The Life of a Treasure Seeker in Las Vegas...

I can not believe it has been 12 days since my last blog.  Where the time went is a mystery to me.  I know I have been busy with social media which does not come naturally to me!  I have been blogging in my "The Vintage Village" Community, which is a great community full of like-minded folks, we all like Vintage anything. Antique anything, and even Mid-Century everything. I wrote regarding my adventures...but one in particular was and still is--heart warming......while my mind was completely bored the other day, and all the resting in the world for my toe gave way to extreme overeating.....I got myself out of the recliner and tried to get over to the CVS pharmacy....but on my way, I stopped at a moving sale....it was a hot day (I thought it was supposed to be cooling down here?) and I had limped out to the sale from my car, boot on for the broken toe and no makeup (please don't imagine that).  An elderly couple were in attendance....and as I picked things up, I noticed a demitasse cup and saucer from Noritake, it was about 1950....(I had tried to memorize the marks once)....and they noticed ME noticing the cups...a nice hand painted item with hand painted dragons, etc.  I spoke to them about various marks for Noritake, Occupied Japan versus Japan, the Tariff dates, etc.  We started talking about the Korean War!!   We all shared Korean War relative's stories and World War II as well....our stories took lots of time, I was there almost 1 1/2 hrs.  I shared my father's war stories and they shared theirs...we shared grandmother's heirlooms and cultures...we shared our adult children's ages and where we all came from (most all of us here in LV are transports from somewhere)....when I left, I didn't buy the Noritake but I did buy Roy Thomas Four Seasons Collector's Plates, never been opened to display...apparently, one of their departed mother's many collections of Vintage smalls.  I sprang for a very nice Napco Santa Waving on his Sleigh and is in excellent shape....but more than anything else I took away from our meeting was the idea that because I have a hobby to flip Vintage smalls, because I have chosen to educate myself for many years (over 30) of various manufacturers of fine porcelain and glass, because I have an interest in ALL things past history.....I have been able to be a blessing for those who want to share, for those who love the things they sell (usually heirlooms) and they have a need to share the stories that go with the items.....I have a sensitive heart and soul and would rather sit and listen to the stories all day long or half a day...or take down a phone number....to check on them later....and come home with nothing or an item no one would dream of coveting....than claim to be that lady that whooshes in, combs the tables, rips items out of other's hands, bumps someone out of the way, or even stealing items while a friend keeps the owner busy.....I would rather be someone who is remembered as taking the time to share, as a good human being, caring for their items and caring for their memories and souls....my hobby means so much more to me than just collecting Vintage smalls and showing them off....it is the stories I gather in my head that keep replaying in my mind for days and sometimes weeks....or months....Treasure seeking in Las Vegas is always interesting, but mostly, it is my secret of the desert to which keeps me passionate about who I can touch and how far God's blessings will take me for the day.......only those truly seeking can find these treasures.....P.S. I did finally make it to CVS.....
-=Brenda    BWs Vintage Collectibles
stores.ebay.com/BWs-Vintage-Collectibles

http://stores.ebay.com/BWs-Vintage-Collectibles/_i.html?_nkw=santa+&_cqr=true&_nkwusc=sanata&_sid=179616923&_rdc=1

http://stores.ebay.com/BWs-Vintage-Collectibles/_i.html?_nkw=roy+thomas&submit=Search&_sid=179616923

God Bless us all.

