Lucky for us we were in the direct path of totality for the solar eclipse. I never really thought it was that big of a deal. I figured I would be just fine if I didn’t see it. But once our community began planning eclipse parties and selling T-shirts I realized I didn’t want my grandkids asking me one day why I didn’t witness the “Great American Eclipse of 2017?” By the time I realized I would need some eclipse glasses, they were getting scarce. We thought we might go over to the beach, but I heard news reports claiming our state would be seeing upward of 2 million visitors for this lifetime event. After all, the sun would be directly above our house so we just watched from some sand chairs right in our yard. It didn’t disappoint. I’m glad I got to witness it, it was pretty cool!
The start of a new school year was delayed by a day because of this monumental ocurrance. But now after finishing up the week, school is in full swing. I always feel a little melancholy this time of year. It’s still hot as blazes, but for me there is just something about a new school year that stirs all sorts of emotions. I can still see my own kids, heading off to their very first day of school. A punch in the gut basically, every year as I consider the speed at which they have grown. Then of course there are my own school days, prehistoric as they are. Memories long buried resurface and the old familiar pang of uncertainty washes over me like it was yesterday. Sooooooo, to pep myself up from the reality of knowing that my youngest just started her first year of high school which translates to me basically having one foot in the grave, I decided to go shopping! There was not one thing I was in the market for. But I do so love the thrill of the hunt. I have long dreamed of being Joanna Gaines’ personal picker. You know how she always makes a trip to her “warehouse” when it comes time to stage the newly renovated home? I could so do that. But for now I just wanted a distraction. So the hunt was on! Of course it had to be something for the house because heaven knows in my depressed state, shopping for clothes would have been the death of me!!
I’ve gotten to the point where I have to be really enamored with an item before making the purchase. I have an obsession with original art lately. And vintage and antique Persian rugs. But today I didn’t bring home either of those items, but I did bring home a couple unique finds.
Vintage fisherman’s chair or canoe stool
I have never actually seen one of these Fisherman’s chairs before, so I was intrigued. It has real leather straps, wrapped leather feet, a little compartment at the bottom that opens up to hold the fisherman’s bait or lunch or such, and it folds up with a little handle for easy transport. Just imagine carrying this nifty little thing down to the riverbank to catch some dinner. No. I didn’t need it. But how cute would it be sitting in a corner adorned with a pretty pillow or straw hat to compliment it?
I came home and did a little research. I couldn’t find much information on this type chair. They’re actually quite hard to find. I also learned that I got a steal! Some had sold on ebay previously for considerably more. One article said these were used in the 1940’s but I don’t really know, there wasn’t enough real information to say definitively.
OK, so yes the retail therapy did help. And I added a unique item to our house. Win. Win!
Have you found a score recently that you didn’t even know you needed? Picked up something unique when you least expected it?
Hi there. I’m Marci. Welcome to the Sea Gypsy Cottage, I am glad you are here. Everyone has a story to tell, and I can’t wait to share with you our renovation story. The good, the bad and the ugly. 
