If I hadn’t been searching for woolens to mothproof, I never would’ve made my discovery!
My Grandma used to take my sister and me to FAO Schwartz every Christmas.
In the chest at the foot of our bed, where I stow my grandma’s down comforter and a lion from the former FAO Schwartz, I uncovered woolen items hunkering at the bottom. I found the plaid mohair lap-blanket Mom gave me as a child (I’d looked for it last winter without success) and the marvelous bedspread and a shawl my mother used. Fortunately, neither had been invaded by larvae.
I usually don’t lose things. Or do I? Where do my socks scamper off to? I’m always afraid the moment I throw away the remaining sock, its partner will show up. The same goes for earrings.
Now, where did we park our SUV?
Have you ever lost your car in a parking lot or garage? My excuse is my automobile is beige and sits low, easy to hide behind a larger vehicle. However, when my husband and I travel in our SUV, I can’t locate it in the parking lot either. These days most vehicles seem to look the same.
In an attempt to stay organized, I mounted a brass hook rack for keys. My husband knows not to use my favorite hook at the end, which I claimed. And I also installed hooks for my house keys so I can easily grab one when I take off for a walk.
The trick is remembering to use our key rack!
So, how is it possible that I misplace my keys? Several times recently my keyring was lurking at the bottom of my purse. In my defense, my purse is lined in black. The interior stays clean, but it’s a black hole. It’s embarrassing how many times I’ve had to sit on the porch and wait for my husband to come home to let me in because I’ve lost my keys. I’ve also become quite friendly with the locksmith too because we’ve had to have the locks changed a few times. I remember I lost my keys once whilst I was out so not only could I not get into the house, I couldn’t get into my car either – that’s after I’d found the car in the parking lot too. Luckily, the Locksmith came to my rescue and helped me get back into the car so that I could go to my husband’s work and borrow his keys to get home. Sometimes, I feel like I am queen of the lost and found, or perhaps just lost.
Some of my friends are the same, to be honest. Perhaps we get it from one another… If you can believe it, my best friend also lost her car once. She was at the supermarket and spent the next two hours retracing her steps, asking every employee if they’d seen her keys, but to no avail. My locksmith buddy was busy so she decided to call a vehicle shipping company (click here to visit their website) to come and pick the SUV up and take it home. To be fair to them they were brilliant and they would have done it, but they said they usually do more long-distance relocation jobs. In the end, her husband (who it’s fair to say was rather unimpressed) turned up and someone had eventually handed the kets into the customer service desk at the supermarket so they managed to get back into the car. That was quite the ordeal.
Have you taken a shortcut and lost your way, as I did recently? Or lost your place in a book? Do you sometimes feel like you’re losing your memory or just one marble at a time? What do you most often misplace? Have you found solutions I could borrow?
Amish-made Table Topper, which could be used as a wall hanging.
Leave a comment and enter to win this Amish-made Table Topper or use as a wall hanging from Lancaster County, PA (28 in diameter at widest point), plus a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! USA and Canada only. Winner has three days to respond.
It’s not so much that I misplace things as I set out to do something, get easily distracted, wind up doing something else and never finishing what I started out to do. I also need to write things down immediately!
I always find things when I’m searching for something else. My logic must change on a regular basis.
I do the same thing, Susan, although there are earrings and the such, that never surface! When I hide valuables while we’re on vacation, they can stay hidden for a long time. I’ll have to scrutinize my logic. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have one of these cut out in St. PATRICK’S DAY colors. I continue to misplace it in my “whatever” room. I still have not sewn it together. Some day!
Your “whatever” room must be filled with all sorts of goodies, Linda! I found several pieces of silk that once belonged to my mother in the bottom of that chest too. I want to do something with them, but what? Good luck in finding your misplaced St. Patrick’s Day’s colors and in this giveaway!
Kate
Since I moved back to my hometown Altoona, PA , I find myself losing things and then I have to go on a hunt and find out that the item is right where it should be.
I also need to write things down, I keep a note pad at my side. I had to change phone numbers and just can’t get them to stay in my head.
