Barn Time, Sleeping Puppies, and Shop News

I finally ventured into the barn for a minute to see the critters. I crept quietly. It was early morning and I did not want to wake them if they were peaceful. I know myself. I know how much I miss them. Their soft, goaty "meh"s would tug at my heart and I would be lost.


First, I encountered Ebony asleep in a mound of hay at the base of the stairs. The tell-tale empty bag of grain lay were she left it the night before. When Sean went in to get some grain for the goats and chickens, he discovered that Miss Ebony had helped herself to the bags. What she did not eat was strewn about the hay on the floor, wasted. Thankfully, both bags were nearly empty and so she did not eat herself ill, but this did not make for a happy Sean.

The Guineas were all awake and content to poke around in the rafters upstairs. I could hear the youngest of our chicks scratching. When they saw me, they lined up, waiting in eager expectation for their dish to be filled for the day. Haddie was the only goat roused, but the loose barn roos and hens were alert and watching for any grain that might be filched. They were out of luck this morning- Sean would be feeding them later.

Back inside, Miss Molly took over the newly emptied bed and was joined by Tasmanian. I didn't have the heart to kick them out of my bed- especially since it was laundry day and Krissy was due to wash bedding for me anyway.

This shop has been a blessing. It is a way for me to be free to create through the winter months when there are no shows and store sales have slowed down- without feeling as if I have left Sean to care for all the finances on his own. He doesn't feel that way and is quick to point it out when I mention carrying that guilt, but I feel better knowing that I am squirreling away something to help while I spend the rest of the winter holed up in my studio visiting with whatever muse decides to descend. Sacrifices are being made by everyone in order to bring this blessing to fruition. Time with Molly is one of them. I make sure to give lots of hugs and snuggles before I leave and when I come home, but again, I carry the guilt.

On Sunday, Sean came to the shop with me. Since we were only going to be there for a few hours, we decided to bring Molly along with us. It took her about 20 minutes to settle in, but before long, she was ready to be a shop pup, greeting people at the door with a wagging tail. Between visits, Molly spent her time looking out the door waiting for her next best pal, curled up under the desk, or out for walks to explore the area with Sean. I would love to bring her each day, but at only a year old, she has too much energy for me to curb while giving my best to our guests. We'll be done soon and everything will return to normal.

Every day the shop changes. Artisans bring in replacement work to fill in spaces where their items had sold and new artisans join us. At this moment, we have 36 Mid-coast Maine Artisans involved in the shop and are awaiting 2 others to join our ranks. I thought you might be interested in seeing some of our newest finds. :)

Cameron DePaola, who starts our non-GMO, organic seeds for us each Spring recycles planters and creates lovely succulent plantings. He grows them from baby slips. I have my eye on this banana plant, which will get quite tall and grow bananas!

October Fields Farm brought in some freshly dried organic herbs and 3-packs of 100% cotton wash cloths to go along with their vegan, soy candle and melt selection. They smell heavenly!

Wine caddies from Verona Wine and Design, healthy succulents, felted vases and woven purses from Rose Whitehead Fiber Fabrication add some color to the back wall. Amy Thompson just brought in this lovely print of one of her original water colors of Isle Au Haute. 

Braided wool ladies purses or totes from Nancy Heald are meant to last.

Jim and Teresa England of The Woodshaper Shop of Maine brought in a new mudder and fire truck with  removable and extendable ladders. Know any little boy who would like that? I do! 

I really appreciate all of the friends who have supported this venture by stopping in and commenting their well wishes to us. It really means a lot. And, a special thank you and shout out to Amanda H. for lifting my spirits this week when I was feeling a little overwhelmed with it all. Your treat is in the mail. ;)

Sonja ♥