Obsessed Collectors Of Holiday Knick Knacks

Are You A Tchotchkaholic ...Do You Adore Holiday Knick Knacks ? Now There Is A Collector's Support Group For You Online

On the popular social network , I Antique Online.com. there is a group called "Joanie Loves Tchotchkes". Currently 37 tchotchke lovers have found each other and enjoy meeting online and discussing their passion for knick knacks, odds and ends and collectible STUFF!

Adorable Stuff We Love To Collect

Recently one of the members of the group Antiques in Bethania responded to my question about "what a 12 Step Program for tchotchke lovers might look like?". About one hour later, Antiques in Bethania added this hilarious post (reprinted below). With her permission I am sharing this fun 12 Step Program with you. I have added the photos of these adorable Christmas decorations because tis the season for collecting more knick knacks than at any other time. If I wrote this post a little earlier in the season, I would add "Chanukah" to the general theme.

The I Antique Online 12 Step Program For Tchotchkaholics (Reprinted With Permission).


1. We admit that we are powerless over Tchotchkes —that our lives have become unmanageable due to our treasured Tchotchkes.

2. We believe that there is a power greater than ourselves which allows Tchotchkes to restore us to sanity.

3. We have therefore made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to this power as it is not us who are insane, but the rest of the world.

4. We have made a searching and fearless inventory of our Tchotchkes.

5. We have admitted to ourselves, and to other human beings that one can never have enough Tchotchkes.

6. We are entirely ready to stand up and be accounted for and to show the world our Tchotchkes.

7. We humbly ask our friends and family to understand this is not a shortcoming but is saving the destiny of something that may be destined for the trash pile.

8. We have made a list of all persons who would be harmed by this, and are willing to make amends to them all by buying more Tchotchkes.

9. We will make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others because there is no such thing as "anything you put away in a closet so no one will ever know you bought such a thing is a Tchotchke , or, "There can be, in the meaning of the word, an element of owner’s shame, or, a Tchotchke in Yiddish, "may refer to a person who is a misfit, a nobody, a slut, an ineffectual person."
.
10. We will continue to take personal inventory of our Tchotchkes and when we feel we are missing something that will bring joy to our collection, we will promptly admit it, and immediately head for the nearest antique mall.

11. We will seek mediation by our conscious contact with others who understand our need to amass Tchotchkes by keeping in mind that we, or one of our heirs could wake up one day and be a multimillionaire because of finding our hoard of Tchotchkes.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we will carry this message to Tchotchkaholics everywhere in the world and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Please feel free to add your feedback in the comment section below.

Dianne


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Junk Decorating: Making The Leap To Decorate With Great Junk You Find While On A Junk Junket

To Decorate With Junk Or Not To Decorate With Junk: What Shall The Kitschy Collector Do?

I wish I had the courage to become more daring in my decorating at home and actually return home with some of the quirky things I spot when I am out Junking. I mean, why can I write about kooky, chippy, rusty, maimed antiques and collectibles and then pause when it comes to bringing those babes home into MY house? Or why is that I can imagine how wonderful some of these funky objects would be as decorative accessories but I can't make the jump to bring them home. They might go into my shop...but not my home (YET).

Spotting Good Junk When On A Junk Junket

I see a lot of goofy and crazy stuff when I am on one of my JUNK junkets (which is almost everyday). In fact as soon as I finish this post, I'll be out the gate. Returning to my existential junk dilemma. Why do I have such a hard time bringing home some of the junk I fall in love with? I do come from a long line of creative junksters (who had lovely homes)...junk is in our genes...so what's the problem here?

Some Junk Is Great Junk

I'll photograph junk, I'll write about junk, but I haven't made the big leap yet to bring junk home. Oh yes, I do bring home odds and ends here and there, but I haven't brought home any major junk pieces or oddities.

Is It Junk Or A Decorating Accessory?

