This morning, while answering a comment, the same comment prompted this post. I love vintage items. To me, they speak of the pride in workmanship, which is hard to find in mass-produced items today. Even the vintage Made in Japan items are full of detail if compared, and they were the laughing-stock in those days. So when I am looking for something, first I look for vintage and then I search for handmade items. Handmade items have that pride of workmanship that reflects in the object – same as yesteryear charm. In the process I am helping the planet.
To put this into perspective, lets take luggage as an example. I am a fan of vintage luggage, especially the old Samsonite. It was strong, beautiful, and lasted forever. You can still find this type of luggage from the 40’s in great shape. Now, compare this to today’s luggage and you get my point – It rips easily, it is plain ugly, the zippers don’t last, and if you travel often, it can get expensive. Today’s luggage lacks charm, detail, and quality. It is true that we carry more stuff with us when we travel, and there are more pockets and compartments in today’s luggage; however, it seems as is functionality killed beauty and attention to detail. Everything is so mass-marketed today, that it has lost enchantment – even books.
With all the technology we have today, things should be better, right? Well, the opposite seems true. I see it in many items – clothes, housewares …. Let’s take books as an example. Everyone is such in a rush to produce their books and put them out there (whether you self-publish or not) that the story is being sacrificed. Now, it is all about what is selling in the current market. So, before the crowds of readers ($$$) go into some other mode, we have to rush to get that story out. Rush, Rush, Rush – it is all about Rush to get there first, before the market gets cold. This is how we live today, how we teach our children to live, and how we promote living. I for once am tired of it. How do you feel about it?
Inkspeare 
I’m not one to rush to be the ifrst to buy or see or do anything..guess that’s why i prefer the goodwill, secound hand stores, yard sales, junk yards, flea markets, and all the places that don’t seem to have a cround around me…But I too Love old things and hand made items..
Back in the early 80’s i moved into a old log cabin in the wilderness. Loved that spot, closest neighbor 2 miles down a gravel road to the left..road ended toward the right…When i loved there i became addicted to old bottles ..they was everywhere around there, old milk bottles ,and everything from cork blue to rose colored glass bottles…all of the cork bottles. laying mostly in revines where there was also deep open old wells where homes used to be..at l found at least 10 old wells.I even belonged to the “bottle diggers of America”…and got regular mail from them.
Oh, I love the way you describe things. I also love the idea of moving to an old cabin, just as you did. Soon, my husband and I will be moving to a farmhouse in rural VA to enjoy the blessings of a simpler life, so I can relate to what you are saying – I like solitude as well.