Tiny and I went for a quick op-shop this morning. In fact, we didn't just go to shop, we went to deliver goods. First off we were greeted by the rudest woman alive. With babe in arms, I was struggling with a large box of glassware etc under the other arm. She instructed me to put it on the floor. Without forcing Tiny into some mad sort of contortion, I declared that I couldn't physically do it - you try it, it's not easy unless you've been doing some sort of exercise (me - nil - youch). Then I asked (very nicely mind you) if she'd mind if we came in the back door rather than pounce right around the front of the shop. We had just made two trips backwards and forwards from our car that was parked about 50 metres away, juggling all sorts on our return trip on the pram and in my arms. No mean feat. So it was easier if I just came in the back way, with me?
"I don't think your pram will fit."
"Oh righto, I'll just leave it out here then."
"You know, I'd prefer if you didn't leave it out here, I'll get in trouble." (From who, the pram police?!)
"Right, ok, well I'll give it a shot."
---> Rudest lady alive just watches me pull the pram in.
"Thanks very much for your help."
So I do the rounds. Find a few things. Put a few things back. Struggle to get some soft toys from Tiny's grip (because, you know, I struggle with secondhand soft toys, all that saliva and oddments of old food - eek). Just after I had paid, I spy a ginormous chocolate box. Vintage. Bigger than a shoebox. I read a small label on it:
Contains embroidered linen & doilies - the lot for $50.
Work with me here people. My heart is ga-goong, ga-goong (BTW - did you know that Jennifer Grey had a nose job and subsequently vamoosed her career?). I went through the lot totally beautiful. Incredible. Clearly a woman's life work. Amazing. So many gorgeous pieces, tatting, embroidery, oh wow. And then I left it there.
You see, I'm trying to spend less, save my clams, declutter, and stop buying things that I really have no need for.
But now I can't stop thinking about all that beauty just sitting there.