The Family Cobbler

While in Eugene earlier this week, I poked into the Oregon Antique Mall and happily discovered they had an annex -- I always like the sound of the word annex because it usually means junk. Yes it does. I found this old wooden box in the annex and took it up front to inquire about the price. Five, she said, holding up one hand. Five dollars. Sold. The first photo below is the box as found, then the goodies that surprised me inside. I've already been using the bits in my latest round of Curious Elements. The side of the box reads: THE FAMILY COBBLER - A Complete Outfit For General Boot and Shoe Repair.








And all I was really after were the old rusty nails and tacks.

Wandering Aimlessly in Eugene

I found myself in Eugene on Monday for the whole day and with nothing to do but wander aimlessly. I love wandering aimlessly. This is what I discovered in my meanderings on foot.









I'm a sucker for color and repetition and Mindy's Needlepoint Factory sure offered plenty of both. The shop is located in the 5th Street Public Market, a visual and shopping treat as well.









I discovered a downtown antique store on my wanderings, Pewter Rabbit Antiques. Shelley, the owner, sure has an eye for creating imaginative displays.












And then I discovered Passionflower Design, a flower and gift store in the heart of Eugene in the Historic/Pearl district. Every nook and cranny was filled with decorative items that, as my friend Stephanie would say, made me swoon.