I think I've always been drawn to the asian aesthetic of wabi sabi, but only in the last few years have I put a name to it and done some reading about the philosophy.  Things look best when they are a bit worn, a bit mismatched, a bit wonky, a bit lopsided.  Natural objects with wear patterns  - wood or leather or pottery which have been well made, well loved, well worn are my thing. I found out about the concept in a formal sense at a Korean pottery exhibition at the Queensland art gallery.  I was greatly impressed by the concept that the blemishes that occur during the process of making or firing pottery are admired and revered in Korea; a nod to the inherent imperfection in life.
 I assume that a lot of the time, other people don't share my love for the worn and faded - and that's why I get such great bargains at flea markets!  Like this bowl, which my mum and I spotted this morning.  My heart leapt for joy when I tucked it's weathered beauty under my arm.


And then there was the sad moment when I thought the watch parts box wasn't at the market this year - legendary Jem spied it on leaving the market.  Double the price from last time, but he managed to talk the bloke down eventually.



And last but not least, one of the best buys of the day - a piece of 1920s (?) costume jewellery for a couple of lats, spotted and lovingly polished by my mum!

Now... what will we do with all of these finds?  Wear one badge a day for 3 months?  ...open a watch repair shop? Or go the opera in all our finery? Hmmm?