Last Saturday I was throwing a little pity party for myself. Slumped over my laptop with the darkness of my bedroom clinging to my pyjamas, I was looking at all the tweets coming from Ottawa’s infamous Great Glebe Garage Sale. Each 140-character message summoned a fond memory from the past two years that I attended. I was brewing the finest of sadness serums.
And then I made the following decisions: I needed to get out of the house. I needed to put normal clothes on. I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself.
So, adventuring I did go.
If there is one thing I can say about myself, it’s that I’m one lucky explorer. I am drawn to fun city happenings whether I mean to be or not. And that’s quite super.
I parked my bike in one of the cute, vegetable-inspired bike racks outside of Market Square and started my morning by strolling around the gardening festival.
I smelled petunias and mint, ran my fingers along the zig-zagged edge of ridged leaves, and got a tiny red pine seedling to plant in my backyard.
What came next was a pleasant surprise.
There was a flurry of activity on a street block downtown – the section where Larch Street meets Durham at Elgin, for those of you who know Sudbury. This mystery event was the perfect remedy to my earlier sadness. It was a yard sale.
I walked up and down the one block stretch of tables at least half a dozen times, closing my eyes and pretending that it was something bigger. There was a barbeque and a kettle corn stand, a man selling a plethora of over-priced vintage do-dads at his two tables. I would have sold my soul for this old globe.
My favourite table belonged to Hannah, a grade eight student at Churchill Public School. Her table was a message in a bottle station – a display leftover from an entrepreneur fair that was held in her school’s gym. She proudly told me that she made $75 that day. I couldn’t help but buy a message in a bottle. When I was her age I had a potpourri “shop” in my neighbours shed. I used to collect wildflowers and grasses from the nearby ravine, stuff them down the neck of leftover wine bottles, and force my parents to buy them for $5 to put on display near our whirlpool. Hannah appealed the sense of whimsy and determination that I had when I was her age, and have continued to foster today. Just take my $1.50, already. (Side note: the best part of standing by Hannah’s table was watching a grown man purchase a book about dragons. Looks like someone has been watching a little too many Game of Thrones episodes..)
Then came time for me to scribble my message. I carefully selected my writing utensil from a collection of gel pens (also a former love of mine). I chose a glimmering purple ink and outlined my message in neon pink. That’s right. You want to be serious about your message? You sure as hell better write it in unicorn-themed colours.
Hannah rolled up my message around an orange pen and held it together with an elastic band she snapped off a rubber ball. In my message went. I’ll cast this one off at the end of the summer. As for my message, it wasn’t so much a note to some love of my life, but rather a personal wish involving person and place. I’ll just leave it at that.
In the end, this yard sale appealed to my every weakness. Or, more specifically, my weakness for old things that you can re-furbish in creative ways to make something new and unique.
There were gilded gold frames (four for $1)
A collection of Mason jars ($1 each)
A cute floral saucer that now holds my collection of earrings, volcanic rocks and sea shells.
And several more things that I couldn’t get. Including this teal-coloured sewing machine that was being given away for free (!!!!!!).
While I have carried many a cake on my bicycle, I thought this 20-pound machine was probably my limit. I walked away. One day I will have a beautiful collection of vintage sewing machines, though. This I promise you.
My downtown adventure ended at the Boulangerie du la Village, where I sat at the makeshift outdoor patio. I sipped my apple lavender broth and contently dunked my fresh, doughy bun into the bowl like a baby being baptized. In my ears, a schizophrenic symphony, a meshing of melodies. Across the street, two girls strummed and sang Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl, with just enough twang to please the crowd. Behind me, jazzy brass runs, making me feel as though I just got lost in Woody Allen’s latest flick.
This really was the perfect morning. Moral of the blog post? Happiness comes when you least expect it – you just have to get off your chair and find it.
Hilary Makes 
That sounds like a truly perfect day! It’s so true that simply by making up your mind to have an exciting day that you can make it happen. Lovely idea about sending a wish for yourself into the world:) Beautiful photos too!
Hi Hilary! We missed you at the GGGS this year. Why are you feeling sorry for yourself again? You’d never know it from this post. The yard sale is definitely a cure all.
