Vintage

Over the weekend, Rich and I wandered through a gigantic vintage and antique outdoor market. Hiking isn’t our only favourite summertime escape as you’ll often find us exploring other unique hidden treasures like this one, too.

Sometimes, the discoveries are simple, like markets with fresh Ontario-grown produce, handmade crafts and jewelry, the comforting aroma of flowers and scented candles, or delicious homemade treats. Other times, it’s the unexpected finds that make you take a second look. The kind of treasures that hold more meaning than anyone else may realize, which is exactly what happened when I spotted a display of Smurf figurines at the vintage and antique market.  

To most people, they might have glanced at the display and thought it was nothing more than a silly blast from their past and kept walking. But to me, they carried the weight of childhood memories. As a child, I had a cherished collection of Smurfs, lots and lots of Smurfs, that I lost years ago in an unfortunate (and truly preventable) mishap during my young adult life. Another story of childhood trauma for another time. But seeing them again brought back a flood of nostalgia, both sweet and bittersweet. 

When I noticed Smurfette among them, there was no hesitation. I had to have her. Smurfette reminds me of everything I wish for myself. She combines kindness, empathy, courage, intelligence, and resilience while also serving as a symbol of personal growth and self-empowerment. So, for $2.80, I walked away with far more than a figurine. I walked away with a little piece of my past and a grin from ear to ear 💙.

It’s funny how the smallest discoveries can bring us back to a piece of ourselves that we didn’t even realize were missing. And, honestly, who would ever imagine that the ’80’s are now considered vintage or antique? 

Maybe that’s what I loved so much about this market—it reminded me that no matter what, we are never too old to rediscover our value and worth. 

To find joy in the unexpected even when we lose pieces of ourselves along the way, life has a way of offering us moments to reclaim them. Sometimes, healing shows up in the most unexpected places.

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