A Fun Day at the Thrift Stores with My B.F.F.

Yesterday was a really good day! I have said this before, but one of the things I enjoy most is visiting thrift stores and hunting for hidden treasures. When my B.F.F., Harriette, can go with me, it is much more fun.

Please allow me to share with you the great things I found.

I found this pretty and very large (28 X 22 inches) framed print at the newest S.P.C.A. thrift store in town.
Framed Print of  Children at Play from S.P.C.A. Thrift Store
Everything in this store was fifty percent off yesterday, so this $15.00 picture cost just $7.50! I have not measured it yet, but it is very large. It is just a print and the frame has some dings, here and there, but I love the children in it.  I haven' t yet decided where I am going to hang it, but it will look very good in most any room. I snatched it up and am happy that I did because it instantly spoke to the heart of this grandmother of five!

I also picked up this wonderful plate with a picture, in red, of a man toiling in a wheat field.
Here is a close up picture. I hope you can see the detail a little better.

 I find these types of scenes of every day life so very appealing. The original price was $3.00, so this plate cost a whopping $1.50! Wasn't this a great find?

Over at the Goodwill store, the first thing I spied were these fabulous antique/vintage glass insulators.

Would you believe these were priced at fifty-five cents apiece?! They are in perfect condition and not a chip or crack on any of them. The lady at the check out counter said the person who priced them obviously did not know what they were looking at(and that is exactly what I thought). Needless to say, I swooped these right up. I have taken a few minutes to check some prices on E-bay and think I made a good decision when I shelled out a total of $1.65, for all three. I enjoy looking at these and it childhood memories of seeing these on top of all the telephone and electrical poles, when there were no underground wires and cables.

Also, at Goodwill, I found this matching set of 5 X 7 inch, shell pattern, cross-stitch pieces. 
+
The colors are so pretty on these and someone put a lot of work in to creating them. I knew when I saw them at $1.55 each, they would be perfect in my bathroom. 

My last purchase during our excursion was one I made at Habitat for Humanity Restore thrift shop. It was a gorgeous vintage Sunshine Biscuit Company tin. I was a little torn, being Ms. Cheap, herself, to pay $5.00 for a cookie/biscuit tin, but my heart just told me that it was there, just for me! Not only that, but experience told me that it would not be there the next day.

I absolutely love the pictures, one on each side of the tin. I tell you, it is wonderful!

This is a very large octagonal shaped biscuit tin, measuring a full 12 1/2 inches. Here, on the side that opens, is a copy of a Rococo style painting, by famous French artist, Francois Boucher. 
Copy of a Painting by Francois Boucher's "The Charms of Country Living"
The original of this romantic painting, named "The Charms of Country Living," has been hanging(according to the description on the inside of the tin) in the Louvre for over 200 years. The fact that this scene has sheep in it makes it all the more appealing, as far as I am concerned. I would love to see this, in person, at the Louvre!

This is a picture of the inside of the tin's lid which tells more about the painter and the piece of art.
My tin is in pristine condition and looks like new. This is a side view of the tin, as well.
I saw this top sold separately on E-bay, as a wall plague.

On the bottom of the tin is a copy of yet another painting by Boucher. This one is called "The Nest,"
and I think I like this one even better than the other. Here is a photo of that side.
Copy of Francois Boucher's Painting "The Nest"
Again, on the bottom inside of the tin is a little of the history of that painting, as well.
Here is a closer image of "The Nest."

I think this is a great scene and good for spring decor because the ladies in the picture are dressed in finery. The lady in the middle of the picture is wearing a wonderful hat with pink ribbon to match her gown. She is holding a nest in which baby chicks are sitting. The subjects in the painting are all looking with great interest at the nest and the man is playing with the chicks. One of the ladies seems to have picked a basket of spring flowers. Sheep are pictured in this one, as well. Is it difficult to see why I fell in love with this wonderful tin?

I checked this one out on the net, as well, and it appears I made a wise purchase.
I found some on E-bay, some costing several times more and being described as have some issues of spotty patina, wear and and rust. The fact is I really like it and it makes me feel good when I look at the tin.

In all, I spent less than $19.00 for all of the great things I purchased and I am very happy with all. 

Speaking of happy. I am very happy that God brought my friend, Harriette, into my life many years ago. We are different, each in our own way, but we are alike in so many ways that it is almost scary. We have many of the same interests and hobbies and we enjoy doing crafts and things like that together. We have the kind of friendship where we know each other so well that we can, and often do, finish each other sentences. Both of us are at the ages where that can be a real plus sometimes, if you know what I mean.