And while it is on my mind, isn't it curious how when you find something you like at a Junk Shop it stays as "junk" in your mind, but when the same piece is placed in a glass showcase in a high end Antique store it becomes "a decorative accessory".


It's All In The Presentation: Including JUNK

I always thought that everything is "presentation" ....my goodness, do you know how many Antique dealers get their stuff from their town dump? Don't even think too hard here ......I'm telling you...so many "treasures" you adore were picked by dealers at dumps!
I'm vowing this New Year to breakthrough my junk resistance and to really own the junk I dearly worship.

Photos taken at The Junk Shop of Canton, Canton, CT. 860-693-6039

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Using A Grocery Shopping Cart To Have A "Hodge-Podge" Or "Jumble Sale"

Learning From The Brits About How To Sell Junk

I love this idea of throwing all your junk or White Elephants into a grocery shopping cart and having one whopper "Hodge-podge" or "Jumble" Sale.

While in the United Kingdom, Jumble Sales are a bit more elaborate, why not have a mini-"Hodge-podge (Jumble) sale right in your own booth?

According to Wikipedia, "Hodge-podge" is a word used to describe a confused or disorderly mass or collection of thinks; a "mess" or a "jumble".

The Jumble Room

I have heard the term "Jumble Room" used by Brits to refer to the spare room in the house where all the unwanted things headed for the "Jumble Sale" reside. Perhaps we in the USA may use the term "rummage sale".

In the United Kingdom, a Jumble Sale is usually sponsored by a local Scout Group or church.

Photo Courtesy of Karen Anderson

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Exercising While Antiquing: Burn Calories While Junking

The Kitschy Collectors New Exercise Program: WALKING UP AND DOWN The Aisles of An Antique Mall

Have you ever thought of building an exercise program around ANTIQUING ? I am being serious.... antiquing may just be your answer to staying fit. Think about the endless possibilities.
How many Antique Malls could you cover in a week and perhaps rack up enough miles to go Olympic!

Keeping Fit While Antiquing And Junking

The idea is brilliant...why hasn't anyone thought of the idea of creating a fitness program around antiquing before me. In fact I think Antique Malls should sell pedometers. And when you think about this subject in more depth...you could vary your routines....try walking up and down the fields of a flea market or junk yard or swap meet or what about an Antique Show for goodness sakes. The options are plentiful....there are so many places to keep up a regular work out of exercising and antiquing! Isn't this exciting news?

Walking Clubs Meeting At Antique Malls

I'm thinking we could start regular Antique Mall walking clubs. For example, my own Antique Mall, The Collinsville Antiques company of New Hartford, Connecticut is 22,000 square feet.

That's a lot of walking. Just ask the dealers who have to rotate on the floor as staff opening up locked showcases and assisting customers. The idea would be to invite several friends to join you two or three times a week or even daily for regular antique walk work outs. Who is aboard on this idea ? And by the way, I'd love to hear more about how antiquing might work as exercise...feel free to weigh in here.

Photos Courtesy of The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Call It Junk Or "Chazarai": Quirky Collectibles Sell In Antique Malls

Making A Living Selling Quirky "Chazarai" In An Antique Mall

Selling quirky "chazarai" is how many antique dealers make their "bread and butter" while they are waiting for the big ticket items to move.
What is Chazarai?
What on earth is chazarai you ask? Well let me try to help you understand this Yiddish word. Derived from the Hebrew word khazer "pig" , chazarai is literally 'piggery' or understood more commonly as junk, garbage, junk food. But like other words translated from one language to another... the meaning may not be as harsh as the actual interpretation. For example "chazarai' is often used in the same way as another Yiddish word, "tchotchke" which refers to trinkets or knick knacks.

Running Out of Room For Chazarai (STUFF).

My dad would always be cleaning out his garage and he would be heard saying, I am running out of room for all this 'chazarai". We might say we are running out of room for all our "stuff". His mother, my grandmother, liked to collect everyone's "chazarai" and give these hand me downs a new life.

