Town Hall Trinkets On Line Estate Sale Group

No one is more surprised than myself, but my launch of  Town Hall Trinkets On Line Estate Sale group off my facebook business page is doing really good!  Thanks to all the wonderful customers who have been buying.

Are you missing out on the fun?  Here are a few pictures of items I have offered and sold.  

Sold for $1.00

sold for $1.00

  Sold for $125.00

sold for $10

sold for $10 series of 6 books

 sold for $5.

Several of the Hummel plates sold, however many more are still available now $7.50 each.

I've listed 204 lots of a wide variety of items.  Some are from buyouts and some are from clients.  I have several appointments lined up to pick up items to list for clients and another to look at for an actual live estate sale - or a buyout, I won't know until early next week.  

It is easy to follow along.  All you need do is go to my business facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/Town-Hall-Trinkets-LLC-729693193716630/  LIKE AND FOLLOW and ask to join the group
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1914536328603700/?fref=mentions

The benefit in joining is that you see the items first.  Before I share them to a marketplace, another selling group or craigslist.  I also will post warranted unsold lots to ebay.  Get first dibs.  I'm not only selling to customers, but dealers as well.  I have the ability to accept paypal for non local buyers and I will ship for the actual cost.  

Anyway, I wanted to share with you how it is going.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin. 

Flea Market Style Magazine

I would like to share some exciting news with my followers.  I started an event on our farm almost 22 years ago.  When our girls joined 4H we added food, animals, games and vendors.  After almost a dozen years, we outgrew our farm and moved down the road to our little township.  With blessing from our community we have hosted this event ever since.  

My family and I have poured ourselves into the success of this event.  It was a dream of mine to finally be - noticed.  Thanks Flea Market Style Magazine for doing so!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Thrifty Thursday - 411 on Pickers

People often ask:  "What do you do for a living?"  

So, for Thrifty Thursday - 411 on.... I will start with Pickers and Picking.  These are my personal definitions of these words and my opinions.  You could ask 50 people their ideals and get 50 different answers.  So, here goes some tips, my 411 for you.

"Picking:"  The art of finding something, someone would like to buy.  

"Picker:"  The individual who digs, sorts, shuffles, hunts for and interacts with those who want to sell.

"Dealer:"  The individual who buys items from a picker to resell at their shop or sales.

I've said this before, but I come from a long line of pickers.  It's just in my blood.  I've grown up watching my grandpa and mom pick, resell and pick again; this is the cycle.  

I've just had a knack for being able to find the best item on a rummage table.  I don't know, they just pop out at me.  I've been lucky, that's true, however "picking" is a job.  A "picker" is, NOW, a profession.  It just makes me laugh, really....not too long ago, "picking" wasn't desirable, and I dare say, "junk dealer" still holds visual connotations for some.   My dad loved Sanford & Sons, oh how he would laugh.   

I can still hear this theme song in my head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WqazleR3FE

Anyway, back to picking.  Whether you are picking for yourself (watch out, this is how it starts) or picking to make some extra money, first you need to educate yourself.  

1.  Befriend a picker.  Find an older antique dealer to glean from.  This will be your best, resource, especially if you are new to the "business."  Now, picking doesn't just mean antiques.  There are pickers of all kinds of things.  

 2.  Find your niche'.  What is it you want to pick.  It would be best to pick something to pick, that you are interested in or know about.  

3. What are  your expectations?  If you plan to retire on your "pickins" - you need a 9-5!  There is no 401K, health benefits (in fact...health detriments, i.e. mold, dust, rodents) or overtime pay.  It's more of a side hustle.  Maybe and it's a rare maybe, someone finds that one golden ticket item that they can really cash in on, but....people, it's rare.  

4.  Research the market.  What is selling, trending, not only in your area, but in general.  You could sell your items on line.  This is good, because if you see something is popular in CA, you might find it cheap here in WI.  I spend hours looking - trying to figure out - what a customer would want.   If it is July and you are at a rummage sale, don't stop from looking at the Christmas items just because you're hot.  Christmas is a huge selling genre all year. 

5.  Think outside the box.   Look at antique shops during off seasons as many dealers are trying to "make their rent" and often times have wonderful deals.  Same is true of flea markets, antique shows....just because you might "pick" a dealer, doesn't mean you are NOT getting a deal.

So, I know when blog posts get too long, one tends to stop reading, so, with 5 tips, I'll stop.  However, I plan to do more posts in series..."Thrifty Thursday - 411 on....."    

