Just Looking....

Why is it that when you're determined not to spend money - you're just going to "look" - that the deals of a lifetime always happen?  Case in point, our local historical society was having rummage sale.  Now, we're in small town on Long Island, where mid century modern is not quite the rage.  In fact, most items end up curbside where I happily scoop them up.  So who would've thought that in the basement of the historical society, I would find the score of the year?

There I was, just happily looking, pleased with myself that nothing I had seen thus far had triggered my "gotta have it" reflex.  I was going to keep my word to my husband, I was just going to have a peek.   Some plate caught my eye, minimalist white china with a simple scribble pattern neatly centered.  Why does this look very familiar?   I turned the plate over - and there it was  - designed by Raymond Loewy. 

Now the heart rate goes up.  Raymond Loewy, the famous industrial designer of THE mid century AND the former employer of my husband's beloved grandfather, Andrew Geller.  As this is sinking in, the woman running the sale calls out, "Oh, do you like those?  I'll give you a break on the price - they're $22, but I'll go down to $12."  Poker face - not my strong point.  I am now grinning like a Cheshire cat.  "Okay, but I'll have to clear it with my husband, I'm not supposed to be buying anything."  The woman laughed and then sang out, "You know, those were designed by Raymond Loewy.  If you like those, then you should see these."  Cue the angelic chorus.  White.  Rosenthal.  Plates, cups, coffee pot, creamer, sugar bowl, THE MOST AWESOME GRAVY BOAT......





I run out the car, where my husband has been so patiently waiting with my two girls.  He reads my face, "Oh no.  What did you find?"  Like I said, no poker face skills whatsoever.  "Um, you just have to come and see."   Which he did.  The lovely lady running the sale offered the set for $50.00 and then commenced wrapping everything up.    Did I need more dishes?  No.  Did I have room for more dishes? No, but I made some.  Did I mention I was married to the most wonderful man in the world?