It Was 'Wind Song'

Herman took one last swipe at the whitewall tire and threw the rag in the bucket. 

The ’57 Bel Air was a great car, dependable in every way.  Dreamy thoughts of that white ‘60 Impala down at Palmetto Chevrolet came to mind and he just couldn’t get the long sleek lines of that fine automobile out of his head.

He’d just drive by again…one last time…to take one last look…before someone bought that white beauty off the lot…

~~*~~ 

What did Daddy always say?  “Good intentions paved the road to hell.” 

~~*~~

 

“Honey, come look!  I got this little bottle of perfume when I went to the car place…  I bet it’ll smell real good on you!”

Betty peeked out the window, “Herman, there’s a strange car in the driveway.” 

~~*~~ 

During the 1950s and 1960s, it was a big deal when the new car styles came out in September.  It was tradition to go to Palmetto Chevrolet in Conway, South Carolina, to see the new cars and it was tradition to get one of the little crown-shaped bottles of Wind Song perfume that they gave away.  That's my first experience with the classic fragrance that was created in 1953.  I wore it in high school and would revisit it over the years when I felt nostalgic for that slightly green floral scent.  The bottles were very pretty to sit on the dresser with their golden liquid inside and the pale green color of the creme perfume.  Alas, the regal crown-shaped bottles gave way to a generic glass container and they no longer have the charm that they once did.

Say Hello To My Little Friend

I was trying to photograph a pretty brooch for a friend and very carefully laid it on a hydrangea bloom.  This little guy wasn't a photobomb, but he's irresistibly cute.  In the second picture, you can (barely) see him soaking up some major rays in my hydrangea bush.

Can you see him?  There he is....12:00 high!

He was running fast; running behind.  He glanced at his watch.  1:30 PM.  No wonder he was hungry.  He’d stop at the country store up the road and get a carton of milk and a box of powdered sugar donuts.  He needed to use the phone anyway.

The sun was in his eyes and he reached up and put the visor down.  Absent-mindedly, he slapped his left breast pocket, took out the pack of cigarettes, shook one into his mouth and held it between his front teeth.  He barely slowed down as he drove off the main road, spraying the gravel in front of Cartrette's store.  He parked, grabbed his clipboard, and unfolded himself from the low slung car, throwing the cigarette as he did so.  The older man threw up his hand as the younger one sauntered in. 

“Well, hey.  You back here agin this week?”

“Yeah, gotta look at a wreck off 521.”  He looked at the name on his clipboard.  “Can I use your phone?  You know Wendell Coffey?”

“Course I do," he pointed in the direction of the highway.

"Next right, then the second left.  Dirt road.  Pretty bad ruts after this rain. You gonna have to drive real careful!”

The young man reached for the phone, dialed the number, and spoke briefly.  

The old man looked out the door at the white car parked on the gravel.  “Son, you like them things, don’t you?”

The younger man sat the milk and donuts on the counter, dug his wallet out of the back pocket of his old Levis, and laid a $5.00 bill on the counter.  He smiled real big.  “Yeah.  Nothing better than fixing one up.  Don’t want to put too much in ‘em though."  He laughed, "Can’t make any money if I do.”

The old man kept staring out the door at the white car.  “Ya know, J. D. Winkler's got one ‘a them things.  Had it a long time out under his barn shed.  Well, it belonged to his boy.  He got drafted.  Viet Nam.  He got killed..."  His voice trailed off, remembering.

"One day Wendell just up and drove that car under the tobacco barn shed, locked it up, threw some old tobacco sheets over it, and it’s been there ever’ since.”

“That's just too bad.  What'd it look like?”

“Can't remember too good.  Only saw it a time or two.  Had one 'a them funny looking back winders.”

The younger man's eyes squinted, his excitement rising.  

“Where is it?”

“Right down the road where you going.  Couple a houses down.  Y’ought to stop in there and ask him about it.  Tell 'im to let you see it.  Tell 'im I told you about it.  Don't think he'd mind.”

“Mr. Ben, you just made my day!  You keep that change.”