Las Vegas: GONE WITH THE WIND

Whoa, and we thought when it rained for 12 hours two weeks ago that was IT for the rain this year....TONS of flooding around town...washed out gutters spanned all away across roads here and there...rocks everywhere...but boy was my car CLEAN!!!   Today, it poured AGAIN!!!   what's up with that anyway?  more water?  Personally, I am hoping Lake Mead will fill up again...those who know what it used to look like might agree with me.  This weekend we had heat...and clouds.....and the statement, "...it's a dry heat..." kept running through my head as I drove to various estate and large moving sales. The heat was moist, humid and relentless!  Dry heat?  not this summer!! On another note, most of my time this weekend was spent talking to people, comparing schools, cars, acquaintances, and local hot spots. Sometimes it is just as meaningful to take the time to visit and share stories with each other, to laugh at one's jokes, or to encourage someone when they reach out to connect with a stranger.  Treasure seeking Vintage and Mid-Century has allowed me to laugh a million more times, to store a million more stories, and to spread the love a million more times to a million more people.  Every person and every item has a story and deserves to be touched...spiritually and physically.  I love sharing what I experience with those who wish to read it.
A couple of fun things I found this weekend which are sure to fly out the door!!

1936 Gone With The Wind, first year printing, great shape and all pages are intact with no dogged ears:

http://stores.ebay.com/BWs-Vintage-Collectibles/_i.html?_nkw=gone+with+the+wind&submit=Search&_sid=179616923

Vintage Frosted High Ball Currier & Ives "The Morning Recreation" Gay Fad Studio 

http://stores.ebay.com/BWs-Vintage-Collectibles/_i.html?_nkw=gay+fad&submit=Search&_sid=179616923

Pyrex, England, pre-1962, Rare "Blue Iris" 1.5qt Casserole Dish, EUC

http://stores.ebay.com/BWs-Vintage-Collectibles/_i.html?_nkw=blue+iris&submit=Search&_sid=179616923

One final note:   a new boutique I just found, in Las Vegas!!!   Frenzy

Here's the website so you can read up on it and go visit!   Tell them Brenda sent ya!!          http://www.frenzylasvegas.com/

Las Vegas Fremont Street Lights...Camera....No action

Whah.  That's all I've got to say.  Ever been politely uninvited to the most happenin' place in Las Vegas?   Well.....I was.  Imagine this:  Family is in town.  Long lost daughter I gave up on for weeks because she never answers my texts....and her fiance...visiting, here, Henderson or Las Vegas (for most of you know that City so well).  Me, sitting at home, with full makeup and beautifully done hair...just waiting....and waiting...took a nap....and waited some more.   Text, I finally get one, my daughter and her fiance text and ask if I can pick them up and 'we' can go to Fremont, Old strip.   Me, excited, ready in less than 5 minutes and out the door..Don't care if it is 10:00pm......I pick them up, we get gas (that's a whole other story cause I have a locking gas cap....) and I drive the speed limit of 65mph the entire 15 miles...for me, is an eternity....laughing and having a great time, we cracks jokes like there is no tomorrow....Boy, how'd I get so lucky....me, anticipating fun...and funny, I don't feel my vintage age.....I drive them around the best wedding chapel on 4th and Gass, show them the drive-thru wedding menu...took pictures....as I drive a little closer to the Golden Nugget.....I kept talking about their new upgrades and the shark pool, etc....but I kept hearing in the back recesses of my mind....someone saying, "you can drop us off here"   "just drop us off here mom'   but while I was talking, I drove up to the ticket window and was issued a ticket....I was so excited..... and kept talking....but then....like out of a movie, a God like voice entered my ears and rang into my head....a woman's voice "mom, now you are going to have to pay for dropping us off!!  why did you do that?"     'You could have dropped us off at the door and saved money..."  then it hit me.......the "WE" in the text I received at home was "THEM" and I was pretty quick for a save as I said, "no way, I'm going with you!!"   well, after that volley of the ball hit the net, another play came at me, "mom, we're going to stay out really late, you won't want to be out that late..." and then came a spike that won a point, "Mom, of course if you want to stay out for 3 or 4 hours...." what could I do at that point? How embarrassing....so, I did what any uninvited gracious host and taxi cab driver would do, drove out of the parking lot (explained my error to the parking attendant who let me out for free) went over to the front door, and dropped off my "children"...my son was with them too.  It occurred to me, the new generation is up and running and I am gradually moving towards the middle....I guess I am Mid-Century.  I suppose it is fitting my favorite hobby of collecting small Vintage and Mid-Century smalls and putting them back into circulation has developed into something that keeps me so busy....I hardly gave it a thought that ALL my children were grown....when did that happen and how did that happen? So, the next morning my Mid-Century body was feeling well rested and ready to rock the estate sales.....while all the "kids" were nursing hangovers and unders.....heh heh heh....lol lol lol.......yep, my age is showing and boy, I need to send them all a 'thank you' for uninviting me to the party!!!!!   Whooooo, dodged a bullet there.  Come visit and see the fantastic finds this weekend!!   No estate sales, darn, but did make it to several moving sales.....have any youngsters and hate to pay the new prices on helmets, gloves, blades? come visit for great prices....buy early, Christmas is coming......visit my virtual store for lots of great things...
-=brenda
BWs Vintage Collectibles

