tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77129715363978412512024-03-05T21:05:08.595-08:00Buck Up Baby!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-27372880191434181132023-12-11T12:33:00.000-08:002023-12-11T12:33:57.194-08:00Perception<p> I have written about my wrestle with perceptions before. </p><p>I find myself re-visiting this topic and, maybe, with more insights than I had before. I just gave a speech, where I found a different way to explain the reality of perceptions.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNPka0iw9DaIwL9s0a4W5oX488aUSNB2HvgaIEfrGJb5OKGTEgd7HlTPJHE-5Lv5OPfnEDcu6zIcu9EUBfrPSx23R-9Xd5JS8NyZW_PqbAXbC7chhtVjIuPWvFlh8GIWGdS_gnj26F3qKYewmoj1dQbFVHna-WZyteVCb_9HagPyXRGORgc2tZ7sR7Gl-s" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1200" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNPka0iw9DaIwL9s0a4W5oX488aUSNB2HvgaIEfrGJb5OKGTEgd7HlTPJHE-5Lv5OPfnEDcu6zIcu9EUBfrPSx23R-9Xd5JS8NyZW_PqbAXbC7chhtVjIuPWvFlh8GIWGdS_gnj26F3qKYewmoj1dQbFVHna-WZyteVCb_9HagPyXRGORgc2tZ7sR7Gl-s=w400-h375" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I asked the audience to look at this picture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I shared how some people will look at this picture and the first thing they will notice is the dirty, muddy, road. I have a friend that is allergic to everything and not about ANY creepy crawlies. I would bet my hard-earned money those would be her first thoughts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some people will get excited OR nervous about what could be at the end of that road or driveway. Will they need to make a decision? I can feel the anxiety building.... Will the view be so spectacular they are left in awe? (Two different perceptions right here.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some people will be drawn to the light, which then allows them to appreciate ALL that the light is shining on. It may cause them to truly study the picture and the beauty in it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is the truth? All of them and none of them, all at the same time. We form our perceptions based on our life experiences. EVERY perception we make as humans if from a limited vantage point. Therefore, how great would it be if EVERYONE moved through life knowing that there is moRE to EVERYTHING. I think we would see more second chances, more conversations, more respect, and A LOT more grace for one another. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the many things I have wrestled with in business, is the general perception of others. The perception of the general public, my clients, bidders, non-profits, family, and friends....the list could go on and get broken down even more, in some regards. I wrestle with it, even though I KNOW the above..... That there is moRE to everything. There are things that I don't see. There are things that I don't understand, and the same for others. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the years, I have had to learn the finesse of living with the one overall truth, which is that: Our perceptions are reached by our own experiences, which are true - BUT, all of our perceptions are limited. Thus, not the ULTIMATE truth....which is the only one that really matters. I think this is one of the major reasons grace, mercy, and forgiveness are so important to God and are in so many of His messages to us. Our perceptions will ALWAYS (until maybe when Jesus comes back) be limited. That is a fact. The more wisdom He deposits in us, the more we will know, and (most likely) need to ask forgiveness for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I could write a book about the role perceptions have played in the growth and restructuring of my business. However, what I REALLY want to leave you all with is this truth....this explanation. As you see changes happening around you and you feel the feels on whether or not you like it, whether or not it's "right," whether or not it is "fair," whether or not it was "handled properly," JUST REMEMBER - everyone's vantage point is different and NONE of them see the full picture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am a firm believer that The Holy Spirit ebbs and flows at God's command. I am also a firm believer that The Holy Spirit is mysterious and thorough in His movements. I promise you, that our God knows each one of us so intricately. He knows how hard certain things are for us to let go. He knows our hearts in such a way, that He removes what we will not. He cuts the rope of what we keep hanging onto. He places just the right people in our path at just the right time, and removes the influence of persons, places, or things that are NOT part of His plan for our lives. So much of it won't make sense, but we want it to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is why grace and mercy and forgiveness are bypassed for judgement and condemnation so often. We want to understand. We want to make it so. We want to have some handle on why things are the way they are. Yet....this is why He asks us to Just. Have. Faith. in Him. We can't. He can, and He LOVES us so incredibly and fully....WAY more than we love ourselves. Buck Up Baby! & have a little faith. You know what you know, but there is SO much you do not. Trust Him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also...be sure to put perceptions where they belong. Rest in God's truth and the wisdom He has blessed you with. Doing this files off the rough edges that brush against you when experiencing the limited perception of others. </div><br /><br /><p></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-21337716770612102762022-12-16T16:05:00.000-08:002022-12-16T16:05:39.625-08:00Just Because You Could - Doesn't Mean You Should<p> Today, I was brought back to some of the thoughts that ran through my head before I decided to really pursue building my own business, instead of working for someone else. Without Jesus, I would not be here. Those prayers, back then, were a kind all their own....fervent, desperate, FULL of fret and worry, talking out loud ALL....EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. OF. MY. CONCERNS..... Jesus knew them. Even though He called me, I was not able to recognize it right away. I questioned EVERY thought. I thought of EVERY scenario....EVERY possibility.....REALLY sat with the less than favorable possibilities, let it saturate me and then decide if I was willing to make the sacrifice and FOLLOW Jesus's call. A TD Jakes sermon & The Holy Spirit snapped me into action back then and......here I am....more than a decade later.....and TD Jakes has once again motivated me with one of his sermons and I felt that familiar feeling. The feeling of ALLOWING God to show me. To put all my plans, thoughts, ideas, limited knowledge to the side and....well....BUCK UP BABY & RIDE WITH JESUS!</p><p>This brings me to my most beautiful lesson this week. In business.....just because you COULD, does NOT mean you should. Sometimes.....we are SO hard-headed that God literally has to LET US recognize for ourselves our weaknesses. He let's us FEEL the discomfort, angst.....He lets us struggle in our limited knowledge. </p><p>I am a person that likes to be in motion. Sitting still, focusing on numbers, piecing things together, and trying to figure out how to make a program work.....that's not my thing. Yes. Once upon a time that was my thing....because I was curious....engaged....interested....learning. That being said, I identified years ago, that - that was one of my least favorite parts of the business and taught, encouraged, hired, and/or trained others to do that very thing. NOW.....as I sit in the middle of my reset, fumbling my way through what's next...wanting to BE REAL SURE I need a person to do X, Y, Z....I have never been more sure of anything in my life.</p><p>My brain was SOOOOOOOOOO tired that once I struggled my way through programs and documents and process manuals, and FAQ web pages, then double, triple, & quadruple checking my numbers (which BTW....as I sit at my daughter's music recital, realize I forgot a very important deduction that was accounted for, but not notated) I realized that....when I work myself to a place where basic addition and subtraction is a struggle......it's time to let it go. AND...if that wasn't enough to convince me....after ALL the corrections and THINKING I was printing page 9 of a 9 page document.....I take a call and, by the end of it, have NINE FULL COPIES OF A NINE PAGE DOCUMENT....that is not where I'm supposed to be.... THUS, just because you could, doesn't mean you should. </p><p>God gives us such AMAZING gifts. TRULY, when I started this whole journey FRUSTRATED with my J.O.B. at the time....I HAD NO IDEA that I would one day become a Texas Reserve State Champion Auctioneer, learn how to sell EVERY type of asset under the sun, and HELP RAISE MILLIONS for non profits! In fact, when I started this journey....being an auctioneer was a thought written in a journal out of frustrated prayer. I reached a point where I did all I knew how to do in my own knowledge and ability and I did not know what to do. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR MY OBEDIENCE. </p><p>God knows that sometimes we have to wear ourselves down to the place where we will be obedient; where we have exhausted all we know & we SURRENDER. </p><p>And as I type that, I think to myself....knowing all this....why is it still SO HARD? I'd like to think that God is teaching us how to trust Him the way we will, one day, need to trust Him. Every time we get ourselves to these places we trust God a little more. AND....it is not that we don't want to trust Him...it's that we don't know how and He is teaching us. It gets easier to say yes. It gets easier to step into the unknown and LET HIM paint the road as you walk. We can't rush it. We can't make plans. We can simply EXPERIENCE His goodness and His grace and His mercy towards us & LET HIM SHOW US!</p><p>BUCK UP BABY & RIDE WITH JESUS! GO where He takes you. No questions and no expectations. </p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-44311616746465889872022-12-13T09:03:00.000-08:002022-12-13T09:03:48.805-08:00Funk<p>I find myself gravitating towards writing to the small business owner. Today I want to talk about the FUNK!</p><p>When I talk about FUNK; I do NOT want you to associate a negative connotation to it. I want you to look at it as more of a reality that surfaces in your life more than looking at it as a rare occurrence. <br /></p><p>I also do NOT want you to think that any of this is my complaining, because I am really not. I'm writing about a REALITY. I am writing about that funky friend that hangs around and adds to your life and teaches you things. It is the best noun I can come up with, for the "thing" that we get from walking and working through our daily experiences. It is FUNK because it is ALWAYS uncomfortable. </p><p>For example, TODAY my allergies are REALLY working me over. I very rarely have allergies flare up and I have things to do and I stopped myself as I getting ready to beat myself up and called it what it was. OWNED the funky reality that I just don't feel good and the BEST thing is to pivot. What did I learn about this ABNORMALITY to my day-to-day life? </p><p>1) I feel bad and when I feel bad I am less productive. </p><p>2) Knowing that I need to refine, delegate, & reschedule my work plans. Do what I can & ACCEPT that reality......which is FUNKY for me. </p><p>3) Ultimately.....THIS FUNK is teaching me how to STOP running into a brick wall over and over again. Accept it. Turn away from the wall. Go in another direction. </p><p><br /></p><p>The other day, I had a WONDERFUL day. I could see how things were lining up, working out and noticing the PROGRESS towards my goals. Then, the FUNK of not knowing what to do with that feeling made me uncomfortable. It made me aware. It frustrated me, but it also TAUGHT ME. It taught me: </p><p>1) This feeling is my new reaction to good things. </p><p>2) I need to acknowledge it, feel it, and keep moving past it. It is a symbol of change that, although uncomfortable, is a sign of progress and that makes me very happy, optimistic, & encouraged.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another example (because they really are helping me paint the picture): I am trying to change and adjust processes. I have taken steps towards that adjustment and those steps are causing AGITATION in me. I know the agitation is a product (FUNK) of change and implementation. What do I now know? </p><p>1) I am going to feel agitated if I implement steps in reaching the goals I set for myself. </p><p>2) I should welcome the agitation because that means change is happening and....although uncomfortable, I'm taking the right steps to transform my life. </p><p><br /></p><p>The outcome of ALL of these examples is: FUNK is here to stay. It is a welcome, yet annoying friend that hangs with me on the journey. </p><p>If you are going to stick with your goal of creating positive change in your life, you may as well BUCK UP BABY & get used to feeling FunKy!</p><p>The other thought that is sticking with me is:.......if you are NOT a small business owner, but find yourself experiencing the remnants of the funk when you are around certain people......EXTEND GRACE. We could work for BIG business, but YOU CHOOSE US because we have that little something special that BIG businesses do not have. To get to experience that SPECIAL, you will also have to EXPERIENCE THE FUNK with us. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='413' height='343' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZFhz1eJG8VXEbvmkR46C5HmI_bEhw7eF7Yg3eyWjHyPOZVEKaxt3B8cFhyxoDuJGFAmQDucv0RKQDs9L2mw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-14543975943175823582022-11-23T20:43:00.000-08:002022-11-23T20:43:15.844-08:00What's next?!<p> Guys....I have found myself a quiet moment. A scheduled meeting didn't work out for the client, my husband is fixing my Mom's faucet, Mom has the kids, and I sit quietly here in my little office after a full day of collecting and coordinating pick ups for a consignment auction that just closed, an online fundraising auction that just closed, pondering real estate prospects, possibilities, and upcoming marketing moves and I am grateful. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8YrmLSZDWM0WhA3YyEEh7_3DQM9YpbymaAtqrcI1yDjcc4Cdz7g-xb9fBOntsgOWSLzGy0Y7k5fVbLQbRcjQ-JRhGRdHYFSY2TfLyBXbHVId61cyFyfWrdMOZ3Dg2FifjEwDg0Nwoui3eLdhX9STnns6P4iSF7P6XP6W10uuSpJIaT55B3FEJ-jYXA/s1440/1CA0FA2D-B003-4619-A8DD-1DA37FED89CC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8YrmLSZDWM0WhA3YyEEh7_3DQM9YpbymaAtqrcI1yDjcc4Cdz7g-xb9fBOntsgOWSLzGy0Y7k5fVbLQbRcjQ-JRhGRdHYFSY2TfLyBXbHVId61cyFyfWrdMOZ3Dg2FifjEwDg0Nwoui3eLdhX9STnns6P4iSF7P6XP6W10uuSpJIaT55B3FEJ-jYXA/w300-h400/1CA0FA2D-B003-4619-A8DD-1DA37FED89CC.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where this magic happened :)!<br />Photo Cred: Brenda Rose</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This past year has been tough, but SO FULL of lessons. Albeit, lessons I didn't necessarily WANT to learn at the time, but ones I am grateful for now. </p><p>You know....God didn't create us to be automated. He didn't create us to be systematic. He created us to be unique and different and to pursue our gifts and the desires of our hearts. He also desired us to fellowship with other humans. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOok8E37oJaniZua1GMEjNliFOfRAHM4B-6_KwgY2Fe49L5zkBKeDzMFMtSbjgsRqxeIVJjBbDyYelS1caHDRmDuGHY6xkzEuKvgE3_1RC7ZvLC7rUBMmoxTPYnTzdkRyXZj1KGapxup1XnqxQyshhsfTdGJRY1GQlJ4xs4Si-c-rE-hkS65kPRDxmlA/s4032/516354FC-D62E-4BF2-9C7F-10F9FCDA1EC3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOok8E37oJaniZua1GMEjNliFOfRAHM4B-6_KwgY2Fe49L5zkBKeDzMFMtSbjgsRqxeIVJjBbDyYelS1caHDRmDuGHY6xkzEuKvgE3_1RC7ZvLC7rUBMmoxTPYnTzdkRyXZj1KGapxup1XnqxQyshhsfTdGJRY1GQlJ4xs4Si-c-rE-hkS65kPRDxmlA/w300-h400/516354FC-D62E-4BF2-9C7F-10F9FCDA1EC3.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those signs were created when I needed to let my mind unwind. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Man! I have been SO unsure about SO MANY things this year. At times, I really have turned myself loose from situations to LET GOD, because I could not decide what was "right" and what was "wrong," but I did TRUST that whatever came of it, God could fix any of it. I don't know that I have ever really been in that place as many times AND like I have been this year. It is an exercise of faith, but.....at times, that exercise (temporarily) hurts. God uses everything. What He did make clear to me is that sometimes others will be hurt while you make an effort to help yourself. </p><p>Those that ask, those that have worked alongside me and those that read my blogs KNOW, that I look at this business as a ministry. God has called me to use a gift, I had NO IDEA I had, to DO GOOD......TO HELP His people.....TO TEACH His people.....TO SERVE His people. I really do take it very serious. I am typically slow to make decisions because I really like to watch, listen, ask questions, confirm, think about things from all the angles and pray.....I should pray MORE. </p><p>God has taken me through a course of how to love and appreciate and honor MYSELF. HARD! You talk about H.A.R.D. Even as I read it back I shake my head....and maybe even do a little eye roll.... It makes me uncomfortable. I'd rather just go do something. BUT.....it is paying off. Scaling back in the manner that I have, has allowed me to fully experience all the things I had others doing for me and allowed me to REALLY KNOW what I still like....love almost and what I don't. The type of client I work best with and the kind I don't; The value of the knowledge, experience, and skill that I bring to the table; The amount of time I want to invest in my faith, my family, myself, & my what's next :). </p><p>What was REALLY hard has turned to excitement....not busting at the seams excitement, BUT building momentum excitement. I would not have that if I didn't walk the hard walk and do the hard things and experience all the funkiness........