Some mornings are meant for errands. Others turn into something a little more memorable.
What started as a slightly inconvenient trip into town to drop off my truck for repairs became something unexpectedly special. First, my husband took the morning off work to come with me. There’s something wonderful about stealing a few midweek hours together, even if it is just a trip into the repair shop.
Then… while we were waiting on the truck, I slipped into a thrift store I hadn’t even planned to visit, hoping maybe to find a few pieces to get started on several new ideas I have.
At the start of this year, I decided this was going to be my year of “making”. I planned to DIY myself through the year, working on my favorite projects and experimenting with new ideas. A big part of these new ideas involves old magazines and illustrated books – the kind with texture, history, and inspiration just waiting to be reimagined.
When I went to this unplanned thrift store, I found 58 vintage magazines and a stack of illustrated books. The exact kind of materials I’d been searching for, all in one unexpected place. It felt like the universe was not only encouraging my creative plans – it was enthusiastically supplying them.
Still riding that high, the truck wasn’t ready yet, so we headed to another thrift store – one where I rarely have any luck in the book and magazine section. But apparently, this was not the day for “rarely”. This time, I found even more of the magazine I’ve been hoping to track down, along with several books I specifically wanted for my projects. And then came the sweetest surprise – a copy of a book I had loaned out years ago and never got back. Somehow, after all this time, a copy found its way back to me.
At this point, the day already felt charmed. But it wasn’t done yet.
Earlier in the morning, I saw a listing for a garage sale happening this weekend – someone selling a large collection of vintage LIFE, LOOK, and National Geographic magazines. On a whim, I reached out and asked if I could stop by early today, instead of waiting for the weekend. I didn’t expect her to say yes. But she did!
And just like that, the day took another turn – one of those delightful, slightly unbelievable turns where everything just clicks. Not only did I get to look through (and buy!) an incredible collection – almost 90 issues of vintage magazines – I also got something even better: a genuine, joyful connection.
We quickly discovered we have a mutual friend – a friend of mine is her cousin. And, we graduated from high school the same year (different schools). And, we both love hockey. And then she mentioned she had an autographed 1980 hockey program signed by Neal Broten – my absolute favorite player back in the day. I couldn’t believe it! She brought it out for me to see, along with a puck from one of the Olympic team’s game. While I was piling the magazines on a table, my husband found a copy of the DVD “Slap Shot” – a classic, must-see movie for any hockey fan. That cracks me up! We had to buy it!
It was one of those visits where time slows down in the best way. What started as a quick stop became a meaningful conversation. That unmistakable sense that sometimes, things just happen the way they’re meant to.
By the time we finally headed back to the shop to get my truck – arms full of vintage pages and minds full of stories – I couldn’t help but think how perfectly the day had unfolded. A simple repair appointment turned into time with my husband, creative inspiration, unexpected finds, and a new connection.
Sometimes, you LOOK for something small… and LIFE takes a turn into something much bigger – something fun, meaningful, and just a little bit magical.
And as for what I’m going to create with all of these incredible finds?
Stay tuned!
