I just spent such a pleasant time
reading through the guestbook -- all
the way down to the first of the
messages. I appreciate all of you
writing and sharing your thoughts
about Jane, Tim and Oh, grape bottle-
cap trivets and the exploration/
discovery/searching and hoarding that
intrigues us. It occured to me, as I sat
here reading, that my collecting has
brought me the best treasure of all --
friends/readers in so many different
places who share the experience.
Please keep writing -- and send in
some pictures of your favorite "stuff." I
feel we have a community here who
will share your thrill of the perfect "find." Enjoy this long hot summer
and happy hunting.
Just read about your loss. I'm so sorry. Please continue to write - we all need a little Nellie in our lives. I've recommended your books to all my fellow readers. Unfortunately, they keep reminding me I'm supposed to be clearing out - not picking up!
Susan Pearce
Dec. 21
Dear Sharon,
I have been an avid reader of your wonderful 'Jane Wheel' books since I discovered a copy of 'Killer Stuff' in my local library about 2 years ago - I live in Arnold, Nottingham, England. I have visited your web site often in the past,& mainly because I am half way through 'The Wrong Stuff' again (I adore re-reading favourite books) I decided to pay a visit tonight. Reading about the death of your Mum was so sad, as she was wonderfully described in the books , & I feel genuine sorrow at the news.
Thank you for producing a 'Jane Wheel' tote bag, which I have just ordered and will look forward to filling with all the stuff I just have to carry around with me when I leave the house. You never know, perhaps someone over here will ask who 'Jane Wheel' is, & eventually your books might be more easily available. At present, I have to rely on good old Amazon.com, as no bookshop in Nottingham sells them. Mind you, there are many books I have to get from Amazon, as our bookshops tend to sell the most popular novels, & I have now abandoned my once regular trip into town the day a much longed for novel is published, as I've found from bitter experience that it is rarely on the shelves of any of Nottingham shops.
Belinda St Germain, from the Wrong Stuff, (who I confess I did think was a real author!!) offers such wonderful words of wisdom for those of us who stuff our houses with endless collections of essentials, that I find myself mentally trying to de-clutter at the moment. Sadly, I know that's as far as it will get, because I find it so hard to even think about disposing of the many items which have a purely nostalgic reason for being kept. But collecting things is such fun, isn't it? Looking through the reader's stuff page on your website, I'm very attracted to the flip top sugar bowls, something that I've never seen in England - but perhaps I haven't looked hard enough. My largest collection (which I will try to send you a photo of soon) is of cream, animal & bird shaped egg cups. Many are, I believe, from the 1950's, though the first two which started the collection are in the shape of hippo's and dated to at least 1928 - my Mum, born in 1928 said they pre-dated her birth. Considering I don't like eating eggs much, it seems a strange thing to collect, but it got addictive, & every time my husband or I visit a junk shop, cream egg cups are what we look for first.
Thank you for creating 'Jane Wheel', the books bring me enormous pleasure, & are full of wonderful 'real' characters.
Best wishes,
Karen Jane Hudson
Dec. 20
I love your books!!! I am from Grant Park, IL which is about 20 miles northeast of Kankakee.
When I was a kid my parents worked in the taverns in Grant Park from about 1961 to 1968. Alot of the items and things you talk about in your books are things I forgot about, like the punchboards. Knowing the landmarks you talk about in the county makes me feel like Jane could have been a friend.
A friend of mine says she went to school with you at Bishop Mac. Her name is Ann Murray Hall. The books I have are all autographed editions from the local Barnes & Nobles. I am sorry to say that everytime you are in the area I am not able to get to Barnes & Nobele due to work or school.
I just want you to know how very much I enjoy your Jane Wheel books. I read them quickly to find out what is going to happen next and am very disappointed when I am finished because I want more.
Please keep up the great work!!!
Joanne McKinstry
December 16, 2007
Your site of lost wedding photos reminded me of an incident that prompted me (a lover of stuff, especially family stuff) to practice a RAGK (Random Act of Genealogical Kindness).
Attending an estate sale near my house in Chattanooga, I saw two framed photos hanging on a bedroom wall. One was of a large white house in Canada, with the house name and province written on the back. The second was of a distinguished gentleman in suit and glasses, labeled on the back: “Grandpa.” The house owners were from Canada, and I thought they were childless.
How else would Grandpa have been left hanging?
