What are you going to do with good weather?

Get outdoors!

After errands this morning, realizing I am up early enough for the McD breakfast menu, I go that way. 

The thrift store is open. I stop there.

On my keep a look out for list is a dress, a casual style for summer to dress up or down. The dress I considered before (a few times), finally made it with me to the checkout desk. There were days my closet had many dresses.  

After the thrift store, I visited the New Haven River in Lincoln, Vermont. Heavy rains cause the water to be running fairly fast. The sunny weather is ideal for a picnic lunch next to a sparkling river.

At home now, I can hardly keep my eyes open.

Hilarious, typing, at home now, through spell check editing, stated something that read like, I’m high now. No, I am not high nor do I take anything to get high. Spell check combined with keyboards not fat finger friendly is becoming a constant source of laughs as well as moments of sheer horror. 

Eagle Park, Lincoln, Vermont
along the New Haven River
fishing platform

Thoughts on the thrift store cycle in life

Why is it so difficult to part with things? 

Easy. Methinks it’s the warmth of the company of things surrounding us, a crew of comfort saying we belong. Out the door with stuff can feel like leaving the team. For where!? Most things were bought at a thrift store. I’ll think of donating as stuff being with the home team.

Gladly, I notice that there are many more things at the thrift store that I will not buy because the prices are above thrift store range. I imagine for resellers, high prices can devour a percentage of their profits. Add higher shipping costs would make reselling online more difficult. 

Times changing doesn’t feel like it use to. Currently it feels to me that it has a no thru-way sign because the change leaves too many of us behind. It’s not worth the time to go along the out of touch highway. 

Going to a thrift store is like attending a community event. Folks are always friendly and engaging. Finding and seeing treasures is a bonus. 

After down sizing, I dread buying stuff. Unless I will use it and it is not on my buying ban list, I will not buy it. All my stuff space is occupied until enough goes out the door. 

A favorite thrift store purchase
Aluminum tray

Giving the Dull a Fancy Shine

If I haven’t been out much, then I push myself to visit a local thrift store or the library. Both places have a warm community gathering place vibe. 

A recent stop at a favorite thrift store produced a small but good haul of things I watch out for as well as items too cute to pass up. An old aluminum ice cube tray is good for beading. They don’t show up that often. 

The wood salt and pepper shakers, vintage and handmade, have that cabin in the woods vibe I like. The pressed glass plate is perfect for light snacks. It feels brand new, nary a tiny chip or scratch anywhere.

Spending under ten dollars on an entertainment excursion is very budget and mental health friendly. I went to Middlebury, had McDs*, a thrift** visit and drove home.

Think of it this way:

I went out of town for lunch. Afterwards, I visited a shop well known for quality vintage items. I made purchases that are a good investment for easier living before taking the lovely mountain views ride home. 

Attitude about how we view our lives can help in giving us a positive outlook. Transforming dull into fancy is light hearted fun. If your life feels dull, then consider putting on a simple shine. Tell yourself in the mirror that you are worth it. 

* Food budget item

** Entertainment budget item