& there was A LOT of it. Walking through the uncertainty.....really wallering through the uncertainty has brought me to what is to come. There are still uncertainties, but they look a little more exciting and a little more inviting. </p><p>I am here to tell you…to get here...the journey is ROUGH. The journey is heart-breaking, ego-deflating, friendship-changing, humble-pie caliber, people will think something is wrong with you for choosing it type of journey. You will want to throw your hands up, find a hole to crawl into, second-guess EVERY decision you ever made, re-enter the workforce..... Then.....you'll find yourself here with MORE knowledge and wisdom and experience AND a clearer understanding of whatever it is YOU have to POUR OUT INTO THE WORLD. If you want to have a FULL OF CHARACTER small business, you better BUCK UP BABY! There is NOTHING easy about it, but....as always.....the ride will be worth it. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxYVMRatX2tVLrvlifviXUYVH1oQmQMPn4tnQeP7Wie8x6JkKFrjLN6w1AU0ytW02ncRoNp8Ti4hYMq9mnl94Y4n0oy7WdGDg09q7nEqPLN8PRDOXNH0N0paDZezfrf50pgi_rXJ3AI5f2TJhA7mmFpWhxj4znpV4V7P3iQ75aXs1D7PsWt9efj1Eog/s2048/A050536F-1AEB-4518-AB9F-37A1D43F4C25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxYVMRatX2tVLrvlifviXUYVH1oQmQMPn4tnQeP7Wie8x6JkKFrjLN6w1AU0ytW02ncRoNp8Ti4hYMq9mnl94Y4n0oy7WdGDg09q7nEqPLN8PRDOXNH0N0paDZezfrf50pgi_rXJ3AI5f2TJhA7mmFpWhxj4znpV4V7P3iQ75aXs1D7PsWt9efj1Eog/w400-h300/A050536F-1AEB-4518-AB9F-37A1D43F4C25.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How much space looked at the start of my 2nd beginning. :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-91266566306095347312022-08-08T21:01:00.002-07:002022-08-08T21:01:43.597-07:00Buck Up Journey Memoir: Decision Making in the Scaling Process<p> As a small business owner, there are moments when you really do feel all alone. You may have people around you TRYING to love on you, but....they just can't understand the place you find yourself. Other small business owners may be able to identify with parts of it, but there are really moments (there were for me) where NO ONE could help me. For me, these are moments when I would lean on Jesus....and sometimes He was silent. I know He has His reasons, but these are definitely uncomfortable moments. </p><p>Over the years....I've learned a lot about a lot. As I stated in my previous blog: "A Chapter Comes to an End," sharing some of the things that I carried alone is really helpful to me and I know it will help others. In this memoir I want to share my journey and evolution in decision making. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r9kE2WlNmPwH8b6ldEgex1TevgVrfko6w9wtj5An6RNEXelo53xVjhdxd-vELPkb8XFROvnL2iW8BI43EfDX4K02hRtbthElKJE_tFbsYINvjJTAH2MpCxH_Of543FW-H80N-PyS4ohOvICc1W7cyLeN4Dt08TuqUn4aQC6mwVg3sczkeEwSMbyl0A/s250/selling%20by%20headlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="250" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3r9kE2WlNmPwH8b6ldEgex1TevgVrfko6w9wtj5An6RNEXelo53xVjhdxd-vELPkb8XFROvnL2iW8BI43EfDX4K02hRtbthElKJE_tFbsYINvjJTAH2MpCxH_Of543FW-H80N-PyS4ohOvICc1W7cyLeN4Dt08TuqUn4aQC6mwVg3sczkeEwSMbyl0A/w320-h314/selling%20by%20headlights.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headlights if the auction doesn't end before dark. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCakQ0NsQ5g_EocxoQr4E9wnyC5n4WJTHT1v5cTP-HMfCwcQKU0WWmvBB8daECkbfnT6ozfytD2nWjcnBzvqP8JvSag5ODX-b3tr1vvp_piW0prvCM8eBYEVj31ek63aamvio5d2EqGp00TEgurPg6ZmCTzoXPAdXdLc3gqZMZfvQ6buBd3MU1PLCVA/s267/yellow%20tent%20crowd%20ringmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="267" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCakQ0NsQ5g_EocxoQr4E9wnyC5n4WJTHT1v5cTP-HMfCwcQKU0WWmvBB8daECkbfnT6ozfytD2nWjcnBzvqP8JvSag5ODX-b3tr1vvp_piW0prvCM8eBYEVj31ek63aamvio5d2EqGp00TEgurPg6ZmCTzoXPAdXdLc3gqZMZfvQ6buBd3MU1PLCVA/w320-h238/yellow%20tent%20crowd%20ringmen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the first 75-80 lots will be in the first hour, as people are getting to the auction. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx8jsmpPnl8lQFUTnRFxGSiE_srOAaMFYadOiTs5CgqSBiXfOqLsWAbD-Zb2JTdhIqFJURwL4EvLAEtgvtbTZvIPv2sFPOxOvy_q6HZmsml-tFtL2CDU6zIy4HtYC1PuJ63ou3Wo8o71Vr-4e40lfkOafQSLxLymRy02TUq_2qcheOcldlgkqSOJD7w/s246/pp%20set%20up%20mg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="213" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx8jsmpPnl8lQFUTnRFxGSiE_srOAaMFYadOiTs5CgqSBiXfOqLsWAbD-Zb2JTdhIqFJURwL4EvLAEtgvtbTZvIPv2sFPOxOvy_q6HZmsml-tFtL2CDU6zIy4HtYC1PuJ63ou3Wo8o71Vr-4e40lfkOafQSLxLymRy02TUq_2qcheOcldlgkqSOJD7w/w277-h320/pp%20set%20up%20mg.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best way to ship fenders to Canada, along with the other parts purchased. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHsRPjoshgu88Vmp83Y3WVbQiGqdyxgJuR8qtR3dEC5r8Le_X2gTWsyiwDu9Es2e13sh__Tf4f6Y9FKW4bg6B9so__YMpAIEbvSXMvtYEzxjeWD_1oicwer9jkYzFdKBzR73UiDMbXO-jnozk7uEX9bJmI-7f_yE_WTTVdFh1B-0knfp5D-IiqA19Mw/s2048/IMG_7208%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHsRPjoshgu88Vmp83Y3WVbQiGqdyxgJuR8qtR3dEC5r8Le_X2gTWsyiwDu9Es2e13sh__Tf4f6Y9FKW4bg6B9so__YMpAIEbvSXMvtYEzxjeWD_1oicwer9jkYzFdKBzR73UiDMbXO-jnozk7uEX9bJmI-7f_yE_WTTVdFh1B-0knfp5D-IiqA19Mw/w320-h320/IMG_7208%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to (on the fly for the vast majority of this project) entertain, track, record,</td></tr></tbody></table>and ensure that all SOLD items get payment collected and item received into the right hands, with people everywhere. All except maybe one person was volunteer. </div><p>In all things, each and every decision you make opens up Pandora's Box of then numerous other possibilities. In my business and in discussions regarding my business, I told people that I would qualify the risk. What I meant by this is: I would think a major decision all 360 degrees around it. When I was growing my business this concept worked for me, it worked for the client, it worked for the crew, it worked for business. As my business started growing and adapting over the years this....making decisions based on "qualified risk," seemed to cramp peoples' style/expectations/workflow. When more people get involved and you have a business where success and satisfaction with the end results is really not black and white. You have to be able to pivot, change your mind, adjust, re-assess, and do what is best for the end-goal of the project. That really doesn't gel well with employees and the desire for.....quantifiable progress. </p><p>As a small business owner, of a service-oriented business, I adapted to suit the needs and the demands and it worked for awhile. What I did not factor into my decision-making was more employees + more clients = more decisions to make and more people making decisions. </p><p>Here's the real deal of what I found and I would imagine this has been the experience of many other small businesses. People say this all the time. I heard this same thing SO many different ways and I still walked into the abyss. (This is because...when I heard it I knew NOTHING about this place.) The place where....ANYONE who is not you....the person that has poured their heart and soul and time and money and effort and sacrificed in numerous different ways....anyone else just doesn't "get it." They don't know what to let go of and what to pursue. They don't know how to talk to people in tense situations. They don't have the confidence to pick up the phone to alert a regular buyer of upcoming inventory. More Employees+More Clients=More decisions..... Long story short....one of the moments when I picked my head up from the work - I noticed a watered-down version of what I built. I was also losing my zest. In situations where I once made really good thought out decisions that were SO purpose-driven; I reached a place where I did not want to have to make a decision.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglygKAeUcKA2q9-AgzNM7Zf8V9dAZbzA0e6pWANZsC-Hu3hN2RuTiYU3ChgaXONxtD5VKpOxU_B6-vJkAE1goxmNBukRi_RwiVzT6k1bLbjR3jrbxCMzMFZM4i3XdqZEkcPJXxdzhBzj11X2ebwcU8FRk0t28xYH4ct7xIBbGwEkE7jYUNYw0RPUlBw/s4752/h:%5CMy%20Pictures%5CAuctioneering%5CIMG_6767%20ARM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3168" data-original-width="4752" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglygKAeUcKA2q9-AgzNM7Zf8V9dAZbzA0e6pWANZsC-Hu3hN2RuTiYU3ChgaXONxtD5VKpOxU_B6-vJkAE1goxmNBukRi_RwiVzT6k1bLbjR3jrbxCMzMFZM4i3XdqZEkcPJXxdzhBzj11X2ebwcU8FRk0t28xYH4ct7xIBbGwEkE7jYUNYw0RPUlBw/w320-h213/h:%5CMy%20Pictures%5CAuctioneering%5CIMG_6767%20ARM.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me....with guidance from Uncle Melvin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS0uC9l8RY5-Alooxair5HPbXNmHz3KFZOj4EchKQhFn3g6EGaop6cIMEXb6h2LhHzfKhX3H4cayx89dkDO_eL3D-Qqm_9qd-q4-AN3m8o4VCUErnLEcT0wA3htRgWc-vIP3CJxwI6xtW4x1ypDG_Q2qDLec8s9om4zgi4TXzLLzzlyxn-HkKTv-kMw/s960/red%20navy%20fundraising.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="960" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS0uC9l8RY5-Alooxair5HPbXNmHz3KFZOj4EchKQhFn3g6EGaop6cIMEXb6h2LhHzfKhX3H4cayx89dkDO_eL3D-Qqm_9qd-q4-AN3m8o4VCUErnLEcT0wA3htRgWc-vIP3CJxwI6xtW4x1ypDG_Q2qDLec8s9om4zgi4TXzLLzzlyxn-HkKTv-kMw/w320-h185/red%20navy%20fundraising.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & 10 crew members at a fundraiser. I had gotten up to 15+/- employees. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2ZMXcS0mbq8KtEoMFcbZqicAVJnKkAYVfTIWYD17eRAa4Uo4DrqEcGz4RxbGEbc9qLBBlXz0Z-0UrFMqTyEBvWLBXSm2nk5jv4oloFpghThbWRQ-5r4pKjiM7yBu0xwbpErAYTwyriQZutXVpcGaIRA3UZwMjgnHJCt3JkGrnWjNMf7NsNnbjxFRnw/s960/TWL%20red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="960" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2ZMXcS0mbq8KtEoMFcbZqicAVJnKkAYVfTIWYD17eRAa4Uo4DrqEcGz4RxbGEbc9qLBBlXz0Z-0UrFMqTyEBvWLBXSm2nk5jv4oloFpghThbWRQ-5r4pKjiM7yBu0xwbpErAYTwyriQZutXVpcGaIRA3UZwMjgnHJCt3JkGrnWjNMf7NsNnbjxFRnw/s320/TWL%20red.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fundraising event with 9 crew members. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then....I stopped to make a decision and found myself having to analyze the best way to move forward with where we were, based on the needs of the area and the tools at hand. Looking back....I wish I would have taken a different approach. Instead of trying to "get back" what I thought was lacking; I should have stopped long enough to REALLY dissect the situation. Take inventory of ME. Who I was 10 years ago is not who I am now. The needs of the community, that my company can meet, are not the same as they were 10 years ago when we got started. </p><p>My lessons in decision making in a small business trying to scale is this:</p><p>1) Reassess YOU periodically. In a service-based business YOU are the one that will keep it going. YOU are the one that will be standing when no one else is. YOU will be handed the good, the bad, and the ugly and have to figure out what to do with it all. When you look up and things look different....don't take the stance or the responsibility of "fixing it." Take a moment to understand where YOU are and then proceed. </p><p>2) I still like using the approach of qualifying your risk. You have to be sure to HARD SCHEDULE time to do that. Prioritize it. </p><p>3) Be responsible for yourself FIRST. I know there is all sorts of information out there that may tell you otherwise, BUT....like I said above. YOU will be the one left holding the bag. YOU & your family are FIRST. If people around you....employees, clients, vendors, customers are not ADDING to you MORE THAN they are taking away from YOU; t</p><p>+he business will not sustain itself. The more people around you, the more you have to stay on top of maintaining this. Everything moves faster and multiplies quicker....even just adding one more person into the mix. </p><p>4) If you are in a service-oriented business, sometimes it is just not scalable. At least not the way you imagine it. Don't be so hard-headed and be able to LET LOOSE OF AN IDEA. Give it a little rope and it might just lead you to something that is BETTER. </p><p>Look, small business owners are scrappers. More times than not, we are going to be able to help a very small portion of the population. We are the special. We are the flavor. We are the ones that are willing to sacrifice some comforts others are not, so we can simply be ourselves and do the things we are good at by helping others solve their problems, creating something that will make their lives easier, or entertaining people and bringing them just a little bit of happy into their world. Growing up, I was taught that character is achieved by doing, by going through it and EXPERIENCING every bit of something. For example: If you are going to show horses, you have to ride some bad ones to appreciate the good ones. You have to do things "wrong" to know the importance of doing it right. You have to SOAK UP ALL OF IT. In my business, I had to have a couple bad auctions to KNOW and appreciate the good ones. I had to take a chance on an average auction to know whether or not to do that again. I had to TRY and scale my original process to know things will be compromised UNLESS I can be cloned into multiples with all the knowledge and experience I possess. I had to make decisions to know. Just know, if you are going to be in small business and make it and sustain it, BUCK UP BABY! Get some thick skin and get after it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52h_Hj7Rhh8mSirHf2sLCsuGb3sol0AIoPYN6nABYWPJ1wwCq6bxECAU9ya-E1Eoeu2nGkJmUJg9CHTAgjUMcG9tqtB3pA87GOJxDF6lelsynJTR8zifxj2dXjMHHNa732DyJiGjTHeESRM0A5hdEDnApUtUWlqrH6Hn_Z6g7UW-flt_jegjPQeRghw/s960/barn%20me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52h_Hj7Rhh8mSirHf2sLCsuGb3sol0AIoPYN6nABYWPJ1wwCq6bxECAU9ya-E1Eoeu2nGkJmUJg9CHTAgjUMcG9tqtB3pA87GOJxDF6lelsynJTR8zifxj2dXjMHHNa732DyJiGjTHeESRM0A5hdEDnApUtUWlqrH6Hn_Z6g7UW-flt_jegjPQeRghw/s320/barn%20me.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-43126337147570552852022-07-15T23:06:00.001-07:002022-07-15T23:06:11.394-07:00A Chapter Comes to an EndYou talk about a rough few months. I AM PAYING ATTENTION. I took the liberty of reading my blogs from this first chapter, where the "Buck Up" journey began. As I documented my thoughts and feelings...from the most humblest of beginnings...I would contemplate whether some of those words mattered....whether those stories needed to be told.....whether certain credit was even interesting to the reader. <div><br /></div><div>I KNOW, without the shadow of a doubt, that IT ALL MATTERS. As I find myself holding a heavy, HEAVY page and have CONTEMPLATED for MONTHS (at least) on whether or not it was time to turn it, I AM SO GRATEFUL to be able to look back at the last chapter. Having the opportunity to use my own words to........give me the COURAGE and STRENGTH & CONFIRMATION to turn this heavy page is a beautiful gift I gave to myself....and others, quite possibly. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I read my blogs from the beginning of this journey it was really such a mix of awkwardness, nervousness, uncertainty and gradually mounted to EXCITEMENT & courageous steps, INTENSE moments of soul-searching and digging and digging and digging to get to my WHY. Part of me was SO glad when I left the "corny" stage of my blog writing & now, as I grin recalling it, I think....maybe I should inject a little more of that "corny."</div><div><br /></div><div>My WHY was SO clear. It was SO incredibly clear from the beginning.....to help people. Whatever people came into my life I wanted to help them and I did. I went from wanting to help the organizations and bidders that gave me a chance to the friends that were comforting in scary times to other auction companies, to the clients that hired me to assist with settling their loved one's estate to raising money to help make a sick friend's life easier. Then I transitioned to wanting to help other auctioneers, working mothers, women in business, people on the edge of making a life-changing transition. </div><div><br /></div><div>What a journey. WHAT. A. JOURNEY! As I begin quoting the courageous words that have given me all that I need to turn the page I want anyone reading this to KNOW.....IT ALL MATTERS. It matters SO much...even the corniest of the corny! Buck Up Baby & be BRAVE enough to put yourself out there KNOWING that you will grow. You will grow into who you are called to be.....and you'll keep groWING. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why is this page SO heavy? Well....it's FILLED with these invisible questions that have no answers. Energy used to not really be a concern of mine. Ten years ago, I had plenty of it and the excitement of something new just fueled it. Now, in my mind, each invisible question has a weight I attach to it. EVERY decision we make takes a certain amount of time, money, and energy and you can't get it back....not easily at least. Now my fuel supply of experience was slowing me down. As I went back to my very first blog called "<a href="http://buckupbaby.blogspot.com/2013/12/startin-to-tackle-that-mountain.html">Just Gettin' Started</a>," I say: "If you don't know what to do...just do something. That's probably the sales skills in me." </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6N_SCz9Q-kZhkvuoVQR-lo36294XbWAwjcLPAwVM2POjksZ6IzxadIEa_742zmEg-3jWYD5Hf5ul_DrIgVnHJoY5qZY6AJ-fev2jbzPs6g4cQ8B9c052x_h0CqO8jGj5bfr3z9Y-30wDSqtgtPLYA0WS7dHnfZ9PQXb3jQGmoRpXI-ItOoICjitONQ/s1600/1st%20auction%20photograph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6N_SCz9Q-kZhkvuoVQR-lo36294XbWAwjcLPAwVM2POjksZ6IzxadIEa_742zmEg-3jWYD5Hf5ul_DrIgVnHJoY5qZY6AJ-fev2jbzPs6g4cQ8B9c052x_h0CqO8jGj5bfr3z9Y-30wDSqtgtPLYA0WS7dHnfZ9PQXb3jQGmoRpXI-ItOoICjitONQ/w400-h266/1st%20auction%20photograph.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first known picture I have of me selling. This is at Carmine VFD, taken by the late Melissa Wickel. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>I don't know (in FULL view) what is next. I have these little bread crumbs. That is all I have, and...the combination of bread crumbs don't always make sense, but then again....neither did a young mother, with a college degree in advertising....