A Day With Molly

A book recently authored by Molly

For me, lunch and shopping with my friend Molly is as good as it gets.  Although we both have creative blood flowing through our veins, Molly is an endearing eccentric --

not only does she dance to the beat of a different drummer,

I can't even hear Molly's drummer!

I met Molly Sellers Robinson Seaver in 1997, the year I moved to the mountains, and in Molly's pre-Seaver days.  Two women couldn't
be any more opposite.  I'd grown up with beach sand between my toes and was just arriving from Siesta Key after a divorce, with nothing but a two-seater and a couple of suitcases packed with Ralph Lauren and a large bottle of Oscar de la Renta.  Molly had a rich mountain heritage, having grown up in Young Harris as the child of two famous artists, Ezra and Bettie Sellers, painter and poet. I knew the four Sarasota keys: Siesta, Lido, St. Armand's and Longboat; Molly knew reclusive geniuses who lived off the land like Thoreau at Walden Pond.  In spite of the vast differences in our backgrounds and views of life, we found we were kindred spirits. And so began an unlikely friendship which would last through our two divorces, my dumping the sports car, Ralph Lauren, and Oscar de la Renta -- and a 15-year grand-scale metamorphoses that was to end, for us both, in pure joy.


I arrived around 11:15 a.m. to pick up Molly at the home in Murphy she and her second husband, James Seaver, a serenely quiet Japanese American,  purchased about a year ago -- an older brick ranch needing work, but Molly and James are slow and easy.  There will be no rush and no stress.  And if it never gets done, oh well.

We'd decided to do two of our favorite things: Chinese buffet for lunch, and thrift store shopping afterward to walk off all the Chinese.  I'd kill two birds with one stone: lunch & shopping with my old friend, and great material for Blairsvillager.com.  A good plan indeed.

At Chinatown, a popular spot in downtown Murphy, we filled two plates each, one with appetizers and one with an array of entrees, and I also had a bowl of Sweet 'n' Sour soup. 

Molly has mastered chopsticks

Our favorite thing at Chinatown is the skewered Chicken Balls, but it's all good -- as you can see by our empty plates.

We were blessed with good fortune, mine -- the one on top -- was obviously about this blog.  Molly's was upbeat and better than her last fortune cookie which she said was empty -- but a good sign in her opinion, because it left her to create her own good fortune.  After a pleasant lunch and catching up, we discussed thrift stores and decided to visit four.  Just for fun, I challenged myself to purchase only one item for $5 or less!  My dears, that's sheer masochistic torture!

~

PAY IT FORWARD  
5462 W. Highway 64 ~ Murphy, NC
828.837-5858 
Helping families in need of financial assistance.
 


Pay it Forward has only been in operation in Murphy a few months -- across the highway from Ranger Flea Market, and also has locations in Blue Ridge and Loganville.

We found the store to be stronger in housewares and collectibles than clothing, but it's generally well stocked, organized, and professionally managed.

The best buy I saw was a real Picnic at Ascot flip-lid basket, complete with its netting fly-cover and woven cotton red-checked throw.  They were asking $15-used for this brand that generally runs in the $59-new range.

Child's knit dress

Embroidered Neck Roll Pillow

I did offer my $5 max spending-challenge on an item that was not only out-of-season, but way over-priced. The owner refused the offer and did not counter-offer, quickly letting the sale die. However, Molly found some nice baskets for Christmas, and my mother got a good deal on a desk there a few weeks ago, so give them a try.

~

5-Star Shopping Experience
LOGAN'S RUN RESCUE THRIFT STORE
3000 US Highway 64 ~ Murphy, NC
828.837-1360
Benefiting spaying/neutering, medical care and training, and home placement of rescued animals.

Readers, if you suffer from Thiftaphobia and usually have to be dragged kicking and screaming into thrift 
stores, Logan's Run will cure you of your ailment.

The Logan's Run Rescue Score Board

 

This store looks and feels more like an elegant boutique. Logan's Run staff are extremely particular about what goes onto the sales floor -- not everything lives up to the standard.

Items must be damage free to make the grade, and it shows in their attractive professional quality displays.


In contrast to the store's upscale appearance and the seemingly-new condition of the merchandise, the prices are spot-on extremely reasonable, and the staff are congenial, compassionate in their mission, eager to welcome you and have you become a repeat customer and a friend.  We felt right at home in this warm and cordial store.  It has the atmosphere of a friendly gathering place.

Logan's Run is an absolute must on your thrift store route.  I spent my $5 challenge there on this fabulous $4 carp, and even got a dollar change.  What a country!  What a thrift store!

Here's the Carp at home in Dove Cottage!


~

5 Star Shopping Experience
FRIENDSHIP HOUSE RESELLER THRIFT SHOP
1335 Hwy 64 West, Murphy, NC
828-837-0022
Benefiting Friendship House for Displaced Individuals and Families

Friendship House Shelter

Formerly known as Re-Cellar, then-named because it was a down-under shop located in the basement/cellar level of downtown Murphy, NC, the all-new Reseller, now at street level on Hwy 64, holds a special place in my heart.  Not only have I shopped there for years, but I've also individually and in groups helped with meals for the uber-compassionate Friendship House, which houses the displaced and homeless in the mountain area, and is the only shelter for displaced families in a much too-large radius.  

Main Floor -- Huge!

Susan working with a Donator

Now located in a gargantuan warehouse, quadrupaling their space, Elaine and Susan, who selflessly run Reseller, still exude that small-space warmth, joy and enthusiasm.  

The Shoe Store

The Kitchen Store

Molly studies a still life in the Entry Gallery

Fabulous accessories - Main Room

Deeply rooted in the Murphy community, Friendship House Reseller is a thrift store institution you won't want to miss. Not only will you find great clothing, furnishings and books, you'll help one of the best causes in the area.

~

4.5 Star Shopping Experience
VALLLEY RIVER HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT STORE

1161 W. US Hwy 64 ~ Murphy, NC

828.837-6137

Benefits the Valley River Humane Society Shelter 

Any store that benefits 4-legged critters is okay by me.  I love them all.  Valley River Humane Society Thrift Store is not a large shop, but it always has great household -- especially dishes -- and furniture.  So this is an ode to the very best items Molly and I saw on our outing, ironically at the last store we shopped.

FIRST PLACE WINNER seen at Valley River Humane Society Thrift Store:
The gorgeous Butler's Table below was in excellent condition, and only $35.  An incredible steal. 

SECOND PLACE WINNER, also seen at Valley River Humane Society Thrift Store:
This 8' x 10' flat-weave rug was brand new, never used and only $30.  It looks blue in the photo, but is actually a beautiful black and beige trellis pattern.

My day with Molly was one of joyful comraderie -- old friendships are one of life's greatest gifts.  It was great to see you, Molly!  Can't wait for lunch with you to come around again, my friend!  ~Jo