Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Garage Sales--What's In It for Me?

Garage sales have been a part of my life since I was a little kid. Every spring, my mom and two other moms in the neighborhood collected all their stuff and brought it together in one of the neighbor's garages for a big sale. The garage was filled with tables laden with children's clothing, housewares, and toys. I absolutely loved it! One of the families, the Leitchliters, had two daughters who were just a little older than me. So I had first pick of the clothes and toys they had outgrown. This yearly event got me hooked and I've had to deal with the addiction ever since!

Through the years, I've enjoyed rummaging through other people things looking for the treasures that would bring me and my family pleasure. I've got so many wonderful memories of discovering items at a garage sale! Over the years, I've found a She-Ra castle with all the accessories for my daughter, my ceramic top kitchen table, a dining room table, eight chairs, and china hutch for my sister, a set of china from Germany, Fisher Price toys of different eras, artwork that hangs on my walls in both my kitchen and family room, bicycles, books, music, and so much more!

My husband, Roland, has started going with me in recent years. One of the questions he used to ask me is, "What are we looking for?" I'm very seldom actually looking for any one thing in particular. But I always know it, when I see it. And while Roland sees different items than I do when we're garage saling, it seems he definitely understands the spirit of the event. He's always on the lookout for fishing and camping gear. Though these items aren't any where near as plentiful as exercise equipment, he's found some good stuff, including several nice backpacks. He's kept one and given others to family members and to scouts in our church troop.

This year I hadn't felt as much enthusiasm for my hobby. But out of habit, Roland and I have ventured out. The last trip, I found a collection of children's books by Leo Lionni; a cd with the soundtrack of "What Women Want" (it has music by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr, and Bobby Darin on it!); a dvd of Mona Lisa Smile (I love that movie!); a matching kitchen set that includes a napkin holder, salt and pepper shakers(already filled), a banana hanger, and bowl; several really cute and unique stuffed animals--monkeys, a cat, a horse, and a couple dogs (My 5-year-old grand daughter loves stuffed animals--she has never played with dolls, but she loves each and every one of her stuffed animals.) All were good bargains that I was able to purchase with my quarters, dimes, and nickels that I collect for just this purpose. Roland found a couple of good, sturdy fishing poles and reels, plus a flying fishing rod that is worth a bundle, for which he only paid $10. That is a legendary bargain!

And now, I remember what's in it for me. It's that gentle surprise of a find and pleasure that I didn't even know existed. It just comes into my life unexpectedly--no planning necessary! Oh boy, I can hardly wait for Saturday! Only question is: Will Roland go out with his fishing equipment or me?!