Two Ugly Pictures and a Yellow Rubber Duck

Saturday, March 13, 2010—the first good day of weather we’ve had in quite a while (months to be more precise!) Perfect for hitting the road in search of bargains—which also does double duty as my form of entertainment! It was early morning, so the streets were nearly empty, except for other treasure hunters in search of their own “pot of gold”. The two venues I enjoy most are church rummage and community yard sales. I used to love to go yard sale hopping, but in today’s economy with gas prices as high as they are, I’ve learned to take a more direct path. Plus, community sales give me the added benefit of burning calories as I walk from house to house.

My first stop was a church rummage sale about three miles from my home. I drive by the church every night on my way home from work and spotted the sign earlier in the week. Every night as I passed the sign, I knew the time was getting closer and I would be on a mission to secure the goods! And did I ever! I spent a whopping three dollars. I bet by now you’re wondering what I got with my three bucks, right? Well, first let me tell you that the deal was “everything you could fit in a bag for a buck.” A buck!!! WhoooHooo, was I excited! I walked away with one bag filled with candles of all sizes, shapes and fragrances, one bag strategically stuffed with frames, a couple of books, a beautiful black leather handbag, and a shirt for my granddaughter. And sitting on top of one of the bags, I managed to steady a huge, yellow rubber duck sporting his cute little rain hat! Finally, I snatched up two large, ugly pictures. And although they wouldn’t fit in a bag, they gratefully accepted my dollar.

I’m sure you’re now wondering “what is she going to do with a bagful of candles, frames, a rubber duck, and two ugly pictures???” Well, if you live in Florida then you know all about hurricanes and power outages. Candles can be quite expensive! There wasn’t a single candle in the bunch that I could have purchased at retail for what I paid for the entire bag! So, now I’m set for just about any occasion—a birthday and yes, there were several boxes of birthday candles too, a hurricane, and if I get really lucky—maybe even a romantic rendezvous!

Professionally matting and framing photos or artwork can be expensive. So when I see frames that can be given new life and made to match my décor or given as a gift, I buy them! I have taken many a gold metal frame, scuffed it up and spray painted it black to give it a more modern feel. Several years ago, I bought a mat cutter at a local art shop and learned how to cut my own mats. That purchase has paid for itself over and over again throughout the years. It’s amazing how matting can change the look of a photo or artwork. With a mat, you can make a bland or even ugly picture or piece of art look beautiful. And at the same time, you can take a wonderful piece of art and ruin it without the proper matting. Hence, the method behind my madness of purchasing all those frames, including the two with the “not so pretty” pictures. So when you come across a picture that you don’t find quite appealing, imagine what else could go in that frame!

I did stop at one yard sale since it was on my route towards home. Another treasure trove! I bought a few new—never used canvasses and several good quality paint brushes, two even larger frames with pictures I actually do like, and a terrific camera bag in pristine condition for a total of six dollars! The camera bag alone retails for $39.99 plus tax!

Are you wondering yet whatever became of the big, yellow rubber ducky? I gave it to a friend as a joke—big boys still love their toys! And after we smiled and shared a few laughs, my friend decided to send it north to be with its new owner—one lucky little boy who will spend lots of tub time watching it bob up and down in the water as they become best buds!

Next week, it’s off to the salvage yard…