BOTH SIDES OF A FENCE.....

Most times, I am thrilled to find and get a bargain. If it's free...hey all the better. But have to admit that yesterday I actually felt badly for the family that chose to auction their relatives things off.

I'm sure they chose that route believing it would be profitable and I've been to many auctions that have without a doubt seen high profits. But, as I looked into their faces, I was kind of upset for them myself.

You could tell that they were regretting their decision. The auctioneer also made comments and gestures to the fact that he felt he was not doing them justice.

Usually it gets into a bidding war or you're up against people who just want and will bid to get, regardless if a deal or not. But this auction was different, it was as if they were begging people to give a bid, even doubling up the offer with other items seemed to fall flat. Many things were left sitting.

I watched a 5 piece furniture set go for $25!!!! Beautiful Tiffany lamps for mere pennies!!! Unique and authentic pieces of turqouise jewelry....an entire boxload went for like $10.50!!!

I did make off with 2 adorable tables which I have plans to use on the back deck when finished...3 nice sturdy pieces of old gardening tools that will be finding their way into birdhouses and I also got 2 office chairs that I really didn't need and about 7-8 pictures that I couldn't pass up for a $1-all.

As I checked out, I commented that I would love to go to the local antique auction and bid against the same type people as were there today...the lady looked at me as if she had no clue things weren't going well outside. I let her know that it was going for little...if at all....she seemed uninterested and unconcerned. It bothered me, I guess...they may have done the same or better just having a garage sale!!

I have never seen such a ho-hum, no action auction....ever!!! While I enjoy the pieces I did win...I kind of cannot forget the relatives faces...the sadness, the surprise at how little they were getting for their beloveds things...or maybe it was shock and disbelief.

I don't know...maybe I'm too sentimental or aware of my surroundings. Maybe I should just take my winning bids and run....but I know that I will not look at the items I bought without remembering their faces....I know this may be a sign of the times...frugality at it's best or maybe worst?

Todays question is this.......Have you ever felt badly for getting something so cheaply? I guess that I finally saw what both sides of that fence looks like......sometimes it is joyful....others not as good.
Have a good weekend.....*Gigi*