I left them, feeling sad that no one had claimed the lovely house and lovelier Grandpa. Later, I thought I should have bought the photos and returned them to the historical society in the town and province they came from.
To my delight, Grandpa showed up in a Junior League shop more than a year later. Although the house photo was not with Grandpa, the distinguished gentleman followed me home.
A few phone calls told me that the widow of the original owner was not only alive, but a member of my church. When I called her, she told me she didn’t know Grandpa had been left behind and thought one of her children had him safely tucked away. We had a delightful conversation when I returned her grandfather, who had been a professor at the University of Calgary.
At least the old gentleman was with his family again.
Shirley Charlton
Nov 7
Hi, Sharon,
I have read all your books, having just finished Buried Stuff. I have to say I really like them, obviously since I have read them all. I also really like all the interesting things you include about Jane's search for different items. Some of them I know what she is talking about, some of them I don't, but that's okay. I'm glad to see there is a new one coming out!
I have one question though: What is a sauce bun? Is this something that is only known in that particular area of Illinois? I have never heard of them before.
Take care and keep writing!
Gretchen VanPelt
Brazil, IN
Monday, Aug. 7, 2006
Dear Sharon,
I am adding this email to my list entitled, "All the things I always wanted to do, but didn't have time for in the past!" I am writing to an author whose books have given me much pleasure! Hurrah! Another check mark on my list!
I stumbled upon Jane Wheel via your first book, purchased as "salvage" in a going-out-of-business sale in Jacksonville Florida where I now reside. Fifty cents brought me laughter and enjoyment but more importantly vindication. I have spent my entire adulthood seeking out the past - most importantly my own. My parents both died when I was 20 years old. Their house was sold to an older brother whose wife systematically got rid of all my childhood toys, diaries, photos, etc. They also sold all my parents belongings leaving me only with a few things that I had taken with me when I left home. An interesting mix of things that I kept but I won't take the time to enumerate or analyze. Since then, at age 58, I now have replaced a few things that I recall from my Mother's kitchen. My husband and son have always thought I was crazy for buying other people's old stuff! Like Jane, I wistfully think about the history of people who owned this "stuff" before me. Like Jane I actually use the items. It brings me closer to home and to my parents. These items also help keep their memories alive. I am a driven and devoted picker!
My house is also filled with vintage family photos. I had inherited these photos from my paternal grandmother who lived with me until she died at age 82. I was 12 when she died. Throughout my growing up, I spent hours going over these photos with her while she told me stories about her past in the Indian Territory - later Oklahoma - and in Texas where I was born and lived. So from infancy, I was instilled with the wisdom and history telling skills of my elders. I loved living in the past when I would spend the weekend at Grannie's - a two room house in our backyard that had neither running water nor a inside toilet! I would tell my parents to "Stay Away!" Then I could pretend that I was living with Grannie just outside Ardmore and I would be transported to her past life. When she died I was too young to ask for anything in her house but finally was able to reach beyond my grief and retrieve all the photos. These vary from portraits of her mother and grandmother, my grandfather at age 19, to her brothers and sisters,holding guns,standing in front of cabins, etc. - many dating from the late 1800's. From an uncle by marriage, who had no surviving relatives, I inherited more old photos from the same time frame. These include photos of him dressed like a girl, typical of the day, in Little Lord Fauntleroy type dress, including long finger curls and bow in hair! Wonderful! He was my favorite uncle and I named my son after him.
I now own all the Jane Wheel books and intend to buy the new one - full price of course. Thank you for articulating my "need" to search for ever more stuff! If we don't know about our history and the history of all Americans, how can we understand truly who we are? Why we are the way we are? Those of us in the Baby Boomer category yearn for a quieter, gentler time. Did it truly exist? Yes. Anyone who doubts, simply needs to visit one estate sale. Then if they open their eyes, their hearts and their memories they will understand this truth. I spent over 30 years in corporate America chasing after things that now matter not one whit to me! So now I chase those things that do. This includes this email!
When I decided to "retire" early two years ago, my son told me to make a list of all the things I dreamed of doing when I was young that I never had the time to do. And so I am now on a journey to accomplish all on that list. Funny thing, though. The list is inside my head and it keeps growing daily as I think of more and more I want to do! So I have learned that there is a wonderful world out there still. It is filled with wonderful and interesting things to do. It is filled with people who have interesting stories to tell. And you often meet them at garage sales, estate sales and thrift shops! Sometimes you discover them by reading a book you love and then researching the author.
