Flea markets, secondhand stores, in France they’re ‘brocantes’…what is it about them that draws us in? The possibility of a bargain? A find? A good story? Wayne loves to look. I love to buy! The trouble with doing it in France is there’s no realistic way to get things home!
Well, almost no way. Our 2000 home exchange to Paris I brought back some small things – an old wooden scoop, some WW2 tin cups, a couple of creme brulee dishes I still use every day. And one trip, I found a scratched-up old yellow enamel jug with a lid that’s been perfect for flowers and, like the dishes, reminds me every day of our trips to France.
But now that we’re gardeners (well Wayne is, I just ‘consult’), we have all these lovely spots for interesting art in the garden. And really, anything can be ‘art’, particularly larger, well-worn things, interesting things, that sadly just don’t fit in my carry-on suitcase.
I think it’s the energy of something that draws me to it. Then I start wondering whose it was, where it’s lived, what stories would emerge with a little psychometry.
Some things inspire me. This one got me thinking about redecorating, maybe adding something white and floaty to our bedroom. That could take the edge off a gray, rainy west coast day.
Maybe Wayne’s got it right after all. Just look. And wonder and dream and let the energy of it all inspire. I don’t need to own everything I find interesting or beautiful. Although it is fun to bring home the odd treasure and let its presence spread a little of France around back home.
