Inspiring Pretty {Old} Things

Being from the south, I have realized that there is inspiration everywhere.  I am not trying to say that there is not inspiration in other places than the south; but we have an extraordinary amount of beautiful items down here.  I have always held a very soft spot in my heart for antiques.  The age that these vintage beauties lived through is so different from what we know now.  The old train tracks that ran through the south defined all of the beautiful (old and rusty) junk yards that surround us.  I went to one a few weeks ago with some friends who were looking for sidewalk rocks.  Needless to say, I did not look at many rocks, but found these amazing pieces instead.....

 Everyone has one of these in an old picture in your house.  This one really stood out to me...  I love how the white paint has rusted and turned sort of blueish... 

 There was the biggest pile of rope on the ground I have ever seen.  The rope was about eight inches in diameter and there was no way to move it.  Luckily enough for me, it was nicely placed like this.

 These keys confused and awed me.  There were a ton of these huge cylinder barrels that I think these went too.  I am a sucker for rust.

 This was the only intact glass bottle I could find. It was sitting all alone in the middle of nothing.  I love the amber colored glass and how the shadow reflects that same color.

 Who ever had locker number eight needs to come claim this piece.  I love how really the only paper left on this is what has the number, all the rest has rusted away.

 Ok, I know you are asking why is this here and what is it.  I frankly have no idea, but the paint chipping and the movement from green to blue; how could I not put this up.

 I have no clue what this thing is, but I fell in love with it.  I would have bought it if I had a way to transport it.  The yellow really was still that bright.

I have never seen one of these except on Antiques Road Show.  I am obsessed with this tool cabinet.  It kept workers tools so neat and in place.  It was at one point blue, now faded.  The craftsmanship was inspiring - all hand carved. 

 Some sort of weight.  It was huge and beautiful.  I especially love the 'store house' stairs right behind it.

These are from the first petrol company in the US.  They carried coal throughout the factory.  There were a lot of them at this place.  I want one for a coffee table - I'd put some glass on top. 

I know that these are just a bunch of old things.  But I believe that these pieces inspire what we are moving towards in not only the fashion industry, but almost every industry.  There is a reason that reality shows like American Pickers and Picker Sisters are always in the 'po-dunk' parts of the South in Alabama and Tennessee; because thats where the best stuff is.  The colors and shapes are really inspiring.  Look around your house or room now and I bet there is something that will remind you of at least on of these images.  These are the foundations of our inspirations.