Gone Fishin'... or, My Favorite Catch of the Day

Sometimes, visiting antique shops can feel like a day of fishing... I head to my special "fishing" spots that I like to think no else knows about, arrive prepared with the proper "implements," and although I may not "catch" a blessed thing, I've thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing day. Then again, sometimes I come away with full "creel."

A couple weekends ago, my Mister and I headed out to Melben's Murkantile and Endless Collections, both located in the little town of Nicholson, PA. Both of these shops are well worth visiting, if you're in or near northeastern Pennsylvania. Of course, we breakfasted at MaZar's BridgeView Restaurant before tramping down to those special spots. Incidentally, the bridge, of which there is a view from the restaurant, is the Tunkhannock Viaduct - once called the "9th Wonder of the World."

Postcard image from ExplorePAHistory, courtesy of Dan Cupper

While my "creel" was filled twice over with several other tasty "fishies" that day, including a cute cotton late 1950s Jeanne Crain dress, my favorite catch of the day was this fun Depose mother-of-pearl fish pin...

 

What is your favorite unexpectedly delicious "catch of the day?"

Charmed, I'm sure...

When it comes to jewelry, a bracelet is a must-wear accessory for me. In fact, if I should happen to leave the house without a lovely bauble encircling my wrist, I feel positively nude (and not in the artistic sense).

My favorite type of bracelet to wear is a charm bracelet. Charms have a long history by themselves, but charm bracelets were most popular after World War II and into the 1950s. Several years ago, NPR did a piece on Tracey Zabar's book "Charmed Bracelets" - check out the All Things Considered interview here when you have a few moments.

So, why do I love charm bracelets? They jingle. They tell a story. Sometimes the charms are articulated - the kind with moving parts. They can serve as a remembrance of people or places. They can be fun, kitschy, or just plain wacky.

Here are a few of my own charm bracelets....

I like to call this one "Song and Dance."


While not a charm bracelet in the truest sense, it does have dangle-y bowling charms and a nice solid-sounding jingle. I wear this one a lot.


This is my absolute favorite charm bracelet.
It's got four articulated charms and even a tiny bullet!


I love this "Lie Detector" with the little arrow that spins.


I started collecting charms from Vermont a few years ago, so I can make myself a charm bracelet in honor of a state that I love to visit and in which I was married. I still need lots more, in particular a maple leaf charm. Here are the ones I have so far...

Squirrel, bear, pinecone, moose, and Bennington Battle Monument.


Okay, now it's your turn. Tell me, what piece of jewelry can't you leave the house without? Do you have a favorite bracelet or necklace or earrings?