What about me???

TV evangelist, Joyce Meyer, does a skit quite often where she walks across the stage, swinging her arms that are locked in the 90 degrees, imitating a robot and repeating over and over in her deep, raspy voice, "what about me? what about me?"

Those who are successful in this business: the artists, designers, paint distributers, the re-purposers, who are skyrocketing to the top of this industry, such as Dumpster Diva or Miss Mustard Seed, are definitely not walking around acting like a dang "what about me" robot.

Those who are really happy in this industry, do not criticize others in the field.  They are not comparing their work to others.  They are not expecting others to promote their business for them. They don't use others for their own personal gain unless it's a win-win.  In fact, they are not focused on their competition at all, although they are always of aware of who their competition is.  That's just smart business. They are focused on differation.  They speak up and are proactive.  They don't wait for someone to help them and they don't keep people around or in their circle who try to undermine their success.  They do the later with no apology needed.  No one has time for that!

customchalk.com

When they gain, they bring people up with them.  These folks establish their own personal brand. They keep focused on improving their techniques and are learning constantly. They surround their selves with "A" class people who lift them higher, and not petty people who fight small battles.

When things don't work out, they don't spread discord, take sides, start rumors, believe everything they hear or point fingers, but instead, they simply move on to other things that are a better fit for them.   They don't burn unnecessary bridges with the folks who tried to help along the way.  Without doubt, successful people in any industry are just not seen walking around with a chip on their shoulder saying "but what about me?"

If I'm wrong, please name one successful person whose a "what about me" robot in this industry.

Instead, it is evident in their behaviors that as they take a step forward, they reach down and pull someone up with them.

A successful person may fail 1,000 times, but never be a victim.

If you've found yourself being that robot, I encourage you to stop and instead find peace in your beautiful, talented self and start finding the beauty in what others are doing- even your biggest competition.

I challenge any one in the industry whose in a "slump" to reach out to someone whose just getting started or someone who you strive to be like and give back-  even if it's just simple encouragement.

After all, the talents and skills you have been given from God have never once been about you anyways.

Before you strike a deal.

Lately, out of no where, Bible verses have been randomly popping in my head.  Tonight, it's Matthew 7: 15-20.   Just pieces of that passage came to mind, such as the last verse: you'll recognize them by their fruit.  I immediately googled that part to find the "rest of the story."  So, I have had an ahh-haa moment and I have got to get this out.

Picture from : http://thewildernessroad.blogspot.com/2012/07/my-study-this-morning-matthew-715-20.html

 Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.   16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?   17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.   18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.   19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.   20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Anyone can say with confidence and a smile on their face "no-drama-for-me" talk, or with great conviction say "God led me" or "I believe this is what God wants me to do," talk, which in my opinion, falls under "prophet" talk.  Quite frankly, this is music to any Christian's ears in the secular world.  I know it is mine.

As a Christian, it's easy to want to strike a deal and give your heart over to these kind of folks as they seem to be far and few between.  So why then do we sometimes find ourselves, after some time passes and the relationship is in full swing or the deal is struck, left with pain caused by the prickly thorns and thistles?  Our natural reflex is to want to say, "I never even saw that coming!" The Bible says differently.

So how do we prevent that from happening to us and/or our business?

I believe the tricky piece of all of this that causes even the best of us to be misled is that people can show little glimpses of one, two or ALL of these traits; however, for a tree to produce fruit, it takes time, which tells us that they must do "good, fruit bearing" actions over and over and over again. There has got to be concrete evidence!

Evidence is such things as : friends to account for, visits to the hospital for friends/family in need, charitable work, do they volunteer for the meaningless, gets-no-credit or whats-in-it-for-me tasks? Do they have a positive network with them already, thats not immediate family, in whatever field of business they are in or are they in it solo?

We must protect our selves and hearts by not giving people just the benefit of doubt, but look a bit deeper for demonstrated actions found through "judging a person's character by what they do for people who cannot help them," philosophy.

So, what I have learned tonight that I am sharing with you is this:  Before going into business with someone, marrying some one, or "making a deal" with someone, we must learn to make decisions AFTER taking a good look at PAST behavior and fruits they've beared.  If you can't find any, believe what you see and move on!  There will be plenty more fish in the sea.

