“So, what do you do?”

How many times have we been asked this question at a social event?

How do I describe my life? I don’t design anything.  I don’t create anything. I’m not an artist, or a musician, or a designer, or a writer. I don’t get up every day and go to an office and work in the traditional sense of what society views as “working.”

“I sell vintage items online. Mainly vintage costume jewelry.”

Oh. I see. You really don’t work, then. You don’t have a J.O.B.

You just stay home and play.

It might appear like that from the outside, but what goes on in reality is far from “play”. Don’t get me wrong … I love what I do. It is wonderful to get up in the morning looking forward to the day and all that it holds. I get to work with beautiful things. I get to go shopping! I read, I research.  I have a kit to test metals. Cleaners of all types. I have an arsenal of tools, and a few tricks up my sleeve. I’ve had to learn about photography, styling, and presentation. I’ve had to polish my writing skills. My work basket includes 3 different magnifying devices, a tape measure, a blacklight pen, a jewelry polishing cloth, post it notes, tiny little screwdrivers and tweezers. Then there’s all the computer skills – some basic html, photo editing, layout and design work. My bookshelves are loaded with reference books. I’ve learned all the ins and outs of shipping, and have become friends with the folks at our local post office.

There’s no fixed schedule, no boss to answer to, no water cooler to gather around with my co-workers.

There are pitfalls, as there are with any job. I’m too close to the laundry room and can always notice that there’s a load of towels that need washing. Friends who know I work from home call to ask if I can help with a sick child, it’s an emergency! The dogs need to visit the outdoors. And “The Nate Berkus Show” just came on! It’s 2 p.m. and I still have on my jammies.  A phone call and my schedule changes for the day … “I’ve got my Grandma’s costume jewelry and I need to get rid of it – are you interested?”

So I continue living my Charmed Life, waking up every day counting my blessings and grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. I’ve built a solid network for online friends – folks who have their own online business. We support each other, help out with research, and are there just to cheer each other on some days. Of course, I’m doing it on my comfy couch wearing my favorite jammies!!

The winter of my discontent ...

Well, more like the winter of my constant illness. A reaction to a new medication had me down and out. The flu set in. And didn't leave. Food poisoning. Another cold/sinus infection/ear infection. If it wasn't one thing, then it was another. Not quite so Charming.

I spent my time reading rather than writing. The fog wasn't conducive to witty banter and cohesive sentence construction. I did learn some new things while reading. I learned about Search Engine Optimization (affectionately called SEO). I learned about Kaboodle-ing, and found I didn't like Kaboodle so much.

I found The Vintage Village - an amazing online community of online sellers. I joined as a Premium Member. Their membership is the best bargain in town! It was there that I learned about SEO. I learned all kindsa new stuff there, and have been implementing the changes to our online selling on Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza. It's been exciting to learn new things and expand my horizons.

I've found some amazing new things that are in our shop at The Grapevine, and we've stocked Ruby Lane and Ruby Plaza with things you just can't live without!

Where do the days go?

The days have all run together in a blur, lately.
Where have I been? Was it really October 10 the last time I sat here and wrote?
My goodness.

The Sidewalk Sale at The Grapevine was a roaring success. Everyone had a green day, and we celebrated with dinner at a wonderful local business called The Blue Wind. Their food is yummy ... and, even though I don't drink, their wine selection is enormous. They always have a tasting going on... and the Charming Husband has found some good beers.

On Sunday I borrowed a friend's children and had a Pumpkin Carving Party on the front lawn. We had great fun ... and made some great pumpkin faces!

Monday was my day to work the store at The Grapevine... and I'll be there again on Wednesday. What was I thinking! Two days in one week! GASP.

We've found a great little display cabinet to put a permanent jewelry collection in at the shop. Just waiting for a lock and a light ... and it's ready to go. I can't wait to get all the sparkly stuff on display !!! Lots of vintage to share !!!

I love fall weekends

The weather has cooled, finally. The sunshine and clear skies can keep the days warm, but the feeling of fall is always there.

We went to a local auction yesterday afternoon and had so much fun! It was held in a huge horse barn, so the fragrance was a little horse mixed with a little furniture oil. Interesting combination. Things were cheap as chips, as they say. We scored some sweet little pieces. And some furniture pieces for our new booth. The Charming Husband has painting plans for one of the pieces. He's handy-dandy like that. I think I'll keep him.

Next weekend is another Sidewalk Sale at The Grapevine ... we'll be setting our tables up out front with some specials on costume jewelry. Roz will be there with her bargains galore ... sometimes I spend more than I earn.

Off to do some cleaning and researching of our treasures from yesterday's adventure.

We are Land Barons

We did it ... we bought the land!
And today was closing day. Received the call from the title company that the deed is done, and officially recorded.

We now own 2.11 acres of land in Washington State.
The Charmed Husband is beside himself ... he was raised there and can't wait to get "back home."
I fell in love with the place on my first visit there years ago.

We're soooo excited !!!

The Days they just fly ...

Is it already October? Really? Nobody warned me. There was no memo.

Last week I was wearing short sleeves and flip flops.
Today I'm in flannel jammies and a sweater. Brrrrr.
No transitional time.


Our little shop is picking up steam. The shelves are becoming well-stocked, and things are moving out the door. I had a small display of vintage cameras (my weakness), and it seems they all sold, but one. Dear me. Time to re-stock that display, already. And we've only been officially open for 4 days. Cameras are one of my many weaknesses.

One of the blogs I follow, Fiona and Twig, recently wrote about the things she just couldn't live without ... and one of her followers pointed out that they are our "needful things".


She couldn't be more right. We need things in our life that give us pleasure. That inspire us. That keep us focused (oh, dear, no pun intended!) on what is important to us. They feed our soul.

This weekend we sold that sweet green and white painted cabinet.

We found a wonderful replacement that needs just a little TLC before it's ready to go in the shop. A 1940s white and formica cabinet, with sliding glass doors and wire shelves - probably post-Hoosier. The Charming Husband has it in his workshop now, with paint and clamps and all sorts of gizmos and gadgets. He can work magic with furniture in need of Love. He has a magic touch with furniture.

Fall has fell

The rain has stopped and the sun has emerged. There is a fall crispness to the air.

We've been busy adding inventory to our new booth every day. A bit here, a bit there. I do small amounts at a time, just to be able to build "layers" up. I don't want to overwhelm the space too quickly.

The biggest excitement ... the most fantastickal news ...
We had our first "big" sale yesterday.

Remember this cabinet?

It sold yesterday!
And today we're on the hunt for its replacement !!!