Am I the only person who hides things from herself? With the best of intentions, mind you. I did it again last week. Before company arrived, I dashed around picking up and straightening. In my hurry, I stuffed a mish-mash of business cards, pens, and do-dads into a plastic bag, and stowed them out of sight. And apparently out of mind.
A few days later, I checked every nook and cranny looking for the bag. On the bottom shelves of the dining room cupboards I scrutinized my collection of pink Depression glass that I rarely use.
I should add: An expert has never examined and verified that my glassware is genuine Depression glass. But I don’t care because I like it.
I can’t recall when my desire to amass pink glass started. I look blah in pink, but I like the color. Was that my impetus to buy it? My mother-in-law and sister fueled the flames by adding to my collection on my birthdays.
My stash of pink Depression Glass.
Are they antiques? No. Antiques should be over 100 years old, and of value or historical significance. I doubt my pink pretties are any of those. Items 50-years-old lapse into the realm of Collectibles. The time period 1950-1959 is generally referred to as Retro. Vintage, originally used to define bottled wine, now describes objects that recycled back into fashion: 1960-1979.
This Vintage Jeepster Commando is someone’s baby.
I was sad when one of my favorite shops, Funtiques, closed. I’d found many treasures there.
I think about Amish women poking around tag/garage sales and wonder what they might purchase. Nothing too fancy? You might be surprise to learn that fine China is a traditional wedding gift from many an Amish groom to his bride. As is stemware. Once married, the China is usually stored out of sight, and saved for special occasions.
The China may have a pink, fancy design if the bride so wishes. Amish Author Linda Byler describes this tradition nicely in her novel The Witnesses. (Linda Byler is actually Amish.)
Do you collect items you rarely use, but simply like? For instance, Pyrex? (Now that I think about it, I wish I hadn’t given away mine. Or are they hiding in the basement?) Teaspoons? Amish-made mementoes?
Could you have fun in “Doilies 2 Doorknobs, plus 25 Vendors” in Stanwood, WA?
Back to my pink Depression glass. When I took the photo I noticed I had two little duplicate creamers. In my never-ending quest to downsize, I decided to offer one as a prize, along with this lovely Amish-made potholder from Lancaster County, PA. Plus a signed copy of one novel from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! I’ve even found that treasures like this often show up in pawn stores, which makes the hunt for vintage pieces all the more fun. Leave a comment to enter the Giveaway. USA & Canada. Winner has 3 days to respond.
Amish-made Potholder & Depression glass creamer (not sure of its age)
Had to chuckle at your blog, about misplacing things…. It is so good to hear that YOU, & many others do the same as me! I would love to blame it on a senior moment, but the truth is, I remember over 50 years ago while having a birthday party for my hubby….I served snacks to friends and then “FOUND” the dip in the refer AFTER our guests left! I think, with experience, I would get better….but NOT SO MUCH! Love your books, Kate, & LOVE the hot pad…and the little pink pitcher! I would pass along to our daughters! One, who loves pink depression glass, and has a piece or two in that same pattern! And I’d give the pot holder to the other daughter! I recently finished you Legacy of Lancaster series….Was so happy that I had all three before I started reading! Have a wonderful week & Blessings to you!
I’m so glad you got to read all three in the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, C.J.! I’ve done the same thing: found a vegetable dish in the oven after the guests had gone home. I was hoping I’d find my missing watch while looking for this recent bag of loot, but no luck. Thanks for entering the give away!
Kate
I thought it very funny that you were placing things in a bag and then misplaced it. I have done this so many times over the years. The pink Depression Glass is so pretty. You have a nice collection. I love your books and thank you for a chance to win. Have a blessed day!
Thanks for writing, Deborah! Each time I hide something, I try to make a big deal out of it in my mind so I’ll remember, but alas I usually forget. Thank you for your kind words about my books and for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
You’re collection of Depression glass is beautiful! I love just looking at it because it takes me to another time & place where life was not so hectic & beauty was really appreciated. I love reading your books & thank you for the opportunity to enter your giveaway!
Thanks for your encouraging words about my books, Janet! I enjoy writing about and being taken to a time and place where life is not so hectic. Also collecting vintage items. Fortunately for my husband I don’t want or need everything new. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love to read how alike we are and so many others too. I love all of your books I have read and would love to read more. I would love to receive any thing from you and this would be a great surprise to me. thank you for writing such great books.
Thank you for your encouraging words about my writing, Marcia! And thanks for entering the giveaway! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
You know that you have read to many Amish books when your wonderful husband refers to you as his small Amish girl in training. Thank you, Kate Lloyd for the good books to read.
