Monday, July 27, 2009

Thrift Store Finds

So my husband and I finally purchased a decent camera a few weeks ago. Not that I'm any better of a picture taker, but at least the better quality camera helps some.

I would like to get better at taking pictures, however, and since I brought home a whole new handful of toys from the thrift store over the weekend, what better subject matter to practice on?

I think these first two are a pair of mini boat oars. I liked that they are tied together.


They aren't very heavy or very thick, but they produce a nice little sting and are easy to use for fast light spanking.

This next is a mini cheese board, for slicing and serving cheese. It's a bit more substantial, being thicker and made from a good dense hardwood. The round shape and small size make it the perfect tool for paddling the sit spots. This one packs a bit of "ouch".


But my favorite find of the weekend was the geisha paddle.


The wood is very light and not too thick, just over a quarter of an inch, but it packs a sting, even over clothing. And it's just so beautiful. The geisha is very detailed. The reverse side is painted:


Very likely by hand, I think. In fact the whole paddle looks hand made, and possibly homemade. One of my favorite things about picking up thrift store finds is that you get things that are so unique and one of a kind.

I have a fascination with geishas. I've always thought they were beautiful and graceful. I read through two copies of Memoirs of a Geisha until they fell apart. I'm skeptical of how factual the book may be, but despite their circumstances it seemed the women could wield quite a bit of power and did so with charm and grace. In particular I loved the scene in the book when Sayuri makes a young man drop a tray full of lunch boxes using only her gaze. There is something thrilling about having that kind of power.

This paddle had to come home with me.

In the weeks to come I hope to get some pictures of items I've brought home in the past, but for now I think this will do.

One more good reason to support your local thrift store.

Ms. Betty

5 comments:

Hermione said...

They're all so lovely! Thanks for sharing - the photos were great. I usually take about five different ones on different backgrounds, with overhead lights on or off, then pick the ones with the least glare from the flash.

hugs,
Hermione

Betty's Goodboy said...

the japanese paddle is beatifull, but that big round one looks pretty ouchy to the bunny

mitch said...

Use thes eimplements well, Ms Betty. I'm sure the recipients will be grateful for your shopping spree. My all time best buy at a thrift store was a pair of original Jokari paddles for a mere $5. Anyone who has used or felt a Jokari knows just what a powerful pop they deliver. I know first hand that they hurt like the dickens!

Nici said...

Hi Betty

I have one of those "mini boat oars"..doesn't look like much but there's some physics at play with that toy. The length generates some serious speed and T says that thing flat out stings.

Anonymous said...

i love your collection Ms Betty