Grandma and I not only look a lot alike, but we share a similar enthusiasm for diamonds in the rough. We love hunting, searching, and ultimately finding treasures. For me, it was rock collections and gift shops throughout my childhood years. For Grandma, it has long been flea markets and garage sales. The woman LOVES a good flea market.
So, yesterday morning, I devoted the entire morning to loving my grandmother well. She is about 70 years old, and still loves to spend the morning in the hot Indiana sun hunting here and there for treasures buried beneath junk. I awoke with the birds yesterday and went through 3 outfit changes while Grandma declared what would (and WOULD NOT!!) work for a flea market outfit. Apparently knit is bad (too hot), synthetic is EXTRA bad (doesn’t breath), jeans are ok (not synthetic or knit), and janky shoes are a must (because though diamonds in the rough are buried under some major junk).
our shadows, in sync and moving along
I decided that the day would be entirely about Grandma. She could show me the ropes of her passions, since I know so little about the woman I’ve known for 25 years. I would go with her flow and dance to her rhythm, because gosh darnit…she’s earned that.
I was absolutely shocked to find that the attendance at this flea market was 80% elderly men. There were virtually no other women, let alone any other women under 30. I didn’t know whether to be charmed or alarmed by the advances of elderly (sometimes toothless and shirtless) men who were selling. I decided to be charmed, and made sure they all knew how much I appreciated them coming out on such a hot day (hottest day on record, young lady!).
amazing postcards with notes written on them dating back to 1906.
It was such a fascinating day to spend with my grandmother. She imparted buckets of wisdom upon me, of which I was glad to receive. We walked away with treasures, both material and shared memories. She appreciated my slow meandering, giving her enough time to peruse the items without feeling rushed. I appreciated her extensive knowledge on how flea markets work. We bartered for this amazing tractor seat industrial Sundance catalog type stool. It’s amazing, and I can’t wait to show it to you when I finish it and it’s in it’s new home in our new home.
amazing group of cruisers for sale. wanted one…but didn’t know which one. decided to wait.
At the end of the day, Grandma and I felt closer than we have since I was about 10 years old. It nourished my soul to spend time with her, and I hope it helped her feel loved and maybe a bit more understood. She has two sons, neither of which appreciate her aesthetic…so I hope it was nice to spend time with someone who does. We had a really great time, and I found it to be such a meaningful and rewarding day.
such a wonderful, colorful, beautiful day.