Sentimental Journey

These past few days have reminded me that this business is not about the junk...it's about the people. The junk will come and go, and the pretty will be made and then ripped apart and remade, but the relationships we've made will endure...and that's what we're celebrating.

Because this junky business has a way of bringing people together. It gives us something to talk about, to laugh about, to reminisce about, to strategize about, to treasure hunt and create about. 

It's just a fun way to live..

And it's not just a job...it's a lifestyle, a passion. And passion has a way of spreading to others.

All weekend we were blessed with saying "goodbye" to our regular customers and hearing their appreciation for our little store and the impact it's had on them. From the sweet dealers on Tuesday morning that brought us mini bundt cakes to our "regulars" that shop Thursday-Sunday, everyone was trying to get their Patina General fill up.

"The Girlfriends" who want to get first pick of the goods Thursday morning and are great at talking each other into finds for their homes. "The Accountant" who has seriously decorated her whole home with Patina General furniture, artwork and accessories. "The Sisters" on Saturday who each make a pile of treasures to enhance their homes and their classrooms always put a smile on our faces. And the "Quilters", a mom and her daughters who can always find something to create for their quiltshop. 

Faces we didn't even recognize that expressed their sadness because they always loved coming to our shop. Even first timers that lamented they had just found us.

And then there's our contributors. Such a dear group that's been collected. Quite a few were having a hard time leaving their work day, because we've shared our lives, families, and challenges through our chats by the cash register, and on the drop-off days. We've encouraged and mentored their creativity, artistic-ness, and entrepreneurialism. We've gotten excited whenever they try a new design and bring in their new creations. And they've supported us through prayer and encouraging words. And quite a few others have passed through the doors also, that have become lifelong friends.

The dealers and fellow shop owners that we competed for great stuff with at auctions, church sales and estate sales. We're an eccentric bunch to do this crazy business, but we know how to have fun. There's just such a great comaraderie on the treasure trail.

Friends, near and far, who have listened, encouraged, supported, and been inspired to join the quest for good junk. And also those who have generously donated their extras to the cause.

And last, but definitely not least, the family who has supported their mom, wife, sister, aunt, and sister-in-law in this crazy business.

The kids who've had to explain to friends for years why their mom has all this junk in their van...

The sons who've had to empty a trailer of dirty furniture on a moment's notice, or hooked the trailer up quickly to go grab the piece of furniture sitting on the curb around the corner. Or who've spent quality time with their mom eating Chipotle while driving up and down streets with piles of garbage.

The daughter who's sewing skills have been enlisted when cushions or pillows need to be sewn.

The husband who knows his wife is happier when he brings home a roadside workbench than a bouquet of flowers, and spends a Saturday sawing, glueing, and engineering, rather than a fancy dinner date.

The extended family who faithfully visits the store almost monthly, or the family that garage sales with me, and generously lets me take up more space in the back of the van.

People. Relationships. Shared Lives.

That's what all this junk has been about.

 

And if you like digging and some good finds, come to our store closing sale Friday and Saturday, 9-5 (5/13,14). Just like a good church sale or estate sale, we've got loads of everything at walk-away prices! Check back Thursday nite for pics. 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Kristi Pohl]

I am so in tears right now.

I look around my house and see all of the things I have brought home from you: the coffee table my feet are resting on right now, the unique storage piece in the living room that is just the right size, the lamp on my bedside table, the dishes in the corner cabinet in my dining room, the fabulous drawers on my studio desk...I am so glad to know that I will always have pieces that remind me of you both and the wonderful business you created.

Not only that, but you were instrumental in getting Joanne and I to join you on this occasional sale journey. We will be forever grateful for your advice and wisdom.

Now we may get to see more of each other, and not when any of us are working!

Wishing you both all of the happiness in the world in this next chapter of your lives.

[Lora Bloomquist]

Thanks, Kristi. Guess the furniture & accessories that are scattered all over the country from PG could be another post...