A new low...

It has come to this. I have sunk to a new low. I have turned into my mother in oh so many ways (not all of which are bad). Life and age have a way of leveling the playing field. And this new “lifestyle” hasn’t helped.

We are all “suffering” from this corona virus thing in one way or another. While not sick, and not particularly worried about getting sick, it has created a whole new world for me. I feel cheated! Upon moving, I had a number of plans to volunteer, to join things, to be involved in church, travel, to spend lots of time with my children and grandchildren . . . nearly none of which have come to fruition. The days pass . . . I know this because I have to refill my pill box weekly, but it seems there is no satisfaction, opportunity, or growth in my life. Things have become routine . . . get up, sit in front of this machine for a couple of hours, do a small handful of household chores, read until dark. At that point I resort to television and there is little on the tube that I care to watch. Which brings be to my new “low”, game shows. Did you know there is a whole network dedicated to game shows? New ones, old ones, silly ones, and some a little challenging. Now I admit to being a Jeopardy fan. I like the challenge of trivia. But most of the others are what I would loosely term entertainment. But sometimes it beats what is on the rest of the line up for the evening.

Not only have I turned into my mother, but I have also followed in my father-in-law’s footsteps. As a middle-ager, I would wonder why he like to watch those “old” shows. I think I get it now. Familiarity. And most had good stories, no foul language, heroes, and most of all, I could identify with them in some way. The wheel has come full circle. Don’t you just love getting old? I plead guilty to Perry Mason, Andy Griffith, Lucy, Carol Burnett, even Red Skelton. Now these people were funny! It was predictable, every Lucy show had the same plot but I loved every minute of it. Andy and Barney have that same relationship that never ends. It depicts life in a gentler time, a kinder time. It feels good! We need that right now . . . we need to feel good.

In spite of having satellite TV, I also have Netflix. Sadly I have depleted much of their stores too. I have watched all the British murder mysteries, reruns of some old favorites, but much of it is foul mouthed, violent or has subject matter that I prefer not subject myself to. I loved the Hallmark channel at one time, but now it has  become the same movie over and over with different characters and new locations. It can almost be depressing after a while for life does not always turn out perfectly in the end.

And so I spend my days reading. It is one way to vicariously experience the world. But even that has been a challenge. I gave my entire library away when I moved thinking I could use the public library. Well, guess what? It won’t be open again until the middle of July. So I haunt the “little libraries” in the neighborhood, check the shelves at thrift stores and read things I wouldn’t have given a second glance before. And you know, some have been quiet good. It is my escape. Escape to another world, another time, a new adventure, becoming acquainted with new characters, and for a moment, LIVING a new and different life.

And so, book in hand, game shows on the TV, life goes on. I pray that I don’t become so ingrained in this new way of life that I can’t find my way out of it when all of this goes away. Will I come away with my wit and my sense of humor still in tact? Or will resentment fill those slots. It is a struggle. And I am sure I am not alone.

Just Writin' on the River Road

A New Year. A New Life

I have been spoiled for the last fifteen years.  I had a spacious home in the country with lots of room to roam.  Life has changed.  I never expected to get old(er), nor did I ever think I wouldn't be capable of doing some of the things I love.  But it is so . . . and I have to face the music.

We finally sold our home with the huge cowboy porch that sat on the bank of the Snake River.  The house came with the porch . . . but it was the porch which I bought.  And it was a deal!  It has hosted church services, breakfasts, potlucks,   parties, graduations, baptisms, family, and oh, so much time sitting in my swing reading a great book.  How could I leave it?   It was a long, well thought out decision, one that had practicality written all over it.  Even when you love something, if you can't take care of it adequately, it hurts to watch it deteriorate.  The first to go were my animals: the horse, the cows, the goats, the dogs, and lastly my chickens.  The passagae of each of those left a vacancy in my life.  Then came the war with weeds that I could not come close to winning.  And add to that the upkeep of the buildings and taking care of irrigation, so for all the practical reasons, we had to downsize.

