Many of you are aware of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), in which one's mood is affected by lack of sunlight. It is pretty much impossible to live in Central New York and not have SAD.
Some of us also suffer from a similar malady, SAD(2), or Seasonal Acquisition Disorder, in which one's mood is affected by the amount of vintage stuff that can be acquired. There is almost never a happy medium for SAD(2) sufferers. Either there's not enough stuff, or too much stuff. Sometimes in the same day. Sometimes in the very same moment.
I've had a very bad case of it this year: feeling desperately sad about the lack of good sales, while at the same time feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I do have. As SAD(2) has not received the attention it deserves from the medical community, I have been forced to devise my own treatment plan. It's been a bit of a journey, but I share my story in in hopes that someone else will benefit.
My breakthrough came courtesy of another SAD(2) sufferer, who was having a yard sale nearby. He was in a "too much stuff" phase and was eager to divest himself of his large collection of vintage holiday decorations. Not only did he quote an agreeable price on the boxes of ornaments, he suggested that I make my own boxes so I could pick and choose.
Buddy, I said (sort of), I've been here. Last year I had a sale and sold everything for a buck. Just last weekend I saw someone who came to that sale, and they nearly hugged me and told me it was the best sale they had ever been to in their life. And this person was a fairly old person.
Actually, our conversation went more like this: Me: Are you sure? Him: Omigod, if I don't get rid of some of this stuff I might actually suffocate and my lifeless body will be found under a stack of vintage Shiny Brite boxes.
Well, what could I do? I am not a heartless person. I bought as many boxes of Christmas ornaments as I could justify, then turned my attention to my next-favorite decorating holiday, which would be Halloween. I did not even look through the box of stuff to see what I was getting for the price he quoted.
In addition to the die cuts, there were a number of Gurley candles.
A super-creepy (and not-necessarily-in-a-good-way) jack o'lantern candy holder...
and some party favors. There was more, but the photos are even worse than this one, so use your imagination. I don't think you can go too wrong with vintage Halloween, with the possible exception of the creepy candy container.
I capped off the experience by purchasing a box of snazzy bow ties.
Since the sale was nearby, I had plenty of time to come home and tend to other matters. I decided to clean up the attic, which is my vintage storage area, and it looks fantastic. Then I decided to clean the bedroom including the closet, and then I tackled the linen closet. The linen closet is so beautiful that sometimes I just open the door and gaze upon it lovingly.
And so, if only for a short period of time, I have reached the equilibrium that is so often out of reach for SAD(2) sufferers. More stuff acquired; stuff already acquired organized and under control.
For the moment, at least.
I nearly fell over with all your Halloween. I dream of such finds. I bow to you!!
Posted by: Kim k. | July 29, 2013 at 05:02 AM
THANK you for diagnosing my symptoms!
Is their a program I can enter... SAD(2) Anonymous ~ perhaps??
B-)
Posted by: svelteSTUFF | July 29, 2013 at 08:20 AM
Vintage Halloween is really rare in my part of the country so I was happy to get to look at what you found:-)
I too suffer from SAD(2). So happy to finally have a diagnosis!
~Erica
Posted by: Erica | July 29, 2013 at 09:38 AM
As a SAD(2) suffer I must say I've been fighting the disease lately since I have a lack of storage space. So I'm into 'hanging on to all I have with all my might'!!
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | July 29, 2013 at 10:01 AM
The 'stuff' is beautiful. Lovely,sweet and enchanting. It is wonderful.
I really get the SAD. I really get it. I haven't had that, ever. I have 8 children and never had baby blues. But going through menopause has been a kick in the pants. No hotflashes but my SAD type moods have been something new and horrific for me. I will wake up and not know what is the problem and it just goes on until it lifts. I can't even really talk about it without breaking out in blubbery tears. I support and understand you.
Posted by: nanette | July 29, 2013 at 11:34 AM
Wow, what a great find on the Christmas tree ornaments!! :-) There is a very fine line between needing something and realizing you have way too much stuff, isn't there. Sigh.
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | July 29, 2013 at 12:34 PM
Aw, witty as always. Just the right post to read with my morning coffee. We Oregonians also feel your SAD pain...
You and Magpie Ethel would have been wrestling to the ground over those decorations!
Posted by: Maria (Magia Mia) | July 29, 2013 at 01:28 PM
Spoken like the Junking Goddess you are! And until today I didn't even know I liked bow ties. I kind of wish I still didn't know.
Posted by: Kathy | July 29, 2013 at 03:32 PM
Oh, sweet Christmas goodies, and love all the Halloween treasures!! The party favors and plates are great!! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather | July 29, 2013 at 05:30 PM
Great finds! I love the bow ties, are there any that aren't clip on?
Posted by: Tina | July 29, 2013 at 06:03 PM
I'm so glad you were able to get some relief! In Colorado we typically don't worry to much about SAD, but I'm definitely going through SAD(2)! Not enough stuff!
I'm so jealous of all your great holiday decorations! And the bow ties - too cute!
Posted by: Melissa | July 29, 2013 at 06:42 PM
I'm SAD because I haven't had that Really Big Vintage Christmas score yet this year. SO sad.
But happy for you!
Posted by: Into Vintage | July 30, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Love, love the vintage Halloween except the creepy candy box (looks handmade?). Vintage Halloween is so rare! I seen reproductions all the time but not the real things. Great find! And, let us know when you have another "sale." I missed last year's.
The Shiny Brites looks like they are in good shape!
Posted by: Joy | July 30, 2013 at 02:53 PM
I too suffer from (SAD)2...and scored 6 boxes of awesome shiny brites this weekend....for .25 CENTS PER BOX! I almost hyperventilated right there in the Holy Name gymnasium. God bless the rummage sale.
Would LOVE to see a pic of your linen closet, I'm sure it's filled with amazing treasures.
Posted by: Jenn | July 30, 2013 at 11:12 PM
Goodness! All those goodies at CLOSE sale, at a GREAT price and then time to ORGANIZE, too? What a marvelous day! I love all the Christmas and even the Halloween (though it's not my thing)...
Sales here in Michigan have been so disappointing this season. I'm ready to get out all my vintage ornament stash and start sorting and playing with them, just to cheer myself up.
Great finds!
Posted by: Anne | July 30, 2013 at 11:15 PM
I love how the snowman in the top photo and the witch on the right of the third photo both are holding brooms. Maybe they will sweep each other off their feet. Can't be sad with such corny thoughts!
Posted by: JKaye | August 01, 2013 at 09:29 AM
Whoa! I've yet to find even ONE box of Shiny Brites! what is wrong with people up here on the Palouse???
Have fun!
Posted by: Holly- Cutie Pie Cottage | August 01, 2013 at 04:22 PM
Love it and now I have a name for my disorder. I must say you scored some great stuff, I'm green with envy.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | August 01, 2013 at 05:08 PM
I'm so confused. But at least I know I'm not alone. I've got 12 apple boxes full of stuff sitting in my dining room that I'm waiting to unburden myself with at our garage sale. Too Much Junk. And yet I too am a SAD(2) sufferer, so I still want more junk! I think you've just started a support group, Barbara. So what time are the meetings? I'll bring the cookies! ;o)
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | August 05, 2013 at 12:32 PM
the snowman is so sweet, and i love the die cut witch!!!!!
Posted by: jennifer | August 05, 2013 at 08:08 PM