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My "business partner"! Grandson Nathan. 5 yrs. old~He LOVES to blow bubbles!~When he's not helpin' his "Nina" pack "pretties" with bubble wrap!~ We both laughed SO hard at this one!~ Looks like he's wearing "Bubble Eye-Glasses!~tee-hee!~
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Two of the four baby "gooses", as we call 'em!~ They come by, everyday, to pay us a lil' visit!~Aren't they just the cutest??
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Hi, and thanks so much for taking the time to get to know me a lil' better!~ I've been an avid ebayer for about 4-5 years now. Ever since I became disabled, back in '02. I'm 44 yrs. "young"~ And, had up to that point in time, worked a full-time job, (sometimes 2) in order to raise my 3 children, as a single Mom. With NO support. My youngest, who is now 14, is my "special angel". He suffers from a neurological disorder which eventually left me with no choice but to have him placed into residential care, 8 years ago. Biggest heartbreak of my life.....To have to accept that I just couldn't care for him at home. (I'm not one that gives up on ANYTHING, without a fight) Especially when it comes to my children~My 2 daughters, 18 and 22, are both on their own now. They're recent roommates in a new townhouse! Talk about excited! (All of us....hehe)
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a Chronic Pain Disease, late in '01. (The Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I'll never forget that date) I was still working at that time. Even tho' I had been fighting this constant, never-ending pain for several years. I've been poked, prodded, and pricked more times than I can count anymore. 10 years worth of test, after test.....Doctor, to Doctor......Specialists, etc. Anyone familiar with this type of condition, I'm certain can relate to the frustration of not knowing. In desperate need of the answer as to "Why"? I FINALLY got my answer. It was actually one of those "bittersweet" moments. Relief in knowing the "Why?". But, so unsure of what the future then had to hold for me. Fibro wasn't really "accepted", or even recognized in the Medical Field until the mid 80's.
Due to the type of highly physical, and mental demands of the profession I was in, the pain got the better of me, early in '02. I just could NOT push myself any longer. Body was no longer cooperating. I wound up having to draw out my 401K, and file for disability. Took nearly 3 years to get that through. That's a whole 'nother story, there. I had worked since I was 16 yrs. old. NEVER imagining that at age 40, I would be forced to stop. It's been quite the adjustment. I didn't know what to do with myself. Fought so hard against the feeling of uselessness. I had purchased my first computer, right before my whole world suddenly switched it's rotation on me. Shortly after that, I was introduced to the world of ebay~ AHA!~ I found a place to shop, without having to leave home???? I was instantly "hooked"! Plus, I've met SO many nice people out there in ebay land. I never really considered becoming a seller 'til the first of this year. Once I realized how much "stuff" that I had collected over these past few years. So, that became my New Year's resolution! I decided to give selling a whirl~ That's been one of the best decisions I've made in a loooooong time! I once again have "purpose" to my otherwise long days, here at home. I chose to begin selling some of my tinware. I have discovered a way to safely, and efficiently clean these older pieces of lovely decorated tinware. I truly enjoy bringing them back to their original vividness of color(s), and beauty. I stumbled across my very first piece of Daher Ware, in the bottom of a box of "stuff", at a Yard Sale a few years back. The colors caught my eye. Price was right, too~ A knickle!~ It wasn't until I got back home, and was going through my rummagings, that I realized there was markings on the bottom of my pretty lil' tin. I headed for my 'puter, did some research, and have been hooked ever since! There is not a single spot in my lil' garden apt. where you won't find at least one pretty lil' piece of tinware!~ Wall's too~ Since opening my ebay store, I've gained a whole new perspective on my life. My days are now filled with meticulous cleaning, picture taking, listing, and with help from wonderfully kind-hearted ebayers like *you*, SELLING!~ I really do take so much pride in my new "job"~ I don't intend on becoming rich on ebay, by any means. This is now my hobby, and "purpose". And that's worth WAY more than money can buy~With the money I do make by selling, I just turn around and spend it either on multiple lots of tinware, which ALWAYS require some degree of cleaning, and/or pick up a "pretty" or two for myself. I have yet to receive a piece of vintage decorative tinware that is as clean, and displayable as those which I restore, then resell. (Or keep!~) That's completely understandable, tho'. As many don't realize that there are safe, efficient ways of cleaning these lovely pieces. I learned by trial, and error, what does, and doesn't work! Got it down to a fine art, now!~ *smiles* I still get so excited when a piece sells! I've been trying to fine tune the art of selling. I think I'm just about there~ I do not, and will not misrepresent any of my offerings. I have fallen victim to that myself, from time, to time. Not a good feeling. Live, and learn tho'. My goal is to provide the best quality pieces that I'm able to restore. At a fair, affordable price. I pack each piece with lots of TLC, as well. You won't receive an item packed in an old Coke box!~ (Which I have~) I only use "real" Priority Mail ebay boxes. With plenty of padding. As stated in my listings, I will not sell/ship anything that I wouldn't be delighted to receive, myself!~ So far, my selling experiences have been SO rewarding! I've been in contact with some super great people along the way. Both on the buying, and selling end. I have finally, once again, found my "niche"!
Thanks SO much for taking the time to get to know me~ Believe it, or not, this is just the condensed version!~ *smiles*
Happy ebaying!!!!!~
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