Just got back from a wonderful “busman’s” holiday in Bellingham!

A “busman’s” holiday is basically a working holiday.  I was in town to source for the store and eBay.  Think about a bus driver who goes on vacation with his family and spends the entire time driving…get it?

Here we are visiting my sister’s grave.

We may look happy, but of course, we miss my sister and the boys miss their mom more than we will ever know.  We were just so happy to see one another after a year of being apart because of Covid etc.

From left to right are Kai (age 12), their Dad John, Zach (age 14) my mom (we will leave her age out of this), my brother Lee, me, and Indiana.

Welcome to Lynn’s Latest #24…

August 14th, 2020
Watch for it every Friday or every other Friday!
Volume I  Issue 24

 

I shouldn’t have left my mom’s age out of the intro since we just got back from celebrating her 84th Birthday!

Her actual birthday is August 18th, but Indy has to head back to the Malibu area for school this week and wouldn’t be able to travel any later.  The party was a success!  About 15 people came in shifts and we were able to socially distance quite well.

Pictured from left to right, Sue (my stepmom), Anita (one of my mom’s good friends), Cole (Sue’s grandson and Indy’s cousin), Indiana, Brandon, Sharin (another of my mom’s good friends), my mom and my brother Lee (holding the screen door that he fixed for her).

But let’s rewind to the beginning of our trip.  Houston wasn’t able to join us because he was back in OKC getting ready to teach high school.  We had invited Brandon (Indy’s boyfriend) to go with us and we are sure glad he accepted the invitation.  The trip was a blast!

Here are the kids on the plane (which was super empty btw).

I have never seen LAX so empty!  The restaurants and bars were closed except for takeout.  When in your life have you ever been able to walk around with a “to-go cocktail”?  Try never!  I had to snap a pic of my screwdriver on my knee.  Crazy!  Some perks to this Covid.

Just a reminder of our current store hours…..
Tuesday to Sunday 11 to 3.

We do stay late if there are customers so if you are in the area check us out to see if we are still open after 3 pm.

Another reminder that this is what our front window looks like…with the neutral pallet of furniture that is staying in place (until someone buys something) like someone did a few days ago…..ugh! Just kidding! We appreciate any and every sale!

For the first two weeks, the window had red accessories.  It was a hit!  Here it is from the street at night.

Here it is from the side in red.  Check out that cabinet to the very left on the table (you can see just a corner of it)…that is the one that sold.

We changed the front window out to orange accessories before I left for Washington.  Here is a photo from the side.  I need to stay out past dark to get a good photo from the street.  If anyone reading this does travel past at night and can get me a good shot, I would greatly appreciate it!

Sandy and Doug replaced the cabinet that sold with a darling hall tree (entrance piece).  You can see it pretty clearly in this photo.  It really made the window POP even more!  Great choice guys!

Here is that Hall Tree for sale on our website.  But, please don’t buy it.  Just Kidding!

Sometime next week or the week after.  I will be changing the window to YELLOW.  Please look around your homes, go outsourcing and help me gather YELLOW accessories.  I look forward to seeing what you all can bring me!

One of my consignors brought in a carload of yellow while I was in Washington and we were too busy to take it all in, so PLEASE bring it back.  This is what some of it looked like.  FUN!

Time to share an eBay score before we get to some AMAZING news!  Check out this set of brass napkin rings that sold for $97.43 this past week.  Aren’t they cute?  Check out more about the maker at the listing here.

While we were in Bellingham, my time hop showed a photo from just 4 years ago.  It was my family (including my dad) at Dos Padres in Bellingham for dinner.  We typically go to Bellingham every August to make sure that my mom gets a birthday party!  So lots of memories and it just highlights how much I miss my Dad.

In this photo from Left to Right, Houston, Mor Mor, my stepmom Sue, Indiana, my dad, and me.

Here is another photo that popped up from that same day 4 years ago.  The kids standing outside Dos Padres with my dad.  Dos Padres is no more (what I wouldn’t give for one of their taco salads right now) and my dad is no more (what I wouldn’t give for one of his “What in the Worlds? right now).

Whenever we go to Greenacres Memorial Cemetery in Ferndale, WA, I have quite a few folks to pay my respects to.  Of course, my sister, my grandma, my grandpa, and my dad.  Here we are at my Dad’s final resting place in the Veterans section.  Miss you Papa!

One of my best friends from high school is also buried at Greenacres.  Usually, I can find her right away as she is under a huge tree (probably the one right behind me in the above picture).  But, for some reason this time I couldn’t find her.  I had everyone helping me and we walked round & round with no luck.  Jodi Cadman, I know you know that I was there to pay my respects.

Another way to keep Jodi in my heart is to share story #38 about her from my book “eBay Money Making Madness More 100 Best Things I’ve Sold on eBay”.

