Hello My Dearest Followers and Friends…
Sorry I took the last week off.
I had quite a lot going on – to say the least.
Some personal issues which I won’t bore you with.
But, also I have been enjoying my sweet, new Granddaughter.
As I write this post, I realize it may come across as surprising.
It was to me, too.
You see – I almost died this past week.
I almost had a stroke.
What do I mean by “almost?”
My blood pressure spiked and was so high the ER knew
I was going to have a stroke.
After they got me regulated and stable, the kindly and older
ER doctor came in, sat down beside me, took my hand and said
I needed to thank God I was still alive and well – because it was only a Blessing that I was.
So I did.
In the early morning hours, still hooked up to multiple tubes
and oxygen and who knows what – I prayed.
I thanked God for giving me another chance at life.
And I thanked Him for the wake-up call.
I knew it was time to make changes in my life that would
alleviate most of the stress.
So – I am happy to announce that I am selling my
Real Estate Company….
…and I am opening a Home Decor Shop.
I owned a shop many, many years ago alog with my very talented Mother.
It was some of the happiest years of my life, and I have
wanted to own another one for as long as I can remember.
But, I got into Real Estate almost ten years ago.
It has been very lucrative and hard to turn away from.
But, it has taken a toll on both me, my marriage and my family.
Until now.
Now when I have been given that second chance to
do something which makes me happy.
Here is where you come in. I need you help.
I need a name for my shop.
I have narrowed it down to a few locations. Here is one location.
It’s in a local historical town in an old 1800’s building.
Vintage charm included.
I will be selling Home Decor ranging from Cottage, Coastal, French Farmhouse and Gardenwares. I hope to make a few buying trips to some of my favorite haunts from when we lived/shopped in Europe.
I love the idea of the shop’s name incorporating the word
“Vintage” but it doesn’t have to.
So here is your chance to help name my new business….
and win a $100 Visa Gift if I choose your name.
Even if you just participate – you could win a
$50 Visa Gift Card. Enter as many times as you choose.
Thank you for letting me share my story –
and I apologize if it is on the personal side.
(and there are no pictures)
I look forward to seeing the names you come up with.
Contest ends June 3rd, winner will be announced that evening.
Blessings, Barb
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
Oh my gosh, Barb, that is very scary! I’m glad you are okay and glad to hear you are going to make some changes. A shop sounds wonderful! You are the fourth blogger I read that has announced they are opening a home decor shop. I am so jealous! That shop looks like it would have some great window display space. Why don’t you consider the name of your blog for it ~ I think The Everyday Home would be a great name for a home decor shop.
View Commentellen b. says
Yikes! Glad you were stabilized before you had a stroke. Good for you for leaving behind your stressful work for something you’ve always enjoyed.
View CommentLaura from Top This Top That says
life is much to short and luckily you can slow it down, while still doing something that you enjoy and will do very good at. take care of yourself!
View CommentCeekay- Thinkin of Home says
Good for you! Good luck on your new endevor and I know you probably thought of this…but Grits and Glamour Vintage sounds really good to me. I would run to a place with that name!
View CommentJennifer @ Town and Country Living says
So glad to hear you’re okay! That had to be more than a little scary. Good luck in your new venture. If I think of a store name, I’ll come back and post it. 🙂
View CommentCindy Rescigno says
So thankful to God for those wake-up calls and so glad you’re OK. How about Vintage Treasures?
View CommentHappy To Be/ Gl♥ria says
OMG Barb just slow now and breathe..I have had to learn to do that myself..I like the “Vintage Home” I’m here if you need me girl..I mean that from my heart Barb..Hugs and love Gl♥ria
View Commentsouthernwhimsy says
Decor de cru ( vintage decor I. French).
View CommentPlaudits de cru (vintage delights)
Le Nid de Cru (the vintage nest
Sorry could not do the accents since they were not on my key board.
Ames says
Praise God you are well. I think the shop should be called “A Second Chance”~Ames
View Commentsouthernwhimsy says
Maison de cru ( vintage home). Praying for you Barb.