Moving is stressful, no two ways around it, Regina! How annoying to have to change phone numbers. I’m glad that when you hunt for things they’re where they should be, a good signed you’re settling in. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve been down that rabbit-trail, Rachel! I go down to the basement to get something … what was it? Oh, well, while I’m here I might as well put in a load of laundry … Then an hour later when I’m on the second floor I remember what I went down for. I suppose I’m getting good exercise? Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
There are days I feel like I’d lose my head if it wasn’t attached. Some days it’s the keys. Some it’s a shoe. Thanks for the chance to win.
You make me feel much better, Cindy! I don’t think I’ve lost a shoe, or have I? I chalk it up to being a fiction writer, but I suspect I’m simply not paying attention. Someone had a great idea for a keyring-hook to put in my purse I might try. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I need to write everything down, I would forgot to take me some days. The table topper is beautiful, it would look lovely on my dresser.
Thanks for writing, Kathy! Writing everything down is second nature to me … but finding my scraps of paper is sometimes a challenge. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am always misplacing my cell phone, car keys and my pen.
Find them right where I left them. 🙂
I can relate, Juanita! There are a few items I never have found, but I bet they are right where I left them too. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thank you for this chance. The table topper is beautiful. God bless you
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Susan! Good luck!
Kate
My key to NOT losing things is to tell my husband where I am putting them! He seems to always remember! I live with reminder lists, I think it is a result of being a teacher! Lol! The table topper is gorgeous!
What fun to hear from you, Karla! I rely on reminder lists too, although they do stack up. Your husband sounds wonderful. Mine also has a terrific memory … for facts. Or is he not listening to me? Wishing you the best of luck in this giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful pieces, love your books. Keep them coming.
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Diana!
Kate
I was always losing my keys. I went to the hardware store and bought a big blue clip. Now Everytime I’m done using my keys I hook them to the strap of my purse. I have seen men using the clips also they hook them to their belt loops. I thought it was a good idea.
That is a fabulous idea, Wonetta! Thanks for sharing it with me. I think we have a clip like that somewhere in the house. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have misplaced many things , so over the years I’ve down sized so I have less to lose & less things to lose things among . I lost some thing a year ago , went through every thing & looked in every thing . Last week I looked in my older billfold that I looked in before & there it was . In a sipper part . I wonder if I missed that part of my billfold before or what . I even had our daughter look & she couldn’t find it . I thought we checked it all out . It’s as if I was there , then wasn’t , then was again . So weird .
I should ask you over to help me search through my purse for the gift card my sister gave me a year ago, Mary! I’ve looked and looked without success, but have a feeling it’s lurking somewhere. You’ve given me the impetus to search one more time. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t lose things. I always say my husband moved them just to aggravate me! Lol
Love that. I have to remember that line. (I better write it down.) 🙂
Funny! I like your way of thinking, Denise! But I can’t blame anyone but myself when I’m a 30 minute drive from home and can’t find my keys. Unless my husband followed me there? Nah. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Oh my gosh! I lose stuff ALL the time. Its gotten to be a joke in our family. I lost the case to my camera a couple of months ago. Found it the other day in the spare room I never use unless company comes on top of the tv in there. Don’t know why I would have gone in there with it! LOL!
Maybe that’s why the Irish invented leprechauns, Marsha! How do those items meander to rooms we seldom use? I try to make a note of where I put things, but alas they sometimes disappear and yet are so close by. I’m glad you got your camera case back before you bought a new one. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I so can relate with parking my car i forget. Well now to cure that problem I park in the same aisle all the time. I was going to my car one day and saw a old gentlemen wondering through the cars so I asked him what was wrong he said he couldn’t find his car. So I asked what it was and then can I see your car keys so he gave them to me I showed him on it there is a button to honk your horn. So I pushed it and we found his car right away. He was so thankful a hug and on his merry way. He said well I am so glad to know that so there is another way to find your car. Blessing have a good day!
Blessings
Diana
You’re a kind person, Diana, but then I already knew that. My 1995 car is so old that I can’t rely on that trick. I do try to park in the same place every time, but the lots gets so full … Well, I can think of plenty of excuses. Blessings on your day and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I lose my phone…honestly who loses their phone? I usually have to get son to call it to find it. Maybe putting a homing device on myself? Naw….that would be to much…lol.