The picture on the cover of her funeral program was taken on a cruise to Mexico that Jodi talked me into going on with her husband Bob, and our good friends Kathy Rutan and Jo Dallas. It was just the five of us and we went on that cruise in 1998 just two months after Indiana was born. I still don’t know how Jodi talked me into leaving my newborn to go and celebrate her cancer remission, but she did! She passed away 5 years later. One thing that sticks out in my mind about Jodi is it’s “I hope you dance!” Don’t forget that!

BTW, Kiki, my dad, and Jodi all died from Cancer. CANCER SUCKS.

Time for an eBay score that could have happened, but did NOT. This cameo belonged to my grandmother and was the pièce de résistance in her collection. She wore it almost every day on her jacket lapel. The reason she loved this cameo so much is that it had two things that were very special to her Cherubs/Angels and playing marbles. What a great hand-carved antique shell cameo.

Here is a link to the listing.

This is a super rare cameo and while we were in Bellingham, I got an offer of $4,500 for it.  I conferred with my mom and brother and we decided to take it.  The buyer NEVER paid!  I hate it when that happens on eBay and it happens A LOT!  I guess my grandmother wants us to keep this little piece of her for a bit longer.  Fine with me!

Here is a photo of her wearing it at my 2nd graduation from USC (this time for my MBA).  Left to Right….Lee, Kiki, Cheryl Leaf (my grandma), me, my mom, my dad, and William (my ex-husband).

OK, back to the store!  See what happens when I go on a “busman’s holiday”…I forget all about my super fun store.  Check out some of our new arrivals and don’t forget we try and upload as many new items as possible each week to the website.

For those of you who are consignors and for those of you who are not…just a huge heads up!  We need DESKS and anything that can be used as a DESK.  All of this homeschooling and work from home has created a HUGE shortage.   Please help us out!

Exciting News! Baggu (who makes those amazing reusable bags that we sell), also makes masks! The masks are now IN STOCK. $32.00 for a set of 3. My kids LOVE them! Come in and check them out!

While in Bellingham, I stumbled across an estate find in one of the local stores.  36 Head vases!  What pray tell is a Head Vase?  Well, let’s find out together.

This is from Google….

“The terms “head vase,” “lady head vase,” or “head planters” refer to a style of ceramic vase popularized during the 1950s and generally featuring the head or bust of a person, usually a woman. … Originally, head vases were produced by florist companies to hold the bouquets they sold.”

Nice!  I bought 36 of them for $10 each or $360!  Here is a photo of them while I was packing them up for shipping on my mom’s deck this past Tuesday morning.  Seriously?  Was that only 3 days ago?  Yikes!  No wonder I am exhausted.

I ended up shipping 25 of them and I took 11 of them on the plane with me in my carry-on.  OMG!  The Bellingham TSA had to search my bag and take each and everyone out.  Give me a break!  Here is one that I already have listed on eBay.  Fingers crossed that I make 10 times my money.  That is ALWAYS my goal on eBay.  By the way, this got a bid right after I listed it.  Now, this is going to be FUN!

Check out that listing here.

For those of you who want to follow along with my “head vase” auction drama, here is a link to see them once they are all listed.  It may take me a few days….the box hasn’t arrived yet, so check back often.

Many of you have asked me if I would teach a “How to Sell on eBay” course here in Ventura.  The response has been phenomenal.  I will be announcing a course in the next few weeks!

But for now, we are going to announce a PAINT YOUR OWN PIECE with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Class.  Socially distanced in my back parking lot!  You bring the small piece (approved by us) and we provide the paint, the wax, the brushes, and the guidance.  Can’t wait to see 8 of you on Tuesday, August 25th from 3 to 6 pm.  $99 per person.

You can sign up here NOW before we sell out!

Here is a recent Instagram post for a GORGEOUS Turquoise piece that has got me excited to teach the upcoming class.  I might even attempt this in front of my 8 students! FUN FUN!

Don’t forget that you can always order your paint supplies on our website.………

Shop Annie Sloan Here
https://lynnsconsignment.ricoconsign.com/store/category/Annie%20Sloan?sort=HL

Carlos was beside himself that we left him alone for almost a week.  I am kidding.  He had someone (Cindy’s son) come in twice a day for the 6 days we were gone.  He still missed us like crazy as we did him.  Here he is when we got home.  Not taking his eyes off of us!  LOL…we LOVE you King Carlos!

Indiana was so upset when Pepperdine announced their news two weeks ago regarding in-person classes. I can’t blame her. We did find her a place to move into that is Pepperdine adjacent and that has cheered her up a lot. She has been doing a floor plan (just like my mom and grandpa used to do with graph paper etc.). Here is her layout and Carlos just knows something is up and is not happy about it. He couldn’t stop rolling all over the graph paper. LOL.

