First, let me say, I really appreciate all the compassion shown in the comments on yesterday’s post. It means a great deal to me. You all responded in ways that are uniquely you. I found myself laughing and then weeping and then laughing again, gulping for air.

As I was reading comments, I realized how much symbolism is wrapped up in such a simple object. It represents half of my life. Even now, as I look down at my hands, I do not recognize them. It will take some time to absorb the difference. In the meantime, I am holding on to YOUR hope. So, I just want to say, “Thank you. Thank you for hoping for me.”

When I wasn’t hunting for treasure this weekend, I was sneezing! It’s a labor of love to work with Lavender, I’m so allergic to it. But sneezed I did, and sewed I did, and it’s all for a good cause. Achoo! I’ve been sitting on this little bit of information for months, months I tell you. But now I can spill the news. Here’s what’s up.

Thrifty Goodness turns ONE this month. It’s been an amazing year. I’m still learning how to do this “best”–but the tangible that I can clearly see as a gain, has been all the amazing connections I’ve made in the process. I’ve “virtually” met some really terrific people. Creative and compassionate and full of joy. It’s these relationships that I cherish most.

I’m keenly aware that not everyone can make such claims. Some of us know abuse first hand. We find ourselves in situations beyond our control and beyond our dreams and we need help. Which is why, I’m so excited to celebrate Thrifty Goodness’ Anniversary by holding a fund-raiser for the Women’s Resource Center here in Astoria. This organization makes a real difference in the lives of so many women and children. While I know Thrifty Goodness is a very small venture, it seems to me the best way to celebrate all the great connections I’ve made is by helping others make healthy connections too!

So! For 15 days in April, beginning April 15 (see the trend) spend $15 at Thrifty Goodness and as a reader of Evidently, you will be getting a set (3) of these amazing Lavender sachets. In return, 20% of sales during that time will go to support the Women’s Resource Center.

For those of you with esty stores, why not join the fun? I know we all run at different profit margins, so I’m not going to set a limit for that—I’m leaving it to your generous hearts to do what’s best. But if you join in, I will post a link to your esty store on Thrifty Goodness as well as promote your store here on Evidently. I have an ad on Modish starting the 15th so that’s extra exposure for you! AND. AND!!! You will receive a super set (5) of these sachets designed specifically for you. So, let’s chat and do some good, ok?

Now, my mama always said I tend to take the long way around Jordan’s barn, so you should know these are not cookie-cutter sachets. Each set was individually co-ordinated and hand cut. No bulk cutting, no two sets are alike. They are unique, made from vintage muslin, linen, and feedsack cotton, as well as some Moda prints. These represent hours of work. Achoo! But it’s been such a joy to make them, knowing that each set was special and would be finding its way to someone equally special.

Here’s the catch: You have to purchase between April 15 and April 29. You have to spend $15, but that includes shipping! AND, in the message to the seller during the check-out process you need to say, “I’m an Evidently reader!”

There are only 15 sets available, so this is a first come, first served situation. BUY EARLY. I can’t guarantee selection of colors, but let me know (Pink, Yellow, Red, or Lavender) your top two choices and I will certainly do my best to send you your heart’s desire.

You still with me? I know, lots of words. Here’s the last thing… but maybe the most important. If you don’t see anything in the store that you want you can always make a donation directly! Just let me know that you did, and I’ll send you a set of sachets as well.

So. That’s it. For today anyway.

What did you thrift today?

Can you believe it’s Thursday already? We’re 10 days into the new year, how are all of you doing on your New Year Resolutions?

In these parts, we skipped the traditional naming of resolutions. Like a lot of holiday traditions this year, it went by the wayside. I’m sure we’ll pick it up again next year, but this year, we were just relieved to see the calendar numbers flip, content to let 2007’s resolutions ride.

Last year’s resolutions included getting skinnier. Both in how much we consume and physically. (We also banned house-guests for the whole year. Oh, that was controversial. I lost a few friends who saw their free Bed and Breakfast close down. Personally, I’d like to be closed for business indefinitely!) I’m in no mood to chat about the weight loss stuff… as terms like BMI and the diabetes get me in a whole passel of trouble. Besides, you just have to know I have a REAL rant coming down the pike on that eventually. And without naming names, I’m won’t be pulling any punches either. Which might be the only New Year’s resolution I made, if you count the aftermath of December’s Debacle— no more mealy mouthed Wende. Some truths need to be said—malevolent lurkers be damned.

But that’s another day. Further afield, perspective in hand. Today, I can speak clearly about our reducing on the consumption side, specifically packaging. That’s been fun! Retail produces so much packaging, it’s shameful. There is only so much you can recycle—so a thrifting I have gone. Less retail, less in the landfill. It’s included so much Thrifting that somehow I started a small, not for profit (evidently, Oh!!Oh!!Oh!!), business that keeps me more distracted than I like. And again, another post.

