Happy Halloween

WISHING

YOU ALL

A SAFE AND

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Three Lives

If you had a chance to read my post titled "Nutty Buddy", the circumstances involved that day may help you to understand my thoughts and actions in relation to the story I'm about to tell as I truly believe that "things" happen for a reason and that the events of that day were a prelude of what was to come and how my actions changed three lives on this day.

A few weeks after the confrontation involving the man at the convenient store I was on my way home from work. Driving down a rural country road houses are roughly set about an acre apart from one another, some closer to the road than others. Upon approaching a section that I'll refer to as "the dip", off to the right sits a house that is a mere 75 feet from the road. One of only a few on this particular stretch of the road. As I got closer to the house I slowed my speed as I saw two boys who were'nt paying attention, running very close to the road. They were chasing each other, playing and laughing. I was concerned about their safety, so upon passing the house I pulled over in a turnout. I sat there for just a moment thinking. Thoughts of the incident at the store a few weeks earlier began to give me second thoughts. After a minute I turned off my truck, stepped out and started to walk back to the house (about 100 yards from the turnout).

As I neared the home I could hear a group of guys carrying on in somewhat of a loud and vulgar fashion, so I stopped and stood there for a moment to listen. They seemed not to be paying attention to these kids playing within earshot. I asked myself "do you really want to confront these guys?" The thought of getting beat up wasn't too appealing so I stood there a few seconds longer.  I noticed the kids were no longer running and playing outside. A couple more minutes went by, guys still carrying on, kids gone, so I thought, Okay, maybe the kids went inside or out to the back yard. I convinced myself that there was no need to get these guys rattled up, so I silently slipped away and back to my truck.  Again, I sat for a few minutes with window down. I could faintly hear the men, but didn't hear or see any sign of the boys. I started my truck, pulled onto the road and proceeded home.  A decision that ultimately changed 3 lives that day.

I live about 2 miles from that house. That evening sometime between 6 to 7 pm while sitting out on our deck I heard sirens start up. One of our fire stations is about a miles to the west, the house about 4 miles east of my home. Hearing the sound off of the sirens I could relate to what direction they were headed and just so happened to be the direction in which that house is. I thought about it for a minute, then dismissed it.

The following morning I headed off to work as usual. As I approached "the dip",  there was a line of traffic (unusual for that section of road) moving along slowly.  As I got closer to the dip I could see State Patrol cars parked on either side of the road, no lights flashing, just parked. Upon driving by, there were 4 troopers taking measurements on the road blocking the lane in the opposite direction. There were another two in the ditch, one with a camera. I began to feel this overwhelming sensation.  I couldn't drive to work fast enough.

I figured that once at work I could get on the net and pull up our local paper to read what had happened. I no sooner got in the door when my boss said "Did you hear about that kid that got killed on Brewster road?" My heart sank and I couldn't say a word. He went on to tell me that the little boy ran out into the road and was hit by a car. The driver never stopped and has not been found.

That fateful day, three lives were changed forever, the child, the hit and run driver, and mine.   

Although the feeling of guilt still encompasses my being, each day that passes I reason with it more, come to terms with it more.  Perhaps I could have changed the events of that evening, then again, perhaps not.  By sharing this, I believe it will help.

A Smile And A Glance

I often think about this when I'm out in public and for whatever reason took special note to it yesterday while out shopping.  I began to count how many people would acknowledge a smile from me and return the gesture.  I wasn't surprised to see that only about half the people I walked by actually looked at me and smiled.

If you saw me on the street,

would you turn to look away?

Or could you look into my eyes,

as if something to say.

Know that I would look right back,

and take this with a chance.

That I just may steal from you,

a smile and a glance.

If at first I don't succeed,

I'd give another try.

In hopes that you would look at me

before you passed on by.

I hope that I could get a smile,

have you look me in the eye.

Not so much as say a word,

but just to keep in mind...

This moment as you'll see,

my day you might enhance.

If you were to lend to me,

A smile and a glance.

NeverTooOld  

An Oath Of Devotion

"This is my 23rd year in business.  I am an animal lover."

May I introduce you to Etsy shop owner, team Vintage Vertigo member, and new found cyber friend...

Jody

Jody so graciously accepted an invitation to work with me on the following interview.  We hope you enjoy the read.

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Who is the person behind LibbyTrees, tell us a little about yourself?

"I just turned 61 years old....not quite sure how that happened...but it did. I was born and raised in Northern California and still live here just across the bay from San Francisco."

"I have my own pet sitting business called Jody's Pet Care and this is my 23rd year in business. I am an animal lover and I have several dogs...all of whom were found on the streets.

So...I am kept very busy pet sitting and running my Etsy shop."

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What inspired you to open an Etsy shop?

"About 3 years ago I helped my friend get ready for an estate sale at her mother-in-law's house.....and this house was packed full of 60 plus years of just about everything.

I gravitated to the vintage house and kitchen wares.....I started to do research on those items and I was hooked.

When the estate sale was over I started to look for more treasures and I found them....

the question was...what to do with them?