Last photo of our “King”. Yes, he is really cute and regal and he knows it. Here he is just being “Carlos”…the best cat ever!

Before I forget, let me wrap up my recent Bellingham trip.  We usually head over to Lummi Island on the Ferry for lunch or dinner during our stays.  Unfortunately, the Beach House Cafe was closed…so we decided to take a picnic over that we ate at Legoe Bay.  So much fun!  This might become a new tradition.

For mother’s day, my kids gave me a Fire Stick. So awesome! Now, I can watch Netflix and Amazon prime shows on my tv and not on my computer. I love it! So, I decided to get my mom one. However, I knew that it would be hard for her to change from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2, etc. When I was ordering I saw that there is a FIRE stick TV. OMG! Problem solved. I would just buy her a Fire TV to put next to her regular TV. She loved it! AND a great gift idea for anyone in your life that is remote challenged. All my mom has to do is say “play Casablanca” or “play dirty dancing”.

Final update from our Bellingham trip.  One of my best friends, Jo Dallas, came out to spend the last night watching the sunset on the beach with us.  Check out this crazy photo we took!  Love the sunset in the background.

There is some AMAZING news that I have been waiting to share!  Indiana is getting a Goldendoodle puppy on October 3rd!  We found an amazing breeder in Ventura County and we are over the MOON!  Check out the mama dog with her puppies.  One of these will be coming home with Indiana soon!

In more Indy news, I helped her move into her new off-campus apartment last night.  I am exhausted as I am sure she is and also Sandy who loaned us her truck and helped us tie down the furniture!  Sure helps to have a mom that owns a furniture store…right?  Here are Sandy and Indy with the truck loaded and ready to go to Agoura Hills!

Here is Indy in her new room after her bed was made.

Here is Indy in her and Syd’s new room with a sectional (she bought it at Lynn’s Consignments)!  The sectional was originally left-facing and I am beyond proud of my daughter who was easily able to change it to right facing.  Way to go Indy!

I am going to end this ezine with a photo of Hous the Goose and Emma on their road trip back to Oklahoma City!  I miss you two!  Come back soon 🙂

Thanks for reading my ezines!  I appreciate it….as always!

eBay with Heart & Design with Heart……Lynn

 

P.S.  All of the professional photos I use on Instagram, Facebook, and in these newsletters were taken by my friend Denise’s daughter, Jaclyn Sabo.  She is amazing!   To learn more about Jaclyn….https://www.jaclynszabo.com/

P.P.S.  If you have a friend who wants to sign up for this newsletter.

 

I Skipped Last Week’s eZine so I could finish my taxes!!! Whooooooooooweeeeee! They are DONE

Here are Houston and Emma at Horseshoe Bend in the Grand Canyon on their way to OKC…sad for me, but they look happy.

Welcome to Lynn’s Latest #23…

July 31, 2020
Watch for it every Friday or every other Friday!
Volume I  Issue 23

 

Sadly, my endless summer with both of my kids (and sometimes Houston’s girlfriend Emma and Indy’s boyfriend Brandon) has come to a screeching halt.  While I was in the midst of this Covid Pandemic Housebound endless summer, there were times that I did not enjoy having a full house!

Be careful what you wish for because they are now leaving and it is really sad.  Houston left this past Tuesday morning with Emma to drive back to Oklahoma City to start teaching high school at Mt. St. Mary’s Catholic School sometime later in August.

Here is a photo of my Indy girl doing one of her online theatre performances.  I just LOVE this photo!  And it was before she got the TERRIBLE news!

Indy was devastated to learn this past week that Pepperdine canceled all in-person courses after promising it to their students for the past 4 months!  Ughhh, I am so upset for all of you parents, students, and others who are adversely affected by these decisions.  It breaks my heart!

Indy is still planning to live close to Pepperdine and we have been actively looking for an apartment that she will move into in August.  Ughhh!  It will just be me and King Carlos.

Here she is checking out one of these apartments/townhomes/houses for rent (six feet apart from her friend) close to Pepperdine.  This one is NOT going to work out.

If any of you own a home/townhouse/apartment that is in Malibu, Calabassas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Woodland Hills, or anything else Pepperdine adjacent that is available at a reasonable price, please reach out to us.  WE ARE GETTING DESPERATE for something nice for her and a few roommates!

OK, back to me.  LOL.  It has been a crazy few weeks since I wrote my last ezine.  I spent four days out in Palm Desert sourcing for the store and eBay.  It was crazy hot, but still so much fun!  I managed to spend about $2,000 and came back with a fully-loaded car!  Here is a listing for one of the dish sets I bought out there.

Check it out here!

