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It seemed like such a good idea to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by reading Sense and Sensibility. Eighteen chapters into the book, I felt a huge wave of relief when my well-read friend excused us both from finishing the book, calling it “a chore” and the language, “too affected.”
To that I can only add, “Amen” and “So many books, so little time.” Neither of us can remember such a struggle with Pride and Prejudice. I read for pages on end without deciphering a word of the dialogue. And yet, it’s in plain English. What’s wrong with us? Please answer that question silently.
I’m tired and bored with these women who, so far, have nothing else to do but worry about catching a man who can feed, clothe, shelter, and hopefully, entertain them. Despite my love for other relevant classics, I’m ditching this one.
Let’s just say it wasn’t what I expected. Same for the cold root beer that spilled on my lap at dinner last Friday night, when the bottom spontaneously dropped out of its frosty mug. Literally–the bottom dropped out! It was a freaky thing, let me tell you. Same, too, for the haul I planned last Friday afternoon that was supposed to be a mother lode of vintage finery.
If I’ve learned anything about life so far, it’s that life deals you lots of things you hadn’t planned for and don’t want. All you can do is learn to roll with it.
So, yes, I ditched the book.
My friend and I abandoned our Friday movie plans so I could go home and shower to remove the sticky, root beer mess.
And I headed straight to Goodwill with a whole wad of undesirable stuff that was part of a vintage lot, vowing to be more careful about my next purchase.
Three tips for buying vintage
- Try not to buy in lots. Often, you’ll only get a few little gems out of an entire lot.
- Don’t buy sight unseen. I’ve had a few wonderful surprises buying online. But I’ve had just as many clunkers.
- Learn from your mistakes. When you lose your mind and pay way too much for a lot with only a few vintage treasures, be happy—but don’t repeat that mistake. I found a splendid little vintage purse in Friday’s lot. As one of the only things I kept, I try not to think about how much I really paid for it. Instead, I think, “Would I ever have paid that much for a purse?” If the answer is yes, move on and take the loss. If the answer is no, just don’t buy anything for a really long time. That’ll teach ‘ya. Or so it goes with me. I’m hooking up with the lovely Patti at Not Dead Yet Style for this post.
What’s your best auction find in a lot? Mistakes? Regrets? Bargains? Share them here!
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
9 comments
Cherri said:
March 12, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Ha! I haven’t made it through the written Pride & Prejudice yet. I have only finished a couple of the movie versions (including BBC’s!). I *much* prefer Emma though.
Bummer about the root beer. Hope you can reschedule your night out with your friend! 🙂
Jan Graham-McMillen said:
March 12, 2013 at 5:08 pm
I’m a devoted Austin lover … it’s all social context, though, and her time period can seem supremely annoying when dealing with contemporary issues. Granted.
You are looking very charming, though, ma’am. That belt and those boots add just the edge that’s needed!
cjhammon said:
March 14, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Thank you, Miss Jan!
Patti @ NotDeadYet Style said:
March 12, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Wonderful to give oneself permission to *not* finish a book. It’s a privilege! I am not a huge Austen fan, finding little to relate to in her heroines. And big confession: I *walked out of* Lord of the Rings – sacrilege! but I did it. I was bored.
Excellent advice about buying vintage. And your vintage belt does look fab! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday.
cjhammon said:
March 14, 2013 at 12:45 pm
You’re the best. Yeah! It’s not just me!
Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said:
March 13, 2013 at 2:01 am
I liked your outfit when I opened your post…and I loved your outfit when I scrolled down and saw the skirt. So very pretty, and one of a kind.
As for the mishap with the root beer, what a shame for something like that to happen. I hope your clothing is not harmed. It is true that life is short, and to wear the good stuff, but I do hope your good stuff is unscathed.
I have never bought from an auction, or bought clothing in a lot. It does sound a bit risky, but then can be part of the thrill.
Sue xo
Jeannie@gracefully50 said:
March 13, 2013 at 8:09 pm
How funny!
Buying in lots? I’m not familiar with vintage shopping but sounds like fun! What’s behind door #2 kind of fun. Anyway, you look fabulous in your boho style skirt and boots!! Very cute!
Bella Q, The Citizen Rosebud said:
March 28, 2013 at 1:50 pm
I’m so afraid to buy in lots for just that reason. There’s a reason why its all lumped together.
I stopped reading! I can barely watch a movie- so close to illiterate at this moment.
Wishing you a happy top shelf Easter.
cjhammon said:
March 28, 2013 at 3:25 pm
You’re ahead of me on auctions. It’s take me a while to learn this lesson.
Well, there’s nothing to indicate a literacy problem in your writing, Bella!
I’ve got a good one going now. Chalktown, by Melinda H….can’t remember her last name.