Pause

Sometimes we need space; time to take stock and to think...
Life is such a whirlwind these days for most of us; it can be hard to find a moment to count those blessings...
I feel very lucky to be doing what I enjoy every day - My children are almost grown, and although two have not yet flown the nest, I have more time to be me these days than I did, say just 5 years ago.

My days away from the shop usually lead me on a hunt for more stock; to find an elusive treasure or two, as well as scouting for pretty vintage fabrics and trims to recycle.

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The two photographs here were taken around 7 years ago when I had my first shop, which I trialled for a year. At that time I was looking out for the very same things that I aim to find these days...It wasn't easy, but was a little easier than it is today, despite me usually having at least one of my girls in tow! That was a good reason to put my dreams on hold at the time, as juggling did not make me happy - Happy girls meant a happy Mum.

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Yesterday I had a lovely lady and her daughter in my shop. They were holidaying in Somerset and had travelled down from the Yorkshire area. Mum was heavily into vintage, even having a stand herself at some of her local fairs...She said she had been on the lookout for items whilst on holiday, but was surprised by the prices 'down south'. She said she had trawled several charity shops, but the only items she had found, were more expensive than she would be prepared to charge on her stall...

I know that problem myself all too well. Having a shop in a town such as Shepton Mallet means that I need to keep my prices competitive, so buying well in the first place is a major priority...

I'm thankful that I am able to hand make some of my own stock, as this helps relieve the pressure of always finding suitable items, but the downside is never really realising a fair price for my time...

Having had the shop now for almost 7 months, its been fun to learn how people react to it. Most enjoy having a look around, many have returned more than once, which is encouraging...What is funny though, is the question I am very regularly asked, usually at least twice a day...

It is 'Where do you find all your stock?'

Now being asked that so often, straight out like that, used to take me aback a little, as I wasn't too sure as to how best to reply.

For obvious reasons, I don't need any more competition than I already have, but I also didn't want to appear rude.

But I have come to the conclusion that people are just genuinely interested when they see so much 'stuff' in one place, all of which they can relate to, as they have seen these things in their past.

'Oh, Granny, or Auntie Mabel had one of those' is something that is told to me everyday. We often share reminisces about brooches dear old Nan would wear, or of photos of Grandad in the war, and baby gowns worn at Christenings over several generations...

Many visitors to my shop are not regular visitors to antique or vintage outlets...For them it is not the norm, so I should be less surprised than I am by their reaction, and be more ready to understand that for some, they are seeing these things for the first time again, after many years.

What a privilege that is, to be trusted and to share the memories that they wish to pass on to me.

(Here, we share so many things on our blogs, that it is easy to forget that for some this is a hidden world and they do not know of the abundance to be found with a few clicks of a mouse.)

I've found men in particular are fascinated by old photographs and they enjoy collecting them. Some find them a little creepy, some just sad that these portraits are no longer within a family line.

Women love the pretty china and glass, as well as the handmade products, and will sometimes remark on some of the fabrics I have used - often these are Sanderson prints, which they remember seeing as curtains in the home years ago.

Young girls are always attracted to the vintage costume jewellery and the clothes. Its always a pleasure to see a teenager try on a vintage dress and for her eyes to light up when its a perfect fit - the fact that her friends will not have anything like it in their wardrobes, seems to be an added thrill. I love the thought that another generation is starting out on the vintage journey...later in life they are sure to buy the china and other treasures, once they've been bitten by the bug!

Yesterday a vintage mini dress left my shop with a young girl...today she came in beaming, wearing the natty little number and looking fabulous!

Finding the perfect home for the items I have discovered and offered for sale, makes it all worthwhile...

And makes giving them up a little easier to do!

Having taken photos of a lot of my finds over the years, I am reminded of the past pieces, some of which are now with new owners...

And some are things that I couldn't bare to part with! ;-))

Some I've had to own for a little while, and then have later let them go...

Others, if they still pull at me heartstrings, I know I am meant to keep them! ;-))

Thank you for indulging me this short pause in my blog...there are no new photos, all have been posted at one time or another over the years, but I just wanted to look back at some of my 'flea finds', all of which have been a joy to discover.

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On the Market Place in Shepton Mallet, 'Wall to Wall' have been working hard on the transformations of the shops, for the final BBC programme of the series (filming begins again tomorrow). They have reached the 1970's and although I do not know the format of this edition, it is evident by the signs above the doors, that this was an era which changed the face of the high street in a big way...and in a way where things would never be the same again.

There looks as if there will be a discount store, where customers can get their 'bargain fix' with bulk/discount savings.

I find it quite sad really; that for some, quality and a unique product are no longer important... merchandise that is disposable or replaceable within a short time seems to be what's required.

I am grateful for my little piece of escapism. To be surrounded by pretty things that are being offered a second chance of life, is what keeps me going. To have my shop, with at least a small flavour of how things once were, is wonderful.

It may not be for everyone, but for everyone who walks through my doors, they are at least offered that option...

Have a lovely weekend,

Niki x