My Dear Friend, Jane Fleniken

03/30/2010 @ 6:54 pm

When I was a fledgling in the world of antiques I had the fortunate introduction to Jane Fleniken, proprietor of Antiques and Interiors in Lafayette, Louisiana. Jane is an extraordinary being in the world of business. She does not accept credit cards, she has no website or email, barely will speak with you on the phone (due to her hearing aids), cannot stand pompous asses and, is only open three days a week out of her own home. So, no matter how much you would love to own one of her fine antiques, you must pass muster. Every Thursday I would sit myself down in her living room/shop and Jane would thrust a glass of champagne in my hand (a miniscule part of why I would visit) and I would sit and absorb her world. I would listen to her talk to prospective buyers about the attributes of a certain piece. I would also listen to Jane talk about how misguided Americans have become with ownership. In a nutshell...most homeowners will say "I have ten thousand square feet under roof" as opposed to saying "I have 10 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms." It's all about civility and the old world. A world that Jane lives in no matter when she is in France or Lafayette. I just love her.

Here she is entertaining my husband, not an easy task.