The other day, I went shopping for a clock. I had an hour or so to kill and Henry was at daycare, so it seemed like a good time to pop into a store and pick up a clock for our spare room. For those who don’t already know, I have always wanted to have a B and B. We thought we’d take the concept for a test drive by putting our spare room on Air BnB to see if we really do like hosting strangers in our home. So far it’s been lovely to meet new people who are in town for various reasons and who appreciate staying in our heritage home. I’ve enjoyed getting the guest room all ready for our guests, and part of that has involved shopping for a clock. My first stop was a big box décor store because I figured they’d have lots of options. What I hadn’t figured on was the overall crappiness of the clocks they offered. My eyes appreciated their antiqued finish and old-fashioned styling, but the second I held one of those made-in-China clocks in my hand, the jig was up. They were fake. Fakety-fake-fake-fake. They were like all the other plastic items that try to pass as the real thing. We see so much of that in our society today - painted plastic disguised as wrought iron, terra cotta, stained glass and even wooden furniture. I could not justify buying just another piece of painted plastic that didn’t tick or ring or even have its face glued on straight. I left the store feeling frustrated, but determined to hold out for the real thing. Next, I stopped at Value Village, having been inspired by a recent blog written by my friends Mark and Cassie at janeandjury.com. Like them, I’d much rather buy something used than new any day. I often imagine a past, a story, for items I pick up at antique shops or thrift stores. And I love to rescue things and give them a new life. So, I wandered the cluttered aisles of Value Village and there it was – the perfect clock, sitting stoically amidst the knick-knacks. When I picked it up, I knew for sure. It has weight and substance. In a world of painted plastic, it is the genuine article. There are moving parts within. It requires that one diligently wind it up daily. And, given that I am a bit obsessive about absolute darkness for quality sleep, I am thrilled to report that it does not emit any sort of unearthly glow. There is nothing plastic, digital or fake about this clock. It was made in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada by the Western Clock Company Ltd and is named Baby Ben. It is the perfect clock for our guest room. It has been reclaimed and redeemed. It has a place and a purpose in our home. Now, if I can only get it to work.... You can find the link to our Airbnb advert here, in case you ever want to come and stay with us in the prettiest little town in Canada! https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/10221295
1 Comment
2/12/2020 06:01:28 am
Your stop at value village gave you an opportunity to reminisce and realize something; that there are stuff you can buy at a very affordable price! Did you buy the stuff that you posted? If the special clocks can be found there, then I would love to be there. Nowadays, we don't appreciate the beauty of clocks anymore because we can jus look at our mobile phones to know hours. But as a person who loves vintage stuff, this is definitely a great thing for me!
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Kari Raymer BishopLover of Jesus, cheeses and tropical breezes... seeking balance in life, even as I embrace new challenges and chase new dreams. I am wife, mother, daughter and friend, as well as teacher, entrepreneur, activist, writer, beekeeper and hostess. Come along on the journey through my long-awaited midlife crisis! Archives
March 2018
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