Is there a more perfect moment than stumbling on a trove of other people’s colorful jumbles? I hit the yard sale circuit every Saturday and post pics of my finds (oh, the possibility of a bargain and what you could do with those trinkets), but I think next time, you must buy a trailer for your bike so you can get that rad sewing machine home! I’m sure you could find one at a yard sale . . . : )
Well I love checking out other people’s bargains so I’m going to have to visit your blog! Half of me wishes there were more yard sales in Sudbury and the other half of me is glad there isn’t so I’m not tempted to buy anything else (I mean really, how many mason jars do I need??). I actually saw someone with a bike trailer and should have chased them down to ask where they got it :) thanks so much for your comment!
Hi Hilary, What a great day it turned out to be for you! Have you been back? Great digital photos by the way. http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! That’s so exciting!
Thanks so much, Cassie! I actually had no idea I had been Freshly Pressed until you wrote this comment :) I thought all the random likes were spammers, haha!
This was fun to read, because recently I’ve been in a “slump” (I think, strangely, because I just need a big, cathartic, thunderstorm to roll in), so it was nice to see how far your adventures got you!
Cheers!
Thanks so much for your comment! Adventuring is truly the best thing ever, so I hope it stays sunny at least one more day for you so you can do the same :)
I lived in Ottawa for several years and I remember the Great Glebe Garage Sale! I’m sorry you had to miss out on it this year, but look at all of the things you found! Who knew Sudbury was so awesome?? :)
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Thanks for your comment, Christy! I know, discovering goodies at the Great Glebe Garage Sale really is the best summer Saturday activity. Nice to virtually meet another former Ottawa-dweller! Sudbury really isn’t as bad as people think, and I’m glad Freshly Pressed gave me the chance to share that message!
Ladies – as one born and raised in Sudbury, I suggest that you recognize that Sudbury is one of Canada’s finest cities. Those of us born there understand this naturally – and these back-handed compliments (Sudbury really isn’t as bad….etc.) about my city – and it’s been thirty years since I lived there – are appreciated but let’s recognize the reality: we Sudburians are damn proud of our city and will defend it to the end. Interesting tale told to me by a personnel manager of a major Canadian firm: the two toughest assignments they get….posting someone to Sudbury who has never been there before and…getting them to take a post anywhere else after they’ve lived there.
Where else in Canada do you have a major lake right in town, with major beaches within walking distance of downtown, where you can go biking along the lake, hiking, fishing, boating – on your lunch hour for pete’s sake? And that’s just one of what, 17 lakes inside the city limits, I can’t recall now. Nephawin, Kelly, Long Lake, Minnow….how many more?
I could go on….
Hi Wally, thanks for your comment and perspective on things. I grew up in a few different communities around northern Ontario and wouldn’t have traded that upbringing for anything in the world. Since I hadn’t lived here since high school, though, I needed to rediscover the city from the side of someone who had been living in Canada’s beautiful capital for four years. But I agree…you really can’t understand a city like this until you’ve lived here. We actually have 330 lakes contained within the Greater Sudbury area and I went kayaking on one of them last night! Thanks again for stopping by – I hope you can keep reading about my Sudbury adventures!
We never called that the Downunder – and I spent a LOT of time there during my days at Laurentian.
Fun post, and congrats on being freshly pressed.
Thanks so much, Richard! I have lots of fun writing it.
I saw this in FP and thought it was Sudbury in Suffolk UK. Lol. Your Sudbury sounds like it’s a very nice place. Lovely photos and sounds as though you had a great time. Now, I wonder if OUR Sudbury is as nice. :)
Hahaha, funny story about that – I’m a journalist here in Sudbury and whenever I’m searching the name of the city on Twitter, I always stumble on tweets from people in Sudbury, Suffolk. Did you know that there’s also a Sudbury, Massachusetts in the USA? Quite a few of us out there. I’m sure your Sudbury is absolutely lovely! I’ll have to go and visit one day!
Congrats, Hilary! So, so stoked for you.
Thank you so much Jess! I love your blog and I hope you’re having an AMAZING experience in Malawi! I hope we can meet again so I can hear all about your trip in person. Adding you to my blog roll later, PS!
What a great post!! You’re so right: exploring, just getting out and seeing new things (reminding yourself there’s a big world out there, I guess) so often does “cure what ails you”! You just never know what you’ll find (I love being reminded of that!)
