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Adventures in a thrift store

Anyone at all who has the spirit of “discovery” has visited a thrift store. Some of you may even have a favorite store. You must know before you enter one, it is definitely a hit-and-miss situation. The long-time fable that people in the back sorting merchandise get the best items, is definitely a “fable.” Absolutely no one can know everything about everything!

My treasure hunt began on an idle day, which in many cases gets you into trouble. Upon entering you are instantly overwhelmed with the amount of merchandise before you. Go right, go left, but definitely move! Organization is not a priority. I ended up in the kitchen section for a start. Stacks of dishes and pots and pans were staring me in the face. Okay, you are here, so start digging. Somewhere near the bottom of the skillets I found a Hopi “wedding basket” which I ran to the cash register and bought for fifty cents. Hitting the jackpot in ten minutes is all anyone needs to plunge back into the fray.

In the book section I discovered a cookbook featuring recipes from “Windows on the World,” the restaurant atop the World Trade Center. I also discovered a Colorado historical book illustrating the colored glass windows found in our state capitol building and the history behind each one. In the furniture section I found a 1930’s sofa in remarkable condition that I had absolutely no room for. I bought it! Not about to give up now, I also found a man’s light blue cashmere sport coat, which fit me perfectly—of course! I have worn it often.

I am sure I was on a roll but I was also broke and exhausted so I left with a happy smile. I know I will probably not get that lucky again. Thrift stores are great places for “discovery.” You just need the “spirit of the hunt!”

Syrma Sotiriou is the proprietor of The Treasured Scarab in Denver, and a regular contributor to Discover Mid-America. Contact her at (303) 777-6884.

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