flea circus

It’s been a while since I posted so I thought I’d show you some random things that I’ve picked up for a dollar or less that I really enjoy having around- there’s no rhyme or reason here- just things that always make me happy when I look at them.

Let’s start with the bunny portrait, which is on an old scrap of wood- I love how he’s chewing that twig like a toothpick. A dollar easily spent.

This boot was made for walkin’, but there was only one. Otherwise I would wear it all the time, it’s fabulous. As I only have the one, I usually arrange flowers in it for parties. It took someone a long time to make this, and the photograph really does not do it justice. The embellishment is done thoughtfully and carefully- folk art at it’s best. Again- one measley dollar.

This old passport belonged to a Louisville schoolteacher who took a trip around the world- I like to think that she went with friends and had a blast. The cool thing about this passport is all the entry stamps- the customs agents almost never stamp your passport these days.

God bless her- anyone stuck with a name like “Ethel Koop” deserved to let that hair down a bit. I hope she had a spicy adventure or two.

Finally, I will leave you with this wonderful portrait of these two wild-and-crazy professional entertainers, the life of any party, and clearly fresh off the boat. They make me laugh out loud every time I wash my hands.

LESSON FOR TODAY- Are you broke and depressed? Scrape together a dollar and go to the flea market. You probably won’t be sorry.

Hey out there to all my fellow antiques afficionados, junk addicts, trunk slammers and garage-sale prowlers!

this is not my house

This summer I found myself in the right place at the right time to hatch a new business and fulfill a lifelong dream. I’m now the proprietor of FLEA CIRCUS TOURS, specializing in customized shopping excursions to antiques fairs, flea markets and country auctions for anyone who would like to go along.  It’s the perfect excuse to spend as much time as possible doing the thing that makes me happiest! Mr. Flea smells a rat, but what can he say? I’ve joined the lucky few who have turned what was a hobby into a livelihood! At least, that’s the idea.

Anyhoo, the website is up, business cards are printed, and fingers are crossed. Visit www.fleacircustours.com and let me know what you think!

I’ll be posting a diary of sorts here as we go rollin’ along, happily seeking out the unique and unusual things that are out there to enjoy.

I‘ts been a great summer! I’ve been junking in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, and I did a big chunk of the 127 Sale- aka THE WORLD’S LONGEST YARD SALE. That one is not for the fainthearted, folks. Two days and I made it about six miles. Bring your own toilet paper- I’m just sayin’.

The pickings were FANTASTIC- sadly, I left my camera somewhere between Frankfort and Lawrenceburg, but it was totally worth it.

127 SALE BEST GRAB- a brand-new tweed Hartmann suitcase that matches my other luggage for five bucks

127 SALE BIG ITEM- a light-up FRIED CHICKEN sign from the roof of a diner

a gorgeous day in New Jersey

a helpful dealer in Virginia

transferware in Tennessee

I‘ll post more summer highlights soon- meanwhile, here comes autumn!