Trade Secrets
A lady came into the store this morning before we were actually open ("the door just opened!" Obviously, we'll have to keep that one closed until 10 am...) and asked me about some glass she has...I don't know how many times I've done personal research for people since I started this job (unsolicited, mind you), but it's got me to a point where I'm a little flabbergasted at the lack of insight people have regarding the finding of what something is worth.
Some time ago, I did some digging, not exactly research, just finding some things a friend wanted. I had told this friend that "if it exists, I'll find it." And I did...in fact, I was able to find so much of what he wanted he told me to stop!
So yeah, I'm good at finding things. But mostly only because I've been doing it for years. But frankly, it's not all that hard. So, I've decided to give away some information, that might help you do your own dang research.
Ex 1:
A few days ago, one of the construction guys brought in a Native American "tomahawk" and beaded knife sheath; it was "for a friend." He wanted me to research it to find out what it is and how much it might be worth. So I did. The result was that it's not, in fact, a tomahawk (and why people will insist on calling any Native American weapon a tomahawk is beyond me...tomahawks are edged weapons, 'kay? 'Kay), it's a war club/hammer. Based on the information that came with it, it was found in Colorado near Boulder. Some research shows that the Arapaho were in that area from 1861 - so it's likely Arapaho. It was found by a man who died in 1947, so it has to be older than that. The Arapaho lands were sold to Whites after 1901, so it's got to be older than that.
So, final analysis: it is (most likely) an Arapaho war club circa 1861-1901. Now, what would something like that sell for? It's actually not easy to come by prices for authentic antique Native American pieces because there are laws about such things. But your best bet, is to Google what you've got and see what comes up.
And, basically, that's how you find the price for anything...seriously, before you come to someone like me, or an appraiser, try a little research for yourself, it's not that hard and it won't cost you anything since you're already paying for the internet, anyway.
Okay, so what if you have no idea, at all, about what you've got?
Ex 2:
The lady who came in this morning asked about some glass her mother had had. All she knew about it was that it was bought at a garage sale in the 1960's. She described the color and type, and I told her it sounds like Carnival or Depression glass.
So, what is Carnival or Depression glass and where do you get info on it? Well, both glasses were made during the early part of the 20th Century, and both are pressed, not blown. The way to distinguish between the two is by the sheen; Carnival glass has been treated with chemicals that produce an iridescence on the surface (if you've ever looked at old Carnival glass you might find some where the iridescence has actually come off so the surface looks patchy). Depression glass is simply machine-produced glass made during the 1920's and 1930's. It is often colored and patterned, but not iridescent.
So where can you learn more about your glass? The best source I have come across for Carnival glass is David Doty's Carnival Glass Website. As for Depression glass, there are not a lot of really great sites (like Doty's) that give you loads of information, but there is one site that might help. Suziemax is a site that has info on a variety of different vintage and antique topics. You can find her Depression glass section here.
What does this all mean? This all means that you can research your own stuff. All it takes is a little bit of information. What information? The piece you're researching. Look at it, see if it has any identifying marks. Find out as much information as you can from its previous owner. If you find it in a thrift store for dirt cheap, and have no earthly clue what it might be, try Googling whatever it looks like.
Say you have a piece of glassware and it's red and it's a vase...Google red glass vase, do an image search, and pick out the one that looks like yours. Same deal with anything you have. As far as prices go; obviously, an item is only worth what the market will support. If you price your piece at $100, and you don't sell it, then it's not worth $100. You can only charge someone what they're will to pay. If your prices are too high you will never sell anything. So shop around on the internet to places like eBay, Etsy, Ruby Lane, Bonanza, Black Market Antiques, or any other site that sells the kind of thing you have, and look at the prices that other people are charging.
Remember: In the internet age, someone will very likely be able to find what you have for cheaper, so don't mark your stuff up too much, or they will simply shop someone cheaper.
Some time ago, I did some digging, not exactly research, just finding some things a friend wanted. I had told this friend that "if it exists, I'll find it." And I did...in fact, I was able to find so much of what he wanted he told me to stop!
So yeah, I'm good at finding things. But mostly only because I've been doing it for years. But frankly, it's not all that hard. So, I've decided to give away some information, that might help you do your own dang research.
Ex 1:
A few days ago, one of the construction guys brought in a Native American "tomahawk" and beaded knife sheath; it was "for a friend." He wanted me to research it to find out what it is and how much it might be worth. So I did. The result was that it's not, in fact, a tomahawk (and why people will insist on calling any Native American weapon a tomahawk is beyond me...tomahawks are edged weapons, 'kay? 'Kay), it's a war club/hammer. Based on the information that came with it, it was found in Colorado near Boulder. Some research shows that the Arapaho were in that area from 1861 - so it's likely Arapaho. It was found by a man who died in 1947, so it has to be older than that. The Arapaho lands were sold to Whites after 1901, so it's got to be older than that.