View CommentD says
What a scare you had, and how lucky you were that God was with you.
View CommentHow about “Second Chance Vintage”
D
Mary Ellen says
Barb I am so glad you are doing ok! After reading your story for some reason I thought of the name Serendipity for you new venture!
View CommentBernadine says
I am so sorry to hear of that scary episode. How fortunate you have the opportunity for a second chance. I’m so glad you’re OK. And congratulations of your brave decision to make changes. I will think of some names for your shop but I think you have a following much more creative than me.
View CommentToni says
Barb – How scary! So glad you decided to starting doing what you love. For your shop name, you said it best “Vintage Charm”. Best of luck on your new venture.
View CommentPaula says
So glad to hear that you are ok. I look forward to reading all about your new adventure.
View Comment♥ Sonny ♥ says
Yikes Barb.. I’m so glad you’re OK and have made the decision to destress.. Real Estate is a tougher business than folks realize..
I’ll have to give the store name some thought and come back. Its early yet and not all my brain cells are awake and clicking on all cylinders lol…
The Vintage Vamp ??
View Commentnot sure why that popped in my head..
Judy says
Barb, thank goodness you were in a place that saw the potential for a stroke but thankful that you survived.
I know what you mean by being in stressful situations….just last week an ugly one reared it’s head at work, something I never saw coming. It’s made for a very stressful past few days and I’m contemplating stepping out of that drama permanently….the next few days should tell.
Congratulations on your new endeavour, I know you will be successful!
Judy
View CommentGrammy Goodwill says
No ideas for a name – just glad you’re okay.
View Commentsuzyq says
What a wonderful thing for you to do!!!!! As I have been saying lately – we don’t know how many days we have so we must make them all good ones!!
View CommentI bet you have a smile from ear to ear – I can feel it from here!
Suzyq
Gretchen says
I’m glad you are OK. Why not use your old blog title for a store name…Grits and Glamour. You’ve definitely got grits (or you wouldn’t still be here) and what’s more glamourous than your style of decorating.
View CommentJill Prince says
When I read you post, I thought you had named it already, “Vintage Charm Included. I like it.
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
I am so happy for you my friend..and glad you you survived….sometimes it takes these types of experiences to give us a “wake up call”….so follow your dreams and like Kari says….JUST JUMP!!!…..
i will be thinking about names….it will be in my head all day now!!….”South of France”…or “Southern France” or “Just South of France” or why don’t I just keep thinking!
Glad you had wonderful doctors that night…life would not be the same without you!
View CommentLisa~A Cottage To Me says
Wow, such a scary experience! There are lots of great choices already, some I even thought of. How about Everyday Vintage! Have fun deciding!
View Commentmariangela says
“The Vintage Nook” would be very cute and it would make me stop and check it out.
View CommentCongrats on your new venture ,you will do great:)
Yellow Rose Arbor says
So glad you are okay and given a second chance!
I love the name Grits and Glamour, but know you don’t and it could jeopardize my chances of winning! So how about Grits and Vintage Glamour! Or Vintage Glamour, or Vintage Diva! Or Vintage and More, or Vintage Plus! Or New Beginnings!
Good luck!
Katherine
Maybe I should have posted each of these names separately for more winning chances!
View CommentSuzy says
I’m so thankful that you’re doing well Barb. I knew from your posts on Facebook that something major was going on with you. God’s timing is always perfect, isn’t it? And He sure knows just how to get our attention – thankfully, you listened! Now I hope you know that I will definitely be shopping at your new shop. CAN NOT WAIT!!! As for a name? After reading this post, the one that immediately popped in my head is “House Blessings”. I’m so looking forward to watching your journey.
View CommentStagerLinda says
So scary! I’m glad you are OK. Sounds like you walked the tightrope and came through the the other side with renewed appreciation. Great for you starting a new life and living your dream!
