posted
Sorry,don't mean to offend anyone going through the nightmare too, gallows humor is about all I've got left. This too shall pass.
-------------------- John Byrd Ball Ground, Georgia 770-735-6874 http://johnbyrddesign.com so happy I gotta sit on both my hands to keep from wavin' at everybody! Posts: 741 | From: Ball Ground, Georgia, USA | Registered: May 1999
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There's not much a person can say that will make the dark times any brighter at these moments, but hopefully your path will take an upturn very soon... my parents went through a similar deal years and years ago that ended up changing my father's occupation and location... now they look back and say that it was the best thing that ever happened to them, because after those years of struggling, his new job (at a business he eventually purchased) has provided him with a very good living.
Just don't get discouraged... keep it in your mind that somehow this is gonna all work out for the good, even if it seems like a crisis right now.....
[ August 05, 2009, 12:19 PM: Message edited by: Jon Jantz ]
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
John..I lost my home (a trailer) to a fire in the late 80's, and lost all my belongings too. It's similar to losing your home to a bank...but imagine losing everything! At least you have your belongings, and each other.
I hope you can get settled soon so you can look forward, and not back to the heartbreak involved. Keep the faith...it WILL get better.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Looks like we are right behind you,John,it will happen in a few weeks. My business has been our only income for the past 5 years. Roger hasn't been able to work for health reasons. Since the majority of my business is truck lettering,my business has been down 75% since November. We have been trying to get a modification loan thru our mortgage company. They have been dragging things out and started foreclosure proceedings while we were still under review for the modification loan. We are going to make one final appeal. Timing is what gets me. Roger has been turned down for Social Security Disability two times and we were waiting for a hearing date. Now we have a hearing date on August 18th and it appears we will lose the house August 13th unless our mortgage company decides to work with us. My business has slowly increased every month this year,thank the Lord. I know these are just things we are losing and they can be replaced, but there are a lot of emotions to deal with. I am being postive and hoping to be able to see this as a learning expierence that we can look back on as a good thing. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I share my sympathy & hope to you John, and Judy, that sounds so unsettling to be teetering on the edge... I do pray you catch a few breaks.
I can't believe how close I am to a disaster myself. I feel like I am driving a brand new luxury SUV, loaded with a life of success & good fortune, on a globe trotting odyssey spanning the decade... but I came down a dark detour this year & have to cross this raging creek...
and the other side promises to be a future of globe trotting decades of luxury & good fortune...
...unless I get swept away crossing this one damn flash flood sucking the livelihood out of so many right now.
The infrastructure is there, to support a tremendous recovery when the time is right... & I'm fortunate to have had lines of credit in place fund my struggles thus far...
I pray we all have enough time, & pray for a silver lining for you John!
posted
I have been relying on my line of credit abit too heavily these past 2 years. If I didn't have such large payments to make on things, that in my estimation, are inflated costs ... (like insurances for one, which imho is legalized extortion) ... I wouldn't be so pressed. I live very modestly, and don't squander money. Never have.
It's funny how the "in" thing right now is to cut back, not waste, live modestly ... blah blah blah. For so many of us, that's just been life as usual ... and without any grandious feelings of deprivation either.
It's just a shame that there are many hard working people that have been doing everything right all their lives, and are now having to lose what they've worked for.
Judy, your story about the timing has me unnerved. What's wrong with this world? Do people not talk to one another and try to work with each other to help in a bad times anymore? My faith in mankind is truly tested these days ... although I am not willing to have my faith taken by anything / anybody.
My heart goes out to you, and I realize, there but for the grace of god ...
~nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
posted
I thought I was having a bad day when a person I dont even know or met, gave me heck on the phone for not answering a quote that he gave to some other business....
I feel for each and every one of you and my heart goes out to you. So wish that I could help. My ears are turned on all the time, and computer for that matter. Email me if you want to vent ...sometimes even that can subside the pain. Love and prayers, Debb Bates
posted
"I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet"
Just about the time I am really feeling sorry for myself I hear the stories of you here that are losing homes and businesses and suddenly realize how fortunate I am.
My prayers are with you. My heart just sinks every time I hear these stories.
Fortunately, our house is paid for but the taxes and insurance now are higher than the payments when we first bought it 32 years ago.
The studio is a touch-and-go proposition from day to day. Right now the income is covering only 50% of the expenses.
Like Doug said, if we can get across these rapids and not be swept away there may be better times down stream.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I really feel for you John and Judy - I just read this quote this morning: "There would be no victories without battles." So fight on - and may the end of your story be triumphant!!
