Once upon a time. Craigslist. The end… *video*
While watching yet another stranger enter our home and cart off some of our belongings, Paul said – I finally figured it out: that bookcase is clogs.
He is referencing a story that my parents love to tell:
Shortly before I turned four years old, my parents took me into a shop where I saw a pair of child-sized clogs… and with the conviction of Napoleon building his empire, I knew that THESE WERE MY CLOGS. And when my parents tried to leave the store WITHOUT MY CLOGS, they couldn’t. It was impossible.
They have difficulty putting into words, how a four-year-old child could be uncontrollable between two full-sized adults… and knowing my parents, I’m sure they told themselves this was evidence of my tenacity of spirt; not an indication that they had raised Satan himself.
I refused to leave the store, and eventually my parents were forced to show me that actually, they HAD bought the clogs. They were a surprise for my birthday.
Immediately, Satan retreated and I skipped out of the store.
Then I was fine waiting for the clogs… I would ask— how many days until my clogs? But I was ok, because I knew THEY WERE MINE. Then, once I got the clogs I wore them all of the time, even while sleeping.
I tell you this story to explain that I have an incredibly high capacity for liking something… long past anyone else’s tolerance or understanding.
When I like something, I LIKE IT. And I do not need to like anything else. And there is no chance that I will forget about the liking. And there is no chance I will move on from the liking.
Rather, I will devote all of my time and energy to liking it, EVEN WHILE I AM ASLEEP.
I first showed Paul this bookcase four months ago. He actually laughed out loud.
Then he looked at me seriously and tapped my forehead, three-inches above my eyebrow.
He said – this is where the horns come out.
Then he walked away.
I decided this was his endorsement; because if you know about my plan and you do not crush it wholeheartedly and with all of your force, and then present to me the carcass of my dreams, you must be in agreement.
With that cleared up, I was able to move forward.
I have done nothing but think, talk, and plan compulsively, for getting this bookcase.
For months, Paul has listened to me speak of nothing else.
My interest has not dulled or waned.
Rather, it has intensified.
As promised, I have sold all of our belongings… a simple trade: everything we own, in exchange for one single item of magnificence.
The problem with this particular magnificence was that it was several states away… I said this bookcase was in Arkansas (this was my decoy)… but it wasn’t.
I am sorry that I lied to you, but I was afraid that someone would go and buy what is rightfully mine.
This is one of the things I learned while working at the CIA: obfuscation.
My bookcase was in Cleveland.
Out of all the 900 possible issues, the biggest challenge was this: the inability to know FOR SURE if the bookcase came apart.
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you will remember that every single one of these massive pieces of furniture dismantled down to nearly nothing and fit in the back of a minivan:
1. the portal to Narnia.
2. the Victorian bookcase.
3. the Empire cabinet.
On the other hand, it was equally possible that it wouldn’t come apart… in which case, we are moving a monstrous, solid piece of furniture that is nearly 150 years old and has three original glass doors.
Which is exactly what happened.
Now that it’s all over, I can admit this:
I assumed something would go horribly wrong, and I kept this certainty to myself.
Because I wouldn’t be there.
So it wouldn’t be my problem.
Last weekend, Paul drove to Cleveland. With my father. Without me. To load a truck with a 9’ tall, 6’ wide bookcase that I had only seen pictures of. While I stayed home, read up on Gilded Age mansion history, and brushed Elvis.
The plan:
1. Paul and my dad drive from Philadelphia directly to see bookcase.
2. determine if it comes apart = dictates size of truck Paul rents.
3. go to truck rental and reserve a truck for the following morning.
4. spend the evening with my cousin who lives in Cleveland.
5. pick up the truck first thing in the morning.
6. load the bookcase.
7. Paul drives truck home, Dad continues his trip to Indiana.
8. Paul is exempt from any wrongdoing for the rest of his existence.
9. my life is complete, I can stop looking on Craigslist, shut down my blog, and live a life of quiet solitude with my things.