& a good paying job....feeling called to figure out all she could about the business of selling things by talking fast. It really is SO much more than that, but I'm not sure I knew that in the beginning. Here is to me doing SOMETHING. I am turning the page, finishing the chapter, and starting another.....with a COMPLETE blank page in front of me. </div><div><br /></div><div>From "<a href="http://buckupbaby.blogspot.com/2013/12/startin-to-tackle-that-mountain.html">Startin' to Tackle That Mountain</a>," I said: "My overall MAJOR plan is to pursue my auction career. I have a plan, but having worked with MANY businesses of all shapes and sizes over the last 7 years I KNOW that certain elements of that plan will have to change, happen sooner, happen later, happen differently, not happen at all...So for now, until I get more of the details panned out, I'm pursuing my auction career." </div><div><br /></div><div>I smile as I re-read that. I had NO IDEA what was in store for me. I had dreams, within the industry, that I chose not to pursue.....because I was made aware of something bigger and better than what I was able to dream. I smile because I made a business and a life and MANY friends doing things in this industry that I had NO KNOWN DESIRE to embark on. When I wrote that I had NO IDEA that I would go on to have numerous appearances on a hit TV Show, like <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/shows/texas-flip-and-move">Texas Flip N' Move</a> or achieve the title of 2021 <a href="https://texasauctioneers.org/">Texas State Reserve Champion Auctioneer</a>. I'm still working on the Champion title. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgAWI7VVVsLj826xw4uSBnb1ch5fXTForFKQC8JwO9EuVIZvWej7rSdPqNwd9N_frKJkZS8XUYDK-v4kybOjS35JfBCg67f28gzt5QOGxypRPLMFpumzDJs5xMTP_MIb-1dMG9N-fuHuBfDlqJpQ5ZbcMcIz0tz7NHMkPAIx1MyffBbmjj5pHLYDG8w/s1952/IMG_8544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1952" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgAWI7VVVsLj826xw4uSBnb1ch5fXTForFKQC8JwO9EuVIZvWej7rSdPqNwd9N_frKJkZS8XUYDK-v4kybOjS35JfBCg67f28gzt5QOGxypRPLMFpumzDJs5xMTP_MIb-1dMG9N-fuHuBfDlqJpQ5ZbcMcIz0tz7NHMkPAIx1MyffBbmjj5pHLYDG8w/w400-h246/IMG_8544.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Cred: Myers Jackson on my first or second shoot with Texas Flip N' Move.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhpbi0vJv3pEnq-9TiJuI_w7F2zqoReZKMmcYGTOFiTQAnlkP745GlPIrHWOBwyjAVRHtzLEO370OcgzU7vDgdpbKNNF9smVTzU_Lhl9IbOB46NFgDHvUQrv-vkayRrlhYjDTLNP1bEaS-N1WBbBltCUNVUoPPn4WwHEDw4Y3qXgxgE4m9B6Yf4p2Vg/s2446/IMG_8862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2446" data-original-width="2446" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhpbi0vJv3pEnq-9TiJuI_w7F2zqoReZKMmcYGTOFiTQAnlkP745GlPIrHWOBwyjAVRHtzLEO370OcgzU7vDgdpbKNNF9smVTzU_Lhl9IbOB46NFgDHvUQrv-vkayRrlhYjDTLNP1bEaS-N1WBbBltCUNVUoPPn4WwHEDw4Y3qXgxgE4m9B6Yf4p2Vg/w400-h400/IMG_8862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPh1T1QmkkiKXCkzCTLXOhCpHErqDEOW-DTTdjsp5ojLXEUKlZrwolCqUXac0WfVmtI5-VsAKM2QiMF8c1zDYatpLyqPt-_R05aLT2x4OLhYxLww8VwMQojsBWXO2zt7P_VvZVVDDt9SQ1u5SABNjS2lDXfyMNi4OJIkgAEX6IkO0Ymw4xzoMG0xDsLQ/s3264/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPh1T1QmkkiKXCkzCTLXOhCpHErqDEOW-DTTdjsp5ojLXEUKlZrwolCqUXac0WfVmtI5-VsAKM2QiMF8c1zDYatpLyqPt-_R05aLT2x4OLhYxLww8VwMQojsBWXO2zt7P_VvZVVDDt9SQ1u5SABNjS2lDXfyMNi4OJIkgAEX6IkO0Ymw4xzoMG0xDsLQ/w400-h300/IMG_6453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrapping up shoots for a season.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXJvO_vrYWUwi79y47j0lztgme98N7HnPmbsHD9uDT2WAq7d4XqzeibIrO3_59IlsQ1HXn7L1ZLjFS41W7vhjbd5C5Ld7q5LROLz7gHYvl04oGxPH7kK1ZIUyiDYsKrXXvdF2jdy52_QmiO9uezVKeIEnhJjwFl5OcdT6WbaE0eg6kex9nTyIN2-s8g/s960/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="960" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXJvO_vrYWUwi79y47j0lztgme98N7HnPmbsHD9uDT2WAq7d4XqzeibIrO3_59IlsQ1HXn7L1ZLjFS41W7vhjbd5C5Ld7q5LROLz7gHYvl04oGxPH7kK1ZIUyiDYsKrXXvdF2jdy52_QmiO9uezVKeIEnhJjwFl5OcdT6WbaE0eg6kex9nTyIN2-s8g/w400-h294/IMG_2652.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toni, Donna, & Randy joined the Buck Up Crew for Lights, Camera, Texas benefiting the Family Crisis Center and Children's Advocacy Center.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW0EK5ClBWZB0qDM_-nuPdAmtbCGlTWt0YsdeXEWf9s2dpy84yHo0bkIAQjpdNx0E98U3dgPR0CJDv-qHy55WpOay5N4HhWMXSvozBqwG3HGvz7FrCgJJ6tPyUTdii4QvYnwX59A8eeyDnwbpIM3RSu-fHn-bd6WjQHz7yYoHvwg09RIBT_RjMno3RA/s3264/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW0EK5ClBWZB0qDM_-nuPdAmtbCGlTWt0YsdeXEWf9s2dpy84yHo0bkIAQjpdNx0E98U3dgPR0CJDv-qHy55WpOay5N4HhWMXSvozBqwG3HGvz7FrCgJJ6tPyUTdii4QvYnwX59A8eeyDnwbpIM3RSu-fHn-bd6WjQHz7yYoHvwg09RIBT_RjMno3RA/w400-h300/IMG_2220.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my last shoots. We brought little Hunter along. The last season I shot with them I was either pregnant with Hunter or just had him. The fam made a trip out of it with me and we spent a few days in DFW. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfYWDNJUDcuT_yQFfkYKL1gW3pn18Du9aNuOTo88sJBXsLpAaRyc8FW1GmoIbPNNxSPzmI-qbvqnz1Y5mNtLVFfR03Z_Y8XIPlXZr4RNHA74bFT4DBnvqmhbFrqQhV8ZoNN-fZcCiSWooxiLDdTXL0xDfjvBx62ZROkJr67iFe0zyem2lut-Gw4WRKw/s960/IMG_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfYWDNJUDcuT_yQFfkYKL1gW3pn18Du9aNuOTo88sJBXsLpAaRyc8FW1GmoIbPNNxSPzmI-qbvqnz1Y5mNtLVFfR03Z_Y8XIPlXZr4RNHA74bFT4DBnvqmhbFrqQhV8ZoNN-fZcCiSWooxiLDdTXL0xDfjvBx62ZROkJr67iFe0zyem2lut-Gw4WRKw/w400-h266/IMG_4904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5byt7Pz7WLxWH9J894y2QHUKKD0wb9zioJwuJ--Le2Vc_2uaIhmT64G3t9GmaolkAFpvdXFAT0Kzy2pgrqyyszJOregGR1p_Fg_mlbUno7GShJlCA99MqBiN3YbhaxiBPyZs3v289xXLIJi34WJ5I3diM7wzmia2yu1oJGXrn2-iqgJBgvPXiyliELw/s960/IMG_6394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5byt7Pz7WLxWH9J894y2QHUKKD0wb9zioJwuJ--Le2Vc_2uaIhmT64G3t9GmaolkAFpvdXFAT0Kzy2pgrqyyszJOregGR1p_Fg_mlbUno7GShJlCA99MqBiN3YbhaxiBPyZs3v289xXLIJi34WJ5I3diM7wzmia2yu1oJGXrn2-iqgJBgvPXiyliELw/w400-h266/IMG_6394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp87k_TEGIRFuLm6EcxEKkqvX_cWRmffE8JY9irI5Uc3rLnSR0nxsnm3uoFkDh9nOFxI8A680zdBJ7j5ZGO3LhDxAAIOH-Zd-ruvEEaTqAPLQYxpf4kMtA97mMTMs2XLcR2WpgPKKBdkce1f3DN3-maXUZyIFW67s7GU2C0Hr0Mf9A4aCbC85-rotLGQ/s960/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp87k_TEGIRFuLm6EcxEKkqvX_cWRmffE8JY9irI5Uc3rLnSR0nxsnm3uoFkDh9nOFxI8A680zdBJ7j5ZGO3LhDxAAIOH-Zd-ruvEEaTqAPLQYxpf4kMtA97mMTMs2XLcR2WpgPKKBdkce1f3DN3-maXUZyIFW67s7GU2C0Hr0Mf9A4aCbC85-rotLGQ/w400-h266/IMG_0881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkFx7sVxd91Lka9ESexfG94-VYv_Mqbes47vmuFHMZbk_Hxti8XEMWaP4CbjVDlPew-fWg9oHj85EOfHnHS_QF3IH7kEVWapWtUfgjkZXWZS5TeCsgAlhzNRS6cwhaSQecLU0oRTy4uldPTODGUziJLYfc0o6As49reYKHs_9mTBx8Nqdpo2HWagQzQ/s960/IMG_4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkFx7sVxd91Lka9ESexfG94-VYv_Mqbes47vmuFHMZbk_Hxti8XEMWaP4CbjVDlPew-fWg9oHj85EOfHnHS_QF3IH7kEVWapWtUfgjkZXWZS5TeCsgAlhzNRS6cwhaSQecLU0oRTy4uldPTODGUziJLYfc0o6As49reYKHs_9mTBx8Nqdpo2HWagQzQ/w400-h266/IMG_4459.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last 4 Photos: Photo Cred - Myers Jackson</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div>Today, my overall plan is to turn the page. I have ideas and I have the ability to pivot at any given moment. God & life has taught me that. </div><div><br /></div><div>There reaches a point when you reach the goals you set out for. You made and continue to make the most of EVERY situation. You EXPLORE and you find. Then...you find yourself wanting more of something and not really knowing what. For me, I want to live out God's purpose for me. I don't want to miss a thing. I don't want to NOT experience what God has planned for me. In God's most perfect way, The Holy Spirit led me to a class that was less about skill development and totally about self-development and discovery. It was the Interpersonal Communications Class offered by the <a href="https://www.auctioneers.org/">National Auctioneers Association</a>. I wrote a blog about my experience called "<a href="http://buckupbaby.blogspot.com/2018/12/accept-compliment.html">Accept the Compliment</a>." </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ndVlmsAIc_0hEu2Tpj5MgM4Y7PeUmMPBOu9Fh3G_AAse_tFVI5yJAQ7Z4LITqLYcKb_gnKxXLYSsNM_LJIDA_yTtPgzTQJgzkLL7kHHYigzVRrs08sU4m50veK6Xfu1nn62anCGUqEx-RPuvP_-sVIT5trvbRu1V0QzmewSaa4t2kHAogPy0n8c1Ww/s960/iPC%20class.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="960" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ndVlmsAIc_0hEu2Tpj5MgM4Y7PeUmMPBOu9Fh3G_AAse_tFVI5yJAQ7Z4LITqLYcKb_gnKxXLYSsNM_LJIDA_yTtPgzTQJgzkLL7kHHYigzVRrs08sU4m50veK6Xfu1nn62anCGUqEx-RPuvP_-sVIT5trvbRu1V0QzmewSaa4t2kHAogPy0n8c1Ww/w400-h236/iPC%20class.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Interpersonal Communications Class</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03qEUVvw4MruuAC01jqQ2mDTFJN0LFOQespeHb7YIx6z1FIMhuM3WS_RdZhDBGGmLqi7gaPyArmHy6v0EId0fth2FK4j0JOAzto_pe8y3te2m6CV_Srkk9iHo2w4IA8KXZjtcacmKrcH0OSp4Gmy1YoHQX59_LN4h3Y_Jdxp1CPKnqWDuJt4zjFVvbQ/s960/me%20suz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03qEUVvw4MruuAC01jqQ2mDTFJN0LFOQespeHb7YIx6z1FIMhuM3WS_RdZhDBGGmLqi7gaPyArmHy6v0EId0fth2FK4j0JOAzto_pe8y3te2m6CV_Srkk9iHo2w4IA8KXZjtcacmKrcH0OSp4Gmy1YoHQX59_LN4h3Y_Jdxp1CPKnqWDuJt4zjFVvbQ/w400-h300/me%20suz.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Compliment Giver - Suz</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The life-changing truth uncovered about myself in that class was: "I had such little respect for myself that I squandered every EXTRA ounce of energy I had on being better and perfect for other people, with ABSOLUTELY no regard for myself." Yeah...it's HEAVY.....kind of like this page I'm getting ready to turn. It amazes me how we function...how we cope as humans....and the things we do in response to trauma. I REALLY do want to experience all God has planned for me and there was no way that was ever going to happen if I didn't own the fact that I was not respecting myself and then dive into what that meant. As I look back, this was a pivotal lesson, that took quite some time for me to grasp. It also took me down and kept me on a path, I hadn't planned on going down. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now.....having walked through similar situations meaning....hitting "brick walls" within the workplace...when it was The Good Lord's way of shutting doors to help me make the decisions He needed me to, to get me going the direction He needed me to. Another example would be....things just not working and forcing me to make decisions I would not normally make. I AM PAYING ATTENTION. I have walked that walk and do not want to resist that truth any longer than necessary. I have identified these transitional moments and messages as I have made my way to where I am now. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the last several months I have found myself unwilling to be disrespectful to myself. Isn't that a novel idea. I find myself being more thoughtful, asking myself more questions before making a decision, saying NO more easily, knowing what I DON'T like and what I will not allow to mess with my peace. My peace has become EXTREMELY important to me and if someone or something is not contributing to my peace, it has made my decision-making process much easier. MUCH. In fact, I have made decisions that create short-term stress at the aim of life-changing peace. </div><div><br /></div><div>My blog post: "<a href="http://buckupbaby.blogspot.com/2022/02/locomotive-rolling-down-tracks.html">A Locomotive Rolling Down the Tracks</a>," is raw. It is real. It is confusion and frustrations and thoughts that went from my brain, to my fingertips, to your screen. You may want to check it out for reference. In that post I said: "For 10 years I built and developed something that I thought
I wanted to, that served a purpose and helped many people - including myself,
in many different ways and in many different seasons." I DID build and develop something I wanted to. Just because that is what I wanted then....when my focus was SOLELY to be better FOR OTHERS and their needs. That does NOT make it wrong. The way we did things, the choices I made, the services we offered were COMPLETELY in line with what was important to me. Now....other things are important to me also. HONORING and BEING KIND to myself is something brand new that BARELY existed in the last chapter. Now that, that vision is clear - I can turn the page and invite you along. </div><div><br /></div><div>Father, I am thankful for these words....Your words that you have brought me this week, to ENCOURAGE me to believe: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4 NIV</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6S6sUTlIWFZzsyKg9HhApdYEY6ir0ZtegqIZLgO5irAJ7g5hDzmtP7WImGI_2vc-9UHZzrgpb1-X-06cQo_GiSoYdeVcPHa6GL1b2ZL3E3pWsKJN2y_s4_l0K1qbsWqWGgjzGkbQpIVUCLhBMGdiRlEDrT5GfGPrG929_Dm0n7sKzy2XeIICDRi2Vw/s2048/Romans%20Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6S6sUTlIWFZzsyKg9HhApdYEY6ir0ZtegqIZLgO5irAJ7g5hDzmtP7WImGI_2vc-9UHZzrgpb1-X-06cQo_GiSoYdeVcPHa6GL1b2ZL3E3pWsKJN2y_s4_l0K1qbsWqWGgjzGkbQpIVUCLhBMGdiRlEDrT5GfGPrG929_Dm0n7sKzy2XeIICDRi2Vw/w400-h400/Romans%20Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can check out my other blog: <a href="http://buckupbabyridewithjesus.blogspot.com/">Buck Up Baby & Ride With Jesus</a>!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div>Buck Up Baby....& turn the page!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-74492244258872565482022-02-17T05:06:00.000-08:002022-02-17T05:06:38.602-08:00Locomotive Rolling Down the Tracks<p>Here I am. Back at my blog. I usually find myself back here, when I'm just not sure what the future looks like. I try to migrate back from time to time, but my posts never seem to have quite the PURPOSE behind them, unless I feel like I'm feeling my way through a dark room, blindfolded, with noise all around me. </p><p>Ask and you shall receive. Knock and the door will be opened for you. I am glad it is open, but it is surely uncomfortable. For 10 years I built and developed something that I thought I wanted to, that served a purpose and helped many people - including myself, in many different ways and in many different seasons. My good friend Steve Kelley used to say that it is like a locomotive is coming down the tracks and it's coming apart as it travels & there are a few of us keeping it together as we keep moving. </p><p>Well folks....when it reaches a point where people just want to ride on the train, but won't shovel any coal, won't turn any bolts, and won't do what needs to be done to keep the train moving AND on the tracks it breaks down. </p><p>In some aspects I've looked at me getting to this point as a failure. Good thing I got Covid and didn't feel like doing anything except sleeping and thinking. I did not fail, because I gave all I could give of myself until I felt like there was nothing left for me to do. No other opportunity I could present and truly...no more energy for me to exert. The train has to stop. I unhooked some carts and left them back on the tracks and now the locomotive engine is in for maintenance. <br /></p><p>Being a small business owner is hard work, but worth it - if you love what you do. Being a growing small business is harder work because you are taking what you love and sharing it with more people, in hopes of helping more people. The sharing it with more people part.......That is what has brought me to where I am. </p><p>Some can argue that I have been able to help more people. What people don't necessarily see though is to what compromise? If sharing the gift with more people does not ignite. If I can't pass that vision on to people willing to pick up the torch and run in the same direction....the actual work suffers. They may be willing to hold the torch, but they aren't willing to run.</p><p>I'm over here holding a shovel, trying to drive the train, telling someone else what needs to be done, to help me and I have to pee. When the train screeches to a halt I look up and realize the absurdity of what I have done to myself.... What I DID NOT pay attention to as I wore myself out working for everyone else. </p><p>SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS MOVING INTO "THE NEXT LEVEL" OF YOUR BUSINESS:</p><p>Budget yourself REAL TIME quarterly - NOT 30 minutes to an hour.....several days to think EXTREMELY CRITICALLY of the direction you are going and if it aligns with what YOU (the builder) REALLY wants. It took me several hard conversations, realizing some hard truths, and LOTS of soul-searching. (I needed a full week.)</p><p>I am not quitting. I am servicing the locomotive and doing what I (that's ME, JUST me.) can do. The train stops. I'm going to take care of me, clean myself up, and start where I am, with what I - little ole' me can do. It may not keep moving, but the cargo will get there. The train will arrive and it will be ALL the good things that I can do. </p><p>Notice to all of those other conductors driving a locomotive down the tracks: At the first sign of compromise AKA:</p><p>-Paying everyone but yourself</p><p>-Doing SO much more than those around you, AS THEY WATCH YOU</p><p>-Having to double-check work because you don't trust that it has been handled properly</p><p>-Providing more tools and continuing to lose efficiency. </p><p>Sometimes your small business is you. GIVE YOURSELF THAT CREDIT. You built and developed something that helped others. You helped people make it through tough periods of life-changing transition. You built it because you saw a need. You shared it with others and YOU have given it all you had to give. Seriously....I drove it until the wheels fell off. </p><p>This may seem a tad dramatic, but it is EXACTLY what it feels like. It is literally pouring all of yourself into something and someone(s) with ONLY your limited knowledge and experience....until you can't. Hopefully this blog can serve as a checkpoint before it comes to a screeching hault. </p><p>What is so wild is that, drastically changing and downsizing ONE revenue stream, still leaves us with so many amazing opportunities. </p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-21754488376284690122021-03-03T22:21:00.005-08:002021-03-03T22:21:56.162-08:00Declutter & Make Money<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;">Two years ago, I signed up for a Declutter Challenge. It was truly overwhelming AND freeing at the same time. It was a 12 week challenge &, to make a long story short, it eased me into the psychology & process of decluttering. By the end of it, I had donated over 20 bags of items, several pieces of furniture & found a way to implement certain aspects of the challenge to daily life, PLUS my home was cleaner, more organized, & less cluttered.