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- By Sandy Neilly
- Introuvable. It was the second last word for 12-year-old
Sidharth Chand, second place winner in the USA’s 2008 National
Spelling Bee in May.
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- As it turns out, it's a very useful word for every day language
and in particular, for those who collect rare items.
Introuvable is an adjective meaning "impossible to find,"
as in "Florentine sculptures are almost introuvable in Canada.”
(At least, this is what we've heard.)
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- However, if you were starting to believe that good Canadiana
primitives and exemplary Canadian folk art were introuvable,
the Christie Show in late May might have caused you to heave
a sigh of great relief.
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- And take heart all of you antique dealers and show organizers!
We saw many U.S. license plates (known as "tags" in
the States), despite the price of gas and the value of their
dollar versus ours. Not only that, the amount of "young
people" (anyone under 40) attending the Christie show was
remarkable.
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- There were little tykes being pushed around in strollers
everywhere, laden with the signature bright orange bags. Quite
often, the occupant of aforementioned stroller had been replaced
by the most recent acquisition purchased by a parent, much to
the annoyance of the little person.
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- I'm certain that Christie isn't the only show reaping the
benefits of enthusiastic antiquers. We're hearing great reports
from most of the shows. Typically, when attendance isn't what
it should be, the weather has played a significant role and there's
obviously nothing that we can do about that.
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- Here at the Wayback Times, we would like to get your feedback
about the shows and markets you're shopping at. When you, (the
reader), let us, (the media), know what you're looking for, what
your feelings are and why you feel the way you do about the state
of things, (whatever you perceive them to be) it helps us all.
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- As you can likely understand, running an antique business
can be a bit of a hit-and-miss venture. Trends change almost
as quickly as they do in the world of fashion and design. The
difference is, in fashion and design you can go out and order
what you're looking for.
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- Antiquities are an entirely different story. Many years ago,
a customer came into our antique shop and was admiring a lovely
century old pressback chair. She asked if there were any matching
chairs, which, I replied, there weren't. She looked disappointed
and then asked if we could order some in. If only it were that
simple!
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- So, good readers, let us hear from you.
So far, you've been a very quiet, polite bunch. While that can
be a good thing most of the time, it can be somewhat disconcerting
for a newspaper.
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- As you might be aware, recently another well-known antique
publication has displayed some, shall we say, "spicy"
advertisements featuring antiques with scantily clothed people
artfully draped around them. This has prompted many letters,
some approving and many not. The point is, however, the readers
wrote!
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 In an attempt to inspire at least
a little written feedback (we do get lots of the verbal variety)
we have considered running ads with naked people as well, but
sadly not one of the antique dealers I asked would pose for us
with their inventory. Go figure. We have, instead, our own, slightly
more conservative nude photo. Of course, the identity of this
Wayback Baby cannot be revealed in order to protect the innocent
... and not upset my husband. (Isn't he a cutie? On the back
of the photo, written in his mother's hand-writing it says, "notice
the pudgy cheeks.” )
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- Nudity aside, we're really looking forward to this summer
and we hope to attend some shows and visit shops we haven't been
able to make it to in the past. So many places to get to and
so little time! Planning is the key, as well as great organizing;
two essential skills required to make the best of anything -
especially these days.
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- If you are hesitant to get out there and travel the highways
and by-ways because of gas prices, the above might apply to you
as well. A few well planned antiquing adventures are not only
good for the soul, but when you purchase items from shops, shows
and markets, have a lovely meal at some quaint restaurant or
stay at a wonderful B&B along the way, you are doing your
share to help keep our economy healthy. (Yes, you can pat yourself
on the back!) That, of course, helps to ensure the future of
the many wonderful antique venues that Ontario is blessed with.
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- So, come on, folks! Get on out there and enjoy our all-too-brief
summer season. Drop us a note about your favourite places to
explore. If you have any suggestions, send them along. We aim
to please.
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- Have a safe and wonderful summer. May the treasures you find
delight and intrigue you as you discover the past in the simplicity
and/or beauty of an object from days gone by.
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- Cheers ... I have some weeding to do.
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