Everything I know I learned from living in a lamp shop

People, like the myriad types of lamps that come through the lamp shop for repair, are unique. Today, these two women, possibly mother and daughter, came into Quality Lamp Repair from Lincoln, Illinois dragging in a heavy lamp and its accompanying glass shade in a separate plastic bag. This lamp had a six-inch square brass base, with the typical green velvet on its bottom to prevent scratching the surface of a desk or table. From the base arose an ornately decorated jade oval that was about a foot high, and protruding from which was the dull brass-pipe neck that itself rose another six or so inches until it reached the socket which rested on top. The older lady wanted to have the neck cut down two or three inches, but since I am not familiar with the technology that slices through metal brass lamp-necks I told them, “My mother has been in this business for 30 years, so I’m sure she could help you, but I can’t say for sure.” You see, I have never heard of this sort of request before. Admittedly, I pay little attention to the business, but having to watch the shop this week while mom is in Memphis has opened my eyes to the specialty niche Lynda has carved for herself in the lamp restoration field.
There is an extensive array of the kind of lamp parts, shapes, sizes, and types that exist out there; and that is without even considering the different types of lampshades. A couple came in Monday morning needing a certain type of socket. We have porcelain and brass, cheap and quality, touch or twist-on. I had no idea what would fit their needs. Besides sockets, there are all sizes of harps, finials, nuts and bolts, and swinging arm candelabras. There are especially all types of lamps. A guy picked up his sailboat lamp on Tuesday, complete with working clock on the starboard side in between the two mini-bulbs of the bow and stern. There are big monster lamps with flowery metal bodies; there are thin, elegant desk lamps made for the office. Table lamps, desk lamps, floor lamps, ceiling lighting, etc. There are a million varieties of shades too; Glass or fabric with thousands of colors, patterns, and shapes.

Lamps are like people; each one is unique and beautiful.

Rainbows of diversity exist everywhere in our world. Don’t tell the Libertarians that though. The Ayn Rand worshipping Libertarians hate multiculturism and diversity.

Good bye friends,
Watch out for the Chicken egg head man, and support your Rogue State Fair Concession Stand