Yes, I had found a lot of great things on our outing but there was more to come. My friend has been purging at her house. She knows I love rolling pins and wooden bowls. I have been collecting both for many years. Harriette has been collecting rolling pins, too, and has collected quite a few. It amazes me that she decided to let her collection of rolling pins go. She was going to get rid of her whole collection, except for a couple that had belonged to her sweet mother. Since she had made the decision to let them go, she wanted me to have them, if I wanted them. Yes, I wanted them!

Folks, when we got back to her house, here is what she gave me!
A Wonderful Gift from my Sweet Friend

Now, I ask you, is this not a beautiful sight for this or any rolling pin collector? There are eleven pins, in all. Oh, and she said she wanted me to keep the pretty basket they were in, as well!

This bowl collector also thinks this is a beautiful sight!
And this great glass rolling pin can be filled with ice and water, so as to keep the pastry nice and cold while it is being rolled out!
Now, I can pretend that I am a famous French pastry chef when I use this glass one!
Harriette
Yes, my friend is beautiful, she is intelligent, she is generous, she is caring and kind. She loves God and is a powerful prayer warrior. She is always there for me, through the good times and through the bad, the happy and the sad. We laugh a lot together and we cry together. We even laugh together "at" ourselves sometimes when we do things that we fondly call "crazy." I just know, deep in my heart, that when we both get to heaven someday, we will be enjoying one another's company, just the way we do now!

She is the best, in every way a friend can be. She really is my B.F.F. My Best Friend Forever! 









Comments

Lynn, you found some great things. And the gifted rolling pins are absolutely fabulous!
hugs,
Jann
NanaDiana said…
Lynn- You found and purchased some amazing things. But the most amazing thing is your good friend. What a beautiful lady and I love that she gave you a collection she knew YOU would love like she did. GREAT rolling pins and that bowl is a really special treasure. I'd say you had a pretty good day- xo Diana
Hello Lynn, what great finds, especially that gorgeous tin, wow... I'm so happy for you that you have such a wonderful BFF. No doubt you're an amazing friend to her yourself! Hugs
Laurie said…
Lynn, you are certainly blessed to have a friend such as Harriette. And you totally scored at the thrift shops. Sweet finds!
LYNN!!

You hit the jackpot...not just with your great buys but with your friend too!! It is wonderful yo have shared interests with someone and then to get the time to spent together and have fun with those shared interests.
I envy you for that. Maybe some day when I retire I will find someone who likes the same things i do but around this area, those people are far and few......
Love the rolling pins and the print!! I am also on the look out for more rolling pins to fill my one crock in the Kitchen....

Hugs,
Deb
lynn cockrell said…
Thanks, Jann! The rolling pins actually double my collection. I now have to plan where and how I am going to display all of them, but I wasn't about to turn them down! I really appreciate your stopping by and leaving your sweet comments. It always means a lot to me!
lynn cockrell said…
Yes, Diana, it was a good day, especially since I haven't been able to get out of the house much lately(actually for many weeks/months). I am blessed to have many friends, but especially my bestie, who encourages me to get out and have some fun, once in a while. She seems to know when I have become overwhelmed by things and need a small break from things. Now, to decide where I am to put my now doubled collection of pins!
lynn cockrell said…
Thanks, Wendy, for stopping by to see me and for your sweet comments! It is a great gift, those pins. The tin looks much prettier than the pictures. I think I am going to enjoy having it around. I hope you will have a beautiful weekend coming up, sweet friend!
lynn cockrell said…
Thanks, Laurie. I am so glad you stopped by! I have to figure out what to do with all the rolling pins now, but what a good problem to have! We had great fun!

I am so ready for spring! I will probably be sorry for saying that because, as you know, it quickly turns from warm to sweltering hot down here before we can say "boo!"
lynn cockrell said…
Hello, my dear friend! Yes, I truly am blessed to have my special buddy. You would think we had grown up together. She is a few years older than me and was probably in her mid forties when she came to work where I worked. I was in my late thirties and we hit it off right away. God blessed me that day, for sure! I think the print looks a lot like your style, don't you think. I hope it will look okay around here. I think it will do pretty well. I have so much to do around here, but it has been hard to make any long-range or time consuming plans because of the circumstances. Thanks for always stopping by to offer encouragement and to brighten my day, dear Debbie! Lots of love from me to you!
Hi Lynn! Thank you so much for your very kind comments on my blog. I am finally getting through all of the blogs on the GYBP lists, and am now finally checking out all the blogs of the people that commented on mine during that week. I'll be following you as well and look forward to reading more.

