I have discovered something recently that alarms me greatly.
I’m thinking it’s possibly a conspiracy.
One perpetrated by stores such as Marshall’s and Homegoods and TJMaxx.
When I posted my concerns on my Facebook Page, several others posted stated that they had
the same problem.
This further solidified my strong feeling that the women of this country are suffering from a great conspiracy.
Here is how I have come to my very scientific conclusion – and what this conspiracy is.
A few weeks back, I vowed that I would NOT visit Marshall’s or HomeGoods et al…until the time that a) I had taken a carload of “stuff” to the consignment store, b) I had won the lottery and could buy and decorate homes for every style I love; or c) when pigs fly.
It was a solemn promise I made on behalf of my debit card, and to my garage which already runneth over with “stuff.”
I did good.
For weeks on end I avoided said stores. My debit card was saved from unscrupulous swipings, and my garage was…well, my garage was still filled to the brim with stuff – but I can’t work miracles in a few weeks. 🙂
Let me digress a bit. I had been looking for a Gothic-style Cathedral mirror for quite some time.
Not so easy to find when you’re on a self-imposed budget. But about a month ago, I quite accidentally stumbled upon one when I was out looking for something else.
That’s exactly how it happens you know? If you STOP looking for what you are looking for, you will find it. 🙂
It was perfect! Perfect size. Perfect color.
Perfect. Even the perfect price.
But, I had a trip coming up to visit my dear friend Kathysue at Good Life of Design. (see a small part of that trip HERE.) I knew I needed to save my shopping bucks and give the magnetic strip on my debit card some time to recover. 🙂
Hence, the no-shopping vow was made.
But, only after I bought the mirror. ha!
So the mirror comes home and is innocently leaned against the wall in the Living Room.
Where it waited.
And waited.
And waited.
For me to come back from California and hang it and revamp the Foyer, where it was to be hung.
But first, before any of that could happen – I had to clean and help my daughter-in-law plan and prepare for my sweet Granddaughter’s 1st Birthday Party this coming Sunday.
Can you believe it?
Our sweet baby Caitlyn will be ONE year old on Sunday.
Where has this past year gone? 🙁
It seems like literally yesterday that I watched this little Angel come into the world, and watched as my son cut the cord and held his daughter for the first time.
So, I headed out today for a trip to the Party Supply Store. It was totally innocent. I headed into town with the jams on, the window down…
my mind reeling with party plans.
Then…all of a sudden…my van acted as if it had a mind of its own. It took a sharp turn to the left, veered hard to the right, and came to a screeching halt in front of Marshall’s.
THAT’S when I began to realize something.
Our cars have been PROGRAMMED to drive us – sometimes against our will – to these stores.
I had not planned on it. I did not even want it.
Remember my solemn vow? I had been so faithful to my no-shopping promise.
I have the feeling many of your own cars may be programmed the same way.
So you see – it isn’t our fault really, when we end up at these places and are forced to go inside and buy things we really don’t need – but really, really want.
Such as cute pigs.
That don’t fly. 🙂
And what’s worse, it forced me to come home, and instead of cleaning for the party like I should have been doing – I hung that much-looked-for Gothic-style Cathedral Mirror with the perfect size and the perfect color and the perfect price…and I placed my cute little Pig That Don’t Fly on a stack of books, next to a (new) blue glass jar filled to the brim with garden stems and amazing smelling honeysuckle.
I am pretty sure that the government will expose this dubious conspiracy any day now. *winks*
And we will be absolved from our sins.
Our shopping sins.
Until then, the next time your vehicle veers sharply and parks you in front of a Marshall’s, etc – just go along with it. Act like you are not aware that our cars are pre-programmed.
You can’t fight it.
Now, if just the gyms would conspire against us too, and program our cars to veer there instead.
😀
Delivered by FeedBurner
Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says
Oh my gosh, you are absolutely hysterical! Loved this post, much needed today. Love the mirror and pig! Happy Happy Birthday to the special girls in your life. fondly ~lynne~
View CommentWhite Weathered Hutch, says
What a cute grandaughter and post!! Happy Birthday!
View CommentLove your mirror and piggy…
Stacey says
Oh Barb, you just couldn’t help it. The mirror and the blue jar are too perfect. There’s always tomorrow to try again. 🙂
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh your mirror is amazing and I totally love it. I also really, really love your pig, it is just way toooooooo cute. Happy Birthday to DIL and gorgeous Caitlyn. Hugs, Marty.
View CommentKathy Moreland says
I had suspected for some time that my car was programmed to go to certain consignment shops. Thanks for your confirmation! Happy B’day to your sweet baby!
View CommentCecilia Bramhall says
Lol how funny but oh so true! Love your mirror and cute pig. And a happy birthday to your sweet granddaughter too.
View CommentKathysue says
I love the makeover and that mirror could not be more perfect for your home. Caitlyn is such an adorable little baby doll. Happy Birthday to both your girls,
View Commentxo Kathysue
Shelia says
Oh, you silly silly gal – I love you! This was so cute and yes, my car is preprogrammed like that too! Every now and then… Happy Birthday to your DIL and your little adorable grand baby girl!
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says
Love the mirror and yes our cars are on auto pilot.
View Commentaarond says
I seem to have the same problem, it’s a conspiracy I must say. I live 100 miles away from a Marshalls or TJ Maxx but that doesn’t keep me from going. Anyway I love that mirror and the little pig. You did the right thing when you bought them. Just keep believing that!!
View CommentCraftberry Bush says
ooo.. even the Canadian government has done that here…though we don’t have TJ Maxx or Homegoods…we have a Target and a Marshalls…and guess what?..yup the car started to steer that way too.
View CommentSuch a great great post…thank you for sharing…and the space looks lovely. Cute cute baby…xo
Cynthia says
Great post…you had me laughing. Love the mirror, it is beautiful, you had to buy it to pretty to let that pass up. I can’t believe your grandbaby is going to be one already. She is so gorgeous with that big smile.
Cynthia
View Commentthistlewoodfarm says
Happy day to you! That happens to me all the time at TJ Maxx (I am a true Maxxonista)!
Have a great weekend rock star!
View CommentYvonne @ StoneGable says
Happy birthday to all! What a precious baby!!!
View CommentNow I know what is happening to me… and why I can no longer park my car in the garage!!!!
Marijke van Ooijen says
Hay,
You have a lovely blog.
And your baby is so cute!!
I saw your article in E-magazine of Kerryanne..
I have a article in this magazine to.
I will follow your blog.
Please take a look into my world.
Love from Holland,
View CommentMarijke
Vonda says
I love pigs I even have a Pig Christmas tree love your blog. Come over and visit my blog Vondas Cabbages and things. Bless you and that darling grandbaby, Vonda
View CommentKathleen says
I love the mirror, may I ask where you bought it? I’m looking for one and yours is so pretty, I haven’t seen any as nice.
View CommentThanks
Barb says
Kathleen – I rarely go into Kirklands and was driving by and saw it in the window. I could not brake and park my van fast enough. 🙂 I had been looking a cathedral mirror for over a year. Sorry, I wish I could say I just bought it and they had more.
View Comment