Will I miss it?  Absolutely!  But it helps to know that the new owners "love" it as much as I did.  And they have youth on their side to keep it up and running.  They will be a good addition  to the community.  They have plans, which is good.  Everything has to evolve and grow.

As I looked around at those empty rooms one last time before I left, it no longer felt like home.  My things were gone, the walls were bare, even the memories had begun to fade.   But I have been blessed.  I have gone from spacious to cozy.  And perhaps that is good.  Less upkeep, less work, less stuff.  I have decided that "home"is where ever my "stuff" is, those things that are family heirlooms, gifts given to me, stuff that is comfortable, even my own bed.  Will I adapt?  Probably very well in the end.  Right now I am still figuring things out.  Each day is a challenge to find the necessities that make this new place "work".

God is not without knowing my desires.  We went from eight acres on the river to a half acre with a creek in back.  I even have a mallard and his mistress in that water behind my house.  There are many trees, a gazebo for my swing, and the anticipation of seeing what will pop out of the ground next spring.  All new and yet comfortable.  

What I will miss most are the people.   I will miss my Bed and Breakfast guests.  Each and everyone of them were interesting and delightful.  Some were funny, some became family before they left our home, all of them brought "arm chair travel" to my door. Not only did they provide spending money, they left me with memories and friendships that will never be lost.  I will also miss my community.  It was wonderful to walk down the street and know or recognize almost everyone I met.  To have people recognize my face and know my name is a trait unique to small towns.  What I miss most is Twelve Baskets, the non-profit that we three "crazy ladies" founded nearly ten years ago.  Oh, I don't miss the physical labor (my back is profoundly grateful), or the hassle of sorting goods and labeling items. I miss my customers. Over the years, many have become more than just customers, they have become very special to me in one way or another.  It took time to establish those relationships, a treasured time.  Relationships will happen again, but those people will always remain in a secreted place in my heart.

I am  looking forward.  Never one to let grass grow under my feet, I am already planning for the future.  There is so much to do, so many things to try, so many places yet unexplored . . . there is not enough time for everything.  Bittersweet.  That word says it all.  I am looking forward to new people who will enrich my life, to trying new things, and learning and growing . . . but still treasure the memories of all of those people who already made a difference, changed me, encouraged me, or lifted me up when I had hit the bottom.  I will never lose all I have gained from them! They will go with me for the rest of my life.

Just Writin' on the River Road

How to start a business - 101. Twelve Baskets Cooperative Ministry

In my entire life, of considerable years, I never thought I would own a business.  I had dreamed of it, thought about it, but never really considered that it could actually happen.

And then about ten years ago, we three crazy ladies began attending a Bible study.  In the course of spending time together each week, we became aware that all three of us had a version of the same dream.  We talked about it, dreamed about it, and then one day we thought "Why not?"  "How hard

I told you we were crazy!

can this be?"  And so our adventure in partnership began. Over the years we have earned that title, "Three Crazy Ladies", and actually take a certain amount of pride in it.  Because we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that "We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us."  We have tried many things, and sometimes failed, but more often than not, we have been wildly successful.

And thus was born Twelve Baskets Cooperative Ministry.  Our name being taken from the story in Luke 9:17.  Just like Jesus, we have "leftovers".

We had a few issues initially.  No money.  No building.  No inventory.  Minor complications.  Not women to let minor things get in our way, we charged full steam ahead.  We fully expected everyone to be in total support of our dream.  Not so.  Friends and family (husbands especially) thought we were nuts.  But when you feel the call of God to do something, it is hard to dissuade a person.  We talked and planned and considered . . . and were well aware of every possible reason why it would not work.  But we still pushed forward, prayed a lot, and relied on the guidance from God.

Our new sign.

