My First Yard Sale

The other day I was thinking about what I do for a living and why I do it. The answer is simple, I love it!

At a very young age I went to a yard sale. I can no longer remember who I went with, yet, I can recall the exact address and the items to this day. That was over 30 years ago.

At this particular yard sale, I could furnish a whole home with all the items I had seen. It was huge, probably a ¼ mile long and packed with all these treasures right in front of me. The best part was the cost, it was minimal.

I did not grow up in a wealthy family, so I had to learn how to be thrifty with money. Ironically, in today’s economy – not much has changed.

It started with yard sales to decorate my home and quickly advanced to flea markets, auctions and estate sales. I still love going to them all.

I must admit, I do love going to live auctions most of all. It’s a fast and furious rush for me. To sit there patiently and wait for the item you inspected earlier and no longer wanting it for the need, yet, for the necessity of possessing this item. The item comes to the Auctioneer and you glance around the room to see if there are any other individuals striking an interest in this item as well. You instantly know which individuals are. Your mind goes to how much money you have in your pocket and how high you are willing to go. This particular item is a gorgeous “Ruby Red Cobalt Dinnerware Set for Six”. You have your bidder’s card, you already pre-registered. You now wait for the Auctioneer’s first attempt to sell. The Auctioneer announces $20.00 and suddenly your side vision is in perfect condition and you’re anticipating what the other buyer’s intensions are. You give yourself a second to process what is transpiring and do not hear anyone bidding on this item. Great! The Auctioneer then announces a new figure and the routine continues. Finally the Auctioneer says $6.00. I immediately flashed my bidder’s card. My heart begins to race and in my mind I think, “Did I just win that item?” Yes, I did! I now take a deep breath and glance around the room and notice individuals are not looking at me in friendly way. You don’t wish to rub it in; yet, inside you are as happy as can be.

This is a way of life for me and a true passion that I am sure I will endure forever.

Look at photos for yourself. There are absolutely no chips and/or cracks… You decide, was it worth $6.00?