What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, April 30, 2021

Flea Markets and God Appointments

 


Had an experience like this today at our local flea market. It was one of those "God appointments"...the lady really needed someone to just be kind to her, and I am SO thankful God nudged me to keep talking to her. She said that she thought God must have sent me right then. I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back...but as a reminder to myself and to others...be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is nudging you to do or say...don't just walk away and say I wish I'd said something. If God is speaking to you, then say what He puts in your mouth to say. We never know when it might be just the lifeline that person needed at that. very. moment.

And then I proceeded to buy a couple of things from her, whether or not I needed them is not really the question...again...I was supposed to be there for that appointment. So here is what I bought:

This vintage aluminum colander...why? Because it is just like the one my mother had, and I've looked for one like it ever since we let hers get away. I love this style of colander, because the spaghetti noodles won't slip through the holes like they do with my plastic one.

And it makes a great helmet when you need one. I tried it on like this at the flea market, and had several people offer to buy it from me after I had already bought it.  I guess they liked my "style".  One person said he wanted to make a lampshade out of it. Another said he'd been looking everywhere for one of these. Sorry guys! I got there first! And for a $1.00 you just can't beat the deal I got!

How do you like it?

Ain't life good?


This was my other great deal for $5.00...a  vintage Franciscan Ware Apple  teapot, made in California, USA.  In pretty much mint condition.  It reminded me of my grandmother's everyday china, but I think she had the Desert Rose pattern instead of the apple...or did she have this one? Can any of my relatives remember? Cousin Becky? Sister Doris?

I looked it up to see the value, and discovered that these were handpainted, which makes them more valuable, BUT, apparently they have a high lead content...so...I don't know...my grandparents used this brand of dishes everyday and they lived way up into their 80's.  So I don't know that  that really is a problem. I will probably just keep this for my teapot collection anyway.


While at the flea market I saw some other interesting stuff:
I've seen this tinker's truck around other flea markets before, but this was the first time I was able to walk all around it and take some pictures. Kind of unique and interesting, wouldn't you agree?

Can you see a cute little face looking out the window? He was patiently waiting for his master to return.




It's not every day you see something like this, is it? I thought you'd enjoy it.


Now for those of you who read Lily Grace's adventure early this morning, you will note that she said we would be making some chicken pot pie this afternoon to take to a friend who just got home from the hospital this week.   Lily promised to help me, so I thought I should share her picture with the finished product:
There you have it! Yes there are two casseroles of chicken pot pie. One for our friends, and one for us for supper. 

Lily also helped me cut up some watermelon.

She said it sure was delicious! No she didn't eat all of that...but we did sample quite a bit while cutting it up.  (Oh, that is something else we bought at the flea market today).

And guess what! When we took the food over to our friend's house, her little granddaughter was there helping her.  So Lily was so happy to make a new little friend. Her name is Milee. Isn't she sweet? She loved Lily too. I think they could be very good friends. They kind of look like each other, don't they?


Then we came back home and ate our own chicken pot pie. Lily wanted to taste it since she helped make it.  If she keeps eating all this good food, she's going to bust her britches and we'll have to find  her some new ones!


Well, I think I will close this post with a verse found in the little devotional book given to Lily Grace by our friend "Auntie Opal".


Yes, Amen.

Have a blessed weekend my friends.
and remember to 
"Love each other" just as Jesus loves us!
And if you think to, please say a little prayer for my flea market "friend" that I met today. 
I know she would appreciate it.
Thank you.






32 comments:

  1. What a fun adventure you all had! I love the colander! The pot pie looks delicious and so does that watermelon! I had some fresh corn on the cob for dinner tonight and it was yummy! Happy weekend! xo

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    1. Oh, it was such fun! And the pot pie was delicious if I do say so myself! The watermelon was very sweet and such good flavor for a seedless one! Oh, we bought some corn on the cob too, and will have it tomorrow. I hope you have a happy weekend too.

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  2. This is a ‘feel good’ kind of post. I love your poses with the new ‘hat’. I can’t tell how many times I have done the same with a similar colander my Mom had. Good memories.

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    1. Ha ha! I knew we were like two peas in a pod! It takes a very special kind of person to wear a colander hat, and now I know that you are one of them too! Love it! Thank you for popping in. It was a very good day.