Until the next time, "may your pickin path be full of treasure!"  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2018/02/friendship-friday-blog-party-social-media-boost-316.html

Ten Tips on Tuesday - Showing Love

Ten Tips on Tuesday - Showing Love

It's Valentine's week - what better topic to write about on my ten tips Tuesday - SHOWING LOVE

Showing love to a spouse or partner.  Truly, Valentine's Day is made for lovers and your Valentine.    

Tip 1:  Say it - "I Love You" often, remind your love that you love them and are thinking of them.

Tip 2:  Show it - kisses, hugs, snuggles and other extra curricular activities you enjoy.  (smile).

Tip 3:  Respect them - always have "their back" no matter what.  Even if you don't necessarily agree with everything they are saying, respect their opinion.  I have many crazy ideals that Al doesn't always see, but he always respects them.

Tip 4:  Support them - know their dreams and goals.  Help them set out a plan to make those things happen.

Tip 5:  Choose them - pick them first over all others and things.  Let them know they are your #1!  Letting your love know you chose them over even things you love - like a football game - will work wonders for you!

Tip 6:  Little things are BIG things - send a text during the day, bake something special, put the toilet seat down, wash a sink full of dishes, fold a load of clothes, any small thing you can think of that will make your love happy.  I love when Al washes the dishes or brings me home a candy bar...(smile).

Tip 6:  Unplug - when you are with your love, don't spend time on your phone looking at stupid stuff.  Connect with them.  It is sad when I see this.  Couples, some with kids, looking at their phones.  I think sometimes our phones are the biggest distractions and greatest tool to destroy families - one of my crazy ideals that Al respects. (smile).

 Tip 7:  Listen to them - yes, listen.  Sometimes, we hear them talk, but are we listening?  I know I call it "testosterone ears" ... ladies, you know what I mean.  I guess over the years, I've learned to stick to the facts.  Keep out the colorful parts to the story - this is hard for me.  I love when Al will stop, look at me and listen to whatever stupid little thing I want to say....he shows me he loves me by even asking a few questions about it.  (smile).  I don't always care what team is in what rank, or how much weight he is lifting , but, I listen.

Tip 8:  Be vulnerable - show your sensitive side.  Guys, women love this.  I do.  When we watch a movie and I see that Al is emotional I say..."stop it, you're making me LOVE you even more!"  It's true - crying or showing emotions and your softer side is sexy!  

Tip 9:  Celebrate their success - Al is good at this.  I came home from the antique show, tired and drained, what does he say..."congratulations!  You did it!  Another successful show!"  Even if the "success" is to clean the garage - ladies, know when to celebrate.  Doing so is like a positive reinforcement to motivate them to continue doing the things you like.  

Tip 10:  Don't give up - on each other, your family, your goals and dreams.  Life can kick you when your down, but work on it together.  Give a little, get a little - it's all a balance.  You can't always have it your way, how is that showing love!  "Love is patient, love is kind...1 Corinthians 13 chapter"

You don't need to get on social media and say "I have the best husband/wife ever" no one is interested!  If you need this to validate your love - maybe you need to start with tip 1.  I know it sounds harsh, but truth is...what your love is interested in is your telling them this and showing them.   The rest of the world, their view of your relationship via social media is FAKE NEWS....showing the rest of the world by our actions, how you treat each other - this is the REAL DEAL!  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Linked to:  
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2018/02/inspire-me-monday-week-319-with-passion-music-whole-heart-cd-giveaway.html

Motivational Monday - A Merry Heart

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth my bones."  Proverbs 17:22

I did quote that at the antique show this past weekend.  A family I've known for over 25 years that are vendors, not only here, but at my event, Ringle Harvest Day, and I were visiting and laughing about a something.  Another vendor, from Minnesota, whom I didn't know, came up and said "you people are too happy this early in the morning."  I quickly said the above verse.  He smiled and agreed.  

It's true, a merry heart is like a good medicine.  Studies at the University of Maryland have linked laughter to the healthy function of blood vessels, something that can lower your chance of heart attack.  Laughter also boosts heart rate and the production of certain antibodies, which strengthens our immune system.  So, there you have it!

If you think about it, you have a choice.  You can be happy and joyful and do good for your body or you can be crabby and bitter and it not do good for you.  Sure, you are saying, easy for you to say, you never had this happen....(fill in the blank)...  Well, your situations are different than mine, but I have faced many trials and unpleasant things.  When I've not been able to choose merry and fell into the trap of the other - it has not done me any good!  

