My story

It's been over 5 years since the "accident" that took my sister, who was only 43 years old and who left behind 4 children.  One day, I may muster up the courage to write out the details of that day and explain further the quotation marks around the word "accident," but for today, lets leave it as a tragic event that has  re-defined my life.  I often view my life as pre- and post- "accident."

Leading up to that day, I had a rather severe case of anxiety.  Anxiety that would nearly demobilize me and cause me to lose sleep.  Post- accident, my anxiety nearly went away.  Things like bills and a highly demanding boss just didn't get my goat like it did before.  After all, I experienced for the first time as an adult true grief.  Everything else- outside of relationships and the enjoyment of self and of life- seems a bit petty and unimportant.  

Two years later, I remember having raised eyebrows when I excitedly phoned home to share the news that Paul had asked me to marry him, and my mother's reply was, "Whose Paul?"  I laughed it off as did she, thinking she was kidding, and I nervously laughed it off to Paul.  It took me 2 years to accept and realize that she wasn't trying to be funny, but in fact, this was the beginning of a long journey with my mother and her battle with Alzheimer.

A year later after getting engaged, I experienced grief all over again as I watch my mother-in-law fight for her life from diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer to 9 months later, her last breath. The feelings for my husband deepened as I watched him literally carry his mother, made up of nothing but hanging skin and bones, from her bed to the restroom.  I have a soulful cry accompanied by a giggle when I think about Paul racing down a two-lane road with a McDonald's ice cream in tow, just trying to get it home to his Mama in one piece, who lived 20 minutes away from the nearest McDonald's.  In that moment, no one was going to stop him from getting that special request of an ice cream cone to his dying mother.

Shortly after, we launched University Pickers, an antique mall in Huntsville, Ala., and the healing process began for both of us.

 

Things were going amazingly well until my family and I took a family vacation to the beach with my mother.  On what we felt was our "last" family vacation, as my mother's memory continues to deteriorate, several vendors from University Pickers, the antique mall that Paul and I owned, got together and launched a very personal attack on  Paul and I while we were out of town and most vulnerable.  We (my entire family) watched remotely from surveillance, 7 hours away, as these "friends" of ours went into our business and ripped down their walls creating construction zones while we were open for business, sent out nasty emails to our vendors, and had little whispering talks around the corners, accusing us of "unethical business practices." Then, they went and launched their own store.   

I had an email forwarded to me, as I did not want to believe it as it was written from the one person who I trusted the most- who at one point had a key to our business.   To this day, I still cannot believe it happened like it did as I adored these people, loved their children, prayed with these people, went "pickin" with these people, and "broke bread" with these people. NEVER once did the wife, who I naively thought was my friend, have the courage to confront me, as I still to this day have NO idea what caused the fall out.  It's such a shame as there was 1,000 better ways to handle it, and I would have been one of their biggest fans had they just been direct.  I know in my heart I didn't deserve the way I was treated, and I believe deep down, SHE does too.  As for the rest of the "Huntsville Mafia," (their words, not mine,) I wish them much success in their endeavors, and I am glad to see them doing something with their lives. Their actions deeply hurt me.  

Business, however, was not hurt. In fact, after this group left, our sales sky-rocketed and we had back-to-back, record sales months.  Shortly after, I was offered a promotion, and we were able to sell University Pickers to the most deserving of sisters.  The Lord works in very mysterious ways (and he does not bless discord.)

It's been about 5 months since we sold University Pickers and moved to Georgia. Since moving,  Paul and I have had a blast traveling, we took our first cruise, have enjoyed decorating our new place, picking in new places, and visiting family and friends after 1 very jam-packed year. My new job is a dream come true, and I am so thankful. We get emails all the time, when are you opening another store???  I'll be honest and say that I think about it every day.  I just love it so much.  I love the people, and I love being a part of such a talented and gifted community.  It's not about the money for me.  It's truly about the people.  

