Keeping the Faith

Faith is courage; it is creative while despair is always destructive. ~David S. Muzzey
This morning I spent a few hours at the park across the street, doing repairs on the community built playground that I got to be a part of 3 years ago.  It was one of the most amazing 5 days of my life.  I met some incredibly nice and giving people and got to be reminded of how a community can pull together and do amazing things.  The park across the street from my house was nothing more than a large campground for homeless transients, who used the park to drink and do drugs in.  This city park has been around for many years and has beautiful established trees throughout, but because it had been taken over by less than savory people, it never got used by the children it once attracted.



The crew of volunteers getting the playground done in an amazing 5 days!



The city finally listened and there was some available grant money to fix up the park itself, then some wonderful community members got together and formed a committee to build a fabulous new playground.  I could go on and on about the build and all the meetings and organizing that led up to it, but I will just tell you that the playground is now the best in the city.  Everyday, this park that hadn't entertained kids for years, is now full of them all day long.  I have never been so proud of something I have worked on.  I have a vested interest in this park, because it's so close to my house.  Even though my girls were grown by the time the park finally got cleaned up, my nieces can  play there when they come to visit me.  They love to play at "the park across the street", it even has a tire swing :)

Spending the morning sprucing things up, really helped to put my mind in a good place.  With all the stress I'm dealing with over the trial that is coming up this next week, I really needed some positive perspective.



One of the food tables, our  job (the food committee, all 2 of us!!) during the build was to feed all the volunteers.



I am trying to stay strong, but I worry everynight as I try to fall sleep, how will I pay my bills if my ex gets his way? How will we have enough money for groceries?  Will I have to work two jobs to keep us afloat, and how will that affect my daughter who will be home alone so much?  I have never felt so unsure and anxious before, and it's hard not to let it all get to me. 

Faith, Love,  and Courage, that is what I am focusing on.  The faith that things will turn out how I need them to, and the courage to figure it all out if it doesn't. And most importantly, the love I have from my daughters, who know exactly where my heart is.

Last week, my oldest daughter posted what she likes about me on my FB page.  You can't imagine how good I felt when I read her beautiful words:

" i like you because you're an amazing mom who is a positive, strong, selfless and beautiful woman and perfect role model. you don't care about material things or money, you would rather devote your life to making sure your daughters have a good education & life & it's sad that some people choose not to see that. you know what's important in life and have taught me & lissy that we can do anything we set our mind to & to never give up on our dreams. :)"

My wish for you is that you will always have Faith, Love, and Courage in your heart, to see you through the good and bad times.

Happy Thoughts,
Lisa



A slight detour...

“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.” -unkown

Today I am blogging about something that I wish I wasn't.  I decided to address something publicly that I am dealing with personally.

As I've mentioned before, I am a divorced mother of two beautiful daughters.  My family and my home are the two most important things in the world to me, if you know me personally, you already know that.

I decided to keep our family home when my ex-husband and I separated, and bought him out of it by refinancing the mortgage.  

I've talked about my house before, and how hard I've worked on it over the years, especially the last 7 that I've been living alone with my daughters. 

The house was in bad shape, still needing major work done when he moved out.  I pride myself in knowing how to make something out of nothing. I am a true DIY person.   I have improved my house by my willingness to work hard and my passion for crafting, sewing, painting, and gardening, whatever it takes to make my home warm, comfortable, and welcoming.  I live on a shoestring budget, but I was lucky enough several years ago to inherit some money from my grandfather, so that I was able to finish up most of the major rennovations and buy a few new pieces of furniture.    I finally put in the picket fence that I had dreamed about for years.  We don't have the latest technology, no large flat screen or surround sound, no fancy stereo equipment, laptops, cameras, or luxury cars.  My yard was not professionally landscaped, I did most of the work myself, after I had the lawn put in, I planted everything else and finished the sprinklers on my own.

I am now being questioned about everything I have done.  My ex-husband has decided he no longer wants to pay the spousal support he agreed to when we divorced.  We were married over 16 years and we both made concessions when we came to our final settlement agreement.  He had an affair, and chose to leave our marriage.  I was devastated at the time, but over the years I have come to be comfortable with my new life and cherish it. 

