Yesterday turned out to be a lovely, serendipitous day. We were in the mood to go somewhere; take off on little drive, a little adventure. We stopped at a neighborhood shop and bought the Sunday New York Times, which I have yet to read, though I finished off the crossword puzzle, and drove to the neighboring town of Rosendale.
After Scout died and I was in Hartford, Don often went on drives to work through his grief. He would explore and think of Scout and cry and find roads that were new to him. One of those drives ended up taking him to Rosendale, a place he’d been to many times before, but this particular new-to-him route was a back road with lovely old homes and farms. So, yesterday, we took that route and it was beautiful.
I’ve been in Rosendale before – there is a vegetarian restaurant there that I love and a movie theater that plays art, independent, and vintage films. It’s a really neat town and a lot of people love it. I think we love it because it definitely gives off an artsy vibe and we’re drawn to that sort of place. It’s like Woodstock, but much less commercial.
We pulled into a parking space and started walking down the street – our plan was to explore the shops. The first shop we saw was one that is run by a friend of Don’s. It’s called Soiled Doves.
I’d never met Elizabeth, the owner, so we stopped and chatted as she set some merchandise out on the sidewalk. We timed it well. She was just opening. We, of course, went inside and I immediately saw an amazing chair. I called Don over and he loved it (I knew he would.) It’s meant to be an outdoor chair, but we quickly started to think about using it indoors instead. Anyway, we asked Elizabeth what the price was ($85) but she said she’d let us have it for $70. That was a great deal, believe me. A quick consultation resulted in our saying yes. (I’ll show it to you at the end of the post.)
In the meantime, we looked around the shop. My eyes landed on a black Barbie case just like the one I had as a kid. I am absolutely sure I’ll be going back there to get it. Now if I could just find a Barbie with the platinum bubble cut, I’d be all set.
People started coming into the shop. I looked up and there was one of the appraisers who is on Antiques Roadshow – Nicholas Lowry. (He’s the tall man with the deep voice, distinctive mustache and natty suits who appraises prints and posters.) Since he was dressed casually, I had to look twice to make sure it was him. I chatted with him and he proved to be absolutely charming. We talked for quite a while. Elizabeth tells me that celebrities frequently come through the door of the shop. Daniel Craig was in there once!
We paid for the chair, loaded it into the car, and continued our window shopping.
Outside a lovely tearoom. Isn’t it charming?
We went inside a used bookstore and found a great collection of used LPs. (I’m going back there for sure.) We purchased one that I used to own: Judy Collins’ Colors of the Day. We’re both Judy Collins fans and, in fact, we’ve both met her. Don met her in NYC a few years back and I met her years ago at a concert in Detroit. This was an album I had truly loved so finding it there, and in good condition, was a delightful surprise. Don has since fallen in love with it, as well. It’s playing as I write this post.
Outside one of the local restaurants – beautiful irises.
The 1850 House – an Inn and Tavern.
As we crossed the street to double back, I saw another shop. It was a bookshop. And it looked newly opened – at least I didn’t remember it being there before. We went inside and I immediately fell in love. It’s wonderful. I’ll write more about it tomorrow because it needs to be a post in itself. It’s called Postmark Books. In fact, they’ve just been open for a week. We had a lovely chat with the owners and it is my new favorite place. A bookshop. Not a chain. A beautifully stocked and sunny space full of new books, picked by the owner, not by a corporate entity.
If I could own a bookshop, I’d like it to be like Postmark Books. I’m going back there this week. Anyway, more on that wonderful space tomorrow.
Lovely day. Running into Don’s friend, finding the chair (and we timed it well, other people were definitely interested in it) meeting Nicholas Lowry, finding one of my favorite albums, finding a newly opened bookshop – perfect day.
Would you like to see the chair? It’s from the forties.
There it is. Oh my goodness. We love it. It’s in great condition. It’s incredibly comfortable. When you sit in it, you sink into those cushions and you can also gently rock the chair.
We briefly considered putting it on the porch, but it’s too nice. The wind and rain that regularly hit the porch and porch floor would be too hard on it. Besides, we love taking something that is meant to be outside and bringing it inside. We like a funky, eclectic mix in our little cottage.
The black wood armrests on top of the metal are to die for. We think they really ‘make’ the chair.
Isn’t it cool? I cannot tell you how comfortable it is! I sat there yesterday, listening to the angelic voice of Judy Collins, rocking gently, talking to my husband, and musing about serendipity.
