Simple Living | On Thrifting

A stack of Picardie tumblers. A Bormioli Rocco carafe. Pewter salt & pepper shakers.* 

Clamp-lid jars. A cribbage set. A cot.

A wooden bangle bracelet. A shell necklace. Bright yellow Hunter boots. 

There’s something about finding treasure in the heap. About having an unapologetic affinity for the well-made, the long-lived, the worn-in. There’s something about learned information, become reality. About knowing of the French glass factory that’s been in production since 1945, then seeing a stack of those very Picardie tumblers on a thrift store shelf for a half dollar apiece. 

There’s something about the way the grain swirls around the knot in a tree, and how beautiful that looks when cut in a slab and sanded smooth into a cutting board. There’s something about finding that very thing for five dollars and change. 

There’s something about a dark corner in the kitchen and how a vintage brass lamp with its pierced brass shade tucks in just right, casting the place with a soft golden glow.

There’s something about how the knowledge in your head can be even more valuable than the cash in your pocket, and the fizzy freedom that comes along with that. When the few dollars spent here mean more dollars left over, stacking up there, for spending on something brand new - plunk down the whole wad for that well-made thing that will, itself, become long-lived, worn-in, and passed-along over time, your contribution to this ongoing circle of things.

The reasons are many, I suppose, that keep me scouring pre-owned listings, nosing thrift store shelves, and slow-walking tag sales. Reasons that align with my ideals and compel me in my choice of a soulful, slow-lived life. 

A marble-top writing desk. A pair of bistro chairs. A 1940’s oscillating fan.

A picnic basket. A maple cutting board.* Silver-plate serving spoons.

A cashmere sweater. Raleigh Denim jeans. A silk scarf.

*Some of these thrifted things are going into our get-away kit!

---

---