We are now back in court.  It's a very unsettling thing to go through, not to mention an invasion of my privacy, filled with accusations that question everything I have worked so hard for and what I do that makes me happy in my life.   I truly wish I did not need this money, but living on a single income, and paying for the needs of my daughters, especially with one in college,  I do at this time.  I have struggled financially since my oldest daughter turned 18 and I not longer receive child support for her.

He has been following me my on my blog, even printing some of my posts, submitting them as exhibits, so that he can somehow try to use it against me in court.  I cannot begin to tell  you how stressful and upsetting this has all been.  He has taken something I love doing, my way of expressing who I am and what I love about life, and is now bringing it into a courtroom so he can try to show it in a negative light.  It has caused me to question whether I should even continue writing a blog.  I can't help but feel a little bit like I am being stalked.

I am not asking for sympathy,   I have put myself out there, my blog is open for anyone to read, it certainly does not detail everything going on in my life, I have tried to focus mainly on the positive.  I have struggles just like anyone else does, but my blog has been a place talk about what makes me happy and meet others with similar interests.

I don't have money for a lawyer, but my ex has one.  I am going into court alone, hopefully with the strength I need.  This week his lawyer is taking a deposition from me.  I have never done anything like this before, so of course I am nervous and don't know what to expect.  I feel like I am at a disadvantage by not having an attorney to represent me.

All the stress is taking a toll on me, I am not sleeping well, I've had to spend hours preparing paperwork and filing documents with the court.  I work full-time so I've had to take my own personal necessity time off work to take care of everything.   

I feel like I am forced to defend myself about how I live.  My daughters are behind me 100%, they know first hand how hard I've worked and the sacrifices I've willingly made so that I could give them a good childhood filled happiness and fun.  Without their love and support, I couldn't do this.  I feel a deep sadness for my ex-husband, he has lost what it is to be a father.  He refuses to speak with our girls, and I can't imagine the emptiness he must feel, not having them in his life.  I worry about them and how this will affect their future relationships with men.

I will hold my head high in the next couple weeks,  and remind myself that I cannot control the outcome.  I can only speak from my heart, and that's what I intend to do.

Happy Thoughts,

Lisa

A Girl can dream...

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” -Gail Devers

Someday I dream of owning and running a bed and breakfast...I think it is the perfect job for me.  I love cooking and baking, decorating, gardening, taking care of others, all things related to home and family.  I've been like this for as long as I can remember.

When my sister and I were little, we used to play restaurant.  She happily played the customer, while I was both waitress and chef.  I'd make menus and create my own dishes, pepare her food and serve it to her "resaurant style".

I have always been fascinated by bed & breakfasts, the personal service and homey atmosphere, so different from a normal hotel stay.  I have so many ideas of what I might do, special events for holidays, appetizers in the afternoon, treats set out at night for guests returning from a dinner out, a big beautiful breakfast, where I could try out all the recipes I want to make someday.  I would love to have outdoor seating as well, where guests could sit and read the local paper in the morning with their coffee, or enjoy the sun setting at dusk with glass of wine.

Doesn't it all sound so dreamy? 

Recognize this beauty from "Father of the Bride"?

I dream of buying a big, old white house and having guests who I can pamper and fuss over.  Meeting new people while they are away from the daily stresses of their normal lives really appeals to me.  



How about this charmer, one of my favorite movie houses from "Practical Magic".



I love meeting new people and hearing the stories of their lives.  Making people feel good is something I truly enjoy. 

This is actually a realBed & Breafast I found for sale in Mendicino, CA.

Who knows, maybe someday my dream will become a reality...I'm never going to give up on it.  Without our dreams, we really have nothing, at least that's true for this Dream Girl.  Maybe someday I will have you as my guest....


Happy Dreams & Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

The Girls in my life...

"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories." 
~George Eliot

Today it is with melancholy in my heart that I write this post.  You see, I have just arrived home after driving from Southern CA to my home in Northern CA.  I had to leave behind my lovely 19-year old daughter, my beautiful sister, and my two adorable nieces, 4 of the 5 "girls in my life".


This was one of the most emotional drives home yet, and I've done this trip quite a few times now in the past couple years.  For one, it was the first time I drove home by myself.  Being alone, I gave myself permission to cry, to just let the tears flow for as long as I needed. 