I love that message in a bottle idea, too!
Yes! I hope you find some time this weekend to explore, Maggie! (and then tell me about your adventures!) I still have that message in a bottle sitting on my shelf. It’s looking a little extra special today, especially after this Freshly Pressed honour!
I love your last line! That’s definitely one of my persistent bad habits – not getting off my chair and wallowing in boredom/sadness/self-pity. I’ve been wanting to visit a garage sale/thrift store for some time now, and you’ve given me the inspiration to get off that chair :)
Congrats on being freshly pressed!
Thank you! I thought long and hard about how to finish this post. I do hope you write a post about your adventures – make sure to give me the link if you do :) I love reading about adventures almost as much as I enjoy going on them! And thanks for the congratulations, too.
congratulations for being featured in Freshly Pressed !
Love ur post, beautiful pictures and by the way the idea of writing the message in the bottle was super awesome ! must be really fun ! ;) keep on posting Hilary ;)
Thanks, Fazriani – I was so surprised and honored to be featured! The message in a bottle is now sitting on the shelf above my bed…Hannah had a great idea with that one! Thanks for your comment :) I’ll definitely keep posting, thanks for the encouragement!
A perfect sentence… “I sipped my apple lavender broth and contently dunked my fresh, doughy bun into the bowl like a baby being baptized” Great writing… thanks for sharing you day!
Why thank you, sir! That means a lot to me. Thank you for stopping by :)
Your photos are beautiful!
Thanks so much, Meranda! I’m glad you like them.
Very fun! Sometimes being brave enough to sit completely alone and enjoys the sights and sound of the world bustling around is just too perfect for anything but a blissful smile. :D
I totally agree! It’s like you’re sitting in a private little cocoon just watching everything happening. It really is one of the best things to do. I’m so glad that I’m no longer too self conscious to enjoy my own company in public!
so cute! i like your blog -sweetie ^^ keep going
Thanks for the words of encouragement and blog compliment :)
Loved this post. As a former Torontonian (now living north of NYC) it’s easy to think “Sudbury? Really?” (Which is why everyone hates people from Toronto.) Your sense of joy is charming and infectious and I bet will inspire a bunch of people out into the day to explore. I love the message-in-bottle girl…when I was 12 I made bead bracelets and sold them on the street. Good to know that creative young girls are everywhere!
I know exactly what you mean. I went to school in Ottawa and none of my friends understood why in the world anyone would live in Sudbury. I’m guilty for occasionally thinking the same, which is why I’m trying to shift my point of view through adventures like this. Love the story about the bracelets – NEVER lose your sense of whimsy!!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment :) I hope you come and visit Sudbury sometime soon!
What a beautifully put-together post Hilary. I enjoyed it…made me think of my many trips to Sudbury. Enjoy the Freshly Pressed ride!
Thanks for the comment, Doug! What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re in town? This Freshly Pressed thing certainly is a ride (in the best possible way!)
I was always up at the university – so the Pub Downunder rings a bell. But I’m sure the things I enjoyed in town aren’t around anymore. It’s been 20 years!
Yes Freshly Pressed is the an intense couple of days for a blogger. Hope you’re keeping up Hilary. Nice to connect.
Ah yes, I believe that pub is still there! I have quite a few friends who went to Laurentian, so I’ve definitely heard about it. I never thought I would have so many comments to reply to…thank god for the WordPress app on my iPad! Nice to virtually meet you too!
Here’s a coincidence: I also went to Carleton School of J!
That’s crazy! Such a small world. What year did you graduate? I just finished my BJ this year and now work at CBC in town.
I was out in 1986. Did my stint at CBO radio in Ottawa then switched to advertising. Haven’t looked back!
…and just to add to that, I owned several newspapers in Barrie for 20 some years, and now work free lance as a boating journalist, traveling the US east coast, Bahamas and Cuba. Do we none of us have nothing better to do today than sit and blog away? Hilary, go down to Bell Park and give us an on the spot report please!!! I’m sure there’s something happening there…
I’m going strawberry picking in Azilda right now and then having a bonfire! How’s that for a northern Ontario good time?
sounds about right! I’m in Waterford NY, bringing my sailboat north at the moment…
What a great post! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed. I can see why, photo’s are beautiful. Don’t you just love summer and the freedom warm weather gives?
