We see the signs for them all the time, in various neighborhoods: yard sale. It’s an idea that has enchanted the Girl: take your stuff out into your yard and sell it. And earn some money.

So today, on the spur of the moment, she gathered some books she no longer wants, an old toy kitchen, and her bike (which we’re hoping to sell to replace it with a more appropriate model) and set up shop in the front yard with her friend, W. She thought it would be so easy. If you offer it, they will come.

Except they didn’t, to her disappointment. An early lesson in marketing and economics.