In the wee hours of early morning, I quietly slipped out of my sister's house, after having said my goodbyes to all the girls the night before.  The drive is much more bearable leaving very early, avoiding the traffic that is common on this route.  I like the serenity of driving in the dark too, seeing the sun come up along the way.  There was the most magical full moon this early morning, and I felt like it was there just for me, offering me a guiding light on my journey home, as I felt the overwhelming grief of leaving part of my family that I love so much.  It was bittersweet, as I also felt  the anticipation of returning home to my youngest daughter, who was not able to come along this time due to a busy school and sports schedule.


There is a certain amount of stress in my life right now, and being away for a few days immersed in the job of caring for my nieces and sister (she recently had surgery), and helping to get my daughter settled in to her new apartment, gave me little time to even think about it.  Until now, that I am home and it's time to face the reality of it all.  I needed to be away, from work and from home for a few days. 



These are my nieces, Sahara (top) and India (below).  I forgot my camera on this trip, so had to find pictures from June when we visited last. 





My daughter's on-campus apartment.  A little messy at the moment, but getting there.  I made her a little colorful banner for over her bed. I have more ideas for decorating it...those apartments are do drab!!



Even though at times my daughter drove me crazy being home for a long summer, with her "college-life" schedule and messiness, it was so hard to leave her once again.  She's a good girl, and she gives me little to worry about, but a mother never stops worrying, does she?  Being there for my sister and her girls, when I felt they really needed me, was so important.  I wish I could have stayed longer.  It's so hard living far away, I miss them all the time. 

It's always good to be home, but  a piece of my heart is definitely left with them.  I will be counting down the days until I see them all again.

Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Life and the Pursuit of Happiness...

Happiness is excitement that has found a settling down place. But there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around.
~E.L. Konigsburg


I'm in that crazy place again, where there just isn't enough time in the day and I'm so tired every night.  The beginning of the school year at the school I work out has started with a bang and only slightly slowed down.  As I have mentioned in a previous post, we are down several teachers, so our classrooms are bursting at the seams, and it's taking it's toll on the teachers.

In the office, things seems even busier, I think in these difficult times and with changing demographics, familes are that much more needy.  I feel for them, but the types of issues we are seeing in the office now have little to do with education.  It can be very draining, but I still love my job.  Seeing all the new little kindergartners at the beginning of the year is always heartwarming.


Things at home have been hectic as well.  My youngest daughter decided to start playing tennis this year for her high school.  So, she's now playing tennis and soccer, she's also involved with Student Government, and somehow got on Yearbook a year early.  I am so proud of her, but also a little worried.  I think she might be overextending herself.  She has all these extracurricular activities on top of her heavy load at school being in AP classes.  She's so tired every night, it's hard to see her like that.  I think two sports might be a bit too much for her right now, so I'm looking forward to that easing up.

My oldest daughter turns 19 next week!  19!!! I can't believe it...I will be driving her back to La Jolla to move her in to an on-campus apartment.  It will be a quick trip, as I am trying not to take too much time off work.  It's a bittersweet time, I'm happy to see her start her second year in college, but I will miss her being home too.

Personally, I have been faced with something that is unpleasant, so I am trying to stay postive and keep upbeat.  My ex is trying to end some of the financial support he agreed to when we divorced, so he has taken me to court and now I have the burden of trying to keep the much needed support in place.  I do not have the financial means to hire a lawyer, so I am doing all the paperwork myself.  It's proving to be a very daunting job, but I'm doing my best.  With all the loss and grief in the world, I know this is very trivial, but it is still something I am struggling with.

Various little treats for the kids.

Personalized Candy Bars

I am lucky to have the support of many wonderful friends and family. Without so many people in my life that care about me, I don't know what I'd do.  I also have the love of my two daughters, which no amount of money can ever come close to.  I am sad for my ex-husband that he doesn't see this.

Mini water bottles for thirsty little kids.

Last weekend, I spent the better part of two days making fun little favors for my niece's 6th birthday party, which is tomorrow.  Unfortunately, I can't be there to join the party, but all my little goodies will be.  I can't wait to see pictures of her and her little friends celebrating.  My parents brought everything down this week for her, and my mom will help with putting it all out and making it a special birthday party for her.  I have mentioned before how much I adore my nieces, they are absolutely precious to me.  Crafting is a great way for me to relieve stress, so I truly enjoyed spending my time creating all the goodies I made.

Hoping you can find something that helps with the everyday pressures and stresses of life.

