Can I talk about the sale a little bit?
and how it changed my Na-Da Farm Life?
sure can
this is my place.........my Na-Da Farm Life
and the YUCKA (my own terminology) of money.......cleanup.......details that need resolve....well, that's not a blessing - that's work - that's part of this whole barn sale "thing"
Planning all the different parts of the sale, the website, updating the blog, contacting the dealers, the written agreements, the buying the decorative arborvitaes......creating the Patisserie......the Dennis Severs room.....and just the weed pulling alone! to create an atmosphere that was still not exactly what I wanted, but pretty darn close, well, was a lot of work!!
you throw the dealers spending the night here (add cleaning house + washing sheets) to the equation now.........
then you have all new gravel driveway......gravel in the barn..........
all the props such as checkout table.......organizing bringing bags, packing material, hiring cashiers, baggers and wrappers, runners and my oh my.......
it all adds up
am I complaining?
no
am I upset?
no
am I tired???
still......no.........
I didn't make money on this sale
In fact, I lost money.....if you add up all the hours of cleanup around here - which equals to about 6 days so far, and still more to go.......as well as all the computer hours, telephone calls, e-mails, flyer design, flyer distribution, pizza party, etc, etc, etc....for me:
it's not about the money, it never has been
(photo credit: Jennifer at Sanctuary Arts - click on picture to see more)
instead of money, I met some awesome people, got to know some other people more, and even made some really great friendships - especially with the dealers - they were all fabulous ladies both inside and out...and I know they will take care of me, as much as I have taken care of them
they know how much work I put into that show...
~all of it has been blessings really~
I have learned a lot
I have always felt blessed to be here on the farm...........why should I complain?...I love this place.......with all the sky........animals....and my dear children running around...and having people out for the sale to be a part of Na-Da Farm in real life, made my heart smile and be so thankful...I love my Na-Da Farm
love it
and so does PORCH magazine I guess......because I'm in this month's issue!!!!!
Thank you so much Polly for loving my Na-Da Farm too
(click on photo on right to find out more)
If you are going to Farm Chicks....have fun!
I am not the least bit surprised at your wonderful spirit.
ReplyDeleteI can just picture how wonderful it must have been!
Laura
Now rest...
His mercy are my thoughts lately...His mercy that finds me...finds you. Rest in His mercy.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet...I feel your JOY! I have never heard of that magazine..off to check it out right now..another magazine I will try to get my hands on..sometimes living in Canada you feel like you are in the backwoods..hugs ..hugs and more hugs..xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteMost beautiful and important things in life are not about the money and it sounds that you had a great time and made some friends. Lovely. This is my first time on your blog and it is a precious gem of a blog.
ReplyDeleteSo awesome about Porch magazine Anne Marie!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was obvious how much love and work you put into the sale because it was incredible!!! Truly an amazing experience!!! You are so talented my friend!
Hugs ~
:) T
The Madonna on my blog sidebar is from Tracey(above)of French Larkspur. It was sold out, but I am going to buy one when she gets more in. It is beautiful isn't it. She is whom I just purchased the pearl rosary from...and love it.
ReplyDeleteAnne-Marie.....Think of it as planting SEEDS. Seeds that are sure to bear fruit going forward. So many of us have blogged about your Petit Flea Market that it is now on the blogosphere radar and you are SURE to have even MORE people next time! Look at the positivity you are attracting, already, with this nod in Porch Magazine ~ CONGRATS! I left my e-mail for you in a comment on your last blog as I think I am getting labeled as spam in your inbox! Still on cloud nine about the Elizabeth!!! Much love ~ Suzanne
ReplyDeleteHey girl!! so glad you dropped by, I have been following your sale and all that went with it. It was a huge success in everyone's eyes. It was beautiful! I just would have loved to have been there! And as far as money goes, I learned a long time ago that it's never about the money, but friendships, community and sharing life and love with those around us!
ReplyDeleteBless you for putting yourself out there like you have, so everyone could come and be a part of everything "NA-DA"!
hugs and blessings, dear Anne Marie,
Debra
I have spent the last hour or so looking at all of the links and photographs and stories of and about your wonderful event!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous group of talented ladies and heartwarming tales of new found friendships!!