A simply lovely, serendipitous day.
Tomorrow: the bookshop!
Happy Monday.
Serendipity is one of my favorite words and I love when it happens!
I do, too. It makes me smile, Vicki!
What a lovely day! I love fun little towns like that with interesting stores not chains!! Oh that chair. I can see how comfy it is and the fabric is perfect. Judy Collins makes me have goosebumps when she sings…an amazing voice. I am hoping for a little day trip soon as a gift to myself for all this hard work I’ve been doing to get my Mom moved. She is here next door and everyone is exhausted. Still stuff at the other apt but it should all be done by weeks end. Now to unpack!
hugs,
Linda
I know you must be very tired, my friend. Soon, everything will be unpacked and your mom will be settled in right next door!
What a winner of a day!
It sure was!
Chair envy…!!
I know! Isn’t it fabulous?
love days like that – full of promise that is kept through open eyes/hearts/minds/schedules, the kindness of others, timing … all part of God’s blessings. glad you had that day. may you all have many more!
kathy in iowa
We needed something like yesterday and its serendipity. It’s been a tough 6 months. The lightness and happiness of the day was such a blessing.
Love the chair! Great colors in the fabric. I also love Nicholas Lowery! Love his loud , plaid suits.
Oops! I spelled his last name incorrectly. Sorry Nicholas!
xo
I do, too. He’s such a neat guy!
What a great day Claudia. Sounds like so much fun. I wish we had a town like that near us. I love the teahouse especially! Take care.
The teahouse was really neat. They have a lot of different teas available. I’m not a tea drinker, but I plan on visiting and having one of their iced teas.
These road trips are my favorite! This little town is now on my list for Places I Must Visit Someday and I can’t wait for the bookshop! So happy you had a great day!
It’s a charming little town. You can eat healthy food, look through two bookstores (one new and one used) shop for vintage, eat at an ‘alternative’ bakery, go to a tearoom, and that’s not all!
I love days like that! And that chair…it was made to be in your home! ;)
It was, indeed!
What a perfect day, Claudia! I love exploring towns and city districts with such charm, and to find a few shops, sights, and/or purchases one loves is such a bonus. Glad you rediscovered Rosendale. The chair is a stupendous find. You’d better watch out because you-know-who may be squawking for a similar chair you-know-where!
I know. Don’t tell her yet! Shhhh!
I am applauding for you on finding that chair! The fabric design is gorgeous. Wish I could find that in a 60″ cotton for a tablecloth. That little town is a jewel.
I love the design. It’s really beautiful, Tana!
What a perfect day!
It was, Cathy.
What a great day you both had. The chair, I think everyone’s cool Aunt had one, probably the whole set settee too, in the 50/60s. So perfect for your home.
Oh, don’t I wish that we had the settee, as well! I’ll keep on looking, Mary.
That chair has “Property of Claudia and Don” written all over it. What a super specimen of a day you had! Nico! Even without a plaid suit. I envy your encounters with Judy Collins. In the late sixties a fellow guest at a weekend house party in Connecticut was a super charming Australian I developed a little crush on. Years and years later I learned – through one of her books, I think, – that he was Judy Collins’ fella, and they were going through a rough patch at the time.
She’s an amazing singer and such a good person. I’ve always loved her and it’s been so nice hearing her voice come form our speakers.
What a lovely day in a charming town. The chair brings back memories of sitting under the walnut tree at my Grandpa’s — chairs like that one and lots of family enjoying a sunny day.
Nice memories, Karen!
What a wonderful day. Very jealous. And your chair, from the 40’s, would be perfect in our enclosed gazebo. (house built in 1941) Also wanted to let you know, several of the bushes were lilacs. Mostly light and dark purple color and a couple of white. The white are too strong of a scent – almost like perfume. And if that wasn’t enough, there is a whole row of Bridal Wreath Spirea between our yard and the neighbors. They are beautiful although everything is due for a good trimming. We feel very blessed. This is indeed a different lifestyle after living in a Townhome.
I realize you may not have recognized me, so maybe Northern Cardinal Cottage will help ring a bell. Heh…;)
I recognized you, Ranee!
So happy to hear about your lilacs and your spirea, Ranee! Isn’t that wonderful? You must be loving it there.
