Break It Down

What is this? A bird made from a clear, borosilicate glass. Yes, but what is it? The only opening is the beak, which extends from the body and seems to be intended for pouring. But what is it used for? When was it made? Why would it interest me?

I've seen it before and I thought, "Cotton balls?" Or maybe, "Creamer?" I guess it could be anything, but...

It was in its original package and it has a very specific purpose: it is a peanut pourer. Not a nut pourer, but a peanut pourer. Maybe late 70s, early 80s?

Why does it appeal to me? I'll break it down:

1. I love something in it's original package, especially one as fabulous as this. The rendering of said pourer is ne plus ultra. Someone in an office somewhere (Thailand?) created this drawing of the pourer that was supposed to appeal to consumers. Does it? Strangely.
   
2. And the box says so much about the object, but nothing we can know for sure. Perhaps someone cared so deeply for it, they kept the box it came in to protect it. What do you own in it's original box? Perhaps they cared for it so little they never used it and it set unopened on a shelf in a closet. What do you have you never used? That you are holding onto?
3. I love that it has a specific purpose. I love that it is for pouring peanuts and as I was looking at it at the Goodwill, I instantly imagined: cocktails. Perhaps Pomegranate Manhattans served over ice in my leave Georges Briard glasses? Some pretzels in one of the plastic bowls labeled pretzels and salty peanuts in the peanut pourer? Someone tells a joke or a funny story; everyone laughs. A handsome gentlemen with dark wavy hair lifts the peanut pourer and offers it to the guest to his left, pouring a few out into their palm. This object has potential.
4. I love that without the package, I would have no idea what this object was to be used for--the mystery. Like being an archaeologist. I love that this is something that isn't made anymore. You can't go into the home section at Macy's and ask the salesgirl, "Salesgirl? Salesgirl? Can you please show me your peanut pourers?!" They don't make these anymore.
5. Lastly, I love rescuing it and putting it to use, making it mine, adding it to the collection. To me, this peanut pourer is like a sad-eyed little puppy or a purring little kitten. It speaks to me. If you are one of the object people, you know it. You hear it too. Possession in nine tenths of the fall, the other tenth is finding a place to put everything.

And I want more of them. Instantly. Just like it. Three hours ago, I had no idea that a bird-shaped peanut pourer existed. Now I want a matched set of twelve to have for dinner parties. So that everyone could have their own, individual peanut pourer. Or maybe one for every other person?

It's a sickness, but one I have learned to live with. And, dear reader, your support certainly helps.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

Saturday's thrift shop thrift stop yielded a small bounty:

Friday, I had said, "What we really need is a small shelf in the hall for our landing strip." You know, the place for keys, wallets, mail and other things you pick up and put down as you come into the house. We have been using the ice bucket on the bar and it just looks junky. What did we find? A small shelf that will be a perfect landing strip. Of course, it's gold and will have to be painted. Orange!

Yes mother, I know I made you get rid of all of your Home Interiors decor items. Context, it's about context: one person's junk pile is another person's high style!

One of the few things destroyed in the move was the lovely white parrot that moved around the house, like birds are want to do. Sometimes he was on the entry table, other times in the bird cage. He is gone. But, the universe sent a replacement!

This sign seems like it should hang over the round kitchen table in your grandmother's kitchen. While it is not going in my dining room, I am going to hang it over the kitchen sink with a couple of other seventies-vibe kitchen decor items. Universe! One more, please.

Mitchell has a slight obsession with the lovely metal tins which you used to buy filled with treats, sweets or candies. This one has a hinged lid and is a great addition to the ever growing collection.