e had what was, for us, an unusual experience....a yard sale. Actually, it's a moving sale since we are getting ready for our move to Topeka. For the past couple weeks we've been sorting, cleaning, and pricing the stuff we no longer use and don't want to haul half-way across the country. Our children have begun to pack up their child-hood mementoes. We've tossed and turned on what to take with us and what to leave behind...what we 'treasure' and what is just more stuff, taking up space. It's quite a process.Our day dawned bright and early as we hauled out our offerings, posted our sign, and waited for customers. Although yard sale-ing is unusual for us, around here there are folks who make a sport of it. All season long they hop from sale to sale, looking for bargains. Some save up $1.00 bills just for this purpose. Some arrive as soon as you're open for business. Others drive by slowly, just scoping things out. One guy strode up the driveway and asked, "how much for it all?" Now that would be a deal. He did snag quite a number of items. By the time he was done, it was clear that he was working a well-honed system.
I was interested in what sold. Like many, we had an assortment of odds and ends from the kitchen, ramdom office supplies, a few books, some linens, a couple of appliances, a few pieces of furniture, and some trinkets from the kids' younger years. Some of this went, but much remains. Instead, we quickly sold a glockenspiel that our son used in high school band. A couple of needlework pieces that once were in Jack's family, but more recently have sat un-noticed in our basement went to a woman who owns a B&B. A pouch with a dozen tiny perfume bottles were purchased by a woman who has a bottle collection. And the lava lamp went to a little boy who was absolutely delighted with it.
We were also been fascinated with the people who stopped by. Everyone wanted to know, "where are you moving?" They were surprised to hear, "Topeka, Kansas," but then the small world connections began. We met a man grew up in a little town outside Wichita. Another was wearing a t-shirt from a bird sanctuary we visited during our PA years. Neighbors we hadn't seen in quite some time, stopped by to wish us well.
At the end of the day, we still had quite a bit of stuff we don't need, but we agreed it was a pretty good day. It was a gorgeous day to be outside. We met some interesting people. And now, we'll pack up the remains to donate. The hard work of sorting and deciding what to do with the accumulation is behind us...at least for now.
What to do with the past is a question we'll continue to ponder, as we say our good-byes and move through the transition from Ontario to Topeka. What to leave behind? What to recycle? What to take with us? Questions not only of the household, but also of the heart.
Blessings,
Cheryl