When California shut us down back on March 19th, we had just redone our front window in pink.  We got many great comments….so thank you!  Love the positive feedback.

Now that we are OPEN again!  Yipppppeeeee!  I decided it was time for a change.

Just a reminder of our current store hours…..
Tuesday to Sunday 11 to 3. 

We do stay late if there are customers so if you are in the area check us out to see if we are still open after 3 pm.

Coming up with a concept for my front window display is my FAVORITE part of my JOB!  LOL…but seriously it is.   Indy and I decided to gut the pink window and move that display right inside the front door.  It looks so YUMMY there and we have actually sold more from this new location than we did out of the front window.  Stop in and check it out!

The biggest obstacle for me (anytime that we gut a front window and change it out) is the incredible amount of heavy furniture that must be moved in and out.  It is extremely labor-intensive.  That is why I don’t change out the windows super often.

I got to thinking, what if I could do a neutral pallet of furniture, either white, off white, or beige that would not change? Then I would only change the accessories and small pieces of furniture every few weeks.

I was very nervous wondering how this was going to turn out….when I attempted it.  It could have either been a hit or a GIGANTIC MISS.  Well here is the neutral pallet all ready to be “decorated”.

I have loved Hearts and Rainbows since the 1980’s.  Who didn’t?  hahaha.  Here is a photo of my high school bulletin board in my bedroom in Bellingham, Washington at 500 Bayside Road.

Can you guess what my theme is going to be for that front window over the next few months?……. Drum Roll please….the Rainbow!

The first week is red. Here it is from the side as it is super hard to get a front shot.

And here is a shot from the front at night. Believe it or not….I was out after dark this past Friday night.

I was out after dark to attend one of the Concerts in Your Car events at the fairgrounds.  Sandy, me, Joanne, and Jeff went in Sandy’s truck.  Super fun seeing Yachtly Crew!  Sandy made pasta salad, jello shots, and Moscow mules.  Crazy!  And check out the color of those chairs?  Right in line with my new theme!

Next Tuesday I will be changing the window to ORANGE. Please look around your homes, go outsourcing and help me gather ORANGE accessories. I look forward to seeing what you all can bring me!

Now to see some of the new awesome pieces that have come in recently.

Indy has been really busy this summer with summer school, working for the Lisa Wengler Center for Arts, and doing lots of Theatre projects.  She was sooooo looking forward to returning to Pepperdine and I am still crushed for her and all the others who will not be heading back to their schools.

She also suffers from depression and anxiety.  This covid thing has not done her any favors.  We recently found out that she qualifies for an ESA, an emotional support animal, and I think this could be the answer!  We thought that Carlos was going to help (and of course he does, but he is just not reliable at all….those CATS!)

We are in the process of trying to find the perfect dog for her.  She loves the Goldendoodle breed, but they are sold out everywhere.  We do have our names on some long waiting lists.  If anyone knows of another breed that would make a great ESA or knows of someone with puppies or young dogs that would work, please reach out to us.  An older dog just won’t cut it as it needs to be with her for the long haul.  Thanks in advance!

This is what we are looking for 🙂  Borrowed from Becky’s website.  And we are on her waiting list, but apparently, it is super long.  Ughhhh!

Just found out that Indy also loves Welsh Corgis!  So, again if any of you know of a great breeder or available dogs (young or puppies) in our area, please let us know!  I realize I am asking for a lot of favors this week and I apologize in advance.  However, as many of you know when your kid is in need……..you do what you have to do….even if that includes begging.  Which is basically what I am doing!

OMG, now that I look at those darling Welsh Corgi faces, I must admit that they kind of look like Carlos.  Am I wrong?

Back to reality.  I must stop daydreaming about the perfect dog for Indy (but it is really fun)…..Since Houston would be leaving until most likely Thanksgiving (OMG that sounds sooooo far off), we did quite a few meals out to say goodbye.  We LOVE that downtown has closed the street and the restaurants have spilled out.  Super awesome!  Here we are at LURE on July 10th celebrating his “real” birthday.

Here we are out to brunch this past Sunday at the Shoals at the Cliff House.  I posted this photo on my Instagram account (follow me at LynnDralle) and I had to laugh when one of my friends commented with this….”Everyone wins when they hang out with Lynn”.  Because as y’all know my store slogan (thanks to my nephew Kai) is “Everyone wins when they shop at Lynn’s”.

Here we are at Rum Fish the night before he left.  I am one sad mama.

Time for an eBay score!  Check out this amazing Majolica Pitcher that I bought at a local estate sale for $35.  I had it priced super high.  Check it out here.  I took the best offer of $250 though!

Exciting News!  Baggu (who makes those amazing reusable bags that we sell), also makes masks!  They announced them about a month ago, but have been out of stock.  I was finally able to order last week and they will be arriving soon!  Watch for them as they are super cool!

