Monday, February 27, 2012

At just the right time

I've posted before about how Jason and I love Council Collection week. It happens twice a year: everybody hauls their junk (furniture, old TVs, busted kids' toys, you name it!) out to the curbside and at some point during the week, big trucks come take it away.

But not before plenty of other folks come checking out the loot! In years past we've kind of made a date of it; cruising around, looking at our neighbors' cast-offs. Because we are ALL CLASS. This year though, we weren't looking for anything and didn't have any real interest in it. My heart just wasn't in it. But the Monday after my surgery, we took Grace on a quick trip to the park and spotted this desk on the way home.

I'd been tired by even that little outing, but spying it on the curbside, I perked right up! Life and spirit surged to the surface! My pulse quickened! My blood flowed with new energy and vigor! What wondrous place is this, with such free furniture in it!? It was time to carpe desk, er, diém!

It was just a few houses down from ours, and Jason hopped out to have a look. Perfect condition, the desktops opened and closed, and as they did I heard them cry softly, "Mama!"

"I'll drop you guys off and then come back," Jase said. "No! You have to get it now!! Before it gets away!" And because you don't argue with a convalescing bargain-hunter, he did.

And now, Ava and Nate sit there each afternoon and do their homework. Cutest thing. As I told Becky, free furniture really IS the best medicine.

20 comments:

  1. Nice work! They do a similar thing in Switzerland, and when a friend was there studying pretty much her whole flat was furnished that way - nothing as good as that desk, though.

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    1. We have actually gotten several nice pieces of wood furniture this way! I'm paranoid now with upholstered stuff, cause I've read too much about bedbugs! :)

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  2. I love it! Really beautiful. Definitely something that would have inspired Jane Austin. Or maybe two cute little Bronte sisters! It's so sweet that the drawers recognized you right away. They know a woman with a heart of cherry wood when they see one.

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  3. What a great find!!! Hope you're on the mend. B said you're already back at the gym? You go girl!

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  4. What a find! I love to hear how other countries handle their discards. Our little town in the UK had a twice-monthly auction of household goods. We'd make a date of it too; pick up a pork sandwich and stroll around the sale. I'll never forget the auctioneer's British voice shouting "A pound for it? Pound somebody?" I know the rush of which you speak. :)

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    1. That way sounds much cuter than our way, which involves more scuttling around and trying to discreetly shove things into your car!

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  5. Ya gotta love free furniture! Especially when it's in such good condition ! That's a cute desk and perfect for Ava and Nate.

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  6. I love that desk! It makes me think of the schoolhouse in Anne of Green Gables.

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  7. Can't believe someone was throwing that out! Awesome.

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  8. My kids would love that too. awesome.

    PS; I'm a friend of Becky and Matt's from Signal Mountain and my name is Becky too. I'm praying for you and your family and enjoying your blog. Thanks for sharing your story with all of us readers.

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    1. Becky! :) nice to meet you. Thanks for reading, and for saying hello. And most of all, thanks for your prayers. Xo

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  9. I am soooo jealous of that desk. Bananas!

    Are you going to refinish it or anything or leave it au naturel? I can't stop loving it.

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    1. I would like to...but I know myself too well and would almost certainly stuff it up if I tried painting or re-finishing! But let me be you for a minute...what would you do??

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  10. Yeah, I would be tempted to paint that thang.

    Hey other Becky!

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  11. Dont do anything to it until I get there.

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  12. what a find! i have actually been looking for that type of desk for a while - good single ones are upwards of $250 at antique shops! i never find anything in council pick up time

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