Wow, Rosendale sounds like the “Mayberry” of the Hudson Valley. And something I believe we need A LOT more of in this country. We need to get back to small local places, run by local people, employing local people and selling goods that are locally-made. Restaurants that aren’t national chains or franchises. Shops and markets that aren’t coast-to-coast. Are you listening, Donald Trump? Tell us how you’re going to accomplish that [you hypocritical, arrogant, xenophobic gasbag].
PS – we had a chair exactly like your new one on our screened porch when I was a kid. What am I saying? We still have it – it’s on my brother’s screened porch now [he bought my parents’ house after my Mom died]. I don’t know how we came to have it – I suspect my Dad probably found it on the side of the road somewhere, he was always doing that kind of thing – but it was the MOST comfortable chair on the porch, especially because of that special little “bounciness” that came with it, and it was routinely fought-over by we kids. I got tears in my eyes for a few seconds just looking at your photos here, because they make me remember times I’ll never have again – just sitting out on the porch on a lovely Summer’s day or evening, just yacking with my mother about nothing at all. But at least I’ll always have the wonderful memories.
I love local shops and try to support them whenever I can. I’m so worried that the bookshop might struggle, that I told Don I’m going to buy all my books there. And I’m going to blog about them and post about the shop to my local friends on Facebook.
I’m sorry I brought tears to your eyes, Janet! Memories like yours are good, but bittersweet. I understand.
Don’t be one bit sorry, Claudia. They were, as you said, bittersweet tears. But ones I’m glad I had, because of the wonderful memories they engendered as well. ((( Big hug )))
PS – continue to sound forth about little independent shops on your blog. You have more power, and more reach, than you know. If I lived in your neck of the woods, I’d do just what you plan to do. Even if it costs me a little more, it’s worth it. Hmmm… I wonder if Postmark Books will ship? ?
I wonder, too. I’ll ask them next time I’m there. I plan on spending a good chunk of time there and I have lots of questions for them!
Hi Claudia, what a happy-go-lucky post, I smiled the whole time while reading it. We are in Asheville visiting our son this week – I think that you and Don would love Asheville. xxoo
I think we would too. We went through there but didn’t have time to explore it at all. Hopefully, we will someday soon!
Probably my favorite word ever!!!!
My grandparents had chairs like those in their garage. I remember sitting out there while they listened to Cubs games on the radio. Even today it seems my leg is always “going” when I sit, and I remember hearing “Christine!! Will you sit still or get out of that chair!” Had not thought of that in many many years until I saw the picture of the chair!!! So funny what triggers memories.
Another beautiful day here, so need to get back outside and accomplish a bit more. Rain on and off in the forecast for the next several days beginning tomorrow.
Have a grand day!!
This chair seems to be triggering a lot of memories!
We have rain tomorrow and then, starting Friday, it looks like we have about a week of rain coming up. Yuck.
Lovely photos, lovely post. This is the America I would like to visit.
I didn’t mention that there were Bernie signs everywhere. It’s a pretty liberal town.
A day just full of good things…how wonderful…I love the 40’s fabric on your chair…Nicholas Lowry is just so cool..lol…I love his crazy plaid suits!…and Judy Collins..the voice of an Angel…Oh my…I need to get out for a Sunday drive….Looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
He is very cool. He was there with a woman – wife? girlfriend?friend? I’m not sure. She was very pretty.
I absolutely love your chair – what a great find!
Thanks so much, Susan!
It sounds like a perfect day. I just got home from the dreaded mall. I’m supposed to walk 5-7 miles a day to strengthen my heart and since it’s pouring rain outside I thought I would become a mall walker for the day. Let me be clear…I am NOT a mall person. I spent some time at Barnes and Noble looking for a series of books a friend recommended and none of the teenagers there had ever heard of the author, nor were they very interested in helping me order them. I left and went to the library. One was there and the other two are in other branches and have been ordered for me to pick up at our branch in the next day or two. I wish we had a little bookshop like your new find instead of the big, impersonal box bookstores.
But I digress, your day sounds wonderful and that chair is beautiful. It fits your cottage to a “T”.
Blessings,
Betsy
I hate the mall, too, but if you have to exercise in bad weather, it’s a good place to go. I know what you mean about Barnes & Noble. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been there when a book I wanted wasn’t on the shelf. It’s very frustrating!
What a beautiful town to explore! We love charming towns like that with such charming, independent shops. I adore your chair and I agree ~ it looks perfect in your cottage. Great find!
I’m so thrilled with that chair, Melanie. I said hello to it this morning!
