I was watching Down By Law the other night, for the umpteenth time, and I thought of something while looking at John Lurie (Jack in the film). He walks a line between being ugly and totally beautiful.
It occurred to me that this dynamic, this dual perception, happens frequently when I'm browsing at a thrift shop, "Is this really ugly or is it unbelievably beautiful?" I've learned that when this question pops into my head to not deny it: buy it! If I hesitate and don't buy it, it's the kind of item that will haunt me later.
Exhibit A, a pair of big ass lamps:
They are made out of plaster that's been re-painted the juiciest color of kiwi green. They have a combined weight that's greater than my own:
- in my Valentine's outfit -
Side note -- of course that's a thrift shop outift: red cords from Goodwill in Petaluma, little bolero sweater from...Salvation Army in Santa Cruz? Can't remember. I also shop at a thrift shop in Felton called The Abbot's, so I say I've got an Abbot's habit.
"One man's trash is another man's come-up." - Macklemore
I almost forgot the best part, the total cost of the lamps -- $10
(found at the Eureka Rescue Mission thrift shop)
Woohoo! I may get some different shades for them. This was just a trial run to see how I felt about them.
And the verdict is...I still think they're both ugly and beautiful. From now on I will call this the John Lurie Effect. I think I'll go play the piano now. Happy Valentine's Day!
