I love visiting the op shop. I may have said that here before.
I love browsing through old books, vintage clothes and kitchen treasures.
I love picking up a bargain - a book for the Batsman or the Bowler, some great new jars for preserving, some rugged old camo pants for the Bowler to cover in spaghetti bolognese wear at child care each week.
But there is another reason why I make a point of dropping in to the little op shop up the road.
This week I made my usual visit to the op shop.
I bought a book for the Bowler and a lovely old vase.
But the prize of the day, by far, was a slot car set for the Batsman. It's a treasure I have been seeking for a while. Awesome. Complete with cars. He already loves it.
I took my purchases up to the counter and there he was.
He has one of those faces. Craggy with age, ready smile, his face the launching pad for the million stories I reckon are stored inside.
I don't know his name but I do know that his wife died a couple of years ago.
He works at the op shop, like all the others, as a volunteer, as a service to his local church and community.
His face lights up when he sees I want to buy the slot car set.
He eagerly tells me that he has tested the whole thing, checked every piece, made a couple of repairs and it's ready to race.
"I've even had it going up on my kitchen table" he tells me. "It's a beauty".
I thank him, genuinely and profusely.
I am moved that at around 80 years of age, he has gone to those lengths to prepare a toy to go to a new home.
He seems a little embarassed by my gratitude and mutters "it's nothing darl" under his breath as he takes the coins I give him.
I tell him it's not nothing and it will mean hours of fun for my boys.
"That's terrific but you know, I'm just keeping myself useful love".
It's the people. That's the other reason I'm always at the op shop.
Wherever we are in life, at whatever age, stage, station or rung of the ladder, it's about people.
Do you love op shopping? What do you buy?
What everyday human encounter have you had recently that has moved you?
I haven't been op shopping in a long time, but I like to fossick in those places too. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's not too recent but a few months ago Aaron and Caelan and I were shopping. We walked past a picture frame shop and we saw a dragonfly frame... of course we walked right in to buy it and the lady behind the counter leapt into this animated discussion about dragonflies and how awesome they were. Of course we shared our story and why the dragonflies are so special to us. It was lovely and special and nice to share our Jordan with others and not cry... When we left she gave me a hug. :)
The slot car set sounds awesome!
xx
I've not set foot in an op shop in 20 years. I don't even know why, exactly. I lived in a tiny NT town and the only ones there were pretty crap. I guess I never really cottoned on that they'd be better back here in Brisbane.
ReplyDeleteYou may just have inspired me. I can imagine him having a blast, and hours of nostalgic fun, 'testing' out that set. Can't wait to hear how much your boy loves it.
Our internet was down and I couldn't get on to eBay, I tried the local op shop and we had to make three trips back to pick up all the stuff we bought.
ReplyDeletelast week I sent Mr H to drop off some stuff, he came back with a lot more than he took!
Ooooh, I love me an op shop! Books especially - I am an avid collector of 1970's recipe books - op shops are a goldmine for this type of thing!
ReplyDeleteI love OP shopping. LOVE IT!! It's like digging for treasure, and sometimes I actually find it.
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I are planning an op shopping trip to Melbourne next year. I'm very excited about it.
Very very much so.
Love op shopping... just don't get there very often :( There are so many treasures to find xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love it too! There's nothing quite like discovering a lost treasure or two. And I really could lose a couple of days antique shopping as well.
ReplyDelete