Department Store Day...Should we be celebrating?
Today is October 16th and that means it is Department Store Day. I have to admit that I had never heard of it so I decided I would do some research. Here is what I found at https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/department-store-day/
In existence since the early 19th century, department stores provided safe, clean environments for the new middle class to shop. They often offered many firsts, combining services with revolutionary style and convenience. Many department stores had lunch counters where shoppers could take a break for a drink, snack or lunch. Through an era when merchandising and sales could be described an artform, the brick and mortar stores were often magnificent pieces of architecture. With large clocks, brass and statuary, the customer’s satisfaction was key. Some departments fill entire floors, making grand escalators, elevators and plush seating a must.
What else has Department Stores brought us? A culture of discounting so that no one I know will shop in a department store unless it is on sale and the downfall of Main street shopping which contributed to the economy through independent small businesses.
Do we really want Department Stores that suck on the economy and don't really give enough back? A well-developed Main Street gives us convenience, uniqueness and lunch. Give me your thoughts.
Adventures of a Craftsperson
Ever wanted to follow your dream or hobby into the craft world? Visions of open road and gypsy life come to mind when I thought about it. Well I guess that IS part of it!
The first thing we do is decide what to take. Since I can’t bring the whole shop, I choose what I think my customers will like. Once we have everything set up, the car has to be packed. My husband does that since my organizing skills to pack so it all fits in is questionable. Ah, we are ready to hit the road.
The alarm goes off at 5 am and I roll over and put the pillow back over my head and say “just 5 more minutes”. After about a minute , the destroyers come in. These are my 3 male cats who, having heard the alarm pounce on me, so before I am totally licked to death I get up.
On the road by 6 for the 5 hour drive.
At least one pit stop. Once there, the real work begins.
We build our “shop.”
hat takes another 4-5 hours. It looks great! We are ready!
For the next few days we smile a lot and help customers. Seeing regulars and finding new fans. Seeing our craft friends. Catching up with each other’s lives. Fun and exhausting. In between, I write this post. After the show ends we have to break our “store” down. Putting everything back so it can be loaded into the car. Hopefully it all works. Seems like when we first pack everything fits perfectly but it never seems to work going back.
All packed up and ready for the ride home………..until the next one.
Is that something that sounds fun? Maybe you are ready….let me know, we have a canopy for you.
Do something good for someone who can not thank you.
Most of the attention in October goes to National Breast Cancer Month but that is not the only worthy cause in October. It is also National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of]physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. This information came from NCAVD.
We started a program to help our local non profit Women Against Abuse. They do an ipledge campaign every year to raise awareness and funds.
On Friday October 13 and Saturday October 14, we set up a rack of Steel Pony items donated back for the event. We ask for a minimum of $10 per item for purchase but you can pay more if you want to donate more. 100% of the purchase goes to Women Against Abuse. Sweet right? So save the date! It will be a blast. More Info
We also were honored to be asked to be part of another event that Choose Courage Foundation does. They go around the country, teaming up with Designers, Make up and Hair professionals to do a photo shoot with victims of Abuse. I witnessed first hand how much it affected the women. With the images, they have an event on October 5th at the Ft. Worth Community center. If you are from that area please support them and buy tickets. More info
Here are a few of the images of Kimberly wearing Steel Pony. How beautiful is she….
