What are the most important things needed to live a good life?
If Mr. Crazy Rummagesale could chime in to answer this question, here is what he thinks.
“A good life? Easy. A full tank of gas in my new pick-up truck, a cup full of Coke on ice, and the open road headin’ towards whatever direction My Queen tells me to go.
Throw in:
The thrill of the hunt.
A rusty toolbox that still has life left in it,
And a five-dollar stereo that might work if you give it a little slap on the side.
Give me stories. Give me laughs. Give me a place to stretch out at the end of the day and say, “We did good, babe. Look at all the stuff we got?”
This song is based on a song my mother wrote a long time ago. I modified the lyrics and I have the voice of Mr. Crazy Rummagesale Man singing the song. I hope you like it. The original lyrics are below.
Darlin’, Come to me Tonight
~ written by Dorothy Johnson
Darlin' come to me tonight, it'll be alright. I want you and love you so much, Come here and I'll teach you the facts of life, And I want you to hold me this way.
Darlin, when I kiss you, it feels so right. Your embrace is all that i Need And when you surrender your love to me All i want is your truth and honesty.
Darlin' come to me tonight, it'll be alright, I want you and love you so much. Come here and I'll teach you the facts of life, And I want you to hold me this way.
Darlin, when we go out, on the town, Everyone knows you are with me. Because when you hold on, to my arm, you look at me lovingly.
Darlin come to me tonight, it'll be alright. I want you and love you so much. Come here and I'll teach you the facts of life, And I want you to hold me this way.
These are stories from the back roads—dusted with time, packed with truth. I write songs, poems, and pieces of life that might’ve been tossed aside, but never forgotten. I’m the Yard Sale Queen, and every word I share is something I found worth saving.
My husband and I have adopted colorful persona’s: Yard Sale Queen and Mr. Crazy Rummage Sale Man. I see the beauty in things that others miss. I find meaning in the ordinary, joy in the trash, and worth in the forgotten. That similar spirit is reflected in “Stories Worth the Dust.”
Dust is time, not just dirt. It’s memories. It’s what decides on something timeless but treasured. My poetry, songs, and stories are all based on real life—the kind that doesn’t always sparkle but is always significant. “Even the dusty things deserve to be heard.” That has a lot of power.
It combines playfulness and seriousness.
Without coming across as a gimmick, this tagline pays homage to my rustic style. It has a great deal of heart and a hint of mystery (“what does that mean?“). In addition to being emotional, a little scrappy, and honoring my Southern heritage, it also sounds intelligent and purposeful. I take my stories seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously. It balances whimsy with weight in a delicate way. That’s precisely the tone I want to achieve.
It Honors Everyday Life
Everyday things like yard sales, family stories, highway encounters, and music that sounds like my hometown can all be poetic. “Stories Worth the Dust” suggests that I’ve seen, heard, and lived, and now I’m sharing the truth. Big-city polish is not what I’m after. I’m not attempting to be pretentious. I’m attempting to be honest. Stories that grab the reader’s attention are what I write. That originates from actual people, genuine porches, and real kitchens. There is dust in that world. And those old stories have fresh life because I’ve decided to bring them to the public’s attention.
It Builds a Brand That’s Cohesive
Mr. Crazy Rummagesale Man, my husband’s name, conjures up images of laughter, vigor, and possibly even mayhem. My Yard Sale Queen gives the rust a touch of majesty. I’ve already created a universe centered on storytelling, charm, and thrift. That’s the world that this tagline belongs in. It gives the impression that my writing is a gem hidden in the bins, just waiting to be discovered, much like the rummaging. It establishes an identity if I use this slogan on my website, book cover, blog header, and social media biographies. One that is kind, sage, humorous, and proud of its origins.
My Final Thought
I don’t need a big city or a big platform to write meaningful stories. To express what needs to be spoken, I need a heart, a voice, and the courage. I possess all three. I can fly the flag “Stories Worth the Dust,” which states that These words may be from the back roads, but they’re worth reading.
by Lisa, Queen of the Clearance Aisle and Commander of Catchy Tunes
Every song I write is like a yard sale treasure-maybe a little quirky, maybe a little dusty with truth-but once you hold it up to the light, you realize it’s got soul, sass, and a story worth singing.” ~ The Yard Sale Queen
Legacy. Big Word, eh? evokes images of enigmatic treasure maps concealed behind antique portraits, marble monuments, or gold records. Let’s face it, though: my legacy? Probably more like:
A playlist full of real-talk
A garage full of yard sale glory
And maybe a few lipstick stains on coffee mugs
An idea, a phrase, or a sensation that is too obstinate to let go begins as a whisper. After that, it develops into something more: a message, a melody, or a mirror.
Lately, I’ve released four songs that feel like little pieces of my soul stitched together:
Don’t You Know My Name?
Retail Therapy
A Man with a Plan
My Man with a Plan
Each one is different, yet they all carry a part of the legacy I hope to leave behind
Don’t You Know My Name?
