Betsy T
Childhood Memories
Way back in the 1960's, my Mom would often ask me whether I'd like to join her going to an estate sale in our Crocus Hill neighborhood, usually in the Summer or Fall, and I'd always say, "yes", because I'd both learn a lot and have fun along on the adventure, at the same time. She didn't drive, and so, we'd take our red wagon and off we'd go ! Besides being held in beautiful homes, some of the churches in the neighborhood had such sales, too, to raise money for some of the all women's Ivy League colleges, such as Vassar, Smith, etc.! In those days, the donations, especially China & glassware, were extremely special, being made in England, Germany and the like.
One time, I recall taking the wagon down Portland Ave. to Dale St. where one of her teachers ( a Mrs./ Miss Ford) had lived. My mother had four daughters, and she wanted us & my dad to enjoy eating our dinner meals off a variety of fine dishware. I learned that a meal really did look prettier when served on well designed plates, and besides teaching one to appreciate beauty, it even made the food taste better, I swear!
My Own Home, Interests and Collections
Upon entering my condo, one would soon realize that I love an eclectic- amusing look. My place is made up of many pieces from my past apartments, the homes of my family/ my Grandma Olson/ a great aunt & uncle, and many gifts given to me over the years. You'll find some whimsy around many corners of my place and collections galore, esp. in my basement.
When I worked at the Science Museum of Minnesota, a paperclip collection got started, quite accidentally, and then, that led to a gathering of various other items, such as brooms, clowns, shells, baskets, tea cups, vintage/ wooden crates, framed & unframed photographs & posters, old books, vintage artifacts, etc.!
I especially enjoy attending art fairs and talking with the artists themselves, I love going to the MIA/ Landmark/ & the ASI, & I attend many festivals & always keep my eyes wide open, esp. when traveling. It makes me tick to see how individuals do things differently than myself. Talking with people makes me especially enjoy a variety of personalities.
Being friendly has opened all sorts of doors/windows to me over the years . I'm very much a product of tradition and history. The holidays were important at home and simple pleasures were everything. Just a special paper napkin makes me happy!
What Would Make Me Happiest for the Next Owners
My hope for someone buying something that I'm now ready to sell is that a true enjoyment of the piece lives on in their hearts, too. If there's just something about an object that grabs you, for whatever reason, you want to share that joy with another.
Everyone uses and displays things differently, and it's a delight to think of the item getting a new life, simply by residing in a different location ! Instead of Bon Appetit, I say Bon Ownership!