Coffee Anyone?

I love coffee.  The aroma, the taste, the warmth of the cup in my hand, there are few things more satisfying to me than a good cup of joe.

 I loved coffee well before I was ever allowed to drink it.  When I was around seven or eight, I held a precarious spot within my family. I was stuck in the middle with a slew of older cousins already in high school and too cool to play Bedbugs or Operation, and several toddlers that I wouldn't dare let touch my Barbies. During the holidays, after the meal was finished and the men had disappeared to wherever it is that men retreat to while dishes are being put away, I would hang around the kitchen.  I'd breath in the rich aroma of  the coffee brewing and watch as my mother and aunts gathered around the table cups in hand.  Laughter and conversation seemed to accompany the steaming cups, and I so wanted to be a part of their community.  I learned that if I was still enough and didn't fidget in my seat, they would soon forget I was there.  I would drink in their presence fascinated as they clinked and stirred, lipstick-ringed mugs cupped in each hand.  I overheard a lot in that kitchen, probably much more than I should have! 

In college, I would spend hours nestled in the corners of local coffee shops. Whether reading between classes, or chatting with friends, coffee added flavor to the very ordinary activities of my life. I still find that sharing coffee is synonymous with family and friendship for me.  My favorite parts of holiday gatherings still revolve around the cup.  

If you are a coffee lover or have a loved one who is, you'll love all of the vintage percolators, coffee canisters, and  other finds lying around the shop. 

Oh, and if you happen to come in while I'm working, I'll be happy to share a cup with you. The coffee is always flowing-and complimentary- at Grassy Valley!

I Will Remember You

It's funny how closely our memories are tied to possessions.  Holding a familiar object can transport us so vividly to another time and place. All our senses engage and suddenly we can smell, taste, and even hear the past with amazing clarity.  

My personal time machine is in the form of a small child's quilt.  It's red and cool to the touch, and I spent hours spread across it happily coloring and reading at my grandmother's house.  Now the quilt resides at my mother's, and she uses it to cover my son during movie time or when he isn't feeling well.  When I look at Weston all snuggled up in something that brought so much comfort to me as a child, it's almost as if he is wrapped in safety and love instead of fabric.

My friend Maggie recently told me a story about a necklace.  It was a piece of Sara Coventry jewelry that she fell in love with at an estate sale.  The vintage necklace was so important to her that she chose to wear it for Senior portraits and during many memorable high school events making it synonymous with that time in her life.  While away at college, her home was broken into and the necklace was stolen.  Being a vintage item lost before the Ebay age, Maggie felt her hopes of replacing the necklace were slim. Time went on and the necklace became a fond, but distant, memory.  Then a few months ago, while doing some internet research, she came across the very same necklace on Ebay. While not her original piece of jewelry, seeing the item still brought on a swell of nostalgia.  It reintroduced her to the girl she was at the time it adorned her neck.  Maggie was comforted to come face to face with the item that was once so dear to her.

It is so exhilarating to stumble across the "props" of our past. Especially, when those items are accompanied with fond memories. Working in an antique and vintage shop, I am privileged to live a life centered around remembrance and cherishing the items that fill our lives. I think we could all benefit from time spent as our own personal archeologists.  Who knows where you will uncover that long forgotten favorite storybook, or the trusty BB gun you drug around all over the yard looking for varmits?  It could be at Grassy Valley. 

Hold Me

Walking into the shop this Monday morning was especially exciting for me since we had two new vendors move their wares into Grassy Valley over the weekend.  Since Matt was working solo on Saturday, this was my first opportunity to get my hands on the new stuff!  I'm a tactile type of girl and like to touch the filmy fabric of each handkerchief and feel the eggshell delicacy of every teacup.  I get antsy in museums, and have stuck my hand across many a velvet rope when all eyes were turned just to feel the gloppy paint or smooth stone and truly connect with the masterpiece.  

