Sunday, September 30, 2007

Twenty Days and Counting



On October 20th I am involved in a huge estate auction. The property and its contents belonged to a lifetime collector. Her home is filled with treasures accumulated over the past 75 years. Her family have taken the pieces they desired and the rest is to be sold. The auctioneer (I work for) has rented a circus tent for the occasion which will give you some idea of the vastness of this undertaking.

It is my job to sort, clean, catalogue and prepare for display, all the goodies. (If you'd like to take a peek yourself you can go here.)

For the next several weeks I will be surrounded by glass, art, furniture, linens... (even the historic solid oak wall panels are included) of this almost overwhelming estate. I'm not new at this, I've been doing it for 10 years so it's an adventure and a privilege to be involved in such a sale. Therefore I will excuse myself from posting for a little while. This does not mean I won't find time for visiting my favorite blogs (or putting in my two cents).

I shall return with more of the "Journey of Nellie', and tales from the auction. I'm off to the kitchen to make a batch of red ruby grapefruit and cranberry marmalade. It's absolutely great with cold chicken or turkey.

For now I will leave you with this.

Mother Nature's paint brush at its finest!

14 comments:

Christine Crocker said...

I know that although this will be an incredible amount of time and work, that you will enjoy yourself.
Each turn must be like a treasure hunt. I'm glad that you're helping to take care of such lovely and maybe not so lovely things, for I know that you see the beauty in everything and will give each piece a place of honor.
enjoy your time there.
xoC

Donna O'Brien said...

I love how you said privilege. I bet you really do feel like that. I'm sure you step into a new world every time you go to work on a project like this.Enjoy yourself and yes, I can't wait for the next part of Nellie's journey!

Pinkie Denise said...

Oh, what a treat! You must be in heaven. I wish I could be there too.
I know it work but you must get so much satisfaction from what your doing. I love your fall picture is so
beautiful. Someday I want to go to the East and see the trees in person.
I will. Thank so much for sharing and
Enjoy Pink Denise

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful photo! I so enjoyed looking at all of her treasures that you will be auctioning. It is sad to think of all of these things that someone loved in their little nest is up for sale....but I like the other side of that and that is why I think I love antiques so much...knowing that something belonged to someone else who might have treasured it and giving it a place of honor in my home. I hope that some day after my family chooses from my accumulations that the rest go to new homes to be admired and polished.

Suzanne said...

Have a lovely time sifting and sorting! Looking forward to the continuation of Nellie's journey when you return, as well as, photos from the estate auction.

a Bohemian Market said...

Oh Susan:
Nirvana. I would like the red enamel coffee pot under the shortest part of the eave and her front door. Oh, what fun you shall have just touching everything. The dust could tell stories if only we could hear. What a delightful adventure!!!
Take care
carole

Mom of 2 Roses said...

I love the picture! That is where my dream home is waiting for me! lol! How much fun can your job possibly be!

Laurie

Dorian Fletcher said...

No doubt you will find some treasures. Wow! You REALLY have fall color! California is wonderful - but we do not get the blast of color you experience in the fall. You must wear sunglasses all of the time until the leaves fall!

Southern Lady's Vintage said...

Sounds like you have a fun job!! I loved the photo that you posted!
By the way, I am Barbara from Southern Lady's Vintage. Come see me sometimes.
Barbara

Donna O'Brien said...

Me, again. Just checking in- hope it's going well!
D.

Racheal Miles said...

Hi, I found you through Kareneileen.

You have a big task ahead of you sorting through all those things, you must be so excited.

Racheal x

Sandy said...

Hello Miss Maddie,
I am Sandy from Quill Cottage. I am new to the blogging community and I came over to introduce myself and to tell you how much I enjoy your site. I can hardly wait to get the rest of Nellie's story. As a collector of old journals and diaries I am intrigued by the paths of the past. I learned of you through Karen Eileen. I love the stories you have to go with your wonderful photos. I hope I will be welcome as a frequent visitor.
Sandy B.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

sigh, even though I know this involves an awful amount of work, how absolutely fabulous to be surrounded by all those gorgeous things!
I know you will enjoy it, and make each piece shine to the best of its ability.
Lidy

. said...

Oh my...I want #39. Can you tell me what it is made of? It is beautious!!! Have fun with this project. What a collection of treaures.