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">What I found interesting were the very distinct “categories” my stuff fell into: </span></p><ul class="ul1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" face="Menlo-Regular" style="font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="s1">Trash</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" face="Menlo-Regular" style="font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="s1">Give Away</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" face="Menlo-Regular" style="font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="s1">Keep</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" face="Menlo-Regular" style="font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="s1">Sell</span></li></ul><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">The Declutter challenge I did, had a solution for all of those categories, except “Sell,” so those items have been piling up in my storage building.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">When COVID-19 disrupted our world we had a large influx of calls where people had under 30 items to sell. This is not our typical personal property client. As the calls kept coming, and the need was becoming more and more apparent, our wheels started turning.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">We created the Buck Up Marketplace Online Auctions to meet the increased need. In that, I realized; we also created a solution for my 4th decluttering category- “Sell.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><img height="320" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/cbf0f4f3-c587-46e4-aea1-2ef3a10fad9b" width="320" /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Since the launch of Marketplace we have thinned out the clutter in our storage building AND have close to $1000 in our vacation fund.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I’ve talked to other sellers that have earmarked their earnings towards home updates & DIY projects.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Buck Up! Join us in the Buck Up Marketplace Online Auctions Facebook page. The Buck Up Crew is going to take part in a Declutter challenge & we will share our journey along the way! We are also, currently building auctions in the following areas: Carmine, Round Top, Lexington, & Waldeck. If you would like to become a seller in these areas or start one in YOUR area, reach out to us at marketplace@buckupauctions.com or text or call us at 979.451.8725. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><img height="320" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/d7c11cd9-69d2-4c91-8874-bb3d6bf86b62" width="320" /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">They are designed to allow people to move at their own pace. We will launch an auction once we reach 50 items or more, per area. If you don’t finish we can start building another!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.3px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-31112986602157315422020-06-17T22:17:00.004-07:002020-06-17T22:17:46.302-07:00The Villa Bay MotelEvery so often we get these unique gems that we get to work with in real estate. A good bunch of my auction properties are diamonds in the rough. Properties with potential. Properties with stories. Properties with history. Properties pregnant with opportunity.<br />
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The Villa Bay Motel is one of those properties. It's located in the heart of the Texas Coastal Bend, in Aransas Pass, Texas. Aransas Pass is located right in between Rockport, Port Aransas, Portland, & Ingleside.<br />
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The Coastal Bend is known for many things: fishing, refineries, vacationing, the beach...& SO...for properties like the Villa Bay Motel, it attracts a variety of customers. You may see contract workers, working on one of the projects in the gulf, a refinery worker, or any other industrial type worker that is looking for a place that offers weekly rates. You may also find fishermen and women, needing a place to lay their head before heading out the next morning. You may also meet some locals that have visitors coming in, that need a place to stay, tourists visiting the beach or attending one of the many festivals in the coastal bend, or someone just needing a shower from spending all day at the beach.<br />
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It is amazing how the Coastal Bend has bounced back from Hurricane Harvey. You can see the opportunity and potential as you make the drive.<br />
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One thing about The Villa Bay Motel, is it stood strong when many things around it did not. Hurricane Harvey was not it's first rodeo. In fact, it was even able to house some that were distraught and homeless from the aftermath.<br />
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There is something special about a property that has survived and thrived in hard times. If those walls could talk... they would have quite the story to tell.<br />
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This property is up for auction. The auction closes Thursday, June 18th at 6 PM. <a href="https://buckupauctions.bidwrangler.com/">Here is the link to the auction. </a> <a href="https://bwws-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/buckupauctions/assets/content/auctions/5072/_auction_terms_and_conditions_real_estate_updated_4_27_20.docx.pdf">Here is a link to the Terms & Conditions. </a><br />
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Here is a link on how to log in: <a href="https://bwws-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/buckupauctions/assets/content/auctions/5072/instructions_to_log_in.pdf">CLICK HERE!</a><br />
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Here is a link with all of the details. <a href="https://www.buckupauctions.com/auctions/detail/622-n-commercial-st-aransas-pass-tx-78336-bw45518">LINK TO DETAILS</a> Be sure to click the "Documents" tab under the picture of the hotel. You will find everything from a survey to the property condition statement to the number of rooms & MORE.<br />
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<a href="https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/622-N-Commercial-St-Aransas-Pass-TX/18077261/">Link to Loopnet Listing HERE!</a><br />
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Buck Up & Bid! BId! BID! This property has the potential to become your retirement investment, the boutique hotel you've always wanted, your opportunity at coastal living with income potential, OR anything else you want it to be.<br />
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We will be at the property tomorrow, if you would like to preview it, talk with us, or get additional information. You can also call or text me at: 979.421.0325 or email me at <a href="mailto:heather@buckupauctions.com">heather@buckupauctions.com</a>.<br />
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Heather Schoenst Kaspar<br />
Auctioneer TXL 17037, BAS, CAI<br />
Realtor, GRI, SRES<br />
Buck Up Auctions & Realty<br />
My Real Estate Expert, LLC.<br />
heather@buckupauctions.com<br />
Call/Text 979.421.0325Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-74731111560756599082020-05-06T23:51:00.001-07:002020-05-06T23:51:32.718-07:00RhythmAbout half way through last week I realized I had gotten out of rhythm. Let's be honest, we are all a little out of rhythm with our "normal" being interrupted. I noticed the NEW rhythm was off.<br />
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My husband works shift work and I am SUPER grateful that his position is still essential, but getting used to his shift schedule was an adjustment. I felt like I was finally getting into a rhythm with it & THEN.....Covid-19.<br />
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I learned that things are relatively consistent when he's off or working days, but those night runs.... The effect it has on me is....I wear myself out the first couple days & then I FINALLY pick my head up and realize that I can't do the same amount of work those days as I do others. I'm not saying that is how it works for everyone, but that is what it's like for me.<br />
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Then....what I felt like I was FINALLY getting a handle on was: not completely loading my workdays up on Kyle's off days. That was a bad habit I picked up, but not on purpose.....just trying to balance my workflow.<br />
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I really had to be a student of it for several months before I learned these things & then....many times...I'd get halfway through a night run before I realized it.<br />
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I bring all this up because we are such creatures of habit. The Covid-19 pandemic has rocked EVERY habit, every schedule, every process, every rhythm....<br />
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Even the things that SEEM to have not changed, have changed, because EVERY. SINGLE. PERSON. HAS. CHANGED.....which changes the rhythm.<br />
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There is something about the awareness I have of the rhythm and the constant struggle I find myself in to maintain the rhythm....when really.....EVERYTHING around me is trying to knock me out of rhythm...that is sticking with me.<br />
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I believe SO strongly in Christ....as much as I possibly can & know how to....and I believe there is SO much divine power, in taking what the world sees or perceives & turning it on its end....like the cross. The cross was meant for death & destruction & suffering & punishment & JESUS turned it into LIFE, REDEMPTION, HEALING, & ABUNDANT LOVE & BLESSINGS. Our God colors outside the lines...OR He sees lines that we cannot.<br />
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I just finished a meditation course on acceptance. 10 minutes of meditation for 10 days. The words "LET GO" keep coming to mind. The main lesson was: identify what you are resisting & do simply that...IDENTIFY IT & watch how identifying the resistance automatically causes you to accept it.<br />
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Listen....with a combination of ALL kinds of things that have been happening & spending SO. MUCH. TIME. trying to create a rhythm....and I mean trying; to the point of wearing myself out.... I think I'm going to BUCK UP & LET GO.<br />
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In rhythm or out of rhythm....something is gonna happen. For once it is "okay" to not be what others expect you to be OR what you expect yourself to be. It's okay if you are, but its also okay if you're not....because we are ALL trying to figure it out. You wouldn't think that accepting is as hard as it is. In fact, it doesn't really make ANY sense to TRY & create a system....we should just allow it; let it flow from us and trust that we are equipped to handle what comes next & not try to plan for a future calamity, but more for the here and now. ENJOY IT. What can we each do here & now?<br />
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<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-303189825612249652020-04-26T18:02:00.001-07:002020-04-26T18:02:33.573-07:00Car Parades!One thing that is "new" since social distancing was advised is CAR PARADES. In place of birthday parties, parents are organizing Birthday Car Parades. It is really for ANY special occasion.<br />
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The skilled nursing facility my Uncle Fritz is in (<a href="http://giddingscare.com/">Giddings Residence & Rehabilitation Center)</a> organized a car parade for all of the residents!<br />
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It was really a special event for all of us to experience. The kids and I worked together on posters & we all got to SEE Uncle Fritz and all of the other residents, nurses, aids, & staff. Not a huge post today... The pictures say enough.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Fritz is front row wearing grey!</td></tr>
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We were able to tell him we loved him, say hello to the other residents, & THANK all of the staff at the facility!!<br />
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Buck Up & find CreaTiVE ways to come together!! God Bless you ALL!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-88780891057366773002020-04-23T00:22:00.001-07:002020-04-23T00:22:50.168-07:00Today was One of THOSE DaysSomething I have been noticing about myself lately is that, for the past several weeks, I have had one day a week that just WEARS. ME. OUT. I don't think it has anything to do with the day. I think it has ALL to do, with my "tank" approaching empty and I need to fuel up.<br />
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Since the kids have been out of school, I have found myself spending more time with the kids on their work & finding fun things to do as a family, because we ALL need it----but, in turn, also staying up MUCH later. The best way for me to describe it is: I find it necessary to get the same amount of work done in a day & I find it necessary to do the things I'm doing with my family. I am quite satisfied with the progress & the FuN things we've been doing, BUT I'm not real satisfied with...the adjustment. I'm a night owl. I have always been. Now, I can get it together & do the early morning thing BUT, given the choice....this girl will stay up late over getting up early every. single. time.<br />
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Also....I need my sleep. Sooooooooo I've found myself the last several days working until 3 A.M. Then, I'm usually UP by 8:30, but it takes me a little longer to REALLY get moving. Losing the 2+ hours I normally have in the A.M. is....annoying me a little. I'm still getting it all done....& really, then some, but it's thrown my routine & others' off a little. At least, that is what it feels like.<br />
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I've said it before though....we are ALL trying to figure out how to adjust and NAVIGATE this change. I post this here, because....it's a real wrestle. I'm not so sure it is a bad one, but one I am experiencing nonetheless. Maybe....this is an opportunity for me to trust more. Maybe, this will re-direct me to going in God's direction & not my own or anyone else's.<br />
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To finish up my initial thought....when I say the "tank" is approaching empty...I mean it. One thing life has taught me is....I WILL crash, if I don't refill & let the engine rest. I. ATE. IT....walking out of the house this morning. It was one of those falls that not only hurt, but SHOCKED you into AWARENESS. I thought I was walking just fine, until REALITY...literally, knocked me on my butt. I became immediately aware that....it was time to put it in neutral and coast a little while.<br />
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One of my biggest blessings is this crew of people right here. This is my Buck Up! Family. I am grateful to have them & grateful that they have plenty to keep themselves busy, even if it takes me a little longer to get it together. Even when I slow down for a moment, THIS crew keeps EVERYTHING going! Buck Up Baby! LEAN ON your people & BE THERE when someone needs to lean on you. God Bless!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are missing a few in this picture, but I APPRECIATE them all the same!</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-73360999204913146152020-04-21T22:56:00.001-07:002020-04-21T23:09:52.858-07:00An EXPLOSION of Creativity<div>
Art, CreaTIViTy…..I'm seeing it EVERYWHERE, in every way. MOST ESPECIALLY, THIS week, I have found myself DRAWN to poetry, art, design, art & science projects & differnt forms of art & expression. The words I would tie to my most recent experiences with ART are: curiosity, a retreat, an escape, a release, joy, light, connectedness, memories, reminders, a glimpse. </div>
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Tonight, I will share images of some of the pieces, quotes, and artwork that have been inspiring to me this week, in one way or another. You can also check out my Pinterest Boards & FOLLOW ME there at: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hdskaspar">www.pinterest.com/HDSKaspar</a>. Main boards to check out would be: "Words to Live By...," "Jesus," "Mother Mary," "William Blake," "Art," & "Animals." (God's CREATION is the MOST amazing.)</div>
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Reflecting, yet again, on personal experiences..... part of the "overwhelm" I, (& I believe, many others feel) is an EXPLOSION of creativity....literally. I see it everywhere in EVERYTHING. Here are some examples from my life: </div>
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<li>Fundraising auctioneers brainstorming & CREATEing online, virtual, & tailored alternatives for fundraising, due to social distancing restrictions.</li>
<li>Livestock exhibitors & their parents finding CREATIVE alternatives to the typical show/sale environment. </li>
<li>CREATIVE ways to share, explain, educate the public on how different industries are handling this shutdown and what it means for business.</li>
<li>Businesses shifting & adjusting to find a way and CREATE a way to adapt & offer their goods/services in a variety of different ways.</li>
<li>The adjustment of our own "typical" marketing campaigns, to find new ways to reach people.</li>
<li>Business owners changing their business plans as the observe the changes they are seeing before their eyes.</li>
<li> The GAZILLION different ways people are staying connected to those they can't see. </li>
<li>ART pieces & social media posts encouraging ALL the "essential" workers.</li>
<li>ART pieces & social media posts encouraging people in general.</li>
<li>I have experienced more CREATIVE negotiating tactics & creative excuses :)........just being honest. </li>
<li>Face masks, as a form of EXPRESSION.</li>
<li>SO MANY more Facebook games & challenges, seeming to all be geared at finding a connection.</li>
<li>An OVERWHELMING increase in email MARKETING, with many different messages.</li>