Doing my research on you, Sharon, I found information on Steve and his writings. I, too have a physical limitation. Not as great as that experienced by your husband. However, I have always looked for inspiration to go forward by examining the accomplishments and experiences of others whose challenges are greater than mine. He truly is someone to be admired. I will also be buying his autobiography.
Thank you for your books, for your ability to bring joy and fun to others. I shall continue to look for Jane Wheel books and contribute to your financial ability to seek more "STUFF!" Also, congrats on using gmail! I love it!
Sincerely,
Patricia Spencer Jarrett
July 25, 2006
Dear Sharon--
I've just gotten to the part in Killer Stuff where Jane finds the grape bottlecap trivets--the very ones I have on my wall, snatched off ebay, the ones my grandmother, or maybe my great-grandmother, made--and I put the book down, got up, and came over here because I had to say thank you.
Thanks for understanding. If you'd ever like me to edge you a vintage new old stock linen hanky, you only have to say the word, girl, you just earned one.
All best wishes,
Lydia Ondrusek
Friday, July 28, 2006 at 6:26 pm
I loved all 5 of your books, but especially the first three because
you shopped more and talked about various kinds of sales more in
those books. I love your descriptions of estate sales since I am
addicted also, and your narratives are both hilarious and true. I
live in Madison, WI and estate sales are pretty popular here. I
collect crocheted potholders and have them hanging on my kitchen
soffit. I also love sewing collectibles, primitive furnishings, old
kitchen utensils, rolling pins, bowls and canning jars which I
display on my Hoosier Cabinet. My collections have also taken over
most of the house.
Please, please let Jane and Tim do a lot of shopping in the next
book! Write fast ... your fans are waiting!
Darlene Jacobek
Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at 3:07 pm
Dear Sharon, I don't collect stuff. I'm trying to declutter my life, so I vicariously enjoy Jane's passion. I just read your first 2 books this summer. (I'm a teacher). Glad to see there are more for my library to order. I just sit on my lounge chair on my California patio and enjoy!!!!
MaryLou
Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 11:11:52
Hi Sharon,
I love reading your books-can't wait to read Hollywood Stuff(going today to get it!)
I have lived in Bourbonnais since I was 8 yrs old and now run a pediatric rehab business-so it is great fun to read about the area in your books. It makes is so much more fun!!
Brenda Zuccollo
Wednesday, July 12, 2006 at 11:39:54
Hi Sharon, I LOVE your first four books & eagerly looked forward to the fifth. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with Hollywood Stuff. I've read some of the comments in your guestbook, & I'm in the minority, I guess. I still look forward to your next book, but please keep Jane, Oh & Tim closer to home.
Thanks for much pleasure with the first books in which we share a love of "Stuff".
Pat
Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at 22:14:02
I am just in the middle of "Hollywood
Stuff" and love it! It will be my next
suggestion for my order at the public
library where I work. I had posted
once before about living on Cannon St.
as a child. I am curious as to whether
you attended Longfellow Elementary
while growing up in Kankakee? The
school and Ryan's drugstore bring
back good memories. Unfortunately I
was too young to have gone to the EZ
Way! Avidly finishing "Hollywood" --
thanks for a great book!
Becky H.
Friday, June 30, 2006 at 23:31:32
Hi Sharon - Your books have caused a further source of addiction for me! I have been collecting things all my life and just in about the last 5-6 years or so really got hot and heavy into vintage "stuff". Jane keeps inspiring me yet more - I will read about the "stuff" - then check out ebay pictures - then catch the "fever" and start haunting Goodwill and estate sales for it! Estate sales are my favorite because even though the prices can be higher than Goodwill or rummage sales, I love getting the chance to "snoop" through houses and imagine what the people were like, where they traveled, what they collected, how they lived, etc. Also there was the benefit of finding an entire collection of gold Libbey Leaf glassware all never used in their original boxes and all in sets of 8 for $35 total at my most recent estate sale!! LOL!
My mom and sister share my passion for vintage as well - my mom has made a business out of collecting old Pfaltzgraff and my sister and her husband love mid century modern design so much they purchased a house of the period and are designing every last detail to fit in - they were carrying on about the "right" shape and color of the walkway plants and if they looked "mod" enough last time I talked with them - they are beyond obsession right now - LOL. I will keep you posted with the website address they will be doing when the house is finished to showcase everything...