BELOW: Not the actual piece I researched, but this is almost identical. Again, not a tomahawk.
So, final analysis: it is (most likely) an Arapaho war club circa 1861-1901. Now, what would something like that sell for? It's actually not easy to come by prices for authentic antique Native American pieces because there are laws about such things. But your best bet, is to Google what you've got and see what comes up.
And, basically, that's how you find the price for anything...seriously, before you come to someone like me, or an appraiser, try a little research for yourself, it's not that hard and it won't cost you anything since you're already paying for the internet, anyway.
Okay, so what if you have no idea, at all, about what you've got?
Ex 2:
The lady who came in this morning asked about some glass her mother had had. All she knew about it was that it was bought at a garage sale in the 1960's. She described the color and type, and I told her it sounds like Carnival or Depression glass.
So, what is Carnival or Depression glass and where do you get info on it? Well, both glasses were made during the early part of the 20th Century, and both are pressed, not blown. The way to distinguish between the two is by the sheen; Carnival glass has been treated with chemicals that produce an iridescence on the surface (if you've ever looked at old Carnival glass you might find some where the iridescence has actually come off so the surface looks patchy). Depression glass is simply machine-produced glass made during the 1920's and 1930's. It is often colored and patterned, but not iridescent.
So where can you learn more about your glass? The best source I have come across for Carnival glass is David Doty's Carnival Glass Website. As for Depression glass, there are not a lot of really great sites (like Doty's) that give you loads of information, but there is one site that might help. Suziemax is a site that has info on a variety of different vintage and antique topics. You can find her Depression glass section here.
BELOW: Depression glass vase (left), and Carnival glass candlestick (right). It's a little difficult to get the full effect of the Carnival glass in this photo, but it is iridescent.
What does this all mean? This all means that you can research your own stuff. All it takes is a little bit of information. What information? The piece you're researching. Look at it, see if it has any identifying marks. Find out as much information as you can from its previous owner. If you find it in a thrift store for dirt cheap, and have no earthly clue what it might be, try Googling whatever it looks like.
Say you have a piece of glassware and it's red and it's a vase...Google red glass vase, do an image search, and pick out the one that looks like yours. Same deal with anything you have. As far as prices go; obviously, an item is only worth what the market will support. If you price your piece at $100, and you don't sell it, then it's not worth $100. You can only charge someone what they're will to pay. If your prices are too high you will never sell anything. So shop around on the internet to places like eBay, Etsy, Ruby Lane, Bonanza, Black Market Antiques, or any other site that sells the kind of thing you have, and look at the prices that other people are charging.
Remember: In the internet age, someone will very likely be able to find what you have for cheaper, so don't mark your stuff up too much, or they will simply shop someone cheaper.
You Learn
I've known about Takida for a while now, but their ability to craft amazing songs needs to be shared. This song is called You Learn and is from their most recent album, "The Burning Heart," which was released on July 27th of 2011.
(If you don't like this song you should probably get your head examined.)
(If you don't like this song you should probably get your head examined.)
Incommunicado
A recent series of events has shaken my world. According to a very good friend, I am most likely making mountains out of molehills and I should just "chill the f@(% out" (my words, not hers). But this series of events has left me with a question - probably better answered by a guy.
Some brief background:
I have been in some sort of relationship with a very sweet guy for over two years now, and, although I've used certain terms of endearment, I've never used the "L" word in any way, until very recently. Now, bear in mind, I haven't used the 143 formula, I've simply ended a couple of communications with "love ya," which, to me, and my very good friend, seems very informal and friendly. But I'm not a guy, and although I do have some idea how the mind of man works, I guess I'm not as intuitive as I think I am.
So, the question is, "how and when is it okay to use the "L" word in a relationship?"
Some brief background:
I have been in some sort of relationship with a very sweet guy for over two years now, and, although I've used certain terms of endearment, I've never used the "L" word in any way, until very recently. Now, bear in mind, I haven't used the 143 formula, I've simply ended a couple of communications with "love ya," which, to me, and my very good friend, seems very informal and friendly. But I'm not a guy, and although I do have some idea how the mind of man works, I guess I'm not as intuitive as I think I am.
So, the question is, "how and when is it okay to use the "L" word in a relationship?"
Thunderstorm Warning In Effect
I really hate it when people greet me by saying, "how are you?" I hate it because it insinuates that they actually give a crap, when we all know full well they don't.