I’ll end this post by acknowledging that I know what you are thinking:
HOW DID PAUL GET SO LUCKY IN LIFE?
No? That’s not what you are thinking?
I too was confused… so I asked him – WHY would you do this for me?
And he said – is it not a reasonable explanation that I love you and I want you to be happy?
Which sounds nice, doesn’t it? Except – no, I am really not that lovable.
If I evaluate myself honestly, I have very few redeeming qualities; most of which aren’t remotely valuable to anyone else and involve an appreciation for absurdly flamboyant and unnecessary situations… with extra points if costumes are involved.
So I don’t have a good answer, and I know I will get some comments in the vein of: Paul is a saint… and I’d like to point out that the logical progression to that suggestion is that I am his path to canonization.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:07 pm
At first I was like wait…isn’t she renovating her kitchen? Then I was like JESUS WOMAN, Shop much? And then I understood everything…it is beautiful, and actually, you do need it. I appreciate your dedication to tossing practicality out the window. Personally, I only go halfway. Like I feel deep, inner need to ACQUIRE! MORE! THINGS! But then reality sets in and I decide to spend my money on boring things like painting our wooden house and fixing our gutters so it doesn’t rot into the ground…I compromise when I think, honestly, I should SPLURGE a bit more.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:07 pm
Honestly you make me laugh and smile with satisfaction at the outcome of your tenacity and Paul’s wonderful giving disposition and the great relationship you share
The bookcase looks a home where you have it. Thanks for the entertaining video
April 12, 2016 @ 12:09 pm
It is a lovely piece. I would be jealous but it would not fit in my house. I am looking for a pretty bookcase too – perhaps 1/3 the size:) Does it have a little brother?
Since you brought up the word saint – of course Paul loves you. You’re a sweet child of God too – don’t forget it.
I have re-posted your Fireclay vs. Cast Iron apron front sink post on Houzz forum whenever I see the question come up. I continue to re-post the Manifesto against the tyranny of the White Kitchen when asked “how to update oak kitchen on a budget of nothing” or “I have the kitchen HGTV is always ripping out – help” questions. It saves me so much time:)
April 12, 2016 @ 12:13 pm
That is one gorgeous GFT.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:14 pm
I love this so much. And, so glad to see Elvis looking good.
If you ever do decide to sell the Kingdom Mirror I would happily drive out from California to pick that up. I have the perfect spot for it and have been looking for something like that for years.
Paul is a total sweetheart for doing that.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:19 pm
WOW, that was worth the wait ! What an amazing piece of beauty. Loved the video and seeing Elvis. He looks good. I’m always excited to see a new post from you. Love your blog, it’s always entertaining !
April 12, 2016 @ 12:20 pm
Well if you love it forever, then it seems like time well spent. I am much more fickle. I envy your steadfastness.
It is a magnificent bookcase and worthy of your undying love and affection. Is that top ornament right AT the ceiling?
April 12, 2016 @ 12:25 pm
I believe the technical term is “by the skin of my teeth”
April 15, 2016 @ 10:49 pm
Lol! I wondered the same thing, because the shadow doesn’t quite have enough room.
On another note, you certainly fooled me. I was sure that Gigantic, gorgeous piece with all of the carved lady faces, for $8,000.00 on the Arkansas Craigslist was the one, especially when it sold. But the bookcase is equally swoon worthy. Great job. But I will miss that awesome card catalog. Glad Elvis is looking so good. Hope she feels as good as she looks.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:30 pm
may you live happily ever after.
you and the bookcase
I guess Paul too
April 12, 2016 @ 12:31 pm
I am not normally one for ornate furniture but I have to say, that piece is MAGNIFICENT!! And, of course…it suits your style and your home so well, and goes perfectly with your other finds! Oh, and yes….agreed….you are one lucky lady to have found a man like Paul. Cherish him!
April 12, 2016 @ 12:38 pm
Hi,
I can’t actually say I have followed you in order of your restoration. I’m sure not if this last post is even current. I can say this… I found another person who lives inside my head…verbatim …
Have you completed your kitchen? We bought a old house and have been remodeling as well.
