A lot of you are getting this for the first time, and that’s on purpose. Being back in real estate has me wanting to stay actually connected with the people already in my life. So here’s Junkin Around. Every couple weeks, a short note: a real moment, something I’ve been chewing on, something that has caught my attention, and/or a little of what I’m seeing around Birmingham and beyond. No pitch. No hype. Just a few things worth a look. Glad you’re here.

We spent the weekend moving the boys’ rooms around, and two pieces of furniture ended up front and center, the same two that sat in my grandparents’ room the whole time I was growing up.

Slid one of my grandmothers drawers open and the exact smell from when it was theres hit me. Crazy! It’s amazing how a piece of furniture can open up a flood of memories, being a kid in their room, just doing life with these pieces sitting right there. All of it came rushing back.

That’s what these old pieces are to me now. A front door I get to keep walking back through. Old bones, a little soul. The furniture and the memories both, I’m damn lucky to have them.

We were driving through Louisville for the boys’ basketball tournament last week, having a great time, when we hit a deep pothole and it f’n flattened the tire. Pulled over on the side of the road at nine at night, not knowing where the hell we were, Im frazzled, missing a part, just trying to get us back on the road.

We called my dad, who was in Louisville with us, and he dropped everything, came right over and jumped in, which is something hes always been great at and known for. AAA got it handled, and I was so locked in on getting back to our life that I never even thought about tipping the guy. My dad had. Right there in the moment, doing what he does, he asked me about it.

Here’s what got me: I spent eight and a half years activating generosity in the nonprofit world, and I’m still learning to activate it in myself. On the side of that road I was missing a part for the tire. Turns out I was missing the part I needed to fix myself, too. He was thinking about someone else when I was only thinking about just myself. Inspiring and convicting at the same time. and Im making a donation to said non-profit that I am still fortunate to be a part of. Join me. https://www.helponenow.org/.

That’s something I’m sitting with. Here at the kitchen table, and out in life.

Anyway, if a move or a “what’s next” has been rattling around for you or someone you know, my door’s always open: paytonjunkin.com/plans. No pressure, no pitch.

But honestly, I’m just curious. You got a piece like this? Something with old bones and a little soul you’d never get rid of. Shoot me a pic of your fave, I’d love to see it. 🙏🏼

, Payton

Reply anytime. I read every one.

Junkin Around · Sent from Birmingham, AL

Past issues: Volume #005 · Volume #004 · Volume #003 · Volume #002 · Volume #001