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Our yearly yard sales back about twenty years ago were huge money makers, always in the upwards of about 1100.00 and that was really without a lot of big ticket items. People used to line the street forty-five minutes before starting time. Luckily, for us we had a huge gate across the side of your house and I could close that and open it when the sale started, and it always was great for crowd control.
In the last five years, the sales we had were not very successful. We would spend a week getting ready and the people just did not come. Friday is always the best day and if you leave it open on Saturday, we might have had one or two come. It was just different than it was all those years ago.
As I was working myself to death trying to get all this ready for a sale, I had kept the memory of not so successful sales in the back of my mind. I surely needed the folks to come and would you believe it, they came and the came to buy.
It was as if I had ordered it all up myself to the powers to be. They did come! There were some that left like this photo...their cars were stuffed full, one lady had stuff hanging out her trunk.
For twenty-five years, there has been a lady that is in the antique business who always comes to my sales and she gathers up all the stuff she wants and then offers maybe $20.00 for all she has managed to scoop up. I would image any one who has ever had a sale, has had someone like this stop and try to get something for a small price. Like in the past, she was there this time as well. Only difference was she filled three six foot tables full of stuff, I kid you not. She was at my sale for almost two hours toting her cat which was on a leash. Truth. When I tallied up her total, she paid full price for what I was asking and did not haggle me at all. Never in the history of our sales has that happened.
I was so busy the first day, I hardly had time to really think about my stuff leaving my home by the box loads. I guess that was a good thing, because for a split second, I stopped and thought about it and felt my nose sting a bit, and had to quickly put the thought out of my mind. Even when someone bought something that stirred a precious memory I just let the anguish I felt pass. I know in my heart I have done the right thing, I don't need all of this stuff any more. Like one of my friends said, the stuff is just stuff, no one can take your memories from you.
I wanted the people to come and they did. Not only did I want people come and buy, but I also wanted people to come who would love my stuff as much as I have. It happened y'all, it really did. A lady came and bought almost all my restaurant ware. She collects it and uses it for church functions and family reunions. She told me she had storage buildings with all her collections stored and displayed. My heart almost burst with joy that she took the time to tell me of her love for the things I loved too and assured me they would be cared for and used and cherished.
At the end of the two day sale, I had sold well over the top selling dollar sale I had ever had, so I was pleased with the results. My house is going on the market today, and it is empty, staged and spotless. It feels good and I feel a whole lot lighter. I'm not sure how I will feel when this chapter of our lives is closed, but I know I have to deal with whatever comes and keep looking forward.
Keep your fingers crossed for us, as I truly need the right family to come and buy my house for my own peace of mind. The family who will love my home in the same way I have loved it. A family that will take care of my beautiful yard and gardens. A family who will adore the things that make this house special. A family who will look forward to the summer months and provide fresh water for the little owls that come each night. And a family who is eager to make memories that will last a lifetime in this little house. That family is out there, I know they are and they just need to find their way to my house. *sniffle*
Ahhh, Suzanne! After your little bout with sniffles, I hope you are enjoying the freedom of letting others care for your special things! I know I am. This downsize move for us has been a God thing from beginning to end and it sounds like you are enjoying one too! Take heart, dear one, you will love the future!!
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to be able to come to your sale. Good luck with your house sale!
ReplyDeleteI wish you luck in your move and the new adventures that await you. =) I know it must be hard to let go of the stuff. I have been ding my own cleaning out of stuff this summer. At times its hard, other times, so freeing! Its nice that you were reassured that the stuff you let go of is going to go to a good home and be enjoyed. =)
ReplyDeleteSo happy your treasures have found the right homes! I had a similar experience with some antiques from my gramma. I sold them to a lady who was sniffling along with me in the driveway. I knew they went where they were meant to be. So excited to hear what comes next on your journey! Praying that perfect family finds their way to your house.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Glad it went better for you than my last one. Time takes care of everything. When you get my age," things" will never cross your mind. Make it everyday and enjoy the best you can.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with selling the house. Gosh, your sale was fabulous! I know how hard it is to part with treasures, but you made it through. Things can only keep getting better now.
ReplyDeleteI loved your story about the old washing machine. I'm that way too. Change isn't always easy for some of us. Now if only I could at least fill up a whole bag of stuff for Goodwill, I might make it too. haha.
Have a wonderful evening, hugs, Edna B.
It is nice to meet people who care, so many don;t these days. Hope all is well with you and once you are settled in your new place life will be calm. Take care.
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