Most people don't really want an honest answer to that question. It's simply a way of greeting another person; a stupid way, to be sure; but it's become so ingrained in the fabric of society that it will probably never end. It's a way of pretending to care, seeming to care, when in fact you don't.
But it's also a question...questions generally require answers. So then, after being asked this silly question by some stranger, I am expected to give the stock answer of, "Fine, thanks, how are you?" Okay, great, but what if I'm not fine? What if my life is a complete disaster and I'm nearly suicidal, then what?
I will be the first to admit that I'm not the cheeriest person around. In fact, there are days when I can be downright depressing (and mean, there are days when I'm super mean, and it's just best to stear clear). So when a person asks me how I'm doing when I'm not, in fact, at all fine, then I'm even more bugged by the question, because now I have to lie. 'Cause, let's face it, nobody really wants to hear how crappy your life is.
During a very bad time in my life someone asked me how I was doing and, apparently, the look on my face told the story, because he answered for me, "shitty, but thanks for asking?" And since that day, when I'm in a situation where that tone of language won't cost me a job, if I'm not fine, I will answer just that way.
So next time you see me, if I'm not smiling or laughing, or if I am clearly not fine, please don't bother asking me how I am, because the only stock answer I'll give you now is, "shitty, but thanks for asking."
Most people don't really want an honest answer to that question. It's simply a way of greeting another person; a stupid way, to be sure; but it's become so ingrained in the fabric of society that it will probably never end. It's a way of pretending to care, seeming to care, when in fact you don't.
But it's also a question...questions generally require answers. So then, after being asked this silly question by some stranger, I am expected to give the stock answer of, "Fine, thanks, how are you?" Okay, great, but what if I'm not fine? What if my life is a complete disaster and I'm nearly suicidal, then what?
I will be the first to admit that I'm not the cheeriest person around. In fact, there are days when I can be downright depressing (and mean, there are days when I'm super mean, and it's just best to stear clear). So when a person asks me how I'm doing when I'm not, in fact, at all fine, then I'm even more bugged by the question, because now I have to lie. 'Cause, let's face it, nobody really wants to hear how crappy your life is.
During a very bad time in my life someone asked me how I was doing and, apparently, the look on my face told the story, because he answered for me, "shitty, but thanks for asking?" And since that day, when I'm in a situation where that tone of language won't cost me a job, if I'm not fine, I will answer just that way.
So next time you see me, if I'm not smiling or laughing, or if I am clearly not fine, please don't bother asking me how I am, because the only stock answer I'll give you now is, "shitty, but thanks for asking."
Dinner Finally
So, I don't make dinner for myself like I should since I started this job because I am usually very tired by the time I get home. But this last week I've made an effort to make dinner, even when I am tired. And tonight, I felt like having some chicken.
But what to do, what to do? And what to have with it? I ended up having spicy rosemary chicken with curried rice and baked (okay, nuked) potato. Because it was so good and so easy I'm going to share it with you (but I don't do the cheesy photoshoot thing with my food...sorry).
I was making this for myself so the ingredients I give are necessarily vague so you can alter the recipe to suit the number of people you are feeding (I usually make enough to have over two nights, so if the amount sounds like I should be contacting Overeaters Anonymous, you can stop worrying).
Spicy Rosemary Chicken
3 Chicken tenders (or breasts; I used tenders because that's what I had)
3 stalks Celery
1/2 an Onion
abt 1/2 tsp of fresh Ginger
1 clove Garlic
3 tbs Asian chili paste
Rosemary mix*
*Rosemary mix
Olive oil (enough to coat)
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Season Salt
1 part Thyme
Thaw the chicken. Mix two parts each, rosemary and season salt, to one part thyme, and then rub chicken with oil, and rosemary mix. Chop veggies.
Heat skillet with olive oil and saute veggies until slightly soft. Add chicken. At midpoint of cooking, spoon chili paste onto one side of each piece of chicken (NOTE: I like my food hot. Not just spicy, but burn-your-nose-hair, breathe-fire hot. So I used about a spoonful on each piece of chicken...if you can't handle that, then obviously, only use what you can handle, or exclude the chili paste altogether. Be sensible about this).
Continue cooking, covered, until chicken is done, turning/stirring regularly.
Curried Rice
1 cup Cal-Rose rice (or whatever rice you prefer)
2 cups water
abt 2 tbs Curry Powder (basically, until the water turns curry-color)
Rinse rice until the water runs clear (or near enough). Put all ingredients in pot or cooker, stir to mix the curry into the rice, and cook until done. (NOTE: if you are using a rice cooker and you find that your rice tends to stick to the pot and/or burn on the bottom, spray some Pam or other non-stick vegetable spray in the pot before putting the rice and water in. Works every time!)