I Love the line of canonization thru you … St. Paul
Is this a current post or is is backdated? My husband upon hearing your storytelling the first few time I read them out loud…Thought, perhaps, I, myself was writing…
April 12, 2016 @ 12:40 pm
Hey Victoria, I love your posts but it takes me almost as much time to read them as it takes for you to achieve your purchases. My little laptop may not be a big enough portal for your ideas. Any suggestions about how to read without having to reload the ads at every move?
April 13, 2016 @ 7:49 pm
I’m reading this on my IPad and often read it on my laptop. I never see ads or have to reload. I wonder what I have that you don’t? I usually access through aol. That would be annoying, I know.
April 13, 2016 @ 8:12 pm
Hey Margo… THANKS for letting me know that you’re having issues! Unfortunately ads are what pays for hosting services, so they are a necessary evil. BUT they shouldn’t interfere with your ability to read or load the site!!
I would like to magically solve this for you without your further involvement, but I need a little more info… AND will probably suggest you try it from a different browser on your computer.
If a different browser doesn’t solve the problem, could you let me know what you’re using to load the site so I can pass the info along to tech support?
THANK YOU. I always appreciate anyone taking the time to tell me things aren’t working for them!
xoxo!
p.s.- you can email me directly at victoriabarnes@hotmail.com
April 16, 2016 @ 10:18 pm
I have experienced the constant reloading as well. I’ve been on my iPad and my iPhone. Hopefully that helps in finding a solution.
Quick question though, PLEASE tell me those are your clogs from your 4 year old self in the picture.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:44 pm
Love showing my husband your posts, then he thinks I’m a piece of cake! ?
April 12, 2016 @ 12:44 pm
You are a god. No wonder that Paul is a saint, he shines in your glory.
The wait for the GFT was worth it.
As to telling us it was in Arkansas, it makes so much sense. Paul must have felt that you gave him the gift of a closer location. Obviously a win win for you both.
I look forward to your next adventure/purchase.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:44 pm
Laughing sooooo hard….happy tears from the comments!!!! I love your post..the best.
p.s. to the person who asked what is going in…..the clogs. ♡
April 15, 2016 @ 11:02 pm
Look closely, especially at the highlighted circle. I can hear the sound of tapping toes through my phone! Lol!
April 12, 2016 @ 12:47 pm
Very cool bookcase and a very cool husband.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:53 pm
You are entirely lovable! I know this for certain because I’ve never met you and I love you! I had an eerily similar shoe experience as a 9 year old, but they were heels and I did not get them for my birthday. I didn’t get them at all! As the tallest person in a family of absurdly short people, my parents could never be convinced of my need for high heels. ? I LOVE the bookcase and knew Arkansas was a cover, there are no GFTs in Arkansas! (The Clintons took them all to NY)
April 13, 2016 @ 7:52 pm
❤️
April 15, 2016 @ 11:12 pm
Oh, I found at least 6 VEB worthy GFTs on the Arkansas Craigslist. And all of them have either sold, or been removed. Bill and Hillary missed some! ?
April 12, 2016 @ 12:54 pm
I have often wondered that about mine own spouse – why does he put up with my shenanigans? He is a much better husband than I am a wife. A couple of days ago we were discussing kids having temper tantrums so I relayed to him the story I heard from my family often. Me as a toddler, too young to remember it now, throwing myself in the floor, kicking and screaming until I got my way. And it usually worked. His response? “Oh, I’ve seen that for myself.” Yet he has stayed for 43 years. They’re amazing, aren’t they?
April 12, 2016 @ 12:58 pm
Obviously, though, number 9 is NOT coming true. Self would never disappoint her Public!
Excellent work, the both of you.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:58 pm
After reading you for months, the story of this acquisition has compelled me to post a comment. Well done, Victoria! But, you can’t stop buying or our entertainment will come to a halt.
April 12, 2016 @ 12:59 pm
You are a darling, and so is Paul. Your bookcase is magnificent. Love to Elvis.