Brian and I took last Friday off and went wandering…

My friend Heidi {::waves hi to Heidi!!::} told us that Glendale would be a fun downtown to thrift in and a pretty short drive for us.

She was right, as usual.

Have you seen the new Star-burst commercial? With the Zombie? Heidi is the Zombie… everything is a competition ~ I couldn’t agree more.

My brother-in-law won’t play board games with me.

I just don’t understand. There must be a winner. And I like to be the winner.

Is that so wrong?

 

Well, we walk into this store… and I am IN LOVE.

Old books, china, clothes, shoes, art, more china…. so fun.

 

I wanted to bring Kermit home. We don’t need more stuffed animals. Seriously. I think we may have a problem here.

I think the stuffed animals in Nate’s closet are cloning themselves when I leave the room. And they… those sneaky guys crawl into bed with him every night.

Each morning I find him under a pile of 4,312 animals. We may need help.

Any-who… Kermit didn’t come home. He’s still there… I hope. {so that I can get him next time when Brian isn’t looking… don’t tell him, ok?}

 

When I asked the owner if it was alright if I took pictures {you should always do this ~ it’s just the right thing to do}, she told me the story of her store…

 

It is a Transitional Living Program for Women.

‘…is for women who truly want to see change in their lives for the better. This therapeutic community is structured, and for women with alcohol, substance abuse, domestic violence & mental health conditions, who have a willingness to live in a structured environment with a commitment to their life change…’

I suddenly and immediately became immensely grateful for my life. I am surrounded by love and support and kindness. My family is a rare gem and not all of us are fortunate enough to have that blessing poured into us.

There are times in our lives when we are called to overflow.

 

 

This is Kayla and Gina. They are two of the women touched by this program.

Naomi, the owner, was kind and gracious, passionate and driven, intentional and purposeful.

If you find yourself in Glendale, AZ please be sure to stop by the Sand Dollar Thrift / Antique Store at 5533 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301.

Say hi to Naomi and Kayla and Gina for me. Maybe I’ll see you there!