Then one day, the ball began rolling.  And we have been running to catch it ever since!  A building opened up, along with a month's free rent, but it needed help.  Someone donated five gallons of paint that is truly hard to describe color wise.  While we appreciated the paint, the color left a lot to be desired.  What should come through the door next but more paint.  Taking a leap of faith, we poured all the colors together and mixed.  We ended up with a beautiful taupe color.  And so we painted.  The very last drop of unmatchable paint finished the job!  We had a building ready to go but no inventory.  Two of us came up with $100 each and answered an ad on Craig's list for clothing racks.  We ended up with a truck load of "stuff" to enable us to open a second hand store.  Someone gave us a cash register, steamer, iron and ironing board, shelving, you name it and it walked in the door.  We would no more than say "We could use …." and it would appear.  Donations began to roll in in the form of clothing, household items, linens, bedding, toys.  And one month later Twelve Baskets Cooperative ministry was up and running.

We had decided that this was to be a multi-faceted ministry, but we had no idea just how far reaching it would be.  Yes, we would give all of our profits back to the community, but we would also serve as a safe place where people could share their problems, be loved and cared for, and feel the presence of God in their life.  And it worked.  Twelve Baskets quickly became a fixture in our community. 

And then this walked through the door.

Just for us!

Operating only Fridays and Saturdays each week with a volunteer crew, it has expanded into the community by sponsoring an annual coat give-away, teacher support fund, scholarships, tithes to existing community endeavors, help to individuals, and much more.

At some point about two years into this business, we decided it would be advantageous to file for governmental non-profit status.  Again, we had advice from many sectors.  Some said we needed a lawyer, others a CPA, and others who thought it was impossible.  After much prayer, we printed off the ream of paper work and began to wade through all the questions.  To be honest, I don't think we had a clue when it came to some of the "government-ese".  But we made a stab at it and did the best we could since we didn't have the cash to hire professional help.  We were told it could take up to a year or more for approval.  A few weeks later, I got a phone call that I was missing two sheets of the form.  So I sent it off to them and within three months we were a legal non-profit ministry!  Another answered prayer.  We had seen so many answers that it is impossible to believe we were in this alone.

Now nearly nine years later we are still evolving.  The community has come out in force to support us with the donation of goods, the purchase of items, and volunteering to help keep us up and running.  We have developed a family around this ministry and it is wonderful to see all the lives that have been touched in one way or another.

Yes, it sounds like a fairy tale in some ways.  But it has not been easy.  While Twelve Baskets flourished, our personal lives took a turn that was unforeseen.  First, Carolyn's son suffered a broken neck from a fall that resulted in paralysis.  After months in the hospital, she became his primary care giver.  Heidi's husband was diagnosed with a debilitating disease from which he will not improve, and my husband developed cancer.  And while that was all daunting, God never let us lose sight of the fact that this business was not "ours", it was His.  And He would not fail to be there to provide and support us both in business and at home.

It has also been insightful to watch our volunteers evolve in the use of their gifts and talents.  Everyone begins work with us in the sorting room.  It ain't glamorous!   It is hard, often dirty work.  But as people work for us, we see a niche that seems to fit them and eventually we let them run with that.  Perhaps they like to organize, or decorate, or clean, or run the cash register.  We don't know, and I don't think our volunteers really know either, until they give it a try.  We never started knowing who would do what, but God has sorted and sifted our gifts and talents to make the operation run smoothly.  We have developed long lasting, personal relationships with our volunteers and our customers.  We know your names, your families, some of your problems, your struggles, and your joys.  We are blessed when you share your life with us.  We are blessed when we can share all that we have with you.

So this is the story of a dream, friendship, faith, and trust in the Lord.  Were there bumps in the road? You bet.  We did everything backward, against the rules, and often times the hard way.  But we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.  Not because the business itself is monetarily self-sustaining at the moment, but because of the lives we have touched, the people who have been helped, and the knowledge that God's presence is there for all.

We are not "just" a thrift store.  We minister to each person that walks in the door.  We listen, we help, we provide, we are just there for an afternoon chat.  Stop and visit us sometime.  We would love to get to know you!

But the dream was not yet complete.  Stay tuned for How to start a business - 201.

Just writin' on the River Road