The upside of all my thrifting is that it benefits my family in small ways. We are a family of three. Odd numbers are the Kabbalah of thrift stores; it’s why a lot of things get donated. Sets are missing members, fours become threes and in the process useless to bigger families. Their toss is my gain. I snatch up sets of three constantly—napkins, napkin rings, plates, cups. . . Holy Trinities of reusable goods.

We’ve used fabric napkins for ages. Down with paper, I say. I do have a stash of paper napkins—take-out refugees that I keep on hand for when masses of small children lay siege and demand sticky treats. But for family dinners, we use cloth. And to keep germs at bay, we keep our napkins marked with napkin rings. I picked up this little set of hand-carved wood rings for just 25 cents. A fish. A whale. A pig. We’ll argue about who has to be the pig later. When we’re done, we just tuck our napkins back into their markers and leave them in the yellow bowl. No fuss, no muss.

In the long term, it’s not a big deal, a small effort really. But as Mother Teresa once said, “We can do no great thing, but only small things with great love.”

November’s light is pale and fleeting. So, when the sun unexpectedly came out today, I snatched up my camera and ran to the only room with real light to try to photograph as much Thrifty Goodness merchandise as the limited light would allow. My bedroom now looks like a Thrift Store exploded in it! But, it was the only room with decent light and I’m not exactly in a place to be arguing. There is vintage on every surface and our bed is littered with items I’ve been listing. I wonder if IZ will notice the new “look”. What? Exploding Thrift Store isn’t the new Mid-Century Modern?

But now, I’m pooped! I don’t really want to put it all away–especially since I’m probably only a third of the way through listing the items I photographed today. I worked in a frenzy. Who knows how many of the 148 photographs I took will actually be used, but there is rain in the forecast and I have no idea when I’ll get another day of even limited sun again.

In addition to running an ad in the Poppytalk Handmade online street fair, I’ve been busy uploading merchandise into the etsy version of Thrifty Goodness. After serious debate with myself—most of which I did aloud while hanging out in thrift stores, much to the amusement of the other customers I’m sure—I’ve decided to make etsy my primary store front. I get more exposure and my vintage items are selling quickly there. (My handmade items are another story, and I think the writing might be on the wall with that. Evidently, I’m a better consumer than artist!) The shopping cart is easier to use and I can load more photographs–hence all my scrambling today.

However, I’m not abandoning the other site. In January, Thrifty Goodness. com will be getting a face lift! I intend to use the blogging feature to highlight new arrivals at the etsy store. Posts like this one, will also appear there—as Evidently has taken on a more narrative flavor and I’m finding it difficult to write about thrifting without feeling like I’m writing ad copy.

It will also have a SALE! category … or as we affectionately have been referring to it, “Where good vintage goes to die.” Oh. My. I’m not sure how, just yet, but I’m working on finding a way to offer a “rummage sale”… you know, the old “fill a bag for 5 bucks” model. I haven’t figured out the details, but it’s a thought!

As well, the original site will still feature the newer finds that etsy won’t allow me to list. This was the real reason behind not going with etsy in the first place. Not everything I find is vintage! So, there will still be treasure to be had on the original TG site, but it will be limited and newer in scope—the bulk of the store is moving to where it can get more exposure.

And exposure is a good thing. Except when it’s not. Which means, I should probably clean up this mess I’ve created in our bedroom—since I don’t think I could “sleep” with Santa watching. *grin*

But I’m attempting not to be gloomy! It’s a very rainy Saturday and I’m busy putting together the final touches on a Thrifty Goodness update. There is so much new stuff to see, but I’m really excited about the handcrafted items in the store. Go see!!

When I’m done, which will be as soon as I publish this little blurb, I’m going to put on my brightest coat and brave this gray day to do a little chocolate shopping for Miss Kimberly. I’m fairly convinced that chocolate is the antidote for gloom!

What are you doing on your gray Saturday? (If you write in and tell me it’s sunny where you are, I might cry! So lie to me, dear readers! M’kay?)

No time for real words today.  I’m busy pricing scads of items on SALE over at Thrifty Goodness. Happy Saturday!

I wasn’t kidding when I said I was knee deep in china. But, I probably should qualify that statement a bit, as what I’m knee deep in are actually dishes. Mid Century dinnerware to be specific.

Lately, I’ve been noticing a disturbing trend with our everyday china,which is actually pottery and I adore it! It’s chipping. Badly. To the point that several pieces have just broken in our hands for no apparent reason. I picked up the set for a song three years ago. It’s not quality by any stretch of the imagination—but I liked the fact each piece was just a little different from the next making the dishes seem handmade, nicer than they truly are. They may have deceived the eye then (I caught lots of friends tipping over my plates to catch a glimpse of the maker.) but with all the chipping, their lack of quality is starting to be obvious. Not to mention they are a real risk. Last thing I need is to serve a cup of something hot to a friend and have the cup come apart.

