The night before the Karma Sale

So in my first post I hinted that we have something big looming in the future. I really don't have time to go into it now (I should be in bed) but tomorrow may be a HUGE first step for us. We are holding a Karma Sale Sat 12/30 from 8am to noon.

What's a Karma sale?
Well I haven't been sleeping well lately and while tossing and turning on Wednesday morning I had the crazy idea to have Karma Sale. It is a yard sale with a twist. Take what you Need, Pay what you can and all $ goes to charity. We picked the Northern VA Therapeutic Riding Program to receive all of the money because a wonderful girl at our church (Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church) gets hippatherapy or highly specialized horseback riding from them.

So Wednesday morning I convince poor Todd that we should do this. We had need clearing things out slowly but surly using FreeCycle but I was having a hard time coordinating all the pick ups and keeping everything straight. It took a little bit of salesmanship to show him the Karma Sale in the right light. At first he didn't "get it" and I got snippy because he couldn't read my mind again. But finally he came around.

It is easier than a yard sale because you don't price anything.

Wait.. You don't price anything? Well how much does everything cost?
Our answer for that tomorrow will be... "You tell me. Look deep in your heart and let me know what it is worth to you. Remember this is a Karma Sale.. what goes around comes around. You just have to leave feeling GOOD about that you got and what you paid for it when you leave."

The next step is changing your perspective. It isn't about the money.

Wait... It isn't about the money?
No it isn't. We were giving things away free on FreeCycle. While we aren't rich we don't NEED the money and we truly believe in giving back. As I said before "What goes around comes around."

The next step was getting the word out about the sale. So I emailed almost everyone in my gmail address book the following email:

I am so sorry for this mass email but I need to get this info out as fast as possible.
Many of you may not know this (we have been keeping this a secret... I am so sorry) but my family is looking to relocate back to Blacksburg, VA. We are looking at 1 particular house in 1 particular neighborhood and it has been on the market since July. So we want to sell our house ASAP in order to buy the one we want. In order for this whole thing to work out it feels like the stars need to align perfectly. Basically we need some good Karma so we are having a Karma sale this Saturday morning at our house - 6227 Wilmington Dr. Burke, VA - from 8am to noon (no early birds please).
So what is a Karma sale you ask... Basically it is a yard sale with a twist. Take what you need and pay what you can... All money raised will go to a great cause (Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program - http://www.nvtrp.org/). I am helping you by selling you great stuff and you are helping me by getting 8 years worth of clutter out of my house!!! Everything from kid's toys and videos, kitchen stuff, holiday decorations, and books (lots and lots of books) There are some big items too, like a comfortable love seat and ottoman, an entertainment unit, and exercise equipment.
We will also be collecting good thoughts and well wishes in a box for us to read on days when we feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Pen and paper will be provided.
So here's a quick recap:
Karma Sale
Take what you NEED and pay what you can - All $ will go to Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program - http://www.nvtrp.org/
12/30/06 8am to noon
6227 Wilmington Dr. Burke, VA 22015
Please forward this email to people you think might be interested (without spamming your address book please).
And if you can't make it please send us good thoughts!
Thank you so very much,
Daria Akers

Out of the 100 or so people I sent it to only about 10 wrote back. Mostly to say they would be out of town or that they wanted to wish me luck. I also posted it on CraigsList and I have had 4 emails from that post.

Todd and I have worked our BUTTS off for this and I am worried that it will be for nothing. I mean who holds a yard sale on 12/30? I guess we do and tomorrow we will see what will happen. If it is meant to be then it will be.

Good night (I think I can sleep now)
Lots of love.
Daria