-------------------- Karen Stanley Signs & Wonders Amherst, VA Posts: 136 | From: Amherst, VA | Registered: Jan 2007
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I feel your pain.. I will be turning over the Keys to the shop this morning to the Bank and spent all last night in the Hospital with my appendix.
Maybe I'll get to miss the Bank today as I have to see a Surgeon later today.
posted
There is nothing I can offer that will ease your pain.
All I can say is to not lose heart. What is going to happen is going to happen. Just do the best you can do and don't quit fighting. Its all any of us can do.
posted
1980 june,6th, my house.bar & personal possessions of mine from childhood and my parents stuff from the time they got together in 1942............... all went up in A FIRE. i had suffered loss with 2 divorces, the death of both my dad in 1969 and then my mom in 1978, and i just SOLD THE THE BAR AND HOUSE AND PROPERTY.....6 days before the fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and this was something i never want to have happen again. you have no idea of how the "simple everyday things" mean to you ..........WHEN YOU DONT HAVE THEM. when the last time you bought a PIN? PAIR OF SISSORS, COFFEE CUP, PAIR OF SOCKS, cause you had NONE? its really a rude awakening of how much we take for granted........untill its not there. we moved here in 1998 and i almost set this place on fire!!!!!!!! and since i developed bladder cancer in 2004, if it wasnt for the VETERANS HOSPTIAL SYSTEM, i would be in the poor house or debtors prison. i have had 10 outpaient surgeries since then, numerous MRI, CT and other tests run, and the last episode may 29th, with a heart cath, having a mild heart attack on the table, spending a day in intensive care, 2 day in a heart monitor room, havin a 3-D CT SCAN, and released with proper meds......... and to walk out without worry of how to pay for the last 5 days, IS SUCH A RELIFE. as for the economy here, its tuff. hennie has a good job with a company that does work nationwide so they are not affected by local lack of work. i had a good couple months this spring due to my involvement in the LITTLE LEAGUE ball park across the road from my house. when all the other work was not coming, the SIGNS FOR THE LITTLE LEAGUE provided me with more work then ive had since last fall. with the "specialty painting" its been the most income generating then the vinyl is. all in all i am very thankful for what i have, and where i am in this slumped economy. and i have to say it again, i am so fortunate to have the BEST HEALTH CARE in the nation!!!!
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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[ August 05, 2009, 04:13 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Sorry to hear all this, John and everybody else. What we didn't lose in the market we have gone thru a bunch of our savings and have also relied heavily on the line of credit.
We had been lettering and striping around 30 semis a month and in November we went to 0 and remained at 0 until March and have been getting a repair every now and then since. But it seems like the last few weeks things have gotten better. I see we've got a few booked.
That doesn't get back your house and shop and for that I'm very sorry. I simply wanted you to know that this huge downturn has affected everyone and please don't get down on yourself for things that are out of your control. I hope the best for you and hopefully sooner rather that later.
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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This news is heartbreaking. We've been hearing of people in dire straits, but to have our friends and colleges in that boat is troubling to say the least. I won't be complaining about the cold and snow this winter. I'll just be thankful I've got work. All the best, stay strong, there's something good ahead.
posted
So very sorry to have to read this...Like others said, good things don't always happen to good people, but just because it may be the end to this party, I'm sure another party is just around the corner.. keep the faith... I know that is hard to do sometimes, I myself have difficulty believing that on occasion, especially with all the cut throat jerks that are out there, I don't know how some shops stay open, My shop is so very busy and it's still hard to make any real money, even with our great economy, Newfoundlanders hate to see anyone getting ahead.. they really do, we are our own worst enemies here... Good Luck to all affected.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
Wow. You hear this stuff on the news but not often do we hear it about those we care about. I'm so sorry John and Judy, and for others that are also struggling.
The only ONLY thing that is keeping me from going under is the simple fact that my overhead is low. And my work is through a manufacturer that uses me many times a month. Otherwise I wouldn't be as lucky.
For some, I know it can't be helped, but for many, I'm sure it's a heads up on how living on financed things is simply no fun. And regular retail for me? A thing of the past indeed.
posted
We are down 35% and just hanging in there. 5 years ago, we closed our Excavating business of 28 years because of lack of work, bills piling up...etc.. Our sign business wasn't quite up and running enough to support us, but that is all we had. I was diagnosed with cancer within a month of putting our equipment up for sale and getting ready to cancel our health insurance. Doesn't make a difference...but it did teach us one thing... That your "things" are only that....your health, your family, friends and faith you have forever and that is what matters. Things can be replaced. I don't mean to make light of your situation...I cannot imagine the emotional drain it has on you, which only leads to more health issues. I can only offer A LOT of prayer, and hope that eventually something will change with this economy! We just have to know that we are all in the same boat...and with a little therapy now and then on this board...it just might help us all.
