Don't Ever Tell Anybody Anything

If you do, you start missing everybody.

Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye

Read a good book this weekend in memory of J.D. Salinger

Not Far From Fall

New York Simple

I'm a banker living on the East Coast, and every once in a while I make the journey from one large East Coast financial center to the other. When venturing North, I traditionally travel by air. Efficient, but not particularly enjoyable. The airports are neither welcoming nor attractive, and the ride into the city usually leaves me curbside at some nice little Greenwich Village hotel feeling completely nauseated.  While I perk up nicely after a cupcake & trip to Purl Soho, I find the whole experience somewhat draining.

This time, however, my junket began in New England, and with no snow in the forecast I drove my very own car.  But here's the thing... beyond a trip every now & then along the Henry Hudson Parkway, I'm not too keen on Manhattan driving, and find city parking a dismal (and unreasonably expensive) experience. What to do what to do?  

Guess what?  I found a new place to stay.  It's called New Jersey.  And as much as I hate to admit it, I would stay there again in a heartbeat. For the doubting or faint of heart (I know you're out there... I used to be among you), here's my simple step-by-step from New England to the State they call Garden:

1. 

2.  This phase depends on how deeply embedded you are within New England. If you're really up there, with coffee in hand, get yourself to the nearest on-ramp for

3.  After a few hours, switch to

4.  After a bit more, you'll come upon a bridge.  It's busy but beautiful, so don't be afraid. Enjoy it, and if you get a chance, take a peek up. Magnificent.

Once you've crossed this bridge, you're there. A divine and simple place called New Jersey. 

5.  Settle into lodgings on the Hudson,

near a ferry,

and take that ferry into NYC.

If you're lucky like me, you'll only need to walk a few feet more, and there you are.

6. (Optional)  Take an evening and view Manhattan with a drink beside a window from your perch upon the Hudson.  And enjoy.

Going... Going... Gone

Today was the auction @ Wm. A. Smith's.  The room was packed, the pace was fast, and everyone around me appeared to be having a terrific time. Despite a late arrival, I won some great pieces...

A large, repaired 19th c. Imari punch bowl with scalloped edge,

An 18th c. sea chest with canted sides, original hardware and blue-green paint,

An 18th c. pine New England blanket chest with original paint & hardware,

 

and a large antique SUPPLY sign crafted of wood & tin, signed C. I. Brink.

Great Old Stuff

A Woodstock, Vermont estate is going on the block tomorrow and the preview party is at Wm. A. Smith Auction House today. With so much antique eye candy, where do I look first?

This is one of the first lots that caught my eye -- can I live without these gilt wood sea serpents?

The cranberry scoop appeals to my love of all things coastal. 

Antique Chippendale is good for the soul, and this Maple piece from the late 1700's is no exception.

I'm a big fan of old signs with good wear in easy-to-love colors.  

This stepped back spice box with old green paint has wonderful patina.

Although singles abound, great sets of old brass candlesticks are hard to find, and I love this beehive shape.  These would be fabulous with bayberry candles from Brian Howell (of The Bee Man Candle Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina) and big wavy glass hurricanes.  

I love the warmth of this tiger maple...

and the whimsy of this Federal mirror with its reverse-painted winter scene.

First lot @ 9:00.  I've got a seat reserved on the aisle.  Wish me luck!