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  3. This might sound crazy but I have a vintage colander collection lol. I bought the first one because it reminded me of the one my mother had and then I just kept coming across them for a while, usually 25 or 50 cents. I have a big stack of them now. They sell on ebay these days for a good $15 or more. Someday I'll get around to listing them for sale and just keep a couple for myself.

    Your homemade potpie looks delicious and I'm shocked you were able to find a good watermelon this early (or late) in the the season!

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    1. I don't think you are crazy at all! Trust me, someone who would walk around at a flea market with a vintage colander on her head would not dare to call anyone else crazy! LOL. Someone who takes a little doll with her everywhere just for the adventures and then writes blog posts about her wouldn't dare call anyone else crazy...LOL. And yes, I have lots of things in my house either because they reminded me of something of my mother's, or my grandmother's, or just because I like it. But I do try to use some moderation. And maybe someday I will open an ebay account too. Meanwhile, I don't know where the man got the watermelon, but he had a whole truck load, and they sure were good! In Florida we are blessed to get a jump on all the good stuff before the rest of the world! LOL. Have a blessed day my friend.

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  4. That reminds me of my mom's colander. I hadn't thought about it in years!

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    1. And that's exactly why I bought it! It is exactly like my Mom's colander, but hers actually had one broken foot, so it sat lopsided. So, this one is better than my mom's colander, and she'd be envious if she saw it. Thankfully, she has no need of a colander in heaven. But I will think of her every time I use it. Sometimes it's good to be reminded of those we love, even with mundane things like an old colander. Have a blessed day my friend.

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  5. Well, I feel like I am walking on air after reading your post. It was good medicine for me, and like the lady at the flea market, it has uplifted my heart! Such kindness and fun surround you. I LOVE the photos of you and your colander hat! And I had to laugh, I had not heard "burst her britches" in so long! Yes, we used to say that all the time after a delicious big meal!

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    1. Oh thank you, Holly! You make me smile this morning! You know, it feels good to spread God's love around and make other people smile too! I may just wear my new colander hat wherever I go! LOL. And I don't recall where I first heard the saying "burst or bust my britches", but I know I often feel that way after eating too much! That chicken pot pie about made me say that last night! It really was good, if I do say so myself! Thank you for bringing smiles here this morning already. I hope you will have a blessed and wonderful day today.

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  6. You look so cute in your new colander hat; will you wear it to church? LOL. I am trying with some success to speak to people who look like they need some kind words, and to mention Jesus when I can. The oulde truck is a gem, I love it.

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    1. Thank you, Terra. You know, I hadn't thought about wearing my new colander hat to church, but now that you mention it...should I? Let me think about that...maybe add a ribbon or a flower? Hmm, it would certainly be a new style sensation! Especially since I sing in the choir and all eyes are upon me! LOL. It it a fun thought anyway...and we all need to laugh more. And yes, we know there are so many people out there who are hungering for some kindness in Jesus' name...we just never know what even our smile can do for them. This experience yesterday certainly opened my eyes to see what a 'cup of cold water' in His name can do. I am glad you liked the "oulde truck". I didn't get to meet the owner of the truck, but in his own way, he brings smiles to others too. God bless you Terra, and thank you for your visit today.

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  7. Thank you for the fit of giggles in regards to the colander, grin. Thank you Pamela for keeping me straight on having Faith...you and many others every single day who do. Waving to my girl Lily Grace, smiles. (p.s. she and Milee do look alike)

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    1. I think this colander has been a real hit with everyone! I guess it was well worth the $1.00 just to make so many people smile! And as for faith, well, honey, (as we say here in the south), I've had to make so many "giant leaps of faith" in my lifetime regarding moves and such that I could write a book on it. And that IS the name of my book that I keep planning to write one day when I think I'm done taking "giant leaps of faith" long enough to sit still and write it. When it comes to moving, I should have bought stock in U-Haul years ago...because we certainly helped keep their company afloat. Lily Grace is waving back at ya, and she hopes you move close enough to us so she can come meet you in person and play with your little friends that live with you. Yes, I feel like I should give Milee a Lily doll, but she also has two other sisters, and two brothers, so what can I give them? It's something I'm thinking about, because she actually fell in love with Lily and loved holding her...but I don't want to leave out the others, and I don't think they all need a Lily doll too. We shall see... Have a happy day my friend. Praying for you every day.

