When it rains and gets all dark and gloomy; when another cup of coffee is surely necessary;
I write.
I've got a pretty cool gig going here. For more than 35 years, I have written about, reported on, and have put together articles about antiques and collectibles.
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| Detail of a Pennsylvania country Sheraton chair with half spindle back wearing original paint. Set of four priced $595 at the Hudson Antique Show, Hudson, Ohio, January 7 & 8, 2017 |
It is how I make my living - attending antique shows and auctions, taking pictures and letting the masses know (at least those who care about such things) what took place at the best auction houses, antique shows, and antique-related special events locally and across the country.
And to be clear; when I write, I do it from my home office. Often in my jammies.
I know. You're jealous.
But don't be. Like any job there is the great and not-so-great aspects about being a writer. There is the drudgery of having an assignment list and knowing right now; at this singular moment an article needs to be written whether "my muse" is in the mood or not.
But then there is the "am-I-really-doing-this-right now" factor such as interviewing the likes of Leigh Keno of Antique Roadshow fame. Yes, it was a phone interview. No, I've never met him in real life, but when an article was needed concerning his opening a new auction house, I spoke to Mr. Keno for a good hour - off and on.
He was driving to his mother's house in upstate New York at the time with his son and their Golden Retriever in the car. The conversation was laid back; his quotes were spectacular, and we got disconnected at least three times which was hysterical.
Once because the cell service was spotty.
Once because his twin brother (and antique aficionado) Leslie, who was following in another car, called wanting to know why the odd driving. I guess our speaking on the phone was making Mr. Keno drive too slow for his brother's liking.
And once because the Golden was so excited to arrive at their destination, he (or she) jumped onto Mr. Keno's lap in order to have immediate access to any and every pat on the head being dished out by waiting relatives. I remember hearing this antique guru's muffled "oomph" as the dog landed in his lap coupled with a "no, no" admonishment and then nothing.
Each time a connection was lost, Mr. Keno would immediately call back apologizing in such a gracious manner explaining what had happened. We both were trying hard to be "all professional like" for the interview, and then gave up laughing together instead.
Mr. Keno actually left a message on my voice mail later in the day thanking me for the conversation, and I might still have it saved on my phone... because you know, Leigh Keno left a message on my voice mail.
Anyway, the interviewing is fantastic. Doing justice to what was said without gushing like an idiot or misquoting or mixing up facts can be nerve-wracking. I mean, what I write; how I rearrange the 26 letters of the alphabet to create something of interest is going to be published. My words. My take on things. My interpretation. And lots and lots of people will see my work.
Meeting deadlines. Being timely. Correctly quoting experts in the field. Reporting historical facts accurately. Yep, stress is a factor, but honestly, that's what makes it fun.
Needles to say, the 35 years of show and auction attending has made an impact. I've acquired loads of information, wonderful friendships, and lots and lots of stuff. It is this "stuff" that will be making its way to the "Inventory" listing of this blog and hopefully to you. My intent is to find my career-related acquisitions new homes.
Try as I might, more pieces keep making their way into my life, so yes, space has become an issue. And though I write about items worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, I love "lower-end" and buy on a very tight budget which makes it so I can sell to others who shop with these same factors in mind.
If along the way I can give buyers a backstory on the pieces up for sale, I will. The story; the history, after all, is what makes all "previously owned" items so intriguing.
And it is the intrigue that's addicting.
