Remaking yet again....

It's the first day of August and I am very excited about filling this month with adventures.  Each day I will enjoy the outside because nature nurtures.  I also will journal to track my activities and emotions.

So much is going on but I know that I have to keep it slow and simple.  I have to be proactive, rather than reactive.  I will be in a good position if I do at least one thing under each of my five focus factors:  fun; family; fitness; finance; and food.  It won't be too hard, as I informally have been doing some of this.  More will be better.  

Today's activity was moving out or my thrift shop space.  During the six months of this adventure I learned tons.  However, I didn't make much money after expenses.  Significantly, the costs to the owners and the amount of time required to succeed led to my decision to search for the next adventure.  I'm not sure yet what it will be....

Searching and sorting will continue, with the #solutionsFORstuff adapting, as it so often does. 

#until ..... 

New adventure

I have been focusing on my website and not as much on this blog -- there's simply not enough time....  My website is RummagePVD.com and it totally is in the early stages.  I am having fun working my solutions for stuff, by selling on eBay and Craigslist.  I also have space at a thrift shop.  Currently, I am thinking of offering stuff at a local flea market, which promises to be a fun solution.  The more places I can offer my stuff the better and the more solutions I can provide the better.  I am working with a few people who are realizing positive beenfits, from more space (by eliminating stuff) to more money (by selling stuff with me).  With this approach, everyone benefits.

Vintage brass/wood level

Never say never

 A recurring mantra is never say never.

My Mom was never going to a long term care facility (okay, a nursing home, I said it) until she did, one year ago today.  It was one of the most difficult decisions I ever made, but one of the best as it turns out.  She is thriving.

My Son was never going to a catholic school until it was clear that one school in particular was a good fit for him.  Now we are planning for next year.

I was never going  to work regularly in an office again until it became clear that doing so would allow me to work smarter.  I hired someone, and training her in the office was most effective.  Also, I can time-block my days better by regularly going to the office.  Don't get me wrong, this office work is not 5 days a week, but it is much more than I ever thought I would want.

Allowing life to take its natural course is a favorable approach.  Follow the possibilities rather than fighting them.

Website time....

I have been working on my website, rummagePVD.com with Squarespace.  This is so fun -- the biggest problem is balancing time on the website with other demands.  It's totally a work in progress, but so am I.  It's a good fit.

The website is yet another platform to offer solutions and advance the brand.   It's MYTIME to help, move forward, provide solutions for stuff.

Diverse solutions

I am pleased with today's solution.  The problem was what to do with a piece of needlework that was incomplete.  It was designed to be completed as a pillow, which never happened.  The client does not need another pillow, but has wall space and would love to add to her quilt theme.  The solution was to frame the needlework with some time and no money.  A frame and fabric from my collection were used to complete the project.  Sewing is not one of my go-to solutions, but a glue gun is.  The result is effective -- I am looking forward to getting it to my client in a few days!

A positive attitude works wonders

I am doing quite well with my positive attitude!  Today I moved one of my clients out of the storage unit she has been maintaining for over 10 years.  She feels good and I do too.  

Finding encouragement....

Today's horoscope is encouraging as I take another step forward by working to launch my website.  

Expanding the adventure

It's time for a website and Squarespace will be the place.  I think Rummage PVD - solutions for stuff will do nicely.

At Rummage PVD you will get to the heart of, and find solutions for, your stuff.

By heart, we mean:

H - honing
E - energizing
A - arranging
R - rightsizing
T - timesaving

It's more than organizing and purging.  You can deal with your stuff as much or as little as you want, and change direction at any time.  Our toolbox is full, and our tools include keys for you to find and unlock answers.

Our business is your stuff and what to do with it.  You may want your stuff to disappear totally, or you may want to keep all of it but manage it better.  Perhaps you prefer something in between.  Rummage PVD will help you decide and implement.

There's no better time or place to rummage....

The Oriole Rummager - ideas abound

This adventure is moving forward, and what fun it is.

A website will be next, with references to each of the options -- ebay, craigslist, Nostalgia, or what have you.  Though The Oriole Rummager is more than that, offering solutions for stuff.