Collinsville Antiques Company Has Plenty of Colorful Dealers

In a big Antique Mall such as The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT you will find high end antiques as well as a real variety of sellers who all seem to have their own style and collecting interests. While some dealers like to stick to a particular theme or time period, others are generalists who dabble in this and that and do very well with a little bit of everything.

Meet Lance: The King Of Knick Knacks

Lance, a seasoned seller at The Collinsville Antiques Company seems to have a knack for knick knacks. Don't get me wrong he does indeed have some very important treasures in his super sized antique booth, but odds and ends appears to be his forte. Lance is by far what I would call the King of 'chazarai'. And he does quite well selling his menagerie of both peculiar as well as charming "collectibles".

I Love Booths You Can Poke Around In

I always have a good time poking around in cluttered booths. Even though one could make the case that for many dealers they seem to buy anything and everything to re-sell. There is indeed an overall theme going on in their displays. Many dealers simply specialize in "STUFF" which is offbeat, funky, quirky. They are the mavens of 'chazarai'!

Chazarai (Yiddish, חזירײַ khazerai 'filth' or, perhaps more literally, 'piggery', from חזיר khazer 'pig' from Hebrew חַזִיר "chazeer", pig) – junk, garbage, junk food.

The Cute Quirky Photos Are Courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroRevival

The Wierd Quirky Chalkware "Tchotchke" is From Lance's Collection At The Collinsville Antiques Company Of New Hartford CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

When Junk Shopping: Flattery Works Miracles In Getting A Good Deal

Catching More Flies With Honey Than Vinegar: Ask The Gals At Baltimore's Honfest

In the junking world, you will "catch more flies with honey than vinegar". Oy, I'm not saying pour honey all over your junk....I'm saying that when you go out shopping for "stuff' you need to know how to use flattery to "make friends" with the vendors and seal your deal.

The worst thing you can do is to "start off on the wrong foot" . Forget about "haggling"...that is a TURN OFF! Nope let's not go there. Instead I want to suggest that in order to strike a good deal...it is important to win your seller over. He or she has something you want. The question is.....how do you get it? The answer is FLATTERY!

Here are some tips about how to strike a deal... begin slowly. You warm up to the deal making.

The Silent Phase

1. Spot what you like at a sale but keep it to yourself.
2, Walk around and see what else you may want.
3. Keep the additional items to yourself. Make a mental note.
4. Do not ask about price at this stage.
5. Ignore the price tags on the items.

The Honey Phase: FLATTERY

Beginning to engage in pleasant conversation.

6. Mingle...schmooze....hang out.

7. Try to engage the dealer into small talk. Here are examples:

Sample conversations:

A. So are you from Mars...I love that region!
B. Oh my sister lives in Jupiter,
C. I love your necklace made out of subway tokens.
D. Your stuff is so cute ..I always wanted to collect diaper pins.
E. You have one of the best collections of candy wrappers I have seen in awhile.
F. Love your RV......you have such a great license plate.
G. I see you are eating an amazing salad.......
H. I love your displays , I always wanted to hang my teapots from trees.
I. Your dog is so sweet, I have a three legged dog also.

8. Beginning to Talk About Collectibles

Sample questions:

A. How did you get into selling giant marbles?
B. Do you have a shop back home?
C. I'm just beginning to buy old computer mother boards , could you give me some pointers?
D. Wow, I had no idea, people collected tongue depressors.
E. When did you get interested in buying and selling vintage thumb tacks?

9. Working Your Way Into The Sellers Good Grace

Sample comments:

A. Your price for that rusty bicycle is so low....can I offer you more?
B. You untangled, polished and restored all that jewelry, I would like to give you a few
dollars more.
C. I can't believe you shlepped all those splintering old boxes to the fair grounds...I want to
give you a few bucks more in case you need a tetanus shot.

Feel free to add your suggestions or funny quips.

