What you look at....

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

Henry David Thoreau

     The top photo was taken near the entrance to our neighborhood a few days ago.  The bottom one was taken looking out of my front door ---  also a few days ago.  As you can see I do not live in a metropolis!   I love our quiet neighborhood and our relatively small town.   When I walk "around our loop" there is always something beautiful  or interesting to discover.  Soon it will be the first buttercups to bloom!!!  Sometimes it is our neighborhood deer --- it is really their neighborhood --- they are just kind enough to share it with us.  In September it will be the exciting first leaves of fall!!!  My favorite!

     When I go to market in Atlanta this is what I see:

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      At least these are the buildings I see.   But they are filled with ideas, colors, textures, artists, designers, and of course, salespeople!   There are also workers in restaurants, hotels, and policemen and taxi drivers --- the thousands of people who keep a city running.    And then there are the mart employees whose sole  job is to open the doors for us, help us with our packages and greet us as we enter and bid us goodnight when we leave.   These are my favorite people.  To me for a few days twice a year these greeters are the face of Atlanta.  Really, you could say  their soul job is to greet us because that is what it feels like to me.

     I described to you in my last entry that this trip to market was a particularly challenging one but it was also fruitful and energizing.   However, so many ideas and wishes for the store start whirling around in my head that it is easy to lose focus and become rather unsettled.  But, then I can go across an eighteen story cross-walk and look out the window and just  take a moment.  Just take a moment to reflect, be thankful, and look around with eyes that are eager to see. 

Kindness of Strangers

    Market is always difficult.  It is comprised of really long days, difficult decisions, and  aching feet.  On the other hand I always come home with new ideas and great merchandise scheduled to ship throughout the year.  This year's trip to market in Atlanta did not disappoint.  I am especially excited about the merchandise I bought and some store events and displays which are brewing in my brain!  I encourage you to visit the store at different times through the year to see some changes which will improve and update our space.  When you visit please remember that interesting displays and new products always have a starting point.  Most items in the store have been handpicked with our clientele in mind.  As often as possible I speak directly with the artists or at least meet the designers.  I love offering our customers products which have a story behind them.

     This year's trip to market was, unfortunately, also fraught with more than the usual number of bumps and bruises.  My Dad was hospitalized almost as soon as I left town and my room reservations were messed up causing me a great deal of stress.  It did not help that I had yet another sinus infection either!  Without going into the painful details let me just say that some kindhearted strangers offered me solutions and friendship in Atlanta when I desperately needed it .   A motel clerk, the diligent workers in the housing department of market and a jewelry designer from Manhattan all smoothed my way and reminded me that most people are sympathetic and caring --- even with strangers.    I needed that.

     So, come by Vineyard's and see our fabulous products and redecorating and share your stories with us and we will share ours with you.   It will not matter if you are a stranger or an old friend we will be glad to see you!