As for now, I'm having such a fun time featuring other talented people and places on my Pickin on the Road page. It's my therapy (and now you know why.) I am truly in a healthy, happy place right now.  So, my answer for "when are you opening a new store" is this:  maybe some day.  :)  For now, there's this little "bug" that all of a sudden has been pestering me a bit that might have Paul and I re-thinking some things.  

I'll leave you with that for now....

Dream a little dream with me.....

There's something I want to share with the folks out there who are thinking of opening their own store, launching their own business, going after a dream, or doing any sort of leadership...  Or, even for those who just are "unhappy" where they are in life. It is the single most important piece of advice I have ever been given and I am putting it out there for you.

But before I do, let me get you up to speed.  It has been almost a week since we've sold "University Pickers."  The only word I know to use to describe how I feel accurately is "bittersweet."  Endings are almost always guaranteed to be painful.  I've shed my share of tears, which came creeping up on me during the most inopportune and most embarrassing of places, such as when we called our Pickers together and made the announcement we were selling, and I did "ugly cry" in front of 60+ people.  The sweet part comes from selling our business to some of the most deserving of sisters and from the excitement of what the future holds.  The experience, the friendships and knowledge we've gained is just something that you can't put a price tag on.  

For those who've been following along in our journey, the decision to sell University Pickers came from a twist that my "day job"/career took, and only after being offered a career advancement that I have been working towards for the past 5 years, although it is now leading me to Atlanta, Georgia.  Again, the "bittersweet" part.  This makes the next chapter of mine and the Mr.'s life nearly a "blank slate" and nearly "boundless" of opportunities.   I am about "stupid excited" for the next chapter.  

Now back to that important piece of advice.  Opening a store has always been a dream of mine. Opening a store that's successful was in my wildest of dreams.  Opening a store that's successful that also sold things that I am most passionate about: seemed impossible.  Now, to make a decision to sell that store to continue to pursue my 17-year career?  That sounds nearly insane!  Right?!?   

It's not when you hear my piece of advice.  

It is simple.  It is answering this question, "What do you want to be known for?"

Once you know the answer to that question, make that your #1 dream.  Everything else just becomes "bucket list" goals and dreams to pursue.  Owning and operating University Pickers was not what I set out on purpose "to be known for," although, I am super, uber proud of that piece of my life.  Instead, I have a list of things deeply personal in my mind that I want to be known for that I work towards every single day of my life.  Somedays when I lay down at night, I feel like I did a great job working towards those things, and other days, I feel I may be failing.  But, my answer to that question dictates such things as: what kind of manager I am, what kind of business owner, who I let in my life, who I quickly remove from my life, behaviors from others that I will accept or not accept, and ultimately, my happiness level.  Do not let circumstances determine your happiness.  That's like betting your happiness on the roulette table and letting some stranger spin the wheel.

With that said, the answer shouldn't be things like, "be a successful artist," "being a business owner," "becoming a mother" or "becoming a teacher," etc.  Again, those are amazing dreams, and when achieved will bring much happiness, but these are items controlled and dictated by circumstance. They should not be your end-all purpose.  Those things, unfortunately, can be taken away from you at any time.  Then you are left with what??  The answer to,  "What do you want to be known for?," should follow you where ever your life should take you, regardless to your circumstances. The answer is "transferable" from job to job, town to town.  When you define your life by "what do you want to be known for," and you make that your #1 focus in whatever "bucket list" dream you are pursuing, that's the moment you begin enjoying the "journey of life" vs enjoying only the "destination." 

Examples of just a few positive things to "be known for:"

• being an encourager 
• being a giver
• lifting others up
• loving Jesus Christ
• using loving words during disagreements
• being positive
• showing people mercy and forgiveness
• growing and developing people
• bringing peace to conflict
• doing all things with integrity
• giving to people who cannot return the favor
• bringing ideas to fruition
• achieveing goals and overcoming obstacles
• executing and finishing tasks when given
• making decisions that positively impacts others
• making positive contributions 
• taking a stand, even if not popular
• standing up for those who are unable to defend themselves
• being a risk taker

Anyways, if what you have been working towards was all of a sudden taken away from you, "what do YOU want to be known for????"  Go and BE that!!!  

 

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.