Sorry - I start talking vintage stuff and I get off into rambling tangents - LOL. What I was hoping to see was Tim's souvenir platters that he was thinking of using in his dream house california bungalow in Hollywood Stuff. I had basically the same idea after fondling and buying some black tin very vintage souvenir platters of California (where I grew up by the way) and had the same idea as Tim did so I wanted to see if we were talking about the same type of thing.
Thanks again and keep those books coming - they are not coming fast enough for me! LOL!
ps my grandmother had that exact same grape trivet - boy that brought back memories....speaking of memories I am hot on the trail for the Santa Claus Howard Holt mugs and Gurley Choir Boy candles of my christmas past but want to resort to ebay as a last resort for them - I have already tracked down the exact pattern of milk glass punch bowl that are in christmas pictures from when I was 3 in the 60s (it spoke to me at a garage sale and I didn't realize why until I looked back at those old christmas pictures!.....okay there I go again...rambling...sorry!
Take care! Deborah
Milwaukee, WI
Jun 28
Hi Sharon:
Love your books!! They so inspire me!! I'm just preparing to buy my mother in law's antique shop that's fully stocked with an unspeakable amount of "stuff." Love to have you come see it when I open it again. I shall keep in touch and let you know when. Also, as I inventory (I shudder at the thought) what is there I shall keep your favorite stuff in mind and possibly send to you. Best wishes and keep writting. I'll keep selling!!
Denise Haskins, Vernon, Florida
Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 19:19:42
Dear Sharon - I just finished reading your first book. I really enjoyed it. I even passed up some of my favorite TV to read your book. I connected with Jane and wanted to see how the mystery was going to resolve. I love easy read mystery series books. I discovered your books by just browsing in the mystery section at the public library. I also enjoy garage sales. Now, after reading your book, I really want to go to some estate sales. Keep on writing.
Mary
Friday, June 23, 2006 at 20:01:13
I picked up Dead Guy's Stuff in the mystery section of the local library. I am a garage/rummage sale junkie, dumpster diver and an Antiques Roadshow watcher. Needless to say, I loved your book! I read it in one day and can't wait to get my hands on Jane's other adventures.
PS My mom buys bags of buttons too.
Janice Ramos
Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 03:16:18
Hi Sharon, I just had to let you know how much I am enjoying your books. I am now on the 3rd in the series & I only started reading them 4 days ago. These books are as good as really being "on the hunt" My husband loves the fact that the main character name is Jane!!
Jane Kiniry
Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 09:39:13
Tuck and Roll
I thought I would tell you about a person you might encounter at a garage sale. This is a real person. His nickname is Tuck and Roll. He stands very close to the garage door and when it starts to open, he drops to the ground and rolls under the door to give himself a few seconds advantage over the people waiting outside for the door to completely open. He grabs everything and anything he can make money on and is very small and fast and Yes, he has a small pony tail to compensate for his baldness.
I love your books and really relate to you as a Flea Market, Yard Sale Junker and also my husband and I own a family Old Fashioned Fisherman Bar on Cape Cod, which is one of the last ones existing without change since the l950's.
I first met you at a Yard Sale where I purchased Dead Man's Stuff for $.50 and could not put it down. All of my friends are now hooked. Keep on buying the stuff. I am waiting to read Hollywood Stuff now.
Regards, Gail
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 6:26 pm
I am TOTALLY hooked on Jane Wheel's adventures! I was an Antique "dealer," garage-aholic in my younger days and loved it all. I'm 75 now, and living the fun, again, through your books.
Please keep up the EXCELLENT WORK!
Your mysteries are captivating.! I just received Hollywood Stuff after reading the first four in just over two months. I'm afraid I'm reading them faster than you can write them! But I'll try to be patient!
Truly Yours, a fan from Peotone, Illinois
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 12:04:13
Dear readers who are also guestbook signers -- Thanks so much for leaving messages. The thing about a website -- one just wants to feel that others are visiting and it's lovely to hear from you all.
Specifics? I was scheduled to be at Aunt Agatha's on August 19th, Kayne, but discovered that my college freshman has to arrive on campus that very day, so had to cancel Ann Arbor. I will reschedule soon since I love that bookstore and the lovely owners, Robin and Jamie Agnew.