The tag line is, where stuff blossoms.

B - buy
L - learn
O - organize
S - sell
S - seize
O - optimize
M - manage
S - sort

One goal is to make sure a provenance exists, which makes stuff more significant.

If you don't optimize and organize your stuff, then having it may matter less.  

 
The Oriole Rummager is like this picture -- the more you look, the more you find.  Stuff hides and reveals itself at the same time.

The Oriole Rummager

Having fun at Nostalgia in PVD.  The space is coming a long.  It, like me, is a work in progress.

The Oriole Rummager - mysterious find

I found this intriguing cloth / piece of fabric.  I wonder what it is....

Based on where I found this collectible, I can't help but think that it may be a cloth napkin / finger towel connected with an airline / aviation.  Also, I want to date it in the mid 1900s, but I can't be sure.

I love a good mystery, and wonder where this one will take me.....  

Settling into imbalance

I think I read somewhere about imbalance being a good thing, and it resonated with me.  I am living a wonderful imbalance in that I am not balancing my job, family, and individual lives.  Instead, each life gets too much time sometimes.  That imbalance makes me a better person.

This weekend, the imbalance was struck in favor of my individual life, focusing on the beauty of nature.   I needed this time in Vermont to regroup.  

The Oriole Rummager - Nostalgia PVD

You never know what you might find at Nostalgia in Providence.   This is a cool find!  It's a vintage hand-knit baby/toddler romper from the mid 1900s.  This also could be used for a dolly.  What's old is new again....  

Adjusted expectations - aging gracefully

So, age changes everything as far as expectations are concerned - for better and worse.  At this year's annual physical examination, I considered myself successful for having remained the same on the scale.  All of my reading reveals challenges to weight management, so I am grateful that I have NOT  gained weight over the past year.  I certainly am working toward weight loss, and being more fit.  However, I will count my blessings and move forward.  

The Oriole Rummager

I am having such fun stocking my space with #stuff.  Sorting and organizing is a passion.  Nostalgia in Providence is feeding that passion.  Right-sizing feels so good.  

 

Broadening the adventure

Time to decide what stays and what goes.  It's going to be fun with Nostalgiapvd.

Letters project - daily discovery

This letterhead is one I have not seen yet.  It's impressive with the silver embossing.

Sorting stuff - rummaging fun

When I start sorting, it's hard to stop.  This morning, I found a newspaper page from The Boston Herald on April 21, 1959.

It's fun to read history as it was playing out in the news, and to see advertisements including for:  National Airlines; Jordan Marsh Company; Estabrook & Co.; and duPont, Homsey & Company.  The market barometer portion is quite interesting, as is the short article entitled, "Ford quarter tops all 1958."

Getting lost in stuff is so simple, but alas today must begin as work and family await....

Letters project - personal and public historical significance

Today's letter is postmarked February 2, 1945  - 70 years ago exactly.

The weather is similar, with lots of snow.  However, Dad talks about a coal shortage, while today we will talk about the Patriots win in Super Bowl 49.

Dad mentions that he got paid $50.70, while today my Son will want to spend that amount on Amazon while he is home from school.

My Dad says that Gov. Dewey declared an emergency.  We will await word from Governor Raimondo on today's snowfall.

On Febauary 1, 1945, my Dad foresees the end of the war, "It doesn't look as though the war will last more than two months in Europe."  On the same day in 2015, my 94 year-old Mom told me she was bored and then enthusiastically answered yes when I asked if she wanted to play solitaire on the iPad.

Excerpts from today's letter include, 

He told me that one of the fellows we were with overseas dropped in to see him the other day and told him that he was on a furlough for 30 days and had to return to our base in Italy.  Erickson the fellow you met in Florida and was with me in the tower overseas also came back on the same deal I can't say that I am not lucky….

We had about six more inches of snow last night and that brings the total to 115 inches for the year. We are practically snowbound here on the base and snow plows are in continuous operation.  To make things even worse (but not for us) here is the hardships the civilians must endure on account of the coal shortage.  An emergency has been declared by Gov. Dewey and the N.Y.  State Guard has been called out to take jobs shoveling snow etc.  All unnecessary business places have been closed such as theaters, barbershops, liquor stores, taverns and even most of the schools.   The town looks like a ghost town with everything closed and so few people in the streets.  It is a common sight to see people pulling a few bags of coal on sleds, that is, if they are able to get it. I hope the situation is not as bad in Boston….

