IT’S A TOUGH JOB, BUT SOMEONE’S GOT TO DO IT!
When Country Home called and asked if I would escort clients to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California, there was no hesitation to my response. Yes! A chance to visit my daughter Taylor, bask in warm sunshine, and steep in acres of unforgettable junk? It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!

Upon my arrival in California, Taylor informed me that she had a surprise evening planned. I was to meet her at 4:00 in the afternoon and dress “nice casual.” Dinner?  Theater? I couldn’t guess what she was planning. Nobody does anything that early in Los Angeles. Hmm…

Taylor’s friends (Dave and Vanessa) picked us up with smiles-a-beaming. No matter how hard I tried to pry the surprise out of them, they remained silent and smiling. It wasn’t until we parked and the American Idol signs appeared did I figure things out.  Taylor knows how hooked on TV’s American Idol show her parents are! (We refuse to take her calls on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Guilty pleasure or mad obsession?)   

We checked our cell phones at the door and were escorted to seats directly behind Simon. The studio seemed so small in real life. I couldn’t stop smiling and clapping the entire show.  Sadly, Michael Johns was kicked off that evening. Dave was distraught over America’s decision. How could the country let him down? Simon proved to be very pleasant and accommodating to fans eagerly seeking autographs during the commercial breaks. Ryan Seacrest was a master at his job, calmly navigating the rough waters of a live television show. I was impressed—quite the production.

Vanessa consoled Dave. I got the impression not only had he lost his American Idol, he lost a few bucks in the Idol pool at work. The truth comes out, perhaps. I hugged and thanked my daughter for an incredible surprise as we picked up our phones. But it wasn’t over….the four of us were then escorted back stage to meet the Idol contestants! Trying not to look totally star-struck, I visited with Brooke, David A., Jason, and Syesha. When David Cook, my husband’s favorite, joined in the conversation, I couldn’t resist acting totally un-cool and asked Vanessa to take our photo with her phone. David was extremely charming and gracious. I immediately sent the photo to my husband, Kerry. “Envy” doesn’t quite describe his response...hah! Needless to say, I was giddy for the rest of the evening and absolutely blown away by my early-evening surprise. 

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Early Sunday morning—the weather forecast was sunny and hot, and the junk was calling. On the second Sunday of every month, the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena welcomes more than 30,000 collectors, antiquers, junkers, and deal seekers. It’s a spectacular flea market with interesting finds and surprisingly good prices. I briefed our Country Home host, Jacqui, and a group of 12 on the ins and outs of flea-market shopping. Most had never been to a flea market and listened carefully to my instructions. (It’s nice knowing that my expertise is valid and valued!) We picked up our VIP passes at the gate as a loudspeaker proclaimed the Rose Bowl as the “flea market of the stars.” (I felt a little silly walking with VIP hanging around my neck…VIP of junk? Oh well…gotta love it!) We picked a meeting spot and I directed the group to the area that sells only vintage and antique products. (Rose Bowl is one of the few flea markets that separates new and old product.) 

We were allowed only two hours to shop, which is not even close enough time to scour this enormous market. But—hold on; this is clever—it did give each of them a chance to get their “flea” legs. Go ahead and laugh now. That was funny.

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The group spread out quickly as people were drawn to different objects and had varying ways of attacking the aisles of antiques, junk, and oddities. I was tortured by the sheer quantity of exquisite junk combined with the crushing reality of one carry-on bag. My purchases included a 1930s mannequin hand (missing a finger) to hold business cards, a Los Angeles Paving Co. token used by workers to clock in/out to use as a pendant, and a fencer’s mask to be wired for a light sconce. The latter was too big to get in my suitcase and is currently residing with my daughter. En guarde!

We enjoyed brunch along with an entertaining “Show and Tell” back at Jacqui’s charming craftsman-style home a few miles from the Rose Bowl. It was joyously fun to hear about the enthusiastic shoppers’ first-time experiences. As expected, stories included second thoughts on the items they passed on. Since many of the vendors set up in the same spaces each month, I let them know there would be a chance it will reappear the following month. The thermometer hit 103 degrees that day, hot by even Californians standards. I wasn’t complaining. 

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Finishing up the journey in Minnesota, I was whisked off to a book signing at my friend Jane’s sale. She operates a lovely three-day sale each month in her shop in Carver, Minnesota. Most of her customers are regulars and stand in line every month to snatch up bargains from Jane’s eclectic vintage inventory. Friendly faces, homemade cookies, and my kind of junk!  Check out her site for upcoming sales. 

Summer is almost here and the shopping has just begun!  

—Ki Nassauer