One mans trash....

      Everyone has heard the old adage, "One mans trash is another mans treasure". Well I tell you, I couldn't agree more. In the past week I have done nothing but find treasures here and there that others were wanting to give away. Sometimes I wonder why people throw out so many good items, but I guess they just don't have a need for them anymore. Whatever the reason, I would be happy to pick up someone's trash and reuse it for my own purpose.
     It all starts last Monday. We arrive to a customers house that is cleaning out her garage. In the pile of what seemed to be mostly garbage, we found a few good things.  The best find that day was, ready for this, a 98 year old Trombone. Be-au-ti-ful!!! Luckily, one of the boys is interested in playing it. Who knew! On Wednesday, I was on the way home from work with mom when I found a perfect book shelf. I have needed one for a long time, just never got around to getting one. Boy was I lucky again! Not only did it match my furniture, but it was also big enough for all the household books. It was in perfect condition (as far as I was concerned). I wonder why anyone would throw it away. No matter, it's mine now and it's a perfect addition to the house. This past weekend was also a benefit. I went away with the family to visit my father and low and behold he was getting rid of stuff too. Maybe it's the time of year for that, being a new year and all. So I was able to get a bunch of border bricks for my house. Dad no longer wished to have them and didn't want to throw them out. Lucky me again! We almost have enough now to finish our plant beds in the backyard. Yipee! Guess I may have to make another trip to his house. LOL Today was extra special with my find...or should I say someones trash. One of my moms customers was getting rid of some of her stuff to put into a garage sale. My aunt likes to have them, so we collect things for her on occasion to put in her sale. By going through the "stuff" today I was able to fill my collection of planters and pots for my garden. I also picked up some fencing and stakes. I think the best find was the rod iron stakes that she was getting rid of.  It seems to me that they were probably used for small tea light candle holders, but I had other ideas in mind. You never  know what you will find or what you can create with it.
     I have plans for those stakes. We have been wanting some lighting in the backyard without having to run electricity everywhere. Instead we have decided there are other ways. Not sure when I will finish this, but when I complete my project I will definitely share with you. For now, it's a secret. I will give you a hint though...I saw it on Pinterest. I have just modified the idea a little, or I just haven't seen it this way yet. ;) Pictures will be posted when it's complete. Until then I will continue to collect and add to my garden and yard. I love picking through trash, as funny as that seems. My whole life I have loved re-purposing things. I find lots of joy in creating simple treasures out of someone else's trash. If you put a little thought into it, you can create many treasures of your own. Have a healthy day!