I will also try to write faster, Sue, but that is tough for me -- my research, especially in the garage sale, flea-market heyday of summer, takes up so much time! I had a blast in Watseka -- it is always a delight to speak at libraries and meet voracious readers -- this was a particularly fun evening.
Hope everyone enjoys Jane Wheel's trip to the West Coast in Hollywood Stuff -- don't worry, she won't remain there. She's a midwestern gal at heart. As far as Tim goes ... I think he only thinks she'd like to live in LA. As one of my Watseka readers astutely observed -- Tim likes being a big fish in Kankakee's small pond!
Keep those cards and letters coming (electronically and metaphorically) and have a wonderful summer. Let me know what you're finding at the sales -- and send pictures for readers' stuff!
Sharon
Monday, June 12, 2006
I read Wrong Stuff and am now hooked on Jane Wheel. Your descriptions of the Book Guys are hysterical, and way too true. Thank you for the fishing vest hint: I am a Book Gal and it would assist me in my quest (but I try hard to not be as obnoxious as the Book Guys!). And thanks to you, I now own my first Bakelite piece.
One question: I live in Michigan and would like to attend your appearance at Aunt Agatha's in Ann Arbor on Aug. 19, but their website lists Sharon Short, not Sharon Fiffer. Are you Sharon Short? Thank you.
Kayne
Monday, June 12, 2006 at 01:26:55
Dear Sharon, Thank you for giving so many of us a new friend in Jane. I, too, am a sentimental softy who looks beyond the item to the person who cherished it. It is so cool to peek inside the loving friendship of Jane and Tim. I get lost in your enticing mysteries and the thrill of the "stuff", but mostly, I appreciate the deep and abiding relationships. My one complaint? Won't you PLEASE write FASTER?!!! Thank you so very much,
Sue
Thursday, June 8, 2006 at 08:22:06
I've finished Hollywood Stuff. It's a masterpiece :) Love that Jane Wheel!!
Hope to see you at a signing one of these days!
Candi
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 20:40:59
Sharon, thank you for a very enjoyable evening at the Watseka Public library.
judith ellis
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 08:00:00
Sharon,
I have really enjoyed your books!
They have been fun to read and
share with my mother since we
lived in Kankakee for five years in
the early 60's. Loved your
mention of Cannon St. (our
street!) in the one book. I keep
encouraging the library where I
work to order them all. Thanks
for all the memories and fun.
Becky
Friday, May 19, 2006 at 23:30:44
Dear Sharon (Mom),
Your adopted daughter here reporting herself. Kate told me about the page and it is truly a delight to look through. Congratulations on your many books and success. Send my love to Dad, Rob and Nora. I hope you all are well.
Much love and good memories from your Venezuelan daughter.
Dany
Sharon ... so enjoyed meeting you, and sitting across from you last evening at dinner, and at Aunt Agatha's. I can hardly wait to read your books that I brought home with me ... and, who knows ... maybe I'll get the "killer stuff" instinct some day soon. Thanks, Ginny
What fun books. I am a mystery fan and a "junker". Even though I aspire to clean things out and give them away it doesn't happen as much as I'd like. I've been waiting for your new book!
52 pick-up...beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Thank you for rediscovering this book. Your perception of its worth and including the lovely illustrations warms me.
I adore your books. I work at the local library and have asked them to purchase each book you have in the Jane Wheel Series. Keep up the good work!
Sharon, This is really neat. Great website and what a great picture. You get even lovlier as time goes by. Hope Steve and the kids are well. We are aok here. Miss seeing you. Maybe we need a baseball reunion.........Meg
Meg Cagney <mwc227 <at> aol.com>
Evanston, IL USA - Sunday, March 19, 2006 at 02:08:21
The new site looks great! Great for treasure seekers with all the goodies hidden in the various drawers (you know I love little drawers) not to mention the excellent display of buttons. Keep up the good work!
Becca Gay
Evanston, Il USA - Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 13:19:37
Sharon: Love the new site. Especially the generous use of the buttons. I have turned into such a fan of Bakelite! I think Susan even surpassed what I was expecting. Also, I love the Reader's Stuff and the Newlyweds Page. I'm sure Jane would approve. Congratulations.
Carol Cardona
USA - Friday, March 17, 2006 at 23:18:27