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  8. I have my mama's colander, too. It lost its legs so I have to set it up on something to use it. I've never thought to try it as a helmet.

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    1. Well, yours would be a perfect helmet without the legs. My mother's colander had lost one of its legs so it sat lopsided. I guess that's why we let it go with the estate sale, but I've regretted it ever since. Now I have one to remind me of her and that makes me smile. YOu never know when you might need a helmet, you know? The way things are going in this country it might be a good idea to get several..

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  9. Oh dear, thank you for the laughs this morning, would someone who wears a colander on her head call someone else crazy? Oh dear. I'm sitting here laughing, my husband thought I was reading "The Far Side" cartoons...I absolutely love seeing your smiling face with that colander on your head, you remind me of my late mother...she always gave people the time of day, and didn't care a whit about what they thought of her, she was a very special lady. It's vital to be in tune with what God is speaking to us, you were meant to be there for that woman, so encouraging.
    Thank you for sharing....

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    1. Oh thank you dear friend! I am so glad this post made so many smile, even if they do think I'm a little "odd". LOL. Wouldn't be the first time that has happened! But I think life is too short to go around being so sensible all the time. The older I get the more I realize that we are meant to bring smiles into other people's lives one way or the other. If wearing a colander on my head does it, then so be it. It was worth the $1.00 investment to bring smiles to faces and tears to a few eyes as they were also reminded of their mothers' colander or some other happy memory. It's interesting, but yesterday at that flea market, after meeting that woman and feeling the freedom to say the things that I truly believed God wanted me to say to her, and seeing how she responded...well, it unlocked something inside of me and helped me to realize just how important this is, especially in today's world. So many are feeling such sorrow and depression, and the old devil is working overtime to try to bring people down, but Jesus is alive and well and He is victorious over all of this...so we need to let people know there is hope. That's the most important thing we can do...offer them hope through Jesus Christ. Thank you for your encouraging words today. Bless you. When I think of you with 16 wonderful children...well...you are a blessing for sure!

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  10. LOVE the colander, Pam! Why? Because I've one (almost) just like it. So glad I didn't take Tom's suggestion and throw it out. So yes. Now we have 'his' and 'hers'!
    Gosh, I've not heard the term tinker in forever. I'd have loved to see that -- particularly the propeller up front. I really shouldn't show this to Tom, as he's a RC aircraft builder/flyer/fan. But knowing me, of course I will. Heh-heh.

    That pot pie looks scrumptious! You're so kind to share with your friend and her cute granddaughter!

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    1. Oh I am so glad you saved your colander! Now we both have our helmets ready when needed! And it's good to have an extra one on hand too. Seems like I am always grabbing one for something. I now have 4...each different in size...used for different things. Oh, did Tom like the tinker's truck? It certainly is unique. I called him a "tinker", but I don't know if he really does the same thing as a real tinker, but it just seemed to fit what my mind conjured up as a description of a tinker. Oh, the pot pie was delicious, if I do say so myself. And to me it was just the right thing to eat when recuperating..."comfort food". I'm glad I made two! We enjoyed it too! Have a wonderful weekend!!

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  11. You're looking cute in your life is good tee shirt...and helmet! lol Love that old truck and I agree about being friendly when we are out and about. You just never know when someone needs a smile or a kind word....what am I talking about...we ALL need that ALL the time! Happy weekend! We took our hike early this morning...before it got hot! YAY! Saw a Swallowtail Kite!

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    1. Thank you, Diane. I love that t-shirt and wish I had a few more like it! I tend to ruin shirts so easily by dripping tea or grease splashes or something dumb. I really should wear a bib or apron all the time. And yes, we just can't get too many smiles and encouraging words in this day and time. We all need them. I am glad you got out early today. We took a ride this morning through the forest and saw a group gathered at the entrance to the Florida trail in Salt Springs. Looked like they were having a great time. Wish I could have joined them, but yes, it got hot quickly today. Summer is upon us I think. Oh, I love seeing the swallowtail kites! There have been a few in this area lately too! They are so pretty just gliding around in the skies. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend.