What a great friend you have! I was immediatley struck by that glass rolling pin, and I would feel very chef-y when using that! Hope you are having a great week.
You found some wonderful things on your outing but the best thing was a great day spent with a friend. I recently saw some of those insulators wrapped with wire and used as votive candle holders hung outside, so pretty.
lynn cockrell said…
Patricia, thanks for stopping by my blog today! You are smart to think of this, hang these as votive holders! I had thought of using them for votives but with the rounded tops I was thinking I would have to place them on top of some kind of pedestal with a hole in it. For now, I am enjoying the look of them sitting on my mantel!
Decor To Adore said…
What amazing finds and a wonderful friend! I love days like this.

Happy St. Patrick's Day weekend!
lynn cockrell said…
Hi, Laura!

It was so nice of you to stop by today. Seeing you've been here always brings a smile to my face. My friend is a very special lady who blesses my life.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours!
Sharon said…
Those insulators are a real find! I used to have a collection and I wish I had kept it. The real treasure in your post is your friend. Life has given you a jewel. I'm sure she feels the same way about you!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post! You found some fabulous things. I love to go thrifting and picking by myself but it is also so fun to go with a close friend who loves the same things. What a gift in your friend and what wonderful gifts she gave you. When I first saw the basket the rolling pins were in I thought that I would want that too....and then she gave it to you!! You are truly blessed! Visiting you back from my blog...thanks for visiting me!
Vicki Boster said…
Lynn- you are so blessed to have such a dear and precious friend in your life--(she really is beautiful)

You found so many wonderful things on your shopping trip-- my favorite is the cross stitch pictures-- they are wonderful!

Xoxo
Vicki
You are so blessed friend! To have a soul sister Harriette is such a gift!!! I too have one and I feel so lucky! And yes when you are both in heaven you will be having fun and enjoying laughs!!! Your finds are out of this world! WOW! You have such an amazing eye! I love everything especially that framed print!!! Oh I so like going on the hunt too...you have inspired me to go on a trip tomorrow to see what I can find! A lovely weekend to you friend! Always praying for your son-in-law....Nicole xoxo
Burlap Luxe said…
Oh Lynn, your beautiful friend is the best thrift find.... :)
A treasured friend indeed, as for prayers the two of you are so blessed to have each other.
Love all your thrift finds, the shell stitched pieces are right up your design creative alley, fitting right in with what inspires your stitchery works of art, just like the valued one you did for me placed right on top of the heap of gathered and collected Not for touching pieces, just for looking at... :)

Your rolling pins charm, I love when I find these kind of pieces. Like collecting cutting boards for me, fond memories of Grandmothers and there fine baking and cutting board use.

Thank you for your beautiful visit and taking the time to comment.
Thank you for reminding us all that the best treasure are those in a friend.
Blessings to you and your BFF.

Xoxo
Doré
Erika said…
Dear Lynn, your treasures are amazing! So much fabulous finds and all together with your best friend. Lucky you!
Greetings from Erika
Cindy said…
Our thrift stores have hawks in them, never never never would these insulators be prices out at that. Great eye, nice find. All your finds are lovely. Glad and glorious is a BFF, wish I had one. Enjoy and take care
Some great finds, Lynn!!! I especially like the print of the children and the cross stitch. Sounds like your BFF is very, very special.
lynn cockrell said…
Nicole,

I am sorry to be late in replying to your comments. We truly are blessed to have close(soul sister)friends such as ours.

Thanks so much for dropping by and taking time out of what I know must have been a busy day to leave your always appreciated comments.

Your prayers are always appreciated. It means so much and always helps!

I am getting ready to hop over to your blog to see what you are up to.
lynn cockrell said…
I am happy that you dropped by Vicki and I really appreciate your sweet comments.

I knew when I saw the cross stitches they were a great find, especially at that price.

My friend is, herself, the real treasure of a lifetime!

May your day be filled with much happiness!
lynn cockrell said…
Sharon,

Thanks very much for stopping by and leaving your sweet comments.

I am very happy about finding the insulators. My sister in law has over 100, which I believe she and her husband inherited from his father. Hers are, I believe, all the aqua ones, or mostly so. I have read that there are fewer of the clear ones that survived, so they might be a pretty rare find. I have to admit the aqua ones are more visually appealing to me.

You are right, my friend is a true treasure!

Have a gorgeous and happy day!
lynn cockrell said…
AnnMarie,

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and taking time to leave your comment!

I love the rolling pins and I am happy about the basket, but I love my friend more. She is a really cherished find!

I hope you will have a wonderfully happy and fruitful day!
lynn cockrell said…
Thanks for your visit, Heather!
I have only gotten through the first list on the GYB party. I want to visit a lot more, but it is going to take some time. It has been a lot of fun and I hope to visit many more.

I have been blessed with many friends over the years, but never any quite like this one. We have often commented to each other that we are blessed. Our friendship is a treasure neither of us takes for granted.

I will be checking in on you at your blog on a regular basis!

Be happy and have a wonderful day!

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