DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Sun Journal is putting together a Mother’s Day story about moms and their funny moments.

Through thick and thin, good times and bad, we’re sure your mom has tickled your funny bone in some memorable, even epic, way. Her reaction to your shenanigans, her practical jokes, comical missteps, offbeat sayings, or quirky words of wisdom — anything that mom has said or done that made you laugh is all fodder for this story.

How funny is your mom? Please keep it clean and don’t embarrass her (unless she says she doesn’t mind). And if you have a photo of her or — better! —both of you together, please attach it to your email.

Send your story and contact information, including your and your mom’s full names and the towns where you both live to writer Karen Schneider at iwrite33@comcast.net before April 18.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On the afternoon of Tuesday, March 30, I lost my sterling silver ring at the Auburn Goodwill Store. It’s a size 5 and has a large cut-glass stone. I have left my name and number at the store and have also called the local pawn shops and jewelry purchasers. I pray my ring is returned to me. I can be contacted at 418-2100. — Jennifer, Norway

ANSWER: I hope it’s returned, too. Let us know what happens.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have been searching for consignment shops in this area to sell a few gently used clothing items and shoes. I searched on the internet and only found two that were actually consignment shops, not thrift shops. One sold children’s clothes and the other only took brand-name clothing purchased in the last two years. Do you know of any other consignment shops in Auburn or Lewiston or in the surrounding area that would take women’s clothing on consignment? — No name, no town

ANSWER: I’m putting this request out into Sun Spots Land to see if other readers can guide you to an appropriate store. I do expect you will find that most consignment shops adhere to the guideline you speak of. They are in the consignment business to make a profit, and I’m afraid that it isn’t very much even under the best of circumstances. Customers come into their shops with certain expectations. The clothing, shoes and accessories should be in excellent to good condition, still in style, and above all, clean.

If no one responds to this request, you may want to look further afield into the Portland or Brunswick area.

Another way you might want to sell your clothing and shoes is to post your items for sale in a local online selling group such as Lewiston/Auburn Maine Swap & Sell on Facebook. To do that, you ask to join the group then take photos of your things and add a brief description. When someone shows an interest, you can contact them and agree on a public place to meet.

Over the years I’ve had great success selling (and buying) items in this way. It’s a bit more work and takes more time, but the payoff for you would be better, not that I don’t love consignment shops!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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