We’ve driven past the sign so many times. I kept thinking that it would be interesting to have the time to follow the signs. Day after day, I’d see that red sign and think the same thing. 

Finally, the girls and I were on our way home the one afternoon and Meridian had the day off. We decided to go find this place. We went into the wrong building at first. Anyone who knows me is laughing right about now. I admit to being geographically challenged, at times. I realized the signs were actually pointing west. So, I followed them. We turned down an alley and there it was!  Now, this adventure looked like it was going to be fun and I had my daughters with me. Alright, alright, alriiiight!

We pulled up, parked and admired the unique artistry on the outside of the building. It looked to be an upbeat store, no doubt. When you enter Found By The Pound, the music is playing in the background and you are immediately greeted and made to feel welcome. I’ve been shopping in the past but this was different. I felt at ease and relaxed. As we walked and looked around, I noticed leather jackets, coats, jeans, shirts, sweaters. What really caught my eye was a dark denim moto jacket that was Sherpa lined.  I also noticed the walls and the floor. Very creative and I liked it. The floors are spray painted with words like love, peace, vintage and retro. The walls had musical notes and photos. One photo is of Audrey Hepburn.  I felt very comfortable as I browsed and enjoyed the shopping experience.

We did have a good time looking at the selection that has something for everyone. I found a pair of cotton leggings. It’s kind of ironic.  Printed on the back is Las Vegas. I lived there for many years. I traveled a long way just to find those ya know. Meridian found a very nice black leather jacket that will most definitely keep her warm as the days get colder. It’s so soft and in excellent condition. Hals found many things. She found two pair of boots.  She chose the one pair of semi platform black leather boots. They reminded me of the 70’s. I liked the 70’s. She informed me that they were very cool. I said yes, I get that because they were really cool back then. I explained the classic, black suede boot with a pointed toe will always be in style. Nope, not having it.  She chose the platforms. Guess whose black suede, classic, pointed toe boots she wore at a fashion shoot? You guessed it. Mine. She needed a coat for winter and chose a tan coat with a fur collar.

This was an incredible experience might I say. It's a great find. The selection of clothing that they have and offer to the community is fantastic. Being new to the area, we really enjoyed our shopping experience at Found By The Pound. If you live in St. Louis, you owe it to yourself to go in and say hello and shop. They charge $3.00 a pound and they weigh the items at the checkout counter. So, not only is it a fun, pleasant experience, it’s easy on your wallet. I can tell you this much. I have found a new place to shop, where the people are friendly, the clothes are nice and the atmosphere, a pleasure. 

You can follow Found By The Pound on IG and FB as well. They’re located off 170 and Hanley Road at 6740 Romiss Ct., Berkeley, Mo 63134. When you get off at Hanley Road, at the first stop light, make a left and you’ll see the red and white signs. Trust me, follow them.

Thanksgiving is today and as the holiday season draws near, I wanted to share an experience with you that I had last night. It’s mind blowing and at the same time, it’s what the reason for the season is all about.

As I read this recipe a few days ago, it sounded so good. I envisioned the creamy goodness of the lightly seasoned mashed potatoes, mixed with cheddar cheese and topped with corn flakes that are lightly tossed in butter. Layered in a casserole dish and baked. The corn flakes would get crispy and with the potatoes and cheese, no doubt delicious. I could almost taste it. I’m a foodie, so to speak. Yes, I love to eat. I knew we didn’t have corn flakes and looking at this recipe, they are an integral part of this dish. This dish would have to wait. It’s a crunch thing. Corn flakes are a must.

We went to pick up Meridian from work. It’s that time of the year when all the Black Friday deals are going on and it’s been very busy for her, to say the least. Hal’s and I had traveled earlier to a record store to sell some records. It was disappointing as they only wanted two of them and that totaled $4.00. I was surprised they didn’t want the Frank Sinatra albums or some of the other big band and rock albums. I took quite the assortment. So, instead of going all the way home, we decided since Mer’s work was closer, we’d go and wait in the parking lot for two hours until she got off. This way we weren’t running back and forth wasting fuel. When she walked out, we were relieved and she was as well.

We were traveling the long ride home and decided to stop by the store to grab some milk. We discussed not stopping because I knew how tired Meridian must have been. The milk could wait. We decided to stop. The girls went in and I started talking out loud to God. I reiterated to Him how I was doing everything I could to get things moving. I have one business that has some of my hats and another that is trying one of my hats and Angel Wing accessories to get customer response. I have been trying to get another product sold as well. I talked out loud about my feelings of frustration and was essentially ranting through my tears. I think we’ve all been there. I am no different. It’s my turn. You persevere and are tenacious and when there are no results, it’s disappointing, to say the least.

I looked up and saw the girls coming out of the store. Finally, we could go to the house and relax. I wiped my eyes. Hopefully, they wouldn’t notice I had been crying. 

They stopped by a van that was parked in front of me and one space over. There was a lady, and I saw that they were talking to her. I watched and observed for a couple of minutes. They started walking toward me with their arms full of different items. I asked them, “Where did you get all that?” They loaded it in the back seat and got in. They explained that they had asked the woman if she needed any help getting her groceries into the van. Many times my girls have asked and assisted people getting into their cars that might need help. They really have good hearts. This time was no different. They explained that the lady had thanked them and asked them to take some of the items. The girls said no and thank you but the lady insisted. She had placed several items into a box lid. That’s what they loaded into our car.

The lady was leaving and pulled forward and we all thanked her so much for her generosity and kindness. I introduced myself and the girls. She did as well. I explained we hadn’t been here very long and we had a very nice conversation, one I won’t soon forget. After she drove away, I was surprised because this had never happened before, not to me. Hal’s was naming off the items from the back seat. It was dark and I was so busy driving, I wasn’t really listening to all the items. The light turned green and I was focused on the road. I would learn what was in the box soon.  

When we got home, it was nice to be there. The girls started bringing the things to the kitchen table to be put away. Check this out. The girls showed me the packages of mashed potatoes and the canned goods but when I saw the corned flakes, I knew. I just hit that wall. You know the one. You’re so tired and so frustrated. You’re exhausted but you know it’s only a season.  A miracle is on the way. You need to know it’s going to be ok. A sign. Something!! You just need some rest to keep going and of course, a break.  If you’re spiritual at all, you know what I mean.

She was an Earth angel. God, or a group of angels, had Ann give these things to my girls for us. If we hadn’t gone to that store, we’d never met Ann.  Furthermore, she didn’t have to share. She showed love to complete strangers. I don’t believe in coincidence. I never have. I am so grateful for the food and most important, I’m grateful for having met Ann. It was a sign, if you will, from God and the angels. Yes, I’m looking forward to making the mashed potato casserole dish with the corn flake topping. I will eat it right after I give thanks and praise.