When rice and chicken are done, serve and enjoy!
But what to do, what to do? And what to have with it? I ended up having spicy rosemary chicken with curried rice and baked (okay, nuked) potato. Because it was so good and so easy I'm going to share it with you (but I don't do the cheesy photoshoot thing with my food...sorry).
I was making this for myself so the ingredients I give are necessarily vague so you can alter the recipe to suit the number of people you are feeding (I usually make enough to have over two nights, so if the amount sounds like I should be contacting Overeaters Anonymous, you can stop worrying).
Spicy Rosemary Chicken
3 Chicken tenders (or breasts; I used tenders because that's what I had)
3 stalks Celery
1/2 an Onion
abt 1/2 tsp of fresh Ginger
1 clove Garlic
3 tbs Asian chili paste
Rosemary mix*
*Rosemary mix
Olive oil (enough to coat)
2 parts Rosemary
2 parts Season Salt
1 part Thyme
Thaw the chicken. Mix two parts each, rosemary and season salt, to one part thyme, and then rub chicken with oil, and rosemary mix. Chop veggies.
Heat skillet with olive oil and saute veggies until slightly soft. Add chicken. At midpoint of cooking, spoon chili paste onto one side of each piece of chicken (NOTE: I like my food hot. Not just spicy, but burn-your-nose-hair, breathe-fire hot. So I used about a spoonful on each piece of chicken...if you can't handle that, then obviously, only use what you can handle, or exclude the chili paste altogether. Be sensible about this).
Continue cooking, covered, until chicken is done, turning/stirring regularly.
Curried Rice
1 cup Cal-Rose rice (or whatever rice you prefer)
2 cups water
abt 2 tbs Curry Powder (basically, until the water turns curry-color)
Rinse rice until the water runs clear (or near enough). Put all ingredients in pot or cooker, stir to mix the curry into the rice, and cook until done. (NOTE: if you are using a rice cooker and you find that your rice tends to stick to the pot and/or burn on the bottom, spray some Pam or other non-stick vegetable spray in the pot before putting the rice and water in. Works every time!)
When rice and chicken are done, serve and enjoy!
Into Utter Madness
I started this blog last year as a way to do some venting, and also, in an effort to get some people critically thinking about their lack of critical thinking. But I've managed to fail in both regards...and I've failed, because I lost sight of what it was I was trying to do, because I got this crazy notion that I needed to be a little less controversial...ha ha, yeeeeeeeeeah.
Part of the problem is that I've had this nutty fear that something I say is going to come back to haunt me. Well, the whole point of this blog was to let the chips fall where they may. Unfortunately, there are forces in my life that seem bent on driving me insane because they discourage me from saying what I really feel in the misguided belief that I'll hurt someone's feelings.
Well, that kind of thinking has got to stop. I can't control how others interpret my thoughts, but I can go crazy trying to prevent others from being offended by them. I'm not entirely sure where this new-found concern for the feelings of others has come from, but I think it needs to return from whence it came, because I've had enough stress worrying about upsetting others; and frankly, that stress has me bent over a barrel; a position that I don't care to be in.
Therefore, I resolve to recommence my posting here with renewed vigor, and if I happen to say something that offends you, then so be it. Very few of you bother to comment here, anyway, in which case I won't even know who's gotten their feelers hurt and who hasn't. Which suits me fine, by the way; because I'm pretty sure that I don't care about you any more than you care about me.
The one concession I am willing to make is that I won't use names.
Part of the problem is that I've had this nutty fear that something I say is going to come back to haunt me. Well, the whole point of this blog was to let the chips fall where they may. Unfortunately, there are forces in my life that seem bent on driving me insane because they discourage me from saying what I really feel in the misguided belief that I'll hurt someone's feelings.
Well, that kind of thinking has got to stop. I can't control how others interpret my thoughts, but I can go crazy trying to prevent others from being offended by them. I'm not entirely sure where this new-found concern for the feelings of others has come from, but I think it needs to return from whence it came, because I've had enough stress worrying about upsetting others; and frankly, that stress has me bent over a barrel; a position that I don't care to be in.
Therefore, I resolve to recommence my posting here with renewed vigor, and if I happen to say something that offends you, then so be it. Very few of you bother to comment here, anyway, in which case I won't even know who's gotten their feelers hurt and who hasn't. Which suits me fine, by the way; because I'm pretty sure that I don't care about you any more than you care about me.
The one concession I am willing to make is that I won't use names.
