Dreaming of Christmas

Maybe it’s because the weather has been so balmy, but it’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away, with Christmas following in its footsteps by only a little. Even though I agree with those in the media who have been complaining about the early appearance of holiday wares in retail stores, for the retailers, it’s been Christmas since August. That’s the point at which we start to prognosticate about what you will want us to have for your gift list, for your own preparations, for making a little merriment in your own style. So that’s what we’ve been up to. And there will be a few new items in the store that you will not have seen here before, but I will leave the surprise for another blog. Sometimes, it’s best not to make too much noise until the goods are in hand.

Meanwhile, lest you think that the shop locally banner is not being unfurled with great gusto by local businesses, please join me in strolling along Main and Middle Streets, downtown Chelsea, a destination that my customers from all over the state never fail to comment upon when they come in. I am grateful to those who come here for the Common Grill and/or the Purple Rose Theater who remind me that I have adopted one of the best places on earth as my home.

The New Chelsea Market is our newest resident, and they are making the block a lot more interesting with special events, interesting food choices, and a staff of really nice folks, with the Flintoff family still powering the meat counter and deli, much to the benefit of all concerned. The block is much better for this great cooperative effort between a Chelsea tradition and the new owners, Francisca Fernandez and Kevin Riley, who bring their experiences and a lot of innovation to the mix, along with a staff that makes coming in a lot of fun. (Note to the crew behind the meat counter: it’s great you are still around too.) Their success proves one of my personal opinions about how things work here: the best efforts involve both “Old” and “New” Chelsea, and groups that understand the viewpoints of both sides of that equation. Get to know them better at their website, www.newchelseamarket.com

Next weekend, on Saturday November 10, for Wine, Women and Shopping, another entrepreneur will be in Cranesbill for a few hours, talking to folks and sharing her expertise. Laureen Prophett is my neighbor and friend, who has launched and made a success of her Graham Henry Design. She has created a wonderful line of greeting cards and notes to send to friends and loved ones. Although many of us who knew her thought of Laureen as a teacher, it has been good to watch her grow her business, and really good to see folks are enjoying her work. Laureen will be at Cranesbill from 1 to 5 pm to meet and greet people, talk to people about her business and the process of getting into business as an entrepreneur, and to hand out some tips for photographing your family and friends in the upcoming weeks to document the end of 2007. Her prints, which are a new addition to her line, will hang in our staircase for the holidays. You can find out more by logging on to her website, www.grahamhenrydesign.com

Well, that was a lot more commercial than I had planned on being, but since I have been silent for several weeks, the catching up has taken priority over some of my other loftier ideals. No clichés for me today: just an invitation to find out what we’ve been up to…