Houston and Indy went crazy for biking around Ventura. Indy is still “bike crazy” here in Ventura and Houston will soon be “bike crazy” in Oklahoma City. In the meantime, I wanted to share some fun posts of them in their biking attire.

Please take note of the amazing “Lynn’s Consignments” jerseys.

OK, time for another eBay score!  Yes, this sold for the best offer of $150!  I LOVE eBay!  And I love this piece.  I have started collecting this type of glass.

Check out that listing here.

Many of you have asked me if I would teach a “How to Sell on eBay” course here in Ventura. The response has been phenomenal. I will be announcing a course in the next few weeks!

I was on an eBay corporate Seller Update phone call this morning and eBay is rocking and rolling! They had record earnings for quarter 2 and are very much positioned to increase shareholder value over the next ten years. I love that Jordan Sweetham is at the helm and am considering investing in more stock. eBay has also added over 8 million new buyers since the pandemic took hold and these buyers are helping all of us who sell on eBay. NOW, is a great time to be selling on this site.

Please watch for my announcement coming soon for the eBay course. Here I am with Jordan at a past eBay event.

Now that we are open again, we are getting in new stuff every day!  You must come in or check on our website because you know how fast stuff comes in and goes out!  There is a section under shop/online at the very bottom that shows New Arrivals. 

Here is one of those featured items.  This is a gorgeous sleeper sofa!

Whenever I want inspiration for a painting project, I check on a few of my friends on Instagram.  One of the best, is, of course, the queen herself, Annie Sloan!  Check out this post on her AnnieSloanCanada account that showcases a bedroom done in Napoleon Blue with Barcelona Orange touches.  I will be painting something in Barcelona Orange for our new front “Orange” window.  Watch for it!

Don’t forget that you can always order your paint supplies on our website……….

Shop Annie Sloan Here
https://lynnsconsignment.ricoconsign.com/store/category/Annie%20Sloan?sort=HL

Lots of great paint colors in stock! And next time you are in, please ask for a free copy of her color chart as shown here….

Soooo the big news for Carlos this week is that A. He may be getting a playmate (potential puppy friend) and B. He got a Fast Cat Wheel.  What praytell is a Fast Cat Wheel?  It is basically a treadmill for your cat and the company is headquartered in Camarillo.  How cool is that?  But, let me show you, Indiana, trying to train Carlos to use it.

Indiana was so upset when Pepperdine announced their news last week regarding in-person classes.  I can’t blame her.  One of the only things that semi-cheered her up was Carlos being a “fat man cat”.  Seriously though, this cat is so lean…I have no idea how he contorted his body into this shape.

Last photo of our “King”.  Yes, he is really cute and regal and he knows it.  Except for that last picture…so weird…he looks like a sea otter.  LOL!

But here he is with Indiana…he loves her so much!  Just like we love him!

I am going to end this ezine with one last photo of Houston and Emma on their road trip back to OKC. Here they are in Sedona! Miss you both!

Thanks for reading my ezines!  I appreciate it….as always!

eBay with Heart & Design with Heart……Lynn

 

P.S.  All of the professional photos I use on Instagram, Facebook, and in these newsletters were taken by my friend Denise’s daughter, Jaclyn Sabo.  She is amazing!   To learn more about Jaclyn….https://www.jaclynszabo.com/

P.P.S.  If you have a friend who wants to sign up for this newsletter.

Great News!  Today is Houston’s 24th Birthday
& I am saving the Best News for Last!

Yes, this little cutie (dressed in head-to-toe Gymboree) is turning 24 Today!
And I couldn’t be more proud 🙂

Welcome to Lynn’s Latest #22…

June 25, 2020
Watch for it every Friday or every other Friday!
Volume I  Issue 22

 

We will be taking him out to dinner in Ojai tonight to celebrate!  One of his super fun gifts is this custom biking jersey that Indiana designed for him.  I think we may just start selling these in the store…What do you think?

Watch for my kids biking around town in these and give them a wave!  Hopefully, they will arrive soon as Houston will be heading back to OKC in about 2 weeks.

Here is Houston wearing his “Birthday King” sash and crown, which by the way, he refuses to wear in public. Darn it!

I did mention some really amazingly great news that I am saving for last (it involves Val & her husband Ron)…so please read on.

Just a reminder of our current store hours…..

Tuesday to Sunday 11 to 3.
We do stay late if there are customers so if you are in the area check us out to see if we are still open after 3 pm.

Last week was a crazy one! Tons of new stuff coming in and lots of furniture going out! Thank you to all of you who came in to support us….we really appreciate it!

I will be sharing some of our new arrivals throughout this ezine.