Your husband’s comment made me chuckle, Cindy! Read too many Amish books? Impossible. I appreciate your generous words about mine. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love Depression glass, I have numerous pieces left to me by my mom. I also love reading Amish books. Thanks for the chance to win.
How wonderful that your mom left you numerous pieces of depression glass, Linda! And that you love reading Amish books. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have some pieces of pink glassware too. Nice to look at and yet I don’t often use it. 🙁 In fact the other day I mentioned to my husband I should probably “purge” it. Not yet. I also collect Nesting Dolls (Matryoshkas). I have about 100 of them. Some of those do get use as my grandchild like to get them out and play w/ them.
It’s always fun to enter a contest so here’s hoping! Thanks for sharing.
Anne
It’s fun to give a contest where I receive so many terrific comments, Anne! I’ll have to google Matryoshkas to see what you collect. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the contest!
Kate
I love your pink glassware! I have a weakness for cobalt blue glass 🙂 thanks for the giveaway!
Cobalt blue glass is hard to resist, Karen. Especially since blue is my favorite color. But luckily I’ve resisted so far or I wouldn’t have any shelf space. Thank you for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I “misplaced” my car keys after going on vacation! I put them away in a safe place since I had someone house sitting. Not sure why, but I did! It took prayer and the eyes of a friend to find them.
I inherited some of the Avon red glass items from my Mom. Haven’t really pursued collecting them, but when I look at them I think of her… like today. She would have been 93.
Thank you for sharing with this giveaway!
Misplacing your car keys would be terrible, Teresa! One time, I was lamenting to my mother-in-law that I’d “lost” some jewelry. She asked me if I’d prayed. When I did I immediately found them. However, not always the case. Maybe the Lord sent you your friend. I’m glad you have the Avon red glass items from your mom as reminders. I also always remember my mother’s birthday. I need to do the math to figure out how old she’d be. She died at a young 68, too early. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Pretty things
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Lynn!
Kate
Beautiful potholder! Can’t wait to read the whole trilogy.
Thanks for writing, Nancy! I hope you get a chance to read the whole Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy soon! Glad you like the potholder; it’s really lovely. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thank so much for sharing your unique talent as an author and for giving such beautiful treasures.
Thanks for your very generous comment, Bobbe, and for entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
I always put things where I can never find them…but they some how turn up later on.In rambling for something I misplaced this past Saturday I found one of my mother’s mother day gifts.It was over a month late but she liked it all the same.I love antiques,vintage ,and collectibles.I would love to win your giveaway to add to my collectibles.I love your collection of pink glass.Thanks for sharing.
Sometimes I run across lost items the same way, Jackie! Yet, several have remained hidden for years. Your story about your misplaced Mother’s Day gift made me smile. Thanks for leaving such a fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My mother had some pieces of “Depression Glass”. Think that my sister had them now.
Fortunately, my sister and I have opposite tastes, Elaine! Although I think she gave me one pink Depression glass cake stand because she knows I like it. (She’s a sweetheart.) Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
All the time, I’m putting things in a place where I know I will look next time – yeah, right! Love the pink creamer – love Depression glass in general – and love the pot holder! Of course, as always, I would love to have a signed copy of your book for my niece (she would get it only after I read it, of course)! Thanks for all the special giveaways you do, Kate.
I try to hide things where a burglar wouldn’t look, Linda! And apparently I wouldn’t look there either because I am still missing several items … I’d love to have you read one of my books. Hope you get a chance soon. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
My sisters and I all love the pink Depression glass and also Amish novels. Would love to win this prize.
What fun that your sisters and you all love pink Depression glass and Amish novels, Nora! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
If I won I would share with my DIL who I have got interested in reading Amish books. Loved your 3 books in this series.
I’m delighted to hear you loved my Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Pat! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
After breast cancer pink is now my favorite color, for everything. I love your pink depression glass. I find all kinds of treasures hidden in different places in my house! Some I remember putting in certain places and some I completely forgot I even bought. My son is getting married July 11th and he and his bride are getting all kinds of nice wedding gifts from me.
Thanks for the giveaway!
You brought a smile to my face, Gail! How convenient that you already have gifts in your home. My mother used to buy things and forget about them too. But fortunately she usually put them in the same drawer. congratulations to your son on his upcoming marriage July 11! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Yes, I’m good at putting things in a spot where I will “know” where to find them and then forgetting where that spot is, lol!! I love Depression glass and anything Amish – would love to have a copy of one of your books and that beautiful pitcher and potholder. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
Thanks for your entertaining comment and for entering the giveaway, Bonnie! Good luck!