Plenty of people lose their phones, Betty! Once, a kindly woman from the airport called. She’d taken the time to track my husband down and he appreciated getting his phone back. I like the idea of homing devices. Especially on children and teenagers. A friend’s lost dog was recently found that way when someone brought it to a veterinarian’s office. Thanks for leaving your comment and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I often lose my glasses. I guess the most embarrassing time is when I found them on top of my head. Lately, I have been trying to have a spot for everything and even if in in a rush, take time to put the object where it belongs!
Many people can relate to you, Virginia! That’s why I own so many pairs of glasses. Always a spare pair in my purse plus sunglasses. Having a spot for everything sounds like the best routine, one I should employ. Thanks for your intelligent comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m bad with losing my keys so I now hook them onto the strap of my purse the minute I get out of the car or unlock the front door. I’m also bad with writing myself a note then I lose the note. Some times you just can’t win.
I have got to try your trick with the keys, Myrtle! I also lose notes, or forget to bring them with me when going to the grocery store, etc.. My sister takes copious notes every time we go to an important meeting. I need to ask her what she does with them … I have stacks of Post-it notes on my writing desk and need to go through them. I appreciate your comment. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Sadly I am much like you – no matter how careful I am I end up not being able to find the car keys. Aggravates my hubby terribly. But he has a pant pocket. If I think of anything I will share. Thank you for sharing with everyone.
I hate to admit this, Connie, but just today when I came out of the coffee house where we meet for our writers group I couldn’t find my keys. I’d cleverly put them in my jeans pocket so they wouldn’t get lost in my purse. I definitely need a new system. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I find when I get lost when I an going somewhere I just look at it as an adventure that I was supposed to find, you know God always has a plan in our life and we may not know what it is be I feel if we pay attention to the little things along the way we may just see or experience what God wanted us too.
Also sometimes if I think I have lost something as I am looking for it it’s amazing it little things we find that once were lost, like it was meant to be. God works in wonderful ways we just need to be open to see it.
Adventuresome and trusting in God: two excellent traits, Cherese! Thanks for venturing onto my blog and leaving your intriguing comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I lose my place when reading and talking to kids at the same time. I lose my keys in my purse all the time, that’s annoying. Lol. I frequently feel like I’m losing my mind haha. I often will purposely get lost on back roads so I can see something new.
Talking to kids is distracting and also incredibly important, Andrea! Not such a bad excuse for losing your place in a book. Yes, losing keys in one’s purse is annoying. I’m determined to improve my ways, while maintaining my mind. You sound more adventuresome than I am when it comes to losing my way on back roads. But I also enjoy seeing new things I would’ve missed had I stuck to the tried and true route. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
We moved last year to my dream home in SC and I’m still searching for the things I’ve lost! I believe it’s the sign of a mind that is so full, that we stop focusing on the simple things in life and fill our minds with the more exciting. Like a book yet to be written.
How wonderful that you moved to your dream house, Paulette! Still, moving is an ordeal. You’re missing items are no doubt hiding in a cardboard box somewhere. But where? As you can see, I misplace things for years. As for unwritten books, plots and characters meander through my brain all day, so I use that as an excuse for being distracted. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am famous for putting something “in a safe spot” to forget where that safe spot is! My solution has been to let someone else know where I put the item, it has worked pretty well for me. I used to lose my car in parking lots all the time, now I make sure I have something on the back of the car to distinguish it from others, I usually use a colorful magnet from someplace we have recently been to find it hiding in plain sight! Beautiful wall hanging/table topper, I love the colors!
I love your magnet idea, Tracie! I will definitely keep my eyes open for one. Must be nonpolitical so no one keys my car. Do these things happen in my city? Yup. Thanks for the great tip and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My “lost” moment comes when I make a detailed shopping list and when I get to the store, I realize that I’ve left it at home. I then try to visualize it and buy the things I think were on it. Somehow, my memory grows and changes the original list and my menu changes along with my spending!
I can relate, Janet! I think: Oh, well, I’ll just walk up and down the aisle and remember … but I usually get home without the item I wanted the most. Thanks for your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Where do I begin? Was I going upstairs to get something or coming down? I will put that in a safe place, but where is that? Glasses, phone, everything gets misplaced. My keys are safe as my car has a push button ignition. You just have to laugh! Thanks always for the opportunity to win!
