Thursday, February 17, 2011

Where I work

Hi Folks ~ Some of you have asked where I work, so I thought you might like to see some pictures. I have been here 13 years the end of this month. DH and I were also on this street, only at the other end for 8 years, when we had our shop, which was 15 years ago now. (Our shop was not filled with pieces like this, we had art work, jewelry, collectibles, some American antique furniture, and some European pieces as well, but mostly country, primitive, shabby, etc. The street has become more high end since we were here.)

I fell into this job and I am thankful for it. DH was doing antique restoration, and did some work for the guy who is now my boss. We knew him from when we had our shop, where he bought a few pieces from us. He asked my DH if he thought I might like to manage this shop part time, and the rest is history. I feel like I work in a museum. We have pieces from the 16th century forward, from Europe mostly.

The shop is in a 2-3 block section that is full of antique shops. The rich and famous come here. We have interior designers coming in to buy for their clients. (DH and I live west of two sets of railroad tracks to this area and I sometimes feel somewhat intimidated and inferior, to say the least, by the wealthy.) But I just smile and am polite, answering questions, taking pictures and measurements, taking care of sales and sending emails with pics and info.

It can be quiet here, especially during the summer. My boss tells me he hopes I have something to do so I won't be bored, so I bring books to read, visit blogs, sometimes bring needlework to do in between helping whoever comes in.

People are always saying what a lovely shop it is, filled with beautiful pieces and I thank them. My boss has a very good eye for buying and he also has a knack for setting everything up. Occasionally I move small items around after something has sold to fill in spaces, or when he goes off to set up at antique shows and the shop needs a little straightening after he took things out.

All in all, it's the best job I've ever had. Working part-time, gives me time to putter in my gardens and take care of home too. I'm thankful that during this down time in the economy I still have this job. I've met some nice people, made some friends, seen some beautiful pieces.

Click on pictures for larger views.

Here is my desk, with printer, etc. behind.

I love this blue English Regency sideboard from around 1820.




I also love this cuboard .

Front window north side.

This is the front window, south side.


Zone 10 ~ s.e. FL

26 comments:

Darla said...

I know you just love working in there!

Morning's Minion said...

What an interesting place to work--lovely things to look at!
Some wealthy people can be so haughty, can't they? A gracious character is much more appealing regardless of the economic status.

Mama Mess said...

Beautiful! Don't you ever feel intimidated though! You exude warmth and peace that I can feel through your blog, and there is no amount of money in the world that could buy that! ;0)

gld said...

I can't think of a more perfect place for you to work! I think you fit in that atmosphere like a glove.

and you get to read too.............

Wonderful job for a wonderful lady. I agree you are very lucky and the owner is too.

Southern Lady said...

You do have a beautiful place to work. Don't ever be intimidated by the people who shop there. I am a firm believer that everyone's worth is based on their character...not their pocketbook! :) Carla

Diana Studer said...

How that periwinkle blue sets off the golden brown wood. Reminds me how well blue works in a garden. Wade blue?

Becca's Dirt said...

I notice the southside is yellow 'for sunshine perhaps. Well that is nice to see your workplace. I love that cupboard too. I'd love seeing all that stuff everyday but it isn't busy enough for me for work that is. It's always nice to know a little more about you Flowerlady. Hope you have a great weekend.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

You get to spend time with some beautiful furnishings. Sounds like you meet lovely people too.

Antique ART Garden said...

A fancy-schmancy antique shop is where you work ? I would not have pictured you working at a shop like that, you are so down to earth and homey-inspired in heart. He is lucky he has you, most definitely !

L. D. said...

It does look like a beautiful place to work. I would love to shop there.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Lucky to do something you love and get paid for it, Flowerlady!

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I was wondering where you worked. That looks like a very nice place!

Amrita said...

Wow such a grand place. Just like a European palace

Karen said...

What a lovely place to work, I'm so happy for you. It's nice to think of you in a pleasant place when you're working. He's very lucky to have you there to tend the store for him.

All that lovely furniture, I'm sure my pocketbook wouldn't be deep enough to afford the pieces, but it would be fun to window shop and dream. Thank you for the tour!

Annie said...

Oh WOW!!! What am amazing job!!!! Lucky you!!!

tina said...

You are so lucky to work in such a wonderful place-and to have a job. It is tough in this economy for sure as I know first hand. The furniture and colors in that store would make happy each day. So glad you love your job!

Floridagirl said...

What a great place to work! My sister and I love traipsing through antique stores, just window shopping for the most part, of course. How wonderful it would be to sit amongst pieces like that all day.

Ami said...

Nice working place, so suitable for you! Love this place, and I can imagine myself working in a place like this someday too :)

Masha said...

It looks like a great place to work. Thank you for sharing.

Rebecca said...

I had no idea this was where you worked. Many years ago, I worked part time in an upscale antique shop. It was just 1/2 block from our house. I got to go with the owner to appraise estates and occasionally to help decorate some very lovely homes. This makes me REALLY miss that job! I, too, had some freedom to read, etc. when there weren't customers in the shop. The best of ALL worlds :)

Susan said...

Hi FLowerlady...You are a lucky lady, indeed. You spend your working days surrounded by beauty and your off hours surrounded by the beauty of nature. Sounds like the perfect life to me! :-) Oh, and about that nonsense about feeling intimidated...sure some people feel more important than others (a sure sign of insecurity), but the bottom line is that people are people, and no one is better or more important than anyone else in God's eye. So, don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. Have a great weekend!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

If I lived in the city - would love to work in a shop like this. Love antiques. Now I live in the country, create my garden, write, read, photograph, walk the woods path, continual grooming - all the lifestyle of one who lives at the edge of the woods...

Kit said...

What a lovely place to work! Oh, to be around all those beautiful pieces must be wonderful. I love those two green lamps. Kit

sweetbay said...

That looks like a lovely place to work!!

Darcie said...

I am so glad someone thought to ask where you work, because I had always been a little bit curious, but had never asked. How absolutely charming that shop is, and what a wonderful place to spend sometime working. I am always so glad when people find their jobs almost by happen stance and they enjoy it at the same time.

Gayle said...

My first thought was that I bet you get somewhat attached to pieces...especially some that are older, more fragile. I bet it is hard to see them go, wondering if they will be taken care of. I think you have a very interesting job, and I'm glad that you have it.