– A Song for the Invisible
This one was profoundly rooted. For anybody who has ever felt invisible, unacknowledged, or rejected, it’s a shout into the winds of rejection. For the underdogs, the forgotten, the “background characters” of life who deserved their own spotlight, I wanted to create something unique.
If my legacy includes reminding someone that their voice matters—even when the world’s not listening—then I’ve done something right.
Retail Therapy – A Song for the Women Who Keep On Smiling
This one is cheeky, fun, and exudes “I-deserve-this” attitude. It’s more than just shopping; it’s about rediscovering small joys in the midst of chaos. This one is for the women who are running on empty but keep continuing to chuckle at the clearance rack.
I want my legacy to include laughter. To remind people that fun counts. Joy counts. And yes—sometimes that clearance-rack treasure is your emotional breakthrough.
A Man with a Plan
– A Song for the Dreamers (and the Doers)
This one was inspired by any passionate soul that refuses to give up. The blueprint might be a little crooked. The tools may be corroded. He has ideas and drive and strives to figure things out as he goes. Aren’t we all?
I hope my songs say, Don’t wait for perfect. Start now. You’re allowed to dream while building the staircase beneath your feet.
My Man with a Plan
– A Love Song (with a wink)
This follow-up tune is a personal tribute to the man who has been by my side for more than 30 years. Mr. Crazy Rummage Sale Man himself. This song combines affection, grin, and heart. It is about loving someone not because they are perfect, but because you have created a perfectly imperfect life together.
If I leave behind anything, I hope it’s the reminder that lasting love is worth singing about. Even when it includes dogs, old trucks, and mismatched yard sale treasures.
My Legacy? Songs with Soul.
I don’t need statues or bestselling albums (though hey, I won’t turn down a Grammy if it shows up 😉). What I want—really want—is for someone to stumble on one of my songs years from now, and feel seen. Or to laugh. Or cry. Or sing along like they’re not alone.
My legacy is a songbook filled with truth. With stories. With sass. With sorrow. With hope.
And maybe—just maybe—a little therapy in the form of lyrics. ~The Yard Sale Queen
How a Furby and a Lava Lamp Got Me Mesmerized and Hypnotized: The Story Behind My Song. Watch and listen to the video below.
Listen to this blog here.
When I entered that auction house, my only goal was to find a butter dish. But love? It was destined to hit me harder than a yard sale clearance bin, honey.
With a generous helping of snark, this song, “Mesmerized,” is a little slice of my life. It revolves around the instant I laid eyes on the Ringman. A neon lava lamp in one hand, an irresistible smile, a farmer’s hat, and an eerie Furby in the other. And then, suddenly, my heart was beating 90 miles a minute.
Verse 1: That Furby, the one who “wakes up cussin’ at half past three,” it’s true. That toy is still in a package that says, “DO NOT OPEN AFTER DARK.” And for that handsome cowboy, he was charismatic. He had swagger. It’s that wink-and-grin chemistry that makes your knees go mushy.
Verse 2: I swear that lava lamp had a magic to it. My heart was racing at a million miles a minute, and I could have fallen apart at any minute. I was mesmerized by the sight of the handsome cowboy. When he said the lava lamp was “guaranteed to light up your life,” I realized it would be more than my heart that got ignited. Baby, sparks flew everywhere!
And the chorus? This is where the Crazy Ringman Dance comes in. He had motions that had me “mes-mer-ized,” and grooves that left me “hip-no-tized” (yes, that spelling is intentional because AI cannot pronounce “hypnotized” to save its digital life).
This song is funky, confident, and full of country-fair flirtation. It’s for every woman who’s ever gone out looking for something ordinary and stumbled into something unforgettable.
Whether you’ve met your match at an auction, a yard sale, or a Walmart parking lot—this one’s for you. 💕
Step into the bed of a battered ‘84 GMC and ride along with Mr. Crazy Rummagesale Man as he sings the story of Old Blue—his legendary yard sale truck with more heart than horsepower. Bought from the local bank in 1994, Old Blue survived 150,000 miles, two transmissions, and countless roadside repairs. She never had air conditioning, but she had spirit—and now she rests with a tree growing in her bed and all four tires flat, guarding the legacy of a thousand hauls.
🎶 This gritty Americana rock anthem blends dusty slide guitar, storytelling vocals, and true-life nostalgia. If you’ve ever loved a beat-up truck that kept you moving, this one’s for you.
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more songs from the Yard Sale Chronicles!
So, I become depressed when I see the dashboard check engine light. Why? I’ve experienced a lot of car breakdowns over the years, which depresses me.
Some of the reasons include
Loose or Faulty Gas Cap – that is true for older vehicles, but new vehicles don’t have gas caps anymore.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor) – These sensors tattle on your engine when the air-fuel mixture just ain’t right.
Bad Catalytic Converter – Without it, your vehicle is basically a mobile polluter.
Failing Spark Plugs or Wires – No Spark? No vroom. Just sadness and misfires.
Mass Airflow Sensor Malfunction (MAF Sensor) – It measures air coming in. When it’s confused, so is your engine.
