Friday, July 13, 2012

Follow the Leader

Do any of y'all remember playing "Mother May I" as a child...or am I dating myself by asking?
Silly question...right?
If you love me...don't answer that!

It was one of the few games I actually enjoyed during recess.  Well, it and jumping rope, but my rope jumping skills are stories for a later date.  Suffice it to say I was good...real good!

I never could break through the wall o'arms in Red Rover, but could always manage to break a vein in my wrist while serving in volleyball.  I was never tall enough to win at tetherball, but short enough to be the perfect human target in dodgeball.  In other words...I sucked.  Time after time, I suffered the humiliation of always being the last one picked for any team games requiring hand-to-eye coordination.

"Mother May I" was a whole different ballgame.  All I had to do was ask permission...and move forwards or backwards.

Mother may I take two baby steps?

Mother may I take a Cinderella step?

Zapp Hall Fall 2010

Sometimes the answer was yes and sometimes it was take three giant steps back.  Either way...the decision for proceeding "home" was made by someone other than me and I didn't end up looking like the dweeb I was when the school bell rang.

Zapp Hall Fall 2011
With age comes wisdom...or so they say.  It took a lot of wrinkles aging for me to realize that managing my life is much like a game of "Mother May I" only now it's "Father...May I".  When I've had to make life choices, deciding on my own without first seeking guidance, I've had to accept the consequences of sleeping in the bed I made in my haste.  Let me tell y'all...I don't like wrinkled sheets any better'n  a wrinkled face.  It didn't take this ol' gal long to figure out...I couldn't keep going backwards if I planned on making it home by the time the bell rang.

Zapp Hall Spring 2009
 I've been struggling with a problem that reared it's ugly head a little over a year ago.  Without going into detail, it was getting harder and harder for me to do the nine day Zapp Hall show...and that's not counting set-up days.  The time commitment, my age, my health, never knowing if Cat Daddy would be able to stay for the duration...all these things were beginning to burden me.  I love this show and the people in it with all my heart, but those two weeks were taking their toll.  Law...it was taking a month for me just to recuperate once we got back home.  I knew in my heart I couldn't continue to ignore the signs...I wasn't a young chick anymore.

Zapp Hall Fall 2009
We love being there, but I knew I had to think of the possibility of changing directions.  I also knew if I tried to make the decision on my own without seeking His guidance, I'd end up taking giant umbrella steps and twirling outta control.

Zapp Hall Spring 2001

I began praying.

Father, must I make this leap of faith?

Zapp Hall Fall 2010
 My answer came last week in a fortuitous phone call.

This fall...we will be at Antiques Week...just not at Zapp in our familiar location by Royers and the beer garden.

This fall...come October 2-6...we will be first time vendors at Marburger Farm in Tent H, space 9!

Am I scared and nervous?

Oh mylanta...you'll never know how much.


Zapp Hall Fall 2008

I know every blade of grass...every rock...every ant hill on that small piece of real estate we've called home since 2000.  I can lay out our space blindfolded.  I know where the lights will hang, where the big pieces will be, and what I can and can't get away with.  We have shoppers/friends who have been coming to us since that first show 12 years ago.

I'm not exactly sure where we even unload at Marburger, we'll be so green...but am I excited?

You bet your cowgirl boots I am!

We'll be close to friends we love...spittin' distance in fact.


Spring Show 2012
 The show is 4 days of closed set-up time and 5 days of open for business.  My days will be shorter, leaving time for visiting in the evening...a luxury I've never allowed myself.


Zapp Hall Fall 2008

                                                                The very best part?

Cheryl is a woman of faith.
This has been so important to me while at Zapp.  She and her family are believers in the power of prayer and walk the talk every day.

Ashley at Marburger is a woman of faith.
When I told her I needed to pray about my decision...she didn't need to hear another word.  Told me to take all the time I felt I needed because she herself did nothing without talking to Him first.

How blessed am I to have the opportunity to work not once, but twice with folks like this?

Rarely...and that my friends is the answer I was seeking...no...needing.


Zapp Hall Fall 2009

It's hard saying goodbye to the people we've come to regard as family, but weighing it all out, it's what we believe in our hearts is His plan for us and must follow where He leads.

Besides...it'll only be down the road a hop, skip and a jump...

and how fitting for the next leg of our journey.

I'm linking to Debra's Common Ground VIF. Wonderful inspiration just a click away.


19 comments:

Sue said...

