Restoration

[tedwords]

“Forward is the only motion we know.”― Micheline Ryckman

The past few week-ends have been fun for us, except we haven't done anything especially exciting, like travel or seeing shows...or really, anything that would be considered out of the ordinary. What's been fun is the sense of creativity reasserting itself.

For Corb, especially. January has been quite busy for his lighting restoration work so far. I guess that makes sense, as the start of the new year means people are now thinking about reworking and redesigning their houses. 

Last week was a clearance event at the Shiplap, and on Sunday, Corb and I decided to drop in to see how things were going. He immediately met a couple who had just decided to buy two of his vintage chandeliers (sale price $3,000) and five minutes later, a lady who was on the fence about another one (sales price $900). She bought it the next day.

"You picked a good time to come in," I said. 

"Why is it the sales always take place when I come in?" he replied. I have my theories about that. Things happen when you insert yourself. 

Since we were both excited about the conversations, we decided to go on a trip to pick up some new merch (chandies take up a lot of space, after all), and Corb came across a really cool lamp, pictured above, that needs a bit of love and attention...and some sewing...but should be a fine addition. 

It's fun to be there when he makes discoveries. And to meet the folks he interacts with. For new pieces, he usually goes to a place called Remarkables, which specializes in estate sales. The owner is a character, as are the three ladies who handle the accounting and the front desk. And they seem to really like us being us. 

This past weekend, sales seemed kind of slow, which was probably for the best, since I caught the flu from my boss (damn that working out of the office again), which I passed on to Corb on Saturday. So when Shiplap texted him to say someone was looking at a piece on Sunday, Corb was in no mood to get dressed and drive 30 minutes to answer questions. 

Thankfully, he didn't have to. The sale was made without him. It's one of his favorites, too, so while he is sad to see it go, it's nice to see it go to a good place.

With this sale, Corb is by far having his best month ever, and thinking about growing it even more. In addition, there is a lovely show on HBO Max that is renting his accessories as background scenery, and as a way to thank him, as they wrapped up their latest season, they sent him a very nice thank you letter and a present that has a lot of meaning to the show. He really should be incredibly proud. He's come along way.

It's just been a creative time. My job has been going well, too, and I've been enjoying training the two folks reporting to me, and also, writing quite a bit more, too (as you can tell). Plus, walking at least 6,000 steps a day. And, helping to promote the next show for the Eldredge Players, which I'm happy about.

And, thinking of the future. It's funny, because we have been watching episodes of Season One of the show Corb's stuff will appear in for Season Two, and I love how the two main characters are so supportive of each other, creatively. I kind of feel like that's how Corb and I are, and I can totally see a next career for me with the two of us working together to promote his business, traveling across the country to pick up special items, telling the stories of his business. It would be really a nice next chapter, I think.

Lots of other stuff taking place, too. Ashes is very busy planning for he wedding in October. I am so pleased she has found happiness. We are going out tomorrow to discuss budget. I hope I keep my cool. 

Thursday we go out to Gay Bingo with a group of friends. And Saturday, we are having a big celebration for my dad's 80th birthday. 

Then, in a few weeks, I fly out to Dallas to meet one of my new hires in person.

In other words, lots of moving parts, right now. Lots moving forward. Moving forward is the natural cycle of life, and it feels really good to be back in the thick of things, once again. There's an owl hooting outside our bedroom lately, and I take that as an omen. Never discount the importance of bird omens, especially positive ones.