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10/05/2008

A New Stool

Yesterday, a lovely cool Saturday, brightly sunny with the slightest breeze, was the perfect day to go to Blicks and look for something I have wanted for some time. A stool. I had seen it, I knew what I wanted, but when I got to Blicks I found that what I had in mind, the vision I had in my head, didn't exist in their catalog of furnishings for the artist's studio. That would have been fine but that I had a 40% off coupon for any non-sale item and $35.00 in gift certificates which should have made the stool cost free for me. Instead, I wound up buying some paint (I've been trying different artist quality paints to find that which I like best - today I bought some Gamblin paints) and some 5x7 and 6x6 canvas covered board. And I spent cash money. Artist quality paint is not cheap. But I have done enough now to know the difference between an artist's paint and the student grade stuff. I won't use the student grade anymore. The texture and feel of the artist's is so superior, it's just impossible to go back to cheaper paint. So the gift certificates put a dent in the cost, but did not defray it entirely.

On the way home from Blicks, I had to pass Hobby Lobby. I almost just drove on by. But, I love Hobby Lobby. It's where I buy the frames for my paintings. And when I first started that drawing class a year ago, Hobby Lobby is where I loaded up on the necessaries for drawing and sketching. I stopped and went in and I looked around. There were easels and lamps and all sorts of furnishings and there, in a box on the bottom shelf, was one lonely stool - the very one I had in my mind and had gone to look for at Blicks. It cost 20 bucks. I took it home and put it together and now it sits in front of my easel. It's just a little wooden stool. But the product of persistence. I could have given in to the disappointment. I could have given up and gone home and looked for what I wanted another day. And I almost did. But I wasn't going to let a little cloud ruin my sunny day. Nope. I drove home in sunshine. And all in all, it was a very nice day.

18 comments:

Eve Grey said...

I love finding treasures like that. Sounds like a great day!

Anonymous said...

Oh, how perfect! That's awesome. And how neat how far your hobby is taking you into the fancy pants paints. :)

Jientje said...

I'm getting curious already. One of these days you are going to use that new paint, and try out how that stool sits? So this means you're going to paint real soon, I think?
I'm glad you had such a good day, and that you did find that stool after all!
It was meant to be, I'm sure it was!

Myst_72 said...

You were meant to have it Lou!

G
xx

Shadow said...

ahhh, the pleasure of getting things for something you are passionate about...

Patsy said...

I call shopping trips like that a quest. You can't go home until you have found what you went for (ei. your stool). For me it was 1/2 in flat black buttons with 4 holes. After 5 stores they were located (who knew they were in such demand) and I purchased all they had.
I'm glad you had a sunny day for your quest and a sunny disposition during said quest.

moneythoughts said...

Have you ever tried paints by GOLDEN? They are acrylics and come in a plastic bottle and pour. They are a bit pricey, but they really go far. I have used their silver and gold metallic colors.

Christy said...

Oh, God. Nursing school has warped my brain and I was panicking when I read your title.....

Glad it is something to sit on that you enjoy!

Joyce-Anne said...

I love happy endings!

Ndinombethe said...

Love when you find JUST what you're looking for.

Anonymous said...

I like to paint, but two things are making it difficult: 1. lack of space and 2. lack of money. It is quite an expensive hobby. I have some supplies, maybe enough to get back to work when I have a little time- but I need to pick up a drop cloth. I'm a bit on the messy side... LOL

Nan Sheppard said...

Are you going to decorate your new stool? Use your old student quality paints, and see what you come up with!

Laski said...

Isn't it wonderful when the fates join hands, the stars align and the gods smile down . . .

You know, I pulled out my sketch pad and bought new pencils today . . . something was speaking to me.

Melissa said...

Oh, I love me some Hobby Lobby. I get so many things there since one of my guys is into models and the other one into sculpting. But the muzak hymns can get a bit annoying though....

Theresa said...

It really is great to find exactly what you see in your head :)

Looking forward to reading more on Sarah Pierce

Unknown said...

Kismet!

Momisodes said...

ROFL! I had the same initial reaction to the title as Cristy :)

Sounds like you had a lovely day. And the stool was so meant to be.

Anonymous said...

Glad you found the perfect one and glad you had a great Sunday!
:)