all that glitters is junk

I have this little problem (that I can picture myself one day being on an episode of hoarders) where I like to buy junk.  Whenever I have some extra cash, I don't think about blowing it at the mall but at the flea market. These last couple of Sundays I've gone to the flea market without my husband which I quickly learned is a bad/really good idea.  

He is always my voice of reason, the "we don't need that" little angel on my shoulder.  Sometimes I agree with him and move on, sometimes I reluctantly agree but look back with regret, and other times I persist and throw down cash, opinions be damned.  "I need this metal pie safe, it is completely necessary for my well being and you can't stop me."  I've gotten a lot better about things I can and can't live without, but lately it seems as if I can't live without anything.  My current obsessions are tin/metal, glass, and anything utilitarian i.e. objects that served a specific basic function that nobody really thought about too much.  

The problem is, while I sometimes picture these items decorating my current or future house or as a planter for my succulent business, most of the time I want it and buy it because I want it and have to buy it.  I recently came into possession of one of those carts seen at flea markets and anywhere with a homeless population (insert image of me turning into a crazy old lady here).  I filled it to the brim with treasures my first week out alone, my husband didn't say much about my trove, he's gotten used to the fact that our money somehow turns into rusty metal and random portraits of old men (the native american man in our bedroom needs a companion, duh).

an old chicken feed trough I intend to plant herbs in on our patio

He can't complain, we share this obsession together, for every useless tin can and glass bottle I pick up, he is eyeing the rusty old tools and vinyl records.  It really all ebbs and flows for me, there are times where the cart is full and the junk flows like wine and others where life goes on, the cart collecting dust, waiting for new friends to arrive.

I will be at the Golden Hill Farmers Market tomorrow from 9:30-1:30 with several new arrangements.  I'm also always available to do custom arrangements in your junk or mine.  Or if you are looking for a little piece of history you would like me to keep an eye out for while I'm at the flea market just let me know.   

short and sweet

I had a slow week at the market, maybe the intense heat drove everyone to the beach, jealous.  Thanks to The Cheese Store of San Diego for getting an arrangement and displaying it at their booth.  Despite the slow week at the market and a busy week at home, I've so been enjoying meeting new people and hearing such kind words from people who stop by.  

trading time

I've been so busy lately, not sure where the time goes.  My hours at work were recently cut back and I've been using the free time to make up for all the things that have gotten messy at my house.  How does that much animal hair accumulate under the sofa?  The good news is the free time is nice for getting down to gardening.  I've been building new garden boxes, reviving sad little succulents, and watching my crookneck zucchini come into their own.  It may not put money in my pocket, but that peaceful feeling of working outside is a good trade off.

I'm back into my "hit the flea market every Sunday" routine and I found some fun stuff for my arrangements.  Wish I could have done more, including planting in the old first aid box but alas, not sure where the time goes.

how cool is this thing?!

Also, tomorrow is the The Old House Fair in our neighborhood.  It's a cute little street festival honoring all the historic homes in South Park, including house tours, crafts, food, etc.  It's about 2 blocks over from the farmer's market and would be the perfect day of fresh produce and historical enlightenment.  I won't be able to make it to the fair, which is sad because old homes are my calling, but there is lots to do for the BBQ we are hosting that evening.  I think after a long and unsettling week, a good beer with friends is more refreshing than a craftsman bungalow tour (maybe not by much, seriously I skip a heartbeat for old homes).

san diego succulent society

Welp, the day after the farmers market, I turned around and put my small profit towards some new babies at the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society show and sale.  Several times a year they have a sale in beautiful Balboa Park.  It's magical to behold all the different types of succulents I've never seen before.  They all seem to exist in a coral reef on dry land, as if I'm a fish living off their bounty.  I'm quite the amateur grower, and have killed my fair share of the ever hardy succulent, so its nice to talk to experts about different types of soil and propagation techniques.  Next on my being a business woman list is learning the names and categories of most of the plants so I can sound like a pro.

  this pink of the flower is my most favorite color ever

week one

After much anticipation I successfully finished my first week at the farmers market.  It went really well!  I broke even, and even put a little extra in my pocket.  The weather was June gloom at its finest, so there wasn't a huge crowd, but that means as the summer heats up it should only get better. I was put at the very end in an awkward spot, I had expected to be put with all the gift-y type sellers in the middle, but next week I should be in a better place.  It was really fun, I got a lot of positive feedback from passersby, met some new people, and it feels good to be a part of the commerce of our local community.  Several people asked me where I buy my succulents and I couldn't help but glow when I told them I grow them myself.  

I hate to admit it, but I was a little sad when I saw some of my favorite pieces go, if I lived in a big house with a yard, I would probably be the crazy succulent lady unwilling to share, but I'm sure they went to good homes, and selling things is how a business works.  Luckily, there is always the joy of hitting the flea market and finding new favorites, which I will have to do quite often if things go well.