cool old stuff

one last thing about long beach. i know people have a lot of preconceived notions about what it's like there and all that, but i think 90% of those people would be really surprised if they actually went and experienced it for themselves. once you go to the LB, you never want to leave.

one of the things people don't realize is how much antique/vintage shopping there is. we went to an antique mall after brandon's giant pancake incident and could've stayed there for hours. because not only was the place huge... it had really awesome stuff.

fair warning... a lot of pictures follow.

tiny little oil paintings... this one was about 3" x 5", and i LOVED it

this lady was so stinking sassy!

these old letters used to identify the pac bell building (an old california phone company). they weighed about 10 pounds each!

how bad do i wish i had an illustrated ceramic wall plate to commemorate our wedding! and merle, virgil? where have these names gone?

poor fella.

they had too much fun stuff outside. vintage patio furniture and signs... you name it, they had it.

b and i decided that when we have a big mansion, we're going to buy and restore one of these old soda machines. many of them still work (and a few had original bottles in them)!

ah, vintage bicycles. i'm a sucker.

this boat was too cute for words. taking it out in the southern california sun? yes please.

this just made me laugh. what?

cute planter? child hazard?

schoolhouse lights. every girls dream.

and these giant spotlights. restoration hardware eat your heart out.

this is a vintage, fully restored harley. b about had a conniption fit.

i made them do this. can you tell?

my favorite finds? these girls.

anyhow. can you tell i'd love to run the tourism board of long beach? i have one more set of pictures to share, but then, i'll leave you to explore it for yourself!