Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving has never been one of my favorite holidays, mostly because it features some of my least favorite foods. I could live without turkey and pie for that matter. I am usually entertained by the need to make several versions of cranberry sauce and the appearance of creamed onions (they only come out once a year). I like Thanksgiving as a holiday because it is a day to hang out with family and friends.

For the last 18 years of my life, Thanksgiving is a day of rest before the busy retail season. This year is the first Christmas season with my own store/gallery. I'm not quite sure what to expect but I have stocked up on great finds. Gorgeous bags, toasty hats and scarves, a range of jewelry, pottery, cutting boards, ornaments, and of course fine art. I hope that people know or will discover that unique gifts, made by hand are the best kind of gifts to give and receive.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will be rested and ready to help you on Friday and throughout the Holiday season Tuesday-Friday 10-6 and Saturday 12-6. I will likely begin staying open late on Thursdays and certainly if you are unable to get in by 6pm due to your work schedule let me know and I will gladly make arrangements for you.

Local Artist Show

For the past week artists have been dropping off their pieces for the upcoming show- Creative Maine- The Works of Local Artists. I have met many of the artists before (about half live in the Gardiner area) but there are also quite a few that I had been corresponding with through email. So the drop off was sometimes my first in person meeting with the artist. I had many reasons for doing a local artist show and one reason of course, is it is an opportunity to develop a relationship with the art community. The show features 30 artists from Gardiner and around the state. As pieces are arriving, I am getting more and more excited about the range of work from small photographs to large paintings. There is really something for everyone in this show.

Never Fails

I almost always have my boxer, Bo, in the store with me. He is a well behaved dog, especially for a 2 1/2 year old. But some days he demands attention by "talking" to me. This can be quite annoying when I'm trying to get some work done...or have a customer I am talking to. If no one is in the store when he is in a mood, I will take him for a little stroll outside. I try to keep an eye on my door so I can see if anyone walks in while we are outside. Sometimes I miss seeing someone walk in the door and for some reason it is usually Mary Kay Spencer, a potter whose work I carry. This happened just yesterday. I don't know why this seems to always happen with Mary Kay. Yesterday I walked in one direction and even peeked in the window walking past in the other direction in case I had missed someone walking in. I didn't see anyone in there so I stopped and talked to a neighbor on the street. I was standing in front of the building when she walked out the door. Sorry Mary Kay. And if anyone walks in to an empty store just know I have likely run Bo outside for a minute and will be right back!