-------------------- Patricia A. Raap Raap Signs 2615 Arthur Coopersville, MI 49404 616-677-0158 pat@raapsigns.com Posts: 578 | From: Coopersville, MI 49404 | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
That is the lesson in all of this Pat, that it is just stuff. I didn't intend this thread to be a veiled attempt to get sympathy. I wanted to draw out anyone that needed to say it out loud and find that there are lost of others in the same spot. I've stated in another thread that every time I start to really let all this get to me I meet someone that is battling cancer, or burying their spouse or raising a child with special needs...people with real problems. We do have our health and thanks to my maker breaking into my life again some years ago my marriage is strong. We have our joy and laugh together every day. The important things are the important things, period. Sometimes we forget which things are the most important. Now I am not making light of the situation. The stress can be unbearable and I've had my 'George Baily at Martini's Bar' moments. (ask a fan of "It's A Wonderful Life") But the angst and what ifs and, especially for a man, the feeling of failure can overwhelm you. Remember that failure is only complete if you fail to learn from it. The situation is what it is and no ammount of ranting or bitter feeling will change it. Look to the future and how to make the best of what is available to you. My favorite quote is: Life works out best for those who make the best of how things work out.
-------------------- John Byrd Ball Ground, Georgia 770-735-6874 http://johnbyrddesign.com so happy I gotta sit on both my hands to keep from wavin' at everybody! Posts: 741 | From: Ball Ground, Georgia, USA | Registered: May 1999
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quote:Remember that failure is only complete if you fail to learn from it.
The situation is what it is and no ammount of ranting or bitter feeling will change it. Look to the future and how to make the best of what is available to you.
My favorite quote is: Life works out best for those who make the best of how things work out.
Wise words indeed John!!
It's my belief that those hitten hard this round will truely make some major life changes after all is said and done. And I hope onlookers that aren't hit, are watching closely. Big messages abound everywhere you look if you search beyond the surface.
I'm not saying this applies to anyone here, however it's my own personal observation that I continue to learn from. Those around me that always had more, I always wondered how they did it. Until I realized, most of what they had was financed. So I got to bang away and reboot my crappy computers while someone upgraded just because. You get where I'm coming from.
Someone in particular that always seemed to 'have it all' is also now selling their home. They just can't make it.
I now proudly smile at my thrift store purchases and am comforted that I don't have to move.
It's hard not to buy buy buy what you want or think you need. I continue to struggle with old things breaking down all the time. But I will know when the time is right to upgrade here and there.
My personal mantra: MUST have emergency funds safely socked away first, then pay down debt, THEN it's time to purchase again. Patience...
posted
I'm so sorry to hear of the misfortunes of so many here today...I hope someway things will work out for you good people...I feel very fortunate to find myself with my house paid for and my kids raised and out on their own...though my income is very modest...so are my expenditures...I am content...however the big "unknown" with me is my health...I have inherited a bad heart...therefore because the insurance industry has flagged me as "uninsurable"...that is to say they consider my life too big a risk for their profit...I am one illness or accident away from bankrupcy and losing everything...to me this is immoral and reprehensible...the number 1 reason in America for bankrupcy are medical bills...and in 75 percent of those cases the people had health insurance...but apparently poor coverage...America is the only modern nation without Universal Healthcare for it's people...I'm hoping the much needed changes proposed to the healthcare system will happen this year.
posted
"The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way in which we use them." Hang in there everyone. Almost everyone is suffering in this economy. I truly do believe it will start to improve soon. We just all have to keep a positive vibe about us and try to do the bet we can. Sometime it can get me down too but I always try to count my blessings when that happens.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I have not been on here for a long time, and now that I'm here, I'm so sadened to here these stories. The last 2 years my business has gone from bad to worse, and I know in my area, other sign shops are also struggling. August 1st was 14 years in my business. I Wonder everyday whether I should start looking for a "Real" job. Low overhead, no new equipment, a '96 Dodge Van with 270,000 miles and a house mortgage that my 80 yr old Dad has been helping me pay for 2 years...is the ONLY reason I'm not out of business. (It's so embarrassing when you are almost 50 and depending on your parents) He just laughs and says not to worry. This is pretty much all I have done for 30 years...I don't know where to go from here. I knew I wasn't going to ever get rich, but I thought I could make a honest living. I work hard to do the best I can, as I'm sure ALL of you do. These are trying times, I pray that things will improve soon for all of us.
-------------------- Kelly Chatham Kelly's Signs Inc. 5723 Morse Av. Jax., FL, 32244 Posts: 68 | From: Jacksonville, Fl. | Registered: Apr 2005
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quote:Life works out best for those who make the best of how things work out. The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way in which we use them.
