The Sausalito Tourist Season is winding down for this year. It was nothing if not a curious one. It was like a roller coaster saleswise. From the highest one day to the lowest the next. In the end, averaging out to be the same as last year.
This morning I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have located in Sausalito. When I was selecting a site, I had my heart set on a charming space in San Anselmo. I had signed a lease and paid a deposit. Four days later, when I called the agent he said they decided to lease to someone else. I was outraged but it turned out definitely in my best interest. After two floods and a depressed economy, my uninformed decision to try Sausalito turned out to be brilliant. I love it here, both as a place to live and a place to
work. Although we’ve been affected by the current economic climate it hasn’t been nearly to the degree of our neighbors. It will definitely be interesting to see where we go from here. In the meantime I’m going to spend the winter organizing my new storage space and planning for next year.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
DO NOT TOUCH
I often find myself pondering how to politely ask people to take care when handling merchandise. I have some porcupine quill pens (no porcupines were harmed in their creation) and I found them in the pockets of some hand knitted sweaters. Interesting!
I have music boxes with a sign in front that says “Please ask for assistance” and
frequently I hear a lullaby chiming in the background while someone examines
the pictures on the sides. I have the same signs on jewelry displayed around the store and I’ve watched as a woman pulled a necklace apart trying to get it off a mannequin.
Then there is my “Please enjoy food outside” sign on the entry door. I thought a sign wouldn’t be necessary because it’s only common sense that dripping ice cream around
silk scarves is not a good idea. Not the case. We have a candy store nearby and I find wrappers tucked away in the most creative places.
I have become much more aware of these phenomenons and when I shop, I take notice of what goes on in other stores and consider myself quite lucky. Thank goodness I didn’t feel a calling to own a toy store. A Ross or Target. Not that the money wouldn’t be nice, but I’m susceptible to ulcers and I’m sure they would be severe.
If you have a clue for my cluelessness, please advise.
I have music boxes with a sign in front that says “Please ask for assistance” and
frequently I hear a lullaby chiming in the background while someone examines
the pictures on the sides. I have the same signs on jewelry displayed around the store and I’ve watched as a woman pulled a necklace apart trying to get it off a mannequin.
Then there is my “Please enjoy food outside” sign on the entry door. I thought a sign wouldn’t be necessary because it’s only common sense that dripping ice cream around
silk scarves is not a good idea. Not the case. We have a candy store nearby and I find wrappers tucked away in the most creative places.
I have become much more aware of these phenomenons and when I shop, I take notice of what goes on in other stores and consider myself quite lucky. Thank goodness I didn’t feel a calling to own a toy store. A Ross or Target. Not that the money wouldn’t be nice, but I’m susceptible to ulcers and I’m sure they would be severe.
If you have a clue for my cluelessness, please advise.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Back On Board
Most of my purchases from the NYIGS have arrived to my delight-mostly. There are always those few items that fall into the category- “What was I thinking?” For instance: Copper table accessories:
1. Wine bottle holders with 3 legs that tip when approached.
2. Salt and pepper shakers so small you have to refill them after every meal.
3. Wine stoppers whose tops are so large they don’t fit in a bottle.
Apparently I was blinded by the fact that they were made by one of my favorite not-for-profit organizations. I’m thinking I better be a little more discriminating about my choices so I don’t become a not-for-profit organization.
Then came the piles of stones that represent a cat, dog, frog, etc. Down on the waterfront on weekends there is a man that stacks stones- big ones. It’s actually quite fascinating as confirmed by the throngs of people that gather around him. I thought these related to those. Not so much.
Last but not least are the music boxes. Nostalgia was the key to that purchase. One plays "How much is That Doggie in the Window” which was a favorite on my sister’s when she was young. She was the cutest little person I’ve ever seen and I was insanely jealous. But apparently I left room in my heart for the happy memory of her loving that song. I’m going to give it to her for Christmas. Buyers don’t seem to find it so inspiring.
Otherwise, I did well and I’m thoroughly enjoying my new surroundings.
1. Wine bottle holders with 3 legs that tip when approached.
2. Salt and pepper shakers so small you have to refill them after every meal.
3. Wine stoppers whose tops are so large they don’t fit in a bottle.
Apparently I was blinded by the fact that they were made by one of my favorite not-for-profit organizations. I’m thinking I better be a little more discriminating about my choices so I don’t become a not-for-profit organization.
Then came the piles of stones that represent a cat, dog, frog, etc. Down on the waterfront on weekends there is a man that stacks stones- big ones. It’s actually quite fascinating as confirmed by the throngs of people that gather around him. I thought these related to those. Not so much.
Last but not least are the music boxes. Nostalgia was the key to that purchase. One plays "How much is That Doggie in the Window” which was a favorite on my sister’s when she was young. She was the cutest little person I’ve ever seen and I was insanely jealous. But apparently I left room in my heart for the happy memory of her loving that song. I’m going to give it to her for Christmas. Buyers don’t seem to find it so inspiring.
Otherwise, I did well and I’m thoroughly enjoying my new surroundings.
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