the things I go through....

I love the newest items I just posted on my site. Its a tiny gold watch with a filigree jewelry finding (code for: I have no idea what it is) a black sandstone heart and a fluorite stone on a chain. It is the definition of what Queen G is all about...making something from nuttin'.

But, what I have to deal with getting these things is a challenge in itself. This watch case came from a interesting (nasty) little 'antique' store in my area. This place is in a creepy location complete with duct tape on the window and no parking unless you have great insurance and a crappy car. I had driven past this place a million times never quite getting the nerve to go, its THAT kind of place. But, I finally got my courage up and went in. It was closed, but the owner came flying out of somewhere, honking and waving us back. 80 years old with hair flowing down his back...interesting I thought. And it was, so much crap to go through, and prices that were all negotiable and getting lower by the minute as I listened to his disjointed stories of his kids, sisters in law and other assorted relatives.

The next place I went had a guy who assumed every piece of junk in his place was hand delivered from Jesus himself. Prices higher than retail because 'he needed to make some money too!', yeah, OK...next!

The third place was full of stuff that someone would need, someday...and the next time I need a laundry basket full of wet, moldy wicker baskets, that's the first place I'm headed. 'Easter', the guy said as he noticed me grimacing at the pile.

By the time I got to the Goodwill my nerves were shot. I know there is a recession and people are in dire need of stuff, but dang...do they have to be so stereotypical??? Does the cashier at the shops all have to be dentally challenged (or hygienically ignorant?) Do all the shops have to have that funky 'just died' smell? And why is there always a Peter Frampton album laying around.

I don't care about the funk as long as we all understand that most of this stuff is junk...not priceless heirlooms just handed down through the generations to be bagged in dirty Ziploc bags and tossed in a peach basket in some dingy garage somewhere. Gimme the 80 year old guy who will cheat you if he can and respect you if he can't...I can deal with him.