Posted by Friday the 13th felt like Friday the 13th. Everything was off kilter and irritating and it ended with my husband and I getting into a tiff. (Enough said on that.) But Saturday the 14th I woke early with excitement. I had arranged my schedule so I could go to our local flea market when it opened at 9:00. I was super excited and stopped on the way to get cash at the ATM. $200. I was ready. Well, wouldn’t you know it, the flea market that is ALWAYS on the second Saturday of the month was going to be on the third Saturday this month!! WTH! (Could they not have posted this info on their Facebook page?!)
I drove home so frustrated. I had been looking forward to this all week. Literally all week.
Back at home I had a second cup of coffee and regrouped. I decided I would head out to my neighborhood thrift store and then afterwards go to the bargain room of our monthly library book sale. That seemed like a reasonable, though less exciting, plan B.
Well, the thrift store was a bust. Even the new merch carts showed no promise. (I was briefly tempted by a couple of vintage creamers but thankfully came to my senses!)
By the time I arrived at the bargain book room I was in a bleak mood. Nothing seemed to be working out. The room had been open for 45 minutes so the biggest crush of folks was over. Still it was crowded and smelled of body odor and musty books! Not the best combination. But as I walked around all the shelves my mood started lifting. I adore books and these were cheap. Some buyers bring big huge boxes to fill up. I brought a small tote. I took my time. I reminded myself that I didn’t need to buy anything. Really there was no pressure.
In the end I bought a small selection of quirky books. I didn’t look anything up. I chose books that intrigued me and that I thought would sell in my store. I spent $11.
Here are a few…
I love vintage paperbacks and these were both in great condition with interesting subject matter. The 1960 “The Teachings of the Mystics” is one I have sold before for $24. “The Age of Belief” is a 1961 printing of a 1954 book. The pair is listed for $30.
Vintage poetry has been high on my list these days. The rare 1994 “Sixteen Voices: Poets of Incest & Sexual Abuse” I bought in honor of the courageous Epstein survivors. So much is coming out and I hope they get justice for the horrors they endured. I’ll list this book for $18.
I was drawn to the brightly-colored cover of this 1963 cookbook. It’s a wonderful step back in time as the author shares the history of famous San Francisco restaurants (some now shuttered) along with their favorite recipes. This veal piccata recipe has a previous owner’s additions penciled in. Will list for $15.
This 1997 book is full of gorgeous Maine paintings, poetry and prose. The checkout gal commented on it and got us talking about the old children’s book “Blueberries for Sal”! In very good condition, I’ll list this book for $35.
So that’s a few of my books. When all is said and done I should make $100+ profit. Nothing wild, but I’m okay with that. While it was not the haul I was anticipating I’m glad I was able to redeem the day a little. The day ended even better with my husband preparing a Valentine’s Day dinner of shrimp and pasta.
Wishing you happy hunting,
Karen
Hunting for Vintage 