Going once, going twice, sold!

I had the pleasure of going to Christy's of Indiana, Inc. Wednesday to work all day. No, not for Christy's but for JP Parker. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we have been doing some rearranging of the store in the Indianapolis location. The owner of the company is out of town, yet there were several items she wanted to get for the redesign. So, she asked if I would be able to go. Little did she know that I have always wanted to take a Wednesday and try my hand at bidding. So, yesterday was the best of both worlds- I got to have a new [learning] experience, shop while spending money that is not my own and get paid for doing so! 
I was very nervous after I located all of the items I was to bid on and then hearing the auctioneer chant on. I'm trying to watch... But I can't even see what is happening. Bidders remained close in proximity with both object up for bid and auctioneer. Bidders begin by giving a more expressive signal, like a hand at face level or higher ... and after that, it is simply a combination of slight nods and intense eye contact. Don't look at anyone but the auctioneer. Losing focus will cost a bidder the item or more money than bugeted for. By the time the mobile mob of consumers was about 20 items away from the first tables I wanted, I planted my feet next to the pile... Already slightly marking my territory. These were my tables. I already owned them, I just didn't know what I owed for them. 
Before the bidding begins, the auctioneer gauges what he has to offer and describes what he sees. 4 large dining room tables with dark finishes. A take your pick kind of bid. If you win, you have your choice of any and if more than one table is what you need, you choose two or three or all and pay the same amount for each. Bidding started at $50 and I gave the signal I was in. After that, I was watching the auctioneer; he would look at the other bidder, glance at me and back.... During this rapid back and forth, he would confirm a bid of $70, 80, 90.... And between that I heard, "who ill gimme, will ya gimme, ominaominaominaeeree" It was very entertaining. These fellas have experience, they can move an auction quickly and smoothly. They can keep the "audience" entertained by marketing some of the merchandise in a comical way and engaging personally with the crowd. These guys do a good job. 
After the first tables were won, I quickly took my position at the next item I needed. And this went on until I won the last piece of furniture I needed. I had a chance to grab a quick chicken salad sandwich and a sweet tea at the concession stand. I took a seat on a picnic table outside and listened to some good ol' boys talk about bidding on a Mustang and speculating that "I won't get it; it'll go high." 
After lunching, I loaded furniture and waited around for a box truck. I also found a fun couch I thought I could have if I could get it cheap enough. Even though it was white and I have a black dog and a four year old who loves drawing with richly colored markers. I bid but it went beyond my limit. It was probably meant to be that I missed it. 

So, some tips for the auction in August: Do travel lightly. I had so much packed in my bag (so that I would be prepared to wait) that it easily weighed 12-15 pounds. Not the kind of weight to be packing in the heat. Wear comfortable shoes.... that one I did do... I know, you are surprised, right? No need to pack food or drink, the concession has something for everyone.... probably not too much for vegetarians-but maybe. Dress cool. I was in jeans, a tank and sweatshirt. The sweatshirt just added to the weight of my bag from about 9AM on. Finally, a hand fan is very useful. I have been carrying one this summer and oh, was I glad to have it this day. I was envied because of it.... by several women. Both for it's beauty and functionality. The fan made me look like a veteran... if I did anything right that day, it was the fan. 

Wednesday was a pretty great day. I loved getting out of my comfort zone and learning and 
doing something new. I have a compulsion to shop second hand goods, I adore watching people and I have always wanted to go to Christy's. 

I snapped a few images.....

xoxo

A gypsy kind of day

We had so much fun on Wednesday! Laura and Wilson came up and while Hayes was in school, we managed some really great finds during a 40 minute power shopping spree at Value World. After picking Hayes up from school, we headed to City Market for eats and great music by Midwest Rhythm Exchange.

One vine: 

After we left the market, we headed home for play and relaxation... 

Two vine:

Three... No, there aren't three. 

xoxo - Paula 

Super Bowl Stroll

As we all know, Indianapolis hosted Super Bowl XLVI.  I know, so old news, right?  Well, I am doing a little catch up and wanted to share some images I captured on a forty minute stroll through downtown the Wednesday before the big game.  There aren't any spectacular images here... just some random documentary shots.  It wasn't too busy--it didn't get very busy during the weekdays downtown...but at night, that was a different story.... I don't really have too many night shots-won't be sharing those here.

The below images are purely shot from my hip walking through downtown on a very Springlike February day.

Krieg Brothers Religious Supply had been a fixture in downtown Indianapolis for  almost 120 years.  It was a neat place.  I had only been in one time....and that was to purchase Hayes's Baptismal suit.  (In that one visit, I managed to run into someone I know from my hometown.  Who knew?)  It was a space stacked with religious odds and ends...prayer cards, rosaries, candles, books, holy clothing, statuettes....and much more.  I was sad that it was closing....yet, had always wondered how it survived downtown.  During the Superbowl week, it was used to sell Superbowl/NFL merchandise.  

I couldn't resist to stand in the middle of Meridian Street and pop a few shots of the monument and (very hard to see from this viewpoint) roman numerals.  It was a rare opportunity to frame up from the middle of Meridian.  No vehicle traffic; just pedestrians--and at this moment, not many of them.

I love that St. John Catholic Church was inviting people to come confess their sins.   I wonder how many people took advantage of that. 

The zip line!!

Standing under the zip line was a fun experience.  I stood for several minutes watching and waiting for zip liners.... and enjoying observing the people all around me.  There were at least two of those police watchdog towers placed around Super Bowl Village.  Quite interesting little structures-probably a very good idea, too. 

ESPN had their studio set up on Pan Am Plaza.  They broadcasted almost constantly.  The Today Show also did a broadcast or two from this location.

Weee weeee weeee!

LOS

I really enjoyed my little walk around downtown this day.  Not much for impressive photographs...but it documents what I saw in my 40 minute walk.  Ho-hum