luck

I am not a lucky person.
I've never won anything in my life.
Ever. 
A few months ago, Dylan went to an eyeball convention and won a flat screen TV...worth $600.  Which we promptly returned for credit so we can purchase iPhones...what will I ever do when I join this century and lose my hot pink teenage phone???

Despite my poor luck, I have been known to have a bit of luck in the thrifting department.
Does that count as luck?

Last month a woman approached me at the Goodwill (where I frequent...no seriously, it's like Cheers.  Everybody knows my name.) as I was checking out at the register.  The conversation went something like this (I'm paraphrasing because if any of you have ever tried to have a short conversation with me, you know it just doesn't happen):

woman: Is your name Tracy?
me: Yes. 
woman: I don't know if you remember me, I'm Victoria.  I sold you that fixer upper credenza last year on Craigs List.  The ugly white one?
me: Yes, of course I remember you.
woman(who we now know as Victoria): I am so glad I found you!  Did you ever do anything with that piece?
me: Yes.  I stripped and painted it.  It is in my front room.  I didn't refinish it as beautifully as you would have, but it is done and I love it. 
victoria: Oh, good!  I'm so glad.  I could have never lived with myself if I thought you had just thrown it away or something.

KEEP READING...I know this is getting wordy and long...but hey, that's what I do.

me: I really love it.  And I would never just throw it away.  All my sisters have claimed it if I ever tire of it.
victoria: Well, last week I found out that the piece is from the 1930-1940, and was made by a man named Gilbert Rohdes.  Go home and look him up.  It will make you happy.

So I did.
Immediately.
Not as immediately as I would have if I already had my iPhone, but as quickly as I could once I got home.

And this is what I found:
http://www.lamoderninla.com/servlet/the-106/1930s-Deco-Gilbert-Rohde/Detail

and this (my favorite finish):
http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=589145

and this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1930s-Deco-Gilbert-Rohde-Buffet-Brown-Saltman-/190467473873

Look familiar?


I know I lowered the $3500-$4500 value by painting it Retro Avacado...but think I would do it again.
I love it. 
And someday when my kids are grown, (and aren't wiping boogers on it, scribbling on it with crayons, and running the wooden rocking horse into it...bless their hearts) I will hire a professional to refinish it.  Restore it back to it's perfect original form...just like Mr. Rohde intended for it to be...
sans snot and dings of course.

But for now, I am content with my new-found knowledge.  Happy that I own my first collectors piece...sorry Dylan, it's the truth.  And overjoyed that although my decor/style taste is ever-changing, I have not tired of it yet.

It makes all the blood (yes there really was blood), blisters, tears, and endless tortuous grueling long hours feel worth it.

Which makes me love the piece even more... I didn't even think it was possible.

xo,
tracy