Fruits to look for: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.  Remember, a bad tree can't bear good fruits, and a good tree can't bear bad fruits.

After all, in word's of Dr. Phil, "the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior."

Professional Picker (aka, PP)

9231 Lee Highway
Ooltewah, TN 37363
423-238-7777

I'm going to break PP's (Professional Picker) rule #1 and tell you one of my best, good-pickin' secrets.

Tucked away, right outside of Chattanooga in Ooltewah, Tennessee, is one of my greatest guilty pleasures.  Let me formally introduce you to the Samaritan Center.

Notoriously closed on Fridays and Saturdays, the line is at least 50+ people deep on Sundays before they open their doors with all smiles at 1:00pm, and the shelves are overflowing.  

Taken 8/25 at approximately 25 mins prior to opening 

A PP knows to get there by 12:30pm at the latest, otherwise, well, all the good stuff is gone.  Secondly, a PP knows not to go there alone, but to work in a teams of 2-3; therefore, once the doors open, one PP goes left and one PP goes right, and ideally, the "mule" (aka, your Mr.,) keeps the buggy and stands in the center of the store, (as the aisles are tiny.)

When you enter, you have 3 choices.  Go left to the thrift store, straight to the bargain area, or take an immediate right to the "Toy Connection" area.

Lined up for opening time!
I think they were a little leary about a lady running into the store with her camera

With the system of 2-3 PP's, there better be a game plan in place before you enter so each can run (I mean walk) through the aisles of vintage goodness and beat, well, other PP's.  The "mule" keeps the buggy so the other PP's can go quickly where the non-PPs cannot go.  This system works flawlessly.

A PP must be willing to shamelessly toss treasures over everyone's head to your "mule" for safe keeping.  Lastly, a real PP is not scared to throw a little elbow when needed. (Ok...I'm kidding!)  Everyone who shops at the Samaritan Center are FANTASTIC, but I will warn you. It's not for the weak of heart (or the indecisive;) otherwise, you will get ran over!

Furniture galore!

One of the first areas of the store the Mr. runs to is their used furniture area of the store.  I do not believe I have ever seen ANY piece of furniture over $30.  Seriously amazing, BUT it flies out of the door.   DO NOT think twice about a piece.  MAKE a decision, otherwise someone will make it for you!  Each piece of furniture has a notecard with the price.  PULL THE CARD and then think later.  Trust me.

So, with that said...I'm about to break PP rule #2, and tell you how much I actually paid for some of my finds!     

Picked for $10.  Value: $50+ all day long

Vintage doll with green eyes that open and close!
Picked for $5.  Value: $25+

Meet Linda and Kimberly!  Super friendly workers at the Samaritan Center... They ALWAYS have smiles on their faces.  Makes for GREAT pickin'!

Thrift Shop Hours

Sunday • 1pm-4pm

Monday-Thursday • 9am-7pm 

(Toy Connection closes at 5pm)

Friday • Closed

Saturday • Closed

 The Thrift Shop, on the left side of the building, has more of a "boutique" feel.  Here, prices are a bit higher, but so is the quality of the merchandise.  Often here, you will discover your name brand clothing, good deals on purses, linens, higher quality glassware, etc.

Be sure to show some love to them on Facebook, and let them know Pickin on the Road and University Pickers sent you!!!  

  https://www.facebook.com/thesamaritancenter?fref=ts

Follow MORE of my Pickin adventures on Facebook at: Pickin on the Road

Long September

"I know I'll see you again."

What are we doing??

What we are doing at University Pickers is pretty simple.

We are striving to be surrounded by people who are positive, appreciative, up-lifting and supportive; to be surrounded by people who committed to their job/hobby, who work their space, and help to promote University Pickers and all who are a part of it; and we want to ensure that we keep UP a fun, exciting, friendly atmosphere for you, our customers, to be able to come to and shop just to relax, create, imagine and enjoy.  We do our best to bring to Huntsville local arts and crafts, fun vintage finds and antiques, home decor and furniture, jewelry and so much more.  We even now offer lines of paint, sold by caring people willing to help, which is made specifically for furniture that even a beginner can begin transforming their own space.