However, I’m in no position to be buying high quality replacements. Something about discretionary income going into a new bathroom floor. Even if I could, I can’t make a decision. (remember the house paint? Have you forgotten already??) I’m afraid of making a terribly expensive mistake—I want to love what I pick and know that it will be timeless. Something I won’t be bored with in a few years’ time, something that can stand my urge to repaint our space every few years. Something that can withstand my fickleness.

(more…)

This weekend is shaping up to be absolutely perfect for the opening of the Sunday Farmer’s Market. I can barely contain my enthusiasm, because I mistakenly forgot to stock up on the BEST HONEY in Astoria before the Market closed last fall and I’ve been using second grade honey all winter. Crammed in a couple of blocks downtown, the market is not to be missed: full of home made treats like the Blue Schortcher’s bread and the aforementioned honey. Flowers and toy makers and plant sales, OH MY! I usually end up with so much stuff in my hands that it is a miracle I don’t drop my camera! Because, you know, I’m out there taking photos of everything.

But, not this year! I’m prepared this year to shop in style. No more juggling packages. No more wishing for bags with handles, as the market vendors tend to prefer plain brown paper bags. Instead, I’ve crafted a handy little shopper that is sure to solve all my woes. This wee bag is actually quite roomy and ever so stylish. No more balancing pears on my head! Who said being environmentally friendly could be so fashion forward?

In honor of the Market opening, a small collection of unique Market Shoppers are on SPECIAL for this weekend only. Now you won’t have to be balancing pears on your head, either!

Several of you have been waiting for Jane to come back to town. I’m telling you here instead of emailing you all privately… Can you just hear me with my bullhorn? She’s here! There are only two pairs in this new May Day print… so hurry!!

In the freakish moment of sunlight we got today (freakish because this is the Oregon coast, after-all, and sunlight is sadly not our norm) I snapped a few photos of the Arigato pillow-cover set I just completed. How I’m wishing for sunlight.

They are both made from vintage Japanese tea-cloths, slightly imperfect, which gives them so much more character. Think patina! As well, they each have vintage red buttons and red twill tape as accents that set off the deep navy blue perfectly! The graphic pillow reverses to a white ground with one large navy blue graphic repeat. The floral pillow reverses to this yummy, obi like cotton in blue.

Because their size isn’t standard, I’m including a “practically pre-made” insert that you can fill with fibrefill, or buckwheat hulls, or whatever suits your fancy. Maybe lavender? All that will be left for you to do is fill with your choice and sew the top shut.

These sisters are delicate in nature—so, do expect to baby them in the laundering process: hand wash, cold water, hang to dry. But, when you’re special and unique you should expect a little tender care, right?

These will be listed in the store tonight-–but first, dinner!I’m being whisked away for a jaunt. I wonder if it will be Japanese food?

They’re in! Go see!

Thank you for all the paint suggestions. We are getting very close to making a decision (we’ve made one, but I don’t want to jinx it!) and will probably be swathing the backside of our house in color very soon. Never fear, I’ll post pictures of our test runs. Because, it’s my life and I blog it!

Speaking of thanks, I owe a few mentions of gratitude. Some of you have been very supportive readers and have actually been my first Thrifty Goodness customers. While I’m not selling anything typically wrapped in brown paper to protect anonymity, I’m loath to post links to my customers. You know who you are, and I’d just like to say “Thank you!!”

But some of you have taken my little venture to heart and have actually mentioned it:

• The Cozy Apartment
• A Mark on My Wall

or linked it:

• Liquid Sky Arts
• Domestic Rebus
• The HG Spot
• Banana Cake Creations

Or ran an ad for it on your blog:

• Beancounters
• The HG Spot

And I’m not so bashful about linking you—since you started it! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It means a lot to begin something new and have such amazing support. So, whether you purchased or promoted or just supported: a big fat “Thanks” to your lovely selves. I’d kiss you, but that would muss my screen!

Speaking of Thrifty Goodness, I’ve been busy. It’s always been my intention to carry unique Vintage inspired goods along with all the fun thrifted finds. To this end, there is a plethora (ok, two at the moment, but I’m workin’, I’m workin’) of one-of-a-kind pillows just about to be stocked. Made from vintage materials and notions, I’m having so much fun creating these little wonders. The one above is fashioned from a vintage Japanese tea cloth and vintage red buttons. It has a sister pillow that I adore even more! Anyhow, these lovelies and more will be in the next store update. Which is to say, SOON!

Many, many thanks to you, dear readers. Or as my pillows might say, どうもありがとう or Domo Arigato!

(ps, if I’ve missed your linky love, let me know!! Wordpress doesn’t always catch new links in a timely manner!)