A week or so ago, I got another bee in my bonnet or what have you, and I decided I HAD to go visit some reclaim/salvage stores. I was looking in particular for some reclaimed wood (more on that later), but I also learned of this store in downtown Los Angeles that is called Southern California Architectural Salvage. Doesn’t that sound lovely? It’s better than its previous name, which was Santa Fe Wrecking. Ha!

I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but I was hoping for some amazing find at a great price. Wah, wah. I don’t think either of those things are possible in L.A., particularly when you are visiting a store expressly designed to try to sell you great finds. It was absurdly expensive. But they did have some cool stuff. Like…

Stacks of claw foot tubs.

Claw foot tubs, other bathroom garbage, and lots and LOTS of doors.

Shelves and shelves of these. What are they? I have no idea. Are they claw foots for tubs? If so, this is clearly a theme.

I love these old timey stoves. But in my head I hear my husband’s voice: “But what are you going to DO with it?”

Super cool little ride-on toy that I would’ve considered if my boys were younger.

I love this safe. Except that they wanted nearly $4000 for it. But they have the combo!

So, I left there with a few things because I figured I came all the way down there, I might as well get something. One of my main prizes was this awesome peacock:

There he is in my backyard. I’m going to put him in the garden. Don’t ask how much I paid because it was OUTRAGEOUS.

But here’s where I need your help. Should I paint the peacock? (And honestly, shouldn’t that be a euphemism for something?) I can imagine him painted all glossy white. Or keep him dull brassy?

WHAT SHOULD I DO, PEOPLE? To paint or not to paint. That is the question.

In my next post, I’ll tell you about the reclaimed wood and what I plan to do with it.

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