Aug 16, 2010

Don't ya love a good curb find?



A week or so ago, my mom and I were on our way to do some shopping and I spotted a darling kitchen table sitting by a curb in front of one of those storage rental places. I thought that surely something must be really wrong with it for someone to throw it out. But I had to go look.

So I turned the car around and we went back to see. Sure enough, it was a nice wooden vintage table and felt pretty solid. Nothing was broken and it appeared that someone had tried to "antique" it but gave up.

It fit perfectly in the back end of my Saturn Vue; we loaded it in and off we went. I had no idea what I was going to do with it.

To my hubby's dismay, it took up room in our garage...until...I "happened" to see a post on Facebook by one of my friends. A friend of hers had friends who were in need. For whatever reason, they were trying to rebuild their lives and needed just about everything in the way of furniture and household items.

I had my friend check it out, and sure enough, they could use a kitchen table. So...

I got started sanding,

and priming...

and hubby did the painting...

I would have preferred to paint it a nice barn red color...but since we had no idea what color the recipients would like, we chose a neutral almond color.

In a couple days, we loaded the finished table back into my car and I delivered it to the friend of my friend, who then was able to pass it off to her friends in need. I threw in a box of stainless steel tableware that I don't use very often when I found out the family could use it for everyday. I gave these items with a prayer that the family will be blessed by receiving them. I love being able to do things anonymously like this. And I met a new friend in the process.

I had to chuckle that "I'm my father's daughter" because my dad just loved to find things on curbs and repurpose them. Here's just one of the things he sent my way and I will always treasure. It used to be an old dresser that ended up in someone's trash, but he rescued it, painted it, and surprised me with it. He gave it to me back in 2001, seven years before he died. It's in my sitting room now, and stores a variety of things for me.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

8 comments:

Shirley said...

You're inspiring!

Unknown said...

You did a great thing by giving the table away.

What you dad gave you is awesome. You know the old saying "the apple doesn't fall from the tree"

cindy

Rebecca said...

Good for you! You both look very happy will performing your labor of love and I know the recipient will be blessed many times over by it, too!

Did your father paint the picture of the ship? What a treasure!

Jacquelyn Stager said...

Yes, my dad painted the sailing ship...one of his "classic" things to paint. Unfortunately I didn't inherit his artistic ability!! JS

Jackie said...

Good morning,
I'm completely inspired by you!! What a blessing you were to that family.

Thanks for sharing today from The Other Jackie!

Lori said...

Oh yes I love things like this! I love finding things at garage sales or used stores too. If it's a really good deal I will pick things up to pass on to people that need it. Isn't that so fun and such a blessing? I get so excited about things like this so I smiled the whole time I read this. How nice that your husband helped you get it ready. I am absolutely sure that the table blessed the people you gave it to. XX

Jess said...

And the similarities continue...
my Italian FIL loved to "re-purpose" items he found along the curbside! What resourcefulness!
What a blessing to be used by GOD to bless that family.
Sending my love always, Jess

Dar said...

Such an inspiration you, your hubby and your Daddy have been to me. I have needed a ' purpose.' Thanks for sharing this most enduring entry.
BlessYourHearts