On the Hunt in Tampa

A friend of mine that worked at the pool hall directed me to theOldsmar Flea Market, just a few miles down the road. Since moving to the South, I have learned that aflea market can be quite a different thing then what I am use to inCalifornia. On the west coast these are usually large outdoor antique fairs. In the south they tend to more of a mish mash. Part farmers market, bargain bin and yard sale. However, if you're lucky and diligent, you may still find a few bits of of treasure. 

I arrived close to closing but manage to move through a good portion of it quickly. It almost had a carnival feel with a funnel cake booth and all kinds of interesting signage. A large, fresh fruit market seem to be a big draw. I turned a corner and passed an odd  and creepy display of carnival collectibles called "Sonny's Museum". Then I came upon two ladies just starting to pack up their booths, which were filled to the brim with vintage pottery and glassware. I snapped up fiveHazel Atlas State glasses for just $2 a piece, a true steal!

They also had an interesting and vast collection of ceramic shoes. From boots to elegant heels and lots and lots of clogs. I got excited that I might find the elusiveClarice Cliff hand paintedclog. When I asked one of the ladies if she might have run across it she told me they had bought the whole collection at an estate sale. They still had boxes of them unopened. She even took my info and promised to let me now if she ran across it. I did buy this sweet little example, about 3 inches long and in an irresistible soft green.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Tampa Road Trip

 Even thoughFlorida is right next door, it's still a trek to get there. I just spent fourteen hours traveling toTampa and back for a tournament. I made my return in the wee hours Sunday morning, leaving just after 5 am. So ready to see my own front porch again. I really enjoy driving at this time with few obstacles as the world slowly awakes. I made good time and was home just after noon.

I did have fun and finished in the top twelve. I may have had a little more fun had I won but my good friendBetty did win and deserved it. I did get a chance to hit a localflea market and will post about that in much detail soon. Oh and you have to love apool hall that has homemadeenpanadas on then menu!

photos & content © Lara Rossignol