Moving Furniture Around

The hubs and I moved last month, and it was an excuse to get rid of most of our furniture and acquire some new things to fit into our new place. We didn't even really look at new furniture. I learned from the best, my mother, who will always turn the car around for anything second hand. These days trust me when I say you can furnish your entire house or apartment though Facebook Marketplace. I am not talking about crap here; I bought a brand new $8000 WEST ELM SUPERWIDE COUCH for next to nothing. The seller, Philip, even held it for me for 3 weeks till I moved and was thrilled when I sent him the above picture to see how well it fit in its new space. 

Facebook Marketplace interactions are often characterized by a friendly exchange of messages, negotiating prices, sharing personal anecdotes about items, and arranging convenient meetups. It's fascinating to witness how this platform not only facilitates transactions but also serves as a digital hub where people from various backgrounds converge, creating unexpected connections through their shared pursuit of acquiring or letting go of possessions. From budget-conscious families seeking to find value in pre-loved items to the downtown millennials who just furnished their apartments only to have their jobs transferred to NYC or LA. The community encompasses a wide spectrum of interests and needs. The entire thing reinforced that everyone has a story.

I met Artem who recently emigrated to the United States from Ukraine. He was picking up my ARCH STANDING LAMP. After hearing his story of getting his family settled into a 2-bedroom apartment I asked him what else they needed. He left with a free lamp, some dishes, an area rug, and a couple of throw pillows.

I texted back and forth for a month with Kate who listed a CARACOLE MODERN BAR CABINET. Our original date for pick up got moved due to her mother needing emergency care in Denver. We rescheduled, and then her mom’s case became very serious and complicated. Over text I said I would wait and asked her how she was holding up. She clearly needed someone to talk to and we texted all evening about her mom’s cancer and how scared she was.  I eventually got the cabinet. Kate texted me to tell me her mom is doing much better.

Every interaction, no matter how fleeting, holds the potential for genuine connection. To fully embrace this potential, we could approach each encounter with an open heart and a receptive mind. These seemingly minor moments can be elevated into meaningful exchanges by simply being present and acknowledging the shared human experience.  We all contribute to a collective atmosphere of kindness and compassion.

XO
JK