Very well said! This post is doing what you want it to John, people talking and realizing that they aren't alone out there. My girlfriends and I get together once a month and call it "therapy".
-------------------- Patricia A. Raap Raap Signs 2615 Arthur Coopersville, MI 49404 616-677-0158 pat@raapsigns.com Posts: 578 | From: Coopersville, MI 49404 | Registered: Nov 2003
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3486 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
We consider ourselves among the lucky ones. We have the house we're living in that we bought and all is well there. The house that we've been trying to sell for two and a half years is about to go to foreclosure. Even if we do get the bank to approve the short sale, it's only for 38% of the mortgage. I just need it to be over already.
My mother and step-father just moved to town with little more than a van full of belongings and not a cent to their name. He had cancer a few years ago which wiped them out and she got laid off for the 2nd time in 2 years. They had to give up their apartment where they've lived for about 15 years and I found them a very tiny, low income subsidized senior apartment down the street from us so I can at least help with groceries, etc when their social security doesn't make it to the end of the month.
My husband's brother at the age of 58 is down to his last $100 after his job is down to almost nothing with no prospects.
Knock wood Clay and I both have jobs that we've been assured are secure. Who knows though these days.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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-------------------- Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesigns@bigpond.com Downunder "To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer" Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I almost lost my house in '05 with only a year or two to go on my mortgage. I knuckled under and got a "real" job, and in about 9 months signs picked up. In the meantime, it sure was great to have that bi-weekly paycheck. I think it was about $300 every two weeks but it was more than I was making with signs.
Business slowed in December of '06 again and I re-applied at the hardware store. But I had to put in my two week's notice the day I started back because of sign orders.
I have been working like a fool since January of '07. The house is paid for, I got rid of my lemon truck and bought a new used one at Thanksgiving. The payments are lower.
I have no idea why I have had so much work in the past two years but I am happy for it. I am not bragging or rubbing it in. I think what I am trying to say is that the sign biz can be a very fickle mistress. You can make $1000 one day and nothing for the next two weeks.
At the time in '05 when I was broke and cobwebs were hanging from my plotter and sign kit, a lot of people on here told me it was just my attitude. Well it is pretty darn hard to have a good attitude when you don't know how you are gonna feed three kids as a single parent or pay the heating bill.
I swallowed my big old signpainter pride and got a job. The job helped me to get organised and focus on getting it done and making it go away. Meaning tasks. It improved my people and service skills. So in essence it helped my sign career as well, later on.
My heart does go out to all those who are struggling. And as others have said, it's really just a temporary thing if you can tough it out, not like a horrible illness or a death. What's that old saying...what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
It started somewhere Doug??? wasn't happening 18 months ago.
-------------------- Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesigns@bigpond.com Downunder "To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer" Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
yeah...lets blame obama, dave. it wasn't happening 18 months ago? my ass. that's when it was startin up. remember the financial sector collaspe? get a clue, dude. things don't just happen overnite...this shyt was snowballing years ago....and now we are hopefully near the bottom.
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
What upsets me is that someone would bring a political tirade into a post about people suffering a trying time in their lives. And rather than offer positive, helpful suggestions or at the very least, a little sympathy, you throw politics at it...shame on you! I agree with Karyn. It's been happening for quite some time and which political party is to blame is not the issue! I have my thoughts on the situation, but this particular post would NOT be where I would share them. BESIDES the fact that Steve has REPEATEDLY said "no politics here"! Lets try to HELP each other, not make each other mad!
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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guy has a sign shop for eight years, does very well on the books which he does himself and covers his arse at every turn. Sells his sign shop for big dollars and the new owner in the first 4 months realizes he has no business because the books were altered.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3486 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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I've been self employed too long to be "employable". I don't want to be a middle man for digital prints. I've done some digital design work and sent it out of house for production. I am changing direction to go back to what I know which is airbrushing and am setting time aside to practice striping which goes well with it. Basically focus on areas which machinery can't reproduce to keep a viable niche. Signs were a fun artistic way to make a living and I will continue to make them when custom work is appreciated.I see the writing on the wall and gotta stay flexible. Customers who like lowball prices can go somewhere else.Just keeping my overhead low and trying to enjoy the ride. I wish everyone well. These are different times.
-------------------- Darcy Baker Darcy's Signs Eureka Springs. AR. Posts: 1169 | From: Eureka Springs, AR | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
Great post Darcy. You nailed it. Staying creative, and doing what you actually like is where it's at. That coupled with the willingness to learn new things, is a good way to do battle with this economy.
My best advice to those in dire straights, is to follow your heart and be willing to ride new trails.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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