Today was one of those days that cemented my belief in op shop karma. You know, that positive force whereby if you declutter and donate to worthy causes, the goodness just finds you. Liongirl and I took three bags of books and toys to her childcare centre today, for their baby room. Then we trotted off to a lovely playdate. On our way home via a suburb we don't normally travel through, council cleanup was in progress so I just did a little slow driving to scour those piles of stuff destined for the dump. And look what I found. It has had an unfortunate spray-makeover but it works well and fits both my children. Would you believe I had actually been looking for one on ebay for the last few months but these vintage trikes are like hens teeth and when they do come up they are either needing structural repairs or cost a fortune. I'm picturing it red with white wheel rims and seat but suggestions are welcome.
As I was happily zooming home, something caught my eye under a pile of detritus. Poking out the end with grotty mattresses and junk piled on top. Lucky I have beady little eyes and superhuman strength when excitable.
Can you believe that someone would just throw this out? Solid wood school desk for two? Very minor rust on the legs, a few nasty Bratz stickers to remove and some gorgeous wood to sand and oil. I think I just flung it in the boot with one hand. That superhuman strength and all. Legoman could not believe I lifted it by myself. Dammit. He will now expect lack of whinging next time we have to move the TV.
The kids were all over this like a rash. Roboboy likes to order and organize. Liongirl is happy to just fling it all in.
A quick clean, then inside. Work to do. Yes, I know that wall is STILL custard. Look away quickly.
Linking in with Sophie to peek at everyone else's finds. Still cannot believe this was the SIDE OF THE ROAD. Anyone else had a roadside find that generated superhuman strength?
I love that desk. It reminds me of something... can't remember what. And I totally - TOTALLY - get the superhuman strength stimulated by roadside finds. I remember Jem and I lugging a huge, art deco solid wooden door up 5 flights a few years ago, because we'd seen it in a big rubbish container and couldn't leave it there. Mind you, the superman in me gave up on the third flight, but then I remembered the Amazing Race, and imagined it was a challenge for a million dollars...
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how strong we girls can be when we really need/want to. Especially when some of that "OMG! I can't believe I found something so wonderful on the side of the road!" adrenalin kicks in.
ReplyDeleteI had a trike alot like the one you found when I was little. I think I received it for my third b'day.
They say women can lift crs to save their child. Mother love and road side treasure- they can really boot up the adrenalin! I have a similar wooden desk under the house. It's finding the space for these things that is aways the problem. You seem to have the perfect spot!
ReplyDeleteI had a desk just like this as a kid. LOVED IT! Great find.
ReplyDeleteLove them. My gosh how lucky were you to find both these treasures. They'll come up a million dollars with a bit of TLC.
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Superhuman strength lol,red would be perfect. They might be the finds of the year! I suspect I might be alone in thinking I kinda like your custard walls.
ReplyDeletethat desk is awesome!
ReplyDeletewow! what amazing finds! i bet they will both get lots of use too.
ReplyDeletewhat awesome finds! there have been some real treasure around the southside suburbs but my little getz just can't hold it all! looking forward to seeing the trike refurb. x
ReplyDeleteThat desk is awesome, good picking!
ReplyDeleteOh Mel I would love to have been a fly on the wall watching you grab these treasures. FREE! my goodness!
ReplyDeletelooking fwd to the revamps.
Well done! I "ignored" the council clean up this year, other than to complain about all the scavengers with their utes disturbing my sunday!
ReplyDeleteSCORE! Jealous of that desk!
ReplyDeleteWhat FANTASTIC finds! I've been looking out for a desk like that too but haven't seen one...good for you!!
ReplyDeleteYou totally scored big Momma.....love them that desk is killer!!
ReplyDeleteDidn't even notice the custard wall until you pointed it out, my eyes were only on that crazy amazing find. Those desks go for a song these days and that bike, my sister and I had one just like it in purple and white.....well done you!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow Batman!!
ReplyDeleteSuper strength for super finds.
Thank goodness you went the wrong.
Oops! I forgot the "way".
ReplyDeletelove love love this!! great job! i always feel a bit ghetto collecting things from the side of the road but have found some of my favourite treasures there :) well done!
ReplyDeleteKel x
Oh my gosh, what finds! Not quite as cute as what I found on the front doorstep yesterday - sweetest presents ever! Thank you SO much. And that card - oh Cath Kidston. Che took his pencilcase to school and said: "Mum, everyone really, really loved my lego pencil case. Really!"
ReplyDeleteThanks a bundle Mel - so sweet. x
Oh my GOODNESS! I am sooo jealous. Would love a bike like that AND a desk!! I have seen these desks in antique stores but couldn't justify the price. I can't believe someone would throw it out!!
ReplyDeleteCan see why you are showing these off, they are both FABULOUS free finds. Very jealous indeed!
ReplyDeleteWow! Fantastic finds, lucky you :)
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