I loved this post, Claudia! So glad you had a nice day. Thank you for sharing the photos and taking us on a little road trip…one my fave things you do for us. All I can is, from here in Southern California, I am personally living in the WRONG place. I need the serendipity…if I can borrow your word…of your locale. The problem is…although he is my blessing…a husband who has emphatically declared he would never move there due to the snow and frosty winters; a kid born in Calif but raised in the Midwest who cannot tolerate the cold (he’s lanky/tall/thin; my dentist calls him The Twig). But I aim to visit New York…sooner than later! Finding out about these tuckaway towns and villages from someone who’s been there for a firsthand account…well, I’m copying down your post today and saving it in my travel-to-come folder, Claudia!
Claudia, hope I’m not repeating, but I am a huge Barbie (vintage) fan and I took on the task of trying to locate the fave Barbies I had from the early 60s, oh I guess about ten or eleven years ago. It just became a ‘thing’ with me, trying to find ‘my’ dolls. What I learned and what worked for me…because the dolls are plastic and were heavily played with, so very few exist which are any good (and the ones in good shape that do exist cost a small fortune)…was finding the reproduction Barbie dolls that Mattel started making around the year 2000. If you look on a online site of Mattel’s called The Barbie Collection, you can go into their archives (‘vintage looks’/vintage dolls) and see some of the original fashions your doll probably had at the time, and read about the repro dolls they started creating over the past 16 years or so, all I’m sure in response to us baby boomers who had such fondness for our dolls…in my life, none of which were kept (c’est une long histoire of why but, you know, I’d outgrown my dolls). My favorite Barbie was the one where I could change out the wigs, and they did reproduce that doll in the 2000s; actually, not all that long ago, maybe five or six years ago(?). (Three wigs, and the blonde bubble cut was always the coolest one.) What I did find in the secondhand marketplace at Amazon and I paid plenty for it, was the blonde bubble cut Barbie wearing, of all pleasant surprises, what had been one of my most special outfits (a tweedy suit) called the Career Girl ( I think they reproduced her about ten years ago). They’ve also reproduced some of the doll cases over time. Thing is, I know you’re not into repros…but, you know, it’s the next best thing.
By the way, LOVE your 40s chair; have never seen anything like it!
Sorry for my typos. I didn’t proof; words couldn’t keep up with my thoughts!
Heck, I find typos on old posts of mine, Vicki! Makes me crazy, so I go back in and correct them.
Thanks so much for the Barbie information, Vicki! It’s invaluable. I’ll check into a Barbie in the style of the one I had. You’re right, of course, about the wear and tear on the average Barbie doll!
Glad you enjoyed the post, Vicki!
Another way to describe your day is…a blue bird kind of day. I love those days when they happen.
I love Judy Collins. She is one of my favorites. Your chair is wonderful. I think it looks perfect right where you put it. I found a red one at a garage sale a few years ago, and had to bring it home with me. I use it in the kitchen at the table. It is the only chair I have ever had at the table that I can sit in and have my feet touch the floor.
Oh, I like that Trudy – a bluebird kind of day! Lovely.
I bet that red chair is beautiful!
When I was young I had every Judy Collins record. She was my favourite. My favourite song is, “Come all of you, who are not satisfied, as dreamers in a lone, wallpapered room…”.
I love that one. I have a few favorites. “What I’ll give you since you asked, is all my time together…” “My father always promised us that we would live in France…” “Who knows where the time goes…” – I could probably add even more!
I have my old platinum blond bubble cut Barbie packed away somewhere. She is in bad shape, after I had outgrown my dolls, they were packed in the attic. My brothers told me that when I was away at college, they would shoot Barbie’s head out of some kind of air gun at squirrels in the back yard from the attic window! They never hit a squirrel, but poor Barbie sure looks worn and dirty! It sounds like you had a nice day in Rosendale and what a great chair-hope you enjoy it!
Thank goodness they never hit a squirrel! The very idea make me shudder!
I’m glad you still have that Barbie.
Oh wow! That chair was meant to be. It is the perfect color. Reminds me of some of your pottery pieces. Sounds like an incredibly wonderful day!
It was, Tammy. We really needed it.
Thispost about the shops and celebrities made me laugh… Nicholas Lowery, Daniel Craig… And now Don Sparks!!! (Smile)
It looks like a quaint little town. Sounds like it is alive and doing well f shops are still opening.
Love the chair!
I love the chair. Everyday I say hello to it!