I'm loving your post these days my friend. It feels good to write again, doesn't it? Or am I being presumptuous? Whichever way it is, I'm loving it. I'm always blown away by the wonderful displays at all of these shows. One big perk of the blogging world. It's important to listen to our inter self when you feel that something just isn't right. Thankfully my body and brain still allow me to do what I love, working at my store, Country Roads, which is such a big part of my life. I have easy options though. If I need more days off, I take them. Do me a favor, keep writing, I love reading the picture your words paint!

Take care,
Sue

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Woohoo Marburger is definately going to be a must stop place especially for those that have never been. They are going to jump for joy that you and CD are here now. So excited for you, oh the possibilities!

The Feathered Nest said...

Hi sweet Deb! I'm so happy for you!! This sounds like a wonderful move...your old customers will seek you out, you know that...and you'll gain new customers at the new location! And the best part of all is that this will be less demanding of you both too. I see nothing but blessing heading your way! hugs and love, Dawn

Debra@CommonGround said...

sounds like the "perfect" plan, and Deb, it's going to be great. Honestly, I don't know how you all did it for 2 weeks. I know I couldn't. This is so exciting! You know I'm all about Fall, so your photos are yummy!!

Olive said...

Honey you are so wise to trust. I must pace myself to and that is why I sell truck loads on consignment only. I may lose a bit of money but I gain a whole lot of time and save my energy which I have very little of.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Deb,
I guess there comes a time in life when we must slow down and trust in a higher power to help us do what's right. I'm so glad that you found your answer. Love your analogy about the Mother May I.

hugs and best wishes in your new place.

Sissie

Gracie's Cottage said...

Ah - the sweet peace that descends with direction from our loving Father. I've no doubt that all of your buyers are going to find you in your new location and I can't wait to read all about it!

Jan

Anne Lorys said...

This is wonderful news, Debbie!
Y'all will be right at home!!!

XO,
Anne

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Yay!!! I'm so happy for you!!!!!!!

Mother May I go someday to meet this fabulous Talkin Trash gal . . . and shop until I drop . . . someday . . .

xoxo

Pam @ Frippery said...

Oh I did love Mother May I too! I am with Marsha, mother may I go to Marburger? The answer often fall into our laps when we put things in the Father's hands. It is hard to look at what is best for you when you are a kind soul who worries about how everything will affect others. I know you have chosen wisely and with great thought. LYttH,Pam

Lauri Evans said...

Yeehaaa! Do you know how excited I am.??? Your gonna be right next door. This is the best news.....if we could get Carolyn to come it would be complete! You are going to love it!!! Can't wait. Luv u

Olde Tyme Marketplace said...

Hellllloooo Deb!
Okay here's what I wrote in my day planner:
Deb...moved to Marburger...Got it!
As I've threatened in the past...I WILL make it there one day. Lawd , I would love it to be this comin Spring show.
It's amazing the things that happen when we just let go and listen!!
BIG Texas size hugs to you!!!
Beth

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

So happy everything worked out for you!
I wanted to thank you again for sending me to the Pie Lady last post, it was a wonderful visit!

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

Woo hoo! Moving on up. This sounds like the perfect solution for you. I could never figure out how you guys did such a long show (though I truly appreciated it). Guess I'll see you at Marburger next spring!

XOX

Laura said...

This is great news!!
You are going to do great!

How inspiring to have new things to think about.

LB

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

I am always in awe of your thought process in whatever life throws at you...or follows along with you...whatever the case may be. :)
You hit the nail on the head...as we grow older, life "throws" more challenges our way and I believe with all my heart He is guiding us to do whatever we feel in our hearts.
I am going through a lot of soul searching these days. Faith and some very outspoken friends keep me on track. :)
Love coming here for a dose of inspiration, and just because I think you're wonderful, Deb.
Hope you're enjoying your summer, my friend. xo

Rebecca said...

So my sweet you have stepped out in faith and have headed for uncharted waters... how exciting, you get to prove God in this! Congratulations
Love ya bunches
RE

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Love your displays....even though we most likely not be able to travel one of your shows...we are thrilled for everyone else to see your wonderful God-given talent!!
Wishing you all the best & lots of success!!
Karla & Karrie

Unknown said...

Found your blog through Common Ground. I can't believe I've never visited. I'm your newest follower, and also believe that God's plan is always the best! Looking forward to more posts! I'd love if you came by for a visit.

Best wishes on your new show.