Sorry about the lack of updates. I just haven’t been able to get into the writing mindset. I think I just reached peak burnout, and eventually I realized I had to switch things up if I wanted to really enjoy life. It’s been a busy few months figuring that out, but things are falling into place (I think) and I feel some creative energy returning.
Got lots of things to tell you about, but I’ll break them into a few different posts, because these short posts are much easier to write.
I guess we can start with the most recent, which is that I bought a “new” (to me) car. It’s a 2012 Kia Rondo, which I think is a nice size for my purposes. Big enough to fit a lot more stuff (and not have to do so much sorting on the spot), but not a boat like some of the bigger vans out there (like the Dodge Grand Caravan). For trash picking in this city, it’s nice to have space, but it’s also nice to have a maneuverable vehicle that’s easy to stop and park. It’s also big enough for camping if that’s something I want to do.
I’d been looking for a new vehicle for a while, but the used car market is a bit crazy right now. Personally I think prices have come down, but a lot of people are still trying (unsuccessfully) to sell their 10 year old beaters for 2x what they’re worth. I played the waiting game, and eventually found one that was reasonably priced. I paid 4450$, which I think was very fair. So far, I’m pretty happy – it’s very clean, feels well maintained, and is also a lot more comfortable and powerful than my old subcompact beater, which was a bit of a lemon as well.
Here’s some finds from a spot in St Michel earlier this summer. I miss this spot.
These guys were travel agents I think, and apparently never threw away an old paper. I found lots of boxes packed like this, with travel ephemera dating mostly from the 50s to 70s.
Here’s the contents of a big envelope marked “Ontario.” There were several envelopes filled with similar content from different provinces. I listed some on eBay, but the listings don’t seem too popular. Maybe it’s better sold at yard sales, or on Instagram.
I love a good map, and there were a lot of good ones here. This is PEI in the early 60s (iirc). I heart the colour scheme.
Some of the ephemera was a little older, like this Quebec booklet that was published in 1934. No need for me to take more photos of this, when the Quebec Archive has already scanned it!
I also like a good vintage box. This Kraft processed cheese box is pretty neat, I didn’t know they once had a factory in Outremont. From this document, it looks like they were operating from 20 Bates in the early 50s, and likely a bit before and after.
Not as vintage, but still fun is this Steinberg’s skim milk powder box. I doubt there’s too many of these kicking around! I’m guessing it’s from the late 70s or early 80s based on that font. People around here love Steinberg’s memorabilia, so it definitely has some value to a collector.
This is one of those spots that produced so much cool stuff that it was kind of overwhelming. Going forward, I’m going to have to be a bit more picky about what I take pictures of… but I’ll get into that more in my next post.
Links
1. My eBay listings, Sign up for eBay (Canada, US), Search for something you want / research something you have (Canada, US) – FYI these are Ebay Partner Network links, so I make a few bucks if you sign up for an account or buy something after getting to eBay using these links
2. Facebook page
3. Follow @garbagefinds and @garbagefindssells (selling account, operated by someone else) on Instagram
4. Email: thingsifindinthegarbage@gmail.com – note that I can’t fulfill most requests for items, many are already gone by the time they are posted here.
So glad to see you are back. I’ve missed you and all your great finds. I hope things are going well for you.
So glad to see you again. Long time lurker, never posted in the comments before!
Glad to hear you’re feeling more positive and are feeling a little energy come back. I’ve had quite a bit to deal with for quite a long time (years), so everything I do is essentially on will power.
I wasn’t able to respond to your post at the time, but wondered if you ever came across the Johann Hari book, “Lost Connections.” I remember watching interviews with him when the book came out, but never read it. The thing that impressed me at the time was his identification of capitalist society causing a depression epidemic. I believe it’s also the story of how he approached his own depression in that context, instead of taking on the burden of individual fault, blame, and shame that our societies tend to encourage. While I can’t recommend a book I never read, I thought I’d mention it just in case there’s something useful in there.
– Cheers
Good to hear from you again. Those travel items are a fantastic find, even if they are only worth a few dollars each, it looks like you have a hundred or so.
I am very happy to read this blog post. Please keep doing what you need to do to maintain you own health. And I continue to be amazed at what people throw away… and you manage to salvage!
So glad to read a new post. You might try Etsy for the vintage travel papers. List it as craft supplies.
So glad to see you back. I like the sound of “I feel some creative energy returning.”
I’m glad you found a reasonably-priced vehicle that is perfect for your location and line of work. I hope to passenger in it sometime in the near-ish future. 🙂
Short post, long post, any kind of post post … I’ll take it. Just keep the delight coming!
Hi Martin, so glad things are going better for you! Your car sounds like an excellent choice for getting around and finding some good stuff. Love all the vintage maps and the fromage box. Will check out your eBay listings and look forward to your future posts.
I love your new ride! I definitely think you got a great deal! Can’t wait for your part two post.
I like your new vehicle. It sounds like you made a very good choice. I am glad that you are feeling better. I had wondered how things were going for you. It’s good to hear that things are looking up for you.
Maps are slower lately on eBay.
Outdoor recreation was booming but well gas stations failed in their civic pride.
Hi – Martin, Congrats on the car. It looks very well cared for. Looking forward to shorter more frequent posts. If you would like to shake things up and take a ride in your new vehicle, Canada does have Goodwill bins. The outlets are bins of unsold or other categories of merchandise jumbled in bins you dig in. My store has 60 bins that change out 10 hourly. You pay by the pound or by the inch here as is the case with books. It seems there is one in London, Ontario and one in Edmonton,Alberta and Montreal Quebec. Google Goodwill Outlet and you can see if there is one
There is one not too far away. I don’t know if they’d have the kind of stuff that interests me, but I’ll check it out at some point just to see.
I know that feeling so well. Your HEALTH (physical, mental or emotional) is more important than any self imposed deadline. I love reading this, but can wait.
Hi Martin,
Glad to see you are back. Congrats on the car. Mine has a hole in the floor so it is on its last legs. When I get depressed I try to give myself 3 days if I can, then try to do something different or out of the ordinary to snap out of it. It doesn’t always work for me but it reminds me that things are always changing. You do what is best for you. Take care of yourself.
So wonderful to see a post. Each one of your posts in my inbox is like a huge gift. Never mind about the length … please keep them coming! Wishing you all the best for some good pickings this fall, and congrats on the new ride. Bon courage!!
Hi Martin
Happy to see your posts and happier to hear that you’re feeling better. Day at a time my friend, all of us are OK with you pacing your posts as your health allows.
I am very happy,happy that you are back with a new post after months of disappearing.You used to have 7694 followers at the peak a month or so ago.Now you are down to 7455.I hope you go back up to 7694, recover the lost subscribers and push past the 7700 followers mark soon.
It made me so happy to see your post and know that you are taking care of yourself. We all missed you!
I am so happy that you are back. Love your car! Love your posts! Hope you are doing well!