Another friend of mine had a shop on Etsy and suggested that I open a shop too....so I took the advice and here I am...

LIBBY TREES on ETSY"

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What is it you love most about antique and vintage goods?

I LOVE history...

and that is what I love about vintage and antique items....

their history and the stories they could tell if they could talk."

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Are you a personal collector, if so, what?

Halloween...

it's my favorite holiday...

so I have quite a collection of Halloween items....

no vintage Halloween yet...but I am looking."

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Aside from LibbyTrees, what other hobbies/crafts do you enjoy?

"I love to read...

mostly mysteries....

watch British mysteries on Acorn TV....

cook....

and meet my friends for a good meal."

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Now for a little fun....

"The word that describes me best..."

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Which do you feel you are better at, dancing or singing, why?

"I am not really good at dancing or singing...but if I had to choose...it would be dancing...I can at least fake that."

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What extreme sport would you rather do, bungee or base jump, why?

"I am afraid of heights.....so neither...but again if I had to choose...it would be base jumping....when I am up high I always feel like jumping...so at least I would have a parachute!"

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Do you like reality TV programs, which is your favorite?

"I don't like reality TV...I guess the closest thing I watch to them are cooking shows."

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And lastly.....

What is your most essential appliance?

"My most essential appliance is my coffee maker...I have got to have my coffee!"

I couldn't agree with you more Jody!!!

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We hope you've enjoyed this little chat with Jody and please stop by her wonderful Etsy shop...

LIBBYTREES

Dig Those Vintage Digs!

Vintage Clothing.  I can spend hours browsing Etsy shops for such.  I've even a shop that sells the same, "Vintagicity".  From the Victorian era to the vintage days of the 80's parachute pants, vintage digs are here to stay.  I've assembled some of my fave pieces from some fave Etsy team members shops to share with you.  I hope you dig these vintage digs!

 Check out this groovy 1960's Twiggy mod dress from...

SurfandtheCity

an awesome summer time mini!

With fall on the way, this beautful 1970's Wool coat with Pom Pom cuffs is sure to be a hit!

Find these and more at....

Click Here To Visit This Shop

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A new member to Team Vintage Vertigo and owner of vintage apparel shop....

UnitedVintage

Daniel brings to you some very cool vintage digs like this....

1970's Hector Powe men's two piece Tweed Wool Long Country Designer Dandy!

Vintage original 1950's Harrods Chester Barrie three piece Designer Suit.

Do stop by and visit...

UnitedVintage

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Here's a couple faves from...

Brittany

at...

TheSaltyBeatnik

Have a look at this...

Vintage 1970's Neon Summer Maxi Dress

Would make an awesome addition to your vintage apparel collection!

This beautiful Vintage 1970's Cream Crochet Embroidered Hippie Dress is sure to fit the summer bill and affordably priced!

To see more of Brittany's wonderful Digs, you'll have to visit her Etsy shop...

Just Click Here!

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I hope you'll stop by and visit these wonderful vintage apparel shops to see all they have to offer!

A Vintage Toy Passion

Collecting vintage toys has been a huge part of my adult life.  One of the greatest toys produced, arguably, have to be Mattel's "Redline" Hotwheel cars and play sets.  They appeared on the scene in 1967/68.  The first set of cars now dubbed "The Sweet Sixteen" are shown below.

They ranged from concept cars like the "Beatnik Bandit" (1) to the "Python" (16).  One of the most elusive of all vintage Redline Hotwheels is the rear loading (meaning the surfboards load through the back window) "Beach Bomb" shown below.

A couple of this particular version of cars have been sold on Ebay for well over $10,000.00 with none ever having been found in it's original packaging like the cars shown next.

Following the introduction of the cars came the sets, race sets that is.  One of the most desirable sets of all time is the "Snake vs. Mongoose" Drag Set.

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Harder and harder to find these days at garage sales, thrift shops, and the likes, every now and again I happen upon a car or two and sometimes an awesome set like this ....

1968 Hot Curves Race Set in almost new condition with all the documentation, a Redline Python, and "36 Ford Coupe".  I couldn't believe my eyes and was totally beside myself, lol.  Rare are they to find in this condition unless you want to take a 2nd mortgage out on your home and buy one on Ebay.

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Although HotWheels will remain my favorite of vintage toys, old slot car race sets like this Marx brand "International Race Set" come in a close second.

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I'll collect and/or sell Train sets like this

1950's Marx Mechanical Wind-Up set with Engine, Tender, Gondola, and Caboose.

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Some are played with, some just displayed, but all are cherished ....

Little Golden Book Dolls

Kenner's Give A Show
Projector 1968

 Yonezawa Toy Company Battery Operated Radio Controlled 1960 Cadillac Fleetline Police Patrol

Vintage Masterworks Record Player and Assortment of Vintage Children's 45 rpm Records.

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From Cars to Planes to Barbie, and Games.  Hunting for, and finding vintage toys will always and forever be not only a hobby, but a passion.   I hope you've one too!

HAPPY HUNTING!