<li>The many ways President Trump and other government leaders are keeping us informed. </li>
<li>The ways communities are COMING TOGETHER & creating ways to show support to: high school seniors, athletes, college graduates, the elderly, the struggling, the recently unemployed, area non-profits, medical employees, city officials, EMS/EMT, doctors, nurses</li>
<li>The documentaries that are replacing some of the MUCH MISSED sporting events.</li>
<li>Strategic plans for non-profits changing and adapting & how they are communicating that change. </li>
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I could keep going. I find myself being more creative & I'M LOVING IT! I've missed it. In fact, I had no idea I has gotten so far from it. I'm glad to be back! Buck Up Baby & let yourself be as CREATIVE as you want to be. Don't put ANY limits on yourself & ENCOURAGE CrEAtivIty in others. God bless ALL of you!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 80%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">William Blake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 80%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">William Blake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Blake</td></tr>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-21141293472643985382020-04-20T22:54:00.002-07:002020-04-20T22:54:39.817-07:00Nay-Sayers & Go-GettersI've called life surrounding this Covid-19 pandemic overwhelming. I think sometimes the "overwhelm" comes from certain things being SO much clearer, than they were before. I don't think it is a bad thing. I think the realization of it, is simply something we haven't been used to.<br />
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I would say that I EASILY have conversations with an average of 30 people a day. One of the things that has become a daily norm for me, is figuring out what motivates people. For the most part, people just aren't that transparent & not because they don't want to be, but...it takes courage to be transparent, UNLESS....your scared or nervous or uncomfortable.<br />
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Once our government leaders started making recommendations & we all started becoming more aware and educated about COVID-19, I noticed fear & uncertainty motivating behavior in a way that was foreign to me. Please know that my thoughts are my thoughts. They are without judgement. I have learned that God has made some of us "Nay-Sayers" & some of us "Go-Getters," because that is how His plan works. That does not always make it easy for one to understand the other & SOMETIMES....depending on the triggers and motivators, we can be both on different layers. What I saw, was how people (especially those I regularly interact with) handled fear, change, and uncertainty. In fact, I've been able to see how complete strangers react. I have been able to see how some basic reassurance on something unrelated can pull someone out of fear-motivated behavior.<br />
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What has become so clear to me is that people lean one way or the other. They search for fault and make excuses to justify behavior they can't understand right now OR they find a way and make a way...the move. Fear, change, & uncertainty motivates people differently. We HAVE to be there for each other. We have to KNOW that we are all doing our best. Some things make some of us scared beyond belief. Some of us are so covered up with something so foreign to us, that we are literally just reacting and doing our best to make it. Some of us know no other way except to find a way and make a way.<br />
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The most frustrating place for me in the beginning was the grocery store & not because they didn't have the things I needed. It was frustrating because I was witnessing a clash of the "Nay-Sayers" and the "Go-Getters." I overheard people judging people purchasing boxed meals. I observed as people made comments about people bringing their children with them. I watched as people looked sideways at people with full carts. There was plenty of good things to observe such as: comradery in the uncertain, conversation that was therapeutic between strangers, AMAZING customer service, and kind faces. All these good things did not take away the awareness of the other. It was present with the other.<br />
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In an effort to truly document these experiences; fear motivates or triggers people & uncertainty motivates different actions and reactions from people. One thing that I believe to be true, is it is authentically how they are feeling in that moment. The reactionary words may not be how they really feel, but the FEELING....the fear....the confusion, is REAL. Whatever it is, is not good or bad. It just is & we are ALL essential in getting to the other side of this and being there for each other.<br />
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I listened to a meditation today & the topic was ACCEPTANCE. When we respect each other enough to LET THEM BE WHO THEY ARE, we release ourselves and them to live and experience and just be. We are ALL struggling & wrestling & we are all in this together. Buck Up Baby & ACCEPT people for who they are, just how they are.<br />
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Quote from my Headspace app today. </div>
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I LOVE Headspace: <a href="https://www.headspace.com/">https://www.headspace.com/</a></div>
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I'm also happy to report that today was the MOST PLEASANT the grocery store has been in weeks. There was more people in there than what I've seen lately. There was also more food and necessary products. The entire mood was more positive.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-9695716436552393622020-04-20T00:29:00.000-07:002020-04-20T00:29:19.212-07:00I Can See Through The ClearingAs I continue to document this overwhelming journey of change, I focus on the positive through the transition. I am a worker. I feel most comfortable and that I bring my best value when I'm working. Doing is important to me. I have also learned that there are many different ways to work and many different things to work on.<br />
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We all change and there is NO QUESTION...I have changed. I have grown. Different things have become important to me in the different stages of my life. I have also....forgot....some of the special things about myself, as I was striving for what SEEMED to be where I needed to be heading.<br />
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I reached a point where something had to give. My business was growing. I made some decisions that were in line with what I believed and where all the arrows were pointing, but it was a place I'd never been before and I had to figure it out. There was no road map. When you go on a journey, like I tend to find myself on, you latch on to every shred of light & explore it and respect it & do what you can to do it justice.<br />
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I look at my work as my calling. My entire professional journey has been searching for the light, catching a glimmer, & being obedient to follow it & see where it leads. Where I found myself was seeing beams of light shooting from many different directions. I went from searching for the light to chasing the lights...trying to catch them all. Then I started disappointing myself that I was not able to do them all justice. Then I found myself in a place where, at the end of the day, I didn't have anything left to give, but WANTING to keep digging in & being there & doing things. That's when I realized my self-care was....well....non-existent. In that.....it was no wonder it was hard for me to find my special. It took LOTS of conversations with God to get myself to the place where I could recognize it. Then, :) I found myself catching a glimmer, and being obedient to get on a path to self-care, accepting the TRUTH that I was enough for God - the EXACT way He found me & that is all that matters. I had been SO FAR from making choices for ME....I truly did not know how. I read scripture everyday & THAT gave me the breadcrumbs I needed to take me down the right paths. There is a planner that has made ALL the difference. It has helped me focus on what is important & for that reason, I will share it here, in the event it will help someone else.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.successaddax.com/">www.successaddax.com</a></td></tr>
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In reviewing my planners & KNOWING what my life goals are, my long-term & short-term goals & the plans I have in place to get there. Also knowing that I am approaching a year (give or take) of using this planner, I can see MAJOR progress from where I started. Things that were HARD, hard, hard for me are very clear. Things that were such a struggle for me are natural.<br />
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I was spending much of my day tying up loose ends of homework between my two oldest. I was doing my best to have a balanced day for the kids: meal time, playtime, homework time, down time, chore time. I found myself relaxing into it. I was going with the flow & achieving OUR balance, PLUS getting a few extra work things & home project things done. As I sat down reflecting, updating SLACK & the number of "To-Do" channels I had pending were ALMOST completely trimmed back & it was relatively effortless. What caused me to reflect is.....technically I've taken on more tasks (like we all have); in some cases more and in some cases drastically different, PLUS maintaining what can still be maintained, yet.....the balance in my life & my family's is the best I've been able to recognize & BE PROUD OF in quite a long time.<br />
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Does that mean that each little thing happened as I planned? Heck no. My kids argued with each other or with me ALL DAY. I had to re-organize the kids' homework AT LEAST 5 times, because the youngest kept finding a way to get his hands on it (even when we thought it was out of reach). The solo cup STEAM project continued into today, as well as the frustrations with their little brother who LOVES to knock them down. There are still solo cups on the floor in the kitchen & they are totally staying there until tomorrow. Homework still took longer than I'd hoped. All of that is TOTALLY okay because, zooming out & taking a look from a BIG PICTURE standpoint...….I uncluttered our home by two bags of things that will bless someone else. Leads I hadn't had a chance to follow up with, have turned into new business. I have a good friend & colleague working beside me on a new project. I had the opportunity to teach a green auctioneer how to navigate certain situations they have not experienced yet. Although we argued...the kids and I had LOTS of fun & the three of them play REALLY well with each other (age does not matter to them). I'm continuing on my blogging journey/challenge to myself . I had GREAT conversation with my husband. I moved forward with small home projects. ULTIMATELY...I am making progress towards my LIFE goals that effect EVERYONE important to me & people I don't even know yet.<br />
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I can see through the clearing. There are certain things that this entire COVID situation is forcing us to focus on.…& they are the right things. In fact, after reflecting today, I think more things will move out of our way & we will all be able to see things more clearly. Buck Up Baby & enjoy the clearing!<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-15335447624567013342020-04-18T23:49:00.001-07:002020-04-18T23:49:02.752-07:00Buck Up Baby!: Covid-19 ExperiencesWhen I first started this blog, I NEEDED a place to unload all of the thoughts, ideas, and excitement I was experiencing when I decided to continue to pursue my auction career. Nine years later, I find myself in a similar situation, with a total different cause.<br />
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Ever since President Trump & Governor Abbott, started the social distancing recommendations & COVID-19 has ultimately changed all of our lives....I've been doing my best to roll with the flow. Serve where I can, tighten up on our policies and procedures, become a teacher to a 5th grader and 1st grader, navigate childcare & work, be a source of support for my family, employees & clients, figure out if SBA has a product I need to pursue, get taxes filed, checking the updates and information on the CDC website & Facebook, listening to the updates from our governmental leaders, navigating "essential" work, tracking buying and selling trends....doing what I can to keep everything going.... & well....it's time. It's time to use this space to share my experiences, thoughts, ideas, excitement.....and confusion, doubt, faith.... whatever comes.<br />
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Tonight, I want to share my appreciation for my family unit. I appreciate how, the way we care and observe one another is changing because, we have been spending more time together. I appreciate how my husband was interested in silly little details about our evening, that he normally didn't ask about when at work. I appreciate how my son was ADAMANT about all of us getting dressed up for supper at home. We weren't eating unless I put a dress on, Kylee did her make up, & Hunter put shoes on. Heath had on a button-down, nice jeans, boots, & hair gel :). I appreciate how much Hunter LOVES to dance and how he literally watches everything Kylee & Hunter to AND they are noticing it.....& changing their behavior (in a good way) because of this. I appreciate Kylee's ideas. They are really great & unique & EFFECTIVE. <br />
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The wrestle for the day was homework. I wrestled a few different ways. I think the first wrestle was how to work in the homework with the other things I needed to do & planned to do. Then the wrestle was the "plan" for homework took way longer than expected, because the kids' attitude towards it was different than it has been. Next thing you know...the two year old pulled out a large pack of solo cups. It MIGHT have taken 5 minutes until all 3 of them were making their own solo cup castles/towers. With the solo cup architecture alone I watched as my 3 kids experienced: teamwork, frustration, perseverance, measuring, strategy, tenacity, speed, distraction, communication, and accomplishment.<br />
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While things aren't how we thought they would be....I'm lovin' life. I'm also wrestling with adjustments, BUT I feel extremely blessed to have the ability to adjust & feel an unusual peace, knowing that we are ALL adusting & adapting together.<br />
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I ENCOURAGE everyone to Buck Up Baby & be KIND to one another. One thing I've noticed is, in uncertain times, REACTION to the changes screams out...making things more uncertain. TRY to relax into the change & look for the door, the window, the way to go. Some days will be better than others. We are ALL trying to do our best.<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-57474406563897989012019-01-07T05:14:00.001-08:002019-01-07T05:37:06.520-08:00ALLWhat a BLESSED, wonderful morning! God is good!<br />
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Today, I want to share with everyone MY WORD for the year. I have tried finding my "Word for the Year" in the past & although I picked one, I can't recall it EVER jumping out at me, much less it sticking with me throughout the year.<br />
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This year was different. God has really placed certain things on my heart & one of those things is to really, truly work on loving myself the way HE loves me. He's been sending me reminders lovingly & so when a prompt in one of the Facebook groups I am a member of asked what our chosen "Word for the Year" was, it was so, so clear to me.<br />
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My word is ALL. What that word is to me is a reminder that God loves ALL of me. My husband & my kids love ALL of me. My friends love ALL of me. I can be so, so critical of myself & hard on myself when I don't meet the expectations I set for myself in the time I want to meet them. If I can learn to love ALL of me the way God & those closest to me do I truly believe that a peace will consume me, like nothing I have ever experienced & that peace that God blesses me with will pour onto EVERYONE around me in a way that I could never ever do on my own & what a blessed beautiful gift that will be.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go to wordart.com to make your own image.</td></tr>
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God is just so good. As I reflect over the last couple of months He has sent me to scripture, and articles & encouraging places to remind me that He loves the things I almost loathe about myself. He loves it, because He will use it. Those things will be connectors for Him.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo cred to Myers Jackson</td></tr>
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Something God taught me this morning as I was praying is that we will have to wrestle with sin. As I'm laying in bed, but waking up, TRYING to pray intentionally, I was hit with the things I am normally hit with every morning. I'll start out with the plan of what will free my mind & as I feel like I'm getting somewhere & connecting, the devil tells me: "You really need to be thinking about this." "You really should be better at this." "If you don't do this, this will happen." "You should be doing this a certain way & you're not, so you suck." You get the picture. It took a little while, but I was determined this morning. I had and still have enough time to get my day started how I need to & it was like The Holy Trinity came in with a beaming light & cleared my mind. All the mind critters left. I even had a similar situation like I described in my last blog: <a href="http://buckupbaby.blogspot.com/2018/12/accept-compliment.html">"Accept the Compliment"</a>, where I wanted to retreat & God bless my Interpersonal Communications class, because I knew to let the wall down & to soak it in. Let the truth soak in, to the fact that there was absolutely NOTHING I could do to make God love me anymore than He already did in that moment.<br />