Thank you x 2! I certainly have to agree with your statement about summer…freedom to me is defined by the distance I can travel on my bicycle :)
Wonderful day and adventure I’d say but just so you know, you can never watch too many episodes of “Game of Thrones.” My family is from Timmins and I know the wonderful city of Sudbury well. Lucky you again…
Hi Eve – oh as an avid Game of Thrones watcher, I have to agree with your statement. I’m pretty sure I watched the entire first season in the course of two days (who needed to study for exams?). I lived in Timmins for the longest time and also adore that city! Thanks for stopping by :)
Your pictures are as evocative as your words. I particularly loved Hilary and her “Message in a bottle” venture. The Sidney Summer Market has just started out here on the western edge of Canada, and I’d love to see a similar venture here! Thanks for this lovely celebration of your neighbourhood!
Hi Sally, thanks so much. Expression of neighbourhood love is always excellent and I’m so glad that Freshly Pressed gave me the chance to do the with a wider audience! The Sydney market sounds just wonderful.
Super fun, and congrats on being freshly pressed!
Thanks very much Stephanie, I’m really honored WordPress chose me :)!
It’s nice to read a blog about Sudbury for a change! Congrats on the Freshly Pressed!
Thanks, Phil! Yes, Sudbury may not be the most exotic of places, but it certainly has its charms!
“Happiness comes when you least expect it – you just have to get off your chair and find it.” –Amen! And the great thing is, you don’t even have to look far to find it. :)
So true – for me it was a short 15 minute bike ride away! The best. Thanks for your comment :)
I too have a lot of those pitty parties on my own. If only my city had more to be seen and done, I would’ve definitely gotten off that chair!
Ah, but there are things to do in every single city! And if you don’t yet know about those things, the best way to discover them is to wander. Pack a few granola bars and a notebook in your bag and go :)
That’s true. Thanks for the tip :)
Funny how people get a certain idea of a city, and nice to be able to show a different side because you know it, and have had happy moments there, first hand. And you are very right about finding the moments of happiness, in the least expected time or place. I’ve learned, too, that it’s essential to recognize and appreciate those moments, right then and there. They are like soap bubbles, and can’t be hung on to. But they’re enchanting while there. Congrats on fresh press — that has to be a happy moment.
Thanks so much for your comment, Linda! Yes, and you can always tell when I’m experiencing one of those blissful moments of happiness because I have this silly grin pasted on my face and I start staring up at the sky. That’s when you know I am truly on cloud nine. Thanks for the Freshly Pressed congratulations – it’s been quite the few days!
Love Hannah’s photo holding your message in a bottle. Great little metaphor for what you didn’t know would lure you from pj day doldrums! Great post and blog! – Renee
Same here! I gave Hannah the link to my blog, so I really hope she got to see it! I hope reading this post helped lure some more people out of their pity-party state this weekend! Thanks for your comment, Renee :)
You’re welcome and congrats on being freshly pressed! How sweet… you probably made Hannah’s weekend… or even created a memorable moment for life! Keep inspiring people!
I wish it were this easy to find yard sales in Asia! I suspect my mother made a deal with the city mayor to never hold one; else, everybody else’s junk might end up in our garage (for my want of old sentiments)..
Hahahaha, that’s hilarious..And it’s not junk! It’s rediscovered treasures – tell your mom that. OR come visit Canada with an empty suitcase and hit up that Great Glebe Garage Sale I mentioned in Ottawa. Your mom would never let you hear the end of it!
I love the last paragraph of your post. Truly special. Sorry about that sewing machine.
Thanks, Mimi! It’s probably for the best that I didn’t get that sewing machine…I already have an old typewriter sitting in my room, do I really need to add something else to the clutter? (but I WILL have a room dedicated to sewing machines when I am old)
I was feeling sorry for myself yesterday and also went out in search of adventure. I ended up with a parking fine:(
:( I’m sorry to hear that! Don’t give up, though! I’m lucky to have my bicycle so parking is never a real issue!
I really loved reading this – you’re very fortunate to be a lucky explorer, and I love the charm of flea markets, art bazaars, street performances etc. They’re much more appealing than departmental stores and fancy boutiques, and you usually meet nicer, more interesting people there with a story to tell. Good luck with the vintage sewing machine collection and congrats on being freshly pressed!
