Being green

by chuckofish

I think I’ve mentioned that one of my favorite blogs is Reggie Darling, written by Reggie Darling. Reggie and I are definitely on the same page. I was reminded of this once again when I read this the other day:

…Which brings to mind one of the reasons that I enjoy collecting antiques (or “previously owned” things): namely, that I appreciate owning objects that someone else (and, depending on the age of the object, possibly many people) owned and enjoyed before me, and which I shall pass on to someone else to own and enjoy in the future. We are but stewards of our possessions, Dear Reader, and it is up to us to appropriately care for them while enjoying them, so that those who come after us may do so as well. Collecting and living with antiques (whether they be objects or houses), is the original definition of being green in my book.

I concur. (And the stewardship view is so Episcopalian!) It’s the way we were brought up.

In addition to loving and living with the things I have inherited, I enjoy going to estate sales and looking at other people’s things and occasionally picking up nice vintage items for very little–like this mid-century Russel Wright green tray I got a few weeks ago. I have re-purposed it for use in my bathroom.

I also love to buy good old books for a dollar! I found the large 1892 Book of Common Prayer last weekend and the little handmade book holder a few weeks ago.

Sometimes I put absentee bids on items at our local auction house. And sometimes I win! I picked up a few nice 19th century lustreware pieces for less than a lunch out would cost.

Ah, the joy of hunting and gathering in the 21st century! I love being green and scoring a bargain makes it all the more sweet.

P.S. I can’t do a post on being green without this: