Yesterday was that rare day where the weather was perfect – no humidity, cooler temperatures and abundant sunshine. Don and I decided to drive around looking for garage sales which is something new to us. On these days, we borrow the lingo of our favorite American Pickers and say that we’re going freestylin’ – a fun excuse to explore areas that are new to us.

Don found a lot of old records that were 4 for a $1.00. I made the mistake of spying an old army cot and mentioned that my family had used them on our camping trips when I was a child. It was $3.00. Don went for it. Now it is on our porch. Hmmm. I’m thinking it could be an area to recline…covered with pillows.

I found this piece for 50 cents:

There’s no marking. If anyone out there knows the pattern, I’d love to know. Pretty, isn’t it?

Don got this:

We both grew up going to Big Boy restaurants. In his neck of the woods, they were called Bob’s Big Boy, in mine they were just Big Boy. That restaurant holds a special meaning for Don, so this will go on his desk. $1.00. As a vegetarian, I now cringe at all the burgers I ate in those days.

This next treasure was not found at a garage sale. Heidi gave it to me the other day.

Is this not adorable? This little handmade (I believe) rocking chair was designed to hold spools of thread. And the color! I’m totally in love with it. It even has a little slot on the back to hold scissors:

Do you think the seat is designed to hold a pin cushion? I have one that I know would look adorable on it. This will be moving on up to the studio today.

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

One day, about 5 months ago, I saw her. While exploring an Antique Center across the Hudson River from my home, I turned a corner and there she was. She was beautiful. I examined her more closely. Ah, some crazing, some damage to the legs….but her face was perfect. She was wearing her original pink dress, bonnet, shoes and socks.

I looked at the price. Reasonable…but I was on a budget and I couldn’t justify the expense. I looked at her again. Now you see, some people would look at the crazing and the missing composition on the legs and say, “Not for me.”

Those things just made her sweeter. They added to her beauty.

But no, I couldn’t buy her. I walked away.

I came back to the shop at least 2 more times over the course of the next 3 months. She was still there. No one wanted her. It broke my heart. Eventually, the price was lowered a bit. But this was just before I was headed to California. I was on a budget and I didn’t see any way I could come home with another doll.

I’ve mentioned before that I am not a doll collector. I have my Shirley Temple doll (formerly my Mom’s) and Tressa. This little girl reminded me of my Tiny Tears doll. – the one that became my last baby doll, with a wardrobe made by my Grandmother – and that somehow along the way was lost forever. I mourn her to this day. I can still see the pink corduroy coat and bonnet that Gram made for her.

I left for California.

She entered my thoughts from time to time and I wondered if she was still there – sitting in a child sized chair. Lonely. Does anyone else ever feel this way? Am I crazy?

Finally, one day I looked up the web site for the store and sent an email to the manager. “I saw this doll – if you turn to the right when you walk in the front door, she is in the first booth. She’s wearing a pink dress and a bonnet and she looks sort of like Tiny Tears. Is she still there?”

I got an answer the next day. Yes, she was. He knew exactly what doll I was talking about. The price had been lowered again. “Hold onto her for me.” I called the next day, purchased her over the phone and said I’d be by in a little over 6 weeks to pick her up.

Today, we went to get her.

She’s tiny – petite. Her eyes close and are in perfect condition.

Such sweet details on her dress and bonnet.

Say hello to Emma. What can I say? Another rescue. Scout and Riley are rescues. Heidi and I rescued Tressa. And now little Emma has been rescued and brought to her new home. It only took 5 months.