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Buck Up Baby & let's make 2019 a FANTASTIC year!! God bless!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-37542631205703964782018-12-25T21:29:00.002-08:002018-12-25T21:29:13.079-08:00Accept the ComplimentJust over a year ago, I was sitting in a class at the National Auctioneer Association Designation Academy. This particular class was not one where I would have the opportunity to earn a designation, but, by doing the work, I earned A LOT more. It is like getting a gift that keeps on giving.<br />
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The class is called Interpersonal Communications & everything is pretty top secret. That being said, I had a personal experience in that class that....truly, until the last couple days, I didn't really understand. I didn't know how to handle it & it became BLATANTLY obvious in the class. I did not know how to accept a compliment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Interpersonal Communications Class</td></tr>
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<br />I am not claiming to fully understand the complexities of ME, but....again, it's like the gift that keeps on giving....I see a little more.<br />
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I can't remember the exercise, but I can remember my dear, dear friend Suzanne giving me one of the most sincere compliments I have maybe ever been given. If you knew my friend Suz you may describe her as the heart emoji on Facebook, where the hearts are just beaming and shooting EVERYWHERE. Well picture me as Princess Leia on Star Wars shooting those hearts with laser beams. I mean...I was trying to go every which way, in any direction I could, physically with my mannerisms, mentally & emotionally....forget it! I don't even know where I was going.....just out of there. The teacher made me sit there and accept it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suz & myself in Vegas. </td></tr>
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Here's the thing; It wasn't like I didn't want it or like to hear it. I LOVED hearing it. The issue came when I was asked to really process it & let it all soak in.<br />
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So that led to what came next....TEARS. Tears because I was so ticked off that I could not accept her compliment. TRULY accept it...with all of me. This was a compliment.....I was & am STILL so very grateful for on SOOOO many levels. Tears because I felt like I was being chastised like a child to accept something so kind AND THAT I HAD TO BE. AY CARAMBA!<br />
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LOL! Suz was just looking at me like....😳... Not expecting my reaction at all & not really knowing what to do to help me process it. Needless to say....that day, I left exhausted going around and around and around trying to figure out what is going on with me that it triggered that sort of reaction & like all good things....I needed time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, TK, & Suz having lunch during one of our breaks. </td></tr>
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I sit here reflecting on my life in its entirety & I have pondered some of the new choices I am implementing in my life & how it has changed me in such a short time. Since the time of this reaction I have brought into our family a precious, precious third child & I reflect on how my time management has HAD to change & how I am adapting in somewhat of a clunky manner, yet fully & completely making the space (mentally, emotionally, & physically) for this new little blessed person. I have a better appreciation of the actual time in a day....my time....my energy. AND, it is not that I didn't have an appreciation for it before, but I have a better appreciation now because I have to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & my sweet Hunter</td></tr>
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I can't believe I am putting this out here like this, BUT I had such little respect for myself that I squandered every EXTRA ounce of energy I had on being better & perfect for other people, with ABSOLUTELY no regard for myself. That being said, the thought of what neglecting myself was doing to other people around me, wasn't even on my radar<br />
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When Suz shot that SINCERE & REAL & EARNED compliment my way.... I. HAD. NO. SPACE. FOR. IT. It was like a machine short-circuiting.<br />
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I #1 had NO THOUGHT or CALCULATION in my limited capacity, so NO PLAN on how to accept it.<br />
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& #2 had never....EVER had someone hold me to the fire like that. That made me face it.<br />
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And what still blows my mind....is the "thing" I was having to face was something that was SO kind & true & real & authentic & so, so special to ONLY me.<br />
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As I type this, THIS Christmas morning.....after my midnight round of Spark, allowing me to pull an all-nighter and accomplish getting all the presents wrapped without the children seeing....yep! Still going! AAAND.... allowing me to ponder what this season is all about.<br />
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EVERY time I think about Christmas, my mind goes straight to the crucifixion. Baby Jesus came here to die for me. I have a shot because Baby Jesus loved ME enough to WILLINGLY hang on that nasty cross. <br />
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What will I do when I'm faced with that fire? I think my reaction just over a year ago is a glimpse.<br />
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I also think of the love of Baby Jesus through the love my sweet, almost 9-month old baby shows me. He loves me ALL THE TIME: when the house is messy (which is always), when I forget things, when I mis-schedule a meeting, when I accidentally bump his head on something.... He loves me because I show up. He loves me because I'm there. He's loves me because (no matter my mood) I have chosen to sacrifice a piece of me for him. Jesus loves us like a baby loves his momma.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxKrIhyphenhyphenhEvyVhC-2nm2MaBzOGYrjsvDMGkMFnqCjzBEQ1-tJy8ccCbUcj7OC1rUhmz03vhBlodUkF1L4g62T2HC6hMpqcg61hO5XUduRbXcv8LegCeVtesGwXLiMxurZHDCrge1jarJlu/s1600/12294724_666011018147_5817232164191957266_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxKrIhyphenhyphenhEvyVhC-2nm2MaBzOGYrjsvDMGkMFnqCjzBEQ1-tJy8ccCbUcj7OC1rUhmz03vhBlodUkF1L4g62T2HC6hMpqcg61hO5XUduRbXcv8LegCeVtesGwXLiMxurZHDCrge1jarJlu/s320/12294724_666011018147_5817232164191957266_n.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">"Be It Unto Me," by Liz Lemon Swindle: This is a beautiful piece, depicting Mary & Baby Jesus that was shared on Facebook. It totally grabbed me. <br /></td></tr>
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Have I loved myself, like Jesus has loved me? Have I loved myself like my baby boy has loved me? So far, not. even. close.<br />
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I know that I am only dipping my toe into the water of what that reaction is really ALL about, but I share this NOW because I know there are other people out there doing this....being SUPER hard on themselves & shortchanging themselves of the real, true love that is out there. I also know that some people may never have an experience where it does come to the surface. God has designed me in such a way that I desire to put myself thru the ringer! Squeegee me out until there is nothing left & take me Home!<br />
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So the moral of today's story....Buck Up Baby & accept the compliment. Allowing ourselves to be open & vulnerable & soft enough to accept the love being laid on us will only strengthen our entire being and those around us. Every single person we came in contact with over the holidays is affected by the care, or lack thereof, we give ourselves. When we shortchange ourselves, we also shortchange them. All this is easier said than done, which is why I am SO glad Jesus loves us and has blessed us with The Holy Spirit to help us.<br />
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Merry Christmas to you all, my friends! May The Holy Trinity cover us with the abundant love & protection of our Father and walk with us, teaching us to love ourselves, like He loves us. In Jesus's Almighty Name. Amen.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-50767312047475912762018-07-22T23:38:00.000-07:002018-07-25T18:56:44.376-07:00A Legacy of Deep Respect & Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The auction project we are currently working on is for the Pagel Estate in Ganado, TX. We've been blessed to get to know and work right along side this family. We have also had the pleasure of enjoying the beautiful property, where this estate is situated, which will also be up for sale via the auction method of marketing on September 7th.<br />
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I like to share the backstories on our estate projects, to give our readers and bidders a glimpse into the life of the people and families associated with these estates. Louis & Louise Pagel were two small business owners that were very active in their community. He ran a sheet metal business & she had a sewing business where she sold fabric, sewing novelties, & made clothes and quilts. Working closely with their children, they have shared numerous stories with us, with so many exemplifying their love of fellowship, helping & being part of a community.<br />
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Both had their businesses in Ganado, which they later moved to Edna. While running those businesses and raising three children they also found time to allow the local Girl Scout Troop to hold camp on their beautiful property every year & hosted a many get togethers where Louis enjoyed cooking! Louis served as a Deputy Sheriff for Jackson County & enjoyed cooking for his colleagues.<br />
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They were very active in the Masonic Lodge & Eastern Star chapters they belonged to, as well as their church. I can tell by talking to their children that they valued family, had a sense of humor, & just really liked people. Another feeling I get from working with their children is the gentle strength they must have had. The kind of strength that speaks through actions versus words & a love and respect for people that solidified that strength. I never had the pleasure of meeting them, but I imagine they were the kind of people that listened to everyone they met & showed them respect, whether they saw eye to eye on everything or not. Something else that seems very apparent to me is that they didn't necessarily place a value on things, but more so - what those things brought and did for them in their lives. For example: it's not the money she spent on the fabric, but the time, energy, & dedication to her craft & the appreciation for what she knows can be created with the fabric by her or anyone else that has similar gifts & abilities. Everyone's story matters & I feel blessed to play a small part in theirs.<br />
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An online auction for the personal property associated with this estate is currently underway. It will start closing at 6 PM on Saturday 7/28/18. <a href="https://buckupauctions.bidwrangler.com/">CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ITEMS</a>. There are numerous items that were accumulated over their lifetime including wonderful vintage fabric, tools, primitives, firearms, quilts, cedar chests, & so much more. Pick up will be this Sunday & those interested in the real estate you will be able to preview THIS Sunday between 1PM & 7PM.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyuO4gyRdNEIWcdJXDHgM7K5X71VHUwjbks_nDhyphenhyphenkS56OMUdONBlfarNaYXhgk0AjPx6SO51xL87_TzvCU6zyhZiWwo2o2zhkW-KsQApmevG94bVlN6j4EUrksNzMAJudNrdtGabl8i4z/s1600/lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="230" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyuO4gyRdNEIWcdJXDHgM7K5X71VHUwjbks_nDhyphenhyphenkS56OMUdONBlfarNaYXhgk0AjPx6SO51xL87_TzvCU6zyhZiWwo2o2zhkW-KsQApmevG94bVlN6j4EUrksNzMAJudNrdtGabl8i4z/s400/lantern.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB7KqfBO7Dq93_hZ0u1YDDuB7wyDG5wGjNTlTmX9-1A8qlPn1BU8XD9jqyF9OUnX-B4u9AdBYj-nT4U2k9KPB3abO6jkXXj2qD1loHYdsvCfImtQRhQ6Xzca6O01e8Z-U7NqwavRpYYwR/s1600/army.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="328" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB7KqfBO7Dq93_hZ0u1YDDuB7wyDG5wGjNTlTmX9-1A8qlPn1BU8XD9jqyF9OUnX-B4u9AdBYj-nT4U2k9KPB3abO6jkXXj2qD1loHYdsvCfImtQRhQ6Xzca6O01e8Z-U7NqwavRpYYwR/s400/army.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
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The real property is also up for auction on September 7th. The real property consists of the home place with 5 acres adorned with 99+/- mature oak trees on the property & at least 2 pecan trees and a 1432 square foot house. An additional 7.48 acre tract is for sale at the intersection of HWY 111 & FM 1593, both having ag exemption. <a href="http://www.buckupauctions.com/real-estate/">More information on the properties can be found here</a>. These properties are separated by the public boat ramp and are minutes away from Lake Texana. Not to mention situated an hour or less from popular fishing destinations such as: Port Lavaca, Point Comfort & Port O'Conner; approximately half an hour from Victoria; 2 hours +/- from Austin, San Antonio, & Houston (about and hour and a half).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House & 5 Acres</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKgNX23Z8MKmoLOeLiUKqG4Fgs49ay3owOdPi4IWqVTC7FMCuW9NykPIGTt7FrirBL648-ebKS3FFvIk_gwG9Or2KRcRO6MsinydFq0PuaA1DkHpyhocQmKkf7yFdJyOGC5ecgaL3Lo_W/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKgNX23Z8MKmoLOeLiUKqG4Fgs49ay3owOdPi4IWqVTC7FMCuW9NykPIGTt7FrirBL648-ebKS3FFvIk_gwG9Or2KRcRO6MsinydFq0PuaA1DkHpyhocQmKkf7yFdJyOGC5ecgaL3Lo_W/s400/IMG_2788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">7.48 +/- Acres</td></tr>
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Estate situations can be difficult, but what better way to share the love and legacy of a family than to let items take on a new life and be shared with those that enjoy & appreciate them? What better way to bring fellowship back to the place that once was home to many gatherings?<br />
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Buck Up Baby! <a href="https://buckupauctions.bidwrangler.com/">Check out the auction by visiting this link</a> or downloading the "Buck Up Auctions" app for free to your smartphone. <a href="http://www.buckupauctions.com/real-estate/">Information for the real estate can be found here.</a> Once you click on the property of interest, look under the large picture & click the "Documents" tab for more info, including the full terms and conditions.<br />
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Buck Up & Bid! Bid! BID!<br />
God Bless!<br />
Heather Kaspar, NAA, TAA, REALTOR, GRI, ABOR, HAR<br />
TXL 17037<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-13979241518957353342018-05-30T10:10:00.004-07:002018-05-30T10:10:53.872-07:00Finding a Way & Making a WayWe have been preparing for the Wachsmann Living Estate Auction this Saturday, June 2nd in the Paige/Manheim area. This is the living estate of Mrs. Joy Wachsmann & the late Clarence Wachsmann.<br />
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When we step foot in some of these old barns & hay fields, we can't help but get a feeling of nostalgia. This time, we got it when we entered the old Wachsmann Tire Shop. I know, I know. In a tire shop?! Yes. You could tell that at some point in time it was a place where people met, their problems were solved & community happened.<br />
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The old shop was being used to store some of their peanut farming equipment like: the combine, grain dryers & peanut trailers. It also contained tire equipment & truck, trailer, tractor, ATV, & lawn mower tires that had never been mounted. Up until a few short years ago, people could still come and buy tires.<br />
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When one of the sons recalled the story of how the tire shop began, it was clear that Mr. Clarence, prompted by a family member in another little farming community up the country, had decided this community needed a place that could service & provide tires for the farmers and ranchers in their community.<br />
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Mr. Wachsmann had a need for tires for the equipment that ran his farming operation & he was willing to drive up the country to pick them up, not only for himself, but for a few neighbors. With a little encouragement from his cousin, he made plans to provide the same kind of business in his community.<br />
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A business was born right there in the heart of farming country in a tin barn & a hay field. That business, while there, made life a little easier for members of that community.<br />
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It's not like these folks just sat around waiting for people to need tires. They ran the tire shop while they were farming 500 to 600 acres of peanuts, 100 acres of corn & milo & runnin' 400 momma cows & a 2000 to 2500 head hog feed lot.<br />
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Stepping foot on that place was reminiscent of the days of finding a way, making a way & doing that with whatever knowledge and ability you had at any given moment. I'm not saying those days are gone, but it's sure not like the days when everyone around you were doing the same thing....finding a way & making a way.<br />