Bad Ignition Coil – The middleman between the batter and the spark plugs.. when he calls in sick, things go south.
Vacuum leak—those tiny little hose cracks = BIG dramatic engine light show.
Dead or Dying Battery?— A weak battery can freak out your car’s computer faster than a squirrel in traffic.
Bad EGR Valve (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)—It helps reduce emissions… and apparently your sanity when it fails.
Dirty or Clogged Fuel Injectors – Think of them as the tiny baristas for your engine. No coffee = No gas.
Thermostat Malfunction—Too hot? Too cold? YOur engine just wants to be Goldilocks perfect.
Transmission issues – Sometimes, engine lights double as warning lights for slipping gears or failing sensors.
Worn Timing Belt – Tick-Tock, the rubber clock… and if it snaps, oh honey, catastrophic.
Bad PCV Valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)— If it’s clogged, your engine basically starts choking on its own fumes.
Software or Computer Glitches – Even cars have their “Have you tried turning it off and back on again?” moments.
AND The Big ONE! The why I am writing this blog post Moment! It is PO325 – Knock Sensor 1 Circuit. In plain English – Your car’s brain thinks the knock sensor isn’t doing its job right. The Knock Sensor is like a tiny microphone bolted to your engine block. It listens for tiny knocks or pings (which happen when combustion inside the cylinders isn’t smooth, like a badly timed fireworks show.) If it hears knocking, it tells the computer, “Hey, back off the timing a little! Things are getting rough in here!” When does it fail? Well, your engine can run with bad timing because the computer isn’t being warned about knocking, and you might hear ticking, pinging, rattling or just feel a loss of power. Sometimes, you won’t feel much at all – but left alone, it can cause real engine damage.
The Knock sensor fell asleep at its post, so the engine pings like a haunted ghost, and though it tries to sing along, the rhythm and timing are all wrong.
What causes PO325? 1. A dead or dying knock sensor, damaged wiring or loose connector to the sensor, and sometimes even engine sludge or build-up affecting the sensor’s ability to “hear”.
How to fix it? Usually means replacing the knock sensor, but the mechanic might recommend checking/fixing the wiring harness too if it looks crispy or chewed up.
You can change it yourself if you’re feeling do-it-yourself today, but it will be a bit more work because, like my husband’s Silverado, that sucker is concealed beneath the intake manifold. The sad trombone “Womp womp” is sounded.
My husband’s truck engine light turned on this morning as we were leaving for work, which is why I am revealing all of this. There is this “S” curve that goes down into the curve. His 2019 Silverado had a problem gaining power going up the hill this morning, and then “Boom!” the check engine light turned RED. Normally, our vehicles don’t have issues.
Oh, how I hate that pesky light. So many vehicles and so many troubles. His Silverado has 102,000 miles now. He has driven the heck out of that truck. I just pray that this doesn’t turn into an “Old Blue.” If you have listened to any of my songs, you probably hear my lyrics where I mention her. She is a 1984 GMC Sierra. She was old when we got her in the mid 1990’s but I’ll tell you one thing – she hauled a lot of yardsale stuff and made us a lot of money.
I think trucks can have personalities too. Old Blue was a gas guzzler. She had two tanks that only held about 12 gallons on each side. We were lucky if we got 10 miles to the gallon. And she seemed to know when we were going to come into money. Every year at tax time, that refund check was spent on her. If he got a bonus at work, that money was spent on her. But the one thing I am thankful for is -she didn’t break down when we were far from home.
Yup, she hauled a lot of stuff and now, the Silverado has become the New Old Blue except she’s dark gray. I just hope that these inanimate objects, to us that is, can’t talk to each other. Silver does get parked about 20 feet away from Old Blue everyday so may, I hope and pray, that Old Blue hasn’t rubbed off on her.
How do I love you? Let me say, Through every find, through every day. From flea markets to Sunday drives, With you, my love, my heart still thrives.
I loved you when the world seemed wide, Through trailer hauls and deals to find. Through laughter loud and moments small, You've been my greatest prize of all.
I will love you still through every year, Through every joy, through every tear. Side by side, through thick and thin, I'd choose you over and over again.
I loved you in our younger days, Through all the dreams, through all the maze. From "Look what I found!" to "Just one more," You made my life worth searching for.
I loved you in the quiet nights, The stories shared, the wrongs made right. Through winding roads and steps we've climbed, My love grows stronger every time.
I will love you still through every year, Through every joy, through every tear. Side by side, through thick and thin, I'd choose you over and over again.
We’ve built a life, a love so true, Through ups and downs, we made it through. With every joke, with every sigh, You're still the twinkle in my eye.
No map, no plan, just you and me, A love as wild as it can be. Through every sale and every find, You're still the best deal of my life.
I will love you still through every year, Through every joy, through every tear. Side by side, through thick and thin, I'd choose you over and over again.
Through every storm, through every mile, Your hand in mine makes it all worthwhile. After all these years, through thick and thin, I'm still right here, just like I've always been
Married in Arkansas 