Why Do VW's Have Their Own Fan Club?

I am always fascinated by how a brand can carry its own emotions, whether it be Starbucks for its little taste of luxury or Nike for its always cool, innovative athletic wear. In particular, I have always been interested by Volkswagen, because VW owners seem to combine as their own family. If one VW owner meets another, I can almost guarantee that they like each other more, just for the simple reason that they both chose the same car manufacturer. Apparently, simply owning a VW says something about you. 

Maybe it says that you're free-spirited. Or maybe it's that you're just unique. Maybe, you just like the style. Whatever the reason, there is something invisible there that all VW owners get. While I do not know the exact recipe behind it, this added value or prestige of a product is known as brand equity. It is the intangible value that cannot be pinpointed, yet is somehow communicated to increase a company's overall image or reputation. 

This is somehow done by the marketing folks. Yes, all you engineers, you are quite smart, but we do have something here. We know how to communicate a feeling behind a product that goes deeper than its noticeable features. No, it is not just what the product can immediately do for you. It is what choosing that product above all others says about you. 

So, why did I write this? I don't even own a VW myself.

Simply put, I have always been intrigued by this ever-lasting brand and have had the chance to meet a woman who is currently selling her VW Van shown at the top. I talked to Carol about all of the good memories that she has had while driving that car from dropping her boys off to cruising around our good ole hometown of Columbus, Indiana. 

It definitely is a feeling in and of itself that goes beyond the great German car engineering. And thus, I want the VW to end up in the right hands. Therefore, if you know of a VW enthusiast or are one yourself, please get in touch so that I can ensure that the next owner will love the car as much as she has. 

E-mail me with any questions you may have at jsscbrwr@gmail.com

Great Things Never Came From Comfort Zones

 

As college graduation draws nearer, I find myself with a feeling that I have never quite felt before. For the first time in my life, I can no longer blame my parents. No, if something does not quite turn out how I had planned, I might end up pointing the finger at myself. This is both exhilarating and scary as all get out. 

Growing up, I always wanted to be older. I often labeled myself as an "old soul" since I had such deep thoughts about life that others did not even consider. I am like an eighty year old woman in a twenty-two year old body. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself an exciting, adventurous eighty-year-old, but, nonetheless, the metaphor seems to hold true.

So, now the time comes when I am to make a decision about my future career. Where will I be in the next few months? For years, I have dreamed of becoming a career woman that is independent and works her butt off in pursuit of her passion. I have dreamed of going out on my own, my lonely little self, and making it happen. Now, that time is real and while there are many factors outside of my control, the question is whether or not I will have the courage to do what I have always planned to do.

At this instant, while I have had my fair share of doubts, you had better believe that I am about to step outside of my comfort zone. When it comes down to it, there really is no other choice. If I did what I was only expected to do or what was easiest, then where would the fun in life be? I would simply be living for others. Now, that's just disappointing. 

Outside of my comfort zone though...what does that really mean? To me, that could mean moving anywhere from Oklahoma to France. Or, it could mean taking on a job position that I did not previously see myself in, but suddenly have a calling to chase. While outside of my comfort zone does not have to mean I move off somewhere far, it does mean that I should step outside of the box a little. To you, it might mean something completely different. To each, his own, right? 

But, as you take a look at your life, please ask yourself: Are you doing what your family or friends or society, in general, believes to be right? Or are you listening to that little annoying voice inside of you that just will not shut up? After all, if it will not shut up, maybe it is telling you something…

Selling Antique Items:

While trying my best shot at being the third member of American Pickers, I have listed a few of the cool items I have had the chance to research and am currently selling. Simply follow the links below to get more information. 

Original Ralph Waldo Emerson's Friendship Book: Emerson's Book

This little book is an incredible collection of Emerson's essays. 

It was originally given to a women by her suitor and has been kept in the family since. 

Perfect for the Emerson enthusiast. 

Handmade Quilt with incredible detail: Handmade Quilt

This is the most detailed quilt I have ever seen. With beautiful red flowers comprised of multiple layers, it truly stands out above the others. The colors are vibrant and truly complement one another. If you have any questions at all, please contact me. 

Beautiful Teapot Set with Gold Trim & Painted Flowers: Teapot Set

Eye-capturing Tea Set with beautifully painted white and pink flowers fading into a green background at the top. Gold Trim all around. Inspected and valued by auctioneer. 

Antique Set of Pottery Dolls: Antique Dolls

Gorgeous pair of pottery dolls. Designed with small purple flowers and gold details. Inspected and valued by antique specialist. 

Italian Capodimonte Flower Set Collectibles: Capodimonte Flower Decoration

Gorgeous Flower Set made by Capodimonte. Pink and Yellow Flowers arranged in brown and tan pottery. Inspected and valued by specialist. 

Antiqiue Green Glass Collectible with Gold Accents: Antique Green Glass Decor

Beautiful Green Glass Collectible with Gold Painted Children and Marble Stand. Inspected by antique specialist.

Original Paul B. Reeves Painting: Painting

Unique Set of Native American Sand Paintings: Sand Paintings

Interesting Sand Painting Art with detailed and vibrantly colored Native American Figures

Antique Book By Henry James: The Portrait of a Lady, 1881: Henry James Book