Photos Courtesy of:

Baltimore's Honfest*:

http://www.honfest.net/whatis.html
http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/
http://leftinsf.wordpress.com/

*What is the Honfest? :
HonFest is a local tradition. The Bawlmer term of endearment, Hon, short for Honey, embodies the warmth and affection bestowed upon our neighbors and visitors alike by historic working-women of Baltimore. HonFest is an annual celebration in honor of these women.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.

Visiting Franks Garage : A Junk Shop In Wallingford, Connectiicut

Don't You Just Love Secret Junk Haunts?

Frank's Garage (a junk shop) in Wallingford Connecticut is one of those secret places that has a low profile from the outside. Once a thriving antique town, there are only a few shops left on Center Street and then there is Franks on Orchard Street, a side street off Center.

Junk Shopping Is A Journey Not A Destination

Junk shopping is an "art" not a science. Need I remind you that when junking in unfamiliar places you have to be willing to take your chances. You might find some cool things...or you may just go home empty handed and a little dusty. So if you don't mind a little adventure, you can give Wallingford Center a try.














Franks Garage in Wallingford Has Had A Makeover

Over the weekend, I went to the Redwood Country Flea Market (Wallintgford) and then worked my way back to the center of town where I made the rounds. I hadn't been to the area for awhile, and it seems that nothing has changed, except Frank's. If a junk store could have a makeover, Franks had it's junk-over. It seems that Frank's son organized the place and gave it a tidy look.

Hit Or Miss At Franks Garage in Wallingford

It's hard to describe Franks Garage (more like a shop than a garage)....dark, but cozy and friendly. I found lots of fun vintage magazines, some advertising items and a catalog from the 50s of household merchandise and gifts. I was pleased. Oh, I also came home with a bunch of never opened packages of green thumb tacks from the 1950's .

Franks carries used furniture, jewelry, knick knacks, collectibles and surprises with each visit. As you can see from the photo, for the right price you could also walk out with a vintage Coca Cola machine or old Jukebox.

Franks Garage Sales 203-284-3786

Visit The Half Moon Coffee And cafe at 50 North Main Street, Wallingford, CT

While in town, be sure to have lunch at the Half Moon Coffee and Cafe at 50 North Main Street. This is a favorite luncheon spot of mine.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

The American Pickers Clinging To Their Objects Of Desire: In Love With Antique Bicycles

Just Watched Another Grimy Episode of The American Pickers

O.k. Shabby Chic gals, cover your ears, I am about to talk dirty. Guess what show I just watched? Yep,I just watched another...shall we say.... "filthy" episode of American Pickers. Mouse nests, cobwebs, droppings, dirt, rust ...you know all the good stuff that The Pickers seem to love to play in.

Obsessed With Old Bikes, Signs, Car Parts, Cans Etc.

And this week was no different than the previous weeks, plenty of piles of junk to explore by two fellas who are obsessed with old bikes, advertising signs , car parts and cans. Up until today's show, I was satisfied to think of Mike and Frank as two buddies who are passionate about "guy stuff'.

Does Mike have A Bicycle Fetish?

But after watching the show this evening, I am beginning to sing a different tune. I am giving serious consideration to the idea that Mike has a bicycle fetish.

Madly In Love With Spokes and Chains

I mean there is no way, anyone could get so excited about a rusty broken bicycle skeleton unless they are in love with bicycles and their parts. We're talking the whole package here......Mike is in awe of vintage bicycles. He lights up when he sees a dilapidated Schwinn buried under rubble or finds a a squeaky old Springfield Roadster . Mike is either madly in love with spokes and chains or simply bonkers like the rest of us junksters who cling to the objects of our desire.

Want To See Mike's Antique Mike Collection: Click On This Link
http://www.antiquearcheology.com/antique_bikes_more.htm


Photos Courtesy of http://www.antiquearcheology.com/


For More on American Pickers read:
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-antiquing-underground.html
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/antiquing-with-american-pickers-no-sign.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/fetch-and-kvetch-what-does-it-take-to.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/junking-along-with-american-pickers.html


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

American Pickers Antiquing Underground: Is It Time For The Show To Be Buried?

