When we first bought our house, not only was it painted a million crazy colors, but it also smelled like cats. On top of that, it was an estate and it was filled with the previous owner's belongings.
The first thing we did was pulled everything out onto our front lawn and had an estate sale. We didn't even take the time to put price tags on the stuff. The goal was to get rid of everything as quickly as possible so that we could begin to renovate the house.
Our lease was up at our old apartment and we needed a place to lay our heads. We couldn't function in this house with all of the previous owner's smelly belongings.
Looking back, people got some great deals. We had a jar of old marbles and some collector went through and picked out a couple he liked. I think he gave us $25 for two. I'm sure they were probably worth more but at the time, we didn't care.
We sold hundreds of cigar boxes, old magazines, futons, and other objects that marked another person's life.
Fortunately, we kept some things, like this old picture.
And about a hundred Buddhas. (We're not Buddhist, but we really liked all the Buddhas for decoration).
Here are just a few of my favorites.
This lady, who sits on our window ledge (along with the turtle and the little thing next to her).
This guy who's missing a hand.
This garden Buddha who was sitting outside near an urn of cat ashes (I'm not joking).
This jolly little guy who acts as a book end.
And a variety of other Buddhas who sit on our bookshelf.
The other day when he was cleaning out our garage, Jason found another old object that was left with this house. He brought it in to display in our guest room.
I'll let you know what it is tomorrow, but I will tell you it's NOT another Buddha.
Love Buddhas they are totally good luck! Following you now from New Friday friend...hope to see you over at my blog. I have a Coach and Kathy bag giveaway you may want to jump in....
ReplyDeleteHi Stephenie!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting what people leave behind?
I would so love to buy an old home the next time we buy one, and find some finds (but not the cat pee part :).
I am the link below you at New Friend Friday, so I thought I'd stop by and say HI!
Very interesting post!
Have a wonderfully blessed day making your home!
oh boy, this is exciting, and reminds me of what was left behind at our house. it was rather saucy! i might just do a post about it, now that i think about it. thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteStephenie,
ReplyDeleteThere are pieces here that we feel belong to the house and not to us. So, if we ever decide to leave, they will remain. Are you going to leave something that you found behind? Imagine what you will discover in your new old house!
I like your latest and greatest update to the lampshade. I also like the birdcage as is and displayed on the trunk.
Deborah
Hi Stephanie! I followed you over from New Friend Friday at The Girl Creative. I have a decorating addiction too. I also have a reading addiction and could not help notice that we have the same taste in authors. I laughed when I saw that you call your followers your "support group" so I have enrolled too. Come visit me sometime!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Hi Stephenie...you had me at buddha! I love them and have quite a few in my house,alas,I've had to buy them all! I can only begin to imagine moving into a house with stuff in it (minus the cat ashes..I can assure you the vampire slayer won't be getting that treatment when she goes!) Looking forward to seeing what else Jason has unearthed!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from NFFriday. I see you are in Ithaca. We are in Cortland. We just moved from MN in Jan and are currently building a house, so we are in Ithaca ALL the time.
ReplyDeleteThese Buddas are great I guess the dude wanted Budda to watch over his cat. I am not going to ask what you did with the ashes but I am def. wondering about it. If you have a min stop by my blog and follow if you'd like.