shmata defined

SHMATA: I used to own a man-finder dress (these images are not of that dress). It did not matter when or where I wore that dress — the dress was always a magnet for men. The heartbreakers, the soon-to-be heartbroken, the machismo, the shy, the married, and the artistic men — they all flocked to that dress. The dress was “approachable.” Ballet slippers and work boots were the perfect accessory. Yup, I really believed in the power of that dress. So when “J” asked me, "what was I going to wear that night.... the answer was, of course, the dress. J. quickly replied “CRAP, not that OLD shmata!”

So there there you have it. My man-finder was just another old shmata! A rag. Past its prime. Too many washings.

The dress remained in my closet for another year. Then, in a moment of despondency, I impulsively discarded that old shmata. Big mistake. I still yearn for that old magical dress.

So, I collect Shmatas. I know a shmata when I see one. This is a recent addition to the collection. Probably from the 1960's or early 1970's, a full circle skirt, giant butterflies and made from polyester. Slightly past its prime, but it still has the magic.

Selling shmatas at incognitoinmaine.etsy.com

Apprentice. Read it and weep Donald.

My apprentice. She has been shopping, sorting and collecting with me for 10 years. She knows all the thrift shops, the volunteers, the buzz words, the fabrics, the styles and the sub-culture of the antiques and collectible business. With a gypsy spirit she darts into a garage sale, flea market or thrift store looking for the catch of the day.

Last weekend as we were leaving for the hunt, I gave her my wish list. Three stops into the morning, I heard her clear voice as she scanned the offerings at a church thrift; “i have goth here!”

Recently she stated: “You know, don't you? I’m not like other kids.”

I watch her with her glasses on the tip of her nose, waiting in the checkout line with her cache of goth and I feel sorry for the “donald.” He never had an apprentice like mine.