You are so right it is never about the money but about memories and bonds.
I hope to be able to attend one of your future events!
Blessings~
I was thinking what someone else wrote - you will have the entire summer to enjoy that blitz of hard work!
ReplyDeleteIt was so wonderful Anne, I am so happy for your magazine article and even more so that you are my dear friend!
You are so right! It is about so much more than the money...it's about bring a vision to life! I'm right in the middle and have enjoyed seeing pics of your gig to inspire...now enjoy your farm that is all spiffied-up!
ReplyDeleteRene
Fear not. I know the NEXT one will have an even bigger crowd. The pictures were awesome and you truly outdid yourself. It is true that you have things all spiffed up now...which is rewarding. I am going to get PORCH tomorrow!
ReplyDeletecongratulations on the magazine feature!!!!!
ReplyDeletethat is wonderful
i loved seeing all the glimpses of your sale across the blog world. each detail was so well placed & thoughtful touches were all around.
i only wish i didn't live so far.
just amazing
you have a beautiful heart xo
your hard work and love of the event showed in every detail. it was so amazing. being featured in the magazing - how exciting. i just ordered it. can't wait to get it.
ReplyDeleteDear Anne Marie,
ReplyDeleteAs you say, money isn't everything and , it was your first one so next time I'm sure that you will make a profit. You have made such wonderful new friends and enjoyed the whole day. I admire you so much. You must have worked so hard and I am so pleased that you are now in print in a magazine. That is really something. I hope that you will still talk to us now that you are famous !!!! Haha
.....oh, and I love the way that you call it the Dennis Sever's Room !! I feel as if a little part of me is with you !
Have a happy weekend. XXXX
if I could give you each a filled cupcake I would........but you are sweeter than any ol' cupcake
ReplyDeletethank you all so much....truly so amazing! I am not worthy
Anne Marie,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a beautiful heart.
I am so glad that you gals had a wonderful time @ the Barn Sale. I had no doubt you would pull it all together splendidly ;)
Congrats on Porch Mag, So cool! You are one classy farm girl!
Many Blessings,
Molly
Sometimes, I repeat sometimes I learn the most and end up being so grateful in the end when I do the hard stuff. The easy stuff is always easy. The hard stuff gives you more character, more lines, more life!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the reward of new friends and recognition. You deserve it!
& oh my goodness
ReplyDeletecongrats to you!!! now that's one smart mag to feature you! will look forward to it!
so gorgeous. love your way of thinking... payment in friendship and joy is worth more than money! I want to get to your next sale, if only to follow you around and take pictures! x
ReplyDeleteYup, my dear, welcome once again to the world of event hosting....all the romance, all the glitz, all the kudos, and ALL that STINKING HARD WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY-----if only there was a shortcut...
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely and I'm glad I was able to see it!!
annie
p.s. Yoda, I'm not...
Some seeds when planted grow slowly. Some seeds grow into jolly green giants overnight. I'm sure you grew tremendously and learned much. From all the lovely comments sounds like your blooming where your planted:) Much success!
ReplyDeleteYou are so clearly doing what you love, and you do it so well!
ReplyDeleteIf I didn't have a big girl job AND a working husband, I could never support myself doing the antiques and the shows. I do it because I love it, and the people I meet and the wonderful experiences are my reward.
Anything else is just gravy. :-)
I suspect you feel very much the same.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Anne
Anne Marie,
ReplyDeleteWhat you did to get this show together was beyond just a lot of work it was magical and that isn't easy to do. Believe me we didn't always make a profit the first time we tried anything new but you will, and getting recognised in Porch magazine is the first step. I'm sure one day I'll be saying "I knew her when" lol
xxx
Carole
You are beautiful! Love your kind heart and love that you love God. And please consider this our personal invitation to call Steve and I for help any time that you need. It's only 20 MINUTES (I'm still stunned that we're so close). Blessings... Polly (p.s. the captcha word verification below is "wings" - how cool!(
ReplyDelete