Pickets

Description

Ok, so here I was…… A carb-loving rat on a wheel, carrying a beeper and a cell phone, working downtown 50 hours a week, and trying to raise two children to be thoughtful and kind. A husband who said I was doing too much and heaved a heavy sigh whenever I threw yet another Halloween party for 9 nieces and nephews, plus all the neighbor kids, and absolutely insisted on carving pumpkin bowls for the soup. How on earth were we going to “Do it All”? We wanted to do good, feel good, and have enough money saved for a rainy day. We both had successful careers, yet we wanted to do more personally satisfying work, while still being able to pay the mortgage. Out of the blue, the karma thing happened and we had a once in a lifetime opportunity to move back to the land of our ancestors– of Norwegians, Lutherans, hot dishes, baseball, and snow– Minnesota. We had to decide if this could be a place to raise our children, Sadie and Gunnar, and surround them with goodness. So, off we went on our search of the birthplace of Prairie Home Companion. What we found was a dilapidated, bat infested 110 year-old farmhouse with a fabulous red barn. I loved it! Against everyone’s advice, and my best friend’s threats to never speak to me again - we bought it. Then the fun began, and we started on our journey of making our dream a reality. But what career would allow Kathy to realize the dream? As we unpacked way too many projects and flea market finds, and as the realtor went bananas for the furniture Aaron had built– the plan unfolded. We definitely had the “Aha!” moment. We would start a business out of the barn! It would be a perfect fit– I would search for vintage textiles, dressers and tables, while Aaron would rewire chandeliers and build fantastic custom furniture out of architectural salvage, meanwhile all living happily ever after! Or so I thought… We had to get rid of the 453 bats that had taken up residence in the house and barn (now we can spell histoplasmosis and the Health Inspector gets a Christmas card). Then put heat and electricity into a dilapidated old barn that had developed a frightening leftward lean over the years. And oh yes… finally, fill the barn with great stuff that my new customers would find just SO charming! Yipes! So, after 3 fun-filled (can you say “challenging”?) years, I have created a place where you can find the perfect piece for that empty corner, discover treasures I wish I had room for in my own home, gather gifts I would love to receive, and look for surprises to give friends. We call it Pickets. In fact, it is now a family affair, with Gunnar selling rocks and Sadie selling lemonade. And we will live happily ever after, or at least that’s how the story goes.

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