You know, even in the most disappointing of ventures, I know I need to find some joy in it.  Something to make this unbearable situation tolerable.  We've all been there.  Dig deep my friend, pull out some joy, it's in there.   

Lisa and I always have fun at our shows.  We've known each other since junior high, our husband's worked at the same place, we were pregnant all at the same times, quit our jobs, started this adventure of selling junk together and had some crazy ideals over the years.  We can find a way to make a long day of selling fun.   Lisa had these "coke bottle" glasses for sale.  I couldn't believe how big they made my eyes look.  Lisa took my picture - although, I don't like how it magnifies my wrinkles - I can find joy that God has blessed me with laugh lines (see that was easy).  Anyway, we sent this to another vendor across the field house..."I see you!"  

This lead to an exchange of very funny texts.  We were having fun.  So, the next time you are feeling blue or stuck, not getting over something, find something to be merry about.  It might be that you need to laugh at yourself.  Most of my merriness comes from just that.  I love to make others laugh, even at my own expense.  However, I don't see that as a weakness, I see that as a strength.  I not only make my heart merry, but theirs.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  



   

A & R Promotions - Audre' & Ray Hanson

If you live in Wisconsin, know anything about the antique show circuit, you probably know Audre' and Ray Hanson.  

A & R Promotions started their business in 1985.  Their first show and event was held at the Wausau Mall.  Here is a link to their webpage:  http://www.antiqueshowsinwis.com/

As a 3rd generation "picker" it was a natural progression for me to do antique shows.  The first person to give me a helping hand in that was Audre'.  I will never forget her walking into my booth at a flea market, as she looked around, checked my prices, she says..."you need to do my shows."  I have set up at many of her shows since...1996?   

She is the premier event coordinator - for real - in our area.  She, not only was the first from Wausau, but first woman to do so.  Not to discredit Ray for his work, but Audre' is the driving force that keeps it all flowing so smoothly.  

I would be remiss not to state, Audre' has been a mentor to me as well.  I am the type of promoter I am, due to her influences over the years.  In addition to that, all the friendships I have made with amazing "older" vendors - gleaning from their experiences and knowledge was an intricate part of my personal growth as an antique dealer.  These experiences and relationships are priceless to me.  I can't help but think of the many faces that once were, those iconic dealers who I admired; Granny, Danny and Francis to name only a few.  It is not only important to me to help the next generation, but to educate them about those who forged the way for us to do what we do.  

One of my favorite show memories comes from one of mine and Lisa's first shows.  We were young, strong and ambitious...wink, wink.  We would carry in dressers, cupboards and all kinds of heavy furniture all by ourselves.  On this occasion, Jo Vonnie was watching us.  As we passed her booth, primitive wardrobe in hands...she says..."girls, you're gonna regret that one day!"  Oh how we laughed at that.  However, now we remind each other of her saying this at almost every event we do..."girls, you're gonna regret that...."  (for more reasons that just that...LOL)

I know the "business" has changed, is changing, new ideas, new vendors, new....you choose...but, Audre', Ray and A & R Promotions has been one of the most consistent and continuing factors in getting sellers and buyers together in our area.  With the popularity of Junk Bonanza, Junk Jubilee, Junk Stock...you name one...the antique show of the past has to change to keep up with current trends.  

Many vendors have diversified their wares to accommodate the younger collector and buyers.  In fact, many of Audre's vendors also do those same events.  You will find re purposed, up cycled, Pyrex, baseball cards, primitives, jewelry, collectibles of just about anything you can think of, in addition to, the classic 3/4 sawn oak furniture booths at her shows.   A wide variety.  Just because it's named "antique show" doesn't mean I do anything any different than how I set up and mark for one of my pop ups.  Many of the other vendors have reasonably priced items as well.  

So, with that said, Audre' asked  me to help her with the social media aspect of promoting the sale.  She invited me to her home and we worked on it.  I told her, "if you really want to know the ins and outs, you need someone younger than me!"  While working at her desk, I couldn't help but take a few pictures.  I love her homage to the past shows and vendors.  Also, if Ray wasn't the cutest...he looked like a little gangster in the photo....Audre' looked like an angel.  

  
The 33rd Wausau Antique Sale and Sale https://www.facebook.com/antiqueshowsandsales/ is this weekend at D.C. Everest Sr. High Greenheck Field House.  Go check out the facebook page in the link above for additional information and photos.   

Stop and say Hi to Lisa and I - we will be there with a bit of this and that from here and there.  That is a quote from another old timer...Skip....I've used it over and over.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.