the chairs!

  24. so don't keep us hanging…..how much did you pay for your chair score? inquiring minds (totally nosy people) want to know!!!

    they are beautiful….

    cindy

  26. Love the grain sacks! I wonder if anybody ever finds one that has their last name. I guess you could paint it on. Do you think that one of the green chairs could work in your living room? At least for the summer? Maybe if you painted the wood a very pale white or blue. Your husband is a keeper if he takes you to garage sales with two little kids. I'm glad you rewarded yourself with a new camera. You deserve it, plus it is tax deductible. Don't take any pictures of the kiddos with it, though. Make it strictly for business. Has anyone used the red or pink chalk paint? I want to order some, but I would like to see a finished product. Ann

  27. I love the giddy feelings you get when you find treasures! I found some today at 1:30, couldn't believe the vintage burlap purses were still there, and then I only paid $1.00 apiece! I love your blog, it's taught me a lot. Take care.

  28. goodness gracious!!! LOVE those chairs! Your husband is good! Mine won't dare drive me to a yard sale or any dale for that matter! I'm saving for a new camera too. That picture you took is beautiful. Actually, I love all of your pics!

    Hope you're having a great night!

  29. Ooooooh! Kudos to your husband for 1) instigating the whole shopping trip and 2) being so subtle when he alerted you to "the goods". Not just any husband could do that!!

  31. Oh, I am drooling over those linens from Germany. My niece is in the Army over there, I wonder if she might be able to find me some? I will keep my fingers crossed and email her and try to sweet talk her into possibly looking into finding me some.

    You are quite the writer ! See you could write books too in your spare time (what spare time? lol) I laughed at what was going through your mind at the yard sale. LOL !

    Your husband is a gem and I love the chairs !

    LOVE the camera ! *drools* You deserve it. Also I wanted to say your photo's in the post below are just like something in a magazine. I love everything about this room and I would love one just like it, you did well indeed with the green pillows and the greenery in that gorgeous French water pitcher looked real to me and added so much.

    Wonderful!

  32. HA HA HA I'm so GLAD to hear that I'm not the only one that feels slightly insane when I'm bargain shopping. I swear I get "that look" of insanity when I find a bargain that I NEED! Love the chairs 🙂

  36. Un véritable ravissement que ce fauteuil… Mais j'aime les photos du linge qui sèche… j'adore. très jolie publication.
    Gros bisous.

  37. Can't wait to see you work your magic on the grain sacks. Loved your yard sale chairs. And yes, I so relate to that giddy feeling when I am next to a FIND. I found a great chair myself this weekend for $5 but I have never recovered anything in my life so it will be daunting. Check it out on the blog.

  39. You would be so fun to garage sale with! I'm cracking up, but can relate to the adrenaline rush when finding something wonderful!

    Beautiful chairs and grain sacks!!! I cannot wait to see you MMS them.

  41. Your blog is FABULOUS and full of inspiration! Those feed bags are amazing! I need to find me someone overseas to shop for me! What a useful idea!

  43. Wonderful finds!!! Those chairs are beautiful! I went to my first flea market ever yesterday and came away with a BEAUTIFUL two tiered pie crust mahogany table. I am sending you a picture because I really don't know what to do with is…..I am scared to ruin it, but it needs some love!!!
    Beth

  45. hah hah! I love your garage sale story!! …and your chairs are gorgeous! What a score indeed!

    You have totally sold me on the macro lens…..my WORD that photo is fabulous! Good stuff my friend!

    xo

  46. you and your bandana covered fro are adorable. i love hearing about how a passion for tag sale treasures combines with creativity and a small business, resulting in JOY.

    love to you, marian.

    michele

  49. Hilarious! I can see why you got tunnel vision to get your chairs, now! Awesome and you had me laughing out loud.
    ~Pam

  50. Why did you have to write this post? 😉
    My sweet hubby gently prodded me yesterday to go yard salin'. He then made coffee and yelled, "COFFEE! YARD SALES!"
    I slept.
    Next time, I will get up and bandana my fro and go!!
    HUGS!
    I am so glad you are so blessed and you share your blessings with us 🙂
    ~Leslie

  53. You lucky girl! Those chairs are gorgeous! I'm imagining all the possibilities for them when you work your magic. And let me tell you, your husband is awesome! After a rare thrifting trip with my darling yesterday, I can appreciate that so much more. My sweetie just doesn't have the patience and appreciation for those awesome deals that I do. Moments after entering each store, he would say, "Ok, are we ready to leave now?" I have a system and he just doesn't get it. Granted, it was lunchtime and he was hungry, but these are deals we're talking about here, man! 😉 In spite of his resistance, we still came away with 2 huge old dressers and a little sofa table. Anyway, way to go Mr. Mustard Seed!

