In the Eye of the Beholder: Trash or Treasures?

I don't know about you, but my adrenaline level rises just by walking into a flea market. Just thinking about all those booths filled with treasures waiting for a new home is enough to set my heart all aflutter.

One of my favorite flea markets in the Jackson, Mississippi, area is the Highway 49 South Antiques & Flea Market in Florence, just a few miles south of Jackson.

This building connects to another flea market called Magnolia Flea Market, which is even larger.

So, there's actually two huge buildings filled with all kinds of good stuff, and you only have to make one stop — now, I ask you, does it get any better than that?

Here are a few of the treasures I saw on my visit last week.

These two pedestal "centerpieces" are composed of four separate cut glass pieces which were stacked to look like one piece. I thought it was interesting that there were two identical "crystal statues," as the tag called them, priced at $45.00 each.

This pedestal compote, however, was only one piece ... for $40.00.

I should have bought this pretty glass "chip and dip" set. It would be perfect for my Curry Dip with Vegetables, and was only $16.00 ...

Most of the items you'll find at the flea markets are strictly "flea market-type" stuff, but they do have a few pricier treasures locked away in glass cases.

I love that green epergne, but didn't love its $950 price tag!

There was row after row of booths full of all kinds of STUFF ...

And, literally, something for everyone.

I love all things Italian, and they never fail to catch my eye ...

I could picture this beautiful porcelain bouquet in my china cabinet. I'm pretty sure it was a Capodimonte piece.

I think this little tole chandelier would be pretty in a sunroom or under a covered porch ...

A perfect gift for the serious wine connoisseur ...

Although it has seen better days, isn't this little "Dick and Jane" thermos cute!

And for animal lovers, there were ducks ...

And cows ...

And chickens!

And no telling what kind of animals were hidden amongst these little treasures ...

Here are some more things that caught my eye:

I especially liked this fancy little iron "dress form." I can just picture it in our granddaughter Avery's room holding her umbrella, backpack, "jewelry," and all her other "girlie" stuff she would probably hang on it.

I like this pine cabinet, but I'm not sure why the inside is white and the shelves are glass.

I enjoyed browsing through the flea markets, but I didn't buy anything that day. In retrospect, after looking at my pictures, I wish I had bought that little dress form for Avery. I may just do that if it's still there the next time I go.

The Treasure I Left Behind

Have you ever seen something at a flea market and it was love at first sight on your part, but for some reason, you walked out without buying it? I've done it many times and I'm still haunted by some of the things I've "left behind."

In March of this year, I visited one of my favorite flea markets in this area -- the Highway 49 South Flea Market in Florence, Mississippi, which is a few miles south of Jackson.

If you are ever in the Jackson area, it would be well worth your time to visit the flea market. It's huge, and I never fail to find something I can't live without.

Well, on my trip in March, I did, indeed, find something, but after standing there for several minutes looking at it and taking pictures of it, I couldn't figure out where I would put it if I bought it, so, I left it behind ... and have been sorry ever since!

Just look at this beautiful old Beatrice Potter picture ... can you believe I walked out without it! You can click on the pictures to enlarge them, if you'd like to see it up close.

Every once in a while I come across the pictures on my computer and think, "It's probably still there ... surely, I could find someplace for it." It would be adorable in a nursery, but our granddaughter Avery is five now and, sadly, has outgrown little bunny pictures in her room. Perhaps, since it has carrots and vegetables in it, I could put it somewhere in my kitchen? Or, use it with my Spring and Easter decorating accessories on my Welsh Dresser?

Hmmmmm ... maybe I should go back and see if it's still there, and if it is, do you think that would "be a sign" that it's meant to come home with me? I think I'm going to have to go back and give it a chance, at least. Even if it's gone, I'm pretty sure I can find something else I need/want/love-at-first-sight ... and you can be sure I won't leave it behind this time!