stores.ebay.com/bws-vintage-collectibles

FLY Youth Medium #606

FLY Large #606

Mizuno 12" Youth Powerlock

Walborg, Made in Japan, hand beaded

Las Vegas is poppin this time of year!

Las Vegas is poppin' this time of year!  One trip to the Strip to visit my nephew and his wife, reminds me how "lucky" I am.  My luck isn't a winnings from a Blackjack table or a Roulette wheel, or even from a Poker hand....my luck is a BLESSING my higher power (God) has given me.  Although my trip down to the strip strikes me as awesome every time I visit, I realize the wealth and volume of history this Valley holds in its hot lava flow from the Mirage or the hot but shaded Cabanas at the Bellagio is appreciated from a more personal and thankful heart.  For all the days I have are sometimes filled with limited physical accomplishments, I only need to remember one thing:   God put me here, in this place, to enjoy the warm weather, to view the magnificent Lantana landscaping and Palm trees, and to meet people from all walks of life, all cultures, countries, faiths, and personalities I never would have imagined to include in my daily life.   The blessings to be living in such a wonderful resort city is far more than I could or will ever be blessed with and I am so thankful to be here, no matter how hot it gets outside.  Each Friday and Saturday I explore estate sales and moving sales for vintage treasure,  it has always been a hobby of mine to do so.  Little did I imagine, almost 10 years ago, I would be able to combine my hobby with the meeting and sharing of so many people from so many walks of life.  My community is made of individuals and families who have come to Las Vegas to strike their fortunes, buy cheap homes, own property, to educate their children, to find 24/7 work.  The pace is set what you want it to be.  Today, when I am out and about treasure seeking for Vintage and Mid-century items to hold and admire, I will be extra blessed to talk with the people of my home.  The people coming and going, listening to them about their journeys and (hopefully) good fortunes....each piece of inventory I find holds a little piece of my meeting with the previous families....some items have been in a family for over 50 years, some pieces since high school days, some pieces have traveled (by covered wagon, lol) SUVs and vans to rest and retire...some pieces are deemed useless and discarded...but I always feel blessed to hold a precious coffee cup and saucer or to clean and polish a cobalt blue glass dish....to freshen up a lonely bear or to display the piece into my personal glass collection.  Las Vegas is a blessed place and is beautiful to me, not only for its pretty flashing lights and entertainment, but for the place I have been blessed to live.  Treasure hunting in the Las Vegas Valley has never meant more to me....for many many reasons.  Now, off to the hunting......

stores.ebay.com/bws-vintage-collectibles

 Mary Kay Austrian Crystal Brooch and Pendant!  (I have been told it is Mary Kay)

Libbey 1960s Silver Leaf water glass

ca1960s Anchor Hocking Fire King Casserole dish Meadow Green

ca 1928-32 Strayer Upton Arithmetic Reader State of Georgia

ca 70s

Old Town Blue Salad Plate

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170883505877&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT#ht_659wt_1037

stores.ebay.com/bws-vintage-collectibles

Las Vegas the place to be after finals

Yes, even though I live in the Las Vegas Valley, in a suburb actually, I do, occasionally, get over to the Strip.  The fantastic colors the neon signs produce are just mesmerizing.  Reds, blues, yellows, oranges, purples, greens.....extra large digital pictures of all the stars, comedians, dancers you can imagine ....the Bellagio water fountains spring forth, higher and higher, dancing to music, lulling the passer-bys into a hypnotic and peaceful happy place.  Just going to the downtown Fremont Street Experience is a treat, anytime, but especially at night.

