A wonderful lady that has been a part of the River City Family since 2007.  She and her husband Bill, a semi-retired Pastor, have lived in Tulsa since 2004.  They have three children and four, wonderful Grandkids.  Three of the Grandchildren love coming here, one doesn't. (laughing)  Meet Mary Murphy!

RC:  How did you get started in the business?

MM:  Well, another couple encouraged us to start doing this after we went to an open house at Windsor Market, one Christmas.  I started out on an end cap at River City.  We started getting rid of our own things, which were antiques and vintage items.  Bill was horrible at first. (laughing)  He would buy the weirdest things that we would have to end up donating.  You learn over the years, still buy dumb stuff every once-in-awhile, however, Bill is getting really good at this. 

RC:  What do you collect for yourself?

MM:  Um wow, I love blue and white....blue and white china.  I've tried to tone that down.  I am more eclectic now.  I have to really like it to keep it.  I have a thimble collection.  I have thimbles from my Great Grand Mother and my Grandmother.  I have a 14kt gold and a sterling silver thimble, which are both rare.  It's hard to get rid of stuff.  Our policy is, bring one thing home, something has to go out. 

RC:  When was the last time you laughed so hard, you cried?

MM:  Oh Golly, probably when I visited Florida in January.  We were watching old movies, "Some like it hot".  We have so much fun when we're together. 

RC: Favorite place to vacation?

MM:  Wow, I have traveled so much it is hard to say.  I went to Russia several years ago with my Mother.  I would love to go again with Bill.  As a family, Disney is our favorite. 

RC:  The greatest treasure that you have ever found?

MM:  I was checking out a garage sale and leaning against the check-out was a painting.  I am not a fan of Modern Art, but it appealed to me.  I bought it for $2.00.  The Artist was a friend of the sellers, after looking her up, I found out that she has worked with Martha Stewart. I was told after appraisal to insure it for $2,500.00.  Another piece I bought for .50 (laughing) I was at the check-out and my total was $4.50.  I asked if they had anything for 50 cents to make it an even $5.00.  They pulled a painting off of the wall.  After I left and researched this particular artist, I found out  his work sells between $400.00 and $4,000.00.  I kind of feel bad. (laughing)

RC:  Any advice for new vendors?

MM:  To walk around the store and see what other people are doing and visit other shops.  I know people say get up early, but I am not a morning person.  I tend to go later to sales and usually get better deals.  I don't normally shop at Estate Sales.  I just love Garage sales. I really try not to be rude or pushy.  I think that is real important. 

RC:  Top Five things you can't live without?

MM:  1. Coffee, I love the smell in the morning. 

         2.  Chocolate

         3.  My friends

         4.  My Bible, which should be number 1. 

         5.  Creative activities.  I love to take what people think is trash and fix something up that someone wants to put in their home.  

               I stain glass and quilt.  I love to be creative. 

RC:  Tell us something that we don't know about you?

MM:  I have written two books.  The 1st was self-published.  The 2nd was published by a traditional publisher.  I get royalty checks a couple times a year.  I travel as a result of that and speak at retreats and conferences.  "Joseph:  Beyond the Coat of Many Colors" and "Winning the Battle of the Bulge: It's not just about the weight" by:  Mary Englund Murphy. 

RC:  Whenever you are having a bad day, what is the best thing you can do to help cheer yourself up?

MM:  Outside of Bill, I would definitely, talk to any one of my kids.  I am very close to my children and their spouses.  My children are honest with me and put things in prospective.  They are always encouraging. I am very fortunate.