Time for an eBay score!  So you may remember this Matisse rug that my favorite estate sale dealers (Jack and John) gave me to sell on eBay back in February.  They said to get what I could for it and we would split it.  I RARELY do this for other people, but they are special!

Check out the listing here.

I got the best offer of $1,200 for it so text the boys and they said “Take it”!  Hopefully, this sale will stick.  We do get returns on eBay items so fingers crossed and once I have positive feedback, I will be sending them a check!

In my Time Hop from 10 years ago, there was a picture of me with my friend Mo’s sister (Anne) at a James Taylor and Carol King Concert in Chicago.  I was there for eBay on Location and for some reason, Mo (my original eBay Assistant) couldn’t join me.

One of my Queen’s Court Members, Elizabeth Summers, and her husband Brian invited us to the concert their treat!  Since Mo wasn’t in town, her sister Anne got to go with me.  The significance of this photo is that when Anne and I got in the Taxi (yep no Lyft back them) the cab driver said “How are you Fellows doing today”?  Wow!  I was like, I wouldn’t have bothered with my hair and make-up to be called a dude…..

I am sure he meant “guys” but the translation was so hysterical that we laughed all night about it….even taking this photo of us standing in front of the “men’s” bathroom that we should have used if we were in fact “fellows”!

I am a huge fan of James Taylor so thank you AGAIN to Elizabeth and Brian for the concert!  We were in the second row.  I just text this photo to Mo and she was pissed that she had to miss out!

Speaking of James Taylor and Chicago….I was on a Zoom Call last night with the eCom eBay Meetup Group in Chicago.  I LOVE Rich & Nila and it was super fun!  Great to see so many of you on the screen last night!

While I was looking through my photos to find one of me with Rich and Nila for the promo email, I came across photos from when My mom and I were in Chicago for eCom 2016 and after it ended we drove to Galesburg to visit my great grandmother Maybelle’s crypt.  Neither my mom nor I had ever seen it.

Maybelle was my grandma Cheryl Leaf’s mom, who died at age 34 when my grandma was a baby.  It killed my grandma to grow up without a mom.  Here is more about that trip from my ezine back in 2016.

“After the conference, my mom and I would be heading to Abingdon, Illinois where my grandmother was born, and also to Galesburg where her mother, Maybelle, was buried in the Hope Abbey Mausoleum. It had always been my dream to visit that to honor my grandmother.

Cheryl Leaf missed her mother every day of her life as her mother passed away due to complications from childbirth at age 34 when my grandma was just 15 months old.

Here is a photo of Maybelle with my grandma on her lap and my grandma’s brother Houston standing next to them.   And that is how my “Houston” got his name.  I do think that the two Houston’s look a little bit alike.  Am I wrong?

My mom had been in touch with her second cousin, Clifford, who lives outside of Chicago and he had emailed us this information.

‘When you go down to Galesburg, I would suggest that you find out ahead of time how you can get a key to get into the mausoleum. Even though I have always wanted to, I have never seen May Belle’s crypt, either, mainly because I didn’t know how to get into the mausoleum.

A relative (Robert) told me how your grandfather, George Sussex, purchased a casket for May Belle which had a glass window over the face so that the face could be seen when the casket was closed. The idea was that your grandfather someday wanted to have the casket pulled out so that he could show your mother, Cheryl Leaf, and Houston what their mother looked like.

In some papers written by your grandfather which Lynn copied, your grandfather mentioned that he someday wanted to take Cheryl and Houston to see what their mother looked like, so that would verify what Robert had told me.’

Is that crazy? And oh so sad!

My mom and I picked up our rental car on Sunday and headed down to Galesburg. I had arranged with the local Mausoleum to leave me a key to the Hope Abbey Mausoleum so we could go directly there. It was supposed to be in the mailbox at the cemetery.

Here is that mailbox.

Original plans to view the Mausoleum on Sunday were not going to happen. It was locked up tighter than a drum. We decided to tour Abingdon that afternoon instead. Abingdon is the birthplace of Abingdon pottery and my grandmother. The factory closed about 15 to 20 years ago and the town is very run down and in sad disrepair. It makes me really sad to think that this is happening to so many small American towns.

Here is a listing I currently have on eBay for an Abingdon pottery set of candle holders.  I was asking $95.00.

Here is a photo of the factory in its current state. Looks much more like a prison than a once-thriving small town pottery.

We were able to find the spot of land where my grandmother was born during a home birth thanks to my mom’s second cousin Clifford who was on speakerphone the entire time helping us find it. Small town farm directions crack me up. Clifford was saying ‘Take the road going east towards Yates City. Once you cross the railroad tracks watch for the first four corners. At those four corners, you will take a left and go past the old one-room schoolhouse that is now a residence (you remember that don’t you Sharon?)’ My mom was like no way! The original house had burned down and there is a replacement one standing on the same land so I took a photo of it.