Thanks so much for your comment, Audrey – yes, outdoor adventures like this always have such a magical and unique energy about them, which I love!
Congrats on the award! Love your post and pics and your personality. One thing – the floral dish – that would drive me nuts! It’d be like my earings playing hide & go seek with me every day :)
Aww, thanks so much, Carol. I’m very honoured and am on a blogger’s cloud nine right now. You’ll be happy to hear that I only occasionally lose my earrings in the design of the dish – luckily the volcanic rock has proven itself a contrast-filled background :)
Congratulation on being freshly pressed!
Thanks Nana! (and thank you for stopping by!)
Hey! I loved your post.. It is really motivating. The next time I am feeling gloomy, the first thing I am going to do is go out and find out whats waiting for me. After reading your post, I am feeling really happy!
Ann, I’m so glad my blog post could partially brighten your day :) It really is amazing how energized exploring can make you feel…I hope it works for you too! Make sure you tell me all about your adventures!
Unas fotos muy curiosas.
Muchos gracias, Pedro!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! That’s so exciting!
Thank you Sandi!
Well said!! I love exploring and getting out of the chair to live life!
Well it’s always nice to virtually meet a fellow explorer, Elizabeth! Thanks for your comment :)
“I chose a glimmering purple ink and outlined my message in neon pink. That’s right. You want to be serious about your message? You sure as hell better write it in unicorn-themed colours.”
Thank you for this! It made my day. And I love that you spell colour correctly even if the computer says you’re wrong.
Don’t lose that desire to get off your chair and wander, you find such wonderful things!
http://dyefeltsool.com/
Oh colour with a “u” is really the only way – go Canadian spelling! As I type this message, my iPad is underlining my apparent misspelling with an unpleasant squiggly red line. I just love defying it time after time :P. thanks so much for your comment and I’m really glad you liked the post!
I’ll bet you’re even happier now that you are on Freshly Pressed!!! A great story of your day :)
Hahaha, yes, that did make me quite cheerful! I’m just so ecstatic reading all the comments and seeing that I’ve motivated other people to get out of the house and brighten their gloomy days! That’s really the best thing to come out of all this.
Lovely post and congrats on being freshly pressed!
Thank you!
I love that globe! Message in a bottle is cool too!
I know, I wish I could have bought the Globe AND gotten the sewing machine! Thanks for your comment, Anita!
I would kill for that turquoise sewing machine. Just used my ’60s avocado green mixer to bake a cake – some things just never go out of style or break :-)) Great blog btw and congrats on being freshly pressed!
Avocado green, holy cow that may be my new favourite colour! Wish I could have gotten this turquoise sewing machine – we could have started a collection of pastel-colored appliances (that, or a line of
paint chips…) Thanks for your comment and the congrats! Much appreciated.
The pine seedlings at an open market are crying out to be planted! Nice job on the post.
I certainly thought so! Thanks for the comment!
What do the “vegetable-inspired bikeracks” look like? This sounds like a perfect day for me too.
Thanks for sharing. You Matter! Smiles, Nancy
They’re basically normal bike racks with a metal cutout in the middle that is shaped like some vegetable – I’ll have to snap a photo of them on my way to work tomorrow :) they’re ultra cute, albeit somewhat impractical!
quaint and beautiful. i love it.
Thank you, Abet!
Fun read. Congrats on FP! Pop over to my blog/world for a bit of pick-you-up! ;-)
Glad you enjoyed it, Diane :) I’ll be sure to check out your blog after this!
A lovely post indeed! Congrats on being Fp’d!
Thanks, Brian! Appreciate it.
Great advice. Loved the post.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Lori! Thanks for leaving this comment :)
How fun! I wish I had the lucky explorer in me too, but it seems to be taking more effort than just leaving the house ;) thanks for sharing, these are great!
It is really exciting what you can go out and find if you just go out! Sometimes it’s really hard to motivate yourself but it’s always worth it.
Sophie
http://sophiemurraymorris.wordpress.com/
I agree :) getting out the door is the most difficult step! Once that’s over with, it’s just one big adventure! Thanks for your comment, Sophie.