Tag Archives: Finland

Hidden Treasures at Goodwill

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What is the most valuable thing you ever found at Goodwill?

I THINK I just discovered a real hidden treasure, like something you’d see on Antiques Roadshow!

I often stop at the Goodwill located right next door to TJ Maxx. I hadn’t been there in a while, but yesterday morning it didn’t look too crowded so I decided to check it out.

I’m always on the lookout for cute little boxes or animal figurines. I didn’t see anything like that, but a very unusual vase caught my eye. I looked and looked at it, and I knew I didn’t NEED a vase, but the shape and colors were unique and I brought it home for $3.99.

Always curious, I researched the maker’s name on the bottom…Finland Arabia. There’s a lot of information online and I learned that Arabia was a Finnish ceramics company, founded in 1873 by Rörstrand. The specific type of mark on the bottom of my vase indicated it was made between 1900-1917.

It’s in absolutely pristine condition. I couldn’t find this exact triangle kind of design (which might mean it’s super rare) but similar pieces recently sold for hundreds of dollars!

Who would toss out this turn-of-the-century beauty with the stylized floral motif?

I probably won’t ever sell it, but I’m grateful to have rescued her (for $3..99!!!!) and she’ll have pride of place in my display case.

If anyone knows anything about this piece, please tell me!

Word Of The Day: Sisu

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Friends and I are in a state of shock and mourning for the death of democracy as well as being really angry at the outcome of the election. We’re trying to process the enormity of this presidential election and how our lives are going to be forever negatively impacted by what’s to come, including Project 2025.

We also don’t know why a recount wasn’t immediately demanded, why Kamala Harris conceded so quickly, and why it seems as if that orange POS convicted felon will escape all accountability for his crimes. Jack Smith TRIED. Where is justice? Remember January 6? I’m still sad, still angry.

E. Jean Carroll and Mary Trump warned all of us:

My go-to solution of a little retail therapy at the dollar store didn’t help. This situation is deeply depressing.

I’m not sure I’m ready to hear this, but I discovered the Finnish word/concept of “sisu”, It means strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face o adversity.

We’re going to need all of that to continue to fight the good fight. Darkness is being exposed all over the universe.

Sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage. It’s a word that can’t really be fully translated.

From Wiki: Sisu is extraordinary determination in the face of extreme adversity, and courage that is presented typically in situations where success is unlikely. It expresses itself in taking action against the odds, and displaying courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity; to decide on a course of action and adhering to it even if repeated failures ensue.

The English “gutsy” invokes a similar metaphor (one also found in other languages): the Finnish usage derives from sisus, translated as “interior”, and as “entrails” or “guts” or “intestinal fortitude”. Another closely related English concept evokes the metaphor “grit”.

That’s what we need right now: GRIT. GUTS. DETERMINATION. COURAGE.

And don’t forget to breathe.

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