Gratitude & Tongue Twisters

Pumpkin Posca Paint Pens

Say that fast five times!

I can't believe it is mid November. So many wild adventures that this year has held. I've always preferred to focus on being thankful rather than complaining, because I find more strength in that approach. Gratitude has been taken to entirely new levels for me this past year. Sure, there are tons of crazy things to be stressed about or concerned on that are often so loudly in my face. The challenge of focusing on the positive and finding the hidden things to be thankful for is inspiring to me. It is akin to smearing paint pigments across blank surfaces, full of wonder & curiosity at where the bold colors will lead and what brush strokes will stand out after the paint has dried. What remains after the pain is gone defines adversity to me as much as the perseverance it takes to get through it does.

Gratitude is multi-layered with levels and depths that go far beyond the expression of words, or pigments. I keep editing this thank you card post, but it keeps getting longer with every edit because another layer catches my eye. I just want to take the time to properly thank you for being there for us. Thank you- for not only shopping local with us, but for showing me the layers of gratitude this year that I have never seen before. Your support and encouragement has taught me so much during these difficult times. It keeps all of us going here, every single day.

In the midst of challenges like unexpected major electrical upgrades needed to run a new saw and a leak in our roof that took out the shop heater, it has been challenging to keep a level head or think straight most days. There is always so much more to be thankful for than complain about though. Gratitude is so grounding. It is so humbling, and simple. One of the biggest things I am thankful for here, that keeps me going most days, is how much we can help other people. Artists have a profound impact on our communities, so the opportunity to serve artists is something that inspires me every single day. 

From the minute to the major- both have the same depth. Selling a single eraser, an easel, or nothing at all, just problem solving with an artist- it all means so much to us. Every one of those is something that I'm thankful for because it continues the sustainability of our small business. It means we can continue to take care of our staff and help our community in numerous ways. Not gonna lie, all of those things have almost brought me to tears many times this past year. Small things matter as much as big ones, especially in times like these. A smile, kind word, or shout out can do as much for a small business as dollars can. A sale of $1 can have the same impact as a $100 sale. You never know when your enthusiasm or creativity can spark someone else's and give them fuel to get through their day. All the little things we do create big impacts we may not ever see. Shopping local with us supports our amazing staff & their families, teachers, parents, artists of all ages, and tons of organizations doing great things in our community. It is humbling to think of how far the ripples go out from our little business and the impact we can have on others around us. This is what keeps me going when times get rough. 

I am incredibly thankful for the support of our community in the midst of challenges that try to knock me down. I choose to focus on what's beyond them- with a heart full of thanks, to each one of you. Your love and support of this small business stretches so far out into the community. The impact we can make together inspires and fuels me daily. Thank you! Thank you for keeping us here this year. Thank you for hanging in there with us through all the wild changes and challenges that this year has brought. We truly would not be here, or be the same, without you!

​I hope that each of you finds gratitude in the midst of life's challenges that is as rich and as highly pigmented as the one you have brought me and my staff this year. It is impossible to tell you how much that truly means to us.
Be well, stay safe, and keep making lots of art!
​The world needs it now more than ever. 

Pumpkin Paint Pitcher Plants
(say that fast five times)
​This plant is a favorite in the shop lately, be sure to check it out when you visit!