It really was The Good Life and will be again

Today I'm a bit melancholy. I keep thinking about how sad it is that so many little and loved shops are going out of business. The future is uncertain for us creative types. I really do want to make a living with my art. Just what the form of that is, I have yet to uncover, but I have lots of ideas! I am determined to bring new products to the market this year in the hope that, even in these lean times, if I do the work of my heart success will come.

I just read an Abraham Lincoln quote:"The best way to predict the future is to create it." So that's just what I'm going to do...I'm going for it. Leap and the net will appear.

But, here is the source of my melancholy for this post. It is with sadness that I announce the closing of The Good Life in Wayzata. Anne Davidson is the owner and has created a shop that is a treasure trove for everything from gifts, fun things for parties, home decor, entertaining and fabulous art. I have been fortunate to be a part of the artist family at The Good Life for several years. Many'a paperweights have traveled from Anne's shop to their new homes. Anne is famous for her art opening parties. You will be missed Anne and I wish you well in your next adventure. For all of us there is a mighty hole that may never be filled. You have my utmost respect for starting a business and thriving for seven years. Thanks Corinne and Diane, too. You will all be missed!

P.S. Go to the Good Life in Wayzata 850 East Lake Street
(in the strip mall just east of D'Amicos)
You'll find lots of bargains right now. You can say good-bye to Anne in person and help her out by buying some goods.

Here are a few other cool places I love to shop and want you to discover them as well. Remember to shop the independents whether you need something small like cards, candles or a gift or something nice for yourself. You'll find something unique that you can't find in the big box. :)
Stonecrop
Krista Artista
The Nest, 8 1st Ave S Buffalo, MN a new shop with wonderful products. Don't miss it!
Seasons on St. Croix
Diamond City Bread, downtown Elk River
An event coming up: 50 Artists on 5oth (watch for details on my web site)
Corazon

And then it hit me...

Yesterday I returned from Silver Bay, MN, my home-town, where I was helping my Mom get back her strength after two separate hospital stays and a bronchial infection that just won't let go.

For the past years I have gone to Mom's a day here and a day there, usually accompanied by my husband. Our times were generally filled with visits from numerous assorted relatives, my Mom scurrying around feeding us and waiting on us hand and foot, as is her style. This time was different. I found my Mom still struggling to breathe, eyes sunken and face drawn. It was startling! She admitted she had really felt like she was not going to make it. My Mom is only 76, young by my standards, and has always been active and adventurous. Certainly not close to leaving this earth!

I stayed with Mom for five days. Most of the time it was just the two of us. We had great talks, talks about feelings and dreams. We laughed. I wanted to help her recover. I fed her healthy food. I wanted to care for her home and do her laundry. In past tho, Mom would have none of it. I finally put myself in her shoes and had one of those ah-ha moments. My Mom never wants to put anyone out with her needs. I had to assure her that my goal was to serve her needs so all her energy could go toward healing. I tried to ask her questions to find out how I could best serve her in a way that she would not be offended.

I think in the past I was busy trying to show her that I COULD do it, that I knew just as much (or more) as her, that I was a very capable adult, separate from her, my own person. What I came to realize is how much she and I are alike. I tried to think of how I would feel if someone had to come and care for me. Once I started thinking like that, I was able to ask her questions about her needs. Why should I assume she wants her laundry done just like I do it. Just because I clean my house a certain way, doesn't mean that is what she wants. I put aside my ego so I really COULD serve my Mom's needs. I am certain what I have written will not make sense to some and may seem like a corny post to others.

We had a wonderful time together. I opened up my heart and my mind to my Mom and our relationship was taken to a new level. It's actually a hard emotion to put into words. I always loved my Mom, but after the last five days, I LOVE my Mom and treasure the person she is like I haven't done since I was a child and needed her for my very existence. I ask God for her healing and protection so me, my sisters, relatives and friends enjoy more time with this wonderful lady.