I may be on a bit of a rant this morning because I feel a bit miffed.
miff (mif) n. 1. petulant displeasure; a petty quarell. 2. to give offense to; offend.
miffed (mift) adj. put into an irritable mood, esp. by unoffending incident.
#firstworldproblems
Someone recently asked me how I store my still life props, did I have a special room just for them. The question sounds innocuous but body language told a whole other story … take my word for it. Plus it hit a sore spot, especially since I’ve announced to the world on several occasions that I need to slow down on the collecting of stuff. I even recorded a video about it with Kim Klassen.
Well the truth is that I have slowed down on the collecting of certain things. Things like the fake tin at Home Goods for $15.00 that I really really wanted … I felt it was the perfect container for my yellow ranunculus. And don’t even get me started on all the baskets and blankets and pillows that were swirling around me, calling, taunting, beckoning.
Truth: I had a few things in my basket, but after cruising around the store for 1/2 hour I put everything back and walked out. Whew! what a relief.
But what has happened is that I’ve become more addicted to the junque. The garage sale items. The castoffs. The Goodwill goodies.
Enter this little coffee can I found last Saturday (for $1.00.) which could not have been a more perfect fit for my rannies …
Oh, and those sweet scissors were part of a pile of scissors a guy practically gave to me a few months ago … he had no idea … (I felt like a thief.)
So anyway, I have a lot more to say about this, but I decided to break it up into several blog posts. I want to show you how I’m storing my props here in AZ, plus I want to show you my setup for shooting.
For now I have to go … I just know there has to be a garage sale somewhere, waiting for me …
Read Part II
ummm…if you need help storing things, I’d be happy to help…since I have extra storage now after my two month purging…especially those scissors…the yellow ones…not saying whether or not you’ll get them back…!
Thank you Amy! aren’t those scissors awesome?
Isn’t it amazing how body language and the WAY a question is asked can say something totally different than what’s actually coming out of someone’s mouth?? I had a very unpleasant experience with that last Sunday. I always wonder if people really realize how much it hurts when they make assumptions or judgements about others and how they go about making art/living their lives. :(
I love your tin! And what’s wrong with surrounding ourselves with things we find beautiful or use to make other beautiful things? When we have more than we need, we can pass it on to someone else who will love it. Win win! ;)
Hi Rosa, sorry you had to deal with someone so insensitive :( but thank you for the encouragement. I could think of my gatherings as a form of recycling!
Exactly! ;D
This will be an interesting set of blog posts……it’s what I’m thinking. I too love to “shop” for props but I love antiques more, so when I DO get a chance to go to my favorite antique haunts, I’m on the look out for something to showcase in my home and serve as double duty for a photo prop. And then when said antique becomes “clutter”, one of my antique-loving children get it or it goes in a yard sale.
Hi Cheryl! Me too – that’s for my next post! Double-duty props!
Ooo those scissors! Most of what I use for props are things I already have at home. I love visiting antique shops but find them over priced. Think I’ll take your lead and hit up some garage sales!
Uh, oh Linda! it can get addictive!
I love that coffee tin, Barb! I’m rather envious. I’d love to have the foresight to go out and find such things… and then learn to do still life!
Hi Liz … what a sweet thing to say – thank you so much xo
Really enjoyed your post.
Thank you Diana!
oh Barb…thanks for stopping by my blog. Your photographs are simply gorgeous. I will return again and again.
fondly, Deb
So sweet Deb! thank you so much!
Barb, you are speaking
my own truth! I totally
agree — would rather have
REAL stuff, rather than a
bunch of reproductions.
Less then becomes MORE.
I’m sorry that someone
made you so miffed. My
instinct tells me that whoever
said it is envious of your
many talents!
xo Suzanne
Thank you Suzanne!
Barb,
I love reading your posts.
Always leaves me thinking.
Thank you
Ann
Hi Barb,
I get that way with myself often at the mess I create to create. Then I have to put it all someplace. My home is small right now .
Love these and your truth. You sure speak to me.. and its books and books I have to unhand someplace and which ones. I love adore books.
Have a lovely night