Happy Thoughts,

Lisa

R & R

Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation. - Stephen C. Paul


Recently I returned from a very relaxing mini vacation to one of my favorite places in the whole world, Lake Tahoe, CA/NV.  For those of you from California, you surely know this beautiful place, and those of you not from around here, an explanation in words just doesn't do it justice.


For the past 5 summers, I have been taking my daughters on our "all-girl" trip to Tahoe ( as we like to call it).  We are lucky that my Aunt & Uncle have a rental home there, and they let us stay whenever we want for just the cost of the cleaning fee.  It's a cute, cozy little cabin filled with hand-me-down furniture that reminds me of my grandmother, since much of it was hers when she was alive.


The cabin is just minutes to the casinos (on the Nevada side) and shops S. lake Tahoe is famous for, but also minutes from the lovely beaches that run along the lakefront.  Since we started this tradition, we have explored and experimented with the many activities that are available in the summer.  This year, we kept it low key and spent our days getting pedicures, seeing a movie we all agreed on, and lounging at the beach.  Tahoe is known more for it's Winter sports, skiing in particular, but we prefer being there in the Summer.  The weather never disappoints, usually lingering around 85 degrees, and the air is always clean and fresh.  


This year, my girls did not bring along friends as they usually do.  I let my oldest go up a few days ahead of me with a few of her friends, so they all left by the time my younger daughter and I arrived.  I was a little worried they would get bored and want to go home early, not having any of their friends with them.   Overall though, it was a great trip and I really enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with both of them, which is so hard to do now that they are teenagers, and my oldest off at college most of the year.    


I am never able to relax at home the way I do when I'm there.  It's like I become a whole different person, away from all the responsibilities, chores, and work that are part of my everyday life at home.  I enjoyed myself so much this time, it was very hard to leave.  


For the first time, since we started these annual trips, I drove completely around the entire Lake, which is about a 72mi. drive along winding roads that run parallel to the edge of the lake.  On part of the drive, there are hair-pin turns and drops on both sides of the 2-lane highway.  There are charming cabins and cottages nestled amongst the evergreens all along the way, as well as Tahoe City about half way through, which is filled with cute little shops and restaurants.  We stopped there for a leisurely lunch, dining outside, as we determined how long it would take us to get back to our cabin if we continued on and made the full circle around the lake. 


 In the end, we decided to go for it, and it was the most beautiful drive I have ever been on.    The afternoon sun made the lake literally glow and the view from the road as the light changed, was stunning.  We even got a little "tropical" weather this time, with a slight sprinkling of rain along the way, although the temperature remained in the low 80's.  


I have decided that rest and relaxation are highly underrated, and are an absolute must in order for this  busy mom to keep her sanity.  


In just a few days I will be back to work, soccer practice has already started, AP camp begins next week for my youngest and the hectic pace of Fall will soon be upon us.  My rest and relaxation is already becoming a distant memory, but a sweet one for sure!           

Our view from the table at lunch, so relaxing!

My girls on the front steps at Rosie's.

Our little table on the porch at Rosie's

Had to show a picture of this yummy Butterfinger Ice Cream pie...we did all 3 share it!

This summer, I am wishing all of you at least a few hours, if not days, of complete rest & relaxation.


Happy Thoughts,
Lisa             

*Note-I originally wrote this the day we came home, but I have been having computer troubles ever since.  My daughter fixed me all up, so now we are back up and running :)                                               

Friends, Family, Celebrating

"Good homes are still the best source of good humans." 
-Neal A. Maxwell 


It's hard to believe the 4th of July has come and gone already...summer is quickly flying by.  Even though I'm trying to treasure to each day, it's going fast.  I enjoy my days off at this time of year soooo much, I have to work on enjoying each day, rather than focusing on the fact that my vacation is half over already!!  (Ugh, I said it!)


I am  finally getting to my Summer "to do" List....I cleaned out under my bed (lots of dust and shoes!), cleaned out the fridge, well almost, I still have the Veg./Dairy drawers to tackle, and redid some patio chairs that got pretty trashed over the past Winter. I used oil-cloth this time, so they are water proof and will just need to be occasionally wiped down.


Our 4th of July was quiet this year, the city I live in decided to cancel the Annual Fireworks show this year due to budget cuts and the poor economy.  This was really sad, as it was such a long-standing tradition here.  The fireworks are set off in our downtown area on the Riverfront, and  because I live in this older, downtown area, we were able to sit in our front yard and watch from home, while we ate dessert.  