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When you think about farming & ranching & tires, you definitely think of the fellas, but, no mistakin', Mrs. Joy had her hands full. Her one son described her as the "backbone of the whole operation." When I asked about her he said: "She really did everything." :)<br />
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Her jobs included:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Running the dryers & checking the peanuts for moisture, letting the boys know when they were ready to head to town.</li>
<li>Checking cattle while the boys were in the fields. </li>
<li>She sewed EVERY peanut sack.</li>
<li>Pretty much ran the tire shop because Clarence was out in the fields</li>
<li>Kept herself, her husband, & 4 boys fed & clothed</li>
<li>Helped butcher the cattle & hogs</li>
<li>Tended the garden & the flowers (which she loved)</li>
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We will be out there, THIS Saturday, doing our best to play our part in their story. You can find a working list of the items that will be put up for sale on Saturday <a href="http://bwws-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/buckupauctions/assets/content/auctions/2085/wachsmann_catalog.pdf">HERE</a>. You can also find more info on our <a href="http://www.buckupauctions.com/auctions/detail/manheim-paige-on-site-auction-bw26653">WEBSITE</a> and videos & more pictures on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/buckupauctions/">FACEBOOK PAGE</a>.<br />
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Buck Up & Bid! Bid! Bid!<br />
Heather Kaspar<br />
Buck Up Auctions<br />
TXL 17037<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-86963028334138000092018-05-05T02:06:00.002-07:002018-05-05T02:06:51.939-07:00Auctioneer Bid Calling Contests - An Explanation to the PublicThe Texas Auctioneer Association State Convention is knocking on the door. What that means to me as an Auctioneer is that I have an opportunity to fellowship with Auctioneers from across the state & some visiting from other states, meet with vendors that help me improve business operations, receive continuing education in areas specific to my auction company's role in this industry, and I get to compete for the State Champion Auctioneer Title.<br />
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When I mention the competition to friends, family, and members of the public that aren't as familiar with auctions some picture each contestant coming in guns blazing ready to light the stage up. Others ask questions trying to understand why there is such a thing, and others seem like they want to ask me questions, but they don't know what to ask.<br />
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Considering that the contest is literally right around the corner I thought this would be a great opportunity to share what competing means to me & many other contestants & invite friends, family, & members of the public to join us for the Prelim round taking place on Sunday at the Hilton in College Station. Prelims are scheduled to start at 2:45, but if you are interested in coming, be sure to LIKE the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TexasAuctioneers/?notif_id=1525506073832877&notif_t=page_fan_growth_drop&ref=notif">Texas Auctioneer Association Facebook Page</a> for the latest updates. You can also go to the <a href="https://texasauctioneers.org/">Texas Auctioneer Association Website</a>, where there is LOTS of interesting info about the auction industry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0a8Kp8d3eTJ8OmBRMIr9tdUEwAN0d4Yl16si_vpCU20iNwCR9t5OJBw9VNmZlzyWjsAuMuqD5ZFXAi3eH5eDPR7gVdP8ue-MF6QEXAvaGxiqxmOvEMLCdKih5ruc1-b9F3W6dWd9ZSNG/s1600/TAA17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0a8Kp8d3eTJ8OmBRMIr9tdUEwAN0d4Yl16si_vpCU20iNwCR9t5OJBw9VNmZlzyWjsAuMuqD5ZFXAi3eH5eDPR7gVdP8ue-MF6QEXAvaGxiqxmOvEMLCdKih5ruc1-b9F3W6dWd9ZSNG/s400/TAA17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last year when I made the Top 10!</td></tr>
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Getting back to what competing means to me. Several years ago, I attended my first convention. I had never been to one, didn't know what it was about & literally walked in like a sponge...just soaking it all in. I decided to sign up for the rookie contest & wound up placing 3rd. Stepping up and competing showed me something. I went from knowing very few people to meeting a group of people that were there doing the same thing I was...working on making ourselves better....learning things we did not know, but needed to...meeting people that could help us with the things we hadn't experienced yet....and dedicating ourselves to bettering our method of communication with others in the sale of merchandise. Not only did I meet and make friends with the other competitors, but after I stepped off that stage - there were people that didn't know me, make a point to talk to me....even if it was just to tell me how I did or shake my hand & introduce themselves. It put me out there. As a rookie, I didn't really know what that meant, but I knew it was good & I liked the way it felt.<br />
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Every single time I compete I learn something & I leave better than I came. Being judged by other Auctioneers & those in the industry that hire us, let's us know how well we are communicating with our audiences & helps us to see where we can be more effective.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstx2s9SGslHaGxYm1jtKiSYgOYUDM80jvkKnzkmgNQbtkQeagPpO01ifTYUd5CQLUYLdFQ4RyKX1Sng2aVU2U5vAxPR7rAgPsl-dhhpwqKYDiOLqG9iF5B0puVa_-LrbQb_yxBzVR1miO/s1600/LSO+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="750" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstx2s9SGslHaGxYm1jtKiSYgOYUDM80jvkKnzkmgNQbtkQeagPpO01ifTYUd5CQLUYLdFQ4RyKX1Sng2aVU2U5vAxPR7rAgPsl-dhhpwqKYDiOLqG9iF5B0puVa_-LrbQb_yxBzVR1miO/s320/LSO+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First year of the Texas Lone Star Open in Fort Worth, TX. </td></tr>
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Let me also say, that standing on a stage in front of our peers, the best of the best in the industry, and other Auctioneers that have decades of experience is not the same for us as when we stand in front of a crowd of buyers at a gala, car auction, cattle auction, estate auction or any other for that matter. The way I see it, we are putting ourselves in the fire BECAUSE we want to be sharpened.<br />
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As I continued to compete, it did not take me long to realize that we are REALLY competing against ourselves. Our performance has EVERYTHING to do with us & not a thing to do with the other competitors. All we can do is go out there and be our best self & take the feedback we've gotten and practice and apply it. We are mindful of things like: pitch, tone, rhythm, hand gestures, presentation, descriptions, speed & increments. Then, for the State Championship contest - we are also judged on our industry knowledge through an interview portion. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k3Lr07kTi3hvoBsreetL7Jx5NkLWBXpgGmHA5Ah5TOLwXJldhnEtbG2ynfE1lozFnqBLuP_-8maX3PyBFZF4gsdryaglh8uJlSrzYxqcypG98kEpqBXFP9mwvPccO0YCywz6SOSDDUBt/s1600/ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="960" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k3Lr07kTi3hvoBsreetL7Jx5NkLWBXpgGmHA5Ah5TOLwXJldhnEtbG2ynfE1lozFnqBLuP_-8maX3PyBFZF4gsdryaglh8uJlSrzYxqcypG98kEpqBXFP9mwvPccO0YCywz6SOSDDUBt/s400/ring.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Ringman competition last year, where I was a Top 3 Finalist.</td></tr>
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If I could compare it to something mainstream, I'd compare it to The Voice. All of those singers can sing. The judges give them feedback & they apply it, but there can only be one winner at the end of the day. It doesn't mean the other's can't sing. It means that day...the winner MOVED the people the most & COMPELLED them to vote. I just think about what those judges tell those singers that run the risk of leaving the show. Something along the lines of: "Once you reach this point you are all winners. Your life will be forever changed, once you walk off this stage."<br />
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Earlier this year, I was calling a benefit auction & a lady came up to me, shook my hand & told me she had never heard or seen a female auctioneer & she complimented me on my clarity & told me she had more fun at that auction than any she'd ever been to because she could understand me and she knew what was going on. Then she said..."What you all do as Auctioneers is a dying art." I had such an appreciation for that lady.<br />
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She never enjoyed auctions before, so she rarely bought at live auctions - but that day...she bought items, lots of items & she called what I did a dying art & she enjoyed herself enough to let me know about it.<br />
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As an Auctioneer, who is around Auctioneers on a regular basis & who hires Auctioneers to help call my auctions - I can tell you all what we do is alive and well, with EXTREMELY talented male and female Auctioneers right here in our state & you have the opportunity to see some of them this Sunday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz2c63hEav7_5EovygONM_gFe5FaubGFi3rmMecVgAjGiUfbqhTnkxC4ow8CNy5-UOeaT0XGVZ3CDh4b8zC3TdjYfJ0avzBfbnTTyPImtoiNYJJHZd7Rdzrqy75eXrKGDMF8paSMdx2qg/s1600/LSO2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz2c63hEav7_5EovygONM_gFe5FaubGFi3rmMecVgAjGiUfbqhTnkxC4ow8CNy5-UOeaT0XGVZ3CDh4b8zC3TdjYfJ0avzBfbnTTyPImtoiNYJJHZd7Rdzrqy75eXrKGDMF8paSMdx2qg/s400/LSO2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Year of the Texas Lone Star Open</td></tr>
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At the end of the day, we care about our buyers and our sellers & we want to use the tool God blessed us with to communicate as effectively as possible. Buck Up Baby & come on out! There are lots of GREAT items up for bid, with money raised going to special projects like our scholarship fund & Scottish Rite Children's Hospital.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBbNl6_fee7jseokHLqGDQ4BiMfBbrUYW5MbjGyrBGv_SEU60A1D9gHNv1IQvZojhvcVJNaWO1sNWd1x-WmRuQlKA90M18QSRpxn5MI1kW_WHDe6mFzguCmxpiX2sTWh8stz9Rrvx1m2A/s1600/US+Bid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="670" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBbNl6_fee7jseokHLqGDQ4BiMfBbrUYW5MbjGyrBGv_SEU60A1D9gHNv1IQvZojhvcVJNaWO1sNWd1x-WmRuQlKA90M18QSRpxn5MI1kW_WHDe6mFzguCmxpiX2sTWh8stz9Rrvx1m2A/s400/US+Bid.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This past December at the U.S. Bid Calling Championship in Las Vegas<br />(Pregnant with our new baby!)</td></tr>
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Photo Cred: Myers Jackson, Wes Pool, U.S. Bid Calling Championship<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-15291011941771184142018-04-26T11:45:00.000-07:002018-04-26T11:45:01.062-07:00Buck Up - It's a Call to ActionHey Everyone! Over the last year the fact that my blogging has been ALMOST non-existent has been nagging at me. I still have topics to write about come to mind, but it is finding the time to write them! Well I have decided to dedicate time each week towards blogging & a few other things, that I can't wait to put into place!<br />
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"Buck Up" is a call to action and has several different meanings in several different dictionaries, but TODAY to me...it means It's time to take action! Share our AUCTION journeys & LIFE journeys & really get back at it!<br />
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A month ago Tuesday, we were blessed with our 3rd child! Mr. Hunter Wayne Kaspar has joined our little family & he fits right in! I have been reflecting so much, the last several weeks in particular, & I just feel extremely blessed that we are surrounded by ALL the people we are surrounded by.<br />
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While I was pregnant with Little Man, I had several people ask "What are you going to do now?" or "Man, things were really moving with your business. I guess it will have to slow down now..." & a handful of other comments along those lines. The way I see it is...he just fits right on in, to life how we're living it. All this reflecting has given me a VERY clear direction of where I want to go & a more realistic viewpoint on the time it will take to get there & that PEOPLE in your life are what you live and work for & are your safe place and they are worth protecting, honoring, & enjoying. Life doesn't just stop or abruptly change. It's a constant flow of people coming in & out & one thing evolving into the next. I have an incredible team behind me, a supportive family all around me.<br />
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Our little family is just livin' it & lovin' it & trucking right along! Hunter has already been on several AUCTION ADVENTURES with Me & My Mom & crew members & we've got many more up ahead!<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhticGhqWTtpmWr6Dv8vSn8OF4Mvl0pboi3uUTo7I6vIt52JuQvBamfGo_ZVNumpv83Im7Ks_7pLkL96bcNKmODJjsR1WKV-atm4qyzBBn-2J_4QXzum6BfhyfW62sTQS9ZfsPnbCSSl98t/s1600/birth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhticGhqWTtpmWr6Dv8vSn8OF4Mvl0pboi3uUTo7I6vIt52JuQvBamfGo_ZVNumpv83Im7Ks_7pLkL96bcNKmODJjsR1WKV-atm4qyzBBn-2J_4QXzum6BfhyfW62sTQS9ZfsPnbCSSl98t/s320/birth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Day 1 with Hunter :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint_6W7DDNOUP3LzxPdHESCuaNFhaM1qu0ksA3ArrcQhyphenhyphenXsjhl3-wSM2C11K-k2-LD3Uwl1e1p-ut5lf-t_R2PMe8EiaXfnWCJ-Fb_le6AGJIMEm0UNdtV69AEFMKzKHAE-eSChes1GdPh/s1600/fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint_6W7DDNOUP3LzxPdHESCuaNFhaM1qu0ksA3ArrcQhyphenhyphenXsjhl3-wSM2C11K-k2-LD3Uwl1e1p-ut5lf-t_R2PMe8EiaXfnWCJ-Fb_le6AGJIMEm0UNdtV69AEFMKzKHAE-eSChes1GdPh/s320/fam.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The whole fam: Kyle, Me, Kylee Jo (8), Heath (5), & Hunter. </td></tr>
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Here is a link to a vido of Hunter & I on his first Flip N Move Trip! If you have trouble viewing LIKE the Texas Flip N Move Facebook Page!<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TEXASFLIPNMOVE/videos/1920135228299495/?hc_ref=ARSq1y2WaOJd4SHbkwzG0jz2z2gTgY4P7gXqi88I7FYSj05o4RSS0bG2t1zT7sCZp_I">https://www.facebook.com/TEXASFLIPNMOVE/videos/1920135228299495/?hc_ref=ARSq1y2WaOJd4SHbkwzG0jz2z2gTgY4P7gXqi88I7FYSj05o4RSS0bG2t1zT7sCZp_I</a><br />
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Everyday we have the opportunity to Buck Up & enjoy new adventures, make new friends, & take those we love along with us on the ride! Stay tuned for MORE adventures & don't forget to BUCK UP BABY!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-51161157239754699472017-12-19T12:38:00.000-08:002017-12-19T12:44:50.841-08:00Reflections from Scottish Rite Children's HospitalThe Texas Auctioneer Association board recently had a meeting. This meeting was held at the Texas Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Dallas. We had our board meeting on Sunday & then some of us stayed over on Monday for the annual Toy Auction held there for some of the patients. After the toy auction, which was SUCH a wonderful experience, the hospital held a luncheon for us & had a wonderful speaker that shared his testimony with all of us. His name is Desmond.<br />
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I have to tell you....he connected some dots for me. One of the things that struck me was when he talked about how the hospital cared for the SPIRIT of the children there & he elaborated more on how they nurtured his spirit specifically. I identified with what he had to say on: a mom level, parent level, faith level.....(regarding some of the things I wrestle the most with God about), professional level, public service level....and a level of basic humanity. I won't share details on each one. Those may need to be reserved for another blog post, or maybe a one-on-one conversation with anyone that is interested. The bottom line is we all need people that care to make the effort.<br />
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For someone who was born with all their limbs, just thinking about his journey may overwhelm you. I have to say when he stood up there to share it, he really made it sound like he played the cards he was dealt & he was surrounded by a mighty good army of influencers to get him there. This man....born with no hands...painted the painting he is pictured with, along with many others, graduated with a Bachelors & Masters degree, taught at a university, is married with a precious daughter and now works at the hospital that helped him so much. Getting from Point A (aka birth) to Point B (present day) he had to face AND overcome a lot of struggles, silence a lot of naysayers & literally had to BUCK UP & keep going.<br />
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One of the areas that I've reflected on since his speech is my role as a Board of Director for the Texas Auctioneer Association. Sunday made for a lengthy, intense, and thorough meeting. We discussed A LOT & I am quite proud to be serving on this board for this organization.<br />
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When I was nominated I had just committed to the CAI program (3 year advanced auction education program), was REALLY focusing on growing my real estate business and was adding online auctions to the services we offer. Truth be known, I had no idea I was being nominated, but when I was asked if I accepted the nomination I couldn't say no. I couldn't say no because I knew the struggles and trials I went through growing my business. I knew what I wished I would've known sooner. I knew how much the TAA & it's members helped support me, many not knowing it. I knew I was going to be in this industry & the growth and development of the industry as a whole, was going to be important to my own personal success, as well as many others. I am passionate about EVERY segment of this industry & believe they are all essential. I could be of service and I cared, so I accepted the nomination. THANKS to Lance for nominating me & the members for voting me in.<br />