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
OK…I am back again….This whole name thing is making me crazy as I cannot get it out of my mind…I think I was stuck on the whole Paris Flea Market thing…but I know you are going vintage whether it is Vintage American or European….So here are some vintage suggestions:
How about “The Vintage Nest”….you love birds nests…or how about “Vintage and Vine”…now that is something I could go for myself….vine, to depict the gardening things you want to carry….
“Very Vintage”….no that’s too “simple”….do not want to sway you, but my fav…”Vintage and Vine”…you can use the nest and vines in your log..etc.
OK…going to think more….
View Commentlucy says
How about Vintage Grace, afterall it is “grace” that has given u this new opportunity. Lucy
View Commentlucy says
How about Vintage Grace, afterall it is “grace” that has given u this new opportunity. Lucy
View CommentLife on Royal Lane says
It must be called “Second Time Around Vintage”. So glad you are better. Yes, stress can kill, but thank God that He is good ALL THE TIME!
View CommentDecoratopia says
Thank God you’re okay! I’m so glad you realize you have to make changes – it’s obvious from your blog that you’re very driven. It’s not just your family who depends on you – your readers care about you and depend on you too!
As for the shop name, how about “Vintasia”? (a takeoff on “Vintage Fantasia”)
View CommentDebbie says
How about “Vintage and Elegance”?
View Commentsharonavinger says
I am so thankful to our precious God that you are OK and making some wise life changes. Your shop sounds so adorable. What about Decor To Adore or Vintage Eclectic? Best of luck to you.
Sharon (no blog)
View Commentmavinger@sc.rr.com
Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, I just got back from a little vacation and saw this post! I am so glad to hear that you are ok. It’s those little scares in life that can truly give us a new perspective. I was thinking about names. How about The Vintage Garden?
View CommentRamblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says
Wow! So sorry for your health scare! Glad that you are okay!!! And I’m so excited for you and your new shop! I’m really super excited that I can pick up my MIL on the way, and visit you once you open!!! 🙂 Wishing you much success!
View CommentConnie says
I am so glad to hear that you have a second chance to do what you want in your life. Stress is the number one cause of so many things. I know your store will be do great. I didn’t read everyone’s name for your store. I thought of “Vintage Glamour”last night. Take care of yourself.
View CommentHugs,
Connie, Indiana
Babs says
Barb, Thank God that you’re alright! What a scare..but now you have a second chance for doing something you’ve wanted to do again.
View CommentThinking of a name for your shop..here’s one..”The Carolina Wren”
I know it’s the state bird of SC, and you live in NC…but 🙂
I’ll keep thinking. Hope you get LOTS of great suggestions.
mamaspoon says
So glad you survived the scare – relieving yourself of stress is a major accomplishment for your future, for your new venture, and for your family. As a former Realtor for 30 yrs. I know all about stress and it never ends as there is always a new crisis. Love some of the names suggested. I’d like a name that suggests the past and the present. Will wait for the next chapter from you.
View CommentJust Stuff From a Boomer says
I am new to you but so glad you came through your ordeal OK. Goodness… that is very scary. My thought for a shop name is “Time and Again”, for your repurposed things.
I loved the movie “Somewhere in Time” and the house we sold in Mi. had an herb garden with a sign “Somewhere in Thyme” so if you have garden things, that may work too. I wish you well.
View Commentbehind the picket fence says
nothing wrong with telling of a blessing from God- not enough praise if you ask me- a good name might be Heart and Home Vintage Decor. Gppd luck with your new life=and i am not talking about the store.You were given a wonderful gift-use it wisely.not everyone is given that second chance, Best wishes
View CommentJeannette says
Hi Barb, I am glad you are ok and took the wake up call to create your next chapter in life which I will suggest be called “Vintage Blessings”! You sign off with “blessings” and you want “vintage” sooo…! (Not sure if this has already been suggested) I too have quit my good paying job to save my health (BP issues too) BEST WISHES AND CONTINUED SUCCESS! Sincerely Jeannette
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