...a funny thing happened last evening.
As you know, I've been going through stuff to 1. clean out and 2. to possibly sell.
With all the changes in the past month, (and really, the past several years)... you realize how less of an importance "stuff" has. When I "retired" from nursing back in 2003, one of the first things I set about doing was downsizing our stuff. And it's something I believe in strongly. Yes, I enjoy having certain things. And yes, there are certain "luxuries" that, in my opinion... are sort of necessities (like fresh flowers and good coffee). But there are also lots of things that we can do without, and have.
Since moving back to PA though, we have managed to accumulate an amount of "stuff"... mostly free things and things people were getting rid of, or things I found very affordable, that I thought we could upcycle or make fresh. So. I was taking photos of some things to sell, and I happened to list one of those items online for what I figured was a fair price. It was an antique... and not in horribly great shape.... and not knowing much about the item... I listed it for what I paid for it (many years ago). Within just a couple of minutes... the item was getting lots of "lookie-loos"... and I received an email from someone I didn't even know. Turns out, they are sort of a friend-of-a-friend. ... and they wanted me to know that I should probably look the item up... and they gave me some additional info about the piece. After another minute... (and because of the info they gave me)... I was able to find the same exact piece (albeit in a bit better shape)... for about $150. Needless to say, I was stunned. This person could have just as easily bought the item, and resold it... but instead, they decided to tell me.
When you are going through rough times, it is easy to think that everything is going wrong. That things are on a slippery slope.
That all the "good" people have left the building. I try to be, for the most part, an optimist. I tend to see the good in people.
But after awhile, even the cheeriest get discouraged.
But let me tell you... there are still really good folks out there.
And so... (and because it's the weekend)... I've got some links to share with you:
*art vending machines
*symmetry
*Julia Child's house
*some astronomy stuff... and this is cool!
*rather surreal... and more... this is awesome
*a blog by a young girl, who draws all the things her younger brother grows in his garden
*wow. Artist Malin Gabriella Nordin
*a force for good
*so... I've just started a book by Patti Smith... and the daughter found me this. wise words.
--I hope you all have a great weekend... and I will see you all back here on Monday for my "Maker Monday" post.