My fingers certainly weren't disappointed! Upon arrival, I noticed while there were entirely new booths to discover, several of our existing vendors had also brought new finds. Everywhere I turned there were so many wonderful new treasures to enjoy. Here is a sampling of what I discovered...

These vintage "Flying Crane" thermal tumblers have an Asian feel and would bring some style to any morning commute.  They have sturdy handles to protect from spills and burnt fingers!

This Mid-Century radio is so elegant with its sleek design and clean lines.  Whether hosting a party or  cleaning your pad, this Motorola would make any occasion just little more groovy.

"Oh playmate, come on out and play with me and bring you dollies three..." that old childrens' tune haunts me as I look at this precious play kitchen from the sixties.  I am immediately transported back in time to those lazy afternoons spent with my own dolls as I stocked my own pretend cupboards and shelves.  Now you too can share that simple joy with a little playmate of your own!

This cast iron wood stove has me anticipating those crisp fall afternoons and craving a cup of steaming hot cider.  I am also in love with the unique turquoise coloring. So unique!

This small selection of items are just some of the highlights of what I found on my journey through the store today.  Why not come see us and forge your own expedition through our treasures? I'm sure you'll be transported into a world filled with your own unique memories and childhood delights.  And, I promise you will not get scolded for handling the merchandise.  Here at Grassy Valley, we encourage you to feel! 

Spice of Life

There are several different flavored salt and pepper shakers.  Some are elegant, while others are filled with whimsy.  It makes me chuckle to think that something so utilitarian in it's purpose has been dressed up, and cleverly designed to produce chuckles and smiles for centuries.

Maybe the particular care given to designing these spice holders derives from the human need to take delight in the ordinary daily activities of our lives in order stave off boredom which, as we know, is the hobgoblin of repetitious activities. 

After all, it is the little bursts of color and beauty that we ingest through our day that truly make life special.  Taking time to appreciate the morning sunlight as it illuminates the crystal on your ordinary dining table makes breakfast seem like more of an occasion than necessity. 

I don't mean to sound like June Cleaver, but in this electronic age of convenience and instant gratification we could all benefit from looking up from our smart phones long enough to soak in the landscape around us.  It is with that spirit that I'd like to pay homage to the spicy little table buddies. They have been patiently waiting on kitchen tables for a while now, it's time you noticed them.

Electric Lady Love

As a child, I used to lay on the carpet in my grandmother's den for hours transfixed by this lamp.  I was mesmerized by each tiny oil droplet as it surrounded the partially-clothed Grecian goddess residing within.  The lamp hung beside a picture of the Last Supper and the juxtaposition of  holiness and electric sexiness was spine-tingling. 

Now, the siren resides at Grassy Valley waiting patiently for someone to be captivated by her feminine charms and eclectic beauty. Will you be the one to to take her home?

The morning light filters through the curtains casting rainbow shadows as it refracts through rows of carnival colored glassware.  The signs are hung and the coffee is brewing. It's finally here, opening day has arrived for Grassy Valley Antiques! 


I have spent hours walking through our vendors' booths amazed at the diversity in the items for sale ranging from the utilitarian to the ornate.  I have my favorite pieces, the ones that leap in front of my eyes like they were just lying there waiting for me to pass by and notice them. 
Here are just a few samples of what's caught my eye today.....

Can't you just hear the tinny clink of cup against saucer?  I just want to pull up a chair for high tea when I gaze at this fine porcelain china set from Poland....two lumps of sugar for me. 





"We are Siamese if you please" this kitty lamp with the piercing blue glass eyes casts a warm glow over the shop.  I could curl up and read a good book next to them, but then nothing would get done would it?

I get a craving for toast and jam when I pass by the darling formica table with it's vintage Anchor-Hocking and Enamelware serving pieces.

This wood burning stove has been converted to use propane. Old-time rustic style meets modern conventionality!

There is so much to discover at Grassy Valley that I encourage you to stop by and see for yourself. You never know what you may uncover!