Here is a page from a book I made from old letters that Maybelle had written. I found them all bundled up in the Snake Pit at my grandmother’s antique shop and my grandmother had carried this treasured tie to her mother with her for over 80 years.

For Christmas in 1990, I typed each and every letter into my first computer (a Mac SE30). Then I had them printed out and also photocopied photos to bind into a book. It was a surprise Christmas gift and when they were given out to my mom, my grandmother, Lee, and Kiki we all sat around and read the book from cover to cover. Tears were streaming down everyone’s faces. It was an amazing gift and such a tribute to another mother that was taken too soon from this earth.

When my sister was dying of cancer, she kept saying “There is no way this can happen twice in one family. I can’t leave those little boys behind (ages 3 and 5 when she passed) just like grandma got left behind.

When I look at the comparison between the two houses-one old and one new, I like to think that some of the same trees that my grandmother Cheryl, her brother Houston, her mother Maybelle and father George walked and played under still remain.

That was a long and sentimental day for me and my mom. After driving all the way from Chicago to Galesburg and then to Abingdon, it was time to check into our hotel in Galesburg and make plans for the next day.

I sold this Chicago, Illinois coffee mug that night for the full asking price on eBay (almost $40). Coincidence? I think not.

The next day, we called the Mausoleum and were able to swing by and finally pick up the key. Since it was Monday, I suggested that we take some fresh flowers to Maybelle’s Crypt since she probably hadn’t received any in over a century. My mom couldn’t agree more.

Before we entered the Hope Abbey Mausoleum (which we had been hearing about for many years) my mom and I took a selfie out in front of the grand front doors. The building has a monumental entrance with two matching pillars and the inside was done entirely in white marble. The ceilings are probably 25 feet high and it is a very impressive place.

We wandered around until we found her crypt. She is buried next to her father, Peter S. Nelson (a very famous Swede from Illinois 1835-1916) and below her mother Nellie Gibson Nelson (1842-1917). Peter S. used to call his wife ‘Nellie the Nag’ we learned from all of those letters my grandmother saved. Not nice! But still very sad that both parents outlived their daughter. It is not the natural right of passage.

Here is May Belle’s beautiful resting place with the flowers on the ledge in front.

I think she was happy that we visited. As we were leaving, I turned around to see the sunlight directly hitting her crypt with the flowers barely visible from this long shot. But if you look closely at where the sunlight is reflecting from the floor to above, you will see her final resting place and the purple flowers.

That was an amazing experience and not much else could top our entire journey to the south of Illinois.”

OK, back to the present day! While going through photos from that day back in 2016, I found another one that gave me goosebumps. It is of my mom as we walk to the front of the Mausoleum. There is a definite aura around us and the building…. almost as if Maybelle and my grandmother (maybe all of our relatives) are showing us the way! Wild! But sooooo cool! I LOVE history and stuff like this if you can’t tell. LOL!

OK, time to show you what has been going on at the store!  LOTS!  We sold so much stuff that this one section is decimated.  We are working hard to get it back to a pretty and lovely area!  Come in and check it out.

OK, time to showcase some more fun pieces that just arrived.  Remember to check our website www.lynnsconsignments.com to see lots of our new things!

I kind of took last week off.  Yes, I really did get almost a week off thanks to Sandy, Peggy, and Cindy!  You girls rock!

I spent a few days at a beach house in Faria with my posse from Palm Desert….Candy, Mo, and Kel..”Manny, Mo, and Jack” LOL!  My mom was also there.  Here we are in our “vintage” jackets.  Super fun and relaxing time!

Indy and Houston stopped by at mealtime.  Isn’t that what kids are for?  LOL….Indiana bought a new (well vintage) Schwinn 10 speed that soooooo reminds me of the one that I worked for when I was in 6th grade.  I earned 75 cents an hour working in the basement tank (a concrete fireproof room) sorting collector’s plates for my grandma.  She would match whatever I earned.  I spend 100 hours down there and ended up with $150 to buy my bike!  Can’t wait to find a photo of that 🙂  Here is Indy with her bike.

Time for an eBay score!

Well, I am hoping that this is an eBay score in the making.  This elf has a bid already at $19.99.  Not really sure why? Hoping he is something rare.  I do call him “Creepy Cute” in the title.  Check out that listing here.

Elves are kind of like Tiki’s right?  Well, that does remind me that Tiki Jason and his wife Staci were here a few weeks ago and we went out to Ventiki!  Super fun whenever they come to town from Vegas.