Kate
Hi Kate. Good to know I have a lot of friends with this problem I have been blaming on old age. Now I realize it’s not only that since I know I am older than most of you. I love the pink depression dishes. Mother used to have some of them. The blue glass is pretty too. I have a tall candy dish in blue. I have a beautiful pink glass in a sugar bowl from my mom years ago that would match this creamer. Have you stopped writing now? Hope not. Would love to win. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
I feel the same way, Maxie! It’s good to know I’m not alone. I’ve been hiding things from myself for many years. Too many! Your tall blue candy dish and sugar bowl sound beautiful. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading about the Amish,thanks for a chance to win
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Martha! Good luck!
Kate
I find myself doing the same thing – putting something in a safe place and then forgetting where that was! I love your pink glass collection!
I must come up with a new system, Kathy! My sister said she saw a former burglar interviewed on a TV show. He said thieves look exactly where people hide things. Not what I wanted to hear. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Ever hid something from yourself. Ha!! I live with and care for my mom who has dementia. She is not terrible but we have our days and sometimrs moments. Lets just say do you know how many drawers, shoes, pockets, old purses, and places there are to stick stuff!?! Our latest “hunt” has been for teeth. Her top teeth to be exact. Still has the ones God gave her on bottom. NO we haven’t found them. Yes she has a denture apt next week. And yes I laugh a lot, it beats crying!!!
You have quite a challenge, Tammy, and a good heart to care for your mom! I’m praying you find those uppers before her next denture appointment. What usually happens to me is I find a lost item the day after its replacement arrives. (credit card, key, etc) I’m glad you can still laugh. You are absolutely right: it beats crying. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Thanks for the blog! I wish I had known you liked and wanted depression glass. My sister and I just sold to a friend, for way below value, my mother’s set of depression glass, and yes, it was pink, and it was true depression glass. We got took, but a friend now gets to enjoy it. That’s how I am looking at it, anyway. I could have used the money as things are tight right now, but I don’t want to cry over spilled milk. I love your books and have read all of them and treasure them. I love Amish quilting works and one day hope to be able to afford a quilt!
Again thank you for all you post and write,
Joci
Thank you, Joci, for your kind words about my books. That’s like gold to an author’s ears. I think you have a great attitude about the Depression glass as mine sits unused. It does look very cute at a baby or bridal shower, but those occasions come by rarely. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thanks for sharing. I also tend to misplace things. And when I need to find them or need hem I forget where I put it.. Love your books.
Thanks for writing, Kristina! I have one elusive wrist-watch hiding somewhere in our house. I hope. Thanks for your generous appraisal of my books! Really appreciate it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books and I love to go to Estate sales, garage sales and thrift stores. Usually I come out with a pretty piece of glass ware. Just as long as its pretty & different. I have you on “My Favorite Authors'” list at a local used bookstore. They will order new books for their customers. I give them my list and they call me when that author’s latest book has come in. That way I don’t miss any of my books. In fact one of the employees suggest one of your books. I admit – I bought it used. Now I buy all of yours new & pre-ordered through the Book Shelf.
Thank you so much, Pat! What a great bookstore. And what a wonderful reader you are! I’m trying to get my next book on the shelf. Good look in the giveaway!
Kate
I have done the same countless times!! Once I sat a black trash bag by the front door that was filled with very good, usable clothing I was going to take to Goodwill….Got ready to go and the bag was gone!! Found out my hubby thought it was trash and tossed it in the dumpster!! Acck!! Hundreds of $$$ of clothing thrown away….I was heartsick. I am the “collector” in our family and my siblings tell Mama to “give that junk to Margie because she keeps everything”….only a SLIGHT exaggeration! Love your books and would love to be entered into your contest….Thanks!!!
Oh, no, Margie! My husband cleaned our garage once with close to the same results. New rule: Throw your own stuff away only! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck! And thanks for mentioning you like my books!
Kate
I had to chuckle at you searching for things you have put away. My friends all think I am extremely organized. I tell them they are not here when I am tearing my house apart looking for something I remember putting in a “safe” place. Thing is it is so safe even I can’t find it.
Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone, Carolyn! Maybe there is no safe place, but I hate to leave my favorite earrings sitting out in open view for a burglar to see. I do need a new and better plan. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love Crystal Gorham ond the white lenox. Why I need it I haven’t a clue. I love you pink. Happy writing.
I love reading anything “Amish”. I can’t read enough. My hubby tells me I read to much about Amish ways but I think NOT!
I waited to late for this contest. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your books.
My grandmother gave me some white hobnail glass. When I was cleaning the pieces I dropped and broke one of my candle holders. I’ve looked everywhere trying to find a replacement to no avail.