If you are a year-round resident of South Florida then you are probably familiar with two terms - 'Snowbird' and 'Snowflake'. The first refers to those people who migrate to South Florida to spend several winter months to escape the cold weather. The second term, is relatively new and not as universally known. It refers to those people who intermittently travel to South Florida. They may spend only a day or two or a week now and then, but usually do not stay for months at a time. If they did, they would have to be recategorized as a 'Snowbird'!

Our typical winter weather is near-perfection. Balmy with cool mornings and evening temperatures rarely going below sweater-worthiness. The reverse of our Northern antique dealers, our antique show schedule is full nearly every weekend and if not an antique show, then an art or a crafts show.

Well...the other day as I left my 4th floor condo and walked along our outdoor 'cat walk', I thought for a brief moment that it was actually snowing! It was cold out (50s) that day but certainly not cold enough for snow, so what was I seeing? It was an advanced landing force of a huge flock of ibises!! How beautiful as they gently spread their wings to lessen their speed and come in for a perfect landing. As they settled on firm ground they immediately began the work of finding their favorite critters to feed on. It was a bit of a thrill to witness their heads bob up and down as they sauntered over our lush lawn. I thought how it was very likely that each individual bird was as individual as a snowflake. Likewise, my snowbird and snowflake condo neighbors.

And so, early this morning I went to a small local indoor fleamarket and while moving from booth to booth thought how unique each dealer's setups were and how unique each dealer's selection of merchandise was and thought once again of that flock of birds. Just a simple thought tying together similar yet different things.

Mind you, I am an avid scrabble player and at one time belonged to a club. I remember moseying around the room looking at each board and noting how unwittingly each pair of players was assembling words with common themes. Not unlike what I've done here. Some might call this coincidence. I think of it a little differently. I think that as we walk through our lives, we are each connected to everything - inanimate or animate. By thinking that way and being interested to recognize those connections, I am forced to maintain a level of awareness that when ignored leaves me feeling empty. I think that my series of articles on this blog, Evolution of an Antique Dealer, is my way of tying disparate things together, making common experiences more 'in common'. What do you think?

Barbara Jokel
That Was Then Antiques