While the Vintage street was protected and covered with an awning of LCD lights, the walk and subsequent light show on the awning is spectacular. As you walk down memory lane-now known as the Fremont Street Experience- or DOWNTOWN- to the locals....your mind imagines the simplicity of the pas: the buildings are Vintage, the neon lights are Vintage, and it compliments the updated entertainment venue perfectly....you can feel spirits roaming and enjoying the Experience too. Of course, Vintage is my passion, as I search every weekend for lost treasures that need to be cleaned and displayed....Items that need to be showcased and put into a cabinet....and items that need to be saved for our next generations.....1970s and 80s are now considered VINTAGE, although, I must admit, I find it difficult to label them as such.   I know, the youngster of today will someday have the desire to revisit America's past and hunt for these treasures....those items that are labeled frequently as "Mid-Century" will be labeled "true Vintage"  and will be highly collectible and set upon shelves and in cabinets.  When I visit the current Vegas Strip and become lulled by the Bellagio fountains and entertained with the Mirage overflowing Volcano, I almost always remember the Rat Pack, Marilyn, Lucille Ball, among a few, who vacationed here, laughed here, and stayed here. To think my Valley, my home- entertained the entertainers is in itself the epitome of remembrance....my treasure hunts, my cleaning, my photography means so much more as I share with the world items plucked from the homes and estates of fellow neighbors in this rich and magical place called--Las Vegas....it's more than a hot summer oasis in the desert and it is my home.  -=brenda
BWs Vintage Collectibles

stores.ebay.com/bwsvintagecollectibles

 Cats Eyes 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170877887230&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT#ht_709wt_1037

Vintage ca 50-60s Sweaters

 Anhold Ashtray

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170870808718&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT#ht_815wt_1037

It's SO HOT in Las Vegas. WHEW.

Whew and Wow, it's hot in the Las Vegas valley this week. Pretty normal though.  While at the post office yesterday mailing a Priority package to a buyer, I met a very nice lady and we talked for quite a while....in the shade.....we were comparing heat indexes.  My idea of hot in the car was when my fingertips burned when I put my hands on the steering wheel of my car....her idea of hot was when people stopped moving around.  I showed her my fingertips...she offered hand lotion to me, being as the little bottle was almost empty, I declined.  It's a perfect time of year to open a store in Ebay, BWs Vintage Collectibles.  My newest venue for Vintage and Mid-century estate collectibles.  Here's the new link!

stores.ebay.com/bwsvintagecollectibles

  I attribute the opening of the new Ebay store to my dear Kansas friend, Bonnie, whom I met while purchasing on Ebay, but more importantly, she lives within 70 miles of my ancestry roots.  She is like family to me, I met her this May, and she is a great lady, working at an auction estate company, she is so knowledgeable of many things...but she is also a great mom.....!  She is definitely a 100% seller for many years and you should see what she is selling!

stores.ebay.com/bjskitchenplus

I will eventually get all of my Vintage and Mid-Century inventory listed on stores.ebay.com/bwsvintagecollectibles  even if I am sweating to do it, pardon the pun.....but right now, I am in over my ears with changing venues and heat indexes over the top....a nice resort style swimming pool might be the ticket today.....my vintage style body probably won't fit in a swim suit though.....maybe I"ll go when it gets dark..........  with a glass of wine.  I always fit better into a swimsuit after I've had some wine...I'll fill ya in on the details...or not.....-=brenda

http://stores.ebay.com/BWs-Vintage-Collectibles/_i.html?_nkw=bears&submit=Search&_sid=179616923