JUST A HIPPIE GYPSY

Flea Markets, Old Houses, Realtors

What do these three things have in common. Oh, nothing really. Just that the realtor told me another realtor was going to show the house between 6pm and 7pm. I left around 515pm and drove around town looking at comparable old houses. The Realtor wants me to think about lowering the listed price!!! Already! I know she is the Doctor here, but I think I could persuade someone to purchase my home at my asking price! It is just a matter of anticipating the objections and then offering solutions. She may be the Doctor, but I know this town and I know the true value of this home. It just is going to take someone who loves old homes...like I do.

An old home has so much personality and charm. I don't see something antiquated. I see a place where many lives were formed, lived and perhaps concluded. I sense the hope, love, and disappointment that has been drifting in and out of these rooms for 60 some odd years.

So, to kill time I drove around. I ended up at the Flea Market. Ironic. I am trying to get rid of stuff but I can not resist bring in more great old stuff into my old home! I found, what I think could be, a first edition of "A" is for Alibi, by Sue Grafton. A pristine 1967 copy of "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band", a cool post card of a miniature circus, circa 1950's...and the above picture with an inscription penciled on the back, "Isabella Johnson Crab Orchard, KY".

I had to have this picture for several reasons. First, I collect old obscure pictures that have been tossed away. I adopt these pictures in a way that is rapidly becoming eccentric. This picture really speaks volumes, doesn't it? Look how cocky some of the men are? Young and vibrant, cool and handsome. The way the cigarettes are held, the hand thrown over the womans sholder, the coke bottle empty on the table. The women are beautiful. So beautiful in its simplicity. Unposed. Natural. WWII? I think so.

Secondly, Crab Orchard. I continue to find little bits and pieces of discarded Crab Orchard sentimentality. I am a Crab Orchard Magnet.