Saint Joseph

Apparently, when you're trying to sell your home it's quite common to buy a statue of St. Joseph. Of course, some clever companies figured a dollar was to be made in this belief and you can buy the little guys for about $11 complete with instructions and the prayer. Who knew?

The trouble begins when the wives' tales unfold. According to the directions inside the package, St. Joseph just needs to be on the property you're trying to unload. He doesn't need to be anywhere in particular--just on the property. However, those that are in the know quickly put the kibosh on that notion. Good old St. Joseph is to be properly buried on said property. He MUST be upside down and you MUST say the prayer with heartfelt meaning. Those are the only two consistent rules I could find. Other guidelines include the statue face away from your home, be near the entrance, or he could be placed in the rear of your home. I figure if I'm going to participate in the superstition, I'm not taking any chances.

With my trusty shovel and my snow boots I dart out the front door and veer slightly to the right. I dig through the three feet of snow until I hit dirt--pay dirt, I hope. I dig a little deeper and plunge St. Joseph into the earth upside down facing away from our home then quickly bury him in the dark soil. I continue to pile the three feet of snow back on top and then take a deep breath. I whip out the prayer and with great hope and confidence read the enclosed prayer.

After standing in the frosty air watching my breath turn into little clouds I renter the house.

That was Saturday morning.

No offers yet, but there's always tomorrow!