Rivers is beyond inspirational. His "can do, just don't know how yet" spirit is so fabulous. And then, he goes for it, doesn't have all the answers but knows deep inside him that he can make it work, and then does. I am totally inspired by his story. Holly, thank you for sharing his story. Your writing kept me reading with "what happens next?" excitement.
Great story, Holly and Rivers! It's so great to see resilience, optimistic grit, and hard work pay off.
I'm a sucker for old stuff, too. I have a story of an old chair that my wife (aka Bond Girl Bride) stuffed into the back seat of our little VW Passat during graduation week at Sewanee. It made it home, sat in the garage for a while, and was reborn after much work and furniture archeology. Finding traces of long-gone artisans is a real treat!
Thanks for introducing us to Rivers and his story of determination. So well-written. His ability to re-vision not just furniture, but the possibilities for the future, is inspiring. I just realized that in a writing workshop I led this weekend I gave a prompt of 5 words, and two of them were “release” and “gather.” Thanks for that too!
I loved this story, Holly -- IMO one of the best ones yet. I find stories of grit and determination inspiring, and while I'm not a huge fan of antiques (especially as I am becoming one myself), I would definitely visit Rescued Revisions if I were in the area. Thank you.
What a glorious story, Holly - just wow! I was hanging onto every word, imagining myself there - watching Rivers at work, rooting for him when he was ill, and even more so with all the up-in-the-air issues with premises. I imagined myself as a customer, an employee, a family member, a purchaser of a gorgeous piece of furniture, a townsperson who loves to walk to that store every day because it's an amazing place to be. It's so great on paper already, Holly, but the story of Rivers Dupree and Rescued Revisions would make an awesome film, too!
Thank you so much for a brilliant, inspirational and heartwarming read. Wonderful stuff!
Thanks, Rebecca! I find it more difficult to tell someone else’s story than my own, but when the great story is there I just have to piece it together in a way that shows the world how incredible the person is. Rivers is such an inspiration!
Well, 'incredible' certainly came through in your post, Holly! You're right - Rivers is an inspiration*! You've written a wonderful story of sheer sticking-power. 🙌
Good job! I like the way you transitioned through setbacks that made us wonder how he would handle a situation and provided responses with your own narrative that gave us the bigger picture.
You have a real knack for writing and getting people to share their stories. Like the guy that wanted to download some used beer in your yard after a parade.
I was also impressed by how many people commented. You must either be acquiring a large base or have tapped into folks who will be loyal followers. One of the writers Substack interviewed had a better term for those.
I sent this comment hours ago, but I just got a message that it didn't go through.
You lift me up, Holly! Keep writing. You are on a roll. You will attract the attention of someone who can take you "public” and be one of those “overnight sensations,” who was showing up day after day, until “discovered.” Some say that Jack London had a drawer full of rejected manuscripts until *Call of the Wild* burst on the scene and “overnight” his dross was turned into gold and were published.
I loved this story so much, Holly!! What an inspiring young man. And I'm always amazed at how you connect with folks and bring their stories to life. Thank you for this uplifting read today! xoxo
Rivers is beyond inspirational. His "can do, just don't know how yet" spirit is so fabulous. And then, he goes for it, doesn't have all the answers but knows deep inside him that he can make it work, and then does. I am totally inspired by his story. Holly, thank you for sharing his story. Your writing kept me reading with "what happens next?" excitement.
So glad you enjoyed it and we’re inspired, Mary!
A brilliant piece! Love the story, the interview, the resolve - inspirational through and through. Excellent.
Thank you, Bryan!
Great story, Holly and Rivers! It's so great to see resilience, optimistic grit, and hard work pay off.
I'm a sucker for old stuff, too. I have a story of an old chair that my wife (aka Bond Girl Bride) stuffed into the back seat of our little VW Passat during graduation week at Sewanee. It made it home, sat in the garage for a while, and was reborn after much work and furniture archeology. Finding traces of long-gone artisans is a real treat!
I am imagining the stuffing of the chair into the Passat!🤣
Thanks for introducing us to Rivers and his story of determination. So well-written. His ability to re-vision not just furniture, but the possibilities for the future, is inspiring. I just realized that in a writing workshop I led this weekend I gave a prompt of 5 words, and two of them were “release” and “gather.” Thanks for that too!
How wonderful! They are words I’ve been thinking about since I attended a retreat for creatives in 2016!
I loved this story, Holly -- IMO one of the best ones yet. I find stories of grit and determination inspiring, and while I'm not a huge fan of antiques (especially as I am becoming one myself), I would definitely visit Rescued Revisions if I were in the area. Thank you.
Thanks, Terry!
What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing!
What a glorious story, Holly - just wow! I was hanging onto every word, imagining myself there - watching Rivers at work, rooting for him when he was ill, and even more so with all the up-in-the-air issues with premises. I imagined myself as a customer, an employee, a family member, a purchaser of a gorgeous piece of furniture, a townsperson who loves to walk to that store every day because it's an amazing place to be. It's so great on paper already, Holly, but the story of Rivers Dupree and Rescued Revisions would make an awesome film, too!
Thank you so much for a brilliant, inspirational and heartwarming read. Wonderful stuff!
Thanks, Rebecca! I find it more difficult to tell someone else’s story than my own, but when the great story is there I just have to piece it together in a way that shows the world how incredible the person is. Rivers is such an inspiration!
Well, 'incredible' certainly came through in your post, Holly! You're right - Rivers is an inspiration*! You've written a wonderful story of sheer sticking-power. 🙌
*As are you. I hope you know that. 😊
What an incredible story of resilience!
Rescued Revisions is such a fantastic name for a very cool store! Thanks for this lovely profile!
Good job! I like the way you transitioned through setbacks that made us wonder how he would handle a situation and provided responses with your own narrative that gave us the bigger picture.
You have a real knack for writing and getting people to share their stories. Like the guy that wanted to download some used beer in your yard after a parade.
I was also impressed by how many people commented. You must either be acquiring a large base or have tapped into folks who will be loyal followers. One of the writers Substack interviewed had a better term for those.
“Download some used beer” 🤣 You crack me up, Pete!
I sent this comment hours ago, but I just got a message that it didn't go through.
You lift me up, Holly! Keep writing. You are on a roll. You will attract the attention of someone who can take you "public” and be one of those “overnight sensations,” who was showing up day after day, until “discovered.” Some say that Jack London had a drawer full of rejected manuscripts until *Call of the Wild* burst on the scene and “overnight” his dross was turned into gold and were published.
I loved this story so much, Holly!! What an inspiring young man. And I'm always amazed at how you connect with folks and bring their stories to life. Thank you for this uplifting read today! xoxo
So glad you enjoyed it, Kerri, and were encouraged!
My favorite store! Congratulations Rivers on your success. Love hearing your story.
Wonderful story, Holly! If I ever find myself in Denham Springs, I’ll set aside time to visit. Until then, thanks for sharing this inspiring story!
If you like browsing things of long ago, you won’t be disappointed, Al! So much more than furniture there.
I loved reading this and I think me and Maggy will have to make a trip to visit this place!
It’s worth the trip! And there are so many other good shops in the area that you will find plenty to do.
Playing catchup on my Substack reads. This was lovely, and very inspirational. Thanks for sharing River's story. 💜
Hard not to root for a guy like that! The kids are alright.