We carry some really amazing chimes and mobiles in the store!  They sell really quickly because they make great gifts and are very reasonably priced.  Here is a peek at some of them, but you really need to check them out in person.  Here is a link to shop them online.  And FREE SHIPPING!

Here are a few pictures of them in the store. Really hard to get a good shot though with so much going on around, behind, and above. 🙂

OK, time for another eBay score! Yes, this sold for the best offer of $250! I LOVE eBay!

Check out that listing here.

Many of you have asked me if I would teach a “How to Sell on eBay” course here in Ventura. I am considering it. I would probably do a 3-4 hour course and expect you to list your first item while in the class. Let me know if any of you are interested? It may be something that we could also do on Zoom for those who are out of town. Thoughts?

So, both Houston and I are July babies. My birthday is a few days before his and I must tell you, the year he was born was the most painful birthday of my life! That kid was almost 9 pounds and he had the biggest shoulders. I was so uncomfortable lying on the couch at my mom’s house celebrating my birthday that year!

When Houston was born they called a Code Purple and almost had to do an emergency C section. Luckily (or unlucky for me) a kind older doctor was able to rip him out with forceps and only managed to break his clavicle. Poor little baby.

This year my mom, Indy, and I celebrated my birthday at the Water’s Edge Covid Style! Gotta love the masks. Thank you to everyone for making my birthday such a great day!

Now that we are open again, we are getting in new stuff every day!  You must come in or check on our website because you know how fast stuff comes in and goes out!  There is a section under shop/online at the very bottom that shows New Arrivals. 

Here is one of those featured items.  This is a gorgeous sleeper sofa!

Whenever I want inspiration for a painting project, I check out my friend Carrie at The Passionate Home in Langley, BC, Canada.  We have visited her shop several times (as it is just across the border from Bellingham).  I LOVE what she is doing!  Check out this post of what you CAN do with Annie Sloan…..and she is right….Isn’t it magical?

Don’t forget that you can always order your paint supplies on our website……….

Shop Annie Sloan Here
https://lynnsconsignment.ricoconsign.com/store/category/Annie%20Sloan?sort=HL

Lots of great paint colors in stock! And next time you are in, please ask for a free copy of her color chart as shown here….

So, I hope you have made it through this week’s ezine because as promised, I have saved the best news for last.

I thank you all for your support and contributions to help Val (my trusty friend and employee) and her husband Ron as he battles Esophageal cancer.  Do you remember this Go Fund Me Page?

Well, here is an update….Please don’t cry!  Well, I did and they were tears of happiness and gratefulness.

Val posted this on Facebook a few days ago…..Ron has got that TWINKLE back in his eye!  God is great!

And then yesterday, I got this text from Val….

“He is doing great!  I actually am waiting for him to let me know what time to pick him up.  He is eating and drinking.  No choking.  Thank God!  The Doctors are so happy with his progress.  It’s just been one week since the surgery.  Crazy.

The team of Doctors and staff at Cottage have been the best throughout this whole ordeal!  Even with the crazy pandemic going on they haven’t missed a beat.  He just called.  I have to head up there.  Said the Doctors were both in and the final pathology report showed NO cancer.  He still will have to be monitored but essentially it is gone.  I am so relieved.  I am bawling!  I will talk to you later.  Thanks for everything!”

AND that my friends is THE BEST NEWS ever!  Just reading it again made me cry….AGAIN!  Hopefully, Val will be back in the store soon!

Not much to report on the Carlos front this week.  Actually, I think that is a good thing!  No sneaking out, no running away, and not too much attacking of our feet.

Why do cats do that?  I swear, I have scratches and claw marks all over my feet.  I am going to share one of my favorite photos of him that I don’t think I have shared.  It is him walking down the hallway with a hair tie in his mouth.  He LOVES these!  They make the best “fetch” toys ever.  I just ordered him a pack of 50.  LOL!

Don’t you just love the way his tail curves?  It is like that all the time, except for when he is MAD and then he thumps it really loud.  Cracks me up!  Hard to get a photo of that but this is kind of what it looks like…although his tail is moving!

Here is Carlos hanging with me when I returned from being away.  He was not going to let me go anywhere else.

And one last photo of him chilling in his Kitty Kondo.  Yes, he does use it a bit these days.  Pretty fun I would imagine!

I am going to end this ezine with a collage of photos that Val sent me for my birthday….here’s hoping she will be back soon!  Miss you friend!

Thanks for reading my ezines!  I appreciate it….as always!

eBay with Heart & Design with Heart……Lynn

 

P.S.  All of the professional photos I use on Instagram, Facebook, and in these newsletters were taken by my friend Denise’s daughter, Jaclyn Sabo.  She is amazing!   To learn more about Jaclyn….https://www.jaclynszabo.com/

P.P.S.  If you have a friend who wants to sign up for this newsletter.