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  12. Those moments when God places us with someone in need of cheer or comfort, and we can give that to them, and simply the best, Pamela. I love the old-fashioned colander, too. Reminds me of the one my mother currently has. And I KNOW I've never seen anything like that junk truck. How unique! I loved the photo of Melee holding Lily, too. So sweet.
    Blessings!

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    1. This encounter made me so much more aware of how many people are hurting out there and hungering for "a cup of cold water in Jesus' Name". Oh to be able to stay tuned in to His prompting so we don't miss the opportunities around us. Oh, you must be sure your mother keeps that colander! They are so special and are becoming collector's items apparently! And again, we never know when we might need a helmet really quick! Yes, here in the country where we live you might see anything...even crazy ladies walking around at flea markets with colanders on their heads..standing next to that old "tinker's truck". Life is too short to be so proper all the time. And yes, Milee loved Lily. I wish I could have given Lily to her, but she has two other sisters and two brothers, so I can't give to one without giving to the others...but I am thinking about doing something for them at Christmas. Although little girls like Milee grow up so quickly and then they don't want dolls anymore...so you have to do it quick while they are still so tender, which she is. She loved Lily. (and Lily loved her too). Have a blessed day.

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  13. Yes, praying for your Flea Market friend. The Lord knows her need(s) and will hear our prayers of intercession on her behalf.

    I know from my own experience in recent months the absolute truth of your quote from Nikki Banas. It is absolutely true. And if we have given kindness to somebody who didn't particularly need it that day, no harm done.

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    1. Thank you, Barbara, yes, I know the Lord knows her needs and He is working in her heart regarding several things in her life just now. So I know the prayers will be appreciated, even if she doesn't know someone is praying for her. I may never see her again, but she has made an impact on me. Hey, I am praying for you as you take off on your trip to see your mother finally! I pray everything will go smoothly and that you will be able to have a wonderful visit with her and also with your sister and family. I know it will be a great comfort to you to be there with them as well. I do hope you will touch base with us when you can and let us know how things are going...but even if you can't, just know we will still be praying for you. (((hugs))) and blessings to you dear friend.

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  14. I've also experienced the nudging of the Holy Spirit to speak encouragement to strangers. He always turns around and blesses me big-time when I follow through. It would seem "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35) works with words of encouragement as much as action. P.S. Love the colander, Pam. My mother had the same one also. You look mighty cute with it on your head!

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    1. Oh yes, Nancy, isn't it wonderful when we allow the Lord to work through us and don't try to hinder His progress with our own "agenda"? It truly is a blessing to us, as I have found this week. That has really touched me and made me more open and aware to the possibilities around us of people who are hungering for a kind word and a "cup of cool water in Jesus' Name". Glad you like the colander! It seems to have been the hit of the week! So much fun for a $1.00 investment! LOL. And it seems most all of us remember the same one in our mothers' kitchens. We are a vintage bunch here! LOL.

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  15. I love Godincidences. Glad you were there for her. I love the colander, I collect them in different colors. That truck is awesome!

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    1. Oh, yes, Debby! "Godincidences"...that's a great word! Perfect! Oh wow, another colander collector! What do you do with them...do you use them or just display them somehow? I had a friend who made an awesome hanging light fixture for her kitchen with a red one. Oh, I am glad you liked the truck! It was a lot of fun to see!! Have a blessed and wonderful weekend.

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  16. I remember my great aunt having a colander like this. The same aunt who made the prune platter each holiday!!! Thank you for sharing about the lady you met who needed the kindness and understanding you gave her, along with your prayers. That is a gift that God has given you and I certainly appreciate the many times you have reached out to me God bless.

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    1. Ha Ha...the "Prune Platter" has to be a classic! It certainly takes all kinds of people to make the world go round! Those of us who wear colanders on our heads, and those who make prune platters for holidays! And thank you for your very kind words. This was a God-appointment that He totally orchestrated. I give Him the praise because He arranged it. I showed up, looking for something to buy, but God had other plans. I am thankful to be His chosen vessel for that moment. And you are a blessing to me... (((hugs))))

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