For me personally, University Pickers has become a place where I can spend time with my retired father, who I often refer to as "daddy's creations," who just started getting into pickin' and creating since the creation of UP.  He brings his finds down from Nashville when he visits, along with my Mother, who has,what we believe, is early stages of Alzheimers and dementia.  This time together is more precious to me than any amount of money University Pickers could ever make me.  I personally don't think either of us really cares if a single thing of his sells, or even if people like it (although apparently you do, because he keeps on coming back and having to restock, so THANK YOU!) His being at University Pickers is a whole lot more important than money, at least to me.  I'd secretly buy up his entire booth by myself if that's what it took to keep him coming back to visit. You see, when you shop at University Pickers, you are allowing me to have this precious time with my father and mother. It brings tears to my eyes.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

For many others, University Pickers has provided an additional source of income, and even for some (probably more like "most,") it's become a therapeutic outlet.

Some days I wish University Pickers had unlimited space where I could fit ALL of you in with your creations and artwork to share with the world.  Unfortunately, 8,000 sq ft poses limits on us....but word of mouth, the internet, Facebook does not!  SHARE yours and others creations with the world!  Don't be afraid and step out!  You will never, ever believe or can imagine what kind of blessings it will bring into your life as long as you keep positive and stay focused on YOUR blessings (and not others.)

In the end, I think what makes University Pickers so special is the people behind it...the stories...and the love poured into each piece that's brought through the door for whatever reason.

Thank you for your continued support of University Pickers. Huntsville rocks.




 







 

Let it go...

Let it go... By T. D. Jakes 

There are people who can walk away from you. 
And hear me when I tell you this! 
When people can walk away from You: let them walk. 


I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you,
loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you,
staying attached to you. 

I mean hang up the phone. 

When people can walk away from you let them walk. 
Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. 

The bible said that, they came out from us
that it might be made manifest that they were not for us.
For had they been of us, 
no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19] 


People leave you because they are not joined to you. 
And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. 


Let them go. 

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person
it just means that their part in the story is over 
And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over
so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. 

You've got to know when it's dead. 
You've got to know when it's over... 

Let me tell you something.I've got the gift of good-bye.
It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye.


It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, 
and I know whatever God means for me to have 
He'll give it to me.


And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it.Stop begging people to stay. 
Let them go!! 

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you
and was never intended for your life,then you need to........ LET IT GO!!! 

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ...... 
LET IT GO!!! 

If someone can't treat you right,
love you back, and see your worth..... 
LET IT GO!!! 

If someone has angered you ........ 
LET IT GO!!! 

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge...... 
LET IT GO!!! 


If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction..... 
LET IT GO!!! 


If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents 
LET IT GO!!! 

If you have a bad attitude......... LET IT GO!!! 
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...... LET IT GO!!! 
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him...... LET IT GO!!! 
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship....... LET IT GO!!! 
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves..... LET IT GO!!! 
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ......... LET IT GO!!! 
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself
and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to...... LET IT GO!!! 
Let the past be the past.
Forget the former things.
GOD is doing a new thing!!! LET IT GO!!! 
Get Right or Get Left ...
think about it,
and then ... LET IT GO!!! 
"The Battle is the Lord's!"

God gives opportunities..

Sometimes inspiration hits ya when you're least expecting it and in the strangest of places.  Tonight, it's while laying in bed at a Holiday Inn with Evan Almighty playing in the background.

It hit me faster than drawing an eleven at a blackjack table....

I've always believed you shouldn't pray to God for something that you can do for yourself and/or for others, and that's about as far as I processed that thought.  I also have always believed my daddy's advice to never pass up an opportunity.  I just didn't know exactly why it was that important of advice.

Until I heard Morgan Freeman's voice in the background...

God: Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?-   Quote from 2007 movie, Evan Almighty

What opportunities have you been given, perhaps even ignoring,  to have your prayers answered?

Sometimes God's answer to a prayer IS the window.