I was at the big flea market off Highway 99 in Portland this morning, just browsing through a table of old tools. There was this older guy next to me talking to his friend about how he used to buy things just because they were a "good deal" even if he didn't need them. He said it took him years to learn that a bargain you don't use is just clutter taking up space. I stood there holding a vintage hand plane that was only $8 and I put it right back down. I've got three hand planes at home already that I barely touch. So I walked away with nothing but a coffee from the concession stand and honestly I felt lighter than if I'd walked out with an armful of stuff. Has anyone else had that moment where you finally stop buying things just because they're cheap?
Some dude walked by my booth and scoffed that nobody actually uses those old bowls anymore, but I've been baking with my grandma's set for 10 years and they heat way more even than my new stuff. Anyone else get annoyed when people write off perfectly good flea market finds because they don't look modern?