Is American Pickers Headed for The Junk Pile?

I have a confession to make. I fell asleep during some of The American Pickers episode tonight. I mean after all how many times can you watch Mike and Frank haggle with old prunes about rusty cans and advertising signs?

Junk Guy In The Purple Hoody Goes Underground

Right before I dozed off, I watched the part when Mike and Frank are carefully making their way through some underground tunnels hand dug by a dude in a purple hoody. This was somewhat of a bright spot in an otherwise sleepy show.

Quirky Junkster Digs Tunnels To Stash His Antiques

As the story was told, this quirky junkster has been digging tunnels under his property since the age of fourteen and buried his stash down there. And yes, our purple picker is still digging holes, just like my Sheltie Jacob.

Antiquing In Tunnels

Here is my big question for this evening, how the heck do they film these guys underground? How did they get lighting, crews, cameras etc through these narrow unstable pathways? And more importatnly, what happened when it was lunchtime? Did they order in Pizza and have the delivery guy send down the Pizza on a pulley? You know what I think....I think the pickers entered the underground "stockroom" from a opening in the house and that the entire "tunnel" scene was totally staged.

Claustrophobic Pickers

Frank said he was claustrophobic down there and that he wondered if he could squeeze through the narrow passage ways? I think the pickers showed up in the underground junk haven from another route, like maybe a door in the basement of the house?

Hoarders Or Collectors

But lets get down to basics now. How many times can we watch these likeable pickers do their picking dance with bona fide hoarders? It is pretty clear that the old gizzards who open their junk rooms to the pickers are really certifiable hoarders who have no interest in parting with or selling off their collections.

Is The Show Headed Soon To Be Buried?

These "junk guests" were booked for the wrong show. They belong on A&E's "Hoarders".
And if the writers of American Pickers don't start coming up with some fresh story lines, I'm worried the show may end up in its own junk pile.

For More on American Pickers read:
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/antiquing-with-american-pickers-no-sign.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/fetch-and-kvetch-what-does-it-take-to.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/junking-along-with-american-pickers.html

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Antiquing With The American Pickers: No Sign Of Guilty Pleasures For These Junksters, Just Pure Joy

Is Junking A Guilty Pleasure? Ask The American Pickers

Do you think Mike and Frank, (The American Pickers) suffer from guilty pleasures when they are out junking everyday ? What exactly is a guilty pleasure anyway. Is junking a guilty pleasure? Read on and see what you think.

Is Junking A Guilty Pleasure?

A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. Often, the "guilt" involved is simply fear of others discovering one's lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, rather than actual moral guilt. Fashion, music, and food (especially unhealthier foods high in sugar and/or fat) can be examples of guilty pleasures. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilty_pleasure

I would add junking to that definition of guilty pleasures. Many junksters beat themselves up mercifully thinking about how much time and money they spend on hunting for junk.

MALE Junking Genes

But truthfully, I highly doubt Mike and Frank are thinking too deeply about guilt. These guys were born with the MALE junking gene. They are not bitching about eating too much chocolate or spending too much money on way too many vintage tablecloths. Nope..these guys are not freakin over the same things we do. Do you think Mike and Frank are saying to themselves.....gee I better get home early enough from junking to make dinner ? Not a chance.

Listening To Barbra Streisiand's Guilty Pleasures While Blogging

And there are other differences between our hard core junkers and the baby boomer bloggers and softies you'll meet on Etsy. Here is where I am going with this. You know for sure, Mike and frank are not blogging while listening to Barbra Streisand's 2005 album she did with Barry Gibb called "Guilty Pleasures".
And Mike and Frank are not sipping a cup of tea while they are posting photos of their goodies online. But to give Mike a little credit where credit is due, he does have a softer side afterall. The guy has attempted to make some journal entries (at least for PR purposes, I imagine) , so we can get into his psyche.