He picked up his milk and donuts and hurried to his car.  He got in, worn corduroy Levis sliding easily on the red leather seat.  He opened the carton of milk and set it between his legs.  He opened the box of donuts and popped one into his mouth, a trace of white sugar falling onto the front of his shirt.  He looked over at his clip board, started his car and drove onto the highway.   

To be continued...

What I Found Today

Today was one of those spur-of-the-moment kind of days.  My aunt hasn't been feeling well and I wanted to go see how she was doing.  That thought was followed with 'why don't I drive to  Allsbrook and check out the thrift store there.'  That thought was followed by 'why don't I drive on into Loris and have lunch at the Coffee Shop'.  Excellent plan, so I donned jeans, my Catalina Island tee shirt, my Lilly Pulitzer Keds, and headed out the door.  The Master's Table located in the Allsbrook community raises money to provide groceries for needy families and I feel good spending my money there.  Treasure hunting was excellent and the catches of the day were:

A beautiful pair of Daniel Green ivory brocade slippers.  Aren't they lovely?  The best thing about them, other than their delicate femininity is that they are made in the USA!  Alas, they are too narrow for me, otherwise they would be mine.  When I find such a pretty example of American craftsmanship, it saddens me to remember that we don't make such anymore.  That's an unbelievable shame and one of the reasons that I love vintage and all the things made by heritage American companies.

A great selection of belts include a thin gold mesh one, a simple chain link belt with a ball on one end, a gray linen with white polka dots shaped belt with a bow by Ginnie Johansen (made in the USA), a multicolor cord and leather belt by Anne Klein for Calderon, a navy faux snake-skin leather belt with a pewter buckle and fittings by CIA (made in the USA), and a very neat coin and chain link belt.

I was starving as I drove into Loris and found a park right in front of my destination, the Loris Coffee Shop, which has been on Main Street forever.  When you order your sweet iced tea, they don't just bring a measly glass.  No, dear heart, they bring the pitcher, too!  I wanted fried chicken (I was craving it), so loaded up my plate with the yummiest country cooking this side of my aunties' houses.  Let me show you what I had:

Isn't that the most delicious thing you've seen all day?  Mmmmm fried chicken, new potatoes, cole slaw, candied yams, mac 'n' cheese, and hush puppies.  There was dessert, by I wasn't interested in that.  Anyway, if I don't eat dessert before a meal, I'm not much interested in it.  Whether or not I went back for seconds is a mystery that shall remain unsolved.

I stopped by the family cemetery and took some pictures on the way to my aunt's house.  She wasn't expecting me, but she was happy to see me.  Unfortunately, she isn't doing well, but let's hope the antibiotics she's on will help.

Yes, it was a very good day.

Snoozing On Vintage Sheets

My favorite sections in a thrift store are lingerie, clothing, accessories, and linens.  There's nothing more exciting than finding a Vera scarf, tea towel, or sheet.  I like to work on 'categories' and have just washed my current collection of vintage linens.  I'll be working on getting them in my shop, but thought you might like to take a first peek!

Fieldcrest Perfection:  love the orange, yellow, and green florals in this 1970s twin sheet.  The yellow polka dot border adds a great touch.

Mohawk percale:  I'm a big fan of the classic pink, white, and green color combination of Lilly Pulitzer and love the watercolor prints of Vera Neumann.  Although this isn't a designer sheet, I love the daisy pattern in this color combo.  Wouldn't this be darling in a little girl's bedroom?

Whenever I find Vera linens, it's a good day!  This set of vintage Vera for Burlington pillowcases is all abloom with springtime crocuses (croci?)

Love, love, love the pink on blue color combination on this vintage Marimekko by Dan River sheet.  I found an entire double set, but alas, the elastic in the fitted sheet has seen its better days.  Why did I never learn to sew?

This Walt Disney sheet has certainly been well-loved, but has some life left in it!  It's covered in scenes of Dumbo at the circus, circus animals, and a friendly train.

Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and Charley Brown!  Need I say more?

I can't tell you how much fun I've had collecting these linens.  But if you love vintage as much as I do, I'm sure you know!