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The job isn't easy & it takes all of us to make the whole that fairly represents our industry. As members, you have people that care & do make the effort & every time you vote be sure you are voting for someone who cares enough to make the effort. If YOU care enough to get involved somehow, I encourage you to reach out and discuss the possibility of joining a committee.<br />
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I also want to express how PROUD I am of our Champions. The joy Kyle, Tyler, & Si brought to those littles & the way they represented the Live Auction Method of Marketing was spot on! Way to be! There was one little boy that seemed down when they wheeled him in in his bed & he didn't really "want" any of the toys, but once he caught the auction excitement he was raising that bidder card with a smile across his face & had a pile of toys piled up around him.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTO CRED: SCOTTISH RITE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL</td></tr>
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To our membership, we care about your SPIRIT. We care when you are at the brink of calling it quits because what you are doing isn't working. We care when someone tells you you can't do something. We care that you have the tools and information you need to run your business. We care about the laws surrounding our industry. We care about how we interact with other industries. We care about providing the opportunity for fundamental education. We care about hearing from you & what YOU need.</div>
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Another thing that Desmond said was that the hospital would ask his mother at each check up: "What is he trying to do now?" "What is he struggling with now?" At every stage of your business...if you keep going... there will be a new struggle or something you are trying that you haven't before. Please tell us what that is. We care enough to put in the effort. You will have to do your part, just like Desmond did, but we want to support you & help you get the tools you need NOW.<br />
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MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone! I encourage our members to reach out and get involved, even if you aren't sure how & I encourage anyone that isn't a member to consider becoming one. Being a member of the Texas Auctioneer Association has opened up numerous opportunities & created solid friendships for me, that give me fuel to keep going. Buck Up Baby, enjoy your people, & never close your circle to new people or new experiences. God bless!<br />
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Heather Kaspar<br />
TXL 17037Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-89820162831186997192017-09-05T17:47:00.000-07:002017-09-05T17:47:00.625-07:00In the Face of Disaster...the Livestock Booster Club of Aransas County BUCKS UP & Carries On!<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
It's moments like this that remind me of the POWER behind a team of people, with a specific goal....that go to work...backs against the walls or not. </div>
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It is moments like this that remind me of WHY I'm SO passionate about the auction method of marketing...</div>
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When I sent a message to my friend Danielle in Rockport...I can tell you that the last thing I thought that conversation was going to turn into was something like this: "Hey! We've decided to continue with our Show Fund Fundraiser. We have a new venue, but we need help organizing our auction. Any help you can give us would be great." </div>
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No joke...I had to sit there a minute to try and wrap my head around everything. I knew she had lost her home. I knew they were without water and electricity and ANY sense of normalcy. I also knew her & if she had her people behind her to press forward, it was go-time. </div>
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I checked in with my crew. I checked in with my family. I checked in about the board meeting I planned on attending both Saturday and Sunday & worked it out. We are headed to Rockport THIS Friday to Prepare for THIS Saturday.</div>
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What this Livestock Booster Club decided to proceed with is no small undertaking, but it is one heck of an effort to begin THEIR "rebuild." Rebuilding their lives back to reality - post hurricane. Life goes on, no matter what. </div>
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The Aransas County 4H Club has approximately 30 members. Some of those kiddos lost their projects & some did not. Based on my last conversation 100% of the members were displaced or suffered major damage to their homes. These kids had to come together, once the dust settled, to look for their projects, care for their projects, & help each other. When I asked my friend Krystal, who is also helping re-organize this event how the group seems to be holding up she referred to them as "a compound." They are just all coming together and working together. </div>
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Rockport is best known for recreation & tourism & not so much agriculture. That simple fact already limits community support, especially in comparison to ag communities. This year they also have to contend with the hurricane and the aftermath that ensued. I talked to several of the parents & they are definitely in an overwhelming situation, but the general consensus is: "We have to get them in that show ring in January." This is important to them and we have to do what we can. </div>
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Many of us have heard about the out pour of donations that have come into the coastal areas. For this group one of their biggest needs, is a place to store it. They've been blessed with people bringing grain and hay and other needed supplies. Now they need a place to store it. Anyone out there with contact for metal storage containers - they, amongst probably several others, could use them. They are also rebuilding and stabilizing livestock pens. There is still a need for pens and fencing supplies,</div>
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What these parents and members of the Livestock Booster Club of Aransas County are calling for now, is not donations for feed or hay or supplies, but for HELP breathing life back into this program in the face of an overwhelming catastrophe. This is the Booster Club's biggest fundraiser, raising money to directly support the 4H Clubs of Aransas County and purchase the 4Hers show projects. A handful of their auction items they still have, but most were washed away OR the business don't exist anymore. </div>
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They are accepting approximately 30 donations for live auction items & another 20 or so for their silent auction, that will help generate funds from their closest supporters. If you are someone out there that is a creator & makes deer stands, hunting blinds, bbq pits, fire pits, picnic tables, beanbag boards or anything of the like - those items will fit this crowd. If you are a business that wishes to contribute please consider donating an item or buying at the auction. If you can not be present, contact us or the information below & we would be happy to handle absentee bidding. </div>
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I have heard of so many people wanting to know how they can still help those affected. HELP THEM REBUILD. Help them see how to come together and rally. Help them to show these kids HOW life goes on after a natural disaster. SHOW THEM we care about MORE than their immediate needs. We care about the hard work they've put in. We care about how this will effect their futures. We care about the lessons that will be taken away from this. </div>
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As a crew, all of us at Buck Up Auctions want these people to have fun. We want to remind them, that they can smile....that they can competitively bid against each other for the sole purpose of helping the kids. That they have each other. They have a community bigger than the coastal bend that values all they stand for. </div>
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I pull this all back to when a seed was planted in me - regarding the power of community and the power of an auction. It's when my family felt as if we were facing our own catastrophe. It was when my Dad had went into a diabetic coma, and as he came out of it, the doctors told us his liver was failing and soon after - learning he would need a liver transplant to live. All I remember is in that family meeting there was no sign of defeat. We weren't sure how to go about it, but we organized a fundraiser that developed into two more - because of THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY regarding auction donations and bidders, meal and dance ticket sales, silent auction items. Those auctions carried those events & contributed a TREMENDOUS deal to our goal - which was getting the funds for my Dad to get a liver. WE did it. My family could have NEVER accomplished it on our own & right now the Livestock Booster Club of Aransas County can't either. </div>
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What happened to me through that experience will stay with me for the rest of my life. When people band together they LITERALLY breathe life back into others. There is no question, as these people look back in 6 months, a year, 5 years they will become OVERWHELMED with emotion not knowing how they did it. If you can & if you choose to, please CONSIDER being a part of their HOW. Everyone is aware that A LOT of people are hurting, but if you feel moved to help these 30 kids that have NEVER seen anything happen, like what happened to their community....that have put their heads down and cared for their projects...that have spent time helping each other - just to overcome the devastation....if you want to help these parents help their kids....BUCK UP & do it!</div>
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Talk to us about a buyers group. Talk to us about donating an item. Talk to us about absentee bidding. Talk to us about how to buy tickets! The Northshore Country Club in Portland has donated their facility, since the the original location was damaged by the hurricane. The venue is bigger and has room for an additional 200 people. Get away from the chaos & come enjoy a fajita dinner & dancing and music by Tom Saenz.</div>
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$50 per ticket. $100 per couple. For tickets you can contact Becky Mays at 361.205.5131. You can also email: <a href="mailto:lbcoac@gmail.com">lbcoac@gmail.com</a> and follow for updates at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/livestockboosterclubofaransascounty/"> Livestock Booster Club of Aransas County</a>. </div>
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My crew and I will be leaving Carmine Friday afternoon. If we need to take any items or donations with us we can. Email me at <a href="mailto:heather@buckupauctions.com">heather@buckupauctions.com</a>. </div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7712971536397841251.post-28494476211064871842017-08-22T13:11:00.002-07:002017-08-22T14:48:04.817-07:00Flying With the AngelsWe have the pleasure of liquidating the real and personal property assets of the Robert F. Barton estate.<br />
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I know I've said this before, but it never ceases to amaze me how incredibly interesting and different people are that were the estate holders of many of the auctions we conduct. The people I am highlighting today are Robert and Anita Barton of Schulenburg, TX.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2fGsP50JCR0dHsEJYed7uNCOAGhHzK86F9e4bIZT2QS9urKcgpFwrOuLBo30ZvUWbUe4mWtvQPRMwK_6-bPxTPmCFLLw7UAk3rI7uWaBG8VLvj_yJKHFfLL4xTPB-PJ6B34qiJr_go-0/s1600/landed+by+plane.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1280" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2fGsP50JCR0dHsEJYed7uNCOAGhHzK86F9e4bIZT2QS9urKcgpFwrOuLBo30ZvUWbUe4mWtvQPRMwK_6-bPxTPmCFLLw7UAk3rI7uWaBG8VLvj_yJKHFfLL4xTPB-PJ6B34qiJr_go-0/s400/landed+by+plane.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Both Robert and Anita have passed away. We have been working closely with their daughters and have really enjoyed hearing stories about their parents. </div>
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Many times, we will start setting up an auction & we are able to identify nuggets of passions and interests they had, which leads us to ask more. </div>
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Here is a snapshot of these two wonderful people:</div>
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Robert and Anita were high school sweethearts, meeting in Pasadena, TX. THEY WERE MARRIED FOR 71 YEARS!!! According to the daughters, they loved each other SO very much. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their 50th Wedding Anniversary</td></tr>
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I had asked for pictures and milestones of Robert and Anita's lives & there is so much meat to their lives. So much so, that I KNOW we will not capture all of the amazing experiences these two shared. Heck, we didn't even know that he played point guard on the Texas A&M basketball team until we found his jersey & asked whose it was!</div>
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From what I hear, Anita was completely enamored with Robert. Looking at what he experienced and accomplished in his life & his sense of adventure, I can see why. On that same note, meeting their daughters & looking at pictures of Anita, there is no doubt in my mind that she held a strength and.....meekness that I think is just very special. She was capable, smart, educated, and driven with her own interests, but seemed to also know that Robert was the perfect compliment for her and leaned into him. </div>
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Robert served as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy Flight Training Command in WWII, as an Armorer/Gunner in the U.S. Army Air Corps, & as a Reservist in the U.S. Air Force. This is where Robert found his passion for planes and flying. He & Anita bought 13 classic airplanes, restored them together, and then sold them. Robert had a career in engineering. He attended Texas A&M University, joined the service after Pearl Harbor and returned to college afterwards, graduating from the University of Houston. It is reported that he was a HUGE Aggie supporter. </div>
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Anita - lovingly nicknamed "Pug," by her father & "PJ" for Pug Johnson (her maiden name) by Robert, had a 36 year long career in education with the Pasadena ISD. She was a 3rd grade teacher and elementary school librarian. She graduated from Sam Houston State Teacher's College. </div>
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I don't know that I can really find the words to explain the positive energy surrounding these people and this estate. It is like there is this sense of wild adventure, that is grounded in the stability of this incredible foundation of love. Like.....things don't really matter. It is the life that they brought to it that did & the new life that someone else will. Like there is this appreciation for someone that brings life to something. For example....it's not the jersey itself that matters. It is the person that wore it & the person or people that appreciate it. Their lives were incredibly full & their appreciation for people has completely bled into their daughters.<br />
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These blogs are humbling. We didn't have to know anything about these people, but this profession that God has led me to has taken me there & has shared His glory to everyone involved. It's mysterious. After writing this & learning more about them, I can only imagine the appreciation they would have for the, what some may call "unconventional," decisions their daughters made in settling the estate. </div>
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Two online auctions for the personal property are open for bidding now. Two more will open on Thursday. You can find the auctions at this link or download the "Buck Up Auctions" app from your app store for free. Here is the link: <a href="https://buckupauctions.bidwrangler.com/">https://buckupauctions.bidwrangler.com/</a></div>
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<i>(Above is a sample of items in the two online personal property auctions currently open for bidding.)</i><br />
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The estate is accepting offers on the real estate as well. <a href="http://txls.com/texas-real-estate/100-e-summit-schulenburg-tx-78956/104305">Here is a link to the listing</a>, as well as a <a href="http://www.buckupauctions.com/real-estate/listing/100-e-summit-st.-schulenburg-tx-bw12841">link to the Property Information Packet</a> with lots of useful knowledge for any prospective buyer. Online bidding for the real estate will open on September 1st and will close at 5PM on September 5th. Once open, you will also be able to access, with this link: <a href="https://buckupauctions.bidwrangler.com/">https://buckupauctions.bidwrangler.com/</a></div>
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You can call or text me, Heather Kaspar, at 979.421.0325 for more information or email me at heather@buckupauctions.com. </div>
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Be sure to like our <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2055384200"></span>Buck Up Auctions<span id="goog_2055384201"></span></a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BuckUpRealty/?pnref=lhc">Buck Up Realty</a> Facebook Pages for the latest updates!!</div>
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<!--[endif]--></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460645614684600318noreply@blogger.com0