You put a smile on my face, Linda! You’re not alone. I’ll jog down to the basement to get something … but what was it? Well, while I’m there I’ll start a load of laundry and maybe see something that grabs my interest and carry it upstairs, where I will finally remember why I went down to the basement to begin with. Thanks for your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hello thanks for the chance to win. It is not so much losing or misplacing things, but my mind nor remembering where I’ve put things!! Lol
Well said, Linda! Sometimes I will retrace my steps and try to remember … that is, if I can recall what I misplaced. I’m thinking a thorough spring cleaning would have unearthed these items a lot faster. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I once visited NYC. I wanted to visit the Empire State Building… While walking down the Main Street towards the building I lost it, really I couldn’t see it any more .. Stopped at a gift shop to ask directions. Since the building is set back from the edge of the street I was told to look for the awning over the sidewalk. With this information in hand I had a great visit at the top!
A great Illustration of being too close to something to see it, Cathy! Thanks for writing and sharing your fun experience. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
When I look for something lost I usually find something else but hey at leAst I found something but never seem to lose a good book or the good book
You’ve brought up a good point, Pat! And it sounds as though you have a great attitude. No, I wouldn’t want to lose the Good book, so keep many copies at hand. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I keep my keys in my pocket so I don’t lose them.
Sounds like you have a good strategy, Ola! At this very moment, sitting outside in our patio, my key is safely in my pocket. But for some strange reason it’s not the same house key I used this morning when I went out walking several hours ago. Never hurts to have too many house keys. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I tend to put things where I won’t forget where I put them Then I go to get them and can’t remember where that special place was!
I can relate, Deb! I put great effort and thought into placing valuables in special places, but they seem to move around. I have no one to blame but myself. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have a certain place for my keys in my purse but at times they’ll fall into another compartment because I’m in a hurry. Yes, I’ve lost things before and found them even when I wasn’t looking. Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
That’s what happens to my keys, Marilyn! Okay, by the end of today I’m going to do something to change my key ring so that it can be seen easily at the bottom of my purse or clipped somewhere. Who knows what else I’ll find? Thanks for your comment and I’m wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have lost my car in a parking lot all the time. My mother used to have to have me repeat where she was going to in a store or mall because I get easily distracted and forget. Or not listen. I also start something and will go to get something to finish what I started but end up getting distracted by something else that needs done. I am horrible. Lol. Would love to win. rackylemaire@gmail(dot)com
I don’t think you’re horrible, Melissa! If you are, then so am I. I often distracted, but enjoy the world around me. If it makes you feel any better, sometimes I can’t find my husband at the grocery store when we shop together. I appreciate your good humor and honesty. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I finally hung a rack by the back door and TRY to remember to use it for my keys and work badge.
An intelligent solution, Carolyn! Thanks for sharing it with me and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I thought I lost my car one time only to realize I was standing next to it (I forgot which car I had driven) !!
You made me chuckle, Mary Beth! I tried putting my key in someone else’s car once … the older gentleman is very understanding. I appreciate your entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I have so many animals to feed and care for and so many daily chores that I had to make a list each day and mark them off as I do them so I don’t forget to feed someone or do something, I even have down to brush my teeth! LOL
I can imagine your list is vital, Sherri! Sounds as if you have a lot on your mind and hands … plus, needing to brush your teeth. LOL. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
This would look good in my bedroom because its painted lavender. Love to have it.
Your bedroom sounds lovely, Marlene! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My husband never lets me forget the time I got ‘lost’ in an elevator. This elevator’s doors opened on two opposite sides, and I picked the wrong side to exit through. I couldn’t figure out where I was in the building I just had a training class in. I was meeting him and our daughter for lunch and couldn’t find them! Thanks for this beautiful giveaway and I love your books!
Something like that happened to me last week, Kat! Fortunately, my husband wasn’t there … although I doubt he give me a bad time for it. Thanks for sharing your story and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I always have lists laying around everywhere. I lose everything. I once bought fresh blueberries at the market and the next day couldn’t find them in my frig. I found them in my pantry. I must have put them in there that morning
When at the grocery store, I always ask the bagging person to put the cold stuff together, Sandi! That way when I get home if I forget things they don’t get spoiled. Which has happened. At least blueberries won’t melt and they sure sound yummy right now. Thanks for writing and good luck!
Kate
We all misplace things from time to time. I laugh at myself and move on. Life is too short so enjoy and laugh.
Thanks for the post.
Blessings.