Mike's Personal Journal Entry

Here is one of Mike's "personal" journal posts :

"when frank and I are out pickin on a gravel road in the middle of nowhere and the sun is high in the sky we both realize how incredible our jobs really are.No clock to punch,no one to answer to,Its us and our instincts that carry us through". http://www.antiquearcheology.com/journal.php?id=22

Do you hear any guilt there? Nope ....they love what they do......they do not suffer from one ounce of "guilty pleasures".

Isn't it time for all of us to learn how to junk just for the pleasure of it!

Photos Courtesy of http://www.antiquearcheology.com/
For More on American Pickers read:
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-clinging-to-their.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/03/american-pickers-antiquing-underground.html
http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/antiquing-with-american-pickers-no-sign.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/fetch-and-kvetch-what-does-it-take-to.html

http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2010/02/junking-along-with-american-pickers.htm

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Fetch And Kvetch: What Does It Take To Be An Antique Dealer? Ask The American Pickers

Shlepping Along With The American Pickers

Fetch And Kvetch
"The Back Breaker" is the name of this week's episode of American Pickers on The History Channel. It seems that all that shlepping is beginning to take it's toll on Mike Wolfe. But Mike can't afford to take time off to recover and like a fool he continues to fetch and kvetch as he picks through piles of junk in old barns and buildings.

Ouch

Mike, like many of us in the biz, is constantly lifting, moving, and carrying vintage stuff. Well this week, Mike yells ouch....his back is sore! And he knows he has to seek some help....BUT not before he comes home with some more stuff.

Shop Till You Drop

And don't we all do the very same thing...shop till we drop. O'K. it is not everyday that we are going to stumble across a neat old Jukebox, like Mike and Frank did this week, but we all have had our share of heavy loads. We shlep, we move, we carry, we climb, we crawl, we do it all. We may not all be bona fide pickers, but don't we all know how to pick and pack.

Mighty Junkers That We Are

But the mighty junkers that we are.... we refuse to set limits on our capabilities. For example, I am afraid of height.....BUT I have no trouble climbing atop the last step of a stepladder to retrieve a vintage kitchen cannister or other treasure I may have discovered. Yet, if you asked me to change a ceiling light bulb, I would be shaking in my boots. It's phenomenal how much we can all compensate when we are motivated to bring home the gold.

We Fear Not...We Feel Not...We Are Invincible

Yes, as I have discussed before, when our junking engines are running, we are operating on adrenaline. We fear not...we feel not.....we simply fetch and kvetch!

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Paging Dr. Freud: Are You A Neurotic Collector?

There is Nothing More Pleasurable Than Seeing A Sign For A Tag Sale

Are you a neurotic collector or simply just a pleasure seeker who junks for fun?
Sigmund Freud introduced the concept of the "The Pleasure Principle", the drive to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Certainly there is nothing more pleasurable and "thrilling" than seeing a sign for a tag sale!
What Does The Kitchen Shrink Have To Say?
As the Kitschy Collector aka The Kitchen Shrink will tell you, for most people hunting for collectibles is not an addiction but rather a healthy hobby which offers a pleasant distraction from the usual stresses and worries of daily life.

How The Word "Estate Sale" Affects The Brain'
For many loyal "junk" seekers, nothing gets the adrenalin going faster than reading an advertisement for an upcoming SALE which promises to offer the contents of "GRANDMA'S ATTIC". Reading a classified with these words is enough to send any collector straight out the door. Another highly catchy phrase is "ESTATE SALE", which also sends powerful "neuro-chemicals" to the pleasure seeking brain!


So are you a neurotic collector
or just a happy hobbyist?

Do you worry about whether your collecting habits are within normal limits?

The Kitchen Shrink would answer this way.....hobbyists enjoy what they collect and feel happy when they go out antiquing. Serious stuffers, on the other hand .....who are buried under an avalanche of crap and can't find their telephone....may need a consultation with Dr Drew Pinsky!

Freud art work by Jon Squire of Jon Art, Canton, Connecticut


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.