Granted, Mr Faudre’s style is not for the weak of heart. His rooms are a Mrs. Clean Fanatic’s worst nightmare. His theory is basically layers, layers and more layers…then add one more item. But the overall feel of his designs are that the rooms look “lived in” – as if they have been there for generations. While many of us do not have the budgets or even the access to surround ourselves in what I call “Faudre Frillery” – I still think it is more than attainable by relying on second hand stores, estate sales and even garage sales. Oh – and lets not forget eBay.
But, one of the most amazing experiences of my life occurred during this trip. We awoke early on Saturday morning to get breakfast and head out for shopping before a mid-day show. I am a news junkie – always have been. My morning starts out by opening my eyes and reaching groggily for the remote to turn on the news. That morning, I did not have the volume on very loud, but when I looked at the screen and it was flashing that “Princess Diana” had been killed, I screamed out loud and called out to my friends to come watch. It was an amazing thing to see such a huge city completely come to a stop. Being Americans in England during this tragic event was surreal. Our hotel was about a block from Kensington Palace. We even went to the candlelight vigil that same night. I will never forget the mounds and mounds of flowers and gifts left in front of kensington Palace. It was a very sad time.
So today was a doctor’s appointment with the Urologist. Yep – you guessed it – still no birthing. The cat scan revealed there has been very little movement. I am going back tomorrow to discuss what my options are. I won’t bore you with those details. When I arrived for my appointment, I was told the doctor had rushed out for an emergency and would be about an hour late. So my lovely niece, Katie, and I looked at each other dumbfounded. What to do? We certainly did not want to sit in that dreary office for an hour. So, I decided to introduce her to one of my fave second-hand stores. She has just recently married, and she loves my home and its style. It was only a few minutes right up the street. So off we went. I helped her pick out some goblets for a steal. Katie got four of one and four of another. I spotted four soup tureen lids (just the lids? What happened to those precious little soup bowls?). I thought how cool would they look hanging on a wall like plates. hmmm….might go back for those. She picked up a few odd and end pieces while I was just meandering around the store. Keep in mind I have been on Vicodin for a week now so my meandering probably looked a little strange. That’s when I spotted my find – or my score! It was a precious little lamp…and the price tag my friends….$5.00!!!! I did not even know if it worked, did not care. Katie loved it, too. She said it would have been perfect on her little kitchen hutch. Well, Aunt Barb was thinking the same thing, too. What a quandry! Should Katie’s adoring Aunt Barb be the nice Auntie and let her have it? She really did like it, and it would have been a nice gesture.
Gesture-Smesture! That baby came home with me. I’ll make it up to you, sweetie. 🙂
Five bucks!!!! What a SCORE!
Here it is on Barb’s hutch! (wink)
Blessings, Barb
mbkatc230 says
That little lamp was such a find. Probably the first time in history something good came out of the Dr. being an hour late lol. Hope all goes well today, will be thinking a good thought! kathy
View Commentmeldin says
That lamp is perfect! The landscapes are great, too. I love the drawing of Meeting Street, I was just there a few weeks ago! I hope the doc has good news today. Maybe he can induce!
View CommentKD says
Love that little lamp. My mother had one like it. When she passed away and we all divided things that lamp was sold in a garage sale. Oh if I had only known then what I know now! Good luck at the doctors Barb. Hope they can lick that thing!
View Commentmarty39 says
What a great find. I need to find some great haunts. Not many around here, but ebay is good. Hope all goes well today at the doctors. God bless. Hugs Marty
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Hi Barb, The little lamp is lovely. That sounds cute together huh? Hope you are feeling better and well rested. ~Melissa 🙂
View Commentprofenretraite says
Hi Barb…I hope they finally decide that one of your options is to zap those suckers. If they won’t do it, maybe Kathy’s vet will!!! lol You are right about the CF book…the first is the best. I consult my copy before every decision! Funny you should mention the soup tureen lids…I just got back from a tour of homes and that’s just what they had done in one of the houses and it looked good!!! Feel better…Debbie
View CommentDonna@designson47thstreet says
Hi Barb, I am loving your blog. Lots and lots of good info and pictures here. Your post today is very interesting and I had to laugh when I read YOU came home with the lamp. That sounds like something I would do and certainly not in a mean way. It is cute. I have really gotten into thrift shops too! Thanks for coming by to see me! 🙂 Donna
View CommentKathysue says
Hi Barb, You know I love the little lamp and I love hearing you even felt like going to a store. That vicodin must be a wonderful drug.I still think it would look great in my green kitchen,hehe. Take care my friend and get better. I miss you over at Micasa Hugs,Kathysue
View CommentGollum says
Barb, I didn’t know you’d lived in London!!! What a great post. You DO know this means we are BFF! :-)I have brought back things in my suitcase, lol. I have three small etchings that show various scenes–one is Kent, near Hever.
View CommentI am really eager to go back and check out the secondhand shops. I hope you are feeling better soon.
Martha says
I love Charles Faudre as well and have all FOUR of his books! But I like the cluttery European country style. His shop is in Tulsa and we are not that far away — it’s a fun shop to visit although for me his things are a bit dear (although they are true treasures!)
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