Since I was 10 years old...I have loved flea markets...buildings filled with antique furniture that has passed from hand to hand...through the years...vintage glass in every color under the rainbow...the smells of the cozy cafe and music drifting through the aisles...that cause a you to sway...while moving from booth to booth...in search of perfection...that incredible piece of history...or that artsy creation...that you just can't do without...
Over the years, I have discovered many things...My taste has changed and I have redefined myself through the magical artifacts I have found...and connected with my past...or the past of others...But, of all the things that have revealed themselves to me through my flea market experiences...one bit of wisdom has become the core of my treasure hunting philosophy...if you love it...if you like it...pick it up and don't put it down...because if you do...there's a great chance you with lose it...
Something amazing happens when you touch an item in a flea market...You can act coy...or nonchalant...You can pretend that you only have a passing fancy for the item of your interest...But, the moment you lay a finger on any item...you send a signal out...like a lighthouse in a port...and others will come a runnin'...Walk away from that jewel...and someone else will swoop it up...
I can't tell you how many gorgeous items I have lost over the years, because I decided to walk around and "think about it"...What usually happens is that I forget where the booth is...if I'm lucky...Mostly, I come back and the beauty is gone...I don't know why this is...but...if you are interested in something...and show your interest... crazy vibes go out into the market universe...and I swear...someone will walk in right behind you and buy it...immediately...
So what do you do?...You can certainly risk losing out on the item you desire...but why...when there are many options. You can talk with the dealer...ask them if they will hold the piece...Now, be realistic...the dealers are there to make money...some will say no...but a lot of them will accept your request and hold the piece for an hour...until the end of the day...or maybe 24 hours...You could ask about layaway...if it's a large item...say a dresser or cupboard...the dealer might be interested in setting that up...Just remember...if you never come back to complete the transaction...the dealer may have terms that forfeit your ability to get your money back...so, be certain to discuss and commit to memory all the terms of the transaction...Lastly...if you really are drawn to an item...haggle the price...quickly check your budget...and just buy it...Take it home and love it....
Flea markets are not like retail...no booth carries duplicates of anything...You might get lucky and the item will wait for you to decide...But, the odds are that the golden fairy dust you leave behind...by touching something...will call to others walking by...and while you are walking around...trying to decide...they'll be more decisive...and will end up walking out with it...
It's up to you...you can spend the rest of your days with a fantastic find at The Flea Market...in Flowood...or you can wave goodbye...as it goes home with someone else...Your touch may be so magical that all will work out...My advice...take it from me...
Never pass up your heart's desire...
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