Just as fun as watching the fireworks display, though, was watching all the people cramming downtown.  I love people watching, and we always had unexpected guests drop-in to say hi or watch the fireworks with us.  My hope is that next year  the city will bring this time honored tradition back again.  I still put up all my 4th decorations and we had a little BBQ w/ family, my neighbor, and a couple of my girls' friends.  We did our own little fireworks show in the backyard, so all in all, it was still a nice day.

I have been walking with my girlfriends regularly, swimming at my parent's house and hanging out, having coffee and talking w/ the girls whenever possible.  One of the promises I made myself this summer was that I would stay in touch w/ friends and even make new ones.  I love time w/ the girls, both my friends and my daughters.  Life is too short not enjoy every moment to the fullest, I am I trying to remember that each and everyday, even when the pressures of life try to get me down.


Wishing you a Wonderful weekend and Happy Thoughts,
Lisa
Linking up today w/ Cindy over at My Romantic Home
www.romantichome.blogspot.com

My Garden Retreat

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.- Emma Goldman


This quote is totally and completely me.  I would sell a piece of jewelry (if I had anything valuable enough), for a rose plant or any garden flower, for that matter, without a bit of hesitation.


I love to garden.  I am not a professional in any way.  I am completely self-taught.  I learn mostly by trial and error...a lot of error, actually ;)


If something doesn't make it, I just plant something else in it's place.  It's kind of survival of the fittest in my garden.  Shabby Chic, with more "shabby" than "chic" comes to mind as well.


I could have a much tidier yard, if I wanted to spend every waking moment outside....which I wouldn't mind, except that there is all that other bothersome stuff, like housework, kids, grocery shopping, work, etc.  I don't have the budget for a gardener, but I'd really rather do the work myself, it's something I truly enjoy. This works for me, nothing in my house is perfect, I have  a lot of chipped furniture, homemade curtains, etc.  I am OK with that.  I am not rich, my budget is small....but I do what I can to keep myself surrounded with the lovely, pretty little things that mean so much to me. I am very visual, and beauty is objective, which is what I love about it.  What is beautiful to me, might be just an old cast-off to someone else.  That's what makes this world such an amazing place.

For now, I am enjoying my summer mornings outside, before the kids are up, drinking my coffee, dead-heading my roses, sweeping up after the squirrels and birds who feast on my plum and almond trees, content w/ my little corner of this big beautiful world.


Happy Gardening & Happy Thoughts,
Lisa


I am participating in My Romantic Home's Show & Tell Friday &
...go check out these  beautiful blogs!

Summer List

Cut not the wings of your dreams,
for they are the heartbeat and the freedom of your soul. 
-Flavia


My "official" summer is finally here, I finished my last day of work for this past school year, and now I don't have to report back to my "9 to 5" job until August.  


There is so much I want to do in the next 6 weeks, both fun stuff w/ my family and friends, and projects and tasks around my house.


I know that no matter how hard I try, I won't get it all done.  I am not being a pessimist, it's just that I always put way too much on my plate, so it winds up being literally impossible to to do it all.  That's ok though...if I can get just some of the "to do's" off my summer list, then I will be happy ;)


First off, I need to make my list, if I don't, I will never focus enough to get started on all that I want to accomplish.


Making the list is the first step.  Some of the items on my list will be things I want to do "someday", not necessarily this summer, but most will be things I can accomplish within the next few weeks.  I love being able to check off items on my list as I finish them.  There will be fun things, like day trips or trying new things, like making homemade pickles, and chores that I never seem to find the time to do, like cleaning out under my bed (ugh!) and de-cluttering my closets.  There are those projects I started that haven't been touched in weeks (or months!), that will make me feel so good when I can finally finish them.  Then there will be the simple things, such as read a new book, or take time to sit in my garden and soak in all the nature around me.

Something I'm dreaming of right now, that cannot be accomplished this summer, but hopefully someday in the near future, is attending a women's retreat called Brave Girls' Camp.  I had heard about it a while ago in a blog that I enjoy reading regularly called A Bushel & A Peck.  From what I can tell, it is 5 days of women getting together for fun, food, creating, and support.  Women from all different backgrounds & locations get to have a sort of big slumber party together.  That's my interpretation of it anyway, check out the website and you can decide for yourself.  It just sounds like something I would love to do someday, so I'd like to start saving up for it and make it a reality.