I got paid today and received $50.70.  Would it be alright dear if I didn't send anything home now until I see how I make a out on the furlough.   But if you need any now dear let me know and I'll send it to you….

So Bobby Lockhart is out.  I suppose anyone can get out if day try hard enough.   Maybe I should try it sometime. But I think my turn will come in the not so distant future specially the way things look in your now in Europe.  It doesn't look as though the war will last more than two months in Europe. And after the end of the war quite a few overseas men will be let go…. 

Well dear I must say good-night for now and I'll tell you once again that you are a wonderful girl in the best wife anybody could ever want.  I love you darling have a big hug and kiss on me.  I’ll pay off in a couple of weeks.

DIMmemories - historic find

On the back of this picture, my Dad wrote, "This picture was taken on Mt. Scopus over-looking the city of Jerusalem."  My Dad is the third from the right in the front row.  This picture is not dated, but I am sure that one of the many letters I have yet to transcribe will reveal that fact.  For now, I know that it is between 1942 and 1944, when he was overseas.

Letters project - WWII intrigue

I know my interest in US history, particular World War II, will be increased through this project.  My 11 year-old Son already is asking questions to which the answers are not at my ready.

This picture alone holds such intrigue....

Simple pleasures - city scenes 1/29/15

I did not mind coming to the office today.  Enjoying the sights always is refreshing.  #PVD is a wonderful city.  I am more productive when I am busy....

DIMmemories - what lies ahead

In 1943, even the paper has meaning.  The "censored" marks and "passed by" "army examiner" stamps are curious in and of themselves. 

This letter from Christmas day, 1943 conjures many images surounding: my Dad recovering from surgery; the singing nurses; dailiy activities; and a hospital somewhere far from my Mom in Boston.

Letters project - historic significance

I am almost done with the more than 30 letters from 1945.  I am anxious to get to the letters from 1942-1944.  Matching up the many photographs I have surely will be a history lesson.  For example, under what circumstances did my Dad come to have this photograph taken?  The date on the back is August 5, 1942, and it is identified as Durban S.A.

#WOD - word of the day / key

Words hold such significance.  The word key is a small one wih 3 letters; my favorite number is three, which is key right there.  Merriam-Webster's meaning is a long one and includes various parts of speech.

Today, I particularly like the following that Merriam-Webster has to offer,

an instrumental or deciding factor

to have the most importand part in (something)

important, fundamental

I will ponder these as I make my way through what promises to be anothr challenging day.

DIM memories - personal and historic

My discoveries have personal and historic significance.  

I love the short note added to a letter.  Perhaps that promise is what kept them together for more than 50 years until his death.

The historical significance is not lost.  A TWA sticker is classic 

This letters project is extremely rewarding on so many levels -- I am having fun....

Letters project - daily discoveries

I love the items I am discovering.  Remember the days when hotels provided high quality paper?  

DIM memories - living through letters

I am having fun finally moving forward with my transcribing project thanks to my MacBook Air. 

This is an Early  morning task with at least one letter each day.  It still will take some time as there are about 100 letters, but at least I am moving forward with #BabySteps.   

I am effectively putting into action tools learned recently in the self-help / productivity disciplines.  

So much of this project is intriguing, including even the diverse paper selection.  

I am learning so much, and have a new-found appreciation for the depth of my Parents' love.  I am thinking that they survived the hard times because of the base the developed.  

New year; better me

I don't want to be new, but simply a better version of myself.  I will do something for myself every day.  When I take and make that time, I am better.  I will appreciate and enjoy what I have.  I will listen and learn.  I will focus on doing a bit each day of my action items that never get enough attention.  I will be proactive rather than reactive.  I know this year will bring many and diverse challenges, and I know that I will handle them successfully by being comfortable and confident.  I can and will be productive, efficient, and effective.  I am ready.