Lucky Day
Yesterday was a remarkable day for luck, and I am optimistic this trend will continue through tomorrow. Especially as I always feel luck comes in threes, both good and bad runs. Today I found two treasures, the second being so astonishing that I still cannot believe it happened. Which leaves me feeling at peace, since my third remarkably wonderful thing has to top a thrifted LOUIS VUITTON purse, so it is bound to be ceiling shattering.
Yesterday should have started with yoga. I have been dreadfully remiss of late, and my aches and pains are acting up, so I do need to get back into class. However, my “bins” buddy asked if I could go with her this week, and Monday was the only day I could make work. By missing my yoga class. Bins trumped stretching, clearly. I enjoy the outings to this place. The people are interesting – both with what they are looking for, as well as their backgrounds and ages. I know a number by name and more by face. We chat and kvetch while digging through the huge bins. I pulled this remarkable crochet piece out of a pile, and realized it was vintage, well made, and in excellent condition. Based on weight, it likely cost me $3.
The crochet stitch used is well beyond my capabilities, and seems to use two yarns simultaneously, making one side brown and the other green. I have no clue how it was done, and, as a novice crocheter, i am awed by the design. I suspect it was built, much like a grandmother’s flower garden quilt, with hexagon blocks, then somehow put together to seem all one piece. The colors are so 1970s I actually smiled when I saw it. The yarn is not the modern synthetic you would find at big box stores these days, but not 100% wool either. I brought it home, threw it in the wash, and draped it over our family room sofa.
To be honest, I was happy to have something to replace a hand-woven blanket – with angora yarn which makes my skin crawl – that hubby adores. That blue blanket wouldn’t be so bad if someone hadn’t shrunk the darn thing by putting it through the laundry. It is now so dense it is only steps from being felted. For those unaware, wool felt is traditionally made by knitting or weaving a piece and then washing it multiple times to shrink it down. The mittens my mother made for my young boys were felted after years of use, which actually helps them keep little fingers warm. However, a handloomed full size blanket is NOT supposed to be felted! I’ve wanted to pitch the darn thing for a while, but every time I sneak something else in, it is only minutes before hubby notes “his” blue blanket is missing, and I have to put it back. This time, however, he was awed by the new treasure, and he only wanted to make sure I was “keeping” the blue one. I have learned, after 37 years of marriage, that I have to get permission to pitch anything he is fond of. So yes, I told him, it was in the guest room, though heaven only knows what we will do with it. Once he forgets about it, it may wander off, but to be determined (especially as hubby reads these blogs).
In turns out, my luck yesterday was only beginning to roll. The Bins sometimes “replenishes” the carts, having shoppers “line up behind a yellow line” until all the new carts are in place. It is an amusing experience for people watching, as 50 or so people of all ages line up shoulder to shoulder to “wait” for the ok to begin digging. Yesterday, the shoes and purses (well, really most any type of bag thing) were replenished which was a bit unusual. The employees took a remarkably long time bringing out the new bins, allowing me time to rest my shoulder, which often aches from all the hauling of piles. When the bins were finally ready, and we were allowed to shop, I found a charming Louis Vuitton clutch with PINK LINING! (The purse is on a remarkable piece of embroidered silk sari fabric also picked up yesterday at the Bins.)
The darn thing is real – it is part of the “Neverfull” line, and this particular style was introduced as a detachable pouch in 2013 for the larger bags. While this style is no longer available, it seems none of the Neverful products are readily available. According to Sothebys, if you are inclined to purchase an item from the Neverfull line, you have to put your name on a waitlist, and will likely take 2 to 3 months to fulfill. Once you are notified the item is available, you have 24 hours to pick it up at a store. If you are not able to, the bag will go to the next person on the waiting list and you have to start over. Talk about competitive shopping! (https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/buying-a-classic-louis-vuitton-neverfull-just-got-a-lot-harder).
I have been fondling the bag in awe for hours now. Hubby said I have to sell it – his rationale is that I can only have one uber fancy French designer item sitting in my closet at a time. Cracks me up, and not a chance am I selling this or my Hermes silk scarf (see blog post ericas-heirloom-treasures/pretty-in-pink-hermes). Research shows this small bag sell between $313 to $495 secondhand online. Mine has a missing zipper pull, so likely not on the high end. That said, I am not selling it. I just cannot believe that in less than six months, I have managed to score both a Hermes silk scarf and a Vuitton purse for less than ONE DOLLAR each. I kid you not.
Besides, the Zen of happy luck I am floating in has me feeling hopeful tomorrow will bring more luck: that our country, our future and our lives will move in the right direction. So have faith, keep digging, and uncover some treasure to brighten your day. Tomorrow will be a good day.