A delightful attitude, Carolyn! I don’t fret over most misplaced items except my keys when I’m a 30 minute drive from the house. I’ve gotten smarter over the years and carry an extra key to the car and house in my purse. Then, I smile. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Katie, sometimes it is just the little things that seem lost until you find them. I sometimes lose a piece of mail (bill) that I have already paid but want to keep the receipt. It usually shows up in a few days. Just the other day I forgot where I put some groceries and here I come to find out that the one bag was still at the store. I was able to get back.
I’m glad you got your bag of groceries back, Nancy! From an experience like yours I always give the checkout area a double-look before I leave. As for receipts, etc., so many pieces of paper these days. Yet, recently I went through my old receipts and found the names of the stores or info I’d forgotten about and wanted to use again. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love Amish anything, that’s a beautiful table topper. I would love to display that. Thanks & have a blessed day
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway! Hope you have a blessed day too.
Kate
I love reading your books. Your writing skills have a way of making me feel like I’m right in the story. Thank you for this chance to win.
I appreciate your lovely complements about my writing. Thanks so much and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
For me when I do not need it. I know where it is. When I need it and it is not there. is my problem.
I can relate, Kristina! Too much time looking for items that are … well, I’m not sure. Thanks for your insightful and clever comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
LOL I misplace things every so often. Love your books
and would love to win this. Beautiful table topper. Thanks for chance of winning this
Thank you for your lovely appraisal of my books, Patti! I certainly appreciate hearing it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I lose my glasses. A lot. I’m always taking them off & forgetting where I’ve placed them. The only trick that works is hanging them on the neckline of my clothing. That way they’re always hanging on me & I don’t lose them.
Good idea, Dali! I’ve been considering it myself, but I’m afraid I’d lean forward and break them. But I guess that beats sitting on them or having them fall between the cushions of the couch and hiding for a couple weeks. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway! Always good to hear from you.
Kate
I have finally found a spot to leave my keys in my purse. This has been great because I put them in the same exact spot every time I use them. Problem is when I don’t put them there or my kids just throw them in my purse. Then I panic!
I know that sick feeling of getting back to your car, fishing through your purse, and not finding your keys, Cindy! Having your kids toss your keys and your purse … I’d panic too! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I use one of those key hangers so I can keep up with my keys in my purse. Plus I have a band on my keys so they loop around my wrist. My husband is worse, though because he is forever losing his glasses, and he has 2 pairs!
I’m determined to conquer my key issue, Debbie, and it sounds as though you have some good ideas! I can top your husband on the number of glasses. Fortunately, I don’t need them very often so try to keep one pair with my computer. One pair of readers resides on my nightstand for bedtime reading. Good news when I just had my eyes checked and my vision hasn’t changed in about five years. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have to say, my keys are the winner . When the key is taken off the key chain, forget it;-) That is why I like my gimp key chain~~I can easily see and find it.
Sounds as if I need a flashier keychain, Kristin! Not sure what you mean by a gimp keychain, but I think I need one. I always keep a spare key in my purse, just in case. Long story, but a state patrolman advised me to do that after a car speeded past and slid into me on an icy road on my way up to ski. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
People were I live are always locking them selves out of their apt. so I make sure my keys are in my pocket at all times,
Good thinking, Karen! Years ago, I hid a key outside in what I thought was the most clever place. When we were out and our alarm went off, a neighbor who was a fireman, found the key in two minutes. Thanks for sharing your story and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Sounds so familiar. I’m 79 now and it’s so hard to remember so I have a notebook and calendar in my purse and a monthly calendar and I writedates on it and other notes are put there under magnets. ISN’T GETTING OLD FUN.!!!!
Thanks for writing, Marilyn! I know plenty of young people who are forgetful and think they can keep all information in their head. I’d be lost without my calendar. I’ve depended on one most of my life. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I hate losing anything. I try to always account for the car keys and my cellphone before I go to bed!!
Good tactic, Antoinette! When we leave our beach cabin, we have a routine check for all important items. I have yet to leave my laptop, but others have. Thanks for sharing your excellent strategy. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
It’s beautiful, patients is what I need, maybe I could learn to do something.
Good luck.
Patience and perseverance, Melissa! Those two qualities seem to be the necessities to learning and finishing every endeavor. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
This is beautiful!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Linda!
Kate