Mailman Saves the Day and Other Stories

Mislaid Package Story

I ordered a beautiful turquoise and silver pin from an eBay seller. It was undervalued and I hope to sell it later in my Etsy store. Well, two days ago I received the text that it had been delivered. But when my mailman came up the walk with the mail he didn’t have that package. I forgot to ask him about it in the moment so I chased him down the street and he checked but it wasn’t in his truck. And the next day he didn’t have it either. I checked the tracking info and it read “Delivered to Agent, Picked up at USPS.” And I thought, “What the bleep does that mean?!” I’ve never seen this message before.

Well apparently “’delivered to agent’” indicates that the package has been handed over to someone other than the intended recipient, such as a third-party representative or a person authorized to accept deliveries on behalf of the recipient.” Huh??

Now I have to admit I was starting to get a little worried. Where was this package? Thankfully my long-time mailman, who is one of the best and now comes to our block parties, took down the tracking number and after he finished his route was going to enlist the supervisor’s help at that postal substation in tracking it down.

And by golly they found it and it was delivered today. Phew!!! (Extra Christmas gift for our mailman this year!)

And the pin is even better in person–finely crafted with a gorgeous turquoise stone. It was made by Navajo Len Adakai. So far I haven’t been able to find out much about him, but his work is sought after.

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Boutique Thrift Store Story

On Tuesday I went to my favorite boutique thrift store. It was 10% off for seniors and I had a $10 loyalty reward burning a hole in my pocket. This store is small, but well appointed. They get some seriously good donations. But they also know what they have and sometimes prices are higher than I would list on Etsy. Still I love shopping here.

Well, I spent 30 minutes going around the store trying to find something to buy. I found plenty of good things, but nothing with meat on the bone. I really thought I was leaving the store empty handed, but I went around one more time and my eyes landed on the sweetest hand-painted glass dish with brass feet and handles.

It had age and was in lovely condition but was out of my wheelhouse. I was clueless about it. Still it was a nice thing and with my discounts I had a chance of making a bit of profit so this was the only thing I bought.

Back home I started my research and discovered it was better than I imagined. Turns out it’s French opaline glass from the 19th century!

Here’s what I learned so far about these pieces:

• When held up to a light the glass should be translucent/semi-opaque and have a pink/red glow.
• They have no seams and may have a pontil mark.
• They are often decorated with enameling and have brass or ormolu mounts.
• They tend to be heavier than newer opaline pieces.
• They are rarely signed.

Bingo! This piece somehow slipped by the research volunteers at the thrift store.

And I was delighted to discover that antique opaline pieces are very collectible and have value.

Finding this was a great morale booster. I do take chances on things that are out of my wheelhouse. Sometimes they work out, sometimes they don’t! Of course this hasn’t sold yet and it may turn out to be a dud, but I don’t think so.

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The “Letting Go” Story

I’m continuing on my Swedish Death Cleaning journey. Some items are getting added to my online stores, others are offered in my Buy Nothing group and others are heading to Goodwill.

These two vintage sterling and gemstone bracelets (peridot and amethyst) landed in my Etsy store. I just wasn’t wearing them much anymore so I paired them together for $70.

In my Buy Nothing group, I have recently offered my mother’s 1950s beaded sweater. Not in perfect condition (I wouldn’t try to sell it), but still wearable. We’ll see if I get any takers.

I’ve also given a bag of books to a gal who fills up a Little Library that lives along a busy bike/walking path. Isn’t it cute? I love Little Libraries and have enjoyed a few books from them myself over the years.

Overall letting go has been cathartic and I’m actually enjoying it. But I have a long way to go. And honestly the way I’m doing it has no rhyme or reason. One day I’m focusing on clothes, the next books, the next linens. Still I figure if it’s getting done, so what does it matter!

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Wishing you happy hunting and letting go,

Karen