Monday, April 5, 2010

Discovery Monday


Ah, the feeling of discovery! Heady stuff really, enough to make the pulse quicken and the heart to leap. Unless of course it's the other sort of discovery; like what the neighbors cats left in the veg garden (more of a pulse quickening, stomach lurching) - let's not speak of it.

Anyway, I thought I would share a few of my latest discoveries with you on this fine Monday.

Discovery #1 Shop:

The other day I was feeling a little smudged about the edges so, I took myself on the rare adventure known as, 'Lola on the Town'. I made my way to one of my favorite French bakeries and took a very long time to eat a pastry and sip a coffee. It was heavenly. As I was going to leave, I saw this little shop that I had noticed and wanted to go in for years. Well, no time like the present. Hollywood Senior Center Handcraft Shop – Golden Treasures & Thrift...doesn't it sound exotic? (Hollywood is the name of a NE Portland neighborhood, not to be confused with the one in California with the movie stars)

As I walked in the door I was greeted by two very lovely seniors whom I would come to find out, were volunteers Shirley and Gladys. The tiny shop was filled with handcrafted items and a few thrifty treasures, all on consignment from folks at the senior center. Now I know just where to go for a lovely and very reasonably priced crochet or knitted baby blanket, sweater, hat etc. Wooden trucks at half the price of the fancy toy store and all hand made. Had I more cash in my pocket I would have undoubtedly walked out with more loot but, I did end up with a bundle of 8 vintage handcrafted hankies for a steal, a red crochet pot holder and a very ingenious crocheted pot scrubber all for a song.


I also had a chance to chat with the very sweet Gladys and the super spunky Shirley. We talked about tatting, embroidery, the senior center...which is behind the shop. They gave me a tour of the offices, kitchen, and large room where a group of seniors were in the middle of a yoga class. I left with a smile in my heart and wishing I had stopped in earlier (the shop has been there for 30 years)!

If I were you, I would check out the senior centers in your area and see if they too have a shop, or many will have seasonal bazaars or craft fairs and some run thrift stores (or op-shops). Not only will you find handcrafted treasures at bargain prices but, you may get the opportunity to chat with some folks who know a thing or two.

Discovery #2 Music:
Have you heard of the band Black Prairie?

Unless you are a deeply devoted fan of The Decemberists, it is quite possible that you have not...yet. No, I didn't just discover the band, for our long time and very dear friend, Jon Neufeld is the guitarist. Jon has played with my brother in-law for years. He, along with a couple members of The Decemberists and a couple other major local talents, make up the band. They play wonderfully interesting music, many instrumentals...think Gypsy, Appalachia, Folk...

What I did discover, is that along with a small feature on NPR, they have just been signed to Sugar Hill Records! I am so pleased for them, they are all deserving incredible musicians. Hooray and congratulations! Go check 'em out.

Discovery #3 Food:
I discovered just how much Pony Girl loves sushi!

I do hope you have enjoyed my tour of discovery today. Next time I will tell all about what I found by the side of the road! Suspenseful no?

So my dears, what is your latest discovery? I'd love to hear.

6 comments:

Tania said...

Ah, I LOVE the 'unpredictable' around here. Like there is no way in heck that I would ever, never, not ever, have expected a pic of Pony Girl eating a startlingly large mouthful of fish at the end of this post...

Sherri B. said...

AND SHE ATE THE WHOLE THING! How funny...Pony girl you are such a card.

I love, love, love the seniors. My 81 yr. old mother and I are having a girls day out so your post could not have come at a bettr time. I didn't know about this place. I will let you know what we find.

Looking forward to the road find you keep teasing us about.

lifeshighway said...

Pony Girl looks adorable even when she is imitating a seal.

I love the tatting on those pieces you bought at the senior center shop. I will definately check out what may be available in my area.

Unknown said...

My goodness that fish doesn't even look real. Am off to check out black prairie, thanks for a few discovery tips. xo m.

Floss said...

Brave girl!

Your seniors' centre shop sounds very much like the Edinburgh Voluntary Aid society one which I haunt whenever I visit my parents over there. I gather Sherri B was going to your one yesterday, so maybe these places are going to become bloggers' haunts!

I'm going to follow up the band - looks exciting.

And we found a battered folding kitchen table to act as a potting table for our patio by the side of the road last week. Can't wait to see what you found!

mamas collection said...

40's metal lawn chair, sitting forlornly by the curb with other garbage....It is very happy with a future holding pots of begonias this summer.....

(Nice sushi promo too btw! :D)