Oct

14

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Just a few quick snaps to document the process along the way. We are excited as the last pieces fall into place, and we are proud of our little shop. In the end you may ask, “How did this take so long?!” At this point I’m not really sure, but it will be interesting to review our archive of notes, sketches, plans, etc. to reflect on the process of making this dream a reality. It will also help so the next one won’t take so dang long! Almost there.

Thanks for checking in.

- James

Oct

6

Doom & Gloom Break

October 6, 2008 | 6 Comments

Wow, all of the doom and gloom economic news can be enough to sufficiently freak a person out. So, why has this not affected us? Shouldn’t we be especially freaked out since we’re starting a new business in the worst economic situation since the Great Depression? At least that’s what some people are saying, right? Thing is, we just haven’t let all of this weirdness get to us. We can’t! In the midst of all this craziness, we do our best to focus on what’s most important in life. Personally, I simply turn off the news for a while. Well, I guess this is easy since we don’t have television, but we do get news online and via the newspaper— we’re not burying our heads in the sand. We are simply choosing what we want to accentuate, and for us it is not the negative news that can be part of everyday media. To be sure, we are not making light of the current situation, but we are choosing to not become overwhelmed by it

Yes, we are in for some challenging times, but what choice do we have beyond entering into it with affirmations of how fortunate we are to be here? Every day is a chance to realize how much we have, and it is possible to live with an attitude of abundance even in times as strange as these. We are proud to be involved in a business that we feel is a very positive presence in the day-to-day, and we feel fortunate to be able to do this at all. We also recognize that without others we simply would not be able to do this, period.

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Okay, it’s easy to talk, but how about something tangible, something that we can access directly to help stay positive in these times? Assuming that family, close friends and tea are a given, music is usually the first thing I reach for. And for me, there is no greater positive musical presence than John Coltrane. I won’t bother trying to explain why since there is so much to say; instead, I’d recommend a listen. Here is a nice live performance of My Favorite Things from 1961; I hope it adds something positive to your day as well.

Thanks for checking in.

- James