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The little monsters have been busy. They have been listening to Louis Armstrong and painting up a storm. They have been sharing their lives in poetry. Creating magic on the page. One little monster drew herself and her cousin (pictured), and wrote:
Nostalgia is not the sole property of adults. What reminds you of home?
Early wooden dumbbell. 9¾ inches. Weighs only 212 grams. Exercise for genteel types, not prone to perspiration. $30. SOLD
Justin & Burks was circled on the map. Eye candy, the note said. And so we went. A corner shop at 8301 SE 13th Ave. Enormous windows letting in the late afternoon sun.
Almost immediately, we fell in love.
A roly poly bear, with a wrinkled nose, and a wry smile, practically winking. Taxidermy. One of many examples of extraordinary taxidermy. And we're not even fans. But fine workmanship is fine workmanship, and the taxidermy at J&B is stunning. And presentation is everything. This jewel box of a shop is crowded, and gives the impression of having downsized from a chateau. Overflowing cabinets, with quail and lynx perched precariously. A dead pheasant casually draped across stacks of papers on an antique desk. We did not buy the bear.
We did not buy the bust either. Nor the statue in the background, nor the carousel horse. But we chose many small treasures, and got starry eyed over the chandeliers.
Oh, the chandeliers! Chandeliers in every style and description. Chandeliers in gilt, and bright, shiny brass. Chandeliers with flowers and teardrops and leaves. The centrepiece of the shop is a chandelier spanning 8 feet in diameter, that once graced the halls of an old Portland department store. Far too grand for our tastes, but a spectacle to behold.
And then we fell in love again, with this little treasure. Over one hundred years old, badly tarnished, but with every crystal intact. Even her acorn shaped globe. A grande dame, who waited out the turn of the century, the Great War, and the roaring twenties from her perch in Paris. Patient. Graceful.
We could not resist. We brought her home.
Merci, Justin & Madame.
Rusty chemistry lab rack. Vintage and antique funnels. One handmade copper. Saints' hands. Prayers for health and rejuvenation. For sunlight and spring. For wellbeing.
Antique clear glass apothecary and perfume bottles. Late 1800s - early 1900s. Ground glass stoppers on the larger bottles.
We are home.
We have walked hours upon hours and dozens of miles. We have searched and scoured and gathered. We have shared food and laughter, triumph and the odd tragedy. We have been blessed with family and friendship.
Our suitcases are stuffed with treasures, oddities and curiosities, inspiration.
We look forward to sharing with you, but first, a rest.
We are glad to be home.