As I have mentioned before, I truly believe that women need each other in so many important ways.  We all love our kids, our boyfriends, husbands, etc., but having  girlfriends, mothers, or sisters, to confide in, to lean on, to share stories, hopes, and dreams, is so important.  As women, I strongly feel we need to stick together.  No one understands a woman more than another woman.  


Now, it's time to get that list started and enjoy SUMMER!


Happy Summer & Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Life and other updates..

Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day to day living that wears you out. -Anton Chekhov 


I've been so busy lately, even though I've really wanted to take the time to blog, I just haven't been able to stop and do it.


Work for me right now is busy, but also getting ready to wind down.  Since I work at an elementary school, the end and beginning of the school year is always the busiest.  In some ways, things have calmed down for me personally at work, since we got a new secretary, and I am back at my old desk again.  I had mixed feelings about it at first, although it was not something me or my boss had a choice in.  In the end, like everything else in life, it seems to have worked out for the best.  I have more time to work on other projects, and I feel like I am back in the right place, as the receptionist, and getting to interact more again with the parents and kids.  Plus, I have a new co-worker who is easy to work with and makes my job pleasant.  We are a team now, which is something I never had before.



The farmer's market job I had talked about in past posts has unfortunately not panned out so far.  My guess is that the their booth has just not been profitable enough yet to hire someone else to work it.  I know that if it is, she will call me, we definitely had a good connection and she knows I can handle the job.  It's like I try to remember, everything seems to work out in the end.  If I had been called to work at the market every weekend a couple of months ago, I don't think I could have done it with the extra time and stress I was dealing with at work.  It's funny how life works out like that...         
                                               


These days, it's taking all my weekend time working on my garden, house-cleaning and hanging out with my daughter.  I am also trying to find time for the occasional girls' night with my besties.  

 A little work shower gift for my boss who is getting married in Hawaii this summer.

Recently 6 of us got together for a movie (Sex & the City) and dinner, and it was nice to just hang out and talk with these "girls" again(I will always consider myself a girl, no matter how old I am!)...it had been way too long.  I am looking forward to my 6 weeks off for summer, and plan to have a couple girlie get-togethers at my house.  I love to cook for and entertain my girlfriends and I have not been making that a priority for a while.
                              

  My little gift/treat for all my girlfriends for our Sex & the City night.


Women have a way of empowering each other like no one else can, and I consider my time with my girlfriends very uplifting and therapeutic.  I am a strong advocate for "Girl Power" and think woman can do anything we set our minds to.


Next up is a quick trip to San Diego to pick up my college student daughter and a short visit with my beloved sister and nieces.   I am looking forward to seeing all my girls and having my daughter home for summer.




Wishing you a wonderful week and Happy Thoughts,
Lisa

Garage sale friends

"Tart words make no friends; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar."
-Benjamin Franklin
Last weekend we decided to have a very impromptu garage sale...the "we" being my 14 year-old daughter and I.  We literally made the decision on Thursday night.  The motivation here was money, we were going into the weekend pretty broke, so we thought it could be a quick way to earn a little cash for a trip to the grocery store and to get rid of some stuff we've been piling up in the garage.

The thing I love about garage sales is the people.  I love meeting new people and hearing stories about their lives.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a true "people" person.  At work, I am the first person you see when you walk in our office, and the first person to pick up the phone when calls come in.  This job seems to suit me, I enjoy meeting knew people, helping them fix a problem, or whatever else they may need.

My garage sales are usually pretty successful, I prepare myself to accept the sometimes ridiculous offers that come in, and remind myself this is all just "stuff" and things I haven't used or looked at in a long time.  I live on a busy corner, so I never need to advertise in the newspaper, a couple signs thrown up in the morning and a free add on Craigslist and post on FB are all I really need to grab the attention of any deal-seeking, treasure-hunting souls.

My parents brought over some items of their own to sell, and inevitably, in true garage sale style, along with a pocket-full of cash, I ended the weekend with a few extra "treasures" that my parents were planning to get rid of. 

I also gained some "friends", an offer to trim a tree, and a reminder that there is a big world out there, filled with all sorts of interesting people, who might find my junk to be their treasure.

I can't wait to spray paint this little treasure, from my room when I was a little girl :)

Happy Thoughts & Happy Garage-Sale-ing!

Lisa


I'm participating in My Romantic Home's Friday Show & Tell...check it out!