  54. Hi Miss Mustard Seed, love these little beauties! I'm very new to the refinishing obsession, and I have so many questions. I know you are so busy, but could I impose a bit…maybe….just a little? 🙂

  55. Please tell me what you paid for the chairs. I am in Arizona, and finding well made used furniture with any kind of style (like your chairs) has been nearly impossible. I have been trying not to spend more than $20.00 per item at garage sales, but I'm sure you must have to break that rule sometimes. Last week I got lucky and found a Mersman end table for $15 and an Ethan Allan dining room chair for free. This week: nothing. I would like to work my way up to selling, but I'm a little unsure of what to price something I've fixed up. Any advice would be soooo appreciated!

  57. I normally don't post comments, but when i read your reaction at the yard sale, i couldn't help it! I am exactly the same way….how wonderful that such simple treasures can make us feel like we won the lottery! You are my favorite blogger and i think i look at your dining room every day!! lol

  58. Love those chairs! Hubby was so kind to go with you and have a heart to be on the look-out for you!
    I cant wait to see how you transform them!!!
    Happy day!

    Deborah xo

  59. Marion as always your posts are not only suspenseful and inspiring….but funny as heck! I was out with a friend today and anytime Im picking up stuff I think of you…

    Glad you got out of bed…great post!

    MJ
    Lucky 7 Design

  60. you may just burst indeed — but not until you thank everyone and kiss all the babies in sight 🙂 I love your enthusiasm for a find!

  62. Isn't life grand?? Those chairs are stunning and I can't wait to see the end results. As far as "all loud and talky", I'd be doing what I call "the big apple two step" all around that yard sale (after I put the chairs in the car, of course!) What a find!! My hubby is starting to get into garage saleing(or is it sailing) a little; he needs to talk to your hubby!!!

  63. I've only been following you for two weeks. I seriously love you!!! Ok, that sounds kinda creepy. Love- as in sisterly love. You are truly inspiring and I appreciate you, your blog and your work. You help me believe in myself and bring joy to others. God Bless you and your whole family!!!!!

  64. Marian you never fail to make me smile by the way you describe stuff that happens to you…you have such a wonderful way with words and I feel like I am right there with you…so thanks for taking me on your adventures!

    xx Karen

  66. My girlfriends and I love to go "junkin'" together! Lots of jumping up and down and "YEEHAW"ing- we would have had to arm wrestle for those AWESOME chairs!
    Kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com

  67. That has got to be the funniest blog post I have ever read! Thanks for the great laugh. You are hilarious and it sounds all too familiar to me when I'm out looking for a bargain. I could picture and your facial expressions as you dashed over to the people "too close" to your chairs!!! LOL! Fabulous find – so jealous. I know they will be amazing. I like the husband-wife team you have with your hubby. Mine has the eye for good finds too – Love garage saling with him. 🙂

  68. What a great outing y'all had. I don't blame you about the chairs. Great husband to be so helpful that way. And hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do when necessary and I think you did a great job of it. Great score for you. I wish yard sales was better here where I live. We seem only to have the drive by's any more.

  69. I love that you got all geeked about these chairs!! You're inspiring me to go garage sale-ing on my next non-wedding weekend. 🙂

  70. You are delightful, I really look forward at the end of the day sitting down and reading MMS! I was laughing so loud last night that I had to read your blog to my husband. He appreciates you too :). Since returning to Chicago after the Spring Market I have painted four pieces around my house with the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! I LOVE IT! Everything may just be painted Paris Grey by the end of the year! You are such an inspiration. Thank you and God Bless you!

  71. Oh my..How beautiful..They were meant to be yours especially since it was already so late in the day,for a yard sale..Usually by that time of day if there is a find out there it's gone..Lucky girl..Can't wait to see how ya finish them..
    Janet

  72. This is such a funny post, I LOVE it. Especially the kissing babies, random strangers part. You are too funny. Thanks for your wonderful blog. I LOVE the photos you take, they are always so light and beautiful.

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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